We are deeply saddened and shocked to share the news that Mark Whitehouse passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, 11 January 2026. Mark was a much-loved friend, Trustee and a valued member of our community for many years. Many of you will have known him from the early Nailsea Centre days, where his presence, humour, and generosity of spirit made a lasting impression.

Every Monday, Audrey runs a fantastic dance/exercise class for one hour here in the Brightwell gym area. It is suitable for all skill levels. The current group includes wheelchair users, those who prefer to do the class seated, as well as those who can stand.

We are delighted to offer some outstanding Prizes for our Valentine’s Draw 1ST Prize – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for two at Berwick Lodge 2nd Prize – Bottle of Champagne, plus 4 boxed Dartington Champagne Flutes 3rd Prize 2 Handcrafted Steel Heart-tail Robins Plant stakes 4th Prize- Set of Stone Effect Heart Tea- Light Holders and stone-filled tray

The Centre reopens on Monday, 5 January, and all of our regular services will be available, including Oxygen, Physiotherapy, the Café, and of course, support from our full team. We are very much looking forward to getting back to “normal” after the busy period of celebrations and time away.

Check Out Our December/Christmas Newsletter! We very much hope that you enjoy our final newsletter for 2025 This edition has some great articles in it. • There is a full review if 2025 by Doro, • Information about our 5-year Business Plan • Some lovely photos from our Christmas Market, our Members Christmas Buffet and the Frozen event. • Details about all the events in January. • A round-up from the Café • Plus lots more… Have a very Merry Christmas!

2025 has been an incredible and memorable year for The Brightwell! This year we proudly celebrated our 40th anniversary. It is amazing to think how far we have come since the original Centre opened in Nailsea in 1985, and how much we have grown since moving to Bradbury House in Bradley Stoke in 2012.

It has been the first full calendar year of our new Brightwell Café being up and running and it’s been a busy one

We will be holding an Open Event on Monday, 26 January, from 2–3 pm, for anyone interested in learning more about our work and volunteer opportunities.

On Wednesday 10 December, we held our annual Members’ Christmas Buffet Lunch from 12–2pm, and what a fantastic celebration it was! With all 25 tickets sold out, the room was full of festive cheer from the moment everyone arrived.

We are delighted to share The Brightwell’s strategic plan for the next five years. This document reflects months of dedicated work by our Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees.