http://www.thelivingtree.org.uk/

The Living Tree Cancer Support Group, Bridport (2026)

01/09/2026

THE MELPLASH SHOW 🐎
Although the day started wet, the sun soon came out and brought in the crowds to The Melplash Show. Our stall looked colourful and bright with lots of items to sell. We met so many interesting people, informing them about our support and activities. Thanks to Paula and Marion (pictured) and everyone who contributed to the happy day.

ABBOTSBURY AMBLE 🥾
The Ambling group met at the Swannery car park and followed the mill stream towards the village path up to St Catherine’s Chapel. There was, unusually, not a breath of wind at the top. After exploring the chapel, we meandered down towards the coastal path, returning by a lower track on the edge of the Swannery maze and onto the coffee stop for well-earned drinks and treats.
The next Amble is next Wednesday, 9th September. Please email Jo C for more info at [email protected] or WhatsApp on 07908 158168.

THE LIVING TREE ALLOTMENT 🌱
We have been celebrating summer birthdays at Our Allotment along with the recent installation of a pergola and shade sail. Our weekly harvest has been plentiful this year, contributing towards our delicious refreshments.
Our Allotment meets at St. Cecilia's Gardens opposite St Catherine’s School every Wednesday between 10am and 12 noon - the plots by the river. All welcome, whatever the weather, and no special skills required.

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
Friday Drop-in resumes this week after the completion of renovation work at the Friends' Meeting House. Please join us this Friday, 4th September for 1pm MINDFULNESS with Sue Howse - all welcome, no prior booking or experience required, followed by 2.15pm Tripudio and then 2.30-4pm KINESIOLOGY THERAPY with Lucy Chant. Lucy qualified in March with the Kinesiology Association and offers muscle response testing to find imbalances in the body with the aim to rectify them. She works on four realms - physical, nutritional, emotional and electrical, seeing where the imbalance is and supporting the body in a gentle, personalised way. Everyone is welcome to Drop-in and activities take place at The Friends' Meeting House, 97 South Street, Bridport.

25/08/2026

THE LIVING TREE HARVEST LUNCH 🥣
We had a Harvest Lunch with a difference this year as we quite rightly needed to avoid any fire hazards. We each bought dishes from home and it took place during our usual Wednesday session. The event was brought to an ironic close by a dramatic downpour caught beautifully by our new sails!
We meet at Our Allotment at St. Cecilia's Gardens opposite St Catherine’s School every Wednesday between 10am and 12 noon - the plots by the river. All welcome, whatever the weather, and no special skills required 🌱

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
Last Friday's Drop-in was held at the Allotment rather than the Friends' Meeting House, which was not available due to building work. Mecki Testroet from Bridport Citizens Advice came to talk about "What the CAB can offer you". 8 members braved the showery weather and congregated under the sail shelter to hear Mecki explain the wide range of services the CAB offers, the most popular topics for discussion being consumer finance and energy.
The FMH continues to be closed for renovation work this week, so there will be no Friday Drop-in sessions. It will be open again next week and we will be back to normal on Friday 4th September.
We are sad to announce that after being part of our charity virtually from the start, our wonderful friend Libby Jukes is stepping down from her monthly art session. We completely understand that she might want to do something else on a Friday afternoon, after 13 or so years! So, her final art session will be on Friday 25th September. Please do come along if you would like to thank Libby and say a fond farewell 👋🏻

OUTREACH STAND 🗣
We have an Outreach Stand at The Melplash Show this Thursday, 27th August in the Bridport Town Council Marquee in aisle D, pitch 100. It is a great opportunity for us to talk to people about our work and sell some of our lovely cards, books and bri-a-brac. We hope to see you there!

AMBLES 🥾
Dates for your diary for the remainder of the year -
Wednesday 9th & Thursday 24th September
Monday 5th & Wednesday 21st October
Thursday 5th & Monday 16th November
Wednesday 16th December
Everyone is welcome to join us on our Ambles, including well-behaved dogs. Please email Jo Corban for more details on how to join at [email protected] or WhatsApp on 07908 158168.

