NMC Summer News (pdf version)

NMC Titans
N
MC Titans is a newly established powerchair football team based at
the NeuroMuscular Centre. The team was set up in January following very successful taster sessions run as part of the summer 2015 sports days.
The team is being coordinated by James
Taubman (Manager)
and Bryn Edwards
(Chairman and
Coach).
become self-sufficient with
their own equipment and
storage space, which
as you can imagine
doesn’t come
cheap!
Initial
support
from the
Wheelchair
football
association helped
kick-start the team by
providing wheelchairs and
other necessary equipment on
a fortnightly basis, allowing
some initial sessions to go
ahead sparking a fantastic
amount of interest from a
variety of people associated
with the NMC. Unfortunately
this was only a temporary
arrangement which has
now come to an end due
to funding restrictions. This
means the club now needs to
The teams
aim is to
be affiliated
with the WFA
and the Cheshire
FA allowing us to
make connections
with other local
teams and begin
to look at
competing
in the
regional
or national
leagues. This
will require the
NMC Titans to have
their own equipment
and storage facility for the
team to train on a regular
basis and compete. The
team is currently seeking
second hand sports chairs
suitable for use as a new
team.
The team has had a
wonderful response from
those involved and others
who have heard about it
and the Titans are gaining
momentum very quickly.
It is a very exciting and
worthwhile venture
for the NMC to
develop and we
hope it will
continue
to grow
into a
top league
team in the
not too distant
future.
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Summer 2016
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NMC
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to the
early Summer edition of
the NMC News. As well
as reflecting on what fun
and games occured during
winter. There are plenty of
activities and events to look
forward to in the coming
months.
A new event for 2016 is the
Cruise and Swing event on
the Lady Diana which will
combine music and fantastic
scenery as we cruise along
the River Dee – what a way
to spend a May evening. The
line-up for Live in the Park
at Arley Hall and Gardens
includes Marcus Andrews
as Elton John, The Rhythm
and Blues Brothers and
Fleetwood Bac – grab your
picnic blankets and dancing
shoes for another fabulous
summer evening at Arley Hall.
NMC’s services and support
for people with muscular
dystrophy keeps evolving,
we held our first ever MD
Conference and a larger NMC
could be a reality for 2017.
NMC could not be the
unique and inspirational
place it is for beneficiaries if
we didn’t have the support
of so many different
individuals, organisations and
communities – thank you for
supporting NMC’s work.
Lyndsey a
Nightrider
Liverpool
Nightrider is a 100km moonlit bike ride, a challenge NMC has been
involved with in London for the past few years.
New for this year, Nightrider is coming to Liverpool and NMC
is one of the lucky charities with places to offer in this unique
cycling event. We are excited to be able to offer our supporters
the chance to participate in Nightrider Liverpool, which will
take place overnight on Saturday 16th July- Sunday 17th July.
The route starts and finishes at Liverpool Waterfront,
allowing plenty of photo opportunities, and takes in
50km of Central Liverpool and 50km of the Wirral.
100km is a challenge and unsuitable for
beginners; you must be comfortable with
cycling the distance and alongside traffic.
Break stops are located every 20km with
refreshments, including breakfast of a
bacon roll and tea/coffee.
To secure your place contact
claire.james@nmcentre.com
call 01606 861733.
O
Sporting Events
London Marathon Success
n Sunday 24th April, 6 brave men and women took on the world’s
most popular marathon in aid of NMC, collectively raising over £11,000!
Tim Hanson, Mark Sandbach,
Derek Charlton, Robin Lemon,
Andy Whitehead and Sarah
Meakin all completed the
arduous road running challenge
in admirable times and we
would like to thank all of these
wonderful people for choosing
NMC to fulfil their ambition
of completing this iconic
marathon, which takes in all the
major sights of London’s City
Centre.
