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August 21st '10 Successful day at the new Sainsbury's - Trowbridge. My thanks to all those willing bag packers who achieved a fabulous total of £445.00 today....! Charlie's Mug Shot.
GET READY for the World's Biggest Coffee Morning - see www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee for further details.....! FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24th be a part of this nationwide fund raising event. Did you know that Macmillan have their own Christmas Card catalogue email me for details. July 7th '10 Half way through the year and I now know that those words of wisdom handed down from geneation to generation are frighteningly true " you wait til you get to my age" I remember my mother saying "then you'll know how fast time flys by"....and it does! I always intend to write more here but just never do seem to have the time, more effort needed I think..! I have not had final figures from Macmillan as yet for the Bowood Show but the event was again very popular and well worth a visit..! My thanks to Jane and Chris for their valuable help and assistance on the day. The week before saw the Namfest festival of popular music at the Olympiad in Chippenham, eight bands with a wide range of musical talent, my thanks to Julie, Sarah, Martha and Alex for their assistance - its not a bundle of fun carrying a bucket around asking people for money - if you've never tried it just email me on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and your dreams could be answered, well kind of...!!
I need new ideas for fund raising events, so if there is anyone out there with a good idea please email me on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it your input would be greatly appreciated. June 2nd '10 My sincere thanks to our Mayor Councillor Clive Blackmore for his participation in this event and TESCO's Extra - Trowbridge for their generous donation....! "EVERY LITTLE HELPS" OUR TOWN MAYOR'S CHARITIES
Mr Alan Cane, Chairman of Macmillan Cancer Support Committee (Lady in Red), was on hand to receive the donation. Alan said: " I would like to thank the store for this generous donation. After the loss of my wife, I set up the group in her memory and named it Lady in Red. The money will go towards caring and supporting cancer patients when they need it most"
thrilled to receive this donation. Margaret added: "I would like to thank Tesco for the money as it will go towards continuing to enhance the lives of members of the club" Mark continued: "As well as an overall make over, the store now offers customers a new Tesco Direct desk, a phone shop and a brand new hot pie counter. I am sure shoppers will be happy with the improvements we have made to the store." The re-launch celebrations do not end there! The store will have FREE World Cup face painting on Saturday 12th June from 11am till 4pm. The store, on County Way, is open at 8am every Monday and remains open for 24hours until 10pm on Saturday. The store is open on Sundays from 10am until 4pm. Press Release: Issued on behalf of Tesco Store Ltd
May 28th '10 Suggestions required for a venue for this year's Lady in Red Charity Ball, the Civic Hall is closing for extensive refurbishment until October 2011, do you have any idea's? Your input would be appreciated.......! Maybe a different format is required, do you have any constructive idea's? Please email me This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it May 27th '10 Lady in Red - Macmillan Cancer Support Committee is to benefit from TESCO's new store revamp....! Mayor Councillor Clive Blackmore is to open the newly refurbished Tesco's store in Trowbridge on Tuesday 2nd June at 11.00am, he will receive a donation on behalf of his two chosen charities! My thanks to Clive and Tesco's for their support..........! Tesco's have allowed us to collect outside their store raising in excess of £3000 in the past 2 years - well done to them - we look forward to coming back later in the year.
May 26th '10 All good things come to an end our flagship Cypry has gone I was finding her to costly to maintain so sadly she was sold last month, her new owners will be mooring her at a marina in the midlands, I hope they have has much fun with her as I did! Bon voyage and good luck...! We are still searching for a new Treasurer for our committee any enquiries to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it the pay is none existent but the hours are acceptable in any event the position is one of responsibility and the affords the chance to help others less fortunate!
