Passionate Blog

Patients to see the benefit of latest eyesight-saving technology

A Stafford opticians is to be the first in the Midlands to use new technology which could help save clients’ eyesight by spotting the early signs of the most common cause of blindness.

Mincher-Lockett Opticians in Stafford Street is pioneering a form of eye screening for patients using a machine called the Mpod. Optometrist and co-owner at Mincher-Lockett Jan Goodwin is pictured, right, with the Mpod machine.

The service will help to spot the onset of failing sight in patients earlier than is possible at the moment, meaning the condition can be controlled more effectively.

Podcast: Michaela Strachan helps Rodbaston College go really wild

RODBASTON College welcomed two TV favourites as they officially opened its visitors’ centre and launched a new degree course, paying tribute to its “fantastic facilities”.

The college, near Penkridge, went “really wild” as wildlife and nature presenters Michaela Strachan and Mark O Shea led the unveiling in front of around 100 guests.

You can listen to a podcast, with Michaela discussing the benefits of such facilities, with Passionate Media's Neil Aitchison, by clicking on the button here:

Michaela, who now presents the BBC’s Countryfile programme and used to front Channel 4’s The Really Wild Show, was joined by snakeman Mark, from O’Shea’s Big Adventure.

The pair felt right at home opening the centre’s facilities, which houses 750 animals from 160 spices in more than 50 displays including African meerkats, iguanas, Brazilian lemurs and porcupines from Madagascar as well as agricultural animals and pets.

Posers launches kids' photography competition - with some brilliant prizes

IF you have a child and a digital camera, you have all you need to enter Posers' fantastic Friends Through a Lens competition.

The Brewood photography firm is inviting youngsters to pick up a camera and capture a picture of someone important to them, to help raise money for a children’s cancer charity.

Compton Hospice staff 'heartbroken' at spate of burglaries

STAFF at Compton Hospice have been left sickened by a ‘heartbreaking’ spate of burglaries at their high street shops which has cost the charity nearly £4,500.

Thieves have taken more than £2,000 and caused damage worth a similar amount in the three raids at the charity’s shops in the Black Country.

The burglaries, which have taken place over a seven month period, have included the Sedgley shop being broken into twice in just six months and the Dudley shop in September. The total bill for the burglaries has been £4,460.

“This has left staff at these shops feeling very shocked,” said Sue Chance, head of Compton’s trading division who is now overseeing a review of security.

“Stealing from a hospice is about a low as you can get, this is money that should have gone to help provide care and give some comfort for people with life limiting illnesses.”

The Sedgley shop was broken into first in February when thieves stole £1,000, following the break-in a window had to be repaired costing £500.

The same shop was targeted again in August when £1,000 was taken along with the shop safe worth £300, work was then undertaken to brick up the window costing £900.

In September burglars struck at the Dudley shop stealing £360, window repairs following that break-in cost £400.

The police were informed immediately when the burglaries were discovered but officers have not made any arrests.

“It’s just a real body blow to the organisation when burglaries like this take place, it not only affects the care we’re able to give also means that the hard work of our volunteers is stolen too,” added Sue.

She said: “We all know that times are tough at the moment, so for people to have gone to the time and trouble to donate their belongings to us, or to volunteer in our shops, only to see their hard work destroyed in this way is heartbreaking.

“We would urge anyone who is considering donating goods to the shops or deciding whether or not to volunteer that we would very much welcome their support. It’s thanks to them, when this sort of thing is happening that our faith in human nature is maintained.”

* A big thanks to the media who reported on this story - with coverage inclucing front page items in the Express & Star in Dudley and Wolverhampton, interviews with shop staff and Sue on Radio WM and BBC Online, and a piece on Central News.

Opticians cast an eye over proud history

Congratulations to staff from Colin Lee Opticians who between them have clocked up more than 500 years’ service – longer than the Roman Empire survived.
The loyal employees were treated to a knees up recently as part of the company's 30th anniversary celebrations.

Compton Hospice unveils beautiful new gardens after £150,000 cash boost

FOUR acres of stunning new gardens at Compton Hospice have been unveiled after a £150,000 cash boost.

Staff and supporters from the Wolverhampton hospice gathered to see former trustee Janet Wilson-Bett join chief executive Ron Middleton declare the gardens open.

The Department of Health allocated £72,000 and a further £80,000 has been pledged to support the development and maintenance of the gardens in private donations in remembrance of people cared for at the hospice.

Mr Middleton said that a public opening of the gardens will take place next spring, when the gardens will be covered in a riot of colour.

He said that the hospice would be ‘eternally grateful’ to the Department of Health, as well as the private benefactors who had made the work possible, and the national Help the Hospices organisation who had overseen the administration of the Government grant.

He also thanked Mike Westley Design, BJ Landscapes, Wolverhampton designer Sue Hope and Albrighton landscape gardeners Boningales for all their hard work in completing the gardens.

“These beautiful gardens will help the spiritual well-being of our patients, their relatives and our staff,” said Mr Middleton.

“We are extremely pleased that they have turned out so beautifully.”

Fundraiser Suzanne Davies explained that the money for the gardens and a recent ward refurbishment, including a patient hoist system, better lighting and wardrobe facilities, a new nurse call system and new brightly decorated and furnished lounges for patients and their families, had come in two separate grants from the Department of Health, under their Dignity in Care for Older people programme.

She added that the hospice team was particularly pleased with glass work by patients, relatives and staff on a new curved wall.

And Suzanne said that a new walkway in the front lawn has meant the grounds were being used more.

“Now patients can exercise and enjoy the fresh air. It has encouraged patients to play with their children and grandchildren on the lawn,” said Suzanne.

· A public opening of the gardens will follow next spring, when members of the public will also be given the opportunity to sponsor decorative stones in a ‘pathway of memories.’