South Cornwall Branch Monthly Magazine As strong and gentle as a Lion The Lifeboat May 2013
South Cornwall
Branch
Monthly Magazine
As strong and
gentle as a Lion
The Lifeboat
May 2013
1
Inside the Lifeboat
this month
Contents:
Page 3 PIP assessment inequality:
differences between Atos and
Capita revealed.
New PIP disability benefit
assessments begin
Page 4 Brief guide to benefits
Page 5 Brief guide to benefits
Page 6 Brief guide to benefits
Buns for coffee
Page 7 Merlin
Page 8 members page
Page 9 Quiz page
42
Page 11 English as it is spoken Part
two.....
Page 12 Computer Awareness Day
Page 13 Cornwall’s MS branches working
together
Page14 Cornwall’s MS branches working
together
Page 15 Megan’s page
Page 16 Get Together on the 29th June,
its free!!
Page 17 Members input
Page 18 Events
Page 19 Information page
Cover picture:
This month we are on the
scent of big cats, these
are a couple of my pets,
aren't they great.
Its difficult to get them off
the bed though.
Next month I hope to have
one of our members on
the front cover, drop me
an email and I will come
and take a photo.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
South Cornwall Vouchers
Jackie Thorne will be away for a few weeks
so as from 1st March 2013 please make all
voucher requests to Chris Sargent
01209 315386
Your father says he’ll
stop wearing his
pants like that when
you do
2
Chairman’s Report
Editors Note
Hello everyone,
Another month gone
by with lots going on.
This month is very
special with exciting
issues regarding the
four Cornwall
branches working together for the good
of our MS community, you can read
more about it on page 13 and 14.
I am also working on two DVD projects,
1. With Cape Cornwall School where I
am working with students to produce
a schools MS awareness DVD.
2. With our youth group to produce a
presentation DVD for schools.
I feel that it is important to work with
schools to bring about awareness at an
early age. You will also see that we have a special
get together in June, this is going to be
a really special day with photo and
makeover options from body shop. You
can see more information on page 16.
I asked Karen if she could give me a
makeover but I was told that it is too late
I’m past the possibility of improvement
It is lovely to start
with good news.
Through Malcolm's
initiative and
perseverance, a meeting was held at Par
on Saturday 20th April, all the four branch
Committee members or a representative of
the branch were there and set about
developing a formula for raising the profile
of MS Branches in Cornwall. This is not a
program led by regional staff, but a local
one. In this edition of our magazine you will
be able to read more about it.
Please assist:
I would like to ask you all to turn out your
lofts and cupboards and see if you have
any good quality goods that our car boot
couple Amanda and Richard can sell. Not
electrical or too large. Items would help
raise funds and also show our branch out
in the wider community.
Finally I would like you all to PLEASE
support the future events which are again
mentioned later in the magazine .
Happy Reading
MikeMikeMikeMike
It was really encouraging to get your articles
for the Lifeboat magazine, it makes so
much difference if the content is from our
membership. I am still waiting for the next
volunteer to be on the front cover, I have
another lined up for later this year.
Thank you to those who returned the
events slips and indicated their preferred
options but I only had 4 or 5 which makes it
difficult to arrange the activity so keep
sending them in.
With the benefits system changing there
has been much focus on our CAB initiative
and the CAB representative has done great
work on our behalf.
We are in the throws of changing our
support officer which has caused some
confusion with our support line number.
Mike George is taking the calls at the
moment and we will soon have the problem
sorted.
If you are worried about benefits or want
advice about what you can claim, please
phone Mike George who will put you in
touch with our CAB representative. Don’t
leave it any longer call now and don’t worry
about the Ryan Air message, it means you
are through to Mike George.
MalcolmMalcolmMalcolmMalcolm
3
News from the MS National Centre
PIP assessment inequality: differences be-
tween Atos and Capita revealed
A report released today by the Disability
Benefits Consortium (DBC), of which the
MS Society is a member, has revealed a
lack of consistency in how people with
disabilities in England will be assessed for
the new Personal Independence
Payment (PIP), soon to replace Disability
Living Allowance(DLA).
The assessments for PIP will be carried out
by two different companies: Atos
Healthcare and Capita, in different areas of
England, and other parts of the UK.
Differences between PIP providers revealed
The DBC presented both providers with a
list of ten pledges for a fair and effective
assessment, based on the concerns voiced
by those they represent.
