Monday, 26 June

Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group

Newsletter June 2017

NEXT GROUP MEETING - Monday 11 September 6.30 for 7.00 p.m. at Oxford Golf Club, Hill Top Road, OX4 1PF on clinical trials with Nikki Hayward, Senior Nurse, Research and Engagement, CRUK.  Many OPCSG members have attended a number of Open Days and events at CRUK’s Oxford research centre. This will be a chance to learn about clinical trials and how patients can get involved.

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.

PHOTOS FROM THE POPULAR RIVER CRUISE

The weather held for the annual river cruise: the heat of the previous few days had abated and cooler temperatures were enjoyed by around 100 people.  Entertained by the jazz trio of Dave, Tony and Colin, and enjoying cream teas and the bar, everyone aboard voted the cruise another resounding success.   We were delighted to welcome some special guests from Witney on board – see below.

OPCSG’s SUPPORTERS IN WITNEY

For the past year the President of Witney Rotary Club, Steve Holborough, has raised considerable sums of money for OPCSG by running a series of events.  We were delighted to welcome him and his wife Pauline as guests on the river cruise and to thank them for their efforts.  The incoming Mayor of Witney, Chris Woodward, who also came as a guest on the cruise, has been generous enough to choose OPCSG as one of his nominated charities for his year in office.  We look forward to working with him and will keep you informed of any special events.

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 AGM next March 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.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF TACKLE, THE UMBRELLA GROUP FOR SUPPORT GROUPS

Three committee members attended the AGM of Tackle in Birmingham on 13 June.  It was a good opportunity to exchange views with people running similar groups around the country, and to listen to presentations about current advances in treatments.  As always, effective screening and diagnosis, and treatment of side effects such as incontinence and ED were dominant themes.

THANK YOU…

…to Wallingford Vintage Car Rally, whose Committee recently handed over a cheque for £300 towards the work of OPCSG.

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

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: Saturday 9 December skittles.

Volunteers are always needed to help at AWARENESS EVENTS including 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.

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