Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support December 2024 Hello from Donna and welcome to December, I am…
Newsletter No.58 – June 2023
I love this quote above (posted on @GabyRoslin Instagram) it really does sum up what may be holding some of us back to try new hobbies, be creative or write a book!
It is nearly a year since we launched our Creative Hub (with thanks to Susie for the use of Stanley Studios) and we now have many events going on from Creative writing, journalling, silver smithy, Making a mark workshops, flower arranging, acrylic art workshops and more. Ideas keep coming in and we are planning pottery, flower pressing, and sewing . All events are on the website so if you are interested please do click on to register.
I am trying a few new things this year and am particularly proud of my owl, created in one day, welding for the first time!
In this edition
- Thank you
- Fundraising
- Creative Hub
- July Events
- Acupuncture Clinic
- ALCS Support Group
- Drop in Sessions
- Poem
- Online Shop
- Ways to support and connect with ALCS
- Beach Hut
- 2023 Events July – September
1. Thank you Uplyme Fete
Thank you to the volunteers and attendees of the Uplyme Village Fete, it was a lovely day and £134 was raised, it is a great opportunity for the local community to be reminded we are here to support local people as a small independent charity.
1. Thank you to Scott Rowe, Axminster Garden Machinery & Axe Vale Show
Thank you to Scott Rowe for the support with the Axe Vale Show stall and for picking us as your charity of the year. Also thank you to Axminster Garden Machinery for the donation to the Chairman’s Charity of Choice for 2023. It was a great weekend raising awareness and fundraising generating £715.80 to help directly support our clients in various different ways.
1. Thank you Ellie & Kerry
Thank you Ellie & Kerry who have raised £101.50 selling daffodils and are continuing their fundraising with more flowers this summer. We appreciate every penny.
2. Four day challenge on the Isle of Wight – Raising funds for ALCS. Please see below a write up from an incredible fundraising this month which so far has raised £7,986.
Put simply, our mum is an amazing lady.
She is creative, warm, loving and has incredible strength of character. She has always lived a full life packed with friends, hobbies and travel.
But last summer her, and dad’s, world was blown apart when she was diagnosed with an incurable cancer. As mum and dad moved forward and navigated their way through all the daunting information, decisions, emotions and upheaval they were told about ALCS. The support provided by this small charity has been utterly wonderful… from the kind and understanding words, to the bag of thoughtful essential items left on the doorstep early in the morning on the day of mums first chemotherapy session, to the counselling and physical training sessions.
I (Sarah) and my two siblings (Jim and Gemma) knew that this very special and important small charity needed to know that we were there for them, like they have been there for our mum. People don’t often know about the smaller charities; these are the ones that are so important in small communities and can have such an important positive impact in supporting those living with and beyond cancer.
So, last September the three of us set about planning a fundraising mission and on the 5th June we started our four day challenge on the Isle of Wight.
Split between us, but very much as a team effort, we planned to walk 68 miles, cycle 270 miles and carry out a 36 hour beach clean (with refuse data collected, recorded and uploaded for the Marine Conservation Society).
Two weeks before the event we set up an Instagram page (if you happen to be interested then search on Instagram for gemjimsarah) to update friends on how the planning for the challenge was shaping up and so that people could follow us day-to-day during the event.
The four days were hot, exhausting and at stages became complicated by cows and landslide diversionary routes! But we were inspired to carry on by the wonderful words of encouragement and kind donations to our GoFundMe page from friends, family, associates, colleagues and strangers we met along the way.
The three of us agreed that the most joyful and emotional moment came when we were met by mum and dad at our finish lines, with big hugs and a cold beer. Gemma had walked further than planned and completed an amazing 72 miles, accompanied by blisters and puffy feet. Jim cycled an incredible 332 miles which is the equivalent of cycling from London to Edinburgh. During my 32 hour beach clean I covered 40 miles of beach (backwards, forwards, up and down!), picked up 18kgs of litter (mainly plastic and polystyrene) and collected and recorded data for the Marine Conservation Society.
