Tuesday, 3 January 2012
NEURO NEWS— NEWSLETTER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2011-2012 ISSUE 23
Looking back to look forward 2011/2012
As an innovative and unique charity, Neurosupport can look forward to many years ahead, but before we can look forward we have to look back.
In 2012, we look to celebrate our 20th Anniversary of being a charity, though if you look at the pictures in the meeting room, it will say 1993. But the charity itself was formed in 1992. We had to be a charity, in order to be eligible for the £1,000,000.00 (a million pounds) from Glaxo Pharmaceuticals.
I am sure you can recall, how at our inductions, with our first faltering steps in becoming a volunteer. Maureen Kelly telling us how the centre came to be, the vision of Dr Ian Williams, (the then Director of the Walton Centre) and his far-sighted idea of a neurological centre and to where we are now.
So where are we now? you might ask and for the last few weeks, (make that months), I have been wondering the same. The past 12 months has seen the centre at a crossroads. At the annual review, held on 12th October, you didn’t have to be an accountant, when looking at the back page of the review, to see that over the past 2 years our expenditure has exceeded our income by £125,000. The accounts for this year are also looking to be in the red, rather than the black. So in order to balance the centre’s books in this very uneconomic climate, changes have had to made. These changes started with the trustees asking for a review of Neurosupport. The aims and objectives etc; of the review, were highlighted in an earlier newsletter. With Maureen speaking of the organisational review in more depth at our last volunteers meeting on 11th November. The details of which were in the minutes that we received that day.
Early on in 2011 saw Neurolife coming to an end, with some of the courses moving out into the community, but it also meant 2 members of staff losing their job and now we are to see the loss of more staff. But, phoenix like there are new posts rising from the ashes, one of these new jobs will be a full time receptionist.
As this year draws to a close and we prepare to celebrate Christmas and the coming New Year, Gordon, in poem form, puts his unique take on 2011(see back
page). Alan Clark.
So where do we go in this coming year?
What does this all mean to us the volunteers? Especially as one of the new jobs will be a full time receptionist? Certainly a year of change is ahead as we tighten our belts financially speaking and maybe literally after all that Christmas pudding, (I wonder who first set puddings on fire, thinking “that’s a good idea”).
Some of our services will have to be looked at differently, marketing, room hire and fundraising will feature heavily in 2012, although Chris has made great inroads with the room hire, Alec and Carolyn have been busy already fundraising, with our next Bike Ride due to take place on Sunday 19 August 2012 already in the calendar. The final total from this years’ ride being over £3,000, so a big thank you again to Alec, Carolyn, Chris and ourselves of course for helping.
Other events planned for next year are “A Head Matters Tea Party” to be held on Tuesday, 13th March, during Brain Awareness Week, with Joe Paton walking on that day from The Walton Centre to Neurosupport, arriving in time for tea and cakes at the party. This walk is to help raise funds for ‘The Brain Tumour Support Group’ and ‘Neurosupport’. If you would like to support the walk go online to: http://www.justgiving.com/JoePaton2 or Text: HMWA12 £5, to 70070. To join in the walk, you can get sponsorship forms from Carolyn Garlick at Neurosupport (0151 207 8520, email: carolyn@neurosupport.org.uk). The new enterprise of NeuroCinema has been well received and again will feature in next years’ plans, with the first film in 2012 being “Awakenings” on Thursday 26th January.
So with a charity ball, race night and a sportsman's dinner, as well as possibly a European bike ride, half marathon, and a full marathon (London) plus a football competition in May, there are lots of things for us to get involved with, will we even have time to answer the phone? Not forgetting the usual suspects of Tesco and street collections, monthly raffles, DAD in Warrington and Carers week, and of course our own volunteers week. I am sure we will be around for the next 20 years. But as we are all feeling the slow down of the economy, I know I am certainly turning into a grumpy old man when I see the price of things, so don't forget to make use of our services, especially the one that helps us with benefits etc; Why not get a give yourself a benefits MOT to make sure you are getting all that you may be entitled to.
THE CASE OF THE MISSING SECRET SANTA.
Over the last couple of years secret Santa has been busy in Neurosupport land arriving from the North Pole and spreading his good cheer, however this year things have taken a very secret turn. It was all so secret that nobody knew so our party had no presents as well as a few other things, but more of that news and photos of our Christmas party, courtesy of Gordon W. Milward & Missus Brenda.
