Local

Local Branch Contact Details: President / Chair Janet McMillan 01509 880 577 Vice Chair Ruth Johnson 0116 247 8279 Branch Contact Isobel Jenkins * 01455 283 005 Secretary Jenny Holmes-Shuttlewood * 0116 251 5496 Treasurer Angela Parkin 0116 267 5030 Publicity Officer Lee Parkin 07930 490 934 Trust Officer Paul Wilcock * 0116 267 7970 Mail Administrator John Denoon 0116 267 4040 Committee Member John Shuttlewood 0116 251 5496 Committee Member John Mattock 0116 247 8409 Committee Member Benny Rossi Association Visitor Ann Kirkpatrick Association Visitor Alison Smith Association Visitor Helen Bennett 01455 209 405 Association Visitor Angela Saunders 01572 755 469 Association Visitor Ann Brennan 0116 259 3945 Association Visitor Mohamed Sayed * Association Visitor

Other Useful Contact Details: Regional Care Development Advisor – Rachel Boothman 0845 375 1830 Email: rachel.boothman@mndassociation.org MND Association Helpline – charged at local rate 08457 626 262 Open 9.00am – 5.00pm & 7.00pm – 10.30pm National Office: Motor Neurone Disease Association P.O. Box 246 Northampton NN1 2PR Newsletter Contact – Lee Parkin 07930 490 934 Email: lee@mndaleicester.org.uk Registered charity 294354 www.mndaleicester.org.uk Sponsored by Greenshires Group www.greenshires.com

Leicestershire & Rutland Branch Newsletter Summer 2011

We hope you find this newsletter useful, please read it and pass it on to friends and family to help spread any news. If you have any social or fundraising events coming up please let us know and we can help publicise it. The more people who know the more people will come! Email: lee@mndaleicester.org.uk If you have any news, views, tips, help, stories or anything you think others might find enjoyable or useful please let us know. If you need any assistance with this there is help available, see numbers on reverse.

www.mndaleicester.org.uk Contents:

• 25th Anniversary Celebrations • Past Carer’s Group Pursuits • AGM report • Letter from the Chair • Bumper Cheque Presentations! • Christmas Choir Night • Charity Curry Night • A round-up in Pictures • Friends & Family Forum Dates for your Diary

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN The Branch committee has had quite a busy time since our last newsletter preparing for the AGM and marking the Branch’s 25th Anniversary. Before that, we held another Time of Tribute memorial occasion at the Walkers Stadium and there have also been several enjoyable fund raising events including a fashion show and a couple of dinners organised by John Denoon and John Mattock . The AGM was another sociable evening and everyone thoroughly enjoyed Sue Hayward’s talk about her MNDA gardens at Chelsea Flower Show. We had one resignation from the committee this year– after many years as a committee member, John Mattock has decided to step down although I know he and Francine will still be supporting behind the scenes and raising money whenever they can. The rest of the committee were duly re-elected along with new member, Sue Findley. Jenny Holmes- Shuttlewood is planning to step down as honorary secretary to concentrate on her role in the multi-disciplinary team, volunteer visiting and to support Isobel with the coordination of the welfare team and Sue has kindly offered to take over her secretarial duties. As usual, we all enjoyed the chance of a chat over tea and coffee and slices of the delicious 25thAnniversary cake which Francine had kindly made. As well as holding a special AGM, we wanted to mark our 25th Anniversary by thanking some of the people who have supported the Branch during the last 25 years. From those early days in 1986, the Branch has attracted the loyal support of many local people and organisations. Through their dedication and commitment the Branch has gone from strength to strength. Thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of many local groups and individuals, over £ 500,000 has been raised in the last 25 years. During that time, the quality of welfare support provided by the Branch’s team of trained volunteer visitors has not only earned the respect of those working within the local health and social care professions but has also been recognised nationally as an example of good practice. We were thrilled when long standing MNDA supporters, Celia and Richard Mackay, the owners of Kilworth House Hotel, offered to provide a tea party in the magnificent surroundings of the hotel’s Orangery. Thanks to their generosity, we were able to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of some of the people who have contributed to the success of the Branch over the years. We were delighted that MNDA’s Chief Executive, Dr Kirstine Knox was able to join us along with founder members, longstanding supporters, fundraisers, MNDA staff past and present, friends from LOROS and representatives of the medical and social care professions. To mark the occasion, Kirstine presented the Branch with a very special rose. It is one of the newly launched MNDA roses, aptly named “Thumbs Up,” which will be planted in the LOROS garden to commemorate our 25th anniversary. The rose will soon be on sale to raise funds for the Association so we will let you know when it is available. We were delighted to see so many of you at our latest Branch open meeting - the annual Strawberry Tea on 4 July. As usual the LOROS catering team provided the usual delicious strawberries and cream and, for once, it didn’t actually rain! Best wishes, Janet McMillan, Chairman, Leicestershire and Rutland Branch