Both Atos and Capita have detailed how
they will try to meet each pledge, revealing
stark differences between providers. For
example, Capita will try to ensure
applicants with certain conditions will be
matched with assessors who have specific
expertise in that area, whereas Atos will
randomly assign assessors.
Other key issues and differences included:
• Atos will only offer assessments at home
to applicants who meet a range of criteria
set out by the Department for Work and
Pensions (DWP), whereas Capita will aim to
offer home assessments to around 60% of
applicants
• Capita have asked the DWP to let
them offer audio recording of assessments
to applicants, but have not yet received
permission to do so
People can make new claims for PIP in a
few pilot areas due to be rolled out in the
North West and North East of England next
week.
Take action
Help us raise concerns about PIP
assessments: email your MP today.
New PIP disability benefit assessments
begin
From today, people with disabilities living in
specific parts of the north of England will
start to be assessed for Personal
Independence Payment – the benefit that is
replacing Disability Living Allowance.Those
making new claims in the following
postcodes will be affected: BL, CA, CH
(except CH1, CH4, CH5, CH6, CH7 and
CH8), CW, DH, DL (except DL6, DL7, DL8,
DL9, DL10 and DL11), FY, L, LA (except
LA2 7, LA2 8, LA6 2 and LA6 3), M, NE,
PR, SR, TS (except TS9), WA and WN.
Assessments
The MS Society has been campaigning
hard to ensure that the assessments
for PIP are as fair as they can be. Last
week we reported the main differences
between ATOS and Capita – the
companies due to carry out the
assessments, and earlier this year the
Government agreed to some essential
changes we suggested.
However, we’re still not happy with how the
assessments are being carried out, and will
continue to push for the following changes:
• The mobility criteria for the benefit are
too strict and we want to see them urgently
re-written. The criteria mean that those who
are able to walk even slightly further than
twenty metres – even using sticks – will not
qualify for the enhanced rate of the mobility
component of the benefit.
4
• The current assessment doesn’t fully
take into account the fluctuating nature of
MS and we want to see this policy revised.
People will currently be judged on whether
they can undertake activities on the
‘majority of days’, or over 50% of the time.
We believe that periodically reviewing all
awards, regardless of the condition or
impairment of the individual, is a waste of
government resources, and will cause
undue stress for individuals with long-term
degenerative conditions. Assessors are
supposed to ensure that existing evidence
is considered and we want to make sure
that this is done properly.
Take action
If you live in any of the affected areas and
undergo an assessment for PIP, we want to
hear from you. Direct experiences of people
with MS are vital to our campaigning
efforts. Please help us by filling in this
form and telling us your story.
Email your MP about your concerns over
PIP (form hosted by DBC, of which the MS
Society is a member).
Brief guide to benefits
The benefits system is complex, and the
rules often change, so even if you’ve
looked into it before, it might be worth
checking again. Across the UK, billions of
pounds are unclaimed each year - make
sure you get what you are entitled to.
Before you get started
Which benefits am I entitled to?
Further information
Getting started
It's worth noting:
• Some benefits are affected by earnings,
other types of income and the amount of
savings or capital you (and sometimes your
partner) have
• The main changes take place on 5 April
each year, so mid-April may be a good time
to have an annual benefits check at a local
advice agency
• Some benefits are affected by a
claimant's age, so check your entitlement
when you/your partner/your children turn
16, 18, 60, or 65
If your circumstances change, your local
Citizens Advice Bureaucan help check
what you're entitled to
• If the symptoms of your MS get worse it
is worth arranging a benefits check,
particularly if any progression in your MS
looks like it will be long-term
• Many benefits overlap, so if you receive
one there may be others that you cannot
get
• The rules about some benefits may vary
between England, Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland.
Which benefits am I entitled to?
This is a brief guide to benefits you may be
entitled to.
Statutory Sick Pay
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Help to pay Council Tax
Housing Benefit
Working Tax Credit
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Universal Credit
Other benefits
Statutory Sick Pay
If you are not able to work because of your
condition, you may be able to claim
Statutory Sick Pay. This is paid by your
employer for up to 28 weeks.
This can give you time to think about
whether you could continue working or if
you would be better off retiring early.
Once Statutory Sick Pay ends, you may be
able to claim Employment and Support
Allowance.
Find out more about statutory sick pay
on the GOV.UK website.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
is a benefit paid if your ability to work is
limited by ill health or disability.
5
It replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income
support (paid on the basis of incapacity).
Help to pay Council Tax
If you are on a low income you may be
entitled to Council Tax Benefit. To claim,
contact your local authority.
