The South Cornwall Branch of The MS Society October 2013 Magazine "The Lifeboat"

October 2013

The Lifeboat

South Cornwall Branch Monthly Magazine

Picture by kind permission from Lola Lamour

Front cover: This months front cover is of Lola Lamour Lola is a singer & entertainer that specialises in music from the 1920's to the1950's. From Gershwin to Porter, Dance Band melodies to the magic of the Movies. Lola is well known for many shows on the 1940's re-enactment scene. as we are holding our 1940’s night I thought it would be appropriate to feature Lola.

The Lamours The Lamours are a fabulous 13 piece band featuring Lola Lamour as lead vocalist performing their own unique vintage style of music and putting their own stamp on swing, soul, tango, blues, rockabilly and much more with a repertoire ranging from the 30s to modern day.

Unfortunately Lola and her band will not be at our 1940’s night but Mike George might do a turn!! Now that’s a frightening thought. “See you there”.

at Inside the Lifebo this month MS News Page 3 Benefit test tells people with progressive conditions they’ll ‘recover’ Top 10 MS research priorities identified Page 4 New daily tablet licensed for people with relapsing remitting MS Page 5 19th October Page 6 Fire walk Page 7 Read-A-Thon news.

Reported on Sky News: Multiple Sclerosis: MS Treatment 'Breakthrough' Page 8 PIP reassessments delayed

Page 11 Recipe from Judy Reed A message from Karen Moore Page 12 Jasper finds the facts!

Jasper, the magazine, Mike George and the budgie cage.

Page 13 My “Little Mon-e-me” From Susan Creese MS Nurse, Julie Collingbourne nominated for MS Professional of the year Page 14 From Nikki Jenkin Mike May, The power of the internet and who reads our Lifeboat magazine Page 15 Megan’s page Page 16 Youth group Page 17 Young MS and Friends Page 18 Events

Page 9/10 Quiz page 1

Page 19 Information page

Chairman’s Report Hi everyone I must say I have noticed Jasper is getting cheeky lately and I like his humour. I will remind everyone about our theme night on the 2nd of November and let's make it a night to remember. Our car booting team has nearly given a thousand pounds to our branch and I personally would like to thank Amanda and Richard for giving out leaflets and flying the flag around Cornwall.

Our neighbour Janet Mogie felt she should do something to help

and you can see Lin and myself with Janet down at Frogpool car boot on page 11. It was a lovely day and nearly a hundred pounds was raised. If you have anything for us to sell please give me ring and I can if you want collect it.

To end I have good news that our web page editor Mike May has now got someone to help him. Max has joined our society and together I am sure we will soon have a fantastic Web Page which I feel is so important. Now just sit back and enjoy Malcolm’s fantastic magazine which I feel is getting better and better. .

Mike Editors Note

Hello everyone, It looks like the summer is fading out now, it will soon be Christmas so do you have your place booked for the Christmas lunch? There are one or two new faces on the committee and they are very welcome, constructive replacements and additions are important to the future of our branch. I will have more information about them in next months magazine.

Our 40’s night is coming up fast and we need to establish numbers if the event is to take place so please book your tickets by the 20th October, if there is insufficient numbers by then we will have to cancel or perhaps scale down the venue.

I must thank those who responded to the Physiotherapy clinic project, your replies have been collated and will be discussed at the next committee meeting. I will report back in Novembers Lifeboat.

Any takers for the branch Read-A-Thon?

I have reported the schools project on page 7 but it would be good to run a branch Read-A-Thon. I am sure that many of you read at home, so why not get sponsored for it and raise funds for your branch?

Social events: We are still trying to arrange social events in different parts of our area but as you can imagine finding venues and making arrangements takes time, but we are still working on it.

Young MS and Friends Group: We need to support Lauren and Alex with the Young MS and Friends group, if you know of anyone who would like to help or get involved in the group then contact us and we will put you in touch.

Invitation page 5: Please read the invitation on page 5, this will be an informative afternoon and you are all invited. We will be giving a ten minute presentation on South Cornwall so get there if you can.

Malcolm 2

News from the MS National Centre Benefit test tells people with progressive conditions they’ll ‘recover’ Almost half of people with a progressive condition who put in a claim for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) have been told they will ‘recover’ enough to look for work in the future.