Big news of up and coming events firstly NAMFEST a music concert to be held at the Olympiad Chippenham on June 5th doors open at 6.00 til late - 8 quality bands - 2 stages - bar facility - Headline act the very popular Toploader - tickets available from Noteworthy Music on Station hill and The Gladstone Arms Chippenham - £12 in advance or £15 on the door - HURRY tickets are selling fast!!! Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the charities to be supported at the event. The following week on Sunday 13th June BOWOOD DOG SHOW and COUNTRY FARE a great day out for all the family. I am unsure of a date or venue for this years Lady in Red Charity Ball as the Civic Hall Trowbridge has been closed for several months for refurbishment. I am currently seeking a new venue for the event and will keep you informed. Another great piece of news our new Mayor Councillor Clive Blackmore has announced that The Lady in Red - Macmillan Cancer Support is to be one of the prefered charities he is to support during 2010, so if you see an event like SPOTLIGHT on TROWBRIDGE - August advertised why not enjoy a day out with the family and help us to help others....!! more to come.....!! March 27th '10 I spent some time shopping yesterday in the local super duper stock everything if you want it we've got it store, and was astounded to see the amount of couples who argue about what they are going to buy, we've got that, no we havn't. yes we have its on top of the peas one man said, the couple were actually arguing about a tin of beans - unbelievable! Not just one couple in my short visit I counted 18 couples remunstrating with one another, no wonder the kids were screaming, they should all realise how very lucky they are to have a partner and try treating each other with some respect, sadly lacking in this day and age! So if you go to shop with your wife, husband, partner, lover, companion - be a little more tolerant and take the stress out of your day! Respect that person and they may respect you....! March 7th '10 Firstly my thanks to Rachel - our Treasurer who is hanging up her hat so to speak due to other commitments - thanks from all of us for a job well done! Twelve months ago I was introduced, by my good friend Avril, to a young woman from South Wales called Tanya Mullins, last monday we attended her funeral....! She had devoted her life to raising money for various hospitals including the George Thomas Hospice, she possessed tremendous vitality and oused confidence always trying to do a little bit extra to make that all important difference. Tanya had lived with a large tumour in her stomach for some 11 years and endured many forms of treatment to keep her cancer at bay. Tragically she lost her fight 3 weeks ago in hospital. I was fortunate to spend some time with her during which she told me that she had decided to stop receiving her chemotherapy, I asked "is that wise" and she said she was aware of the possible consequences but was not afraid of dying, she embraced her cancer and never seemed to complain or utter those words "why me"! Such a brave person I am privilleged to have met and known her, my heartfelt thanks to Avril for the introduction.
Below is an email I received just recently from some close friends. Hi Alan, Just to say how sorry I was to hear that Tanya had lost her very brave battle for life. I only met Tanya briefly but her strength and way of coping with her illness was remarkable. Tanya said her cancer was like a gift that enhanced her life and in my experience with cancer I know just what she means. - each day is to be lived and treasured. Kind regards Lyn and Pete x For those of you who support our fund raising my grateful thanks - to coin a well known phrase "every little helps"!!! WANTED - Committee Treasurer - anyone interested please email
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or phone 07971- 007446 If anyone out there is interested in helping with our committee fund raising please contact me!! January 9th '10 Local snooker player Ben Harrison, 18, of Hawkeridge believes he has raised about £1,300 for Macmillan Cancer Support, when he played snooker against 21 people over the 24-hour period at his home club Players on the West Wilts Trading Estate in Westbury on Friday. Ben a former John of Gaunt pupil started the challenge at noon on Friday and finished the same time on Saturday after what he described as some very tiring hours playing the game. I too attended the same school although it was called Trowbridge Boys High School in the 60’s but never had the opportunity to learn such a skill at least not in the school…!He said: “It was very hard in the early hours of Saturday, between 3am and 7am is ‘nowhere time’ really so I had a few Red Bulls to keep me going”. “I was relieved when it was coming towards the end, but I didn’t feel that tired in the last hour. Between 7am and 10am more supporters arrived and after that, I think the adrenaline just kept me going”. I called in to Players Snooker Club to cheer Ben on and thank him for his fundraising at around 8.00am Saturday and met his mum Mandy and latest opponent Tyhas. Ben is sponsored by Players Snooker Club owned by Barry White and is hoping to turn professional next year, his aim to become in the worlds top 16 within 6 years……I wish him every success, rarely do you meet a young person with such ambition and dedication.Ben said “While I was doing it someone looked up the world record for the longest amount of continuous snooker on their phone, the world record is 51 hours. I don’t think I could manage doing more than that on my own but I might be able to with other people, so that is something to consider next.” So this 24-hour hour snooker marathon has not only raised monies for Macmillan but also inspired Ben to consider trying to break a world record in the future. Ben Harrison chose the Macmillan Cancer Support charity because the disease has touched the lives of many of his loved ones including his girlfriend’s mum, his mum’s best friend and his grandmother. Well done Ben and thankyou for your support....! Anyone wanting to sponsor Ben can still do so by calling 07966 079436.January 8th '10 A New Year with new challenges my sincere thanks to my committee for all their help and support during 2009, for my part I wish you all a stress free and very happy new year......! Tomorrow is the 3rd anniversary of Marian's passing, I use the word quite deliberately as I still find the word death in relation to her loss, upsetting. Each year has become less traumatic but I still am overcome by waves of grief that creep up an slap me in the face unexpectedly. I believe that if you are lucky enough to find your soul mate in life, no matter what you will never lose the love you shared together. Try as I might to move on something still lingers in the back of my mind, wether a thought or my conscience I will never forget....! Today a local snooker player Ben Harrison is undertaking a 24 hour marathon at Westbury Snooker Club to raise monies for Macmillan Cancer Support, he will play through the night allcomers including professional players, the event begins at 12noon today and finishes Saturday at 12noon I wish him all the very best in his challenge and no doubt will call in at some stage to wish him well!!! If you are in the area please give him all the support you can..!
