Wiltshire, Hampshire and Islands Regional Committee
The Committee of the Region, all of whom are volunteers, is listed below.
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Mr. Nigel Bulpitt
Diagnosed in 1987, Nigel has been a national member for many years but when he saw the vacancy for regional chairman he decided to take the plunge and become actively involved in the work of the society. Nigel introduces himself in the highlights to the right of this page.
01420 22725
Nigel.Bulpitt@BTConnect.Com
Mrs Caroline Birch
Caroline was co-founder of the Lymington and District branch in 1989 and has served on its committee in most roles including that of chairman from 1998 to 2005. In addition to her role as secretary to the regional committee, she is support officer to the Lymington branch and editor to both the branch and regional newsletters.
01590 623 933
birchsj@clara.co.uk
Mr Michael Bray
Mike was diagnosed with MS in 1993 but continued full time working until 2000. With more time on his hands he gradually became involved with the MS Society initially with the Farnborough branch and following a house move, with Lymington. In 2005 he became Chairman of this branch and due to his dabbling in IT, in 2006 he was co-opted to look after the regional website.
02380 848 135
mssociety@braymt.plus.com
Mr Graham Hewitt
Graham has been involved with MS for more than 40 years. In 1981 he was a founder member of the Gosport and Fareham branch, was chairman for 18 years and is now President of the branch. He was a member of the MS Society National Board for 7 years and has been on the WH&I regional committee since its inception.
02392 581 406
graham@grahamhewitt7.wandoo.co.uk
Steve Beeching
Steve a retired company director first became involved in MS following his wife, Yvonne's diagnosis in 1996. Steve is currently secretary and vice chair of the Southampton Branch.
02380 454542
steve.beeching@btconnect.com
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Mr Bernard Simmons
Bernard has been involved with MS for more than 40 years, as his sister and family were affected by it. Following a move with his wife Sally to the Winchester District (Alresford) in 1988, he has been a volunteer, committee member and, since 1999, Chairman of the local branch. When the WH&I regional committee was set up Bernard was a founder member and helped ensure its successful launch.
01962 735 323
bernard.simmons@tiscali.co.uk
Our new Chairman introduces himself
Originally qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, most of my career was in large businesses of various types. My experience lies in finance, company secretarial and general management. During this time I developed two beliefs when it comes to people in an organisation. Firstly, everyone is capable of more than they think given enough support and encouragement, and secondly that most organisation structures should be upside down! Top management’s job is to support those working for them and so on until we come to the really important people, the customers – or in the case of the MS Society the PwMS and PaMS, and the branch volunteers who do such an excellent job.
I myself was diagnosed in 1987 but I am lucky, I have the benign form. Even so, MS causes me and those I love great difficulties (unless it’s just my natural character!). So, perhaps it was the realisation of what others more affected than myself must be going through that led me to volunteer to take on the role of Regional Chair. After all, I am an experienced chairman, but give me a year and then ask the others!
I am a national member and have no affiliation with – or experience of – any branch. This ensures that I have no preconceptions and no pet hobby horses to ride. So, my time will be spent learning about what goes on in branches and in the region, gathering views and comments and forming opinions and ideas.
Aside from the family, wine is my great passion. No, not just quaffing it but learning about it and how to appreciate it. I hope I will have the chance to meet with many of you during the year and perhaps share a glass or two.
Do you have something to offer?
Think you've got what it takes to join the team. If so please contact
Jenny Gee or
Caroline Birch.
Wilts, Hants & Islands Website
If you have comments or queries regarding the content of the Wiltshire, Hampshire and Islands Regional website, please email
Mike Bray.
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