Latest : Although we received no formal notice; Portsmouth City Council has continued with the GP Referral Scheme crucial to the continuation of our Swimming and Exercise classes at the Mountbatten Centre, in co-operation with Parkwood Leisure Services. Undoubtedly we will have Claire Warburton to thank in securing our future activities in this location.
...The Committee
(Archive below the two Annual Reports)
The year 2010
By the Treasurer: 2010 Has proved to be another very active and rewarding year.
Despite the doom and gloom of the National and International banking Cartels, and their consequential, miserably-low Interest Rates set for 'Savers'; through prudence and care, our Current Account was never depleted to the point of our being forced to 'raid' the 'Reserve' Savings Deposit Account! So financially we continue to remain quite 'healthy'.
The occasional contributions of say, £5, £50, and around £100, plus the £200-£300s raised on Skittle Evenings and Horse-Racing Nights, have proved to be the 'backbone' of the Current Account.
Of course we must not forget the enormous cheque for £1,400 we received from Lee-on-the-Solent Bowling Club on the 7th August.
That came to us at almost the precise moment we'd been asked by Parkwood Leisure at the Portsmouth Mountbatten Centre to contribute towards the purchase of the (semi-automatic) Medi-Motion exercise machine which, was greatly benefitting not only Stroke Survivors, but sufferers of Parkinsons Disease. The costs (Over £4,000), were shared between Parkwood Leisure, Ourselves and Parkinsons.
And, we have been very fortunate to have the very, very valuable support of our Exercise Instructors, Claire, Sarah and Lee; not only in supervising and conducting the exercise 'regimes'; but also in taking part in several Marathon Races to raise much needed and much-appreciated funds for us. It is also very appropriate to mention that Claire also set-up the GP Referral Scheme and obtained Council funding for it. Let us hope that this funding can be maintained despite the 'cuts' being endured by Councils across the Land. The co-operation between us all has made the life of the Treasurer more of a 'pleasure' than a 'pain'.
Quarterly Returns Balance Sheets are sent from us to the Different Strokes HQ in Milton Keynes; and the last two 'quarters' have shown a 'Surplus' in Funds as opposed to a 'Deficit'.
With continuing support as already mentioned, it should almost 'guarantee' similar success in the future!
Best wishes for Christmas and a Happy New Year 2011,
Doug Laybourne
By the Secretary: When I took over as Secretary back in 2004 we had a handful of members and now here we are almost at the end of 2010 and look how this club has flourished!
In the main our biggest boost fundwise, was our chance encounter with David Pearl our Secret Millionaire and his enormously generous donation. Using this wisely we have over the years been able to afford the services of our excellent and dedicated exercise and swimming instructors, pay for our venue hire, purchase equipment and provide transport where needed.
What fills me with the most pride though, is you, the members and your 'carers'. I am passionate about this club and it's all of you that make it what it is today. That is our strength, the total commitment that you all give in attending our activities and events, coupled with the way you support and care about one another.
There is a huge bond between us all and long may it continue and embrace any new members who come along to join us in 2011. I wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, New Year.
Di Summers
*****
ARCHIVES
Monday 12th November 2011: Another successful Quiz Night was held at the Carlton Club Portsdown Avenue, Drayton. Thank you again Chris Hoy and everyone fortunate to make it on a 'wet & windy' (the weather, that is!) but still, a great evening .
Saturday 5th November 2011: We took part in a 'Horse Racing' evening, at the Duke of Connaught Club in Fareham. We usually support and contribute to their fund raising events because occasonally the funds raised are donated to us! Unfortunately on this occasion many of our 'regulars' were unable to attend and contribute to the fund raising. Our sincere apologies to John and Cherry Cheetham who had kindly invited us all to their local social club.
Monday 19th September 2011: A Quiz Night was held at the Carlton Club Portsdown Avenue, Drayton; and commenced at approximately 8pm . This activity precluded a 'club night' at the Golden Hind PH, Copnor Road, Portsmouth. Chris Hoy once again organised and produced an excellent friendly competition. The late,Hendren Jutla's family raised hundreds of pounds for both our club and the centre he used to attend in the day time. So it seemed to be 'poetic justice' when H's family won the Quiz! So WELL DONE! Eileen and family.
