Foyle Branch Activities & Events
XMAS 2004 DINNER
A NIGHT AT THE RACES at the DELACROIX on THURSDAY 18th NOVEMBER
Some of the winners & losers at the annual fund-raising event organised by the Branch
in partnership with the Foyle
Hospice.
Wesley ensures Brian is not interrupted as he decides what horse to bid for in the auction
Proud and pleased owners of the winning horse. No wonder they all love Brian
How could we have have lost out to Brian's group?
Staying sober an uphill battle?
Sleeping beauties? No! Just
concentrating on the next race.
CAKE & CRAFT BRING & BUY SALE - 14 MAY 2004
Nancy, Kathleen, Margaret and her husband Maynard at the Cake & Craft Bring & Buy sale on 14 May 2004 in Waterside Presbyterian Church Hall in aid of the Foyle Branch.
THE 43nd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE FOYLE BRANCH took take place in Foyle Disability Resource Centre, Glen Road, at 3p.m. on 11 May 2004
Officers & Committee Members:Seated from left: Marie McGinn, Secretary; Peter Eakin,
Chairperson; Moira Leitch, Welfare Officer; Standing: Margaret Cathcart,
Committee Member; Terry McNamee, Development Officer; Nancy Warnock, Committee
Member; Damian McKenna, Treasurer.
Peter welcomed the large attendance. Terry presented a comprehensive report of his work. Over 2000 enquiries were dealt with in the office. He highlighted the extensive involvement of local branch members in a number of research projects with The University of Ulster, Queen's University and The Science Shop. Awareness workshops were provided to carers employed by the Foyle Health & Social Services Trust, Trust Caring & Nursing Services and Partnership Care West in which over 140 carers have now participated. The establishment of a support forum for members' carers is under consideration. He also paid a warm tribute to the work of the recently appointed MS Specialist Nurse, Fiona Mullan. Moira outlined the activities of the Tuesday & Thursday Support groups and reported on the various services for members provided by the Branch on a regular basis, including Yoga, Tai Chi/Qi Cong and Physiotherapy. One of the highlights was a MS Pamper Day at the Derry Well Woman Centre. The sincerity of her apology to male members is still undergoing sceptical scrutiny. Damian's optimism for the continuing success of the Branch was delivered with a sobering sprinkling of financial realism. Guest speaker, Fiona, presented a detailed account of her activities to date. A significant effort was made to identify herself to the various agencies and professionals involved. She attends the clinics in the three hospitals in Derry, Omagh and Enniskillen. She has already established a telephone helpline and is available to individuals both through referrals from Consultants, GPs, hospital visits and directly to those who contact her. She also attends meetings & functions organised by the MS Society and maintains regular contact with the MS Nurse Specialist in Belfast.
Branch Patron, Paul McFadden of Radio Foyle, regaled the attendance with penny pinching tales of a childhood acquaintance whose early expertise laid the foundation for later prominent business success. He expressed his great admiration for the work of the Branch, describing his own contribution as merely that of a 'pudden bender' (The uninitiated should check with his father).
The elections followed and the outcome can be viewed on the Who & Where We Are page. In conclusion, Peter thanked all those involved & stressed the importance of fundraising to the continuing work of the branch. Refreshments were again provided by Nancy & her team.
WINNING QUIZ TEAM
Five of the six-person winning team at the quiz held in the Waterfoot Hotel on
11th March. Looking very pleased with their achievement are, from left, Tony, Sinead, Laura, Lorna
and Aimee. The 6th member, Jenna, missed the photograph. Thanks to Maurice, Damien and Katie for organising
the quiz which raised a very commendable £259 for the Society.
TAMNAHERIN YOUTH CLUB REUNION DANCE ON 16 JANUARY 2004
Group at Tamnaherin Youth Club Reunion Dance on 16 January 2004. This was one of
three events organised by Pat Burke, Terry Moore and Liam McKinney, all Ex Youth Club Old Boys, in aid
of the MS Society. The other events include a netball competition at the Vale centre and a charity football
match at the Brandywell on 22 January 2004 between Tamnaherin Youth Club Old Boys and a Jobby Crossan
select team.
TAMNAHERIN CHEQUE PRESENTATION
From the left: Pat Kirby, Terence Moore & Pat Burke presenting a cheque for
£3365, the proceeds of their magnificant efforts in organising the three events, to Declan who received
it on behalf of the Branch.