Branch or Group Achievement

 

We think       East Dorset and New Forest     Branch/Group deserves this award because:

 

In a new venture the branch organised an Art Exhibition at Upton House near Poole over the Easter period 2008.  This was a new departure for the branch and was successful beyond the dreams of all involved in the enterprise as more than 1000 visitors viewed the works of art, all of which had been created by an artist living with MND.

 

The guiding principles were:

to showcase the skills and talents of those living with MND,

 to raise awareness by demonstrating that although MND  damages the body it does not  kill the mind or change the person inside,

to create opportunities for all living with MND to be involved as much as they wanted  and were capable.

 

The idea originated in Committee where the hard work of arranging a “friendly “ venue  and lining up dignitaries to open the event took place. The most innovative action was the successful application for an “Awards for All” lottery grant.  £1700 was received to cover all the expenses of the exhibition and set the scene for a very professional exhibition.

 

The work of nine of those living with MND were displayed, seven of whom were still surviving. The range of work on show was truly eclectic and included water colours, oil on canvas, needlecraft, photography, decorated ceramics and witty pithy poetry.  Many items were for sale incuding original art, prints, poems and cards and notelets made by the branch members.

 

The whole project was an excellent example of team work as not only was all the work on show produced by those living with MND but everyone in the branch had a chance to become involved. Everything was produced in-house from the posters and fliers which were designed and distributed by members and carers to the cards and poems that were sold in the exhibition and those with no artistic talents produced information sheets to set the exhibition into an understandable context. Likewise members manned the door and hosted the exhibition for two hour time slots.

 

By the time His Worshipful the Mayor of Poole and MP Annette Brooke formally opened the Art Exhibition, it was already a success.  Many works of art, prints and cards had already been sold necessitating a dash to the printer for more.

 

The profile of the branch has never been higher with the coffers boosted since, despite the free entry, in excess of £1000 was taken and awareness of MND is at an all time high locally. On a human note, it clearly showed how cruel the disease is in damaging the physical abilities but it also shows that MND cannot kill the spirit and, with the support of friends and family, focussed through our excellent local branch, we can continue to achieve and enjoy useful and purposeful lives. In all a classic team building exercise.