"STOP PRESS" The BLESMA Atlantic Challenge 2005 comes to a succesful conclusion after 20 days at sea.
BLESMA is a National Charity, Registered Charity Number 1084189 for Limbless and Ex-Service Men and Women, their dependants and Widows. The objectives of the Association are to promote the welfare of all those of either sex who have lost a limb or limbs, or one or both eyes, or the use of limbs as a result of service in any branch of Her Majesty's Forces or Auxiliary Forces and to assist needy dependants of such service limbless. We will also help those who lose a limb after service.
Today, BLESMA are aiding thousands of amputees of all ages. From those who served during WWII, to recent conflicts and peace keeping missions.
Categories of Membership are:
Ordinary Member Shall be open to all those Serving and Ex-Serving Men and Women who, whilst serving or as a result of Service in any branch of HM Forces or Auxiliary Forces:
Have lost a limb or an eye
Have permanent loss of speech, hearing or sight of an eye or the use of a limb. Within the context of Membership, "permanent" shall mean not less than 80% loss of speech, hearing or sight
Associate Member Shall be open to:
All Men and Women of civilian status who lose a limb or an eye as a result of War Service or enemy action
All Ex-Service Men and Women who have lost a limb or an eye other than through Service related causes
Honorary Member Shall be open by invitation of the Trustees to all Men and Women who accept and support the objects of the Association except that such category of Member shall only have the right to vote when holding or occupying a Branch Appointment.
The Association needs to raise a minimum of 1 million pounds each year within the parameters of the objects of the Association. Included amongst these are the following
a. Provide permanent residential and convalescent holiday accommodation through its two nursing and residential Homes at Blackpool and Crieff in Perthshire.
b. Provide a counselling service to individuals pre and post amputations.
c. Furnish advice on Pensions, Allowances, make representation to Government Departments on individual entitlements and, where necessary, represent Members and their dependants at Pensions Appeal Tribunals.
d. Provide financial assistance to Members and Widows in the form of Grants
e. Plan and organise rehabilitation programmes for the Amputee.
f. Assist in finding suitable employment for Amputees.
g. Provide limited funding for research and development into artificial limbs and in the training of prosthetists and orthotists.
h. Act as a Consumer Watchdog in respect of the provision of artificial limbs, wheelchairs and appliances.
The invaluable support of many, enables BLESMA to continue its work and maintain a high level of care for those who wish to lead a normal life.
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 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2004
A report on our AGM held this year at the Hilton Hotel, Swindon where we were joined by our friends from the Federation Des Amputes De Guerre De France, represented by Colonel Jean Baby, Monsieur Maurice Desmier and their respective ladies. Sunday, September 26, 2004
SUMMER 2004 BLESMAG EDITORIAL
The latest thoughts and opinions of the General Secretary from the Summer Edition of BLESMAG. Wednesday, September 1, 2004
SPRING 2004 BLESMAG EDITORIALLY SPEAKING
Read about the promotion of our National President The Duke of Westminster, new Trustee appointed, the thoughts and comments of the General Secretary and change of Area Welfare Officer for the South West of England. Monday, May 17, 2004
RECENT FUNDRAISING FOR THE ASSOCIATION
A round-up of recent events and activities undertaken on behalf of BLESMA reviewed by the General Secretary. Sunday, May 16, 2004
ADVENTURE IN THE SKIES
BLESMA Member Paul Burns, late of the Parachute Regiment is prepared to organise a Tandem Skydive for anyone interested. Paul was blown up and lost a leg in Northern Ireland. Sunday, May 16, 2004
BLESMA ATLANTIC CHALLENGE 2005
A new Rehabilitation Challenge - the Atlantic Ocean. A BLESMA crew, all amputees, intends to go "one better" than the Fastnet Challenge of 2001 by participating in a transatlantic yacht race, The ARC 2005. Sunday, May 16, 2004
KOREAN WAR - A FORGOTTEN CAMPAIGN
The General Secretary provides a foreword to the attendance of a BLESMA Member at the Service of Remembrance , Westminster Abbey. Monday, September 1, 2003
PILGRIMAGE TO THE FALKLANDS ISLANDS
A moving experience told in his own words by John Phillips DSC of his visit to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Falklands Campaign. Saturday, March 15, 2003
70th ANNIVERSARY CAROL CONCERT
A glittering occasion at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks at which we were graced by the presence of HRH Prince Philip who read the lesson. Sunday, March 2, 2003
NEW YEARS HONOURS FOR BLESMA
We would like to congratulate Jim Keating, the National Welfare Officer on his award of the OBE and Deryk Lister of the Huddersfield Branch on his award of the MBE in the recent New Year’s Honours List. Both were particularly well deserved. Saturday, March 1, 2003
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British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association
