Meetings & Events

PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE A CHANGE OF VENUE FROM JANUARY 2012, WE WILL NOW MEET AT LA RUCA CAFE, 89 GLOUCESTER ROAD BISHOPSTON, BRISTOL BS7 8AS. THE CAFE IS SITUATED UP STAIRS, TO ACCESS THE CAFE YOU WILL NEED TO WALK THROUGH THE HEALTH FOOD SHOP THE STAIRS ARE SITUATED AT THE BACK OF THE SHOP ON YOUR RIGHT HAND SIDE.

MEETING DATES FOR 2012;

Tuesday 14th February at 7pm
Regular monthly meeting

Tuesday 13th March at 7pm
Regular monthly meeting

Tuesday 10th April at 7pm
Regular monthly meeting

Tuesday 8th May at 7pm
Regular monthly meeting

Tuesday 12th June at 7pm
Regular monthly meeting

Tuesday 10th July at 7pm
Talk to be given by Guy Stoker, "The artistic interrelationship between music and epilepsy"

Tuesday 14th August at 7pm
Regular monthly meeting

Tuesday 11th September at 7pm
Mr David Sandeman Consultant Neurosurgeon will talk about the pioneering epilepsy surgery programme at Frenchay Hospital

Tuesday 9th October at 7pm
Dr Margaret Newson, Clinical Neuropsychologist will discuss "Epilepsy and it's impact on memory"

Tuesday 13th November at 7pm
Dr Howard Faulkner Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist. Topic to be confirmed

Tuesday 11th December at 7pm
Regular monthly meeting

Suggestions for Speakers or Events

If you are interested in hearing a speaker talk about a specific Epilepsy subject or have a cool idea for an event please bring your ideas and suggestions to the next meeting. In the past we have organised speakers on brain surgery, support organisations and a bowling night.

Where and When We Meet

We meet at La Ruca Cafe, 89 Gloucester Rd. Meetings are usually held on the second Tuesday of the month, starting at 7.00 pm. Please note that the group sometimes meets at alternative venues for social events which require a specific venue. Check the dates and times above.
Link to a map showing La Ruca Cafe http://g.co/maps/3fmjp

How to get there...
by car...

La Ruca Cafe is situated on Gloucester Rd, a short distance up from the main Somerfields, where the road is still on the rise. (If you are driving from the centre and reach the Somerfields branch where the road has flattened out then you have gone too far!) At the time of this being written parking is available on Gloucester Rd in the evenings from 6.30pm.

by bus...

Bus service numbers 73,74,75, 76 and 77 all run regularly through the city centre and along Gloucester Rd. Ask the driver to drop you off at Somerfields. Cross over the road and carry on walking up the road a short distance to reach the cafe.

by train

The local train service from Bristol Temple Meads to Severn Beach stops at Redland station. From there it is about 15 minutes walk to La Ruca Cafe, a little less if you are a brisk walker. Walk out of the station, turn right and walk straight down the road until you get to Gloucester Rd. Turn left and walk up Gloucester Rd and La Ruca Cafe is on your right.

National Epilepsy Society is seeking volunteers

The Epilepsy Society ( previously the NSE) is on the lookout for volunteers to help inform people about epilepsy in Bristol and the surrounding area.  


The Epilepsy society runs an information network, distributing information and giving support to people with epilepsy, their families, carers and others in the community.  If you are interested in joining Bristol team call Brenda Willis on 01803 882535 or email her at brenda.willis@epilepsysociety.org.uk. 

You don’t need knowledge of epilepsy as volunteers receive training. You just need to be a good listener, keen to help, enjoy meeting people and are happy to learn new skills. 


The Epilepsy Society is also searching for people to help with its schools awareness programme. Trained volunteers spend time talking to pupils and staff about epilepsy – so if you can see yourself providing information at hospitals or clinics or visiting schools please get in touch.