19/10 :  Harlow Dogs October 2009

   Saturday 17th October and another trip to Harlow Dog Track. This is one of my favourite outings with the group. A basket meal as well as a drink and tote bets are included in the admission price. Some people win money but others lose and an enjoyable evening is compensation.
I believe one of our more affluent winners took a photo of his winnings.
This year large screens have been set up so the races can be viewed without leaving tables to see out of the windows. This is ideal for people in wheelchairs who have always been disadvantaged for viewing the races. All in all, it was a good night out. Thanks to those who organised it and can we go again soon please.

Joyce Barker

22/08 :  Harry Ramsden`s 2009

   Many thanks to Marcia for organising yet another successful outing.
We had a turnout of 36 people on Tuesday 17th August at Harry Ramsden`s Lakeside West Thurrock.
Everybody commented on how good the food was and what a exceptional service recieved from Harry Ramsden`s Staff.
They were most accomodating.
We raised £55.00 from a raffle on the night.
Thank you to all who attended that made the evening a great success .
This will be worth doing again.

13/07 :  Brighton Races

   A great day was enjoyed by all at Brighton Races check out the picture gallery for pictures of the day.

04/05 :  Harlow Dogs

   It was a cold wet night when we ventured out to try our luck at the dogs.

02/05 :  Progression Centre

   Unfortunately the meetings run at the centre to promote the branch were poorly attended. We are trying to get some activity in this area of the branch so that members do not have to travel too far. It is hoped to try again later in the year, in case the weather and the dark evenings were the reason for not attending.

02/05 :  Kinesis

   Several members showed interest in this new activity, but only a few have regularly attended. Those who have made the effort have all said they have received benefit from these exercises. Aches and pains have been eased, just from gentle exercise. Most, if not all levels of fitness can be covered, and you can stop if you feel it is too strenuous for you. The instructor can adapt and advise if you find certain routines are too taxing. Many feel they are not able, or that it would not help them, but a lot of people, including the health professionals feel

'Use it or lose it'

02/05 :  Donation

   I was recently a guest at a presentation ceremony for winners of competitions of Drums Bowls Club competitions. They presented me with a laptop computer, primarily for use at the Day Centre. We are currently arranging use of the Internet network at the Beehive, so that those at the day centre without a computer can keep up to date with events from MS and other websites.
Also Joyce has DVD's of crafts which may be used at the centre to show others what crafts can be carried out by the members. Another use being considered are DVD's of popular films which can be watched.
We were provided with a very good lunch of our choice. To conclude I would like to think we were able to help a young lady whose father had M.S. If so, all the time we spent there was worth while.

02/05 :  Harlow Dogs

   Yet another of our great nights out at the dogs. From comments it would appear it was a lucky evening for most with several reported gains. A full minibus with Jimmy driving had an eventful journey, inasmuch that we were looking for a wheelchair cushion on seats, on the floor, in the storage racks, everywhere that is but behind someone's back! We couldn't have an evening out without some sort of hilarious incident.

The night's humour, not deliberately, was provided by a female member of the group, who was finally located in the 'Ladies' calling out 'Somebody help me. I'm locked in'. On her release there was great relief, and laughter.

02/05 :  AGM

   A good turn out with there being almost 30 members plus a couple of children. Paul Weaver, the Regional Chair was there at Rob's request as it was felt he may be able to answer question regarding the shortage of Officers. The meeting started at 7:10pm and progressed swiftly through the minutes of last years AGM, and there were no matters arising.

Rob read through a prepared Annual Report. The report was a digest of the things the branch had been involved with throughout the year, a copy of which can be obtained by emailing your request to support@rlaing.freeserve.co.uk

The elections then followed. There were no candidates for Chair or Secretary. Lynette was elected unanimously as Treasurer, and Darren as MS Support Officer. Nobody was elected as Voting Delegate as there was no Chair elected. Joyce and Rob were elected as ordinary committee members.

Hunt Smee & Co. were re-elected as Branch Auditors.

At the 'Any Questions' item, the lack of Chair and Secretary nominations were discussed. Margaret had been with the branch 10 years and had always been on the committee, Rob had been Chair for the last four years and felt someone fresh should take on the lead. Paul Weaver told us that there were actually branches in more difficulties than us. Unfortunately the shrinking of committee's was a widespread situation, and ways to encourage new people to join in and help were needed. He said the region was there to provide back-up to branches and that there were new positions being made for this actual task.

A Vote of Thanks was raised by Joyce.

Frank, Jimmy and Terry then went to the local 'chippie' for our suppers.

Following the AGM meeting there were several discussions about the future of the branch, but nobody wanted to apply for a position. Comments were made that help given would be appreciated, without the helper having to join the committee.

02/05 :  Disability Awareness Day

   April 25th. was Disability Awareness Day at Thurrock Technical College. Lynette, Rob and Joyce represented the Branch and had a table to publicise our activities and events.
As the day is mainly for student’s education on, attitudes to, and awareness of, disability there is not a very busy period during the day.
Our position was in the corridor leading to the dining room so we had ‘passing' observers, all the time we were there.
We were provided with a very good lunch of our choice. To conclude I would like to think we were able to help a young lady whose father had M.S. If so, all the time we spent there was worth while.