The Lifeboat
March 2013
South Cornwall
Branch
Monthly
Magazine
1
Inside the Lifeboat
this month
MS News
Page 3 MS Society appoints Acting Chief
Executive
Disability benefit changes could
affect ‘thousands’
Page 4 Payment ‘cap’ on social care to be
introduced
Insurance and MS Page 5 Insurance and MS Page 6 Insurance and MS, Car Travel and
Home Page 7 Chiropodist vouchers Page 8 Awareness Project closes
IMPORTANT NOTICE
South Cornwall Vouchers
A well earned shining star Page 9 Quiz page Page 10 Quiz page
44
Page 11 The AM Page 12 How to tell the sex of a fly
Fudge cake recipe
Concessions on PIP Page 13 Jasper’ Jungle
Page14 Read-A-Thon news
Elsa raises funds Page 15 Slow dance
Youth group report Page 16 Honey pudding
Branch events Page 17 Proud to be British
Little gems Page 18 Events Page 19 Information page
Back by popular demand
Cover picture:
I was hoping this would be one of
yours but it wasn’t to be, so here's
a touch of spring
Kingfishers are small unmistakable
bright blue and orange birds of slow
moving or still water. They fly rapidly,
low over water, and hunt fish from
riverside perches, occasionally
hovering above the water's surface.
They are a vulnerable to hard winters and habitat degradation
through pollution or unsympathetic management of watercourses.
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
Hello everyone,
Well its all happening here
at the moment, what with
the future of the branch to
consider and the Hub
project, who knows where
we will be by the end of
the year. We do need to consider the future
and I know that the committee would like to
leave a legacy that will see South Cornwall
Branch financially viable in the future and
able to provide first rate services to people
affected by MS.
The collapse of the awareness project was
a blow, not least for me having spent 18
months getting to the final stages and
ready to launch the project to the media.
I think these setbacks in some ways make
us stronger and more assertive, leaving us
with the question “Why do we do it”? and
has the time come to ride off into the 2
Chairman’s Report
Editors Note
Hello everyone ,
A month has gone by
so quickly and firstly
I would like to thank
Mary Smith for writing a very interesting
supplement and there is more to come. To
this end I wish more of you would help
Malcolm out by sending in things to put in
the magazine after all it is YOUR magazine.
The carer's group needs more members
because several of the regular attenders
circumstances have changed and therefor
feel it is time to let others come along . So if
you want to join a very interesting and
informative meeting PLEASE LET ME
KNOW or let Neville know .
The collapse of the county awareness
project which Malcolm worked for eighteen
months was due to Mid Cornwall’s Branch
short sightedness, it is a major blow to all
MS suffers in the county. Head quarters
seemed to accept the failure of the project
with little effort in trying to encourage the
Mid Cornwall branch to join in and I found
this very sad.
On a brighter note, we are developing a
project called the HUB, this is a very
important venture for us to initiate because
in my view it is the only way that our Branch
will survive and prosper in the future.
You may find a flyer explaining the Hub in
this magazine, if not you will be receiving
one in the near future. Please read the
article and PLEASE give us feed back
whether it be support or otherwise. Your
comments could make or break the
project.
Our treasurer Malcolm Thorne is retiring
soon and again I would like to thank him
and Jackie for all the work and support
they have given me and the Branch over
the many years they have been members. I WILL END NOW !!
Moaning Mike or MM for short . Come to the computer awareness day
10am to 2pm on the 30th March at my
bungalow, pasty lunch and lots to learn
about your computer. Call 01872 862031
sunset having given it my best shot. Lets
see if the Hub gets off the ground and
makes a difference.
On a lighter note I am still waiting for those
photos to go on the front cover, those that
said they would send some photos of
themselves haven't yet so get those emails
going.
I have had very few responses to the
events programme as yet, I will leave it in
this months magazine and then it will
disappear.
It was great to hear that Elsa from Lanlivery
School had raised all that money, read the
details on page 14.
Thank you Wendy, Judy and Jackie for
your input this month.
Don’t forget to look out for the Hub
information and please send in the return
slip. If its not in this magazine you will be
receiving one shortly. MMMMaaaallllccccoooollllmmmm
3
News from the MS National Centre
Disability benefit changes could affect
‘thousands’
MS Society appoints Acting Chief Executive
The MS Society has
appointed Patricia
Gordon, the charity’s
current Director for
Northern Ireland, as its
Acting Chief Executive.
Patricia will take up the
post on an interim basis
while the charity begins
the recruitment process
for a permanent replacement for Simon
Gillespie, whose resignation was
announced last month. Simon will leave the
MS Society on 15 February to join the
British Heart Foundation as Chief
Executive.
Experienced leader
Patricia joined the MS Society in January
2008. She was previously Chief Executive
of the South and East Belfast Health and
Social Care Trust.