October 20th '09 Our 2nd Tesco's collection took place last weekend raising in excess of £1300.00, thanks to all of those who donated monies and to the committee and helpers who yet again made it as great success.......! more to follow soon!!! The Lady in Red 3rd Annual Charity Ball took place on Saturday 26th September and raised an astonishing £4,500 my grateful thanks to all of you who attended and supported the event!! Thanks to my committee who made it happen, and to Leanne who despite undergoing treatment came along with her new fella and mum and dad to join us for the evening. I am taking time out later this week so I intend to write more fully then!!! September 10th '09 Sssssshhhhhh - Guess who's 60 on the 12th!!! I know nothing of a surprise party at The Dursley Arms that evening with our resident entertainer Russ Matthews performing, so please don't tell anyone............! September 2nd '09 Tickets are selling well for our 3rd Charity Ball, we have put together - well nearly - a fantastic show for your entertainment! More to follow soon................!
August 14th ‘09 Posters and flyers are now available for the Ball, is there anyone out there in the Trowbridge area who is willing to put a poster up at their place of work? If so please email me on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it August 13th ‘09 A word of warning, have you ever spent time on your computer either designing or creating a masterpiece of literature or maybe written an important letter or even a blog for your website and then just as you reach the end and go to save it something unbelievable and really irritating happens – your pc crashes or just blatantly refuses to save your document – I just have – so remember to save as you go at least you wont lose the whole of your work – what happened to auto save in Miscrosoft Word? August 8th ‘09 The venue The Civic Hall Trowbridge – the event Dave Powell’s 60th and his daughter Gayle’s 30th birthday bash! Live music and a Disco with a generous buffet was enjoyed by some 200 guests and as with most party’s you would expect to see a table of gifts from family and well wishers – not so here – Dave and Gayle asked for donations instead to be given to “The Lady in Red” I never cease to be amazed by peoples generosity, thank you both for a most selfless gesture and Happy Birthday!!!August 6th ‘09
Two items today firstly have you ever had an MRI scan? I have been suffering from neck and back pain for some months and my GP decided after my surprise overnight spell in hospital to arrange for an MRI scan to try to ascertain what was causing the problem. I arrived at the appointed time and was welcomed by a young female Radiographer who sat me down and proceeded to explain the procedure. After removal of all metallic objects from my pockets which were secured in a nearby locker, I was taken into the scanner room, it always looked so unassuming on TV and I often thought it can’t be that scary!! Well not so much scary as fear of the unknown, you lay at the front of the scanner with your head in a support , headphones are placed over you ears, so you cant move anyway and you just lay back and listen to some nice music, that is until the first scan starts, then the music becomes inaudible! A series of scans lasting from 10 seconds – easy peesy – to 3 minutes then 5 minutes – altogether 15 minutes in the big donut and the noise increases each time!! I found it best to keep my eyes shut to avoid that claustrophobic feeling and it worked, so remember if you have to have one lay back and think of England or something equally exciting now there’s a thought! Its really not that bad, consequently my faith was again restored in the NH service….! Thanks to all concerned! Later that day at around 9.30 I met up with the Dursley Pirates for our annual day out on a boat, the theme this year was Aussie land so we were accompanied by a very large crocodile and a wallaby – fortunately both plastic and donned Foster’s hats with generous amounts of corks to keep the flies away – see pics in the album. The forecast was for sun for much of the day – the forecast was wrong – it rained and rained all day and we were soaked but with the use of a couple of beers our spirits remained high. Lunch was at The Cross Guns Avoncliffe where we enjoyed a lovely steak lunch and another couple of pints! Give it a try if you have never been there its well worth it, some good real ales and you may even bump into a fim star or two – today Gary Oldman of acting fame was sat at the next table – he must have heard it was our day out!! All in all a great day out with great friends my thanks to Dave – Russ – Matt – Charlie and Colin, great fun and great company! July 31st ‘09 Once again I was invited to attend the Trowbridge and District Pool League’s annual presentation of awards to receive a cheque for the monies raised during their Charity Night where many of the teams held events to raise money for two local charities – The Lady in Red – Macmillan Cancer Support and Stepping Stones an opportunity group and the district specialist centre for West Wiltshire, for children with special needs. We both were presented with cheques for £625 an amazing amount my thanks to the organisers and all team members who took part on that Monday night your efforts are appreciated. On a sad note I learned that one of their members had passed away just that morning unexpectedly, my condolences to his family so just towards the end of the presentations the Pool League President - Russ Matthews asked for a minutes silence, from the buzz and din of a room filled with people to absolute quite in seconds, you could have heard a pin drop, a true mark of respect, very refreshing in this day and age !! Well done you all deserve a medal!! – Thank you The Pool League for your continued and valued support!!
