camclub Stories October
October Stories
Full Demo Theatre programme unveiled
Call for nominations open for 2nd annual CAM Outstanding Achievement Award
Swiss glucosamine study “left out” positive trial data
Tribute to Sylvia Baker
By Carole Preen FAAPA, FANM, HonMIFA
Sadly, one of the most important figures within the UK aromatherapy profession has just passed away at the end of July. Sylvia Baker has been a dear friend for many years as well as a personal mentor but for the rest of the profession she has been a silent unsung hero, working stalwartly for well over twenty years.
Sylvia starting her work in our profession in 1987 when she became the PA to Shirley Price. She qualified in aromatherapy in 1989 (taught by Penny Price). Sylvia then became involved with the British Complementary Therapy Association (BCMA) representing the interests of the Aromatherapy Profession and it was soon obvious that due to the increasing popularity and size of the UK aromatherapy profession that aromatherapy needed its own governing body. Sylvia was mainly responsible for creating the Aromatherapy Organisations Council (AOC), which had its inaugural meeting in 1991. Initially Shirley Price gave Sylvia a separate telephone line within her organisation so people could contact the AOC instead of Shirley Price Aromatherapy and after a short time, the AOC needed Sylvia full time, so she left the SPA in 1993. Shirley Price has told me that she was “sad to lose her”. It was now that some amazing work took place. Sylvia worked hard to ensure all the aromatherapy associations became part of the AOC. The AOC set up a number of sub-committees and for the first time wrote standards of education for schools to follow. Around about the same time many of the awarding bodies were also starting up for aromatherapy but at that time they did not subscribe to the AOC Core Curriculum in the same way as they do now with the AC’s Current Core Curriculum.
In 1994, before the days of Skills for Health, the Care Sector Consortium (CSC) was the then Occupational Standards Council/National Training Organisation for Health & Social Care, charged by the Government, through the Department of Education & Employment (DfEE), with developing National Occupational Standards for the totality of the healthcare sector workforce in the UK. The Independent Care Organisations (ICO) was the CSC’s member organisation representing the private sector, namely nursing and residential homes, private hospitals and complementary therapies. The AOC, as the umbrella body for aromatherapy at that time, had its own independent seat on the ICO. The only other therapy grouping to have its own independent seat at that time was the CHO (Confederation of Healing Organisations). Sylvia Baker was nominated to be the AOC’s representative on the ICO and she worked tirelessly to help develop national standards. The ICO made a successful bid to develop national standards for four therapies and appointed core representatives. Sylvia was the ICO’s core representative for aromatherapy. Within the AOC, Sylvia co-ordinated the work to develop the first draft of the Aromatherapy National Occupational Standards from 1995-1997 and they were finally published in 1998. I helped with the final draft as one of the participants on the working group (and I have worked on each revision since). So as a result of all this work, aromatherapy was the first of the complementary therapies to have national standards published and we have Sylvia to thank for that.
Sylvia passed on the administration of the AOC to Nina Ashby in 1998 and she took on the role of PR Chair for the AOC. Nina has sent me a personal email stating:
“Sylvia Baker was a driving force for the formation of what came to be known as the Aromatherapy Organisations Council, that began to seek to unify the profession in 1989 in response to the perceived threat of European Law upon complementary therapy. She was on the original formative board and then continued to serve upon the executive committee after the official formation of the AOC in 1991 in the capacity of Secretary until 1998 and then until 2000 in other roles.
In my mind, what set Sylvia apart was her untiring in devotion to working on behalf of the whole profession! In addition to encouraging constructive dialogue within the profession, she helped to forge links with government by being an active representative to the Parliamentary Group for Complementary Therapies, worked to make our cause known in Europe and established links with other organisations such as the Herbalists and the Trade. She took especial interest in the AOC’s support of the Aromatherapy Trade to separate in function from direct membership of the AOC and upon retiring from her work with the AOC, went on to be their Administrator and advocate”.
