Life in New Zealand with a Stroke

by David G. Ray

July sees the end of our 2003/4 twelve months of operation for the Lower Hutt Stroke Club. This month we had the annual general meeting where the members of our Club listened to our President's Annual Report of our activities. As Treasurer I presented the statement of accounts and sought the members approval for both reports. The election of the club executive for the 2004/5-year was conducted and, as seems to be usual, no one put their name forward. It seems to me that as long as members do not want to be involved in any arrangements or committee work, they are quite happy. To me being involved in more than just appearing at twice weekly meetings. It is great therapy and makes me feel as though I am achieving a positive contribution to the welfare of the club and its members.

Our guest speaker this month was Keith Quinn who usually addresses us every year. He is a very entertaining speaker and always attracts a large turnout not only from the normal members but also from those who do not come regularly. Keith is a well-known rugby commentator. He commented on involvement in the Athens Olympic Games by New Zealand athletes. He has promised to return to the club and give us detains of his experience in Athens. He is an excellent speaker and always attracts a full turnout of members.

The Lower Hutt club is one of a group of such clubs throughout New Zealand. As in other parts of the world, Stroke Clubs help members meet other stroke survivors, listen to speakers of both entertainment and informative value and go on outings to places of interest. Our club is part of New Zealand's central region. It produces a quarterly newsletter setting out interesting and general information of relevance to stroke survivors in the district. In turn on the national stroke scene the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand produces "Forward, Reducing the risks-improving the outcome", a publication of general interest to all stroke survivors. Finally I produce a monthly newsletter of relevance to Lower Hutt Stroke Club members only. Members who eagerly look forward to each issue welcome all publications.

The Stroke Network, Inc.

P.O. Box 492 Abingdon, Maryland 21009