Westward Ho! & Bideford Art Society show opens at The Burton this month

The Annual Open exhibition showcases the wealth of artistic talent in the region

The Westward Ho! and Bideford Art Society (WHOBIDARTS) Annual Open Exhibition returns to The Burton at Bideford Art Gallery & Museum later this month.

A highlight of the North Devon arts calendar, the annual WHOBIDARTS show features work by both established and up-and-coming artists in a range of media, from paint and print to sculpture, ceramics and textiles.

The exhibition is open to members and associates of the Society as well as non-members, with an eclectic mix of over 200 artworks on display, many of which will be available to buy.

The Ken Doughty prize for excellence – in commemoration of the Society’s past president – will be awarded to an outstanding artwork chosen from the exhibition. Ken Doughty served as chairman from 1993 and president from 2002. Last year’s winner was Sue Luxton for her painting Midnight Kitchen.

Gill Jones, the Chair of WHOBIDARTS, commented
“We are delighted to be at The Burton once again to exhibit work by so many of our local artists. We hope the variety will delight our visitors. It usually does!”

The Annual Open Exhibition runs at The Burton from 24 August until 13 October 2024. Admission is free.

 

Midnight Kitchen by Sue Luxton © Sue Luxton

 

👀👀👀

A Burton at Bideford Media Release

------

THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD

Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ 

Email: info@theburton.org

Tel: 01237 471455
Website: www.burtonartgallery.co.uk

Instagram/Facebook @BurtonatBideford

Birds of a feather Class of 24….all change for this years fledgings

One of the benefits of living in the countryside and having a wildlife friendly garden is that, even on rainy days, I can follow the daily habits, progress and transitions of the birds through my window throughout the year. I have captured their first tentative outing after leaving the nest. watched the squabbling as they become more confident juveniles. Watching without disturbing their routines I can capture the subtle changes in their feathers as they transition into adulthood.

I spotted the first fledgling Blackbird on May 23rd.  Pictured below are just some of the transitions of the Blackbirds and those highly aggressive Starlings.

The kinds of  birds you attract to feeding stations depends entirely on the type of birdfood you put out. The birds that visit my garden all year round are Blue Tits, Blackbirds, Chaffinch, Sparrows, Robin, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Coal Tit Collared Doves, Wood Pigeons and a very illusive Wren with an annual return in the Spring of Siskin, Jay and Woodpecker. I have seen one Greenfinch on the feeder this year.

👀👀👀

Pat Adams' North Devon Focus. My North Devon Coast & Country Chronicle

Facebook 😊 - Flickr

Instagram - Youtube

Explore the Coast and' Country' side of  Bideford Bay and Beyond 

>North Devon Focus Website 

Dementia Voices Matter

As the results of the 2024 UK General Election are in and a new government is in place, opinions on the outcome are plentiful. However, amidst the continuing discussions on policies and leadership, there remains a crucial yet often overlooked topic. Adult social care, particularly the best interest of individuals living with a Dementia who choose to vote, or don’t have a voice is not often discussed.

When researching more on this subject and what the 2024 General Election might mean for individuals on a Dementia journey, I found that a person living with a cognitive impairment can cast a valid vote if they choose to, which is an encouraging and empowering aspect of our democratic process. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 outlines that having a cognitive impairment does not automatically disqualify someone from voting.

Living with early or middle stages of Dementia and having the ability to vote could mean no support is needed, but what about individuals who are on a later Dementia journey? The Mental Capacity Act 2005 emphasises supporting individuals with Dementia in making decisions based on their identity.

Imagine if …

You are voting via postal vote, a piece of paper with boxes, words, and logos that you don’t understand being put in front of you, a pen that you don’t recognise but is placed in your hand. Someone then gently supporting you, guiding you to hold the pen and mark the paper where you want to because this is your choice. 

This could be encouraging independence, engagement and a person-centred approach, giving someone on a Dementia journey the choice to participate in democracy as an equal citizen. But what if the person offering support sees the vulnerability as an opportunity? What if that person voted Labour but the person they are supporting is, and has always been, a staunch Tory? There could be a question of integrity, as the supporter could take advantage of the situation and influence the person to vote differently. What if you simply scribbled an X in the wrong box? You wouldn’t understand, you wouldn’t know you have voted for an opposite party, something that is part of your identity.

Voting is a fundamental part of democracy, supported by principles of equality and non-discrimination. The challenge is to ensure that the person voting with Dementia is protected.

The Ability to Vote

While the right to vote is clear, the ability to vote can be compromised. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, about 850,000 people live with a Dementia in the UK, a number that is expected to rise. The Alzheimer’s Society states that decisions made for a person who can’t decide must always be in their best interests.

Complexity of Voting Processes and Lack of Support

Support is crucial for helping those in the later stages of Dementia engage with the political process. Unfortunately, many don’t get the support needed to understand candidates and issues, leaving them confused and unable to make informed decisions. Processes we take for granted, like registering to vote, understanding manifestos, and going to polling stations, can be overwhelming for those living with a Dementia. The requirement for ID to vote also adds extra barriers.

Liz Thompson, Registered Manager of Sundial Care Home, mentioned that two residents (fondly referred to as family members) usually opt for postal voting. One lady typically receives help from her husband but has decided not to vote this time. Liz explained, “Although someone living with a Dementia has the right to vote, it can be really difficult. It’s ultimately up to the individual to decide what they want to do, regardless of our opinions.” Liz added that whether family members choose to vote in person, by post, or by proxy, their care team supports them by helping them vote. With the 2024 UK General Election now behind us and a new government in place, we need to start talking about the unseen issue of giving a voice and protection to individuals living with a Dementia in care homes.

Despite their right to vote, the reality is that most people with a Dementia living in care do not cast their vote. Given that many of them were active voters before their diagnosis and that voting should still be important to them, this brings up some important questions: Where is their voice? Who is thinking about and protecting them? Who in our society is advocating for social care and protections that our elder generation needs – and let’s not forget that one day, our elder generation will be us. 

It’s up to us, as a society, to ensure that their voices are heard. We need to find ways to support their participation in our political system, protecting their rights and ensuring that their interests are considered in the decisions that shape our society.

Link to Alzheimer’s Society: Making decisions for a person with dementia who lacks mental capacity: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/can-people-with-dementia-vote

Evolve Care Group Media Release

For more information, please contact: https://www.evolvecaregroup.com