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Forthcoming Events

Past Events

Forthcoming Events

Treasure Hunt and BBQ on Sat the 4th September. Starting and finishing at Climping Hall (our usual meeting place) in Climping nr Arundel, West Sussex.

Tickets will be £5 per person for the hunt and BBQ food. Its BYO Drink and we will have tea and coffee for sale. The treasure Hunt is designed so you dont have to get out of the car.

If I could have numbers please by the end of August so we can get the right amount of food in.

Email or call me if any questions, I hope many of you can make it.

Past Events

Quiz Night 8th May 2010, The Park School, Woking

We held a very successful Quiz Night on the 8th May at the Park School in Woking. The quiz was run for the first time by my Dad and me! The night went well and even though Dad's questions were tough most teams did well. The winners were 'Mike knows everything' and he proved he did! Thanks to all who came.

Quiz Night 14th November 2009, Eastergate Village Hall

On the 14th of November South Downs held a quiz run by our excellent quiz master Kevin, held in Eatergate Village Hall. Although hit by bad weather a great evening was had even if my team finished last!

Classic Raceday @ Fontwell Park, Sunday 18th October 2009

This social event worked really well. We had a really good turn out and although a few minor losses (i lost all but 1 race) everyone seemed to have a good day out. The weather was sunny and pleasant- until the last race! I think we may do something similar this year.

South Downs Joint Branch Lunch, 10th Jan 2009, Worpleston Place

On Saturday 10th January 2009 at at Worplesdon Place we heald a very successful joint branch lunch. It was a cold January day; the trees were covered in heavy frost and the lake outside was covered in ice. But inside the atmosphere was warm as over 40 of us from came together at Worplesdon for our second joint branch lunch.

The London and South Downs branches were joined by two members of Thames Valley, and a group from The Office and the Chair of the Board of Trustees. A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all. Thanks to those of you who made the effort to come.

Quiz Night, 15th November, Park School, Woking
written by Andrew Downie

Wow, over 80 people turned up to Kevin’s latest quiz, held at Park School, Woking on 15th November. Kevin’s quiz was as wide ranging as usual, and just as tough, especially the picture round.

The teams came from far and wide – from the staff at the school, to friends, to members of South Downs, and others, young and old.

Of course the results were fixed, and the Park School staff team won. Their photos are now all round the school, an below!



As usual we had a raffle, with some great prizes, and some we couldn’t get rid of!
At the break we were fed – burgers and hotdogs, salad and fish fingers – great winter food.

Oh, and we raised £1,145 for Ataxia!

Pat and Gail’s Fun day
written by Andrew Downie

On the weekend that the clocks changed Pat and Gail Bushnell held their regular funday.

Despite desperate weather, many hardy souls and their parents turned out to throw willies, score penalties, and net netballs.

The highlight though is always the running, jumping, screaming events in the riding school for which there are rosettes and trophies to be won.

Over the couple of hours, excluding the preparation and clearing up, we raised £450 for Ataxia, and increased awareness yet again.

This event has now raised over £2,000 for Ataxia.

Social BBQ, September Sat 6th
written by Andrew Downie

Around 60 hardy souls overcame torrential thunderstorms, flash floods, and the fear of food poisoning, to come to the South Downs Summer BBQ.

Despite the lousy weather, we were really pleased with the turnout, from friends and members, old and new, at our now annual BBQ. Our tried and tested formula now involves burgers and sausages, salads and sauces, served indoors while the chefs labour outside. The usual raffle, and Kevin’s book stall (and CD shop), proved as successful as ever, but the big draw is the live band.

Despite never having quite the same cast-list, Matt’s mates (this time Matt, Genna, Dids and Mick) were on top form yet again – they always appear to be enjoying themselves, and their choice and range of music, mostly on acoustic guitar, always goes down well. Oh, and they started on time, too.
While the intent wasn’t to raise money, we did raise over £200 from the day. Finally, it would never work without those who put in the effort behind the scenes – so thanks go to the band, to Terry and Barbara, Kevin, Bernadette, and Chris (the sausage chef), to those who helped to set up, and to pack up, and those who lent things, and who gave prizes, and to James for remembering to thank everyone!

Bands And Buffet 2, 10 May 2008, The Park School Woking

Due to the success of last years event, South Downs held a second Band and Buffet event. The bands were Ray Gun and the Adjitators, Cc: Acoustic (featuring Matt, Dids, Gianna, Al, Tara, Jason and Jamie) and Ben Lovejoy. Over 150 people came to enjoy the music and wonderful food laid on by my Auntie and her friends. The event was again sponsored by Barclays bank.

