A Note from our "New Chairman"Written by Mike in November 1997's Holding Hands |
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Hi everyone, and thanks for voting me in at conference this year. After my year out I seem to have returned with a vengeance, and just hope thet I can do the job well, see the group continue to thrive and support both members and staff in everything they do. For those who don't know me, I have type II SMA, use a wheelchair full-time and have recently started g-tube feeding (remember all my runny food demands – well this is the outcome!). I work for a disability rights organisation in Warwickshire as Service Manager and this includes running training courses and supporting disabled people in Independent Living. I live alone in a new house which I moved into just two weeks ago in a village near Coventry, and employ three full-time personal care assistants. I have been involved with JTSMA since it became a registered charity as a committee member and this has led me to the post of chairman today (also ex-newsletter editor, but Tod is much better – he says creeping because late with the deadline . . sorry, Tod). Over this year I would like to see the group consolidate its work, over the last few years we have grown immensely and I feel it's time to just take stock of where we are at – I have seen so many organisations trying to run before they can walk and often fail, and don't want JTSMA to be one of them. Also securing the large income now needed to enable JTSMA to continue is becoming more of a worry yearly; society doesn't make it easy for charities to raise those all important pounds and I am praying that by next AGM I can say that 'we have survived another year' but that will not happen without your support. You have elected me and committee to represent you in the running of JTSMA; but I ask you to tell us what you want, what we are doing well and what we are doing badly. It is vital that we represent the interests of the group, but need to know what the group wants – please remember that we are just 12 other people touched by SMA! Get in touch with me by post, phone, e-mail, fax, visit or whatever and support us to support you – or even just for a chat or invite to an event – I'm all for a party!!! Finally can I welcome the new committee and thank those who have just stood down, especially Craig for his outstanding work as my predecessor, you left me a good hand, Craig, thanks again. Here's to 1997/98, |
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