COULD YOU BECOME A TRUSTEE? 🌳
We are on the lookout for a new Trustee. If anyone is interested in what the role might involve, the other Trustees would be happy to discuss this with you, so please contact us if you think you might be able to help with the running of our charity at [email protected] or WhatsApp/call 07341 916976.

PROSTATE CANCER UK 🚹
The Living Tree recently received a letter from Prostate Cancer UK raising awareness of the work it does and the need for donations to help fund the work of the charity. We are unable to donate from Living Tree funds as we are a charity ourselves, but individual members are welcome to make a donation if they would like to at https://donate.prostatecanceruk.org/single-donation/step1/

18/08/2026

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
At last Friday’s Drop-in we had a very interesting and engaging conversation with Emma and Sue from the Dorset NHS Wessex Cancer Alliance. They explained the importance of prehabilitation and post care follow up. They then opened up the discussion to members to discuss their experiences and how things could be done better. The importance and lack of GP involvement was discussed. They were looking for our opinions on the service and communications given by the NHS to cancer patients and their carers. As ever, we were not shy in providing our thoughts and they took copious notes so that some of our points can be implemented to help them achieve their goals. We look forward to seeing them again to find out what progress they have made.

The Friends' Meeting House will be closed for renovation work on Friday 21st and 28th August. This Friday, our speaker for the day, Mecki Trestroet, has kindly offered to give her talk on 'How Citizens Advice can help you' at the Living Tree Allotment instead. Please arrive for 2.15pm and Mecki will start her talk at 2.30pm. We won’t be doing Tripudio or offering refreshments, but people are very welcome to bring their own. We do have plenty of seating and the sail cover if it is a hot day. We look forward to seeing anyone who would like to come along, in place of our usual get together at FMH. Our allotment is in the St. Cecelia’s allotment plot, opposite St Catherine’s School on Pymore Lane.

LIVING TREE THERAPY PARTNERSHIP 🤝🏻
Are you aware that as a member of the Living Tree you, your partner or carer are able to access six free therapy sessions funded by The Living Tree Partnership? We now have 15 local therapists registered with the partnership undertaking a number of different therapies including Reiki, Mindfulness, Yoga, Lymphatic Massage, One to One Talking therapy and several others. All details can be found on The Living Tree website at www.thelivingtree.org.uk/therapists-partnership or call the Living Tree on 07341 916976 to discuss further.

11/08/2026

AMBLE 🥾
Our Amble last week was to West Bay, through the fields and a meander along the front, with low cloud over Thorncombe(!). Coffee & pastries at Rise and back past the fair onto the railway line. Thankfully, not too hot!
Our next Amble is on Wednesday 26th August with route decided nearer the date depending on local weather. All welcome. Please email Jo C for more details on how to join us at [email protected] or WhatsApp Jo on 07908 158168.

WHIST DRIVE ♠ - 2nd Friday of each month
Next Event – THIS FRIDAY, 14th August at St Swithun’s Church Hall, North Allington, Bridport.
You do not need a partner! Prizes for high-card points and great raffle prizes too. Proceeds go towards the running of the Whist Drive with any surplus monies donated to The Living Tree.
All details on the attached poster.
Beginners and improvers can contact Tan or Denise for taster sessions as we would love more learners to come along.
CONTACT: Tan on 07528 189815 or Denise on 07774 660645

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
At last Friday’s Drop-in we had a very informative talk by Fran Gleason from the Weldmar Hospicecare outreach team. We heard about all that Weldmar offers by way of care and support at home and support for family members beyond a patient's life. Fundraising was also covered, with so many amazing efforts mentioned such as the upcoming hike of the Camino de Santiago de Compostella. We also thanked and presented Consuelo with some of the lovely new cards which she designed for us.
Please join us this Friday, 14th August for 1pm YOGA with Nadiya Wynn, 🧘‍♀️* followed by 2.15pm Tripudio and then 2.30-4pm NHS WESSEX CANCER ALLIANCE with Sue Newell and Emma Leather-Barrow who will be discussing
- What Living Tree members think needs to be improved in terms of cancer care and support
- Getting Involved in shaping care improvements
- Living With Cancer work updates (our activities around prehabilitation/rehabilitation; cancer signposting and support; end of treatment summaries and working with GPs)
Everyone is welcome to Drop-in and activities take place at The Friends' Meeting House, 97 South Street, Bridport.
* contact Nadiya at [email protected]/07800 712998 if you are attending for the first time & bring along a yoga mat and blanket.

