Hello all.
Following on from the Aberdeen SANDS Annual General Meeting 2004 you should note the above changes in committee. The AGM was held on the 22nd September in Westhill, and the turnout was pretty poor with only 8 people there, mainly current committee members. We understand that everyone has busy lives, but so do we, and for the health and long life of this local support group, we really do need people to start considering helping out. Otherwise come next year the group may find itself in distress, as was the case last year. The current situation is exactly why people don't want to volunteer, because they are worried that they will be stuck doing a job for years - and this is inherently what is happening at Aberdeen SANDS. It would be nice to think everyone did a year then passed the duties on - nothing done on the committee at SANDS is rocket science, and does not take up a huge amount of time either - when shared. Please please consider doing something to help.
The phone line has been working well and we have had a few newly bereaved parents befriended by volunteers. Hopefully we may see them at future meetings when they feel strong enough to chat about their losses.
We recently funded the implementation of two BT incoming phone lines into two of the rooms in the Rubislaw Ward. This will allow parents some privacy to receive calls.
As you will have noted by our mail shot - the annual Trinity Memorial service will not be happening in October this year. Due to Aberdeen F.C home fixtures, the decision was made to move the service to June, which will be more beneficial to all in attendance.
The Christmas Memorial Service will be held at the Chapel in ARI, on Sunday 5th December 2004 at 11am. The service will be led, as usual by Revd. Fred Coutts and his wonderful team of chaplains there at the hospital. Everyone is welcome to what is usually a very moving and reflective service. Coffee and cake is served afterwards.
The Next Pregnancy Group will be taken over by Kate Thorgilson in January 2005. A huge thanks to Julie Christie who has run this section so well in the past - you can have a rest now Julie!!
Memory pockets are running low in the Rubislaw Ward. There are some completed ones being delivered there next week. Kate Thorgilson will continue to create these with the excellent and very competent Valerie Stoddart assisting. Thanks to both ladies - these are invaluable. Our own Chairperson Sarah and her mother Jill have also completed some pockets to be handed over - thanks to you too ladies!
For information on headstones or kerb stones please contact Department of Burials and Cremations, ACC, St Nicholas House, Aberdeen, for order forms and pricing information or contact our own Lesley MacKay.
None to note.
Wendy and Digby Jones are delighted to announce the birth of Gareth Graham, born on the 8th August 2004, weighing in at a healthy 7lb 10oz. Gareth is a little brother for Reece and the late, beloved Matthew. Wendy had eclampsia after the birth of Gareth and is now recovering - we wish Wendy a speedy recovery and wish Wendy and Digby all the best with their new bundle
Should you wish to receive a card on the anniversary of your baby's death(s), please send your name and address, along with your babies name(s) and date of passing, to Helen O'Reilly, 12 Forvie Terrace, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB22 8TH. Tel 708198.
Please advise Karen whether you wish the card on your babies' birth(s) or death(s), if there is a difference in the dates.
The Open Garden at Sarah Morbey's mothers' home in Insch was fabulous - those of you who did not make it along missed out. There was a bouncy castle and tractor rides for the children and wonderfully delicious homebakes for the grownups!! Jill Pickup must have one of the most beautiful gardens in the north east of Scotland - it is truly a joy to wander round looking at the array of different and unusual plants and flowers. A huge effort went into making this a great day - and the weather behaved for the most part! Thank You so much to Jill Pickup and her neighbours, as well as Sarah and Paul who all made sure the day was a great success - again, the turnout was a little disappointing. However saying that, we still made in excess of £400 for the coffers - well done to all involved and again thank you to Jill for opening her garden and home to Aberdeen SANDS.
Sarah Moreby will be ordering SANDS Christmas cards and will be selling them to raise funds.
If you have any contributions for the next newsletter please give them or email them to me, Jennifer Milne by the end of February. Thank you. My email address is jen@jlmilne.freeserve.co.uk.