FUNDRAISING NEWS & EVENTS PAGE MERLIN MESSENGER“Your visit pays tribute to those who have managedthe centre since its opening under the leadership ofLoraine Long and the volunteers who not only helprun the Centre and also make the garden look somagnificent, but also all those throughout Cornwalland beyond who continue the never-ending task ofraising the funds to keep us in business. We wouldnot survive without them all.”

A welcome from our new Part-time Fundraiser Lucy ChappellHello everyone! I’m Lucy and I’ve been here since Juneto help support the team with fundraising duringJasmine’s maternity leave. Great news – she returns inJanuary 2012!

I’m an Essex girl by originwho met and married aCornishman at ExeterUniversity (I’m a Historygraduate) and we now livein Truro with our twobeautiful children. Myprofessional background todate has been entirely inthe education sector,working in and with Cornish schools. Before Merlin, Iworked for a small local educational charity founded byCornish adventurer and sailor, Pete Goss where I had thegreat fortune of working on some memorable projects. Iloved working for a local charity for local people, relishing inthe fundraising events we organised, so you can imagine Iwas over the moon to be offered the post here at Merlin!

I’ve been blown away by the kindness of the peopleI’ve met since being here. I would like to take thisopportunity to extend my warmest thanks to all thewonderful team here and to Trustees, volunteers andcenter users but an especially heartfelt thanks toLoraine for her trust and support and to Ellie forshowing me the ropes and having such a giggle alongthe way. I very quickly felt part of the team and couldquickly sense how special this place is here!

PearlOur volunteers are a very important part of this char-ity and without them we could not achieve all the thingsthat we do. Many of our volunteers are not only loyalsupporters but also become much loved friends. Whenwe lose one it is like losing a member of our family. InJune Pearl Green who helped out in the office threedays a week died suddenly. Pearl was without doubt themost elegant pensioner I have ever known. She gave somuch to the charity in both her time and talents andleaves a real gap. Our thoughts are with Ian and her fam-ily who will need time to adjust to this very sudden loss.For us all at Merlin we will hold on to the memories ofall the good times shared with this much loved lady. Rest in Peace Pearl.

Welcome to our Autumn Winternewsletter.As you will see as you read on yet another year ofevents and fundraising activities has kept us all busy. Inaddition to this we have now provided £68,000 ofsubsidised therapy this year for those living with MS.All the hard work and support from you all reallymakes a difference to so many people.

We are becoming a victim of our own success andthis year is proving to be a real challenge for us tobring in sufficient income to meet the demands ofthose needing therapy here at the centre. Ourconference room is providing much needed incomeand looks to grow over time but our main source ofincome is through fundraising donations and theregular standing orders that so many of you havesigned up to. These standing orders give us regularincome which helps our cash flow especially throughthe winter months when fundraising can be at aminimum. So thanks to you all for this support.

I hope that you will all support our Autumn /Winterevents programme as part of what we do also is totry and provide a place where people can meet upand enjoy the wonderful facilities that we have here.I’m particularly looking forward to making myChristmas pudding on our Stir up Sunday. Loraine

Cornwall MS Therapy Centreofficially opened.

After months of preparation for the visit of HRH theCountess of Wessex GCVO, the centre received itsofficial opening on Tuesday 17th May.

Centre users, supporters, volunteers and staff sharedin the special day.

Simon Sherrard, Chairman of the Merlin Projectthanked The Countess of Wessex and paid tribute, inparticular to Derek and Eileen Murphy who somenine years ago had the vision to conceive the MerlinProject. Mr Sherrard then went on to thank all whohave made this vision a reality:

Christmas Fayre Saturday 3rd DecemberNow somewhat of a tradition the centre’s Christmas Fair willthis year be on a Saturday. The centre will be transformed forthe festive session with various stalls, tombola’s and raffles toget you feeling suitably Christmassy.

Firewalk Early Summer 2012Admin Assistant Holly is always trying to come up with wackyand interesting fundraising ideas and her next mission is toarrange a Fire Walk. This will probably take place early summer2012 the proposed venue is the Rugby Club Truro. To registeryour interest in this daring sponsored event please contactHolly on 01726 885530.

Frank Oak’s Wicklow Walk September 2012Known more fondly as our resident ‘Merlin,’ Frank is planning a walkof the Wicklow Way on 5th September 2012. This will be a 10 daytrip covering 83miles of beautiful Irish Countryside. Frank iscurrently putting an information pack together. If you are interestedin taking part please contact the centre and we will send someinformation out to you as soon as we have more details.