Drop-in Update: The Friends' Meeting House will be closed for renovation work on Friday 21st and 28th August. On Friday 21st August, our speaker for that day, Mecki Trestroet, has kindly offered to give her talk on 'How Citizens Advice Bureau can help you' at the Living Tree Allotment instead. Please arrive for 2.15pm and Mecki will start her talk at 2.30pm. We won’t be doing Tripudio or offering refreshments, but people are very welcome to bring their own. We do have plenty of seating and the sail cover if it is a hot day. We look forward to seeing anyone who would like to come along, in place of our usual get together at FMH. Our allotment is in the St. Cecelia’s allotment plot, opposite St Catherine’s School on Pymore Lane.

And a reminder that Roz is asking for prize donations for upcoming raffles, which would be very much appreciated. All for cancer related fundraising, particularly a big raffle for TLT. Roz can pick up if necessary or drop off at The Ropemakers or give to a Trustee. Many thanks!

04/08/2026

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
Last Friday Drop-in turned into an impromptu tea and chat as Libby was unable to join us. Amongst other subjects, Monique told us a little of her role as a judge in various food competitions.
Please join us this Friday, 7th August for 1pm MINDFULNESS with Caroline Hoffman - all welcome, no prior booking or experience required, followed by 2.15pm Tripudio and then 2.30-4pm Weldmar Hospicecare with Fran Gleason who will discuss what their free services offer and how to get referrals from GPs, Consultants and Oncologists for patients in need of their care, either in the hospice or in their own homes. Topics will include fundraising, volunteering, gifts in wills and other ways of supporting. There will also be a couple of heart-warming stories/experiences and lots of free magazines and leaflets for people to take home and read. Everyone is welcome to Drop-in and activities take place at The Friends' Meeting House, 97 South Street, Bridport.

OUTREACH STAND 🗣
We attended Loders Fete last Saturday with our Outreach Stall. It was a well attended event in lovely sunshine, but not too hot, and a great opportunity for us to talk to people about our work. Thank you to all who helped run the stall, to those who stopped to say hello and to those who bought some of our lovely cards, books and bri-a-brac.
Our next Outreach Stand will be at The Melplash Show on Thursday, 27th August. We hope to see you there!

AMBLES 🥾
We have enjoyed some wonderful Ambles recently and we have more lined up.. Dates until the end of September - these may change due to weather etc.. however, we have an outline plan!
Tuesday 4th August
Wednesday 26th August
Wednesday 9th September
Thursday 24th September
Please email Jo C for more details on how to join us at [email protected] or WhatsApp Jo on 07908 158168.

28/07/2026

AMBLE 🥾
We had a wonderful Amble this week at Coppet Hill near Whitchurch Canonicorum. A bit of footie to start with and then a delightful wander through the Sunflower Trail. Some of the flowers were still to fully open, but there was plenty of opportunity for the photographers among us to bee 🐝 happy with. We then went to the tranquil ponds and a smaller group walked further around another of the trails before joining back together in the barn cafe for delicious refreshments. For further information about the Sunflower Saunter visit https://coppethill.co.uk/sunflowers/
Our next Amble is to West Bay next Tuesday, 4th August, meeting at the Leisure Centre at 9:30am. Weather permitting! Please come prepared - suntan lotion, hat etc.. 😎
Contact Jo C for further details on 07908 158168.

LT Cards 🐧🐟
We have some super new cards to sell. The batik artwork has been generously donated by Consuelo Ferguson, one of our regular members. Cards will be on sale at all our upcoming stalls for £2.50 with monies raised going to the Living Tree. Thank you, Consuelo!

