Newsletter No.56 – April 2023

There is a feel of spring having arrived despite some very cold easterly winds. I am noticing lots of new growth in the garden, and am embracing the ethos of loving my weeds as at this time of year they have lots of goodness for our bees and other insects. It does of course free me up for other gardening! I am trying some new vegetables this year, one being edamame beans …they have germinated so looking good so far. My early morning swims continue to give so much joy and we have been lucky to have some incredible sun rises.

May is going to be an odd month with so many bank holidays and we are looking forward to welcoming many of you to our Curry Night as an alternative social event to stay connected when so many drop in’s will be missed. What ever you are doing for the bank holidays I hope it is enjoyed.

In this edition 

1. Thank you
2. Meet the Therapists
3. Creative Hub
4. May & June Events
5. Acupuncture Clinic
6. ALCS Support Group
7. Drop in Sessions
8. Podcast
9. Online Shop
10. Ways to support and connect with ALCS
11. Beach Hut
12. 2023 Events May – August

1. Thank you – Cornish Bakery Lyme Regis 

Lizzie (Store Manager) of the Cornish Bakery walked 26.5 miles (marathon distance) around hilly Lyme Regis to raise money for ALCS she did all this dressed as a giant pasty. An amazing £879.41 has been raised so far! Please visit https://localgiving.org/fundraising/cornishbakerylymeregiswalk/ to donate.

1. Thank you – Stanley Studio

We have been so grateful to Susie for her generous use of Stanley Studio, this has enabled us to launch our Creative Hub and many people have enjoyed workshops with various artists using a mixture of materials. Some amazing pieces have been created allowing distraction from the effects of cancer and many laughs have been shared. We were delighted to be able to present Susie with some flowers at the end of the last workshop.

1. Thank you – Lyme Regis Town Council

Thank you for the generous grant provided by the LRTC, this money will go directly to towards professional counselling to allow local people dealing with the impact of cancer some additional support. As a independent local charity we really do rely on the support from the community to be able to continue the work we do.

2. Shoreline Sauna – The Sandy Beach – Lyme Regis

Shoreline sauna is a luxury, mobile, woodfired sauna, situated on the Sandy Beach, Lyme Regis with perfect sea views.

The Shoreline Sauna is a space for people to come together and enjoy the health and well-being benefits associated with Sauna and the sea! As well as a great way to relax and unwind (with friends or strangers!), away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, evidence suggests that regular sauna use can reduce stress, improve sleep and soothe aches and pains.

Visitors will enjoy warming up in the sauna, which sits at a toasty 60-80 degree celsius for 10-15 minutes before taking a revitalising dip in the sea or using the cold water buckets,  which will refresh and invigorate.

Using the highest quality sauna specific materials and drawing inspiration from Victorian bathing machines and beach huts, Shoreline Sauna fits perfectly into a traditional British seaside location whilst giving a nod to the Finnish roots of sauna culture.

Operators Nikki & Janie, both Lyme Regis residents, took the plunge in March 2022 to create a business with community and wellbeing at its forefront. They both enjoy sea swimming and have seen its benefits. Inspired by a growing sauna culture in the UK, Shoreline Sauna was born over an afternoon with friends after a session in a sauna!

Website: shorelinesauna.co.uk

Instagram: instagram.com/shorelinesauna/

Facebook: facebook.com/ShorelineSauna/

If you wish to have any referrals please contact Mary to discuss:  mary@axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk

2. Christine Allison – Artist & Author

Christine Allison lives by the sea in Lyme Regis. She is an artist, and a writer. Her studio overlooks Lyme Bay, a view that inspires both her artwork and spiritual writing. Swimming in the cold sea is for her a daily ritual, which she describes as a ‘physical feel-good meditation’.

“Creativity touches my soul, fires up my emotions, gives me a buzz and puts a smile on my face. Immersion in the creative process draws me inward to a deeper place. Creativity is my lifeblood, it is woven into my blueprint, imprinted in my DNA and worn with my heart on my sleeve. Art has been my life long career. I trained at Saint Martin’s School of Art, London (BA Hons.) and Exeter University (PGCE teacher in secondary level art) and the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture, USA, where I was given a scholarship for a year of postgraduate painting and drawing studies. My career has taken me through London design studios, schools, museums, galleries to exhibitions in the UK and the Middle East.”

