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.
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
(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
Chris Jenkinson, Branch Chairman, Treasurer and Editor
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19.8.08