Disability Reduction schemeDisability Reduction schemeDisability Reduction schemeDisability Reduction scheme
You may be entitled to a reduction in your
Council Tax bill if you are "substantially and
permanently disabled" and your home has
certain features that are essential to you
living there (e.g. an additional bathroom or
kitchen, or space to use a wheelchair
indoors). The reduction will reduce your
Council Tax bill to the next lowest band
down. To claim, contact your local
authority.
The Discount schemeThe Discount schemeThe Discount schemeThe Discount scheme
The Council Tax Discount scheme is
applied to dwellings where less than two
adults are resident. Certain people are
classed as being ‘disregarded’ when
counting the number of residents (e.g.
students, people with a severe mental
impairment and certain live-in carers). If just
one adult is counted as resident, the
Council Tax bill will be reduced by 25 per
cent. If everyone in the household can be
‘disregarded’, the Council Tax bill will be
halved. To claim, contact your local authori-
ty.
Find out more about Council Tax on
GOV.UK website
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is a means-tested benefit
for people who rent their home.
They may be on:
• a low income
Jobseeker's Allowance
Income Support
ESA
• Pension Credit
To check if you’re eligible and to claim,
contact your local authority.
Find out more on the GOV.UK website
Working Tax Credit
If you are in work but on low pay, you may
apply for Working Tax Credit to top-up your
earnings. You may get extra if someone in
your household is disabled. To claim, call
0345 300 3900.
Find out more information on the HMRC
website
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
DLA is designed to support the extra costs
of living with a disability. People can spend
it on whatever they need, such as paying
for support to remain independent during
relapses, or to help with extra costs such
as heating, transport or help around the
house. The Government proposes to
replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
with a new ‘Personal Independence
Payment’ (PIP), from 2013. Existing
working-age DLA claimants will be
re-assessed for PIP
sometime between 2013 and 2016.
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
There are two types of Jobseeker’s
Allowance (JSA) and it is possible to get
both at the same time:
ContributionContributionContributionContribution----based JSAbased JSAbased JSAbased JSA - This is a flat-rate
payment for people who have worked and
paid enough National Insurance
contributions in the relevant years. It
doesn’t matter what savings you have, but
your earnings (although not those of your
partner or any other family member) are
taken into account. Contribution-based
JSA lasts for up to six months (in either one
period of unemployment or several ‘linked’
spells).
IncomeIncomeIncomeIncome----based JSAbased JSAbased JSAbased JSA - This is for people
who:
• have received their six months of
contribution-based JSA orororor
• did not pay enough National Insurance
contributions to get contribution-based
JSA orororor
• are entitled to have their contribution
based JSA topped up because, for
example, they have a partner who does not
work.
6
Buns for your
morning coffee
Ingredients:
4oz Margarine
4oz Demerara
Sugar
8oz Self Raising
Flour
1 Egg
Currants (To suit your taste)
Method:
Cream margarine and sugar. Add egg
(keep back a little to glaze the top) then
add flour and currents.
Form into balls the size of a walnut, flatten
a little and glaze top with egg.
Bake in a moderate oven (180 C) for 15 to
20 minutes on a greased tray.
Glenys says “these are Yummy”
For each type you must be below State
Pension age and be capable of work. You
must be unemployed (or working fewer
than 16 hours a week), available for
work, and actively seeking work.
To claim, call Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055
6688.
Back to top
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
The government is going to replace Disabil-
ity Living Allowance (DLA) with a new bene-
fit, the Personal Independence Payment
(PIP), for people aged 16 to 64 (inclusive).
PIP will have some similarities with DLA, but
the eligibility rules are likely to be stricter for
some people. However, the details of the
benefit have not yet been finalised.
Find out more about PIP and how it may
affect you
Universal Credit
The government is moving many different
benefits into one Universal Credit.
It will incorporate the following:
• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-based Employment and
Support Allowance (ESA)
Find out more about how Universal Credit
may affect you
Other benefits:
• Child Benefit
• Child Tax Credit
• Financial support for students in higher
education
• Disabled Students’ Allowance
• State Pension
• National Insurance credits
• Pension Credit
• TV Licence concessions
• VAT concessions for some equipment
and services
Further information
There's lots more information and support
on benefits available.
Online or by post:
You can download the MS Society
publication ‘Benefits and MS’ or visit
the GOV.UK website for more details on
benefits you may be entitled to.
In person or by phone:
Your local MS Society branch will also be
able to give you information on benefits and
other sources of support locally. However,
they cannot give specific advice on
individual benefits.
