BUDOCK WATER: WOMAN'S INSTITUTE: Derek Murphy gave the ladies a very enlightening and informative talk on the Merlin Project and how they can help MS sufferers. He told members that they now own the site, and have full planning permission, to build a day care centre. Unfortunately they don't have sufficient funds for the building to commence due to restraints and restrictions, all the money needed has to be in place beforehand. The Lottery turned down their request for funds, so in spite of having £1,000,000 in hand more is still needed to begin work.

He told members that MS is scarring of the nervous system so impulses cannot pass up or down the nerve. The cause of this is unknown. Many theories are brought forward but, so far, none apply in all cases. Eighty-five per cent of the sufferers start in the 20-40 year age group and the ratio is three women to two men. A genetic element seems to be the most likely factor, especially in Cornwall and the Orkney Islands. In these areas there are double the number of cases than in any other area in the country.

There is no day centre in Cornwall, the nearest is in Exeter and the long journey is too tiring for many Cornish people, there are 560 sufferers west of Bodmin.

A day centre can help these people immensely with both orthodox and complementary therapies.

Dr Murphy was thanked by Mrs Blake and the president then presented him with a cheque for the money raised at the coffee morning held in August.

Earlier in the evening, Mrs Bryant, the president, welcomed members to the autumn session. Unfortunately the picnic lunch and barbecue had to be cancelled due to bad weather. However six members did visit the China Clay Museum at Wheal Martin and had an interesting afternoon made all the more so by an excellent guide.

Members were reminded about the group meeting on October 24.

The coffee morning in August proved a great success both with members and villagers who supported it. Mrs Bryant thanked all who helped and a substantial sum was given to the Merlin Project, as mentioned earlier.

The meeting, after the usual tasty supper, closed at 10pm.