Derek took on the challenge
dressed as a tomato and has
Autumn
always wanted to do the
Wine Tasting
London Marathon, saying: “It’s
and Dinner
been on my bucket list to do
at Chester
in life. It’s the first and only
Racecourse Friday
marathon I will ever run. I’m
23rd September
under no illusions this is
going to be hard work
A gastronomic feast awaits
but it’s for a good
you at Chester Racecourse this
cause so a little pain
Autumn, with a delicious four course
Cheshire-themed menu created
and discomfort
especially for this event. The Racecourse
will be well
is the perfect setting for our Autumn
worth it. I
gourmet dinner evening, located in the
decided to
heart of the City Centre with stunning views of
Chester.
Join us at 7.00 for an arrival glass of fizz or beer and
the opportunity to play Casino games, courtesy of Fun
Casino Hire in Liverpool. Molton Brown will also be on
hand with a pop-up pampering service and goody bags.
You will be invited to sit down at 8pm, when you will be treated
to an informative tutorial on wine tasting, provided by expert
Samantha Jackson, the extremely knowledgeable owner of Chester
Beer and Wine shop in Hoole, who will bring along a few wines for
guests to try.
compete in the suit in an
attempt to raise more funds in
sponsorship and I’m just glad
the tights didn’t fall down!!”
Sarah Meakin has a personal
reason for choosing NMC, and
says: “My Dad Keith used to be
a self-employed builder, and
wasn’t diagnosed with muscular
dystrophy until he was 60. He
has a rare form of md called
Inclusion Body Mytosis, which
has drastically changed his
life and means he is
in a wheelchair.
NMC has been a
huge support,
and even
has a ‘Shed
Club’ so he
is able to
create
coffee
tables,
bird
tables and
planters using
donated pallets.
He then sells these
and the money goes
back into supporting
the Centre. My Dad is an
incredible man, he just copes
and keeps going. I’m running for
NMC to give something back
and to say thank you for
everything you do for
my Dad”.
At 8.15pm, dinner will be served. The evening will be hosted by BBC’s Dave
Guest, who will entertain us between courses with stories of his life and career as
BBC North West Tonight’s Chief Reporter.
At 10pm, there will be an auction with some amazing lots, followed by the opportunity to
play more Casino games. Carriages at 11pm. The evening will be black tie.
Tim Hanson also explains his
reasons for running the London
Marathon for NMC: “Living in
Winsford, I have been aware of
the NMC for a number of years
but it was actually visiting and
seeing people being treated
that was truly inspirational.
I have done some running in
the past but had said a big
‘no’ to any more marathons they hurt too much - but after
my visit I was really keen to
do something. It has been a
privilege to do the training
and to raise the
money for such a
great cause.”
If you’ve
always
wanted to
run the
London
Marathon
and
would
like to raise
money for NMC,
please contact the
Fundraising office.
If a marathon isn’t for you
but you’d like to take on a
personal challenge, please do
get in touch as we’d love to
hear from you! Call Claire on
01606 861733 or
claire.james@nmcentre.com
Thorntons
Easter Bunny
Run at Blakemere
Village
O
ur Easter Bunny Run in March was a huge success,
raising £2,400 so far, with plenty of sponsorship money
left to come!
Participants were invited to walk, jog, run
or even hop in aid of NMC with Thorntons’
mascot Harry Hopalot. Flashing bunny ears
were available to buy and those taking part
were also encouraged to wear fancy dress,
with Thorntons Cheshire Oaks store donating
a giant Easter egg to the best dressed
participant. The route started and finished at
Blakemere Village’s Event Field and consisted
of 3km or 5km distance options through
the Woodland. Along the course were 100
hidden laminated paper eggs, which could be
brought back to the finish line and exchanged
for chocolate Harry Hopalot bunnies, also
generously donated by the Cheshire Oaks
branch of Thorntons. Each participant also
received a fabulous goody bag.
The weather fortunately stayed
dry and everyone involved had
a fantastic time. Thank you to all
our wonderful volunteers, including
Rapid Relief Team, a charity that provides
support for events such as this.
This event was our first Easter Bunny Run,
and we’re already looking forward to the
next one! Thank you to all the wonderful
participants and spectators, and of course
to Thorntons and Harry Hopalot. We also
hold an annual Thorntons quiz evening with
demonstrations at the café in Cheshire Oaks,
which will be taking place in December.
