inforMS
The Newsletter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society Ayrshire & Arran Branch
Chairman’s Spring Report Social Nights 4 April and 9 May at the Menzies Hotel, Irvine 6pm for 6.30. Two-course meal and entertainment for £10. Details are on page 7. Ayrshire & Arran AGM Sunday 28th April at Menzies Hotel, Irvine. 12 noon.
Volunteers at our shop in Kilwinning are asking members and friends to donate unwanted items such as DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, bric-a-brac, small furnishings and books… pretty much any item, other than electrical goods and clothing. Goods can be dropped off at the premises at 84 Main Street, Kilwinning or there is a free uplift service available for larger items within North Ayrshire. The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 11am-3pm or you can phone us on 01294 558866.
I am delighted to confirm that our Carers Course started on 29th January when Dr Paul Mattison launched the first of six sessions. We are grateful to Jacquie Downs for facilitating the event and arranging the speakers. Special thanks also goes to Cat Myles, Service Development Officer for playing the lead role in designing the programme. We aim to evaluate the course and possibly repeat sessions, as a number of our members have been unable to participate in this course for various reasons. Sadly David Davies, has been unwell recently and has had to give up volunteering at the Resource Centre. David has been badly missed but we were delighted to see him recently in the centre. We all wish him a speedy recovery. Five of our volunteers, namely, Krys, Kim, Janette, Derek and Billy attended a First Aid Course at "Stewart First Aid Training"in Glasgow. I gather from Krys, the team leader, that a good day was had by all! The Trainer has offered to visit us in Kilwinning in the future. Visitors to the centre will be pleased to know that Derek and the others are now qualified to give the "kiss of life" if required! Lindsey Collins, our new MS nurse, will be coming to our local groups over the next few months to meet with members. We wish her well in her new post. I am pleased to confirm that yoga classes are continuing at Biggart Hospital and now well established at the Henderson and Cunninghame Groups. One hundred and fifty three people attended our New Year lunch at the Carlton Hotel. It was pleasing to see Continues overleaf
MS Society Ayrshire & Arran Branch 84 Main Street, Kilwinning, KA13 6AG Telephone 01294 558866
Email: msayrshire@talktalk.net Website : www.msayrshire.com Facebook.com/MSAyrshire
Branch News Continued from front page such a great turnout. Guests included Helen Mooney, Provost of South Ayrshire, Margaret Burgess, MSP and Minister for Housing and Welfare, John Scott, MSP and Deputy Presiding Officer. We are grateful to the aforementioned individuals for the support they give the branch, publicly and behind the scenes. It was also pleasing to see Ann Brown and Darren Miller from Head Office. We were delighted that Ann was able to present Jean Howie with a shining star award. Jean’s picture has pride of place elsewhere in the newsletter. Jacquie Downs also gave up her time to represent the team from the Douglas Grant Unit. At last years AGM members voted to keep the contribution for the lunch at £5. Of the the 153 attendees, 145 members and friends paid £5 each. The cost of the lunch was £16.95. This resulted in the branch subsidising the lunch to circa £1,500, a not insignificant sum. We know how much members and friends appreciate the New Year lunch but the committee would welcome views on the contribution members should make in the future. The subject will feature as an agenda item at our AGM on 28 April. I wish you all the very best for the coming year. George McLachlan
The branch's New Year Lunch took place in January at the Carlton Hotel in Prestwick. Around 150 members, supporters and friends attended this event which saw our guests enjoy an excellent three-course lunch. During the proceedings, Ayr Cricket Club presented a cheque for £1,800 raised from their charity ball to the Robbie Dickie Memorial Fund and Jean Howie, who has retired as our yoga instructor, was awarded an MS Shining Star in recognition of her long service.
The winner of the £100 note that was the first prize in our Festive Draw - which raised ticket sales of £1,001 for branch funds - was Elspeth Yarrop of Kilmarnock who is pictured receiving the first prize in our Festive draw - a one hundred pound note - from the President of MS Ayrshire and Arran, Kathryn Gray. Also pictured are Elspeth’s daughter, Pamela Mackie and Chalmers Thomson, the Branch Treasurer.
Remember to visit our website: www.msayrshire.com
Branch New Year Lunch 2013 Long-serving Jean Howie is retiring after 30 years involvement with the MS Yoga Class at the Biggart Hospital in Prestwick and was awarded an MS Shining Star at our New Year Lunch in recognition of her service. Below, one of the class members pays tribute.