Sunday 9th September 2011:
Mount Kilimanjaro:
The Seal sisters, (A medic and two physios) Nicki, Bekki and Kay tackled Mt. Kilimanjaro via the ‘Rongai Route’ on(An 8-day climb). They wished to raise funds for us, the Portsmouth Group of the UK registered charity, Different Strokes and for a hospital in Malawi.
Many thanks ladies.
We have produced and distributed the appropriate Sponsor Forms; so keep our fingers crossed for public generosity.
At 31.10.11we have already collected over £310 from within our own group.
Saturday 27th August 2011: Despite only a small attendence because some members were absent on this Bank Holiday weekend; the relatively few (our members and theirs) attending the 'Horse Racing' Night at the Duke of Connaught Club last night; raised for our Stroke Group, a total of £248.70. We wish to record our sincere thanks to their Chairman, Committee, Staff and Members for providing us with a thoroughly entertaining and beneficial evening. Last but not least a special Thank you to John and Cherry Cheetham and their grandchildren, Sophie, Jade and Joe, who together helped considerably with both the Raffle and the Racing.
26th July 2011:
The Funeral: Of our dear friend, Hendren Jutla (Affectionately known as, "H")...
(This is a photograph of Hendren in his prime; click on it to see how we remember him)...
... took place on 26th July 2011 - 2.15pm at the Church of the Sacred Heart & St Peter the Apostle, Waterlooville and was followed by a further service 3.30pm at Portchester Crematorium. It was 'H's wish that bright colours be incorporated into the attire of those attending and the majority respected this request The Wake was held at the Plough & Barleycorn pub, Tempest Avenue, Waterlooville 4.45pm - All were made to feel welcome.
Monday 16th May 2011: Was Quiz Night: 7.30pm for 8pm at the Carlton Club in Portsdown Avenue, Drayton. This was a fun evening for our Members who took part. To create the Prize Fund, each contestant was asked to contributed £1.00; so a team of 4 collectively, paid a total of £4 into the prize fund. Obviously, the more teams that participated, then the bigger the winning team's prize.
We did it and it was great fun; plus the venue was great too! Thank you everyone who attended and took part, and once again our appreciation for the services of the Carlton Club. Finally, thank you to Chris Hoy who both created and conducted the Quiz.
Monday 14th March 2011: We held a successful and rewarding AGM; and for the first time, it was hosted by the Carlton Club, Drayton. Also it is understood that we can also hold our Committee Meetings there. Brilliant!
Friday 11th February 2011:We were invited to, and took part in, a Valentines Disco Evening: at the Duke of Connaught Club, Fareham. We often support their activities; and in return, anticipate opportunities at later dates; to raise funds for our continued programmes of health and fitness and community spirit! The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The fact that the disco music was not 'blasting out' but a joy to lidten-to made all the difference. Thank You.
Friday 10th December 2010: We held our Annual Christmas Dinner/Disco at the Southsea Golf Club. Once again it proved to be an excellent venue. The meals provided by Condor Catering were of a very high standard; as was the bar service. Yet again, we had first class entertainment provided to us by, The Dave Shirley Roadshow.
Anyone who has photographs of the event, is asked to share them with us so that we can display them on the Activities page of this website. Thank you.
Monday 30th August 2010: We took part in a fund-raising 'Horse-Racing' night, at the Duke of Connaught Club (formerly the RBL Club) in Fareham. DSP Members, John and Cherry Cheetham, kindly liaised with the Duke of Connaught Club on our behalf.
The object of the evening was to raise money for Naomi House which, eventually totalled over £500. A raffle was held on our behalf which initially raised, £146, however to be added to this were two cheques totalling £40 from the family of our members Bill and Maureen Brown and a further £4 came (via John Cheetham) from a former Steward of the D of C; which rounded-off our receipts for that night to £190. Thank You to everyone who contributed towards the whole event.
Saturday 7th August 2010: Lee-on-the-Solent Bowling Club arranged a Presentation to us of a cheque for monies raised on our behalf on Saturday 17th July 2010, we were guests, when they very kindly hosted a Fund-Raising day of bowls in which there were 28 teams (of 4 Players) taking part. An impressive gathering on a fine, sunny, blustery afternoon.
