May 2014

South & West Cornwall

Branch

Monthly Magazine

The

Lifeboat

Paula is painting your nails

and Laura is face painting

on the 17th May

See details on

page 6

Laura

Paula

1

Page 11 Sent in by Wendy Hughes -

Part 2

From Judy Reed Page 12 Mary Smiths blog - My army of

friends

Find more of Laona’s recipes on

her website

Page 13 Thought of the month

Douglas Ham

Mylor Craft Fayre

Page 14 13th June more cycling on the

Truro Piazza

Read-A-Thon news Page 15 Megan’s page Page 16 Youth group Page 17 Young MS and Friends Page 18 Events Page 19 Information page

Inside the Lifeboat

this month

MS News

Page 3 PIP roll-out: problems from

beginning to end

Secondary progressive MS:

researchers discover potential

treatment, simvastatin

Page 4 New treatment Lemtrada to be

available for people with relapsing

MS in England and Wales

Young People

Page 5 Hosting a party?

Bingo

Jasper

Page 6 Get Together

Page 7 Laona’s page

Page 8 1940’s night

Page 9/10 Quiz page

This months cover picture is a reminder of our get

together on the 17th May at the Carnon Inn, Carnon

Downs Nr Truro.

All details are on page 6, lets try and make this a

special event with as many people attending as

possible.

All are welcome and it’s a family event so get your

places booked now

Call Malcolm

01209 860754

2

Chairman’s Report

Editors Note

The time has come for me to make peace

with Jasper, as he can somehow influence the

editor and lately he has shown such a clever

move in putting my picture in some ridiculous

situations.

On a more serious note I hope you have

contacted Malcolm on some of the events we

have planned. It appears that no one is

interested in photography as I have not one

reply for the idea I had, mmmmmmmm what

are you interested in I wonder.

We are in need of a secretary so if you are

interested, or know someone who would

like to help use, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. Douglas Ham our new Support Officer has

kindly allowed me to give you his telephone

number so you can ring him and have a

chat. Douglas has MS himself and therefor

cannot guarantee to be there all the time ,

but leave a message. By the time you read this the Bingo

sessions will be in full swing in Chacewater

Village Hall, my garage sale will also be over

and hopefully I will make a good amount of

money ! Why don't you have an event to try

and raise money.

Take care MikeMikeMikeMike

Hello Everyone,

Hello everyone

I hope you had a great

Easter without too much

Chocolate.

As you can see we have

been busy arranging

events for you.

Having had no response from my request

for an awareness group I take it that there

is no interest. I have to admire the efforts of our

committee in setting up some of our

events. Mike George’s garage sale, Karen

Moore arranging the cycling on the Piazza

and carer funding, the efforts made by the

Young MS and youth group in raising

awareness and funds, these things take

time and commitment, I thank you all for

your efforts.

The April craft fayre is no exception, run by

Gill Bray and raising £1000.00.

Without these people we could not

maintain the level of services that we do.

I would like to mention the carers group

who have a grant for their monthly lunches

but they are poorly attended considering

that we have 270 members, the lunches

are a great way to meet other carers in a

social environment and exchange views

and ideas, why not call Karen Moore and

get yourself involved with the carers group.

We even give financial help for you to look

after you loved ones while you attend. Another issues coming forward very soon is

the Read-A-Thon, workload has held me

up with completing the last round of

schools but I will soon be back on the task

and reporting on the success of the

project, there is no failure as every school I

attend becomes aware of MS.

I must thank the schools taking part for

their support, it’s been a fantastic

experience, and of course I am addressing

teachers and students at the Kernow

Youth Book Awards 2014 on the 30th April.

Stay safe and get in touch.

MMMMaaaallllccccoooollllmmmm

3

News from the MS National Centre

Research published today in the Lancet

has confirmed high doses of simvastatin –

a cholesterol lowering drug – might slow

progression in people with secondary

progressive MS.

These are the first clinical trial results in

recent years to show a drug could be

beneficial for people with secondary

progressive MS. There are currently no

treatments available that can slow or stop

disability progression in people with a

progressive form of the condition.

The results

The phase 2 trial involved 140 people with

secondary progressive MS: 70 took the

drug for two years, and their results were

compared to 70 people who took a dummy

(placebo) treatment.

Those taking simvastatin (80mg per day)

showed:

a significant reduction in the rate of

brain atrophy (brain shrinkage) over two

years

better end-of study EDSS scores (a scale

measuring disability levels)

better end-of study MSIS-29 scores (a

scale used to measure the impact of MS on

somebody’s day-to-day life)

The researchers reported that high dose

simvastatin was well tolerated, but tests in

larger groups of people with MS will need

to be carried out to further validate its

safety and effectiveness.

The roll-out of Personal Independence

Payment (PIP) has continued to experience

heavy backlogs and delays, according to a

recent report from the National Audit

Office (NAO). Today, the Public Accounts

Committee examined how far things have

progressed. Discussions revealed that

problems are being encountered from the

beginning to the end of the process.