It's often worth seeking expert advice from
a benefits adviser, such as those available
at your local Citizens Advice Bureau. They
can also help you filling in forms.
You can call the Benefit Enquiry Line on
0800 88 22 00 if you need an application
form for a disability benefit.
Buns for coffee
7
The Merlin Centre, sent in by Susan Creese
When I visited the Merlin Centre on the 21st
March for a coffee and with the usual
uplifting support always available there, the
place was buzzing with hard working
volunteers lifting and sorting through boxes
and bags, dropped off to the centre by
cohorts for another fund raising coffee and
cake sell. With the raffles, tombola’s,
pasties, books , toys and bric-a-brac stalls
all being set up and arranged to give off
another happy momentous day.
As I felt a little unworthy being on crutches
just sitting sipping my coffee; I decided to
take some pictures for the monthly MS
magazine to highlight the hard work that
goes on in the background preparing for
the enjoyable eventful day’s that give us
financial resources to keep such centres
open for us the disabled and others
needing aid, as it’s quite often forgotten
how gruelling these events can be to
organise for us.
As you can see from the
pictures, Jasmine York
who is the fundraising
manager for the centre
is assisting Elaine
Davies the organiser
along with, Barbara
Allerton and Pam Reed,
besides other eager
centre volunteers.
I know everywhere is
struggling with lack of
finances none more
than the disabled and
elderly and these
occasions are needed to keep us all afloat
otherwise centres could close down.
So, without these wonderful people who
gave us their time, energy and passions
helping us to improve our quality of life and
to maintain our independence, they enrich
our lives and I want others to see their
endeavours.
Just as the MS magazine gives hope, much
needed benefit information at this time and
to keep us connected so we never feel
alone and I for one am grateful for all the
participation I have received in helping me
to maintain my individuality and self
determination.
These cakes were
made by Sydne`e
Teversham at her
school.
Susan Creese
8
Hi gang... this is a rather sorry little
story...
Went out yesterday for the first time since
Good Friday... and I had that sort of high...
a combo of feeling better than I have in
weeks AND being back in the outside
world...
So I was in Wilkinson's... looking at 100%
cotton bedding (MS nurse recommended I
go for all cotton as I get so hot at night)
and high as a bloody kite (my only excuse) I
bought a BRIGHT RED duvet cover and
matching pillow cases.
After sleeping (trying to sleep) in bright red
bedding for one night I realise now that I
HATE it!!!
I like my bedroom in soft, restful, cosy
colours and the bright red looked ghastly!!!
Luckily the whole set was only £15 as
I'm going to have to re-home it.
I also realised, once I had come back to
Planet Earth, that it looked like my
grandson's bedroom which is all done out
in Arsenal colours!
Oh dear... I was a bit upset about it this
morning but luckily common sense has
kicked in and I'm now able to see the funny
side...
Enjoy your Sunday everyone,
Mad Pat xxx
This post was on the MS website forum, if
you have internet why not join in the
conversation?
Evolution - Somewhere, something went terribly wrong
IIII said to the wife, Guess what I heard in the
pub? They reckon the milkman has made
love to every woman in this road except
one. And she said, I'll bet it's that stuck up
Phyllis at number 23. IIII went into a French restaurant and asked
the waiter, 'Have you got frog's legs?' He
said, 'Yes,' so I said, 'Well hop into the
kitchen and get me a cheese sandwich.' AAAA cement mixer collided with a prison van
on the Kingston Pass. Motorists are asked
to be on the lookout for 16 hardened
criminals.
Jaspers Jokes
9
May quizMay quizMay quizMay quiz April Quiz answersApril Quiz answersApril Quiz answersApril Quiz answers
Target
£2,000.00
Actual
to date £849
Money Boxes
Happy birthday to:
2nd Mark Osborne
3rd Rachel Sobey
9th Vicky Richards
17th Gail Aldridge
19th Susan Bence
20th Emily Burgoyne
27th Tina Cameron
29th Rita Last
84
9
What’s this mystery object?
1 Shelter of Your Eyes
2 You're My Best Friend
3 Some Broken Hearts
4 That's The Thing About Love
5 I Believe In You
6 I'm Just A Country Boy
7 Amanda
8 Tulsa Time
Work out the answers from the clue given.