NEUROSUPPORT VOLUNTEERS CHRISTMAS PARTY
At the Buffet Star Chinese Restaurant – Wednesday 7th December2011
Many of us have said in recent weeks “Where has this year gone too” whenever Christmas was mentioned and it was hard to believe we were sitting in the Buffet Star at our ‘Christmas party’. Well really to be accurate it was a festive meal together as there were no Christmas crackers, party hats, sing-a-long, ‘Secret Santa’ and the usual games of bingo which gave us all a good laugh with the comments from the bingo caller. That aside everyone enjoyed the vast array of food available to challenge even those with a massive appetite as you could eat as much as you liked which was very tempting.
On arrival there was a hiccup for several of the volunteers as the lift was out of order.
This meant they had to struggle with the flight of stairs to the lower floor but with the help of others they coped and the main concern was getting them back up again. Fortunately the staff contacted an engineer and it was repaired before we needed to use it when we were ready to leave, (which we were relieved to hear).
There has been so much going on at the Centre this year with all the job changes and cutbacks in an attempt to make ends meet that we were really grateful for the opportunity for 22 of us to meet up together at The Buffet Star. A good number of those attending said it will be nice if we can go back to the ‘old format’ next year when things have settled down and I’m sure if that is possible then it will. Brenda & Gordon
So as we all meet up again in 2012 Wednesday 1st February 10.30am start for our next volunteers meeting, maybe we should talk about the party and what we will do in 2012!!!!!!! Alan
TO STAFF, VOLUNTEERS AND SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER THANK YOU ALL FOR LISTENING AND TO THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED IN SOME WAY. TO YOU ALL MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR ALAN CLARK
2011 A Year at Neurosupport
The start of the year was not so hot
The economic climate had gone to pot
Money had to be found to keep Neurosupport afloat
Too many cutbacks were rocking the boat
Funds had to be raised it was up to the volunteers
To their hard work, you should give three cheers
A bike event was organized to raise money for the Centre
To be held later in the year, Alec was the mentor
A collection in Church Street we had to take to the road
With buckets to fill to try and share the load
Brain Awareness week the collection tins were out
Informing the people of Liverpool what Neurosupport is about
Joe Paton walked from Southport to the Walton Centre Trust
To raise money for Brain Tumour Group a man who won't be fussed
Volunteer week was started with a B.B.Q
Carolyn was in charge she had a lot to do
With help from Maureen, their relatives and friends
The energy of Chris Wall on whom the Centre depends
Another nice touch is the Wall of Celebration
A brick in the wall to put your dedication
With alterations to the Centre, builders knocking the place about
More space and re-organisation, workmen in and out
A new Computer Suite with all the latest 'tech'
A library with books for anyone to read, top speck
Coffee mornings were organized and a monthly raffle
Internet was updated, a new web site set to dazzle
A news letter every two months which keeps us on our toes
Stories from Brain Awareness, to a little bit of prose
And all who gave their time and energy and zest
To make the Neurosupport Centre stay simply the best.
G.W.Milward Nov 2011
Nov 2011
As an innovative and unique charity, Neurosupport can look forward to many years ahead, but before we can look forward we have to look back.
In 2012, we look to celebrate our 20th Anniversary of being a charity, though if you look at the pictures in the meeting room, it will say 1993. But the charity itself was formed in 1992. We had to be a charity, in order to be eligible for the £1,000,000.00 (a million pounds) from Glaxo Pharmaceuticals.
I am sure you can recall, how at our inductions, with our first faltering steps in becoming a volunteer. Maureen Kelly telling us how the centre came to be, the vision of Dr Ian Williams, (the then Director of the Walton Centre) and his far-sighted idea of a neurological centre and to where we are now.
So where are we now? you might ask and for the last few weeks, (make that months), I have been wondering the same. The past 12 months has seen the centre at a crossroads. At the annual review, held on 12th October, you didn’t have to be an accountant, when looking at the back page of the review, to see that over the past 2 years our expenditure has exceeded our income by £125,000. The accounts for this year are also looking to be in the red, rather than the black. So in order to balance the centre’s books in this very uneconomic climate, changes have had to made. These changes started with the trustees asking for a review of Neurosupport. The aims and objectives etc; of the review, were highlighted in an earlier newsletter. With Maureen speaking of the organisational review in more depth at our last volunteers meeting on 11th November. The details of which were in the minutes that we received that day.
Early on in 2011 saw Neurolife coming to an end, with some of the courses moving out into the community, but it also meant 2 members of staff losing their job and now we are to see the loss of more staff. But, phoenix like there are new posts rising from the ashes, one of these new jobs will be a full time receptionist.
As this year draws to a close and we prepare to celebrate Christmas and the coming New Year, Gordon, in poem form, puts his unique take on 2011(see back
page). Alan Clark.
So where do we go in this coming year?