July 30th '09 I visited the hallowed ground - Twickenham - the home of Rugby Union last weekend a truly great experience, and enjoyed a guided tour of the stadium including the Presidents Suite, Royal Box, Players changing rooms including the stitching chair and sat in the Sin Bin where so many great players have spent time to think over their naughty match play. Good to hear the the World Cup is to be held here in 2015 I hope I can get a ticket to see at least one of the matches, better send off now!!! If you have never been and you like Rugby its a must.....try running out of he tunnel to the middle of the pitch, only possible as the Jehovah's Witnesses are holding their convention there next week and most of the pitch is covered in timber flooring.....you could almost feel the atmosphere. Although I was pleased to stand at the top of the stadium without getting air sick - unlike the Millenium Stadium where you need either a stiff whisky or a valium to climb the the seats in the sky, thats another must do. Two of the greatest Rugby venues in the world and I have been to them both all I need to do now is to see a match at one of them!!! July 24th '09 Today I was introduced to the Wednesday Club, a group of good friends who for many years, have met up yes you guessed it every Wednesday for a meal at usually The Crown Inn - Bathwick, today was different, we took them along the Kennet & Avon stopping off at The Cross Guns - Avoncliff for lunch then on to Limpley Stoke. It was a pleasure to enjoy such good company and what a laugh, I even learnt some new jokes, not before time some might say. I was treated to a tale of a canal cycle ride that went wrong. Lets call the two guys Alan and Noman, who set off to cycle along the beautiful K & A, how far they got really remains a mystery, however after an early evening drink somwhere in Bradford on Avon they cycled back towards Bath unfortunately spotting en route the Cross Guns lit up at quite a late hour, deciding it would be a good idea to stop for "just one more" they tapped the door and feinging travellers thirst asked if they could have that late one, seemingly they did enjoy that extra drink and after satisfying their thirst, waved goodbye as they set off for the final stretch off they tour. On the approach to the Dundas canal intersection, and you need to picture Noman in the lead closely followed by Alan and a steady rate of knots with a slight speed wobble, cycle lights ablaze when suddenly the towpath mysteriously disappeared out of sight and Norman cycled head long into the K & A disappearing beneath the water momentarily until he reappeared still with hat in place but alas no glasses, Alan was curled up with laughter, which lasted for a short while until the enormity of what what might have been struck home, Norman dragged himself out of the canal and after a while they proceeded with their journey, arriving home at around 4.00am. Seldom do you get the chance to meet real people full of fun and just enjoying life! They are all either in their late 60's or early 70's, Norman & Shirley, Alan & Kathy, Keith & Jan and my friends Dave & Anne who live in Trowbridge and frequent my local occaisionally, Thankyou Wednesday Club I enjoyed your time and company we must do it again!!! July 18th '09 Two years and six months since I lost Marian and today the scattering of her ashes, its taken me all this time to confront my loss, some may say I should have done this before but we are all different, we learn in life to cope with its twists and turns, ups and downs and we all do it differently, for me the time is right and I know inside its time to finally let go of the greatest love I have ever known. Marian was a testement to all the good things in life, wife,sister, mother and grandmother she carried out all of these with a passion, she will remain in our hearts forever! On a lighter note back to mine for a family type nosh, I hope the rain holds off til I get the Barbie producing copious amounts of all those foods that are really not good for you, we shall see. In order to provide a place for all the members of our family to have a quite moment I have commissioned a seat to be sited in the churchyard where she grew up, its now in place, the inscription reads "Rest - Relax and Remember" I hope now we all can!July 5th '09 - TO PHONE OR NOT TO PHONE that is the question! After extolling the virtues and efficiency of the NH Service and experiencing first hand the way the system can work, I have to-day encountered the beaurocracy within! My brother David had been unwell for a few days he is 70 years of age and after speaking to the "out of hours" medical team was advised to go to Trowbridge Hospital for a pre arranged appointment at 2.30 today. He is the main carer for my mum who now at 93 years of age suffers from Alzheimer's Disease, she cannot therefore be left alone at home so in his wisdom he arranged for a friend to take them both to the hospital at the pre arranged time. He telephoned me to let me know where he would be, I have taken a few days away to recouperate before starting back to work tomorrow, otherwise there would have been no problem because at worst I could have gone to the hospital and seen for myself that David had left. After 5.00pm I had not heard from him and so I telephoned their home several times and was aware that they had not returned, I thought a quick call to the hospital would allay my fears or that just maybe he had been admitted to hospital. Not so here I met BEAUROCRACY at its finest, I was, after being advised to call another number, told pointedly that I could not be given any information as to wether my brother was still at the hospital or indeed if he had left. I explained firstly to the assistant and then a supervisor of my concerns but was again told that I could be given no information at all as it was in breach of Patient Confidentiality, I explained my concerns at greater length - my conversation was overheard and I really hope it was recorded - I was at no time rude or abusive, and after further delays managed to be put through to the duty doctor. She was as helpful as a chocolate fire guard,"its more than my jobs worth" was her retort and after many minutes advised me to contact the local police and ask them to contact her where she would tell them and them alone wether or not David had left the hospital - UNBELIEVABLE - what a waste of police time and money, when with the aid of technology a simple investigation could have checked my details and a call back would have sorted the problem. The fact that I have full control of all my mothers and brothers affairs, details of which are held with the mental health care team based at Warminster was not enough. I could not prove who I was on the telephone and they could not divulge any information over the phone not even to say there is no one with that name in the waiting room - Not rocket science is it? I have no complaint of the personelle I spoke to or even the doctor purely the system that has been created, indeed they were all polite and just did their jobs, but it does make you wonder!!!!! Is this what we have created with the adoption of the american "sue policy" in our nanny state!! The story ended with a further call to mums home only to discover that they had arrived home safely 10 minutes before..........whilst I had been on the phone............well we live and learn.