Charity Curry Night

Superb Indian Buffet Food At Chutney Ivy Restaurant, opposite Curve in Leicester

Wednesday 28th September, 7.30pm Tickets just £20.00 Each

50% of sales going to Motor Neurone Disease Call Lee for more information and tickets on 07930 490 934

Past Carer’s Meeting Action packed pub games evening at the Royal British Legion Club on Front Street in Birstall. Come for a game of skittles, pool, darts, devil among the tailors or just for a beer and a chat! Wednesday 3rd August at 7.30pm Please call Angela Parkin on 0116 267 5030 if you want to attend or for more information.

Friends & Family Forums Held at 7 Snow Hill, Leicester (off Anstey Lane) these meetings are extremely useful for people involved with the care and support of people living with MND. A quiet and informal place to talk, listen and learn. There are guest speakers and committee members on hand as well as the MND nurses. The biscuit are reason alone to attend, don’t be a stranger. Wednesday Evenings at 7.30pm: August 17th September 21st October 12th November 16th December 14th For more information please call Jenny on 0116 251 5496 Are we Big or are we Small? A Shrew, a Mouse and a Rat sat on the banks of a stream. The Mouse said to the Shrew “ I’m bigger than you but smaller than Rat who’s not quite as large as the farmyard Cat who is smaller than Sheppy the Dog”.

A grain of sand began as a boulder, which came from a hill, which is part of the Earth which spins round the Sun. The Sun is a star (very minor), on the edge of a galaxy (huge), which is also a very small part of a universe (vast). Man is a creature physically small when compared to a tall tree, a hippo, a rhino and elephants too. Man’s achievements in thinking make dwarfs of them all.

He can swim and he can fly and build monuments high but nature reminds him that he, bye and bye will have to give way to something ere nigh. Should we philosophize about one’s size or talk of other things, for what is small may be quite large when seen from another side.

So are we big or are we small is a question to answer, but how? For one is too small, too large or too wide or too high, too thick or too thin till nobody knows what the devil we’re in. I leave it to you to guess what we are.

John Lewis. Okehampton, West Devon. February 2011 U3A Creative Writing. John is John Denoon’s brother in law.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS / COMMITTEE - AGM 2011

Re - election of the existing committee members

Chairman – Janet McMillan Vice Chairman- Ruth Johnson Honorary secretary – Vacancy Honorary Treasurer – Angie Parkin ( acting treasurer – John Shuttlewood) Publicity / website officer- Lee Parkin Trusts officer- Paul Wilcock Branch Contacts – Isobel Jenkins / Jenny Holmes-Shuttlewood Committee member – John Denoon, Election to committee – Sue Findley

2011 AGM - CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, I am pleased to report another very successful year for the Branch. Last year we shared with you some stories about the early days of the Branch and acknowledged how much has been achieved since the Branch was set up in 1986. It was in May of that year that we held a meeting in Leicester to see if there would be any support for establishing a Branch in Leicestershire. We were amazed at the turn out as the hall was packed.

We were delighted that not only had we reached out to families whose lives had been directly affected by MND but also at how many people involved professionally came to lend their support. So from the earliest days we have been privileged to have the active involvement of members of the medical and social services – a tradition which has culminated in the excellent multi- disciplinary clinic held regularly here at LOROS.

None of these achievements would have been possible without our exceptional team of volunteer welfare visitors, as it is through them that we have been able to continue Branch support for people with MND and their families. It’s not just me that thinks they’re an exceptional team – the MND Association has recognised their extraordinary commitment and expertise by awarding them an OSCARR -(Outstanding Award for Support, Care, Awareness and Revenue Raising) in the category “Splendid Support”.