"WELL DONE"
And...
The total amount raised by the bowling club was, £1,400.00
A fantastic effort done on our behalf - THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH!Lee-on-the-Solent Bowling Club! We can now plan ahead for our winter programme with confidence.
Pictured: Phil Sanders (Club President); Di Summers holding the cheque (DSP Secretary) on the right, Diane Collins (Club vice-Captain) and looking amazed bottom left, Phil Rosier a member of Different-Strokes-Portsmouth...
and not forgetting a big thank you to Bill and Maureen Brown who were instrumental perchance, in the Bowling Club's decision to choose DS Portsmouth as this year's recipients.
*****
Wednesday 4th August 2010: Kim Long and her son, Joe - presented us with £150.00 raised via a Car-Boot-Sale. We are very much appreciative of this fine, substantial and meaningful gesture.
Tuesday 29th June 2010: Andy Long and Doug Laybourne, took part in an Open-day at Langstone Sailability, and spent an hour and a half sailing in the 16ft gunter-rigged sloop , "Joyce", at the top end of Langstone Harbour. This Open-day included a generous, free 'ploughman's lunch'. We are very thankful for a smashing day out on the 'crinkly stuff'. Langstone Sailability's next scheduled Open-day is due on the 14th August 2010. (There is a Link to their website via our Links Page). "Thank you Langstone Sailability and of course, our two 'carers', Di and Lorraine".
Saturday 1st May 2010 we had the privelege of having a Race Night to raise money for our Club, hosted by the Duke of Connaught Club (formerly the RBL Club) in Fareham. Their generosity helped us to raise almost £400. So Thank you once again, for your generosity and hospitality. Their own Members and Committee were all instrumental in the success of the evening.
April 2010: A RESPITE BREAK at the RBL Home at Western-Super-Mare.
by Bill Brown...
"Maureen & I were most fortunate to have a respite break at the Royal British Legion home at Weston super mare recently, and I hope that some of the information I have may help any of our Ex service members of our group( this also includes family members of ex-Service men, women and families.
After Maureens release from hospital, A neighbour suggested I contact the RBL to assist us in some modifications to our bathroom to make life easier for her I never have asked for help before and felt a llttle awkward to ask for help ,however after a lot of soul-searching, I Emailed them and pointed out the dilemma I was in. Within 14 hours from that original enquiry I was contacted by a lady from their Southamton office. It was her idea that we needed a break and she assisted us with a form to fill-in; and within a few weeks we had a letter confirming that we'd been accepted on the waiting list for Somerset House. 10 months passed by and we were on our way.
Somerset House is a relatively new building, only two years old; and is excellently suitable for guests with disabilities The staff were hand-picked, food excellent and trips organised for the guests. There was of course a bar, in which I spent some time talking to others in the same predicament as ourselves. We had a cinema with films daily, entertainment most nights and the only cost was a voluntary donation at the end of the stay.
If any of our friends feel that they could be ellegible for the poppy break, contact the RBL or give me a call.
You all deserve a break and ours was wonderful.
Bill & Maureen Brown"
Sunday 18th April 2010: Claire Warburton and Wendy Garton, ran in the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 18th April, to raise funds for our Group.
Please hand-in your Sponsorship Forms and money raised as soon as possible. A well-deserved THANK YOU to these wonderful people who have put in a tremendous effort on our behalf?
By the way; Claire achieved a Personal Best of 4hrs 16mins, despite interruptions to her training, through injury!
"Claire! you are the Strongest Link! Well Done (wink!) LOL
Friday 18th December 2009: We held a very successful Annual Dinner/Disco at the Southsea Golf Club. The excellent catering was provided by Condor Catering and the excellent entertainment was provided by the Dave Shirley Roadshow. We will be returning on Friday 10th December 2010, and invited back the same DJ.
Tuesday 13th October 2009: We successfully commenced our (additional) weekly swimming sessions at The Mountbatten Centre, Portsmouth, between 11 and 12 a.m. Lee is our 'hands-on' instructor.
(This is a 'swimming lessons' activity complimenting the Thursday 'Exercise and Swimming' session at Fareham. Thanks due again to Claire for enabling this activity through Portsmouth City Council.
