The South Cornwall Branch MS Society May magazine 2013

South Cornwall Branch Monthly Magazine As strong and gentle as a Lion

May 2013

The Lifeboat

at Inside the Lifebo this month Cover picture: This month we are on the scent of big cats, these are a couple of my pets, aren't they great.

Its difficult to get them off the bed though.

Next month I hope to have one of our members on the front cover, drop me an email and I will come and take a photo.

Contents: Page 3 PIP assessment inequality: differences between Atos and Capita revealed.

New PIP disability benefit assessments begin Page 4 Brief guide to benefits Page 5 Brief guide to benefits Page 6 Brief guide to benefits Buns for coffee Page 7 Merlin Page 8 members page Page 9 Quiz page Your father says he’ll stop wearing his pants like that when you do

Page 11 English as it is spoken Part two.....

Page 12 Computer Awareness Day Page 13 Cornwall’s MS branches working together Page14 Cornwall’s MS branches working together Page 15 Megan’s page Page 16 Get Together on the 29th June, its free!!

Page 17 Members input Page 18 Events Page 19 Information page

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IMPORTANT NOTICE South Cornwall Vouchers

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Jackie Thorne will be away for a few weeks so as from 1st March 2013 please make all voucher requests to Chris Sargent 01209 315386

Chairman’s Report It is lovely to start with good news.

Through Malcolm's initiative and perseverance, a meeting was held at Par on Saturday 20th April, all the four branch Committee members or a representative of the branch were there and set about developing a formula for raising the profile of MS Branches in Cornwall. This is not a program led by regional staff, but a local one. In this edition of our magazine you will be able to read more about it.

Please assist: I would like to ask you all to turn out your lofts and cupboards and see if you have any good quality goods that our car boot couple Amanda and Richard can sell. Not electrical or too large. Items would help raise funds and also show our branch out in the wider community.

Finally I would like you all to PLEASE support the future events which are again mentioned later in the magazine .

Happy Reading

Mike

Editors Note Hello everyone, Another month gone by with lots going on.

This month is very special with exciting issues regarding the four Cornwall branches working together for the good of our MS community, you can read more about it on page 13 and 14.

I am also working on two DVD projects, 1. With Cape Cornwall School where I am working with students to produce a schools MS awareness DVD. 2. With our youth group to produce a presentation DVD for schools.

I feel that it is important to work with schools to bring about awareness at an early age.

You will also see that we have a special get together in June, this is going to be a really special day with photo and makeover options from body shop. You can see more information on page 16.

I asked Karen if she could give me a makeover but I was told that it is too late I’m past the possibility of improvement

It was really encouraging to get your articles for the Lifeboat magazine, it makes so much difference if the content is from our membership. I am still waiting for the next volunteer to be on the front cover, I have another lined up for later this year.

Thank you to those who returned the events slips and indicated their preferred options but I only had 4 or 5 which makes it difficult to arrange the activity so keep sending them in.

With the benefits system changing there has been much focus on our CAB initiative and the CAB representative has done great work on our behalf.

We are in the throws of changing our support officer which has caused some confusion with our support line number.

Mike George is taking the calls at the moment and we will soon have the problem sorted.

If you are worried about benefits or want advice about what you can claim, please phone Mike George who will put you in touch with our CAB representative. Don’t leave it any longer call now and don’t worry about the Ryan Air message, it means you are through to Mike George.

Malcolm

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Capita have asked the DWP to let them offer audio recording of assessments to applicants, but have not yet received permission to do so People can make new claims for PIP in a few pilot areas due to be rolled out in the North West and North East of England next week.

Take action Help us raise concerns about PIP assessments: email your MP today.

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News from the MS National Centre PIP assessment inequality: differences between Atos and Capita revealed A report released today by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), of which the MS Society is a member, has revealed a lack of consistency in how people with disabilities in England will be assessed for the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP), soon to replace Disability Living Allowance(DLA).