A small giving, leading to a better living
A
s you may know, NMC is now in its 26th year and we have supported hundreds
and hundreds of people over that time.
We now have a record number of service users and
referrals are increasing each month and so more
people than ever are accessing our services. In
order to continue supporting these people from
across our community through our Physiotherapy
services, supported training and employment
opportunities and information, support and advice,
we need to raise over £900,000 a year.
Did you know that by giving on a regular basis you
can make such a huge difference to the individuals
and families we support?
A regular income allows us to plan for the future
and provides a good income stream for projects
at the Centre which literally help change people’s
lives. For example:
•
Just £5 per month – £60 a year – can pay for an
hour of physiotherapy for a user of the Centre
•
£10 a month - £120 a year – can fund 2 days of
accessible minibuses to allow transportation
of a user to and from the Centre
•
£30 a month - £360 a year – would allow for a
month of complimentary therapy for a physio
user or dedicated carer
You really can help us make a difference to so many
individuals and their families in our community.
All our regular givers receive an annual update
on how their funds are making a difference to
the Centre and its community (there is an opt-out
option if you don’t want to receive this kind of
communication). The benefits of supporting the
NMC in this way means we can increase our annual
income and keep postage and administration
costs down.
Summertime
Jazz at the
Eaton Estate
Our annual Jazz concert at the
beautiful Eaton Estate in Eccleston,
held by kind permission of their Graces
The Duke and Duchess of Westminster,
will be held on Wednesday 6th July.
To sign up today, from as little as £5 per
month (16p each day) you can help us
continue supporting hundreds of
Music for the evening will be provided by Mart
families from across our region. It’s
Rodger Manchester Jazz, a renowned North-West
quick and easy to set up – just use
traditional jazz band. Performing music based on the
the form in the enclosed leaflet
jazz sounds of the early musicians from New Orleans
and send it back to us.
and Chicago and influenced by the Great British revivalist
Jazz musicians of the 1940s and 1950s, this 7-piece band
regularly perform sell-out events throughout the UK and Europe
and we’re delighted that they’re able to perform in aid of the NMC.
The evening will also include a sumptuous cheese buffet generously
donated and served by Godfrey Williams Ltd, a wine and soft drink bar
and luxury raffle.
Gates will open at 7pm for 7.30pm start. We anticipate the evening will finish
at 10pm. Tickets are £18, which includes an arrival glass of wine or soft drink.
Volunteering
Cholmondeley Castle Triathlon
NMC is lucky enough to have been selected as the Cholmondeley Castle
Triathlon for second year running. We are seeking volunteers to come
and help us on the day in a range of roles. It’s such a fun day, with
the triathlon event seeing thousands of competitors come to
participate in the beautiful surroundings of Cholmondeley Castle
and the surrounding Cheshire countryside whether they be a
first timer or an elite triathlete!
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our
events team on Sunday 26th June at Cholmondeley
Castle in Malpas, Cheshire. We need volunteers to
help with a range of roles including:
•
Race registration
•
Manning the water/food stations
•
Helping at the finish line
•
NMC bucket collection/helping on
the NMC stall
Collections
As many of you know, NMC is
a small charity with a small
fundraising team and
without the help of our
wonderful volunteers
This year we are lucky
we wouldn’t be able
to take part in
enough to have a few more
such events to
raise money
collections booked in. If you
to deliver
services.
can spare a couple of hours
on any of the following dates
then we would really appreciate
your help:
Saturday 21st May,
10am-3pm – Aldi in Northwich
Saturday 6th August,
10am-4pm – Booths in Knutsford
Saturday 20th August,
10am-4pm – Handforth Dean
Retail Park, Wilmslow
Friday 14th October,
11am-3pm – Asda
Winsford
Fundraising Stalls
The Nantwich and South Cheshire
Show – 27th July 2016
This year we are very excited to announce the NMC
have a stall at the Nantwich and South Cheshire
Show, which saw over 35,000 visitors last year.
We are seeking volunteers to come and help on
the stall throughout the day at what is set to be a
fabulous occasion with the International Cheese
Awards, the famous agricultural show as well as
famous chefs and foodie delights!