Not fit for purpose

Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of the MS

Society, said:

"It’s clear from the PAC hearing that the PIP

process is not currently fit for purpose, and

that the blame lies at the door of both the

government and the assessment providers,

Atos and Capita. It’s inexcusable that

disabled people are being used as guinea

pigs in a process that doesn’t work."

Hardship and isolation

"The Government failed to properly

consider the impact its reforms would have,

and this has resulted in unexpected costs

and extreme financial hardship for those

affected.

"Some people with MS are waiting up to six

months for their PIP application to be

processed, leaving them at risk of isolation

and unable to access the support they

need, such as transport to hospital

appointments, wheelchairs or help around

the home.

PIP roll-out: problems from beginning to

end

"Many tell us the delay in accessing PIP is

preventing them, their carers and families

accessing the other benefits they need, like

Carers Allowance and the Blue Badge."

DLA reassessment needs to be halted

"It’s nonsensical to press on with the roll-out

of PIP before the system is fit for purpose.

The government must urgently halt its

reassessment of DLA claimants to reduce

pressure on the system and put plans in

place to support people who are still

enduring delays to their claims."

Secondary progressive MS: researchers

discover potential treatment, simvastatin

4

Further trials crucial

Dr Susan Kohlhaas, Head of Biomedical

Research at the MS Society, said: “There

are no treatments that can stop the

condition from worsening in people with

progressive MS. Scientists have worked for

years to find a potential treatment that

could help people, and now, finally, one has

been found. This is very exciting news.

“Further, larger clinical trials are now

absolutely crucial to confirm the safety and

effectiveness of this treatment, but for now,

people with MS should be really

encouraged by these results.”

The discovery was initially announced at a

scientific conference by Dr Jeremy

Chataway over a year ago; but the results

of his study have now been further

scrutinised by the scientific community and

published in a peer reviewed journal.

Progression a priority

Finding treatments to help people with

progressive MS is the top research

priority for the MS Society and the focus of

the global research community.

New treatment Lemtrada to be available for

people with relapsing MS in England and

Wales

A new treatment for MS called Lemtrada

(also known as alemtuzumaband / or

Campath) has been recommended by

NICE for people with ‘active’ relapsing

remitting MS in England and Wales.

A decision will be made for people in

Scotland and Northern Ireland over the

coming months.

The NICE recommendation is now subject

to appeal, but if there are no hold ups it

could be available on the NHS within the

next few months.

A NICE approval is significant because it

means the NHS will have a legal obligation

to prescribe the treatment to anyone with

relapsing remitting MS who may be

deemed eligible.

Effective treatment

In trials, Lemtrada has been shown to be

highly effective in reducing relapses and the

accumulation of disability.

The treatment is taken by an annual

hospital infusion lasting three to five days;

Terrific news

Michelle Mitchell, Chief Executive of the MS

Society, said: “This is terrific news for

people with relapsing MS.

“Lemtrada has been shown to be highly

effective in clinical trials and while it isn’t

without risks, and it isn’t right for everyone,

it has the potential to dramatically change

the course of MS progression for those

eligible for the treatment.

“For years there have only been a small

number of injectable MS treatments

available, but now we’re starting to see

more effective medicines licensed and

NICE approved that can be taken in other

ways. It means there are increasingly more

options available – and we hope this

translates to fair and equal choice in

treatment for people with MS.”

Earlier this year Aubagio – a pill for MS –

was approved for use on the NHS for

people with MS living across the UK.

Early investment

The MS Society funded a trial in the early

1990s looking at whether Lemtrada could

treat progressive MS. Unfortunately the

treatment was not deemed effective, but

the work led to the development of trials for

people with relapsing MS.

Forum on the MS website:

If you're young and affected by MS in some

way, this is your opportunity to talk to

others who might be experiencing similar

things. If you are under 16 you must have

supervision from an adult when using these

message boards. For more on internet

safety visithttp://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/

Young People

5

Hosting a party?Hosting a party?Hosting a party?Hosting a party?

Celebrating a birthday, anniversary,

engagement or wedding? Then why not

make your day extra special by also raising

some much needed funds for the branch

along the way?

A free party pack containing everything to

help make your event a success and also

add a splash of orange to your party is

available. Why not consider adding a fun

activity like a raffle, tombola or guess the

weight of the cake to your party? If you

would like something a little more formal,

why not prepare a meal and ask your

guests for a donation?

Instead of receiving presents for your

special occasion, why not ask your guests,

family and friends to make a donation to

the branch instead? You can do this by

setting up an online fundraising page

at www.justgiving.com/mssociety. It's easy

to do and means your friends and family

can make a secure online donation using

their credit or debit card and leave

a personal message for your special

occasion.