The assessments for PIP will be carried out by two different companies: Atos Healthcare and Capita, in different areas of England, and other parts of the UK. Differences between PIP providers revealed The DBC presented both providers with a list of ten pledges for a fair and effective assessment, based on the concerns voiced by those they represent.

Both Atos and Capita have detailed how they will try to meet each pledge, revealing stark differences between providers. For example, Capita will try to ensure applicants with certain conditions will be matched with assessors who have specific expertise in that area, whereas Atos will randomly assign assessors.

Other key issues and differences included: • Atos will only offer assessments at home to applicants who meet a range of criteria set out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), whereas Capita will aim to offer home assessments to around 60% of applicants

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New PIP disability benefit assessments begin From today, people with disabilities living in specific parts of the north of England will start to be assessed for Personal Independence Payment – the benefit that is replacing Disability Living Allowance.Those making new claims in the following postcodes will be affected: BL, CA, CH (except CH1, CH4, CH5, CH6, CH7 and CH8), CW, DH, DL (except DL6, DL7, DL8, DL9, DL10 and DL11), FY, L, LA (except LA2 7, LA2 8, LA6 2 and LA6 3), M, NE, PR, SR, TS (except TS9), WA and WN. Assessments The MS Society has been campaigning hard to ensure that the assessments for PIP are as fair as they can be. Last week we reported the main differences between ATOS and Capita – the companies due to carry out the assessments, and earlier this year the Government agreed to some essential changes we suggested.

However, we’re still not happy with how the assessments are being carried out, and will continue to push for the following changes: • The mobility criteria for the benefit are too strict and we want to see them urgently re-written. The criteria mean that those who are able to walk even slightly further than twenty metres – even using sticks – will not qualify for the enhanced rate of the mobility component of the benefit.

The current assessment doesn’t fully take into account the fluctuating nature of MS and we want to see this policy revised.

People will currently be judged on whether they can undertake activities on the ‘majority of days’, or over 50% of the time.

We believe that periodically reviewing all awards, regardless of the condition or impairment of the individual, is a waste of government resources, and will cause undue stress for individuals with long-term degenerative conditions. Assessors are supposed to ensure that existing evidence is considered and we want to make sure that this is done properly.

Take action If you live in any of the affected areas and undergo an assessment for PIP, we want to hear from you. Direct experiences of people with MS are vital to our campaigning efforts. Please help us by filling in this form and telling us your story.

Email your MP about your concerns over PIP (form hosted by DBC, of which the MS Society is a member).

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Brief guide to benefits The benefits system is complex, and the rules often change, so even if you’ve looked into it before, it might be worth checking again. Across the UK, billions of pounds are unclaimed each year - make sure you get what you are entitled to.

Before you get started Which benefits am I entitled to?

Further information Getting started It's worth noting: • Some benefits are affected by earnings, other types of income and the amount of savings or capital you (and sometimes your partner) have • The main changes take place on 5 April each year, so mid-April may be a good time to have an annual benefits check at a local advice agency

Some benefits are affected by a claimant's age, so check your entitlement when you/your partner/your children turn 16, 18, 60, or 65 If your circumstances change, your local Citizens Advice Bureaucan help check what you're entitled to • If the symptoms of your MS get worse it is worth arranging a benefits check, particularly if any progression in your MS looks like it will be long-term • Many benefits overlap, so if you receive one there may be others that you cannot get • The rules about some benefits may vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Which benefits am I entitled to?

This is a brief guide to benefits you may be entitled to.

Statutory Sick Pay Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Help to pay Council Tax Housing Benefit Working Tax Credit Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Universal Credit Other benefits Statutory Sick Pay If you are not able to work because of your condition, you may be able to claim Statutory Sick Pay. This is paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.

This can give you time to think about whether you could continue working or if you would be better off retiring early.

Once Statutory Sick Pay ends, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance.

Find out more about statutory sick pay on the GOV.UK website.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a benefit paid if your ability to work is limited by ill health or disability.

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It replaced Incapacity Benefit and Income support (paid on the basis of incapacity).

Help to pay Council Tax If you are on a low income you may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit. To claim, contact your local authority.