45% of people with the progressive conditions MS, cystic fibrosis, Parkinson’s and rheumatoid arthritis who put in an ESA claim in the last five years were placed in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG) – meaning assessors believe they’ll be able to return to work at some point.

Seven out of 10 new claimants (70 per cent) with these conditions have also been reassessed two or more times on the same claim, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety for people who are already in poor health.

Charities call for change The MS Society is today one of four charities calling for the Government to rethink the flawed assessment for the benefit, known as the Work Capability Assessment.

Claire Nurden, Senior Policy and Campaigns Officer at the MS Society, says: “The benefits system was set up to support the most vulnerable in our society –

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but the current system is failing them.

“It is vital that the assessments for disability benefits properly take into account professional evidence about people’s conditions. If assessments conclude that a person will ‘get better’, then the evidence should be shown to prove it."

A dossier has been sent to Dr Paul Litchfield, who is carrying out an independent review of the ESA assessment process. You can download the dossier from the MS website.

Top 10 MS research priorities identified The MS Society, in partnership with the James Lind Alliance, has identified the top 10 research questions that matter most to people affected by MS and healthcare professionals.

After a year of extensively canvassing the views of a wide range of people, over a thousand questions were narrowed down to the top 10: 1. Which treatments are effective to slow, stop or reverse the accumulation of disability associated with MS? 2. How can MS be prevented?

Which treatments are effective for fatigue in people with MS? 4. How can people with MS be best supported to self-manage their condition?

5. Does early treatment with aggressive disease modifying drugs improve the prognosis for people with MS? 6. Is Vitamin D supplementation an effective disease modifying treatment for MS? 7. Which treatments are effective to improve mobility for people with MS? 8. Which treatments are effective to improve cognition in people with MS? 9. Which treatments are effective for pain in people with MS? 10. Is physiotherapy effective in reducing disability in people with MS?

Finding the answers We are now working to ensure these priorities are addressed. As it stands, 75 per cent of our current research reflects priorities in the top 10, which is a great start. For example we are funding MSSMART, a ground-breakingclinical trial investigating whether three drugs can alter progression in people with secondary progressive MS. These priorities will complement our existing research strategy. We will continue to support research into the causes of MS, and treatments and care for people affected by MS. Previous partnerships using this process in other conditions have a track record of turning priorities into research projects by securing other funding. This is encouraging news and we will work to make this happen with the MS top 10.

Why did we do this?

Since 1956, we have invested over £144 million of today’s money in research. This has advanced our understanding of MS, improved diagnosis and supported the development of treatments such as Botox for bladder problems and alemtuzumab, which may soon be licensed for people with relapsing-remitting MS. Until we find a cure, we’ll continue to fund world-class research to develop the treatments and services that people with MS need.

But the field of MS research is vast, as is the number of projects that could be funded, and we need to support research that matters most.

Thank you to everybody who contributed to the process – this wouldn’t have happened without you.

New daily tablet licensed for people with relapsing remitting MS The manufacturer of Aubagio (also known as teriflunomide),

has received marketing authorisation in Europe for a 14mg once a dayoral treatment for people with relapsing remitting MS. Aubagio was shown to be safe and effective in two phase 3 (late-stage) clinical trials in people with relapsing remitting MS. The trials showed that 14mg once-daily tablets resulted in around a 30 per cent reduction in annualrelapse rate.

14mg of Aubagio also reduced lesion volume - as measured by an MRI brain scan - by 67-80 per cent, and reduced sustained disability progression over a 12 week period by around 30 per cent.

What happens now?

This means that Aubagio now has a licence in Europe. We now await Sanofi (the manufacturer) to launch the drug in the UK, so that it can be available for neurologists to prescribe.

Before the drug can be prescribed on the NHS, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) will need to undertake appraisals to judge its cost-effectiveness.

How does Aubagio work?

Aubagio affects the immune system by blocking the action of a specific set of immune cells called T-cells, which are thought to be responsible for causing damage to the brain and spinal cord in people with MS. Other cells of the immune system are thought to be left intact, affording people with MS some immune protection against infections.

Nick Rijke, interim Director of Policy and Research at the MS Society said: “We are delighted that another oral tablet has been licensed for people with relapsing remitting MS. Once the drug has been launched in the UK, we will do everything we can to support people with MS to get access to it.”

