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Mid Kent Matters
Spring 2020
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Peer Support Days - Maidstone
Heart of Kent Hospice, Aylesford 10am – 3pm
31st January; 28th February; 27th March; 24th April; 22nd May; 19th June
Peer Support Days – Medway
Wisdom Hospice Wellbeing & Therapy Centre, High Bank, Rochester ME1 2NU
15th January; 5th & 19th February; 4th & 18th March; 1st & 15th April;
6th & 20th May; 3rd & 17th June
Support and Social Meetings
Wisdom Hospice Wellbeing & Therapy Centre, High Bank, Rochester ME1 2NU
25th January; 28th March; 30th May; 25th July
3pm - 5pm
Carers Lunches
Malta Inn, Aylesford ME14 3AS
2nd March; 4th May;
Mid Kent MNDA Annual General Meeting and Afternoon Tea
Bower Grove School, Fant Road, Maidstone ME16 8NL
Speaker : Professor David Oliver, Branch President
Saturday 18th April at 2pm
Wine & Wisdom
Bower Grove School, Fant Road, Maidstone ME16 8NL
Saturday 6th June 7pm
Ring Joan 01634 686685 to secure your tables
This issue of MKM has been sponsored by Margaret Sullivan
Peer Support Days - Maidstone
Heart of Kent Hospice, Aylesford 10am – 3pm
31st January; 28th February; 27th March; 24th April; 22nd May; 19th June
Peer Support Days – Medway
Wisdom Hospice Wellbeing & Therapy Centre, High Bank, Rochester ME1 2NU
15th January; 5th & 19th February; 4th & 18th March; 1st & 15th April;
6th & 20th May; 3rd & 17th June
Support and Social Meetings
Wisdom Hospice Wellbeing & Therapy Centre, High Bank, Rochester ME1 2NU
25th January; 28th March; 30th May; 25th July
3pm - 5pm
Carers Lunches
Malta Inn, Aylesford ME14 3AS
2nd March; 4th May;
Mid Kent MNDA Annual General Meeting and Afternoon Tea
Bower Grove School, Fant Road, Maidstone ME16 8NL
Speaker : Professor David Oliver, Branch President
Saturday 18th April at 2pm
Wine & Wisdom
Bower Grove School, Fant Road, Maidstone ME16 8NL
Saturday 6th June 7pm
Ring Joan 01634 686685 to secure your tables
This issue of MKM has been sponsored by Margaret Sullivan
News for People Living with MND
CARE REPORT
Happy New Year to you all and thank you for the fantastic support you have given over the past year.
It has been another busy year and we move into 2020 keen to build on our successes and also explore other ideas to continue to support people affected by MND. We continue to receive positive feedback on the Support Groups at the Heart of Kent and Wisdom Hospices. To know how much these groups are valued is a great motivator for all the Volunteers - thank you. The Wisdom Hospice Group were sad to say goodbye to Lorraine and Jackie the Nurse practitioners who have been a tremendous support to those people with MND who had been attending the Day Centre before its closure and recently the formation of our new Support Group. They will be greatly missed and we hope to be able to welcome new members of staff very soon to work with us to continue to provide the best care possible to people with MND. I referred to exploring new ideas, one of which I hope will meet with your support to make a subtle change to the Patient and Carers Meeting. The meeting has now been advertised in MKM and on our new Branch leaflet as a Support and Social Meeting. This is to reflect the fact that the meeting is open to all but the format will not change significantly. All are welcome where you can meet with others living with MND, their Carers or their family and friends. In fact anyone who has been touched in some way by the disease is welcome to share experiences and gain information ( I hope to book some speakers to come along - any ideas gratefully received ) over a cup of tea or coffee and cake in a relaxed and friendly setting. So please continue to come along to our Saturday afternoon meetings - details in this edition of MKM or on website. We look forward to welcoming present and new members. |
I am sure you will be aware of many reports in the media over the past months which have raised awareness of MND which we hope will benefit people with MND not only nationally but also locally to identify their care needs.
