The South & West Cornwall Branch of The MS Society March 2014 Magazine "The Lifeboat"

The Lifeboat March 2014

t a k o o L e m i t e h t

I’m Late!

South & West Cornwall Branch Monthly Magazine

This months cover picture is of my cousin, He’s as mad as a March hare, in fact he is the March Hare and always on the run.

I prefer to drink tea and lead a more relaxed life.

I would like to take this opportunity To respond to our chairman’s remarks last month, rude, big headed I object to those remarks.

Continuous references to rabbit stew, I know my rabbit rights!

With the might of the youth group behind me our chairman could get hot in the pot!

Jasper

at o b e if L e th e id s In this month The stew has gone off, but he’s still smiling!

MS News Page 3 Bacterium discovered as potential MS trigger New MS pill for the NHS Exercise can help beat MS fatigue, MS Society reveals Page 4 New drug licensed for relapsing remitting MS MS Society supports launch of Carers Week Quest Page 5 MS Week Page 6 Future events in South & West Cornwall Branch Page 7 Laona’s page Page 8 Craft Fayre Page 9/10 Quiz page 1

Page 11 Craft Fayre From Susan Creese Page 12 Sent in by Wendy Hughes From Mary Smiths blog Page 13 Cornwall skydive, Trevellas Thought of the month Page 14 The 1940’s night Page 15 Megan’s page Page 16 Youth group Page 17 Young MS and Friends Page 18 Events Page 19 Information page

Chairman’s Report Hello everyone.

This month I am making a request for you all to put on your thinking caps and help us raise much needed funds. Having met with a lady from the MS Society who said it is important for our members to become inventive and raise money, so that we can continue to help

provide the services we offer.

Why not run a coffee morning, run a marathon, get the organisation you belong to fund raise for us. I am going to have a FINAL GARAGE SALE on the 26th of April, so bring in anything you think we can sell. I am thinking of selling my body, but what will fifty pence buy nowadays?

To end let me say keep smiling.

Mike Editors Note

Hello everyone Without sounding like gloom and doom I have to refer to my previous notes when I was harping on about money.

It is no secret that our annual expenditure is in excess of 26 thousand pounds and now with the west area to cover we can see a greater expenditure in 2014.

The question is how do we solve the equation that is; income balancing our expenditure?

Its true that currently we have sufficient funds to see us through another year or so, however, looking to the future something has to be done about our income to sustain the services we give to people affected by MS. Of course I could take the attitude that why should we worry I won’t be here when the money runs out, but I would like to think that we can leave a legacy that will ensure our services continue for many years to come.

My background is of a commercial nature and I believe that commercial enterprise is the ultimate answer to future funding in voluntary organisations such as the MS society.

Using commercial enterprise to fund

voluntary organisations is nothing new, however, the MS society policy says we must remain voluntary and raise our funds through voluntary work with help from our members and not through commercial avenues.

So how do we do it?

Apart from the outstanding work that is already being carried out by our friends and committee to raise funds, we need your help.

How can you help?

If you have an employer or know of a business that could sponsor or donate services we would love to hear from them.

Get in touch with me (Malcolm Glister) your assistance will be appreciated.

On a lighter note please respond to my article on page 6, it is so important that we provide the right activity at the right time and in the right place.

Our 1940’s nights have become a popular event, another is being organised for May, this time with an evening buffet.

Lastly don’t forget your Mum! They have been one of the most important people in our lives, so for all those Mum’s:

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News from the MS National Centre Bacterium discovered as potential MS trigger Scientists have discovered that a bacterium normally found in grazing animals (like cows and sheep) which produces the epsilon toxin could act as a potential trigger for MS. Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York have identified the bacterium ‘clostridium perfringens type B’ for the first time in a person with MS. They also studied samples (spinal fluid and blood) from 118 people with MS and 100 people without MS, and found evidence of the epsilon toxin in 10% of people with MS and 1% of people without MS. The bacterium produces the epsilon toxin, which studies have shown can cross the blood brain barrier and damage oligodendrocytes (the cells that make myelin).

Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Head of Biomedical Research at the MS Society, said: “Discovering potential causes or triggers for MS could enable us to develop better treatments or even one-day prevent the condition. This is interesting research but the findings now need to be validated in larger studies to establish if this toxin really is a potential trigger for MS.” New MS pill for the NHS From today, neurologists in England and Wales can begin prescribing a new MS medicine called Aubagio (previously known as teriflunomide) to people with relapsing remitting MS on the NHS,

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following the approval of the treatment by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

The NHS now has a legal obligation to begin funding this treatment for eligible patients within the next three months.

