Newsletter

 MAY 08

I'll update this newsletter when I've got something to say that needs changing

It has become apparent that the numbers of people attending meetings has dropped off lately, if it is something we’re doing wrong then please let us know. We are doing our best to keep your interest and may well make a few changes but we’ll keep you informed. 

Remember, quite a number of us meet regularly for activities including shopping, a trip out, lunch or just a chat.  We meet on a Tuesday morning most weeks so check the web site events page for details or ring Bernie or Spiro. 

I know this is the first newsletter this year but I've had a few problems to overcome, hopefully all's well now.

Back in March we had our AGM meeting during which Jonathan Satchell decided to stand down from the committee and Allister Bruce decided not to stand for election to the committee after all. There were no other changes to the committee which is posted below. There will be several outings this year which will include two boat rides and a theatre trip toward the end of the year.

Summer BBQ

This years BBQ will again be at Spiro and Krin's house in Four Marks. Evergreens, St Aubins close, Bernard ave. (off Blackberry Lane) Four Marks. On Sunday 15th June 08. No need to bring any food, just beer or beverages and of course yourself and family. You may wish to pray for fine weather but we have been fortunate in previous years. For catering purposes only, if you know you are coming please let us know (ring spiro) but anyone is welcome to come along to join the fun.  Bring your dad!

Chichester Harbour Boat Trip

 The first of the boating trips to come up is the one around Chichester Harbour from Cobnor. This will be on Sunday 29th June 08. Anyone interested in joining us should ring Bernie or krin on the numbers below. The boat is wheelchair accessible and the trip lasts for a couple of hours. The Cobnor activity centre has all disabled facilities as it is an activity centre for disabled children's holidays. Although we have booked the boat that day we need to know numbers to arrange times and consent forms. If there are enough people we can split the day with a picnic lunch. The idea is to meet at the BARLYCORN PUB, Main road, Nutbourne. Chichester PO18 8RS and drive the few miles to the location together. If transport is needed something can be arranged, please speak to Bernie or Krin

Street Collections

Saturday 26th April was the Alton street collection. We collected from 9am to 1pm and the good people of Alton donated £478.05p which is slightly down on last year but we collected for longer because we had more volunteers. Once again I'd like to thank all those that helped to collect on the day and the kind people of Alton for their generosity.

On Saturday 17th May was the Bordon collection held in the Forest Centre, Bordon. Again we collected from 9am to 1pm and the generous people of Bordon donated £264.12p. We would again like to thank those that collected and Margaret Sibley for organising the collections.

I F I at Sports centres

I'm sure I've told you before about IFI ( Inclusive Fitness Initiative) which basically encourages disabled people to use gyms with specialist equipment and staff trained specially to assist disabled people. Last year as part of our Physiotherapy initiative the Alton branch of the MS society managed to purchase a Medimotion exercise machine which went into the Mill Chase Gym at Bordon. This appears to have been very successful not only for branch members but I know of several other people that have MS and similar conditions that use it regularly. We now have secured funding for a second Medimotion Machine which will be located in the gym at Alton Sports Centre.

I would encourage all of you that can to visit the gym and speak to Mike, the very nice IFI manager there who will soon get you feeling better within yourself. I know that IFI or the Medimotion Machine will not replace a Neuro Physio but I for one have found that the regular exercise has helped and I feel better in myself. It also has a social aspect to it as well. So please pop along and see for yourself how it works and what it can do for you.

10 in 10 Cycle Ride
Bill Budd and his friends are cycling ten countries in ten days as a way of raising money for local charity of which we are one. The ride will kick off from Bordon on Saturday 9th August and it would be nice to see people at the start to give the guys support as they set off. There will also be an auction to raise further funds and this will be held at the Officers club, Folly Avenue (just off the end of Hogmoor RD. Bordon) on Sunday 22nd June. Viewing from 12 noon. Bar lunch or refreshments available. Auction starts at 2pm. I am sure that Bill and the guys will be successful and that they will tell us all about it at a future point. Please visit their very professional website, www.10in10.org.uk which gives full and interesting details.

To make this a more interesting newsletter why not submit something yourself

GO ON, I DARE YOU ! 

 I'd love to be able to insert info or articles written by our members. Why not write about a good place that you have visited or write a poem or two?