 Conference 2003 Following just 18 months after our first conference, which had been praised as a great success, it was hard to envisage how we might improve upon the achievements of that conference. I believe I speak for all concerned - committee, members, children, and speakers who attended the conference – when I say that we more than surpassed our expectations on Saturday 8th March. The conference was attended by 105 adult members, 34 children, and six speakers. This number does not include the seven members who were unable to make the conference at the last moment. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Birmingham. At the time of writing I have not seen the feedback from the evaluation forms completed on the day. However, going on personal comments made to me immediately after the conference, members not only found the speakers and audience participation informative, but also found the opportunity to meet others and make new friends invaluable. And all this within the very pleasant surroundings of a hotel of high standard, providing a quality service and dedicated staff. The conference started well with an extremely interesting talk from Mr Grimer, which immediately wooed members into challenging some of the facts presented, so leading to Mr Grimer himself to reconsider some of those facts. Several interesting ideas were put forward by Mr Grimer including, the suggestion of a dedicated HME clinic at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham. This and other ideas are now being followed up and we will keep you advised of any progress. Dr. Splitt’s talk on “Genetic Testing and Pre-Natal Testing” also revealed just how quickly this field is moving forward. Once again members had interesting questions for Dr. Splitt. By the end of the morning session we were already running 15 minutes over our schedule! Lunchtime provided good food and opportunity to chat to other members and speakers. Then came our first AGM, chaired by Helen Small and Steve Harding. Although a formality it was important that we followed the requirements of the Charities Commission. The minutes of the AGM are published in this newsletter, but suffice to say that all voting for the positions of chair and committee were carried unanimously and the committee could all breathe a sigh of relief! | |||||||||||
 Conference 2003: AGM | |||||||||||
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Further interesting talks followed throughout the afternoon with Mr Porter being challenged by members on his topic of “Stature in HME”. Mr Bradish provided information on latest techniques in “Limb Lengthening”, and after a break for tea, Mr Lonie revealed the latest in “The search for EXT3” and Sophia Mavrommatis gave lots of ideas and reiterated the importance of pain management. Once again it would appear that the speakers themselves enjoyed the discussion and openness of members and were able to take away their own food for thought. Unfortunately, we were unable to video the conference this year as Bob Champeau, who had again agreed to offer his expertise, was suddenly called into work. The children who attended the crèche and workshop appeared to enjoy themselves and made lots of new friends throughout the day.
For the older children there was a special treat during the afternoon, with a visit to a local ten-pin bowling alley, where, I understand, everyone had great fun and entered into the spirit of the game. The evening brought two new events to the conference itinerary. 85 members, including 23 children, enjoyed the carvery dinner. The food and service was of the highest standard, therefore providing the perfect environment in which to unwind and chat some more with new friends. Numbers for the social event in the evening were 74 including 21 children. Children of all ages jumped to their feet the moment the disco started at 7.30pm! Later on in the evening many of their parents also enjoyed a “trip down memory lane” as the DJ provided throughout the evening the perfect mix of current popular and retro-70s/80s music to suit all tastes and ages. The disco was a great way to unwind at the end of an exciting and often hectic day! The raffle drawn during the course of the evening raised £209, with the first prize being dinner, bed and breakfast at the Westley Hotel. Thank you to everyone who bought tickets. There are so many people to thank. Firstly I should mention the London Law Trust who provided a £1,000 grant towards the expenses of the conference. Particular thanks must also go to Dawn Searle, our fundraiser. Dawn’s constant efforts to raise funds ensure that we are able to organise a conference of such a high quality. Also thank you to members who have contributed donations and also raised funds for the support group over the past few years. As you are probably aware, to hold a conference of this size involves a lot of funds and your contributions are invaluable. Special thanks go to the committee and respective spouses, for their support on the day and their efforts leading up to the conference. Further thanks also go to the speakers who once again gave their time and commitment and provided so much for us all to talk about. Members deserving of a special mention include John and Alison Prewer for their help at the start of the conference, Pat Staniford whose help was again invaluable in the crèche, and also to Laura Fletcher who helped to look after the older children. Finally, a big thank you to our members and all the children who attended because without your support the conference could not succeed. If I have missed anyone out please accept my sincere apologies. And so to the future… The current plan is to hold our next conference in two years’ time. It is almost certain that we will retain a similar format, with a conference followed by a dinner and evening event. We have already got lots of ideas and suggestions for the next conference. Comments from the evaluation forms and those verbally received will be taken into consideration. The date and arrangements will be advised as soon as confirmed. In the meantime, thank you again for your continued support. Sarah Nicholls
Kids' Bit
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Copyright © Hereditary Multiple Exostoses Support Group 1997-2007
Last updated 10 June 2007
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