News 2005

CAROL SINGING WITH GRAHAM JAMES SCHOOL

We met up under the Christmas tree at Lakeside Shopping Centre with the children from Graham James Primary School. We had our usual scrabble looking for a power point, as time was passing, it was decided to go on without. We were then asked by the management to move to a different side of the tree where there was more room. The plus point to the interruption was that a power point was found for us. The choir continued at its normal high standard of singing, with the addition of animated interpretations of the carols.

Credit must be given to the staff at the school for their work at getting the pupils to such a high standard. The looks on their faces as they sang with great gusto was reflected in the face of the choirmaster, and I would not like to choose between them who was enjoying the performance more.

Certainly the applause of the constant audience, who clapped after every rendition, showed that the shoppers were exceedingly happy with what they were hearing and seeing. We thank all those involved with the afternoon, the choir, the head teacher, the parents, the collectors, the staff at Lakeside and of course the donating shoppers. Our collection totalled  £210.86.

CHRISTMAS DINNER

The evening went well with just a couple of hiccups. We had Pam Little as our guest, who had arrived early because of the warnings in the media of travel delays etc, due to the horrible weather conditions.  Despite attempts to turn up the heat, the temperature in the hall stayed at a level where a few needed to keep their coat or cardigan on, while others were happy in short sleeves.

There were a total of 34 of us for a traditional roast turkey meal, which was enjoyed by many. Unfortunately one table did seem to get the coolest selections, in general though, the majority thought that the food was good, although some waitress's were a 'trifle' clumsy.

The highlight of the evening for one member in particular was the presentation of a Shining Star for her work in the branch over many years. One of the reasons for Pam being our guest was to present this deserving award to Paula.

We had a raffle with several prizes which netted a handsome £75. We also put our coin tossing skills to the test, for a prize of a bottle of spirit. Despite several close calls, when all the contestants had finished, the winner was declared as Sue. Music was played throughout the evening by a young lad and his father. They were relatives of a branch member, and had donated their time and use of their equipment. Their presence was appreciated by all, although not many decided to dance. Everyone appeared to enjoy the evening even though the temperature could have been higher.

HARLOW DOGS

We were picked up in good time, and made comfortable for the journey to Harlow. On arrival at Harlow we were very amused at the fact that none of the locals seemed to know exactly where the dog track was. This made the start of the evening very entertaining, and if anybody knows a town with more round-abouts than Harlow, let me know. Our driver was very embarrassed, but made a good job of getting us there.

We went for a bistro meal this visit, but although the meal was excellent, it was very crowded at the table and once in your seat, difficult to get out without disturbing a lot of people.

Personally I would prefer to sit in our usual area, where you were much more free and easy, and it had more atmosphere during the races. Anyway, as I said, the meal was excellent and there was a very wide choice on the menu.

Two of our party who have never won a cent before at Harlow came up trumps. Here is Lorraine being given her winnings

We all had a good time and thank Jimmy who drove for us, and without whom we would not have been able to go out for the evening. Joyce

Disability Awareness Day

A very quiet day manned by members of the committee, in shifts. This event may not be run again due to the lack of response from the public. Here is Margaret and Joyce doing their stint.

Conkers

It was a tense evening as the contestants lined up for the big battle. Despite several horse chestnuts being distributed, only two remembered to bring their conker, Darren and Margaret. They eyed each other up and prepared to do battle. Darren said "Ladies first" and so Margaret took first 'swing'. They each took a couple of swings before contact was made. Darren was the more aggressive, but Margaret found the target more often. "Strings" was called several times before the started to have an effect on each others conker. Suddenly there was a loud crack and Darren gave a big yell. He began dancing round the room swinging his arms, we gave him our full attention. Margaret looked bemused as she still had her conker intact. Darren full blown swing at her conker had missed and the backswing had ensured that he hit his elbow a terrific smash. After several minutes of dancing and giving what we call 'War Whoops' he calmed down to continue the battle rubbing his throbbing elbow and muttering. Darren managed to hit the other conker more often now he had been forced to calm down. Eventually Darren hit Margaret's conker with a terrible blow and watched his own disintegrate in pieces all over the floor. Margaret was therefore the winner and Darren congratulated her on a fine performance but vowed to get revenge next year.

IN MEMORY

The evening in memory of Eileen and Ernie was a quiet affair. Some members could not attend because of transport and others because they had known the couple for many years, and would find the event too upsetting.