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This is not a South Cornwall Branch event

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Read-A-Thon news As of 2014 the Read-A-Thon will take on a new look, although I have yet to finish the documentation and associated DVD I will make sure that it is completed on time.

I have learned many lessons during the first round and I must thank all the schools that took part, they have been amazing and some instrumental in helping to improve the project.

I am talking to some schools who are willing to complete the Read-A-Thon again this year with a view to piloting some new ideas that will encourage more participation. Lanlivery and Darite schools start again in November.

Changes to Read-A-Thon approach: Apart from documentation changes the following incentives are fair and more appropriate to differing age groups.

1. Have reasonable incentive awards for books read, irrespective of money raised.

This can be in the form of gift voucher chosen by the student, this does not exclude any student of any age as it is based on the books read and not the amount of money they raise.

2. Have a selection of age related Read-AThon indicators that students wear to raise awareness that they are completing the Read-A-Thon 3. Offer the Read-A-Thon to siblings, friends or parents: By offering the ReadA-Thon to families it encourages participation and raises awareness over a wider area with the added advantage that students can work in teams or groups 4. Have a numbered registration form: At the end of the Read-A-Thon those who have completed have there registration number put into a draw and the winner gets a prize that will include the whole family,

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i.e. go cart racing, skittle ally, leisure weekends, Sport centre days, attractions and Evening meals.

5. Competitions such as painting, writing or the arts that run in line with the Read-AThon, with prizes such as gift vouchers of their choice.

6. The Oritse prize given for the most hours of reading.

7. Promote the school through MS channels which would included links to the school websites 8. Awards for teachers for the most books read in class. These could be in the form of certificates or trophies.

These are just a few ideas that I am discussing with schools at the moment, much of course depends on the student reaction and money raised as to the prize value but the incentives are there to enhance participation and most importantly awareness of MS in schools.

I would also encourage people of all ages to participate outside of the school environment. What an easy way for members to raise funds for their branch.

Just contact me for a Read-a-Thon pack or if you require more information.

Malcolm G Reported on Sky News: Multiple Sclerosis: MS Treatment 'Breakthrough' Researchers say they have found the "holy grail" in their quest to prevent the debilitating effects of MS. The treatment stops cells attacking a protective layer called myelin.

By Thomas Moore, Health Correspondent Doctors hope a new experimental treatment could halt the progression of multiple sclerosis.

For the first time, researchers have reprogrammed the immune systems of MS patients to stop cells attacking the protective layer around nerves in the spinal cord.

The destruction of the insulating sheath called myelin prevents normal transmission of nerve signals, triggering symptoms of the condition such as limb paralysis.

The clinical trial showed that patients' immune systems learned to recognise myelin as harmless. Further studies are expected to start shortly to confirm whether that in turn prevents relapses of the condition.

"In the phase two trial we want to treat patients as early as possible in the disease before they have paralysis due to myelin damage," said Prof Miller.

"Once the myelin is destroyed, it's hard to repair."

Dr Susan Kohlhass, head of biomedical research at the MS Society, Society said treatments that prevent progression of the condition are "urgently needed".

"Being able to specifically stop the immune system attacking myelin but still keeping it fully functional poses an exciting potential therapy for people with MS," she said.

"More research is now needed and we eagerly await the results of any future larger clinical trials of this therapy."

Northwestern University in Chicago, which took part in the research, hailed the study as a "big breakthrough".

Researchers, working with scientists in Switzerland and Germany, took billions of white blood cells from nine patients and processed them to carry tiny fragments of myelin.

The cells were then re-injected, training the immune system to tolerate myelin.

Lead researcher Professor Stephen Miller said results showed the treatment stopped the body turning against itself, without the side effects of some other treatments that suppress the entire immune system, leaving patients vulnerable to infections and cancer.

"Our approach leaves the function of the normal immune system intact. That's the holy grail," he said.

Results published in the journal Science show that reactivity to myelin fell by between 50% and 75%.

Swiss authorities have already approved the next stage of clinical trials to confirm whether the treatment prevents progression of the condition. Experiments on mice show that it does.

The DWP has announced it will delay, until 28 October 2013, the roll out of face to face benefits assessments for people moving from DLA to Personal Independence Payments.

The test, which will eventually reassess everyone of working age currently receiving DLA and in need of PIP, has been pushed back to allow the government more time to respond to the recent consultation around the mobility criteria of the benefit.