For the last year, as well as overseeing the
MS Society’s activities in Northern Ireland,
Patricia has been acting as Director of MS
Society Scotland.
Patricia said:
“I'm delighted to have this opportunity, over
the ensuing months, to work with
volunteers and staff to continue to improve
the lives of people affected by MS."
Chairman Hilary Sears said:
“Patricia has not only run a tight ship in
Northern Ireland but has also spent the last
year overseeing our activities in Scotland.
She has 12 years experience as a chief
executive before joining the MS Society and
I am confident she will enable the charity to
continue the excellent progress made
under Simon’s leadership, until we are able
to appoint a permanent successor."
Improving the lives of people affected by
MS
The change comes as the MS Society
begins its 60th anniversary year. We have
lots of exciting plans in place for 2013,
including an events fundraising campaign,
Challenge60, which will be launched in the
summer.
We will also be engaging people across the
MS community throughout the year to seek
their views on what our vision should be for
the next 20 years.
A report published
by the campaign
group ‘We are
Spartacus’ has said
thousands of
people with long term conditions could be
affected by planned Government changes
to DLA.
Last month the Government released a
statement which detailed how the
qualification for the enhanced mobility rate
for the new PIP had been changed.
Changes without consultation
The previous criteria proposed that people
with physical walking difficulties (who have
no difficulty planning and following a
journey) would qualify for the enhanced
mobility component if they are unable to
walk more than 50 metres. However this
distance has been slashed to 20 metres in
the final criteria.
There was no prior indication the change
was being considered and none of the
consultation responses proposed it.
MS Society strongly opposed
The MS Society, as part of the
4
Payment ‘cap’ on social care to be
introduced
Disability Benefits Consortium, is strongly
opposed to the 20m limit and is calling for
safeguards to ensure that people are
assessed for their ability to complete tasks
“safely, reliably, repeatedly and in a timely
manner”.
This would take into account the impact of
pain and fatigue when considering
conditions like MS.
The Government has announced that it
plans to cap the "potentially huge cost" of
social care for the elderly and those with
disabilities living in England, but has not
outlined what the cap will be or how it will
be funded.
Some media reports suggest the cap will
start at £75,000 - a figure which has not
been confirmed by the Government. This
means that people would need to self fund
£75,000 of their care before being covered
by Government funding.
Care cost high
Social care (not to be confused with health
care) is support provided to people to help
them with everyday tasks, like washing,
dressing and preparing meals.
Most of this support is provided by
individuals working for local authorities or
the private sector, and the cost is
commonly high.
18 months ago Andrew Dilnot suggested a
range of recommendations that would
better support people to access and pay
for social care, as part of the Dilnot
Commission. He made a number of
important suggestions, including a social
care funding cap of £35,000.
Importantly, Dilnot also recommended that
care should be free for those developing an
eligible need up to the age of 40, and that
the level at which the cap is set should rise
steadily thereafter. The MS Society
supported these proposals.
Left in the dark
The Government's announcement was
seriously lacking detail, which has left many
frustrated.
Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS
Society and Chair of the Care & Support
Alliance, said of the announcement:
“Eighteen months after the Dilnot report
was published, and following weeks and
months of anticipation that the Mid-term
Review would shed light on how the
Coalition Government plans to help those
facing the crippling costs of care, we now
urgently need clarity and certainty on what
the future holds for the crumbling social
care system.
The Care & Support Alliance now calls
upon the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime
Minister to give a firm commitment within
weeks of how the Government will
implement the Dilnot recommendations to
tackle the growing crisis in social care.”
Insurance and MS
The whole purpose
of insurance is to
protect us from the
financial
consequences of
the unpredictable.
Most people would expect to have no
trouble getting insurance to fully cover such
eventualities.
But for people with MS, that security is
often either unavailable, prohibitively
expensive, or inadequate for their needs.
I already have MS – what do I do about my
insurance policies?
Disclosure
I have MS and I want to take out insurance
Do I need specialist insurance?
Check your policy
I already have MS – what do I do about my
insurance policies?
Depending on the type of insurance you
have, you may be able to make a claim on
policies you already hold.
Some examples of policies that may be
able to help you financially are those which:
• will pay out either a lump sum - for
example, critical illness cover
• help with income replacement - for
example, income protection
• pay some medical bills - for example,
private medical insurance.
In general you’ll need to check the small
print to find out if your policy covers MS,
and under what circumstances it will pay
out.
The claims section of your policy will have
details of how to claim, and any conditions
it covers.
For products like income protection and
private medical insurance, each will have its
own lists of exclusions and small print
about what and how it will pay out. Each
should be checked thoroughly. Timing is
also important - if they pay out, they will
only do so for a limited time - typically 12 to
24 months.
With most policies, you need to tell them
about the diagnosis within a certain
timescale.