Jean’s a Shining Star It’s nearly 7pm on a Monday night, and there are small groups of people heading to the Biggart Hospital. Not to visit someone, but to attend Jean’s Yoga class. Jean Howie has been running the MS Yoga class for nearly 30 years at the Biggart Hospital. Heading in the door at 7pm, clutching our yoga mats we have a chat as we make our way along the corridor. Jean is always there before any of us, greeting us with a cheery smile as we filter in. Jackets and shoes removed, mats laid out on the floor and Jean begins the session. Our exercises and routines have all been adapted by Jean to either be done sitting or lying down. We work hard for an hour with relaxation at the end. We are a group of people of all age ranges and with varying MS symptoms but I have noticed, Jean, that if one of us is having problems with something specific you add in a routine to help us. This is no ordinary yoga class but one that alters with the needs of the group. I am not sure how many in the class are aware of the subtle changes you make Jean, but you thoughtfully give each member of the class the help they need. We have all enjoyed coming to your class Jean; for the exercise, the chat, the socialising and the support. Thank you for the many years you have come out in all weathers to run our class. Carolyn MacIsaac
Jean Howie receives her Shining Star award from Ann Brown (left), Head of Operations for MS Society Scotland. Also pictured are Jim Fitt and Irene McLean who presented Jean with a gift on behalf of the members of the yoga group.
Fundraising Another Big Boost for the Robbie Dickie Fund The big-hearted supporters of Ayr Cricket Club have given a big boost to the Robbie Dickie Fund. Robbie was a well known and popular member of the cricket club. Their annual ball raised a total of £1,800, which the club’s Gavin Gemmell presented to the branch at our New Year lunch. The Fund was set up by family and friends to maintain the memory of young Robbie who died so tragically last year. With his late mother’s commitment to multiple sclerosis, it was agreed the Fund would be administered by the local Branch of the registered Scottish Charity who have undertaken to match all monies raised on a £ for £ basis. Grants from the fund are targeted at young people affected by multiple sclerosis to assist their education, employment and personal development and to ensure they attain the fullest life possible Donald McNeill of the Society said: “We thank all at Ayr Cricket Club for their support. Indeed, it illustrates fully the assistance we have received from the wider Ayrshire community for this very worthwhile initiative. This handsome donation allows us to continue our work. “Since the Fund’s inception, we have already committed significant monies to help many individuals affected by MS. We invite further applications which will be treated in absolute confidence. In the first instance, a telephone call to us at 01294 558866 (our Resource Centre in Kilwinning) would set the ball rolling.”
Winners Prize winners in our Festive Draw were: 1st - £100 note Elspeth Yarrop Kilmarnock (Ticket no. 4100) 2nd - Champagne Mr J. Johnstone, Hunterston (2035); 3rd - Premium Vodka Ellen Strain, Dundonald (2885); 4th - Old Navy Rum Willie, Troon (1431) 5th - Hamper Steven Gellan, Largs (2002); 6th - Hamper Ann Bell, Mauchline (4941).
Thanks Tom Atkinson of Irvine contacted the newsletter and asked us to place a message of thanks to MS Ayrshire and Arran for all the help and support that the branch gave to his wife, Jean, over many years. Jean, who was 47, died from complications of MS on 2nd December last year.
Fundraising What goes around comes around… When volunteers were clearing out the MS Resource Centre last summer, they found a box containing packs of Christmas cards that had been unsold at past fundraising events. As these were surplus stock, the branch decided to give the packs of cards to the Youth Forum at Irvine’s Mure Church, to help with the Forum's own fundraising efforts, in recognition of the many years of support that the group has given to MS Ayrshire and Arran Branch in the shape of Fun Runs, Coffee Mornings and suchlike. In the run up to Christmas, those who attend the Youth Forum sold the cards to friends, family and church members, but rather then keep the money raised for their own use, they decided to use it to support MS Ayrshire and Christian Aid. Donald McNeill O.B.E., the chief fundraiser for MS Ayrshire said: “This is another very generous act by these young people who have given us much support over many years. The cards were surplus to our requirements and we hoped that the Youth Forum may get some benefit from them, so we were surprised and delighted when we heard they wanted to donate £100 back to us. It is yet another indication of the great support that the local public and organisations of Ayrshire have for our cause.”
Can collection raises £812 for branch A can collection at Tesco Extra at Ayr in late January raised the grand sum of £812 which will go to supporting people affected by Multiple Sclerosis in Ayrshire and Arran. A big thank you goes to our volunteers and the Tesco staff who so readily assisted on the day. Thanks also to those members of the public who kindly donated. Further can collections will be held at the following Tesco stores: 28th February - Glasgow Road, Kilmarnock; 14th March - Irvine; 18th April - Auchinleck; 16th May - West Shaw Street, Kilmarnock. If you are able to help, please call 01294 558866. ‘InforMS’ is published by Ayrshire & Arran Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. All opinions herein are personal and not necessarily the policies or views of the Society. The Society is a registered charity in England and Wales (1139257) and Scotland (SCO41990) and a company limited by guarantee (07451571)
Around Our Region Henderson Group
Eglinton Group
I hope you all had a lovely time at Christmas and New Year. Sadly not all had. Margo Drain died on Christmas Day. Margo was a member of the Henderson Group for over 25 years and did on many occasions recite poetry and read to us jokes she herself had come across. Having been diagnosed with MS some 37 years it's a credit to her family and carers she never spent one night in hospital. Margo will be greatly missed by all.