August 2009: Nicola Binning having already taken part in a gruelling London mini-marathon (open-water Docklands-swim,cycle and run); later crewed in the 605-miles August 2009 Fastnet Race. In total she raised over £1,400 to be shared equally between Different Strokes HQ and Different Strokes Portsmouth.
Saturday 18th July 2009:
A fund-raising Race Night at the Duke of Connaught Club, Fareham; raised almost £400.00; the total being considerably helped by the generosity of the Club's members.
The organisation was excellent and additional thanks also go to our own members, John and Cherry Cheetham. Oh! and thanks again Cherry for the £30 you so generously gave us from the sale of your "first class" Greetings Cards.
Monday 6th June 2009
Finally the last contribution to the funds raised from Claire Warburton running the London Marathon reached £1,200.00. So once again our Exercise Instructor has halted the erosion of our funds.
In navy parlance, "Bravo Zulu, Claire!". You made a huge effort on our behalf; which, is very much appreciated.
Friday 12th June 2009
Sadly, a Founder Member of Different Strokes Portsmouth, Bill Owen died suddenly. He is pictured here in the centre next to his very close friend John Dean on his left, at our Christmas Dinner in Saffrons in 2004. We will miss you buddy. (Continued below...)
Bill was struck down and crippled badly at the time of his Stroke many years ago. So bad that he was not expected to recover from a virtual 'vegetable state'. However through determination and a great strength he achieved a somewhat 'miracle' recovery. He enjoyed both coarse fishing and sea fishing; sufficiently skilled to win many prizes. He lived on his own in his ground floor flat in Purbrook. Although divorced, he had kept in touch with his children.
Bill Owen's Funeral/cremation took place on Monday 29th June 2009 .
He was only 53 years of age. There was 'standing-room only'; so there were many of his friends and family there to say Good Bye, "God rest his soul".
*****
Thursday 11th June 2009
For the second year running, we had a Stand to advertise our Group at the Care Awareness Exhibition, in the Mountbatten Centre, Alexandra Park, Portsmouth. Di Summers and Andy Long held court a.m. and Doug and Lorraine Laybourne continued p.m. There were over 60 Stands providing information about the wide range of services available for both Carers and their charges. There were free Relaxation sessions available to everyone; including those manning the Stands as well as the visitors.
Above:
Lorraine with Di and Andy at the hand-over. 
Right:
A 'hive of activity' viewed from a gallery above.
Right:Carers UK Portsmouth & North
East Hants Branch were the organisers of the event.
The Stroke Association were also present among the vast spread of organisations and services on parade.
*****
Monday 11th May 2009
We attended a Press-covering of the 'commissioning' of brand new exercise machines in the new gymnasium, at The Mountbatten Centre, Stamshaw, Portsmouth. Our exercise instructor Claire introduced us to the equipment, the Funding representative (of PCCS) and the Centre Manager. The photographer from The News (Portsmouth), created some excellent pictures of the occasion. (Click on them to see a bigger image):
Above: All smiles for the camera from a sample of the
Portsmouth Different Strokes exercise group, the
funding representative (back row 2nd from left)
and our instructor, Claire Warburton.
Right: Andy Long tries out the MediMotion machine; pictured with Claire and the Centre Manager.
Below: Claire crouches before a long line of new equipment;
funded by Portsmouth Council of Community Services.
Right: Claire Warburton has done so very much for the
rehabilitation, welfare and health of our group. We are all
extremely grateful. It was Claire who applied-for and
received both the funding for us to take part in gymnasium
exercise on a GP Referral Scheme; and the purchase of
state-of-the-art equipment. We salute you!
Sunday 26th April 2009
Once again our exercise instructor Claire Warburton ran the London Marathon to raise money for our Group. Well done! we applaud you and are very grateful for the great efforts you go to for the benefit of all of us, in the Portsmouth Group of Different Strokes.
Monday 6th April 2009
We held a really enjoyable Skittles Evening at the Nelson Bar Southsea Caravan Park. Everyone enjoyed a cheap but cheerful evening meal. Either side of this there was a Skittles competion between rival tables. The staff at the venue were also very helpful and efficient.