Where private health care is concerned,
conditions like MS, which are long-term
and incurable, are typically notnotnotnot covered,
although the costs of diagnosis (seeing
a neurologist or other specialist and paying
for tests) may be covered. Your provider
should have a helpline to answer your
questions.
Disclosure
If you took out insurance before you knew
you had MS, there is no requirement to tell
your insurer about any changes to your
condition since the policy started, unless
you are making a claim, or unless the policy
terms require you to do so.
If you are in any doubt, you can ask your
insurer about what you are required to
disclose.
However, if you are diagnosed in between
the time you apply for the policy and when
it goes ‘on risk’ (that is, the date the insurer
starts to cover you) then you must tell the
insurer. Even though the information you
gave in your application was correct at the
time, your duty to disclose any relevant
information exists until the policy is in force.
With any policies that run for years like:
• travel
• private medical
• critical illness
• income protection
You must update the insurer about your
condition. If you don’t, and you have to
make a claim, you may not be covered.
I have MS and I want to take out insurance
MS will undoubtedly affect your ability to
take out some forms of insurance, and will
often result in heavier premiums. Standard
home and motor insurance policies are
likely to bump up premiums if you want to
add anything outside their ordinary terms –
to insure a wheelchair for example.
Despite this, you must be upfront about
your condition when applying for insurance
insurers are unlikely to pay out on claims
arising from MS if you took out the cover
knowing you had the condition, but didn't
tell them. Do I need specialist insurance?
Standard travel insurance, home insurance
and motor policies may not be adequate for
people with MS. The cost of insuring
equipment, special adaptations to vehicles,
or even carers, may not be covered.
Those seeking travel insurance are likely to
find that medical and cancellation cover for
MS-related illnesses are commonly
excluded. Most travel insurance policies will
exclude all pre-existing medical conditions.
This means that you would be unable to
claim under the policy for any medical
expenses or cancellation of the holiday due
to a pre-existing medical condition -
including MS.
5
Car and motor insurance
Home insurance
Travel insurance
Multiple Sclerosis Insurance Services offer
you the following benefits:
• Cover from a panel of leading insurers
• UK Call Centre staffed by our specialist
representatives
• Fast, efficient and professional service
and claims handling
• 24 Hour Accident Claims Assistance
and Legal Protection
• Low cost breakdown cover provided by
the RAC
• Instalment options to spread the cost of
your insurance
• A donation to the MS Society at no
additional cost to you
• Cover for lost keys
For more information or to obtain a free, no
obligation quotation, call free on 0800 783
3157. Lines are open Monday to Friday
8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm
Thinking of getting away from it all? Our
policy can help to give you peace of mind
when you travel.
5% off travel insurance when you buy 5% off travel insurance when you buy 5% off travel insurance when you buy 5% off travel insurance when you buy
onlineonlineonlineonline
We guarantee giving you a quote and we
don’t need to refer to medical screening
companies. There’s no need to buy
separate policies - we can offer coverage
for everyone travelling together under one
policy. A percentage of your premium will
also be donated to the MS Society at no
additional cost to you.
Get an online quote (link) or call our UK-
based team on 0800 783 3157 who will
help you get the protection that you need.
Our policy has all the cover you’d expect
from standard policies, but also covers you
for the particular requirements you may
have as someone living with MS. We offer a
single trip policy and for those who love to
travel frequently we also offer an annual
multi trip policy.
Check your policy
It is important you check your policy to
ensure that it provides you with the cover
you have purchased. If you are in any
doubt, contact your insurer and ask them
to clarify exactly what cover is provided for
claims resulting from anything to do with
your MS.
Insurers which at first glance seem to be
more expensive may turn out to be more
accommodating in the end.
There are policies, however, which cater
more specifically for the needs of people
with MS by including their requirements as
standard, or providing special types of
insurance.
An MS Society Insurance Services policy
can help you protect items not covered by
standard home insurance, which can
include:
• Stair lifts, hoists, bathing/bedroom
equipment, access ramps etc
• Accidental damage to medical
equipment owned by you within the
home
• Cover for the reasonable cost of hiring a
temporary replacement wheelchair
following physical loss or damage to
your existing wheelchair (through policy
extension)
Also included on all policies:
• Home Assistance – £250 cover for
household emergencies
• £50,000 Family legal expenses cover
with every policy
Instalment Options to spread the cost of
your insurance
Get a quote
For more information or a free, no
obligation quotation, call: 0800 783 3157
Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to
6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm
10% discount for new customers only,
subject to underwriting criteria.
6
7
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
Choose from platinum and gold products
and add on a travel extra.