Oral alternative to current treatments Aubagio offers people an oral alternative to current ‘first line’ injection therapies, (interferons or glatiramer acetate), which are offered to people with relapsing MS in the first instance.

There are further ‘second line’ treatments for people who are not responding well or who have a more aggressive form of MS. Aubagio is the first tablet to be made available as a first line disease modifying therapy for MS. Reduce relapses and progression In trials the treatment was found to reduce relapse rates by 30% and reduce risk of progression by 30%.

The recorded side effects are limited, but can include stomach upset and hair thinning and loss. As with other MS treatments, some people experience much greater benefit and some much less.

Excellent news Nick Rijke, Director for Policy and Research at the MS Society, said: “We’ve been waiting a long time for a tablet to be available for early stage MS, so this is excellent news. As well as making another valuable treatment available for people with MS, many people will be delighted to have the option of a tablet rather than regular injections, which can be difficult to manage.”

Exercise can help beat MS fatigue, MS Society reveals Researchers funded by the MS Society have found that short periods of moderate intensity aerobic exercise (like walking or steady cycling) can help to improve fatigue levels and enhance overall quality of life in people with MS.

The study, known as EXIMS (pragmatic Exercise Intervention for people with MS) was conducted at Sheffield Hallam University and involved 120 participants with MS from the south Yorkshire (in England) area.

Researchers placed 60 participants on a 12 week exercise programme that included supervised sessions of short bursts of aerobic exercise as well as self-directed exercise in the home. For comparison, the 60 remaining participants received usual care from the NHS. Fatigue levels reduced At the end of the study, participants receiving the exercise programme reported significantly reduced fatigue levels, as well as improvements in emotional wellbeing, social function and overall quality of life.

Importantly, these benefits were sustained for nine months, demonstrating that exercising can bring long-term benefits for people with MS. The researchers also assessed the cost effectiveness of the exercise programme, discovering that it is highly likely to be cost effective when compared to usual NHS care.

The next step The EXIMS study was led by Professor John Saxton, now based at the University of East Anglia. The study will now be used as the basis for developing an exercise programme that can be delivered to people with MS from all over the UK.

Under review The medicine is in the process of being reviewed by NICE (England and Wales) and the SMC (Scotland), who will calculate if the treatment is cost effective and decide whether or not it should be routinely and freely prescribed on the NHS to people who could benefit. The drug authorities in Northern Ireland usually make a decision after NICE have finalised their process.

If NICE and the SMC decide to not approve the medicine, access to it for people in the UK is likely to be limited.

Welcome news Nick Rijke, Director for Policy & Research at the MS Society, said: “This is welcome news. Dimethyl fumarate offers a step forward in efficacy as well as the ease of use of tablets. However, the only way this treatment will really make a difference for the majority of people with MS is if it’s approved for use by the NHS, and we eagerly await that decision over the coming months”.

MS Society supports launch of Carers Week Quest

The MS Society is among the charities, health and social care professionals and businesses that’ve launched the Carers Week Quest – a huge drive to reach out to the UK’s carers.

It’s also being backed by the Care Minister, Norman Lamb.

Missing out on vital support and services New drug licensed for relapsing remitting The Carers Week Quest 2014 is calling on MS individuals and organisations across the UK to sign up to a ground-breaking A new oral medicine, known as dimethyl initiative to reach carers in their local fumarate (or Tecfidera), has been licensed communities who are missing out on vital to treat people with relapsing remitting support and services.

MS in Europe.

This means the treatment – which is taken The very nature of caring means people twice a day – has been viewed as safe and often don’t at first, or sometimes ever, identify themselves as carers and therefore effective by regulatory authorities. miss out on support.

Neurologists, providing they get funding Without the right help and support caring from their health trust, are now able to can have a devastating impact. prescribe it to patients.

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From page 4 Carers can become cut off and their physical and emotional health, work and finances can all be hit hard.

Reach the thousands of carers missing out on help The Carers Week Quest will rely on the help of individuals and organisations - including community groups, GPs, health and social care professionals and employers - to connect with carers. The aim is to encourage improved collaborative working in local communities to reach the thousands missing out on help.

