Travels with the Teapo�ers

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A�er a couple of successful trips back in the summer we were inundated with requests to book some more. At The Travelling Teapot we hold coffee mornings to raise money to help fund the trips and make them affordable by subsidising the majority of the cost. With rising petrol prices the bus hire has doubled and therefore reduces the amount of trips we are able to offer. It is a lifeline to many who haven’t got transport, or their health and mobility restricts their use of local buses. With ‘door to door’ pick-ups and ‘drop offs’ we make it happen.

On November 11th we did a trip to Yate for a spot of early Christmas shopping and a stop off at a farm shop on the way back. We have a great �me, laughter and plenty of ‘bus banter’. We’d like to thank Barry, our driver, for pu�ng up with us, and also thanks to the wonderful team at Lawrence Weston Community Transport. Here’s to our next trip in the New Year!

FANCY A CHAT, CUPPA & STR OLL?

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We enjoy ge�ng together to take a gentle stroll in our local parks and having a cuppa a�er. We’ve been doing this for a few years now and have discovered there are plenty of parks, paths and gardens to keep us interested so we don’t no�ce our legs moving! This way we keep ac�ve and build up a rou�ne with plenty of social chat to look forward to each week.

The main group meets at the Greenway Centre on Wednesday mornings at 10am. You may have seen us se�ng off through the car park or down Doncaster Road heading to Badock’s Wood. This group has been going for over four years now and plenty of walkers have become volunteers, helping to lead, or to keep an eye out at the back. Some of us take a short cut and return early, while others con�nue for the hour.

Everyone meets back at the Greenway Centre’s cafe for coffee and a chat, and once a month we have lunch together. We’ve been given some funding from the John James Founda�on to pay for these socials.

We really enjoy new walkers joining us so please don’t be put off by the size of the group, everyone will welcome you and you can join in as much or as li�le as you like. There’s no pressure to come every week, it’s just most people like it so they come regularly. This way we make friends, and can catch up with each other.

There are smaller groups that meet in local parks – at The Ardagh on Horfield Common, Canford Park in Westbury, at Southmead Hospital allotment, and at Blaise Museum. All the groups follow a similar format and many walkers a�end several groups

Why do we do this? We know it feels good to be ac�ve, but not under pressure. And to be outside in the fresh air and daylight, and yes, some�mes the rain! So long as we are dressed for the weather we are fine, and we even bought some large brollies which some of the volunteers carry to share. We can talk about any concerns. We can listen to each other and share ideas and �ps. We like to see the changing seasons in the trees and nature as the leaves come and go. We like to look at the flowers, the colours, the clouds, and meet other walkers and dogs as they go by. And all this means for a li�le while we forget our worries and just have a break from the business and pressures of life.

The group members come from different backgrounds, but we all share a commitment to looking a�er ourselves as best we can. To take �me to make sure we are ge�ng some physical ac�vity, connec�ng with others and nature, sharing and listening, and, very importantly, having a laugh.

Some members have very serious health issues but this does not stop them being out, joining in, and feeling part of something. It’s not a cure, but it’s a morale booster when life is a bit tough. Fancy joining us? Not sure? Fair enough. Why not come along for a coffee (on us), have a chat, and then decide.

Do get in touch with us via Caitlin,

email: caitlintelfer@southmead.org tel: 0117 950 3335