“I am inspired to make art in my life and I am compelled to inspire others to make art. It is not just about making a clever drawing or painting of what can be seen but to find a way to portray what is felt. I encourage people to make art that is curious, real yet not real, inspiring, meaningful, uplifting, beautiful and personal…and most importantly, enjoyable to do and to keep.”

Art is an experience of the spirit.

www.christineallison.com

If you would like to attend a workshop with Christine please see website for details and contact Mary to discuss: mary@axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk

2. Charlie Barrett – outdoor counselling/psychotherapy
I am passionate about my therapy work with young people and adults, and about the connection between ourselves and the rest of nature. I love questions around what makes us human, and I find it rewarding to explore what we can learn about ourselves from the animals, plants and the land that we all live on and with.
My therapy practice is person-centred, and I work outside, come rain or shine! Your response to the weather and whatever else you may encounter can tell us much, during your therapy, about yourself and your way of being in the world. If you really want to be inside then I do have a lovely therapy cabin in a field, with a lovely warm fire and cosy armchairs!
My aim is to help you grow, to create change, or to cope with what is happening in your life. I usually describe my approach as a blend of psychotherapy, ecotherapy and equine/animal-assisted therapy. In practice this means it’s flexible and we can be highly responsive to what you need on the day. You might want to sit in a bluebell wood, or to quietly experience some horse herd observation, or you may feel a need to stride up a steep hill and to feel your body move, or perhaps shout from a hilltop and let your words carry towards the sea. This will be led by you, there’s no pressure – we can talk, or be together quietly, and we can walk, or we can be still – I will support you throughout and hold the space for you. There is much to be gained from being mindfully in the moment, and there is much to be said for being gently on the move – each has an effect on our neurology and on our sense of self. I also offer Poetry Therapy if you are interested in working creatively, as it can be a powerful way to unlock thoughts and feelings, especially if you feel stuck.
I am based at Hogchester Farm near Charmouth. Hogchester is a beautiful 75-acre nature reserve farm, managed for the benefit of nature and for therapy. The domestic animals here are our friends and they are conservation grazers: there are horses, sheep, pygmy goats, pigs and chickens, and they often help with the therapy in their own way. They can each choose to do so, or not, as they live at liberty and can roam.
Contact Charlie at hello@equanimity.me.uk  or text/call 07720320874 and see where I am at www.hogchester.com
If you wish to have any referrals please contact Mary to discuss:  mary@axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk

3. Creative Hub at the Stanley Studio – Making A Mark Special with Christine Allison.

For all those who have participated in the Making A Mark course with Christine.

The special workshop will take place on Wednesday 28th June 10.00-12.30

Please note this is now at Lyme Regis Football Club and the time has been extended to allow for more participants. 

3. Creative Writing – One off workshops

Each will run via zoom for about 2 hours, no experience necessary. Information will be sent out prior to the workshop.

3rd May Early Summer Workshop 11 am

5th July Mid Summer Workshop. 11am

These are with Ninette Hartley https://ninettehartley.com/

To register your interest please click here

3. Next Steps with Sharon Thomas
A journalling six week course for clients, working through a beautiful creative handbook with Sharon Thomas click here to view her website

The course will run on the following dates – Wednesday 10.00-12.00  6th/13th/20th/27th September 4th & 11th October.

To register your interest please click here

3. Acrylic Art Workshops  – With Trudi Ochiltree

Learn how to paint in acrylics and be inspired by a variety of subjects and techniques. Acrylics are a popular medium as they are versatile and forgiving. In each workshop we will paint a particular subject, working from a choice of images. Your tutor Trudi will offer demonstrations and help along the way. There are 6 workshops on offer you can sign up to one or all six.

Week 1 – Snowscapes: Working with a limited palette: 7th September 9.30 – 12.30
Week 2 – The Dorset landscape: Exploring shades of green: 14th September 9.30 – 12.30
Week 3 – Acrylic patterns and abstraction, creating a series of mini paintings: 21st September 9.30 – 12.30
Week 4 – Seascapes: Creating texture and the colour of the sea: 28th September 9.30 – 12.30
Week 5 – Palette knife painting: A freeing way of painting without a paint brush: 5th October 9.30 – 12.30
Week 6 – Animals: Create a painting of an endangered species or your favourite animal. Bring your own image to work from if you prefer: 12th October 9.30 – 12.30

Location TBC

Please note –  this course is fully booked but if you are interested in going on the waiting list or the next course please do contact us.

