Volunteers Support Meeting June 2017

MKRS Volunteer Support Meeting Wednesday 7^th June 2017

It was timely that the Volunteer Support Meeting took place during Volunteers Week. The meeting was well attended by more than 65 volunteers and users.

Caroline Pearson, The Reader Service Chairlady, welcomed everyone and thanked all those who had helped set up the evening, providing teas and coffees and of course the yummy cakes as well as those who provided information on a various VI related topics. Thanks were also extended to Martin for the PA system and Karen for all her hard work as the Service Co-ordinator.

Caroline went on to confirm that donations from Stony Stratford Lions meant that there were now sufficient chairs enabling Committee meetings to be held at MP House saving money on hiring other venues, a win-win for the service.

John Staples and Dave Goodridge from the Bletchley Lions were welcomed and took a photo call as their group had kindly donated funds for banners to be used by the Talks Project and at other functions, giving us a much more professional appearance.

We also welcomed Sheila and colleagues from U3A who presented Caroline with a cheque for £320, the proceeds from a concert held at Lovat Hall. They also gave a similar amount to the Medical Dogs Service.

So a big thank you for all of those donations which are a great help to keep the Reader Service operational.

The rest of the evening had been planned to provide information on various VI related topics, and five stations were set up around the room:James Goldsworthy and Jan English on iPad, phone and speech software. Paula Varey on sonic readers.Judy and Alan and Derek and Nana on Braille.Elaine, Jean and Hilary on various items of equipment which might make life easier.