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
Thank you to Richard for leading a lovely art session in rather hot conditions, producing pictures of flowers and animals 🐅🥀
Please join us this Friday, 31st July for MINDFULNESS with Caroline Hoffman - all welcome, no prior booking or experience required, followed by 2.15pm Tripudio and then 2.30-4pm ART WITH LIBBY JUKES 🎨 (all materials supplied) or simply come along for tea and chat. Everyone is welcome to Drop-in and activities take place at The Friends' Meeting House, 97 South Street, Bridport.

OUTREACH STALL 🗣
Our next Outreach Stall will be at Loders Fete this Saturday, 1st August from 2-5pm at Loders Court. There will be traditional stalls, a tea tent, barbecue, pop-up bar, grand raffle, tombola and a coconut shy, music from the Lyme Regis Town Band, a family dog show, a classic vehicle display and children's entertainer Count Backwards. Lots to keep the whole family entertained! Please come and say hello if you are visiting 🙂

21/07/2026

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
Last Friday, we welcomed Lu Worrell, Community Palliative Care Nurse at Weldmar Hospicecare which provides specialist end of life care for adults with a life limiting illness, and support for their loved ones. It was enlightening to learn some of the figures. Like the £27,000 needed to run Weldmar each day. That they have to raise 84% of their funding themselves and how external funding such as from the NHS has been cut back. And the importance of their retail outlets which provide a big chunk of their income (such as the new store in Bridport in the premises previously housing Lilliputs).
As a Community Nurse, Lu is dealing predominantly with those patients who are at home and/or are choosing to end their days at home. Not surprising perhaps that 83% prefer that choice, where possible. Lu manages a case load of 50 and triages all of them each day. She is currently studying for a Masters in palliative care and is being supported in this by Weldmar. What impressed all of us was her clear commitment and belief in what she does. Not surprisingly, there was a very full question session at the end.
We also had our last Tai Chi & Qi Gong session with Marie Carty. Thank you to Marie for all her hard work and support.
Please join us this Friday, 24th July for 1pm YOGA with Nadiya Wynn, Restorative Being, Yoga and Mindfulness 🧘‍♀️* followed by 2.15pm Tripudio and then 2.30-4pm ART WITH RICHARD GHOST involving paper, pencils and photographs 🎨 (all materials supplied) or simply come along for tea and chat. Everyone is welcome to Drop-in and activities take place at The Friends' Meeting House, 97 South Street, Bridport.
* contact Nadiya at [email protected]/07800 712998 if you are attending for the first time & bring along a yoga mat and blanket.

AMBLE 🥾
This week’s Amble is on Thursday, 23rd July at Coppet Hill Purcombe Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum DT6 6RL. We’ll meet there at 10am. We can take two in our car - message me on 07908 158168 if that’s helpful. The forecast is still ‘good’ 🌞 so trails will be dry and maybe rough as a result of the persistent heat. Please come with sun protection and stout footwear. There will be cake!! All welcome; if you can, please leave a WhatsApp message on above number to let me know that you’re coming - Jo C

FUNDRAISING AFTERNOON TEA 🍰☕
Dawn Adwick is holding a fundraising tea party on Sunday, 9th August 2-4.30pm to which Living Tree members are welcome. However, she doesn’t have a big garden so would prefer that anyone wanting to go let’s Jo Millar know in advance to limit numbers. There will be a raffle with fabulous prizes - see attached list. Money raised will go towards Breast Cancer Now. If you wish to attend or buy raffle tickets, please contact Jo on [email protected] or WhatsApp/call 07341 916976.

And a reminder that Roz is asking for prize donations for upcoming raffles, which would be very much appreciated. All for cancer related fundraising, particularly a big raffle for TLT to be announced soon. Roz can pick up if necessary or drop off at The Ropemakers or give to a Trustee. Many thanks!

14/07/2026

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
Last Friday, we had a talk by Alice Martin from Pickwoad Clinic Herbal Medicine on medicinal herbs you might find in your kitchen cupboards and how to use them. These included garlic, ginger, fennel seeds, bay leaves, peppermint, thyme, linseed and nutmeg. The talk was extremely interesting and informative with lots of notes being taken by those present and many questions asked.
Please join us this Friday, 17th July for 1pm MINDFULNESS with Sue Howse - all welcome, no prior booking or experience required, followed by 2.15pm TRIPUDIO then 2.30pm Weldmar Hospicecare with Lu Worrall, Specialist Community Palliative Care Nurse who will speak about her role and journey within the community as a specialist hospice at-home practitioner. This will be followed at 3.30pm by TAI CHI & QI GONG with Marie Carty. This will be the LAST SESSION run for us by Marie and we thank her very much for her dedication and support.
Everyone is welcome to join in or to just come along for tea & chat. Our Friday drop-in activities take place at The Friends' Meeting House, 97 South Street, Bridport.