Nantwich Food Festival
– 2nd, 3rd, 4th September 2016
NMC is once again hosting a cake stall at the
Nantwich Food Festival. Last year we raised a
brilliant £456! Do you fancy donating any baked
goods, or sparing a couple of hours to help out on
the stall across this delightful culinary weekend?
If you’re interested in helping or just
want to find out more about any of these
opportunities please contact Amy in the
Fundraising Team on 01606 861733
or email amy.swatkins@nmcentre.com
Live in
the Park
at Arley Hall
Swing Band and BBQ Cruise Aboard
the Lady Diana, Chester, Thursday 19th May 2016
Join us for a relaxing three-hour cruise along the River Dee, taking in all the
City Centre sights including the Duke of Westminster’s stunning Eccleston
Estate.
Join us on Saturday 9th July at NMC’s
outdoor tribute concert with spectacular
firework finale.
Arley Hall is the stunning backdrop for
our live music concert, where you
can picnic before we bring you
Marcus Andrew as Elton John,
a previous ‘Stars in their
Eyes’ finalist who has
toured extensively in the
UK and Europe. Next to
the stage will be Fleetwood
Bac, voted The Times’ top
tribute act of all time and endorsed
by the legendary Mick Fleetwood
himself. Finally, The Rhythm and Blues
Brothers will take to the stage, a 9-piece
tribute to The Blues Brothers with a
full brass and percussion section who
guarantee to fill any dancefloor.
Feel free to bring your own
picnics, chairs and rugs,
though there will also be a
variety of catering outlets
available on site plus a
licensed bar.
Gates open at 5pm.
Tickets prices: Adults £22.50,
children £17.50 and family of 4 ticket
£70
Whilst aboard, you will be treated to a superb ‘Sailor’s BBQ’ and live
entertainment from renowned Swing Band ‘Go Country’, who
play an eclectic mix of swing and blues covers, and also take
requests.
Tickets are £22.50 per person, to include delicious BBQ
and entertainment throughout the evening. BBQ
will be served buffet style (vegetarian options are
available), and a cash bar will also be available
for the duration of the cruise.
Tickets bought on
the day – adults
£24.50, children
£19.50 and family
of 4 tickets £80
The Lady Diana will depart at 7.30pm
prompt from the Moorings point
opposite Hickory’s Smokehouse,
and will return at 10.30pm.
Although the
programme may be
modified in the interest of
safety and comfort, should the
weather be poor the concert will
not be cancelled.
Tickets available online www.nmcentre.
com or by calling NMC Fundraising on
01606 861733. There are also a number of
3m x 3m plots available for you to bring
your own garden gazebos for a fee
of £50. Please phone Arley Hall
on 01565 777383. Tickets also
available from ticketweb.
co.uk
Further information and
tickets are available online
at www.nmcentre.
com or phone the
Fundraising Office
on 01606
861733.
Chester Cathedral Festival of
Christmas Trees raises £5,700!
Chester Cathedral’s Vice-Dean Peter Howell-Jones visited the NMC in January to present
us with a very exciting cheque!
The NMC were absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the beneficiary
for Chester Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival in 2015, which saw
thousands of visitors flock to see the tree filled cloisters. More than
50 decorated trees lined the cathedral’s cloisters transforming the
corridors into beautiful winter walkways.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Chester Cathedral for their support and for raising such a phenomenal amount.
Thursday 19th May
Swing Band and BBQ Cruise aboard the Lady Diana
along the River Dee, Chester. Tickets £22.50, includes
‘Sailor’s BBQ’. Live entertainment from ‘Go Country’ swing
band throughout. Arrive 7pm for 7.30pm departure.
Cruise duration: 3 hours.
Saturday 25th June
Wag n’ Walk Westminster Park, Chester. 2 mile fully
accessible sponsored dog walk. Entry is £5, to
include fantastic goody bag full of treats
for your canine friend.
Y
JUL
Saturday 9th July
JUN
E
Wednesday 6th July
NMC’s annual jazz concert at the Eaton Estate, Eccleston,
home to the Duke and Duchess of Westminster. Tickets
£18, to include arrival glass of wine or soft drink and
sumptuous cheese buffet kindly donated and
served by the amazing award-winning Cheshire
cheese specialists Godfrey Williams Ltd.
