Our grateful thanks to our fabulous fundraisers:-
The Hampreston Teas raised an amazing £1031 for this year. Thank to everyone who got involved in the washing up, pouring tea, collecting trays and raising awareness of lupus.
Thanks to Shirley Merrett and her family for putting together the tombola at Poole Carnival, we had a lot of fun and raised £312 for lupus.
Past Local Events
October 3 'Meet and Greet' afternoon at The Thistle Hotel, Poole.
The weather was good and the view from the hotel overlooked the quay which was super. Carol Brumpton (lupus Nurse Specialist) began with a diagram of the body, she then handed out pieces of paper with different lupus symptoms and problems on and in turn each person read out their paper - these were then added to the body diagram, which was a great visual aid to see how the symptoms of lupus can affect the entire system. My husband, Stuart was given - I want to have a baby - quite funny you would think, however men with lupus, having treatment can affect their fertility so although we laughed it became quite clear that it could also be an issue for a man as well as a lady with lupus. We had a break for coffee and an opportunity to chat then Rose Smeeton (a patient representative) who has had lupus for 44+ years, told us her story. This was really fascinating learning how someone else copes with lupus on a daily basis and the support network she has around her to help her live a full and happy life... it was a truly inspiring talk and I thank Rose so much for sharing it with us.
The weather was good and the view from the hotel overlooked the quay which was super. Carol Brumpton (lupus Nurse Specialist) began with a diagram of the body, she then handed out pieces of paper with different lupus symptoms and problems on and in turn each person read out their paper - these were then added to the body diagram, which was a great visual aid to see how the symptoms of lupus can affect the entire system. My husband, Stuart was given - I want to have a baby - quite funny you would think, however men with lupus, having treatment can affect their fertility so although we laughed it became quite clear that it could also be an issue for a man as well as a lady with lupus. We had a break for coffee and an opportunity to chat then Rose Smeeton (a patient representative) who has had lupus for 44+ years, told us her story. This was really fascinating learning how someone else copes with lupus on a daily basis and the support network she has around her to help her live a full and happy life... it was a truly inspiring talk and I thank Rose so much for sharing it with us.
Open Garden Sat Feb 28th/Sun Mar 1st
The weather stayed good for us with no rain whatsoever over the whole weekend. Our homemade soups and hot chocolates sold well raising valuable funds for the group. It was good chance for us all to catch up.
The weather stayed good for us with no rain whatsoever over the whole weekend. Our homemade soups and hot chocolates sold well raising valuable funds for the group. It was good chance for us all to catch up.
Thai Chi in Weymouth, Saturday February 7th
This form of exercise has proved extremely popular in other regions, and we had been told by members that they would be interested in finding out more about this. However the attendance was poor although those that came along said they thoroughly enjoyed it.
This form of exercise has proved extremely popular in other regions, and we had been told by members that they would be interested in finding out more about this. However the attendance was poor although those that came along said they thoroughly enjoyed it.
New Year Supper Sun January 25th
We met at The Kings Arms in Longham for our New Year get-together. Quite a few of the older members attended, so it was nice to catch up. the food was excellent and the staff were extremely patient and attentive.
We met at The Kings Arms in Longham for our New Year get-together. Quite a few of the older members attended, so it was nice to catch up. the food was excellent and the staff were extremely patient and attentive.
Sat December 6th
The new venue for our Christmas Coffee Morning, Leigh Park Community Centre, proved successful - thanks to all those who came along.
The new venue for our Christmas Coffee Morning, Leigh Park Community Centre, proved successful - thanks to all those who came along.
Saturday November 15th
Our Coffee Morning at the Holiday Inn Express, Poole was well attended. A presentation was made to Carol, our Lupus Nurse, of some Pulse Oximeters to help at Christchurch Hospital. Charlie Monkcom, from My Health, then told is about the new service "My Health, My Way" - full details and photos in our Winter Newsletter.
Our Coffee Morning at the Holiday Inn Express, Poole was well attended. A presentation was made to Carol, our Lupus Nurse, of some Pulse Oximeters to help at Christchurch Hospital. Charlie Monkcom, from My Health, then told is about the new service "My Health, My Way" - full details and photos in our Winter Newsletter.
Sarah Dunstan, with her parents Sue and Joe, who organised their Information and Sale Stand in Sherborne on 4th Oct raising £450, despite the pouring rain. Well done Sarah!
