CLAN September 2011 Newsletter

8/4/2019 CLAN September 2011 Newsletter

1/8

Inside this issue

Macmillan Centenary Gala . . . . . . 2

An Alarming Walk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Nothing To Pay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

No Flight Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Wine Tastes Like Brillo Pads . . . . . 4

Confidentiality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Baseplate Not Sticking? . . . . . . . . . . 5

News from the Club . . . . . . . . . 6 8

Plus lots of other news, thoughts,

poems, letters and views

T H E N A T I O N A L A S S O C I A T I O N O F L A R Y N G E C T O M E E C L U B S N E W S L E T T E R

EXOTIC PLACES

You may well have had your holidays by the time you read this.

We had ours a cruise to the Baltic over two weeks in June/

July. The weather was perfect and the sea was calm. The food

was delicious and seemingly unending (though we did spot a

period of about an hour one Thursday when there was no

meal scheduled!) We visited so many places that were justexotic names before like Copenhagen, Helsinki and St

Petersburgh. But there is always a price to pay. In my case it

was about half a stone! So, why not write and tell us about

your holidays? With photos, of course.

Time for a Verse

And the summer seems to have inspired you to write some poetry. We feature several

poems in this issue. These are always great fun. Maybe you will be inspired to verse. If

so, send them in. Because:

We like poems

Even if they dont rhyme.

And maybe

They will, next time!

Ian Honeysett (Editor)

Issue No. 118 September 2011

For all items forClan:Ian Honeysett (Editor), 53 Combe Road, Farncombe, Godalming, Surrey GU7 3SL

email: [email protected]

For all other matters (including requests to be added to or removed from the mailing list):

Vivien Reed (Association Secretary), NALC, Lower Ground Floor, 152 Buckingham Palace Road ,

London SW1W 9TR Tel: 020 7730 8585 Fax: 020 7730 8584 Website: www.laryngectomy.org.uk

The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or NALC. Great care has

been taken to ensure accuracy but NALC cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.

Deadline for issue No. 119: 1 November 2011

All Vegetable SoupHeres another recipe from the

Soups & Puddings book produced

by THANCS Group (The Head &

Neck Cancer Support Group for

Hereford & Worcester). Copies can

be obtained for a minimum

donation of 2.00. You can contact

them at: THANCS Group,

Hawthorne Suite, Worcestershire

Royal Hospital, Charles HastingsWay, Worcester WR5 1DD.

A nutritional soup that is quick &

easy to make. You can use this

recipe as the basis for any

vegetable soup, substituting any

vegetables you have in the

fridge/cupboard.

Ingredients

2 large onions peeled & chopped

2 carrots peeled & chopped

2 small leeks chopped

2 to 3 sticks of celery chopped

1 small butternut squash peeled &

chopped

1 large potato peeled & chopped

1 red pepper seeds removed &

chopped

2 pints of chicken stock

Salt & pepper to taste

Method

Place all ingredients, except the

seasoning, in a large saucepan.

Bring to the boil and simmer for 20minutes. Liquidise or rub the soup

through a sieve. Season to taste.

Return to the pan and reheat.

Ian and Rose Browse


2/82

An Alarming WalkClifford Hughes gave an update on theChinwags Club of Kircaldy at the NALCAGM which included the following

account of an alarming walk hed made:Recently, Alistair Lawson, representing the

Scottish Rights of Way Society, gave anillustrated talk entitled Walk a little, talk a

little to encourage us to explore the

beautiful Scottish Countryside using thecomprehensive, well-maintained, clearly

marked network of footpaths.Our first corporate effort will be not on afootpath but a towpath. There are barges

available, free of charge to disabledpeople, which move along the canal from

Ratho on the western edge of Edinburgh.We could sit in the barge going out, andwalk back along the towpath to

refreshment at Ratho Inn.Weve enjoyed a number of fund-raising

raffles and 50/50s which provide funds tosupply helpful aids for larys SOSTalisman Bracelets a pre-recorded

message SOS capsule a mini dictaphonewhich speaks for you if you are unable to

speak for yourself.This reminds me of a predicament inwhich I found myself on a walk with

Alistair. The viability of the track fromCallander to Comrie needed to be

assessed. We parked the car halfway. Iwould walk downhill to Comrie and set upthe first round in the pub. Alistair would

do the more arduous leg to Callander,return for the car and join me.