Disability Reduction scheme You may be entitled to a reduction in your Council Tax bill if you are "substantially and permanently disabled" and your home has certain features that are essential to you living there (e.g. an additional bathroom or kitchen, or space to use a wheelchair indoors). The reduction will reduce your Council Tax bill to the next lowest band down. To claim, contact your local authority.

The Discount scheme The Council Tax Discount scheme is applied to dwellings where less than two adults are resident. Certain people are classed as being ‘disregarded’ when counting the number of residents (e.g. students, people with a severe mental impairment and certain live-in carers). If just one adult is counted as resident, the Council Tax bill will be reduced by 25 per cent. If everyone in the household can be ‘disregarded’, the Council Tax bill will be halved. To claim, contact your local authority.

Find out more about Council Tax on GOV.UK website Housing Benefit Housing Benefit is a means-tested benefit for people who rent their home.

They may be on: • a low income Jobseeker's Allowance Income Support ESA • Pension Credit To check if you’re eligible and to claim, contact your local authority.

Find out more on the GOV.UK website

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Working Tax Credit If you are in work but on low pay, you may apply for Working Tax Credit to top-up your earnings. You may get extra if someone in your household is disabled. To claim, call 0345 300 3900.

Find out more information on the HMRC website Disability Living Allowance (DLA) DLA is designed to support the extra costs of living with a disability. People can spend it on whatever they need, such as paying for support to remain independent during relapses, or to help with extra costs such as heating, transport or help around the house. The Government proposes to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with a new ‘Personal Independence Payment’ (PIP), from 2013. Existing working-age DLA claimants will be re-assessed for PIP sometime between 2013 and 2016.

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) There are two types of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and it is possible to get both at the same time: ContributionContribution-based JSA - This is a flat-rate payment for people who have worked and paid enough National Insurance contributions in the relevant years. It doesn’t matter what savings you have, but your earnings (although not those of your partner or any other family member) are taken into account. Contribution-based JSA lasts for up to six months (in either one period of unemployment or several ‘linked’ spells).

IncomeIncome-based JSA - This is for people who: • have received their six months of contribution-based JSA or • did not pay enough National Insurance contributions to get contribution-based JSA or • are entitled to have their contribution based JSA topped up because, for example, they have a partner who does not work.

For each type you must be below State Pension age and be capable of work. You must be unemployed (or working fewer than 16 hours a week), available for work, and actively seeking work.

To claim, call Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688.

Back to top Personal Independence Payment (PIP) The government is going to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with a new benefit, the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), for people aged 16 to 64 (inclusive).

PIP will have some similarities with DLA, but the eligibility rules are likely to be stricter for some people. However, the details of the benefit have not yet been finalised.

Find out more about PIP and how it may affect you Universal Credit The government is moving many different benefits into one Universal Credit.

It will incorporate the following: • Working Tax Credit • Child Tax Credit • Housing Benefit • Council Tax Benefit • Income Support • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance • Income-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Find out more about how Universal Credit may affect you Other benefits: • Child Benefit • Child Tax Credit • Financial support for students in higher education • Disabled Students’ Allowance • State Pension • National Insurance credits • Pension Credit • TV Licence concessions • VAT concessions for some equipment and services

Further information There's lots more information and support on benefits available.

Online or by post: You can download the MS Society publication ‘Benefits and MS’ or visit the GOV.UK website for more details on benefits you may be entitled to.

In person or by phone: Your local MS Society branch will also be able to give you information on benefits and other sources of support locally. However, they cannot give specific advice on individual benefits.

It's often worth seeking expert advice from a benefits adviser, such as those available at your local Citizens Advice Bureau. They can also help you filling in forms.

You can call the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 if you need an application form for a disability benefit.

Buns for coffee Buns for your morning coffee Ingredients: 4oz Margarine 4oz Demerara Sugar 8oz Self Raising Flour 1 Egg Currants (To suit your taste) Method: Cream margarine and sugar. Add egg (keep back a little to glaze the top) then add flour and currents.