Another wonderful achievement and again we continue to be indebted to the professional support we have received from LOROS, all the clinical staff in the multi- disciplinary team, and in particular Benny and our specialist nurses Jo and Jane as well as Rachel Boothman and others from the MNDA team. So much of their work goes unseen and involves a lot of coordination, planning and professional development and training.

We recognise that many families and friends feel the need for continuing contact with the people who had helped support them and their loved one through their difficult journey with MND. We also realise that some still needed support in coping with their loss. So, on March 26 we held or second Time of Tribute and Celebration of Life for those who have lost someone dear to them through MND during the last 2 years. We are very grateful, once again, to the staff at LOROS, particularly Dr Faull, as well as our specialist MND nurses, Jo and Jane and to Benny Rossi and Sue Unwin, who gave so much of their time and expertise to help us with this event. Also to the LOROS singers who performed for us again. Continued……….

Ratcliffe College Amazing Support!

Ruth Johnson receives a cheque for £7500, proceeds from the Spring Fair held at Ratcliffe College, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, this was organised by the Parents Association and was a fantastic day

Another cheque for £1500 was raised from the fun run the pupils held in the Spring for MND to raise funds and to send one of their teachers - who has MND to Lourdes - again this is a tremendous amount!

“On a personal note I would like to thank all the staff and pupils at Ratcliffe college for their support and thanks for making me most welcome on my numerous trips to the college – a massive thank you!” Ruth Johnson, Vice-Chair

We also now have a memorial tree in the Leicester Arboretum which was planted at the end of last year as a permanent reminder of all those we have lost to MND in Leicestershire and Rutland. It is a crimson maple which will soon be in bud so we hope that those of you who visit it will find pleasure and solace in its quiet beauty.

We have maintained our pattern of Open meetings with the AGM and Strawberry Tea here at LOROS so once again we thank Matron Chris Faulkner and all the staff for allowing us the use of their facilities over the last year. Our Christmas event was a return visit to Palmers’ Garden Centre which was also a great success, thanks to the generosity and support of the staff there. We continue to be grateful to John and Jenny Shuttlewood for continuing to host the monthly friends and family meetings at their home and for the regular input from the MND nurses and other members of the multi disciplinary team. Also a big thanks to Angie Parkin, who despite her own health problems this year has continued to arrange informal social events for past carers so they can keep in touch and have a bit of fun too.

Despite the difficult national financial situation we’ve had a very good year with some exceptional fundraising efforts held on our behalf. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed in any way as without their efforts we could not continue the work of the Branch and support the Association’s research and campaigning activities. As ever, a very big thank you to all the committee for all their support and hard work over the last year- there is always so much going on, often behind the scenes, without which the Branch could not exist.

Our special thanks go to John Mattock who having been such a loyal and conscientious member of the committee for many years has decided to step down. Although I know he and Francine will still be supporting behind the scenes and raising money whenever they can, we will miss his wicked sense of humour and his contributions to our meetings. He and Francine have done so much for the Association – fundraising dinners, selling Francine’s amazing creations at craft fairs, open gardens – the list is endless. We need more people like John in the world to enable charities like ours to keep going. Like so many of us, the impact of MND on his family has resulted in a ongoing commitment to our cause – and proof that something positive can come out of tragedy. Thank you John – both personally and on behalf of the Branch for all that you have done.

Although she will remain on the committee, Jenny Holmes- Shuttlewood is planning to step down as honorary secretary to concentrate on her role in the multi-disciplinary team, volunteer visiting and to support Isobel with the coordination of the welfare team. We are, therefore pleased to welcome Sue Findley as a committee member and hope to formally elect her as Branch secretary at our next committee meeting.

Last year Angie Parkin was elected to the committee and to the role of honorary treasurer. Sadly, shortly afterwards, Angie was diagnosed with a serious illness for which she has been receiving ongoing treatment. She reluctantly had to postpone taking over the role from John Shuttlewood but with her usual determined spirit she has continued to attend meetings and to shadow John whenever possible and hopes to be able to fully take on the treasurer’s role very soon. We are enormously grateful to John for carrying on in the role he had hoped to relinquish last year and we all hope that Angie will soon be fully recovered from her illness.