The number in the bracket indicates how
many letters in the answer
1 Not dangerous to health (6)
2 Deluge (5)
3 Gold purity measure (5)
4 Brought into existence (4)
5 Common name for the English hawthorn
(3)
6 Folds over and sews together (4)
7 Mist (4)
8 Gasps for breath (5)
9 Roald ----, author (4)
10 Woollen cap of Scottish origin
Bingo numbers called in: Bingo numbers called in: Bingo numbers called in: Bingo numbers called in:
January January January January 10, 26, 43, & 61
FebruaryFebruaryFebruaryFebruary 52, 90, 76, & 85
March March March March 5, 30, 46 & 67
AprilAprilAprilApril 13, 49, 23, & 73
May May May May 79, 45, 16, & 28
JuneJuneJuneJune 65, 18, 41, & 87
July July July July 57, 3, 8, & 69
August August August August 83, 59, 71, & 20
SeptemberSeptemberSeptemberSeptember 38, 63, 75, &1
OctoberOctoberOctoberOctober 33, 77, 55, & 89
NovemberNovemberNovemberNovember 51, 86, 48, & 35
DecemberDecemberDecemberDecember 11, 32, 53, & 68
January 13 January 13 January 13 January 13 81, 31, 15, & 25
February 13 February 13 February 13 February 13 40, 22, 78, & 36
March 13 March 13 March 13 March 13 44, 56, 21, & 6
April 13 April 13 April 13 April 13 80, 39, 50, & 74
May 13 May 13 May 13 May 13 42, 84, 24, & 37
June
July
August
September
Thought of the Month
Does it really matter who’s first? As long as
we all get there
Did you spot the 20 differences?
Poetry CornerPoetry CornerPoetry CornerPoetry Corner
Can you spot the 10 differences 10
Spot the puppy
April mystery object
LifeLifeLifeLife is short, laugh when you can, learn
from mistakes, apologise when you should
and let go of what you can't change.
11
Let's face it - English is a crazy language.
There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in
hamburger; neither apple nor pine in
pineapple. English muffins weren't invented
in England or French fries in France.
Sweetmeats are candies while sweet
breads, which aren't sweet, are meat.
We take English for granted. But if we
explore its paradoxes, we find that
quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings
are square and a guinea pig is neither from
Guinea nor is it a pig.
And why is it that writers write but fingers
don't fing, grocers don't groce and
hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is
teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth?
One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2
meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it
seem crazy that you can make amends but
not one amend? If you have a bunch of
odds and ends and get rid of all but one of
them, what do you call it?
If teachers taught, why didn't preachers
praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables,
what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes
I think all the English speakers should be
committed to an asylum for the verbally
insane. In what language do people recite
at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck
and send cargo by ship? Have noses that
run and feet that smell?
How can a slim chance and a fat chance
be the same, while a wise man and a wise
guy are opposites? You have to marvel at
the unique lunacy of a language in which
your house can burn up as it burns down,
in which you fill in a form by filling it out and
in which, an alarm goes off by going on.
English was invented by people, not
computers, and it reflects the creativity of
the human race, which, of course, is not a
race at all. That is why, when the stars are
out, they are visible, but when the lights are
out, they are invisible.
ENGLISH AS IT IS SPOKEN Part two..... PS. - Why doesn't 'Buick' rhyme with
'quick'? You lovers of the English language
might enjoy this.
There is a two-letter word that perhaps has
more meanings than any other two-letter
word, and that is 'UP.' It's easy to
understand UP, meaning toward the sky or
at the top of the list, but when we awaken
in the morning, why do we wake UP?
At a meeting, why does a topic come UP?
Why do we speak UP and why are the
officers UP for election and why is it UP to
the secretary to write UP a report?
We call UP our friends, and we use it to
brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver;
we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the
kitchen.
We lock UP the house and some guys fix
UP the old car.
At other times the little word has real
special meaning.
People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets,
work UP an appetite, and think UP
excuses.
To be dressed is one thing, but to be
dressed UP is special. A drain must be
opened UP because it is stopped UP.
We open UP a store in the morning but we
close it UP at night.
We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP!
To be knowledgeable about the proper
uses of UP, look the word UP in the
dictionary.
In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP
almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP
to about thirty definitions.
If you are UP to it, you might try building UP
a list of the many ways UP is used.
It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you
don't give UP, you may wind UP with a
hundred or more. When it threatens to rain,
we say it is clouding UP.
When the sun comes out we say it is
clearing UP.
When it rains, it wets the earth and often
messes things UP. When it doesn't rain for
awhile, things dry UP.
12
One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP,
for now my time is UP, so.......it is time to
shut UP!