Michelle Mitchell is Chief Executive of the MS Society: “We’re proud to again be backing Carers Week in 2014. It’s amazing to be part of something that recognises the remarkable work thousands of families, carers and friends do every day to support people around the UK who are living with MS.” At the heart of Carers Week Quest activity will be a focus on working together in local communities during Carers Week, which takes place from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 June 2014.

MS Week MS Week This year starts on 28 April with a theme of Access to Treatments. It will aim to ensure people have access to the right treatment at the right time. MS Week will call for an end the “wait and see” culture of MS, by treating people earlier, with regular, planned reviews with an MS specialist, and by enabling people to take a proactive approach to care.

What can you do to help us get these messages out and challenge perceptions about MS? Cake Break As Marie Antoinette supposedly said, 'Let

them eat cake!'

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leaflets and poster will be available & the bespoke website www.cakebreak.org.uk is now up and running to help recruit hosts for events on or around 2 May. Please have a think about companies, groups or organisations you are in touch with who might want to get involved to help raise funds for the branch.

Experience tells us that these are most popular with ladies groups, up market retirement homes and professional firms such as banks, solicitors and accountants.

Get Up and Go! Registrations are now open for a huge range of exciting overseas events and challenges to exciting destinations including the Great Wall of China, Thailand Jungle, Everest Base Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro and Dog Sledding in the Artic.

Closer to home the Society has places in popular running events such as Plymouth Half Marathon on 27 April, BUPA London 10k on 25 July and the Great West Run in Exeter on 12 October.

Why not pull on an orange MS Vest and run for Team MS in the Boconnoc Running Festival near Lostwithiel on 31 August?

5km, 10km, half marathon and family fun mile routes.

Something for just about everyone. Brave souls can also cycle, bungee jump, swim, parachute or trek to beat MS Please help spread the word about these events which anyone can enter to raise funds for the branch. Challenge family and friends to be brave and take part!

To find out more, get involved in any of the above or for help to take forward your own idea contact our Area Fundraiser Andy Jarrett on 0208 438 0943 or andy.jarrett@msssociety.org.uk orwww.mssociety.org.uk/adrenalin Andy Jarrett

Future events in South & West Cornwall Branch

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We are currently addressing the treatments 9. and therapies within our branch area, 10. particularly in the West where facilities have 11. not been available.

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It is now time to address the social aspect of our branch and give the opportunity to all 13. our members to take part in some form of 14. social activity that will suit their needs and 15. time of day.

Finding the right balance when organising events can be difficult with so many different requirements for our members.

Some need to have events in the daytime and some are able to attend our evening functions. There is also the issue of what is it that our members want to do.

Mothers day lunch (you will have to be quick for this one) Cheese and wine party Afternoon get together Bingo Visit to a leisure spar Ten pin bowling Evening meal Coffee mornings Lunch clubs Breakfast clubs Flower arranging (how to) Painting (how to Craft mornings (how to) Photography club Computer club

To this end I need your help, if I can get an Or idea of what you would like and when, I can A regular fortnightly social meeting where put a programme of events together that we can chat and have refreshments. will suit the membership of our branch.

This would become a regular meeting in a The Aims: local facility such as a village hall or To establish activities that will give all community centre, a kind of get together. membership the opportunity to be involved Tea, Coffee and snacks could be provided in a social environment irrespective of the along with some entertaining activities to numbers involved. enjoy.

What does this mean?

If you would like any of these suggestions It means that if there are only two people who want a particular activity we will do our or you have other ideas please contact me, the editor, and I will collate your responses best to provide it.

No one should be penalised because there to be published in the next Magazine. are not enough people to take part.

The only way these events will happen is if In the next column I have suggested some YOU ask for them so get communicating activities that you may want to attend but and send your responses in. you must respond by indicating your interest.

Now this sounds good to me! I wouldn’t mind Its easy; Just let me know which activities getting involved in all you are interested in, either by: these activities so I have Email put my name down for Telephone or letter them all.

I will publish the results in next months See you at the next one, magazine I hope there’s lots of tea!!

Malcolm

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Can you help us to find a better way to manage falls?

Laona’s page

Falls are a significant issue for some people affected by MS. We want to find a better way to manage falls and falling. We are looking for volunteers to help us to do this by developing a programme tailored to the needs of people with MS. Through a series of workshop events, we aim to combine scientific evidence that has already been published with the views of people affected by MS, health professionals and commissioners of services.

