Post Polio Syndrome (PPS) is a neurological condition that can occur in people who have had Polio. People may develop new symptoms of increasing weakness, stamina problems, fatigue and pain.

The IPV vaccine uses inactive (not live) Polio virus and does not cause Polio. Polio vaccine, given multiple times as per advice, almost always protects for life.

Our information for Healthcare Profressionals includes essential information for those dealing with PPS for the first time or wanting to find out more. Find out more here.

Dear Fellow Member,

So much has been happening (as you are aware) and now is the time to update you. We would appreciate it if you could share whatever information you wish with your colleagues.

Office move (Monday 1st July 2019). The new address is C.P house, Otterspool Way, Watford By-Pass, Watford, WD25 8HR. Our freephone number 0800 043 1935 will remain the same as will ‘Freepost British Polio Fellowship’. New numbers are as follows. Main number 01923889501. When individual staff numbers have been sorted these will be printed on page 3 of the Summer bulletin.

Property matters. At the time of writing both sales are yet to be finalised but are in the last stages!

Indoor games. It is proposed to hold the 2020 games at the usual venue, the Leicester Marriot Hotel on the weekend 13th/14th/15th March 2020. Can we now make a plea for VOLUNTEERS to help in any way possible (especially supervising the actual activities) if anyone is interested please contact Kripen at Head Office who sits on the games committee. We have held the cost to members for two years but have been notified by the hotel of increased charges, we are reluctantly forced to increase the charge to £120.00 per person.

Trustee elections. At the board meeting in May, Andy Mack, who made a superb contribution since he was elected in 2016 said that due to the pressure of work (he is a full-time partner in a major audit company) he would not be seeking re-election. Such is the pressure of his current job that he needs to step down at once. The board immediately agreed to co-opt Mr Terry Blackman who was an independent director of our sales company (BPFT). Terry is a retired auditor and brings experience and continuity to replace Andy Mack. Terry’s co-option is just until the new board meets in September. This brings us to the current trustee elections for the next three-year period 2019-2022. We have received four valid nominations for the five vacancies and so there is no need for an election. Their appointment will be ratified at the AGM in September. This will mean that we have seven future trustees, and if this presents any operating difficult then the board will take necessary action.

Staff changes. We said goodbye to Linda Davis in early April and thank her both as an employee and a Polio member for her 10 years of service. Sadly, we are also about to lose Diane Ware who is retiring. Diane has been with the BPF for the last 22 years and has made contact and friendship with so many of you, we wish her (and Linda) great happiness and health in the arms of their families. We welcome young Matthew Thomas who will take over a wide range of admin roles. We congratulate Matthew and Clarissa on the birth of their new daughter.

At the risk of repeating ourselves, and getting on your nerves, can we remind everyone about the vital importance to the Fellowship of regular income. Our magnificent staff, and the trustees have managed to reduce spending in 2019 by 60% We are already working on the 2020 budget but can only guess at the income. Please encourage wherever and whenever you can the payment of the new annual subscription it is our lifeline.

To close as a message to all our officers and members out in the field (and carers, volunteers and families). Thank you for what you do and have done. Without you we could not have survived. Our branches are our roots, bless you all.

David Mitchell,
On behalf of the trustees


P.S. We (The Trustees and CO) remain committed to providing core membership services and are working towards the following objectives

• A support organisation for members, social welfare information and advice
• The provider of grants/funds e.g. heating, holidays etc
• A campaigner to raise awareness of PPS. By ourselves or in partnership with others e.g. education of the medical profession via the Expert Panel.
• A campaigner to promote accessibility for travel by ourselves or in partnership
with others.