Finally, in our 25th anniversary year, I would like to pay tribute to all those who helped us set up the branch in 1986, supported us in those early days and to those who have come on board since to carry on the work in Leicestershire and Rutland. It’s easy to set something up - much harder to maintain it - even harder to continually develop and achieve more. I have been privileged to have worked alongside so many committed and inspirational people in the Branch. Without them none of the achievements of the last 25 years would have been possible.

Pictures from a Chinese Dinner at the Pictures from a Chinese Dinner at the Shoulder of Mutton in Foxton, arranged Shoulder of Mutton in Foxton, arranged

by John Mattockby John Mattock

Francine Mattock with Martin Anderson cutting our Branch 25th Birthday Cake at the AGM.

Isobel Jenkins and John Shuttlewood at Time of Tribute held at King Power Stadium to remember friends and family.

25th Anniversary

Celebration Tea Party

From those early days in 1986, the Branch has attracted the loyal support of many local people and organisations. Through their dedication and commitment the Branch has gone from strength to strength. Thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of many local groups and individuals over £500,000 has been raised in the last 25 years. During that time, the quality of welfare support provided by the Branch’s team of trained volunteer visitors has not only earned the respect of those working within the local health and social care professions but has been recognised nationally as an example of good practice. A very pleasant afternoon was had by all. The refreshments were superb as were the glorious surroundings. We were joined by Kirstine Knox, Chief Executive of the association along with many people who have been involved with our branch over the past 25 years. Our most heartfelt thanks go out to you all. Janet McMillan, Branch Chairman For more information about Kilworth House Hotel please click on www.kilworthhouse.co.uk

The Leicestershire and Rutland Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association was established 25 years ago, by a small group of people who wanted to improve local support for families affected by the disease, increase awareness of their needs within the community and raise money to fund research in the hope of finding a cure for MND. Branch chairman, Janet McMillan said, “We were thrilled when Celia and Richard Mackay, the owners of Kilworth House Hotel, offered to provide a tea party in the magnificent surroundings of the Orangery to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. We decided that this would be a splendid way of thanking some of those people who, like the Mackays, have supported the Branch during the last 25 years.”

25th Anniversary

Celebration Tea Party

From those early days in 1986, the Branch has attracted the loyal support of many local people and organisations. Through their dedication and commitment the Branch has gone from strength to strength. Thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of many local groups and individuals over £500,000 has been raised in the last 25 years. During that time, the quality of welfare support provided by the Branch’s team of trained volunteer visitors has not only earned the respect of those working within the local health and social care professions but has been recognised nationally as an example of good practice. A very pleasant afternoon was had by all. The refreshments were superb as were the glorious surroundings. We were joined by Kirstine Knox, Chief Executive of the association along with many people who have been involved with our branch over the past 25 years. Our most heartfelt thanks go out to you all. Janet McMillan, Branch Chairman For more information about Kilworth House Hotel please click on www.kilworthhouse.co.uk

The Leicestershire and Rutland Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association was established 25 years ago, by a small group of people who wanted to improve local support for families affected by the disease, increase awareness of their needs within the community and raise money to fund research in the hope of finding a cure for MND. Branch chairman, Janet McMillan said, “We were thrilled when Celia and Richard Mackay, the owners of Kilworth House Hotel, offered to provide a tea party in the magnificent surroundings of the Orangery to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. We decided that this would be a splendid way of thanking some of those people who, like the Mackays, have supported the Branch during the last 25 years.”

Pictures from a Chinese Dinner at the Pictures from a Chinese Dinner at the Shoulder of Mutton in Foxton, arranged Shoulder of Mutton in Foxton, arranged

by John Mattockby John Mattock

Francine Mattock with Martin Anderson cutting our Branch 25th Birthday Cake at the AGM.

Isobel Jenkins and John Shuttlewood at Time of Tribute held at King Power Stadium to remember friends and family.

Ratcliffe College Amazing Support!

Ruth Johnson receives a cheque for £7500, proceeds from the Spring Fair held at Ratcliffe College, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, this was organised by the Parents Association and was a fantastic day

Another cheque for £1500 was raised from the fun run the pupils held in the Spring for MND to raise funds and to send one of their teachers - who has MND to Lourdes - again this is a tremendous amount!