If you would like your guests to make their

donation on the day, Gift Aid donation

envelopes are available.

MS Society wedding favours are a great

way of showing your support. Pin badges,

ribbons and wedding cards are available.

We ask for a suggested donation of £1 per

item.

We hope your celebration will be one to

remember as well as help local people

affected by MS!

Please contact Malcolm to find out more.

Hosting a party?

The great news is that Bingo will be offered

at Chacewater Village Hall on the following

dates.

29th May

26th June

It will start at 7-30 till 9-30 pm. There will be

refreshments on sale and good prizes.

All proceeds for these evenings will come

to our branch.

This is an exciting trial to see if we can raise

money for our branch. We have purchased

a new top of the range Bingo machine and

to this end, do you know of any village or

town, where we could do a bingo session

as Amanda and Richard would be more

than willing to offer their services.

Eyes down and think of places PLEASE !

MikeMikeMikeMike

Great news from

Mike George for

Bingo lovers!

Well! My tea runs cold with

fear and my whiskers

tremble with anticipation.

Could it be true that the

hatchet has been buried

other than in my head and

Mike George is offering the hand of peace. Yes I do belief that we are the best of

friends at the moment, but don’t hold your

breath too long it could change at any

moment, and I am now getting stick from

Nikki Jenkin.

Anyway, make sure that you support the

efforts of your committee in any way you

can, its not easy running a branch that is

going from strength to strength.

I bet Mikes pinched my carrot!

6

Get together May 17th at the Carnon Inn, Carnon Downs

Another great family event, with lots going on, come and enjoy the afternoon with your

family and friends, all are welcome.

Laura Ward from our Young MS

group is coming to do some

face painting so bring those little

ones and get them painted up.

Nikki Jenkin will be our quiz master and

give us some brain teasers during the

afternoon. I am sure there will be some

prizes plus a raffle.

Paula Robins is the Avon representative

and will be painting our nails, so don’t

miss this chance to go home with

beautiful nails

And there’s a buffet, lovely food to enjoy. There’s lots of

chat and many friendly faces. Come and have a chat,

exchange ideas talk about what you want and just have

fun!

AND IT’S ALL FREE!

If you think these beauty treatments will take you from this

to this

they won’t but you will have great fun at our get togethers. Has anyone seen

my carrot? JasperJasperJasperJasper

To book your place please call Malcolm as

soon as possible

Tel 01209 860754

Email malcolmglister@btinternet.com

Do it Now!

7

Laona’s page

My culinary leanings, I would say are firmly

European. Recently however, I have found

myself being drawn much further afield.

Just before Christmas I picked up a book

called Fusion, a culinary journey and

without meaning to offend, the author is

male. The reason I remark on this is that

most of my cookery books are written by

women. There is the incredible Claudia

Roden, who's books are not only an

amazing source of recipes but also history,

traditions and culture, quite literally my food

bible. Then there is Anna del Conte, Diana

Henry, Elizabeth David. If you don't have

any books by these inspiring ladies I would

recommend a little shopping spree ! The

male authors, however are seriously in the

minority. Fusion is written by Peter Gordon,

who is famous for his East meets West

cuisine. I have never before been drawn to

Asian cuisine but now I find myself well and

truly enticed. His book has followed me

from room to room for the past few months

and has set my mind racing and has

inspired new recipes. I might not have

mastered the fusion element, there have

been one or two concoctions that although

have been edible, have also been seriously

confused ! But I am not one to give up, so

hopefully one day I will get it right. For now

however we are enjoying and experiencing

food with Asian flavours and perhaps I can

tempt you to try some too with my

Aubergine, spinach and cashew nut curry,

hope you enjoy !.

A spicy vegetarian curry, the blended

cashew nuts add sweetness and create a

delicious creamy sauce.

• 1 large aubergine, cut into 2cm dice

• 1 onion, thinly sliced

• 100g cashew nuts

• 1 large handful spinach

• 3 garlic cloves, sliced

• 1/2 - 1 medium hot red chilli, diced with

seeds, according to taste

• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds

• 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds

• 1/4 tsp chilli powder

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 3/4 tsp turmeric

• 5 dried curry leaves

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 250 ml water

• salt

Serves 2 generously

1. Mix the aubergine with 1/2 tsp of

turmeric and 1/2 tsp of salt and leave in

a colander for 30 minutes. Place 50g of

cashew nuts in 75 ml of hot water and

leave to soak for 30 minutes. Toast the

remaining cashews in a hot pan or oven,

until lightly browned and set aside.

2. Heat 1 tbsp of oil and gently fry the

onions and garlic for 15 - 20 minutes,

stirring occasionally, until soft. Stir in all

the remaining spices and diced chilli and

fry for another 2 - 3 minutes, then add

175ml of water and leave to simmer over

a very low heat.

3. Blitz the cashews and their soaking liquid

in a spice grinder or blender, until you

have a thick cream.

4. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan

until hot and fry half the aubergine, until

golden, remove from the pan and repeat

with the remaining oil and aubergine

5. Fold the spinach into the onion and spice

mixture, increase the heat and cook until

wilted. Stir in the cashew cream, bring to

a simmer and season with salt to taste.

Finally stir in the aubergine and toasted

cashews.

8

On the 28th June 2014 at the Perran-ar-worthal

Village Hall, School Hill, Perranwell Station, Truro,

TR3 7LA, All are welcome so come and enjoy another

1940’s night in aid of the South & West Cornwall

Branch of the MS Society.

To book tickets call:

01209 860754

Dancing to 1940’s music

Multiple Sclerosis Society Registered charity nos. 1139257 / SC041990

Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571

No bar so bring your own alcoholic drink!

Tickets only £5.00

Raffle & Lucky Ticket prize

Doors open 7.45pm

Tea, Coffee and soft drinks available

Evening buffet included

9

May quizMay quizMay quizMay quiz April Quiz answersApril Quiz answersApril Quiz answersApril Quiz answers

9

1 ST IVES 2 ROCK

3 GUNNISLAKE 4 TORPOINT

5 REAWLA 6 CAMELFORD

7 LANDRAKE 8 MANACCAN

Happy birthday to:

20th 20th 20th 20th Christie Drakely

22nd22nd22nd22nd Pat Trevail

23rd23rd23rd23rd Karen Holmewood

25th 25th 25th 25th Lesley Heather

30th30th30th30th Rex Trethewey

April mystery object:

Toasting fork

Maker Unknown

Date: 1750 - 1850

Place Made: Britain

Materials &

Techniques:

Wood, Iron, Paint

April spot the difference

This months quiz is an Irish quiz 1 The Irish engineer and inventor Harry

Ferguson (of Massey Ferguson tractor

fame) developed the P99 in 1961, the first

Formula One car with which 'gripping'

advantage? 2 Which popular film is based around a

tranquil character named Sean Thornton

and his family's farm in Innisfree? 3 Once upon a time it was widely

accepted that rats in Ireland could be

destroyed by which one of the following?

a) Holy water

b) The sound of pipes

c) Rhyming verse 4 Some elementary particles in physics are

known as Quarks. The word Quark stems

from which famous Irish novel? 5 Name the two people in he following list

who were NOT born in Ireland.

Pierce Brosnan, Richard Harris, Daniel Day

Lewis, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Maureen O'Hara,

Jonathan Swift, Chris de Burgh. 6 Which Dublin born 18th century writer

created the first name Vanessa for one of

his adventure novels? 7 Which female Irish pirate was known as

'The Sea Queen of Connaght'?

Can you spot the ten difference

Target

£2,000.00

Actual

to date £1,200.00

Money Boxes

What’s this

mystery object?

10

May Crossword

April crossword

DownDownDownDown

1111 Reject (4,4)

2222 Film (5)

4444 Abduct (6)

5555 Phantom (5)

6666 Everlasting (7)

7777 Fraudulent scheme (4)

8888 Gracefully slender (6)

13131313 Dusk (8)

15151515 Lingered (7)

17171717 Tweak (6)

18181818 Popular music of Jamaican origin (6)

20202020 Environment-friendly (5)

22222222 Eerie (5)

23232323 Woodwind instrument (4)

AcrossAcrossAcrossAcross

1111 Domesticated (4)

3333 Lincolnshire seaside resort (8)

9999 Brought back to life (7)

10101010 Last Greek letter (5)

11111111 Reside (5)

12121212 Playing a part (6)

14141414 Shrivel (6)

16161616 Grease used to make candles (6)

19191919 Lilting Irish accent (6)

21212121 Gem (5)

24242424 Back-hander (5)

25252525 Young goose (7)

26262626 Imperil (8)

27272727 Prepare for publication (4)

11

Nostalgic poem

A POEM THAT MANY MAY RELATE TO:

I remember the cheese of my childhood,

And the bread that we cut with a knife,

When the children helped with the

housework,

And the men went to work not the wife.

The cheese never needed a fridge,

And the bread was so crusty and hot,

The children were seldom unhappy

And the wife was content with her lot.

I remember the milk from the bottle,

With the yummy cream on the top,

Our dinner came hot from the oven,

And not from the fridge; in the shop.

The kids were a lot more contented,

They didn't need money for kicks,

Just a game with their mates in the road,

And sometimes the Saturday flicks.

I remember the shop on the corner,

Where a pen'orth of sweets was sold

Do you think I'm a bit too nostalgic?

Or is it....I'm just getting old?

I remember the 'loo' was the lav,

And the bogy man came in the night,

It wasn't the least bit funny

Going "out back" with no light.

The interesting items we perused,

From the newspapers cut into squares,

And hung on a peg in the loo,

It took little to keep us amused.