Unfortunately my track disappeared insome soggy woodland where I thrashedand splashed about in ferns and bracken

up to my ears! I passed a dead sheep.The water Ruchill, which drains Glen

Artney and runs into Loch Eavn, was in fullflood and a twenty foot drop on my right.I splodged gloopily around. Ooops!

Theres that dead sheep again. I wasgetting anxious. I couldnt call for help. As

a neck-breather I cant whistle. There wasno signal on the mobile. And then, withhuge relief, I heard chattering female

voices approaching. Angels of mercy?Well, actually a ladies walking club. Six of

them. They caught up with me, sustainedme with some high-octane water, and,most importantly, traced the track out of the

wood into the open. Alistair, on his way toeffect my resce, met me smiling from ear to

ear escorted by my female entourage.In the pub, over a pint or so, I explainedmy predicament. My fear the potential

danger to one who is unable to makehimself heard. Right, he said. Next time

you carry a rape alarm!Clifford Hughes, Chinwags Kirkcaldy , Fife

The Macmillan Centenary GalaMonday 28 November

This year, Macmillan Cancer Support celebrates its centenary. To mark this occasion, they

are holding a special evening of musical entertainment from the past 100 years. To

purchase your tickets call Macmillan on 020 7840 4747. Lines are open 9am to 5pm,

Monday to Friday.

Ticket prices: 325 for a ticket to the show

and the pre and post show party; 225 fora ticket to the show and the post show

party; 35 - 65 for a ticket to the show

only.

Hosted by Graham Norton and featuring

stars of stage and screen, this gala event

takes place at the capitals most famous

theatre, the London Palladium. Theyve already got Miranda Hart, Jimmy Osmond,

Fearne Cotton, Liz Hurley, Edith Bowman, Rufus Hound and Donna Air on the guest list.

Will you be in on the evening of a lifetime? All performers are generously donating their

time to appear at the gala.

Four In TenThe following was featured in the

Plymouth Club Newsletter and is by Adam

Brimelow, BBC News: Rising cancer rates

mean four in ten people in the UK get the

disease at some point in their lives,

Macmillan Cancer Support says. The

figure has risen significantly in the past

decade and poses a massive challenge

for the NHS. Ministers in England say they

are working to improve cancer survival

rates and the quality of life after diagnosisand treatment.

Macmillan Cancer Support says a decade

ago about a third of people, or 33%,

developed cancer at some point in their

lives. The charity says that figure has risen

to more than 40%. The estimates are

drawn from projections published two

years ago in the British Journal of Cancer,

which concluded that at the end of 2008

there were two million cancer survivors in

the UK and that the figure was rising every

year. Macmillan also looked at recent

cancer incidence and mortality statistics

for the UK, indicating that 310,000 people

were diagnosed with cancer in 2008.

About 157,000 people died from the

disease, and 89,000 who had been

diagnosed with cancer died from other

causes, making a total of 246,000 who

died with cancer.

The charity says this accounted for 42% of

total deaths in the UK... which stood at

580,000. Macmillan says the increase is

partly down to an ageing population...

older people are more likely to develop

cancer. It says lifestyle factors, such as diet

and exercise, and improved diagnosis

have also contributed to the rise.

The Wish ListWeb Whispers (www.webwhispers.org/news/aug2011.asp) have asked readers

"What would you like to do, within the next 5, or even 10, years?"Here are some

brief extracts from the responses they received (with the date of their laryngectomy).

Why not tell us about your Wish List?

Jim Harris - 2008

I would like to live the next 10 years. I recently had a surgery and they told me I had

about 4 years. I got out of the hospital, ordered an electro-larynx, and went back to

work as a drilling consultant. I love life and I love my work. I haven't given up much of

anything except trying to order food through the outdoor drive up mike. I am one of

the most efficient consultants in the field and my boss likes me and my work ethic.

Mike McQuade - 2008

Soon to be 72 I get up and sing Karaoke and I swim and dive under but before my

time comes I would like to SKY DIVE!


3/83

No Flight ProblemsThe following letter from Greg Joss

appeared in Still Talking the NSW

Newsletter: It may reassure those

contemplating a long flight.

For those larys interested in travel, I am

delighted to report that I had no flight

problems. I had my laryngectomy end ofJuly last year. Up until only a week ago, I

was still having problems with stenosis

of my stoma if I slept without a trachy

tube fitted. Over the last week, I have not

worn a tube except for 20 minutes some

mornings to check size and

conformation only to find that it inserts

nicely, is loose and easily huffed out. I

am now sleeping many hours without

the previously usual need to rise every

few hours in order to clear out and clean

the stoma. As a result, I have had some

mucus crusting around the stoma rim

which I clear with a wet cotton bud.