Being involved in this project will entail attending two one-day activities. Initially, you will be invited to a training day to introduce the project and the processes that will be used during the workshop. At the second day, the participants will be encouraged to discuss and debate the practicalities of how a falls management programme should be structured, delivered and supported. Meetings will be held in Exeter, Plymouth and Cornwall. Funding is available to support travel expenses If you have MS and are interested in this project, we would be keen to hear from you. You are able to take part in the study regardless of whether you fall or not.

This project is being run by Hilary Gunn, physiotherapist, as part of a PhD and is supported by the Multiple Sclerosis Society in the UK. Further information is available from Hilary on 01752 588825 or hilary.gunn100@plymouth.ac.uk.

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It is hard to ignore, almost impossible, food has become not just my addiction, but the nations obsession. From the multitude of television programs, and I am confessing to watching most of them, to magazines, newspaper articles and blogs, food is everywhere. We are also constantly bombarded with what we should and shouldn't be eating. There is always a maligned food of the moment, responsible for all our problems. It is publicized to the point of irritation and oddly enough coincides with the launch of new cook and diet books, most of which seem to believe that we are completely lacking in logic and common sense and will all be clambering blindly to be on that fashionable bus. At the moment the evil we are eating is sugar. It's been the subject of choice and the topic of conversation since the beginning of January. It has been vilified and condemned and I for one have had a surfeit of sugar.

We all know sugar is bad for us but now even the average fruit is a fiend, honey and maple syrup do not escape, we are being told to avoid it all !. "Eliminate sugar from your diet and you'll lose weight", no kidding !, eliminate any one major ingredient from your diet and you will lose weight. Andy and myself have lost over a stone each.

What is that I hear you say " hypocrite "; yes I don't eat gluten or dairy but that is because I sincerely believe it will affect my condition.

My diet is very high in vegetables and very low in carbohydrates, sugars and starch but I would certainly not avoid these foods because if you eat well there is no reason to. The problem isn't any one particular food, it is how it is grown, processed and consumed.

We don't respect food or ourselves enough. We don't need to eat sugar, carbohydrate or starch with every meal.

Why eat potatoes when you can eat parsnips and pumpkins ?.

Why make cakes containing enormous amounts of sugar, when there is absolutely no need to?. Why is it that so many recipes contain cream, cheese and butter?

Foods to be enjoyed if you can eat them, yes!, but not used and consumed the way they are today. So before you make that carrot cake with all that sugar, please give my Carrot cake a try. Oh and one more thing, I have had my rant, but eat more greens !

Carrot Cake •150g buckwheat flour •50g oat bran •1 tsp cinnamon •1 tsp bicarbonate of soda •1 tsp baking powder •200g grated carrot •75g walnuts, chopped •75g sultanas, chopped •100g dates, chopped •1 large cooking apple, peeled, cored, chopped •grated zest and juice 1 orange •2 eggs •75g olive oil For the topping •100g creamed coconut •100g coconut cream •1tbsp lime juice •1 tbsp honey Oven 180C/350F/gas 4 1 x 22cm/9 inch square tin greased and lined.

1. Place the apple, dates and orange juice

in a bowl, cover with cling film and microwave on high for 5 minutes or until the apple and dates are very soft. Stir well until you have a smooth puree. Transfer to a large bowl and leave to cool.

2. Sift together the flour, bran, baking powder, bicarb and cinnamon.

3. Add the oil and eggs to the apple and date puree and whisk together. Fold in the dry ingredients, then the carrot, orange zest, walnuts and sultanas. Scrape the batter into the tin and bake for 40 45 minutes, remove from the tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool.

4. For the topping, melt the creamed coconut, honey and coconut cream together in a saucepan, stir in the lime and leave to cool. Place in the fridge for10 minutes or until it begins to thicken, stir well and spread over the top of the cake.

Decorate with some walnuts if you wish.

More recipes at: www.pilgrimskitchentales.com

Laona Craft Fayre Gillian Bray is organising a craft fayre to raise funds for the South & West Cornwall branch.

The Craft Fayre is to be held at The Ord Statter in Mylor Bridge on April 5th from 10am - 2pm.

