Breathe Easy Canterbury & District

January & February meetings

2011-02-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

We’ve managed to kick start the year with a couple of interesting meetings so far. The January meeting saw only 11 attendees due to weather and illness but they included two new members, Mr. & Mrs. Hale, who we’d like to welcome to our group. The group spent the afternoon chatting over cups of tea and biscuits about a number of topics of interest including experiences at Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the concern at the delay in rolling out a National Strategy to combat COPD.

By contrast the February meeting had two speakers and a good attendance. We welcomed back local historian and film archivist Tony Blake who gave us a brilliant show covering Whitstable and Tankerton from the 1900s to the 1990s. We saw extraordinary 1910 film of the back breaking work involved in landing oysters, dramatic footage of the 1953 floods, and, more recently Peter Cushing’s moving funeral passage through the town. All this alongside film of carnivals, regattas, and other regular highlights of Whitstable town life. Tony stayed for the entire meeting and we are very grateful to him for refusing a fee.

After the tea break we welcomed our second guest Dr Ian Morrison from the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts & Health. Ian wants to set up singing groups with Breathe Easy members in East Kent as part of a research project into the benefits of singing for people with lung disease. We had a lively discussion and members were very enthusiastic. The singing starts in September, so if you are interested or want information, call us or come along to a meeting. You don’t have to have a great voice or any singing experience.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

Although Christmas came early as far as the lunch went that didn't stop anyone from having a grand time. We were fortunate that we dodged the snow too.

November & World COPD Day

2010-11-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

November was a busy month with a talk at our usual meeting from Geoff Parry on the RNLI. He regaled us with stories of brave rescues off our coast and well as the facts and figures on what it takes to keep the RNLI running.

We also had an awareness stand in Boots the Chemist in Whitefriars on World COPD Day and we thank them for their support of this day. It was amazing how many people we spoke to who are either affected by a lung disease or know somebody who is.

This month we also received an award from the British Lung Foundation for 5 years as a successful group.

AGM & Bingo

2010-10-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

Also in October we held our Annual General Meeting when we welcomed Dominic Papineau from The British Lung Foundation who helped along the proceedings. This year our Press Officer Jean Fraser stood down from the committee and will be much missed. We did welcome two new committee members however Mr & Mrs Barrow which we're very pleased about. The groups were also delighted to learn they have been awarded a Breath of Fresh Air Award for Outstanding Service of 5 years.

After the business part of the afternoon was concluded we welcomed Karen Cotter from the Specialist Respiratory Team who treated us to a few games of Bingo.

Quiz Night 2010

2010-10-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

October was a busy month with another successful Quiz Night bringing in over £400 thanks to our Quiz Master once again donating his time and coming up with entertaining and challenging questions. We welcomed teams from Thanet Breathe Easy and representatives of the Specialist Respiratory Team as well as many members, friends and family from our own group.

The Annual Strawberry Tea

2010-07-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

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

2010-07-12T03:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Tea Dance Photos

2010-06-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

Coach Trip

2010-05-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

For this month’s meeting we left our usual sanctuary to embark on a magical mystery tour. And despite a few worrying moments, the weather held up for our annual coach trip, which this year was to the Secret Gardens at Salutation Manor House in Sandwich. The gardens were originally designed by Edward Lutyens and his “planting partner” Gertrude Jekyll and only restored, replanted and opened to the public in 2004 so we were enthusiastic to see what had been achieved. And they did not disappoint.

Following a tasty lunch at Deal, we arrived at these truly exquisite gardens at 2.30 and happily wandered round enjoying their elegant layout and beautiful flowers, until, in need of refreshment we downed delicious cream teas in the cosy tearoom. Then, refreshed and accompanied by souvenir plants from the nursery, we boarded the coach for home.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Active 4 Life

2010-03-10T22:00:00.000-08:00

Siobhan and Alex two of the Physiotherapists from the Specialist Respiratory Team started the meeting by telling us all about Pulmonary Rehabilitation. They explained how breathlessness in COPD leads to inactivity which in turn leads to muscle wasting and then further breathlessness. This cycle of inactivity can be broken by Pulmonary Rehabilitation classes which is an eight week tailored programme of exercise, relaxation and education. Classes are held twice weekly and are designed specifically for people with chronic lung conditions.

