NOTTINGHAM’S ONLY INDEPENDENT
VOLUNTEER RUN HIV PEER SUPPORT GROUP
REGISTERED CHARITY 1129416
© Tagadere
Registered Charity 1129416
December 2012
Tagadere Christmas Drop-
A
nother year of uplifting and inspiring Tagadere activities culminated with our Christmas Drop-
As usual with the Drop-
Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make the beautiful Christmas dinner and contributed in so many individual ways which ensured that the Tagadere Christmas Drop-
After our Christmas drop-
‘Hello Tagadere, Got to let you know I never felt such a part of a Family like I did today at xmas drop in. so good there is a mix of people all friends and we can all celebrate our lives together. If I feel down I come to drop in to get cheered up and today is one of the best days of my life because I felt so respected as a person because of your good feeling’
Nottingham City Councillor returns to Tagadere
N
ottingham City Council’s Lead Commissioning Manager Clare Gilbert made a second visit to Tagadere in order to consult the people who use Tagadere’s drop-
We find it encouraging that so many Commissioners and those involved in the holding of Nottingham City Council’s purse strings consider Tagadere a valuable resource where they can obtain direct and honest feedback at street level.
‘This Is Nottingham’ features Tagadere
As a local charity, Tagadere are thrilled to be featured not once but twice today!
Tackling prejudice and talking about challenges of HIV
http://www.nottinghampost.com/Tackling-
Pulling together to forge friendship and share meals
http://www.nottinghampost.com/Pulling-
Tagadere World AIDS Day Craft Fair 2012
O
ur decision to hold a Craft Fair was proved to be the right one as the day was a wonderful and encouraging success. During the days leading up to 1st December the weather forecasts had worryingly predicted snow or at least severe frosts for the East Midlands.
Thankfully the forecasts were (as often) wide of the mark as a stunning sun shone in a clear blue sky. The only avalanche was one of people coming in through the doors to see what unique items were on sale – and there were no shortages of tantalizing, tempting and highly original treats on display.
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Cllr Leon Unczur made time to visit us as Tagadere is one of only two charities which he is supporting during his period in office. Hot on his heels was a photographer from Nottingham Evening Post who managed to find a space amongst the busy crowd to photograph one of our volunteers who was doing a sterling job of keeping the hot drinks, mince pies, super biscuits and slices of sumptuous cake served to eager customers.
Thanks go out to everyone who supported Tagadere on and around the lead-
Extra thanks to those who very kindly went to the effort to make and donate the lovely jams, marmalades and wonderful cakes which were gratefully received.
November 2012
Tagadere World AIDS Day Red Balloon Release 2012
O
n November 28th the sun shone on our traditional World AIDS Day Red Balloon Release at Drop-
Following a few words to mark the moment, together we released the red balloons into the crisp, fresh breeze which carried them rapidly and smoothly towards the sunshine.
Tagadere World AIDS Day Craft Fair
W
e are thrilled to be holding our first Craft Fair on World AIDS Day, Saturday 1st December. Admission is free, doors open at 1pm.
We have been overwhelmed by such an encouraging response from crafters; the amazing range of unique handmade items which will be available illustrates the creativity we have in Nottingham.
Why bother with the scrums in town? Come, browse and buy in relaxed style. Our Tagadere Petit Bistro will have a selection of super refreshments available. Prize raffle to be drawn at 3.30.
Tagadere supported at World AIDS Day Red Ribbon Ball
Tagadere are delighted to be supported by Nottinghamshire Pride at the forthcoming Red Ribbon Ball on World AIDS Day, Saturday 1st December. To be held at The Britannia Hotel, 1 St. James’s Street, Nottingham NG1 6BN, the evening promises to be a fabulous event beginning with a Champagne reception at 6.30pm.
The evening continues with a three course meal, charity auction, raffle and entertainment provided by local artistes. Tickets are extremely well priced at £25 and are available from Queen of Clubs, Lord Roberts, New Foresters, Bodega, Britannia Hotel, NCVX and NGY myplace. More details at www.redribbon.org.uk
October 2012
Hallowe’en drop-
A
s Hallowe’en fell on a Tagadere drop-
Pumpkin soup and a mildy haunting varitey of hand made Hallowe’en snacks accompanied the main meal.
Robin Hood charity banquet supporting Tagadere
A note tied to an arrow shot from the leafy depths of Sherwood Forest landed at Tagadere to inform us that Robin Hood has added Tagadere to the Legends of Robin Hood website. A wonderful Charity Banquet is to be held on Saturday October 27th as part of the Robin Hood Pageant with special guest The Sheriff of Nottingham attending.
Goose Fair fun at Tagadere drop-
W
e celebrated Nottingham’s legendary Goose Fair with a special themed lunch at our weekly Drop-
After lunch we were joined by the HIV specialist dietician from City Hospital who hosted a presentation on the labelling of food products, highlighting many things which we were previously unaware of.