Some fun pics are displayed near the bottom of the Activities page.
Tuesday 10th March 2009
After their 8-week break away from the UK taking in the USA, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore; Di and Richard Manchip have arrived safely home. "Welcome back!"
*****
Wednesday 14th January
2009 we moved the Exercise Sessions to the Blue Lagoon at Hilsea Lido, Portsmouth. It is one of the Parkwood Leisure sites operated from the Mountbatten Centre and after much discussion and consultation with Claire our Instructor, it was felt to be the best venue for the Group. Disabled facilities and parking are excellent. We've had two sessions there and it has proven to be a satisfactory move. You will find the sessions lively, fun and supportive.
More information can be found on the 'Activities' page.
Saturday 6th December 2008: We held a very successful Annual Christmas Dinner at the Golden Hind, Copnor Road, Portsmouth. The attendance was much greater than last year; in that out of 43 promised places; only one was empty (through illness). We owe a great debt of gratitude to the patrons of the Public bar who, along with the pub-manager Paul; paid the whole bill for our Christmas dinner! We are aware of who the principal organiser was; but at his request, will keep that a secret. (A secret probably much safer in our hands than that of the Government or the MOD!! LOL). In light of this current financial crisis/credit crunch for everyone; it makes their gift so much more generous!( A gift made in a real, true and Traditional Christmas Spirit). It is expected that our Members will keep this evening and generousity firmly in mind and, where possible, as a matter of courtesy, choose to patronise the Golden Hind.
Many Thanks must also be extended to the staff who looked after us very well. Some of us who have been familiar faces, can testify to their politeness and care. Three hearty cheers for them all!
Friday 5th September: A whole gang of us attended a night of racing at the Portsmouth Greyhound Stadium. We were helping to raise money on behalf of Carers Portsmouth & South East Hants.
Tuesday 26th August: Andy Long featured in world-wide feature article - see the bottom of the Links section.
Wednesday 6th August: Mirrorbox Therapy on our Activities page...
Monday 4th August 2008 We held a successful AGM at Cosham Baptist Church Hall in the evening. In brief: The resident Committee were re-elected plus new and welcome additions to the committee. More details will be published on site following publication of the formal Minutes.
*****
CONGRATULATIONS!
Friday 1st August 2008 CLAIRE WARBURTON Having run the London Marathon for us; finally raised in total... £2,000 Bloody marvellous!
*****
Monday 30th June 2008
We attempted to get a coveted place on the Portsmouth edition of the famous MONOPOLY GAME which is due out in October (from a pool of 16 local charities) supporters have kindly taken the time to register their vote on www.portsmouth.co.uk . They clicked on the Monopoly (10th in the left hand list) under Popular links and voted for us; unfortunately we were unlucky on this occasion. It's such a shame there is only one space available.
Thank you if you managed to register your vote. VOTING CLOSED ON MONDAY 30TH JUNE 2008 AT MIDDAY.
*****
Tuesday 24th June 2008
Members of the DSP Committe were invited to a meeting with Peter Carrigan, President of the Havant Indoor Bowls Club. He has very kindly and generously nominated Different Strokes Portsmouth as his chosen charity during his year of tenure as President of HIBC. We have graciously accepted.
Further developments with regard to this venture will be promulgated in the Activities page of this website.
Once the bowls club have re-established their own website; its web address will be listed on the Links page.
Tuesday 10th June 2008
On Tuesday 10th June; there was a Care Awareness Exhibition at the Mountbatten Centre, Alexander Park, Stamshaw, Portsmouth, between 10am -3.30pm. There was FREE PARKING although the whole place has been disrupted and become a building site. A restaurant was available.
There were a variety of exhibitors: Wheelchairs, shoes, walking aids etc.
Information stands did include Carers Portsmouth & S.E. Hants Branch, Social Services, Alzheimer's, Headway, Multiple Sclerosis, and many others, even Solicitors for advice on Wills and Conveyancing.
Our Different-Strokes-Portsmouth Group was represented there too and we were able to field questions from some of the casual browsers. It became quite obvious that we are not yet firmly on the Portsmouth radar; despite there being a place for us within the genre of the caring sector provision. The stand was manned by Di and Andy, at 1030 Doug and Lorraine reinforced the troops. We also had a brief visit from Group members Brian and Doreen.