OCTOBER
All of our Information Stands throughout October were sucessful. Thank you to all those who helped but also thank you to al those who came along to see us.
As you can see, right, the Sherborne Stand was successful financially as well as the number of people who turned out and came to talk, interested to find out more about lupus.
The Christchurch Stand attracted a number who were interested including someone from the Bournemouth and Christchurch NHS Trust who may be able to help us advertise our message throughout the hospitals. early days though.
Both stands at Bournemouth were busy and I would like to thank Carol Brumpton (Dorset lupus Nurse) as well, who joined us speaking to a number of patients/staff at the hospital. She also travelled to Dorchester to help support Rose dealing with enquiries and handing out leaflets
All of our Information Stands throughout October were sucessful. Thank you to all those who helped but also thank you to al those who came along to see us.
As you can see, right, the Sherborne Stand was successful financially as well as the number of people who turned out and came to talk, interested to find out more about lupus.
The Christchurch Stand attracted a number who were interested including someone from the Bournemouth and Christchurch NHS Trust who may be able to help us advertise our message throughout the hospitals. early days though.
Both stands at Bournemouth were busy and I would like to thank Carol Brumpton (Dorset lupus Nurse) as well, who joined us speaking to a number of patients/staff at the hospital. She also travelled to Dorchester to help support Rose dealing with enquiries and handing out leaflets
Wednesday 20th August: Haskins Garden Centre, Ferndown from 2.00p.m.
Apart from the 4 Committee Members who turned up, no one came along to see us
Apart from the 4 Committee Members who turned up, no one came along to see us
Sunday 3rd August and Wednesday 5th August 2014 NGS Open Garden at Manor Farm, Hampreston.
Both openings went well. Thank you to all those who came along to help. We raised over £550 over the 2 afternoons which will go to Lupus UK to aid research into finding a cure for Lupus.
A huge THANK YOU also to Anne and Guy Trehane who open their garden, and make all the wonderful cakes.
Both openings went well. Thank you to all those who came along to help. We raised over £550 over the 2 afternoons which will go to Lupus UK to aid research into finding a cure for Lupus.
A huge THANK YOU also to Anne and Guy Trehane who open their garden, and make all the wonderful cakes.
Wednesday 16th July: Haskins Garden Centre, Ferndown
Tamsin & Debbie were there, with a few others, to welcome any "drop in" visitors.
Tamsin & Debbie were there, with a few others, to welcome any "drop in" visitors.
Saturday 12th July: ANNUAL BOAT TRIP FROM POOLE QUAY TO WAREHAM The weather was perfect for our crossing to Wareham. Upon arrival we all went our separate ways - so some browsed around the market and the shops, whilst others had fish and chips or a picnic lunch. We arrived back at Poole by 4.00p.m. having had the most wonderfully relaxing afternoon. Thank you Ann for arranging this trip.
Thursday July 10th: BAGLIONNI'S COFFEE SHOP, SHERBORNE.
Sarah was there to welcome our members. She said "We all agreed it was a lovely event and are all keen to meet up again. Susan, from the cafe was so kind and had set up tables and was quick to get everyone a drink when they arrived. She is going to put our picture on her Facebook page. All there also offered to help my producing things (i.e. cakes etc) for our stall in Sherborne on 4th October to highlight Lupus Awareness Month.
October.
Sarah was there to welcome our members. She said "We all agreed it was a lovely event and are all keen to meet up again. Susan, from the cafe was so kind and had set up tables and was quick to get everyone a drink when they arrived. She is going to put our picture on her Facebook page. All there also offered to help my producing things (i.e. cakes etc) for our stall in Sherborne on 4th October to highlight Lupus Awareness Month.
October.
Wednesday 18th June: Informal social at Haskins Garden Centre, Ferndown
As well as 4 local members, Tamsin & Debbie were joined by a concerned father whose daughter had been diagnosed with lupus. Luckily for us he asked every redhead in the Restaurant area if they were Debbie Steel. His perseverence paid off as he finally found us, just as he was going to leave!
Lesson learnt, we shall be wearing our Lupus UK lanyards and badges around our necks and will sit in the Costa section.
As well as 4 local members, Tamsin & Debbie were joined by a concerned father whose daughter had been diagnosed with lupus. Luckily for us he asked every redhead in the Restaurant area if they were Debbie Steel. His perseverence paid off as he finally found us, just as he was going to leave!
Lesson learnt, we shall be wearing our Lupus UK lanyards and badges around our necks and will sit in the Costa section.
