The Christmas special tea was held at St Teresa’s Convent Hall, Fishguard on Tuesday 21st December 04. Sadly the event was held under a very deep depression with the knowledge that one of our founder members Mrs Doreen Swailes had passed away on Sunday 19th December 04. Doreen was well loved and cherished by all Club Members and she will greatly missed by all. Albeit she never complained about her condition and always managed to rise above her affliction by her “cheerful hwyl” and down to earth quotations and open mind on all topics of conversation, which, indeed was therapy in helping other Stroke members to accept their disabilities and trauma of this cruel crippling complaint.
As a mark of respect to Doreen the Chairman, Mr Michael Lewis requested members of the Club, to reflect upon the happy times we all shared with Mrs Swailes by having a moment silence.
Apologies were given on behalf of Mona James who is still travelling the long tedious journey up and down the M4 receiving medical treatment at Cardiff. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, hoping the New Year will bring better health.
Also Mr & Mrs Brian Williams & Mr & Mrs Roger Beckwith submitted their apologies.
Every dark cloud has a silver lining to which; Michael announced the Club’s good fortune of receiving a grant of £2,900 from Lloyds TSB Foundation to add support to next years respite holiday costing over £11,000, for Club members and their Carers. Mr Sean O’Connor Bank Manager of Fishguard Lloyds Bank made the presentation to the Club’s eldest founder member, Mr Elwyn Evans, who was overcome by the generosity of the donation. The Chairman on behalf of the Stroke Club thanked Mr O’Connor for making the presentation and requested a message of gratitude be conveyed back to the Lloyds TSB Foundation for their wonderful gift. Many thanks to Tony Green for his photography of the occasion.
Mayor of Fishguard & Goodwick Town Council, Cllr Moria Lewis also made a generous donation of £200 on behalf of the Town Council, which helped to raise the holiday coffers even further. Giving support to the Mayor was, Cllr David Williams & Cllr Ann Harries both putting their shoulder to the wheel in completing various mundane tasks of the afternoon. Thank you both.
Happy birthday was sung to Margaret Phillips (Letterston), Joyce Green, Kay Richards & Virginia Lewis and on this occasion accompanied by a few members of the Goodwick Brass Band, conducted by Mr John Evans.
The President of the Club, Mr Ben Fenemore whilst introducing the younger members of the Goodwick Brass Band reflected upon the time when the Band was actually forming and how Stena Line Ltd answered their prayer in finding a “Band Practice Room” for them and how professional they have all now become towards the wonderful entertainment they now perform for the community in raising monies for numerous charities. The Band played numerous Carols which activated Club members to partake in a “Sing-a-Long” and was enjoyed by all.
During the serving of tea that so many Ladies had worked so hard to prepare, the bottomless tea & coffee pots recharged many cups, by Cllr Ann Harries. The Mayor of Fishguard & Goodwick drew tickets for the very large raffle Congratulations to Brian Dickin who broke all records in selling almost three books of tickets and made our stalwart Treasurer very happy indeed.
Wendy surprised Rita, the retiring Holiday organiser by presenting her with some flowers as a token of gratitude for all the hard work she had done for the Club. Also surprises came to the three wise men (so delicately put), Michael, Bryn & John for all their services rendered.
Congratulations were extended to Rita & Viv on the birth of their new Grandchild.
Reminding Club members there will not be a meeting on the First & Third Tuesday of January 2005, but do not forget the trip to Aberystwyth on Sunday 16th January 2005. For more information contact Michael on 01348 840282 or John on 01348 872240, or indeed visit our website www.fishguardstrokeclub.co.uk as so generously sponsored by ePembs.
Happy Christmas & a prosperous New Year. Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda I bawb. Thank you all for your support. There is a life after Stroke, come and join us sometime.
For more information on the Fishguard Stroke Club, please contact Michael on 01348 84082 or email us at info@FishguardStrokeClub.co.uk
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