The classes aim to improve quality of life and promote self-management by increasing awareness of your disease. The first class starts with an assessment of your exercise level which is reviewed again at the final session. The other sessions begin with an exercise circuit and include an educational discussion or talk on a topic relevant to COPD.

There are usually up to 14 people in the class, all of varying abilities and each person is encouraged to exercise at their own level and pace. The classes are very informal and many of our members have made lasting friendships through their Pulmonary Rehab classes.

Those of our members who have previously been on a Pulmonary Rehab course were interested to find out that they may be eligible to go on a top-up course after 18/24 months. To find out more call the Respiratory Team on 01227 594640.

Once people have completed Pulmonary Rehabilitation classes many are looking for a way to continue the exercises and this is where Active 4 Life classes come in. Carol Gillatt took over the meeting at this point and explained about the range of classes available in the area, ranging from Gentle Active 4 Life, Aqua 4 Life, A4L Gym to Advanced Active 4 Life. You need to be referred to join a class, usually by a GP, a nurse or the Pulmonary Rehab physios for example. Classes are held in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay. For more information see the website www.activelifeltd.co.uk

Buteyko

2010-02-10T23:00:00.000-08:00

A dozen stalwart members and several new ones braved another snow storm in February to hear Eileen McShane talk about Buteyko. Buteyko is an alternative treatment discovered in Russia and initially aimed at asthma with a high degree of success. It is now claimed to improve many other conditions too, and works through limiting hyperventilation and conserving carbon dioxide within the body. This is controversial as a treatment for emphysema whose frequent retention of carbon dioxide is often a major problem. So our members with this condition were very interested to meet Eileen and learn her views on the relevance of Buteyko for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the whole range of lung conditions which our member are living with.

Such was the interest from our members that questions went on right through tea time as Eileen also demonstrated EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Tapping, a technique thought to channel the same energies as acupunture and reduce anxiety and calm breathing.

Christmas Lunch 2009

2009-12-09T22:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas Lunch 2009

2009-12-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

World COPD Day

2009-11-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

Boots the Chemist were very happy to welcome the BE Canterbury and District group into their Whitefriars branch in Canterbury to hold an awareness stand on World COPD Day. The event was well supported, with the primary care trust specialist respiratory team sending four of their staff, and the BLF's Tina Patel and Mollie Jackson, our previous Chair, also being with us. Besides several of the committee staffing the stand, members of the group visited, and the respiratory staff carried out lung function testing. We were able to spread the word about the BE group, and several members of the public expressed interest and may attend. It was pleasant to hold this friendly, vibrant and successful event indoors and we are very grateful to Boots for their welcome and cooperation.

BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES EXPLAINED

2009-11-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

Members of Breathe Easy are vulnerable to serious and dangerous exacerbation of their illnesses, often resulting in hospitallization and requiring various degrees of extra care.
So we were very lucky to have Gloria Manser from the Citizens Advice Bureau and Age Concern, along with another senior, and modestly anonymous, member of Age Concern’s staff, as guest speakers at our November’s group meeting to explain the range of benefits and other entitlements that older people, and people with disabilities are able to claim. Their services operate in Whitstable, Canterbury and Herne Bay, and we learnt that Age Concern and Help the Aged are shortly to amalgamate, becoming Age UK.

Some of the services are particularly helpful. The Home Support Service provides volunteers to make home visits and help fill in the sometimes dauntingly long and confusing benefit application forms. There is also a “Care Navigator Service” for people over 55, which provides help in getting grants for new boilers or cavity insulation. This service will also put people in touch with Social Services for an assessment of their needs. The “Home from Hospital” service will give some help during the difficult time when patients have been discharged from hospital, including light shopping and housework; this is a free service.

A range of other services are obtainable, such as a personal alarm service, reassuring in the event of falls; funeral plans are available, as is a home help service.

Gloria emphasized that, despite some people’s reluctance to claim benefits, we have paid for these benefits through our National Insurance and are therefore fully entitled to claim. She explained the intricacies of the Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance, and stressed the importance of getting help filling in the forms to ensure your needs are clearly expressed. She explained about Self-Directed Support, where money can be available to enable individuals to remain at home, rather than go in to residential care, and who is entitled to Carer’s Allowance.