Oh my goodness, words
will never be the same
again, my ears are twitching
and my tea is cold, I will
have to lie down. why can’t
we communicate in simple
wabbit or is it rabbit?
Jasper views:Jasper views:Jasper views:Jasper views:
Computer Awareness Day
As usual the computer awareness day was
a success with everyone enjoying the
company and sharing technical knowledge.
The driving simulator was a great attraction
although there were a few crashes.
Peter Crew and Carol Bachelor looking at
the internet genealogy
The technical discussion was well
underway with many problems solved.
Not everyone understands
computers, Tipp-Ex has
always worked wonders
13
The first meeting of the executive
committee will be on the 29th May at the
Merlin Centre. Issues discussed during the
day for the attention of executive
committee as follows:
Merlin Centre:
After much discussion and debate it was
decided that branches will take a more
positive attitude toward the Merlin Centre
and find ways to work with them to
enhance our awareness and joint fund
raising.
The executive committee will discuss
options and Malcolm Glister was
designated the liaise between the
committee and the Merlin Centre.
Branch awareness material:
To consider what county awareness
material will be beneficial.
Consistency of services provided:
To look at each branches services to
establish an equal level of provision across
Cornwall, this would be relative to the
available branch funds.
Information bank:
To establish a county information bank,
consisting of branch members with skills
that can be called upon by any branch. This list is non-exhaustive and other devel-
opments will rise from the formation of the
executive committee through the counties
branches.
Cornwall’s MS branches working together
The four Cornwall MS branch committees
met on the 20th April to discuss how we
can help each other and move forward to
ensure a secure future for our members. What a fantastic and constructive day we
had! Our day started at 11.00 am with an
entertaining and informative presentation
from Mike George on the benefits of the
personal assistant scheme. The following meeting was an open
meeting with no agenda, giving committees
the opportunity to have their say and
collectively decide on the way forward.
The following are the outcomes and
decisions made during our meeting. Many of the issues needed to be taken
further and developed; to this end a county
executive committee was formed from two
members of each branch. Chris Sargent
(South Cornwall branch secretary) will
attend their meetings to take the minutes. Executive Committee members
West Cornwall – Derek Berryman and
Richard Stevens.
Mid Cornwall – Brian Southgate and
Christine Heaman
North Cornwall – David Cross and
Ann Cross
South Cornwall – Malcolm Glister and
Malcolm Thorne.
Chiropodist vouchers
We have a chiropodist who is willing to take
our vouchers so give him a call:
Stephen C Bloor DPodM, MChS, HPC Reg
RunRight StepFree Clinic
The Angel Centre
Tyacke Road
Helston TR13 8RR
Tel: 01326 565565
IMPORTANT NOTICE
South Cornwall Vouchers
Jackie Thorne will be away for a few weeks
so as from 1st March 2013 please make all
voucher requests to Chris Sargent
01209 315386
Derek Berryman is to arrange a meeting
with Malcolm Glister to take the
negotiations further. North Cornwall and Mid Cornwall were
asked to consider the option of working
closely together. CAB:
South Cornwall are currently financing the
County CAB initiative and it was muted that
other branches could help with finances to
fund the project.
Malcolm Glister is to obtain a referral list to
identify areas from which the requests are
received.
Once the information is received a decision
can be made by the executive committee.
These are exciting developments in
Cornwall and it is clear that we are all after
the same thing, giving the best service to
people affected by MS.
Each branch has something to offer and I
feel sure that the Cornwall branches can
work well together.
I thank all those who made it such a
productive day.
Other issues discussed County website:
It was agreed that a county website would
be an advantage with links to each branch;
this would have the following benefits:
• A one stop shop for people who wish
to make contact
• Better communication between
branches
• Ability to have a county online
magazine.
• No need for the multi red flag
syndrome Computers for members:
Supply recycled computers and computer
training to enable members throughout the
county to get online and get the benefit
from the county website, including the
county magazine. Please contact Mike
George 01872 862031 County grants:
South Cornwall branch grants officer is to
look into the possible grant applications
available. By using county membership
there is a greater chance of obtaining
grants through volume of members, any
grants obtained would be split four ways. Young people’s group:
Discussion took place on the difficulty of
attracting young people to our branches.
Malcolm Glister is to speak to Julie
Collingbourne about the formation of a
county young peoples group for the ages of
20 to 30 years old. These groups would be
sub groups of the branches,
communicating and interacting with the
main branch on some events such as fund
raising but with the autonomy to do run
their own groups. Amalgamation of branches:
West Cornwall and South Cornwall are to
discuss the possibility of amalgamation;
both branches are in favour, West Cornwall
could become a sub group of South
Cornwall. 14
MeganMeganMeganMegan
A mother likes a clotheshorse,
A farmer likes a carthorse,
A better likes a racehorse,
A child likes a hobbyhorse.
