Chair's report
Firstly, I would like to express my thanks to my fellow members of the Council of Management for electing me as Chair. Holding this honoured position in our Diamond Jubilee year has allowed me the privilege of meeting many of Epilepsy Action’s members and supporters through a number of extremely enjoyable celebrations. I would like to acknowledge the work of my predecessor, Richard Chapman, who acted as an excellent model of commitment to the work of the Association. Congratulations to Keith Skivington who was elected as Vice Chair and Beryl Sharlot who was re-elected as Honorary Treasurer at the Council meeting in July 2010. At that meeting we welcomed Dr Helen Caswell, Ron Rosenhead and Ian Walker as new members of Council. They have all been able to use their skills and expertise to enhance the work of the Council.
Within an economic climate that continues to be challenging, our finances remain sound and we have been able to maintain and grow our services.This is largely due to the hard work of the Chief Executive, senior management team and Epilepsy Action staff, to whom I give my thanks. This year we said goodbye to Sue Blake, National Manager for Regional Services, and Monica Cooper, Epilepsy Services Manager. Between them they had given over 40 years of dedicated service to the charity and to people with epilepsy. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Sue and Monica for their significant contributions to the growth and success of the Association over the years. We have found worthy successors in Helen Murray-Sharpe and Angie Pullen, and hope that they enjoy a long and successful association with the charity.
Epilepsy Action would not achieve such success without the dedication, hard work and good will of our many supporters and volunteers.This includes the Council of Management, who give their time and skills voluntarily to ensure sound governance of the Association. Fundraising, raising awareness and supporting local communities are some of the many activities, carried out by individuals and through the branch network. This enables us to continue to provide much needed support, information and advice to people with epilepsy at a national and local level.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations enabled me to reflect on the growth of Epilepsy Action and the continuing impact that the charity has in all areas of the United Kingdom. The History Wall was a stunning record of our past achievements. New initiatives, such as the ‘Edwards’ awards for examples of good practice in education, and photographs and anecdotes from fundraising and branch events celebrate our present work. Visions of and wishes for the future were expressed during the national and regional conferences. They highlight the continuing need for an organisation which will act as a respected and forward-thinking representative for people with epilepsy. This is particularly important during a time of public spending restrictions and potential changes in service delivery. I believe that Epilepsy Action, with the support of its members and other stakeholders, will have the strength and vision to respond to these challenges.
June Massey
Chair, Council of Management
12 April 2011
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