Friends and Relations Online Memorial BookThe Merlin Project is currently working with Friends and Relationsto design an online memorial book for the centre. We hope thatthis will provide a way to keep the memory of your loved onesalive and provide an easy way to celebrate the lives of the peoplewho have played such an important part to the centre.

Although very discreet there is also a donation option, meaningthat if people feel they wish to contribute to the continuedwork of Cornwall MS Therapy Centre, they can do so inmemory of a friend or loved one.

Mini Bus ServiceWe are delighted to inform all our centre users that a grant topurchase a mini bus for the centre has been approved. There isa planned presentation to hand over the minibus on the 21stNovember, the service will commence from then.

Part of the grant requirements is that the mini bus is sharedwith another Cornish Charity; we are delighted to work inpartnership with the Cornish Power Football Club which is alocal paraplegic football team. The mini bus is a nine-seaterwhich has the facilities to fit in five wheelchairs.

Priority for this service initially is for those who are unable toget to the centre for therapy due to either the cost of transportor accessibility/ distance.

Cornwall is a very long county and it will be impossible toprovide a service to meet everyone’s needs. However, we willdo our very best to support as many people as possible livingwith MS who would like to use the centre.

If you have not yet registered your interest in the service pleasecontact Brett Seaborne at the centre.

To keep the service running we are also looking for petrolsponsors. If you or anyone you know is in business and wouldlike to sponsor the free service please get in touch. We wouldbe happy to have your logo on the mini bus.

ISSUE

06Want to get involved?If you hear of an event which is happening in your area or youhave a fantastic fundraising idea please let us know. We are alwayslooking for people who can organise a great fundraiser or man astall at an organised event on our behalf. You won’t be alone, weare happy to support your event in any way we can fromorganising a tombola or merchandise to helping promote yourevent with you.

If you want to discuss your big idea please contact Lucy or Ellieat the centre 01726 885530

Lecture SeriesOur Winter Lecture Series has returned to the centre; doors openat 7pm for a 7.30pm start.Tickets are £5.00 to include a winereception.

Wednesday 23rd NovThe Plight of the Honey Bee-Gloom or Glee? Speaker, local beeexpert Colin Rees discusses the future of the welcome gardenvisitor ; the humble honey bee.

Thursday 26th JanSouth West River Trust- 'What has my local river catchmentever done for me?' A discussion on the conservation measuresof the Fal and Fowey Rivers with Dylan Bright.

Thursday 22nd MarchCathy Saunders and Mark Camp- Trains and Temples- A journeyacross Bangladesh and Northern India.7pm £5.00

M&S Charity Of The YearI am sure most of you are aware that we have been luckyenough to be chosen as Marks & Spencer’s Truro Charity ofthe Year. Lucy is busy planning various events with the store sowatch this space for news.

We already have a few collection days booked, if you areinterested in helping out for a couple hours please get in touch:

Mon 31st Oct Halloween Collection- Dress up a must! 10-4pmWed 30th Nov Late night Shopping collection 5-9pmWed 7th Dec Late Night Shopping Collection 5-9pmWed 14th Dec Late Night Shopping Collection 5-9pmWed 21st Dec Late Night Shopping Collection 5-9pmSat 24th Christmas Eve Collection 10-2pm

Friday 11th NovemberThe Merlin Backgammon Tournament takes place at The NareHotel, Veryan-in-Roseland from 10am-4.00pm. For moreinformation please contact the centre.

Stir up Sunday 20th NovemberRather than buy your puds this year why not try your hand atmaking your own. Stir up Sunday is the traditional day foreveryone in the family to take a turn to stir the pudding mix andmake a wish. One month before Christmas our charity ‘Stir UpSunday’ will provide the perfect opportunity to ‘make your own.’

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Lucy Chappell- Lucy accepting her first

cheque for Merlin.

Official Opening- Official Opening HRH Countess of Wessex, Chairman Simon Sherrard,

Patron Lady Mary Holborow

Reflexologist Graham Sluter MAR,ITEC (Dip), MCThAI am a Reflexologist working on Wednesdays andThursdays at the centre, I specialise in TempranaReflex Therapy Sorensensistem™ which is anadvanced reflexology for neurological conditionssuch as MS, helping to re-educate the brain bymanual stimulation of areas and points placed inthe face, feet & hands related to the brain, thecentral nervous system and the hormonal system.