The event was a great success and thanks to everyone who came, the helpers and the bands. Your efforts raised over 2,600 for Ataxia UK South Downs branch!

Quiz Night, 2nd February, Eastergate Village Hall, Chichester
written by Kevin Merritt

On February 2nd we held a quiz night, the second to take place at the Eastergate village hall. The evening was extremely well attended-over 90 people took part.
Several teams comprised lots of new faces attending one of our quiz nights for the first time, which was great to see. Teams came from as far away as London-James must have told them there was a huge cash prize on offer to tempt them!

The evening was great fun, with a number of teams finishing on high scores, close together, although I did finish the night slightly hoarse! Along with the quiz entry fees, a tombola run by Barbara and Terry, and an ‘American auction’ for some bottles of champagne we raised over £500 on the night, which is a fantastic result.
Thank you to all those that contributed to making the evening so successful, including all the quiz teams that took part.

We seem to have found the right formula for a successful quiz night, and I hope to produce another quiz so we can have a similar event later in the year.

Christmas Lunch, 8th December, Guildford

pictures from the Joint branch Festive Lunch

On Sat 8th of December South Downs and London Branch held a joint christmas lunch event in Guildford Surrey. Nearly 60 people came, which was a great turnout, to enjoy the lunch and speak to other people effected by Ataxia.

The venue was Parkway, which only reopened after extensive refurbishment two days before the lunch! This meant the food was a little slow coming but that worked in our favor, as we weren't rushed and we all had tim to chat. I want to thank everybody who came and helped make this day the success it was and see you next year?!

The Ataxia UK conference
written by Andrew Downie

"Ataxia Conference, held at Queen’s Hotel Leeds, on Saturday 15th September.
The conference was held up North for the first time in a number of years, at the Queen’s Hotel.  The hotel has been recently refurbished to its original Art Deco style, the public rooms especially were quite magnificently decorated.  There were also a reasonable number of disabled rooms.

In addition to the conference itself, there were a number of innovations this year including Yoga, massage, emotional freedom, and welfare benefits one-to-one appointments throughout the day.  The meeting as usual was chaired by Paul Coia, and started with Pit addressing the conference for the last time.  Pit was followed by Chris’s summary of the finances.  Both stressed how much the charity had grown, both in terms of income (a great big thanks to all donors and fundraisers) and expenditure on research and other services.

picture from Ataxia conference during the Q and A's

Peter Taylor followed with a tribute to Pit for all her work in chairing Ataxia UK through the last 4 very successful years. Sue Millman introduced herself as the new Chief Executive of Ataxia UK.  Sue presented her draft plans for the next 3 years.  She is keen for anyone who wishes to comment on them – the plans are, I’m sure available from the office.  Her key areas for development and investment were – in Research, with possible fellowships granted to researchers; creating more Ataxia centres; more education and influencing of health professionals and others; and, more emphasis on direct services to Ataxia friends (e.g. development of the advocacy service).  Tina talked briefly about the success of the branch development programme.

Throughout the day there were a number of ‘it works for talks’ from Dianna Kaye, Chris Norton and Darren.  These were both emotional and inspiring, and a real highlight.

We then had a research update – which again is available from the office, and there was also a doctors Q&A session which will be written up in the next Ataxian.  We also heard from Debi Holm, a specialist Ataxia nurse from Sheffield, and from Katie Best an OT based in London.

Next up were the award ceremonies.  The Anne Ford cup is this year going to Jean Gillard, for her work especially in creating the Eastbourne branch.  A new award was made this year – it is in memory of Ernie Heath, a great stalwart of Ataxia UK, and highly regarded past chairman.  It is to be awarded to a person without Ataxia, who has done most to promote Ataxia UK, and all its aims.  The initial winner is Margaret Evans, for her work over many many years in Belfast.

In the afternoon we also heard from Liz Carr about Independent Living, and what it and Direct Payments have meant to her and her life.  Liz was both entertaining and enlightening, and left us all looking forward to hearing her uncut Edinburgh Fringe sit down, stand up routine after dinner!  Liz’s was keen to stress that independent living is about ‘Choice and Control’, which despite her disability she now has.

Talking of fringes, Alan, a regular and well known conference attendee, agreed to have his hair cut, if we stumped up some cash for Ataxia.  The deed was carried out, and Alan, sporting his new haircut raised over £300.  Of course, there was also a raffle, with many exciting prizes.

picture from inside the Queens Hotel

Sue rounded up the day, and repeated her request for feedback, on the conference, on her plans, and on any other relevant topic.  Sue finished by announcing that next year’s conference will be in Stanstead, on either the first or second weekend of October.

