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Life Begins at 40!

MS Ayrshire & Arran Branch

40th Anniversary 1970-2010

The first 40 years of MS Ayrshire & Arran... click here for more

Photos from our Official Opening Ceremony 25th June 2010... click here

Multiple Sclerosis - Ayrshire and Arran Branch Celebrates 40 Years of Service

At the inaugural meeting of the Branch in June 1970 the founding Committee noted 46 membership subscriptions and a financial balance of £10.1s.6d (£10.08) Under the initial chairmanship of

Lt. Col. M G Boswick and successive office-holders these sound but modest beginnings have grown into the largest Branch in Scotland with 400 members and total assets of almost £150,000. Remarkably, one of the original Committee members, Mrs Irene Patterson of Ayr, a past chairwoman, remains today very active in Branch affairs – 40 years of loyal and rewarding service.

The principal objectives of the Branch at these early meeting was to assist local people with MS and their families by providing support, both on a group and individual basis, and financial assistance where there were gaps or tardy statutory provision. Group support is now available in Sub-Groups which meet regularly in Ayr, Girvan, Irvine, Kilmarnock, New Cumnock and Stevenston. Supplementing the HQ national helpline, the Branch Office offers the services of 4 trained Support Officers, all volunteers, for individual help Together with Edinburgh HQ and local authority Social Services, it is estimated the Branch over 40 years has contributed over £500,000 to people affected by MS. The number of individual and confidential consultations given by the Support Team are to numerable to recount but we firmly believe the success of the Branch in recruitment is reflected in this key activity –

“By their works shall you know them”.

In order not to prejudice Branch independence in campaigning for improved services for people with MS, an early decision was made not to seek or receive Government grants. Reliance for funding was placed on the generosity of the wider Ayrshire and Arran community, both individual and corporate. In 40 years they have not let us down as evidenced by our donations and fund-raising .The fact we have no paid staff and rely solely on volunteers strikes a chord with the public. The assurance that monies raised stay in Ayrshire and Arran undoubtedly assists We believe this campaigning policy especially in recent years has helped materially to the establishment and development of the NHS sponsored Douglas Grant Unit in Irvine. Under the leadership of the consultant in rehabilitation medicine, Dr Paul Mattison, the specialist team of nurses (2), physiotherapist, occupational therapist and recently appointed clinical psychologist provide a dedicated service to people with MS. A total of £250,000 of Society’s monies, both HQ and Branch, has been channelled to the NHS in Ayrshire and Arran to facilitate these key staff appointments and provide the necessary equipment.

Our next task in our 40th year is to ensure by discussion and cooperation with the Health Board, the local implementation in full of the recently published NHS Clinical Standards for Neurological and MS health Services. We are confident of success.

To commemorate our anniversary, this year sees the opening of refurbished premises at 84 Main St Kilwinning. It will provide a much needed expanded Resource Centre. In addition to an Information and Advisory Service, the accommodation includes a therapy and meeting room, kitchen facilities and a much needed Branch office having outgrown our previous “bijou residence”. Situated on the North Ayrshire Council massively upgraded Main St in Kilwinning the new premises will offer better services to all affected by MS and importantly achieve a higher, shop window profile in an area where MS incidence in extremely high and where thankfully many volunteers are forthcoming. The capital costs of over £20,000 and recurrent outgoings including rent and utilities can be met by the Branch due to its good stewardship of donated funds over many years.

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The Official Opening of our Resource Centre in Main Street, Kilwinning took place on 25th June 2010, to coincide with the

40th Anniversary of MS Ayrshire & Arran Branch.

Mrs Irene Oldfather MSP performed the Opening Ceremony and North Ayrshire's Deputy Convenor, Ian Clarkson was also in attendance. David McNiven, Director of the MS Society Scotland praised the branch's efforts over the last four decades and passed comment on our positive outlook and forward thinking.

Darren Millar. West of Scotland Area Development Officer was present for the occasion as was Linda Boyce, Volunteer Development Manager who handed out Certificates of Appreciation to some of the branch's stalwarts.

May Smalley of Kilwinning former Membership Secretary, Fund Raiser and Publicity Officer was awarded a prestigious 'Shining Star Award' whilst Jim Alexander of Irvine, our IT Manager and office volunteer; Ann Barnes, Mauchline, Senior Support Officer and former member Scottish Council; Jean Howie, Ayr, Yoga Instructor for many years; Mrs Catherine Honeyman, Kilmarnock our former Branch Secretary and currently organiser of the Henderson Group in Kilmarnock and Mrs Carolyn MacIsaacof Prestwick, the current Membership Secretary, fundraiser and Joint Organiser of the Kyle Coffee Club; all received Certificates of Appreciation. Iris McKenna accepted a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Boris Tulika of Arran, our fundraiser and flag waver on the Island, who was unable to attend.

The Branch takes great pleasure in formally acknowledging and thanking these people for their contribution over many years and for their continuing support.

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