Annual General Meeting

2009-10-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

On 14th October the Breathe Easy Canterbury and District group met for our Annual General Meeting, which was the best attended for many years with five new members, several old friends, Hannah Tucker from the British Lung Foundation and Karen Cotter representing the Whitstable and Tankerton Specialist Respiratory Team. After approval of last year’s AGM minutes, and the reading of the current year’s Chair’s and Treasurer’s reports, the election of officers took place. Hannah Tucker, who is the BLF’s south east Development Officer spoke warmly of our year’s achievements - both our group’s monthly meeting programme and the additional social and fund raising events, such as our annual strawberry tea, and the recent quiz event for members and friends which had raised nearly £500.

Having dealt with the business side of the day, an enjoyable session of bingo was held with Karen Cotter as call-mistress, lightening the mood and provoking much laughter.

Quiz Night 2009

2009-09-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

On September 26th we held our most successful Quiz Night to date. With a record 12 tables the atmosphere was so jolly it got almost rowdy at times! It was a tight competition with close scores and the winning table beating off the competition with only 2 points to spare.

Our Quizmaster Tony Newington along with his helpers once again donated their time to help us raise money. A very successful raffle raised £200 and in total we made nearly £500. Half of the money will, as always, go to The British Lung Foundation and the rest will be used for our group.

September Meeting

2009-09-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

The first ever no-show of our speaker this month gave the group an opportunity to hold a spontaneous social. Members discussed everything from health care to holidays. Everyone agreed that the social was very successful and had been a good way to get to know each other better, which of course applied particularly to the new members present.

It was agreed, in addition to the opportunity to talk together as a group after the teabreak, that meetings devoted entirely to a social should become part of our annual programme.

Pauline Treadwell

2009-08-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

The new head of the Community Specialist Respiratory team for East Kent, Pauline Treadwell, gave a talk about the work of the team, and the massive extension of its services which she is overseeing. Having taken up her post in April, this was Pauline’s first visit and she has arranged that a member of her clinical staff will be available at our monthly meetings, thus continuing the specialist team’s regular connection with our group.

Pauline has had her work cut out implementing the team’s expansion, and her talk ably illustrated this. Staff have more than doubled, growing from 21 to 52 in a very short time. Plans are in place to ensure patients’ treatment nearer to home, avoiding the problems of hospital admission wherever possible, and specialist nurses will be on hand to give intense support during exacerbations, reassuring information as we go into autumn, with swine flu hovering in the background. COPD and other lung diseases are potentially isolating and depressing and there are now counsellors working to confidential guidelines who are available to help patients experiencing such difficulties.

The seventeen members present put a range of questions to Pauline and her colleagues, Karen and Gemma, who is a newly recruited specialist nurse. Hannah Tucker from the British Lung Foundation was also present and gave a short presentation of the BLF’s guidelines on swine flu. We were also very happy to welcome three new members, all from Canterbury.

Strawberry Tea 2009

2009-07-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

Our annual strawberry tea on 8th July was a truly celebratory event with a big turnout.
Twenty seven of our members with their families and friends were joined by five guests from the recently launched Thanet BE group together with three members from the East Kent primary care trust community respiratory team who provide us with so much excellent medical support. Mounds of strawberries and piles of scones with cream and jam were scoffed in lovely weather, to the accompaniment of a 50’s and 60’s soundtrack.

We were particularly delighted to welcome a long time member who now uses oxygen and we would encourage any oxygen users who are feeling isolated at home to brave the outdoors and come to one of our meetings where they can be sure of a very warm welcome.

A successful (and rowdy!) raffle was held and raised seventy pounds to support the work of our Breathe Easy group. We thank our Chair-for-the-day, Tom Elvidge, who did a superb job of M-C-ing the event, and our thanks as always go to our treasurer Carol Hakimian for the use of her beautiful Chestfield garden. Photos by Jean Fraser and Carol.

Walk for Breath

2009-06-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

On June 28th members, friends and family of the Breathe Easy Canterbury group came together at Hampton Pier to walk to The Marine Hotel and back. With Cabin Radio providing music at the start and the KD Jazzband leading the way along the seafront it was a joyful occasion for everyone talking part. The KD Jazzband also stopped at several points along the way to provide music and lighten the day for those out enjoying the slopes.

The walk was officially started by Mollie Jackson, the Nurse Manager at The British Lung Foundation. So far £150 has been raised, half of which will go to The British Lung Foundation with more sponsorship money to come in. Our thanks go to the KD Jazzband, Cabin Radio, The Marine Hotel and Mollie Jackson for the success of this event.