What does this all mean to us the volunteers? Especially as one of the new jobs will be a full time receptionist? Certainly a year of change is ahead as we tighten our belts financially speaking and maybe literally after all that Christmas pudding, (I wonder who first set puddings on fire, thinking “that’s a good idea”).
Some of our services will have to be looked at differently, marketing, room hire and fundraising will feature heavily in 2012, although Chris has made great inroads with the room hire, Alec and Carolyn have been busy already fundraising, with our next Bike Ride due to take place on Sunday 19 August 2012 already in the calendar. The final total from this years’ ride being over £3,000, so a big thank you again to Alec, Carolyn, Chris and ourselves of course for helping.
Other events planned for next year are “A Head Matters Tea Party” to be held on Tuesday, 13th March, during Brain Awareness Week, with Joe Paton walking on that day from The Walton Centre to Neurosupport, arriving in time for tea and cakes at the party. This walk is to help raise funds for ‘The Brain Tumour Support Group’ and ‘Neurosupport’. If you would like to support the walk go online to: http://www.justgiving.com/JoePaton2 or Text: HMWA12 £5, to 70070. To join in the walk, you can get sponsorship forms from Carolyn Garlick at Neurosupport (0151 207 8520, email: carolyn@neurosupport.org.uk). The new enterprise of NeuroCinema has been well received and again will feature in next years’ plans, with the first film in 2012 being “Awakenings” on Thursday 26th January.
So with a charity ball, race night and a sportsman's dinner, as well as possibly a European bike ride, half marathon, and a full marathon (London) plus a football competition in May, there are lots of things for us to get involved with, will we even have time to answer the phone? Not forgetting the usual suspects of Tesco and street collections, monthly raffles, DAD in Warrington and Carers week, and of course our own volunteers week. I am sure we will be around for the next 20 years. But as we are all feeling the slow down of the economy, I know I am certainly turning into a grumpy old man when I see the price of things, so don't forget to make use of our services, especially the one that helps us with benefits etc; Why not get a give yourself a benefits MOT to make sure you are getting all that you may be entitled to.
THE CASE OF THE MISSING SECRET SANTA.
Over the last couple of years secret Santa has been busy in Neurosupport land arriving from the North Pole and spreading his good cheer, however this year things have taken a very secret turn. It was all so secret that nobody knew so our party had no presents as well as a few other things, but more of that news and photos of our Christmas party, courtesy of Gordon W. Milward & Missus Brenda.
NEUROSUPPORT VOLUNTEERS CHRISTMAS PARTY
At the Buffet Star Chinese Restaurant – Wednesday 7th December2011
Many of us have said in recent weeks “Where has this year gone too” whenever Christmas was mentioned and it was hard to believe we were sitting in the Buffet Star at our ‘Christmas party’. Well really to be accurate it was a festive meal together as there were no Christmas crackers, party hats, sing-a-long, ‘Secret Santa’ and the usual games of bingo which gave us all a good laugh with the comments from the bingo caller. That aside everyone enjoyed the vast array of food available to challenge even those with a massive appetite as you could eat as much as you liked which was very tempting.
On arrival there was a hiccup for several of the volunteers as the lift was out of order.
This meant they had to struggle with the flight of stairs to the lower floor but with the help of others they coped and the main concern was getting them back up again. Fortunately the staff contacted an engineer and it was repaired before we needed to use it when we were ready to leave, (which we were relieved to hear).
There has been so much going on at the Centre this year with all the job changes and cutbacks in an attempt to make ends meet that we were really grateful for the opportunity for 22 of us to meet up together at The Buffet Star. A good number of those attending said it will be nice if we can go back to the ‘old format’ next year when things have settled down and I’m sure if that is possible then it will. Brenda & Gordon
So as we all meet up again in 2012 Wednesday 1st February 10.30am start for our next volunteers meeting, maybe we should talk about the party and what we will do in 2012!!!!!!! Alan
TO STAFF, VOLUNTEERS AND SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER THANK YOU ALL FOR LISTENING AND TO THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED IN SOME WAY. TO YOU ALL MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR ALAN CLARK
2011 A Year at Neurosupport
The start of the year was not so hot
The economic climate had gone to pot
Money had to be found to keep Neurosupport afloat
Too many cutbacks were rocking the boat
Funds had to be raised it was up to the volunteers
To their hard work, you should give three cheers
A bike event was organized to raise money for the Centre
To be held later in the year, Alec was the mentor
A collection in Church Street we had to take to the road
With buckets to fill to try and share the load
Brain Awareness week the collection tins were out
Informing the people of Liverpool what Neurosupport is about
Joe Paton walked from Southport to the Walton Centre Trust
To raise money for Brain Tumour Group a man who won't be fussed
Volunteer week was started with a B.B.Q
Carolyn was in charge she had a lot to do
With help from Maureen, their relatives and friends
The energy of Chris Wall on whom the Centre depends
Another nice touch is the Wall of Celebration
A brick in the wall to put your dedication
With alterations to the Centre, builders knocking the place about
More space and re-organisation, workmen in and out
A new Computer Suite with all the latest 'tech'
A library with books for anyone to read, top speck
Coffee mornings were organized and a monthly raffle
Internet was updated, a new web site set to dazzle
A news letter every two months which keeps us on our toes
Stories from Brain Awareness, to a little bit of prose
And all who gave their time and energy and zest
To make the Neurosupport Centre stay simply the best.
