Localised groups meet within their regions, organised by a member who will co-ordinate a suitable venue, for ‘Coffee & Cake’ or an enjoyable lunch.
The O.T. Southerners
It was lovely to meet with everyone again after an enforced two-year break. It was a most enjoyable time! I hope you all had a safe and stress-free journey home.
‘On a wonderfully sunny Saturday in late May, the Orthostatic Tremor Southerners’ Group met together in a charming pub in the heart of the West Sussex countryside. The Bat & Ball Country Pub and Haywards Restaurant is near the delightful village of Wisborough Green and was the perfect location to gather to enjoy a lovely lunch together.
Twelve of us came, from as far afield as Hampshire, Kent, London, as well as Sussex itself. Eight of us have a diagnosis of Orthostatic Tremor and the other four were partners who came along as valuable support. It was a great time and so lovely to chat together, make new friends and to have the opportunity to exchange experiences, ideas and coping strategies with others who understand exactly what life is like with Orthostatic Tremor, and how it affects us and our families. We enjoyed talking about our holidays, shared interests and hobbies.
I would really encourage others to meet up if they get the chance; it is such an encouragement and so worthwhile!’
Lynda
The O.T. Home Counties Group
It was lovely to meet with everyone again after an enforced two-year break. It was a most enjoyable time! I hope you all had a safe and stress-free journey home.
‘On Thursday, 2 May, some of us in the corner of NE Hants, Surrey, and Berkshire gathered together for coffee at The Ely on the A30 near Camberley. Anne Deakin and I meet here regularly once a month for a catch-up, and I think the general opinion was that everyone had an enjoyable time, and we are all keen to do it again! Fingers crossed that next time, the traffic for David and Sally won’t be a problem, and Alyson’s car is behaving itself.
I had met Linda on a previous occasion prior to lockdown in 2020 but had lost contact, so I was particularly pleased that she and her husband were able to come along. Initially, about 12 were planning to come, including Alyson, who wanted to make the journey from her home in Romsey! We were also looking forward to meeting a couple of new members who had just joined the group and lived in our area.
However – well, you know how things go – numbers fell drastically due to unforeseen circumstances and we initially only had six round the table but it was nice to meet Sue Johnson and her husband Paul.
Once we were well into our chat and coffee drinking, we were all delighted to welcome David and Sally, who had had a terrible journey up from Southsea thanks to the traffic, so then we were eight and the questions started again – how long have you been diagnosed? are you on meds? can you walk in the dark? I won’t go on as I am sure you all know the script! I think the general opinion was an enjoyable time was had by all and we are all keen to do it again! Fingers crossed next time that traffic for David and Sally won’t be a problem and Alyson’s car is behaving itself.
Sue Giles