Poole Myelitis Support Group – Minutes of meeting held on 27 Jan 2007
Attendees – Teresa Bryant, Frank Devine, Graham Ward, Malcolm Plested, Alison Ridout, Katie Steadman, Bev Tankard, Peter Poll,Russ Harvey, John Withey, Rita Withey, Andrew Berry , Amanda Berry, Lyn Graham, Judy Stanford, Sue Hyatt, Connie King, Phil King, Carol Burnett, Barbara Sadler, June Ward.
Apologies – Barbara and Barrie Houston, Gill and Peter Rowe, Olga Cowden, Wendy Bruce and Lew Gray
Teresa opened the meeting by welcoming everyone, especially the new members – Andrew berry and his wife Amanda, from Shaftesbury, Judy Stanford from Burton Bradstock, Russ Harvey from Bearwood and Alison Ridout from Salisbury.
Everyone agreed how worthwhile Dr Hillier’s visit had been at the Oct meeting. Teresa said there were copies of the handouts and Barbara’s extra notes, available for anyone to take.
Teresa also drew attention to the updated www.myelitis.org website which was full of interesting information and very easy to download articles on various symptoms experienced by TMers.
Copies of the article printed in the Echo in November were available. Very few members had seen it! But hopefully it was seen by people who didn’t know about TM or the group. A copy of this article is attached to these minutes, which may be useful to raise awareness in different areas – our GP surgeries and work places etc.
Barbara and Teresa have made a visit to the MS Osborn Centre at West Parley. Rod Slip, the Chairman made them very welcome and they were shown all around. The Centre is staffed by volunteers and relies on donations to keep operating. Have a look at their website www.ms-bournemouth.freeuk.com to see all that goes on. We have asked that our members would be able to use the facilities, especially the neuro-gym and physio room. A physio session costs £4.75. At the moment the proposition is being discussed with the MS Society, who are worried that insurance might be a problem. We are proposing that our members would be willing to join the MS Society, thereby overcoming the insurance problem. Hopefully there will be more news at our next meeting.
Lew has told Teresa that Dr Kerr’s visit from America, planned for the summer, will now be some time in the autumn. He has a London professor, a neurologist and neuro-rehab consultant all prepared to be involved with the visit. More details later.
Fundraising continues to grow through £1 subs at each meeting attended, raffles, tea and quiz sheets. The sale of Xmas cards made by Val had been very successful. Teresa will ask Val whether she would consider making more cards for us on a more commercial basis as it would be a good fundraiser. Sue is arranging the setting up of a bank account for our own group.
Katie Steadman is running in the half marathon at Reading on March 28th and will be raising funds for TMS. She was given a round of applause and wished every success with her training and the actual run. If you would like to sponsor her please contact Katie at katie.l.steadman@uk.pwc.com
Teresa asked if members would collect details of any activities aimed at the disabled and available locally through the summer months. These could be activities to consider as a group or for individuals to take part in their own time. Please bring info to the next meeting.
The remainder of the meeting was spent with tea, chat and generally getting to know each other better.
The raffle was drawn at 3.45pm and the meeting closed at 4.00pm.
Next meeting is on Sat 28th April at 2.00pm
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