G.W.Milward Nov 2011
Nov 2011
Thursday, 17 November 2011
MISSING AGAIN
SOMETIMES LIFE GETS IN THE WAY OF YOU DOING THINGS AND THIS THING HAS BEEN IN THE WAY I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE SAT AND THOUGHT I MUST GO ON THE BLOG AND I MUST ADMIT THE MAIN REASON IS THAT THE CENTRE HAS BEEN I WHAT YOU MIGHT CALL A BAD PLACE WITH BUDGETS AND SETTING BUDGETS BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY MEMBERS OF STAFF WILL LOSE THEIR JOBS THIS WHOLE PROCESS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A VERY LONG TIME BUT NEUROSUPPORT AT THE END OF THE YEAR WILL I HOPE BE IN A BETTER POSITION.WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO THE VOLUNTEERS AS WE WILL NOW BE EMPLOYING A FULL TIME RECEPTIONIST ANSWERING THE PHONE AND LOTS OF OTHER WORK AS WELL SOME WILL MOVE TO MEET AND GREET OTHERS WILL BE LOST BIUT NOT IN A GOOD WAY SOME MAY EVEN MAKE THE MOVE AND WORK AT THE WALTON CENTRE DESK
SO THE CHRISTMAS PARTY IS NEARLY UPON US AND THIS YEAR IT CLASHES WITH ME BEING A GOVERNOR SO I WILL HAVE TO MISS THE PARTY BUT I WILL BE AT THE WALTON CENTRE PARTY THE DAY BEFORE THE ADVANTAGE AT WORKING THERE YOU GET INVITED TO 2 PARTIES
THE NEXT NEWSLETTER SHOULD BE OUT JUST AFTER THE PARTY SO LOOK OUT FOR THE PICTURES OF THE DAY
ANOTHER EARLY START TO THE DAY AND ANOTHER MEETING TO GO TO NO REST AS THEY SAY BUT I HAVE BEEN GOOD AND I AM NOT IN THE NAUGHTY BOOK AS SANTA IS AROUND THE CORNER MAYBE HE WILL BRING ME A NEW CAR IN MY DREAMS
THE PICTURE IS ONE FORM THE ANNUAL REVIEW IN OCTOBER
SO THE CHRISTMAS PARTY IS NEARLY UPON US AND THIS YEAR IT CLASHES WITH ME BEING A GOVERNOR SO I WILL HAVE TO MISS THE PARTY BUT I WILL BE AT THE WALTON CENTRE PARTY THE DAY BEFORE THE ADVANTAGE AT WORKING THERE YOU GET INVITED TO 2 PARTIES
THE NEXT NEWSLETTER SHOULD BE OUT JUST AFTER THE PARTY SO LOOK OUT FOR THE PICTURES OF THE DAY
ANOTHER EARLY START TO THE DAY AND ANOTHER MEETING TO GO TO NO REST AS THEY SAY BUT I HAVE BEEN GOOD AND I AM NOT IN THE NAUGHTY BOOK AS SANTA IS AROUND THE CORNER MAYBE HE WILL BRING ME A NEW CAR IN MY DREAMS
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
PICTURES ANNUAL REVIEW AT NEUROSUPPORT
IN THE LATEST NEWSLETTER THEIR IS A PICTURE OF THE BIKES LEAVING PETROLHEADS ONE FORM THE MANY THAT I HAVE PUBLISHED BEFORE SO I HAVE LEFT IF OFF.
