1230 BPF Bulletin SMALL-1 - British Polio Fellowship

Transcription

November/December 2014
PPS Day
reaches Parliament
Also
in this
issue...
PPS Day page 7
Strictly Wheels page 26
New Trustees page 16
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Website: www.britishpolio.org.uk
National Officers
Chairman: Bryan Rowley
Vice Chairman: David Mitchell
Treasurer: Linda Evers
Patrons
Dr Moira Anderson OBE
Michael Cassidy CBE
Joan Collins OBE Hannah Gordon Andy Love MP
Lionel Blair
Sir Bobby Charlton CBE
Joe Fisher
Gordon Lumb
Ambassadors
James Crisp, Julia Roberts, Anne Wafula-Strike MBE
and Professor Gareth Williams
Publisher: The British Polio Fellowship
Editor: Jon Gardner, BeyondPR: Email [email protected]
Assistant Editor: Spencer Bailey,
BeyondPR: Email [email protected]
Design and production: BeyondPR.co.uk
Contributors: Will Hitchmough; Jane Sherwin;
George Archer / georgearcherphotography.com;
Shaun Flannery Photography / shaunflanneryphotography.com;
Printing and distribution: Russell Press, Nottingham
An invitation to join us. It costs just £25 to become a
life member of The Fellowship. As a member you receive the
bulletin every two months and can join your local Branch or
Group. If you would like to know more about us before making
up your mind please contact Central Office (details above).
The British Polio Fellowship is a registered charity in England and Wales (1108335) and
in Scotland (SC038863). A company limited by guarantee and registered in England and
Wales No 5294321. The Fellowship reserves the right to edit articles and letters submitted.
The views expressed in the bulletin are not necessarily those of The Fellowship.
Publication of an advertisement does not imply that approval has been given to goods and
services.
the bulletin is the bi-monthly magazine of The British Polio Fellowship, distributed free to
members (circ. 9,000). Cost for non-members is £2.50 (annual subscription £15.00).
Please send cheque/postal orders to Central Office at above address.
Articles, letters, news items, photographs are welcome and will be published at the
discretion of the editor. The publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for
errors or omissions. Any transparencies, prints or artwork will be accepted at owner’s risk.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reported in any form without written
permission of the copyright holder and publisher. the bulletin is printed on Magnomatt
paper that meets and surpasses environmental standards and is recyclable. Only pulp with
a low environmental impact is used and all integrated pulp is TCF (Totally Chlorine Free).
Market pulp is either ECF (Elementary Chlorine Free) or TCF.
Contacts:
Chief Executive
Ted Hill, MBE. Tel: 0208 836 3671
[email protected]
Office Manager
General Administration Support (Panels)
Sarah Mchugh. Tel: 0800 018 0586
[email protected]
Director of Operations & Services
Heike Kluever-Littlewood. Tel 0208 836 3682
[email protected]
Support Services Team
Disability Benefits, Information and Advice
Membership, Enquiries and Joining Branch
Tel: 0800 018 0586
[email protected]
Holiday Programme Co-ordinator
Rosalind Evans. Tel: 0208 836 3686
[email protected]
Marketing and Campaigns
Website
Kripen Dhrona. Tel: 0208 836 3684
[email protected]
Advertising
Shirley Russell. Tel: 01953 451620
[email protected]
Fundraising Legacies and Events
Marianne Gkikas. Tel: 0208 836 3679
[email protected]
Trusts
Diane Ware. Tel: 0208 836 3678
[email protected]
Fundraising, Administration, In Memoriam,
Donations and Merchandise
Linda Davis. Tel: 0208 836 3689
[email protected]
Finance
Dawn Grafetsberger. Tel: 0208 836 3675
[email protected]
Development Officer - Scotland
Tara Anderson. Mobile: 07903701251
Development Officer - South West England
Rebecca Colpus. Mobile: 07908 481 479
[email protected]
Online Forum Members & Guests
www.britishpolio.org.uk
Archivist (Volunteer)
Barry North. Tel: 07973 326 714
[email protected]
the bulletin
Design and editorial team (BeyondPR)
Tel: 0114 275 6996
[email protected]
The British Polio Fellowship would like to offer special thanks to The Premier League,
whose Charitable Fund kindly supports the significant ongoing production costs of the bulletin.
3
news from central office
Contents
P14-15
News from
Central Office
Fellowship
merchandise
P29
Fundraising
news
P34
Support
Services
P40
Members’ letters
and views
P48
Branch and
regional news
P56
History
corner
P73
My
way
P37
4
P4
P76
P54-55
Message from the
Chief Executive
As we reach the final issue of the bulletin for 2014, members of
The British Polio Fellowship can look back on our achievements
over the year of our 75th Anniversary with great pride and a real
sense of achievement.
So much has been squeezed into what now feels like 12 short
months it is difficult to know where to start. It seems like only
yesterday we were all ‘Sowing the seeds of hope’ following
handing out seed packets with our March/April issue, then of
course in May/June we were able to announce the fantastic
Premier League sponsorship, plus the news that Birmingham City
had invited us along to do some fundraising at their match against
Blackburn Rovers.
Looking back, we can see things have come full circle. In this issue
we report on how our new Chair of Trustees Bryan Rowley went
along to St Andrews to collect a £1,000 donation from the former
player’s association of Birmingham City and as we were going to
press, we had the wonderful news that Syngenta and Westland
would be sponsoring our ‘Sowing the seeds of hope’ 2015
calendar.
This year has seen our charity mark a momentous 75 years in
truly remarkable style, jam packed with events that have seen
members, Trustees, ambassadors and patrons alike shout loud
and clear about Polio and the Post Polio Syndrome message, but
don’t worry we’ve had some fun along the way!
PPS Day Success
The headline news in this issue is the highly successful PPS Day
we had on 22 October, which saw the charity and our members
make waves in Westminster as we hosted a Parliamentary
reception to get the Post Polio Syndrome message across. For
the first time we all wore our ‘Sowing the seeds of hope’ badge
and many of you displayed your PPS day posters. The badges
received a great amount of interest both from members and all
who saw them. We hope this year’s higher profile PPS Day will
be the start of things to come as we look to spread the message
about Post Polio Syndrome.
We hope this year’s higher
profile PPS Day will be the start
of things to come as we look
to spread the message about
Post Polio Syndrome.
AGM and the New
Trustees
This year’s AGM in Cardiff was a
success as ever, not least because
we unveiled our new Trustees, who
have already hit the ground running,
with Bryan fronting this year’s Winter
Warmth Campaign and representing
us at Birmingham City. A message
from Bryan is printed in this issue
and we’ve compiled profiles of each
of our new Trustees which you can
also read in this issue.
I would like to add my own tribute
to our outgoing Trustees who have
done a fantastic job. I’m sure our
readers will join me in thanking them
for all their efforts and Pam Jones in
particular. I would also like to wish
our new Trustees all the very best
as they take us forward into 2015
and beyond. They have big shoes
to fill but members have elected
a very strong team with a broad
base of skills who are ready for the
challenge.
Bryan Rowley and
Birmingham City FC
As mentioned above, Bryan Rowley
has started his term as Chair of the
Trustees in much the same way as
he intends to continue. Following
him kick starting this year’s Winter
Warmth campaign, news of which
appeared in the last bulletin, he has
continued his great work. This month
he was on hand to collect a donation
on behalf of Birmingham City FC in
an event which saw the club develop
its great relationship with the charity.
Dance Championships
October saw The British Polio
Fellowship attend The International
Dancing Championships in regal
style. We were treated to using the
royal box at the event at the Royal
Albert Hall to mark the charity’s 75th
Anniversary. You can read more
about the event on page 14, which
saw the best ballroom dancers in the
world come together to compete.
Here you will find pictures of the key
members, Ambassadors, supporters
and Trustees who attended what
was once again a stunning and
highly successful evening.
Strictly Wheels
Whilst on the subject of dancing, this
month you can read all about Strictly
Wheels and what their organisation
is all about. We met them at a
recent Roadshow and thought
many members would be interested
in what they do. In essence they
promote dancing on two wheels
rather than two feet; read all about
their competitions and who knows
you might reach the grand final held
at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the
stage of the BBC version of Strictly
Come Dancing!
Thanksgiving Service at
Glasgow Cathedral
As this month’s bulletin goes
to print, our Scottish members
attended a special thanksgiving
service at Glasgow Cathedral on 2
November as part of the charity’s
75th Anniversary celebrations and
marking 60 years of The British Polio
Fellowship in Scotland.
Finally as we approach Christmas
and the New Year, it is still not
too late to buy your British Polio
Fellowship Christmas Cards to
send to your friends and relatives
(details on pages 31 and 32) whilst
the ‘Sowing the seeds of hope’
calendars look absolutely stunning
and are available now.
It’s been a proud and memorable
year for myself as the CEO of The
British Polio Fellowship in its 75th
year, and I hope you will all look back
as fondly on this year as I will. All that
remains is for me, on behalf of all
the team at Central Office, to wish
all our members and readers of the
bulletin a very Merry Christmas and
happy and healthy New Year in 2015.
The bulletin will of course return for
the January/February issue 2015.
Anyone wishing to supply copy
should send it (with any photos) to
[email protected]
by Friday 28 November 2014.
5
A message from
the new Chair of Trustees
I am greatly honoured to be
elected as your new National
Chair.
As you know, I have been
active in the The British Polio
Fellowship for many years
and have a wish to see The
British Polio Fellowship
further develop to meet
current challenges.
This does not mean that we
abandon all that went before, rather
that we continue to build on the
base that our founder, Frederic
Morena, laid and meet the changes
and problems that arise.
He did not envisage the emergence
of Post Polio Syndrome, which
affects most of our lives as we
get older; we live with its effects
every day, but he saw the need for
support and fellowship between
members and this is still our main
aim. Our support services develop
and distribute a large number of
help and information leaflets that
enable people to understand the
management of PPS.
The British Polio Fellowship has
changed as times and attitudes
to disability change and your
present Trustees are responsible for
overseeing the next steps. We strive
to be as effective as possible in
managing the charity without losing
sight of you, our members, who are
the real reason for our being.
6
My promise to you is that I will
do my utmost to work with
you to maintain the best of our
founding principles and hope
to keep developments in line
with those aims.
As we all get older and less mobile,
some branches have ceased
to function and new ones have
opened to maintain the links which
are so essential in sharing our
experiences and giving mutual
support. I said many years ago that
I would be delighted to see The
British Polio Fellowship go out of
business, not from lack of care, but
from there being no more members
to support because Polio and its
effects had vanished.
This year we are celebrating 75
years of the The British Polio
Fellowship and seeking to
raise greater awareness of PPS
particularly among the medical
profession where our own
experience tells us that knowledge
is sadly lacking. So often people tell
us that Polio is beaten or no longer
exists; it isn’t, as we well know. New
cases may be very rare but PPS is
a major problem for thousands of
our number.
During my time in office I have a
wish to visit every region, hopefully
at a regional event when many
branches get together so I can
meet more members. I would like
to visit every branch but logistically
that is impossible.
My promise to you is that I will
do my utmost to work with you to
maintain the best of our founding
principles and hope to keep
developments in line with those
aims.
If there is anything you feel I may be
able to do to help, please contact
me at [email protected] or
through Central Office and if I can
help, I will.
Bryan Rowley
Call for NHS Strategy on PPS
PPS Day at the House of Commons, held on 22 October, saw calls for an NHS strategy on Post Polio
Syndrome to ensure those living with PPS receive the support they need from primary care.
This year’s Post Polio Syndrome Day reached the House of Commons in fine style. Hosted by Andrew
Love MP, the massively over-subscribed event was a huge success and culminates a year of events
marking not just our special anniversary, but also the campaign to see PPS more widely recognised.
Bryan Rowley had an early start
to the day, having been invited
to speak live to BBC Radio
Merseyside’s 340,000 listeners
about PPS Day on breakfast news
with Tony Snell just after 8.00am
before making his way to a prepublicity photo shoot and then the
event itself. Bryan was joined on the
show by the Chairman of the North
West Branch Mike Griffiths; while
Sir Bert Massie kindly recorded a
message that went out at 7.00am.
Back in London, Bryan thanked
Andy and Robin for their speeches
and everyone else for making the
day such a keynote event in the
struggle to see PPS recognised.
This Year has been a platform
to drive our message home on
PPS to the wider public.
much more work needs to be done
strategically to make sure The
British Polio Fellowship community
are supported by primary care –
namely GPs and the NHS. The MP
for Edmonton believes a greater
understanding of PPS amongst
healthcare professionals is needed
to tackle the problem more
effectively.
In his speech to the gathering
at 5.00pm, Andy Love said that
Cont
▼
▼
PPS day brought together over
100 friends, members, MPs and
supporters to hear a welcome from
Andy Love at 5.00pm, followed by a
speech by Robin Luff, Chair of our
expert panel at 5.15pm. Attendees
were a who’s who of our Trustees,
Ambassadors and Patrons,
including Paralympian James
Crisp, QVC presenter and author
Julia Roberts, Lionel Blair, Sir Bert
Massie and many more influential
figures from the charity, the medical
profession and the media. PPS
Day wildflower badges distributed
via the bulletin were very much in
evidence.
7
Cont
▼
▼
4
1
2
Andy also pointed out the great
value of the original Early Day
Motion (EDM) from October last year
as a pre-cursor to this event, and
added that Parliament is a fantastic
springboard for these messages,
as the campaign moves into greater
prominence with the general public.
Robin Luff echoed many of
Andy’s thoughts in his address, in
commenting on the need to get
parity for those with Polio and PPS
in terms of how services for them
stack up when compared to other
groups. Robin pointed to spinal
injury units as an example of the
great provision of specialist services
to these groups, when compared
to services for those with PPS. This
8
3
is not to compare like with like, but
thankfully far fewer people need the
services of a spinal injuries unit, as
opposed to over 120,000 people
with PPS who need help now. This
massive gap between the need and
current provision was highlighted
as a key campaign strand for the
future.
“Marking this year’s PPS Day at
the Palace of Westminster is a
fitting way to round off our 75th
Anniversary year,” said Ted Hill,
MBE, CEO of The British Polio
Fellowship. “I really want to thank
all our supporters for coming
along. They really re-energised the
campaign and as Andy touched on,
being able to take our message to
5
The MP for Edmonton
believes a greater
understanding of PPS
amongst healthcare
professionals is needed.
the very heart of government is vital
if we are to deliver real change for
members. From this perspective,
the importance of this event in our
PPS campaign strategy cannot be
overestimated.”
The event builds on the work done
this year to promote the needs of
those living with PPS and on the
EDM.
1.Marianne Gkikas and
Lionel Blair
2.David Mitchell, Bosik
Gharapetian, Linda Evers
and Nvart Gharapetian
8
3.James and Katie Crisp
4.Pam Jones and Mike Egan
5. Sandy and Eric Yarrow
6.Ted Hill and Marcus Jones
MP
6
9
10
7.Ken and Shirley Prentice,
Kripen Dhrona
8.Bryan Rowley
9.Pam Jones and Linda
Evers
10.David Mitchell
11.Maureen Fenner
Receiving widespread cross party
support, the EDM recognised
the charity’s work; calling on the
Department for Health to bring
forward a strategy to address the
needs of those suffering from PPS
and to publicise those needs within
the medical profession.
PPS Day was launched to help
deliver on these aims, but we also
must deliver wider recognition
locally and nationally for a condition
that affects roughly the same
number of people as Parkinson’s
disease, but at the moment, is
much less well known. With PPS
Day in Westminster, coupled with
member activity throughout the
country we are well on the way.
11
It is a chance to remind
everyone of The British Polio
Fellowship’s achievements
over the last 75 years.
“This event is important to us in
so many ways,” added Ted. “It
is a chance to remind everyone
of The British Polio Fellowship’s
achievements over the last 75 years
of our history and to say thank
you to those who have supported
us and continue to do so on this
journey we are on to confront PPS.
This is just the beginning. The battle
to beat Polio worldwide continues.
We have a new battle here in the
UK to beat PPS and it is a struggle
on behalf of our members we are
determined to win.”
Parkinson’s has instant recall with
the public and everyone knows
what it is. Yet around the same
number of people are suffering
with the debilitating neurological
condition that is PPS in silence.
This is the ‘education challenge’ the
charity looks to address with PPS
Day.
Cont
▼
▼
7
9
Cont
▼
▼
4
1.Antony Bean, Aiden LintonSmith, Aleah Leigh
1
2.Eve Conway, James Crisp,
Robert Conway
3.Chris Maxwell, Jacqui
Thompson, Julia Roberts
4.Lee Su Jeong, Alexandra
Curtis, Andy Love
2
In 2013 The British Polio Fellowship
launched ‘PPS Day’ in order to
help raise awareness about PPS
and to raise funds to support
those who had developed the
condition. A very large number of
people are expected to develop
PPS and therefore it is vital to
raise awareness so that anyone
developing the condition can get
diagnosed and start receiving care
without delay.
Schools across the country have
already been helping to spread
the message about PPS in 2014
by ‘Sowing the seeds of hope’
for The British Polio Fellowship.
A collection of wildflower seeds,
specially selected by Syngenta and
Westland Horticulture, were sent
10
3
This is just the beginning.
The battle to beat Polio
worldwide continues.
out to participating schools where
they were planted by students to
represent the plight of Britain’s
Polio survivors. Wildflowers are
often seen as a symbol of hope in
the face of adversity and for that
reason they have been adopted
by The British Polio Fellowship to
symbolise hope for survivors facing
new battles with PPS. The ‘Sowing
the seeds of hope’ campaign
has helped to make younger
generations aware of PPS
as, sadly, it is inevitable that in their
lifetime more people will need help
to face the condition.
The campaign will be extended into
schools again throughout 2015,
with the wildflower emblem used
as part of a children’s colouring
competition.
Celebrating PPS Day
above: The photo was taken outside South Shore Community
Centre in Blackpool after our recent Regional Committee Meeting.
L-R: Janet Brear (North East Lancashire Branch) Mike Griffiths
(Merseyside Branch and Regional Chairman) Paul Windle and Janet
Baggaley (North East Lancashire Branch) Muriel Bradshaw and
Patricia Burrows (Blackpool Branch).
above: Home Counties North Regional
Qualifying Games take time to celebrate
PPS Day.
RIGHT: The committee members of The Worthing & Sussex Branch.
They are Left to Right: back row, Bill Finch, Carole Cresdee, Terry
Studd, Janet Jones, Bob Stephens. Front row, Roger Brand, Gill
White, Jim Tidy and Mary Lessiter. Two members were absent from
the photo, they were Barbara Stephens and Pam Gavan.
LEFT:
Sunderland
Branch members
proudly wearing
their PPS
awareness
badges and
holding their
posters.
Pam Gavan (left) and Diana
Marshal (right). Both whom had
Polio themselves.
Walsall branch members
RIGHT: Some
of the Worthing
and Sussex
branch at their
get together
on Saturday
18 October
2014.
11
Ambassador Anne turns heads
with Striking dress at MBE award ceremony
British Polio Fellowship Ambassador Anne Wafula-Strike teamed up with celebrity dress designer Izzy
Camilleri, (a specialist in disability fashion), to create a dress fit to meet The Queen.