The clothes were boiled in the copper,

With plenty of rich foamy suds

But the ironing seemed never ending

As Mum pressed everyone's 'duds'.

I remember the slap on my backside,

And the taste of soap if I swore

Anorexia and diets weren't heard of

And we hadn't much choice what we wore.

Do you think that bruised our ego?

Or our initiative was destroyed?

We ate what was put on the table

And I think life was better enjoyed.

The committee experience

In between fiascos

Our family fruit I tried

The loaf came out quite easily

But the currents stayed inside

And now it was eleven

(I’m in bed then as a rule)

My cakes were a disaster

WHY did I promise them at school?

Well, it called for drastic action

So taking up my trusty blade

I sawed off the burnt bits

What a funny shape I’d made

Never mind there's always icing

Or some tassels, and a bow

Slap in some sink colouring

And they'd never know

T thought I’d got away with it

My daughter took a peek

She said ‘a DIY disaster’

And fell down in a heap

I decided to ignore her

I’d reached the deadline now

My ‘fairies’ needed sorting

I’d have to salvage them somehow

Well - cover cakes in chocolate

And everybody thinks they’re grand

And I was only helping numbers

There was nothing underhand

So I sent in all my efforts

(but didn’t name the tin)

Thinking all those hungry parents

Wouldn't guess the effort I’d put in

Next time of course there’s NO WAY

I’d be baking cakes– NOT ME

So why is it in my diary?

You know, I swear they drugged the tea!

Sent in by Wendy Hughes - Part 2 Sent in by Judy Reed

I realise that I have a wide spectrum of

friends; they go back to Alice and Jonny

when I was three, through my school and

university days, to my children’s

school-friends’ parents, colleagues, a

neighbour, and other MS-afflicted people.

Writing this makes me wonder what a

friend is as, sometimes, some people have

come to visit me here but never, or rarely,

visited me at home, and they come, in

effect, to show their feeling towards me.

(Collins English Dictionary: friend: one attached to another by esteem, respect and affection; friendship: attachment to a friend founded on mutual esteem). My

friends are the sort of people who visit me

weekly or even more often, showing their

true commitment to me. When I thank them

for coming they often say they enjoy my

company so it is no hardship for them. I

find it stimulating for me to hear about their

worlds and their lives as I don’t have very

much other contact with the outside world

except through television and the radio. I

also have the use of my own telephone in

my room; through this, using my Possum

(Latin for “I am able”), I can contact friends

and relations and they can contact me.

My blog has become a useful tool for

communicating with people who live a

distance away from me including my son in

Australia, friends in Rutland, Totnes,

London or elsewhere. I find it useful and

nice if they write comments on the blog. I

gather that various nephews and nieces

follow the blog and say they enjoy it as it

helps them better understand what it is like

to be me. Another person who, I believe, is

a follower is Tom, a friend’s child now a

man, who I knew when he was young; so

now my news can spread more widely than

just among my immediate friends and

family.

I have been married to Adrian for forty-odd

years; his loyalty to me has been wonderful

for, when my MS became more

Mary Smiths blog - My army of friends pronounced and I could not move or

cuddle him properly, this went on for twenty

years, he did not abandon me. I came into

this nursing home and he still visits me

twice a week; he has proved a really good

friend. Our four boys, of course, are very

loyal and visit me whenever they come to

Cornwall.

Between the visits of friends I have

professionals who come in – which are the

physiotherapist every two weeks, Soraya,

my masseuse, who comes alternate

weeks; at the moment my counsellor, Niki,

visits weekly and the chiropodist comes

fairly regularly; one of the members of staff

here exercises my legs and arms, feet and

hands daily during the week.

Like my various friends, I do talk to the

professionals.

I use my friends as amanuenses (my hands

for writing) or to read out loud my cards

and correspondence. Another trait that I

have noticed is that some people want to

help me and they come up with “good

ideas” like “Have you thought of talking

books?”… or “I’m sure you could get

books to show up on the telly”. In fact,

unfortunately, I cannot see writing on the

telly even with my glasses.

It is certainly nice to have people to

exchange ideas, thoughts and laughs with

which, I suppose, is the meaning of

friendship. Mary Smith 2nd March 2014

Pilgrims Kitchen Tales Dairy and Gluten Free Healthy recipes WWW.pilgrimskitchentales.com Laona@pilgrimskitchentales.com

Find more of Laona’s recipes on her

website

Have you been interested in Laona’s

recipes? Find out more on her website

12

13 5 5 13

Thought of the month

May

Welcome to yet another peek

into my mind. Not that there is

much in there! Sitting here

wondering what we might think

about this month I took a look

in my diary for some inspiration. Not much

there either, just two Bank Holidays. Then I

had another flick through the April

Lifeboat. Why didn’t I think of that first?