What kept all of us going throughout this challenge was the belief that this charity is a compassionate community that provides solace, strength and a renewed hope when people most need it.
Thank you ALCS – If you would like to donate please click here to go to the GoFund me page.
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. Spaces still available.
5th July Mid Summer Workshop. 11am
These are with Ninette Hartley https://ninettehartley.com/
To register your interest please click here
3. ALCS Supporting You.
If you would like to chat through referral options and support ALCS can offer we can arrange to meet either face to face or a telephone call
Please click here and place booking and someone will be in touch to arrange.
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 3 one off specials taking place
All the workshops will be from 9.30am -12noon
Thursday 13 July – Spaces still available.
Tuesday 8 August – Spaces still available.
at Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, Wootton Fitzpaine, Bridport, Dorset DT6 6ND
https://www.wootton-fitzpaine.co.uk/
Free parking at back of hall.
Wheelchair access.
No prior experience is required and all materials will be provided, however if you have some materials you would like to bring please do. Tea/coffee will be available.
Any queries please let us know.
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.
Please register your interest by clicking 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. Summer Flowers with Ali from Busy Bee
We are delighted to be able to offer flower arranging with Ali from Busy Bee
If you are interested in taking part please book as numbers are limited.
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.
To register your interest please click here
3. Making A Mark Special with Christine Allison.
For all those who have participated in the Making A Mark course with Christine.
The special workshops will take place on Tuesday 26th September 1.00-3.30 Location TBC
Numbers are limited so please register your interest for one or both of these dates
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.
3. A six week course for clients, Making A Mark with Christine Allison.
The course will run on the following dates – Wednesday 1.00-3.30pm 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.
3. “Create a Hand Painted Leather Keyring” with Jools Woodhouse. -19th October 9.30am -12.30pm – Location TBC
In this 3 hour workshop, Jools will give a brief demo of how she creates a colourful beach hut keyring as sold on the ALCS shop.
Using acrylic paints and a small leather square, you will create your own to take home.
Once the design is applied, we will punch a hole and add a stainless steel keychain- your Keyring is ready to go!
If time allows, a spare kit will be available for you to create a custom design!
No experience is necessary and all materials are provided”
To register your interest please click here
Another is also organised for 9th November please click here for further information.
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
The next taster/refresher is Monday 10th July 10.30am -12.00pm Charmouth Recreation Field, Barr’s Lane.
Lyme Bay Nordic Walking offers professional instruction and guided group walks in the Lyme Regis and Bridport area.
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.
hello@lymebaynordicwalking.com If you would like further information on classes, please email Juliet or Mel via email
4. Fermented Food Workshop Sauerkraut – Monday 10th July 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.
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 11th July
6.30pm
Location: TBC
Click here to register your interest
Weekly acupuncture clinic on Mondays 4.00 – 5.00pm 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.
Monday 5th June
Monday 12th June
Monday 19th June
Monday 26th June
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 will have a different theme or speaker and if you have any suggestions please let us know.
Monday 17th July – If you would like to join us for a cuppa and a chat do please drop by.
If you wish to attend please do let us know on 07512 279663 or support@axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk
For more information on Jenny and the services she offers please click here.
7. Drop-in sessions for JULY
Monday 3rd – Axminster Hospital Scott Rowe 2-4pm
Monday 10th – Lyme Regis Football Club 2-4pm
Monday 17th – Axminster Hospital Scott Rowe 2-4pm
Monday 24th – Lyme Regis Football Club 2-4pm
Monday 31st – Axminster Hospital Scott Rowe 2-4pm
8. Khalil Gibran on Fear
It is said that before entering the sea
a river trembles with fear.
She looks back at the path she has travelled,
from the peaks of the mountains,
the long winding road crossing forests and villages.
And in front of her,
she sees an ocean so vast,
that to enter
there seems nothing more than to disappear forever.
But there is no other way.
The river can not go back.
Nobody can go back.
To go back is impossible in existance.
The river needs to take the risk
of entering the ocean
because only then will fear disappear.
because that’s where the river will know
it’s not about disappearing into the ocean,
but of becoming the ocean.
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.