I highlight one media report in particular that of the Scotland Rugby Union player Doddie Weir, his documentary was inspirational about his MND diagnosis. He has set up a Charity to raise money for research and also the MNDA had received funds to provide money towards grants some of which has already benefitted some of our people locally. Research In December, the MND website announced news of “New Artificial Intelligence Technology” that will allow people with MND to have a “natural” conversation in their own voice, even after losing the ability to speak. It has been created by a collaborative group of some of the world’s leading technology companies like Rolls Royce, dell Technologies, Intel and Microsoft. It is of course, in common with many research projects in the early stages and more information on this and many other research projects can be found on the MND association website. Meanwhile most of you will be aware of Voice Banking a process which allows a person to record a set list of phrases with their own voice while they have the ability to do so. Please speak to your Speech therapist or Association Visitor if you wish to know more about the Voice Banking process. Remember, if you need information or advice do not hesitate to contact me or your Association Visitor I look forward to meeting you at any of our meetings or events soon. Sheila |
From the Chair
Can I take this opportunity of wishing everyone a Happy New Year and to thank everyone for their wonderful support over the last year.
When I looked back over the many, many social , fundraising and support activities that were held last year I cannot believe that we achieved so much. Everything that was done, great or small, is so greatly appreciated. The highlight of last year has to be re-establishing the support days at both the Wisdom and Heart of Kent hospices. These days are so valuable for everyone and we will be doing everything we can to ensure we raise the necessary funds to guarantee their continued existence. As the committee are not going to be allowed to rest on their laurels we already have a very full programme of activities planned for 2020 and we look forward to meeting up with friends and families. |
In order to make sure people know what things are planned and how to contact us we are enclosing a leaflet with this newsletter which highlights our key events and dates. We will also keep you informed of extra activities via Twitter and our website.
Look forward to seeing you. Annette Changes at National Office There have been a lot of changes happening up in Northampton over the last few months – including an imminent move to a new site. However, the most important change for us is that Yvonne Maxwell has been appointed as the new co-ordinator for Kent (to replace what we used to call Regional Care and Development Adviser). Yvonne’s role will be to support people affected by MND, health and social care professionals and our team of volunteer visitors. We really look forward to welcoming her to Mid Kent. Annette |
Looking ahead
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Sunday 6th September
Walk to D’Feet, Shorne Country Park Date to be announced Dragon Boat Race, Mote Park, Maidstone Saturday 21st November Christmas Bazaar (Can’t believe I have just typed that!) Princes Hall, High Street, Rochester |
Treasurer's report
Happy New Year!
I have now completed my second year as treasurer for MNDA Mid Kent and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, our supporters, fundraisers, and committee members for their support in 2019. My role as treasurer essentially involves “counting money”, something I have enjoyed doing since I was a young child; I absolutely loved counting and saving money and always had dreams of being a cashier in the local bank! The other side to the role is in paying out, “writing cheques” or making “bank transfers” and it is this part of the job that is most fulfilling; being able to support people affected by MND, whether it is by providing therapies, repairing a piece of equipment, enabling a carer to have some respite or paying for a taxi to enable someone to enjoy a day out with their family. The last few months, from September ‘19, have involved a lot of “counting money”, lots of collection tins to empty and count, and a lot of reliance on the calculator to add up all the cheques from the various donations! We have received a fantastic £5674 from fundraising events and £2167 from corporate and individual donations and in Memoriam receipts, making our total income for the period, £7841. Thank you to :- Dave Sheridan for organising the Brenda Sheridan Walk to D’feet, Committee members for organising and to everyone for supporting the very successful Christmas Bazaar, Les Cursons for his Village coffee morning, Joyce for plant sales, Jean for quiz sheets, Sue for 100 club, Little Market Leybourne, the White Horse pub, Maidstone WH Smith Post Office, Parkwood Social Club and Mike and Chris Nichols for collection tins, the General Gordon Masonic Lodge for regular donations, Joyce Page for donations of foreign currencies and the 28th Medway Beavers for their generous donation and everyone who has signed up for Easyfundraising. |
Over the same period “Cheques written”, or “bank transfers” made far outweighed our income with £17776 being spent to support people affected by MND; £13795 of which has been on care and £3981 on equipment.
We have provided quality of life grants and carer’s grants, paid for therapies, treatments and respite care. We have purchased a splint and reusable pegs for ramps, contributed towards a bio bidet, wash dry toilet and a stairlift. In addition, we have covered the maintenance and repair costs, delivery and collection of equipment and installation and provision of lifelines. A large portion of our spending has been on the MND Support Days at the Hospices, which benefit people with MND, through support, therapies and counselling. So, with the dawn of the new year and decade, I look forward to more “counting” of collection tins, “writing” cheques for grants and equipment and “balancing” the books at the end of the year! Lynne Our bank details for anyone wishing to donate directly or via standing order:- MNDA Mid Kent Sort Code 30.96.09 Account Number : 02968567 Please make any cheques payable to “ MNDA Mid Kent “ We are registered with Easyfundraising and have already raised £125 for the branch. It’s a great site where you can help Motor Neurone Disease - Mid Kent Branch raise funds simply by doing your everyday online shopping! Every time you shop, we receive a small donation to say ‘thank you!’ . We want to raise as much as possible so please sign up and help us at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/mndmidkent/ 0r https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/invite/7H3TVZ/VT9CIE/ Lynne |
MID KENT CHRISTMAS BAZAAR 2019
DO COME IN AND BUY!
