Talk from Lorna on Deane Discovery Centre

Just half of the members of our club gathered to hear from the head-teacher, Kim Lawrence and teachers Derek Kerr and Lorna Shephard, about Taunton Deane Partnership College (TDPC). The College is in fact 5 strands that together provide education for children aged between 5 and 16 who have either been permanently excluded or are at risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream schools. Most of the young people are from Somerset but they also provide facilities for children from other areas who need to be isolated from threatening situations. A sixth strand provides education for children who are experiencing long hospital stays. An interesting and worrying aside to emerge from the hospital provision is that nine out of ten such children have mental health problems.

The presentation was well illustrated, both with slides and two videos. It revealed a picture that was at the same time fascinating, worrying and encouraging. The college is one of four similar organisations in Somerset. TDPC currently caters for around 90 students aged from 6 to 16 with Social, emotional and/or mental health issues. They also work in schools to try to stem the rising numbers of pupils at risk of exclusion. 88% of children who are excluded from school (today there are over 350 in Somerset alone) will be in prison, homeless or dead by the age of 21. While the reasons for increasing school exclusions are complex there is a close correlation between both a) the rise of domestic abuse and drug and alcohol abuse, and b) the increasing emphasis on measureable results in schools.

What can you do? The school is seeking more adults willing to mentor pupils on a one to one basis and for businesses to provide work experience for older students. If you would like to know about this - talk initially to Tony B, Paul H or Bill T. The opening slide had the caption “It takes a village to raise a child” – worth thinking about. 

If you were not there, in my opinion, you missed an excellent and challenging presentation.

Club business – 

Acting President, Tony read a letter of thanks from Kathryn thanking those involved in Moonraker (including members’ family and friends) and this was echoed by Bill Tregillus. The Digital Gazette has a report and photos, and more photos on Facebook from Kathryn.

A letter received from Ruth Jenkins thanks members for their support in recent weeks. Steve is now home from his second spell in hospital. “Armed with pills, energy drinks and vitamin tablets (he) has to concentrate on eating properly again and regaining the 16 kilos weight he has lost over the past month. Once he’s fully fit he will probably have surgery to remove his gall bladder which was the initial cause of the problem.” She adds – “We both appreciate your thoughtfulness and support enormously and it has made a huge difference for me knowing help is at hand.”

Richard Lees is expecting to undergo back surgery in a couple of weeks. David Watkins is on the mend after a recent relapse.

Ball Draw – John Binns, not present so wins wine.

Next week (21st) we are at "The Little Wine shop and Social" (formerly Shakespeare Glass in Foundry Road off St. James Street. 7,15 start for cheese, charcuterie and a glass of wine. DR Paul Mullins.n.b Coal Orchard car parking is restricted so use Wood Street or Canon Street.

Monday 28th October 19.00 at 1875 Club (on the James St side of SCCC). John Binns Part 3 -' A lifetime of buttock clenching moments'. DR Rory O’Donnell, SF Chris Rickard.