Seaford disabled toilet

Work has recently been completed on the disabled toilet at Place Lane as part of a programme of improvements to ensure all disabled toilets across the Lewes district comply with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. Councillor James MacCleary, lead councillor for the community, opened the enlarged and refurbished WC on July 11. He said, 'The disabled toilet at Place Lane in Seaford is in a perfect location for people using local shops and services. It's always encouraging to see facilities like this improved for the benefit of local residents and visitors. Also present were Zena Gibbs, chair of access in the Seaford and Newhaven committee, Sue Dunkley, Lewes District Council access officer and Nigel Sharpe, Lewes District Council principal architect. Zena Gibbs said, 'I am very pleased the official opening has taken place of the improved and enlarged Place Lane accessible toilet, which is now large enough for an electric wheelchair user.' This and the fact that Seaford railway station also now has a similar sized toilet means that more disabled people can be encouraged to visit Seaford town centre. Photo attached: Councillor James MacCleary hands the key for the newly refurbished WC to Zena Gibbs, chair of access in Seaford and Newhaven. (Seaford Gazette 16 July 2008) Zena Gibbs has been an active member of our branch for many years.

Rotherwick Foundation £30,000 Continued Funding

We are delighted to announce that The Rotherwick Foundation have agreed to continue to fund our branch with a £30,000 grant for our MS Community Support Programme. Three years ago we were successful in obtaining a £30,000 grant from The Rotherwick Foundation and our recent success has ensured the future of our MS Centre in St Leonards Road. News of the award was given to our Chairman Bernard at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne by Mr Graeme Bateman MD of Elite Hotels and Trustee & General Manager of The Rotherwick Foundation. Bernard said: 'We are both delighted and honoured to receive a further £30,000 from The Rotherwick Foundation. To obtain continued funding is extremely difficult for any organisation; we will be able to further improve our Community Services knowing that our base has once again been secured'. September 2008

Martin and John's sponsored bike ride success

	Martin Keall and John Jarry took part in the Cambridge to London Bike Ride and raised nearly £1,800 for our branch. Completeing the 59 mile course in just over 3 hours, the pair ended in the top 20% of the four thousand riders taking part. For Martin, the event was particularly important as his Mum is our very own Community Support Officer Anita Keall. Martin said: 'John and I would like to sincerely thank all of our sponsors. We had a really good day, made all the better by knowing that we raised so much money for the Eastbourne & South Wealden MS Society'. July 2008

Daisy Chain Nursery supports our branch

Daisy Chain Nursery in Dallington finished the term on a high with a special production of 'The Rainbow Fish', with the older children dressed as fish and the younger ones in the paddling pool 'on the beach'. The children who were leaving the nursery delighted the audience with their special goodbye song. After the show Daisy Chain presented a cheque for £525 to our Chairman Bernard Curtis. The money was raised from a coffee morning, held at the nursery's sports day, and a sponsored alphabet search and sponsored colour search. Bernard said: 'This is one of the loveliest cheque presentations I have ever attended. The production of 'The Rainbow Fish' was excellent and a credit to the staff and the young ones. I felt really proud to be presented with the cheque afterwards. Truly a delightful morning with so many cheery little faces'. July 2008 Photo Courtesy of Rye & Battle Observer

Off to Brighton with the Monday Men

Our Monday Men group (for all men affected by MS in our area) has turned its monthly outing into a new social event by inviting other branch members to join us. Now we have two vehicles, the social side of the branch is able to expand and the Monday Men outings have covered many parts of Sussex both east and west. The main purpose is to enjoy good food in good company at numerous venues across the county. July 2008

Training with the London Fire Brigade

	All of our volunteer drivers and escorts attended a training course on emergency fire evacuation from vehicles at our MS Centre in Eastbourne. The training day was arranged through the national MS Society and was led by two visiting members of the London Fire Brigade. After a presentation on maintenance, inspections and risk assessment, one of our vehicles was filled with 'stage smoke' to show clearly the conditions that would exist if a vehicle was to catch fire. This was followed by training in the use of extinguishers and basic procedures to be followed, particularly with disabled folk on board. All agreed it was an excellent course and thanks go to our drivers and escorts for giving up so much of their time. The course is part of our on-going Health & Safety programme. 5th August 2008

Janet and Clare raise awareness of MS in School

Thanks to the efforts of Janet Forshaw and her daughter Clare, the message of MS awareness is being taken to local schools. Janet, who runs our Young Carers Group with her daughter Clare, devised a Powerpoint presentation combined with a wordsearch competition, to teach youngsters about MS and what life is like with such a physical disability. To date, the meessage has gone out to some 700 youngsters with other schools showing an interest in the presentation. With financial support from the Four Acre Trust, Janet and Clare run a varied programme of events for our Young Carers and janet also organises the MS Ladies Support Group that meets weekly at our Centre. Chairman Bernard Curtis said: 'I am so proud of Janet and Clare and the way in which they have undertaken this project in such a professional way. If we can educate young people about MS and living with a disability, we help to create a future of better understanding and tolerance. Despite her university work, Clare has totally embraced this project for us. Janet is also a long-serving committee member who has never let her MS prevent her from helping others.' The project commenced July 2008 and is on-going.

MS Quiz Night Success

Our recent MS Quiz Night at the Fisherman's Club in Eastbourne raised, once again, over £1,000. Teams from all over town take part in the event and it has become a regular favourite on the 'quiz team circuit'. Cash prizes for the winning teams are donated by members of our branch and a huge raffle boosts the amount raised during the evening. 12th June 2008