“On a personal note I would like to thank all the staff and pupils at Ratcliffe college for their support and thanks for making me most welcome on my numerous trips to the college – a massive thank you!” Ruth Johnson, Vice-Chair

We also now have a memorial tree in the Leicester Arboretum which was planted at the end of last year as a permanent reminder of all those we have lost to MND in Leicestershire and Rutland. It is a crimson maple which will soon be in bud so we hope that those of you who visit it will find pleasure and solace in its quiet beauty.

We have maintained our pattern of Open meetings with the AGM and Strawberry Tea here at LOROS so once again we thank Matron Chris Faulkner and all the staff for allowing us the use of their facilities over the last year. Our Christmas event was a return visit to Palmers’ Garden Centre which was also a great success, thanks to the generosity and support of the staff there. We continue to be grateful to John and Jenny Shuttlewood for continuing to host the monthly friends and family meetings at their home and for the regular input from the MND nurses and other members of the multi disciplinary team. Also a big thanks to Angie Parkin, who despite her own health problems this year has continued to arrange informal social events for past carers so they can keep in touch and have a bit of fun too.

Despite the difficult national financial situation we’ve had a very good year with some exceptional fundraising efforts held on our behalf. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed in any way as without their efforts we could not continue the work of the Branch and support the Association’s research and campaigning activities. As ever, a very big thank you to all the committee for all their support and hard work over the last year- there is always so much going on, often behind the scenes, without which the Branch could not exist.

Our special thanks go to John Mattock who having been such a loyal and conscientious member of the committee for many years has decided to step down. Although I know he and Francine will still be supporting behind the scenes and raising money whenever they can, we will miss his wicked sense of humour and his contributions to our meetings. He and Francine have done so much for the Association – fundraising dinners, selling Francine’s amazing creations at craft fairs, open gardens – the list is endless. We need more people like John in the world to enable charities like ours to keep going. Like so many of us, the impact of MND on his family has resulted in a ongoing commitment to our cause – and proof that something positive can come out of tragedy. Thank you John – both personally and on behalf of the Branch for all that you have done.

Although she will remain on the committee, Jenny Holmes- Shuttlewood is planning to step down as honorary secretary to concentrate on her role in the multi-disciplinary team, volunteer visiting and to support Isobel with the coordination of the welfare team. We are, therefore pleased to welcome Sue Findley as a committee member and hope to formally elect her as Branch secretary at our next committee meeting.

Last year Angie Parkin was elected to the committee and to the role of honorary treasurer. Sadly, shortly afterwards, Angie was diagnosed with a serious illness for which she has been receiving ongoing treatment. She reluctantly had to postpone taking over the role from John Shuttlewood but with her usual determined spirit she has continued to attend meetings and to shadow John whenever possible and hopes to be able to fully take on the treasurer’s role very soon. We are enormously grateful to John for carrying on in the role he had hoped to relinquish last year and we all hope that Angie will soon be fully recovered from her illness.

Finally, in our 25th anniversary year, I would like to pay tribute to all those who helped us set up the branch in 1986, supported us in those early days and to those who have come on board since to carry on the work in Leicestershire and Rutland. It’s easy to set something up - much harder to maintain it - even harder to continually develop and achieve more. I have been privileged to have worked alongside so many committed and inspirational people in the Branch. Without them none of the achievements of the last 25 years would have been possible.

Friends & Family Forums Held at 7 Snow Hill, Leicester (off Anstey Lane) these meetings are extremely useful for people involved with the care and support of people living with MND. A quiet and informal place to talk, listen and learn. There are guest speakers and committee members on hand as well as the MND nurses. The biscuit are reason alone to attend, don’t be a stranger. Wednesday Evenings at 7.30pm: August 17th September 21st October 12th November 16th December 14th For more information please call Jenny on 0116 251 5496 Are we Big or are we Small? A Shrew, a Mouse and a Rat sat on the banks of a stream. The Mouse said to the Shrew “ I’m bigger than you but smaller than Rat who’s not quite as large as the farmyard Cat who is smaller than Sheppy the Dog”.

A grain of sand began as a boulder, which came from a hill, which is part of the Earth which spins round the Sun. The Sun is a star (very minor), on the edge of a galaxy (huge), which is also a very small part of a universe (vast). Man is a creature physically small when compared to a tall tree, a hippo, a rhino and elephants too. Man’s achievements in thinking make dwarfs of them all.