Form into balls the size of a walnut, flatten a little and glaze top with egg.

Bake in a moderate oven (180 C) for 15 to 20 minutes on a greased tray.

Glenys says “these are Yummy”

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The Merlin Centre, sent in by Susan Creese When I visited the Merlin Centre on the 21st March for a coffee and with the usual uplifting support always available there, the place was buzzing with hard working volunteers lifting and sorting through boxes and bags, dropped off to the centre by cohorts for another fund raising coffee and cake sell. With the raffles, tombola’s, pasties, books , toys and bric-a-brac stalls all being set up and arranged to give off another happy momentous day.

As I felt a little unworthy being on crutches just sitting sipping my coffee; I decided to take some pictures for the monthly MS magazine to highlight the hard work that goes on in the background preparing for the enjoyable eventful day’s that give us financial resources to keep such centres open for us the disabled and others needing aid, as it’s quite often forgotten how gruelling these events can be to organise for us.

As you can see from the pictures, Jasmine York who is the fundraising manager for the centre is assisting Elaine Davies the organiser along with, Barbara Allerton and Pam Reed, besides other eager centre volunteers.

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These cakes were made by Sydne`e Teversham at her school.

I know everywhere is struggling with lack of finances none more than the disabled and elderly and these occasions are needed to keep us all afloat otherwise centres could close down.

So, without these wonderful people who gave us their time, energy and passions helping us to improve our quality of life and to maintain our independence, they enrich our lives and I want others to see their endeavours.

Just as the MS magazine gives hope, much needed benefit information at this time and to keep us connected so we never feel alone and I for one am grateful for all the participation I have received in helping me to maintain my individuality and self determination.

Susan Creese

This post was on the MS website forum, if you have internet why not join in the conversation?

Hi gang... this is a rather sorry little story...

Went out yesterday for the first time since Good Friday... and I had that sort of high... a combo of feeling better than I have in weeks AND being back in the outside world...

So I was in Wilkinson's... looking at 100% cotton bedding (MS nurse recommended I go for all cotton as I get so hot at night) and high as a bloody kite (my only excuse) I bought a BRIGHT RED duvet cover and matching pillow cases.

After sleeping (trying to sleep) in bright red bedding for one night I realise now that I HATE it!!!

I like my bedroom in soft, restful, cosy colours and the bright red looked ghastly!!!

Luckily the whole set was only ÂŁ15 as I'm going to have to re-home it.

I also realised, once I had come back to Planet Earth, that it looked like my grandson's bedroom which is all done out in Arsenal colours!

Oh dear... I was a bit upset about it this morning but luckily common sense has kicked in and I'm now able to see the funny side...

Enjoy your Sunday everyone,

Jaspers Jokes I said to the wife, Guess what I heard in the pub? They reckon the milkman has made love to every woman in this road except one. And she said, I'll bet it's that stuck up Phyllis at number 23.

I went into a French restaurant and asked the waiter, 'Have you got frog's legs?' He said, 'Yes,' so I said, 'Well hop into the kitchen and get me a cheese sandwich.'

A cement mixer collided with a prison van on the Kingston Pass. Motorists are asked to be on the lookout for 16 hardened criminals.

Mad Pat xxx

Evolution - Somewhere, something went terribly wrong

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April Quiz answers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Shelter of Your Eyes You're My Best Friend Some Broken Hearts That's The Thing About Love I Believe In You I'm Just A Country Boy Amanda Tulsa Time

Bingo numbers called in: January 10, 26, 43, & 61 February 52, 90, 76, & 85 March 5, 30, 46 & 67 April 13, 49, 23, & 73 May 79, 45, 16, & 28 June 65, 18, 41, & 87 July 57, 3, 8, & 69 August 83, 59, 71, & 20 September 38, 63, 75, &1 October 33, 77, 55, & 89 November 51, 86, 48, & 35 December 11, 32, 53, & 68 January 13 81, 31, 15, & 25 February 13 40, 22, 78, & 36 March 13 44, 56, 21, & 6 April 13 80, 39, 50, & 74 May 13 42, 84, 24, & 37 June July August September

Target £2,000.00 Actual to date £849 Money Boxes 9 9

May quiz Work out the answers from the clue given.