Robin Hood Half Marathon result for Tagadere
Our congratulations and thanks go to Naomi who admirably completed the Robin Hood Half Marathon in fine style on Sunday 30 September in support of Tagadere; not only raising funds for us but also raising awareness of HIV and Tagadere as Nottingham’s only user-
Royal British Legion Gala Concert
W
e were very pleased to see Tagadere featured as one of the Lord Mayor’s Charities in the programme for the Gala Concert held by the Royal British Legion at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall.
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham chooses only two charities to support during his time in office.
As Tagadere is one of that selected pair it means that the Lord Mayor’s visibly high public profile offers us an exposure which reaches a much wider audience, simultaneously raising the awareness of HIV and Tagadere in The Queen of The Midlands.
September 2012
Tagadere benefit from Clifton Wilkinson’s re-
Tagadere would like to thank the staff of Wilkinson’s in Southchurch Drive, Clifton, Nottingham for their contribution to the Lord Mayor’s Charities. This generosity will increase Tagadere’s visibility in our city as the only local support group for people living with HIV.
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Air-
Marathon run for Tagadere
W
e are thrilled that Naomi has very generously offered to run in the Robin Hood Half Marathon to raise funds for Tagadere and simultaneously generate awareness of HIV and the support which Tagadere provides.
If you would like to sponsor Naomi, she can be contacted via info@tagadere.org.uk
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham supports Tagadere as his chosen charity
The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Cllr. Leon Unczur has issued his press release regarding Tagadere.
Nottingham Evening Post 12 September 2012
Lo
rd Mayor of Nottingham Councillor Leon Unczur is supporting a charity which helps people living with HIV.
Mr. Unczur has chosen Tagadere as one of two charities that he will be fundraising for in his year in office.
Tagadere is the only user-
Mr. Unczur said: ‘I am very pleased to have the opportunity to support and promote Tagadere as an important voluntary group providing essential support to people living with HIV in Nottinghamshire.
Over the course of my year in office I will be looking to raise funds for Tagadere and to support the vital work they do in the city. I am hoping that by choosing them as a Lord Mayor’s charity it will also help to raise their profile.’
HIV dietitian Q&A forum at Tagadere
Fu
rther important and informative dietary and food budgeting information was provided at the September visit to Drop-
These presentations are welcomed by all; the questions and answers session gave advice, hints and tips which many people were happy to discover.
The visit worked reciprocally as we were able to share our first hand experiences of living with HIV and the associated dietary problems which frequently are associated.
August 2012
Sharing birthdays with your Tagadere family
In mid-
‘One of the many things I love about you is that you always remember people’s birthday, this makes the group feel like a family for me, more than my real family who weren’t much impressed when I finally got the courage and told them I had HIV. They just cut me off. No phone calls no Christmas cards and no birthday cards, no nothing. It’s the little things that matter and you know how much little things mean, other people might not be bothered but to me and I know to others who use Tagadere it really makes a difference because you realise that someone really does care when you have experienced someone not caring.’
HIV related dietary forum at Tagadere
O
n the first day of August we welcomed the second instalment of dietary advice at the Drop-
Audience participation from the sizeable gathering was very much a part of the valuable session; we all look forward to the future visits.
July 2012
Tagadere at Nottinghamshire Pride 2012
Ou
r stall at Nottinghamshire Pride 2012 on Saturday 28 June was a runaway success and constantly deluged with visitors. We displayed and sold the wonderful creations made by Tagadere members at our weekly Drop-
Amongst the dazzling, glittering and glamorous goodies which were exclusively made by Tagadere members for Pride 2012 were the ‘Tagadere Treasures’: earrings, necklaces, leather purses, hand painted tiles and colourfully decorated mirrors.
To compliment these we had a range of home made cards featuring a diverse range of subjects from hand painted birds, butterflies and flowers to tacky Gay Pulp Fiction book covers, vintage Coronation Street characters and original Glam Rock stars.
Nestling amongst the free red AIDS ribbons, these unique items sold like the proverbial hot cakes and by three o’clock we were rewarded to see that we had just about sold out of everything. As we packed away a few people came to the stall wanting to buy more as their friends had told them where to go – apologies to those many people who were disappointed to miss out.
We received a visit from The Lord Mayor of Nottingham (as we are supported by him as one of the two Lord Mayor's Charities 2012-
Tagadere proudly appearing at Pride 2012
Tagadere will be at Nottinghamshire Pride on Saturday 28th July.
This year we will be attending as one of The Lord Mayor’s Charities and also as one of the charities which Nottinghamshire Pride have supported during the past twelve months.
Twycross Zoo visit
As
Britain continued to soak with torrential rains we had to have a rapid rethink for the destination of our July day out. Fortunately we had visited Skegness in June meaning that we beat the heaving crowds of summer and the forecast for continuing gloomy, unseasonal wet weather.