Coach Outing

2009-05-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

In May our coach trip to Walmer Castle which went well although the weather was not very kind. Whilst waiting for the coach to arrive it poured with rain but once on board everyone was very cheerful (and the new pick-up point in Herne Bay was very popular). By the time we arrived at Walmer there was only a very fine drizzle so we were able to walk around and admire the lovely grounds.
One unusual feature was the way some of the hedges have been cut, different heights and angles even in one length of hedging!
Many also found the both the time and energy to visit a few of the many rooms in the castle, each so full of history.
Just before leaving everyone visited the tea rooms for a drink and sample the selection of cakes which even included bread pudding.

It proved to be a very welcoming venue, in spite of the weather everyone commented on how much they had enjoyed the visit.

More Outing Photos

2009-05-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

Beetle Drive

2009-04-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

A few days before Easter the group enjoyed a Beetle Drive. Sitting at tables of 3 or 4 we competed to draw the beetle in the fastest time. The first to complete their beetle by getting the right throw of the dice (1 for a head, 2 for a body, and 6 sixes for the legs, etc.) won an Easter Egg and there were a fair few to be won requiring a number of rounds. After each round one person moved on to another table ensuring an afternoon with much mixing and plenty of laughter.

March 2009 - Dr. Pinnock

2009-03-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

This month local GP Dr. Hilary Pinnock from Whitstable Medical Centre gave a brilliantly clear and accessible presentation about research into health forecasting for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Several of the fifteen members present had taken part in this project’s feasibility study last winter. Dr. Pinnock, also a research fellow of the University of Edinburgh and well known internationally in the COPD research community, brought us up to date with the project’s progress; it is now to be set up formally as a randomized control trial in the West Country.

Group members asked questions and gave feedback about their own experiences of receiving Met Office’s automated telephone forecasts last year warning them of bad weather and the need to take precautions such as having emergency medication to hand.
We felt privileged to have taken part in the early stages of this research and proud that this useful project has been conceived and piloted at the Whitstable Medical Practice due to Dr. Pinnock’s pioneering research into lung disease. Many of us had not previously known that our local health centre is a research practice accredited with the Royal College of General Practitioners.
Next month’s meeting could not be more different. We will be holding a beetle drive and this will create a great opportunity to welcome new members to our group.

Yoga & Relaxation

2009-02-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

Twenty five people braved the cold to learn from Chrissie Dolby, a local Yoga teacher, about relaxation and breathing techniques. With a lot of toe wiggling, hand shaking and deep breathing she helped us all to relax so much that there was a fair bit of yawning. Chrissie didn’t mind however, saying that in her line it’s actually a success to send people to sleep!

Breathe Easy Thanet Launched

2009-02-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

On February 5th several of our members went along as guests to the official launch of the new Breathe Easy Thanet group. There was a considerable turnout for this very successful event - as well as all their members other guests included Hannah from the British Lung Foundation, a member of the local council and several representatives from Pfizer.

Breathe Easy Thanet meets on a thursday afternoon. For information on where and when contact their chairman Mr. David Bott on davidbott@btinternet.com

Flooding in the Whitstable area

2009-01-14T22:00:00.000-08:00

Mr. Ted Edwards an Engineering Manager from Canterbury City Council reminisced with us about the floods of 2000, which were the worst for 200 years. With photographs of the worst affected areas he illustrated how badly hit our area had been and explained many of the reasons that had contributed to the situation. He told us what has been done since then to improve our flood defences including new regulations for new house builds in our area. We were all left hoping we see nothing like it again.

Christmas Lunch 2008

2008-12-10T22:00:00.001-08:00

Once again a good time was had by all..

Christmas photos

2008-12-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

Quiz Night Nov 29th 2008

2008-11-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

For the second time this year our Quizmaster Tony Newington agreed to donate his time to help us raise some money. Due to the time of year we had a lower attendance but those that went had a really good time as usual and we raised just over £200 to be split between our group and the British Lung Foundation.

November 12th 2008

2008-11-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

Dr. Simon Dunn a GP from Herne Bay with a special interest in respiratory disease talked to us about coping with difficult weather conditions and to tell us about an 'early warning' service available from the Met Office and a pilot programme in the area where COPD patients were notified about expected cold spells and reminded to stock up on their inhalers. There was a fair bit of interest in this and it turned out that a couple of our members were involved in the pilot, so Dr. Dunn was keen to receive feedback from them.