Annual Multi trip policies cover:
• Trips up to 45 days
• Up to age 70 for Europe and worldwide
excluding USA, Canada and the Caribbean
Up to age 65 for worldwide including USA,
Canada and the Caribbean
Single trip policies cover:
• Trips up to 365 days - depending on age,
destination and health
Optional waiting list cover is also available
Platinum cover
Platinum cover includes:
• cancellation cover up to £5,000
• medical emergency expenses cover up to
£5 million
• personal baggage cover up to £2,500,
including cover for mobility aids
• 5 per cent discount when you buy online
Excesses: £150 excess on medical
emergency expenses and cancellation. The
excess for all other sections of cover is
£75.
Gold cover
Gold package includes:
• a 6.75% discount on the Platinum price
• cancellation cover up to £1,000
• medical emergency expenses cover up to
£1 million
• personal baggage cover up to £500
• a further 5% discount when you buy
online
Excesses: Gold incorporates a £250
excess on medical emergency expenses
and cancellation. The excess for all other
sections of cover is £75.
Always check full details and Terms and
Conditions by referring to the policy
booklet.
Travel extras
Multiple Sclerosis Insurance Services has
teamed up with Essential Travel.co.uk to
negotiate great deals for you on:
• Airport Parking - over 120 car parks at 25
UK airports, including 'meet and greet'
services.
• Airport Hotels - accommodating any
special requests or needs you may have,
where possible.
• Airport Lounges - your own quiet,
relaxing, comfortable and private space
until boarding time.
• Car Hire Excess Insurance on your behalf,
for any eventuality.
You can save money if you book in
advance and help ensure a relaxing and
comforting start (and finish) to your journey.
Yes Summer is coming!
We just don’t know when
As you all know over the past 18 month I
have been working on the Awareness
Project in an attempt to get the 4 Cornwall
Branches working together to raise
awareness and bring the name of
Cornwall’s MS Branches to the attention of
the public and media.
The project was reliant upon all branches
taking part but in January the Mid Cornwall
Branch decided that they no longer wanted
to be involved, which inevitably closed the
project altogether. The profile of MS branches in Cornwall is
low and indeed an understanding of where
we fit amongst the MS service suppliers is
non existent. I gave a presentation last
month to an organisation about the South
Cornwall Branch, they assumed I was from
the Merlin Centre and had no idea of the
MS structure in Cornwall (they do now).
Is it any wonder that there is confusion and
frustration. If branches are to raise sufficient funds and
have public support, something needs to
be done to raise our profile, I think all MS
service providers should be supported but
they should be all at the same level of
public awareness, I am sorry that the
Awareness Project didn’t get a chance to
do that. I would like to thank all those who
participated over the past 18 months and
hope they can use the information in their
own areas.
Malcolm GlisterMalcolm GlisterMalcolm GlisterMalcolm Glister
8
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
A well earned Shining Star
Malcolm Thorne our treasurer received a
Shining Star award from chairman Mike
George.
Malcolm has been a volunteer in the branch
for several years and has held the branch
together during difficult times.
Congratulations Malcolm, a well deserved
Shining Star
Awareness Project closes
Message from Judy Reed:
Dear Reader and fellow member. I am sure that you, like me enjoy the fabulous magazine
which Malcolm produces every month. He can`t do this alone - please send him some
material. I am sure everyone has some anecdote, funny experience, report of somewhere
you have visited (rate their disabled access) and enjoyed, photographs, or even a favourite
recipe which you can share with us through the magazine. It won`t take too much of your
time and would be such a help to Malcolm who spends so much of his time putting things
together. This magazine is the envy of many Branches of the Society - please let us all
help him to keep it that way. Thanks for the support Judy.
My wife was standing nude, looking in the
bedroom mirror. She was not happy with
what she saw and said to me, "I feel
horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to pay me a compliment.'
I replied, "Your eyesight's damn near
perfect."……..And then the fight started.
9
March quizMarch quizMarch quizMarch quiz February Quiz answersFebruary Quiz answersFebruary Quiz answersFebruary Quiz answers
Thought of the Month
If you could kick the person in the pants
responsible for most of your trouble, you
wouldn't sit for a month.
Target
£2,000.00
Actual
to date £849
Money Boxes
Happy birthday to:
1st John Palmer
3rd Peter Long
10th Judi Hawkey
16th Marian Shipley
17th Jenny Hicks
18th Megan Robins
27th Sandra Trerise
29th Mrs J Johns
56
9
What’s this mystery object?