DONT FORGET NEXT WEEK IF ANYONE HAS SOME FREE TIME WEDNESDAY 12TH OCTOBER STARTING AT 1.30PM SEE YOU THERE.THOUGHT I MIGHT GET IN AN EARLY PLUG FOR JOE PATON NEXT YEAR
13TH MARCH 2012 AN AMAZING JOURNEY BACK IN TIME PART 2
On Tuesday 13th March 2012, in Brain Awareness Week12th March-16th March (BAW), Neurosupport will be hosting “A Head Matters Tea Party” between 11.00am-3.00pm. As part of the celebration Joe Paton, family and friends will make the second part of his journey from The Walton Centre to Neurosupport, a journey of around 7 miles, passing both Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs, helping raise funds for The Brain Tumour Support Group and Neurosupport. If you would like to support the walk go to http://www.justgiving.com/JoePaton2 Textgiving HMWA £? To 70070. To join in the walk, obtain sponsorship forms contact Carolyn Garlick at Neurosupport.
Joe is an active member of the Brain Tumour Support Group that meet every month at Neurosupport supported by Brain Tumour UK, BT Buddies and The Walton Centre, for details of future meetings contact Neurosupport 0151 298 2999. Joe’s association with Neurosupport started in 2005 when he first started attending support group meetings, since then Joe has been a regular visitor to the centre, walking through the Mersey tunnel 19th July 2009 to help raise funds, as well as recent events The Great Brain Ride 3rd September 2011. His love of photography, painting and wildlife can be seen at Neurosupport, where his paintings are for sale, which he again donates to help raise funds.
PART 1 OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY 17TH MARCH 2011 SOUTHPORT HOSPITAL TO THE WALTON CENTRE
As part of Brain Awareness Week (BAW) 2011 Joe Paton, family and friends walked from Southport Hospital to The Walton Centre, a journey of 17 miles to celebrate his discharge from hospital in 2010 to help raise funds for The Brain Tumour Support Group and Neurosupport where the group meets.
Joe started his medical journey in Southport Hospital in 1997 and was transferred to The Walton Centre in 1998 where a brain tumour was diagnosed for the start of a long journey. One part of that journey was to learn to walk again. Over the years Joe has had many obstacles to climb but has managed to overcome them all.
A PICTURE FROM THE LAST WALK WHEN THEY RAISED £1200 IN TOTAL HALF FOR THE BRAIN TUMOUR SUPPORT GROUP AND HALF FOR NEUROSUPPORT SEE IF WE CAN MAKE IT £1500 THIS YEAR
DONT FORGET NEXT WEEK IF ANYONE HAS SOME FREE TIME WEDNESDAY 12TH OCTOBER STARTING AT 1.30PM SEE YOU THERE.THOUGHT I MIGHT GET IN AN EARLY PLUG FOR JOE PATON NEXT YEAR
13TH MARCH 2012 AN AMAZING JOURNEY BACK IN TIME PART 2
On Tuesday 13th March 2012, in Brain Awareness Week12th March-16th March (BAW), Neurosupport will be hosting “A Head Matters Tea Party” between 11.00am-3.00pm. As part of the celebration Joe Paton, family and friends will make the second part of his journey from The Walton Centre to Neurosupport, a journey of around 7 miles, passing both Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs, helping raise funds for The Brain Tumour Support Group and Neurosupport. If you would like to support the walk go to http://www.justgiving.com/JoePaton2 Textgiving HMWA £? To 70070. To join in the walk, obtain sponsorship forms contact Carolyn Garlick at Neurosupport.
Joe is an active member of the Brain Tumour Support Group that meet every month at Neurosupport supported by Brain Tumour UK, BT Buddies and The Walton Centre, for details of future meetings contact Neurosupport 0151 298 2999. Joe’s association with Neurosupport started in 2005 when he first started attending support group meetings, since then Joe has been a regular visitor to the centre, walking through the Mersey tunnel 19th July 2009 to help raise funds, as well as recent events The Great Brain Ride 3rd September 2011. His love of photography, painting and wildlife can be seen at Neurosupport, where his paintings are for sale, which he again donates to help raise funds.
PART 1 OF HIS AMAZING JOURNEY 17TH MARCH 2011 SOUTHPORT HOSPITAL TO THE WALTON CENTRE
As part of Brain Awareness Week (BAW) 2011 Joe Paton, family and friends walked from Southport Hospital to The Walton Centre, a journey of 17 miles to celebrate his discharge from hospital in 2010 to help raise funds for The Brain Tumour Support Group and Neurosupport where the group meets.
Joe started his medical journey in Southport Hospital in 1997 and was transferred to The Walton Centre in 1998 where a brain tumour was diagnosed for the start of a long journey. One part of that journey was to learn to walk again. Over the years Joe has had many obstacles to climb but has managed to overcome them all.
NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 ISSUE 22
THE GREAT BRAIN RIDE 2011
MY THOUGHTS AND WORRIES FOR THE DAY
As I sit and write this, after what can only be described as the bank raid of Aigburth (or should I keep getting my car repaired). It is that time of year when you almost feel like an expectant father waiting to hear news of an announcement, not the pitter patter of tiny feet though, but the phone call that tells you your old car has passed its MOT without any problems, however my problems started when I again took my car on its holidays, a few days staying just outside Leeds on the York road. What can be so different about travelling in 3 days what you normally do in a couple of weeks? A friend (you know her as Sue my little helper) said don’t take it on holiday anymore as the car seems to have problems, engine lights that come on telling you to stop, tyres that go bang and different lights that come on and tell you to go to the nearest main dealer, but don’t go straight to jail as they say in monopoly, but go straight to the bank and withdraw all the money you have and borrow some as well (just in case)!
So I hear you wonder what has this got to do with “The Great Brain Bike Ride 2011” Well, that day began with me wondering whether the car would get to Llangollen and back again (yes was the answer). We started out on a beautiful/lousy day from St. George's Hall early on the Saturday morning, where all our thoughts were about the ‘bikers’, Alec and staff, their support and enthusiasm for the event and the raising of some much needed funds. The police and relevant local councils had to contacted, along with what I remember as an 80 page document, that had to be submitted, explaining how we were taking all the right steps to ensure the safety of the riders and our request for a police escort for part of the journey.
Wendy and I (the volunteers) had persuaded our partners (Sally & Kevin) to accompany us, on what turned out to be a long day (with a much needed lie-in the next day). As I had volunteered us to go to the Petrolheads café, Bagillt, North Wales, to help with registration of new riders, checking the already registered riders, and collecting donations from them, they were very generous with their cash, as was Kevin the man in charge of Petrolheads, who made us all feel very welcome. So the day for Sally and me, started a bit early as we were picking up Wendy and Kevin.
We arrived early, and as the weather at St George’s Hall was to say wet is an under statement, the vote of the car was that we leave there and head straight for Bagillt where the weather was a bit kinder, no rain, which was a good job as our pitch for info and registration was outside with no shelter. As we had arrived early breakfast was in order, to ward off the cold of course, with piping hot tea it set us up for the day ahead. At around 11.30 the bikers arrived with Alec leading the pack, what a sight it was and surprisingly a good number had made the journey from Liverpool in the rain, although I think the wet stuff had put some off on the day. I spoke to many, and what a great crowd they were, with one man telling me his MS was in remission, how come? “an act of faith” was his answer when I asked. A long story of life, work, faith and health followed to back it up. He was one of the Christian bikers who had joined the ride and for him his faith was the answer to his MS. I work on the premise that if it works don't knock it, for him it did, who knows if that is the right answer, that I will leave for you to think about and debate. At around 12.30, the bikers left for the journey to the Ponderosa on the Horse Shoe Pass just outside Llangollen. I decided with some reluctance from the rest of my merry band to follow them to the Ponderosa, just to help clear up were my thoughts. Llangollen was not far away, (though it is if you get slightly lost) so with plenty of time to spare, a short detour to stop for tea, creamed scones and a look at the sights of Llangollen before we made our journey to the Ponderosa. Where we arrived at around 4.00pm only to see everyone packing cars and taking down gazebos as the weather had taken a turn for the worse with mist and rain in equal measure. So after a very brief stop, with pictures to prove it, we made our way home back down the pass through the mist, via a restaurant I know not far from home, well you must keep your strength up. So how did we do on the day with bucket collections, a very good £815 with a final figure to come and with talk of next year already being mentioned. So if you didn’t make it this year try for next and “The chuck wagon express” my car did make it without lights but with plenty of cameras and action, with lots of pictures on our own website of the day. http://neuronewsletterspart1.blogspot.com with a video even.
Neurosupport The future and past.
Vision: Neurosupport’s vision is to develop as a leader in the neurological advice and support services in a human and friendly way.
Mission: Neurosupport provides support that complements medical provision, to people with a neurological condition, their families and professionals who care for them throughout their journey.
Values Neurosupport strives to apply the following values in its work:
Person-centered
Empowering
Respectful
Confidential
Committed
Collaborative
Inclusive
Pioneering
Strategic Aims
Neurosupport’s strategic aims are:
Raising awareness and understanding of neurological conditions
To be a self-sustaining organisation
Empowering individuals and families to manage their conditions and realise their full potential
Facilitating neurological charities to work together to optimise opportunities
Neurosupport The future and past.
