Peter - Branch Chairman

My overall enjoyment is in seeing our team efforts come to fruition and in so doing meeting with a lot of kind people who have been affected by MND

Peter, Chairman, Yorkshire Dales Branch
As Chairman (not Chair!) of the Yorkshire Dales Branch of the MND Association I see my main role rather as the captain of a cricket club who presides over all the activities ‘on the field’ whilst at the same time getting support from team ‘coaches’ (RCDAs and VDCs) and ‘owners’ (Regional and National Offices).

I am supported directly on the field by my senior players (Secretary and Treasurer) without whom neither I nor the Branch could function, and by the other members of the team who form our small but hard-working band of committee members and supporters.

A very active Branch

I like to feel that we have a very active Branch and we try to arrange social, fundraising and awareness events throughout the year. As a ‘hands-on’ chap, I take a personal role in all of these activities, but will gladly be a team player when others far better able than me head-up an event.

Chairing meetings

As Chairman I act in that capacity for our Branch Management Committee meetings which we hold at about six-weekly intervals. I also enjoy the involvement with members of our neighbouring Branch, and the two Branches hold two major annual joint events which in turn entail separate planning meetings. In all this I could not operate without a highly dedicated and efficient Branch Secretary.

Helping with the Newsletter

We publish a Newsletter about four times a year and I am involved in its content and proofing but with the compilation and production being handled by another expert member of out team.

Looking after the database

And finally we have a database of people living with MND, members and friends now well exceeding 200 in number which I inherited from my predecessor - but I haven’t managed to pass on its upkeep to someone else as yet!

My overall enjoyment is in seeing our team efforts come to fruition and in so doing meeting with a lot of kind people who have been affected by MND in one way or another. But, as with most voluntary organisations, we could always do with more help!