1 LAUREL / HARDY
2 TOM / JERRY
3 BILL / BEN
4 SALT / PEPPER
5 KNIFE / FORK
6 JACK / JILL
7 BLACK / BLUE
8 CAGNEY / LACEY
Can you identify these Glen Miller songs? 1 MO HNI ETDO
2 RDEEOIMHG EANTOSLN
3 OOCAAHHOOON OCAG TTHC
4 UDJTCO UNNXTOEI
5 LI UUCLM SOSES TABHR
6 RTLGNT OLBIJ UWE
7 I FNSGSE AR LATPOR
8 ATLAEHIDVNSI IPS OYUV
ENNNFSAX
Bingo numbers called in: Bingo numbers called in: Bingo numbers called in: Bingo numbers called in:
January January January January 10, 26, 43, & 61
FebruaryFebruaryFebruaryFebruary 52, 90, 76, & 85
March March March March 5, 30, 46 & 67
AprilAprilAprilApril 13, 49, 23, & 73
May May May May 79, 45, 16, & 28
JuneJuneJuneJune 65, 18, 41, & 87
July July July July 57, 3, 8, & 69
August August August August 83, 59, 71, & 20
SeptemberSeptemberSeptemberSeptember 38, 63, 75, &1
OctoberOctoberOctoberOctober 33, 77, 55, & 89
NovemberNovemberNovemberNovember 51, 86, 48, & 35
DecemberDecemberDecemberDecember 11, 32, 53, & 68
January 13 January 13 January 13 January 13 81, 31, 15, & 25
February 13 February 13 February 13 February 13 40, 22, 78, & 36
March 13 March 13 March 13 March 13 44, 56, 21, & 6
Birthday cards
If anyone would like a birthday card send
from the branch please contact Betty
Alderton Contact number on back page
Did you spot the 9 differences?
Poetry CornerPoetry CornerPoetry CornerPoetry Corner
February
mystery
object
When our lawn mower broke and wouldn't
run, my wife kept hinting to me that I
should get it fixed. But, somehow I always
had something else to take care of first, the
shed, the boat, drinking beer, always
something more important to me. Finally she thought of a clever way to make
her point. When I arrived home one day, I found her
seated in the tall grass, busily snipping
away with a tiny pair of sewing scissors. I
watched silently for a short time and then
went into the house.. I was gone only a
minute, and when I came out again I
handed her a toothbrush. I said, "When you finish cutting the grass,
you might as well sweep the driveway."
The doctors say I will walk again, but I will
always have a limp.
I will always have a limp!
Night’s cold breath rests
tranquil in a lavender field
which has lost its purple
to the harvest moon
and frosted sunrises.
It was
Sharon Stone
1. The girl wears a blue instead of a pink sweater.
2. One girl is missing.
3. The student is left-handed
4. Left-handed guy had no glasses
5. Girl with white sweater had no glasses
6. Girl behind the one with a sweater had glasses
7. Girl behind guy with aqua blue sweater is missing
8. Girl wears green sweater instead of purple
9. Guy at the back wears a blue-striped sweater
Can you spot the 10 differences
10
11
South Cornwall Branch Annual Meeting
The annual meeting was held this year at
the Carnon Inn and was well attended.
Main discussion points were finance, Web
site, awareness project Read-A-Thon and a
new project called The Hub.
Finance:
Our treasurer Malcolm Thorne could not
attend and left this report:
“It does not take a genius to realise that if
our expenditure continues to exceed
income as it has been in the past few years
then we are going to faced with harsh cuts
to the services we now offer. If we cannot
increase our income then we are looking at
cuts of £15,000—£20,000 pounds per year
in our costs.
We have a breathing space in the we have
a legacy of £33,000 held by national centre
and which we will probably need to claim
next year but we must give this our very
serious consideration.
Malcolm Glister is doing sterling work with
his fundraising initiatives but it is quite unfair
to leave this all to him. If our membership at
large wants us to continue with the services
we offer then they must also take some
responsibility for raising the necessary
funds.
As I say, we have a breathing space, so lets
get the ball rolling now and let use have
your thoughts on what can be done to
close this financial gap.
If anyone has any questions on the
accounts please put them in writing and I
will answer publicly via the magazine,
keeping the questioner anonymous.
I have been your treasurer since 2006 and
now want a change. A new on line
accounting system is now starting and this
will greatly simplify the treasures work. I am
prepared to continue for the current year
but will be leaving at the end of the year,
so the sooner a new volunteer comes
forward the longer they will have for an
effective handover
Thank you”
Malcolm Thorne
The Website:
Mike May our web manager reported that
he is contacting MS IT section to talk about
an independent website.
Awareness project:
Please see page 8
Read-A-Thon:
There is a steady build up of a Read-A-
Thon team, people who can help with the
running of the project which is proving to
be a great success.
The Hub:
The Hub is a new and exciting idea to
fulfil several objectives, raising funds, giving
local activities and support are just two
advantages.
More information in next months Magazine.
12
How to Tell the Sex of a Fly
A woman walked into the
kitchen to find her
husband stalking around
with a fly swatter "What are you doing?"
She asked. "Hunting Flies" He responded.
"Oh! Killing any? "She asked. "Yep, 3
males, 2 Females," he replied.
