Branch news

Arthritis Care's branches in Central England region are constantly involved in their local communities in so many ways. Here you'll be able to find out the latest news from some of the branches within the region.

2008 marks the 20th anniversary for Arthritis Care's Grimsby and Cleethorpes branch.

Members Eileen Brown and Irene Mercer have both served on the committee for 20 years. Secretary Maureen Briggs has served for 10 years.

The branch is particularly appreciative of the support of all its members. Royce and Betty Allan, Philip Bridgeman, Eileen Henfry, Gerry Morris and Jean Rudd, have all been members since the branch started in 1988.

Congratulations to everyone in the branch from all at Arthritis Care.

Arthritis Care's Rushden and Higham branch have celebrated their 20th anniversary by publishing a book called Tips, tasties and tickles. Featuring contributions from members, supporters and guests including Arthritis Care's chief executive Neil Betteridge and president Jane Asher, the book has helped to raise branch funds.

The chair and vice-chair of Arthritis Care's Northampton Link Group have received awards in a ceremony run by their local newspaper.

Ann Woodbridge, vice-chair of the group won the Unsung Hero award at the Pride of Northamptonshire awards run by the Northants Evening Telegraph and the Northampton Chronicle and Echo.

Karen Badcock, group chair was the runner-up in the Caring in the Community category.

Congratulations to Ann and Karen from everyone in Central England.

Arthritis Care's Birmingham South West branch supported an open day at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, in October 2007. The branch ran an information stand and were able to talk to patients about arthritis and Arthritis Care. An orthopaedic surgeon, occupational therapists and physiotherapists were also on hand to talk about hip and knee replacements.

Branch member Chris Armstrong says of the day: 'it was so well attended, it was rated a big success' and hopes that the hospital will run another day like this.

Arthritis Care Together Burton-on-Trent has become the first branch to use Arthritis Care’s microsite software, to launch their own website in October 2007.

The website has been developed by branch chair Carol Allsopp and branch secretary Ian Bateman, with support from Suzanne Osborne, information services manager.

The motivation behind the website came when several GPs commented that they'd like to be able to refer patients to a website that contained information about local services that support people with arthritis.

Carol said: 'We can't thank Arthritis Care enough for giving our group the chance to have our own web site. It looks great. I'm sure our members are going be thrilled with it.'

Arthritis Care's Leicester Self-Help group have every reason to celebrate after being awarded funding to develop and expand their hydrotherapy provision. The funding is from Community Champions, who fund projects for volunteers who want to become active and make a difference in their community. Congratulations from everyone at Arthritis Care.

At the beginning of June 2007 Chris Groves and Sally Watt of Arthritis Care's Cannock branch ran an information stall at a Strong Man competition. They were able to raise funds to go towards an activity day for young people with arthritis in the region. There's still a fair way to go with the fundraising, but this was a great opportunity to raise awareness of arthritis is a very different setting.

Arthritis Care's Walsall branch won the Older Peoples Award at the first Walsall Disability Awards held in April 2007. The awards were organised by Walsall Disability Forum and aimed to celebrate the achievements of organisations based within the borough.

Arthritis Care’s Long Eaton branch member Irene Shepherd celebrated 25 years membership in March 2007. Irene joined the branch in 1982 and has taken an active role in supporting its members ever since. Irene has the valuable role of sending birthday and Christmas cards to all members. Congratulations Irene – may we wish you many more years as a committee member.

Members of Arthritis Care’s Cannock branch ran a sponsored swim to raise money for their hydrotherapy services. Around 10 people took part in the swim in late November 2006, while others who were unable to swim took part in a sponsored walk.

Branch members also ran an information stall and tombola at the leisure centre. The branch estimates that they raised around £1 500.

'The money we’ve raised will be used to subsidise the hydrotherapy services that the branch runs' said Sally Watt who took part in the sponsored swim. 'I find hydrotherapy really helps my arthritis, and I really enjoy attending the sessions' Sally continued.

Doreen Watson, an active member of Arthritis Care’s North Staffordshirebranch, has had one of the most memorable days of her life after being invited to represent Arthritis Care at one of the Queen’s summer garden parties at Buckingham Palace in 2006.

Betty Lee, chair of Arthritis Care’s North Staffordshire branch, who supported Doreen’s nomination, says ‘Doreen has, over the years been a very active and helpful member of the branch always giving of her best to help others with arthritis, not only branch members but also those in her local community.’