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

The Living Tree Cancer Support Group, Bridport (2026)

06/10/2026

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
Last Friday, Jane Silver-Corren led us in a fun singalong including '7 Old Ladies Stuck in a Lavatory' and 'Yellow Submarine'. We then each had an instrument to play. It felt like being back at school! There was laughs all round and much enjoyment, as reflected in the lovely photos, attached.
There has been a change to the published drop-in sessions for the remainder of this month. The scheduled Christmas card sessions with Chris will not be taking place, however there will be Christmas Tree decoration sessions starting at the end of the month, with a really great theme and no sewing this year! This Friday there will be word games with Chris Edwards which should be both interesting and fun.
Please join us this Friday, 9th October for 1pm YOGA with Nadiya Wynn, Restorative Being 🧘‍♀️* followed by 2.15pm TRIPUDIO and then 2.30pm WORD GAMES WITH CHRIS EDWARDS. 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.
* contact Nadiya at [email protected]/07800 712998 if you are attending for the first time & bring along a yoga mat and blanket.

WHIST DRIVE ♦ - 2nd Friday of each month
Next Event – THIS FRIDAY, 9th October 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 for further information.
🙏 We would like to say a big THANK YOU to Mrs Joan Killick who, following our request, has very kindly donated an extra folding card table to the Whist Drive, which was much needed due to high demand for places.
🎄 Could you make a CHRISTMAS CAKE for the Christmas raffle, held in December, hosted by the Living Tree Whist Drive? A budget of £10 is available for this and the cake will be labelled as made by a supporter of the Living Tree with the LT logo. Please contact Tan to discuss on 07528 189815.

DONATION BY THE ROPEMAKERS 🎉
On Thursday 1st October, John and Geraldine Baker, the kind and generous landlords of The Ropemakers Pub in West Street, Bridport made a presentation to The Living Tree Chairman Mark Cowling of £2085. This was not the first time John and Geraldine have made such presentations to the LT. In fact, for more than 10 years this has been an annual event and in that time they have donated well in excess of £10,000. They raise the money through their weekly meat draw that takes place every Friday evening, year round, and ALL profit from the event is channelled to the LT. The Ropemakers also holds an annual Dog Show which is a very much loved and popular event. Proceeds from this too are given to the LT.
Mark thanked John and Geraldine for their dedication in helping to support this essential charity that offers so much opportunity for help to those affected by cancer; patients, their families, carers and friends. And, as Mark pointed out, everything the LT provides is free of charge and only made possible by the positive support from people like John and Geraldine 🙏

29/09/2026

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
We had a lovely final afternoon with Libby Jukes at last Friday Drop-in. So many people came to say thank you to Libby after 11 years of inspiring us to be creative! A few tears were shed towards the end of the afternoon as people said farewell. We presented her with a card, two beautiful bunches of flowers and a gift which she will open at home. And she has promised to pop back to see us from time to time. So, thank you Libby for everything you have done to support Living Tree - you will always have a special place in our hearts! 💓
Please join us this Friday, 2nd October for 1pm MINDFULNESS ☯ with Caroline Hoffman - all welcome, no prior booking or experience required, followed by 2.15pm TRIPUDIO and then 2.30pm SINGING FOR HEALTH 🎵 with the ever-popular Jane Silver-Corren. 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.
* contact Nadiya at [email protected]/07800 712998 if you are attending for the first time & bring along a yoga mat and blanket.

AMBLES 🥾
Last week's Amble took place at Langdon Hill, where we were treated to dry trails, sunshine and ‘almost’ Mediterranean views to the west. Some of us tackled the summit of Golden Cap before re-joining the others and walking to Felicity's Farm Shop for some well earned refreshments - the cake portions were much appreciated!
The next Amble is next Monday, 5th October with details nearer the date as it is very weather dependent. All welcome. Please email Jo C for information at [email protected] or WhatsApp Jo on 07908 158168.

BRIDPORT LITERARY FESTIVAL - ED DAVEY 📖
Liberal Democrat Leader, Ed Davey is coming to Bridport Literary Festival on Thursday 12th November at 2.30pm in the Electric Palace with his book 'Why I Care And Why Care Matters', which traces his own experience of caring both for his mother with cancer and his disabled son. Tickets and information are available at
https://www.bridlit.com/buy-tickets/event-47-ed-davey-why-i-care/
The event is being made as accessible as possible for local people who might find it interesting and of help. There are half price tickets for carers which can be booked through the Bridport Tourist Information Centre.

THANK YOU FROM ROZ 🙏
A very big thank you to all of you who came to visit me during and after my recent stays in hospital. Also, thank you for all the nice (and tasty) things you gave me. I don't think I have had so many visitors before. You are all very much appreciated and the 'rota' of visitors was a lovely idea too. Thanks again and see you soon. Much love Roz ###x

22/09/2026

END OF AN ERA - PLEASE JOIN LIBBY FOR HER FINAL ART SESSION 🖌
After supporting our charity virtually from the start, our wonderful friend Libby Jukes is stepping down from her monthly art session. It is not unreasonable that she might want to do something else on a Friday afternoon, after 13 or so years with us! Her final art session will be this Friday, 25th September. Please do come along if you would like to thank Libby and say a fond farewell. Thank you, Libby! 🙏

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
Richard Ghost and David Jenkins led a singalong session with guitar accompaniment at last Friday's Drop-in since we did not have a booked speaker. Everyone enjoyed singing a selection of their favourite songs from the past 60+ years, the oldest probably being Eight Days a Week by the Beatles from October 1964!
Please join us this Friday, 25th September for 2.15pm Tripudio and then 2.30-4pm ART WITH LIBBY JUKES - FOR THE LAST TIME 🎨 (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.
NOTE - no yoga this week.