As Good As Could Be

I was anticipating some problems in

flight with humidification etc but

effectively had no problems at all. We

flew 14 hours to Abu Dhabi; had a

seven hour stopover during which we

did a return trip to Dubai in the Etihad

shuttle bus; 1.5 hours each way; then six

hours to Heathrow (where the passport

control queues were horrendous!).We found the flight, seating, food and

service with Etihad as good as could be

expected on an economy ticket and

would be happy to use them again. I

booked the flight less than a month ago

wanting my stoma to stabilise before

committing to an extended trip. After

booking, I immediately became quite

anxious about my ability to cope. This

was somewhat assuaged by a flight to

Cairns and an eight day stay with a old

friend near Bramstom Beach, an hoursdrive south of Cairns. The fading of the

stenosis also helped my confidence.

I was well prepared with the usual lary

paraphernalia, medications etc but

have not needed more than a good

supply of tissues and drinking water. I

did find that the anti-swelling pressure

travel socks that my wife bought me

and insisted I wear worked beautifully. I

had had significant problems with

swollen and weeping legs during my

hospitalisation but arrived in Londonwithout any swelling. So I am happy to

report that my laryngectomy has so far

continued on page 5

You all know Len Hynds ourlaryngectomee poet. He used to be apoliceman and has sentCLANthisstory from the old days

I had been doing traffic point duty at the

Oval, when on being relieved, I was called

to an accident outside The Horns Public

House, where a car had driven into the

rear of a lorry. A young mum in her mid

twenties, driving the car with her two small

children in the back, was not injured, but

the car was smashed in at the front,

headlamps, wings and radiator, and the

car undrivable. Fighting back the tears and

trying to be brave, she told me that the

previous evening, at her isolated cottage

outside Ripon in North Yorkshire, she had

received a visit by a P.C. from Ripon station,

to inform her that her husband, a travelling

salesman, had been involved in anaccident in Cornwall, but had died before

reaching hospital. The police in Cornwall

needed somebody to identify the body

which was now in Bodmin Mortuary.

She had no relatives who could do this for

her, and in her isolated cottage no-one to

leave the children with. So she had set out

in this very old car, with the children in the

back, with only enough money for petrol

each way, and some snacks for the

children. To say she was distraught would

be to put it mildly, and now she wasstranded in London, and just didnt know

what to do. I had her car towed into his

garage by Charlie Valiant of Sutherland

Square, and the station van to take us into

the station, where they were comforted by

our wonderful old matron, and had a wash

and tidy up in her room. George Howard

was Station Sergeant, and he took them all

down into the canteen and bought them

breakfast. I phoned Charlie Valiant, and he

told me how much all the replacement

parts would cost, and I said that she had nomoney and explained the circumstances,

and that I would try and raise the money

through the lads on duty. Charlie

immediately said, "See what you can do,

Len, I wont charge anything to do it."

Raised Enough

Within half an hour by seeing everybody in

the station, I had raised enough for

Charlie to purchase a new radiator, wings,

front bumper, headlamps and side lights,

with everybody contributing from the Chief

Inspector downwards. With P.C.s wagesthen about 10 a week, I knew that many

had completely emptied their pockets. I

took the money round to Charlie, and he

said that he would start work on it

immediately. When he asked how she

was going to continue the journey, I told

him that we would take her, and after a

discussion with the other P.C.s as I had the

best car (an old Wolseley), it would be me.

He said that it was a round trip of about

six hundred miles, and after working outhow much the trip would cost with petrol

terribly dear at half a crown (15p) a gallon

(4 litres), he insisted I took the petrol

money from him, as he guessed I had

already emptied my pockets.

So we set out at about mid-day and they

were all soon asleep in the back. There

were no main roads in those days, and

motorways were unheard of, so it was

winding narrow country lanes all the way

to Cornwall, which took nearly nine hours

and the Bodmin police opened up themortuary for us, and I stayed with the

children outside whilst she went in to

identify him. It was 10pm when we set off

back again on that long journey, with her

in the back cuddling the children telling

them that their daddy had been such a

good man that he was now with Jesus.

There was a lot of crying in that car, but

they all eventually fell asleep.

