The AAIR Charity

We organise unusual and fun events so you have a fantastic time and AAIR raises money. Everyone is welcome - so why not put AAIR's next event in your diary? We promise you won’t be disappointed. Please book your places early to avoid disappointment.

2006
Events you may have missed in 2006.

2007
Events you may have missed in 2007.

2008
Events you may have missed in 2008.

2009
Events you may have missed in 2009.

2010
Events you may have missed in 2010.

	*Ladies enjoy Bucks Fizz Brunch in style* Monday 5th December 2011 Hotel du Vin, Winchester Thank you to all the very well dressed ladies who joined us for a delicious brunch and very entertaining talk from Winchester Image Professional Jenny Sutton at The Hotel Du Vin in early December... (more)
	*Exclusive Business Brunch Hosted by Rod Bransgrove* Friday 25th November 2011 Hotel du Vin, Winchester Local business leaders who attended AAIR's Networking Brunch on Friday 25th November enjoyed hearing how host Rod Bransgrove rose... (more)
	*FREE ASTHMA, ALLERGY & COPD OPEN EVENING* Wednesday 16th November Due to the success of its first asthma and allergy open evening AAIR staged a second event to help sufferers of these conditions... (more)
	*SUPER IRISH RACE DAY* Thursday September 29th Fontwell Park Racecorse Always a fantastic family day out with racing plus other attractions... (more)
	*HIGH TEA IN A TENT* Wednesday 3rd August Afternoon tea with expert 'tea-talker' and garden designer... (more)
	*Two Students are rewarded by AAIR for excellence in allergy learning* The MSc Allergy programme at the University of Southampton is one of just two MSc allergy courses in the world... (more)
	*THE 10th ASICS BRITISH 10K LONDON RUN* Sunday July10th Well done to everyone who ran the 10K this year... (more)
	WHAT WE DO AAIR’s first ever Asthma & Allergy Open Evening was a huge success with over 80 people taking advantage of the opportunity to meet and talk to our experts... (more)
	AAIR CHARITY BUCKS FIZZ BRUNCH Wednesday May 11th Thank you to all the ladies (and two gentlemen) who raised £487 for AAIR when they joined us for a Bucks Fizz Brunch at Winchester’s Hotel Du Vin... (more)
	AAIR AT FREE AWARD WINNING SCIENCE & ENGINEERING DAY Saturday 12 March 2011 The University’s annual Science and Engineering Day was a great opportunity for families to learn together and share their discoveries... (more)


		Ladies enjoy Bucks Fizz Brunch in style Monday 5th December 2011 Hotel du Vin, Winchester Thank you to all the very well dressed ladies who joined us for a delicious brunch and very entertaining talk from Winchester Image Professional Jenny Sutton at The Hotel Du Vin in early December. As well as explaining the role of a stylist Jenny gave demonstrations and tips to show how our dress reflects our image, particularly at events and social occasions. The event raised much needed funds for AAIR. Particular thanks also to Brea Whitlock, Jenny Sutton and Clair Burnet fortheir kind raffle prize donations.

		Exclusive Business Brunch Hosted by Rod Bransgrove, Chairman & Chief Executive of The Rose Bowl Friday 25th November 2011 Hotel du Vin, Winchester Local business leaders who attended AAIR's Networking Brunch on Friday 25th November enjoyed hearing how host Rod Bransgrove rose from a guitar-playing salesman to chairman of one of Hampshire's flagship venues - The Rose Bowl. Rod's informal and entertaining talk coupled with a fabulous brunch ensured this was a very successful morning. Thank you to Rod and to all who attended. Many thanks also to Hotel Du Vin and The Rose Bowl for their donation of raffle prizes and to Zenergi for their sponsorship of the event.