3. A  six week course for clients, Making A Mark with Christine Allison.

The course will run on the following dates – Wednesday 10-12pm location TBC

Wednesday 18th, 25th October

Wednesday 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd November

To register your interest please click here

Please note –  Information about the workshop/course will be sent out a week before the event.

Confirmation of the course will happen shortly after booking.

4. Nordic Walking Taster/Refresher Session With Lindsay Shadrach

The next taster/refresher is Sunday 21st May 9.00am-1.00pm

Full itinerary to follow

Nordic Walking, recognised by ‘Public Health England’ as an ideal exercise as we age, provides numerous health benefits:

– a full body workout exercising both the upper and lower body
– the cardiovascular system is worked
– using the correct technique, 90% of the body’s muscles are activated
– burns up to 46% more calories than normal walking
– improves posture and strengthens back and abdominal muscles
– relieves neck and shoulder tension
– reduces the impact on the joints

It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and levels of fitness.

For a referral please email Mary or register your interest click here

4. Kombucha Fermented Food Workshop – Monday 12th June 11.30 – 1.30pm
 
The benefits are well reported across the medical press now although this style of food has been used in many of cultures for 1000’s of years.
 
Numbers are limited so please register if you would like to attend
There is no cost to this event, as it is funded by the charity but donations are always appreciated.

Please bring an apron to wear – This will be held at the Lyme Regis Football Club.

Please click here to register your interest

4. MEN ONLY – JOIN US FOR PIE & PINT
(other food and drink available)
An opportunity to talk to other men affected by cancer and to ask any questions about the support we offer.

Tuesday 14th June
6.30pm
Location: The George Hotel – Axminster
Click here to register your interest

5. Acupuncture Clinic

Weekly acupuncture clinic on Mondays 4.00 – 5.30pm at Scott Rowe Room within Axminster Hospital.. This will be a group session and involve auricular acupuncture (around the outer ear). Hilary Sharp will be providing the acupuncture.

Particular benefits include helping to alleviate hot flushes, anxiety, dry mouth, and fatigue. Further information can be obtained from Hilary.

This support will be offered free of charge to registered clients. We do have have a max of 15 at each session which must be booked in advance. Please bring your own water. (Drinks will not be able to be supplied) Do contact us to be added to a waiting list should the online booking system show full.

Please note the change in days for May due to Bank Holidays.

Tuesday 2nd May – Message Mary or WhatsApp
Tuesday 9th May
Tuesday 30th May

Please click here to book

6. ALCS Support Group for those going through treatment.

We hold monthly support group sessions for those about to start treatment, going through treatment or finished within the last 6 months. These will be run by Mary and Ady to help support those going through cancer and make connections. Each month we plan to have a different theme or speaker and if you have any suggestions please let us know.

Monday 15th May – Axminster Hospital Scott Rowe 12.30-1.30pm with Nutritionist Beth Bond
For more information on Beth and the services she offers please click here.

If you would like to join us for a cuppa and a chat do please drop by.

7. Drop-in sessions for MAY

Monday 15th – Axminster Hospital Scott Rowe 2-4pm 

Monday 22nd –  Lyme Regis Football Club 2-4pm

 

8. Podcast
I have been enjoying learning about science and nutrition via this podcast. The episodes are easy to navigate to target on aspects of interest and well balanced with evidence. Many of the guest speakers have written books which we have in our library. If you would like to borrow any please do let us know and we can arrange to bring to drop in.

 

9. Our Online Shop & Event Bookings

If you are looking for individual cards, or a bespoke gift locally made please do consider our online shop. 
Hopefully we have made it easier for you to purchase beautifully illustrated blank cards, recipe books, key rings and CDs – all the money raised goes directly to help our clients. 

Just add your items to the basket and go to the checkout which is now using Stripe payments but Paypal is still an option. If you have any problems please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.

Cards can be purchased at drop-in and local events or collection arranged.

10. Ways to support or connect with Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support

If you wish to donate online you can via a one off payment or a monthly donation. Just click the link below and follow the instructions or scan the QR code.

How to get involved with fundraising via Easyfundraising
Instagram & Facebook

11. Beach Hut – Last Minute Dates

Do look out for beach hut last minute dates on Facebook and the ALCS WhatsApp group going forward. Please send a text or WhatsApp to 07512 279663 to be added if you are an existing client.

The new booking system has been designed to give priority to those going through treatment or recently finished. The confirmation and information is sent within the Eventbrite ticket. You can also manage your booking by cancelling any dates you are no longer able to use.