Square Dog Black Peg

The sun was shining and I was looking forward to watching my youngest son play football. However my car wouldn't start so I was unable go. So I had a brew and I was determined to make the most of the glorious weather. Square dog really struggles in the heat, so I decided it would be a good idea to escape from the sunshine. Ice cream and coffee is a hit in our house, so I guessed the best where I could re-join the rest of the clan. So that decision was easy but i initially needed some cash to purchase my coffee. The sun was shining on the cash machine screen and my card taken because I’m too slow. Now there was little that i could do, i was the victim of the TSB Internet upgrade and i couldn't access my money. Fortunately a friend came to my rescue, over the next few days this would cause me a great deal of inconconvience with daily trips on Public Transport into Huddersfield.

Tony is one of the initial inspirations behind the idea ‘square pegs’. We met by chance at a mutual friends New Years party over two years ago. Tony has a great passion for cricket, since that chance meeting he has committed to weekly cricket coaching sessions at my home. I cannot say that I share the same love for cricket but I really enjoy these sessions. The benefits are massive, physically and emotionally. When I felt ready for the scrap heap, Tony believed in me and convinced me I still had something to offer. Together we try and to adapt cricket using methods that can include me. We were considering how we could open this idea to a wider audience, when I was introduced to Fiona from the opening doors project. The idea of a drop in centre was born. Square Peg Activities has a small army of volunteers and has been steadily increasing its members for around a year but it started with a whimper. With some tips and advice from inspirational friend and fellow brain stem stroke...

It did seem strange going the John smiths stadium when it wasn’t   a match day but that was the venue for Huddersfield Town Disabled Supporters Club meeting with Town legend and club ambassador Andy Booth and club disabled liaison Rachel Taylor. Both were very enthusiastic and were extremely supportive. I have been trying to create some new initiatives to help promote the Disabled Supporters Club. Watch this space for the latest idea!

I was a little nervous about attending my first meeting of the Huddersfield Town Disabled Supporters club. As you may recall, I was nominated to try and help them raise their profile, particularly with Social Media. The reality is that I am actually a bit of a dinosaur myself. I blame the 9 months that I spent in hospital and the subsequent following months that I could not physically use a computer! Anyway they were a lovely welcoming bunch who mainly wanted to talk about football.  And I don't think that I have ever won a quiz before! (without cheating!)

Today we were visited by the Personal Health Budget Team. This was conducted again following a abysmal attempt at a review was made last year. This one seemed a great deal more professional and I have much more confidence that the final outcome will be more realistic. These reviews really get to me, I find it very difficult to engage. I like to think that my glass is half full and that my focus is aimed at what I can do, not what I what I can't do. Meetings like this leave me exhausted, the negativity drags me down and it feels so unnecessary. It seems simple to me, I hardly need to exaggerate, if I am left to own devices then I can't even get out of bed!

I started to compose this blog this as I was sat on the train heading towards a couple of nights stay in a wet Cleethorpes. Although train assistance was booked on my behalf and I also rely on a friend to take me to the station. Providing it’s a route that is familiar, it shouldn’t cause too many problems really. This was one of those occasions, secretly I craved a little drama though. Before Maggie I doubt that I would embark on such a journey. In reality she actually does very little but she does provide me with a great deal of reassurance and confidence. I do not want to be ‘looked after’ but of course I recognise my vulnerability though. The return trip was equally uneventful, this time I hadn't booked any assistance but the trip remained fairly uneventful really, the only drama was a fare dodger who got caught trying to hide in the toilet! Disappointed at the lack of drama it made me recall another rail adventure that occurred pre-stroke... We had organised a...

Somehow I have managed to complete both promises that were made on my behalf to the Huddersfield Town Disabled Supporters Club. We said that we would try and help promote HTDSC on social media. Those that know me will laugh, as it's my technical skills are lacking somewhat! BUT I have somehow managed it, creating a new groups on both Facebook and Twitter. The next meeting is Wednesday 11th April, at least I can go with my head held high. There is also a meeting planned, where we will be discussing the next incentive to recruit new members to the club!

Once again I find myself about a week behind with my blog. I think this is due to having little to write about, then I find myself with a few entries to compose! I will now select the best bits (actually the bits that I can remember!) So at square pegs this week was an introduction to 'drumming'', It was a very good turn out for a most enjoyable session. Katie, the instructor from Valley Beats has funding for eight weeks. it's certainly something I would like to keep trying. If Def Leopard need a substitute, please pass on my number!