Entertainment provided by
renowned 8-piece band
Mart Rodger Manchester Jazz.
Live in the Park at Arley Hall and
Gardens near Northwich in association
with Viscount and Viscountess Ashbrook.
Outdoor tribute concert featuring Marcus
Andrew as Elton John, Fleetwood Bac and The
Rhythm and Blues Brothers. Tickets £22.50/£17.50
for children under 16/under 5s go free. Family ticket £70.
Gates Open 5pm, fantastic firework display finale at 10.50pm.
Y
MA
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AU
G
U
ST
Each year the trees are sponsored and decorated by local
schools and businesses with proceeds going towards a
local charity so for 2015 we were delighted that the
NMC had been chosen.
Events Diary
Thursday 28th July
Ladies Fashion
Show raises £676!
RioFest Movies in the Meadow at NMC. Arrive 11am for games,
stalls and activities. Brazilian-themed BBQ from 12-2pm,
film screenings from 2pm – Rio and Zootopia.
Adult tickets £7, children under 16 £4.50, under 3s go free.
After the popularity of our Ladies
Fashion Show last year, we held another
event at Willow Wood Primary School in
Winsford on 23rd March. 80 ladies joined us for
an evening of fashion and shopping and we raised
a brilliant £676! A huge thank you to The Colours
Fashion team and models, and also to our
team of wonderful volunteers who helped on the
night. A special thanks also goes out to the wonderful
ladies who baked the cakes for us to sell on the night – you
know who you are! The next Fashion Show will be in November.
Saturday 17th September
Wag n’ Walk Wirral, Eastham Country
Park. 2 mile fully accessible
sponsored dog walk. Entry is
£5, to include fantastic goody
bag full of treats for your
canine friend.
NMC’s First Ever Living Well
with Muscular Dystrophy
Symposium
Sunday
9th October
Join us for our 3rd Wag
n Walk of the season at
the popular Delamere Forest,
near Northwich. Dogs and owners
will take a leisurely stroll around the
Early in March the NeuroMuscular Centre held its
accessible 2.7 mile route which meanders
first ever Symposium at Crewe Alexandra
through the beautiful shady oasis of the forest
Football Club. It was a day which
as well as taking in the sights of the Blakemere
enabled experiences to be shared
Moss following the Blakemere Trail. Entry is £5, to
by people who live with a
include fantastic goody bag full of treats for your canine
neuromuscular condition
friend.
and those who support
those affected.
Friday 23rd September
Autumn Wine Tasting and Dinner at Chester Racecourse,
hosted by BBC’s Dave Guest. Arrive 7pm for welcome
glass of fizz or beer, stalls and casino games. Wine
SEPTE
MB
Tasting at 8pm with Chester Beer and Wine.
ER
Cheshire-themed four course menu served at
8.15pm. Auction at 10pm, carriages at 11pm.
The conference style event
was hugely positive and
illustrated the impact of
having a neuromuscular
condition and also what it means
for family members, carers
and colleagues supporting
those with condition. With
130 attendees including
Autumn Ladies Lunch with Louise Minchin at the
professionals, those
Macdonald Portal Hotel, Tarporley. Arrive midday to
looking to develop
browse stalls including Classic Jewels and Accessories,
their expertise in
Shoe-B-Do and Gifts for all Seasons. Delicious twoneuromuscular
course lunch with tea or coffee to follow served at 1pm.
conditions, there
were also people
Guest Speaker Louise Minchin will talk from 2pm about
with the condition,
her fascinating life and career as national TV Presenter.
families and
Tickets £25.
carers. There were
presentations by
people with muscular
Murder Mystery Dinner at the Doubletree by Hilton.
dystrophy who shared
Tickets £39, to include three course dinner and murder
their experiences of
mystery entertainment. Theme TBC.
maintaining a full time
job, starting a business,
global travel with a powered
Our 21st Spirit of Christmas at Chester Cathedral. Tickets
wheelchair and how the
from £12.50-£55, on sale from 1st July.
caring role changes
for those supporting
people with condition.
