Generosity at AGM

Barbara Bardsley, Steve Allen and George Cowper, with cheques.

At the Annual General Meeting of the branch, held on 8 July 2002 in Chester-le-Street Civic Centre, Treasurer Steve Allen was pleased to accept two cheques, one from Cllr George Cowper, last year's Mayor of Durham City, and from Barbara Bardsley whose Scottish walking exploits were used to raise money for the branch.

Cllr Cowper chose the branch as one of his mayoral charities during his year of office which benefited from fund raising activities across the City of Durham throughout the year from May 2001 to May 2002. Cllr and Mrs Cowper came to the AGM to present the cheque for over £9,000 to delighted branch Treasurer Steve Allen.

An amazing individual effort was that of Barbara Bardsley who walked the 95 miles from Glasgow to Fort William, braving both the heat and rain of Scotland in all its variety and clambering over rocks at Loch Lomond. She set off on 27 May and found the walk a "wonderful experience" and she described the scenery as "out of this world", the walk worth it for that alone, apart from the £300 raised. Barbara works for the NHS and is Head of Mental Health and Learning, Disability Strategy. When asked why she chose to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society, she said, "I admire the work you do and it's such a worthwhile cause." The branch is extremely grateful to both Barbara and George for their commitment and generosity.

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Cllr Bill Laverick, Cllr Joe Knight and Mrs Knight.

The guest speaker was Brian Key of the Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust, who gave a very interesting and relevant presentation about the work of the PCT especially in relation to dementia and carers. He too praised the work of the Alzheimer's Society and said investment of both older people and mental health was increasing.

The Alzheimer's Society's Assistant Regional development Officer for the North of England, Sheila Crawford, was in attendance at the meeting to oversee the elections o f officers and committee. All current positions were re-elected.