The PEM Friends (UK) met in June for their annual Away Weekend hosted by Raymond and Carolyn Blain.
Another really enjoyable and informative week-end was had by us all at Ashton-under-Lyne. It was so nice to meet up with lots of old friends and to meet a few new ones. It was a shame that no-one from far-away shores was able to make it this year as we like to hear how friends from abroad are coping with our condition.
We met up on Friday and were superbly cared for by Carolyn who cooked us all a lovely meal which we ate around the large table in the kitchen of The Stables. After much good food and wine and lots of shared information, the twelve of us went to our beds.
After a hearty breakfast on Saturday morning (I am pleased to say that I am now a great fan of cooking on an AGA) we met two more new friends who came to join us for the rest of the weekend.
Most of the ladies amongst us made their way to the local market where we all picked up some really good bargains. The gentlemen amongst us, having an aversion to shopping, went for a long walk along the river, (although I did manage to get my husband to IKEA!!)
On Saturday evening we were the guests of Carolyn and Raymond at their lovely home for a very sumptuous Gala Dinner, where we also met up with two more of our old friends who joined us just for the evening. With Carolyn and Raymond we were then sixteen in all. The weather was glorious and we were able to sit outside on the patio and enjoy the splendid views across the countryside.
I know I speak for everyone when I say that we really appreciate Carolyn and Raymond’s hospitality and kindness in arranging these week-ends every year, as it has made such a difference to every one of us all in being able to meet up with fellow “sufferers” so that we are not so alone and isolated. The new ones amongst us went home feeling much more knowledgeable about their condition.
Looking forward to next year!!!
Love from Barbara and Barry
Over the weekend of the 26th June 2009, the PEM Friends arrived to spend time relaxing and meeting old and new friends. We stayed in The Stables, owned by Carolyn & Raymond Blain, in Ashton-under-Lyne, in the North West of England, and just eight miles from the centre of the City of Manchester.
The weather was warm and sunny. In fact so good that the PEM Friends flag on the flagpole in the Blain’s garden never even fluttered, so people who had never been before didn’t get a change to see it!
We had good food and wine (won’t tell you how much!) and of course, good company, all ensuring the weekend was a success from the start.
On the Saturday evening the “girls” made a big effort for the Gala Dinner held in Carolyn & Raymond’s garden. It was good to see them all looking so glamorous and everyone enjoying themselves – and the men looked good too!
Many thanks go to Carolyn & Raymond for hosting this weekend and before people left for their destinations it was amazing to see everyone so happy and relaxed. A tonic indeed for the people who were in need.
Raymond and Carolyn – thanks from everyone who came to your home.
Love from John & Edith
Editors Note: To see the full 2-page spread with all the pictures, please download the pdf version.
