GROUP NEWS (latest news at the top)
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DECEMBER 2006
We decided to forgo the regular meeting and instead have a Christmas dinner at The Hanging Gate, Chapel-en-le-Frith.
Departing the Coach by way of a lift
Ready for the food
Some of the 2523 baubles hanging from the ceiling.
NOVEMBER 2006
Group founder, Brian Nickson advised us that he is now qualified as a self-help adviser, and was looking for volunteers for his workshop. Brian will keep us informed over dates and venues at future meetings and anyone interested to contact him.
Chris Smith informed the meeting of the changes to Motability operations, i.e. no charge for hand control conversions since October, of which most of the members were not aware.
OCTOBER 2006
BPF Annual General Meeting
Stephen (Chairman) reported on the AGM he attended in September. He was surprised and disappointed by the unprofessional treatment of various issues. It also appeared that questions posed by members, sometime prior to the meeting, had not been researched and, therefore went unanswered. He noted there was no representation for the BPF Trustees on the committee; neither for that of Scotland/Wales/NW England. Those representatives that were present all appeared to be based in south east of England.
Stephen also felt that the chosen venue for the AGM was limited in size and inappropriate.
A discussion took place within our meeting and everyone was of the opinion a change has to take place to increase area representation. If the Fellowship is to be of benefit to all of its members an overhaul of the whole welfare and distribution of funds and structure is needed. Surprise and dismay was expressed by most at the appointment of a ‘holiday rep’ by the BPF - feelings were as to whether this was to compensate for the loss of the Lantern and alternative fellowship holiday venues.
Speaker
A presentation on telephones and various helpful options for people with impaired hearing and dexterity problems was given by Mike Docker from BT. The demonstration was in depth and much useful information was gained concerning BT services.
SEPTEMBER 2006
An informal presentation by Dr Mohr was given on Thursday 7th September 2006
at the BASIC Centre, in Salford
The presentation by Dr Mohr, a recognised expert in the field of Polio and Post Polio Syndrome, consisted of archival video footage and gave an interesting insight into the history and treatment of the disease.
AUGUST 2006
On the recommendation of member Sue Garraway earlier in the year, a generous donation from a relatives ladies Darts Team has been received to be used against the group’s social activities.
A cheque of £2900 was presented to the group by Peter Barnes ex England footballer
JULY 2006 Trip to Fleetwood
The trip to Fleetwood was a great success and was enjoyed by all who went below are a few photo's of the day.
Members enjoy fish and chips at the Ferry Cafe
Out and about on the hired scooters (this is what happens when you play dodgems on them)
JUNE 2006
Website
Some members were having trouble finding the website. The website is www.manchesterpoliogroup.org and should be typed in full and typed in on the address line at the top of the browser and NOT in a search engine. A search engine will not reveal the Manchester Group standing alone.
Newsletter
This is under construction and Eric Cook requires articles/observations/poems for inclusion in the Newsletter – all contributions welcome.
Carol Neale has completed her project on BPF membership catchments areas. This has revealed a quantity of central office members in and around Greater Manchester who will be included in the distribution of the newsletter. Hope was expressed that this may encourage new members for our group.
MAY 2006
Some members at the May meeting
Dr Mohr
Hilda reported that Dr Mohr was willing to show his archival videos on polio and supplied dates of his availability. From the choice of dates given the afternoon of Thursday 7th September was considered to be most appropriate by all concerned. Hilda will advise Dr Mohr and book the BASIC conference room at Eccles.
Chairman
We understand because of the excessive demands on his time by the course he is taking, Brian Nickson, feels he needs to leave the Chairmanship to others. We appreciate his intentions, wish him well and look forward to seeing him as and when he can attend.
Stephen Ryan was nominated as the new Chairman and the proposition was unanimously agreed. We are sure Stephen will contribute greatly to the Group and wish him every success in his role.
Beryl Boon was nominated as Vice Chair and we are sure she will contribute some lively debate to our proceedings.
Image of some members at the May meeting
Dovestones Prize
Hilda has contacted the management of Dovestones on behalf of the group offering a contribution for the use of their Conference facilities last year. She suggested a piece of equipment be purchased that will be of benefit to the students who are disabled. A donation of £100 was agreed and sent.
A letter of thanks for our donation of £100 has been received.
Newsletter
Carole Neale has contacted Eric to explain that the BPF head office can copy and distribute the newsletter for us. Also from her analysis of relevant catchment areas she states there are 250 members possibly appropriate to the Greater Manchester Group. Carole will also co-ordinate the distribution of the newsletter in due course.
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The original Manchester Branch of the British Polio Fellowship was formed in the 1950's and it's patron was Sir Harry Platt, surgeon at Ancoats Hospital. Member Joe Middleton recalls that in the chair was a Mr Black who lived at the YWCA (yes you read it right), near the Free Tade Hall. Sadly the Manchester branch closed down some seven years ago due to lack of members, and at that time Joe had been branch leader for thirteen years.
Joe was born in Hyde in 1918 and will be 88 this April, he recently upgraded his wheelchair but he made sure he got a 10 year guarantee with it.
He was 20 months old when he got the polio virus and he has been a lifelong member of the Fellowship. His jobs have included boot and shoe repairer, needle maker in a woollen mill, firewood hawking with a donkey and cart and towel weaving at Ashton Brothers in Hyde.
Visiting us at the March meeting was Carol Neale - Polio Networks Co-ordinator.
Carol gave an interesting and useful insight into her work. In her role as co-ordinator she is looking at many issues concerning that of travel, etc., the possibility of setting up a contact/buddy system via telephone links thus lessening isolation of some members and also chatting on the computer.
Member Joan with daughter Emma at a car boot sale to raise funds.
Chairman Guido presents Dorothy Nattrass with a card and gift on her retirement from the Fellowship.
Member Sue presents the group with a cheque following her sponsored swim.
Copyright © 2006-2007 British Polio Fellowship Greater Manchester Group
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!”