The gown was worn by Anne when
she collected her MBE (Member
of the British Empire) at the
Buckingham Palace Investiture on
14 October for her services to
disability, sport and for charity work
for The British Polio Fellowship and
others.
“To be formally presented with an
MBE at Buckingham Palace was
truly the highest honour of my life
and I cannot put into words how
excited I have been about the whole
occasion,” said Anne. “I am so
pleased to have been able to team
up with Izzy to create a truly beautiful
dress worthy of the occasion.”
Regular readers of the bulletin will
recall that back in July, Anne wore a
dress made of train tickets by Aleah
Leigh in a bid to raise awareness of
the late effects of Polio and PPS and
the struggles that disabled people
face when it comes to fashion. This
dress was another opportunity to
promote disabled fashion, Polio and
PPS at Buckingham Palace.
Canadian designer Izzy Camilleri has
worked with a number of high profile
celebrities, including designing
Meryl Streep’s fur coat in Hollywood
classic The Devil Wears Prada. She
has since turned her attention to
disability and wheelchair fashion,
creating her very own brand for the
purpose called IZ Adaptive.
The first outfit, the teal green day
dress was made with the African
print that was gifted to Anne from the
places in Africa she does her charity
work for. The dress was also cut for a
12
"It is an honour for
me to work with
Anne and be a part
of this monumental
day,” said Izzy
Camilleri. “Anne is
an amazing person
who gives so much
of herself and has
done so much for
so many."
seated framed body, allowing room
at the back while seated, as well as
a cleaner look at the waist with no
excess of fabric.
The second outfit, made from a
mint coloured, rhinestoned lace was
more sleek and fitted to Anne for
the gala reception in the evening.
Rhinestones were placed around the
neckline to add more sparkle to her
special day.
users can achieve their dreams and
ambitions,” said Anne.
The evening of Anne’s Investiture
was further marked with a
celebratory dinner at the Grosvenor
Hotel, Park Lane, London. The event
was hosted by Rotary International
Polio Ambassador in Nigeria, Sir
Emeka Offor and attended by
representatives of The British Polio
Fellowship to mark the MBE.
The wheel accessories for the
evening were designed to
sparkle all night with sequins,
rhinestones and shimmering
flowers, while both ensembles
were capped by stunning
complementary headwear by
milliner Karyn Gingras.
“It’s my hope that now I have
made my way to the Investiture
in my beautifully designed
outfit to collect my MBE, more
people will realise that a wheelchair
is no boundary for looking and
feeling glamourous and wheelchair
Access all areas
After attending the London Transport Accessibility show at London’s ExCel Exhibition Centre on 2
October, our own CEO Ted Hill, MBE welcomed Transport for London (TfL) plans to invest £75 million
in improving disabled access at their stations but called for more to be done nationally to tackle the
ongoing problems surrounding transport and access for disabled people throughout the UK.
Ted attended the Access All
Areas event at London’s Excel
Centre due to The British Polio
Fellowship’s increasing concerns
about the accessibility issues
faced by Britain’s Polio and Post
Polio Syndrome (PPS) community.
Government statistics show that
more than 2 million people with
disabilities have reported difficulties
related to their impairment or
disability in accessing transport and
that needs to change.
Unbelievably the disabled
still face a staggering array
of accessibility issues when
using public transport.
remains a problem. TfL has plans
to have 53% of all tube stations stair
free by 2024, but clearly there is a
long way to go. London is just one
city, but getting it right in the capital
will hopefully serve as a catalyst
to drive change throughout the
country as a whole.
In August, Ted commented on
research showing that nearly two
thirds of the country’s top 100 visitor
attractions are not fully accessible to
wheelchair users, adding his voice
to calls for change. There are over
11 million people in the UK with a
limiting long term illness, impairment
or disability and the majority of
these are of the type that affects
mobility. That’s potentially a sixth
of the population that can’t access
attractions, or the transport to
reach them. Many members of The
British Polio Fellowship fall into this
category.
The modern world can be restrictive enough and public
transport is one area where change can make a profound
difference to people’s lives. The bulletin will keep members
updated on developments in what is clearly going to be an
ongoing story.
“Unbelievably disabled people
still face a staggering array of
accessibility issues when using
public transport and accessing
buildings and facilities and that
should not be the case,” said Ted.
“TfL’s plans to invest £75 million in
disabled access plus a commitment
to work in greater partnership with
local councils and developers to
achieve this are very welcome.
But it is actions, not words that
will ultimately make the difference
and we will look forward to them
delivering on their promises.”
We live in a nation that arguably
puts more emphasis on diversity
and equal opportunities than any in
the world and yet disabled access
13
A spectacular night
of dancing and fundraising at the Royal Albert Hall
Members, supporters, Ambassadors and Trustees of The British Polio Fellowship were out in force to
attend the International Ballroom Dancing Championships at the Royal Albert Hall on 9 October.
Once again ably and skilfully
arranged by Marianne Gkikas at
Central Office; Ted Hill joined VIPs,
staff and Ambassadors and all who
came along to enjoy the evening
and lend their support to the charity
for an extra special commemoration
of its 75th Anniversary.
We were delighted to welcome
along Ambassadors James Crisp
and his wife Katie, while Syngenta’s
Denise Billingham was also there
to enjoy the evening. Also in
attendance was Ian Dutton, Head
of Commercial at Birmingham City
FC, together with his partner Sophia
Grant and other charity supporters.
Her Majesty The Queen generously
allowed The British Polio Fellowship
the use of the Royal Box in our
75th Anniversary year; the perfect
gift from Her Majesty, enabling
14
the charity to invite many key
supporters along to thank them
for their efforts in such a milestone
year.
Our sincere thanks go to all
those helpers and volunteers
who made the evening such an
outstanding success.
Special thanks, as always, must
go to Peter Knight and Doug
Williamson who together coordinated programme sales
over the two days at Brentwood.
Blanche Ingle-Bateman is still doing
a superb job at the Albert Hall
along with her assistants Susan
and Anita. Our sincere thanks go
to all those helpers and volunteers
who made the evening such an
outstanding success.
“On behalf of The British Polio
Fellowship, I want to give a
massive thank you to our Patrons,
Ambassadors, volunteers and
members present who enabled the
event to be a great success.” said
Ted Hill. “We are also very grateful
to Dance News for their continued
support of our charity over so
many years. The event was also an
opportunity to say a big thank you
to people like Ian Dutton, Denise
Billingham and Moira Anderson
who have supported the charity
over the last 12 months and
continue to do so.”
1
2
3
4
5
1. Katie Crisp, Aiden Linton-Smith and James Crisp 2. Denise Billingham, Diane Ware, Ian Billingham
3. Robin Luff, Sandy Luff, Dr Moira Anderson OBE, Dr Stuart McDonald 4. Marianne Gkikas, Sophia Grant, Ted Hill,
Ian Dutton and Diane Ware 5. Bryan Rowley, David Mitchell, Anne Rowley
Those in attendance were there
to see amateur and professional
dancers alike swirl in their streamline
suits and sequinned dresses with
around 360 of the world’s foremost
amateur and professional dance
talent in the country competing for
the International Standard and Latin
titles.
“The organisers of the event, Dance
News have been supporting The
British Polio Fellowship for over forty
years and we remain extremely
grateful for all their help and decades
of support,” added Ted. “In addition
to donating money from programme
sales for this event (Brentwood
and Albert Hall) they also give us a
£4,000 donation every year.”
The event was an opportunity for
members, new Trustees, supporters
and Ambassadors to catch up and
The event was an opportunity
for members, new Trustees,
supporters and ambassadors
to catch up.
continues to be a strong supporter
of the charity for which we are very
grateful. All in all a great success and
a chance for friends both old and
new to meet and promote the work
of The British Polio Fellowship.
in some cases put names to faces
for the first time. As we go to press,
new Chair of Trustees Bryan Rowley
had attended the Legends Dinner
with Ian Dutton at Birmingham City.
In addition to collecting a donation
for The British Polio Fellowship, this
may well become a regular event.
In this issue we are also announcing
that Syngenta is very kindly
sponsoring our 2015 calendar,
while Moira Anderson OBE is also
attending the Glasgow thanksgiving
service on 2 November and
15
Welcome to our
New Trustees
the bulletin would like to
extend a very warm welcome
to all the new Trustees, who
assembled for the first time with
new Chair Bryan Rowley at the
Cardiff AGM on 20 September.
Sword of office – outgoing Chair Pam
Jones joins new Chair of Trustees Bryan
Rowley to cut the cake in Cardiff.
A new team at the top! (Left to right): top row: Bosik Gharapetian, Archie Leyden,
Mark Fisher, David Mitchell. Front row: Bryan Rowley and Linda Evers are
welcomed as Trustees by Ted Hill.
The Cardiff AGM was the
opportunity for outgoing Chair
Pam Jones to pass on the sword
of office (quite literally!) to the
newly elected Chair of Trustees
Bryan Rowley and to wish his
fellow Trustees Linda Evers, Bosik
Gharapetian, Archie Leyden, Mark
Fisher, Christine Lumb, Dorothy
Crook and David Mitchell the very
best of luck.
“The British Polio Fellowship has
always been lucky in the sense
we have always enjoyed a pool of
quality people with the right abilities
to act as effective Trustees,” said
Ted Hill. “Pam and the outgoing
Trustees have done a superb job
and will be a hard act to follow, but
the new team has the right blend
of diversity, skills and experience
to take us forward over the coming
years and we wish them all the very
best for the future.”
In a difficult operating climate for
all charities, the role of our Trustees
is more important than ever. It is
widely acknowledged now that
charities must operate much more
like businesses to survive these
days and having a diverse board
of Trustees with a wide range of
business skills is essential.
16
Pam Jones had some advice
for the incoming Trustees: “It is
essential that we have Trustees that
understand their responsibilities.
They need to be able to
understand accounts as they are
accountable for our finances;
have knowledge or experience of
business management as well as
having an understanding of the
needs of the membership. This is a
great deal to ask.
We had a training day for
prospective Trustees back in
May which was excellent and the
membership has made a balanced
and informed choice and I wish
Bryan the new Chair and all his
fellow Trustees all the very best for
the future.”
Many of our new Trustees will be
well known to members but a brief
introduction to each is provided in
the following pages.
Bryan Rowley
became the very first
child member of The
British Polio Fellowship in 1945. He
has enjoyed a varied working life,
acquiring the skills that make him an
ideal Chair of Trustees.
Everyone knows Bryan has
a tremendous commitment
to the members.
Working in research for the General
Electric Company and the De
Hallivand Aircraft Co, Bryan then
moved into teaching, rising to
head of a science department.
He then set up his own business
but developing PPS led Bryan to
work in the City Council Housing
Department until his retirement.
Bryan has seen The British Polio
Fellowship come an awful long way
since 1945 and is keen for it to keep
moving with the times.
“Many members will remember the
‘old’ structure of The British Polio
Fellowship. However, times have
changed and it has been necessary
for The British Polio Fellowship to
change with them. I believe that it
is important that we still retain all
the very best of The British Polio
Fellowship’s original ideals, as
well as harnessing new ideas,”
explained Bryan.
and outlook on life will help him to
make a really positive contribution
as Chair of Trustees,” said Ted.
“Everyone knows Bryan has a
tremendous commitment to the
members and understands the
need to face up to the challenge
posed to members by PPS.”
Linda Evers, Trustee
and National Treasurer
Linda Evers takes
up the position of
National Treasurer,
bringing her extensive
experience from the
world of finance and
accounting to the role,
following an outstanding career
with HM Revenue and Customs.
Linda has been heavily involved
with the running of The British
Polio Fellowship at both Branch
and Regional level and becoming
National Treasurer is both a natural
step and a new challenge.
I think that that social
aspect of The British Polio
Fellowship, meeting others
and sharing experiences is
hugely important.
As the Chair of Trustees Bryan is
keen to get out and about to visit
every Region and determined to
ensure management of The British
Polio Fellowship is as transparent as
possible for members.
“I am really looking forward to
fulfilling my new duties as National
Treasurer,” added Linda. From
my working life I have developed
a thorough understanding of
accounting principles which will be
important in my role as National
Treasurer and help to ensure
that we continue to manage our
finances prudently, keeping within
the requirements of our Articles of
Association and the rules of the
Charity Commission.”
“Bryan’s extensive experience
been a big part of Linda’s life and
she believes that it provides a
valuable service for Polio survivors,
helping them to branch out, meet
new people and form a community.
“I would certainly lead a very
different, very lonely life if it wasn’t
for The British Polio Fellowship and I
dare say the same would be true for
many other people.”
“It was in the 1970s that I began to
realise how much the Committee
did for our branch, organising
dances and fundraising events,”
added Linda. “As I became more
involved, I began to see ‘the big
picture’ and how much work
goes into making The British Polio
Fellowship the superb national
organisation that it is. I decided to
increase my involvement because
I knew that after retirement I would
have more time and that I would
have some worthwhile skills to offer.”
Bosik Gharapetian
Bosik Gharapetian is a keen
believer of the work that The British
Polio Fellowship does
in supporting those
with Polio and PPS in
the United Kingdom
and whilst serving as
Trustee he will bring
the experience he has
gained throughout the last 28 years
of his working career to the table.
Bosik has a keen involvement
in charity work.
Bosik has worked in a variety of
roles including management,
consultancy and human resources
as well as the banking and financial
sectors.
Cont
▼
▼
Bryan Rowley,
Chair of
Trustees
17
Cont
▼
▼
Bosik has a keen involvement in
charity work, acting on the Board
of Trustees for a local charity in
London for the previous four years,
serving the most vulnerable and
under privileged members of
the community. Bosik has held
the positions of both Company
Secretary and Treasurer which
will stand him in good stead in his
Trustee work for The British Polio
Fellowship.
Archie Leyden
Archie Leyden is
delighted to continue
his six year stint as a
Trustee for The British
Polio Fellowship.
Having been a member since
1962, Archie believes strongly that
members should come first in The
British Polio Fellowship and will be
working hard with his fellow Trustees
to ensure that remains the case.
As the Chairman of the Scottish
region, Archie already has a very
hands on role and the concept of a
employing a Development Officer for
Scotland was one of his ideas, which
has since been adopted in the South
West of England.
As the Chairman of the
Scottish region, Archie has a
very hands on role.
Mark Fisher
Mark brings several
years’ experience
as a management
consultant for Ernst &
Young to his role as
a Trustee. His affinity for The British
Polio Fellowship is very strong, as his
father Joe Fisher was instrumental in
establishing the northern branches
of The British Polio Fellowship.
Mark’s affinity for
is very strong.
Joe is still a committed member
and patron of the charity and this
enthusiasm has rubbed off on
Mark, who was keen to use his own
business experience to help The
British Polio Fellowship build on the
success of the last few years.
Mark brings a unique perspective
to the role, having an intimate
knowledge of the charity through his
family and at the same time bringing
fresh ideas from his time as an
experienced businessman.
Mark has helped various large
corporations, such as Unilever,
BT and Diageo to improve their
businesses and he hopes to have
the same impact with The British
Polio Fellowship.
Christine Lumb
It’s ideas like this that demonstrate
Archie’s thinking and philosophy of
delivering services with members
in mind that makes him an ideal
member of the new board of
Trustees tasked with taking the
charity and the membership into the
future.
18
Christine joined The
in 1954 as a member
of the Wakefield
branch and became
actively involved in branch affairs,
holding the offices of Secretary and
Treasurer and is currently ViceChairman. Like many members,
Christine has met the challenges of
I would like to help The British
Polio Fellowship to meet the
challenges facing members.
bringing up a family whilst working
for a solicitor and most recently, the
West Yorkshire Police.
“I now feel that I would like to help
The British Polio Fellowship to meet
the challenges facing members like
the treatment of PPS,” said Christine.
“I want to ensure we can continue
to maintain the very important help
and advice given by Central Office,
especially the benefits team who
are keeping us all up to date with
changes at this very worrying time.”
Dorothy Crook
Dorothy has been a
member for many
years after contracting
the disease in 1940
and now suffering with PPS. As Vice
Chairman of the Western Region and
Chairman of the Ludlow Branch, she
brings experience of the charity in
an official capacity that will help her
understand and support members.
Dorothy helps members
receive all they are entitled to.
Dorothy has many years of
experience as a tutor on the Expert
Patient Program. Whilst her work
with the Services for Independent
Living (SIL) in Herefordshire on the
administrative side has gifted her
with a knowledge of the NHS and the
benefits system that when combined
with her own Polio experiences, can
ensure that she helps members of
the charity receive all that they are
entitled to.
David Mitchell
Vice-Chair
Completing the lineup is David Mitchell,
who having served
as a local council
standards scrutineer, brings a
full understanding of corporate
responsibility to the team. David
had been a member of The British
Polio Fellowship for 14 years and is
well aware of the difficulties facing
small charities today and brings
with him a determination to help
raise the profile of those with Polio
and PPS to the level of Parkinson’s.
“The British Polio Fellowship is
now on a firm basis thanks to the
hard work done by both past and
present Trustees,” added David.
“We have exciting plans for the
future and I’m looking forward to
playing an active part.”
David rose to become the General
Manager of the Carlton Hotel in
Edinburgh, has worked as the
editor of a national business
magazine and lectured on
business and finance for 15 years,
along with running his own shop.
clearly have the experience and
strength in depth to take The British
Polio Fellowship forward….. and
I’m very much looking forward to
working with them,” added Ted.
“With such a breadth of business
and financial skills the new Trustees
Cardiff AGM
The election of the new
Trustees gave a serious edge to
proceedings but the important
business of The British Polio
Fellowship was matched with lots
of opportunities for networking
amongst members and a chance
to catch up on events. The digital
graffiti wall was once again in
attendance and interviews with
some of our new Trustees are in
this issue.
We have exciting plans for the
future and I’m looking forward
to playing an active part.
The AGM of 2014 took place in Cardiff
on 20 September, again with lots of
positive feedback from members.
The feedback received from
members was overwhelmingly
positive, with 90% reporting that
in their opinion The British Polio
Fellowship is doing a great job.
Many thanks to all who took the
time to provide feedback and
all suggestions will be seriously
considered.
The event was also an opportunity
for new members of the team to
meet members. The Cardiff AGM
was the first opportunity for the
new Development Officer for the
South West Region to introduce
herself. The bulletin introduces
Rebecca, above.
19
Aiming to make
South West the best
for Polio support
New Development Officer set to reach out to people in rural regions
Hot on the heels of Tara Anderson joining us, Rebecca Colpus has now joined The British Polio
Fellowship team to become our new Development Officer for the South-West Region. Rebecca has been
given a clear brief to help expand the reach of The British Polio Fellowship into the rural communities of
the South-West where some members can find it difficult to reach branches or regional events.
served as a manager with the Alzheimer’s Society, the
Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Age Concern (now Age
UK). Much of this work centred on the rural areas of
Cumbria and Mid Wales, so the rural South West will
hold no surprises for Rebecca, who is used to getting
‘out and about.’