July 4th '09 I collected my new varifocals on wednesday this week, until now I had 2 pairs for reading and 2 pairs for distance having now been reduced to 1 pair from 3 - 2 at the bottom of the Kennet and Avon canal and another in "Cefn on" gardens I thought it was time to join the 21st century and go varifocal, if you have never tried this clever feet of optical engineering its worth a try allbeit a very weird sensation for the first few days, and even now I find it difficult to look in the right place at the right time. I use a PC often and as you type the slightest movement of the head makes the key board wobble like a late saturday night! So if you have them I'm sure you will like them, I'll hang in and try not to take Glassavers up on their money back offer......YET!!July 2nd '09 Had a bit of a wake up call this am when working in my office at home, acute pain in the neck followed by numbness in the left hand and arm........I thought a quick visit to the local casualty unit appropriate and was suitably impressed by the efficiency and speed of their response on arrival at reception, so apart from the needle being left in the canula in my hand and the torniquet left on my arm, all was well. The ambulance crew were brilliant and very reassuring so after a journey facing backwards all the way to Bath, I was safely delivered to the AEU dept at Bath RUH where more nurses and doctors applied their skills. Then after some tests I was whisked to the CPU - chest pain unit - for some more tests and more tests and needles and monitors and jabs which culminated in a stay overnight!! Was I worried ......................................YES I was!!! although the treatment I received was superb, I know the health service dont't get it right all the time but they were very thorough and thankfuly the results indicated no ticker problems, bed was not uncomfortable and I managed to get some sleep as the odour of bed pans and ripple of nasal noise - snoring - lay in the air and there is always someone worse off than you ..... thankfully!!To the man in the next bed, a rugby fanatic and all round laugh thanks for the fun and comments, and I hope you got your hot meal when you moved to the cardiac unit and yes you do snore and talk in your sleep but I won't mention what you said - I just hope she was as good as you said!!! I wish you well and hope you have a speedy recovery. A nice irish man opposite remaked that his 1st heat attack started with a pain in his left arm - thanks for that just what I needed to settle me down for the night, to you the nurses you were better that I tought possible, thanks for your care and attention to detail and for bringing my BOTTLE at 3am shame it wasn't quite big enough for the input, but I had been waiting for a while. I wish you all the very best my stay was brief but comfortable and thankyou but I don't want to come back well only to visit and maybe take you for a beer.....! My thanks to all concerned. 28th June '09 The winner of the raffle held at last years event in the park was Mr Gerry Starling and he and 5 of his family took up their 1st prize of a day out on "Cypry", opting to bring their own picnic rather than venture out for a pub lunch, and what a picnic amazing selection of every food you could imagine, my compliments to the chef Pat his partner who must have worked tirelessly for hours to make it happen, The weather was kind to us and the boat didn't break down, many thanks to my good friend Alex who's electrical expertise enabled me to get the loo working just the day before!!! Pictures of the day are in the gallery. Again I enjoyed a meal at The Cross Guns - Avoncliffe and a pint of Tunnel Vision very aptly named for its possible effects Iwould imagine. I made a complete hash of turning round on the far side of the viaduct - unusual but true - and eyebrows were raised along with mutterings from some people moored nearby, still we can't get everything right all the time in life can we! If only!!! I hope Gerry and Co. enjoyed their day......! May 23rd '09LADY IN RED - CANAL WALK '09 A BIG BIG thankyou to all of you who have sent your sponsorship monies in but we still have a lot outstanding PLEASE PLEASE collect in any monies pledged as sponsorship, it's now over a month since the walk and time marches on.............! PS: If any MP's have sponsored you the likelyhood of getting their money is even more remote after the recent revelations from our illustrious parliamentary members! 'One Night Only' tribute to the Bee Gees with other tribute acts on Saturday 11th July at The Wesley Road Club Trowbridge, tickets are only £6 each an absolute bargain, I will be going, fabulous music professionaly performed if you are interested email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to pre book your ticket for a great night out. For further details visit www.entertainer2u.co.uk The Trowbridge and District Pool League have again raised a considerable amount of money at their recent Charity Night. many of the team had their legs and bodies waxed, it looked painful to me, so very well done to all of the team who took part. An auction organised by Tammy added to the fun of the evening and added to the total. Thankyou to The DURSLEY POOL TEAMS and the other League Pool teams who took part. A brilliant event well supported and well organised. April 26th '09 I attended the George Thomas Hospice 25th Anniversary Charity Ball last night held at The Hilton Hotel in Cardiff. This hospice looks after patients who are terminally ill or have life threatening