From: Michael A F Bizley, Almoner, Clerk Emeritus, & Honorary Assistant,
Number Six, Grange Meadow, Elmswell, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP30 9GE.
Tel: 01359 244014; Mobile: 07766 232903 (no signal at home!);
Email: Website:
ALMONER’S REPORT TO TRUSTEES – 26th MARCH 2018
IN MEMORIUM
PME Alan G. Raven – We have been advised that Alan died at the end of November 2017. Alan received the Freedom of the Company in 1976, and was Clothed in Livery in 1987, soon after the Company achieved full Livery status, as did many early members. He was Master in 1994-95, in between John Howard and Tim Louis. His cleaning company was known as RCO, and operated nationally from a HQ in Brentwood, Essex. Alan was a major share holder. He was a staunch member of the then CCMA (now CSSA) and was chairman in 1985-87. I remember that because I followed him in 1987-89! Alan had suffered a number of serious illnesses over recent years.
LM Paul E. Bundy –Paul died recently, having been advised by his daughter Imogen Garland. He was Admitted to the Freedom in 1979, and like many of the earlier members was Clothed in Livery in 1987. Paul had lived in Menorca, Spain for many years, and had not attended a Company function during that time.
MEDICAL UP-DATES
SWE and PME Barrie Torbett – pleased to report that he has progressed well following replacement hip operation n January, and hopes to be back on the golf course shortly!
PME David Clark – Occasionally gets a little concerned with aches and pains following the loss on one lung. Off to Doctors shortly to get a check up.
PME Terry King – Been taking pain killers for the back pain following is operation for cancer of the esophagus, but has had to stop due to some ill effects. Gets about OK and can drive for up to 40 minutes at a time. Janet continues to have issues with her second hip operation, having been on crutches for last 9 months.
HCA Chris Luxton – Still waiting to get an appointment with his original cardiologist, and, continues with daily visit to occupational therapist. However, still requires his afternoon snooze!
The Almoner Michael Bizley –Oncologist gave clearance again in February, and now awaiting last check up (hopefully!) in August, being 5 years since diagnoses of lung cancer. Will involve usual chest x-rays and additionally CT scans to check no cancer hidden away!
CA Lynn Webster –has had a replacement knee operation,and is doing well. The consultant is very pleased with the outcome as Lynn is. The scarring is minimal and he has done an excellent job. Mobility is progressing but Lynn still uses a stick which is more for security now than necessity. The swelling is much better wearing compression stockings (so glamorous) for most of the time and has her right leg elevated at night. Due to see her consultant late next month for finalsign off. Lynn is into her 8thweek but back into work now on a phased basis with a couple of new projects.
LM Rob Sutherland – Had a recent hospital visit and due for more tests. But seems to be OK.
LM Jon Horton–Had an operation on his spine in January, which he says has been successful.
LM Maynard Burton – Went into hospital in early March for a hip replacement and expects to be away from work for a few weeks. We wish him well.
If you are aware of any members having any form of medical problems, do let me know so that I can contact them and make them aware that the Livery is thinking of them.
WIDOWS CHRISTMAS GIFTS
No doubt the Clerk will report any outstanding cheques from the Christmas distribution?
APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS AND DONATIONS FOR YOUR
CONSIDERATION
Medical Detection Dogs –Our erstwhile Almoner, Tom Borland, has approached us again and I list his request as follows!
“Please may I gently enquire; if I may request your kind assistance and support once again, in tabling an application/submission on behalf of the Charity to the Chairman and Board of Trustees of WCEC at your next quarterly meeting.
This marvellous life-saving organisation, continues with the training of both Bio Detection Dogs (36 Dogs working with Clinicians and Scientist on all forms of Cancer) Whilst our Medical Alert Assistance Dogs, (100 now placed) are Partnered with Clients suffering from serious medical life threatening conditions, in all probability, saving the NHS millions of pounds a year, by virtue of, far less call outs for Paramedics, Ambulances, visits to A&E departments; and/or more expensively prolonged stays in Hospital.
The Charity has some 35 puppies in training, with growing waiting list of Clients urgently in need of a Dog 24/7 to safe guard their medical welfare.