The assessment was originally due to start at the beginning of October, and would consider claimants on DLA who: • Are approaching age 16, or • Reported a change in their health condition or disability, or • Whose fixed term award was due to expire soon If over the next few weeks the DWP decides changes are needed to the PIP assessment then they’ll again delay the start of the reassessments. The MS Society is calling for an end to the 20 metre rule for the enhanced rate mobility component of the benefit.

PIP reassessments delayed

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September Quiz answers 1 Pennsylvania 2 Greenland 3 Amazon 4 Pacific 5 8,000 miles 6 Liverpool, Glasgow, London and Newcastle 7 Madrid 8 Czech Republic

Cut out the pieces of jigsaw on these two pages and put together a picture

October quiz Unscramble the letters to reveal boys names 1 ILHMACE 2 EJIMA 3 YCRPE 4 LUAMCL 5 BTREOR 6 LIIMAWL 7 SALCRHE 8 RGOANM 9 YLLEES 10 AANNTH

Poetry Corner What’s this mystery object?

Money Boxes Target £2,000.00 Actual to date £950

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Happy birthday to: 1st Simon Chevill 1st Janet Jelbert 4th Julie Allen 4th John Froggatt 8th Brian Walker 9th Joyce Tyler 26th Mary Smith

September mystery object

Did you spot the 14 differences?

Can you spot the twelve differences?

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Recipe from Judy Reed

Mike Lin and Janet at the Frogpool car boot sale

GLUTEN FREE COURGETTE & LEMON CAKE 250gm soft dark brown sugar 3 eggs 250ml vegetable oil 375gm gluten free self raising flour 1 teasp gluten free baking powder 1 teasp mixed spice 375gm coarsely grated courgette (end cut off, peeled or unpeeled) 250gm mixed dried fruit zest & juice of 1 lemon.

Whisk the eggs and sugar together until thick and creamy, then gradually add the oil while still whisking. Fold in the flour, baking powder and spice, then carefully stir in the courgette, dried fruit and zest and lemon juice.

Pour into a lined 20cm square deep cake tin, and bake at 140c(fan) for 1 hour and 45 -55 mins.

Thanks Judy, a good one for a cake break!

A message from Karen Moore I thought that people might be interested (as there is a 1940's night coming up) that a new retro shop has just opened in Truro and is full of 1940 clothes and is not expensive. It is called 'Tootsie and Tiger' and is opposite 'Fodders Restaurant' in the walk through at the side of the market in Truro. They have got some really good retro clothes and don't charge a fortune. They also will be taking clothes in to sell from the 1st of March. I thought that some of the ladies would like to know. They have also got gents Karen and Keith

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Well done you car booter’s, what a dazzling display, keep up the good work!

Disabled people struggle to participate in sport A study launched this week by the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) has found six in 10 disabled people (60%) in England are not taking part in sport because they don’t know what’s available to them, or don’t have the opportunity.

However, 70% of people say they want to do more physical activity.

Lottery of access: The figures support findings from the MS Society’s ‘Stop the MS Lottery’campaign, launched earlier this year, which found people with MS struggled to access support to remain physically active. The MS Society’s survey found professionals were key; people who saw a physiotherapist were twice as likely to have their need to remain physically active met, like attending exercise classes, than those who didn’t see anyone.

Doing exercise with MS: There’s loads of information on our website on exercising with MS, including afree exercise DVD fronted by Sally Gunnell. You can also contact our helpline for more guidance and information on exercising with MS: 0808 800 8000.

Jasper finds the facts!

Jasper, the magazine, Mike George and the budgie cage.

You may have heard that the magazine fits nicely in the bottom of your budgie cage, indicating that this is the best use for it!

Well, this witty comment came from your chairman Mike George who, I think, likes the magazine. I Know that some may agree with him, it does fit nicely into a budgie cage.

In a previous life he was obviously a budgie that loved to read.

Fortunately, I have been able to trace the history and indeed managed to obtain a photo.

The likeness is incredible and it’s obvious where he gets his chirpiness from.

As an ex magistrate he is used to being up in front of the beak!

The only comment I would make is that if you use the magazine at the bottom of your budgie cage please don’t have my picture facing up.