Saturday 8th June 2014: Manor Farm Opening
Once again, an enjoyable and busy afternoon. We were lucky and had excellent weather and managed to raise a further £304.62 for Lupus UK. thank you to all those who helped, as well as Ann & Guy Trehane
Once again, an enjoyable and busy afternoon. We were lucky and had excellent weather and managed to raise a further £304.62 for Lupus UK. thank you to all those who helped, as well as Ann & Guy Trehane
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Saturday 24th May 2014; Coffee & Chat at Milborne Port, near Sherborne.
The Coffee Morning was hosted by Janet & Paul Heath in their local Church Hall and, with the help of Sarah Dunstan and her family, made everyone feel most welcome. The homemade cakes were particularly tasty and all those that had travelled to the venue thoroughly enjoyed their morning. There were many lovely raffle prizes including a donation from one of the local businesses WHEATHILL GARDEN CENTRE A big THANK YOU to Janet and Sarah for all their hard work. |
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Saturday 18th May: Manor Farm Opening
An extremely successful fund raising afternoon. The sun shone - in fact it was almost too hot. There was a lot of interest at the Information Stand and much cake was eaten by both visitors and helpers!!! Thank you to Anne & Guy, who were our hosts. We raised over £220 in total during the afternoon. Our next visit is on 8th June so if you would like to come along and join in, please contact Debbie. As you can see from the photos the garden was looking lovely, and will have changed by the next Open Afternoon. |
Tuesday 13th May: Drop-in & meet-up at Athelhampton House
Sadly no one showed but many thanks to Rose who turned up. Was this the wrong venue? or was it at the wrong time? Why not contact Rose to discuss a place/time that may suit more people?
Sadly no one showed but many thanks to Rose who turned up. Was this the wrong venue? or was it at the wrong time? Why not contact Rose to discuss a place/time that may suit more people?
Tuesday 8th April: Drop-in & meet-up at The Oasis Cafe, Weymouth DT3 6PN
This was the fourth meeting at this new venue
This was the fourth meeting at this new venue
Saturday, 5th April 2014 10.30 a.m: A.G.M. and speakers at the Holiday Express Inn, Poole.
Our A.G.M. progressed smoothly and, as there were no new nominees, the existing committee was voted to continue en block for a further year. Full details of the Chair & Treasurer Reports will be included in the Minutes.
Dr Neil Hopkinson then talked about the building works at Christchurch Hospital, the rejected merger between Bournemouth and Poole Hospitals, our new Lupus Nurse, Carol Brumpton, and the Commissioning of Medical Services and how it will affect the treatment of Lupus. We are part of the Wessex area, incorporating Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, Basingstoke, Winchester, and Dorchester/Poole. He also mentioned that the Bournemouth & Hospitals have agreed the appointment of a further Rheumatology Consultant, specialising in Lupus, to join Dr Hopkinson in the coming months. The post will be advertised in the next few days. Further details on all of this will be included in the Minutes and in our next Newsletter. He then answered a number of questions.
Chris Maker, from Lupus UK, then spoke about the total income received by the charity and how it had been spent over the past year. He explained that Lupus UK tends to fund reserach into smaller projects, which may then lead onto other larger research projects, which may then be funded by larger groups, such as the ARC (Arthritis Charity). He then asked us, as a Group, to feedback what we felt that maybe their priorities regarding research should be. Please let Debbie know before National Council in September. He also talked about the need to "Gift Aid" all donations, giving an additional 25p in the £ to the chairty without costing the donor anymore. Finally he talked about a new campaign to increase awareness of Lupus with the GP community. He then answered a number of questions. This included an active debate about whether we should be paying for prescription charges or not.
Finally Carol Brumpton, the newly appointed Dorset Lupus Nurse, said a few words. As she only started on the 1st, it is early days but she is extremely positive and looking forward to the challenges ahead. We welcomed her and wish her all the best in her new role.
Open Forum: We then had an open debate, amongst the members present, about what they would like from the Group. It was extremly helpful but can only be executed with the help and support of committee and members. In essence it was thought that:-
- weekends were still the best time for meetings, although there was mixed opinions about mornings or afternoons. The majority went for mornings.
- Christchurch was felt to be rather far for most people to travel too from within the County
- regular Coffee & Chat meetings were thought to be the way forward concentrating on 3 or 4 hubs-I assume north, west, east and central. These are informal gatherings for anyone wanting to turn up to have a chat with other sufferers. Poole/Blandford were thought to be more central and therefore good for 1 base. Rose will continue in the west although parking may become an issue once we are into the summer months so alternative venues
out-of-town should be considered. It was felt having 1 meeting in each hub per quarter would be good.
