I am writing this whilst looking out of a rather dismal scene as the rain pours down and the wind is howling even though its only 17 mph.  Winter has certain set in and the only consolation if that maybe the fireworks won't be so loud.  Sorry to put a damper on it (excuse the pun).  The Helen Duncan Day raised £519.90 to date and I believe there maybe one more donation to come.  Everyone worked very hard and Jock Brocas the President of the charity which supports the Helen Duncan Foundation wants to thank all those and especially the committee of South Woodford Spiritualist Church ( for the time they spent helping and for letting the church be used for such a worthy cause www.woodfordchurch.com). The Helen Duncan Foundation" (www.helenduncan.org),  which is the brainchild of her granddaughter Margaret Hahn who is trying to secure a pardon for her grandmother.  It started at 2pm (although we all arrived around noon to get things sorted) with readings and cakes etc.  Mediums giving readings were Sharon Law, Daniel Naughnane Lily Dolan, Ruth Lipkin, Paul Bathgate, Barbara Barnes, Anita Minza Raddigan, John Rooney, Lorna Hunte (www.blaze2wotherapieslorna.co.uk) and myself Patricia McNally   The mediums for evening demonstration were be Graham Watson (www.mediumgrahamwatson.co.uk) plus Stevie Robinson and Haydn Clarke (www.portraitsfromheaven.co.uk).  We want to thank Alex Camies for her organisational skills. There were some beautiful cupcakes made ,  especially cupcakes made with love by the lovely Lucrieta Allan. Sam Livermore explained about her project Global Love Letters. Sadly several people had to drop out during the day due to either a family crisis or illness.  They were Stephanie Barrows (who despite her problIems supplied masses of sandwiches), Micky Ivers, Allison Davis, Maggie Jones and Annette Ivy. We are hoping there will be another organised at Stockwell Spiritualist Church (www.stockwellspiritualistchurch.co.uk) date to be arranged.  Our next workshop at Epping will be with Martin Jones on the 18th November and we will be giving you more details in our next post.  On the 15th November we are back at Woodford Church with one of a series of workshops "Make Your Own Oracle Cards" starts at 11 am to 4 pm.  We heard a very amusing gnome story from Julie Holmes in Morcambe in regard to a dog sitting event involving a dog called Max who adopted one of her gnomes called Mr.Emerald.  She sent me the following "My name is Max.  I went to Aunty Julie's  on Monday and when I arrived I found to my great delight she had a collection of soft toys including various gnomes.  After inspecting every single one I found a bright green gnome with a special little bag.  Julie told me he was called Mr.Emerald and I loved to cuddle up with him.  Although she wouldn't let me take him to the beach as it was really foggy and she thought I might drop him and he would get lost.  I did wonder if gnomes could swim.  When I went home I did manage to sneak out with him, but guess what it was discovered, but I refused to let go of him until I got a new toy from Abbie and Jess the people who I am staying with).  I did put on my best boy face with the hope Aunty Julie would let me keep him, but no.  Never mind I will get to cuddle him next time I visit and you never know maybe she will let me keep him".