“I am very excited to be joining The British Polio
Fellowship and looking forward to being a part of
the team,” said Rebecca. “The South West region is
geographically quite isolated, so my experiences of the
issues surrounding rural living will prove useful in this
new post. There’s lots of scope to develop services to
meet the identified needs of people living with Polio and
PPS and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Tara Anderson was appointed as Development Officer
in Scotland with a similar brief and ensuring all members
are brought into the fold and no one is left to feel
isolated is a critical role.
“We know it is all too easy for those members in
outlying areas to feel isolated and the appointment of
Tara in Scotland and now Rebecca in the South West
underlines our determination to serve all our members,
no matter where in the country they may be,” said
Ted. “Polio and PPS must not be forgotten and neither
should our members.”
Rebecca brings with her over 20 years of considerable
experience in the charity sector to the role, having
recently worked with Caritas Care developing practical
support for those with hearing loss. Rebecca has also
20
Rebecca has hit the ground running and is already in
the process of carrying out a survey of members in
the South West to identify their needs. As part of this
Rebecca has been busy meeting existing branches and
groups in the region and promoting The British Polio
Fellowship more generally. Members who attended the
Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Cardiff may have
already seen Rebecca as she and CEO Ted Hill MBE
met with the newly elected Trustees.
“I have already started getting out meeting and
communicating with members in Cardiff, Bristol and
Exeter, which has been an important first step,” added
Rebecca. “The next step in the short term is to complete
the member survey. Once finished, that will inform our
longer term objectives. It’s a new challenge for me, but
many of the aims remain constant. We want to ensure
no one is left out of the process. Not everyone knows
we are here and ready to help and part of my job will be
to promote that message throughout the region.”
Rebecca is already developing
new printed materials for the South
West, so the message on Polio and
PPS can be spread to members
not just through the usual channels,
but through GP surgeries and other
local community centres.
We know not everyone is on email
or uses a phone and we know there
are people still living with Polio and
PPS who may not be members and
may be unaware The British Polio
Fellowship is here to help them
and one of Rebecca’s tasks is to
I am very excited to be joining
and looking forward to being
a part of the team.
change that. The charity continues
to reach out with modern forms of
communication, but sometimes
the old ways are the best. By
meeting people face to face,
using posters and attending local
community events we can reach
out to everyone and help any lost
members out there and others with
Polio and PPS to find their way to
the help and support they need.
We are sure all members will join us
in giving a very warm welcome to
Rebecca and wish her the very best
of luck in her new role.
Rebecca Colpus
Development Officer – South West
Mobile: 07908 481 479
Welcome to our new Marketing
Communications Officer
In addition to our new Trustees and Development Officer for the
South West, the bulletin is also pleased to report The British Polio
Fellowship also has a new Marketing Communications Officer,
with the appointment of Kripen Dhrona, who joined the Central
Office team in October.
Kripen has traded Park Lane
for Polio, PPS and Parliament.
Following a long and successful
stint managing the marketing
arm of a popular London hotel,
one of Kripen’s first roles was to
get to know members, Trustees
and supporters at the Dance
Championships held at the Albert
Hall, and more recently he has
been kept busy co-ordinating
events surrounding PPS Day at the
House of Commons.
Kripen joins The British Polio
Fellowship with a strong
background in marketing and
events, which is already proving
invaluable.
“I am delighted to be joining The
British Polio Fellowship,” said
Kripen. “Replacing Glenys Balchin
was always going to be difficult, but
everyone has been very welcoming
and supportive. I have already
met a number of members and
Trustees and I’m looking forward
to meeting more in the months
and years ahead, and particularly
looking forward to my very first
indoor games next year.”
Most recently Kripen was a Project
Manager for Liquid Bubble Media,
but prior to this spent over 15 years
implementing group marketing
strategy for The Enterprise Hotel in
London, which included pioneering
social media policy for the group.
“Kripen brings a range of skills to
the role that makes him the perfect
man to replace Glenys at Central
Office, and on behalf of everyone I
would like to extend Kripen a warm
welcome,” explained Ted Hill. “In
a busy year for us all, Kripen has
had to hit the ground running as we
continue to make the most out of
our 75th Anniversary. PPS Day was
a great first project for Kripen to get
into and find out what The British
Polio Fellowship’s key aims are
with regard to addressing member
concerns surrounding PPS and
what is just one of the first steps
in our efforts to raise awareness in
all the right places about Polio and
PPS.”
Farewell to
Glenys and a
big thank you
to her for all her
considerable
efforts over
the years.
21
The 75th Anniversary Quiz 2014
the winners and answers are revealed!
Listed below are the answers to the 75th Anniversary quiz, which many members entered. The closing date
was Saturday 30 August.
Congratulations go to this year’s winner, Mr Roy Smith of Sheffield. Roy not only donated his prize to The British Polio
Fellowship, but made a donation when he entered the quiz too, which he has entered now for the past three years.
Thank you for your on-going support and generosity, Roy. It is much appreciated.
Entry cost just £1, with the prize being made up of 10% of the proceeds and 90% going to The British Polio Fellowship
in aid of British Polio Month July 2014.
The following are cryptic clues related in one way or another to a 75th Anniversary (and others) or the work of The British
Polio Fellowship.
Q1 What do you get if you score
three times + half score + plus half
of a half score? 7-4
A1Seventy-five
Q2 Your wife wouldn’t mind you
throwing this rock at her on this
occasion. 7
A2diamond
Q3 Who were those bugs who bit
Uncle Sam all those years ago? 3,7
Q8 Twas on the Ides of March that
the modern day Antony & Cleopatra
would have for the first time around
celebrated a golden event. 7,6 & 9,6
Q14 After effects which lead to
moodily person? The British Polio
Fellowhip does try to help those
suffering from this. 4,5,8
A8 Richard Burton & Elizabeth
Taylor
A14 Post Polio Syndrome
Q9 No time for mixed talks whilst
basin breaking – which leads us to
the developers of polio vaccines. 4,5
A9 (Jonas) Salk & (Albert) Sabin
Q15 Probably not the preferred
container for CAMRA members
when celebrating this festival. 3
A15 tin
Q16 Even though he wrote
bugger all, on reflection he’s well
remembered. 5,6
Q4 What the old salt may expect to
receive on this anniversary? 4
Q10 An alternative to this tot
somehow could result in you being
given a bracing experience by him or
her. 9
A4salt
A10 orthotist
Q5 Accommodation offered by
The British Polio Fellowhip in the
west country where part of a pig’s
leg smoked by a northern stream
played about with a blow gun. 7,8
Q17 One way of coping with the ups
and downs of life. 5,4
Q11 There’s no way with a confused
brain or regents could he have run
that fast. But he did - it’s on the
record – it was a gem of a year! His
running mate couldn’t stop talking
about it once he got his breath back.
5,9
A17 stair lift
A3 The Beatles
A5 Burnham Bungalow
Q6 Spoil arose anew to raise the
aim of this quiz. 5,9
A6 Polio Awareness
Q7 All should become clear on the
15th. 7
A7crystal
A11 Roger Bannister
Q12 Is this the colour of the ale
CAMRA members will be celebrating
with this year? 4
A12 ruby
Q13 Weave rug as gift on this
occasion. 5
A13 sugar
A16 Dylan Thomas
Q18 4 fatalities short of a century
but a quarter of a century later we’re
still looking for those accountable for
that tragedy. 3,12,8
A18 The Hillsborough Disaster
Q19 Can CAMRA members
remember what they were
celebrating 3 years ago? 8,8
A19 fortieth birthday
Q20 Steal nine quinces? Naughty!
We’ll not be around to enjoy them by
this time but no doubt the The British
Polio Fellowhip will be celebrating
this anniversary. 16
A20 sesquicentennial
22
Richard Flint Awards
This was a very closely contested
quiz which resulted in the marker
being a little bit mean by only
awarding ½ marks to entrants who
submitted numerical answers (even
though these were correct). Now,
before those of you who did this start
booing and hissing, I’ll hastily add
that you did also get at least one
other answer wrong so, perhaps,
you’ll forgive me?
Total proceeds included some very
generous donations, for which many
thanks. The quiz raised over £220.
Our winner Roy had a perfect score
of 20/20.
Any additional donations from
family or friends will still be gratefully
received and should be sent to:
The British Polio Fellowship 75th
Anniversary Quiz, c/o 80 Kendal
Road, Sheffield S6 4QH (cheques
payable to: The British Polio
Fellowship)
For additional copies of the
answer sheet, please either email:
[email protected] including
The British Polio Fellowship 75th
Anniversary Quiz in the subject line
or send sae to the above address.
The British Polio Fellowship gratefully
acknowledges the support of
Sheffield & District CAMRA in
promoting this fundraising activity.
Further details of Sheffield & District
CAMRA activities are available from
[email protected]
encourages members to
brush up on their creativity
Late August saw the competition winners announced for the
inaugural Richard Flint awards; a series of prizes given for
original works of poetry, paintings and photography as entered by
members of The British Polio Fellowship.
The awards, which were set up
to commemorate Richard, who
was a long standing member and
committed servant of the charity,
were presented at the AGM in
Cardiff.
The judging panel for the
awards was made up of
senior charity members
and officials, including
CEO, Ted Hill MBE.
The deadline for entries was late
May, giving members the first six
months of the year to get their
works perfected and brushed up,
with an open theme for their art
to depict anything they like. The
prizes were generous with £250,
£150 and £75 prizes in all three
categories inspiring a number
of entries from The British Polio
Fellowship branches up and down
the country.
The judging panel for the awards
was made up of senior charity
members and officials, including
CEO Ted Hill MBE, who was up
to the task of judging the stiff
competition for prizes.
The first category was for Art;
the specifications were a piece
of original art no bigger than 3x3
feet squared, created with either
oil paint, water paint or a drawing.
The winner of the first prize of £250
was Clare Potter from Middlesex,
with Betty Brown from Norfolk
and Pamela Gavan of Sussex
taking the second and third prizes
respectively.
In the second category of poetry,
entrants were asked to submit
a piece of original poetry in
typewritten format. Winner of the
first prize was Diana Marshall from
West Sussex with her entry, ‘Life
is Smiling’, whilst Maureen Fenner
of Kent, who wrote a letter in last
month’s the bulletin, claimed
second prize with her entry,
‘Sensible Shoes’. Janet Jones from
Bognor Regis claimed the third
prize of £75 for her entry ‘warmth’.
The third category which was for
an original photograph returned
the winners David Butler from
Kent, Robin Stephens from West
Sussex and Paul Oulton from
Liverpool claiming the 1st, 2nd and
3rd prizes respectively.
23
Polio News
More Progress in the Global
Eradication Effort for Africa
Huge Strides in the face of adversity for Nigeria
The British Polio Fellowship was heartened
to hear of major progress in Africa’s battle
to eradicate Polio this month. The news
came via an email to charity CEO Ted Hill
MBE from The Global Polio Eradication
Initiative which detailed a number of key
breakthroughs in the organisation’s efforts.
Despite the northern region
recently being ravaged by Boko
Haram terrorists, Nigeria has
managed huge progress in its
battle to eradicate Polio thanks
to the Global Polio Eradication
Initiative.
These positive findings are
being attributed to better health
service provisions in Nigeria,
as well as engagement from
religious leaders and an overall
improvement in the vaccination
campaign’s quality.
The Initiative is made up of four
spearheading partners including Rotary
International, whom The British Polio
Fellowship have a strong relationship with
as well as The World Health Organization,
the US Centres for Disease Control and
Prevention and UNICEF.
So far this year there have only
been three cases reported, a
decline of over 90% from the 43
cases that were reported in 2013
and Nigeria’s Minister of State for
Health believes cases could be
cut to zero by next year.
Despite many areas in the
Borno and Yobe states being
unreachable by health workers
due to unrest, the proportion of
unvaccinated children in Nigeria is
steadily dropping as the work by
The Initiative continues.
Nigeria has managed huge
progress in its battle to eradicate
Polio thanks to the Global Polio
Eradication Initiative.
Polio provides vital
experience in Ebola battle
Chad celebrates two years without Polio
With the Ebola outbreak in West Africa
claiming the lives of thousands and
expected to continue to spread, nations
are calling on their Polio eradication
experience in order to react to the threat.
Further developments from The
Initiative include the celebration
that Chad has been Polio free
for two years. The organisation
said this was testament to their
government’s hard work and their
Reaching Every District (RED)
campaign which targets the most
in need areas of the country.
Emergency operation centres, modelled
on those which have fought Polio in
the past, have been rapidly set up in
countries affected. However, the outbreak
has affected Polio eradication campaigns
in areas which are at risk from Ebola.
24
Two national campaigns this year
have seen 3.5 million children
under the age of five protected
against the disease and Chad
engaged in multi country
campaigns alongside Nigeria,
Niger and Cameroon.
With Chad remaining Polio free,
Nigeria is now the only African
nation where Polio remains
endemic; however Polio has been
imported to neighbouring nations
including Cameroon, Equatorial
Guinea, Ethiopia and Somalia.
Glasgow Cathedral Service
On Sunday 2 November members and friends of The British Polio Fellowship gathered at Glasgow
Cathedral for a very special service of thanksgiving to commemorate The British Polio Fellowship’s
75th Anniversary.
The service was conducted by
Minister of the Cathedral, Rev. Dr L
Whitley who led the congregation
in giving thanks for the work The
British Polio Fellowship has done to
help, support and empower those
living with Polio and Post Polio
Syndrome (PPS) in Scotland.
The service was a great success
and extremely well attended, with
the blessing given by the former
Roman Catholic Archbishop of
Glasgow, The Most Rev. Mario
Conte.
Also among the congregation was
classical Scottish singer and Patron
of The British Polio Fellowship, Dr
Moira Anderson who had made the
trip to Glasgow from her home on
the Isle of Man. Glasgow Cathedral
was the church of both Moira and
her husband so it was a particularly
significant event. Moira vey kindly
also came along and supported us
at the Dance Championships at the
Albert Hall.
National Trustee Archie Leyden
attended the service and he too
was delighted with the turnout, “It’s
great that so many people have
come here to recognise the work
of The British Polio Fellowship. The
job isn’t done yet though, PostPolio Syndrome (PPS) is making
life harder for a lot of people and
The British Polio Fellowship is
certainly going to be working
harder than ever over the months
and years ahead to support them.”
It’s great that so many
people have come here to
recognise the work of The
British Polio Fellowship.
25
Do you have
Strictly Fever?
It’s Saturday night, you’re watching Strictly
Come Dancing and you drift off imagining
your whirling round the floor dancing a
beautiful waltz, or strutting out doing a cheeky
ChaChaCha; then you come back to reality and
think “Hmm, that’s not going to happen. I can’t
even stand up or walk well, let alone dance!”
Four years ago in Manchester
many of us couldn’t even dream
about doing just that, however,
a group of wheelchair users
were introduced to the world of
Wheelchair Dance Sport by Ray
Bulpitt and “Strictly Wheelchair
Dancing” was born.
Wheelchair Dance Sport is simply
Ballroom, Latin and Social dancing
for anyone who can’t dance
standing up. You can dance with
another wheelchair user or a
standing partner using a manual
or power chair. We have dancers
of all ages from 16 to over 80,
husbands and wives, girlfriends
and boyfriends, friends, individuals;
26
Like any dance we start
using fun dances to build
up and develop the skills.
so pretty much like any other
dance class.
So what is it that we enjoy so
much? Freedom of movement,
expression and also getting fit at
the same time; gaining confidence
and being able to join in with
friends and family on the dance
floor at social functions.
Dancing is great it works your body
and works your brain. Don’t panic,
you would not go into a class and
be expected to do a complex
dance straight off. Like any dance
we start using fun dances to build
up and develop the skills needed
to improve. In many European
countries wheelchair dance is even
offered as rehabilitation, however,
the UK is sadly lacking behind the
rest of Europe in this area.
So what dances do we do in our
wheelchairs? We do all the usual
ballroom dances like Waltz and
Quickstep and Latin dances like
Samba and ChaChaCha along with
some social sequence dances too
for good measure.
Simply, if you feel you’d like
to dance, don’t just sit there,
do something about it!
Dancing is about using your ability,
finding out what works and what
doesn’t and adapting the dance
to suit, so you are using your
strengths and the bits that work.
You don’t need special wheelchairs
to start off or to try it out, many
people will dance in their own
wheelchair to begin with. Some
clubs have spare sports/dance
chairs that people can borrow, and
will support people to find funding
for their own equipment if they wish
to progress further.
Wheelchair Dance Sport at
top level is regulated by the
International Paralympic Committee
(IPC) with over 35 countries
worldwide participating in
international championships.
There are competitions in the UK
too - Manchester hosts a large
international competition every
year, the Manchester Grand Prix,
which gives dancers from the UK
a chance to meet dancers from
around the world, dance and
socialise with each other. Some of
our members compete at IPC level
and have travelled as far afield as
Russia to compete for Great Britain.
Simply, if you feel you’d like to
dance, don’t just sit there, do
something about it! Just because
your mobility might not be so
good, don’t let that put you off.
Find a club and have a go. You
never know you could be the one
waltzing round Blackpool Tower
Ballroom next year!
If you want to find out more, visit our website - www.strictlywheelchairdancing.co.uk or you can email us
[email protected]
You can also keep up to date with us on social media on Facebook.
27
And our survey says…
Keep it up!
In the July/August edition of the bulletin, members were asked to take part in a survey about The British
Polio Fellowship and its role in their lives. The results of that survey are now in and we would like to
thank all of those members who responded with their views.
The survey was undertaken in
order to identify ways that The
British Polio Fellowship could
better serve its members. As time
goes on, the threat of Post Polio
Syndrome (PPS) looms for many
members and feedback from the
survey highlighted just how much
of a concern this is for many of you
and that the role of The British Polio
Fellowship in helping members face
the challenges of PPS is of particular
importance.
The survey showed PPS is by far
the most common concern that
members have. It is believed that
80% of people with Polio will go
on to develop the condition in later
life. The survey also made clear
that members firmly believe it is the
duty of The British Polio Fellowship
to support those living with the late
effects of Polio and PPS in whatever
way we can. We are doing our very
best to raise awareness about PPS
and to ensure the condition and the
needs of members are more widely
recognised by the NHS, GPs and
other medical professionals and
addressed as soon as possible.
Too often cases are still
misdiagnosed and those with PPS
denied crucial aid – this must stop
and the charity is doing all it can to
make that happen.
focused a great deal of effort in
28
providing members with as much
information as possible about Polio,
the late effects of Polio and PPS
in particular and it has emerged in
the survey that more than 90% of
respondents are ‘satisfied’ or ‘very
satisfied’ with the information that
they receive from The British Polio
Fellowship. It is great to see that we
are on the right track in this area and
that we are providing members with
the resources that they want in the
manner that they want them.
It is believed that 80% of
people with Polio will go on to
develop PPS in later life.
We were particularly keen to
discover the extent to which
members felt we looked after them
and their interests. Taking care of
members and supporting them is
ultimately the raison d’etre of The
British Polio Fellowship and just as
important as ever. It was fabulous to
hear that 90% of respondents felt we
were looking after their interests.
issues we must focus on moving
forward. We will be looking at
some of this feedback in future
editions of the bulletin. For now, it
is perhaps not surprising that PPS
was consistently mentioned as a
primary concern for members and
this has really strengthened our
determination to do everything we
can to support members with PPS
both now and in years to come.
