Local Events

The Group arranges a variety of meetings, social and fund-raising events throughout the year, at various locations around the county. All are open to all of our members and to family, friends and supporters ... well, anyone who would like to come along really! All the events are relaxed and friendly and provide a good opportunity to meet others, have a chat, and enjoy the company of good friends who understand the needs of Lupus sufferers.

Sometimes we also provide support to other events, especially where some kind group, organisation or sports club is putting on a charity fund-raising event for our benefit.

We try to have events in different parts of the county when possible, and if you could offer any help this would be very welcome indeed. For example, quite a few of our members and supporters arrange Coffee Meetings or similar easy-to-run events from time to time at venues local to them, or even at their own homes. Assistance at other events is also very much appreciated.

Fund-Raising Raffles: Whenever the opportunity arises, we include a fund-raising raffle in most events. Generally, just about everyone manages to take a prize home, which rounds the event off nicely, and some useful contributions towards Group and National funds are collected. We mostly rely on donations from members, friends and supporters for the prizes, so if you can help please ring Carol Berkhauer on 01202 303557.

Transport: If anyone would like to attend any of these events but would have problems getting there, phone Debbie on 01202 877390 as we may be able to get another member to collect you (and if you are willing to share your transport for someone else to join you on a trip to a meeting, please let Debbie know that too. Thanks).

Saturday 20 February 2010
Racing Night At: The Nightjar, Canford Cliffs, POOLE BH13 7HX. Location Map When: 7:30pm (or you are welcome to eat earlier if you wish) Description: Just like a real "day at the races". You can "buy" a horse and become an Owner, or book a ride as a Jockey, in advance - that way you'll win prizes when your horse comes first. See the attached Racecard. And you can back horses on the night for modest stakes, maybe as little as 50p-Ł1, to have a flutter without losing your shirt. Debbie has spoken to several people about this type of event and they all say that it is always tremendous fun, so do come along and join us. Bring along your friends and family too as the more the merrier. We will also have a Raffle in aid of Dorset Lupus. Contact: Debbie Steel on 01202 877390 for further details
Saturday 20 March 2010
Coffee Morning + Talk At: The Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton, nr BLANDFORD, DT11 8RX. Location Map When: 10:30am Description: This is a lovely pub out in the countryside off the Wimborne-Blandford Road that goes past Badbury Rings. We thought that it would be easier to reach for some of our 'country members' for whom the Christcurch / Bournemouth / Poole venues can be a bit too far travel, whilst it will make a very pleasant trip out, not too far away, for those who do live in Christchurch etc. Apart from our usual coffee morning get together, with coffee and cakes, there will also be a Holistic Therapist to talk to us about all sorts of alternative therapies. As usual, family and friends are welcome so do come along and meet everyone. Contact: Debbie Steel on 01202 877390 for further details
Friday 26 March 2010
Skittles Night with a Fish & Chips Supper At: Wimborne Town Football Club, Cuthbury, Cowgrove Road, WIMBORNE BH21 4EL. Location Map When: 7:30pm Description: Mary Hosking-Ellis and her friend Leahn Sharman are running in the London Marathon in April to raise funds for Lupus UK in memory of Mary's late mum, Margaret Hosking, whom most of you will remember as our previous chairperson and a dear friend to all fellow lupus patients. They are hosting this Skittles Night and all profits will to go to Lupus UK as part of the sponsorship for their run. The cost is just Ł8 and includes Fish, Veggie Burger or Sausage, all with chips. Contact: Mary on 01202 886664 for further details and to place your food order (she needs to know numbers in advance).
Saturday 10 April 2010
AGM + Talk by Dr Neil Hopkinson Venue & Time to be confirmed (watch this space or see our next newsletter) Descripton: The feature of the afternoon will be a talk by Dr Neil Hopkinson, the Lupus Consultant at Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals. He fascinated us a few years ago with a talk on his research work, and has agreed to come and talk to us again about lupus. This is an occasion not to be missed as he will be highly informative about lupus and has a wide-ranging knowledge about the condition and the latest developments in its treatment. Tea and cakes will be served. Preceding his talk we'll have our Annual General Meeting to briefly review the past year and elect a new committee. New committee members are always needed and welcome ... this doesn't need to be an onerous task as we only meet three or four times a year and it is always good to have other points of view and new suggestions. Contact: Debbie Steel on 01202 877390 for further details