We are so very fortunate to have such a

fantastic, hard-working Committee, there is

always something going on. What did I

find? Well, if you missed it, take another

look at the list of events that has been

organised for us. Buffet lunch, a quiz, not

forgetting the added bonus of a manicure,

all arranged for 17th May at the Carnon

Inn. So that’s where I would really like to go

but my husband will be busy so can’t take

me (I live in St Agnes, any offers?). I am

really looking forward to meeting some of

you if I can get there again. It would be

good to get out and about after my recent

hip replacement.

Enough of my ramblings!! Since the

afore-mentioned operation I have been so

well looked after that I spend a lot of time

thinking of and praying for all the people I

know who are waiting for results of scans,

x-rays, tests and MRIs, or are on a waiting

list for operation. And if I know so many,

there must be a whole lot more who I don’t

know. So here is the thought for May – Let

us all remember those we know, because I

do believe that the reason I have recovered

so quickly is due in no small part to the

prayers of my friends. With the bad weather

hopefully just a distant memory, may I wish

you all the very best of summers.

Ros

DOUGLAS HAM, SOUTH

AND WEST CORNWALL

TELEPHONE SUPPORT

OFFICER

My name is Douglas Ham and I will be

providing telephone support on a part time

basis to members of the South and West

Cornwall Society who have MS.

Whilst I have personal experience of

long-term illnesses and disabilities, this

does not make me an expert in MS or other

disorders but I am someone who knows

what it is like to live with life changing

illnesses and disabilities. I myself have Type

1 Primary Multiple Sclerosis; Chronic

Fatigue Syndrome, Asperger’s Syndrome

and Mental Health illness due to the

conditions I have to live with.

Over the years I have worked supporting

various charities and associations and I am

now keen to do what I can to support

those like myself with MS.

Like a lot of you my MS limits how much I

can do and this is why I am only able to

provide telephone support on a part-time

basis.

You can contact me on 01637 878953 if I

am not available please leave a message

on the answer machine and I will get back

to you as soon as possible.

My e-mail address is:

douglasgham@yahoo.co.uk

DouglasDouglasDouglasDouglas

Mylor Craft Fayre

Gillian Bray from Flushing in Falmouth

raised £1000.00 through her amazing

efforts organising a craft fayre.

Gill decided that she wanted to help

people affected by MS and started putting

the event together. There were stalls of

every description and the Ord Statter hall in

Mylor Bridge was constantly full.

14 6 14

Information

I will soon be reporting on the

results of the Read-A-Thon,

I have had much to do

lately and time has not

been on my side.

All returns are in and I

just have to collate them.

I am attending Kernow

Youth Book Awards 2014

On the 30th April, where I

hope to meet many of

Cornwall’s school librarians.

I will report back in next months

magazine

Without people like Gill our branch would

not be able to support the valuable services

we currently offer.

Gills husband gave a very generous

donation of £250, but that’s not all, Gill has

a painting worth £600.00 and a

gold bracelet to auction through our

magazine.

I will be putting pictures of these items in

the June magazine and inviting you to

make a blind bid for them, just send me

your bid in an envelope indicating which

one you are bidding for and the highest bid

will win the item.

Our very own,

Laura, Alex and

Nikki

Elaine, Alicia, Kinda, Carole and Gillian

Cornwall Caledonian Pipe Band at the

Craft Fayre

Plenty of stalls

To visit

The South & West Cornwall Branch thank

you Gill and your team for your support.

13th June more cycling on the Truro Piazza

Yes again on the piazza in Truro we will be

peddling for MS funds, Those who

attended the pedlathon on the 30th April

will know that we are raising awareness

and funds for our branch.

Thanks to our carer officer Karen we have a

spot on the piazza in Truro but we need

your help and pedal power to make it pay

off.

We need pedlers, collectors and people to

generally help.

Please call Karen 01872 274188 for more

details or if you can help.

Read-A-Thon news

15

Megan’s page

Megan’s page

Megan’s page

Megan’s page

15

Easter vanilla cupcakesEaster vanilla cupcakesEaster vanilla cupcakesEaster vanilla cupcakes Serves: 12

Prep time:20 mins

Cooking time: 25 mins (plus 10 mins

cooling time) Ingredients:Ingredients:Ingredients:Ingredients:----

For the cupcakes:For the cupcakes:For the cupcakes:For the cupcakes:

S 110g unsalted butter, at room

temperature

S 225g caster sugar, preferably golden

S 2 large eggs, free-range or organic

S 150g self-raising flour

S 125g plain flour

S 120ml semi-skimmed milk

S 1tsp good quality vanilla extract

For the IcingFor the IcingFor the IcingFor the Icing

115g unsalted butter, at room temperature

60ml semi-skimmed milk

1 tsp good quality vanilla extract

500g icing sugar, sifted

Few drops of food colouring (optional) Equipment:Equipment:Equipment:Equipment:

Electric hand beater

12 hole muffin tray or three 12 hole mini

muffin trays with the appropriate size

cupcake cases Preheat the oven to 160deg C. gas mark 4

Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until

the mixture is pale and smooth. Add the

eggs, 1 at a time, mixing briefly after each

egg is added.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a

rubber spatula to ensure the mixture stays

well combined.

