29/12/07 Deal or no Deal – the Premiere Over 100 supporters turned up at the Samson Centre on Saturday 29th December to watch the "Christmas Stars" edition of the popular Channel 4 game show "Deal or No Deal" on a specially set up big screen. The reason? This particular Christmas Star was none other than MSTG(G) chairman John Hambly, who had been chosen from more than 15,000 nominees to take part in the show. On the show itself, which was filmed over two days in Bristol in November, John was aided and abetted in his endeavours by 21 "box-openers" chosen from friends and family, including several associated with the Centre. Unfortunately, Lady Luck deserted him during the game and he came away with considerably less in prize money than he (and his family!) had hoped for. However, in typical fashion, he very generously donated a percentage of his winnings to the Centre. He tells us that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and hopes that his appearance will help to raise the profile of the Samson Centre. The number of people who came to the Centre on the 29th, many of whom had taken part in the show, was a testament to the high regard in which John is held - or was it that they just wanted to see their own 15 minutes of fame on the big screen? Whatever the reason, it was a great evening, which in itself swelled the Centre’s funds by a furher £300. Special thanks are due to Peter Morley, who provided vast quantities of delicious chilli con carne with which to feed the hungry horde. Read more – reports by John and "box-opener" Carol Kitching 08/12/07 Christmas Fayre – Milford Village Hall The 2007 Christmas Fayre in aid of the MSTG(G)’s Samson Centre was held on Saturday 8th December. The venue was the Milford Village Hall, just across the road from Secrett’s Farm Shop, scene of many a successful collection in the past. The teams running the stalls in the hall were bolstered by a "hit squad" handing out flyers to unsuspecting Milfordites entering & leaving Secrett’s, which ensured a steady stream of visitors to the hall, despite the decidedly inclement weather. The hall hosted a great variety of stalls, all dedicated to making as much money for Samson as possible. Despite the miserable weather, which probably reduced the numbers a little bit, the morning was a great success and raised £1,215.30 for the centre. Well done to the organisers, led by the redoubtable Helen Brodbin, and thanks to all those who gave up their time to support this event. Read more about the event, and view more pictures! 23/11/07 Milford Quiz Night MSTG(G) chairman John Hambly (pictured third from right, together with other contestants) looks justifiably pleased at the success of Friday’s quiz night, held at the Milford & Villages Day Centre. The event, which was attended by 140 quizzers all eager to show off their encylopaedic knowledge of matters animal, vegetable and mineral, raised £1,015, which was split between the MSTG(G) and St. John’s Church Milford. For the first time, the event was sponsored (by Robertson’s Electrical of Bramley, which meant that we were able to present the victorious team, the Ladyboys (pictured below, looking even more pleased than John!), with an engraved crystal trophy and a few bottles of wine. 20/10/07 The Brodbin wedding’s over! The whole of the MS Therapy Group (Guildford) heaved a sigh of relief when Saturday 22nd September had passed – the year of sharing Samson physio Helen Brodbin’s stress preparing for her daughter Alison's wedding was finally over. The Mother of the Bride (MOB) had eventually found an outfit, and the shoes arrived with only days to spare. The wedding was a wonderful day: the weather was kind, everything went to plan, and all were happy. The Father of the Bride managed to get one mention of the Samson Centre into his speech, which led to an amazed conversation between Frances and Clive Noel – Frances is a friend of Alison’s from university and Clive only recently completed an epic cycle ride from Paris to Guildford in aid of the Samson centre (see below). What a coincidence! Helen reports that everyone now has Repetitive Strain Injury from viewing the online photos! 15/10/07 Rugby World Cup update The sacrifice shown by the Crowther-Smiths and the Fardells on the 6th October in choosing to take part in the Waitrose Godalming collection instead of watching the England/Australia match continued to pay dividends at the weekend as the rugby gods once again rewarded underdogs England with a fine win against the much-vaunted French. Dare we hope that our credit stretches to a third match and England can once again lift the Webb Ellis trophy? We shall soon know! 13/10/07 Now that’s what I call dedication! • Rugby fanatics Charlie & Fleur Crowther-Smith, together with Jim & Mary Fardell, inadvertently signed up to do their bit for the Godalming Waitrose collection slap bang in the middle of the vital England-Australia World Cup quarterfinal clash and missed most of the match as a result. However, their dedication to the Samson cause did not go unrewarded, as not only did the collection raise a very healthy £813.97, but, against all the odds, England pulled off an unlikely 12-10 win against the much fancied Australians. Let's hope that the gods are still smiling when England play France in the semi-final!.   • A number of runners took part in the British 10k Run in London on the 1st July to raise money for Samson, and this week saw the news that Andy Smillie had raised £300 as a result of his efforts. Very well done, Andy! 03/10/07 September updates • The weather could have been better for the Secrett’s collection in Milford, but at least it didn't rain the whole time! Collectors were in place at both the Garden Centre (where the staff very kindly took pity on one of our bedraggled-looking volunteers and brought her a very welcome cup of coffee) and the Farm Shop, and the sum of £519.99 was raised – a little bit down on last year’s collection there, but a splendid sum nonetheless. Thanks again to all concerned.   • Following the news, reported on the 6th September, that Steve Perrott and Allister Macdonald had raised £1,300 from their walk along the Great Glen Way from Inverness to Fort William, a letter arrived at the Samson Centre last week from Allister’s employers, The Royal Bank of Scotland, enclosing a cheque for another £500 as part of their "matched giving" scheme. The grand total therefore stands at £1,800 – a truly magnificent effort, and one for which we are all very grateful. 08/09/07 Did they really cycle from Paris to Guildford? The photo above shows Peter Jones (left) and Clive Noel (right) with MSTG(G) chairman John Hambly just minutes after completing their epic cycle ride from Paris to Guildford in aid of the Samson Centre. Despite what John might claim, they’re propping him up, not the other way round. That’s no mean feat after cycling 170 miles in two days, yet they both look as fresh as daisies. The final total has yet to be confirmed, but early indications are that they raised in excess of £2,000 between them - well done and huge thanks to them both for their support from all at the Samson Centre. Speaking of support, a large number of MSTG(G) members gathered at the Centre to cheer them home and take part in a late summer barbecue to mark the event. Read more about the ride and the BBQ 06/09/07 Fundraising updates • The usual suspects were once again out in force on the streets on Saturday 1st, this time in Haslemere, raising the sum of £428.87. Many thanks to those of you who were willing and able to give up an hour of your time to help the Samson Centre in this way.   • We reported in June that Steve Perrott and Allister Macdonald had raised £1,100 from their walk along the Great Glen Way from Inverness to Fort William. Allister has just sent us a cheque for another £200 (bringing the total raised so far to £1,300, with the news that his employer has promised a further contribution. Thanks again to both of you.