You may remember that the Trustees of Neurosupport have commissioned an organizational review of Neurosupport, many of you spoke to Adrienne who was carrying out the review. A report was submitted to the Trustees on the basis of which they have relooked at the vision and purpose of the organization and what it is that we want to achieve. On page3 is the new vision, mission, values and strategic aims which have been officially agreed. The next phase of the work is to look at how we achieve those aims and the Trustees will shortly be sharing with us all how they think the organization would be best structured to enable us to deliver the business plan.
We anticipate that there will be changes to the way we all work but recognize that this is an opportunity to get us on a firm footing to meet the current financial challenges and to develop the service we can offer to people with neurological conditions.
Maureen Kelly
Thoughts of the day
Looking at the events that unfolded at St George’s Hall on 3rd September I thought you might want to read a poem that was recently published in the Liverpool Echo from our resident poet Gordon W. Milward. I looked when I read it and wondered when we all take that step a bit like Neurosupport’s future and the past, is it the right one, as they say only time will tell.
Take that Step
To life there is a purpose
In life we sometimes scheme
To find complete enjoyment
And hope it’s not a dream
So take that one step forward
Go on into that dark unknown
Take that life you’re given
For you are not alone
Grasp life into both hands
You’ll see the way ahead
Look to a greater tomorrow
That’s sometimes easily said
To achieve your life’s ambition
And reach that pinnacle of success
Will serve you for the future
You can only do your best.
Gordon W. Milward 2011
MY THOUGHTS AND WORRIES FOR THE DAY
As I sit and write this, after what can only be described as the bank raid of Aigburth (or should I keep getting my car repaired). It is that time of year when you almost feel like an expectant father waiting to hear news of an announcement, not the pitter patter of tiny feet though, but the phone call that tells you your old car has passed its MOT without any problems, however my problems started when I again took my car on its holidays, a few days staying just outside Leeds on the York road. What can be so different about travelling in 3 days what you normally do in a couple of weeks? A friend (you know her as Sue my little helper) said don’t take it on holiday anymore as the car seems to have problems, engine lights that come on telling you to stop, tyres that go bang and different lights that come on and tell you to go to the nearest main dealer, but don’t go straight to jail as they say in monopoly, but go straight to the bank and withdraw all the money you have and borrow some as well (just in case)!
So I hear you wonder what has this got to do with “The Great Brain Bike Ride 2011” Well, that day began with me wondering whether the car would get to Llangollen and back again (yes was the answer). We started out on a beautiful/lousy day from St. George's Hall early on the Saturday morning, where all our thoughts were about the ‘bikers’, Alec and staff, their support and enthusiasm for the event and the raising of some much needed funds. The police and relevant local councils had to contacted, along with what I remember as an 80 page document, that had to be submitted, explaining how we were taking all the right steps to ensure the safety of the riders and our request for a police escort for part of the journey.
Wendy and I (the volunteers) had persuaded our partners (Sally & Kevin) to accompany us, on what turned out to be a long day (with a much needed lie-in the next day). As I had volunteered us to go to the Petrolheads café, Bagillt, North Wales, to help with registration of new riders, checking the already registered riders, and collecting donations from them, they were very generous with their cash, as was Kevin the man in charge of Petrolheads, who made us all feel very welcome. So the day for Sally and me, started a bit early as we were picking up Wendy and Kevin.
We arrived early, and as the weather at St George’s Hall was to say wet is an under statement, the vote of the car was that we leave there and head straight for Bagillt where the weather was a bit kinder, no rain, which was a good job as our pitch for info and registration was outside with no shelter. As we had arrived early breakfast was in order, to ward off the cold of course, with piping hot tea it set us up for the day ahead. At around 11.30 the bikers arrived with Alec leading the pack, what a sight it was and surprisingly a good number had made the journey from Liverpool in the rain, although I think the wet stuff had put some off on the day. I spoke to many, and what a great crowd they were, with one man telling me his MS was in remission, how come? “an act of faith” was his answer when I asked. A long story of life, work, faith and health followed to back it up. He was one of the Christian bikers who had joined the ride and for him his faith was the answer to his MS. I work on the premise that if it works don't knock it, for him it did, who knows if that is the right answer, that I will leave for you to think about and debate. At around 12.30, the bikers left for the journey to the Ponderosa on the Horse Shoe Pass just outside Llangollen. I decided with some reluctance from the rest of my merry band to follow them to the Ponderosa, just to help clear up were my thoughts. Llangollen was not far away, (though it is if you get slightly lost) so with plenty of time to spare, a short detour to stop for tea, creamed scones and a look at the sights of Llangollen before we made our journey to the Ponderosa. Where we arrived at around 4.00pm only to see everyone packing cars and taking down gazebos as the weather had taken a turn for the worse with mist and rain in equal measure. So after a very brief stop, with pictures to prove it, we made our way home back down the pass through the mist, via a restaurant I know not far from home, well you must keep your strength up. So how did we do on the day with bucket collections, a very good £815 with a final figure to come and with talk of next year already being mentioned. So if you didn’t make it this year try for next and “The chuck wagon express” my car did make it without lights but with plenty of cameras and action, with lots of pictures on our own website of the day. http://neuronewsletterspart1.blogspot.com with a video even.