There was a wealth of information to be had for all manner of conditions.
During Carers Week on Thursday 11th June 2009 we will be partaking in a Care Awareness Exhibition.
The venue will be in the Mountbatten Centre, Alexander Park, Stamshaw, Portsmouth PO2 9QA, between 10am-3.30pm. There is free parking. A restaurant is also available.
Amongst those taking part will be Businesses, Charities, Social Services, Healthcare and many others. (Approx. 60 stands)
Di and Andy will be manning our stand/table in the forenoon; Doug and Lorraine in the afternoon. DSP members are invited to attend and hopefully say hello to us as you browse through the exhibitions.
On the Links page you can now access an extract from The 2007 Secret Millionnaire documentary. Just click on the words, "Secret Millionnaire" in the left hand column. It's just under 5 minutes viewing.
Claire Warburton has very kindly run again for us in this year's London Marathon. It was on Sunday 26th April 2009 Please kindly return your Sponsor Forms along with the money collected to Claire and/or Lorraine. Claire's 4th Marathon by jove! See this and last year's accomplishments below:
******
SPONSORING:
We are Proud to sponsor Claire Warburton,
our regular 
mobility Instructor; who after working with our Different Strokes group, was inspired to run in the 2008 and 2009 London Marathons and we're pleased to announce that she completed her 2008 Marathon coming in 618 in her age group
placed: 16544 overall
time: 4:19:36
The total funds raised was: £2,000 Very well done Claire. Your efforts paid off and we are eternally grateful to you for that courageous performance.
The 2009 London Marathon was tougher then the previous one because of the heat. Claire hit the 'wall' at 23 miles; but very bravely battled on to the finishing line coming in 2,460 in her group and 3926 overall.
Time: 4:29:15
The total funds raised ( in the year of the Credit Crunch) came to: £1,200 Very well done Claire; this time it was much harder for you; while others wilted near by; you gritted your teeth and carried on regardless! We are so proud of you.
********************************************************
The Secret Millionaire came to Portsmouth - the programme was first broadcast on Wednesday 5th December 2007, Channel 4 and repeated later on Tuesday 11th December.
Posing as a volunteer, Mr David Pearl, one of Britain's richest men attended a Different Strokes seated mobility session and joined in all the exercises with enthusiasm. He also participated in our swimming sessions and enjoyed a drink with us at The Golden Hind Public House, our 'local'.
- Read more about David's visit to Portsmouth
- Read more about David
- Read David's Testimonial
- Update approx' 18 Months later:
The Secret Millionaire – The Legacy
The delay in up-dating this item of News was due to the expectation of David being involved in the 2008/2009 Channel-4 TV programme covering the return of Millionaires to revisit the people they had so very kindly helped previously.
Although we would have gladly welcomed David back to Portsmouth so that we could say thank you again; he did not take part in that programme.
Also quite sad because we’d have been able to demonstrate to him just how his money has worked for us, and is still working for us now (in 2009).
We received that very generous amount of money in order for us to assist those struggling to pay for transport to attend our activities and also to pay for the hire of instructors and venues.
This has proved to be a great success; especially in expansion of the numbers attending the exercise classes. (Quite often there are over 20 stroke survivors).
For some reason unknown to us; the swimming class has only marginally expanded (varying between 7 and 10 stroke survivors) but; a greater number attend the exercise class (regularly between 17 to 20+). It’s not for lack of transport, as far as we are concerned. Because the funding (although not a bottomless pit); is available to help those in genuine need. It is postulated that too many stroke survivors 'naturally fear' going near to; or back into water; or any swimming environment.
Of course a large increase in swimming numbers would result in us having to hire two lanes instead of just one; but the relative increase in fees collected should cover that additional expense.
All in all; the availability of David’s money has certainly moved DS Portsmouth on to ‘better things’. We are better known locally and, afar because of our website which, we were suddenly able to both afford to set up and, maintain.
David can be assured that his money was not wasted; we can demonstrate that, and also show how (by good fortune) it was safe-guarded from the so-called 'credit crunch' which impacted upon everyone in Britain 2008 onwards!