Good evening everyone and thank you for coming.

Although we still need a co-ordinator for the minibus we have managed to run some trips over the last year. We now have a small number of volunteers we can call on to drive for us, if the minibus can be kept serviceable. We really do require someone who can give some of their time to ensure our minibus is ready to be used at any time. Hopefully, with the drivers we can now call on, both old and new, and I am not referring to their age, this coming year we will see more events planned and accomplished. This year I hope we will go to some familiar venues plus some new ones to keep the branch members looking forward for the next event.

We have had some generous donations this last year from several different clubs and organisations in the area which we can put to good use. In particular we received £1888 from the Mardyke Rotary Club from the sponsorship of the cycle marathon and £2000 from Laindon Hills Golf Club.

It is our commitment to the branch members with MS, to help them where we can. We have made grants this year, and we will continue to give any request for help our full attention. And members should feel that the branch will help wherever possible.

As a general rule for the coming year, it is intended that any branch member with MS participating in a branch organised event will have their costs covered in full.

I will be brief in recording the activities we were involved with this last year as I think most were covered fully by the branch newsletters.

The year started with a dip in spirits when Ernie Wakeling, a long time member, who was always active in the branch sadly died.

In June the sponsored cycle ride brought a welcome lift, with some of our members taking an active part. For the not so energetic, we indulged in the throwing of the ball game, more commonly known as ten-pin bowling.

July started with a talk as to why some exercise is so important to everyone, especially those with MS. We also had one of our highly popular trips to Harlow Dogs. Donations that were made in memory of Eileen and Ernie were recognised by a meal at Thurrock Masonic Hall.

August and September passed quietly due to a lack of drivers although we had planned outings to Brighton, Barleylands and the Wine Festival.

October saw us turning this quiet situation around with some boisterous cheering at the conker competition. There was also another trip to Harlow Dogs.

November saw us at an early Christmas dinner, which apart from the temperature went down well with a good response to the raffle and to try and win a bottle of Scotch. It was a particularly good evening for Paula who was presented with a ‘Shining Star’ by Pam Little, for her work in the branch over the years.

We had two Newly Diagnosed and Awareness evenings from which several new people have returned and have subsequently joined the branch.

We started 2006 with a visit to the Tourism and Leisure Show at Brentwood and our first visit of the year to Harlow Dogs.

This month we were hoping for an inter-branch quiz with Basildon branch. Unfortunately they had to postpone the event but are hoping to stage it later in the year.

It is hoped to come up with some events and outings shortly that will appeal to most. Please respond to any of our requests as we wish to provide events that members can be involved with as it is disheartening to spend time in planning events only to find a lack of enthusiasm.

In conclusion I thank the outgoing committee, and all our volunteers for their hard work.