You will no doubt be aware, from your latest Sniff Magazines, that apart from the normal run of the day to day operations, we have two exciting new projects in hand, the first is that of a research study of Malaria (mosquito), The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, through their Worldwide Great Explorations Scheme, have given a grant to Durham University, who in coordination with, the London School of Tropical Medicine, The National Institute of Medical Research (in the Gambia) and Medical Detection Dogs; with 2 Malaria Dogs in training.
The second and latest research study is into Parkinson's Disease, partly funded by Parkinson's UKand the Michael J Fox Foundation, who have given the grant to Manchester University, who in coordination will work alongside Medical Detection Dogs, with 2 Parkinson's DiseaseDogs in training.
All this actively; is putting pressure on a dedicate team who are struggling for space in the existing offices, thankfully they have the grounds and space to develop the site, and have planning permission for new building which will quadruple the size of Head Office, offering multi faceted facilities to meet both current and future demand, the Cost: 1.5 Million Pounds, the Charity has funds to commence building work in 2018, but is as yet; far short of its target to complete the project!
All the signs of a successful organisation; experiencingcommercial growth issues, and unfortunately, they receive NO Government Funding!
I very much appreciate WCEC has many calls on its modest Charity Fund, nevertheless, I would be most grateful of your Committees kind consideration of my application/submission.
Should the terms of the Charitable Fund, perchance, preclude funds being made available for the purpose of Buildings (i.e. bricks and mortar) then should the Livery Company so wish, any donation could be ring fenced for say, furniture, office and reception area fixtures/fittings; ordeep freeze cabinets (disease sample storage)for the New Premises?
Any support, would be thankfully receive and faithfully applied! Tom”
The new build started in late February!
We allocated MDD 2,000 GBP last year. Based on your thoughts of giving larger sums to more specific charities/organisations this may be one to consider?
Charles Tebbutt – seeks financial support towards his MPhil in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management at the University of Oxford beginning in October 2018. He is looking for a grant of 1,000 GBP towards his deficit of 11,000 GBP between expenses and other income.
I have a very detailed CV if it is your wish to consider this positively?
Derby Toc H Children’s Camp – we receive an application from them every year, and this year two! I have responded advising that they should not be sending two appeals, and as we have been unable to support them in previous years, it is unlikely we will in the future!
I trust you agree?
Target Ovarian Cancer – seeking support for their nurse-led support line, which will help to ensure that every woman with ovarian cancer receives the support she needs. A one-year cost is some 92,000 GBP of which some 34,000 GBP raised so far. They are the UK’s leading ovarian cancer charity.
Sussex Community Development Association –is working with some of the most deprived and disadvantaged communities in East Sussex for past 20 years. They are trying out a new project of ways develop people’s resilience, to build connected communities, to support healthier lifestyles and particularly to ‘ reach the unreachable’ – to engage those who most need support but who are currently not accessing it. No sums of money mentioned!
You have not been supportive of this type of appeal in the past – do wish to continue that approach?
St Peter & St James Hospice, Lewes –we made a 500 GBP donation to this hospice last year in lieu of an author’s fee for Lesley Thomas, and the Deputy Master donated a further 350 GBP for naming a character in one of Lesley’s book. And, they thank us for that support. However, they would be grateful for our consideration of support this year too?
We have several hospices asking for support, do you wish to support this one again this year?
Epson Sports Club – the hockey club is the largest section but has outgrown facilities. They have some 700 members, of which 400 are juniors. A local charity has offered a redundant sports field to secure playing facilities but a sports pavilion is needed! They have raised 1.5 million GBP but need further help to reach a target of 2.1 million GBP. Can we help?
We rarely support such local facilities but you might consider it?
The Ripple Pond – a small military charity based in Aldershot, formed by two mothers of physically injured servicemen. They need financial support to continue to offer the support services to the adult family members of injured service personnel, veterans and reservists. They a looking for 500 GBP as an annual subscription to The Ripple Pond 100.
You are unlikely to want to commit to an annual subscription?
Barbican Centre Trust – they are, this spring, transforming Beech Street Tunnel into an immersive audio-visual space – a free world class art event – in fact held on 17-18 March! It is the keystone component of OpenFest a free two-day festival held at the Barbican. They are (were!) looking for contributions towards the cost of the project.
I imagine as it is a ‘past event’ you might consider giving it a miss?
Michael AF Bizley
Almoner
20 March 2018
1