Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group
Newsletter October 2018
GROUP MEETING MONDAY 29 OCTOBER – MARK HUNTER – MY LIFE AS A LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER
Monday 29 October: Mark Hunter (OPCSG member) on his life as a lighthouse keeper. If like me you have often wondered what it’s like to spend weeks isolated at the top of a lighthouse surrounded by rough seas, now is your chance to hear from one who’s done it! As always, the meeting offers the chance for men and their partners to exchange experiences, learning from each other and offering mutual support.
6.30 for 7 p.m. at Oxford Golf Club, Hill Top Road, OX4 1PF. Please bring a raffle prize if you can.
SKITTLES EVENING SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER
A great chance to have fun, and talk to others who have experienced prostate cancer. Places are still available as per my recent email, £10 a head including a main course. To reserve a place or pay, please contact Dave Hawes, 01491 826884 / 07773 508024. Full details available here: http://www.opcsg.org/news/book-now-skittles-evening-saturday-8-december
NEW SECRETARY FOR OPCSG
I’m delighted to confirm that Timon Colegrove has been appointed as the Secretary of OPCSG. Timon, who has extensive business experience and will bring new ideas to the group, will begin to take up the position in December, when his own treatment is complete. We welcome his contribution to the continued growth of the group.
OXFORD BUS COMPANY – A BUS FOR OPCSG
As previously announced, Oxford Bus Company is putting a bus at the disposal of OPCSG for three years, to carry the prostate cancer message throughout the city and beyond. The vinyls that we have designed are being attached to the bus this week, and we hope to see it on the streets very soon. Watch this space!
SUPPORTING EACH OTHER
How does OPCSG make a difference to men’s lives? Time and again we hear from callers to our enquiry line that they found it incredibly helpful when we were able to put them in touch with other men who had been through the treatment they were facing. I regard that as a core part of our work. Similarly, the conversations that men and their partners have with each other at group meetings offer shared experience and support. If you have a story or comments that bear this out, please write to me. I’d like to post some of them (anonymously, of course) in future Newsletters and on our website.
DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMEN’S RIDE 30 SEPTEMBER
Once again the streets of Oxford resounded to the low roar of massed motor bikes as the Distinguished Gentlemen rode to their meeting point at the Victoria Arms, Marston. This amazing worldwide event, with rides on every continent, raises awareness of men’s health issues and also substantial amounts of money in sponsorship. The Oxford ride alone raised about £20,000, part of around £761,500 raised in England. Worldwide the figure is about $6 million. Movember, who organise in England, will allocate 60% to prostate cancer causes. OPCSG members had many fruitful conversations at the rally with riders and their supporters, adding to the number of men who are aware of the need to Get Checked.
MEMBER MAKES GENEROUS DONATION
OPCSG member and supporter David Gibbard and his wife, from Banbury, celebrated 50 years of marriage in August. They asked their family and friends for donations to mark the occasion, rather than presents to them. As a result OPCSG received a handsome cheque for £600. Many thanks to David, his family and all who contributed to this magnificent donation.
OPCSG IN 2019 – DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
The following dates have been provisionally fixed for meetings and events in 2019. They are still subject to change, but you might like to make a note now of what we have in mind at this stage. Topics we hope to cover in 2019 include the new ED clinic at the Churchill; an account of proton beam therapy from our first member to undego it; a forum for the wives and partners of men with prostate cancer.
Group meetings at Oxford Golf Club in 2019, Mondays at 6.30 for 7.00 p.m.:
21 January, 4 March (AGM with Simon Brewster), 15 April, 10 June, 9 September, 14 October.
River cruise: Sunday 23 June
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