There will be a silver jewellery stall, cake stall, card stall & hopefully savoury food stall e.g. sausage rolls, pasties & quiches etc. Some of the help already offered means that the cake, savoury stalls, raffles & refreshments could be practically pure fund raising before the other stalls are taken into account. There is a car park right next to the hall.

Thank you Gillian, we can’t thank you enough for your efforts.

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March quiz

February Quiz answers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

HUGH GRANT RICHARD GERE JULIA ROBERTS COLIN FIRTH MARTINE McCUTCHEON KEIRA KNIGHTLEY LIAM NEESON EMMA THOMPSON

As its Mothers Day this month I thought I would use this for my quiz. All you have to do is name the famous mum from the names given below.

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Kelly and Jack Harper, Cruz, Romeo and Brooklyn Mercy, Rocco, Lourdes and David William (deceased), Thomas and Annabel Harvey, Junior, Princess and Jett Liza Minnelli Carrie Fisher Kate Hudson

Nikki

What’s this mystery object?

Spot the difference Can you spot the eight difference in the pictures above?

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Happy birthday to: 1st John Palmer 10th Judi Hawkey 16th Marian Shipley 18th Megan Robins 17th Jenny Hick 27th Sandra Trerise 29th Jennifer Johns 30th Peter Long

Across 1 Not liable (6) 4 Each one (6) 8 Under (5) 9 Game played on a lawn (7) 10 One who vacillates (7) 11 Relating to sight (5) 12 Yearning for the past (9) 17 Proposition assumed to be self- evident (5) 19 Fate (7) 21 American cattleman (7) 22 Paris rail system (5) 23 Illegible handwriting (6) 24 Infertile (6)

March Crossword

Down 1 Arm joints (6) 2 Invigorate (7) 3 Might (5) 5 Spin out (7) 6 Burst forth (5) 7 Attract (6) 9 Carried on (anag.) (9) 13 One way or another (7) 14 Airman (7) 15 Cavalry swords (6) 16 Business magnate (6) 18 Interior (5) 20 Brazilian dance (5)

Money Boxes Target ÂŁ2,000.00 February crossword February mystery object An Audubon, (can be used to make several different bird calls)

Actual to date ÂŁ1,200.00

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Request for Yoga We have had requests for More Yoga classers in the west of our area, to this end we are in discussions with harbourside at Newlyn who are happy to develop a Yoga programme for people with MS, We also have a possible facility in the Truro area, this would give Yoga options in Penzance, llogan and Truro.

The current Yoga is very successful in Ilogan.

Once the necessary checks have been completed you can use your vouchers for these resources, to establish the numbers and demand for these options I would ask you too indicate your interest by contacting me by email, phone or letter.

We are here to give you the services you want so please respond. We are also looking at Podiatry From Susan Creese When my MRI scan showed the onset of MS in 2009 on top of ME/cfs I was shell shocked for some time and I am only just coming up for air.

I really wanted to let others know about the Merlin Centre which has been the reason that I am breathing a little more easily these days.

In February a 15 day course in the Merlin Centre decompression chamber has lifted my fatigue state to a point where I remember what it’s like to be human again.

I can sit up for longer periods, hold a conversation, and walk around my bungalow with a walking stick which I could not do before.

With support from a good therapist at the Merlin Centre, who is doing muscle manipulation on my back and spine, I have received some pain relief.

I have found the Merlin Centre to be a safe haven, non-judgemental and providing 11 unimaginable support.

From Susan Creese

A tribute top John Lennon and George Harrison So slight are the years between us Jewish conception redeemed a hot blue butterfly on a pur-sang crescent cat smelting away in dark chocolate: wolverene brown stripe man sat on a cloud in a deck chair—lost Shop window with two guru’s in drag where: acorn souls sleep on wanting world peace : creating immaculate man Marshmallow penguin’s with dead dog eyes, are snapping photographs with weeping guitars but Jude plays on so slight are the years between us Michelangelo as a guru cycling-get back to where you belong blue hedges; blue grass; blue suburban skies but that big black steel wheel keeps churning brainwashing the weeping guitar but Dhani plays on so slight are the years between us So slight are the years between us red admiral in a Victorian fox-hole trap ice man caged with blue—black birds in red tepee Jonny Flint Lock with purple violets lost in a cloud my strawberry elysian fields © Susan Creese 14.04.04

Sent in by Wendy Hughes

From Mary Smiths blog

Forgotten viewpoint The film I saw was spiffing!

(That word has now died out).