We meet on Mondays between 12 noon and 3pm at Taylors Hotel in Kilwinning where there is ample car parking, level access and we are looked after very well.
As a group we take things easy, Angela F. takes us through some very gentle yoga moves (we never leave our chairs). On occasions we have difficulty what is R and what is L. On Tuesday 23rd January we held our usual Burns Supper. Ian Mathewson, a friend of Catherine, recited Burns poems which were appreciated by all. Many hands make light work-we now have two new volunteers, Anne M and Carol, whose talents are much appreciated. Rena, John and Dot we are thinking of you. Take Care! We meet on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 1-4pm in the Scout Hall at Henderson Church in Kilmarnock. Do come and join us or phone Catherine for more details on 01563 539537. Best wishes Moureen Jones Yoga classes are now available on a regular basis at the Cunninghame and Henderson groups. For more details please contact Iris (Cunninghame Group) on 01294 471066 or Catherine (Henderson Group) on 01563 539537. The Yoga Group continues to meet at the Biggart Hospital, Prestwick on Monday evenings from 7pm.
Ours is a small and friendly group so why not come and say hello? You’ll be made very welcome. For more details please call Liz on 07809 373884 or email liz.crozier@hotmail.co.uk Liz Crozier
Cunninghame MS Group Thursdays at St. John’s Church Hall, Stevenston at 12-3pm for light lunch, chat and activities. Yoga is available. Please feel free to come along and join us, you will be made welcome. Call Iris on 01294 471066 for more details.
New Cumnock and District Group We are a friendly group that meets on the last Tuesday of each month from 6.30 pm at the Lochside House Hotel in New Cumnock. Come and join us or contact Caroline Duncan on 01290 333846 for details.
Around Our Region Kyle Coffee Club On 12th December, 43 of us had our Christmas Lunch at Dobbies Garden World, Ayr. We were all in good spirits and enjoyed an excellent meal served to perfection by Holly and her team. Dobbies look after us so well throughout the year; always with a smile and a welcome, and it is a lovely way to end the year with a good meal and great company. The weather has been wild, wet and windy. We certainly have not had the worst of the winter in this small part of the country and we are hoping for Spring round the corner. Already the snowdrops, daffodils and tulips are starting to poke their green shoots above the ground and now that January is over we can look for some improvement? Or is that tempting fate? Irene P has a very significant birthday in February and her family are arriving from Australia to spend it with her so we wish her a very happy celebration made even more special with the presence of her family. It was lovely to see Margaret at the Coffee Club as she had been in hospital. She was well cared for but was aware of how busy hospitals are at this time of the year with the constant pressure on bed availability. We meet on the last Wednesday of the month at 10.30am at Dobbies Garden World, Ayr. Why not join us for tea/coffee and a scone - we would love to see you. We are also looking for suggestions of any speakers that you might like to hear, or of any outings that we might consider this year. Phone Irene on 01292 478962 for details. Irene MacLean
MS Monthly Social Night It's nearly that time of year again. Are you ready for a good night out? There is no increase in cost, for £10 you can have a two-course meal, catch up with friends and enjoy the entertainment. Mari Matheson and I have booked the Menzies Hotel in Irvine for April and May, with cabaret being provided by Joanne Bench on 4th April and by Music Box on 9th May. We meet at 6pm for 6.30. The idea is to have the Social Group meetings on the first Thursday of the month in June, July, August, September and December. What would you like the format to be‌do you want to change things or leave them as they are? Should we have a Quiz/DJ/Beetle Drive instead of a cabaret act ? Tell us what you would prefer. And if you know of an entertainer that we could book, please let us know. Mari and I will be pleased to hear from you by phone or email at the office. Krys Inglis
50/50 Club Re-launched How about getting lucky and helping the Branch!!! For a modest ÂŁ5, we guarantee you FIVE chances to win a possible ÂŁ50 first prize and lesser second and third prizes in our 50/50 Club, with proceeds split between the prize winners and the Social Group. For details see the enclosed entry form, call our office on Margaret Burgess MSP (seated centre), and her colleague 01294 558866 or visit our Councillor John Ferguson (standing), visited our Resource website: www.msayrshire.com Centre recently to meet members and volunteers.
Yellow Moon The branch has recently joined the Yellow Moon Fundraising Scheme. Yellow Moon offer a wide range of gifts, arts & craft ideas and toys at reasonable prices. From each order that is placed using our source code, the Branch gets get up to 20% of the order value back. Copies of the current catalogue are available at our Resource Centre, please call in or phone 01294 558866 if you would like to receive one. You can also view the catalogue and order online at www.yellowmoon.org.uk If you place an order, please remember to enter our unique Source Code - WMU13518 when you checkout!