Intrigued, she asked. "How can you tell
them apart? "He responded, “3 were on a
beer can,2 were on the phone”. Sent in by Jackie Riste
LOW-FAT BUTTER-FREE FUDGE CAKE
Ingredients:
85g wholemeal flour
25g oat bran
25g cocoa powder
100g dark brown sugar
100g caster sugar
1 teasp bicarb
175g apple sauce
3 tabsps vegetable oil
2 tabsps strong black coffee
1 beaten egg white
1 tsp vanilla essence
Method:
Heat oven to 150C (fan) Spray 20cm
square tin with light spray, and line base
with baking paper.
Mix dry ingredients together in a mixing
bowl
Combine remaining ingredients, and add to
dry mixture and mix well.
Pour into cake tin and bake for 30-35 mins
This is Judy Reeds recipe for low fat fudge
cake, Thanks Judy, you might have sent
some samples, for test purposes you
understand.
Hi Judy, I love my
fudge cake but I don’t
seem to have received
any samples either!
JasperJasperJasperJasper
Government makes key concession on PIP
The government has made a vital change
to the way people will be assessed for the
new benefit Personal Independence
Payment (PIP), making it fairer for people
with fluctuating conditions.
Assessors for the benefit will now be
required to consider whether claimants can
perform activities "to an acceptable
standard, safely, repeatedly, and in a
reasonable time period".
Fought hard to secure change
The MS Society has been a lead
organisation urging the government to
include the terms in legislation and has
fought hard to secure the change.
Earlier this week we handed an open letter,
signed by 4,000 people, to the Minister for
Disabled People, Esther McVey MP. A
group of people with MS “marched” to the
doors of the DWP to deliver the letter,
urging the minister to make sure the
assessments are fair.
A crucial change
Simon Gillespie is the Chief Executive of the
MS Society:
“We are delighted that the government has
finally listened to our concerns about this
issue. This is a crucial change that means
the assessments for PIP will better
recognise the needs of people with
fluctuating conditions such as MS."
Mobility criteria still strict Simon Gillespie
continued: “While it is a step in the right
direction, we remain extremely concerned
about the strictness of the mobility criteria
for the benefit. If people can walk just 20m
– even using aids such as sticks – they
won’t qualify for the enhanced rate of the
benefit, and could lose up to £1800 a year,
as well as their Motability vehicle”.
The MS Society is now urging the
government to look again at the 20m
element of the assessments. This was
originally due to be 50m and the change
was made in December with no
consultation.
13
JasperJasperJasperJasper
5 5 13
JasperJasperJasperJasper
INTERESTING FACTS ON RAINFORESTSINTERESTING FACTS ON RAINFORESTSINTERESTING FACTS ON RAINFORESTSINTERESTING FACTS ON RAINFORESTS
I was browsing on the internet and came across a few interesting facts
about the Rain forest, these pictures reminded me of my time out in the
forest, can you see me in any of them?
Some rainforest monkeys are
omnivores, eating both
animals and plants. More than 2,000 different
species of butterflies are
found in the rainforests of
South America. The forests of Central Africa
are home to more than 8,000
different species of plants. Flying animals of Asian
rainforests include frogs,
squirrels and snakes.
About 2,000 trees per minute are cut down in the rainforests.
Let's do everything we can to save them....
An area of a rainforest the
size of a football field is being
destroyed each second. Giant bamboo plants can
grow up to 9 inches a day. The trees of a tropical
rainforest are so densely
packed that rain falling on the
canopy can take as long as
10 minutes to reach the
ground. In the moist rainforests of
South America, sloths move
so slowly that algae are able
to grow in their fur.
80% of the flowers in the
Australian rainforests are not
found anywhere else in the
world. Bats are essential for the
pollination of many tropical
foodstuffs such as bananas
and mangoes. 1 out of 4 ingredients in our
medicine is from rainforest
plants.
Read-A-Thon news
14
Schools completed:Schools completed:Schools completed:Schools completed:
Cape Cornwall, St Just
Darite CP School, Liskeard
Lanivery School, Bodmin
Kehelland school, Camborne
Gulval school, Penzance
Schools started: St Mary’s C of E Primary
Devoran School, I will soon be publishing money
raised, I am waiting for returns to
come on this round of Read-A-Thon
schools.
School award ceremonies are being
arranged for the end of March, all students
who took part will get a certificate, the
school will get a plaque, certificate and
20% of money raised returned in book
tokens.
Your
Message board
6 14
Canada schools project
Empty again!!
As I previously reported, Gulval school has
been in contact with Gladstone School in
Canada and have started an interesting
exchange. More information next month.
OK! I will tell you anything
please don’t hurt me.
Elsa Barker-Brown raises £67.17
Elsa attends Lanlivery CP School near
Bodmin and took part in the schools
Read-A-Thon. Her latest venture was a toy, bric a brac
and cake sale which raised £67.17 for
people affected by MS. I also heard that
Elsa has another project on the way, so
watch this space! Its always good to hear of young people
making an effort to raise awareness and
funds for charity. Thank you Elsa and your team, your efforts
are appreciated.
