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Milton Keynes Voluntary Group
 
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Diabetes UK

                                                                                                                                                                                Updated 13 February 2008
 

OUR MISSION

To improve the lives of people with diabetes in Milton Keynes

 and to work towards a future without diabetes.

NOTE: You can now access this site via www.diabetesmk.org.uk

 

  Activities                                                                                             Diabetes UK - Milton Keynes Voluntary Group

If you are a member of Diabetes UK and live in Milton Keynes you automatically become a member of our local  group with full voting rights. Note that we have a special support group for parents of children with diabetes in the Milton Keynes area.  Visit their site by clicking here. 

The Committee has organised a programme of events. Except where otherwise stated, these are held at Queensway Methodist Church Hall , Bletchley, 7.30 for 8.00 pm. All are welcome.

Programme for 2008/9 

2008

  
Tuesday 11 MarchTalk by Angela Rogerson, Senior retinal screener at the Maple Centre, Milton Keynes Hospital
Tuesday 8 April Presentation by a representative of Owen Mumford Pharmaceuticals.
Tuesday 13 May A talk on Diabetic Podiatry by Helen Merrin, Milton Keynes podiatrist.
Tuesday 10 June A talk by diabetologist Dr Charles Fox of Northampton.
Friday and Saturday 13/14 June Annual Plant Sale at at 141 Cottingham Grove, Bletchley. Bargains galore.
Tuesday 8 July Getting Active in Milton Keynes by Kirsty Heath, Everyday Activities Co-ordinator.
Tuesday 12 August Driving for the over fifties, by Nigel Jennings.
Tuesday 9 September A talk by Dr Kardos, cardiologist at MK Hospital.
Tuesday 14 October Iain Frame, Diabetes UK Research Manager will update us on the latest developments.
Tuesday 11 November A talk by Kelly Hodgson, in-patient diabetes specialist nurse at MK Hospital.
Tuesday 9 December Christmas food for people with diabetes, by dietician Liz Oliver of MK Hospital.

2009

  
Tuesday 13 January A speaker from the local Paranormal Group.
Tuesday 10 February AGM, with cheese and wine.

 

Committee Meetings in 2008
 Committee meetings will be held on 22 January, 22 April, 22 July and 28 November. Contact the Secretary for details.


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News & Other Events   Diabetes UK - Milton Keynes Voluntary Group
The 2008 AGM

President – Dr Colin Paton is due to retire at the end of April this year.   His position is being taken over by two new consultants – Dr Asif Ali and Dr Shanthi Chandri. Colin will maintain his presidency until we decide who to appoint in his place.

Chairman – Neville Crook confirmed his resignation as chairman but will remain on the committee.   David Buckley was appointed in his place.

Treasurer- Don Scrimshaw confirmed his resignation and will not be continuing as a member of the committee.   Martin Hynes was appointed in his place.

Secretary – Ken Plackett was reappointed as Hon Sec.

Publicity Officer – David Buckley offered to continue until a replacement can be found.

Committee: Charlie Metcalfe announced his resignation verbally earlier this year.  Maria Buckley and Brian Bridges were reappointed as committee members. There were no volunteers to become committee members.
LIVING WITH DIABETES EVENT March 2008 This event, for people with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes is to be held on 28 March 2008 at De Vere Harben House, Newport Pagnell. Registration is required by 10 March. Details from Diabetes UK South East on 01372 720 148 or south.east@diabetes.org.uk
DIABETES UK VOLUNTEERING CONFERENCE 2007 David and Maria Buckley attended this conference on behalf of the Group. Their notes on this visit are available from the Secretary.
PRESENTATION IN CHINESE

Maria Buckley, one of our committee members, gave a presentation on diabetes, in Chinese, at the Milton Keynes Chinese School. Maria used bilingual visual aids that covered the causes of diabetes, its symptoms and treatments. She highlighted the work of Diabetes UK and explained how the audience could help. Amy Wong, a local diabetes specialist nurse, then presided over a lively Q & A session.

This January event was warmly received and was so successful that the Chinese School and Maria are arranging another talk for the school’s staff.

Maria’s presentation skills were honed at a Diabetes UK workshop. She plans to give similar presentations to other ethnic groups in Milton Keynes
ANNUAL PLANT SALE The plant sale in June 2007 raised £475 thanks to the hard work of Ken and his helpers.
THANKS TO DONORS The Group is grateful to all those who have donated money. In particular, we would like to mention these recent donors:
  • Len Collins of Guitar Breakthrough, who raised over £1,000 from his world record attempt for the largest group guitar lesson.
  • Lorraine Hodges and Tracey Fullbrook, who raised £615 in a darts marathon for the Kathy Drewe Memorial Cup, awarded in memory of their mother.
  • The Abbey Charitable Trust, for doubling the sum raised by Tracey and Lorraine.
  • Nurses Sue Braddish and Kathy Sharkey, who raised over £3,000 on a sponsored walk on the Great Wall of China.
  • The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, who donated £1,000.
  • The Bedfordshire Steam Engine Club, who donated £200.
  • The Canzonetta Singers, who helped the Group collect over £1,000 for Research into Diabetes with their Christmas Carol Concerts at Tesco's and Morrison's supermarkets.
  • Martin Hynes, who donated £50.
  • Maria Buckley for the proceeds of her book, Hand in Hand (see below).
DONATION TO MK HOSPITAL The Group has donated a Doppler machine to the hospital. This will help the podiatrists with the early diagnosis of foot problems in patients with diabetes.

The Group purchased an LCD projector to assist the hospital in diabetes education and training.
EXPERIENCES WITH DIABETES Our committee member, Maria Buckley, has written a Millennium Award winning book, Hand in Hand, presenting the first-hand views of people with diabetes, health-care professionals and people from voluntary groups. The book was written to raise awareness of diabetes and help foster improved standards of diabetes care. All proceeds from the sale of the book, which costs two pounds, are donated to the Voluntary Group. Contact Ken or David for details.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED Please contact us if you are willing to help, even if it is only in a small way. Every little helps!
RAFFLES  Suitable items for fundraising raffles or auctions are always welcome.
USED POSTAGE STAMPS These are always welcome.  Please contact the Hon. Secretary (see below).
SUGGESTIONS PLEASE! We rely on charitable donations to improve the level of diabetes care and constantly seek new ideas and new ways of raising funds. Please tell us if you have any ideas.

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Contact us           Diabetes UK - Milton Keynes Voluntary Group
 
Hon. Secretary, Ken Plackett  e-mail: click here
Press Officer, David Buckley  e-mail: click here
MK Kids with Diabetes link www.mkkidswithdiabetes.org
Diabetes UK main website link www.diabetes.org.uk
Diabetes UK Careline (local rate) phone
 0845 120 2960
Link to South Northants Voluntary Group site link www.sndg.co.uk
 

IMPORTANT NOTE

The information on this site is for general use only and is not intended to provide personal medical advice or be a substitute for the advice of your physician. If you have questions or concerns about individual health matters or the management of your diabetes, please consult your diabetes care team. Any products that may be mentioned on this website are not necessarily endorsed by Diabetes UK.