MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY GROUP, COLCHESTER

NEWSLETTER NO.18, June 2006

CHAIRMAN'S CORNER  

Well now you all know, or at least those who read the local paper know that we are now one of the Mayor's Charities for the year to next May. We had to keep silent until it was announced on 17th May. It means that we have to support the events organised by the Mayor's Charities and we therefore have to have fewer of our own activities as we cannot split ourselves any further. This will lead to a lower amount earned this year but we will split the money raised by the Mayor's Charities between the charities involved between us (provided we give suitable support) next year. The events already agreed are listed below and I hope as many of you as possible will attend them.  

  • 7th September: Run4Fun; I have rather stupidly volunteered to run in this race and it would be great if I could get another 3 volunteers (relatives, friends or acquaintances) to run with me.  Any volunteers either to run or be stewards?  T-shirts will be on sale for £5 and we shall be able to have a table with leaflets etc. to advertise MD.  
  • 8th November: The Mayor's Quiz; 4 in a team -- any volunteers please? Spectators and barrackers also welcomed!  
  • 12th January: Beer Tasting Evening; not the boozy evening that the event suggests. There will be a 3 course meal with a choice of 4 beers for each course. An annual event which was described by former attendees as "brilliant". Approximate cost will be £25. Wheelchairs will be welcomed and each person in a wheelchair will have a runner to bring any food or beer etc. If anyone is willing to be a runner please let me know.  
  • 28th January: Teddy Bears (Picnic) Concert; described as unmissable but you will need to bring a teddy and a child -- you can always borrow one! Apparently the young children adore this as do mums, dads and grandees.  
  • 3rd February: Colchester Bach Choir; a formal evening.  
  • 11th May: Mayor's Ball; speaks for itself.

     

    It would be great if a good number of you are able to attend all these functions and I hope you will all consider this and put them in your diaries.  I can arrange for tickets if you wish.  If any of you have any good ideas for any further functions please let me know.  If any idea is accepted we are guaranteed the help of the other charities involved.

     

    The Summertime Trust provides free holiday accommodation to children & families who live near where the funds were raised.  We do not know if they have raised funds in our area but if anyone is interested the telephone number is 0870 240 6709.

     

    Shaw Trust which is designed to support the long term unemployed with disabilities and disadvantages in this area (not outside Essex).  Shaw Trust provide assistance and guidance throughout the whole process of finding employment and work closely with 3,500 employers at both national and local level.  Anyone interested phone Phil Wilders on 01206 563646, or e-mail. Oakseed are another local charity who can help in this area.  

    Please contact me if you are interested in a May 2002 portable television set which has hardly been used.

    PLANNED ACTIVITIES  

  • 03/06/2006: Collection Fiveways, Brightlingsea
  • 16/06/2006: Collection Morrisons, Clacton                                                                            
  • 17/06/2006: Collection Morrisons, Clacton                                                                            
  • 01/07/2006: Collection Fiveways,Tiptree
  • 26/08/2006: Collection Asda                                                                                                           
  • 02/09/2006: Collection Fiveways, Abbotts Road
  • 11/09/2006: Collection Tesco, Highwoods                                                                            
  • 17/03/2007: Concert at St. Botolphs Church

    (See upcoming events.) If any of you are able to help with any of the collections please let me know.  I hope as many of you as possible will attend the Concert by West Bergholt Concert Band next March.  They are always great entertainment.   

    Since the last newsletter we have raised the following significant amounts.  Collection at Morrisons Ipswich £709.67; raffle at AGM £69; concert at St. Botolphs £645.01; collection at Five Ways West Mersea £234.37 and £200 from SGR.  

    WELFARE  

    Most of you will know that 80% of the funds we raise are sent to Head Office but we can spend the remaining 20% on welfare for those suffering from MD.  If you wish us to consider helping you with a particular project please let any committee member (especially Janet Saunders) know.  We are limited in our rules to a maximum of £250 for each project.  The funds that we send to Head Office are returned in many ways be it grants for equipment, treatment or consultations at one of the specialist hospitals or in research into finding a treatment or cure for all forms of MD.  

    The Falls Prevention Service offers a handyman service and if anyone is interested speak to Janet Saunders; you would need to be over 65 and had a fall or a slip in the last 12 months.

    MARION SALMON  

    Finally I have to announce that Marion Salmon died recently. In her time Marion worked very hard for this branch and, although we are sorry at her passing it was, in the end, a release from her suffering.

    YOUR COMMITTEE  

  • (Chair/Treasurer) Chris Jenkinson, 60 Marlowe Way, Colchester CO3 4JP; 01206 520986
  • (Secretary) David Fremlin, 25 Ireton Road, Colchester CO3 3AT; 01206 767746
  • (Welfare) Janet Saunders
  • Beryl Leeks
  • Maria Fremlin, 25 Ireton Road, Colchester CO3 3AT; 0206 767746
  • Jan Jarman
  • Tricia Stewart, 6 Stoneleigh Park, Colchester CO3 9FA; 01206 501615
  • Pauline Liddamore, 74 Fairhaven Ave, West Mersea, CO5 8BG;  01206 385660
  • Frances Matthews, 7 Phoenix Close, Church Rd, West Mersea, CO5 8PN; 01206 385421

    Chris Jenkinson, Branch Chairman, Treasurer and Editor

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    19.8.08