Hello once again, it only seems a few weeks since I was going through this exercise, with the first edition. Hopefully we can get back on schedule and the next one will be ready for July. I must confess, that I am rather disappointed with the lack of response, to my plea for items to include in the 'newsletter'. We need to know that we are not just batting our heads against a brick wall, and that people are taking an interest in what we are trying to do, by giving us, the Committee, a little support.
As I said in the first edition, to make this newsletter a success, we need your feedback in the form of letters, comments, questions suggestions etc. Come on please help us. Again I need to bring to your notice that the Branch is without an official Treasurer, since Karen resigned. The Chairman is currently managing the accounts but, it is imperative that we appoint a new Treasurer as quickly as possible. If you are or know of a suitably qualified person, whether within the branch or not, please let me know, or get them to contact me.
Following a rather shaky start I felt that the AGM went off fairly well, I was pleased with the attendance, and there were a total of 31 sufferers, supporters and friends. From the conversations that I had following the meeting, I think that most of you enjoyed the afternoon. I would like to thank David Sowter, our Regional Director, for coming along and for his entertaining and informative talk. At the conclusion of the AGM David presented Long Service Awards to Rosemary and Bob Miller. Unfortunately our Regional Officer, Anne Jackson, was unable to attend due to a prior engagement. Anne sent her apologies. Next year we will check our diaries earlier to avoid a conflict.
The raffle produced £36.00 which was gratifying. I personally was getting rather worried as the prizes diminished, I had to wait until the very last prize before getting a win. A special mention should be made of the help given by Peter Fremlin in looking after the Raffle, ensuring that both the 'free' and the 'paid for' raffles were a success.
I want to thank everyone who contributed prizes for the raffle, there was a dazzling display. Again, I want to thank the members of the Committee for the hard work they put in, providing refreshments, setting them out and ensuring that the hall was returned to its pristine condition at the close. Included in that I would also like to say thank you to my wife, Doreen, for her help, behind the scenes, in making the day a success.
This is getting a bit like the 'Oscar's Ceremony'. Finally I would like to thank you all for coming, for contributing to the refreshments and I hope that you all enjoyed yourselves, as much as we did, putting it on. The plan is to repeat this again next year, combining the AGM and the party.
We have four 'store collections' arranged for the coming months.
| Day | Place |
|---|---|
| Saturday 17th June | Tesco Store, Greenstead Road |
| Saturday 12th August | Co-op Store, Fiveways, Abbotts Road |
| Saturday 7th October | Sainsbury's, Tollgate West, Stanway |
| Saturday 14th October | Co-op Store, Fiveways, Abbotts Road |
If you can help out, if only for a short time, please contact Maria Fremlin, Sue Wood or myself. Primarily we are in need of help with the June collection. Please let us know as soon as possible.
A Quiz Evening, in aid of Muscular Dystrophy is being arranged for Saturday 6th May at the Langham Community Centre, Langham, 7.30pm for 8.00pm. The tickets are just £5.00 each. A group of 8 persons, just £30.00, a buffet is included in the price. The evening is being organised by the students at Colchester Institute, HNC/D Business Studies course. Our thanks must specifically go to Clare Jarman, daughter of Keith and Jan, not only for being instrumental in getting MD named as the benefiting charity but also for her other successful efforts in fund raising on our behalf. Thank you Clare. For more information regarding the Quiz Evening, contact Clare on 01206-852490.
Do not forget Maria's 'Plant Sale', this is taking place at 25 Ireton Road, Colchester, on Saturday 27th. May, from 2.00pm. Maria would welcome any plants, cakes, cards, knitted goods, or other goods to sell that you can spare, also she is looking for help on the day. For further information, please contact Maria on Tel: 01206-767746, e-mail mfremlin@gmx.net This promises to be a great event, don't miss it.
"Aldham" Olde Tyme Rallye and Fayre, which takes place at the Chalkney Meadow site, on the outskirts of White Colne, Just two miles on from Aldham, on Saturday and Sunday, 10th and 11th June. Again if you can help out please contact us as soon as possible, we cannot do this on our own. Transport can be arranged.
Mersea Island Lions Club, August Bank Holiday Festival. This takes place, strangely enough on Monday 28th August. More about this later on in the year.
We are also being considered for inclusion, on the incoming Mayor of Colchester's list of charities, for whom he organises events, during his year of office. The new Mayor takes office in May.
As you can see, we have made the effort to arrange these fund raising events, we desperately need your help, to ensure that they are a success and not a dismal failure. There are only a small number of us on the Committee, we cannot possibly run these events on our own WE NEED YOU.
New Copy, for publication, to reach me by mid June for the next newsletter, in July. Please help to make this a success by contributing. It is your newsletter.
See our contacts page for details of, suprisingly, how to contact us.
Geoff Wiseman,
Branch Chairman/Editor,
57 Winsley Square,
Colchester,
CO1 2ET.