In this issue, you can read about
how we took our PPS message all
the way to heart of government,
as we marked this year’s PPS Day
with Andy Love MP in the Palace of
Westminster. Just part of our wider
agenda to lobby MPs on the issue
and (we hope) demonstrate that the
charity will continue to do everything
in its power to put PPS on the social
and political agenda.
As it happens, while very much
an exercise in internal feedback,
the survey did attract some media
interest, with Ted invited to speak
about the survey, Polio and PPS on
Radio Swindon on 15 September
for a ten minute slot on their regular
Monday afternoon health slot
‘Feeling Good’.
Overall the survey has given positive
feedback about the work of The
British Polio Fellowship and the
impact that it has on members.
It has also given us some clear
feedback and direction about the
fellowship merchandise
merchandise
Manage your medication
Pace yourself
This compact pillbox can
help you to manage your
medication and is helpful if
you need to take medication
while on the move. The builtin pill-cutter is especially
useful for large pills that are
difficult to swallow.
Keep it light
When living with the late
effects of Polio and PPS,
pacing is essential, whatever
your level of mobility. This
simple pedometer will allow
you to keep track of the
number of steps you are
taking in any one day and
help you to pace yourself.
Don’t forget
This very compact and
lightweight reusable
shopping bag in its zip
pouch fits any handbag or
jacket pocket. It is useful
for small shops or when
purchasing bits and bobs
on the go.
Anniversary Mug with logo
This quality mug
makes an ideal gift and
has a distinctive and
contemporary style.
Perfect for tea or coffee.
This magnetic fridge
notepad can be used
to write down shopping
lists or things you need to
remember and is also a
reminder of how to get in
touch with The Fellowship.
2015 Calendar
Never miss a date again!
This ‘Sowing the seeds of
hope’ wildflower calendar
brightens up your wall
and keeps you organised.
29
Product
Price each

To mark our 75th Anniversary, we have produced some useful items for our members to
purchase at a decent price. Don’t forget that you can encourage other family members and/
or friends to purchase an item to help with our fundraising and to get our name out there.
QuantityCost
Pillbox with Cutter£3.50
Pedometer£2.99
Reusable Shopping Bag and Pouch £1.99
Magnetic Fridge Notepad£1.90
Anniversary Mug£4.95
2015 Wildflower Calendar£4.95
Name and address details for delivery...........................................................................................................................
.........................................................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................... Postcode................................................................
Email.............................................................................................. Telephone................................................................
How to pay
I wish to pay by cheque and enclose a cheque made payable to The British Polio Fellowship
I wish to pay by credit card
Name on card.................................................................................................................................................................
Card number
Start date
Expiry date
3 digit security number
Alternatively, you can ring your order through to Freephone 0800 018 0586.
30
1
White Christmas Tree
155 x 108mm 10 cards for £4.05 inl p&p
Greeting: Best Wishes for Christmas
and the New Year
3
Playing in the Snow
Greeting: Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year
2
Patiently Waiting
Greeting: Season’s Greetings
4
Star Shines Brightly
Greeting: Best Wishes for Christmas
and the New Year
How to order
By post: See form overleaf
Order Line: 0800 018 0586 (open 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm Friday)
Order Online: www.britishpolio.org.uk
31
$

Christmas Cards 2014
White Christmas Tree
Patiently Waiting
Playing in the Snow
fundraising news
Star Shines Brightly
2nd December 2014.
26
32
National News
The British Polio Fellowship is
getting its voice heard
on disability issues
Over 1,000,000 people have now seen the comments of Ted Hill MBE, CEO of The British Polio
Fellowship as he adds his voice to calls for greater disabled access to Britain’s top tourist attractions.
Research conducted by Vitalise
discovered that out of 52 of the
nation’s top 100 attractions nearly
two thirds (63%) were not fully
wheelchair accessible and a quarter
(25%) had no disabled car park
spaces at all. Upon reading these
findings, Ted got in touch with the
national press to voice his concern
about this on behalf of The British
Polio Fellowship.
Ted’s comments were featured
in leading national newspapers,
The Independent and The Daily
Telegraph, with other national
journalists expressing an interest in
getting in touch and having further
dialogue with the charity about
disability issues. “Adding the voice
of The British Polio Fellowship to
national debates is vital,” explained
Ted; “All too often, Polio is viewed
as a forgotten disease and it is
important that this perception is
challenged. Boosting awareness
of The British Polio Fellowship
reminds the public that there are
approximately 120,000 people who
have had Polio and are now affected
by Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) living
in the UK in need of support.
“Issues like disabled access to
tourist attractions are as important
for those with the late effects of Polio
and PPS as for any other group
with mobility issues. Indeed with the
onset of PPS, many members will
become increasingly concerned
about disabled access and I see it
as the role of the charity to speak up
on their behalf.”
Ted’s comments can be seen by
clicking the links below. Please feel
free to ‘like’ and ‘share’ the articles
on social media and you too can
help spread the word.
Issues like disabled access to tourist
attractions are as important for those with
the late effects of Polio and PPS as for any
other group with mobility issues.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/
uk/11075211/Disabled-access-to-UK-attractions-criticised.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/charitiescall-for-the-uks-top-tourist-attractions-to-become-wheelchairaccessible-9708385.html
33
fundraising news
75th Anniversary Raffle
PRIZE DRAW WINNERS
Many thanks to everyone who took part this year. We are hugely grateful for your support and now it gives
us great pleasure to announce the winners of The British Polio Fellowship’s 75th Anniversary Raffle! Our
thanks also to Theresa Lowman, member and ex-employee of The British Polio Fellowship, who kindly
agreed to make the draw.
The prestigious first prize, a
week’s holiday for six people in the
Burnham Bungalow and £250.00
Marks and Spencer’s vouchers,
has been won by Mrs J Keeling
from the West Midlands. Second
prize, a trip for two people to see
Arsenal vs. Newcastle United in
the Premier League’s very own
hospitality box was won by Mrs
R Khanna, also from the West
Midlands.
Third prize was a prestigious
Mont Blanc fountain pen and that
was won by Mrs A Stracey, from
Darlington. Congratulations to all of
our winners.
34
The success of things like
this is really down to the
fantastic collective spirit
among members.
"A huge well done to all the
lucky winners of the raffle,” said
Ted Hill. “This year's raffle has
been exceptional, we have been
supported by a really dedicated
network of volunteers who have
worked tirelessly to sell tickets
and raise money for The British
Polio Fellowship. The success of
things like this is really down to the
fantastic collective spirit among
members, and I would like to thank
each and every person who lent a
hand."
A full list of winners can be
seen overleaf. Once again congratulations and thanks to
everyone for taking part from the
team at British Polio.
fundraising news
And the winners are...
PrizeTicketName
AreaMember
1st
105351
Mrs J Keeling
West Midlands
Yes
2nd
104196
Mrs R Khanna
West Midlands
Yes
3rd
022734
Mrs A Stracey
Darlington
Yes
4th
017285
Mrs D Holt
Bridgend
Yes
5th
101724
R Edmett
Stevenage
No
6th
102466
S Fielding
Northants
No
7th
074555
Miss B Copcutt
Maidenhead
Yes
8th
007906
Mr W Ogwang
London
Yes
9th
045484
Mr R G Jones
Norwich
Yes
10th
068939
Mr P Wall
London
No
11th
053057
Mrs J Osborne
Hampshire
Yes
12th
072168
Mrs A Chad
Middlesex
Yes
13th
052346
Ms D Byrne-Jones
Devon
No
14th
052346
Mrs A Gray
Ripley
No
15th 112779
Ms H Bowen
Pontrobert
No
Blackpool Branch
puts the fun into fundraising
Below is a photo from a recent fundraising event held for the Blackpool Branch of The British Polio
Fellowship.
Windmill House, a sheltered housing
scheme have The British Polio Fellowship
as their nominated charity for 2014, but
recently the collecting box was stolen
by an opportunist thief much to the
residents anger and dismay. This did
not deter them however, and they held
this fundraising event to make up for
the stolen money. They played various
games and had afternoon tea and held
a couple of raffles as well. Members of
the Branch Committee were invited and a
thoroughly good time was had by all.
Dorothy Cartwright
Branch Chairman, Blackpool & the Fylde
35
fundraising news
Blues make a grand
show of support
On Friday 24 October the
Former Players Association of
Birmingham City Football Club
(BCFC) kindly donated £1,000 to
The British Polio Fellowship. The
donation comes 55 years after
Blues’ legend Jeff Hall died of
Polio in 1959.
The donation was presented on the
night by the Chairman of the Former
Players Association, Tom Ross,
and accepted on The British Polio
Fellowship’s behalf by our newly
elected Chair of Trustees, Bryan
Rowley.
The donation comes in the wake
of both BCFC and The British Polio
Fellowship joining forces earlier this
year to present the Barbara Wood
Citizenship Award to Jeff Hall’s
widow, Dawn Clements.
“This was one of my first
engagements as the Chair of
Trustees. It was a pleasure to start
by further developing The British
Polio Fellowship’s relationship
with Birmingham City,” said Bryan
Rowley. “I would like to thank
Tom Ross of the Former Players
Association, for such a generous
donation. The club and the fans have
supported us in our 75th Anniversary
year and we are very much looking
forward to continuing to work with
the club and the Former Players
Association in the future.”
36
The evening was the latest in a
series of events where the club
has supported The British Polio
Fellowship this year. In April,
Birmingham City invited our
fundraisers to join them for a match
against Blackburn Rovers and
on 25 June, Dawn Clements was
presented with the Barbara Wood
Award at St Andrews. On 9 October,
the charity was able to thank the
club personally by inviting Ian Dutton
to the Dance Championships at
the Royal Albert Hall to show their
appreciation for the club’s ongoing
support.
“As a club, Birmingham City is proud
of its charitable work and supporting
The British Polio Fellowship is a
great way to honour one of our own
while helping people still living with
Polio today,” said Ian Dutton, Head
of Commercial at Birmingham City
FC. “The British Polio Fellowship
does fantastic work to help people
living with the effects of Polio and
we feel that given our own history
and the very real empathy fans
continue to feel for Jeff Hall, it’s right
for the Former Players Association
to support them in this way. It was a
pleasure to meet Bryan at the Albert
Hall and an honour to welcome him
to St Andrew’s on Friday.”
St Andrews welcomed back some
of the club’s football legends at the
event, with England’s first million
pound player Trevor Francis in
attendance to share his Blues
memories and with other stars who
followed in Jeff’s footsteps also in
attendance.
“The Former Players Association
began as an All Stars Charity
Fundraising Team of Ex-Players
in 1991 and it is a pleasure to be
able to support The British Polio
Fellowship in this way,” said the
Chairman of the Former Players
Association Tom Ross. “Over the
years we have been able to raise
a great deal of money for many
deserving charities. We aim to
build a bridge between the club,
the supporters and its history and
Jeff Hall is an important part of that
history.”
fundraising news
Collection in Watford
The preparations went well for our Polio collection on the 12 July 2014 with 10 of us collecting.
Everyone was enthusiastic and we managed to collect £310.16.
Again my special friend and Partner
with the collection Tanya Cooper
who has been helping me for more
than 10 years sang the praises of
why people needed to support our
charity. I am so lucky to have her
helping me as nothing is too much
trouble for her.
This time we worked in groups
and our three young people Joel
Abraham, Holly Harper plus Anisah
Soofilob did justice on how young
people can enthusiastically collect
for our charity. We were also again
ably supported by Cathy Simmonds
and her daughter Helen, plus Judith
Barker, Meryl Abraham and David
Tilley.
we were successively supported by
most. L'artista gave us a donation
of £30 for a meal which my family
thoroughly enjoyed and I handed
a cheque for that amount to our
charity.
I went with the young group to
various restaurants and pubs and
The Moon Under Water Manager
(Weatherspoon), Kwarme, has been
a great friend of ours and allowed us
to collect with his full kind support.
Nero and The One Bell Pub and
others also allowed us to collect.
Lastly I would like to thank Linda and
everyone else from our Head Office
for always giving us 100%.
David Abraham
Forgive Me for not shaking hands
The story of a child excluded from school for wearing a splint by Barbara Blackston Huntley.
Barbara is kindly offering members of The British Polio Fellowship the opportunity to purchase her book at the
discounted price of £5.00, if ordered before 15 December 2014. Stocks are limited, so this offer can only be made on a
‘first come, first served’ basis.
Book Order Form: Forgive Me For Not Shaking Hands, by Barbara Blackston Huntley
QtyItemUnit PriceTotal
Forgive Me For Not Shaking Hands
£7.00
Post & packing £1.92
Total Paid
£
Please use block capitals
Name:......................................................................................................................
Address:...................................................................................................................
.. ...............................................................................................................................
Post Code: .................................................. Tel:...............................................................
Email:.......................................................................................................................
37
fundraising news
Donations
from trusts and
foundations
In memoriam
We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the families
and friends of the following people:
We would like to thank the
following trusts and the Big
Lottery Fund for their recent
very generous support for the
work of The Fellowship:
Mr Malcolm Hill
member
Hertfordshire
Mrs Joyce Downing
member
Devon
Mr Joseph Gaughan
non member
Lancashire
Mrs Celia Hermione Batey
member
Yorkshire
Albert Hunt Trust
Mrs Rita Wiseman
non member
Worcestershire
Raymond Shaw Trust
David Laing Foundation
Laspen Trust
Christopher Laing Foundation
Thank you to everyone who has made a contribution in their memory.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of a loved one,
please contact Linda on 0208 836 3689 or email
[email protected]
Helianthus Charitable Trust
Dorothy Howard Charitable Trust
Catherine Cookson Charitable
Trust
classified adverts
FOR SALE
A.J Way Clivedon Duel Electric Recliner. 2 years old. In very
good condition hardly used. Chair was made to rise not tip.
Reclines to virtually flat. Colour Brown. Very heavy and very stable.
Cost £1.650. Will accept £800 o.n.o Wiltshire area.
Contact: 01249 812504 after 6.00pm.
FOR SALE
SUZUKI WAGON R GL 1.3 AUTO 2004 (54)
10.000 MILES. A years MOT. Drive from wheelchair or drivers seat. Use hand or normal controls. Inner ring
accelerator. Right hand brake. Electronic parking brake. Lightened power steering. 2 seats (driver front passenger).
Locking system for driver and/or rear passenger’s wheelchairs. Instructors foot brake. Immaculate condition.
£6.000 o.n.o. S.E. London. Contact 020 8303 4913.
FOR SALE
Invacare Auriga scooter. Purchased in 2010
battery charger and basket included. Colour
Blue. £100.00 o.n.o. Contact 01249 812504
after 6.00pm. Wiltshire area.
FOR SALE
Red Mobility Scooter - Sterling Elite X5. Battery
charger and basket. 4 years old. New battery 2013.
Full service record. £250.00 o.n.o.
Contact: 01249 812504 after 6.00pm. Wiltshire area.
FOR SALE
Karma Electronic Wheelchair + power pack.
2 years old. Colour Black instructions included.
Was £1.000 will accept £400.
Contact 01637 876723. Cornwall.
FOR SALE
Jazzy 1103 Wheelchair. Serviced regularly. Has new
wheels and seat cover + batteries. Was £500 will
accept £100.00 o.n.o.
Contact: 01249 812504 after 6.00pm. Wiltshire area.
38
Our charity partners
fundraising news
These pages are dedicated to the commercial companies who pay The British Polio Fellowship a
handsome commission if you buy their products and services. This is a tremendous way for you to
donate to The Fellowship simply by selecting products you would be buying anyway.
Giving by text
is just so easy
You can always make a donation to
The British Polio Fellowship from your
mobile phone, just follow
these simple
steps:
Check
out the Fellowship’s ebay site,
Text: BRPF39
(amount you
grab£ yourself
a bargain and help The
wish to donate), maximum
Fellowship at the same time.
amount
of £10.
The goods on offer change every 10
To: 70070 It’s as
simple as that! days or so keep looking.
The amount you
Go to http://pages.ebay.co.uk/
have donated will
ebayforcharity/
then be charged
to your mobile
Click find a charity to support and
phone account.
search for British Polio Fellowship
Give as
you live
As The British Polio Fellowship is registered with
Everyclick, when you do your online shopping at
selected
around
3-4%
of thethat
costyou
of your
Dostores,
you have
an old
phone
can
total shop will be donated to The British Polio
give to Recycle 4 Charity? To date we have
Fellowship.
Having a spring clean?
raised over £1,500 from mobile phones
In some cases this could be more as the amount is
and printer
ink cartridges
recycling
dependent
on the discount
that hassent
beenfor
agreed
with
the supplier.
and hope to raise even more this year.
If you
like aparticipating
recycling bag
There are
overwould
3,000 stores
in thisplease
scheme,
such as phone
John Lewis,
Waitrose,
M
&
S,
Amazon,
0208 836 3679 or log on to the
Debenhams and many, many more.
following website and register to receive
All you have to do is visit the website www.giveasyoulive.
yourBut
bags
direct.
com and start shopping.
don’t
forget to nominate
The British Polio Fellowship as your preferred charity.
www.recycle4charity.co.uk
charity partner
Give your life a lift
®
Enjoy the home you love
Why compromise your lifestyle and freedom
because of difficulty getting up and down
the stairs?
•Slimline fold-away design
•Safe and reliable
• Easy to use controls
•New or reconditioned
•Direct from the manufacturer
•Next day installation available
Call now on freephone
0800 085 5182
for a free no obligation quote
PLEASE QUOTE REFERENCE: POLIO 60410
39
2
Support services
A
NEW
State Pension Scheme
In October 2015 a new top-up scheme will be introduced to allow
existing pensioners and those who will reach State Pension age
before 6 April 2016 to increase the amount of pension they get.
The new scheme will give this
group of people a chance to get
an inflation-proofed, additional
State Pension if they make a lump
sum Class 3A Voluntary National
Insurance contribution. This would
boost their pension income by up to
£25 per week.
A State Pension top-up calculator is available
online, which shows the lump sum contribution
needed to increase pension income by
between £1 and £25 per week.
Visit https://www.gov.uk/state-pension-topup
(Source: Department for Work and Pensions)
The scheme is designed to give
pensioners in the current system
the chance to increase their State
Pension in retirement. It will also
give people with small amounts of
pension savings a secure way of
achieving an income for life.
The amount people will pay to
receive the additional pension will
depend on their age, with rates
going down as someone gets older.
For example, to get an extra £1 per
week State Pension for life, the lump
sum payment for a 65-year-old
would be £890, compared to £674
for someone who is 75.
The additional State Pension will
provide a guaranteed, index-linked
return and will be particularly suitable
for women who, on average, will
draw the higher pension for longer.
It could also help self-employed
workers who currently only qualify for
the basic State Pension.
The State Pension top-up can also
be inherited, so a surviving spouse
or civil partner will be entitled to at
least 50% of the additional State
Pension.
40
People can pre-register their interest in the scheme by emailing paid.
[email protected] or by calling either: 0845 600 4270
from land lines or 0345 600 4270 from mobiles.
Support services
Branches and Groups
With a dedicated Branch and Regional News section in every bulletin, members can keep abreast of what’s
happening in the Regions and be reminded of the role Branches and Groups play in the Fellowship.