AMBLE 🥾
We are holding one of our popular Ambles this Thursday, 24th September, meeting at Langdon Woods at 9:30am. All welcome. Please email Jo C for more details at [email protected] or WhatsApp Jo on 07908 158168.

15/09/2026

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
Jane led our Friday Drop-in Singing for Health session last week with an uplifting range of songs. These included Roz Copson's favourite, the Firefly song, with our thoughts going out to her for a speedy recovery. Nadiya's yoga and Vanessa's Tripudio were also much enjoyed, as was table tennis earlier in the day at the Leisure Centre.
Please join us this Friday, 18th September for 1pm MINDFULNESS with Caroline Hoffman - all welcome, no prior booking or experience required, followed by 2.15pm Tripudio and then 2.30-4pm a SINGALONG 🎶 with acoustic guitars led by Richard Ghost and David Jenkins. Everyone is welcome to Drop-in and activities take place at The Friends' Meeting House, 97 South Street, Bridport.

AMBLES 🥾
Last week's Amble stayed local, exploring the extraordinary Quilt Walkabout and green spaces including St Mary’s, Borough Gardens, Millennium Hill and Askers Meadow, then coffee and cake at The Bull with a mischievous tale of a chandelier.
Our next Amble is on Thursday 24th September with more details nearer the date. All welcome. Please email Jo C for more details at [email protected] or WhatsApp Jo on 07908 158168.

WHIST DRIVE ♠
Thank you to everyone who came along to our monthly Whist Drive at St Swithun’s Church Hall. We are making a request for a folding card table, either as a loan or a donation, as there are not enough available in the hall. Please contact Tan on 07528 189815 if you are able to help.

FUNDRAISING AFTERNOON TEA 🍰☕
Jacky Cheesman's daughter, Tricia, attended Dawn Adwick's fundraising Afternoon Tea for breast cancer in August and won the 'Guess the Weight of the Cake' competition. Tricia took the cake to her salon, Colours Hair Studio, and asked customers if they would like to take a slice and make a donation. The extra money raised was passed on to Dawn for Breast Cancer Now. Thank you to both Tricia and to Dawn for their generous efforts.

08/09/2026

FRIDAY DROP-IN 🌳
At last Friday Drop-in, we had a very enjoyable afternoon learning from local Kinesiologist, Lucy Chant about the benefits and techniques of her practice. She combines her kinesiology training with Rahanni healing & nutritional therapy to offer a holistic approach to health & wellbeing. She has an informative website lucychantkinesiology.com and has recently become a therapist within our Living Tree Therapists Partnership, practising from a studio at home.
One of our members volunteered so that Lucy could demonstrate how a typical therapy session would work. There was a lot of interest and questions from those present as to what type of problems Lucy might be able to help with. We clarified that Lucy would not ever encourage a client to go against their medical team’s advice, but she can offer additional support, for example with digestive, skin, muscular and emotional difficulties. She stressed that she would not be able to treat anyone going through active cancer treatment and would always check if any of her recommendations would be contra-indicated with a client’s medication, using a kinesiology reference resource.
If anyone is interested in receiving a course of treatment from Lucy, they can find out more by contacting our LTTP co-ordinator Ann Jeffrey on 07341 916976 or email [email protected]
Please join us this Friday, 11th September for 1pm YOGA with Nadiya Wynn, Restorative Being 🧘‍♀️* followed by 2.15pm TRIPUDIO and then 2.30pm SINGING FOR HEALTH 🎵 with the ever-popular Jane Silver-Corren. 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.
* contact Nadiya at [email protected]/07800 712998 if you are attending for the first time & bring along a yoga mat and blanket.

AMBLE 🥾
For this week's Amble on Wednesday, 9th September we will meet at Bridport Leisure Centre (free parking) at 9.30am and then wander through the town visiting the green spaces - St Mary's, Borough Gardens, Millennium Green and Askers Meadow and take in some of the Quilt Walkabout trail as we go, with a café stop en route, naturally. The route is about 3 miles, with some uneven ground. We look forward to seeing you. Please email Jo C for more info at [email protected] or WhatsApp on 07908 158168.

WHIST DRIVE ♦ - 2nd Friday of each month
Next Event – THIS FRIDAY, 11th September 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.
In addition, there is a new Whist Drive at Woodbury Community Hall in Axminster on the last Saturday of the month.
CONTACT: Tan on 07528 189815 or Denise on 07774 660645 for further information.

OUR ALLOTMENT 🌱
We have melons! It still amazes us that we can grow melons here. Wonderful for sharing.
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.

RAFFLE PRIZES 🎟
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!

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.

The Living Tree Cancer Support Group

06/10/2026

29/09/2026

22/09/2026

15/09/2026

08/09/2026

01/09/2026

25/08/2026

18/08/2026

11/08/2026

04/08/2026

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