The Best Guide for the BH15 Area

Motor Neurone Disease Association

                         EAST DORSET & NEW FOREST BRANCH

 We are a branch of a national organisation and cover the whole of the BH postal code area.  The branch was formed in 1986 and is run entirely by volunteers.  We have a little office at the above address but most of our work is done at the homes of our volunteers. 

But, first of all, what is Motor Neurone Disease.

The disease attacks the nerve cells that send messages from the brain to the muscles.  As the motor neurones gradually die, the muscles stop working.  MND can destroy people's ability to walk, talk, dress and swallow.  People with MND may end their lives totally dependent on others for their most basic needs.  The intellect is not normally affected.  There is no known cause or cure.  Life expectancy is just two to five years.

The MND Association works to ensure that people with MND can secure the care and support they need and funds research into a cause and cure for the disease.

The local branch can provide trained visitors (befrienders) to those affected.  There are monthly Get-togethers for people with MND and their carers held at Barton-on-Sea and Canford Magna.  

Fundraising is a major part of our activities and a list of the events organised is attached.   Last year we were able to spend over £17000 locally to support those living with MND and sent £10000 to National Office for research.  Our aim is to, hopefully, improve the quality of life of those affected.

We have just held a very successful Art Exhibition at the Peacock Gallery at Upton Park.  Art work (paintings, photography, decorated ceramics and poetry) was on display by nine people living with MND and the quality was extremely high.  We had received an Awards for All grant of £1,700 to cover all the costs of the exhibition.

If you would like to help in any way please leave a message on the telephone number above or visit our website www.mndedorsetandnforest.org.uk.

EAST  DORSET  &  NEW  FOREST  BRANCH FUTURE  EVENTS 2008

Saturday, 24 May       2.30 - 5.30pm 
HIGHWOOD GARDEN, CHARBOROUGH
PARK  Open Garden by kind permission of H W Drax Esq 
£4 adults, £2 for 7-17 year olds.  No dogs.  Renowned for azaleas and rhododendrons. Refreshments.   Plant stall.

Saturday, 31 May 8pm onwards  
LADIES' EVENING  4 The Green, Branksome Hill Road,
Talbot Woods.  £5 entry.  For further information contact Katie Gibbons on 07730 039067 and visit www.arcticchallenge2009.com

Saturday, 14 June 10am - 4pm  
MINSTER FAIR, WIMBORNE  Stall on Minster Green.

Sunday, 22 June 10am   
WALK TO D'FEET   A stroll along Poole Promenade from Shore Road to Branksome Chine. 
Further details from Judith Mills on 01202 746486

Friday, 1 August 7.30 - 11pm  
DANCE TO "BLAYZ" at Hamworthy Engineering Social Club, Canford Magna. 
Tickets: £7 from Val Sloyan 01202 738106 and Sandra Smith on 01202 255163.

Saturday, 23 August 9.30am - 12.30pm 
FAYRE, Wareham Town Hall.  All the usual stalls.

Saturday, 6 December 10am - 12 noon 
FAYRE  New Milton Community Centre
All the usual stalls

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES RE ABOVE EVENTS PLEASE RING VAL KITE i/c FUNDRAISING ON 01202 745865.