GRAND OPENING OF THE OPEN ACCESS DROP IN CENTRE - The Norfolk Lupus Group is a regional support group for people who are living with and learning to live with Lupus, and is part of LUPUS UK

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GRAND OPENING OF THE OPEN ACCESS DROP IN CENTRE

Professor David Scott, patron of the Norfolk Lupus Group.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took time out from their schedules to join us today at the grand opening of the Norfolk Lupus Group Drop In Centre at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, in Colney, Norwich.
There was a fantastic turnout, with people of all ages and walks-of-life coming along from all over Norfolk to hear our guest speakers, and enjoy the social atmosphere with tea, coffee, snacks and access to the Norfolk Lupus Group library.
Present at the event were a number of VIP guests, including the Lord Luitenant of Norfolk, the High Sheriff of Norfolk, the Sheriff of Norwich, the Mayors of Diss, Fakenham, Hunstanton and North Walsham, Norman Lamb MP, Vivienne Clifford-Jackson from South Norfolk Council, Fiona Routledge from the Vauxhall Centre, and of course Jane Dunnage and Janine Hirsch from Lupus UK.
In front of a packed Gooch Lecture Theatre, Professor David Scott, one of our patrons started things off by introducing Jane Dunnage from Lupus UK who spoke to us all about how our group fits into the overall Lupus UK picture, and a look to the future for the organisation as a whole.
Fran Winstanley, Chair of the Norfolk Lupus Group.

Fran Winstanley, Chair of the Norfolk Lupus Group.

Following on from Jane, Professor Scott then introduced us to Dr George Millington, a dermatologist who spoke at length and great interest on the whole Lupus condition, with particular focus on Discoid Lupus, how it manifests itself, current and future research, and the various treatments available.
Next we were treated to a hugely entertaining talk from Professor Scott himself, in which he dispelled a number of myths and mysteries, the most notable of which was his revelation that doctors like to use long complicated Latin sounding words to cover up for when they can't find an answer to your questions. Professor Scott regaled us with accounts, case studies, results of research and some quite graphic images which helped to hammer home the need for ongoing research and funding. A point which he went to great lengths to ensure got taken on board by the dignitaries and MP's that were present.
A cup of tea and a sympathetic ear after the grand opening.

A cup of tea and a sympathetic ear after the grand opening.

Lastly, Professor Scott invited our very own Fran Winstanley to take the podium. Fran went to great lengths to thank everyone present for their attendance, and for everyone's efforts during the past year in keeping the group alive. Before inviting everyone to partake of refreshments, Fran once again stressed the importance of continued fundraising, and appealed for sponsorship as an ongoing necessity.
The afternoon was rounded off with an informal gathering in the foyer of the theatre, with an extremely generous spread of tea, coffee, cakes and sandwiches. This was an ideal opportunity for everyone to get to know each other and meet other Lupus sufferers, share experiences with them, and generally spend a very pleasant afternoon putting the world to rights.
The Open Access Drop In Centre's are held on the last Friday of every month in the Rheumatology Department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Everyone is welcome to attend. You don't have to be a member, and you don't have to have the condition yourself. These Drop In Centre's exist to provide support for everyone in the Norfolk area who have had their lives touched by Lupus. We'd love to see you all in November.