We brought our planned visit to Twycross Zoo forward by two months and were extremely lucky with the weather during the day. A couple of brief showers occurred during our shared lunch indoors whist the rest of the day was warm, dry and -
Meeting with the Lord Mayor of Nottingham
Following the news that Tagadere has been chosen as one of the two Lord Mayor’s Charities for 2012/13 we were very proud to be invited to meet with the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Leon Unczur at Nottingham Council House.
Many interesting ideas were discussed and exciting plans were made for what promises to be a very fulfilling and progressive year ahead for us in our unique position as the only local user-
Dietary forum
Jul
y saw the beginning of regular monthly visits to Tagadere Drop-
The theme for July was ‘Eating & Drinking Safely with HIV’ which provided a valuable update on the subject to the large audience who had braved the awful weather conditions to be at Drop-
June 2012
Skegness visit a sunny success
A g
roup of happy Tagadere travellers made a return visit to Skegness setting out with slight trepidation following the recent atrocious weather conditions which had swept across the country. The train pulled out of Nottingham railway station beneath dark clouds laden with rain.
Amazingly, as if ordered, as we approached the coast the gloomy sky transformed into stunning blue with not a cloud in sight. The sun shone constantly adding even more of an early summer festivity to the visit.
Everybody was in relaxed good spirits; the excursion was thoroughly enjoyed by all who made it another successful and happy day out.
HIV specific dietician monthly visits to the Drop-
We are very pleased to announce the return of regular visits to Tagadere drop-
May 2012
Tagadere chosen for Lord Mayor of Nottingham’s charities
We are extremely proud and delighted to announce that Tagadere has been chosen as one of the two Lord Mayor’s Charities for 2012/13.
This is a wonderful acknowledgement of our achievements as the only volunteer-
Tagadere visit to Trentham Gardens
Trentham Gardens near Stoke-
Tagadere third birthday celebration attended by the Sheriff of Nottingham
Ta
gadere proudly commemorated three years as a registered charity with a special Wednesday Drop-
The day mixed celebration with education and as always it was enjoyed by the diverse collection of people who make Tagadere Drop-
Our uniquely supportive extended family pulled together as one as we always do.
Also present at the anniversary Drop-
Mid-
Thanks to all involved who prepared and created wonderful dishes for the day and for their hard work to make the anniversary celebration such a success.
March 2012
TGITF: Thank Goodness It’s Tagadere Fridays!
W
e are extremely excited to announce the introduction of a second Drop-
As the existing Wednesday Drop-
‘Tagadere Fridays’ are devoted to a vast range of educational and artistic themes with the emphasis on learning and creation; these are complimented by provision of a variety of therapies which will include massage, Reiki and supplementary personal counselling sessions.
The debut extra day on March 16th was alive with enthusiasm and a thorough success. The creative energy flowed as the baking class produced some delightful teatime treats to take home. The art group began a unique and glamorous project; the results will be displayed here upon their glittering completion.
Tagadere Fridays are a thrilling expansion for us; illustrating our continuing growth, confidence and ability to provide further educational and creative experiences as requested numerous times by visitors to the established Drop-
February 2012
Pancake Day
Th
e Pancake Day celebration at our weekly drop-
Whether by luck or experise, fortunately no pancakes landed on the ceiling, on heads or on the floor during the pancake tossing despite the energetic attempts to flip the contents of crepe pan.
Thanks to all who made it yet another enjoyable day at the Tagadere drop-
Tagadere Art Group
O
ur Art Group continues to flourish with creative direction from Wendy who shares her wealth of artistic experience and enthusiasm.
The relaxed nature of the group welcomes and encourages everyone to join in; illustrating that we all have hidden talents and abilities which simply need a gentle opportunity to flourish and develop to create inspiring works of imagination.
HIV Health Forum at the Tagadere Drop-
Ta
gadere began the month of February with an HIV Health Forum held at our Drop-
The relaxed approach to a few issues which some of those gathered may have felt uncomfortable with raising in other situations meant that this important forum was a significant event at our Drop-
NHS Service Improvement Coordinator visit to Tagadere
O
n Wednesday 29th February we welcomed a visit from Tracie Baker, who is the Service Improvement Coordinator from the NHS Nottingham City Clinical Commissioning Group.
The purpose of Tracie’s visit to Tagadere was to obtain the views and experiences of current and potential users of sexual health services to help discover the best way to provide sexual health services across the city.
The visit was heralded by the statement ’It is crucial to receive input from the community to ensure a sexual health service which is accessible to all and meets everyone’s needs’
January 2012
Tagadere’s Housing Benefits Workshop
M
etropolitan Support Trust workers hosted an considerably important workshop at the Tagadere drop-
Once more it was apparent how beneficial it is for professional support workers to be allowed to access a large number of HIV positive people in one location.
As the Housing Benefits subject can be extremely complicated and the information sometimes difficult to absorb, it was a most welcome opportunity to discuss and understand the alterations and amendments.
Lunch on the day was prepared by a Tagadere member who dazzled us with a wonderfully extravagant Jamaican meal. The hard work and amazing attention to detail was applauded by all who enjoyed the tropical feast as it brought gastronomic sunshine into the dreary January day.