Wednesday, 15 November

Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group

Newsletter November 2017

A PERSONAL APPEAL FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Since its inception seven years ago OPCSG has helped hundreds of men, their partners and families.  We have provided support and non-medical advice face-to-face, through our telephone service and by email, and we have run group meetings.  Our documentation has been distributed at the Churchill Hospital and via GP surgeries.  The Group has also spread awareness of prostate cancer through dozens of visits to external events, sporting and social venues, workplace visits, urging men to ‘Get Checked’.  Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.  All that is now at risk.  Unless two or more volunteers come forward before the end of this year, those services will stop and the Group will be closed down in March.  It is not possible for the current Committee to take the work further without new people to help. The posts of Chairman and Secretary (the latter already unoccupied) will fall vacant at the AGM in March 2018. 

If no volunteers are forthcoming, the four Trustees of the Group will take steps in March to dissolve the Group in accordance with charity law and paragraph 8 of its Constitution, applying any remaining money by transfer to any charity or charities for purposes the same as or similar to the Group.  THIS MUST NOT HAPPEN!!

If you are able to consider helping out, please contact the Chairman John Grundy via johngrundy191@gmail.com, 01865 730110 or 07960 837469.  I shall be happy to explain what work is involved and to give you any information I can.  No previous experience is necessary, only a willingness to contribute ideas to the running of the group, attend meetings and contribute at external events.  At least one volunteer is required who will take on administrative/secretarial tasks.

OPCSG is recognised locally and nationally as a highly successful group and I am sure that you will not let it die.  It would be devastating if seven years of effort and success were not developed further.  I’m looking forward to hearing from you before 31 December.

Meanwhile, the planned programme continues:

Saturday 9 December, skittles evening, 7.00 p.m., at The Ferryman, Bablockhythe, OX29 5AT.  For £9.50 you will have a chance to win the various skittles competitions, and to enjoy chicken and chips, fish and chips, sausage and chips or vegetarian.  Sweets will be available on the day at an extra cost.  If you wish to attend please contact John Goldsmith with your choice of main course and send him a cheque made out to Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group to 21 Freeborn Close, Kidlington, OX5 2BH.  If you require further information you can contact John Goldsmith on 01865 580152 or Mob 07535 851337.

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

22 January, Dr Andrew Protheroe on locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer + abiraterone, with reference to recent studies.

5 March AGM with Mr Simon Brewster on fusion biopsy and MRI.

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