You name it, we had it for sale! - crockery and homeware, costume jewellery, scarves, pictures, candles and a set of woods for bowling! It was another good day – among others, we welcomed shoppers, old and new friends, and quiz sheet completers. Father Christmas worked his charms in the High Street throughout the day and Lynne went home with a heavy bag and more money to count.
OLD COINS CAN MAKE MONEY
Little Market, Leybourne have a collecting tin for old and foreign coins and over the last year they have raised £405.50
A WELCOME FIT FOR A QUEEN
In November, the Queen opened the new accommodation units at the British Legion village at Preston Hall and Jan (centre) went along with her daughter-in-law Emma and grandson Brody, and Jo Kirkaldie-Saunders and her daughter Freya to wave their flags. This photo found its way into the Maidstone Messenger.
Photo : Maidstone Messenger
Photo : Maidstone Messenger
CHRISTMAS SUPPORT GROUP WISDOM HOSPICE DECEMBER 2019
Everyone was in festive spirits and wore Christmas jumpers.
We all knew it would be a fun day when Jonathan arrived in his Christmas Hat ….a Large Turkey covered his whole head !! Father Christmas paid a visit after a lovely Christmas dinner, followed by a Magic Show by one of the hospice Volunteers.
A very enjoyable day.
Linda.
A very enjoyable day.
Linda.
BEER MILE
In June this year my godson Andrew, turned 40 and decided he didn't want presents, instead he asked friends and family to donate to a fund. Those that donated were allowed to enter a race to win the money for their named Charity. On a hot sunny day the race was run, it was to be a Beer Mile, 1 can of beer was drunk before each quarter of a mile was run.
My grandson Connor Ross won the men's race and raised £950 for our branch, his second money raising event in 6 months.
Proud Nan Linda
My grandson Connor Ross won the men's race and raised £950 for our branch, his second money raising event in 6 months.
Proud Nan Linda
Footies Fundraisers
Isabella Premble, a major student and Saturday helper at Tootsies Dance Centre is performing in Cinderella at the Central Theatre Chatham. All performers receive complimentary tickets and Isabella raffled hers for Mid Kent MNDA for the second year running. She raised £46.80 and has made her teachers and the school very proud of her. Footsies Dance Centre led by Tracy and Amanda Toomey, it’s Principles, are long term supporters of the branch and their example has obviously rubbed off on Isabella. Their collecting box total was £185.00.
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Neuro Cafe
Sheila and Linda attended the launch of the Neuro Café on January 17th. It is held in Jaspers Café in Rochester Community Hub and is open from 12am to 2pm on Fridays. Hosted as follows on the first Friday of the month - Parkinson’s UK and Ataxia UK; 2nd Fri – MNDA; 3rd Friday - Dystonia Society; and on 4th Fri.- Functional Neurological Disorder. When there is a 5th Friday in the month the Cafe will be hosted by Medway Neurological Network for all conditions.
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Carers Lunch |
Plant Pots Please! |
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There is now a small but friendly group of carers and ex-carers who meet for lunch every couple of months. We usually meet at the Malta Inn as it’s a fairly central. If you would like to join us we would be delighted to see you. Our next meeting is on Monday 4th November - if you would like to find out more please phone Sue Copping on 01634 815467.
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Joyce is looking ahead to Spring and will need more pots. This is a chance for you to be more green and recycle any used plastic pots you will not be able to use yourselves.
Annette uses the small ones for her tomato plant production line, so add those to the list please. If you can help, ring Joyce on 91634 404378 to discuss collection or delivery. |
Never too old to learn new tricks!
Terry and Sally have been learning to play the ukulele on one of the wellbeing courses run by the Heart of Kent. Such is their skill that they provided a carol concert as entertainment before our Christmas Dinner - rumour has it they are already rehearsing for their next gig!
