CLAN (The National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs Newsletter) Issue No. 118 (September 2011) Edited by Ian Honeysett

1. THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LARYNGECTOMEE CLUBS NEWSLETTER
Issue No. 118 September 2011
Inside this issue Nothing To Pay ...................3 Baseplate Not Sticking? ..........5
No Flight Problems ............... 3 News from the Club ......... 6–8
Macmillan Centenary Gala ......2
Plus lots of other news, thoughts,
Wine Tastes Like Brillo Pads .....4
An Alarming Walk ...............2 poems, letters and views
Confidentiality ....................4
All Vegetable Soup
Here’s another recipe from the
Soups & Puddings book produced
by THANCS Group (The Head &
Neck Cancer Support Group for
EXOTIC PLACES
Hereford & Worcester). Copies can
You may well have had your holidays by the time you read this.
be obtained for a minimum
We had ours – a cruise to the Baltic – over two weeks in June/
donation of £2.00. You can contact
July. The weather was perfect and the sea was calm. The food
them at: THANCS Group,
was delicious and seemingly unending (though we did spot a
Hawthorne Suite, Worcestershire
period of about an hour one Thursday when there was no
Royal Hospital, Charles Hastings
meal scheduled!) We visited so many places that were just
Way, Worcester WR5 1DD.
exotic names before – like Copenhagen, Helsinki and St
A nutritional soup that is quick & Petersburgh. But there is always a price to pay. In my case it
easy to make. You can use this was about half a stone! So, why not write and tell us about
recipe as the basis for any your holidays? With photos, of course.
vegetable soup, substituting any Time for a Verse
vegetables you have in the
And the summer seems to have inspired you to write some poetry. We feature several
fridge/cupboard.
poems in this issue. These are always great fun. Maybe you will be inspired to verse. If
Ingredients so, send them in. Because:
2 large onions – peeled & chopped We like poems
2 carrots – peeled & chopped Even if they don’t rhyme.
2 small leeks – chopped And maybe
2 to 3 sticks of celery – chopped They will, next time!
1 small butternut squash – peeled &
chopped Ian Honeysett (Editor)
1 large potato – peeled & chopped
1 red pepper – seeds removed & For all items for Clan:
chopped Ian Honeysett (Editor), 53 Combe Road, Farncombe, Godalming, Surrey GU7 3SL
2 pints of chicken stock email: Honeysett@btinternet.com
Salt & pepper – to taste 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,
Method London SW1W 9TR Tel: 020 7730 8585 Fax: 020 7730 8584 Website: www.laryngectomy.org.uk
Place all ingredients, except the The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or NALC. Great care has
seasoning, in a large saucepan. been taken to ensure accuracy but NALC cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.
Bring to the boil and simmer for 20
minutes. Liquidise or rub the soup Deadline for issue No. 119: 1 November 2011
through a sieve. Season to taste.
Return to the pan and reheat.
Ian and Rose Browse