The evening dinner was, as always, a highlight, and was attended by about 90 people (there had been about 140 at the conference).  We were entertained after dinner by Liz, who started her talk quite gently, but increased the ‘risque’ joke by joke, leaving us all wanting to hear more – which you can do by going to BBC’s excellent ‘ouch’ webpages.

So, what did I think?  The conference exceeded my expectations, and everyone seemed happy with the content, the quality of the speakers and the information presented.  Of course things could be better – disabled access to the room and other facilities, cheaper drinks, but what can’t be faulted was the effort put in by both Ataxia staff (before and during the conference, organizing, presenting and manning stalls, etc) and the hotel staff.  As always, too, we met loads of new people, Liz and Rachel, Deanna and Tony, Madeleine, and many others, and lots of old ones too!

This is the real reason for coming isn’t it?

Will we go next year – yes of course, and we’ll encourage more of you too!"

Foxhills Golf Club, 23rd of September

I am pleased to announce that this year Ataxia UK has been chosen as Foxhills Golf Club (in surrey) captains charity of the year.

The new captain 'T' ing off in style

The first captains event was a drive in (captain in fancy dress, see pic!) followed by a round of golf for members (over 130 played).

After the golf prizes were given to the winners, a raffle and speeches were made. I even said a few words which went surprisingly well! Throughout the year the captain organises various events, all in aid of Ataxia UK. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the golf club and especially the new captain.


August Bank Holiday Sunday Charity Market
written by Eileen & Brian Harding

"Eileen and I had originally requested a plot for a stall at our local bank holiday Donkey Derby, which is always a big attraction. Unfortunately, the rules have been changed for this year meaning that only local charities were allowed to participate on the Monday when the donkey derby is held. However, we were not to be deterred so agreed to take part on the Sunday.

We had to arrive at 08:30hrs in order to get set up ready for opening at 10:00hrs. It was a cold dull and grey morning and did not look at all promising. We erected our gazebo, put up the banners, posters and balloons. We decided that the left hand side of the gazebo would be for the tombola, prizes and handing out leaflets and that the right hand side would be for our bric-a-brac sales.

After unloading boxes of goodies, we were eventually ready to open on time.
It was now darker and colder and not a single customer in sight. Fortunately, we brought some flasks of hot drinks as well as cold drinks, so put on our coats, poured some hot drinks and sat it out.

By lunchtime, nothing was happening but the clouds started to break up, out came the sun and we were in business. From just after 14:00hrs to closing time at 16:00hrs we were rushed of our feet. The tombola was a good attraction raising £219 thanks to Eileen’s brother Dennis and his partner Joan, while our sales gave as a further £199 making a total of £418 for the day.

The purpose of the day was also to try and raise awareness of Ataxia locally and I believe we achieved this by the number of leaflets we issued, together with the enquiries that we had and in particular from the St John Ambulance Brigade"


Ataxia Crohn's Bike Ride

written by Andrew Downie before the ride
"Two years ago Andy Sturt and Dave Rapley rode from Land’s End to John O’Groats for Ataxia, in 10 days, raising over £20,000. They wanted a new challenge for 2007, and decided that non-stop from London to Paris, finishing to coincide with the Tour De France would be within their capabilities.

In planning this with them, a few others decided that taking a slower route would be enough for them. So we now have over 20 riders, drivers and helpers. The original ride was for Ataxia, which our son James has. In 2006 Andy’s son Darryl was diagnosed with Crohns, and we decided this time to split the proceeds of the ride between the two charities.

The NACC (www.nacc.org.uk) are our leading charity and will act as bankers, splitting the proceeds 50/50 with Ataxia (www.ataxia.org.uk) after expenses. These we are keeping to a minimum, of course.

The ride starts from Ataxia’s offices at the Oval, the slow riders starting early on July 25th, and the fast riders starting on July 27th. We plan to meet up on Saturday, to ride along the Champs Ellysses as a single group."

So everyone who set out completed the ride. A remarkable effort by the riders, organisers and old men managing to do all 400 miles! Thanks so much to everyone what you all achieved is amazing.

Written by my Godfather, Paul Warburton for a newspaper, after he did the ride.