Britain has a rainstorm,
Egypt has a sandstorm,
Iceland has a snowstorm,
while the U.S has a hailstorm.
A large man likes a main course,
A rich man likes a golf course,
A busy man likes a crash course,
And nobody likes to be off course.
A coach gives a pep talk,
A con-man can give sweet talk,
A stranger gives small talk,
And a baby, well just baby talk.
A pilot can be airborne,
A diver can be seaborne,
A swimmer can be waterborne
And an Irishman can be a leprechaun.
Some like a bluebird,
Some like a blackbird.
Some like song bird,
while no one likes the early bird.
Some people like walnuts,
Some people like coconuts,
Some people like walnuts,
But I prefer some doughnuts.
You could have a speedboat ,
You could have a sailboat,
You could have a motorboat,
While we all read the lifeboat.
15
24
16 16
Get Together on the 29th June,
its free!!
The next get together will be on the 29th June at the
Carnon Inn, Carnon Downs from 11am to 2pm and all
are welcome.
With lots going on, good food and company it looks
like being a great time.
Come and have your photo taken, you
can take the picture away with you and
its free, at last those family photos!!
Nikki will be running one of her quizzes and there are
great prizes to be won and lots of fun winning them.
Great food, and that’s
free too!!
Photography competition
Makeover sessions
Karen Richards from Body Shop will be
there giving free makeovers to those who
would like them.
If you would like a makeover please:
1. Come with no make up or be prepare
to have your makeup removed
2. Let us know that you are coming and
would like a makeover so that Karen
can bring sufficient materials
Come and have your makeover and then
have your photo taken,
Its all free!!
Bring in your photos and enter our “best
photo” competition. Any photos you have
taken can be entered, no more that two
pictures per person. You can enter on the
day
This get together is just too good to
miss so get your place booked now
and tell us if you want a
makeover.
Call Chris:
01209 315386
17
If my pen was a paintbrush and an artist was I,
Could I begin to portray from the earth to the sky,
The land that I’m seeing, beholding with awe -
If I blink, will I miss all the wonders I saw?
The morning - each morning, the symphony plays,
As birds in their hundreds, their thousands of ways,
Are singing their magic, all throbbing with sound,
When I open my eyes- there’s just me around.
For whilst there is music, the silence reigns strong,
On vast empty beaches with driftwood along.
Trees from a time when the land was plucked bare,
Man used greed and his hands to stay alive there.
I’m aware of some history, but not all, it’s true.
Just a part of the picture I’m painting for you.
The wrongs have been righted (or so I’ve been told)
So the land may retain some traditions of old.
But today a new century and I’m passing through.
If only my ‘paintbrush’ could paint it for you.
The crystal blue waters, with rapids for glee
and sipping your wine with great food, lazily.
The slow pace of life makes you think, makes you stare.
Be frightened to miss what I tell you is there…
From deer running wild, unfettered and free,
to brilliant fishes at home in its sea.
Majestic mountains at every view turn,
En route to Franz Joseph - its cascading fern.
So skilled were the men, who cut through with their hands,
And courageous are they who let us on these lands
For tourists mean future. How long can it last,
Alone on the beach, as a sole yacht sails past?
Hotels and cafés, and ‘Backpacker’s’ stuff,
In quantity needed - there’s never enough.
So come when you’re able, whilst there is still time,
To appreciate beauty and rest is no crime.
It can’t last forever, ‘though I hope that I’m wrong,
For nothing replaces the final bird’s song.
Wendy Hughes
2008
I hope others may enjoy some
snapshots of the Hughes'
when we visited New Zealand,
this year - as you see, having
been persuaded to try the
green-lipped mussels, yuk, not
impressed!
PAINTED WORDS OF THE SOUTH
NEW ZEALAND
Thanks Wendy, we can see
your dislike of green lipped
mussels, that could be one for
the front cover.
Wendy Hughes
Be sure you stretch before
lifting
Jaspers tip of the
month
Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon
TrekTrekTrekTrek---- 10101010thththth----17171717thththth May 2014 Trek.May 2014 Trek.May 2014 Trek.May 2014 Trek. Are you
ready to experience the breath taking
beauty of the Grand Canyon whilst raising
money for the Merlin Ms Centre? With a
year to fundraising you have plenty of time
to join us for this trek of a lifetime. Contact
the centre for more information 01726
885530.