The number in the bracket indicates how many letters in the answer 1 Not dangerous to health (6) 2 Deluge (5) 3 Gold purity measure (5) 4 Brought into existence (4) 5 Common name for the English hawthorn (3) 6 Folds over and sews together (4) 7 Mist (4) 8 Gasps for breath (5) 9 Roald ----, author (4) 10 Woollen cap of Scottish origin

What’s this mystery object?

Happy birthday to: 2nd Mark Osborne 3rd Rachel Sobey 9th Vicky Richards 17th Gail Aldridge 19th Susan Bence 20th Emily Burgoyne 27th Tina Cameron 29th Rita Last

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Spot the puppy Did you spot the 20 differences?

Thought of the Month Does it really matter who’s first? As long as we all get there

Poetry Corner Life is short, laugh when you can, learn from mistakes, apologise when you should and let go of what you can't change.

Can you spot the 10 differences

April mystery object

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ENGLISH AS IT IS SPOKEN Part two.....

Let's face it - English is a crazy language.

There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France.

Sweetmeats are candies while sweet breads, which aren't sweet, are meat.

We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth?

One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? Sometimes I think all the English speakers should be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane. In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell?

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which, an alarm goes off by going on.

English was invented by people, not computers, and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.

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PS. - Why doesn't 'Buick' rhyme with 'quick'? You lovers of the English language might enjoy this.

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that is 'UP.' It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP? At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?

We call UP our friends, and we use it to brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver; we warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen.

We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.

At other times the little word has real special meaning.

People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.

To be dressed is one thing, but to be dressed UP is special. A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP. We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night.

We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP! To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary.

In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.

If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used.

It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more. When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets the earth and often messes things UP. When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP.

One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now my time is UP, so.......it is time to shut UP! Jasper views: Oh my goodness, words will never be the same again, my ears are twitching and my tea is cold, I will have to lie down. why can’t we communicate in simple wabbit or is it rabbit?

Computer Awareness Day

The technical discussion was well underway with many problems solved.

As usual the computer awareness day was a success with everyone enjoying the company and sharing technical knowledge.

The driving simulator was a great attraction although there were a few crashes.

Peter Crew and Carol Bachelor looking at the internet genealogy

Not everyone understands computers, Tipp-Ex has always worked wonders

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Cornwall’s MS branches working together

The four Cornwall MS branch committees met on the 20th April to discuss how we can help each other and move forward to ensure a secure future for our members.

What a fantastic and constructive day we had!

Our day started at 11.00 am with an entertaining and informative presentation from Mike George on the benefits of the personal assistant scheme.

The following meeting was an open meeting with no agenda, giving committees the opportunity to have their say and collectively decide on the way forward.

The following are the outcomes and decisions made during our meeting.

Many of the issues needed to be taken further and developed; to this end a county executive committee was formed from two members of each branch. Chris Sargent (South Cornwall branch secretary) will attend their meetings to take the minutes.

Executive Committee members West Cornwall – Derek Berryman and Richard Stevens.

Mid Cornwall – Brian Southgate and Christine Heaman North Cornwall – David Cross and Ann Cross South Cornwall – Malcolm Glister and Malcolm Thorne.

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The first meeting of the executive committee will be on the 29th May at the Merlin Centre. Issues discussed during the day for the attention of executive committee as follows: Merlin Centre: After much discussion and debate it was decided that branches will take a more positive attitude toward the Merlin Centre and find ways to work with them to enhance our awareness and joint fund raising.

The executive committee will discuss options and Malcolm Glister was designated the liaise between the committee and the Merlin Centre.

Branch awareness material: To consider what county awareness material will be beneficial.

Consistency of services provided: To look at each branches services to establish an equal level of provision across Cornwall, this would be relative to the available branch funds.

Information bank: To establish a county information bank, consisting of branch members with skills that can be called upon by any branch.