DONT TALK TO MY PARROT! Wanda’s dishwasher quit working so she called a repairman. Since she had to go to work the next day, she told the repairman, ‘I’ll leave the key under the mat. Fix the dishwasher, leave the bill on the counter, and I’ll mail you a cheque.’ ‘Oh, by the way don’t worry about my bulldog Spike. He won’t bother you.

But, whatever you do, do NOT, under ANY circumstances, talk to my parrot!’

‘I REPEAT, DO NOT TALK TO MY PARROT!!!’ When the repairman arrived at Wanda’s apartment the following day, he discovered the biggest, meanest looking bulldog he had ever seen.

Just as she had said, the dog just lay there on the carpet watching the repairman go about his work. The parrot, however, drove him nuts the whole time with his incessant yelling, cursing and name calling. Finally the repairman couldn’t contain himself any longer and yelled: ‘Shut up, you stupid, ugly bird!’ To which the parrot replied, ‘Get him, Spike!’

So, you see, men just don’t listen !

Spike and Parrot

Jasper Computer awareness day 16th November Want to know more about your computer or how to use a specific programme, maybe you want a problem solved.

Come to the computer awareness day at Mike Georges on the 16th November 10.00am til 2.00pm Phone Mike George with your requirements: 01872 862031

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My “Little Mon-e-me” From Susan Creese I look out from my window And see nothing but smog and white mist Blocking the ocean sea, leaving nothing left to view Except a historical Pilchard ruin and several homestead roof top tiles Pink cerise and white dog roses on an overgrown green leafed hedge row Grappling with the wind A green grass space, where dog lovers roam with their pooches’ And they leave dark brown patches on the landscape A lamp extravaganza is protruding and intruding into nanny’s front room Such an ugly sight How this lazy hazy Sunday, Keeps her writing and fighting, wanting to be free From Old Age Pension Slavery And a stairway to heaven some may say But best of all sleeping, eating, resting and being with my family!

How I hope you have many happy fun filled memories of you and me My little ‘Mon-e-me’! © Susan Creese 2012 MS Nurse, Julie Collingbourne nominated for MS Professional of the year Congratulations to Julie Collingbourne for being one of the nominations for MS Professional of the year.

The MS Professional of the year award recognises an individual, or team, that has consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty for people affected by MS. This year there were 250 nominations across ten award categories; each one highlighting the remarkable dedication of groups and individuals who do so much to improve the lives of people living with MS. Unfortunately Julie was not the chosen nominee but what an achievement to be 5 nominated for such a prodigious award.

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Thought for October It’s been quite a month – I’ve been keeping the medical profession busy, having two cataracts removed and wow, what a difference that has made!

If anybody reading this is awaiting a cataractomy or whatever ‘they’ may call it, be prepared for a miracle. Not only are things looking clearer now but I hadn’t realised how different things were beginning to look, before I had it done. When we decorated our lounge a few years ago we chose wild primrose emulsion, which was a lovely pale yellow. Recently though, I told my husband we needed to choose something paler as it had darkened with age. The day I came home after the second eye had been operated on, I took one look at the walls and realised it was my eyes that had been the trouble, and not the paint at all. Result? One happy husband who doesn’t have to start painting – YET! Apart from my two eye ops I had my yearly visit to Dr Mate at Marie Therese House and a not too painful tooth extraction. It’s a wonderful thing we have, the NHS, isn’t it?

So, this month, why don’t you join me in offering a prayer for all the medical people we come into contact with day by day and week by week. Until next time, may your God watch over them and you.

Ros Christmas Lunch Christmas lunch 2013 is on the 7th December at the Membly Hall Hotel Falmouth. Book your places with Chris Tel: 01209 315386 Free for people with MS £5.00 for carers £13.00 for guests

From Nikki Jenkin MEMO; To all non-pet owners who visit and like to complain about our pets: 1 They live here. You don't.

2 If you don't want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture ( that's why its called fur-niture) 3 I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.

4 To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours and don't speak clearly.

REMEMBER; Dogs and cats are better that kids because they: 1 Eat less 2 Don't ask for money all the time 3 Are easier to train 4 Normally come when called 5 Never ask to drive the car 6 Don't hang out with drug-using people 7 Don't smoke or drink 8 Don't want to wear your clothes 9 Don't have to buy the latest fashions and 10 If they get pregnant you can sell their children.....

