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On our first collecting day at Lakeside we had a choir from PMB Electrical Juniors. The choir got together at short notice and did extremely well. They looked splendid in their team strip (plus a bit of tinsel).

For our second collecting day we had a choir from Graham James Primary School.

The choir was enhanced this year by the addition of two support teachers who were 'signing', as one of the carolers is deaf. This meant that carols could also be enjoyed by the hard of hearing.

This was another good day for us, but although we had a large crowd there, numbers seemed to be down on last year.

We thank both the choirs for supporting us at Christmas. We also thank the generous shoppers at Lakeside, as whilst the two choirs were singing we collected £447.10

NICE's appeal panel has upheld appeals by the Society and others on the provision of beta interferons to people with MS, and has told NICE Appraisal Committee to re-consider the issue.

For some reason we didn't seem to be able to get many people out collecting, and did not do as well as in previous years. Also people seemed to avoid us when we were in Grays Town Centre.

If you know of anyone who may be able to drive weekends or weekdays please let Jean Mills know along with their telephone number. Thank you.

Disabled people are able to receive certain products without being charged VAT. However, VAT regulations are never simple and a leaflet is available from the Business Advice centre explaining the eligibility for zero rating. Contact 0345-442266.

To help the growing number of scooter and power chair users learn to safely manoeuvre their scooter or powered wheelchair, a new booklet Safety, travel and etiquette tips for pedestrians on wheels has been produced. It is the result of Michael Creurer's experience as a scooter user. he says: "When I first began using a scooter I thought it would be easy since I had driven a car for 30 years. What I did not realise was that I am now a pedestrian, not a motorist, bound by pedestrian law."

The ISBN number for the booklet is 096 834 8939 and it costs $5. It can be ordered from the Amazon website on www.Amazon.com.

The role of traumatic injury or accidents in causing MS or triggering subsequent relapses has been the subject of controversy for many years. Opinion was based upon anecdotal reports as, until quite recently, few studies had been carried out. While anecdotal evidence remains strong, studies have yet to show any reliable link between trauma and MS.

A report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology, based on a thorough study of the literature on the subject, concluded that "the evidence supports no association between physical trauma and either MS onset or MS exacerbation."

Council Tax Benefit

Across the UK, people with MS can qualify for a reduction in their council tax payments through the disability reduction scheme. On April 1st 2000, an amendment to the current legislation came into force that may mean lower payments for many people with MS. To qualify for the disability reduction scheme, you must meet certain conditions including:
· The property must be your 'sole and main residence 'AND'
· You and any other resident in the house must be 'substantially and permanently disabled 'AND'
· The house should have a second bathroom or kitchen needed by the person with MS OR
· There should be a room in the house (not toilet or bathroom or kitchen) needed and predominantly used by a person with MS or OR
· There should be enough space in the house for the person with MS to use a wheelchair indoors.
These terms and conditions are subject to different interpretations by local authorities.
For further information please contact the MS Helpline Welfare Rights Officer on 0808 800 8000 or e-mail the Helpline via the MS Society website which is www. mssociety.org.uk

Ford has launched a motoring and mobility information service called MAGIC (Mobility and General Information Centre). Call freephone 0800 240 241 (minicom 0800 169 3049). MAGIC can provide information on issues ranging from disability benefit entitlements, driving assessment centres and vehicle adaptation companies. The web address is www.fordmagic.co.uk or e-mail help@fordmagic.co.uk.

Claim while you can for SDA

Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA), currently available for people unable to work due to a severe disability, is to be abolished from April 2001. Those already receiving SDA before this date will still be able to continue to claim. The general take up of SDA is still relatively low and the MS Society has joined the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) in a campaign to encourage people who are eligible to begin claiming SDA now. For more information contact your Welfare officer (Committee).

Orange badges are now blue

The new European Blue Badge Scheme is a replacement for the Orange Badge Scheme and was introduced throughout Europe in April 2000. Orange badges will continue to be recognised until 31 March 2003.

The scheme allows drivers or passengers with severe walking disabilities to park closer to their destination, although the national concessions only apply to on-street parking. With the introduction of the new European Blue Badge, disabled motorists will be able to take advantage of applicable priviliges wherever they are in the European Union.

For further information contact: The Department of the Enviroment, Transport and regions by calling 020 7944 6800.

New helpline for discrimination issues

The new Disability Rights Commission has launched a helpline for disabled people, employers and businesses that need help or advice on discrimination issues.

The DRC is an independent organisation which has been set up to eliminate discrimination against disabled people, promote equal opportunities and monitor the Disability Discrimination Act. The DRC will be offering advice and conciliation service and, where appropriate, support for individuals bringing cases to industrial tribunal or to the courts.

NHS equipment provision: a recipe for inequality

The Audit Commision has published Fully Equipped, a report which is highly critical of NHS provision of disability equipment. The report covers equipment such as hearing aids, commodes, and wheelchairs, and found long waiting times and an unacceptable variation in services and eligibility throughout the country. It states: 'Effective services will improve quality of life and promote independence but in many places the quality of service is unacceptable. The current organisation of equipment service is a recipe for inequality and inefficiency so urgent action is needed to improve standards and provide a fairer service.'

Advice on public transport in London

A report in the media pages, no transport of delight, relates the nightmare experience a disabled woman recently went through trying to reach the Dome on public transport. If you are planning to travel through London, you can get advice on bus and tube accessibility from the Unit for Disabled Passengers on 020 7918 3312.