This list is non-exhaustive and other developments will rise from the formation of the executive committee through the counties branches.

Other issues discussed County website: It was agreed that a county website would be an advantage with links to each branch; this would have the following benefits: • A one stop shop for people who wish to make contact • Better communication between branches • Ability to have a county online magazine.

• No need for the multi red flag syndrome Computers for members: Supply recycled computers and computer training to enable members throughout the county to get online and get the benefit from the county website, including the county magazine. Please contact Mike George 01872 862031 County grants: South Cornwall branch grants officer is to look into the possible grant applications available. By using county membership there is a greater chance of obtaining grants through volume of members, any grants obtained would be split four ways.

Young people’s group: Discussion took place on the difficulty of attracting young people to our branches.

Malcolm Glister is to speak to Julie Collingbourne about the formation of a county young peoples group for the ages of 20 to 30 years old. These groups would be sub groups of the branches, communicating and interacting with the main branch on some events such as fund raising but with the autonomy to do run their own groups.

Amalgamation of branches: West Cornwall and South Cornwall are to discuss the possibility of amalgamation; both branches are in favour, West Cornwall could become a sub group of South Cornwall.

Derek Berryman is to arrange a meeting with Malcolm Glister to take the negotiations further.

North Cornwall and Mid Cornwall were asked to consider the option of working closely together.

CAB: South Cornwall are currently financing the County CAB initiative and it was muted that other branches could help with finances to fund the project.

Malcolm Glister is to obtain a referral list to identify areas from which the requests are received.

Once the information is received a decision can be made by the executive committee.

These are exciting developments in Cornwall and it is clear that we are all after the same thing, giving the best service to people affected by MS. Each branch has something to offer and I feel sure that the Cornwall branches can work well together.

I thank all those who made it such a productive day.

IMPORTANT NOTICE South Cornwall Vouchers Jackie Thorne will be away for a few weeks so as from 1st March 2013 please make all voucher requests to Chris Sargent 01209 315386 Chiropodist vouchers We have a chiropodist who is willing to take our vouchers so give him a call: Stephen C Bloor DPodM, MChS, HPC Reg RunRight StepFree Clinic The Angel Centre Tyacke Road Helston TR13 8RR Tel: 01326 565565

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Megan

A mother likes a clotheshorse, A farmer likes a carthorse, A better likes a racehorse, A child likes a hobbyhorse.

Britain has a rainstorm, Egypt has a sandstorm, Iceland has a snowstorm, while the U.S has a hailstorm.

A large man likes a main course, A rich man likes a golf course, A busy man likes a crash course, And nobody likes to be off course.

A coach gives a pep talk, A con-man can give sweet talk, A stranger gives small talk, And a baby, well just baby talk.

A pilot can be airborne, A diver can be seaborne, A swimmer can be waterborne And an Irishman can be a leprechaun.

Some like a bluebird, Some like a blackbird.

Some like song bird, while no one likes the early bird.

Some people like walnuts, Some people like coconuts, Some people like walnuts, But I prefer some doughnuts.

You could have a speedboat , You could have a sailboat, You could have a motorboat, While we all read the lifeboat.

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Get Together on the 29th June, its free!!

The next get together will be on the 29th June at the Carnon Inn, Carnon Downs from 11am to 2pm and all are welcome.

With lots going on, good food and company it looks like being a great time.

Come and have your photo taken, you can take the picture away with you and its free, at last those family photos!!

Nikki will be running one of her quizzes and there are great prizes to be won and lots of fun winning them.

Great food, and that’s free too!!

Makeover sessions Photography competition Bring in your photos and enter our “best photo” competition. Any photos you have taken can be entered, no more that two pictures per person. You can enter on the day

Karen Richards from Body Shop will be there giving free makeovers to those who would like them.

If you would like a makeover please: 1. Come with no make up or be prepare to have your makeup removed 2. Let us know that you are coming and would like a makeover so that Karen can bring sufficient materials Come and have your makeover and then have your photo taken, Its all free!!

