Where has the year gone? As we get busier the years go quicker. That’s my theory!!.

We welcome new and old members to the Association and trust that you are finding us supportive and caring. We look forward to input from you if you have suggestions that would help our organisation function more efficiently. Dorothy would welcome new ideas from family members for support groups and other activities.

Our Wellington Association has had a very active year. This year we have had Dr Richard faull visit us to explain new and interesting research.

We continue with our Amaryllis Bulb fundraising and lots of applications to other funding organisations too. Our newsletter continues to provide a vital link to the HD community and we thank Bernie Degerholm of Wellington for his dedeication to it.

The BNZ has donated a used computer and electric typewriter which we will find very useful.

Our swimming therapy sessions have once again proved very popular and we thank Ros Batchelor for her input into these sessions. Two new drivers, Sheryl Perera and Margaret Hoare, have made transport to and from the pool a lot easier this year, and we thank them for their involvement. As well as swimming therapy this year we have trialed a music therapy group. It has been very encouraging to see participants thoroughly enjoying these sessions. They are very interactive sessions using music as the main medium. Mary Brookes’ knowledge and enthusiasm has been a great asset and much appreciated by those involved. These sessions will continue next year.

Our book ‘Genes and Generations’ continues to sell well with lots of orders from overseas. Next year we are publishing an exciting addition to our work. It is the diet book. It will be selling for $5.00 and will provide very useful information for not only HD clients but also people with other dietary needs.

Earlier this year Dorothy attended a conference in Sheffield, England. She found it both stimulating and informative. It is always worthwhile for our organisation to share our thoughts and dreams with others in similar organisations.

As our work expands we find ourselves needing further helpers. This year we have employed a part-time social worker in both Wanganui and Hawkes Bay. We welcome Jane Harkness and Sandy Dunlop. Thank you for your commitment and interest in HD. Our Blenheim and Nelson areas have been very active also.

As we look towards 1997 we can see another year of progress, development, involvement and a commitment to work and learn together. To this end we are hoping to have a conference in Wellington in August or September, which will coincide with the international conference in Australia. It is our desire to invite some of those attending the international conference to stop in Wellington and speak to our families, caregivers and professionals. We are also planning a Young Peoples Camp in April at Waikanae.

Our support groups will continue and new support groups will be formed.

We have planned two very exciting pieces of research. The Association see these two issues as vital in our continued growth and development. The first is research into Predictive Testing and all that entails. For this we have been successful in being awarded a grant from the Health Research Coucil of New Zealand. The second involves research into the value of youth activities. Alison Gray is to undertake these research projects. We thank Alison for all the work she has already done in applying for the funding and we are delighted with her ongoing commitment to the HD Association.

Dorothy and I would like to thank all those involved in caring for our families and HD clients, and we’d especially like to thank our committee of hard working, dedicated people.

Wishing you all a hot and relaxing summer.