illnesses, enabling them to remain at home where they would otherwise need to be hospitalised, check out their website www.george-thomas-hospice.org.uk they like many other charities provide such a wonderful service to their community and also integrate with other support groups. It's my belief that I need to experience all aspects of charitable support organisations to gain more knowledge and understanding of how to provide improvements within our own organisation. There are a lot of people out there doing so much good for those less fortunate, I never cease to be amazed by the support we receive for the events we organise and hope I never will! To be continued.....! April 20th '09 Our Annual Charity Walk took place on Sunday 19th April, a very BIG THANKYOU to all those who took part instead of having a lie in!!! We seem on course to exceed £1500.00 if we can collect all the monies in that have been pledged by sponsors.. PLEASE if you took part in the walk can you make every effort to collect in all sponsorship monies as soon as possible!!!! It is important !!! Some keen walkers set off before 9.00am and made good headway reaching our mooring point at the head of the lock in Bradford on Avon at around 9.40, some pace set by Martin and Helen and Co. and their dog who was as keen as ever. Donations of energy packed chocolate bars by Mrs Stefanowski and team - I hope thats spelt right - were passed out to all participants however H2O levels remain high and I have as much on the boat as in the canal. Grateful thanks to Bristol Gas Supplies for providing a helium gas cylinder with inflator FOC, and we have enough left for future events albeit the cylinder ...which is huge has irritated an on going problem of mine...still thats another story. Whilst moored in Bradford the dulcit tones of a local house owner could be heard echoing along the banks of the canal as her sleep was disturbed by a narrow boater who had the audacity to run his engine - the vision a picture, the language as colourful from the house holder, so why if you dont like the sound of narrow boat engines would you buy a house that backs right on to the canal....beggars belief! By 11.00am all walkers had passed our mooring, some red faced, some not!!! Before we cast off I spoke to boat owners moored either side of us, both ladies had been diagnosed during the previous week with breast cancer and both were due to start their individual treatments the following week......thats why we - The Lady in Red Committee - do what we do, and with your support and generosity we do make a difference!! To be continued - when the sun goes down!!! Well the sun went down and arose again and I'm here to continue.......... We cast off and headed back to the marina releasing all those balloons as we chatted to other walkers and runners who were out for fitness reasons, I wish. Moored up and still a near full cylinder of gas we made our way to The Dursley to prepare to welcome the first walkers back. Two young supporters, Sam Blake and friend, ran the course in a time of 1hr 40mins, a very credible achievement, then jumped on their bikes and rode off to Corsham to play football. Well done both!! The remainder of the walkers appeared at intervals and were rewarded with Hot Dogs provided and cooked by pub Landlord Matt Hulbert. Thanks Matt.............! Disco music was provided by Dan Matthews and his trusty laptop Tosh with support from Mic and Tan!!! Grateful thanks to all who helped and of course all those who participated in the walk. March 19th '09 Well a month has passed since I was here, true to say the older I get the faster time flies by and now I find it increasingly difficult to pack all I want to do into a day. No wonder all the retired people I meet in my travels tell me they have less time since they retired than when they were at work!We have a diary of events for this year and we will again benefit from The Trowbridge and District Pool League - BIG THANKYOU TO ALL WHO TAKE PART - who are holding their annual fund raising event a sponsored leg wax with 50% of the monies raised donated to Lady in Red, suprisingly in a moment of memory loss I believe I offered to take part, oh dear not such a good move, but why not, Its not however on my list of things to do before I depart this planet. In addition they are also holding an auction, all to be enjoyed at yes you guessed it The Dursley Arms - Trowbridge on Monday 27th April from 8.30pm all welcome but bring your own wax........! On a more serious note I know we have some supporters who are suffering with various forms of cancer and as they all continue with their treatments many of us are unaware of the physical and mental strain required to cope with chemo and radiotherapy, my thoughts are always with them and their familys, I wish I could do more, one day maybe!!!Another new song I heard on Radio 2, yes now theres a sign of age, "In your light" by Jon Allen from his new album Dead Man's Suit worth a listen if you can find it!................... No not his suit his album.....! Only 2 days to Rugby heaven, back to back 6 nations matches, culminating in Wales v Ireland at The Millenium Stadium and deservidly so, both teams have played some excellent rugby during the competition, which team will you be supporting? England well maybe next year they still have a lot to do to achieve the passion shown by the finalists! February 17th '09 Congratulations to the man responsible for this website and much of it's contents, Richard our IT "man who can", it's his birthday today not sure of his