Also at the meeting I made a presentation to Mollie of two portable Nebulisers purchased with a donation received in memory of Mr. Cyril Flavell. These portable nebulisers will be available to the Whitstable & Tankerton Respiratory team patients for loan for holidays and days out etc..

AGM

2008-10-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

At the AGM on October 8th 2008, the Breathe Easy Canterbury and District group said a sad farewell to Mollie Jackson who is standing down as Chair, having held the position since the group began in 2003. Mollie has been responsible for starting and building up the group since its launch and has been a constant inspiration and charismatic presence. She is leaving the Specialist Respiratory Team based at the Whitstable and Tankerton Hospital, to take up an important post at the British Lung Foundation as Nurse Programme Manager.

Although we are very proud of her, we will miss Mollie enormously but we are very pleased to welcome Karen Cotter as our new Chair. Karen works as secretary to the Specialist Respiratory Team and has also been associated with the Breathe Easy group since its inception so she is a very fitting replacement for Mollie.

Following Secretary Rosemary Barden and Treasurer Carol Hakimian’s annual reports, and election of officers, the group relaxed with a bingo session.

September 2008

2008-09-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

September’s meeting continued the theme of managing breathlessness with Dr. Sharief from the International Art of Living Foundation telling us about the course the Foundation runs about breath and breathing. Dr. Sharief described how emotions are closely linked to breathing and how breathing changes, for instance, if we are angry. She believes that we can breathe out the toxins that cause disease and showed us one of the exercises included in this course, the ‘bellows breath’ which we all tried to much laughter.

The foundation’s courses use breathing techniques to help deal with negative emotions such as stress and anger, and to create energy so often lacking in people with COPD. Another important aspect of these breathing techniques, says Dr. Sharief, is their ability to treat depression, which many COPD patients suffer from. Dr. Sharief is hoping to run a course in Whitstable in the near future.

August 2008

2008-08-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Siobhan Philpott and Victoria Pike, specialist physiotherapists from the East Kent Respiratory Team gave an excellent presentation on Managing Breathlessness and the benefits of exercise. They showed us many ways to help bring breathlessness under control. For those who missed the talk the team have a booklet available with photos of all the positions they showed us.

The presentation also gave tips on how to avoid panic attacks which fear of suffocation often brings on. The group took full advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns, one reason, of course, why the group’s existence is important to so many lung disease patients.

Stawberry Tea

2008-07-09T22:00:00.000-07:00

Vast amounts of fresh strawberries, home made scones and cream were consumed at Carol's. Due to incessant rainfall the venue had to be moved into the house this year with twenty two people squeezed into three different rooms it managed to be both cosy and festive.

Spirits remained high in spite of the weather but the group was sad to note the loss of members who were present at last year’s tea – Ray Allard, Jim Taylor and very recently Terry Gaiger (whose family and friends were a large part of this year’s quiz night).

We had a number of visitors though namely, Hannah Tucker, the British Lung Foundation’s south-east region development officer, two members of the Thanet Breathe Easy group, and Daniel and Julie Kelly who are hoping to set up a new Breathe Easy support group in New Romney.

Strawberry Tea Photos

2008-07-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

Aloe Vera

2008-06-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

On June 11th, aloe vera enthusiast Charlotte Reynolds came to speak to the group about the plant’s healing and health-giving properties. Representing the Forever Living Products company, she demonstrated aloe vera products, providing samples of various aloe vera juices for members to taste, and giving a good deal of anecdotal evidence as to their efficacy. Charlotte herself has found them helpful in reversing her own ill health and providing a renewal of energy.

Nicknamed the “burns plant”, aloe vera has a long history of medical use for healing purposes. It was first mentioned in a papyrus dated 1552BC; Cleopatra is said to have used it in her beauty regime and Mahatma Ghandi reputedly drank the aloe vera gel which is present inside the leaves during his fasting.

Having no resistance to frost, aloe vera is mostly grown overseas, though it is beginning to be grown here in polytunnels. A Breathe Easy member had grown her own indoors and had used the gel direct from the plant for healing cuts and burns. Members were particularly interested to hear Charlotte’s assertion that aloe vera can improve breathing by soothing the surfaces of bronchial membranes, and reducing the severity of spasm.

If you would like to contact Charlotte for more information please call our Secretary Rosemary on 01227 373080.

