Many thanks to all who came to our Coffee Morning in Bishop Sutton on 4th July. You helped us raise a magnificent £485.25 for the charity ‘Versus Arthritis’.

We are holding another event this year, in the autumn – an Information Day on Saturday, 26th October at Chew Stoke Methodist Hall from 10am. This follows a success-ful similar event three years ago. We are anticipating that the focus will be on the im-portance of exercise in managing arthritis or ‘Escape Pain’ workshops, dependent on the availability of speakers. ‘Information stalls’ on helpful services will be present and refreshments will be available. Posters will be displayed in the Chew Valley area over the next few weeks, so keep a look-out for further information.

25 years ago a small group got together in Chew Stoke to organise fundraising events and today many of this same group are still dedicated to the cause. Between them they raise £5 to 6,000 a year through coffee mornings, house to house collections, village fetes or rattling a tin outside a supermarket. But more local help is urgently needed. If you feel you could spare an hour or two to man a stall at your local fete or to help in the House to House collection due in June you could make a significant contribution. We would like to hear from you.