age but its less than 40........I think! I met Richard at our last Canal Walk with his wife Laura and lovely son James. I was unaware at that time that he had lost his father to cancer a few months before. Until we met we had only passed the time of day at our local, and discussed on one occaision the way the world should be run! Like you do! d this website with all its technology and twiddly bits that I try to understand, although I do know more now than this time last year. Somehow it all works so well, a testement to his skill and devotion to help our fund raising efforts, even though we are plagued on occaisions with some content submitted from strange sounding individuals with even stranger email addresses, which fortunately we can delete - I can do that bit - so well done Rich and thanks for all your fine input and friendship over the past 12 months - yes it's nearly your anniversary, you have helped me to achieve part of my dream! For every door in life that closes another opens - my mums wise words - I know now she was right although it may not seem like it at the time! This years Canal Walk will be held on Sunday April19th, I have tried to change the format, so to those of you who walked last year, I will be at the finish to greet you with a smile, hot food and a drink, for those of you who have not enjoyed a stroll along the Kennet and Avon - for a good cause - just think what you are missing! All that and then the chance to relax in the congenial surroundings of The Dursley Arms with music and a surprise addition to the day - watch this space for further details............! Have you ever listened to the words of "Footprints in the Sand" my favourite version by Leona Lewis! If not give it a play when you can sit quietly and take it all in. February 14th '09 If you are a sporting person you must be well disappointed if you are of English stock, Cricket Football and Rugby three of the greatest competitive sports ever and with all the financial sponsorship from large corperate companies cannot at present produce a winning formula to lift the country during these days of economic gloom. It seems in all of these sports we possess immense individual talent but when it comes to match day these icons of sport are unable to play together, maybe today our rugby heros will prove me wrong, but I won't hold my breath! Time 7.30am...........Its now 9.00pm and a pleasant surprise, whilst we England, did'nt win the match today a definite improvement was visible, shame about the discipline! As with most things in life its great to achieve but important as to how we do it. February 7th '09Last evening I was invited to attend a fundraising event for Tanya Mullins of Trowbridge, Cardiff, read her story in our Members Stories section accessable from the front page. She is an incredibly courageous woman who has lived with a cancerous tumor for nine years, I consider it a privilege to meet and work with Tanya, her determination knows no bounds, I wish her every success in the future. February 6th '09 It's a friday - not the 13th - and it's snowing still or should that be again, if as we are lead to believe we only have such a snow fall every 18 years then maybe I thought "will I see another" so I'm just off out to play snow angels and throw a few snowballs at those who seem to be unable to clear the snow from their cars. Whilst walking along Wiltshire Drive I counted nine of those brave enough to be out sliding around in this cold weather, none had bothered to clear any of the snow from their cars so the rear lights were invisible - for those drivers these are the red lamps at the back of the vehicle that tell the driver of the car behind that you are actually breaking - indicators as well are very useful but not if you can't see them, unbelievable!! [Comment - Richard] - Sorry Alan...I would have waved but I was struggling to keep control of the car :) February 4th '09 I learned today that a dear old family friend passed away, she had been unwell for some time and recently suffered a stroke, her name was Betty, I have fond memories of her she was a very clever woman who from memory worked for the MOD for many years, Bett, although I never called her that til I was nearly 40 was conversant in several languages and possessed a sharp wit and vast knowledge of world events. I learned a great deal from her just by listening - difficult for anyone who knows me to understand, granted, she will be missed by all who knew her. Both Bett and her husband Alfred had been friends for many years and I remember well their help and support when I lost my father some 40 years ago. January 27th '09 I have discovered a new hobby - reading - yes after many years of never having time, I have discovered the relaxing pastime of book reading. Marian spent hours with her head buried in various novels - fiction and non fiction - often reading into the early hours. I could never understand the attraction until now, although my first venture discovered by a good friend "Learning to Live Again" by Rita Rogers and sequel "Soul Mates" are true life experiences of real people - well worth a read very interesting and sometimes compelling - have a read and email me with your thoughts! Another good friend has lent me three books documenting the exploits of the Lancaster bombers and their crews much used so effectively during the last war, a subject close to my heart as my father W.O. Dennis Cane was shot down over Germany on a bombing raid, captured and forced to march 600 miles to Stalag 49 where he was incarcerated