We arrived back in the station yard at

7am, and Charlie had just delivered the

car, and all were standing around itlooking at his handiwork. He had worked

on it all the previous day, and all night

non-stop. I am sure that he had done

extra things without telling anybody, such

as brake linings, and adjustments. After

George took them into the matrons room

for a morning wash, he bought them all

breakfast again, and eventually they were

back in their car ready for the long journey

northwards. We all stood around the car

saying goodbye to the children in the back

when, from the driving seat, she said toCharlie, "You know I can't pay you now,

but let me have the bill so I can send it to

you." "Nothing to pay love, its all been

taken care of," Charlie replied

She looked amazed, and then another

Sergeant stepped forward and put a

brown envelope on the seat beside her.

"Thats for petrol and food on the way

back home." I saw her eyes fill with tears,

and then she wept openly, and looking at

this hard bitten bunch around the car, she

said, "You are all such kind wonderfulmen." I have often wondered how that

poor young woman got through that

difficult time. Life can be so hard for some.

Nothing To Pay


4/8

The Daily Mailrecently featured an article

on Radio Celebrity Danny Baker who has

just announced he is clear of cancer of the

mouth and throat. Here are some

excerpts:

Pre-cancer, Baker would have celebrated

the end of each show with a couple of

bottles of wine, but not now. White wine

tastes like Brillo pads. I managed four

spoonfuls of lasagne today, he says

triumphantly. Off air, he speaks faster, with

more of a Cockney accent. It's amazing

how he keeps going, without the saliva.

There are very few things I can eat, he

says. Anybody whos had that kind of

cancer is suddenly made aware of the

machinations of your mouth. You think,

well, I must be able to eat that if myappetites still up, and you put it in your

mouth and it just turns to stone. Your

tongue is pulverised, all the muscles are

dry, you cant swallow, you cant

manoeuvre things in your mouth, and

youre rushing to bins to spit it out.

Before he was ill, his life pretty much

revolved around food. God, my wife is

one of the great gourmet cooks, says

Baker. Shes got seven sisters and

theyre all like that.

Never SmokedWhen I think of throat cancer, I say, I think

of John Diamond (Nigella Lawsons writer

husband who died of the disease). Well,

yeah, you can say that, but there are

many less publicised cases of people

whove survived. John was a lifelong

smoker, too. Ive never smoked in my life,

so theres no rhyme or reason to it. It just

happens. And your mind can race to

horror stories, but I aint built like that. It

was a horrible time, but it was bound to

be. I didnt find it life changing. Ive had noDamascene moment. Ive not come out of

it a different person.

Was he bored not working? God no, he

says, he didn't have the strength to be.

No! I was ill. I was very ill. I barely had

the energy to heave myself over in bed.

They told me: The good news is the

prognosis is optimistic, the bad news is

that, other than bone marrow, its the

most gruelling of times. And thats how it

proved. My head had to have the

radiation. If its in your body, its fine, but ifits in your mouth, you cant talk or eat

and there are various other disgusting

conditions that come with it.

Does his throat

hurt? No, not at

all. Its healed

tremendously

well. Feel my

neck. He

directs my handto it. Just

generally how

soft it is,

because all the

r a d i a t i o n

makes your

skin slough off.

It melts. You get

up and think,

Im all wet. And

its not blood,

and you think,Oh God . . . ' You

radiate your

head and everything goes your taste

buds, saliva glands, everything is cleared

out. Boom!

Anyway, he says, enough with all the

miserable stuff. Now it's time to get on

with living, dreaming up more crackpot

themes for his phone-in shows and

having fun. You know, Ive had

tremendous fun for the last 30 years. He

says, It is an enormously absurd way to

earn a living and you can never lose sight

of that. And when you get cancer for eight

months, its a drag, but all you want to do

is get back to the goofy wonderland in

which you rattle around.

4

ConfidentialityThe basic aim of our Laryngectomy Clubs and/or Head & Neck Cancer Clubs should, in

my opinion, be to provide a support for our fellow patients. To supporteach other in

whatever way we can. The social side of our clubs and the entertainment they provide

does form part of that support. However I believe that our primary support to each other

should be in the form of listening, encouraging, morale boosting and confidence

building, without being overpowering!

I am not talking about professional counselling here but simple fellow support! And yes, I

am aware that Macmillan Cancer Support provides training for those who wish to dig

deeper into the subject.

