Manor Park RFC - Promoted 2012-13

Blood loss and rugby go hand in hand – just ask our friend Gary Lakin from the match up with Coventry Welsh!
Cutting to the chase, the National Blood service is pitching up at Manor Court Baptist Church in Manor Court Road on Thursday, November 24 and again on Thursday, December 1.
Donor sessions run from 1.15pm until 3.30pm, and from 4.30pm until 7.30pm on both days.
Appointments can be made by visiting www.blood.co.uk, punching in your post code and finding the relevant session which suits you - or by calling 0300 123 23 23.
It’s better, from my experience, to pre-book because sometimes they have queues going out the door and it’s a wasted trip.
Obviously this is totally at your discretion – there is no obligation nor expectation for anyone to roll up their sleeves but it will make for a fantastic “good will” story for the papers and possibly bigger.
For those who haven’t given blood before, it’s virtually pain free except for a little scratch in the forearm area of your elbow.
You get free squash and biscuits, last time I had a penguin, and quavers. Winner.
Donating blood also doubles up as a bit of a check-up for yourself too, by screening your blood.
I see it as keeping some of my blood on standby should I ever need it 
For those who do wish to participate, please let me know when you have been successful in making an appointment so I can get an idea of numbers (manorparkrfc@hotmail.co.uk or 07792759180).
This would be press relations gold for the club, us doing something good ahead of the festive season – tis the season of good will and all that jazz.
All those who roll up their sleeves will be involved in a photograph too to be sent in to papers (again at your discretion).
Be sure to check on www.blood.co.uk if you are able to give blood – there are some guidelines but most of you should be fine.

Here are the guidelines (from website)
You should not give blood if:
You've already given blood in the last 12 weeks (normally, you must wait 16 weeks).
You have a chesty cough, sore throat or active cold sore.
You're currently taking antibiotics or you have just finished a course within the last seven days or have had any infection in that last two weeks.
You've had hepatitis or jaundice in the last 12 months.
You've had a tattoo, semi-permanent make up or any cosmetic treatments that involves skin piercing in the last 4 months.
You have had acupuncture in the last 4 months, unless this was done within the NHS or by a qualified Healthcare Professional registered with a statutory body.
A member of your family (parent, brother, sister or child) has suffered with CJD (Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease). To view the position statement on CJD click here.
You've ever received human pituitary extract (which was used in some growth hormone or fertility treatments before 1985).
You have received blood or think you may have received blood during the course of any medical treatment or procedure anywhere in the world since 1st January 1980.

You may not be able to give blood if:
You've had a serious illness or major surgery in the past or are currently on medication. Please discuss this with the clinical staff. The reason you're taking medicines may prevent you from donating.
You've had complicated dental work. Simple fillings are OK after 24 hours, as are simple extractions after 7 days.
You've been in contact with an infectious disease or have been given certain immunisations in the last four weeks.
You're presently on a hospital waiting list or undergoing medical tests.
You do not weigh over 50kgs (7st 12) – sorry Liam.

Leave it with you fellas - hopefully see as many of you there as possible :-)