We will however need volunteers to find a venue in each location and agree a day/date each quarter that they would be prepared to go to the venue and coordinate the meeting. We have Rose in the West but is anoyone available in the North, East and central areas?
- It was generally felt Awareness was a good way forward, perhaps taking Information Stands and walking with leaflets at Shows/Carnivals at events like the Dorchester Show and Weymouth Carnival.
The Committee can look into getting this set up but we will need volunteers to help re venues and on the day to manage these Stands.
- Other gatherings, such as Meals and Boat Trips, did not seem to be too popular, especially around Christmas.
Is this a true reflection about how the rest of the Group feels?
The meeting was then closed after a full and busy morning!
Our A.G.M. progressed smoothly and, as there were no new nominees, the existing committee was voted to continue en block for a further year. Full details of the Chair & Treasurer Reports will be included in the Minutes.
Dr Neil Hopkinson then talked about the building works at Christchurch Hospital, the rejected merger between Bournemouth and Poole Hospitals, our new Lupus Nurse, Carol Brumpton, and the Commissioning of Medical Services and how it will affect the treatment of Lupus. We are part of the Wessex area, incorporating Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, Basingstoke, Winchester, and Dorchester/Poole. He also mentioned that the Bournemouth & Hospitals have agreed the appointment of a further Rheumatology Consultant, specialising in Lupus, to join Dr Hopkinson in the coming months. The post will be advertised in the next few days. Further details on all of this will be included in the Minutes and in our next Newsletter. He then answered a number of questions.
Chris Maker, from Lupus UK, then spoke about the total income received by the charity and how it had been spent over the past year. He explained that Lupus UK tends to fund reserach into smaller projects, which may then lead onto other larger research projects, which may then be funded by larger groups, such as the ARC (Arthritis Charity). He then asked us, as a Group, to feedback what we felt that maybe their priorities regarding research should be. Please let Debbie know before National Council in September. He also talked about the need to "Gift Aid" all donations, giving an additional 25p in the £ to the chairty without costing the donor anymore. Finally he talked about a new campaign to increase awareness of Lupus with the GP community. He then answered a number of questions. This included an active debate about whether we should be paying for prescription charges or not.
Finally Carol Brumpton, the newly appointed Dorset Lupus Nurse, said a few words. As she only started on the 1st, it is early days but she is extremely positive and looking forward to the challenges ahead. We welcomed her and wish her all the best in her new role.
Open Forum: We then had an open debate, amongst the members present, about what they would like from the Group. It was extremly helpful but can only be executed with the help and support of committee and members. In essence it was thought that:-
- weekends were still the best time for meetings, although there was mixed opinions about mornings or afternoons. The majority went for mornings.
- Christchurch was felt to be rather far for most people to travel too from within the County
- regular Coffee & Chat meetings were thought to be the way forward concentrating on 3 or 4 hubs-I assume north, west, east and central. These are informal gatherings for anyone wanting to turn up to have a chat with other sufferers. Poole/Blandford were thought to be more central and therefore good for 1 base. Rose will continue in the west although parking may become an issue once we are into the summer months so alternative venues
out-of-town should be considered. It was felt having 1 meeting in each hub per quarter would be good.
We will however need volunteers to find a venue in each location and agree a day/date each quarter that they would be prepared to go to the venue and coordinate the meeting. We have Rose in the West but is anoyone available in the North, East and central areas?
- It was generally felt Awareness was a good way forward, perhaps taking Information Stands and walking with leaflets at Shows/Carnivals at events like the Dorchester Show and Weymouth Carnival.
The Committee can look into getting this set up but we will need volunteers to help re venues and on the day to manage these Stands.
- Other gatherings, such as Meals and Boat Trips, did not seem to be too popular, especially around Christmas.
Is this a true reflection about how the rest of the Group feels?
The meeting was then closed after a full and busy morning!
Saturday, 1st March 2014: Coffee and Chat with speaker "Exploring Relaxation Techniques to help manage your Lupus" at the Merley Court Caravan Park, Merley, Wimborne. BH21 3AA.
A disappointing turnout but all of us who turned up thought it was extremely worthwhile. Thank you Shirley for the hints and tips!
A disappointing turnout but all of us who turned up thought it was extremely worthwhile. Thank you Shirley for the hints and tips!