He can swim and he can fly and build monuments high but nature reminds him that he, bye and bye will have to give way to something ere nigh. Should we philosophize about one’s size or talk of other things, for what is small may be quite large when seen from another side.

So are we big or are we small is a question to answer, but how? For one is too small, too large or too wide or too high, too thick or too thin till nobody knows what the devil we’re in. I leave it to you to guess what we are.

John Lewis. Okehampton, West Devon. February 2011 U3A Creative Writing. John is John Denoon’s brother in law.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS / COMMITTEE - AGM 2011

Re - election of the existing committee members

Chairman – Janet McMillan Vice Chairman- Ruth Johnson Honorary secretary – Vacancy Honorary Treasurer – Angie Parkin ( acting treasurer – John Shuttlewood) Publicity / website officer- Lee Parkin Trusts officer- Paul Wilcock Branch Contacts – Isobel Jenkins / Jenny Holmes-Shuttlewood Committee member – John Denoon, Election to committee – Sue Findley

2011 AGM - CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, I am pleased to report another very successful year for the Branch. Last year we shared with you some stories about the early days of the Branch and acknowledged how much has been achieved since the Branch was set up in 1986. It was in May of that year that we held a meeting in Leicester to see if there would be any support for establishing a Branch in Leicestershire. We were amazed at the turn out as the hall was packed.

We were delighted that not only had we reached out to families whose lives had been directly affected by MND but also at how many people involved professionally came to lend their support. So from the earliest days we have been privileged to have the active involvement of members of the medical and social services – a tradition which has culminated in the excellent multi- disciplinary clinic held regularly here at LOROS.

None of these achievements would have been possible without our exceptional team of volunteer welfare visitors, as it is through them that we have been able to continue Branch support for people with MND and their families. It’s not just me that thinks they’re an exceptional team – the MND Association has recognised their extraordinary commitment and expertise by awarding them an OSCARR -(Outstanding Award for Support, Care, Awareness and Revenue Raising) in the category “Splendid Support”.

Another wonderful achievement and again we continue to be indebted to the professional support we have received from LOROS, all the clinical staff in the multi- disciplinary team, and in particular Benny and our specialist nurses Jo and Jane as well as Rachel Boothman and others from the MNDA team. So much of their work goes unseen and involves a lot of coordination, planning and professional development and training.

We recognise that many families and friends feel the need for continuing contact with the people who had helped support them and their loved one through their difficult journey with MND. We also realise that some still needed support in coping with their loss. So, on March 26 we held or second Time of Tribute and Celebration of Life for those who have lost someone dear to them through MND during the last 2 years. We are very grateful, once again, to the staff at LOROS, particularly Dr Faull, as well as our specialist MND nurses, Jo and Jane and to Benny Rossi and Sue Unwin, who gave so much of their time and expertise to help us with this event. Also to the LOROS singers who performed for us again. Continued……….