And everything was watchable With family, no doubt!

The Dad was an Inventor, A job not common now, Real good kids, but out of school, That sparked an awkward row…

The children were called ‘children’, Naïve in voice and song First in Dad’s priorities, So they all got along.

Respect for Dad’s new girlfriend, Eccentric Granddad too But also for the gleaming car That Dad constructed, phew!

He invented timeless stories As they sat upon the beach, So they would grow up knowing He was never out of reach.

The children were in danger, (Kidnappers, no less) A fiend who offered sweetmeats, And a marriage in a mess!

A Baroness loathed children While the Baron took their toys And some were hidden in a cave To keep out all the noise!

So! The car that shone so brightly, All due to Dad’s hard work, Came rushing to their rescue It was no time to shirk!

Can anyone who watches it Not fail to forge a smile?

For a film that lifts the spirits, Shuts the world out, for a while?

Okay, so I’m a dreamer!

This old film is nothing new Yet, has ‘Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang’ Brought some comfort to you too?

Lost and found It is fifty years since I, aged twelve, realised that something was wrong with me.

Over these fifty years I have become more and more disabled; I was to discover at some point that it was due to my having multiple sclerosis.

I have found an ability to dictate articles or poems like this and, with the help of my oldest son, Barnaby, I have been encouraged to open a blog.

I have learned how to be patient while others try to do things for me.

No-one finds using my computer easy as it is not theirs and it has Windows 8.

I have found pleasure in the company of my friends who seem remarkable in coming to visit me at least once a week; they and my carers seem to think I am remarkable in putting up with being as disabled as I am.

All these people have found it hard to Imagine how I cope without becoming depressed.

It is easy to look back on what I have lost but I am kept going by thinking of what I can find to do, and my carers and my friends help me find things to do such as taking me out in my car to get me out of the four walls of my bedroom.

Mary Smith, 5 December 2013

Wendy Hughes 2006

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Cornwall skydive, Trevellas Experience the thrill of free-falling and taking in some of the best views of Cornwall whilst raising funds to beat MS. Join our MS Skydiving team and float down to earth under the supervision of qualified and experienced professionals.

To sign up, email Andy on andy.jarrett@mssociety.org.uk. We will send you a registration pack and t-shirt so that you can start fundraising!

Important info: info: Terms and conditions 15 stone is the maximum weight allowable by the skydive centre.

If you are over 40 you will need to get the British Parachute Association medical form signed by your doctor to confirm that you are fit to take part. We will send it to you as part of the registration pack.

Thought of the month

March ‘March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers’, that’s what they say.

Well we have certainly had enough wind and rain so let’s just hope for better from now on. I have looked out a few dates for us to celebrate this month whatever the weather: 4th is Shrove Tuesday (or pancake day) – I’ve only just found out what ‘shrove’ means.

The long build up to Easter is called Lent as we all know.

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The day before Lent begins is called Shrove Tuesday. 'Shrove' means being forgiven for wrong-doings. Long ago this was a day for feasting and having a good time. People went to church to confess the bad things they had done and would be 'shriven' or forgiven before the start of Lent, which starts on the Wednesday following – Ash Wednesday. As rich foods such as eggs were forbidden during Lent, one way of using them up would be to make pancakes. I do hope you will enjoy yours as much as I will!

(Oh, why do I keep coming back to food?)

5th Ash Wednesday Lent begins – Not quite so much food for some of us from now until Easter Day. I will really enjoy my Easter egg!! What! Ros giving up chocolate for how long??

30th British Summer Time this year Begins, 30th Mothering Sunday – and that is another date that is ruled by Easter, as it falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Mothering Sunday used also to be known as Refreshment Sunday because the fasting rules for Lent were relaxed that day. Good move eh?

Well, whether you are a mother, you have a mother or you are missing her, I pray that Mothering Sunday will be special in some way for you. May God bless your memories with peace.

P.S. Hope to see some of you at the Tregenna Castle on St David’s Day. More food!

Ros

Information The 1940’s night Yet another great night, thanks to everyone who came and to those who did the work setting it all up.

Yes we are having another in May so watch this space!

Pictures by Mike May Your Magazine As you can imagine a magazine like the Lifeboat carries with it a high production cost, not in the editing or the preparation work as I am a volunteer and my services are free, but the printing and postage costs are a major concern.