This get together is just too good to miss so get your place booked now and tell us if you want a makeover.

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PAINTED WORDS OF THE SOUTH NEW ZEALAND

Wendy Hughes

If my pen was a paintbrush and an artist was I, Could I begin to portray from the earth to the sky, The land that I’m seeing, beholding with awe If I blink, will I miss all the wonders I saw?

The morning - each morning, the symphony plays, As birds in their hundreds, their thousands of ways, Are singing their magic, all throbbing with sound, When I open my eyes- there’s just me around.

For whilst there is music, the silence reigns strong, On vast empty beaches with driftwood along.

Trees from a time when the land was plucked bare, Man used greed and his hands to stay alive there.

I’m aware of some history, but not all, it’s true.

Just a part of the picture I’m painting for you.

The wrongs have been righted (or so I’ve been told) So the land may retain some traditions of old.

But today a new century and I’m passing through.

If only my ‘paintbrush’ could paint it for you.

The crystal blue waters, with rapids for glee and sipping your wine with great food, lazily.

The slow pace of life makes you think, makes you stare.

Be frightened to miss what I tell you is there…

From deer running wild, unfettered and free, to brilliant fishes at home in its sea.

Majestic mountains at every view turn, En route to Franz Joseph - its cascading fern.

So skilled were the men, who cut through with their hands, And courageous are they who let us on these lands For tourists mean future. How long can it last, Alone on the beach, as a sole yacht sails past?

Hotels and cafés, and ‘Backpacker’s’ stuff, In quantity needed - there’s never enough.

So come when you’re able, whilst there is still time, To appreciate beauty and rest is no crime.

It can’t last forever, ‘though I hope that I’m wrong, For nothing replaces the final bird’s song.

Wendy Hughes

2008

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I hope others may enjoy some snapshots of the Hughes' when we visited New Zealand, this year - as you see, having been persuaded to try the green-lipped mussels, yuk, not impressed!

Thanks Wendy, we can see your dislike of green lipped mussels, that could be one for the front cover.

Jaspers tip of the month

Be sure you stretch before lifting

2 Dunlop 32” trolley suitcases. 110 Litres Capacity, expandable.

Black, used once.

RRP £59.99 bargain at £30.00 the pair.

Contact Malcolm Thorne 01209 717237 Don’t miss this bargain!!

Events taking place at Merlin MS Centre Ellie May, Communications and Corporate Events Manager Tel: 01726 885530

Read-A-Thon news

Some of the children at St Mary’s C of E school after receiving their Read-A-Thon certificates.

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.

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.

Schools completed: Cape Cornwall, St Just Darite CP School, Liskeard Lanivery School, Bodmin Kehelland school, Camborne Gulval school, Penzance St Mary’s C of E Primary Devoran School, I will soon be publishing money raised, I am waiting for returns to come in on this round of Read-A-Thon schools Jackie Thorne will be away for a few weeks so as from 1st March 2013 please make all voucher requests to Chris Sargent 01209 315386

I’ve booked my makeover have you?

Jasper

37 18

South Cornwall Branch Information

Branch contact details: Llawnroc, Mount Carbis Road, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 2LD Tel: 01872 274911 www.mssociety.org.uk/southcornwall Satellite events 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month: Trelowarren Arms, Budock Water, Falmouth, between 11.00am and 2.00pm approx. Coffee and/or lunch.

Open to all.

Last Tuesday 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 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: Malcolm Thorne Telephone: 01209 717237 email: malcolmt.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk Address Coomar, 3 Chenoweth Close, Camborne Cornwall TR14 7JR Voucher Admin Officer: Jackie Thorne Telephone: 01209 717237 email: malcolmt.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk Secretary: Christine Sargent Telephone: 01209 315386 email: christine.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk M S Support : Telephone: 01872 274911 Carer’s Officer: Neville Reed Telephone: 01637 875823 email: nevnjude.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk 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 Carol Batchelor Telephone: 01326 373464 email: carol.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk Fund Raising Manager Vacant Need help or advice, call our support number 01872 274911

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