Branch News - January/February 2010

Hi Folks!

2010 is the year when the Coventry & District Branch may have to undergo some changes if no one comes forward to help with the running of the branch. There must be someone else out there who has RP or has a family member such as a child with RP who want to see research into RP continue, but this cannot happen without the support of those who suffer from RP and their families getting involved, as the ordinary people on the street do not even know what Retinitis Pigmentosa is, so therefore do not come forward to give their support like they do for the Big Charities because they all know those diseases. RP is an eye disease shared and only understood by those who have the misfortune of it entering their lives, so without the folks who have RP and their families we cannot continue to succeed without your support, so would you consider coming along to our AGM which is to take place on Tuesday February 2nd 2010, or if you cannot make this date Leigh & Richard can be contacted through details at the end of this newsletter to discuss the branch and answer your questions.

Please Coventry, Warwickshire, Leicester and Leicestershire answer our plea for help, if you want your local branch to remain.

Now for some very good news, members of the branch nominated Richard & Jean for a Pride of Coventry & Warwickshire Award for dedicating 30 years to the Coventry & District RP Branch, after sitting before a judging panel they have reached the last 5 in the volunteer hero category, with the final taking place at the Ricoh Arena Coventry on Friday February 5th 2010. This has created awareness of RP and the Coventry & District Branch with articles appearing in the Coventry Evening Telegraph. Congratulations and Good Luck to you both for the grand finals.

Also Congratulations go to Bill Wood who has served on our committee for 21 years on the occasion of his 70th birthday on February 21st, hope you have a brilliant day Bill with love from all your friends at the branch.

 
 

IN MEMORY OF SHEILA

We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of Sheila Morrisson who died on New Year's Day aged 67 years.

Sheila has been a member of the branch for 30 years suffering from RP herself, and was always present at our branch meetings until recently as she and Ian have been spending many happy holidays all over the world as Ian retired which sent them off globe trotting.

Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy go to Ian and their son Graham on their very sad loss, Sheila along with her warm smile will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

The AGM will be held on Tuesday February 2nd 2010 at 8 pm in the Day room behind the Coventry resources centre Earlsdon Avenue South, Earlsdon, Coventry. It is important that many of you can come along, as this is the evening when the future of the Coventry & District Branch is decided, just ask yourself - "Do we want a local branch or do we cease to exist?"

The Coventry & District RP Branch raised £7,900 in 2009, which all went into the research funds, without a branch this would not have happened, so the point I am making is that branch's put in a lot of effort to keep the research momentum going, but no new blood ever comes forward, so do we assume that no one wants RP research to continue.

Hope to see many of you turn up, but remember if the wintry weather continues, check with Leigh or Richard to see if the AGM is to take place.

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CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES

Once again everyone joined in our Christmas Festivities, with our party being held on December 1st, everyone brought along various party foods which soon filled up the buffet table for everyone to enjoy, and it was not long before most got on the floor to dance the night away.

Travis Merry at 8 years old played jingle bells on his trombone, which was a real solo performance as he had only started playing 3 months earlier, as he did an encore, much to the delight of Travis and his younger sister Jasmine 6 Santa Claus walked through the door carrying a sack full of presents to give out to everyone in the room, Santa also entertained us with some cheery Christmas songs.

Thank you very much Santa Claus, once again you brought so much happiness to everyone, hope your knees coped with all those ladies wanting to sit on your lap, wasn't Santa a lucky man.

Our next occasion saw 26 of us visiting the Royal Court Hotel for our annual Christmas Dinner which took place on Saturday December 12th, where we all tucked into a 3 course Christmas Dinner.

We all want to say thank you to our Chairperson Mrs Leigh Kelly for organising this occasion once again, and I know she has to take a lot of hassle when things do not go to plan, but in true spirit she sorts them all out, so thanks Leigh from the bottom of our hearts, also we have to thank the Co-op Helping Hearts Appeal for once again generously donating £200 so that our branch members can enjoy going out to celebrate Christmas with their friends.

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HELP RP WITH JUST ONE CLICK

Will you consider this fundraiser for RP? All you have to do is set Everyclick link page as your homepage on your computer and you'll raise money for RP every time you do an internet search. It's a genuine, no-effort, no-brainer way to raise money for the charity. The address of the page is:
http://www.everyclick.com/british-retinitis-pigmentosa-society/86011/146689.

If you would like any guidance how to set this as your home page please contact david@brps.org.uk.

Please forward this link to as many people as you can, and ask them to do the same, thanks!

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USEFUL INFORMATION

Beyo CBS Reader - Price: £75.00 (Excluding VAT at 17 ½ %)
Quick & Easy! The Beyo CBS Reader software for mobile phones reads any text, regardless of whether it is in a book, newspaper or letter. CBS Reader runs on a mobile phone. One of the best things about the software is that it works without connection charges or hidden costs. All you need is the new beyo CBS Reader and a mobile phone.

Simply download beyo CBS Reader to a PC or laptop and synchronize your mobile phone and computer. That's it!

Operation is amazingly easy: Aim the camera phone at the selected text. Everything else is handled by the unique beyo CBS capture assistant.

The automatic activator function eliminates the camera shake associated with other systems and ensures outstanding image quality.

Text blocks are recognized automatically and read out loud. The reading voice is pleasant and articulate. Reading speed can be adjusted according to individual preferences.

Qualities:
Runs on a mobile phone, no mobile network necessary!
No subscription charges, no hidden costs!
Easy to use with unique beyo CBS capture assistant
Quick and reliable text recognition
Pleasant reading voice
Portrait and landscape formats
Runs on many different mobile phones (Symbian OS Version 9.1 or higher, other models soon to follow).

For more information contact Steve Nutt Computer Room Services on 01438 742286 or visit www.comproom.co.uk

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Contact Numbers

Chairperson:
Leigh Kelly
24, Davis Road
EXHALL
Nr Coventry
CV7 9GJ

Telephone: 024 7636 0205

LeighKelly@talktalk.net

Secretary & Fundraising Officer:
Richard & Jean Bartlam
9, Riddon Drive
Hollycroft
HICNKLEY
Leicestershire
LE10 0UF

Telephone/Minicom: 01455 238073
Fax: 01455 238073

jeanbartlam@talktalk.net

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RP Newsletter Subscriptions

Our free RP Newsletter is available bi-monthly in print, audio tape or by email.

If you would like to receive a copy, please complete our Subscription Form and we will add your name to our current mailing list. Alternatively, please contact Richard Bartlam at the above address.

Please be sure to let us know which format you would like to receive the RP Newsletter in - and remember...it is FREE!

To those of you who already receive the tape, when you have finished, turn the label round and post it back to us free of charge.

PLEASE NOTE: Print and Audio Tape versions of the RP Newsletter are available to UK residents only.

 

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