In all, the magazine costs ÂŁ2.60 per copy and we distribute 260 copies each month.

We consider this to be worth while as the lifeboat is a communication document and

Pictures by kind permission from Susan Creese clearly enjoyed by our members.

It is also read all over the world via the Internet, being down loaded in many Countries. However, if we are to continue to produce this publication at this level we need to get sponsorship to assist in the production costs.

I would therefore ask if any of our members have any ideas who might sponsor our magazine in return for their company or name becoming a permanent feature in the Lifeboat.

Malcolm

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page Megan’s

When War Hit Home part 2 It’s been a few months since I moved here, to Cornwall, the war is advancing on us. The village is full of recruitment posters, trying to get as many people possible to sign up. At first I was worried that Bobby, the man from the couple who look after me, would have to go but Susie soon assured me that he wouldn’t have to go because he’s a fisherman ,it took me a while to fully understand what she meant but now I think he has to stay to provide us with food as boats and ships will be unable to reach us from across seas.

Myself and the twins are fine and will soon be starting a new school. We’re all really excited to make new friends and meet new people. I got a letter back from mother and she said they are fine and well. She didn’t say anything about father going to war but I’m almost certain he 15 will be recruited,

but I have to try my hardest not to think about it because I can’t let the twins see me upset because that would soon be followed by about a thousand questions as to why I’m upset and I can’t possibly tell them about father, not yet anyway that would cause upset and that’s the last thing we need with all of the change that’s happened over the last few months, no I think I better keep it to myself. Just for now.

Next week...

Today was my first day at my new school. At first all of us “city children” stayed together and away from the locals but soon enough we all became friends and starting mixing a bit more. I soon made a new friend called Alice, who was a local and she was sweet and lovely you couldn’t help but love her. After the small introduction we had to go to lessons.

The classroom was quite small in size and was filled with rows of tables. And at the front was a wooden desk and a chalk board. Behind the desk stood a woman who i guessed was the teacher. My thoughts were correct as she soon told us that her name was Miss. Wall and she would be our teacher until the end of the year.

After this she sat us down in our chairs and handed out small chalk boards for us to write on, followed by a piece of chalk. The rest of the day consisted of break, lesson, lunch, lesson, home time.

Although this school is lovely I can’t help but miss my old life back in London, with my friends there and my old teacher, she was lovely and never made a lesson boring. When I got home I wrote another letter to mother telling her about the new school and how the twins and I were doing. I can’t wait to see her again and for the blasted war to end so I can go home, to my old cramped London apartment.

With the twins, mother, father and be happy again. Like old times.

South Cornwall branch MS Youth Group West “Making Sense” The latest news: Bingo!!!

The first bingo was held on Tuesday 11th March at St Just Football Club. Another great night with the proceeds being split between 3 different charities, including our branch.

Belated birthday wishes to youth member Jamie who celebrated his 12th birthday on Feb 26th.

Jamie is off to watch the Premier League Darts again as part of his present. Give us a wave Jamie!!!!!

Whilst on a social network site I came across this and had to laugh, so thought I'd share it with you all.

10 Fun Facts 1 You can't wash you eyes with soap.

2 You can't count your hair.

3 You can't breathe through your nose with your tongue out.

4 You just tried number 3.

6 When you did number 3 you realised its possible, only you look like a dog.

7 You're smiling right now because you were fooled.

8 You skipped number 5.

9 You just checked to see if there is a number 5.

10 Share this with your friends to have some fun too.

No doubt like me, you all followed and tried what it said. Ha ha ha Youth Events: Your Youth Group are arranging a table top sale and also an evening quiz, details to follow when finalised, but all are welcome, please support us.

Look out in next months lifeboat for photos of the bingo and also Jamies trip to the darts.

Until then all members of the youth group would like to wish their mums a very Happy Mothers Day.

Nikki xxxx PS. A

very important message to our chairman..........

Leave Jasper alone!!!!!!

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Young MS and Friends Group

Alex Allwright Young MS and friend’s Co-ordinator Hello I hope everyone hasn't been badly affected by the weather last month. Fingers crossed for some sunshine.

On a brighter and more positive note, the Young MS group have been very busy, We are in the process of writing up our 6 month action plan for the group. We are looking to organise a gathering once a month which gives us the chance to meet and make new friends, try something new and have fun whilst talking to like-minded people of a similar age and there will always be a friendly ear to listen to anything MS related.