As I have travelled around the
country giving talks to Branches and
Groups I have been struck by the
warmth, humour and camaraderie
shared by members. Over and
over again I have been told of how
important membership is, not only
for the meetings and social events,
but also for the sense of belonging,
mutual support and understanding.
A very positive outcome of my
talks over the past year has been
introducing Central Office members
to their local Branch or Group - as
a result, friendships have been
cemented and contacts sometimes
reconnected. I have met members
who have been friends since
childhood, couples who met through
The British Polio Fellowship and also
dedicated, longstanding members
who have no direct connection to
Polio, but have simply been happy
to volunteer with a Branch or Group
for many years.
To find out if there is a Branch or
Group in your area, contact Denise
in Support Services.
Laura Skorupa, Information Officer
Neurological Alliance: is localism working
for people with neurological conditions?
A new Neurological Alliance survey report shows low levels of public engagement with local health
structures such as Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs).
Patient and public voice is a key
driver of service improvement in
the NHS. However, the survey of
charity staff, volunteers, people
affected by neurological conditions
and their carers finds that the
majority of people feel that local
influencing has become more
difficult since the creation of new
local health and care structures in
2012-13.
The survey found that:
47% of people feel that local
influencing has become more
challenging since the changes
to the health and social care
system came into force, while
9% feel it has become easier.
59% of campaigners have no
engagement with CCGs, 63%
with HWBs.
The report makes a range of
recommendations to improve
engagement with the reformed
health and care system. Among
other recommendations, the report:
calls on NHS England to
develop support, tools and
resources to make the localism
agenda work for people affected
by neurological conditions.
calls on local commissioners
to appoint a neurological
conditions lead and conduct
a neurological Joint Strategic
Needs Assessment.
calls on neurological charities to
sign a pledge for working panneurologically at the local level.
calls on Public Health England
to continue to develop the
data available on neurological
conditions, services and
outcomes through the
Neurology Intelligence Network
and ensure this is linked to the
activities of the Neurosciences
Specialised Commissioning
Clinical Reference Group and
Strategic Clinical Networks.
See the full report at
http://www.neural.org.uk/updates/241-localism%20survery%20september%202014
41
support services
Information available from
Support Services
In addition to the information and support we provide over the phone, the Support Services team also produces a
wide range of information leaflets and factsheets that can be sent to you on request. If you would like to receive any of
these, please tick the appropriate box(es) below. All leaflets are free except Post Polio Syndrome: A practical guide.
PPS
Post Polio Syndrome: A practical
guide (£5 + £2.50 P&P)
Post Polio Syndrome: An
introduction
Pacing for Activity & Exercise
List of Healthcare Professionals
Going Into Hospital
Cold Intolerance
Complementary Therapies
Medication
Palliative Care
Orthotics
List of Orthotics Manufacturers
Orthotic Services
Callipers and Insoles through
the NHS
Orthopaedic Footwear through
the NHS
Problems with Footwear and
Orthoses?
Orthotics and Surgical Footwear
thro’ the Private Sector
Benefits
Useful Organisations
Contact List
Welfare Rights, Benefits & Legal
Other Advice & Information
Polio & Post Polio Syndrome
Organisations
Other Health Matters
Employment, Leisure & Interests
Transport, Mobility & Equipment
Life, Home & Care
Grants & Funders
Other (Please state and we will
try to find!)
Dental Care & Anaesthesia
Disabled Facilities Grants Guide
BPF Support Services
Disability Living Allowance
– Guide to filling in the form
(upgrades only)
..........................................................
Attendance Allowance – Guide
to filling in the form
..........................................................
Healthy Eating
Swallowing Problems
Pain & how to manage it
..........................................................
..........................................................
Breathing Problems

Please send this form to Support Services, British Polio Fellowship, Eagle Point, The Runway,
South Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 6SE. Phone: 0800 0180 586 Email: [email protected]
Name................................................................................................................................................................................
Address.............................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................Postcode....................................................
Tel............................................................................................................................Age....................................................
42
support services
Winter warmth
Heating Grants 2014
For the 28th successive year, the British Polio Fellowship
is pleased to be running the popular Winter Heating Grant
programme. The aim of this scheme is to supplement
the cost of additional warmth needed during the winter
months by people living with Polio in households not
eligible for the government Winter Fuel Payment.
If you are living in a household in
which no-one is eligible for the
government payment, you are on
a low income and have extra need
for heat because of your Polio, you
should complete the Heating Grant
application form in this edition of the
Bulletin and return it to Central Office
by Monday 1 December 2014 at the
FREEPOST address below.
All applications from eligible
members will be considered, so
please tell us how the cold affects
you and your need for heating in the
appropriate section on the form.
Branch members’ applications may
be forwarded on to the Branch to
which they belong, but please send
all Heating Grant application forms to
Central Office in the first instance. If
you are unhappy with any decision,
you may appeal to Central Office.
All Fellowship Heating Grants will be
considered during November and
December. Grants are usually paid
at the end of January/beginning of
February. Payments will be made
directly into the bank/building society
account nominated by the applicant.
Please ensure that you complete
ALL sections of the form and that
bank details are up-to-date and
correct. If this is the first Fellowship
grant you are applying for you will
need to enclose a note from your GP
confirming that you have had Polio.
Do make sure completed application
forms arrive before Monday 1
December 2014. Applications that
arrive too late may be refused.
Keep warm-save
money
Are you paying more than you need
for your gas and electricity? If you
haven’t yet thought about changing
your energy supplier, you could
be. Energy Best Deal is a quick
guide to getting the best deal on
your energy supplier by shopping
around and making the most of the
help available. The guide includes
information about comparing prices,
government schemes and where to
get help and advice about saving
energy and money. Free copies are
available from your local Citizens
Advice Bureau or may be accessed
at the following link:
http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
fsfl_projects_energybestdeal
The Warm Home
Discount scheme
This winter (2014 to 2015), you may
be able to get a £140 discount on
your electricity bill through the Warm
Home Discount Scheme.
This won’t affect your Cold Weather
Payment or Winter Fuel Payment. It is
a one-off discount on your electricity
bill, usually granted between October
and March.
You may also qualify for the discount
if you use a pre-pay or pay as you
go electricity meter. Your electricity
supplier will be able to tell you how
you’ll get the discount if you’re
eligible.
Who is eligible?
In winter 2014/15, you may qualify for
the Warm Home Discount if on 12
July 2014 (the qualifying date) you
are:
receiving the Guarantee Credit
element of Pension Credit (even if
you get Savings Credit as well)
your name (or your partner’s ) is on
the electricity bill
your supplier is part of the scheme
Freepost RLSJ-BAGS-BUCT, The British Polio Fellowship (HG), Eagle Point, The Runway, South Ruislip, Middlesex, HA4 6BR.
43
support services
If you don’t qualify...
Some energy suppliers can offer the
discount to vulnerable people (eg those on a
low income).
Each supplier has their own rules about who
else (known as the ‘broader group’) can get
this help.
Check with your supplier if you meet their
rules for help and how to apply for it.
How to claim the Warm
Home Discount
If you qualify
If you qualify for the discount, you’ll get a
letter this autumn/winter telling you one of the
following:
you don’t have to apply for the discount –
you’ll get it automatically
you must apply for the discount before the
deadline – the letter will tell you how
You will receive your letter by 24 December
2014 at the latest.
If you don’t receive a letter but believe you
qualify, you can write to the Warm Home
Discount team:
Switch to monthly direct debit
Fixed monthly direct debit payments (where
you pay a fixed estimate each month) can
save you up to 8%, as companies are sure
you won’t default, and they earn interest
on any overpayments (which should be
refunded at the end of the year).
Participating
energy suppliers
Atlantic
British Gas
Co-operative Energy
Do a meter reading every time
Every time you receive a bill, do a meter
reading: don’t rely on your energy provider’s
estimate, as these are often way out. If they’re
under-billing, you'll have a big whack to pay
at the end of the year, if they're over-billing,
then they've got your cash unfairly.
First Utility
Scottish Power
npower
Sainsbury’s Energy
Scottish Gas
Scottish Hydro
SSE
What can your energy supplier offer?
It’s always worth checking with your energy
supplier to see if they offer grants towards
home insulation.
44
Equigas (Ebico)
Southern Electric
If you don’t qualify
If you don’t qualify for the discount you
may be able to apply directly to the energy
supplier for help.
Dual fuel (gas and electricity from
the same supplier) isn't always the
cheapest option
It is a good idea to compare the cost of the
cheapest dual fuel supplier with separate
cheap gas and cheap electricity suppliers.
Equipower (Ebico)
ScottishPower
Are you on a pre-payment meter?
Those on pre-payment meters often pay
more than everyone else. If possible you
should try to switch to a billed meter.
Warm Home Discount Team
Pink Zone, 1st Floor, Peel Park, Brunel
Way, Blackpool. FY4 5ES.
As well as switching to a cheaper provider,
this checklist includes other ways to cut the
costs:
E.ON
M & S Energy
Switch to your company’s internet tariff
If you have internet access, switch to your
company’s internet billing. It will usually
save you up to 10% over the standard tariff,
providing you’re prepared to be billed online.
Ebico (call 0800 458 7689 or visit www.ebico.
co.uk) has historically been competitive on
pre-payment tariffs, though some other major
suppliers are now starting to cut costs to prepay customers too.
More ways to save this
winter
EDF Energy
Just use less energy!
Cutting down on your energy consumption is
easier than you think. Turn lights off when you
leave a room, defrost the fridge and check
it isn’t on too high, don’t leave electrical
goods on standby….Look at local insulation
schemes or government heating and home
insulation schemes. For more information,
contact the Energy Saving Advice Service
on 0300 123 1234 (England and Northern
Ireland), 0808 808 2282 (Scotland),
0800 512 012 Option 3 (Wales) or visit
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
SWALEC
Utility Warehouse
Don’t
forget…
Our factsheet,
Cold Intolerance
A guide for people
with polio or Post
Polio Syndrome
(PPS). Contact
Support Services
for a copy.

Support services
HEATING GRANT APPLICATION FORM 2013
14
Application for a heating grant for Fellowship members with Polio /PPS
in theinUK,
living
in
the
UK, living
in
households NOT eligible for the government Winter Fuel Payment.
(Only one application per household, even where there is more than one person with Polio.)/PPS.)
Please complete the following in BLOCK CAPITALS and return it FREEPOST to Central Office:
FIRST NAME:……………………………LAST NAME:………………………………(Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms)
ADDRESS:………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
POSTCODE:……………………………. . TELEPHONE NO:………………………………………………
DATE OF BIRTH:…………………………AGE now:……… AGE when you contracted Polio:…………
AGES OF OTHER MEMBERS OF HOUSEHOLD……………………………………………………………
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
support services
Are you a member of The Fellowship? YES/NO (please circle). If no, we will send you membership
details. Only members of The Fellowship are eligible to apply for this grant.
If yes, give details of which Branch or Central Office:.………………….……...……….………………..
Are you, or a close relative on a Branch or National Committee? If so give details.…………………..…
………………………………………….………………………………………………………....................
PAYMENT DETAILS – payments will be made directly into your bank or building society account or
that of someone you nominate:
Name of bank or building society………………………………………………………....……………....
Your name (as shown on your account) or that of the person you have nominated to receive your
payment:…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Branch sort code
Account Number………………………………………………………………………………………….
If you do not have access to a bank or building society account, who should we make a cheque
payable to?………………………………………………………………………………………………...
(Please note it may take longer to receive your payment by cheque)
Data Protection Statement
The information that you provide on this form will be kept in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. We will
hold only such information as we need to in paper and on computer records. As your application is confidential we
will not discuss it with anyone outside The Fellowship. We do not pass your information on to any other organisations
without your consent.
$
To the best of my knowledge, nobody in my household is eligible for the government Winter Fuel Payment
for 2013
14 (no-one born on or before 5 July 1952 in household), the information on this form is correct and I am
happy for The British Polio Fellowship to hold this information for Heating Grant purposes:
YOUR SIGNATURE……………………………………………………………… DATE…………………
27
Please complete the form overleaf
+
45
$
$
support services
Section A:
A: INCOME
INCOME
Section
1. EARNED
EARNED INCOME
INCOME
1.
you/other people
people in
in your
your household
household are
are working
working OR
OR have
have other
other non-benefits
non-benefits income
income (including
(including
IfIf you/other
pensions),
please
put
what
you/other
people
in
your
household
earn
per
year
(before
tax):
pensions), please put what you/other people in your household earn per year (before tax):
You: £……………………….
£……………………….
Other: £……………………….
£……………………….
You:
Other:
2. MEANS-TESTED
MEANS-TESTED BENEFITS
BENEFITS (please
(please tick
tick each
each benefit
benefit you/other
you/other people
people in
in your
your household
household receive)
receive)
2.
You
Other
You
Other
Income Support
Support
Income
Pension Credit
Credit
Pension
Income Based
Based Job-seekers
Job-seekers Allowance
Allowance
Income
Child Tax
Tax Credit
Credit or
or Working
Working Tax
Tax Credit
Credit
Child
Housing Benefit
Benefit
Housing
Council Tax
Tax exemption
exemption // assistance
assistance (not
(not just
just Disability/Single
Disability/Single Person
Person Reduction)
Reduction)
Council
support
supportservices
services
3. OTHER
OTHER BENEFITS
BENEFITS (please
(please tick
tick each
each benefit
benefit you
you receive):
receive):
received):
3.
Disability Living
Living Allowance
Allowance (DLA)
(DLA) or
or Personal
Personal Independence
Independence Payment
Payment (PIP)
(PIP)
Disability
Mobility Component
Component DLA
DLA Lower
Lower Rate
Rate or
or PIP
PIP Standard
Standard Rate
Rate
£21.00
55
–– Mobility
£21.00
DLA
Higher
Rate
or
PIP
Enhanced
Rate
£55.25
56.75
DLA Higher Rate or PIP Enhanced Rate
£55.25
DLA
Higher
Rate
or
PIP
Enhanced
Rate
used
for
Motability
car
DLA Higher Rate or PIP Enhanced Rate - used for Motability car
Care (DLA)/Daily
(DLA)/Daily Living
Living (PIP)
(PIP) Component
Component
DLA Lowest
Lowest rate
rate £21.00
£21.00
55
–– Care
DLA
DLA
Middle
Rate
or
PIP
Standard
Rate
£53.00
54.45
DLA Middle Rate or PIP Standard Rate
£53.00
DLA
Highest
Rate
or
PIP
Enhanced
Rate
£79.15
DLA Highest Rate or PIP Enhanced Rate £79.15
81.30
Incapacity
Benefit
(IB)
or
Employment
and
Support
Allowance
(ESA)
Incapacity Benefit (IB) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Other benefits
benefits (please
(please say
say which):
which):
Other
You
You
Other
Other
Section B:
B: ABOUT
ABOUT HOW
HOW THE
THE COLD
COLD AFFECTS
AFFECTS YOU.
YOU. Please
Please tell
tell us
us in
in the
the space
space below
below how
how cold
cold
Section
affects you
you and
and any
any Polio/PPS-related
Polio/PPS-related symptoms,
symptoms, what
what you
you have
have to
to do
do in
in order
order to
to keep
keep warm,
warm, how
how
affects
mobile
you
are,
how
many
hours
a
weekday
you
typically
spend
at
home
and
anything
else
you
mobile you are, how many hours a weekday you typically spend at home and anything else you
think we
we should
should know
know about
about how
how the
the cold
cold affects
affects you
you and
and your
your need
need for
for heating.
heating. Please
Please continue
continue
think
on an
an additional
additional sheet
sheet ifif necessary.
necessary.
on

Please return
return this
this form
form to
to the
the address
address below.
below.
Please
Freepost RLSJ-BAGS-BUCT
RLSJ-BAGS-BUCT
Freepost
THE BRITISH
BRITISH POLIO
POLIO FELLOWSHIP
FELLOWSHIP (HG)
(HG)
THE
Eagle
Point,
The
Runway
Eagle Point, The Runway
South
Ruislip, Middlesex
Middlesex HA4
HA4 6BR
6BR
South Ruislip,
No stamp
stamp needed
needed but
but ifif you
you use
use aa stamp
stamp it
it will
will save
save on
on our
our postage
postage costs.
costs.
No
Please
return
this
form
by
Monday
2
December
2013
(late
applications
may
not
be
processed).
Please
this
form by21December
December2013
2014 (late
may
notnot
be be
processed).
Please return
this return
form by
Monday
(lateapplications
applications
may
processed).
28
28
$
$
If this is your first grant application we will require a GP note to confirm your history of Polio.
If this is your first grant application we will require a GP note to confirm your history of Polio.
If you are a Branch member we may forward your application to your local Branch. If you or a close relative are on a
If you are a Branch member we may forward your application to your local Branch. If you or a close relative are on a
Branch or National Committee, Central Office will need to consider your application, so also post it to the address below.
Branch or National Committee, Central Office will need to consider your application, so also post it to the address below.
We reserve the right to contact you should we need more information to assess your application.
We reserve the right to contact you should we need more information to assess your application.
46
advertising
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The Lake District
Fully accessible, spacious 4 star self catering
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Stunning views over lake & mountains in
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Cottages sleeping 2-6, all with wet rooms
Ideal for exploring the beautiful North Lakes
Open all year, friendly owners in residence
Disabled Motoring UK
2012 “Happy Holiday
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Turkey
TURKEY, sleepy seaside village of Akbuk, outside
seaside resort of Altinkum, 50 mins drive from
Bodrum airport. Two two-bed apartments
adjoined by balcony door. (Owner is a
Fellowship member and permanent wheelchair
user). Peaceful and relaxing. One apartment is
The sleepy seaside
adjusted for wheelchair use with ramped access
village of Akbuk, near
and the other has five steps to access. Both are
the resort of Altinkum,
level throughout. Will let together or separately.
50 mins drive from
Both
apartments
Bodrum
airport.have two bed settees, so
maximum occupancy is six per apartment. 2
Two two-bedpools
apartments
by paddling
balcony door.
swimming
and 2 adjoined
children’s
pools.
(Owner is a Fellowship member). Peaceful and
Airport transfers arranged. Bookings from £100
relaxing. One apartment is adjusted for wheelchair
per
Tel: 07946
510900,
206106
or
use week.
with ramped
access
and the01422
other has
five steps
email:
[email protected]
for photos,
dvd
to access.
Both are level throughout. Will
let together
or separately.
Both apartments have two bed settees,
and
full details.
In our specially converted and detached barns, we
can provide free use of electric beds, air mattresses,
Two
specially
converted
detached
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hoists,
shower chairs,
riser recliner
chairs plus
a
wide
of extra
equipment
make
your stay
on
a range
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Sleep to
4 to
6 people.
easier and more comfortable. Care is also available
BothWefully
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are only
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Truro and 30
Electric
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All bedrooms have ensuite wetrooms or
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For details
call 01726 883240 / 07762 173860
01726
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or visit
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advertising
Call 017687 76380 www.
irtonhousefarm.com
Cornwall. -Near
Cornwall
NrTruro
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so maximum occupancy is six per apartment. 2
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Airport
transfers
arranged.
