The Annual Strawberry Tea

It's that time of the year again; our treasurer's beautiful garden in Chestfield saw twenty five members and guests turn up for our annual strawberry tea. We were particularly pleased to welcome six members of Thanet Breathe Easy and three from our specialist community Respiratory Team which is based at the Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital.

Collossal amounts of strawberries and cream were consumed, along with scones baked by several members, with amiable banter about whose were the best! The weather held up and a brilliant time was had by all with lots of jokes and laughter.

Every year Carol, our treasurer, and her loyal and helpful family allow us to use their garden, and assist with organising food and creating a welcoming environment for the event and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts. It is also a time to be grateful to the British Lung Foundation for setting up the Breathe Easy network, and for the support of our own Canterbury & District group gives to all of us. We would like to thank Rupert Mitchell, who also attended the event, for again donating what must be the best strawberries in Kent, which is really saying something! And the raffle raised £102 thanks to everyone's generousity.

5th Birthday Party

We are five years old this month and to celebrate our birthday held a tea dance at the Marine Hotel on 14th June, an occasion which truly did justice to this landmark. Attended by over a hundred people, we danced the afternoon away to the KD Jazz and Dance Orchestra, stuffed ourselves with sandwiches and cream scones from the donated by The Rotary Club of Whitstable, and took part in the raffle and tombola, with prizes contributed by local businesses and individuals.

Mollie Jackson was our main guest speaker; Mollie started the group five years ago when she headed the specialist respiratory team at the Whit and Tank hospital. She has since gone on to work as Nurse Manager at the British Lung Foundation but still finds time to support us and keep up with our news. Also present was Dominic from the British Lung Foundation and Pauline Treadwell, head of the Specialist Respiratory Team who came to thank us for the items we have purchased for them over the years.

To all these people, especially the band and the Marine Hotel, we extend our thanks and appreciation for their generosity. The afternoon raised £800 for people with lung disease.