It would seem, however, that sometimes our hands are tied by Confidentiality. This is one

of those modern-day terms riding on the back of the Health & Safety at Work Act and the

Data Protection Act and all sorts of other Acts! Dont get me wrong, I do understand that

these Acts are there for the protection of us all, but they can at times be restricting, and

what we might call common sense is not always permitted to prevail.

The medical staff closest to us, usually those in our ENT Outpatients or in in-patient

wards of our hospitals, have their hands tied by Confidentiality. They are not permitted to

let our Clubs know when one of our Club Members is in hospital, about to be released or

anything else. Its literally more than their job is worth for them to do so. This often results

in our members being in hospital or even having an operation without anyone in the

Club knowing. Of course, some dont want support, and some might not appreciate a

hospital visit. But then I do know that some would! So where is the support?

As Secretary of the Plymouth Laryngectomy Club I would very much appreciate hearing from

Clubs or individuals as to how they deal with the subject of Confidentiality so as to better thesupport they provide to their Members. Do please email me on: [email protected]

Geoffrey N. Read

Plymouth Laryngectomy Club

Wine Tastes Like Brillo Pads


5/85

My father, Ronald Greenwood, had a

laryngectomy in August 2009 at the age of

83. After three tough months in hospital,

he finally returned home and looked

forward to attending speech therapy to

learn a new way to speak. However,

Dads physical neck anatomy proved

difficult. His stoma is oval-shaped, setquite deeply between tight, protruding

neck muscles. He found it difficult to cover

it completely with his thumb and adhesive

baseplates would come unstuck, allowing

air to escape when he tried to speak. Dad

was feeling frustrated and rapidly losing

hope. Even the speech therapist found his

case challenging.

The initial breakthrough came through a

simple solution. My mother, Barbara, tied

soft material around a ball of cotton wool,

with a handle, forming a mushroomshape. Dad learnt oesophageal speech

by pressing the bundle of soft material

over his stoma to stop air escaping and

he found his voice!

This was an encouraging start but Dad felt

it wasnt ideal to carry his homemade

material mushroom everywhere with

him. Mums next experimental discovery

was that a standard HME, usually worn

with a baseplate, also fits into the plastic

trachea tubes. So now Dad first puts a

Kapi-gel around the stoma. (This is a jelly-like doughnut shape which acts like a

spacer.) The plastic trachea tube sits

snugly on top of this, held in place with the

Velcro neck band. Then Dad simply fits a

standard HME into the end of the tube

and talks!

We wanted to share this idea as perhaps

other laryngectomees find difficulties with

adhesive baseplates too. Hopefully some

readers might find this alternative to be a

solution.

Anne Greenwood

Baseplate Not Sticking? Try This!

MacnewsHave you seen the online Macmillan magazine for Summer 2011? Its packed with

interesting features & news (including video clips). You can find it at:

www.macnews.macmillan.org.uk/summer_2011

The following letter was to Still Talking the NSW (New South

Wales, Australia newsletter):

Your article has reminded me of my own experience. By 2000 I

had developed Cancer of the tongue which ended up at Stage 4

by diagnosis that December. During the preceding winter

months, I discovered pain similar to that described. Initially, I

thought the problem was that my mattress needed an urgent

replacement as the pain occurred when in bed. However, I learnt

that as the cancer spread it had paralysed a nerve (Spinal

Accessory?) leading to the failure of a muscle (Trapezius?).

It was too late for me to have surgery so I had Chemotherapy

and Radiotherapy. When treatment was completed, beingconcerned that I had the same limited use of my arm, I

consulted a physiotherapist. I learnt that the nerve and the

muscle were still able to function but would benefit from

exercise. A muscle on top of my left shoulder had collapsed

and muscles leading from it likewise. The left pectoral wassagging as if the muscle had collapsed to under my armpit.

(Man-boob would be an appropriate description to apply here.)

Ill health caused a premature end to that and a following

series of appointments with physiotherapists at the same

practice. A third was started later but only after my

laryngectomy and commencing at a second practice was I

finally able to lift my arm normally. Last year I commenced

treatment with another therapist and the programme I

commenced then still needs to continue.

My main problem now is my appearance the dreaded man-

boob! I will never work as an underwear model again unless I

succeed in exorcising it. And I fear attending the local swimcentre, changing to my Speedos and being scorned by all the

Chicky-babes! Oh, my dismay!