The plan so far: 8th March - Go Karting 5th April - Bowling and meal 3rd May - Plymouth or a beauty day or Truro Show, possibly Falmouth 14th June - BBQ on the beach, with water slide : If bad weather we will go for a meal somewhere.

We had our first meet up at the Victoria Inn in Truro last month where we welcomed our new member of the group, Laura Ward and talked about what we have been up to recently and brainstorming new and exciting ideas for Young MS group 2014. It was a lovely evening and we are looking forward to the next one.

Our next meet up will be on the 8th March where we are going to spend the day

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chasing the adrenaline on the race track with some go-karting. It would be lovely to see you there, if you want any more details feel free to email or ring us. We would love to hear from you.

If you have any new and exciting ideas of what you would like to get involved in as part of the Youth MS Group, please email us and we will try and make it happen.

For myself, I have had a brilliant couple of days, I received my assessment marks from university and managed to get 1st’s for my coursework which I was over the moon about and my team also won 1st prize at the local pub quiz, so a very good week.

I also had my monthly tysabarii drip where I met a lovely women and it was really nice to just talk to someone in a similar situation to me and get tips on how they deal with it. It just reminded me of the reason why we put this group together and how it is important to have someone to talk to if you need to and if it means at least one person now feels they are not alone in this then we've done our job!

Alex You can contact the Young MS and Friends group: Telephone: 07710585556 Email: ymsgsouthandwestcornwall@mail.com This group is doing a great job in providing a facility for young people affected by MS to come together, discuss their issues and have a social outlet. Please support them by encouraging other young people to get in touch.

Malcolm

South Cornwall Branch events 2013 26th April garage sale at Mike Georges

Don’t forget if you want this one you had better be quick, there’s not much time to organise.

We can arrange in the South and West, call me if you are interested, it’s the 30th March If you are not, then make sure your children buy you lots of goodies and take you out!

Malcolm Glister 01209 860754

Events taking place at Merlin MS Centre

Items needed for the sale May 1940’s night Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon TrekTrek- 10th-17th 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.

June West area get together July South area get together

August to December your requests

Looking for collectors 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.

Communications and Corporate Events Manager Tel: 01726 885530

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South & West Cornwall Branch Information

Branch contact details: Whispering Winds Crellow Hill Stithians Nr Truro Cornwall TR3 7AQ Tel: 01872 274911 www.mssociety.org.uk/southcornwall Satellite events Last Monday of each month: Helston & Lizard Group meeting: Wheal Dream Restaurant, Helston from 11.00am to approx 2.00pm.

Lunch at discounted rate.

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 month Carers meeting at Mike George’s Useful contacts: MS National Centre: 02084 380 700 MS Helpline: 0808 800 8000 Care Direct: 0800 444 000 NHS Direct: 0845 4647 Need help or advice, call our support number 01872 274911 Editors Contact details: details To send in articles or comments.

Malcolm Glister Whispering Winds, Crellow Hill, Stithians, Nr Truro, Cornwall, TR3 7AQ

Chairman: Mike George Telephone: 01872 862031 email: cornishmike@talktalk.net Treasurer: Hilary Merton Telephone: 01872 863896 email: hilarym.southcornwallmssociety@aol.co.uk Address: 7 Agar Meadows, Carnon Downs, Truro, TR3 6HS. Voucher Admin Officer: Christine Sargent Telephone: 01209 315386 email: christine.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk Secretary: Richard Stevens Telephone: 01736 360551 email: stevens475@btinternet.com M S Support : Telephone: 01872 274911 Carer’s Officer: Karen Moore Telephone 01872 274188 Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Malcolm Glister Telephone: 01209 860754 email: malcolmglister@btinternet.com Branch Web manager: Mike May Telephone: 01872 272 957 email: mikem.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk Membership: Betty Alderton Telephone: 01872 270901 email: betty.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk Minute Secretary: Moe Fisher email: moefisher@hotmail.co.uk Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Nikki Jenkin Telephone: 01736 787089 email: nikkijenkin@googlemail.com Events CoCo-ordinator: Malcolm Glister Telephone: 01209 860754 email: malcolmglister@btinternet.com Fund Raising Officer: Marlene Stevens Telephone: 01736 360551 email: stevens475@btinternet.com Young MS & Friends Lauren & Alex ymsgsouthandwestcornwall@mail.com

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