Add the vanilla extract to the milk in a

plastic measuring jug.

Combine the two flours in a separate bowl.

Add one-third of the flours to the combined

butter and sugar mixture and beat well.

Pour in one-third of the milk and beat

again. Repeat these steps until all the flour

and milk has been added.

Carefully spoon the mixture evenly into the

cupcakes cases. Bake in the centre of the

oven for approx 25 minutes (regular size) or

15 minutes (mini size) until slightly raised

and golden brown. Check with a cake

skewer in the centre of one of the cakes to

see that they are cooked.

Leave in their tins for 10 minutes or so and

then place carefully on a wire rack to cool.

When completely cool, you can ice these

cupcakes with vanilla buttercream icing.

The cupcakes can be stored in airtight

containers for up to 3 days at room

temperature. Do not refrigerate.

For the vanilla icingFor the vanilla icingFor the vanilla icingFor the vanilla icing: Beat the butter, milk, vanilla extract and half

the icing sugar until smooth. This will

usually take a few minutes. Gradually add

the remainder of the icing sugar to produce

a buttercream of a creamy and smooth

consistency.

If you want to colour your buttercream,

always start with a drop of colouring and

beat thoroughly. This will be all you need to

create a very pale pastel shade. You can

then add more drops and beat after each

addition to build up to your desired shade.

The buttercream can be stored in an airtight

container for up to 3 days at room

temperature. Before re-using beat well.

16 16

South Cornwall branch MS Youth Group West

“Making Sense”

For Auntie Nikki’s punishment I would like

her to have either a make over or face

paints at the get together on the 17th May. Lauren

Hello again, well another month has flown

by already and I hope you are all enjoying

the lovely weather.

You may well remember that back in

January our youth member Jamie,

nominated our branch as one of the three

charities to receive money from the bingo

held in St Just once a month. The last night

for this was Tuesday 15th April. We had a

great turn out that night and I am very

pleased to say that each of the three

nominated charities received £100 each.

I personally would like to say a big thank

you to Jamie for nominating us and raising

awareness about MS, and on behalf of the

youth group and our branch I would also

like to say a big thank you to Alison Grose

and her team for all their hard work. It is a

fantastic evening where we all have a great

laugh as well as raising awareness and

money for different charities. Thank you

all!!!!

Changing the subject completely now, I

would like to pass on some advice to

Jasper!! Please listen VERY carefully

Jasper. Firstly, it was me who saved you

from Mike Georges stew pot. Secondly,

again it was me who suggested you

became the youth groups mascot, to avoid

eviction, and finally but most importantly,

please DO NOT encourage the youth

group( they don't need it) at my expense!! I

will take whatever Lauren decides as my

punishment, however I did not cheat at

skittles, I wasn't even the one keeping

score!!

Megan, Jamie, Lauren, Ben and Jack

would like to say a big thank you to Wendy

Hughes for the Easter egg she gave to

each of them. Thank you Wendy.

Look out in next months Lifeboat for

Jamie's trip to watch darts and hopefully

those of you attending the get together in

May will be able to meet some of the youth

group.

Until next month take care

Nikki xx

17

Young MS and Friends Group

Craft Fayre

You can contact the Young MS and Friends

group: Telephone: 07710585556

Email:

ymsgsouthandwestcornwall@mail.com

Hello everyone, This month the Young MS and Friends

Group were in Mylor Bridge to support the

craft fayre organised by Gill Bray, raising

money for the South & West Cornwall

Branch of the MS society.

We had a great afternoon and I understand

the event raised close to £1000 which is

absolutely fantastic. It was a great opportunity to not only raise

money for the society, but to help raise

awareness of MS, eating a healthy diet and

show the support groups and activities

available for people with MS in our South &

West Branch area.

We were approached by many people

including parents, partners, friends and

relatives of young people between 20 and

35 recently diagnosed with MS.

It was great to be able to talk about our

experiences of being diagnosed and

treatment options as two young people in

our early twenties living with the condition. One of the most common misconceptions

about MS I have found when talking to

friends, family and others, is the age of

diagnosis. Whilst it can present at a

younger or older age, it is most commonly

diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40,

which is why it is so important to raise

awareness of MS and offer support and

reassurance amongst young people

affected by MS.

We are not alone in this and I would

encourage any other young people in

Cornwall to get in touch.

Our young MS group is active in attending

events, promoting awareness and having

great monthly social outings, we are

support for each other so don’t be afraid to

contact us.

LauraLauraLauraLaura Editors comment:

I hope that the Young MS group won’t

mind me taking part of their page but there

are things to be said about the group.

