Friends of Botesdale Health Centre
It all started with a series of meetings some 41 years ago...
It all started with a series of meetings some 41 years ago...
It all started with a series of meetings some 41 years ago, initially with Dr Bill Cordeaux in the Chair and with £300 in the funds. The Constitution declared the aim to be ‘… for the relief of sickness of patients attending and comfort and care of users of the Botesdale Health Centre, by the provision of equipment and other amenities to support the charitable work of the said Centre.’
Over the years, the Friends have raised many thousands of pounds for a range of items - from, in 1982, a hair-dryer which could blow cold air onto skin ulcers to, in 2008, the X-ray and Ultrasound machines and onto providing furniture for the rooms in the recent extension as well as the shelter for those queuing for the dispensary in 2023.
You are cordially invited to join as a member to promote a charity that endeavours to care for a vital village facility and the wellbeing of the local community.
The Friends of Botesdale Health Centre is a charity that raises funds from membership subscriptions, donations, funeral collections, legacies and events to make purchases that enhance facilities available to doctors and their patients. The concept is of endeavouring to create ‘a local hospital without beds’.
Funding in 2022 included the annual charge for the Cryo service, no longer offered by many other surgeries, for the use of extreme cold to freeze and remove abnormal tissues. An Amplivox Audiometer has improved assessments of hearing. Clinical rooms have benefited from new furniture items. The shelter for queues to the dispensary was constructed in early 2023.
Money is collected invisibly; its results are often visible and always useful. Your membership will assist this process and any further donations will lead to the acceleration of what is a good cause that benefits many, easing stress and pain for some.
Volunteering is an integral part of British life and helps keep alive causes, organisations and legacies of the past. A Secretary is required following the retirement of Carole Fitt whose work was illustrious, much appreciated and ensured the smooth running of a charity with a chairperson, treasurer and committee.
The role involves clerical duties supported by basic computer and word-processing skills. There are five one-hour-long meetings each year and an AGM usually attended by about 50 local residents. Liaison is needed with the Centre where the Friends’ box requires regular checking and notices are displayed.
Collecting members’ subscriptions, donations from supporters as well as through funeral directors is needed as well as involvement in fund-raising. These may be one-off events or working with HM Revenue and its Gift Aid scheme. Activities follow established patterns throughout the year.
Commitment in terms of time - with a day’s work measured as eight hours - is approximately two days in each of the months of January and February; one-day in each of the other ten months. Thank you for considering this opportunity. The chairman, John Humphries, welcomes enquiries on 01379-890270 / 07510-127014.
It’s easy to tap out on a computer the three words ‘living with pain’ and so difficult to confront the challenges often involved with long-term health conditions. There will be a number of Botesdale Health Centre patients who need to learn extra skills to boost their self-management techniques.
The Patient Participation Group has planned a Workshop focusing on these needs during a morning (9.30 - 11.00) or afternoon (11.30 - 13.00) session at Rickinghall Village Hall on Saturday 22 April 2023. These will be led by Pete Moore, an internationally-recognised Health Coach and the author of Pain Toolkit.
There’s further information on the man and his methods at www.paintoolkit.org and the opportunity to reserve a place on a workshop through botesdaleppg@gmail.com or by phoning Janet Russell on 07787 148 947
Making friends is not always easy; joining the Friends of Botesdale Health Centre is!
There are three ways:
You will soon be able to Complete the Renewal of Membership 2023 form online and submit it via PayPal. In the mean time you can download the form below:-
FoBHC Membership form
and completed membership forms can be posted to:-
The Secretary
FoBHC
39 Ryders Way,
Rickinghall,
Diss
IP22 1ER
or left in the FoBHC box at the Health Centre
The methods of payment are either cheque, cash or bank transfer if wanting to pay manually, or you will shortly be able to pay by PayPal through this website.
Contact the Chairman either on 01379 890 270 / 07510 127 014 or by emailing and he will arrange for a form to be delivered to you.