Your
ad could
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Bookings
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07946 510900,
9,000
members,
theirTel:
families
and
01422 206106 or email: [email protected]
friends. Contact Shirley on 01953 451620
for photos, dvd and full details.
or email: [email protected]
The
British
Polio
Fellowship
The
British
Polio
Fellowship
39
47
members’ letters and views
Who Knew?
S ta r
Let ter
Every issue we have a bunch of carnations, courtesy of Le Tourneurs,
to send to the writer of one letter, so send in your letters NOW!
Ever since the article on Michael Anderson’s stunning portrait, ‘Nobody told me it would come back’
appeared in the bulletin, it has stirred a great deal of interest among members and your views continue
to come in. After Maureen Fenner’s article in the last issue, this time it is the turn of Steve Tomlin.
Who knew about PPS?
I did and so did the experienced
nursing staff but the knowledge was
lost during the ‘modernisation’ of the
Health Service.
I am a 64 year old man and I had
Polio in 1955, which I think was the
UK’s last major outbreak before
inoculation. Two years in hospital
then a lifetime of coping with the
result, it’s the usual package,
general weakness, scoliosis, rib
hump, shoulders askew, arms which
don’t quite work and the last sixteen
years relying on a BiPAP while PPS
cuts down my mobility.
At age 13 I was living with my great
family in Essex, I had been trotted
around most specialist hospitals in
southern England by my father who
was trying to find a surgeon to give
me a spinal fusion before my spine
rotated. My other weaknesses,
particularly my chest and breathing
gave me the thumbs down, if you
can put your thumb down that is,
in the end Dad took me off to see
Professor Rolph in Oswestry.
The Proff. took me in to Baschurch
Ward to give me three months of
tests.
short legs and stretched them on
a wire frame, most were in some
sort of plaster after a week or so, I
was one of the few on his feet. So I
was roped in to help the nurses with
teas and general errands, I drew
the line at bedpans. Eventually I
was promoted to bed making and
shown how to do hospital corners.
Sister Nichols (I think that was her
name but memory fails) the ward
Sister, was the boss and much
revered by the staff and nurses.
She was a tall, slim, white haired
matriarch who ran the ward as her
personal fiefdom. Everyone on the
ward from the dedicated cleaners
to the staff nurses had their place in
the hierarchy and knew it.
I became a bit of a pet of the sister,
I think because I had a London
accent as she did, the rest of the
world around us were definitely
Welsh.
Had I not known what
was coming and had to live
on benefits and a small
pension I think my life
would be very different.
One day Sister Nichols called me
in to her office and said that she
had something to show me. We
went to another ward where there
were about six men sitting in bed,
propped up on pillows,
straining to breathe.
Baschurch was a typical open ward
of the time, about 40 beds in two
rows with one TV at the end. This
was the boys ward for ages from 11
to 15. Some long stay, some short
all of them in some sort of bodily
distress. This is where they broke
48
She held my hand while she
chatted to them, they obviously
knew her well. On the way back
she told me that these men had all
been on Baschurch Ward and had
been more mobile than me.
She sat me down in her office
and told me that there was a
good chance that the whole body
paralysis that I suffered at five
could return. What she told me
was that I should enjoy my life
while I could, time was short and
life was to be lived. She didn’t call
it PPS or any other fancy name
she just told me to enjoy life.
The Proffs. ward round came
and the tribe of doctors gathered
around my bed to discuss me as
though I wasn’t there. The topic
of Spinal Fusion came up and the
surgeon turned to Sister “What do
you think Sister” he asked. “I don’t
think he is strong enough, in a few
more years perhaps”
Her reply condemned me to a
twisted body but probably saved
my life. The following year Sister
Nichols retired.
The point I am trying to make
is that the Ward Sisters were
specialists and were deferred
to by the doctors, their clinical
experience was second to none
and the close relationship with
the patient and the experience of
the condition of the patient from a
day to day perspective gave them
a unique role in the clinical team.
They had the experience and they
knew by long observation that
Polio could come back and bite
you.
The destruction of the role of Ward
Sister in the many reorganisations
of the Health Service has taken
away a whole level of clinical
excellence that would take twenty
years to recover.
I was one of the lucky ones, I knew
what was coming, so I worked
hard saved my money, married
and had three kids. At 48 my
respiration failed and I started
to have all the fatigue problems
associated with PPS but as I say,
I was lucky. I had packed out my
pension making extra contributions
whenever I could so at age 50 I
was able to retire and live quite
well. Had I not known what was
coming and had to live on benefits
and a small pension I think my life
would be very different.
Thank you Sister Nichols for having
the courage to put a young man
on the right path.
Steve Tomlin
Happy Birthday
Robert
A very happy 75th birthday to
Robert Springham from Suffolk.
Robert contacted the bulletin to
say he too has had a very busy
year, visiting his grandchildren who
have recently moved to Plymouth.
Robert planned to celebrate his
birthday on 3 October with a quiet
dinner with his wife.
Dear bulletin...
"I was delighted
to receive a
letter from
Ted Hill just
before my 75th
birthday on
1 October. My
celebrations,
however, are on
hold because
of my ill health.
I still hope to
celebrate with
my family in the not too distant
future and meanwhile wonder how
75 years came so quickly!
The bulletin is a wonderful source
of interest and information and it
makes one feel included in a world
where Polio and PPS are the norm.
I can definitely say that being a
member of the Exeter Polio Branch
(South West region) is a supportive
and wonderful group to belong to."
With Best Wishes
Rita Stead, Exeter
Thank you for your kind words
Rita – and from all at the bulletin,
get well soon.
49
would react accordingly.
Calling all members Glossop Polio Outbreak ‘38
I was born in Glossop in late autumn 1937 and lived with my parents in High Street West. In summer
1938 I contracted Polio when I was 9 months old which originally affected both my legs.
After Polio (infantile paralysis) had
been diagnosed I was moved to
the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt
Orthopaedic Hospital at Gobowen
(Oswestry) where I was treated until
late 1939 when I was sent home
to my parents since the Hospital
became a Forces Hospital.
There seems to be little information
available, even via Google, on Polio
outbreaks around that time.
I am trying to discover whether
anyone else in the Glossop area
and locality contracted Polio at the
same time and if so, where they
were treated and to what extent
they were affected.
I would be grateful for any
information regarding sufferers from
that time.
Our mum
an absolute diamond
I can be contacted either via
the bulletin or alternatively at
[email protected]
Thank you in anticipation,
Brian Capper
Glossop
Hav
ord e you
you ered
fac r fre
tsh
eet e
s?
ee p The
Waiting forS
George,
ge ?
Polio
Crescent – British a
Fellowship member Iris
Dudley
Mrs Iris Dudley contracted Polio whilst expecting my sister Linda 64
years ago. I have a brother Alan who is 66. Iris has been an excellent
Mum to us all and was happily married for many years to our Dad
George who passed away in 2000.
Iris will be celebrating her 90th birthday on Friday 14 November.
She still enjoys betting on horse races and has been a regular visitor to
Royal Ascot and Newmarket race-courses over the years. Her determination,
cheerful nature and unique sense of humour have made her popular with
many people from Stewartby in Bedfordshire over the years. She is a wellknown character, well loved and admired.
Iris has received the bulletin for many years. She still likes to write letters and
poetry and receives visits from her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and
one great-great grandchild. She is very sociable and enjoys nothing more than
a good party where she does a little hand-jiving from her wheelchair.
She is an absolute diamond and would be thrilled to bits to see her name
mentioned in the bulletin.
With kind regards,
Julia Willett (Mrs)
Happy to oblige Julia. Very many happy returns for the 14th Iris and we
hope you continue to enjoy the bulletin for many more years to come!
Ed.
50
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51
Dear bulletin...
Some months ago I needed abdominal surgery,
arranged very quickly. I had almost 3 weeks in
hospital, longer than anticipated because of a
couple of unexpected problems.
When I was discharged, it was with a Zimmer frame
as my mobility had significantly deteriorated. After
a few weeks it became apparent that my reduced
mobility was not just due to being restricted in bed.
Some research and discussion with professionals led
us to believe that the Polio limbs had been affected
by the anaesthetic. Some of the staff on the ward
did not seem to know much about Polio, and a
radiographer actually said she hadn’t heard about
Polio!
BIG
a
Thank You
My main purpose in writing is to suggest, either
through the letter page or in whatever way you feel
appropriate, that members are again made aware of
the hospital pack available to any member facing a
similar situation!
Thank you!
I just wish I had remembered in time!
Sincerely,
Barbara Hull.
P. S. It has taken some months and a lot of physio to
regain walking by crutch.
Happy Birthday
Harry!
I just wanted to thank The British Polio Fellowship
for the letter marking my 75th birthday on the 27
October. I will be celebrating by going for a meal
with a few family and friends.
Harry Smith
Southampton
to advertise in
Thank you very much for you kind thoughts for
my coming 75th Birthday. I am not sure yet what
I shall be doing to celebrate the day, no doubt
cakes will be involved!
I expect that as usual I shall be at the club that I
organise: the Basildon Disabled Sports Club, of which I
have been a member for over 30 years and am currently
the Chairperson (for my sins!). We run activities such
as air rifle shooting, table tennis, pool etc. The air rifle
shooting is the most popular with the members, one lad
made it to London 2012 and another is aiming for the
2020 Olympic in Rio. They all keep me busy and young
at heart.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank The British
Polio Fellowship for the holiday grant that they awarded
to my husband and I. My husband is very ill with Crohn’s
disease, he has spent a lot of time in surgery and a
holiday was much needed. Thanks to The British Polio
Fellowship we have just had a lovely week in Cornwall –
our first holiday in 4 years!
July/August 2014
Contact Shirley Russell on
01953 451 620
[email protected]
Kind Regards,
E. Jeffery - Elizabeth (Betty) Jeffery
RY’
TO
HIS
ING
LIV ILS…
- A L DETA
LIO R FUL
‘PO
52
E
T
SID
JEC
RO SEE IN
EP
AG
FO
+
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he University
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We have state of the art
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ring facilities. Both our clinical and technical staff
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ToDoes
recognise
that this is a really special
Does your independence and pride have to take a back
year
for The Fellowship, we have
seat when it comes to footwear? Is there someone you
incredibly
been
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can go to who
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that thethe
quality, comfort
and appearance of your footwear is important?
Royal Box, to thank our Ambassadors
and Patrons for their support.
I am Philip Taylor
PPS Day, 28 October
• I live with the effects of Polio.
• 30 years in the trade.
We will launch this special
dayofwith
a
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The British
Polioat
Fellowship’s
Parliamentary Reception
PortcullisSpecialist
Orthotics Panel.
House, where we are •hoping
to in
raise
I specialise
taking on the
mostMPs
difficult
awareness with as many
as footwear for
disabled people.
possible about the late
effects
of Polio
• Limited
home
visiting service.
and
PPS.
Look
out
for
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on
this
in
My promise:
the
summer.
• £50
donated to The British Polio Fellowship for each
new footwear order. (£25 for returning customers)*
Park
Row Five
Jazz
in
• To support
you if you
wantband
to haveCD
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I
make supplied through the National Health Service.
aid
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are keen
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53
Salk Institute
Guided Architecture Tour
I didn’t know exactly what to expect from an “architectural tour”, when my husband Phil and I booked
our tickets for the Salk Institute free guided architecture tour.
Some people describe it as a “must
see” attraction when visiting the
San Diego area, but we have been
there a few times before without ever
seeing it.
My recent interest in learning
everything I have always ignored
about Polio and Post Polio
Syndrome was perhaps the main
reason why we planned the visit to
the research centre, established by
Jonas Salk, the developer of the
Polio vaccine. Currently, the institute
focuses its research in three areas:
molecular biology and genetics,
neurosciences, and plant biology;
covering a range of topics such as
cancer, diabetes and Parkinson’s
disease amongst others.
Before I go any further, I must
confess that I am architecturally
54
illiterate. When I see a building I can
only classify it as good looking or
definitely ungracious. To understand
the transcendence of a site, I need
to hear the point of view of the
experts with plain explanations of
the purposefully-designed spaces
of a building, and what makes them
special or unique.
When we first arrived at the building,
I saw it from the distance, and my
honest first perception was that
it was rather dull. The weather
was partly to blame, because it
was cloudy, cold and very windy,
contrary to what it had been
before, when visiting the affluent
neighbourhood of La Jolla, in San
Diego. It’s fair to say that I was
looking at the back of the building,
and from where I was I could not
see the ocean, yet.
After a short introduction given
by a scientist who explained the
type of research done by the
institute, describing the profile of
the researchers, which had even
had some Nobel laureates; our tour
guide led us to the point where the
tour was to start.
During the introduction she
explained some fascinating facts
about the history and architectural
significance of the Institute. We also
heard that the March of Dimes had
provided the initial funding and that
the land was donated by the citizens
of San Diego as a result of the
personal interest of Charles Dail, the
mayor of the city, who was a Polio
survivor himself.
By the end of the
tour I could easily
understand why the
Salk Institute has
been acclaimed an
architectural icon.
The other main materials chosen
by Kahn were teak, lead glass
and A242 steel. The two buildings
are flanked by a courtyard and to
the west end of each of them are
offices with balconies overlooking
the ocean.
After that, Phil and I had to go
around the building, as it was the
only wheelchair accessible way to
the focal point of the tour, which
has a regular route via a flight of
stairs.
When we joined the group
again, our guide said that “Salk
commissioned the renowned
architect, Louis I. Kahn, to design
the facility. His design request
called for a structure that was
adaptable to the ever-changing
needs of science, and that will
last for many generations with
minimal maintenance. The site was
completed in 1965.”
The two-mirror image, rectangular
buildings, were made of concrete
with no grinding, filling or painting.
I was not prepared for the
spectacular view that I was
presented with when our guide
instructed us to look behind us,
as if we had entered from the
ocean. It was a really stunning and
completely different building seen
from that angle.
And as I was recovering from that
surprise, we were bombarded with
many other fascinating facts about
the features of the building. Our
guide explained with the patience
that many academics display when
talking to people who have no
previous knowledge of the subject,
that “Kahn’s design of interstitial
spaces between each lab floor
resulted in confining all the electric
lines, piping systems and ventilation
ducts to this area. This architectural
design allows researchers to
re-configure their laboratories as
scientific needs change.” That was
an amazing achievement indeed.
I found it hard to follow her
explanations, because I needed
extra time to digest what she was
disclosing. I was in absolute awe at
the sight of the building and trying
to stop my mind from wandering as
I automatically started to imagine
what it would be like to be there at
sunrise or sunset, when we heard
about how the architectural feature
of the institute allows it to use
natural daylight.
By the end of the tour I could
easily understand why the Salk
Institute has been acclaimed an
architectural icon, “One of the
world’s boldest structures”. It was
a truly fascinating experience, to
get to know the site resulted of
the collaboration between Salk
and Kahn, to create a place that
“meets the researcher’s functional,
humanistic and aesthetic needs”.
Diana E. Marshall
55
branch and regional news
Yorkshire Region
Celebrating
75 years of fellowship
In 1939 Yorkshire County
Cricket team won the County
Championship, this was also the
year that Featherstone Rovers
Rugby team won the Yorkshire
Cup. 75 years of sport meets 75
years of Fellowship.
So at a gathering of Yorkshire
members on Sunday 28 September
at Featherstone Library we played
rugby and cricket, as you can
imagine after all these years playing
sport we have learnt how to adapt
games!!!
Cricket was played on a table with
a match box for wickets, a child’s
knitting needle for a bat and a ping
pong ball.
We played rugby with a match box,
dice and a clever ‘pitch’ built by
Gordon Lumb.
Laughter rang out for most of the
afternoon, only stopping when tea
was served.
There were winners and the lady
and gent with the most points in
each game were presented with a
cup bearing the motto, ‘Every Day
is Yorkshire Day’.
It was a great afternoon and what
better way to celebrate 75 years
than in good company with good
food and lots of laughs.
Jan Taylor
East Midlands Region
Notts and Derby
Branch
Fifty members got together on 25 September
from areas in our region: Notts and Derby,
Peterborough, Leicester, Kings Lynn and
Northampton.
It was lovely to see old and new faces. We had a
lovely meal at the Barnsdale Hall Hotel, near Oakham,
Rutland and were well looked after by the staff there. We
couldn’t have asked for a more sunny day and our view
overlooking Rutland Water was enhanced by the weather.
Thanks go to Marion for organising this successful event.
Barbara Worrall
Chair, Notts and Derby Branch
56
Western Region
Wolverhampton & Dudley Branch
Anniversary Celebrations
2014 has marked not only the 75th Anniversary of The British Polio
Fellowship but also the 65th Anniversary of the Wolverhampton &
Dudley Branch.
These milestones have been
marked at branch social events
during 2014 such as a Karaoke
Night covering music from past
decades, and an evening of
choral entertainment from local
choir, The Haven Singers.
Outings
There has been a good response
to outings arranged by Social
Secretary, Norma Tilley.
May - members enjoyed a meal
at The Buzz, Stratford-Upon-Avon,
followed by a river cruise.
June - following a meal at one of the
oldest pubs in Hereford, The Spread
Eagle, members explored Hereford
Cathedral.
August - lunch was taken at
Trentham Gardens Shopping
Village before a guided tour of
The Gladstone Pottery Museum at
Stoke-on-Trent.
September - members enjoyed
an afternoon of horseracing at
Wolverhampton Racecourse.
Norma has planned a visit to Telford
and a Christmas Choral Concert
before the end of 2014.
Socials
Branch AGM 7 April 2014
In 2014 we have had indoor curling, fish &
chip night, beetle drive, bingo and a harvest
evening. The Branch Annual Dinner will take
place on 1 December 2014.
Previous Branch Committee members were willing to re-stand and
re-elected for 2014/15. Branch Rules allow for up to 12 committee
members. If feel you are able to give your time to help the running of
the Branch and are interested in joining the organising committee,
please forward details to the Branch Secretary.
As always, we thank Woodfield Social and
Sports Club, Penn, for the use of its modern
environment for our social evenings.
Welfare: The Branch Welfare
Officer (Mary Barker) is willing
to help with problems Polio
members may have, and attempt
to advise, or direct towards
relevant bodies for advice.
Contact her on 01384 295007,
or speak to any member of the
Branch Committee. Everything
will be treated in the strictest
confidence.
The position of Branch President has continued to remain vacant. If
you wish to nominate anyone please get their permission first.
Flag Days: The Branch has
not been given the opportunity
to collect at many supermarkets
etc, during 2014 and it would
appear this method of fundraising
is getting scarce. Your committee
has decided to consider other
sources of fundraising in the
coming year.
Transport: Transport is
mainly booked with Black Country
Community Transport. If you
have any information on transport
providers who have facilities to
carry disabled passengers please
contact Social Secretary Norma
Tilley, Tel: 01902 651 451. If you
use transport to attend monthly
socials, please give Norma notice if
you need to alter arrangements.
57
Scottish Region
News in Brief
We are delighted to share with all members an update on
development work taking place in Scotland.
Scottish
Leaflet
Over 7,000 Scottish specific
leaflets have now gone out,
this cascade has included
5 copies to each Scottish
member and thousands have
gone to Development Officers
from Age Scotland, who are
located across the country:
from Forres to Dumfries and
Fort William to Fife. We hope
that whilst they attend groups
and open days our leaflet will
be dispersed up and down the
country.