Outing To Goodnestone Park Gardens

2008-05-14T23:00:00.000-07:00

Thirty-one members and guests joined us on the Coach trip on a warm, sunny afternoon to Goodnestone Park. The walled garden (the largest in the southeast) was glorious with many plants in early flower thanks to the hot start to May combined with the sheltered location. When we’d had enough of wandering the gardens we retired to the tea rooms and enjoyed tea with homemade cake. Somewhere in there a fair few managed to find time to buy some plants to take home and many of the remaining coach seats were occupied with glorious flowering Clematis.

tea, cakes and flowers

2008-05-14T22:00:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken by our resident professional photographer Jean Fraser. We're lucky to have her as you can see.

Quiz Night 2008

2008-05-10T23:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 10th May members, friends and family got together at Littlebourne Village Hall for our annual Quiz Night. We had 11 tables of 8 filling the hall and the excitement was almost fever pitch. Once again our Quizmaster, Mr. Tony Newington donated his time enabling us to raise funds of nearly £400 for the cause. The questions were an excellent mix on topics such as cartoon characters and bridges, with plenty that most people could answer and a selection that were a bit tougher and really tested the memory.

We provided bread, cheese, pate and crisps and people brought their own wine or other drinks and many brought extra food too so there was quite a picnic. The money raised will be split between The British Lung Foundation and equipment for our Respiratory Team.

More Quiz Photos

2008-05-10T02:15:00.000-07:00

Our Quiz Master Tony Newington, some more guests of various ages, plus the winning table.

April 9th – The British Lung Foundation

2008-04-14T02:35:00.000-07:00

Hannah Tucker the new Southeast Development Officer from the BLF came to introduce herself and give us a talk about the latest news from the BLF, the ways in which the BLF is able to support us as a group and also told us about where the money that is raised goes to. Of the money our group send to the BLF half of it goes towards research grants and half of it goes towards providing specialised Respiratory Nurses for areas of the country that don’t have one – both very worthwhile causes I hope you’ll agree. Now that Hannah’s gotten to know us we’re hoping she’ll be back for some of our other events.

March 12th - Beetle Drive

2008-03-14T02:31:00.000-07:00

This was a fun afternoon with frantic dice throwing and strange looking beetles being drawn. We had a half a dozen games with the winner of each table moving on to the next table which meant that people got a chance to talk to pretty much everyone. We also had half a dozen Easter Eggs to be won which was an added bonus!

FEBRUARY 2008

2008-02-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

In February Jean Fraser, who’s not only our Press Officer but also a photographic artist, gave us a presentation of her project – Drawing Breath: A Coastal Pushbike Journey. Jean completed the first stage of this project last summer, cycling round the coast from Whitstable to Hastings, with the aim of raising the profile of lung disease.

She had kept a photo-blog of the route and the people and groups she encountered on the way and presented this for members who do not have access to the internet. She also projected a new slide show of the route which has just been uploaded onto her website, www.drawingbreath.org.

Jean is now planning a group exhibition at the Horsebridge gallery in October this year, on the theme of breath and breathing and plans to involve the group in making self-portraits as part of this exhibition, for which she is currently seeking funding.

Jean was also supported on her journey by the Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust. Respiratory Team who kept in touch with Jean and monitored her lung condition at various points during the ride.

There was a lot of interest, particularly in the planned Horsebridge exhibition and it is hoped that members of the group will be able to support the exhibition.

January 2008

2008-01-09T19:30:00.000-08:00

We started the year with a talk from Claire Doran, Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust coordinator of the NHS’s Expert Patient Programme. She told us about the course, which is free, for people who live with any kind of chronic or long-term illness. The course aims to empower patients and works through peer education – and is run by trained lay tutors who deal with chronic health problems in their own lives so they understand the day to day difficulties of living with chronic disease.

The courses which currently run in Sittingbourne, Thanet and Deal will shortly be starting up in Whitstable. During the seven two-and-a-half hour sessions, patients share symptoms and problems caused by their illnesses; there are exercise, breathing and relaxation sessions and participants make action plans to achieve things they have found difficult. Mutual encouragement helps with confidence and self-esteem, and patients learn together ways to communicate clearly with their GPs, explain their illness and associated needs to their family and friends, and generally to become their own advocates. Understanding how to make living wills is another aspect dealt with on the course.