Sylvia produced the AOC official guide booklet and gave regular talks at association AGM’s and aromatherapy seminars. In late 1998/9, Sylvia was involved in talks with the Department of Health regarding Statutory Regulation of Aromatherapy and this was reported at all the health shows by Sylvia at that time. It is interesting that aromatherapy was actually progressing towards statutory regulation at that time and of course all that changed in 2000 when the House of Lords report was published. In that publication we were told to pursue voluntary self-regulation for the aromatherapy profession. Sylvia remained PR Chairman until 2000 when she left the AOC in order to become the administrator for the Aromatherapy Trade Council (ATC), which had existed since 1994. She had become more and more involved with trade issues from within the AOC and it was apparent that the regulation of the trade needed to be separate from the profession itself. The work she has done for the trade has been truly inspirational and I am sure that everyone involved with the trade would agree with me. I have received the following personal statements from other key people within our profession:
From Robert Tisserand: “Sylvia was warm, joyful, sympathetic, unassuming, dependable, and ever-willing to help almost anyone with anything if she could. She would often put people in touch with one another in order to facilitate positive action. She was totally committed to her work for the ATC, and knew more than anyone in the aromatherapy world about current and upcoming legislation”.
From Eve Taylor: “Sylvia was dedicated to the profession and many therapists do not realise how much she did in the past that they now benefit from, keeping us all up to date on changing regulations that many would never have understood without her regular news articles. We will all miss a great Lady”.
From Shirley Price: “Very sad news about Sylvia. She was a valued staff member at SPA until 1993 when we were sad to lose her to the AOC”.Shirley had fully supported the setting up of the AOC and as stated above had even set up a phone line for Sylvia to use when the AOC first came into existence.
From Geoff Lyth, Chairman of the Aromatherapy Trade Council and owner of Quinessence: “I had the privilege of working with Sylvia Baker for 17 years, and can honestly say that I have never partnered with a more dedicated, unselfish, and hard-working individual. The outstanding skills she possessed as an administrator, together with her expertise and understanding of the regulatory controls applying to the aromatherapy profession, made her the pre-eminent choice when the Aromatherapy Trade Council (ATC) were looking to fill the challenging role of administrator. Sylvia was, without a shadow of doubt, our most valuable asset. She was also a caring, giving, and loving person who would do all that she could to help anyone.
When working for the ATC, Sylvia was both passionate and tireless in equal measure, never putting less than 100% effort into her wide range of administrative duties, especially when representing us the ATC at government level, trade exhibitions and affiliated organisations. Everything she did was performed with great skill and professionalism, and like many talented people, Sylvia always made it all look so effortless. Behind the scenes though, she would often labour over details on projects we were working on, and would push herself far beyond the call of duty in order to ensure that everything was just right and on time for our deadline. Sylvia always put her work first, and herself last; that’s what made her the remarkable tour-de-force that she was.
Yet despite her formidable expertise Sylvia was modest and unassuming in character, never drawing attention to her achievements despite the fact that she was so monumentally influential within the aromatherapy profession and trade. That so few people know her name outside of the ‘inner circles’ of aromatherapy is evidence to this fact. However, although most of her work was conducted out of the spotlight, those who knew her are well aware of her valuable contribution to aromatherapy. For all that she achieved and the legacy that remains, both the profession and trade should be eternally grateful. Personally speaking, I freely admit that I am.
Those of us who knew Sylvia Baker loved her dearly, and will miss her happy, energetic and creative personality. But whether you knew her personally or not, everyone will miss her influence in our industry”.
The amount of legislation involved in the essential oil trade is enormous and changes constantly and Sylvia never failed to keep on top of everything and ensure
all the essential oil companies who became part of the ATC were kept informed of anything that affected their business. In recent years the ATC has had stands at the Chelsea Garden Show and won a bronze medal in 1998 for the stand. I know how delighted Sylvia was about this and just how much she appreciated those people that were involved in printing the display posters. She really was so ecstatic about those display posters so thank you to everyone who was involved with them.
In 2000 I took over the role of PR Chair for the AOC from Sylvia as she moved permanently to the ATC offices and later, in 2002, I became the administrator, taking over from Nina Ashby. Sylvia and I continued to work closely together reporting on issues of common concern. We gave many talks together, her for the ATC and me for the AOC, at associations AGM’s to help keep aromatherapists informed of important issues. Many of you may remember seeing us!