AMBLE 🥾
The next Amble will be on Thursday, 23rd July when we will be visiting Coppett Farm, and they have promised cake 🍰! All welcome - more details to follow in next week's post. Please email Jo C about our Ambles at [email protected] or WhatsApp on 07908 158168.

RAFFLE PRIZES 🎟
Roz Copson is asking for prize donations for upcoming raffles, which would be very much appreciated. All for cancer related fundraising, particularly a big raffle for TLT to be announced soon. Roz can pick up if necessary or drop off at The Ropemakers or give to a Trustee. Many thanks!

Thank you once again to Jane Saunders for running the recent LT Soundbath relaxation session. Everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

08/07/2026

FRIDAY DROP-IN
We had yet another great singing session with Jane at last Friday Drop-in, she always lifts our spirits!

Please join us this Friday, 10th July for 1pm YOGA with Nadiya Wynn, Restorative Being, Yoga and Mindfulness (contact Nadiya at [email protected]/07800 712998 if you are attending for the first time & bring along a yoga mat and blanket.) Followed by 2.15pm TRIPUDIO then 2.30pm
KITCHEN CUPBOARD REMEDIES: HERBAL MEDICINES YOU DIDN'T KNOW YOU ALREADY HAD - Alice Martin, a local practising herbalist, will discuss the medicinal virtues of some ingredients commonly found in all of our kitchens, hoping to send you away with some ideas for treating basic ailments at home.
Everyone is welcome to join in or to just come along for tea & chat. Our Friday drop-in activities take place at The Friends' Meeting House, 97 South Street, Bridport.

SOUNDBATH
A successful Sound Bath was held at DT6 Mary’s Church House on Sunday. All participants took an hour out of their Sunday morning to enjoy a relaxing session of harp, singing bowls and atmospheric gongs.

AMBLE
Our latest Amble took us to Stonebarrow, along the coast path and Chardown Hill. A new route for many, it was an amble in glorious sunshine with a breeze, through lush meadows with plentiful butterflies, along an undulating route with views along Jurassic Coast. Followed by refreshments at The Crazy Cow at the (former) Radar Station on Stonebarrow. Oh, and a three-wheeler motorbike that caused much discussion!!
Our next Amble is July 23rd, with a visit to Coppet Farm, all welcome, please message Jo if you're joining us on 07908 158168 as they would like to ensure they make enough cakes!

LOCAL EVENTS
Come and meet us at any of these local events during the summer, we’ll be there talking about the amazing work of The Living Tree!
- Loders Fete - 1st August
- Bridport Leisure Centre Open Day - 8th August
- Melpash Show - 27th August
- Whitchurch, Morcombelake and Ryall Flower Show - 31st August (TBC)
Living Tree members who are interested in volunteering to help out at these outreach events would be most welcome and appreciated. Please contact via the Living Tree email [email protected] or 07341 916976 if you are able to support us, you can then be included in the volunteer rota.

WHIST DRIVE
- 2nd Friday of each month
Next Event – THIS FRIDAY, 10th July at St Swithun’s Church Hall, North Allington, Bridport.
You do not need a partner! Prizes for high-card points and great raffle prizes too. Proceeds go towards the running of the Whist Drive with any surplus monies donated to The Living Tree. All details on the attached poster.
Beginners and improvers can contact Tan or Denise for taster sessions as we would love more learners to come along.
CONTACT: Tan on 07528 189815 or Denise on 07774 660645

The Living Tree Cancer Support Group

01/09/2026

25/08/2026

18/08/2026

11/08/2026

04/08/2026

28/07/2026

21/07/2026

14/07/2026

08/07/2026

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