brainstrust

The world famous water garden near Stockbridge, founded by John Spedan Lewis, is holding a special charity open day for brainstrust on 19 April.

The first days of spring will be a magical occasion to visit the garden and step into one man's vision of paradise. As the uncertainties of March give way to the milder temperatures of April, every bank and island will suddenly come alive with new growth.

The seven-acre garden includes around two and a half acres of lake, which is fed by the river Test so that the water remains very clear. It has earned a universal reputation amongst horticulturists - the International Water Lily Society has voted it "the finest water garden in the world."

So come and support brainstrust and visit one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
Find out more about gardens on the Longstock Park Water Gardens website »

Charity Open Day
Directions and Map
2pm – 5pm on Sunday 19 April 2009

Adults £5
Under 18 £1

All proceeds go to brainstrust

brainstrust's Boad of Trustees has been selected as one of three finalists in the Wessex Charity Awards: Trustee Board of the Year category! This is a real recognition of the hard work and support that they have provided and strong testimony to all of brainstrust's many achievements.

There will be a Gala Awards dinner at The Rose Bowl on 26 February at which the winning board will be announced - a bit like the Oscars for charity! Fingers crossed.

Don't miss our next Spice Night! If you are craving that certain zing and spice then brainstrust has the answer. Spice up your life and join us for a curry at The Balaka, Winchester.

The Balaka is one of the most highly awarded Indian restaurants in the UK, serving truly authentic Indian Cuisine in a Bangladeshi style. It has a long-standing local reputation for excellence and ambience.

• When: 23 February @ 7pm
• Where: The Balaka, Stoney Lane, Weeke, Winchester, SO22 6EW (see where on Google Maps)
• Tickets: Tickets are £15 each - which includes a choice of two courses, with rice and naan bread.

Buy your tickets from brainstrust on 01983 292405 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Or buy them direct from The Balaka on 01962 855118.

Once again, brainstrust will be taking over the space next to Debenhams in Winchester High Street, aka St Maurice’s Covert for a sale. So why not pass on those unwanted Christmas presents, dust off those unwanted treasures, dig out any unwanted books and donate them to brainstrust. We will even collect them from you.

And if would like to volunteer manning the stall please contact us.
The more the merrier!

Come and see us at the Christmas Market!

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market has earned itself a reputation for being one of the loveliest in the country. Stunningly located against backdrop of the medieval Cathedral, prettily clustered around a real outdoor ice-rink, and inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets, the Winchester Christmas Market is a perfect visual feast.

This year there will be 82 wooden chalets, all beautifully decorated with swags and pea lights, visitors will find them full of inspiring, unusual and tasteful gifts and foods carefully selected from across Britain and Europe.

So why not drop by our brainstrust chalet and pick up your Christmas Cards and some festive treats?

Lee Marshall had an 11 year old cousin who suffered from a severe brain tumour. So Lee has decided to help raise funds for brain tumour patients and support brainstrust. Lee explains how you can make your donation and get your very own doodle drawn by Lee:

I am planning to do a doodle (see my pic) of whoever kindley donates to this worthy charity. Please send a little photo of yourself to my email address and put 'doodle' in the subject line - my email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Then I will then do the doodle and return it by email in jpeg format. I am an exhibiting artist and all work will be an original. Many thanks for your support. P.S. Remember, you get what you pay for!

Lee Marshall, artist

Make your donation on Lee's Justgiving page and get an original doodle!

Will Jones and his fellow marketing gurus from Brahm in Leeds are taking their passion for bikes on a long weekend in aid of brainstrust. The Brahm Bike Riders will be riding from Dalby Forest to Robin Hood's bay then back again (it's a long way) over the weekend of the 8-9th November in support of brain tumour patients.

Please dig deep and sponsor them online via their Justgiving page, and remember to Gift Aid your donation!

31 October 2008

David Bailey - singer, songwriter, survivor.

Some of the best folk pop you will find within and beyond our indie world. cdbaby.com

Join brainstrust in an evening of celebration at Thornden Hall. We are proud to welcome the US singer David Bailey to the UK. A 12 year survivor of brain cancer, with 17 albums to his name performances in 21 countries and & 44 states, David and his music continue to challenge us all to live passionately and live life to the max.

While his songs are reminiscent of folk legends like Jim Croce and Cat Stevens, his sound has also been influenced by David Wilcox and Joni Mitchell. Strong melodies and intricate finger picking help deliver keen, witty and insightful lyrics and David's voice is one that resonates with surprising depth and clarity among audiences of all ages, keeping his music both universal and timeless.

His story has been featured on news channels and dozens of newspapers and magazines across the US. In May 2003, he won the prestigious Kerrville NewFolk songwriting competition. From Beirut to Budapest, from Pittsburgh to Portland, and on hundreds of stages in between, he has inspired and entertained thousands of listeners and maintains a relentless tour schedule year round. Don't miss this opportunity to hear David for yourself and know that you are supporting a worthwhile cause.

Tickets £10 per person

25 October 2008

Connor, aged 9 and Harrison, 8, are heroically running in the Junior Great South Run on Saturday October 25 for brainstrust. Why? They tragically lost their grandmother to a brain tumour last October and this event will mark the first anniversary for them. They have been left with a huge hole in their lives.

9 October 2008

Try before you buy! Kate Bickford is opening her doors to run an ‘Aloe Vera’ event.

Where: 41 Cornes Close, Winchester. Tel no: 07785 392941
When: 9 October from 9.30am until lunchtime

Aloe Vera works with our ‘inner doctor’  - our immune system, replenishing the nutrients as required. With this in mind, Forever Living offers a wide range of natural products, from make-up to health drinks which help a range of inflammatory conditions, and everyday products like aluminium free deodorants, fluoride free toothgel (with fluoride being added to water this will become very important because fluoride is a poison), and a fabulous range of skincare.

• 25% of proceeds going to brainstrust.
• Free health check
• Free prize draw

So drop in for a cup of coffee, or a glass of aloe vera!