Neurosupport The future and past.
Vision: Neurosupport’s vision is to develop as a leader in the neurological advice and support services in a human and friendly way.
Mission: Neurosupport provides support that complements medical provision, to people with a neurological condition, their families and professionals who care for them throughout their journey.
Values Neurosupport strives to apply the following values in its work:
Person-centered
Empowering
Respectful
Confidential
Committed
Collaborative
Inclusive
Pioneering
Strategic Aims
Neurosupport’s strategic aims are:
Raising awareness and understanding of neurological conditions
To be a self-sustaining organisation
Empowering individuals and families to manage their conditions and realise their full potential
Facilitating neurological charities to work together to optimise opportunities
Neurosupport The future and past.
You may remember that the Trustees of Neurosupport have commissioned an organizational review of Neurosupport, many of you spoke to Adrienne who was carrying out the review. A report was submitted to the Trustees on the basis of which they have relooked at the vision and purpose of the organization and what it is that we want to achieve. On page3 is the new vision, mission, values and strategic aims which have been officially agreed. The next phase of the work is to look at how we achieve those aims and the Trustees will shortly be sharing with us all how they think the organization would be best structured to enable us to deliver the business plan.
We anticipate that there will be changes to the way we all work but recognize that this is an opportunity to get us on a firm footing to meet the current financial challenges and to develop the service we can offer to people with neurological conditions.
Maureen Kelly
Thoughts of the day
Looking at the events that unfolded at St George’s Hall on 3rd September I thought you might want to read a poem that was recently published in the Liverpool Echo from our resident poet Gordon W. Milward. I looked when I read it and wondered when we all take that step a bit like Neurosupport’s future and the past, is it the right one, as they say only time will tell.
Take that Step
To life there is a purpose
In life we sometimes scheme
To find complete enjoyment
And hope it’s not a dream
So take that one step forward
Go on into that dark unknown
Take that life you’re given
For you are not alone
Grasp life into both hands
You’ll see the way ahead
Look to a greater tomorrow
That’s sometimes easily said
To achieve your life’s ambition
And reach that pinnacle of success
Will serve you for the future
You can only do your best.
Gordon W. Milward 2011
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Saturday, 17 September 2011
NEVER KNOW WHO YOU MEET
LAST THURSDAY SALLY AND ME TOOK OURSELVES TO VISIT THE MUCH CHANGED PIERHEAD AND TO SEE A VERY LARGE SHIP THAT HAD DOCKED FOR THE DAY WHAT A WONDERFUL SIGHT GREETED US THE PIERHEAD LOOKING FOR ALL AS THOUGH WE HAD GONE TO A WATERFRONT ABROAD WHO NEEDS TO TRAVEL AND WHILE WE WERE SITTING WATCHING THE WORLD GO BY WHO SHOULD WE MEET RON FROM THE KITCHEN WHO HAD JUST FINISHED IN NEUROSUPPORT AFTER A VERY BUSY SHIFT ACCORDING TO RON AFTER OUR GOODBYES WE WANDERED INTO A DIFFERENT TIME ZONE FOR BOTH OF US AS WE WENT TO ST NICKS CHURCH WHERE WE ONCE SAT WITH MY MUM WHEN WE HAD GONE TO SEE A DIFFERENT SHIP THE QE2 WHEN WE WERE BOTH IN WORK THE LION TAVERN AT THE TOP OF MOORFIELDS SO WE AGAIN HEADED BACK THAT WAY TO CATCH THE TRAIN HOME FROM MOORFIELDS STATION THE PUB HASN'T CHANGED MUCH SINCE WE LEFT NOW NEARLY 20 YEARS AGO HOW TIMES FLIES AND A DIFFERENT WORLD WE ARE NOW INOFTEN PEOPLE ASK DO YOU MISS THE PUB LIFE SEEMED EASIER THEN WE WERE YOUNGER AND FITTER JUST AND WE ENJOYED THAT TIME BUT THIS HAS BEEN OUR BEST TIME WE CAN ENJOY TIME TOGETHER NOW A LOT MORE THAN WE EVER DID EVEN INCLUDING ALL THE MEETINGS I GO TO
SO DO WE LIVE IN A VILLAGE YES
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)