Lanlivery School
South Cornwall branch MS Youth Group West
“Making Sense”
21
15 15
Well another month
has flown by already.
Unfortunately due to
sickness and with St
Buryan Academy
having a disco in
February, we thought it
best to cancel ours.
Apologies to anyone wishing to attend, we
will try to arrange one at a later date.
Please note, our other dates are also
subject to change. Look out in next months 'Lifeboat' for
Jamies feature. Jamie is off to watch the
worlds top 10 darts players at Westpoint in
Exeter as his birthday treat. These include
Phil Taylor, Barney, Gary Anderson and
James Wade to name a few.
Both Jamie (11) and his little brother Jack
(2) are huge darts fans and play regularly
themselves. Who knows, maybe one day
we may be watching them!!!!! Until next month Happy Easter from the
Youth Group and don't go eating too many
Easter eggs. Actually on the subject of
Easter eggs.....I hope Jasper is resting up
ready to deliver me lots of yummy
chocolate eggs.
Nikki xxx
SlowSlowSlowSlow DanceDanceDanceDance This poem was written by a terminally ill
young girl with cancer in a New York
Hospital. It was sent by a medical doctor—
Make sure to read what is in the closing
statement AFTER THE POEM. Sent in by Jackie Riste
Thanks Jackie, A lesson to us all!!
SLOW DANCE
Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last. Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say, 'Hi'
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last..
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your
day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
Should I deliver
this egg or eat it?
I think I’ll eat it.
16 16
Notification of interest:
I would be interested in attending the following events, (please tick boxes)
Event Number/s Possible Numbers Attending
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
I would also like to see:
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
…………………………………………………
In our annual programme
Please return this slip with your comments to: Malcolm Glister
Whispering Winds, Crellow Hill, Stithians, Nr Truro TR3 7AQ
Dates for these events are to be advised: This programme is subject to support from
branch members therefore dates will only be set after sufficient interest has been shown
by returning the slip for each event. If sufficient interest is shown a venue and date can
be published, we do not wish to book venues for non attendance. Event 3 Computer awareness and parts sale 30th March Event 4 Get together’s April and October Event 5 Seminar for potential committee volunteers: March Event 6 Bingo afternoon June Event 7 Auction July Event 8 Quiz and games night August Event 9 Magazine tombola Event 10 Wine and cheese party September Event 11 Carwinion open day September/October
South Cornwall Branch Events 2013
Honey Pudding Ingredients: 2 or 3 Tablespoons of honey, 3 oz breadcrumbs,
3oz flour, 1/4lbs margarine, 5oz caster sugar, 1/4 flat teaspoon
carbonate soda, 2 eggs, milk
Method:
Grease a basin and put the honey in the bottom,
Sieve the flower with the carbonate of soda, then mix with the breadcrumbs.
Cream the fat and the sugar. Separate the eggs. Beat the yokes into the creamed fat
and sugar, then stir in the flour and breadcrumbs with some milk as required.
Whisk the egg whites to a stiff froth and fold in lightly. Turn into the prepared basin,
cover securely with a well greased paper and steam for about one hour and a half.
17
Possibilities Life`s full of possibilities that challenge us each day to take a chance, try something new, see things in a different way. And it`s not until we try that we find out what we can do. So don`t wait until tomorrow to Discover something new.
PROUD TO BE BRITISH PROUD TO BE BRITISH PROUD TO BE BRITISH PROUD TO BE BRITISH
I’m proud to be British
I am
It’s only my fourth traffic jam
The trains are on strike and I’d ‘get on my bike’
But somebody’s nicked it –
Oh damn …
I’m proud to be British
Ho hum
But second-class travel is glum
The graffiti is shocking and the toilet keeps blocking
I’m stuck to the seat
Chewing gum…
I’m proud to be British
You too?
All these people, it’s just like a zoo.
I’d travel elsewhere, but I’d only wait there
And I’m British –
We thrive on a queue…
I’m proud to be British
How tight
When a burglar visits at night
Keep your hands to yourself and your gun on the shelf
‘cos he knows that he’s covered alright…
I’m proud to be British
But old? Did they think that their pensions were gold?
Paid in sweat and in tears over all of those years
That’ll teach them to do as they’re told…and yetand yetand yetand yet
I’m proud to be British
Yes, I
When an ambulance passes me by
Is the call fake, they worry? But those angels still hurry
I’m proud to be paying N.I…
I’m proud to be British
Yes, when
A red engine is called out again
Your flat may be toast, but you’re still here to boast
That we can’t do without firemen…
I’m proud to be British
I say
But need constant reminders that way
It may need refining, but if we just stopped whining
Who knows what we’d make of the day? …
Wendy Hughes
Hi Malcolm and all
The Feb magazine with the article
'Common Sense', from Judy Reed,
really made me laugh out loud and it
struck a chord with me as I had penned
a poem in 2003 which I thought might
suit this mood. I also enjoyed the
thought provoking piece from Susan
Creese, along with many other items in
the magazine.