Eileen and Ernie were active members in the branch for many years. Eileen could be the life and soul of the party and could be often heard laughing. Ernie was someone you could rely on for guidance and common sense and had been branch treasurer for many years. When Eileen passed away last year we were appreciative that Ernie asked for donations to be made to the Thurrock Branch rather than flowers. In discussions with Ernie, he asked if the money donated, could be put forward for a party for not only branch members, but their families, their carers and for the volunteers within the branch. It was as we were discussing details with him that Ernie was taken ill and was admitted to hospital. Unfortunately we had not come to any final arrangement when he died. It was therefore decided to carry on with his wish, and to include him in the tribute. This was a sad occasion for us all, having lost two good friends.

HARLOW DOGS

We made one of our regular trips to Harlow Dog Track last week. The roads were pretty clear so we got there in time to enjoy a pre-race drink. As is usual on these occasions there were winners and losers.

Why is the same person always the big loser?

This time the winners were well into paper money as you can see in the pictures.

The meal went down a treat despite the fact it was a very hot night.

A strange event took place. An unknown lady took a fancy to one of the male members of our party and after several little contacts ended up sitting on his lap. This, despite the fact he was sitting next to his wife. This went on for a while and as you can imagine caused great amusement all round. It ended up with the wife telling the amorous one she could have her husband and she was welcome to him, causing more amusement.

All ended O.K. and we started for home about 10.45p.m.

Firstly I would like to thank Marion for driving for us. Without her we could not have gone. Secondly I would like to thank our ‘runner’, who took our bets and got our drinks. Lastly, I would like to thank all who took part in organising the trip as we had a good night out. Joyce

Exercise

Elaine Bosley, who is the Co-ordinator for MS for the Thurrock & Basildon area, kindly gave up her time to visit us on our social evening Friday. She explained why it was considered beneficial to exercise, even when you sometimes feel it's the last thing you should do. Her talk and the chat's we had afterwards were informative and lively. She has said that she or one of her colleagues will come again with perhaps a different health topic to talk about. As a result of the evenings discussions we will look into perhaps starting exercise sessions in Thurrock.

Bowling

We all (13 of us actually) met up at the Hollywood Bowl in Basildon. There was a range of ages and styles on show from slow and sedate, to manic deliveries.

	We had two games on two lanes, the first we played with the bumpers up, the second with them down.

Frank had the highest score for the first game. He shared top space with Marilyn in the second game. Ivan said he had never played before and put in some high scores. Rob B. had a problem with his arm and kept the pace down. Not so Darren, who launched the ball to try to take the kingpin out, without touching the lane in front. It was a pleasant evening with plenty of banter about techniques.

Cycle Marathon

An early start for a Sunday with the start being set for around 9am. It was an ideal day for cycling, fairly warm but with a lot of cloud.

We took the minibus to show our presence as we are to be a beneficiary from this sponsored event. Our riders, 'TEAM-MS' were ready to do either the 7 or 21 mile circuit and all our team completed their set distance.

There were over 400 riders in this marathon, some obviously very experienced. It was not a race, but a day for a pleasant ride and to raise money for charities.

The turn off for the shorter course was not too clear and there were a few entrants who missed the vital turn off and did more miles than they expected.

Apart from a few bruises there were no disasters on the day, but there were a few close shaves! Thanks go to the Mardyke Rotary Group who arranged the event, and to the corporate sponsorships for their help.

AGM

This year's AGM was held on Friday March 11th. There were 12 members in attendance and the meeting went very smoothly.

Margaret read the minutes from last years AGM.

Rob Laing thanked the committee members and volunteers for their help during the past year and then gave a report on the events from the last 12 months.

He gave thanks for the work Rob Brandon had carried out and advised the meeting that he was stepping down as the minibus co-ordinator. It was emphasised that our operations with the minibus would soon be curtailed if a replacement was not found.

As Lynette was unable to attend Rob gave her report on the statement of accounts. The elections then followed, the officers and the two other members that had been proposed, were all elected unanimously. Rob was also elected as the Branch Voting Delegate. Hunt Smee & Co was re-elected as Branch Auditors. The floor was then opened to the members present for any questions. Some of the questions related to the accounts. These were answered by the committee members present. Lynette had advised that any questions we were unable to answer would be in a future newsletter so that all members would be aware of the answer. Rob then asked for another vote of thanks to the committee members, and to the volunteers who had helped over the last year.

A comment was made asking if there was a positive item we could finish on. Rob reported that he had been in discussion with the Mardyke Rotary group who had selected us as the beneficiary of some forthcoming fundraising events.

Committee 2005

Into the New Year

A very pleasant evening with food and wine arranged by Margaret and Marilyn.

We had 19 members who chatted and exchanged stories from the Christmas period.

It would be nice to see more of our members at our social evenings.

Harlow Dogs

It was a cold wet night when we ventured out to try our luck at the dogs.

There were winners, but you didn't need many fingers on which to count them.

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