Well done to those who got it right, it was Malcolm G during a Cabaret Fire ‘n’ Ice held for MS in around the year 2001 What a night, we had 212 people attending, why can’t we get that many to come out now?

Nikki Of course I new it all the time, I recognised the podgy front. He must have been Elvis during his bad days!

It was a good night though, it raised nearly £1000.00, do you think we could get over 200 people at another one?

Call me on my rabbit phone

Mike May, The power of the internet and who reads our Lifeboat magazine Mike May Mike May is our Website manager and very much an unsung hero, for many months now there have been enormous problems with the South Cornwall Branch website, mainly due to the fact that changes have taken place in London who control the main MS website through which branch websites operate.

Mike has completed some great work for South Cornwall with some exceptional displays for our Magazine, Read-A-Thon and Branch Activities, he is currently in communication with London to get his work loaded onto our website.

Through Mikes initiative we have information currently available to be viewed and read on the internet with regard to our Magazine, the Read-A-Thon and the schools Roll of Honour, in fact it is safe to say that our magazine and documentation is being read in the following countries: India, North America, Canada, Spain, United States, Egypt and Alaska.

South Cornwall Branch has gone international!

If you want to see Mikes work google “issuu” on the issuu page search “ms readathon” and the South Cornwall documents will appear, select a document and turn the pages at will.

DVD’s : I have spent many hours working with Mike on the school awareness DVD, he is our camera man and video splicer, cutter/editor, together we have been putting together the video takes from our filming at Cape Cornwall School.

Thanks Mike for you efforts and thanks to Ellen for letting you spend the time.

Malcolm Mike and Ellen May

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page Megan’s From what I hear Megan makes a pretty good cake and this recipe should be no exception.

I am in fact expecting a cake from Megan so I can report back in future magazines on the quality, texture, taste and look. I am of course an expert due to my tea and cake hobby.

Just a bit of gossip, I heard that Megan has been made a school ambassador.

How to make at treasure chest cake!!!

You will need: A loaf tin 3/ 4 eggs Flour Sugar Margarine/butter A mixing bowl

Jasper

7. Then you need to grease the tin. To do this you need to grease and line the tin with the greaseproof paper and margarine 8. Next you can pour in the mixture. Once you’ve done that you can make it all even and if you like you can bang the bottom on the worktop to release any air bubbles.

9. Next put the oven on to 180 degrees Method: and wait to heat up, when it’s done that put 1. Weigh the desired number of eggs on in the cake and leave for about 20-25 mins the scales. They should weigh around 8oz. to bake 2. Next weigh the flour to the same weight 10. Once the cake has finished baking you as all of the eggs together. And sieve into can take it out of the tin and wait for it to the mixing bowl. cool.

3. Then weigh out the sugar again to the 11. Next you need to make your icing you weight of the eggs. After add these to the can make it however you like but it needs mixing bowl. to be of a thick consistency.

4. After this weigh the margarine/butter to 12. Once the cake cools you can slice of the same weight again. You may want to the top making the lid and the chest. break this into smaller pieces with your 13. Next you need to ice the chest part of hands or a knife to make it easier to mix the cake completely. Followed by the lid. together.

14. Then you need to cut the straws in to 4 5. Next you need to crack the eggs into the pieces. Placing one in each corner. Making bowl. If you want you could break them into the ones at the front slightly taller to keep a bowl first to make sure you don’t get any the chest open. You could put sweets on shell in with the mixture. the chest part of the cake to look like 6. Once you’ve done that, you can mix it all treasure. together, making sure everything gets 15. After this lift the lid onto the straws mixed in including the flour on the bottom giving the chest a lid and then decorate the and sides.

15 top of the cake as you wish.

Wooden spoon A sieve Scales Icing Sweets of choice Straws

South Cornwall branch MS Youth Group West “Making Sense” The BF Adventure

I would like to thank our branch for our day out at BF Adventure we had a great day.

I liked kayaking best I touched a wall of slime kayaking is harder than it looks. We also did canoeing, that’s easy but we had fun.

We jumped off a platform and swam back to the other side, we wore our wetsuits to do all this.

We ate our packed lunch in the club house, Malcolm picked us up at 3 o clock. He then took us to Mc Donalds.

It was great.

Malcolm then took us all home. We dropped Jamie & Lauren in St. Buryan then took Megan & me back to St. Just.