Sylvia and I worked on S12(1) reform on a number of occasions and without her help and guidance I would never have been able to have as much influence in this area as we have had at the AC. She helped me write the AC Guidelines for responsible marketing and ensured communications with the MHRA.
Sylvia was given honorary memberships of many aromatherapy associations in recognition of her work and dedication to the aromatherapy profession. She has remained a great supporter of what is now the Aromatherapy Council and the last AOC Chair Joyce West (now the Education Chair of the Aromatherapy Council), pictured aside with Sylvia at CAM Expo in 2006, has commented “Sylvia selflessly worked on behalf of aromatherapy for the AOC and the profession and was warm, friendly and much loved by all of those who were fortunate to work with her and know her”.
Sylvia and I were involved with the original CAM Expo, called CHEXPO, along with Angela Mahadru, the editor of Choice & Well-being Magazine. In 2002/3 Sylvia was contacted because according to Angela “Sylvia was at the forefront of the essential oil industry with her knowledge and contacts. Her direct dealings with essential oil companies and understanding legislation plus the way she made that information available to everyone was amazing. For these reasons we approached Sylvia to help develop an event that would further develop the complementary health industry by raising standards through education and understanding”. Sylvia was always wonderful at bringing the right people together and I was always grateful that as the co-ordinator of the Aromatherapy Consortium (now Council) she always ensured I was part of any discussion relating to aromatherapy and I was honoured to be able to carry on the work she had initiated. I am forever in her debt ,as we all are, and she is sorely missed. I know that Ray Gransby who has taking over the administration for the ATC feels equally blessed to have been able to work closely with her over the last few years. She was one of the most important people in my life and will live in my heart forever. This is my tribute to Sylvia’s great achievements from my perspective but I am sure that many more people have fond memories of her and her work for our profession. I believe she should be mentioned in every essay a student completes on the modern history of aromatherapy and she is as important and influential as Marguerite Maury and Dr Jean Valnet. We are all in her debt. Thank you Sylvia and may you now soar on Angel’s wings.
Full Demo Theatre programme unveiled
Momentum continues to build for camexpo – the definitive industry event for the entire complementary healthcare sector, with news that the full Demo Theatre programme has now been confirmed for this year’s show; which returns to London’s Earls Court on 23-24 October 2010.
The Demo Theatre will feature some of the UK’s leading trainers and practitioner service suppliers. A popular show highlight since its launch in 2003, the Demo Theatre reaffirms camexpo’s ongoing commitment to facilitate and enhance learning between CAM professionals.
Saturday 23 October:
• Ingrid Brough-Williams, CThA – The benefits of supporting your local community with holistic therapies
• Liz Farrow, CThA – Continuing professional development (CPD) for the ethical practitioner
• Jeff Hope, Quantum Lasers – Helping the body to achieve optimum health
• Dr Craig Hudson, 1880 Life – A revolutionary approach to overcoming sleep problems naturally
• Spencer Randon, Therapy Essential – How to buy your first massage table
Sunday 24 October:
• Nadia Brydon, SunChlorella – Nutritional Support for Musculo-Skeletal Health
• Andrew Harry & Sheila Hill, BCTC – Voluntary Self Regulation, the British Complementary Therapies Council
• Dr Craig Hudson, 1880 Life – A revolutionary approach to overcoming sleep problems naturally
• Dr Nigel Plummer, Vega Nutritionals – Nutritional Superstars: a brief history of their success and a tasty insight to their future
• Claudia Vigier, Regulat – A healthy body needs a healthy gut
• Spencer Randon, Therapy Essentials – How to buy your first massage table
• Jeff Hope, Quantum Lasers – Helping the body to achieve optimum health
The Demo Theatre stands alongside the show’s comprehensive seminar and taster workshop programme, plus the all new CAM Stage LIVE, which will showcase a host of highly informative, practical demonstrations from a selection of camexpo exhibitors. Whilst camexpo’s central exhibition will feature products and services from nearly 200 leading companies, colleges and organisations representing every aspect of the CAM market. The latest additions to the burgeoning exhibitor list includes: The London College of Beauty Therapy; VitaFree Health; Diar Argan UK; and Aromatika, producers of handmade organic and natural aromatherapy skin care.