Raymond Chappelow

Shoulder Dysfunction

Deadline ExtendedThe deadline for submissions from

doctors, patients and carers of

treatment uncertainties has been

extended by the Head & Neck Cancer

Research Setting Partnership to

November 30 2011. In September, all

clubs will receive details of some of the

suggestions submitted so far andfurther advice about how to get involved

in this important project.

In the meantime any club or individual

can make a submission using the form

sent out already or the web link

provided. Please contact Vivien Reed if

you need more information.

Malcolm Babb

NALC Vice President

No Flight ProblemsContinued from page 3

proven not to be a reason to stay with the

security and comfort of home which I had

come to value particularly and rely on

over the last year. Apart from the usual

effects of ageing (I was 71 last January) it

is still possible to enjoy life. The support

gained from attending the LANSW

meetings and involvement with the

website have contributed tremendously to

my recovery, confidence and wellbeing.

A small boy is lost so he goes upto a policeman and says: Ive

lost my dad.Whats he like? asks the

policeman. Beer and womenreplies the boy. (from NSW

newsletterStill Talking)


6/8

News from the ClubsNews from the Clubs

6

Chinwags, KirkaldyOn 27 June 2011, 13 (laryngectomees,

Speech Therapists, family & friends) made

their way to Ratho. They were going on

one of the barges on the Edinburgh Canal(Seagull Trust Cruises). The crew were very

helpful and entertaining. There were three

crew members all volunteers who

gave them a lot of information as they

went along. Tea and biscuits were served.

Before their return journey, they stopped

at the picnic area. As it was raining, they

all stayed on the barge. They all enjoyed

the Marks & Spencer picnic hamper,

crisps, drinks etc which Christine (the

Speech therapist) kindly organised and

picked up. She also organised the

booking of the barge (for which many

thanks).

The Seagull Trust is free for people with

special needs or disabilities. The crew are

all volunteers. Donations are welcomed.

They returned with Christine steering them

part of the way back. They all bought

souvenirs (pens, fridge magnets, small

bears, postcards etc) to remind them of

the occasion. They arrived back at 5.30.

They all had a lovely afternoon (despite

the rain). It was very peaceful and

calming. The photo shows the group

beside the barge.

At their May meeting, they welcomed Ulla

Rohrbeck from Heimomeb, a German

company, who demonstrated their

products for laryngectomees. They had a

very informative evening and were very

impressed with the Larkel swimming aid.Ulla distributed free samples to all the

members and they had a very pleasant

evening. Some of the members attended

the Hacketts Hotel for their usual luncheon

and it was nice to meet up with other

groups from the North West. The Easy To

Swallow cookbooks, which the club had

purchased for laryngectomees, have been

passed to Jo Ashton for distribution. A tripto the Lakes is anticipated for August and,

of course, the NALC Lunch is on 4

September in Penrith.

The Windpipers, Blackpool

THE LOVE AFFAIRHow could she expect me to love it,

a bright pink, convertible car.

It was a ladies car, or for funny young

men,not a copper who was manly by far.

My poor old Charlie was no good for the

wife,

so to that heaven, he had to be sent.

A really true friend, in many moments of

strife,

Such sadness, when cruelly bent.

But late one night, as I was driving home,

in my effeminate looking car,

I spotted a smash and grab, in that gas-lit

gloom,and the bandits as they sped off afar.

I gave chase along that silent street,

with headlights and hooter blaring,

hoping a police car, that I might meet,

with such noise and all lights glaring.

We did many miles at eighty,

with me close, right up their tail.

They thought it was the CID,

to take them off to jail.

At last my colleagues stopped them,

those villains looked in dismay,at my litle pink marvel, racing gem,

which had really spoilt their day.

And then I realised it was Charlie,

his spirit had been reborn.

a true coppers car, my Charlie,

Id never leave you, he had sworn.

So now my little pink Zodiac,

is known by all the nick,

what gives those villains heart attack.

There quite glad when hes off sick.

Len A. Hynds

Speak Easy, CornwallFrom their newsletter: This month, Jack

Pagett, Brenda Salter, Di Helyer, Ted and

Barbara Barlow, Peter and Pat Clark, Ron

and Rosemary and Jan were treated to amagical boat trip on the Helford River

followed by delicious afternoon tea

courtesy of the Budock Vean Hotel

thanks to Ted and Barbara. Our thanks

also to Phil who took us on a guided

journey up and down the many beautiful

creeks, where we saw egrets nesting and

cormorants taking flight alongside the

boat, into Frenchmans Creek (for Daphne

du Maurier fans), and then past multi

million pound properties, some owned by

famous people. This was followed by an

informal meeting at the hotel. A warmwelcome had been extended to Ron,

Rosemary and Val by Plymouth Lary Club

at their recent meeting (which was

attended by Bill from NALC) and Speak

Easy would be happy to go up to

Plymouth again. Ron told PLC members

that they are welcome to join us at Totnes

Littlehempston for the steam train journey

(details below), and of course we look

forward to seeing them at Devoran in

September for a soup & sandwich lunch.

