the south cornwall branch ms society may magazine 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



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.



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




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




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


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


Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Christine Sargent

Telephone: 01209 315386


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


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


Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Mike May

Telephone: 01872 272 957


Membership: Membership: Membership: Membership: Betty Alderton

Telephone: 01872 270901


Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Moe Fisher


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


Events CoEvents CoEvents CoEvents Co----ordinator ordinator ordinator ordinator Carol Batchelor

Telephone: 01326 373464


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

the south cornwall branch ms society may magazine 2013

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