Details of camexpo’s full training and education programme are available on the show’s website www.camexpo.co.uk. Keynote seminars, plus all demonstrations taking place in the Demo Theatre and on the CAM Stage LIVE, are included in the cost of entry. The 48 Taster Workshops offer exceptional value priced at £17.50 (incl VAT) per session.
For further information, please visit www.camexpo.co.uk.
Call for nominations open for 2nd annual CAM Outstanding Achievement Award
camexpo – the UK’s only professional show for the CAM community, is now accepting nominations for its second annual CAM Outstanding Achievement Award.
Launched last year to recognise the scores of inspirational figures that, together, help shape the complementary healthcare industry, this prestigious award will be given to one individual – who above all others – has made a truly exceptional contribution to the UK’s CAM community.
Zoe Campbell, Event Manager of camexpo, said: “Every practitioner and therapist working in the industry today knows someone – either personally or professionally – who inspires and motivates them. The CAM Outstanding Achievement Award is a perfect opportunity to give these exceptional individuals the official recognition they deserve for the outstanding work they are undertaking every day. There’s no shortlist and literally anybody could win it! All you need to do is spend just a few minutes filling in the simple nomination form.”
Those who are interested in making a nomination should complete the online form at http://www.camexpo.co.uk/want-to-visit/outstanding-achievement-award/, which includes a brief supporting statement demonstrating why their nominee qualifies for the award. The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday 11 October 2010.
The CAM Outstanding Achievement Award will be presented to the winner (ie. the individual who receives the most votes/nominations) at camexpo on Saturday 23 October, Earls Court, London, by Carsten Holm, Managing Director of the show’s organiser Diversified UK.
The first CAM Outstanding Achievement Award was awarded to Kolbjorn Borseth, the founder and director of Aromantic Natural Skin Care, at camexpo 2009.
For further information, please visit www.camexpo.co.uk.
Swiss glucosamine study “left out” positive trial data
Leading figures from the natural health sector in Britain and America have questioned the findings of survey into the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin.
Last week the British Medical Journal (BMJ) published a study by professor Peter Jüni and his team at the University of Bern who found no “clinically relevant effect” of glucosamine or chondroitin, or a combination of the two, on perceived joint.
The Bern team’s conclusion was based on a meta-analysis of 10 published trials.
The report’s authors wrote: “Compared with placebo, glucosamine, chondroitin, and their combination do not reduce joint pain or have an impact on narrowing of joint space. They added: “Health authorities and health insurers should be discouraged from funding glucosamine and chondroitin treatment.”
But natural health experts have pointed out that the Swiss team “left out” many of the previously published trials that have produced positive findings for both glucosamine and chondroitin.
Commenting on the meta-analysis, the executive and scientific director of the Alliance for Natural Health (ANH), Robert Verkerk, said: “The type of meta-analysis used is a classic case of throwing a whole bunch — in this case 10 — of different trials into the mixing pot and ending up with an average result that dilutes out the positive results. These trials, amongst other things, involve different forms of glucosamine, different severities of condition and different supplementation periods, You could say it’s a case of apples and oranges, but where you’re only interested in apples but you’ve completely mixed up your apples and oranges!”
The ANH points out that the Berne scientists failed even to mention a 2003 piece of work by a Belgian research group published in the Archives of Internal Medicine that found the complete opposite of the analysis in the BMJ. The authors of the Belgian study (Richy and colleagues) concluded: “Our results demonstrated a highly significant efficacy of glucosamine on all outcomes, including joint space narrowing and WOMAC” (a pain assessment scale used to measure joint pain).
There has been a similar reaction to the Swiss survey in the United States. Andrew Shao, PhD, senior vice president of scientific and regulatory affairs for the Council For Responsible for Nutrition, said the analysis suffered from a number of limitations. He told Natural Foods Merchandiser magazine that the researchers used studies with less than 100 subjects as well as those using lower doses of glucosamine and chondroitin. By using only 10 studies they had “conveniently excluded a large portion of the evidence base”.