Here is an account of their recent trip bysteam train: After quite an early start for

those taking the train from down West,

seven of us met up with Miles from Platon

for an enjoyable, scenic trip back in time

on the Buckfast Steam Train from Totnes to

Buckfastleigh. We had two hours to spare,

so after lunch some wandered into the

town, but there were several attractions

around the railway at the butterfly farm

we saw one emerge from its jewel-like

continued on page 8

Diary DatesWednesday 14 September

Laryngectomy Conference IrelandWednesday 19 OctoberWelsh and

Western Patient Day in SwanseaFor further details please contactHead Office on 020 7730 8585 or

[email protected]


7/8

News from the ClubsNews from the ClubsOxford

Many of the club members turned out at the Churchill Hospital, on Thursday 19 May 2011.

The occasion was the presentation of

diagnostic equipment to the hospital and

also for the naming of the room in honourof Ken Whiley. Kens family were well

represented. His sister Grace, brother Peter

and wife Annette, son Keith and Keiths

partner, Kay, were there. Although Ken

himself was unable to be there in person,

he made a speech, which was delivered

by his son, Keith:

Firstly, I would like to say I am sorry that I cannot be there in person.

I am very honoured having this unit named after me. I feel the room is honouring not

only me but also the work carried out by the Oxford Laryngectomy Club. For those who

dont know I would like to tell you a bit about the history of the club.

The laryngectomy club in Oxford goes back a long way. I formed the club a few months

after my operation in 1982. I had heard about similar clubs elsewhere and felt that this

was something badly needed for the Oxford area and it certainly was needed. In my

25 years plus with the club we gained many members those who were about to have

operations, their families and friends. Members came, from people in Oxford and from

miles around. The club went from strength to strength not only helping those affected

with information who were about to have an operation but also as a social club and

fundraiser.

I remember many enjoyable lunches and dinners. These were great for meeting

members and their families but also raised money through various raffles. That was

apart from bring and buy sales and other events run by myself and other members.

Substantial amounts have been raised and this has been used over the years to help theconsultants buy much

needed equipment, helping

individuals affected and

refurbishing a relatives

room in the hospital to

name but a few. I know

since I moved to Essex the

club has continued to raise

money and arrange various

lunches and dinners.

So in conclusion I would like

to repeat how deeplyhonoured I am to have this unit named after me and would like to thank you all for

coming with a special thanks to the consultant, Mr Cox. Thank you all.

Ken Whiley

Head & NeckCancer Clubs

I have heard that several Laryngectomy

Clubs throughout the UK have

progressed from being Laryngectomy

Clubs to becoming Head & Neck Cancer

Clubs. In other words, accepting Head& Neck Cancer patients as members.

The NALC Association Secretary has

confirmed to me that this is perfectly

acceptable. As Secretary of the

Plymouth Laryngectomy Club I would

very much appreciate hearing from those

clubs that have made this change and

whether it has proved to be a bonus or a

problem to them. Do please email me

on: [email protected]

Geoffrey N. Read

Plymouth Laryngectomy Club

7

Sans Blas 2011Clan readers may recall news of the

celebrated Laryngectomee choir from Leon.

Well, the latest magazine ALLE has two

photos of them celebrating the Feast of their

patron San Blas (St Blaise). They sang in the

Church of San Martin. We did a web searchto see if they appear on You Tube so we

could hear them in action. But we couldnt

find them there. So just enjoy the photo.

A club member, Jim Thomas, has written

to CLAN with a poem by George

Robertson. It was prompted by a request

from a laddie about 6 3 and about 16years old who asked me to get him fags. I

told him my wife had told the shopkeeper

not to sell me fags. I didnt tell him Id

stopped smoking 27 years previously. I

showed him my stoma by lifting my

Kapitex Bib. At that time I didnt use a lary

button. Ive never seen him since!

The Lesson

Mister, mister, can you do me a fave,

Im a lad who is a nicotine slave;

I need a draw, I need a drag,

Desperate for the kick of a fag.