"THE ORIGINAL aim was to raise around £30,000 for both the Ataxia and Crohn’s Charities. The legacy from 21 cyclists who took on the task of cycling to Paris from London in four days, or in one group’s case – 24 hours – was a lasting spirit of friendship.
Stiff legs, sunburned arms, and rickety backs that when straightened sounded like gunfire, were all eased by the balm of beer and bonhomie at a job well done. Among the group was Andy Sturt, who was in the ‘fast group’ aka ‘a bunch of nutters’, and does this sort of trip like he was cycling down to the shop for the paper.
Andy and his bunch of hardened two-wheelers did the trip in one 24-hour hit, cycling through the northern France night in wind and pouring rain, but still finding time to congratulate the amateurs, who in some cases mounted a saddle for the first time at the beginning of the year.
The celebratory dinner on Saturday, July 28, reinforced why everyone, including eight assistants in three vans, put themselves through the torture in the first place.
Crawling up a massive hill on the second day, one cyclist leaned over to Andy Downie, whose son is an Ataxia victim, and whispered in his ear: “you may find this tough, mate – but your James has difficulty in getting out of bed each morning”

A few pics on the route to Paris:




Thanks to everyone who sponsored.  Together loads has been raised for Ataxia and Crohns - Details to follow (around £30k!)

BBQ

On the 11th of August South Downs held a social BBQ event at the usual venue in Climping.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable day with wonderful weather! We had a great turn out, amazing food and great summer music provided by Matt Jones and friends. Special thanks to Barbra and helpers for the wonderful food and the band for relaxing summer day tunes!


Beyond Boundaries Live: 29/6/07

I was quite intrigued by this event, I have been to disability exhibitions before but not one that takes its name from a TV show. For those who are unfamiliar with the show it is a reality style documentary show on BBC. 

The Event was at Sandown Park, close to where I live, and was in the main exhibition hall. The venue was, of course, fully accessible, although as the disabled bays were all obviously taken so I had to park quite a way from the venue, down quite a steep hill. I started making my climb up the hill but was clearly struggling- it was steep! Luckily a guy who saw me struggling came to my aid!

Once inside I was impressed, well laid out entrance hall and a fast checking in system. After check in you receive the normal stuff- programs and leaflets about various exhibitors. Once inside I went straight to get a coffee and look through the program. There were many exhibitors, from big banks, to a guy selling t-shirts and gadgets to pimp your wheels! There was a host of wheelchair companies, accessible holidays, hand bikes, cars, car adaptations, gadgets, and even a sports court. A few familiar faces were there from South Downs and some people who have worked with in the past. The turn out was good for a Friday and was busy but not packed.

I don’t wish to advertise anyone on this site, so if you would like any of exhibitors details click here for list or contact me. However, saying that 2 products I hadn’t seen before stuck out for me with benefit to people with Ataxia. The first is a company called Strawberi click here for site.  They basically sell straw holders (and other drinking aids), doesn’t sound like much, but a great drinking aids if you use a straw as they stop the straw from moving. The second I will mention is a 'vibration platform'.  This product cost between 2,500 and 4,500, but it is a product aimed at gym’s, rather than home use. I was made aware of these a while ago but hadn’t seen one or tried one out. It is like a big plate you stand or rest various parts of your body on.  The plate then vibrates between 30 – 60 times a second.  I decided to have a go. I couldn’t run after I used it, but I did make legs feel more alive, like they had been shaken into life.  The feeling last’s maybe 2 days, and is by no means a cure. However, if your gym has one use it, and if not ask them to get one! For more information click here.

Me with Ade Adepitan

After I had visited almost every stall, tried out a few different hand bikes and new chairs, it was getting towards closing. Then I remembered I hadn’t taken any pictures for the site/newsletter.  By this time the hall was emptying so there would be no-one in my pictures of the venue. I was not sure what to do, then out of the corner of my eye I recognized someone from the TV show. It was Ade Adepitan, who is a is a British television presenter and wheelchair basketball player, who appeared on Beyond Boundaries.  So I asked for a picture with him!

All in all I thought beyond boundaries live  was a excellent exhibition and is well worth a visit, especially for young and active disabled people.

My descent back to the car quite a different experience to my climb.  I prepared myself with gloves and went for it down the road, as no cars were present! I picked up loads of speed, and to my left in the distance spotted a bush.  By this time I was moving quite fast, and trying my best to brake and steer with my palms.  It almost worked, but I was still traveling a bit fast to miss the bush! I was ok though, just learnt to take corners a little slower in future- maybe. 

Bands and Buffet: 26/5/06

The flyer for the event

On the 26th of May I put on my first event for South Downs.  It was a Band and Buffet evening at my Aunties school in Woking.  It was a great success and thanks to everyone who came and helped out.  Special thanks Karen Eastwood, Denise Heffernan. Carol McAllen, Linda Maycock, Sound by Design, Andrew Spencer, my folks and the Bands!  I was truly touched by the turn out and the amount of money we raised.