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22nd and 23rd February 2014: Open Garden at Manor Farm, Hampreston
This year was especially difficult as the owners, Anne & Guy Trehane, had been victims of the horrendous flooding since Christmas. Despite the water entering the old part of the farmhouse, they were keen that the garden should still be opened for charity. They still had more than 200 visitors over the 2 afternoons that they were open. As we had planned, we concentrated on providing homemade hot soup and hot chocolate in polystyrene cups which helped keep everyone's hands warm. The Saturday was lovely and sunny so people sat outside on the patio, and even ate all the cake provided too! The Sunday was too cold to sit outside, so we set up a "Tea Room" in the Trehane's Dining Room, which had been cleared whilst the floorboards dried out. Overall £289 was raised for Lupus UK and I would personally like to thank all those who made the wonderful soup, and who came along to help (and support) over the 2 day event. Finally of course a huge thank you to Anne & Guy. |
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Tuesday, 11th February 2014: 10:30 a.m: Drop-in & meet-up at The Oasis Cafe, Weymouth - second informal social
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Sunday, 26th January 2014: New Year Sunday Lunch at The Sandbanks Hotel, Poole, Dorset. BH13 7PS
The Social event went well and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves as you can see from the photos |
Tuesday, 14th January 2014: Drop-in & meet-up at The Oasis Cafe, Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth DT3 6PN from 10.30a.m. to midday
This change of venue proved equally successful with a number of "first-timers" coming along to have a chat.
This change of venue proved equally successful with a number of "first-timers" coming along to have a chat.
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Saturday, 7th December 2013: Christmas Social Coffee Morning at The Norfolk Hotel, Bournemouth.
This was just a chance for members to come along and have a chat, exchange Christmas cards and have a mince pie or two! The Meeting was well attended and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Thank you to everyone who brought along a Raffle prize. We raised £26 from the sale of Raffle tickets. |
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Tuesday, 12th November 2013 Drop-in Social at Costa Coffee, 8 Cornhill, Dorchester, DT1 1BA from 10.30a.m. onwards
Our continuing initiative, to hold regular drop-in informal socials for anyone in the west of the County.
THIS WASTHE LAST DROP-IN SOCIAL FOR 2013 BUT WE WILL KEEP YOU POSTED WITH THE VENUES, DATES AND TIMES FOR 2014.
Our continuing initiative, to hold regular drop-in informal socials for anyone in the west of the County.
THIS WASTHE LAST DROP-IN SOCIAL FOR 2013 BUT WE WILL KEEP YOU POSTED WITH THE VENUES, DATES AND TIMES FOR 2014.
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Saturday 9th November 2013: Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton
Yvonne Barnicoat came to talk to us from THE DORSET COMMUNITY PAIN SERVICE Yvonne managed to have a few words with everyone initially to ascertain how pain affected each one of them before she started her talk. Her informal approach helped everyone to relax and participate, enabling them to get the most out of a very informative morning. Not only did it help the lupus sufferers, but also those friends and family that came with us who had different conditions but who also suffered with different forms of pain. She elaborated on
Unfortunately time was not on our side so there's still more left for another visit, including "laughter yoga"! Thank you to Yvonne and Brian, who did the driving...... A full report about this talk will follow in our Winter Newsletter due end of November To find out more about this service click here |
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LUPUS AWARENESS MONTH INFORMATION STANDS
Tuesday, 29th October 2013: Information Stand at Royal Bournemouth Hospital in the central foyer
Wednesday, 23rd October 2013: Information Stand at Dorset County Hospital in the hospital restaurant.
Wednesday, 2nd & 16th October 2013: Information Stand at Christchurch Hospital in the Outpatients reception area
Tuesday, 29th October 2013: Information Stand at Royal Bournemouth Hospital in the central foyer
Wednesday, 23rd October 2013: Information Stand at Dorset County Hospital in the hospital restaurant.
Wednesday, 2nd & 16th October 2013: Information Stand at Christchurch Hospital in the Outpatients reception area
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Sunday, 6th October 2013, "Go the Extra Mile" Sponsored Walk"
As at 27/10/13 we have raised £1,024.50 plus Gift Aid from our Just Giving website. In addition we collected approximately £150 in our Collecting tins and further monies are anticipated from paper sponsor forms which are in the process of collection. A tremendous effort from everyone. Thank you to all those who were involved with the Walk directly or who sponsored us. |
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