At the December support group in Maidstone a wonderful Christmas dinner was enjoyed by all. Our special thanks go to Doreen for masterminding it all – to “crafty” Chris for the wonderful knitted Christmas puddings but not least to Karen and her kitchen team for the lovely lunch. I am already looking forward to next year. Annette
Ashford Cattle Market Presents Another Cheque
Once again, Joyce and Jean had the pleasure of receiving a cheque for £6,000 from Annette’s brother and his very supportive team of helpers at Ashford’s Sunday Market. In case this is the first you have heard of them – they collect all unsold and unwanted items left over at the end of their regular Boot Sale and after sorting, offer them for sale again. And there are still useful items to be found – we found a milk jug and two large magnifying glasses to help us read the too small print of cooking insrtructions! As usual, we were not the only beneficiaries Demelza, Kent Air Ambulance and Macmillan Cancer Research also received cheques.
Cheques in hand, the lucky recipients posed with Ray standing at the back and Jean trying not to overbalance - why was the oldest asked to kneel?!
Afternoon Tea with A Purpose
Sheila and Elaine enjoying at the Kent Community Foundation event in Rochester
A Little Bit of History
I found a newspaper cutting from 1990 (quoted elsewhere) when I was doing some much needed tidying. At that time Mid Kent was a part of the West Branch and they gave us £5000 (c.£11,500 today) towards building the Heart of Kent Hospice. People with MND did not always have access to a hospice but we were used to the support of the Wisdom Hospice under Dr(prof) David Oliver so along with the cheque we had a letter, which I still have, promising to recognise the needs of people with MND.
That was 30 years ago and the close links with the hospice continue and although times change we know we can rely on the care of the hospice
Joyce Onslow
That was 30 years ago and the close links with the hospice continue and although times change we know we can rely on the care of the hospice
Joyce Onslow
Step Back in Time |
Tea with the High Sheriff |
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Hospice Appeal’s £5,000 boost.
Maidstone Hospice Appeal has been given a £5,000 boost by the West Kent branch of the Motor Neurone Disease association. The organisation will rely on the hospice when built. Joyce Onslow presented the money to John Stacpole, chairman of the Appeal at Springfield Library. The money was raised through a variety of fund raising events and personal donations. The MNDA provides patient care and money for research into the muscle wasting disease. Mr Stacpole said “The disease can prove fatal and patients usually spend a long time suffering. In this respect they are one of the groups for which hospices are designed”. The association is anxious that our hospice will be available for its members and we are very ready to accept help in creating the centre. Kent Messenger (Maid) 11.5.1990 |
Sheila and I attended the High Sheriff's afternoon tea for Causes that Matter. The event was organised by the Kent Community Foundation and was intended as a "thank you" to local charities and as an opportunity for networking and awareness-raising. It was fascinating to find out about the work of some of the other charities from our area, which included Crossroad Care and Slideaway, who support young people who have been bereaved. There were also representatives from the Maidstone Mediation Scheme, who help with all types of mediation (neighbour disputes, family conflict etc) and also help with restorative justice and run anger management courses. We think there may be opportunities to draw on the skills and services of some of those we spoke to. The cakes were lovely too!
Elaine Coates |
100 Club Winners
July
16 -Peter Lowrey
41 -Unallocated
August
13 -Sheila Jeffrey
13 -Louise White
September
80 -Jayne Brewster
14 -Sheila Jeffrey
October
72 -June Montgomery
24 -Judith Snow
November
77 -Mike Kerrigan
27 -Unallocated
December
£150 1st prize
26 -Dave Wright
20 -Claire Richards
January
62 – 1st ; 71-2nd Both unallocated
February
33 – Jean Lear
59 - Unallocated
Thank you all, especially the non-winners for your continuing support.
Sue
HERBS & SPICES & ALL THINGS NICE
The answers to the quiz which closed on January 23rd are
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26. Myrrh
27. Nettle 28. Mace 29. Pennyroyal 30. Pesto 31. Sorrel 32. Pot pourri 33. Rue 34. Spearmint 35. Sweet Cecily 36. Tarragon 37. Thyme 38. Dill 39. Stock cube 40. Bay Leaf 41. Feverfew 42. Catmint 43. Camomile 44. Comfrey 45. Garlic 46. Horseradish 47. Topside 48. Oxtail 49. Silverside 50. Chuck steak 51. Leg of mutton 52. Chop 53. Brisket 54. Cutlet 54. Fillet The returned sheets are arriving thick and fast, many bearing the scars of happy Christmas participation, I’m pleased to say! We are travelling to towns and cities across Europe for the next quiz, so pack your phrase book! |
Quiz Evening
On Sunday 15th December, Phil Hope, the landlord at the Chequers Inn in Doddington hosted a Christmas Quiz in aid of the Branch. Phil also provided raffle prizes and hot bar snacks whilst Elaine and Steve Coates provided the questions. Seven teams competed for the prestigious (!) trophy and a £30 voucher for a meal at the pub. The quiz raised a total of £260 for the Branch and the collecting tin on the bar was also significantly heavier by the end of the evening! It was a really enjoyable community event and was so popular it might become a regular fixture. Elaine
Medway Beavers Donation
On Monday Nov 18th I was invited to the 28th Medway Beavers "Bird of Prey Section". They are working towards their Community badge and I was asked to explain briefly about our charity work. We also had tea, cake and race games raising £25.80 in donations for us, later plenty of fun with MNDA balloons.