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN The Branch committee has had quite a busy time since our last newsletter preparing for the AGM and marking the Branch’s 25th Anniversary. Before that, we held another Time of Tribute memorial occasion at the Walkers Stadium and there have also been several enjoyable fund raising events including a fashion show and a couple of dinners organised by John Denoon and John Mattock . The AGM was another sociable evening and everyone thoroughly enjoyed Sue Hayward’s talk about her MNDA gardens at Chelsea Flower Show. We had one resignation from the committee this year– after many years as a committee member, John Mattock has decided to step down although I know he and Francine will still be supporting behind the scenes and raising money whenever they can. The rest of the committee were duly re-elected along with new member, Sue Findley. Jenny Holmes- Shuttlewood is planning to step down as honorary secretary to concentrate on her role in the multi-disciplinary team, volunteer visiting and to support Isobel with the coordination of the welfare team and Sue has kindly offered to take over her secretarial duties. As usual, we all enjoyed the chance of a chat over tea and coffee and slices of the delicious 25thAnniversary cake which Francine had kindly made. As well as holding a special AGM, we wanted to mark our 25th Anniversary by thanking some of the people who have supported the Branch during the last 25 years. From those early days in 1986, the Branch has attracted the loyal support of many local people and organisations. Through their dedication and commitment the Branch has gone from strength to strength. Thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of many local groups and individuals, over £ 500,000 has been raised in the last 25 years. During that time, the quality of welfare support provided by the Branch’s team of trained volunteer visitors has not only earned the respect of those working within the local health and social care professions but has also been recognised nationally as an example of good practice. We were thrilled when long standing MNDA supporters, Celia and Richard Mackay, the owners of Kilworth House Hotel, offered to provide a tea party in the magnificent surroundings of the hotel’s Orangery. Thanks to their generosity, we were able to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of some of the people who have contributed to the success of the Branch over the years. We were delighted that MNDA’s Chief Executive, Dr Kirstine Knox was able to join us along with founder members, longstanding supporters, fundraisers, MNDA staff past and present, friends from LOROS and representatives of the medical and social care professions. To mark the occasion, Kirstine presented the Branch with a very special rose. It is one of the newly launched MNDA roses, aptly named “Thumbs Up,” which will be planted in the LOROS garden to commemorate our 25th anniversary. The rose will soon be on sale to raise funds for the Association so we will let you know when it is available. We were delighted to see so many of you at our latest Branch open meeting - the annual Strawberry Tea on 4 July. As usual the LOROS catering team provided the usual delicious strawberries and cream and, for once, it didn’t actually rain! Best wishes, Janet McMillan, Chairman, Leicestershire and Rutland Branch

Charity Curry Night

Superb Indian Buffet Food At Chutney Ivy Restaurant, opposite Curve in Leicester

Wednesday 28th September, 7.30pm Tickets just £20.00 Each

50% of sales going to Motor Neurone Disease Call Lee for more information and tickets on 07930 490 934

Past Carer’s Meeting Action packed pub games evening at the Royal British Legion Club on Front Street in Birstall. Come for a game of skittles, pool, darts, devil among the tailors or just for a beer and a chat! Wednesday 3rd August at 7.30pm Please call Angela Parkin on 0116 267 5030 if you want to attend or for more information.

Local

Local Branch Contact Details: President / Chair Janet McMillan 01509 880 577 Vice Chair Ruth Johnson 0116 247 8279 Branch Contact Isobel Jenkins * 01455 283 005 Secretary Jenny Holmes-Shuttlewood * 0116 251 5496 Treasurer Angela Parkin 0116 267 5030 Publicity Officer Lee Parkin 07930 490 934 Trust Officer Paul Wilcock * 0116 267 7970 Mail Administrator John Denoon 0116 267 4040 Committee Member John Shuttlewood 0116 251 5496 Committee Member John Mattock 0116 247 8409 Committee Member Benny Rossi Association Visitor Ann Kirkpatrick Association Visitor Alison Smith Association Visitor Helen Bennett 01455 209 405 Association Visitor Angela Saunders 01572 755 469 Association Visitor Ann Brennan 0116 259 3945 Association Visitor Mohamed Sayed * Association Visitor

Other Useful Contact Details: Regional Care Development Advisor – Rachel Boothman 0845 375 1830 Email: rachel.boothman@mndassociation.org MND Association Helpline – charged at local rate 08457 626 262 Open 9.00am – 5.00pm & 7.00pm – 10.30pm National Office: Motor Neurone Disease Association P.O. Box 246 Northampton NN1 2PR Newsletter Contact – Lee Parkin 07930 490 934 Email: lee@mndaleicester.org.uk Registered charity 294354 www.mndaleicester.org.uk Sponsored by Greenshires Group www.greenshires.com

Leicestershire & Rutland Branch Newsletter Summer 2011

We hope you find this newsletter useful, please read it and pass it on to friends and family to help spread any news. If you have any social or fundraising events coming up please let us know and we can help publicise it. The more people who know the more people will come! Email: lee@mndaleicester.org.uk If you have any news, views, tips, help, stories or anything you think others might find enjoyable or useful please let us know. If you need any assistance with this there is help available, see numbers on reverse.

www.mndaleicester.org.uk Contents:

• 25th Anniversary Celebrations • Past Carer’s Group Pursuits • AGM report • Letter from the Chair • Bumper Cheque Presentations! • Christmas Choir Night • Charity Curry Night • A round-up in Pictures • Friends & Family Forum Dates for your Diary