East Anglian Group first official physical meet since Covid.

When we were told we could finally meet in person, the excitement in our group was clear, but we had new protocols to follow, mainly, two things a risk assessment and getting peoples details, well that was fine, we chose an open air venue with somewhere, undercover to go to if the weather was not great, we chose the beach as if the weather was nice we could enjoy an afternoon chat maybe swim in the sea for those brave enough and a few beach games, and outside the Hatfeild Hotel which had both inside and outside shelter, and if really needed we could go inside for coffee and something to eat. The Hatfeild Hotel is spacious and well ventilated so we knew that it would be safe for us if we need real shelter.

On the day there was eight in total, it was so nice to finally meet in person as a group after so long, there was lots of chat and support for parents of a recently diagnosed little one, and mostly a good catch up about life.

I would say for those wanting to meet and still a bit nervous, give it a go, you only have to know your local venues and choose the ones that are spacious, pick a time when you know it’s likely to be a bit quieter usually mid/late afternoon or early/mid-morning, and somewhere where there is outdoor seating. I know our members appreciated being able to meet and some travelled a fair distance to be there. We can't wait to organise another.East Anglian Group first official physical meet since Covid.

When we were told we could finally meet in person, the excitement in our group was clear, but we had new protocols to follow, mainly, two things a risk assessment and getting peoples details, well that was fine, we chose an open air venue with somewhere, undercover to go to if the weather was not great, we chose the beach as if the weather was nice we could enjoy an afternoon chat maybe swim in the sea for those brave enough and a few beach games, and outside the Hatfield Hotel which had both inside and outside shelter, and if really needed we could go inside for coffee and something to eat. The Hatfield Hotel is spacious and well ventilated so we knew that it would be safe for us if we need real shelter.

On the day there was eight in total, it was so nice to finally meet in person as a group after so long, there was lots of chat and support for parents of a recently diagnosed little one, and mostly a good catch up about life.

I would say for those wanting to meet and still a bit nervous, give it a go, you only have to know your local venues and choose the ones that are spacious, pick a time when you know it’s likely to be a bit quieter usually mid/late afternoon or early/mid-morning, and somewhere where there is outdoor seating. I know our members appreciated being able to meet and some travelled a fair distance to be there. We can't wait to organise another.

On August 18, the East Anglian friendship group had a lovely meet-up in Gorleston-on-Sea.

A picnic by the beach was enjoyed by a great turn-out and, despite some spells of rain, the British weather was eventually on our side! A great day was had by all.

We had our third get together on Saturday 31st March.

We arranged to meet in Marzano’s in The Forum in Norwich city centre.  Eleven of us met on a wet but very busy day but soon were chatting like we had know each other for years.

We decided to have lunch after coffee, in the adjoining Pizza Express where we continued to chat for a few more hours.  It was very special to see ladies and girls bond over shared experiences and understanding.

Thank you all for coming – looking forward to the next meet up already, hopefully we can do something outside in the approaching warming weather – Nicki.