Merlin MS Centre are looking for willing and
friendly volunteers to help with their
supermarket collection days throughout the
year and throughout the county. If you think
you can spare an hour or two to help then
please get in touch with the centre on
01726 885530.
Ellie May,
Communications and Corporate
Events Manager
Tel: 01726 885530
Read-A-Thon news
37
Events taking place at Merlin MS Centre
Schools completed:Schools completed:Schools completed:Schools completed:
Cape Cornwall, St Just
Darite CP School, Liskeard
Lanivery School, Bodmin
Kehelland school, Camborne
Gulval school, Penzance St Mary’s C of E Primary
Devoran School, I will soon be publishing money
raised, I am waiting for returns to
come in on this round of Read-A-Thon
schools
18
Jackie Thorne will be away for a few weeks
so as from 1st March 2013 please make all
voucher requests to Chris Sargent
01209 315386
2 Dunlop 32” trolley
suitcases. 110 Litres
Capacity, expandable.
Black, used once. RRP £59.99 bargain at £30.00 the pair.
Contact Malcolm Thorne 01209 717237 Don’t miss this bargain!!
Some of the children at St Mary’s C of E
school after receiving their Read-A-Thon
certificates.
I’ve booked
my
makeover
have you?
JasperJasperJasperJasper
Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Mike George
Telephone: 01872 862031
email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Malcolm Thorne
Telephone: 01209 717237
email: [email protected]
Address Coomar, 3 Chenoweth Close, Camborne
Cornwall TR14 7JR
Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Jackie Thorne
Telephone: 01209 717237
email: [email protected]
Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Christine Sargent
Telephone: 01209 315386
email: [email protected]
M S Support : M S Support : M S Support : M S Support :
Telephone: 01872 274911
Carer’s Officer: Carer’s Officer: Carer’s Officer: Carer’s Officer: Neville Reed
Telephone: 01637 875823
email: [email protected]
Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor:
Malcolm Glister
Telephone: 01209 860754
email: [email protected]
Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Mike May
Telephone: 01872 272 957
email: [email protected]
Membership: Membership: Membership: Membership: Betty Alderton
Telephone: 01872 270901
email: [email protected]
Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Moe Fisher
email: [email protected]
Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Nikki Jenkin
Telephone: 01736 787089
email: [email protected]
Events CoEvents CoEvents CoEvents Co----ordinator ordinator ordinator ordinator Carol Batchelor
Telephone: 01326 373464
email: [email protected]
Fund Raising Manager Fund Raising Manager Fund Raising Manager Fund Raising Manager Vacant
Branch contact details:Branch contact details:Branch contact details:Branch contact details:
Llawnroc, Mount Carbis Road,
Redruth, Cornwall,
TR15 2LD
Tel: 01872 274911
www.mssociety.org.uk/southcornwall Satellite eventsSatellite eventsSatellite eventsSatellite events
1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month:
Trelowarren Arms, Budock Water,
Falmouth, between 11.00am and
2.00pm approx. Coffee and/or lunch.
Open to all. Last Tuesday of each month: Last Tuesday of each month: Last Tuesday of each month: Last Tuesday of each month:
Helston & Lizard Group meeting:
Wheal Dream Restaurant, Helston
from 11.00am to approx 2.00pm.
Lunch at discounted rate. Every Thursday: Every Thursday: Every Thursday: Every Thursday:
Yoga at the Well Being Centre,
Nance Lane, Churchtown,
Illogan. 11.00am to 12.15pm. with
Carolyn Smith by appointment only. Every third Thursday of each monthEvery third Thursday of each monthEvery third Thursday of each monthEvery third Thursday of each month
Carers meeting at Mike George’s Useful contacts:Useful contacts:Useful contacts:Useful contacts:
MS National Centre: 02084 380 700
MS Helpline: 0808 800 8000
Care Direct: 0800 444 000
NHS Direct: 0845 4647
Editors Contact detailsEditors Contact detailsEditors Contact detailsEditors Contact details:
To send in articles or comments.
Malcolm Glister
Whispering Winds, Crellow Hill,
Stithians, Nr Truro,
Cornwall, TR3 7AQ
South Cornwall Branch Information
Need help or advice, call our
support number 01872 274911
All views expressed in this publication are individual and not necessarily the view or policy of the charity and its supporters.
Multiple Sclerosis Society Registered charity nos. 1139257 / SC041990
Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571