Wednesday, 17 May

Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group

Newsletter May 2017

NEXT GROUP MEETING - Monday 12 June 6.30 for 7.00 p.m. at Oxford Golf Club, Hill Top Road, OX4 1PF.

‘Tales of a Tour Manager’ with John Grundy, Chairman, OPCSG.  John will take a light-hearted look, illustrated with slides, at stories from three continents and eight years about his work as a self-employed Tour Manager for Great Rail Journeys.  Escort up to 40 people by rail across Europe or Canada or Africa?  What could possibly go wrong??  The photos will make you wish you had been there.  Some of the stories may make you very glad you were not!

There will, of course, as always, be time for members to meet and discuss prostate matters before and after the talk.  New members always welcome.  We are very grateful to Oxford Golf Club for the continued use of their premises at a very favourable rate.  Their collaboration is much appreciated.

SIGN UP NOW FOR THE EVER POPULAR RIVER CRUISE – still time to book a place

This year’s cruise is scheduled for Sunday 25 June, departing from Wallingford Bridge at 2.30 for three hours.  As always, the cruise will feature a jazz band and cream teas.  The cruise has already been very well supported but a few places are still available, so book your places now by contacting George Goldsmith, george650@btinternet.com, 01235 763486.  Payment of £11 per person (no increase!) is due by 1 June.  Cheques made out to ‘Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group’ (NOT the abbreviation OPCSG) can be sent to George at 2 Ridgeway Court, Wolage Drive, Wantage, OX12 9NP.

Directions:

Salters' boats depart from the riverside pool and park complex on the Crowmarsh side of the river (nearest postcode is OX10 8HB). Approach on the A4074 and turn down the A4130 towards Wallingford (through Crowmarsh Gifford). Just before you go over Wallingford bridge turn right into the park and pool complex. Parking is on-site opposite the paddling pool area and the Salters’ landing stage is accessed from the gate between the campsite and the swimming pool area.  Currently, parking is free here on Sundays.

PLEASE BE ON BOARD BY 2.25 P.M.

 

YOUR COMMITTEE

The continuing lack of a Secretary is a matter of concern.  We would like to introduce someone to this essential role so that the group can continue to function effectively as now.  At the next AGM we shall also need a new Treasurer, and the Chairman’s three-year stint, defined by the Constitution, will expire.  If you can offer some help please contact me directly.  Contact details at the end of the Newsletter.  The committee members have divided tasks between them for now, but this will decrease efficiency and is not tenable in the long run.

PHYSIOTHERPY, PELVIC FLOOR ETC.

At the group meeting on 25 April Mrs Jane Newman MCSP, SRP spoke about pelvic floor and other exercises.  She provided handouts about a personal exercise programme, basic core stability and so on.  Copies have been attached to the email with this Newsletter.  If you are receiving the print version of the Newsletter and would like copies of Jane’s exercises, please let me know so that I can post them to you.

 

VIDEOS OF TACKLE SYMPOSIUM ON TOPICS RELATED TO PROSTATE CANCER

On 28 March 2017, as part of the European Association of Urologists Congress, Tackle (the federation of prostate cancer support groups) organised a symposium at the ExCeL Centre in London's Docklands in conjunction with Europa Uomo - the European Prostate Cancer Patients Coalition.  Chaired by Professor Frank Chinegwundoh, Tackle Trustee and Chairman of their Clinical Advisory Board, Tackle was very fortunate to have excellent presentations from speakers representing a really interesting cross-section of topics related to prostate cancer.  You can access the presentations in video and pdf format here:

http://www.tackleprostate.org/tackle-symposium-2017.php

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2017

These are the group meeting dates for this year.  If you have not yet attended a group meeting, be aware that they provide not only a chance to hear a guest speaker but also plenty of time to meet other members, discuss mutual issues and share the experience of being a patient of prostate cancer.

2017 GROUP MEETINGS, Mondays 6.30 for 7.00 p.m. at Oxford Golf Club, Hill Top Road, OX4 1PF

12 June, ‘Tales of a Tour Manager’, John Grundy;

11 September on clinical trials with Nikki Hayward, Senior Nurse, Research and Engagement, CRUK;

16 October, Prof. Simon Leedham,  Director, Centre for Personalised Medicine,

Cancer Research UK, Clinical Scientist, and Dr. Shazia Irshad on ‘Personalised medicine, and stratifying Indolent from aggressive prostate cancers.’

2017 SOCIAL EVENTS: Sunday 25 June, river cruise from Wallingford; Saturday 9 December skittles.

Volunteers are always needed to help at AWARENESS EVENTS including 26 June Cassington Bike Night; 22 July Witney Vintage Steam Fair; 28 August Uffington White Horse Fair; 24 September Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride.  These events are our main opportunity to spread our message to the public – GET CHECKED!  Please let us know any dates when you can help.

DONATIONS

·         At a Race Night in April Witney Rotary Club, who have been supporting OPCSG throughout the Presidency of Steve Holborough, raised over £1000, another fantastic contribution to our work.  Their coffee morning also raised in excess of £200.  Thank you Steve and colleagues.

·         Grateful thanks also to OPCSG member Gerry Tucker, who regularly brings a cash donation to the group meetings.  Well done Gerry – your loyalty is appreciated.

If you no longer wish to receive this Newsletter please let me know on johngrundy191@gmail.com or 01865 730110.  For news updates keep an eye on our website at www.opcsg.org.

John Grundy

Chairman, OPCSG