for two long years until his release by Americans in 1945. During my childhood he often relayed his thoughts of those war years, although he signed up, under age, to "Go and fight for queen and country" he was never proud of his contribution to the loss of life during those dark years. Dad was stationed at Scampton the home of "The Dam Busters" and flew many sorties as a wireless operator/navigator and even on one occaision as rear gunner - the lonliest place even on a good day!! So now back to my book, chapter 5 - Follow your Heart - I will keep you informed of my progress....! Yesterday I attended an evening of Operatic Aria's and Duets sung by three very talented members of the Wesh National Opera the event also included fine Italian Cusine and was held at La Boheme restaurant in Cardiff. Wow what an evening, the event was organised as a fund raiser by The George Thomas Hospice of Cardiff, an excellent evening of entertainment, if you have never been, like me, to an event like that try it - you'll be surprised. January 20th - '09 Good news released today for cancer sufferers, they can apply for free prescriptions for their medication but as usual they have to wait until April 1st for this facility to take effect. Why make them wait ..... get real you people who make these decisions!!! January 19th - '09 New year, new beginnings, I have made the very rash decision to actually do something about my weight, which has gradually increased over the past few months, so I will report my progess periodically. If thats all I have to worry about this month I will be pleased! My shopping list has changed dramatically and all those yummy things have disappeared, so I hope by the summer to be able to actually wear some of the clothes in my wardrobe. January 16th - '09 Macmillan's Area Fundraising Manager - Graziella Campisano - is to hang up her fundraising hat, she is moving to a prestiguous position within the corperate marketplace. I for one will miss her she has been a continuous inspiration to both myself and my committee, we wish you all the best for the future Graz and keep in touch........! January 2009 - 2 Years on! So many tears have rolled down my face but they are less frequent and I feel now I can cope with anything life can throw at me. Those days of darkness and nights of loneliness have lifted not by my own volition but by the strength Marian gave me at a time when I little realised her time was nearing an end. At that time I drew strength from her as her life ebbed away, much as if I was drawing every last ounce of energy from her body, I will never forget, I consider myself so fortunate to have known and loved a woman so strong. Even now I find it difficult to write as I feel but I do so to give strength and hope to others who have endured a similar experience. I have tried to busy myself and fill my life and mind with things to do, lose myself in work, socialise, try and enjoy the new life I had as it was, I believed that by doing these things it would take my mind off my thoughts and help me cope – I was wrong – it did I felt work for a while but quickly I realised this was not the answer. I became morose, lazy and with a strange feeling of greed found myself doing the one thing I promised Marian I would never do, leave my family to cope with their own demons. For that I am truly sorry. Self pity was taking up residence and I needed to do something about it! My father, my mentor always taught me to take a step back and look at life or a situation from the outside; it does help and can sometimes save you from making an unbearable situation even worse, I never realised those words of wisdom would be so true until now. Twelve months ago I believed there would never be an end to that feeling of despair and helplessness, in August 2008 I wrote “In short I'm back and have hit the ground running, thank god, its you and people like you that have given me back something I thought I had lost for ever” yes that was how I felt at the time but for maybe the wrong reasons, my attempt to block out some of that gut wrenching pain, since then I have been fortunate enough to meet and understand others who have endured even more tragic and painful experiences than I can bring myself to comprehend. They to have found life so tenuous since the loss of their loved ones but now I can see grief is not exclusive, it effects everyone at some time in their life and I’m not alone as I have felt for much of the past two years. We are all much wiser with hindsight, believe me for those of you who are and have experienced that raw edge of life, you can and will get through although it may not seem so at the time. It’s Saturday 3rd January, this coming week will not be easy but today as yesterday the sun is shining and I have learned to smile again thanks to my memories and my future. I am now focused on what I need from life and many of my fears have changed into a strange new kind of hope. Where do I go from here, what’s next in the agenda of life, if I knew the answers it would be so simple, I do know that every day I speak to people coping with the effects of a cancer related illness I am inspired and feel compelled to search for new ways try to make a difference – my search goes on, my spirit rekindled! On a more personal note, I have again enjoyed tremendous support from my friends at “The Dursley” you will not find better friends anywhere! My sincere thanks to my friends old and new, my committee and my family who will I know always be there!! Alan |
nice weather today - lets hope it lasts!
