West Berkshire Neurological Alliance AGM

I was invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the West Berkshire Neurological Alliance at the Frank Hutchings Hall, Thatcham at 7.30pm on 3 September. I was welcomed by David Roberts, the Chairman and by John Holt, their Liaison Officer. The Alliance represents a collection of organizations such as the Motor Neurone Disease Association, Stroke Care, Parkinsons Disease Association and Alzheimer's Society. Also attending was the Mayor and Mayoress of Thatcham.
The Chairman reported a busy year with progress in many areas. There was a positive evaluation of the role of Specialist Neurology Nurse for Rare and Complex Conditions. WBNA was awarded £10,000 from the European Social Fund to investigate the demand for hydro-therapy and the feasibility of holding and running a hydro-therapy pool in the Newbury/Thatcham area. He thanked the President and Patrons and Committee Members for their hard work and expressed his gratitude for administration assistance from Community Action West Berkshire.
After the Treasurers Report and election of Officers, the Chairman introduced a guest speaker, Dr James Cave, who is a GP at Cheiveley. His subject was "Why diseases are bad for our health", a provocative look at the Health industry. In his speech, he gave examples on how some countries reacted in a different way from others when confronted with a flu epidemic, and how drug companies were so good at marketing their product that Governments buy lots of this product unnecessarily.
It was an interesting evening and the small number of people present were obviously stimulated by Dr Cave's talk.