Scottish Membership
Survey
480 membership surveys have
been mailed out to all members
in Scotland. This survey is more
detailed than the UK survey. We
are aiming to really get to know
the needs, wants and aspirations
of our members in Scotland so
that we can design a specific
development programme based on
the responses. Detailed questions
include demographics, current use
of services, interest in development
opportunities and themed subgroups. Our hope is that we will
have a good response and to have
an executive summary of outcomes
for the next edition of the bulletin.
Scottish Newsletter
For the first time we have had our
Scottish Newsletter professionally
designed and printed. We have
done this in part to use and
distribute at events (as well as the
leaflet) but also when looking at
the time it took and cost of ink for
ourselves to produce, there was
very little difference in the total cost,
and we think it looks pretty good
too! We will aim to have a regular
schedule for the Scottish Newsletter
in 2015, with the hope that many
of you will want to contribute: this
could be anything from a poem to
an issue based piece.
South Lanarkshire Access Panel - Open Day drop-in
Archie and I attended this event, armed with a boxful of leaflets, pens, bags and other assorted
information for our stall.
The day itself was fantastic, starting
with the South Lanarkshire Access
Panel video featuring a certain Mr
Leyden, followed by a motivational
speech from Chris Moon who while
supervising mine-clearance in
Mozambique in 1995, stepped on
a mine in a supposedly clear area
of the safety lane. He lost his lower
right leg and right arm and survived
only through sheer determination.
His talk was inspirational.
There were 25 other stalls in the hall
ranging from Guide Dogs for the
Blind to the Terence Higgins Trust.
Many of our vistors couldn’t
understand why there was still
58
a Polio organisation. Common
phrases used were ‘but we’ve got
the vaccination now’ to ‘but Polio
stopped in the 1960s didn’t it?’ For
those who said ‘I remember some
kids in my class having Polio’ our
simple but effective reply was ‘Yes,
those kids grew up and are still
effected from having Polio’.
Tara Anderson,
Development Officer – Scotland
The impact of this simple statement
was quite dramatic, starting with
a little confusion, to eyes opening
(like a light bulb going on) followed
by them saying ‘of course, gosh,
of course’. Perhaps a future British
Polio Fellowship campaign should
start with ‘…remember those kids....’
Scottish Region
Paisley Branch
Report
The Paisley Branch is planning a trip to
see Cinderella at the Clyde Auditorium
in December and I’m hoping to get a
good turn-out from members.
If the weather is kind to us, we may also have
a lunch to celebrate the festive season, but
we are still looking for a suitable venue. The
branch has been having a bit of a landmark
time since the last meeting, with two 60th
birthdays, a 70th and an 80th birthday
amongst our members. All birthdays were
marked with handmade cards.
Aberdeen Branch News
On 24 August eight of us had a great day out in Aviemore,
starting with a trip on the Strathspey steam train and then
lunch at the Druie Cafe at the Rothiemurchus Centre.
The weather was very kind to us, sun shine all day, the
mountains were beautiful, the heather looked bonny, and the
company was great! Everyone had such a good time it was
agreed we should meet there again sometime.
Chris Linn
Georgina Hay
Branch Chairman
Lanarkshire Group Outing
On Sunday 17 August once the bus had picked up the gang we set off for a day at The Safari and
Adventure Park in Stirling.
The weather has been kind to
us on our other excursions and
today was no exception we
arrived to blue skies and bright
sunshine.
We went straight to the wild
animal enclosures and saw up
close lions, tigers, bears, rhinos,
elephants just to name a few.
It was whilst going through the
lions’ and tigers’ enclosure that
the group leader was reminded
about the last time the group
were there, when he was given
tips on solving the problem he
had with cats digging up his
garden and although he was
handed a heavy duty bag and
shovel he refused to get off the
bus.
an awesome Birds of Prey Show
and then we took in the Sea Lions
Show. There is lots to see and
do at the park including: pets
farm, bouncy castle, pirate ship,
wooden castle, face painting,
flying fox and much much more.
The time to depart was all too
soon upon us and we boarded
the bus and headed to Callander.
All too soon we were again
boarding the bus and heading
in a homeward direction, you
would have thought people would
have settled back in their seats
enjoying the scenery, but no,
there was laughter all the way
home.
Everyone had a great day.
On arriving in Callander we
had enough time to have a wee
look around before once again
boarding the bus and heading for
The Rob Roy Hotel in Aberfoyle
were we had a wonderful meal
of either Haddock, Steak Pie
or Salad. Tea and coffee was
then served to compliment the
selection of cakes on offer.
The two shows we saw were
wonderful, first we were treated to
59
Scottish Region
Lanarkshire Group Fellowship Day
New Age Kurling Contest
On Saturday 30 August Airdrie awoke to sunshine, the group’s plans were coming together nicely as they did
for the rest of the day which created a wonderful day’s Kurling at The Springfield Community Centre, Airdrie.
The contest wasn’t starting until 1pm
but by 12.15 the centre was buzzing
with helpers preparing the centre
for the arrival of the competitors. A
huge debt of gratitude is owed to
everyone who helped make the day
the success it was, we owe special
thanks to Alan Thompson, son of
Stewart and Mary for coming along
and preparing the two kurling alleys
for us.
By 1pm everyone had arrived it
was truly amazing, three people
had travelled from Dundee, eight
had travelled from Edinburgh and
the other twelve were locals. Before
the start everyone enjoyed some
refreshments.
Set one, Set two and Quarter Final
was best of three ends, Semi-Final
was three ends round robin with two
highest scorers going into the Final
which was best of five ends.
It all kicked off in the first set with
Colin Davies v Christine Black.
Helena Barker v Elaine Brown.
60
At the end of the day The
British Polio Fellowship was
the out and out winner.
Lyla Scott v Roy Barker. Jackie
MacKenzie v Peter Kelly. Margaret
Humes v Mary Thompson. Bill
Fenwick v Archie Leyden. Stewart
Thompson v Robert O`Hanlon.
Pat Leyden v June Greig. Elspeth
Harrison v Helena Janacki. Frances
Craig v Leonard Barker. Ralph Black
v Jeff Draper.
The second set saw Colin v Elaine.
Roy v Jackie. Mary v Bill. Stewart v
Pat. Elspeth v Leonard and Ralph
had a bye.
In the quarter finals Colin played
Jackie. Mary played Pat and
Leonard played Ralph which resulted
in Jackie, Mary and Ralph winning
through to the semi-final.
We saw very high scoring in the
round robin Semi-Final and after all
ends had been played Jackie had
scored 23 points, Mary had scored
35 points and Ralph had scored 45
points. Sadly Jackie had the lowest
score which meant it was a Mary v
Ralph final.
At 3pm we stopped for tea, the
Lanarkshire ladies had prepared a
veritable feast. We were treated to
Christie’s pies and sausage rolls
with the intrinsic mushy peas, two
types of pizza and a selection of
sandwiches. There is nothing quite
as satisfying as home made baking
and we were treated to a wonderful
selection of tasty treats.
After tea the final took place between
Mary Thompson and Ralph Black,
it was played at a very high level it
was nip and tuck with points being
equally shared mostly. However,
Ralph took the top prize winning
three ends to Mary’s one.
At the end of the day The British
Polio Fellowship was the out and out
winner.
North West Region
Merseyside Branch
We have had a busy year in the Merseyside Branch. Apart from our monthly meetings, which are
always lively, we organise various days out. We all met up in Southport for a ‘seaside’ carvery lunch
early in the Summer. The weather was glorious and members could enjoy the promenade and the
many accessible places.
We had our very popular barge trips
on the Leeds Liverpool Canal. We
held a fundraising Summer Fair,
where we had 9 different stalls, all
competing to raise as much funds
for our Branch as possible and to
raise awareness of The British Polio
Fellowship. We offered afternoon teas
which went down very well. The day
was a huge success and well worth
all the hard work.
Our year will culminate in a Christmas
meal/Party night at the Holiday Inn
in Liverpool on 13 December. Any
members interested in coming along
please contact Robby Winn for
details as soon as possible on
07919 420425.
Hilary Davies
Secretary
We had a shopping trip with a
Fish and Chip lunch!
We also hosted our Regional 75th
Anniversary celebration and we
look forward to hosting our Regional
games on 18 October.
Mike Griffiths
takes to the mike
Michael Griffiths, MBE has been involved with the North West
branch of The British Polio Fellowship for over 12 years and Chair
for the past 5 years.
During his time he has highlighted not just the charity, but the needs of
members living with Polio and Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) so when BBC
Radio Merseyside wanted a local man to interview in connection with Polio
and PPS, Mike stepped up to the challenge.
61
East Midland Region
Northamptonshire branch
On the 16 September Peter Mains Branch Chairman welcomed members to the meeting of the Branch.
He advised the members that Bryan Rowley, Chairman of the British Polio Fellowship Trustees and Mike
Egan, Chairman of the Leicestershire Branch would be attending the next meeting at Kislingbury Village
Hall on Tuesday 14 October.
Peter stated that the
Northamptonshire Branch were
appreciative of the financial support
and encouragement they had
received from Mike Egan and the
Leicestershire Branch members
when setting up the branch in
Northamptonshire. The meeting
discussed the impact of cold
intolerance that was suffered by
many members and the actions
they had taken to address the
problem.
The British Polio Fellowship Winter
Warmth Campaign by Bryan Rowley
was discussed. As a result of the
publicity generated by The British
Polio Fellowship PR company
member Mike Jackson from the
group was invited for an interview
with Radio Northampton. On air he
covered the British Polio Fellowship
campaign; cold intolerance and
promoted the local branch. At the
October meeting he would be giving
members a feedback from the PPS
Rehabilitation course that he had
attended at St Thomas' Hospital in
London in September.
The meeting was advised that
plans were now in place for the
Christmas party at the Corn Market
Hall, Kettering 9 Jan 7-10pm. The
members, family and friends were
invited to support the branch by
joining this social event. It was
reported at the last meeting that
Carl Weininger who has a totally
disabled arm and Polio in his
62
Carl Weininger in the glider at
Shennington near Banbury
legs, for which he wears a caliper
on his left leg, was taking part in
activities for the disabled organised
by SPORTABILITY. Carl reported
that during September he had
taken part with assistance in the
following: Sailing at Northampton
Pitsford Reservoir; Canoeing at
Ross on Wye; Quad Biking; Clay
pigeon shooting and crossbow at
Adventure sports near Warwick;
Microlight flying at Sywell airport,
Northampton; and Gliding at
Shennington near Banbury.
Carl told members of his
experience. He said it was a lovely
day for a flight, with lots of willing
volunteer helpers. The glider was
well suited for use with two arms, as
it had a hand rudder addition, so no
leg input is necessary for paraplegic
pilots. However, he enjoyed the
flight and George, one of the
volunteer instructors, managed
to find a “thermal” quite near the
airfield, and managed to stay up for
quite some time.
George let Carl take control a
couple of times, who flew with
his one good hand on the stick,
and one good foot going from
one rudder pedal to the other
(not recommended in a glider).
The instructor, George, had taken
off with the winch pulling them
to 1000 feet, and he landed the
glider, as you require full rudder
and stick control for both of these
manoeuvres, as well as using the
hand operated air brake for landing.
Bit much for one hand, next time I
will try some adaptations (Velcro,
sticky tape and an expander, or
two!!)
Peter Mains can be contacted on
Tel: 01604 756936
North of England Region
Sunderland Branch
1
2
3
Sunderland Branch members have been very busy highlighting the
75th Anniversary in the local media, the Sunderland Echo. Sowing
our seeds of hope and wearing with pride our PPS badges.
4
On Friday 15 August 2014, 40 branch
members celebrated the 75th
Anniversary by coming together at
The Rosedene Hotel, Sunderland.
The Rosedene provided a beautiful
buffet. Certificates were presented to
volunteers recognising their valuable
services.
Nigel Lee organised a quiz which
always encourages members to chat
to each other; sharing or stealing
answers to the quiz. This is always a
good ice breaker. A raffle raised £84
which will be put to good use.
Two members; Audrey Henderson
and Doreen Hammond celebrated
their 70th birthdays in August 2014.
They blew out the candles on
The British Polio Fellowship’s 75th
Anniversary cake (photo 1).
These social events always
encourage members we have not
seen in a long time. It was good
to welcome Mrs Eleanor Moore
who for many years was a valuable
active Voluntary Committee member
whose son John Moore suffered
Polio as a child. John travelled from
Liverpool where he now lives. John
has been a member of the Branch
since 1956.
One of our main activities or
treats for members is
the much needed Holistic
Therapy Massage.
Sunderland Branch meet on the
1st Tuesday of every month at the
Pennywell Community Centre,
Sunderland.
One of our main activities or treats
for members is the much needed
Holistic Therapy Massage. Health
Scented Therapists Linda Surtees
and Manager Judith Potelle are our
Therapy Angels. Each member who
participates has treatments which
are ‘tailor made’ for their individual
health needs (photo 2).
At our PPS Support Meeting in
June we planted The British Polio
Fellowship’s seeds of hope into plant
containers. Members also planted
the seeds at home. Everyone
reported back informing the group
that they had a beautiful, colourful
selection of flowers (photos 3 and 4).
Sunderland Branch is celebrating our
60th Anniversary this year. We have
plans to do something special to
mark this celebration, something to
retain the history of the Sunderland
Branch… WATCH THIS SPACE!
Thank you
Mrs Shirley Williams, Chairperson
63
South of England Region
South East Kent Branch
It was a perfect Autumn day,
bright and sunny when we
got off our coach and headed
for lunch at Chiquitos at the
O2 arena on the Greenwich
Peninsula.
There was a lot going on and many
restaurants from which to choose.
We celebrated our member Harry's
birthday (87 years old) and the
restaurant gave him a birthday
surprise too.
After an hour wandering around
the Dome exploring all the new
buildings and sights, we headed for
the Thames Cable car which is just
a short throw from the restaurant.
It was a thrilling 20 minute ride,
much better than the London Eye
as you see far more and have that
basic thrill of wondering if those
cables will hold up! I recommend it
to anyone.
After the ride, we strolled around
the outside of the 02 alongside
the Thames - London is a forever
changing place and thrilling to see
all the new developments.
64
We all had a really enjoyable day
with good friends, not least exciting
was that when we returned to our
first drop off where we had parked
cars in Dobbies car park, we found
that they had closed the gate on us
(closed early on a Sunday). As we
waved off our departing friends in
the coach on their way to Dover, we
found a spot where we could just
squeeze through with cars and a
large adapted van. Relief all round.
The bus we hired also catered,
somewhat unexpectedly for our
driver it appeared, for not only
wheelchairs but also carried a
mobility scooter. I am still seeking
a bus that will take a number of
wheelchairs AND scooters. Surely,
they can't be too long in coming?
Do please join us on our Facebook
page: South East Kent Polio Group
(established before we were a
Branch) for news and information
on Branch events and outings.
The Branch has also formed
a Facebook page: Post Polio
Syndrome - please join us and
join the discussion where you can
exchange views and experiences
with a wide range of people from all
over the world. We recently had a
chat with a young lady in Mexico helped by Google translate.
You can see more photos on our website:
http://sekpoliogroup.com/ and our Twitter account:
SE Kent Polio Branch.
Please email [email protected] to contact our Branch.
partners
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65
The South of England Region consists of 8 Branches and Groups - Berkshire, Dorset, Mid Kent, North
West Kent, South East Kent, Southampton, Sutton and Worthing and Sussex.
Officers are as follows:- Bob
Stephens (Worthing) is Chairman;
Mary Gillies (Worthing) is Secretary
and Madeleine Henry (Southampton)
is Treasurer. Each Branch sends
along representatives to share ideas
and thoughts at two meetings per
year. Discussion on joint events,
the Regional Lunch and Regional
Games, takes place and we are
especially keen to hear about each
other’s trips and outings, as this
gives us venue ideas for our own
branches.
Anyone interested in learning more
about the region or in making
contact with any of the branches can
contact Sue Brown on
01635 253222 or at
[email protected]
and she will put you in touch.
Mid Kent Branch
A few of us went sailing at Westbere Lake near Sturry with the Sailing for Disabled charity. It was
tremendous fun and exhilarating at the same time, when the sails filled with wind and we were off. This
was a trial run for us and the organisers, but we will probably go for it next year.
We had a trip to Hastings for fish and
chips. Rosemary and Sue managed
to join us for the first time and it
was good to see them. We almost
filled the restaurant and the service
was excellent as was the meal and
afterwards we set off along the front
and ended up playing crazy golf. For
me this was a first, I have seen these
golf courses since I was a child,
but never actually played and I was
absolute rubbish at it, but enjoyed
every minute.
The most important event for us was
66
Daniel Brasier doing an Ironman
triathlon held in Weymouth for The
British Polio Fellowship. For this
he had trained intensely for most
of the year and he did very well
finishing over 2 hours under his best
time. Dan did this for his hero, who
happens to be his Dad. He thinks of
Barry in that way, because Barry will
not be beaten by anything he sets
his mind to do. As an example, a
number of years ago Barry dug out
the footings for his bungalow and
this was done on his knees; he has
also made most of the furniture and
cupboards, he is a wizard with his
carpentry skills.
I think Dan must have inherited some
of his Dad’s grit and determination
and because of this he raised £1260
for The British Polio Fellowship funds,
so Dan is now our hero. I would like
to pass on our thanks to him for this
tremendous achievement.
Rob Butler [email protected]
Worthing & Sussex Branch
We have now completed our Summer Season of outings, three River Cruises in the Solent, lovely
on the top deck but too hot for those in wheelchairs inside the boat. However, lovely cream tea!
The new Mary Rose Museum in
Portsmouth, much improved on
the original but still not a perfect
view, South of England Show, lovely
day thank goodness and lastly
Buckingham Palace - fascinating but
so, so busy with all the other tourists!
We have also completed seven
Flag Days raising £2100 - not our
best, but better than last year, and
we visited some interesting Sussex
Towns.
We were delighted that four of our
members won prizes in this year’s
Richard Flint Competition, a first, a
second and 2 thirds. Diana Marshall
won first prize in Poetry and I hope
hers will be published in the bulletin
and we will certainly include it in our
bi-monthly Branch Newsletter, which
can also be viewed on our website,
www.worthingbpf.co.uk
Our Winter get-togethers start this
month with a talk and demo by a
duo called ‘Time Span’. The theme
this time is appropriately ‘The Great
War’ 1914/1918. We usually average
about 50 members at get togethers
and anyone is welcome, details on
our website, but do let us know for
the catering.
at the charity will take part in what
is a fantastic fundraiser with some
fantastic prizes this year.
Lastly, on behalf of all at the branch
I’d like to wish Lily Salmon a Happy
Birthday for when she reaches 100
years old. What an achievement!
Bob Stephens
We were delighted that four
of our members won prizes
in this year’s Richard Flint
Competition, a first,
a second and 2 thirds.
In other news, we’ve recently sent
out the draw books for our annual
raffle and we hope all members
67
Worthing & Sussex Branch
Annual Lunch
September saw us host the South of England Region’s Annual Lunch at the White Swan in Arundel.