Mister, mister, Im out of my mind,

Twenty please, if youd be so kind.

Im going crazy, Im in a rage,

The shop wont serve me, Im underage.

Listen lad and listen good,

Please dont think Im being rude.

Before you board this smoking boat,

Have a wee look at my throat.

So go away, just turn and flee,

Learn a lesson shown by me.Do you still want this mans fave?

I didnt think so! Not that brave.

Lothian Club


8/8

News from the ClubsNews from the ClubsPlymouth

The club has its own website at:

www.plymouthlc.webs.com where you

can read about all that is happening.

Here are a few snippets:A copy of the Clubs Calendar of Events,

including Future Entertainments for the

next 12 months or so, is available on our

Clubs website. The PLC Clubs August

Meeting was at the Mustard Tree Cancer

Support Centre at 11 a.m. There was a Talk

by our Guest Speaker, Miles WILLIAMS

from Platon Medical. On 5 September

they held their Annual General Meeting

at the Mustard Tree Cancer Support

Centre at 11 a.m. After the meeting there

was a Talk by our Guest Speaker, CharlesHANDLEY from Countrywide Supplies Ltd.

On Wednesday, 14 September The Speak

Easy Club in Cornwall has made a

booking at Devoran, near Truro, for a

Soup & Sandwich lunch and has invited

PLC Members to join them. Also in

September Ted will be organising a mini-

bus trip from Plymouth to Dartmeet for a

Cream Tea. Meanwhile, Club Secretary,

Geoff Read has sent this to CLAN:

IF AT FIRST YOU DONT

SUCCEED...I was in and out of Derriford Hospital one

week in July! First as an overnight in-

patient to have my oesophagus dilated

for the umpteenth time!

An overnight stay.

They then tried to fit a new valve the very

next day but this was not to be!

It just wouldnt go!

I returned to the hospital two days later

and had a new all-singing, all-dancing

valve fitted at long last.

Even though I now have a very sore throat

I can manage to eat and drink again after

12 weeks abstinence!

I can even talk a little!

I am so grateful to all concerned at

Derriford Hospital... especially for the

never-ending patience of Maggie and

Julia!

I know Im not the best of patients but

those two never seem to give up on me...

even though Im sometimes getting readyto throw the towel in!

Its great to know that kind of support is

available to us all!

The National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs 2011 Printed by The Ludo Press Ltd, London SW17 0BA

Lost Chord NorthStaffordshire

On Tuesday 5 July the Lost Chord Club

(North Staffordshire Laryngectomee

Support Group) along with the HeadCases (Staffordshire Head and Neck

Cancer Support Group) visited the

National Arboretum at Alrewas. We

arrived at 10.30 in time for those who

wished to attend the 11 oclock service.

Members then toured the site either by

train or on foot. At 1.00 pm we departed

for Barton Marina for lunch. We had an

excellent lunch enjoyed by everyone. After

lunch some of the ladies visited the shops

around the marina. The general

consensus was that everyone had a greatday out!

A few members & friends attended theopen air concert by the City of Plymouth

Orchestra at Chaplins Superstore in

Plymouth on 23 July.

Ashford ClubHere are two photos of their day trip on

the Hythe and Romney railway, travelling

from Hythe to Dungeness, with a

traditional pub lunch at The Britannia Inn,where fish and chips have an excellent

reputation. There were 26 in the group,

the weather was lovely and all enjoyed

the scenic ride, the fish and chips were

very tasty and all enjoyed the summer

outing. The group are now busy planning

their next venture with plenty of ideas to

choose from.

Speak Easy, CornwallContinued from page 6

chrysalis, exotic specimens flying

amongst tropical plants, and terrapins so

static we thought they were plastic

models until one or two suddenly slid into

the water. From there, on to watch the

otters swim and play; and for those who

really only came for the trains(!) a

museum and a miniature railway. Our

thanks to Pat for organising the day, and

to Miles who, on behalf of Platon, paid

our entrance fees to see the butterflies

and otters. We were disappointed that so

few were able to make it, and missed

those who had wanted to join us but were

prevented (especially Val who boarded

our train at St Austell, heard she was on a

train to Glasgow, so jumped off!). We

would welcome suggestions from

members for outings or other socialevents at the moment our events

calendar runs out of steam after

September!

CLAN September 2011 Newsletter

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Transcript of CLAN September 2011 Newsletter