I THINK WE CAN WORK OUT WHERE THIS SHOULD BE
THIS REFERS TO WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON'T MAKE THE LITTLE BOYS ROOM Snatches of conversation and other things.
Am I getting too old? A question I ask myself most days. The world has changed so much, from coal fires to central heating, from press button A to walking around with a phone.
I had a conversation with a friend the other day about someone, who is (let’s just say a little bit younger than both of us in their years), still in school and who was wondering what coal was? (see I told you I had a bus pass). “How do you build a fire” was the question?, the young grandson asked when my friend collected him from school.
When using my pass, now and again I listen to snatches of conversation on the bus, “I’m on the bus, I should meet you in the Pilgrim in about 5 minutes”, “Did you get that email I sent you the other day about that 4 page spread” or (at the religion that is Saturday’s Greatty Market) “What size does your Tony take? they have some coats here for only £5.00” and the last one I heard, as I was visiting that well known restaurant Mackey Dees with my great-nephew, (where else do you go with an 8 year old after school, when he has had a hard day killing baddies with me on a PS3 game before school, then he had to give a presentation using his pen driver (his words) on Cocoa Beans to his whole IT class, he did get a clap when he finished so he must have got it right).
Without going into too much detail it involved the little boy’s room and a conversation on the mobile phone in the only last place where you can have a quiet reflection on life and other things, needless to say there was much laughter when we related the story to Sally.
But do we need to hear all this chatter that is going on around us?
(The picture on the right is an example of what may happen if you don’t make the little boy’s room.)
There are other snatches of conversation that I hear too, “I forgot to ask the doctor about” or “What did he mean by that, what does it all mean?”, “What’s an MRI scan?”, “How long will I have to wait for the ambulance?”. These are snatches that I hear while I sit at the Patient Information Desk at The Walton Centre. Sometimes these are punctuated with tears and the frustration of the diagnosis that the doctor has just given, these snatches of conversation have changed their lives and the lives of the family around them, forever.
To all the snatches of conversation that we hear as we go about our daily lives, they are all important to the people holding the conversation, even the man in the little boy’s room.
VOLUNTEERS PROFILE
My name is John Evans, a volunteer for “Neurosupport”. I think I’m in my ninth year (maybe tenth) and the majority of my volunteer time is at the “Information Desk”, at the Walton Neurological Centre.
I am also a volunteer for the Merseyside branch of the Myasthenia Gravis Association and have recently become chairman, for a second time. Two years ago I had completed seven enjoyable years for the association.
In November of 2009 we organised a charity fundraising ball at the “Marriot Hotel” in Liverpool for the association. To raise funds, it was decided to have an auction at the ball, beside a four course meal and entertainment. Items included in the auction, were signed shirts from different football clubs (i.e. Wayne Rooney, Stephen Gerrard, Tim Cahill, a Rangers team signed shirt and a limousine for ten persons) and many more. One of the committee members worked extremely hard in obtaining the items.
An amazing amount of £11, 000 was raised. This helped the branch to raise an amount of £21,000 for the year and we were rewarded with the Charles Read trophy, a trophy awarded each year to the branch that has raised the largest amount through fundraising. (See photo)
We were so delighted that we are currently arranging another ball for 27th November 2010. If you wish to contact John concerning MGA or maybe make a donation please phone 0151 480 5231.
On a personal note, I attended the MGA AGM (How many points would you get on Scrabble?) on 27th April, to talk about Neurosupport and The Walton Centre, where I received a very warm welcome from John and all the members, so thanks for the invite.
Which brings me on to the advert for the forth coming meeting in The Walton Centre
MEET THE WALTON CENTRE GOVERNORS
As you may be aware, someone elected me a governor, so thank you to those 2 people, who can now come along and meet us all from Cheshire and Merseyside 12 in total on 24th June starting at 4.30pm at the Clinical Science Building just behind the Walton Centre (the big white building) and have a talk and get some information. Everyone is welcome, members and non-members alike. See the full article in the latest Glance and Neuromatters and keep a look out for more information on posters nearer the time.
Maureen welcomed and thanked those present for attending. Those present introduced themselves and their role.
Staff Update/Move
Maureen informed the group that finance and admin staff will be swapping with Working Life service staff
Alec Hughes will be working full time from the beginning of March. Volunteers requested he give a presentation of what he does at the next meeting.
Fund Raising
Maureen set a date for the fundraising committee to meet.
The aim will be to come up with several ideas and take these forward.
Maureen informed the group about the work being done with Tesco. Overall aim of which is to become Tesco charity of the year and raise awareness of Neurosupport.
Alan Clark mentioned his idea for a ‘Head Matters’ event.
Volunteers suggested several events we could get involved with.
Health and Safety- DVD and Evacuation chair demonstration
Chris wall showed a health and safety DVD this can be shown in small chunks
Maureen informed the group about the successful capacity builders grant and the alterations this would bring, new lighting, automatic doors, smart board etc.
New Telephones and telephone training
The new system is imminent a training session will be set up as soon as it is complete
Christmas party. Alan asked volunteers what they thought of holing the party outside the building.
Following discussion they agreed to hold it in the centre on alternate years.
Volunteer week /carers week. The group were asked for ideas on what they would like to do during these weeks.
Any suggestions for a volunteer day out this year are requested but consideration on how to fundraise for this needs to be addressed
Training for 2010 Training for the coming year was identified as
Diversity
Disability Awareness
Date and Time of the Next Meeting Thursday 29th April 2010. 1-3pm
A few days later, the doctor saw Morris walking down the street with a gorgeous young woman on his arm.
A couple of days later, the doctor spoke to Morris and said, 'You're really doing great, aren't you?'
Morris replied, 'Just doing what you said, Doc: 'Get a hot mamma and be cheerful''
The doctor said, 'I didn't say that... I said, 'You've got a heart murmur; be careful..'
**********
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
I have to walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I'm doing..
************
FOR SALE ADS
JOINING NUDIST COLONY!
Must sell washer and dryer £100.
FREE PUPPIES
1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbour's dog.
FOR SALE BY OWNER.
Complete set of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 45 volumes. Excellent condition. £200 or best offer. No longer needed,
Got married last month. Wife knows everything.
A couple of the volunteers from the Walton Centre Patient information desk have recently left, Joanne Hurley and Maria McGowan. I worked with them both and wish them well for the future
A couple of the volunteers from the Walton Centre Patient information desk have recently left, Joanne Hurley and Maria McGowan. I worked with them both and wish them well for the future
.
