MS Society AGM - All the news and views

February’s AGM saw the new committee voted in, and some changes made to the MS Society board. Charlie Bloom takes over from Angie Turley as Chair of the branch, with the intention to maintain all of the hard work. Angie’s efforts for the branch were greatly appreciated, and she was rewarded with a large bouquet of flowers on the night. After his success, Charlie predicted a busy, but ultimately fruitful, year ahead.

“I am delighted to have been elected as Chair of our branch for the next three years. I see this as a privilege to serve those of us with or affected by Multiple Sclerosis and as a duty to promote our interests to the wider community. The new committee is totally committed to running the branch well and ensuring that we maintain the highest ethical standards in how we raise and spend money for the benefit of all affected by this disease, whether members of the MS Society or not. I’m looking forward to meeting as many members as possible over the coming months and will be trying to find out what the membership would like the local Society to do. If it is within the rules, then we will try to make it happen. We have a busy year ahead and I hope to be able to report successes at our next AGM.”

In addition, Gail Baylock-Squibbs takes over from Jacqui Grantham as support officer, and the committee has welcomed some new members in Kevin and Emily O’Rourke. The new set-up plus contact details can be found inside. After the elections, the committee passed a resolution regarding welfare grants and also agreed to acquire a car as the draw prize for the ‘Best Foot Forward’ event, subject to National Centre approval. The event takes place on August 1st, when Phil Watts and his band of merry men walk nearly two hundred miles from Netley Abbey to Land’s End, all in the name of fundraising!

The branch have also received a bequest of £172,000 from the estate of Margaret Evans, plans on how the money will be spent will be drawn up and agreed by MS Society trustees. Charlie will be sending a questionnaire to all members, gauging feedback on a selection of permissible uses in the near future.

(MS Society newsletter, 2009)