Self-help is our way of action
Pictured: Vivian Smith, MSNTC Development Advisor and Roger Jefcoate CBE, Patron of MSNTC, with a member of the Hilton staff who came to our rescue (see AGM article below).
MSNTC News Archive
MSNTC at the MS Therapy Centres (Scotland) AGM
MSNTC was invited to join the MS Therapy Centres (Scotland) at their AGM in Perth on 27 September. The Chairman and Treasurer represented MSNTC and were delighted with the positive tone of the meeting. Neil Kemsley made a short presentation in which he emphasised the central purpose which brought the Centres across the UK together: helping people with MS and their carers to help themselves in symptom management. In subsequent discussion it was agreed that the two bodies would work together in future in a close and mutually supportive manner and a number of specific initiatives were identified for further action.
Our picture shows Liz Armour (chair, MSTC Scotland) joining Dr Petra Kliempt and Neil Kemsley in signing the agreement by which MSTC Scotland contributes to the cost of the technical and medical advisory services for Oxygen Treatment provided by David Downie and Dr Kliempt.
To learn more about the work of the Centres in Scotland, visit www.mstherapycentres.org.uk and watch these pages for more detail about the individual Centres in Scotland.
Is this the most remarkable fundraiser ever?
On Saturday 12 September, personal fitness trainer Simon Barnes sets off from John O’Groats to run to Lands End. He aims to cover the 871 miles in just 16 days. That is the equivalent of 16 consecutive ultra-marathons.
He is running to support the work of the MS Resource Centre and to raise the profile of the issues faced by people with MS as highlighted by the MSRC Patron, the former rugby international and BBC commentator Alastair Hignell.
To help him on his way, Therapy Centres along the planned route will be turning out to encourage Simon and to provide physiotherapy when he needs it.
To find out more about the man and the plan, follow the following link to the MSRC website: http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=show&pageid=2883
An 'unforgettable' AGM
The 2009 MSNTC AGM, held in Milton Keynes on 28 June, will be remembered for a long time by those who attended.
'Self-help' and the Hilton Hotel, Milton Keynes save the day
Forty-five people arrived to find the gates of the venue for the AGM locked and bolted. Once it became obvious that there was no-one coming to open up the venue (which had been booked well in advance for the AGM), the members of MSNTC lived up to their motto of 'self-help is our way of action'. They quickly identified the Hilton Hotel at Timbold Drive, Kents Hill Park, as a possible alternative venue and David Wray, MSNTC’s newest trustee, contacted the Hilton. The hotel sprang into action and provided a meeting room with disabled access, refreshments and even allowed the MSNTC members to use the outside dining area for their own picnic lunch.
"The AGM began only one hour late and it was a great success despite the problems at the start", said Neil Kemsley, Chairman of MSNTC. "We are extremely grateful to the Hilton Hotel for their help at such short notice, which allowed us to go ahead with this important annual event."
Representatives from 15 Member centres attended the AGM, together with Dr Petra Kliempt, our Medical Advisor, and Professor Philip James. Guests included our patron, Roger Jefcoate CBE and his wife Jean; Stewart Long from the MS Society; Pam Macfarlane and Nicola Russell from the MS Trust; and Abi Crawford from MS Resources. After the AGM, Professor Philip James gave a talk on Oxygen Treatment. Duncan Richardson, of JDI, led a lively brainstorming session after lunch on Transport Best Practice, Attracting New Members and Volunteers.
Pictures, clockwise from top-left:
» Dr Petra Kleimpt and Professor Philip James chatting to Neil Kemsley
» Duncan Richardson of JDI leading the brainstorming session after lunch
» The audience at the AGM
» Al fresco lunch
Press Release
'Self-help' and the Hilton Hotel, Milton Keynes save the day for MS Charity
When 45 members of the Multiple Sclerosis National Therapy Centres (MSNTC) charity found the gates of the venue for their AGM locked and bolted on Sunday 28 June, their own quick thinking and the Hilton Hotel, Milton Keynes saved the day. Once it became obvious that there was no-one coming to open up the venue in Milton Keynes (which had been booked well in advance for the AGM), the members of MSNTC lived up to their motto of ‘self-help is our way of action’. They quickly identified the Hilton Hotel at Timbold Drive, Kents Hill Park, as a possible alternative venue. The hotel sprang into action and laid on a meeting room with disabled access, refreshments and even allowed the MSNTC members to use the outside dining area for their own picnic lunch...
