GROUP NEWS (latest news at the top)
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DECEMBER 2007
Our Xmas party was a huge success with members supplying all the food and drink. There were a number of raffle prizes donated and special thanks go to Mike and Sandra, mine hosts at the Cotton Tree Inn, Failsworth and Tony and Joyce also of Failsworth.
NOVEMBER 2007
Xmas Party
It was unanimously agreed by the members present that we will have our Xmas Party in the Board Room of the Cariocca Business Park. Members
offered to bring a range of food and drinks. All
members past and present will be most welcome to come along.
News on Venue
Before the meeting Eric and Joan had been to look at a new venue. It is just 5
minutes away from our present venue but is a lot bigger. The hire price is the
same but the venue will put on hot water, tea, milk, and coffee for us free of
charge. The venue is the SPORTING EDGE centre off Fairfield Road, (opposite Edge Lane), Openshaw, Manchester. The building is new and has only been open since June of this year, at the moment the centre is not used by
the public in the daytime so gives us ample space for parking. It is fully disabled friendly and having discussed it with those present at the meeting it
was agreed we would move there in February 2008.
(After the meeting Beryl and Carol also went to look at the venue and was also
pleased to recommend it).
Any Other Business
With there being no AOB, new member Mike Ray was asked if he was willing
to give us a potted history of his life as a polio survivor, which was received
with interest and led to more lively discussion within the group.
OCTOBER 2007
New member, Mike Ray, commented that he had been dismayed at the small amount of information available re PPS by the Fellowship when researching into the subject on the web. Another member showed the leaflet issued by them which was felt to be inadequate particularly as there is no referral addresses or websites shown.
The Manchester Outreach prompted by Guido and organised by Carole Neale, for Tuesday 2nd October and Thursday 4th October at the Manchester’s Central Library, had to be cancelled due to Carol unfortunately hurting herself in an accident. The library has been rebooked for 23rd and 25th October times are as previous 10.00 am to 20.00 hrs. A comprehensive leaflet had been printed by Eric.
SEPTEMBER 2007
Ross Percival of Manchester Disability Benefits, gave an interesting and informative insight into the assessment method and interpretation used by benefit officials concerning request forms. He stressed that any descriptions requested of difficulties should reflect the smallest detail of mobility problems, such as the effort needed to get off a bed in the morning or the assistance needed get up from a chair during the day and cooking, etc. (These difficulties referred to everyone even if living alone with no help.).
He strongly advised that the department be rung so that the correct wording and procedure is followed when completing forms – in some cases an official may visit a person at home to offer assistance if there is a difficulty but in many cases forms could be completed ‘over the ‘phone’. Phone 0800 882200 for their help and advice service.
AUGUST 2007
With no speaker this month the Group discussed various topics including the need for a bigger meeting room. Guido enquired as to what progress had been made re a new venue and whether Saiqa Farook the EPP Manager had made any suggestions. Secretary will e-mail her and Brian Nickson to also pursue the matter. Suggestion made to investigate other groups, say that for MS, and see what premises they use.
Those present who attended the Knowsley trip announced that it was a success and most enjoyable. Particular mention made of the courtesy shown by the Knowsley staff to whom a thank you card has been sent.
JULY 2007
This month we shook off the shackles of the meeting room and headed west to Knowsley Safari Park. First off was a drive round the park viewing the animals, we had an extended period watching the Baboons jumping on and off the vehicles silly enough to drive through them. Afterwards there was time to see the performing seals and spend in the souvenir shop, before having an excellent meal in the restaurant.
(I forgot my camera, so can members who took photo's let me have them)
JUNE 2007
It was with regret the meeting learnt that Jean & Ernie Guild are moving from the Greater Manchester area and will not be attending future meetings (after July). We extend our good wishes to both of them for the future and offer our grateful thanks to Ernie for his advice and accounting administrations in the past.
Saiqa Farooq, Expert Patients Manager, of Manchester Primary Care Trust.
Saiqa gave a most interesting insight into the self-help program and the many successes it had achieved in helping people with long term disabilities and illnesses to approach their condition with self knowledge and optimism. Packs containing information about joining future self help programs were distributed.
Testament was given by several members as to the benefit they had gained from attending such groups. Brian Nickson, a newly qualified advisor, stated that he had also received much guidance and insight into his own condition from members of the courses.
MAY 2007
Beverley Hopcutt, NHS Clinical Adviser and Therapy Service Manager for Central Manchester, gave a most interesting insight into the present and future plans for local National Health with specialities relating to rights and needs of those with neurological damage - a lively debate ensued. Her advice and encouragement to ‘put into writing’ concerns regarding services was noted by all along with her invitation to attend a NHS Forum in the future.
APRIL 2007
An updated breakdown of finances was given. The 12 month accounting records up to December 2006, that had previously been passed for auditing by the Treasurer, to Ernie Guild (Accountant), had been returned and declared up-to-date and correct.
A vote of thanks was expressed by the group to Bryan Edwards for his presentation of a beautifully engraved wooden case containing a hammer and gavel made especially by him for use at our meetings.
Joe Middleton provided interesting footage on Polio from a television program recorded by him some years ago.
MARCH 2007
webmaster
Website going well - a number of members were very pleased with the new pictures shown on the website – well done Eric.
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.
The Newsletter is under construction and we require articles/observations/poems for inclusion – all contributions welcome.
FEBRUARY 2007
The chairman gave an account of the BPF North West Forum he attended with Bill Whiston that was held in November at Blackpool. A lively discussion then ensued within the Group in line with what was reported at the Forum i.e:
- North West representation issues.
- Feelings expressed of north-west group isolation from Head Office.
- Recruitment of co-ordinators – discussion ensued re salaries and job roles.
- Raising future BPF profile – meeting felt action needed for the present rather than future in view of members becoming older and the eradication of Polio in the present and future generations. Curiosity expressed by group as to what investment had been made with the considerable funds raised from the sale of the Lantern.
- The need for a Central England to North West based Welfare Officer was discussed at length. The overall opinion expressed that due to the ageing of members either carefully monitored volunteer welfare visitors or salaried should be considered along the lines BPF provided in previous years. Police security checks and confidentiality issues felt to be very important.
JANUARY 2007
No January meeting due to the festive holiday season.
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Copyright © 2006-2008 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!”