Latimer Conference Centres Buckinghamshire

19th – 22nd October 2007

The weekend of 19-22 October 2007 saw the annual DRWF Diabetes Wellness Retreat this year held at Latimer Place, Buckinghamshire.

Arrival on Friday 19 October began with welcome drinks followed by dinner and a quiz night to help break the ice. It certainly got a bit competitive at points but good fun was had by all!

Saturday morning began early with a talk from Dr Philip Preshaw on diabetes and oral health which is a little known complication of the condition.

The schedule continued with talks from Charlotte Woods from the Expert Patients Programme and Deborah Duval, Editor of Kidney Life (magazine of the National Kidney Federation).

Professor David Matthews, Chairman of the Oxford Centre of Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM) conducted a talk on new advances in stem cell and human islet research which included an update on the DRWF Human Islet Isolation Facility in Oxford.

Local Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, Dr Laurence Sandler, gave a talk on recent advances in
diabetes and Sonal Righani, Opthalmologist RNIB, informed delegates on how to look after their eyes. The day was rounded off by DRWF Editorial Board member, Andrea Cameron. She took delegates through their paces with a talk on diabetes and exercise and gentle exercises with Theraband. In the evening, we were treated to dinner and the magical delights of George the magician.

Sunday commenced with some gentle Tai Chi, courtesy of instructor, Alison Smith and then delegates gathered for a talk from Dr Vijay Bangar, Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist on causes, complications and management of diabetes.

The afternoon saw an interactive cookery demonstration with Azmina Govindji, Consultant Nutritionist and member of the DRWF Editorial Advisory Board. This was followed by a talk on diabetes, diet and food groups by Lisa Mason, local Community Dietitian and then a question and answer session with Jo Head, Lead Diabetes Nurse Specialist

The day was finished with an optional aquacise session, or a trim trail walk. In the evening, delegates had the chance to mingle over dinner and then take part in a DRWF raffle.

Monday morning saw the wind-down to the event with a holistic workshop and then a chance for delegates to say their goodbyes until next year!

One of the speakers, Dr Philip Preshaw, Specialist in Periodontics, said of the event, “The DRWF Annual Retreat this year was, as usual, very well organised, informative, and also fun. The Wellness Events are an extremely important resource for people with
diabetes”.

Audrey Scott, DRWF member and Retreat attendee said of the weekend, “This weekend was very useful and rewarding and it was really good to socialise with other people that have diabetes. All held in a wonderful setting”.

DRWF would like to thank all delegates for attending the Wellness Retreat and all of our speakers. Thank you to everyone for making the weekend a success once again.

If you have any questions about the retreat or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Lee Calladine on 02392 636133 or lee.calladine@drwf.org.uk