News 2006

Over thirty of us met for a meal at the 'Haywain' at the '5 Bells' Roundabout. The was a varied choice on the menu including the traditional Christmas dinner, but there was also steak or a vegetarian alternative if you wished. For this venue, if you are going with a large group and all want to be together you need to keep numbers to around 20. The main layout is as booths, which means our party was rather split due to the number that went. However after a little shuffling around we managed to sort ourselves out. All meals were hot and of a high quality, and there was no long delay between the first and last meal served.

An enjoyable evening, raising funds for an MS group in Brentwood. Whilst we didn't come first (or last), we certainly didn't let Thurrock down. A good crowd had gathered not just to raise funds, but to have a good time. Plenty of humorous rivalry between tables (and at them). Thank you to the organisers.

A group of us made our separate ways to 'Lakeside' on Hayling Island for a practice run for the real thing at the end of December. Whilst some thought they were a bit young for this sort of thing, I think we all had a good weekend. Packing a whole week into a long weekend was slightly frantic, trying to remember what day it was. Arriving on Christmas Eve, we had a good meal in preparation for the 'Big Day'.

Just a few

pictures

during the

festive

weekend.

As usual (this was our third visit) there was plenty of rain. and it was chilly, but then it was Christmas, wasn't it? The entertainment was very good as was the food, if you didn't go too late. Several members entered the numerous competitions, but alas, there was only one winner from our group.

Although quite chilly outside, Rob 'Cupid' B showed he could still find the bull, winning the archery competition, and coming second in the target shooting. Others were close, but all enjoyed having a go.

A daily event that found several active members was the bingo! Most came close but only Sally-Anne and Sue managed to have that all important call.

New Years Eve was a big party with a piper bringing in the 'New Year' at 11:30pm!! on Sunday (19/11).

Another trip, another visit to Harlow dog track. Many alterations have been made, including the car park which has been totally resurfaced, giving a much more comfortable ride for our wheelchair users. Other alterations include the table arrangements. Instead of the friendly round table of 6 – 8 people they now have a long banquet style set up for 12 – 14 people. As tables are close together only the end places were o.k. for wheelchairs. Once in your seat it was a job to get out without disturbing others. To help us slim ones they even cut the number of scampi in the meal. Despite all this we had a good night out with plenty of laughs and are looking forward to our next trip to the dogs.

Our visit to the vineyard this year was as successful as ever. The craft displays were my main attraction and they demonstrated that the traditional skills were still worthwhile. We purchased some items for Christmas presents. The more energetic of our group went for the clay pigeon shooting and retired later to the wine tasting barn. Two who shall be nameless found the wines were quite potent. There were various other activities to watch – dancers, choirs, fire eaters etc. All in all a good day out and thank you to Peter who drove the vehicle for us.

Both the above evenings were well supported with over 25 members attending. It also helped with the fine weather we were having and that transport was available.

We were joined in the evening by nine people who wished to know more about MS. All were directly affected by MS as they, or one of their immediate family has the condition. Hopefully, as we were able to help with information about the condition, including a multitude of booklets etc, they now feel better equipped for the future. They have been invited to the next social evening which is our cheese and wine buffet.

By some deception we managed to get Joyce to a surprise party at a Basildon restaurant. As her birthday is not for a couple of weeks she was not expecting anything. She was treated to a meal, flowers and a special birthday cake. Everyone enjoyed the evening especially Joyce.

Our visitor for the evening was Jaci, a fitness instructor from Brentwood. Jaci initially explained why exercise is important for everyone not just for people with MS. Basically it's a case of 'Use it or lose it'. Having explained the philosophy of why we should exercise she went on to show different exercises and stretches that almost anyone can do, to some degree. She did point out that when first starting an exercise routine, fatigue would be a factor, and people will say "it makes me too tired", but that you should persevere, and the more you do, the easier it will become. Although there were not many there we formed a semicircle and carried out numerous stretches and mild exercises under her lead. Most could see the benefit of carrying out some sort of program on a regular basis. Jaci will supply us a basic routine from which we can expand on as we improve and/or find areas that need special attention. Jaci will come back for another evening to help us again and if we have enough interest we will make this a regular feature.

The branch put in a team for the event down at Tilbury Community Centre. Although we did not come very high in the scoring, we did enjoy ourselves and had a good laugh over some of the answers we came up with. Thanks go to the organisers as it was well presented. There were several teams competing and a good range of questions. Marcia did win one of he raffle prizes. The beneficiaries were the Well MS group based at Brentwood.

The proceedings started later than planned as we had a surprise guest, Mr John Wood from our accountants. John was bringing copies of the report on our financial situation and it was reported they were in satisfactory order.

The meeting opened with a greeting from Rob with an apology for the delay. Joyce read the minutes from the previous AGM which were signed by Rob as all agreed they were a true record of the events. It was pointed out in the matters arising that we do not have an 'Audit' as such as we do not have the turnover to justify one. Rob then gave the Branch Annual Report on what we had been doing over the last 12 months and what was hoped for the future year. He concluded with thanks to the outgoing committee and all the volunteers for their work over the year. Branch Annual Report - 2006

There followed a statement of accounts from Lynette. Questions were asked but were answered satisfactorily by both Lynette and John Wood from the accountants.

The elections then followed. Rob advised those present that this was the last year of his term and that a new 'Chair' would be elected next year. Margaret then took over the proceedings advising the names of the nominees, their proposers and seconders. As no other names were received the committee will remain the same with the exception of Frank who was unable to stand. Rob asked if there were any against those proposed, as there were none the candidates were duly elected. Hunt, Smee & Co were elected again as our accountants for the coming year. Committee

There then followed a general question and answer session before Rob asked for a vote of thanks for the outgoing committee and to those present for attending.