		FREE ASTHMA, ALLERGY & COPD OPEN EVENING Wednesday November 16 Biomedical Research Unit, Southampton General Hospital. To Mark World COPD Day Due to the success of its first asthma and allergy open evening AAIR staged a second event to help sufferers of these conditions. Visitors to the event had a rare opportunity to meet and talk to several top experts in the field of all kinds of allergies including skin, food, pet, dust as well as hayfever and asthma. They were also able to learn about the latest treatments and research, medical trials, see allergy testing demonstrations and, of course, ask questions. And for the first time they were also able to meet and question experts on COPD, as the event falls on World COPD Day. AAIR’s Caroline Pope said: “The asthma and allergy research unit at The Southampton School of Medicine is world renowned. The department is home to some 250 experts in the field of COPD, asthma and allergy research - all striving to find the causes of, and treatments for, these debilitating diseases. Their work has led to many breakthroughs and attracts top scientists from all corners of the world, including Japan, China, Sweden, Israel, Italy, Australia, India, Austria and Germany. This was a rare opportunity to meet and question some of the dedicated team and learn about the latest medical treatments for these conditions. We hope that this free event helped anyone wanting to know more information about their asthma, allergy or COPD."
World COPD Day is an annual event which aims to help prevent the disease and provide better care for sufferers worldwide. WHAT IS COPD? Chronic "long term" Obstructive "blockage to air flow" Pulmonary "The Lungs" Disease "Illness, or a sick condition" COPD is a chronic condition which will progressively reduce air flow into the lungs unless treated. Usually this condition is diagnosed after deterioration of lung capacity has already occurred. Though there are treatments that can combat the continued progress of this ailment, a return to full lung capacity is not possible. An increased shortness of breath is the ongoing trait of COPD, and must be immediately treated in order to prevent further deterioration. The number one cause of COPD is tobacco use, with an estimate of 80-90% of cases directly attributable to cigarette smoking and other tobacco uses. The poisonous particles of gas that triggers an abnormal inflammatory response in the lung causing inflammation created by this reaction brings on chronic bronchitis. In the alveoli, this inflammatory response causes destruction of the tissues of the lung, an ongoing process known as emphysema.

		Super Irish Race Day Saturday October 1st Fontwell Park Racecourse A huge thank you to Southern Water and its staff and for once again hosting a wonderful day at the races in support of 7 charities including AAIR and its awAAIRe Bear campaign. Particular thanks to Kevin Buck for organising the event and Nigel Foss for nominating AAIR once again. Dr Peter Howarth's research team will receive a special boost with the amazing donation of £11,400.

with kind thanks to The Southern Daily Echo with kind thanks to The Southern Daily Echo		Tea Party success in a Tent Glorious sunshine, entertaining speakers, pretty vintage china, superb singing and beautiful gardens and marquee all helped ensure AAIR’s High Tea in a Tent was a wonderful afternoon. Over 70 people attended the event, enjoying delicious cakes, canapés and teas to help raise over £843.50 for AAIR. Andrew Gadsden, from All About Tea, provided a selection of his hand-picked teas along with a witty and informative talk about the beverage while revealing his tips for making the perfect brew. While TV presenter and landscape gardener Ann-Marie Powell gave a very entertaining and fascinating insight behind the scenes at Chelsea. We would like to say thank you so much to everyone who helped and supported the event: Bees Marquees, Andrew Gadsden, Anne-Marie Powell, Forget-me-not Vintage Crockery, Pat Jenkins and Geoff Wilkinson, who all donated their services free of charge. Meeta for hosting the High Tea, Hampshire Society Magazine for their sponsorship and everyone who donated auction and raffle prizes, cakes, canopes, equipment and helped on the day. with kind thanks to The Southern Daily Echo

		Two Students are rewarded by AAIR for excellence in allergy learning. The MSc Allergy programme at the University of Southampton is one of just two MSc allergy courses in the world, providing dedicated in-depth study of allergic disease for post graduate students. Each year The AAIR Charity and its president, Professor Stephen Holgate, recognise the achievement of any students obtaining a ‘distinction’ by awarding the ‘Holgate AAIR prize for Excellence in Allergy’
Jeanne said: "My interest in allergy began 16 years ago when my son developed a peanut allergy in babyhood. Even as a GP, I experienced the difficulties that so many parents encounter in managing their child’s allergic disease. The MSc in Allergy course at the University of Southampton offered me the education that I had been seeking, and has enabled me to become the first accredited GP with a Special Interest in Allergy in Surrey. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of the course, and was delighted to have received the AAIR Holgate Award, which, I think, is more deserved by my supportive family! Thank you so much." This year, for the first time since the course began, TWO students, Jeanne Powell and Jennifer Hughes, have earned distinctions and so have been presented with the ‘Holgate AAIR prize for Excellence in Allergy’. In presenting the awards, world renowned figure in the fight against asthma and allergy Professor Holgate, said: “It is my pleasure to be able to add my very sincere congratulations for a well-deserved and brilliant achievement with the Special Prize for 2011. It is an amazing achievement to have two students attaining the very highest standard in this postgraduate degree. It is not only a recognition of their hard work and talent but also reflects the quality of the teaching and the dedication of its programme director Dr Judith Holloway PhD" Dr Holloway said: "Our MSc Allergy course at the University of Southampton is one of only two in the world, and is internationally recognised for its excellence in teaching Allergy to doctors, nurses and dietitians from around the UK and further afield. Towards the end of their time with us, our students undertake cutting edge research designed to have an impact on health care provision in the field of allergy. We are tremendously proud of all our students, and in particular those who complete the full MSc Allergy. Jeanne and Jenny have completed the outstanding achievement of a Distinction, which comprised sustained excellence over a number of years, whilst continuing to work as doctors and bring up their families. They are fine examples of the students on our course who achieve Excellence in Allergy." As well as the award Jeanne and Jennifer receive a cheque for £250 from AAIR.

		THE 10th ASICS BRITISH 10K LONDON RUN SUNDAY JULY 10th Well done to everyone who ran the 10K this year, we raised over £2,500 which is a fantastic amount. A big thank you to everyone for your support by choosing to run for AAIR.

WHAT WE DO AAIR’s first ever Asthma & Allergy Open Evening was a huge success with over 80 people taking advantage of the opportunity to meet and talk to our experts. Along with advice, information and updates on latest medical advancements there was also the opportunity to see allergy testing and bronchoscopy demonstrations. Following the evening Michelle Biondi said: “Thank you for the open evening, it was useful for us as a family with allergies, not to feel alone, or misunderstood. We found the rolling structure of some 'talks' very handy.” Jan England said: “Just to say thanks for a very interesting and informative evening last Thursday, I and the friend I took along came away much more aware of the importance of taking our steroid inhaler regularly, and I'm sure we weren’t the only ones.” Thank you to all the experts who gave their time and to everyone who attended. AAIR will be holding a similar event towards the end of the year. Please email emma@aaircharity.org if you would like to be notified.

Photography: Malcolm Smith of Fotogems. For more click here.		AAIR CHARITY BUCKS FIZZ BRUNCH With Hampshire Society Editor, Jayne Stamp At Winchester’s Hotel Du Vin, Wednesday May 11th Sponsored by Justice Jewellers Thank you to all the ladies (and two gentlemen) who raised £487 for AAIR when they joined us for a Bucks Fizz Brunch at Winchester’s Hotel Du Vin. Guest speaker, Hampshire Society Editor Jayne Stamp answered a range of questions from guests including: ‘how the magazine decides on articles to cover’ and ‘how the magazine started’, while Dr Howarth explained the vital role AAIR plays in raising funds for asthma and allergy research at one of the world’s leading research centres.
Our special thanks also go to Sponsors, Justice Jewellers, for kindly donated table favours and a beautiful grey pearl necklace for the raffle and Hotel Du Vin for their wonderful raffle prize of a meal for two with wine. Guests Joan Ferrer and Jenny Dixon said: “This was a wonderful day which everyone enjoyed immensely and we are delighted to have helped such a worthwhile local charity.”

JOIN AAIR AT FREE AWARD WINNING SCIENCE & ENGINEERING DAY Saturday 12 March 2011 The University’s annual Science and Engineering Day was a great opportunity for families to learn together and share their discoveries. Part of National Science and Engineering Week, which takes place in March each year, the day was designed to engage children - and adults - of all ages. The School of Biological Sciences provided a range of activities to enjoy in the Life Zone. The hippo’s mouth is one of the perennially popular displays. But there is always something new as well. After all, science is full of surprises.
		These are just some of the Zones from 2010's event: Transport Zone – Pilot the Airbus A380 super jet in the flight simulator and drive a fast craft boat through waves on our Fast Craft Simulator. Life Zone – Discover what your DNA looks like; build 3D body parts and learn how to keep your body healthy; visit Hawthorns Wildlife Trust stand and make all sorts of animal crafts; learn about Cancer cells and how a baby moves around and exits the pelvis in a giant sized model. Light Zone – Watch the dazzling professional laser light display created by powerful lasers. Chemistry Zone - Make slime and silly putty, or bubbles that bounce in mid-air. Find out more about some of the challenges and recent advances in developing new fuel types, sustainable energy sources and new technologies at the heart of these global issues. Please note: children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult The event takes place at The University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, University Road.

Please note The AAIR Charity reserves the right, if necessary, to alter times, venues and guest appearances without prior notification.
Any donations are made payable to AAIR Charity.

The AAIR Charity, AIR, Mailpoint 810, Level F, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6YD.
Tel: 023 8077 1234 Fax: 023 8079 6866