Plans, campaigns and fundraising initiatives

In addition to our existing facilities e.g. mini-library, which need to be sustained & expanded we have initiated some new campaigns outlined below. Fundraising is not a specific aim of the Branch, but we do need funds for various activities and new projects. All suggestions, contacts in major companies, organisations or other ideas are most welcome. Contact us please Email

"On his bike" for a good cause!

Stewart Bailey, our enthusiastic hon. treasurer, successfully completed his sponsored bicycle ride across Costa Rica in November 2002 Many thanks to those who gave generous support for Stewart's superb effort for fundraising which will greatly benefit our work for local people with DS.
Stewart cycled with a group of about 14 riders on this challenging ride across Costa Rica from 16th to 30th November 2002. The planned route lies coast to coast from the Pacific Ocean to Carribean Sea. En route were many dramatic & constrasting natural vistas including white beaches, azure lagoons, lush forested hills, volcanoes and National parks. Stewart's team faced many challenges including a storm which required them to take a detour and work even harder.
The substantial funds raised by Stewart's commendable achievement will be providing a most worthwhile support to the valuable work in the community by our branch.
Contact Stewart, please, if you are interested in further details. Phone him on 01293 881232 or Email him stewart@downsyndrome.org.uk

What a generous way to celebrate birthday !

The Branch Committee would like to thank Mrs Caroline Ross of Maidenbower Crawley, for holding a raffle at her birthday party recently. Caroline, along with the help of her friend Pauline Bedford and brother Peter Thornton managed to raise £148 for our branch. Their contribution is very much appreciated.

Pounds donated by pound losers

A kind donation to our branch funds was made by Mr Philip Bailey and his colleague Mr Jim Taggart. The two gentlemen agreed to undertake a sponsored diet for a six week period at the end of year 2001 and lost sufficient weight to benefit our branch funds to the tune of £353. On behalf of the Branch members, the Committee would like to extend their thanks to Philip and Jim for their efforts, and to all at Eden Vale Minsterley who contributed.

Fundraising children bounce up for Down's

During the Down's Syndrome awareness week (2 to 8 June 2001) children at the Dorchester Primary School (Worcester Park, Surrey) raised many hundreds of £££ for the cause and had great fun doing it by jumping on a Bouncy Castle for a sponsored minute each. ( Photo ) Our big thanks and a huge credit for this success must go to three enthusiastic pupils of this mainstream school. ====> see their photo

Hannah Lyons Sukie Waller Aimee Carquillo

Mr John Pellant whose child goes to the school, and whose company, Bounceabout, provides bouncy castles professionally, generously supported this wonderful effort by installing a bouncy castle on the school playground.

This school has 4 pupils with Down's Syndrome. Their friends are well informed, but their huge bouncing efforts have helped raise the awareness among many others including the local newspaper (Sutton Borough Guardian, issue of 14 June 2001).

Our Chair, Paul Everington, and his Deputy, Karen Edmonds, went to the school to thank them personally on 19th June 2001. Paul reported that it had been a privilege to visit such a forward-looking school. The whole school, led by the Head-teacher Mrs Lowe, set an example that many people should follow. Paul said, "The initiative and effort shown by the children is an example to us all."

Video Project

Our Video project is the largest single initiative we are running. We have achieved a major milestone and further phases need major funding in cash or kind.
The value of the video is beyond doubt but we need to get the interest and backing of major sponsors. We need to be innovative, imaginative and use any ideas and contacts you have. Please get involved and be part of the success of this extremely worthwhile venture. Contact our subcommittee.

Sharing, pooling information. Putting Internet & websites to good use

We have started compiling some information with a local emphasis. Please see it & our ideas for improving & expanding it through cooperation. Do send us your suggestions.

Improve Support Group coverage in our area

The South West Thames Branch covers from west London to the south coast and includes the whole of Surrey and West Sussex. DSA members living near the boundaries of Branch areas may choose which Branch suits them better. Whilst Branches are allocated by National Office, there is the opportunity for members to request to be transferred to the mailing list of another. This doesn't upset anyone! You can always attend events in neighbouring areas, too. Do look at the websites of national DSA, various DSA branches as well as the DSA JOURNAL and local newspapers for announcements.
We feel that ALL members in the Branch area should be able to not only enjoy the full benefits of national and Branch membership (newsletter, information days, fun days and so on) but also that everyone has access to a local Support Group.

Some Support Groups are quite organised affairs, offering talks and activities, fundraising and publicising our needs and issues. Others are very informal – a coffee and chat and those oh-so-valuable titbits
of information or timely advice. We occasionally ask for updated details of local groups but our information is still far from complete. Nevertheless it is clear that, in some areas, there are no DSA groups but members regularly attend other support organisations’ events which may meet many or, hopefully, all of their needs.

Areas with no recorded DSA Support Group/ Subgroup:

Burgess Hill, Crawley, Croydon, Dorking, East Grinstead, Epsom,

Godstone, Hampton, Haywards Heath, Horley, Kingston, Leatherhead,

Lingfield, London (SW, W, WC), Oxted, Redhill, Reigate,

Richmond, Teddington, Twickenham, Wimbledon

Areas with no DSA group but alternative support organisations:

Camberley, Croydon, Guildford.

What do we need to do ?

If we’ve missed any groups /branches or if any of the above information is wrong, PLEASE TELL US!
Where there is no support group and the need exists, SET ONE UP! This is not complicated and need not be time-consuming at all – these groups are what you make of them. Any of the Committee members can advise you on this – The Volunteer & Development Officer of DSA for our area, is your best bet.
We will keep you informed through this website and summarise what we get back from you in the next Newsletter.