Many thanks. Wendy Hughes
Thanks Wendy,
These little gems were sent in by
Judy Reed
Two men went bear-hunting. While one
stayed in the cabin the other went out
looking for a bear. He soon found a
huge bear, shot at it but only wounded
it. The enraged bear charged towards
him, He dropped his rifle and started
running for the cabin as fast as he
could. He ran pretty fast but the bear
was just a little faster and gained on
him with every step. Just as he reached
the open cabin door he tripped and fell
flat. Too close behind, the bear tripped
over him and rolled into the cabin. The
man jumped up, closed the cabin door
and yelled to his friend inside, "You skin
this one while I go and get another!
My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary. She said, "I
want something shiny that goes from 0 to 150 in about 3 seconds." I bought her a
bathroom scale. And then the fight started......
Cake and Savoury Day Saturday Cake and Savoury Day Saturday Cake and Savoury Day Saturday Cake and Savoury Day Saturday
23232323rdrdrdrd March 10March 10March 10March 10----2pm2pm2pm2pm Come and join us at
the centre for some delicious cakes and
savouries, tea and chat. There will also be
various stalls. If you would like to donate a
cake please let us know. Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon Sign up is open for the Grand Canyon
TrekTrekTrekTrek---- 10101010thththth----17171717thththth May 2014 Trek.May 2014 Trek.May 2014 Trek.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
March 2013March 2013March 2013March 2013: Outing to Paradise Park
Preparation for Easter coffee morning,
making cards and craft items.
April 2013April 2013April 2013April 2013: Easter coffee morning with
cakes and goodies
May 2013: May 2013: May 2013: May 2013: Summer BBQ and Car boot
sale
South Cornwall Youth Group West
activities
South Cornwall Branch
events 2013
6
In next months Lifeboat magazine: Members pages & Magazine Bingo Youth Group page MS News Megan’s page Branch events Read-A-Thon news
Events taking place at Merlin MS Centre Dates for these events to be advised: Seminar for potential committee volunteers
Get together’s
30th March Computer awareness and
parts sale
Bingo afternoon
Auction
Quiz and games night
Magazine tombola
Carwinion open day
Wine and cheese party
The need to know message centre Look out for the application slip on page 12
18
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
IMPORTANT NOTICE
South Cornwall Vouchers
Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Mike George
Telephone: 01872 862031
email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Malcolm Thorne
Telephone: 01209 717237
email: [email protected]
Address Coomar, 3 Chenoweth Close, Camborne
Cornwall TR14 7JR
Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Jackie Thorne
Telephone: 01209 717237
email: [email protected]
Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Christine Sargent
Telephone: 01209 315386
email: [email protected]
M S Support : M S Support : M S Support : M S Support :
Telephone: 01872 274911
Carer’s Officer: Carer’s Officer: Carer’s Officer: Carer’s Officer: Neville Reed
Telephone: 01637 875823
email: [email protected]
Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor: Branch Profile manager and Magazine Editor:
Malcolm Glister
Telephone: 01209 860754
email: [email protected]
Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Mike May
Telephone: 01872 272 957
email: [email protected]
Membership: Membership: Membership: Membership: Betty Alderton
Telephone: 01872 270901
email: [email protected]
Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Moe Fisher
email: [email protected]
Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Branch Safety Officer and Youth Team: Nikki Jenkin
Telephone: 01736 787089
email: [email protected]
Events CoEvents CoEvents CoEvents Co----ordinator ordinator ordinator ordinator Carol Batchelor
Telephone: 01326 373464
email: [email protected]
Fund Raising Manager Fund Raising Manager Fund Raising Manager Fund Raising Manager Vacant
Branch contact details:Branch contact details:Branch contact details:Branch contact details:
Llawnroc, Mount Carbis Road,
Redruth, Cornwall,
TR15 2LD
Tel: 01872 274911
www.mssociety.org.uk/southcornwall Satellite eventsSatellite eventsSatellite eventsSatellite 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: Last Tuesday of each month: Last Tuesday of each month: 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: Every Thursday: Every Thursday: 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 ThursdayEvery third ThursdayEvery third ThursdayEvery third Thursday
Carers meeting at Mike George’s Useful contacts:Useful contacts:Useful contacts:Useful contacts:
MS National Centre: 02084 380 700
MS Helpline: 0808 800 8000
Care Direct: 0800 444 000
NHS Direct: 0845 4647
Editors Contact detailsEditors Contact detailsEditors Contact detailsEditors Contact details:
To send in articles or comments.
Malcolm Glister
Whispering Winds, Crellow Hill,
Stithians, Nr Truro,
Cornwall, TR3 7AQ
South Cornwall Branch Information
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