The Young MS group was started to

encourage young people with MS who

would rather communicate with people of

their own age, Talk about their issues and

fears and do the things that are more

applicable to their age group.

It is clear from our attendance at events

that there are many young people with MS

or have just been diagnosed.

Laura and Alex have made great strides in

the development of the group, they are

great company to be with and work hard to

bring about awareness of MS in young

people.

My message to you is don’t hesitate to

contact them they are compassionate

people who understand your concerns.

MalcolmMalcolmMalcolmMalcolm

18

16th &17th May Morrison’s Long rock

7th June Sainbury’s Penzance

10th & 11th October Tesco’s Falmouth

Supermarket collection dates

17th May - Get together Carnon Inn,

Carnon Downs, 11am till 2pm with buffet

provided.

Come and be spoilt by having your nails

painted or join in the quiz.

Avon rep Paula Robins will be there to paint

your nails. Its free so bring the family and

have a great afternoon. Laura is face

painting too so bring the family. 29th May - Bingo at Chacewater Village

Hall, Starts at 7.30pm 26th June - Bingo at Chacewater Village

Hall, Starts at 7.30pm 28th June - 1940’s night

at Perran-ar-worthal

Village Hall. £5.00 with a

evening Buffet.

For tickets call Malcolm.

01209 860754 July ? get together west area, any ideas for

a venue, let me know.. Malcolm July - BBQ at Mike George’s house, just a

social evening, meet, greet and chat August - Your choice, what would you like

to do? Call me.. Malcolm 01209 860754 20th September -

1950/60’s night at

Perran-ar-worthal Village Hall.

Live 50/60’s music from

Fire ‘n’ Ice plus an evening

buffet. Tickets £6.00. For more

information and tickets call

Malcolm 01209 860754

South & West Cornwall

Branch events 2014/15

27th September - Concert at Beacon

Village Hall by Marion Burch’s trio called

Three’s Company, joined by that popular

singing group Proper Job.

Details to follow 11th October - Get together at the Carnon

Inn. Details of activities to follow. November - Cabaret night in Falmouth 1st November - Get Together in West, to

be held at the Godolphin Arms, Marazion November - Western Area Christmas Lunch

Tregenna Castle if possible 6th December - Christmas lunch at the

Membly Hall Hotel, Falmouth January 2015 - Cabaret night at the

Tregenna Castle if possible.

All members are welcome to these activities

wherever they are held, members from

other branches are also welcome.

Would you like Bingo to come to your area?

Let us know and we will arrange bingo

sessions in your local facilities. I am still waiting for more responses to my

request for you to let me know what you

want your branch to arrange for you, please

respond. Would anyone like to run a regular coffee

morning?

One in the South and one in the West

where people can come at chat about the

day and communicate, it could be in your

local hall. Contact me if you can

For more information or to book tickets

please call Malcolm:

01209 860754

Email malcolmglister@btinternet.com

Your help

Branch contact details:Branch contact details:Branch contact details:Branch contact details:

Whispering Winds

Crellow Hill

Stithians

Nr Truro

Cornwall

TR3 7AQ

Tel: 01872 274911

www.mssociety.org.uk/southcornwall Satellite eventsSatellite eventsSatellite eventsSatellite events

Last Monday of each month: Last Monday of each month: Last Monday of each month: 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: 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 Thursday of each monthEvery third Thursday of each monthEvery third Thursday of each monthEvery third Thursday of each month

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 & West 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

Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Mike George

Telephone: 01872 862031

email: cornishmike@talktalk.net

Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Hilary Merton

Telephone: 01872 863896

email: hilarym.southcornwallmssociety@aol.co.uk

Address: 7 Agar Meadows, Carnon Downs, Truro,

TR3 6HS.

Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Voucher Admin Officer: Christine Sargent

Telephone: 01209 315386

email: christine.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk

Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Secretary: Richard Stevens

Telephone: 01736 360551

email: stevens475@btinternet.com

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:

Karen Moore

Telephone 01872 274188

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: malcolmglister@btinternet.com

Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Branch Web manager: Mike May

Telephone: 01872 272 957

email: mikem.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk

Membership: Membership: Membership: Membership: Betty Alderton

Telephone: 01872 270901

email: betty.southcornwallmssociety@live.co.uk

Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Minute Secretary: Moe Fisher

email: moefisher@hotmail.co.uk

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: nikkijenkin@googlemail.com

Events CoEvents CoEvents CoEvents Co----ordinator: ordinator: ordinator: ordinator: Malcolm Glister

Telephone: 01209 860754

email: malcolmglister@btinternet.com

Fund Raising Officer: Fund Raising Officer: Fund Raising Officer: Fund Raising Officer: Marlene Stevens

Telephone: 01736 360551

email: stevens475@btinternet.com

Young MS & Friends Young MS & Friends Young MS & Friends Young MS & Friends Laura & Alex

ymsgsouthandwestcornwall@mail.com