An animated discussion followed Claire’s talk, with several Breathe Easy members interested in taking the course. It certainly seems to work: evidence from the course’s graduates show that they visit their GPs less, have less outpatient appointments, and fewer trips to accident and emergency. Course members often choose to stay in touch for friendship and support after their sessions have ended.

The Expert Patient programme was set up as a Department of Health initiative in 2002. Eastern and Coastal Kent is one of the first primary care trusts to have a full-time Expert Patient coordinator. Government targets aim for 120,000 people to have taken the course by 2010 so Claire will certainly have her work cut out in East Kent. People with chronic disease can be referred to the programme by their health practitioner or they can self-refer by telephoning Claire. This programme really is about doing it for ourselves.

Claire Doran, Expert Patient Coordinator, Eastern and Coastal Primary Care Trust: 01304 216857

Christmas Lunch 2007

2007-12-22T06:03:00.000-08:00

2007-12-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

Once again a jolly festive time was had by all

World COPD Day - Herne Bay Junior School

2007-11-20T04:34:00.000-08:00

On 14th November (World COPD day), BE members Jean and Rosemary who both have COPD - and Iveta Richterova from the respiratory team at the Whit and Tank – held creative educational sessions making giant “lungs” with the Year 5s at Herne Bay Junior School. Sadly Mollie, who had planned the session with us, was ill and unable to be there.

Rosemary and Jean had practised building lungs beforehand to see if the idea was viable - how Blue Peter is this?

Working with 120 children in two groups of 60, we used the British Lung Foundation’s red balloons as a way of thinking about lung health. Each child was asked to blow up a balloon with one large breath, then we compared the various sizes of our balloons. Jean's and Rosemary’s were pretty puny (especially Jean's!) while Year 5 head, David Vellani's balloon was almost fully inflated. (Oh the joy of healthy lungs!) The children asked lots of questions about pollution and how many breaths we breathe in a day (22,736).

With so many children we struggled to finish on time, but finally suspended two pairs of four foot high symbolic communal lungs over the minstrels’ gallery in the school hall, emphasising that they contained the precious individual breath of each child who had taken part. After we left, the children went on to make posters on the themes of the session.

This was a big learning curve. It was hard to work with so many children, and sadly Jean was only able to take one photo as we were on the go the whole afternoon.

Mollie was sorely missed, especially during the discussion. We wish you better, Mollie, and look forward to de-briefing with you later on. We have had quite a bit of coverage in the Herne Bay Times, Whitstable Gazette and hopefully in the forthcoming NHS Health News, which has hopefully raised our profile in the area.

More Sponsored Walk Photos

2007-09-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

We couldn't have asked for a better day.

The KD Jazz Band started us off in style.

The Marine Hotel in Whitstable kindly provided us with the room for this event.

Strawberry Tea - July 2007

2007-07-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Our July meeting was held in Carol's garden where we enjoyed a Strawberry Tea with wonderful scones, fresh strawberries, jam and lashings of fresh cream. Due to the inclement weather this summer the group invested in a big party marquee and with lots of balloons, bright red tablecloths and music from the 'olden days' it was very festive.

Breathe Easy Canterbury & District

January & February meetings

Christmas 2010

November & World COPD Day

AGM & Bingo

Quiz Night 2010

The Annual Strawberry Tea

5th Birthday Party

Tea Dance Photos

Coach Trip

Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Active 4 Life

Buteyko

Christmas Lunch 2009

Christmas Lunch 2009

World COPD Day

BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES EXPLAINED

Annual General Meeting

Quiz Night 2009

September Meeting

Pauline Treadwell

Strawberry Tea 2009

Walk for Breath

Coach Outing

More Outing Photos

Beetle Drive

March 2009 - Dr. Pinnock

Yoga & Relaxation

Breathe Easy Thanet Launched

Flooding in the Whitstable area

Christmas Lunch 2008

Christmas photos

Quiz Night Nov 29th 2008

November 12th 2008

AGM

September 2008

August 2008

Stawberry Tea

Strawberry Tea Photos

Aloe Vera

Outing To Goodnestone Park Gardens

tea, cakes and flowers

Quiz Night 2008

More Quiz Photos

April 9th – The British Lung Foundation

March 12th - Beetle Drive

FEBRUARY 2008

January 2008

Christmas Lunch 2007

World COPD Day - Herne Bay Junior School

Sponsored Walk 1

More Sponsored Walk Photos

Sponsored Walk 2

Strawberry Tea - July 2007