As a reflexologist I am deeply aware of the benefitsof Reflexology. My own experiences as a cancerpatient lead me to rely upon my Reflexologist tohelp me relax when I suffered post chemotherapyillnesses similar to MS. I decided to studyReflexology and after qualifying as a Reflexologist Iwas able to professionally work as a volunteercomforting therapist at the Hospice where I hadbeen a patient. In recent years I have been toBarcelona to study postgraduate Temprana ReflexTherapy for conditions such as cancer, neurologicaland autoimmune illnesses with Lone Sorensen theworld famous specialist neurological Reflexologistas my tutor, advisor and friend.

The following hand written note to me was givenwith permission from my clients at the MerlinProject for publication:

“Dear Graham, My husband Bernard, the ultimate sceptic “I’m notwasting my time and money on that rubbish” hasnow become your greatest fan. You Graham havemade such a difference to our lives. Bernard nowhas sensation in his feet and hands, has lost thetremble and his memory has improved no end. Infact his mobility and general well being has changedbeyond recognition. We cannot thank you enoughand look forward to continuing this interestingjourney with you well into the future.” Bernard &Kate Anderton 14.11.2010Graham Sluter Telephone: 01326 270940 • Mobile: 07905 971912www.facereflexology.info Graham’s website aboutfacial reflexologywww.aor.org.uk Information about the Associationof Reflexologists www.temprana.org Information about Neuro-Reflex Therapy & Lone Sorensen.

A piece from MS Society- SouthCornwall BranchSouth Cornwall Branch has developed a businessplan based on the needs of our members. A fullmembership survey was carried out in July and theresults included in the business plan to help usdevelop for the future.

The plan sets out the requirements to make ourbranch effective and comprehensive enough to giveour members a service that will be beneficial tothem.

The short-term objectives • To increase awareness of MS and the presence of

the South Cornwall Branch. • To take positive steps to help carers and families

affected by MS, using media such as the SouthCornwall Newsletter.

• To introduce counselling for people at differentstages of MS, each workshop being dependentupon the severity and time of diagnosis.

• To investigate the need to hold events in differentareas of South Cornwall so that members do nothave to travel

• To create a service for those members who arehousebound which will include home visits.

• To disseminate more information for carers onbenefits and help options.

• To investigate the use of a chat room startingwith Jooly’s Joint

• To introduce educational workshops.• To introduce workshops for carers.• Start a South Cornwall Youth Group.• To develop a plan for raising funds in order to

ensure the South Cornwall Branch is stable forthe future.

The South Cornwall Branch:In South Cornwall we provide:• Information & literature• Social events• Informal support groups• Carers groups• Financial Assistance• Advice on transport• Yoga classes• Voucher scheme for various therapies, including

physiotherapy• Regular newsletter

Flowers of a royal standard.Merlin Project supporters Carole and CliveSimmons were honoured when they discoveredtheir Lily of the Valley had been chosen to be in thebouquet, the buttonholes and head dresses of thebridesmaids at the Royal Wedding this summer.

Carole fundraised for Merlin during the early days,raising over £6,000 from the first Merlin Auction.

WHATS BEEN GOING ON?New Splinting Service at the centreMay saw the launch of the physiotherapy SplintingService at the centre which has been funded bythe St Columb Rotary club and W.B. DavisCharitable Trust. Splints are used to keep joints ina good position and to prevent soft tissueshortening which can result from increased tone,spasticity (stiffness) or weakness. If splints are notused joints may become stuck in a contractedposition which makes standing or moving difficult.The Physio team can now make bespoke splintsfrom Soft and Scotch material which are tailoredto the individual’s needs, comfortable to wear andeasy to apply. The funding has enabled the SplintingService to be fully stocked so that splints can beprovided quickly to minimise joint and movementproblems, and help maintain mobility. If you feel asplint may be of benefit to you, please feel free tocontact Becky or Paula in the gym.

MOTOmed ChallengeMany of our regularcentre users wereaware of the buzzsurrounding ourMOTOmedchallenge 2011.Physiotherapist PaulaMalson suggested afundraising eventwhich some of thegym users could takepart in.

So was born the MOTOmed challenge using theMOTOmed bike, a fundamental piece of equipmentused for improving flexibility and muscle strength.

