The AGM and National Conference held in September was a friendly and informative one with delegates attending from North and South. Quite a small conference but full of variety as the presenters covered a wide range of Polio related topics.

• A representative from the Office Of Disability Issues spoke on their role within Government. Lively discussion followed.

• Professor Richard Faull presented his research on the brain. An enthralling session.

• The AGM resulted in the re-election of Edith Morris as president and a full board of management remains in place with a new member John Forbes added.

• The after dinner speaker Maggie Jack entertained us with her humour about the delicate matter of incontinence.

• Philippa Werry spoke about and read from her newly released book “Enemy at the Gate” to a very hushed audience. Most relived their own experiences of polio as she read, and then lined up for her book signing.

• Jo Maling demonstrated useful appliances and gadgets provided through the Disability Information Service Centre in Wellington.

• A remit about the of service provided by DHB’s Orthotic department was discussed with frustration being expressed by most.

• Susan Kerr, a board of management member, reported on the International Conference in America, which she attended earlier in the year. She also gave brief results of the New Zealand wide questionnaire which continues to be collated and analysed.

• The editor of Polio News, David Whyte gave a glimpse of his life in his “Polio Reflections.”

• The Conference closed with an address about previous attempts to lobby the Government for a Centre of Excellence by Dr Liz Falkner, the medical advisor to our society.

Though small, the Conference was a great encouragement to those who attended.

Keep watching for more details on all of these sessions in our next issue of Polio News.

DVD recordings can be ordered from  http://www.faithnet.co.nz/tapes/pps09.html