101 members squeezed into the main room of the pub and the food was excellent and actually a
little too much – the portions were huge.
We were delighted to welcome Pam Jones, The British
Polio Fellowship’s outgoing Chair of Trustees as the
guest of honour at the event and all of the South of
England members enjoyed her speech about the
charity’s brilliant achievements in its 75th Anniversary
year.
Pam, who lives in Birmingham, felt she couldn’t come
all the way south without seeing the sea though, so
she travelled along to Worthing. Unfortunately for
her there was a very thick sea mist making for poor
visibility!
The highlight of the day, we celebrated the very day of
their ruby wedding anniversary with Mogs and Peter
Killner. Lots of flowers, cakes, and happiness and a
very “average” rendering of the Anniversary Waltz by
the whole company!
Berkshire Branch
In September we joined friends from across the region for our annual lunch, this year enjoying the
delights of the White Swan in Arundel. Twenty members made the journey and appreciated the good
food and company.
A flag day outside Sainsbury’s in
Tadley raised £463. There were
interesting responses from the
shoppers, a number of whom were
genuinely interested in hearing
about The British Polio Fellowship,
but surprised to hear that Polio was
still an issue. We wasted no time in
enlightening them!
Someone must have been looking
down on us favourably for our
October outing to Milletts Farm
as we experienced a beautifully
sunny day in between two very
68
wet, miserable ones! The site near
Abingdon provides great outdoor
seating, a children’s play area, a lake,
a wonderful farm shop and a super
garden centre. We met together for
a delightful lunch in the Lakeside
Restaurant, then headed off to
start our Christmas shopping! With
carriages booked for 4pm, there was
no time to waste!
provide masseurs, a hairdresser and
a manicurist, followed by a cream
tea.
Our Christmas meal will be on
Saturday, 13 December at The
Winning Hand, Beenham, near
Reading. Please get in touch if you
are interested in any of our events.
Sue Brown
Our November meeting is on
Saturday 8th and will be held at the
Maples Resource Centre in Reading,
when our pampering afternoon will
November
Social
Sunday 9th, 2014
Dorset Branch
Traditionally, this is the day when we take time to remember those who fought, and died, for our freedom.
This year is especially important as it is 100 years since the beginning of WWI and 70 years since the end
of WW2.
To mark the 75th Anniversary of
The British Polio Fellowship, along
with WWI and WW2, I would like
to make our own history board of
the Dorset Group/Branch. For this I
need your help. Can you please post
or email me any photos you may
have of our Branch/Group outings,
holidays and events along with any
pictures/photos you may have of
any previous events that you may
have been involved in, with the BPF
or Infantile Paralysis Fellowship as it
then was.
There will also be music that
was popular at those times, so
be prepared for a singalong.
Here is a photo I found of an outing
that the Hayes/Hillingdon Branch
made to Windsor Castle circa
1954/5. Do any of you recognise
anyone in the picture?
Our refreshments for this social will
be a mix of the kind of things we
would have been eating during 19141918, 1938-1944 and, of course, the
usual afternoon tea that we provide.
Can you please contact any one of
the Committee Members, no later
than Monday 3 November, IF YOU
WILL BE ATTENDING, so that we
know how many to cater for.
fun; dressing in the style of these
times, even if it is a fancy hat or
an old uniform - whatever you
fancy, would be a good excuse
to have a prize for the best/worst/
most outlandish outfit. There will
also be music that was popular at
those times, so be prepared for a
singalong. With a bit of persuasion,
we might be able to get Derek, our
Chairman, to take the lead and
serenade us with his dulcet tones.
Regards to you all and hope
to see you all at the
November Social.
Jose x
Just to make it a bit more interesting/
69
North West Kent Branch
We have had several outings, the first being to Bluewater
for the Motability One Big Day. Afterwards, we did a bit of
shopping and while in Marks and Spencer's we were very
surprised and pleased to have a chat with Jean and Alan
Mayston who have moved to Wiltshire.
A warm, sunny day and a picnic
lunch with Mid Kent Group in
the lovely Mote Park was very
enjoyable. They even had an iced
cake to celebrate the Fellowship's
75th Anniversary.
Finally, an outing to Margate at
the end of July was on a warm but
windy day. Most members went
by coach, but with more members
needing to use scooters and
electric chairs there was not room
for all so we went by car. There was
time for lunch before going to the
Winter Gardens for an afternoon’s
entertainment.
We are planning a day at the
Queen Elizabeth Park, when a
Paralympics Day is being held.
All monthly socials are held at the
Pop-in-Parlour, Northumberland
Heath from 2-5pm unless
otherwise stated. Dates are as
follows:
Saturday November 29th
(This is instead of December)
Sunday December 7th Christmas
Carvery at Birchwood Golf Club
1pm.
Marion Webb
Dorset Branch
Firstly, I would like to offer congratulations and a huge thank you to Rhona’s daughter Alice and her
boyfriend Steve, for raising over £500, by taking part in the Bournemouth Marathon on Saturday
4 October 2014.
What a wonderful contribution their
family have made for our benefit,
taking into consideration the ongoing
funds raised by the plant sales and
open garden events that Rhona and
David have held.
Raising awareness, as well as fund
raising, is so important so I hope
you will make the most of the inserts
in the bulletin by asking your local
70
newsagent, shop or library; even the
hairdresser, to place the “SUPPORT
PPS DAY” notice in their window.
Central Office wil be happy to send
more if you want them.
As a reminder, we still have another
collection permit for two days,
at Sainsbury’s in Ferndown, on
Thursday 4th & Friday 5th December
2014. (Not on 28th & 29th November
as previously stated.) So far, I have
four people prepared to give their
time to help with these collections.
Please, if you can give a couple of
hours to help, contact me on
01202 579360 or email me at:
[email protected]
North
London
Branch
September and October have
been interesting months for the
North London Branch as they
looked to make the most of the
remaining summer, but begin
planning an exciting Christmas
as winter draws near.
In September, some 28 members
enjoyed a relaxing three hour
river cruise which took in the
scenic delights of The Lee Valley
Country Park near Broxbourne in
Hertfordshire. Members boarded the
fully wheelchair accessible Lady of
Lee Valley riverboat on a gloriously
sunny day in what has been one of
the warmest Septembers on record.
On board they enjoyed a delicious
Sunday Lunch in the midst of
some stunning Lee Valley riverside
houses and gardens as well as the
excitement of going through two
locks. All through the trip the branch
were travelling along the prettiest
stretches of the River Lee and there
was even a spot of singing when the
crew played some lively music.
war was over!” Denise also showed
memorabilia from the period,
including photographs, medals, a
ration book and her identity card.
there was even a spot of
singing when the crew played
some lively music.
The branch are now looking
forward to Christmas and they have
announced 20 December at the
Jim McDonald Centre in Hatfield
as their Christmas Party where they
will enjoy a Christmas dinner, mince
pies as well as the usual fun, games
and music all for £10.
Special mentions also go to Win,
our oldest member, who looked
much healthier at the October
Social following spending much
of the summer in Chase Farm
Hospital with a broken leg. Whilst
congratulations are in order for
Heather who no longer needs
to wear her glasses following
a successful operation on her
cataracts.
October also saw the branch take a
trip down memory lane when long
standing member Denise Chennel
gave a talk on her memories as “A
Blitz Baby”. Denise told stories of
sleeping alone in her air raid shelter,
collecting worms to feed the family
chickens and of the day her stern
headmaster declared that he “would
give them all a banana when the
71
holiday programme
The Ron
Scudamore
Holiday
Programme
The programme originated from
a legacy made by our former
Chairman Ron Scudamore.
Ron served as our Chairman
in the 70s.
At one time Ron used to run
the Western Region holidays
and he always believed that it
was important that members
could enjoy affordable and
accessible holidays. He wanted
his legacy to be used solely for
this purpose and so the Holiday
Programme was born.
Grant applications
How it works
The maximum grant that you can apply for is £350 towards the cost of your
holiday or break. You can holiday in this country or abroad and it can be
used towards the hotel or flight. To request an application form or for further
information please contact Rosalind Evans on 0208 836 3686 or email:
[email protected]
Once we have received your application, it is considered at the next Grant
Review Panel which meet every two months. Please remember to send
your application in well in advance (see panel below as to when to submit
your application for consideration). After the Grant Review Panel has met
you will be notified in writing.
Please note that your holiday departure date needs to be at least six
weeks after the relevant panel meeting. Grant pledges are not paid
retrospectively.
You can apply for a grant once every two years.
Since the programme began
we have helped pledge over
£146,000 to help people enjoy a
much needed holiday or break.
Applications receivedReview Panel meets
Between 1 Nov and 31 December
January 2015
Between 1 January and 28 February 2015
March 2015
Between 1 March and 30 April 2015
May 2015
Between 1 May and 30 June 2015
July 2015
Burnham
bungalow
Don’t forget that members looking for an affordable holiday in comfortable,
well adapted accommodation overlooking the sea can enjoy a week at the
Fellowship’s holiday bungalow in Burnham-on-Sea. There are spectacular
views of the bay from the living room and two of the bedrooms. The
bungalow offers well-adapted and modern accommodation and has the
facilities to guarantee a good holiday at any time of year. The table shows
the new weekly rates for the holiday bungalow. All bookings begin on a
Saturday. A deposit of £100 is required at the time of booking to secure the
bungalow. To make a booking please contact Rosalind Evans on
0208 836 3686 or email [email protected]
Dates for 2014 Price per
week
1 Nov – 12 Dec
£329
13 Dec – 28 Dec
£436
Dates for 2015
3 Jan – 27 Feb
£337
28 Feb – 27 Mar
£395
28 Mar – 24 Apr
£458
25 Apr – 22 May
£526
23 May – 3 July
£574
4 July – 25 Sep
£600
26 Sep – 30 Oct
£474
31 Oct – 11 Dec
£337
Book early to avoid
disappointment!
72
history corner
The announcement, at The British Polio Fellowship’s Annual General Meeting in Cardiff in September,
that Bryan Rowley has been elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees may have had some people
thinking that they had heard the name ‘Rowley’ in connection with the chairmanship at some time in
the past.
“Rowley” – where have I
heard that name before?
Such thoughts are right on
target for, although Bryan
has been active in The British
Polio Fellowship for many
years, his parents connection
with The British Polio
Fellowship goes back to the
very earliest days with Tom
Rowley, Bryan’s father, being
national Vice-Chairman and
then national Chairman for a
number of years.
There is the revelation
of a dedicated, hardworking, but, above
all, caring person
who truly understood
the challenges and
frustrations of Polio.
The Rowley story all starts
when Bryan contracted
Polio in 1935 at the age
of fifteen months; initially
there were difficulties in
Bryan’s diagnosis but, after
some three years, Polio
was confirmed and it was
decided by the consultant in
Newcastle that Bryan would
be a full-time wheelchairuser - a prognosis that Tom
never accepted. Thus, Tom
and Eva decided to move
from Middlesbrough, where
the family then lived and
had a chiropody practice,
to Mansfield to be close to
the specialist Harlow Wood
Orthopaedic Hospital.
The family home and the
chiropody practice were sold
and the Rowleys moved
south – an excellent move for
Bryan!
Towards the end of the
Second World War Tom
was shown a leaflet from
an embryonic organisation
called the Infantile Paralysis
Fellowship (now The British
Polio Fellowship).
had been founded in London
in early 1939 but now was
surviving with difficulty
due to wartime restrictions.
Publicity was hard to
distribute in those challenged
days but the leaflet set
Tom to enquire further; he
contacted Frederic Morena,
the founder-secretary, and
liked what he heard about
developing an organisation
of Polio-disabled people
which was run by Poliodisabled people themselves.
73
history corner
As Britain emerged from the horrors
of warfare and normality began to
return to everyday life, The British
Polio Fellowship resumed its
development. It is quite likely that,
at this time, there may have been
a conversation between Tom and
Frederic Morena. The foundersecretary wanted The British Polio
Fellowship to grow but, seemingly,
had ideas of development led by a
central organisation with activities
based in London. Tom could see
that this was hardly a practical
notion; a London-based support
organisation would not have the
local ‘feel’ that would give the
support and encouragement that
the other founder of The British Polio
Fellowship, Patricia Carey, spoke of
when she described the Fellowship
as being “something to lean on” for
Polio-disabled people.
Tom decided that local branches
were the way to do it. Morena
probably disagreed but gave Tom
the challenge – “get out there and
start some branches then!!”
It is quite possible that Connie
74
Tom did not waste the
opportunity to contact
Polio-disabled people in
the areas that he visited to
‘bang the drum’.
Dawes, from Reading in Berkshire,
was party to this conversation for,
on the 22 April 1946, she held a
meeting at her home, with Frederic
Morena present, to inaugurate the
very first branch of The British Polio
Fellowship. Tom was not far behind
and, a few weeks later, he held a
meeting to inaugurate the Portland
(Mansfield) branch of The British
Polio Fellowship. Tom had secured
the patronage of Winifred, Duchess
of Portland – hence the name of the
branch. By June 1947 the branch
was reporting a membership of
120 people and was raising money
to help build a new remedial
swimming pool at Harlow Wood.
For many Polio-disabled people
at the time, just the simple fact
of being able to go to a branch
meeting was life-changing in itself;
members of the Toc H organisation
were recruited to offer transport and
push wheelchairs which enabled
people to get out of their homes
and to meet with others in similar
situations. It is hard for us today to
imagine how important this new
freedom must have been especially
after the confines of six years of war.
In 1946 Tom’s job changed and
he became a sales representative
for a medical equipment supplier.
This role involved travel all over the
Midlands and North of England and
Tom did not waste the opportunity
to contact Polio-disabled people in
the areas that he visited to ‘bang
the drum’ for the formation of a new
local branch. Our history books
may show that many branches were
formed at the initiative of a group of
individuals or at a great inaugural
meeting in the town hall but there
is no doubt that the seeds of that
initiative was planted by the quiet
enthusiasm encountered during a
visit from Tom Rowley.
history corner
Tom’s report on the tenth National
Christmas Party held at the Guildhall
in London in 1955. Writing of an
entirely different form of celebration
to the opening of the Newcastle
hostel there is still the same sense
of joy at the gathering of Poliodisabled people who, somehow,
seem to put the privations of
disability behind themselves as they
gather in fellowship. So often Tom
uses the word “our” as he speaks
of the event – the party was a true
expression of The British Polio
Fellowship which he worked so hard
to foster.
As one seeks to discover more
about the man who was Tom
Rowley, there is the revelation of
a dedicated, hard-working, but,
above all, caring person who truly
understood the challenges and
frustrations of Polio. Tom had a flair
for writing and his empathy can
often be seen in the various articles
he wrote for the bulletin over the
years.
A report of the opening of the
Newcastle hostel and workshop
reflects a deep understanding
of the opportunities which this
pioneering project would give to
Polio-disabled people as it offered
a place to live along with training for
getting a job in mainstream society.
A similar depth of understanding
and enthusiasm runs through
Another Rowley report; another
completely different activity – the
Second National Swimming Gala
in September 1956, but still the
same infectious enthusiasm from
Tom about the achievements of
British Polio Fellowship members.
A glimpse of Tom the man can be
found in this report – events 13
and 14 were for severely disabled
participants and were entitled “The
Mostest with the Leastest” and
Tom writes “How I hate that title”;
to Tom Rowley no-one was the
‘leastest’ or the ‘mostest’; we are all
in Fellowship together.
It is often said that behind every
great man there is an equally great
woman; this has been very true
in the Rowley family. In his work
for The British Polio Fellowship,
Tom was much supported by
Eva his wife. The importance
that the Rowleys placed on a
comprehensive approach to
the challenge of Polio was wellexpressed by Eva when she spoke
to The British Polio Fellowship
Welfare Conference in 1955, her
topic being “Bringing Up A Polio
Child” (that ‘child’ now being today’s
National Chairman but then aged
21 and at university). Eva stressed
the point that some of the greatest
problems are not the Polio itself,
bad as that is, but the added
burden, expense, and worry which
are the direct impact of Polio on the
family and household.
Eva dismissed the notion that Poliodisabled children should be treated
as “poor little souls”, stressing
that a Polio-disabled child is not
‘abnormal’ but is an ordinary child
with a handicap. This philosophy
of promoting independence and
individuality is one which both Tom
and Eva Rowley carried through
The British Polio Fellowship so
very successfully over many years
and, one can be sure, made great
differences to the lives of Poliodisabled people, their families and
friends.
Tom Rowley retired from regular
employment at the age of 68 and
then continued to work hard for The
British Polio Fellowship and as a
volunteer at Harlow Wood hospital.
Tom was National Chairman of The
British Polio Fellowship from 1962
until 1967. He died in December
2000 after a life full of service to
others.
Have you memories of sporting achievement at a Fellowship or international event?
If so, History Corner would love to hear your stories and see your pictures.
Please contact our Archivist, Barry North, at 33, Harry Davis Court, Worcester, WR1
2AA, telephone: 07973 326714, e-mail: [email protected]. All your material
will, of course be returned to you unless you request that it be donated to the
Fellowship archive.
By Barry North
75
my way
1949 I got my Polio a few days after winning the junior
championship at the Reading Schools Gala. Hundreds of
kids, filthy water, warm weather, perfect for Polio.
My Way
Alan Cox
I was in Battle Hospital about
6 weeks on my back and then
transferred to Wingfield Morris,
Oxford, now Nuffield, and straight
away put on serious physio in the
gym and pool. We were in Cecil
ward for boys from 11 to 16 so
you can imagine it needing strict
discipline, which Sister Buckler,
who was 5ft of fury, was well able to
provide!
After seven months I was
discharged, now 12 years old, to a
pub in Reading run by my parents.
I went to The Avenue School for
disabled kids which I can’t praise
highly enough. Next I went to a
central school which was keen
on sport, not much fun for me as
I couldn’t run although I boxed
occasionally which was a way
of getting out of detention if you
sparred with the squad, trouble was
it took a lot longer than 10 seconds
to get up.
Like every biker I wanted to
ride in the IOM TT but my G.P.
wouldn’t sign the medical.
condition I “let his students poke
me about” as the medics at the
time didn’t see too many old Polio
victims. He went on to patch up
Barry Sheene later and also used
to experiment with bones from the
bone bank and power tools in his
shed.
Most of my working life was spent
as a foundry pattern maker, thanks
to the advice of my inspirational
physio Mr Smith (physio to Reading
Football Club), who encouraged me
to try to get a job working with my
hands and some physical work.
I have a lovely supportive wife, two
great daughters and a nice bright
grandson, so consider myself lucky,
and still on my feet, just about!
My dad died when I was 15 and
I helped my mum with the pub
and at 16 began my passion for
motorbikes and started racing at
19. Like every biker I wanted to ride
in the IOM TT but my G.P. wouldn’t
sign the medical.
I attended the hospital of Gordon
Hadfield, an eminent orthopaedic
surgeon who agreed to see me on
Please send your My Way submissions and photographs to [email protected]
As space is limited, regrettably we can only publish a maximum of 600 words, and one or more images.
76

1230 BPF Bulletin SMALL-1 - British Polio Fellowship

Transcription

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