Originally those taking part were challenged withfinding sponsorship for a virtual cycle which wouldsee them start at Lands End on the 27th June,finishing at the Merlin Centre on 4th August in timefor the centre’s Coffee Morning; cycling a total of75km between them.

However, the sheer drive and determination of thechallengers soon meant the distance had to beincreased.

The new mission which all 15 competitorsaccepted and completed was Bristol. An amazing360km were covered in total.

Sponsorship so far has reached over £1400 and isstill coming in!

Thanks to all those who sponsored and moreimportantly took part.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Friday 4th NovGala Evening at Tregenna Castle StIves- The Hotel will be hosting a sparklynight of Magic. Tickets £25.00 7pm forsit down meal at 7.30pm contact thehotel for more information. 01736795254

Friday 11th NovThe Merlin Backgammon Tournamentat The Nare Hotel-Entry £20.00 toinclude coffee and lunch. 10-4pm

Sunday 20th NovStir up Sunday

Wednesday 23rd NovLecture Series The Plight of the HoneyBee-Gloom or Glee? 7pm

Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd DecChristmas at The Vean, a two dayfestive event hosted by The Vean onthe Caerheys Estate starting with aseasonal gift fair on the Thursday and afestive music event on the Friday to getyou in the spirit of good will.

Saturday 3rd Dec Merlin Project Christmas Fair. Comeand celebrate Christmas with friendsat the centre 11-2pm there will be avariety of stalls, tombolas and crafts toget you feeling Christmassy.

Friday 9th DecVolunteers Christmas Party, ourchance to thank all those who havesupported us this year. 7pm

Wednesday 14th DecJoin us for a Christmas Carol Serviceat the centre. £5.00 to include mincepies and mulled wine. 7pm

Friday 18th DecChristmas Concert at The RoselandSchool, 7.30pm £6.00 proceeds splitbetween Merlin and CornwallHospices. For more information pleasecontact Des Menear on 01872 530357.

Thursday 26th JanLecture Series South West River Trust7pm

Friday 17th Jan Cornish Evening at the centre, 7pmtickets £5.00 to include food.

Friday 16th MarchPrize Bingo Night! 7pm

Thursday 22nd March Lecture Series Trains and Temples. 7pm

Saturday 21st AprilAnnual Cake Day, the perfect excusefor gorgeous cake, coffee and chat.11-2pm

NB Dates and times are subject tochange. Please contact the centre orvisit our website for up to dateinformation.

Paris Marathon-ChequeCollection

Royal Cornwall Our stall at the Show

Trewithen Day Judi and John helping out

on our Merlin Stall

Choughs wheel chair demo

£40.000 worth of sweet, spreadablefundraisingAn amazing achievement has been reached by twoof our wonderful fundraisers. Jim and Val Cowenwho many of you will know for their delicious jamsand chutney’s have reached an incredible £40,000since they started raising money 10years ago.

The couple help out at many of our fundraisingevents, the menu of 14 different jams and 10different chutneys often take pride of place andhave always proven popular.

The preserves are also on sale from the couple’shome in Camelford.

Thank you Jim and Val you are both as amazing asyour preserves!

Bosue Open Day 30th MayBack in May, Bosue Vineyard held an open day forus at their vineyards in St Ewe. Rain in the morningwas replaced by the most gorgeous early summersun which made the picturesque surroundings evenmore beautiful. People were encouraged to take aleisurely stroll around the vineyard to be met afterby Paul and Liz Sibley, Bosue owners, who providedan interesting presentation on the wine makingprocess. The event raised £357.00.

Our year with Sainsbury’s Truroraised £7,223Our time as Sainsbury’s charity of the year has nowfinished. Among an almost open diary of collectiondays, the store put on various fundraising events. Themost successful was a wine tasting evening whichraised over £530.00. Other events includedHalloween events, Christmas and Valentine stalls aswell as a teddy bears picnic during the Easter holidays.

Cake Day 4th AugustAfter the success of last year it was a given that theBurt’s Cake and Coffee Morning would return. Just asmany delicious cakes, just as much laughter and justas much effort by Bev and Martin Burt and family tomake the day special for all. There was a beautifulraffle with prizes tirelessly sourced by Bev as well asa teddy bear tombola which proved a huge hit withthe children. The day raised a fantastic £1,290.

MOTOmed Challenge- Judy Reed,

MOTOmed Challenger

Graham Sluter

Cowens- £40,000 worth of fundraising