We have had another visit to the Harlow Dog Track. This outing is very popular with the branch members. It is so convenient and is a reasonably priced venue. After 13 visits we have only one member who has never won anything. What a record.

The evening that we went was very cold indeed, but on arrival we soon forgot about that. The meal was very good and we were invited to present the trophy to the winner of the M.S. Stakes. To do this you have to go down onto the track. The two who drew the shortest straw went, and it was freezing.

We soon got warm again with a little drop of the hard stuff. It was a late night out, but really enjoyable, and I cannot wait to go again. Thank you to all those who organised it for us. :-) Joyce

The MS Society has launched a new website for young people newly diagnosed with MS. Because life doesn't stop when MS starts.
The new website at www.lifeandms.org.uk is one part of the MS Society's strategy to reach out to young people and the newly diagnosed. We are making great strides in this area but we can always do more to help people access the information and support they need at a critical time.
The site's key message is positive and uplifting - life doesn't stop when MS starts. MS makes life unpredictable and challenging but there are places to go and people to turn to for advice and support.
The new site is not a replacement for the mssociety.org.uk site; the microsite contains many links back to the main site signposting relevant information or places to find more detailed advice. The main site, which gets more than 40,000 unique visitors a month, will continue to provide access to a range of information, the latest research news, publications and, of course, the discussion boards.
Young people with MS were interviewed by researchers to make sure that the website contained the right sort of information. It was also important the there was the right amount of information. A diagnosis can be completely overwhelming and a number of the people interviewed said that they found the sheer volume of information available, particularly on the internet, intimidating.
Lifeandms.org.uk is divided into bitesize sections which are easy to navigate and all clearly connected to the main site. There are sections on what MS is, everyday life, working life, money and friends and family with advice on pregnancy, discrimination and going out.
Mike O'Donovan said, "We wanted to do more to reach out to young people newly diagnosed with MS. We have a strong reputation for our research and information, but the questions people have when they are diagnosed are more fundamental - am I going to end up in a wheelchair, how should I tell my partner, will I be able to have children?
"This new site opens up another range of resources for people with MS and should go some way to helping people understand the impact this unpredictable and challenging disease might have on their lives."
The new site will be promoted through diagnostic centres and branches might find it helpful to direct new people approaching the branch towards the site as part of their introduction to MS and the MS Society.

Our branch is trying out a new registering system. Membership will now be handled by the National Centre. Please ensure you return the membership form as soon as possible so as not to miss out on any information. If you have lost the form please contact a committee member for a new form.

Do you need to plan your journey through Essex and beyond and to keep up to date with the latest incidents and delays on the road, rail and buses? If the answer is "Yes" and you also need to know, for example:
which railway station is accessible, how to make assisted travel arrangements, where the accessible toilets are, etc., then let the Essex Traffic Control Centre (ETCC) help you. The County Council has improved its traffic information services.
Many disabled people in Essex are not aware of this free service.

The website is www. essexcc.gov.uk/microsites/travel/default.htm and the contact details are ETCC on 08456 000110.
If you wish to email their address is etcc@essexcc.gov.uk>
Personal visitors go to Ground Floor, County Hall, Chelmsford.
Brian Upton of the Independent Living Network Team is keen to develop this new service and to do this it needs to be used. So please use the system. If you do not have a computer and can't make it to County Hall 'phone him on 01245 436614 and ask for this specialised travel information.

There is now a website showing the addresses where public toilets fitted with RADAR/NKS locks are to be found. This is www.directenquiries.org.uk

For people who do not have access to websites, lists can be obtained from the District or Borough Council for the toilets within their administrative area. Disability Essex would be pleased to send you a list covering Essex. Keys are also available from them through the post at £3.50 each (proof of disability will be required).

Banks and credit card issuers have recognised the difficulties some people may have. This may be with their eyesight or due to a physical problem where they cannot enter PIN numbers on the key pads. Chip & Signature cards can be obtained which work in a similar way to the PIN cards, when inserted into the machine. The only exception is that when a signature card is used its microchip will inform the cashier that this customer will verify by signature rather than PIN number.

Another name change has been announced. Essex Disabled People's Association Ltd (EDPA) now becomes Disability East.

Unfortunately the minibus had a flat battery and could not be used, which meant Lorraine was unable to go. However Joyce and Janet went with me, whilst Pat took Ivy and Paula. There were numerous stalls at the event either publicising an individual attraction e.g. stately home. garden, theatre or an area e.g. Southend, Brentwood, Maldon. When we arrived at the show it was quite crowded. We all managed to collect carrier bags full of brochures and leaflets for reviewing later. I think between us we have got all areas covered for possible future outings, all we have to do is sift through them! Although it was snowing it was a good opportunity to gather a large amount of information. Two ten foot tall police officers 'overlooked' the affair, but I was not too sure about the camel!

Celebration of Lorraine's birthday at the Day Centre passed without incident. Picture supplied by Joyce who advised me that it was to celebrate 21 years!

For some time the term 'welfare' has been debated at the National Centre. A survey was conducted at the end of 2004 and two thirds of respondents favoured a change from the term 'welfare'. Following discussions within the society, the term 'MS support' was the most favoured alternative. Therefore henceforth the position 'Welfare Officer' has now changed to 'MS Support Officer' and those who assist him/her will be known as MS Support Volunteers'. The role description and the work carried out will remain the same. The term will gradually phased out from publications etc.