Thank you Malcolm From Ben You are welcome Ben, I had a great time too, we appreciate the work of the youth group and the awareness you all provide as well as the funds raised.

Malcolm

I’d like to thank our branch for funding the trip to BF adventures.

The first activity we did was going to an assault course and completing team challenges to complete the course.

After this we had a break and then went to do kayaking/canoeing. It was really fun and afterwards we got to jump of the pontoon into the quarry.

Next we had lunch followed by going to the adventure quarry where again we had to work as a team to cross the water using just three planks. Then we went to do archery where we had small competition then it was time to go home. I had a really good day and recommend going there to anyone.

Megan As you can see I was there to look after these young people on their adventure, we have yet to hear from Lauren and Jamie who are very busy with school work at the moment, so hopefully we will get a report for November.

BF Adventure is an outdoor activity centre (open to the public) and charity based near Falmouth and Penryn.

Their Mission: “Inspiring, challenging and motivating people, especially young people, to develop their life skills to bring about positive change” Every year BF Adventure, helps hundreds of disadvantaged and disabled children and adults in Cornwall to believe in themselves and gain the skills and accreditations to succeed at school or to find employment.

On 60 acres of land including three former granite quarries, they also offer exciting adventure activities, corporate team building days, private parties, school's & clubs and their very popular holiday adventure days for children aged 7+ years.

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Young MS and Friends Group

MS Society blog for Young MS and Friends Group There are quite a number of people within the UK that live with MS, and we are trying to find those people that are younger and have MS. Are aims are too bring a group of young people together to provide support and encourage new and inspiring friendships. The group is about listening to people’s experiences with MS, and using their own experiences pass on advice and much needed support.

Understanding that you have the potential!

-it’s important for us at the young MS and friends group headquarters that we can bring people together to make individuals understanding that just because they have MS doesn’t mean they should stop doing the things they love to do. There is always a way of progressing in something even if physically they are unable to do it, being an achiever and to have ambition is important in life! Looking for other ways of achieving rather than stopping something altogether shows dedication and bravery!

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By not allowing a condition such as MS get in your way of progressing academically or physically shows that you are a determined individual and for which you will gain a great level of respect, and other people are also more likely to look up to you as a role model. The way in which you choose to live your lives has the potential to influence others. Helping someone can simply be encouraging them to try hard and never give up always strive to reach their full ability You could be individual to have helped the young girl with MS to continue doing her best at physio, and know because of the support you have given her, her walking has improved and she is now able to play with her friends outside of school. As much as being diagnosed with MS is a shock and you may thing that it’s the end of the world, by having friendships and kind-hearted support around, your attitude towards the condition can change.

Becoming a team together means that you can talk about your emotions and how they make you feel. Everyone within the young MS and friends groups will all be given the same opportunity’s to do fun and exciting activities and try new things. We are hoping that together everyone can help each other to have great experiences outside of their normal day to day life which will help them to learn things about themselves, which in time will help them to come to terms with their condition and allow them to acknowledge who they are, and have the understanding that everyone has the capability to do well in no matter what obstacles that life throw at us. Keep working hard and we hope to see some young and refreshing faces at the young MS and friend’s group meeting soon, all the best everyone!

Many thanks Lauren and Alex xox

South Cornwall Branch events 2013

Coffee mornings South Cornwall branch want to hold coffee mornings throughout their area, if you want to volunteer to hold a coffee morning to raised funds for your branch please contact me and we will help to advertise your event and even provide relevant promotion materials.

Look out for our fund raising pack proposals in next months magazine.

Events taking place at Merlin MS Centre

1940’s Night on November 2nd Get your tickets for this super event and enjoy an evening in the 1940’s, 40’s dress optional but preferred. Call for tickets: 01209 860754 Computer awareness day November 16th At Mike Georges, call 01872 862031 for details and booking Christmas Lunch Christmas lunch 2013 is on the 7th December at the Membly Hall Hotel Falmouth. Book your places with Chris Tel 01209 315386 Free for people with MS £5.00 for carers £13.00 for guests

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.

Ellie May, Communications and Corporate Events Manager Tel: 01726 885530

In next months Lifeboat magazine: Members pages Youth Group page MS News Megan’s page Branch events Read-A-Thon news

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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 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 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@live.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: Christine Sargent Telephone: 01209 315386 email: christine.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk 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 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