Linda
Linda
Summer and Cakes in the Garden
On a warm June afternoon I held my annual "Cakes and Natter" in my garden. Many of my friends and those of St Luke's Ladies did me proud, we managed to raise £234 for our MND branch.
Linda
Linda
USEFUL INFORMATION
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group of related, but widely varying, diseases affecting the motor neurones in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurones are the nerve cells that control muscles; hence their degeneration causes weakness and muscle wasting.
MND is usually regarded as progressive but the rate of progression varies greatly from person to person and between the three main types of disease. In the UK it is believed that there are about 6,000 people suffering from MND at any one time.
BEFORE YOU SPEND MONEY ON A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, CHECK WITH THE APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL. IF IT IS SOMETHING THEY DO NOT PROVIDE, SPEAK TO YOUR ASSOCIATION VISITOR OR SHEILA THOMPSON (01634 723677).
WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU.
Mid Kent Branch covers the ME postcode area except ME13, and includes DA11-13
Meeting place : The Wisdom Wellbeing & Therapy Centre, High Bank, Rochester.
Branch web address - www.midkentmnd.org.uk
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Professor David Oliver
VICE PRESIDENT: Mr Colin Thompson, 01634 723677 colinwthompson@btopenworld.com
CHAIRMAN : Miss Annette Scott, 01622 820719 annette.scott4@btinternet.com
PATIENT CARE : Mrs Sheila Thompson, 01634 723677 sheilaathompson@btinternet.com
SECRETARY : Mrs Joan Simpson, 01634 686685 joansimpson@ic24.net
TREASURER : Mrs Lynne Eldred, 01732 845278 lynneeldred@hotmail.com
LOCAL CONTACT : Mrs Joan Simpson, 01634 686685 joansimpson@ic24.net
FUND RAISING : TBA
MKM : Miss Jean Lear, 01634 404378 jeanlear@btinternet.com
MND CONNECT : 0808 8026262
MND is usually regarded as progressive but the rate of progression varies greatly from person to person and between the three main types of disease. In the UK it is believed that there are about 6,000 people suffering from MND at any one time.
BEFORE YOU SPEND MONEY ON A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, CHECK WITH THE APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL. IF IT IS SOMETHING THEY DO NOT PROVIDE, SPEAK TO YOUR ASSOCIATION VISITOR OR SHEILA THOMPSON (01634 723677).
WE MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU.
Mid Kent Branch covers the ME postcode area except ME13, and includes DA11-13
Meeting place : The Wisdom Wellbeing & Therapy Centre, High Bank, Rochester.
Branch web address - www.midkentmnd.org.uk
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: Professor David Oliver
VICE PRESIDENT: Mr Colin Thompson, 01634 723677 colinwthompson@btopenworld.com
CHAIRMAN : Miss Annette Scott, 01622 820719 annette.scott4@btinternet.com
PATIENT CARE : Mrs Sheila Thompson, 01634 723677 sheilaathompson@btinternet.com
SECRETARY : Mrs Joan Simpson, 01634 686685 joansimpson@ic24.net
TREASURER : Mrs Lynne Eldred, 01732 845278 lynneeldred@hotmail.com
LOCAL CONTACT : Mrs Joan Simpson, 01634 686685 joansimpson@ic24.net
FUND RAISING : TBA
MKM : Miss Jean Lear, 01634 404378 jeanlear@btinternet.com
MND CONNECT : 0808 8026262
Motor Neurone Disease Association
Registered Charity Number 294354. Registered in England.
Company Limited by Guarantee No 2007023
Registered Charity Number 294354. Registered in England.
Company Limited by Guarantee No 2007023
