Fibromyalgia Conference 2
by Jeanne Hambleton - issued 02.06.10
Friday to Monday, April 8th-11th 2011
Southdowns Holidays Village, Bracklesham Bay, (close to East/West Wittering),
Chichester, West Sussex PO20 8JE
I did not think I would be writing about another conference – I remember saying loudly ‘never again’ - but it only goes to show – you never know what is going to happen next.
First – the good news – both Dr Andrew Holman and Dr Patrick Wood, who are at the cutting edge of research in the USA, have agreed to come to our conference April 8/11 2011, subject to any catastrophes - fingers crossed.
The bad news – we need to get busy fund raising to meet their expenses.
At the last conference we were very lucky – our speakers all understood there would be no fees and still chose to come and support us. Cost of the weekend went to the venue and the conference itself was done on a shoestring. We successfully drummed up support under The Old Pals Act 2010. Our programme was sponsored and other contributions helped to pay for copying, printing, prizes, the race night and one travel expense that was claimed. So we were most fortunate. But this next year it may be a very different story with different speakers.
The American doctors are willing to give us their time without charge. I will ask that they will be on site for the weekend. As they are travelling half way around the world there must be some financial input from us – in other words fund raising.
Of course I was overjoyed when I heard they had said yes but nevertheless daunted by the task ahead. However to be sure we can raise this money I do need some help – someone with some experience in seeking sponsorship to help us raise funds. If there are any volunteers out there you can do this from your own computer – no need for meetings. We would love some help please.
SPONSORSHIPS
Already two individuals have come forward with sponsorship ideas – Sarah, our pamper lady is doing a Triathlon on July 18 so we need sponsorship for her now. Also Marie-Caroline, as I mentioned before, is walking 100 miles for sponsorship. We have also had a donation of £100 from the Group Leader in the Channel Islands - a BIG thanks and well done to those 3 people. More information at SPONSORSHIP PLEASE FOR CONFERENCE 2011
The Isle of Wight and Nene Valley FM Support Groups have both promised raise funds. Nene Valley is doing a sponsored walk. Others are looking for ideas so it seems we are all pulling together – well done.
PHOTOGRAPHS SATURDAY APRIL 24 2010
Also some of you will remember the wandering photographer at the conference on Saturday evening. He was Alan Perry, husband of a fibromite, who subsequently has donated the negs (pdfs) to us to sell to delegates to raise more funds for research or our fare fund.
If you log on to Alan’s website, look at the pictures, write down the number and the names please. For £5 you can receive that picture as a pdf to print, change, do what you like with forever, or put on a memory stick and take to the local photo shop and get 6x4 prints of it made.
Please send a cheque/postal order for £5 for each photograph/pdf you require with the number and names or description to me together with the email address you wish the pdf to be sent to. Thanks.
Cheques, with cheque card number, should be made out to FIBRO CONFERENCE to Jeanne Hambleton, 65 Stocks Lane, East Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex PO20 8NH.
Before you ask me I am still waiting for news of the DVDs. As the proceeds from this exercise are for a good cause, you will hear from me as soon as I have some news. Please bear with us especially the fibromite who spent 13 hours filming all of the speakers from her wheelchair. Thank you Glenda – we look forward to hearing from you as soon as convenient. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
PRESS RELEASE
Finally if you have not seen or heard about the press release yet you will find it on http://fmsglobalnews.wordpress.com or FMA UK website, page 1, of FMS SAS under Events - Conference. (It is also on this site here.)
THANKS & CVS
There is one person I did fail to mention in my thanks list and he was very important in providing some of the literature in your conference bags. He is Norman Smith from our Chichester CVS – Community Volunteers Service – which has changed it’s name and I cannot remember it – fibro fog. It is a national organisation. If your group does not belong to your local CVS, it is really worth joining. They are up to date with funding, help you write grant applications, will add details of your meetings to their newsletters and more.
ANOTHER SELL OUT?
To those who have not ‘booked with intent’ (no money yet) for the 2011 conference, you might be interested to know that we have already sold over 20% of the available accommodation - over 60 bookings in the last 3 weeks – and that is without even trying. We expect an increase of £10 or £15 and until we know that figure we are not taking deposits but accepting bookings in good faith.
There are no single rooms left – sorry – all re-booked. So it is double beds, or twin singles, sharing in a chalet or in the main building up 20 stairs no lift. The alternative is 3 in a 2 room chalet - 1 double 1 single bed. I feel it is important that those who came before and wanted to come back again, should be given first offer. Please let me know if you want your old room or another room – we have been promised new mattresses – says she hopefully.
Look out for a second email headed SPONSORSHIP. Thank you for your support that will certainly help to make this all happen.
Kindest regards and fibro hugs
Jeanne Hambleton
0845 345 5942/2410
My number could change in the future to an completely new 0844 number
Email is safer jeannehambleton@mac.com
A report of the 2010 Conference is here.
Go to Sponsorship page.
 
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Buy-at the FMS SAS on-line shop.