There were also
Merrython – a sponsored walk at midday with stations for mulled
guest slots from
wine and minced pies. Christmas-themed fancy dress encouraged!
professionals
who
No minimum sponsorship required to take part. Details TBC.
have worked
with NMC.
OC
Wednesday 19th October
BER
TO
NOVEM
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16
Friday 11th November
Friday 25th November
DE
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CE
Sunday 4th December
Sunday 4th December
Thorntons Quiz Night and Demonstrations at Thorntons
café, Cheshire Oaks. Tickets £10, includes blind tastings,
quiz and goody bag for all.
For further information about NMC events
please contact Claire James on
01606 861733 or
claire.james@nmcentre.com
The day was full of powerful
and passionate talks covering a
wider range of topics. There were
some workshops were people could
learn more about NMC’s training
provision, the services available for
carers and the specialist support and
interventions offered by the physiotherapy team.
The Symposium was a real first for NMC, the opening guest
speaker Roland Doven gave guests an insight into why NMC had
been awarded a GSK/Kings Fund IMPACT Award. As a result of the
Symposium NMC expects to provide services for newly referred people,
professionals working with those with condition and families and carers.
R
Thanks and appreciation sent to…
•
The Hollies Farm Shop for allowing
us to hold our annual Christmas
collection. We raised brilliant £317
•
Vale Royal Lions for donating the
Mitre Saw for the Shed Club Appeal
so the Shed Clubbers can continue
their wood crafting
•
Stoke on Trent, Newcastle Under
Lyme and Warrington Lions Club for
their donations towards the Shed
Club Appeal
•
The Cheshire Constabulary for
holding a dress down day in
February 2016 and raising £316
•
Whitegate Church of England
Primary School for raising £154
from their choir concert
and dress down day
•
The Kings Junior School
for their £200 as part
of our Silver Piggy
Bank Appeal
•
Blythe Waters Fishery for raising
£465 at their annual Fishing Contest
•
Davenham Royal British Legion Golf
Society for their £250 donation
•
Dr Tim McVey for his donations in
lieu of gifts from his retirement
•
The Badger Set, Northwich 1874
Football Club and the Rotary Clubs
of Crewe, Tarporley and Newton-leWillows for their continued support
•
The Sandbach Sew & Sews who
have chosen NMC as their charity
of the year.
•
Eaton Golf Club Lady
Captain for choosing
to support the
NMC at the
annual charity
golf day
•
Lynette and the
BT team in Warrington
for choosing to support the
NMC this year with varies office
fundraisers
Continuing our popular Movies in the Meadow
series, we’re holding an outdoor film afternoon
with a bit of difference this Summer at NMC on
Thursday 28th July.
RioFest is a Brazilian themed fun
day, complete with a range of
games, stalls and activities from
11am onwards. Between midday
and 2pm, we will be holding a
Brazilian-themed BBQ, followed
by two hit film screenings
– Rio and Zootropolis. Rio
(2011) is an animated hit from
the makers of the Ice Age
film series, which tells the
This
newsletter
story of Blu; a domesticated
was designed by
macaw from from small-town
our very own design team...
Minnesota who meets the
NMC Design+Print 01606 863 464
fiercely independent Jewel
and takes off on an
Take a look at our Website... nmcentre.com
adventure to Rio de
Janeiro with the
bird of his
Fundraising Team... 01606 861 733
dreams.
Physio Department... 01606 861 799
General Enquiries... 01606 860 911
@NMCentre www.facebook.com/NMCentre
Zootropolis (2016) is the latest
Disney release, about a city of
anthropomorphic animals in
which a rookie bunny cop and
a cynical con artist fox must
work together to uncover a
conspiracy. We anticipate the
day will finish at 6pm. The film
screen is a fully waterproof
12-square foot LCD screen and
therefore in the event of rain,
the films will still be shown.
Seating is not provided, so
please feel free to bring your
own chairs and rugs. Catering is
provided, you are also welcome
to bring a picnic. We will also be
selling popcorn and drinks.
Tickets are £7 for adults and
£4.50 for children under 16.
Under 3s go free.