February - March Newsletter of The South and West Cornwall MS Group

South & West Cornwall MS Group Newsletter February - March 2018 Welcome!

This is a couple of pages to update all our Members and Associates of the South and West Cornwall MS Group about what is happening and to keep you informed. We have produced this newsletter as a matter of sadness, we have some very sad news to convey. Malcolm Glister, our Group Co-ordinator and Team Leader, of The South and West Cornwall MS Group passed away at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth on 14th of February 2018.

As you are aware, Malcolm was unable to attend the Annual Meeting on January 6th, but all the Team of Volunteers, never imagined that we would be having to send you this item of news so soon after you receiving a “temporary” newsletter in Malcolm's absence. If this has come as a shock, please forgive us, because all Volunteer’s share your feelings. We are all Members. Please may we have a few minutes of your time, in reading this newsletter to share our sincere sympathy and condolences to Julie and Family. We also wish to reflect on what made Malcolm, in our opinion as a “team of Volunteers” made us feel inspired, and proud to be part of the team.

Malcolm has left us all with something to remember him by. His never ending energy to bring the best events to everyone, or his own well supported Fire ‘n’ Ice cabaret events together with Nikki, who is also a Volunteer, being supported by dear Julie making the tea and refreshments at events, organising raffles and as a Support Volunteer at our meetings. Malcolm made Christmas that bit extra special with his organisation of the Christmas lunches. Even making sure Santa visited with a present for everyone. What about the time he spent in obtaining the “Tesco grant” last year. How many “lunches” has that enabled us to enjoy? The list goes on and on. His “Read-a-Thon” which raised £1000’s only a year or so back. So let us begin...............

Malcolm joined the South Cornwall Branch of The MS Society as Profile Manager in 2009. Mike George became Branch Chair which Mike held for six years. When Mike’s term of office ended, Malcolm was proposed to become Branch Chair. From January last year, 2017 local Branches of The MS Society became “Groups” as part of The Local Network Programme. https://volunteers.mssociety.org.uk/local-networks-programme so therefore Malcolm became Group Co-ordinator / Team Leader. Malcolm was also filling other Volunteer roles; Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor, Events Co-ordinator. Malcolm realised the need to engage the younger person within the Branch. Malcolm created “South Cornwall Branch MS Youth Group West Making Sense” and also The Young MS and Friends Group.

A lot of Malcolm’s idea’s were the first that any Branch had undertaken in the country.

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 1

Tesco Awarded a Grant for ÂŁ4000 last year to our Group that Malcolm obtained for lunches etc. But in 2011, he successfully was awarded ÂŁ2000 for lunches for our Members from Tesco. So last years, was not the first time we have been awarded funds.

This is Malcolm proudly accepting the cheque from Manager / Supervisor at Tesco extra, Pool, Redruth. In 2011.

Malcolm presenting Mike George with the MS Society Shining Star Award in 2011.

Karen presenting Mike G. and Malcolm with Certificates of Thanks at the AGM January 2016.

Let us Remember ALL The Hard Work Malcolm did in Organising events For ALL.

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Get Together's, 1940’s Nights, BBQ’s, The list goes on. One thing we remember well was “Cornwall Schools MS Read-A-Thon”. The Read-A-Thon is a literacy and MS awareness programme that promotes recreational reading while raising money for people who have MS and to help support people affected by the condition. In Canada the Read-A-Thon has raised millions of dollars.

Ireland, Australia and many other countries use Read-A-Thon to raise much needed funds for MS. Malcolm brought it to Cornwall. Here we have some photographs of Malcolm in schools with Pupils and Staff, presenting certificates and prizes to schools throughout Cornwall.

Presenting Certificates and Prizes to Cape Cornwall Comprehensive School

Giving a Read-a-Thon presentation to Cape Cornwall Comprehensive School

Darite Primary Academy, St Mary’s Penzance and Kehelland Village School’s 3

Fire ‘n’ Ice Many of us have been to the cabaret venues.

Great, but Malcolm also used the cabaret to raise funds at collections.

Here with Ann and David at Hayle Asda Last year, 2017.

Let’s Finish by a couple of photos with Julie.

On the Fal River Trip 2015 with the Carers and being presented with gifts of appreciation Christmas 2015.

Malcolm’s funeral will take place at The Kernow Chapel, Penmount Crematorium, Truro, TR4 9AA on Wednesday 14th March at 12.30 PM. Family flowers only.

All Members are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of Malcolm.

There will be a retiring collection in aid of Cancer Research UK. Some Useful Telephone Numbers and Contacts Finance Volunteer: Hillary Merton 01872 863896 MS Support Volunteer: Martin Welton (contact details to follow) Admin & Group Membership Volunteer: Janet Jelbert 01209 717776 Admin and Secretarial Volunteer: Sharon Thomas 01209 822755 Collecting Volunteer South: Karen Moore 01872 274188 Collecting Volunteers West: Ann and David Jones 01736 757297 Communications, Web and I.T. Volunteer: Mike May 01872 272957 Health & Safety Volunteer: Nikki Jenkin 01736 787089 Bingo Organisers: Richard & Amanda Chapman : 01872 870061 The Merlin Centre: 01726 885530 MS Nurses at Treliske: 01872 253063 Kernow Carers Service: 0800 587 8191 MS Society Helpline: 0808 800 8000 Our Group telephone landline is available and will be answered by one of our Volunteers : 01872 274 911 or email : southandwestcornwall@mssociety.org.uk 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 4