Contact committee members:
Chair – Jane Scarfe
I am a journalist by trade but, since developing RA, I now work part-time in our family video production business. RA has been a positive factor in my life, as well as a negative one. Without it I would never have learned to play bridge – or helped to set up THE RiNG and made so many new friends.
Vice-Chair and Treasurer – Viv Hawes
I have had RA for nine years, which forced me to give up agency work as a carer and curtailed my pleasures - gardening, walking and working with children.
I am now taking anti-TNFs and getting my life back as a parish councillor, school governor, and volunteer for NRAS and the local Macmillan charity shop. I am also involved with patient research through PPIRes, NNUH and the UEA.
It has been a privilege to help establish THE RiNG and I hope to continue helping those who may feel alone with their RA.
Secretary – Elaine Bounds
I worked for the NHS for 29 years until recently when I had to retire due to my RA. I am very pleased to be part of THE RiNG and the job of secretary has helped me to adjust to life beyond work. I would encourage anyone with RA to join us. The friendship and sharing of views and opinions is valuable, as is the laughter we share.
Val Thornhill
I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for thirty years, very frustrating with a young family and having to cut down on my working hours inthe early years. I am now retired and find being a member of THE RiNG is good, because we all can talk re problems with RA, which helps very much. Do come and join us as you will find it all very therapeutic, interesting and helpful.
Steve Ranns
I was a carpenter in the construction industry for almost 40 years until I developed RA in 2004 and had to give up work. It was a terrible wrench and I still miss it, although I enjoy my garden and spending time with my grandchildren. Getting involved with THE RiNG has helped me to come to terms with my RA and I hope I can work through the group to help others.
Jennie Newby
I was 
diagnosed with RA over 20 years ago but caring and understanding work colleagues made it possible for me to continue working as a physio assistant in the NHS. I have now also developed Scleroderma, which affects the joints, immune system and other internal organs.
My personal interests include wildlife and animals and I have four tortoises - three of them about 60 years old and the youngest just 11.
I've had RA for such a long time that I hope my experiences will help other members - and I'll gladly bake cakes for our meetings too!
jennie.newby@thering.org.uk
Chris Preston
I've had arthritis for many years and I have attended and been a member of the RiNG Group since it formed.
I find the group very friendly and supportive and it's good to meet socially with others with RA/inflammatory arthritis and to gain information which has helped me to manage my arthritis in a more positive way.
I've also been actively involved with Arthritis Care for many years. I enjoy writing poetry and have had an anthology published, I also support Norwich City Football Club, The Canaries, and I am also a keen ornithologist.
chris.preston@thering.org.uk