2. The Macmillan Centenary Gala An Alarming Walk
Monday 28 November Clifford Hughes gave an update on the
Chinwags Club of Kircaldy at the NALC
This year, Macmillan Cancer Support celebrates its centenary. To mark this occasion, they AGM which included the following
are holding a special evening of musical entertainment from the past 100 years. To account of an alarming walk he’d made:
purchase your tickets call Macmillan on 020 7840 4747. Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Recently, Alistair Lawson, representing the
Monday to Friday. Scottish Rights of Way Society, gave an
illustrated talk entitled Walk a little, talk a
Ticket prices: £325 for a ticket to the show
little to encourage us to explore the
and the pre and post show party; £225 for
beautiful Scottish Countryside using the
a ticket to the show and the post show comprehensive, well-maintained, clearly
party; £35 - £65 for a ticket to the show marked network of footpaths.
only. Our first corporate effort will be not on a
Hosted by Graham Norton and featuring footpath but a towpath. There are barges
stars of stage and screen, this gala event available, free of charge to disabled
takes place at the capital’s most famous people, which move along the canal from
theatre, the London Palladium. They’ve already got Miranda Hart, Jimmy Osmond, Ratho on the western edge of Edinburgh.
Fearne Cotton, Liz Hurley, Edith Bowman, Rufus Hound and Donna Air on the guest list. We could sit in the barge going out, and
Will you be in on the evening of a lifetime? All performers are generously donating their walk back along the towpath to
time to appear at the gala. refreshment at Ratho Inn.
We’ve enjoyed a number of fund-raising
raffles and 50/50s which provide funds to
which concluded that at the end of 2008
Four In Ten there were two million cancer survivors in
supply helpful aids for larys… SOS
Talisman Bracelets – a pre-recorded
The following was featured in the the UK and that the figure was rising every message SOS capsule a mini dictaphone
Plymouth Club Newsletter and is by Adam year. Macmillan also looked at recent which speaks for you if you are unable to
Brimelow, BBC News: Rising cancer rates cancer incidence and mortality statistics speak for yourself.
mean four in ten people in the UK get the for the UK, indicating that 310,000 people This reminds me of a predicament in
disease at some point in their lives, were diagnosed with cancer in 2008. which I found myself on a walk with
Macmillan Cancer Support says. The Alistair. The viability of the track from
figure has risen significantly in the past About 157,000 people died from the
Callander to Comrie needed to be
decade and poses a ‘massive challenge’ disease, and 89,000 who had been
assessed. We parked the car halfway. I
for the NHS. Ministers in England say they diagnosed with cancer died from other
would walk downhill to Comrie and set up
are working to improve cancer survival causes, making a total of 246,000 who
the first round in the pub. Alistair would
rates and the quality of life after diagnosis died ‘with‘ cancer. do the more arduous leg to Callander,
and treatment. The charity says this accounted for 42% of return for the car and join me.
Macmillan Cancer Support says a decade total deaths in the UK... which stood at Unfortunately my track disappeared in
ago about a third of people, or 33%, 580,000. Macmillan says the increase is some soggy woodland where I thrashed
developed cancer at some point in their partly down to an ageing population... and splashed about in ferns and bracken
older people are more likely to develop up to my ears! I passed a dead sheep.
lives. The charity says that figure has risen
cancer. It says lifestyle factors, such as diet The water Ruchill, which drains Glen
to more than 40%. The estimates are
Artney and runs into Loch Eavn, was in full
drawn from projections published two and exercise, and improved diagnosis
flood and a twenty foot drop on my right.
years ago in the British Journal of Cancer, have also contributed to the rise.
I splodged gloopily around. Ooops!
There’s that dead sheep again. I was
getting anxious. I couldn’t call for help. As
The Wish List a neck-breather I can’t whistle. There was
no signal on the mobile. And then, with
Web Whispers (www.webwhispers.org/news/aug2011.asp) have asked readers huge relief, I heard chattering female
"What would you like to do, within the next 5, or even 10, years?" Here are some voices approaching. Angels of mercy?
brief extracts from the responses they received (with the date of their laryngectomy). Well, actually a ladies walking club. Six of
Why not tell us about your Wish List? them. They caught up with me, sustained
me with some high-octane water, and,
Jim Harris - 2008
most importantly, traced the track out of the
I would like to live the next 10 years. I recently had a surgery and they told me I had
wood into the open. Alistair, on his way to
about 4 years. I got out of the hospital, ordered an electro-larynx, and went back to effect my resce, met me smiling from ear to
work as a drilling consultant. I love life and I love my work. I haven't given up much of ear escorted by my female entourage.
anything except trying to order food through the outdoor drive up mike. I am one of In the pub, over a pint or so, I explained
the most efficient consultants in the field and my boss likes me and my work ethic. my predicament. My fear – the potential
danger to one who is unable to make
Mike McQuade - 2008 himself heard. “Right,” he said. “Next time
Soon to be 72 – I get up and sing Karaoke and I swim and dive under but before my you carry a rape alarm!”
time comes I would like to SKY DIVE! Clifford Hughes, Chinwags Kirkcaldy , Fife
2

3. Nothing To Pay No Flight Problems
You all know Len Hynds – our said that he would start work on it The following letter from Greg Joss
laryngectomee poet. He used to be a immediately. When he asked how she appeared in Still Talking – the NSW
policeman and has sent CLAN this was going to continue the journey, I told Newsletter: It may reassure those
story from the ‘old days’… him that we would take her, and after a contemplating a long flight.
discussion with the other P.C.s as I had the
I had been doing traffic point duty at the For those larys interested in travel, I am
best car (an old Wolseley), it would be me.
Oval, when on being relieved, I was called delighted to report that I had no flight
He said that it was a round trip of about
to an accident outside The Horns Public problems. I had my laryngectomy end of
six hundred miles, and after working out
House, where a car had driven into the July last year. Up until only a week ago, I
how much the trip would cost with petrol
rear of a lorry. A young mum in her mid was still having problems with stenosis
terribly dear at half a crown (15p) a gallon
twenties, driving the car with her two small of my stoma if I slept without a trachy
(4 litres), he insisted I took the petrol
children in the back, was not injured, but tube fitted. Over the last week, I have not
money from him, as he guessed I had
the car was smashed in at the front, worn a tube except for 20 minutes some
already emptied my pockets.
headlamps, wings and radiator, and the mornings to check size and
car undrivable. Fighting back the tears and So we set out at about mid-day and they conformation only to find that it inserts
trying to be brave, she told me that the were all soon asleep in the back. There nicely, is loose and easily huffed out. I
previous evening, at her isolated cottage were no main roads in those days, and am now sleeping many hours without
outside Ripon in North Yorkshire, she had motorways were unheard of, so it was the previously usual need to rise every
received a visit by a P.C. from Ripon station, winding narrow country lanes all the way few hours in order to clear out and clean
to inform her that her husband, a travelling to Cornwall, which took nearly nine hours the stoma. As a result, I have had some
salesman, had been involved in an and the Bodmin police opened up the mucus crusting around the stoma rim
accident in Cornwall, but had died before mortuary for us, and I stayed with the which I clear with a wet cotton bud.
reaching hospital. The police in Cornwall children outside whilst she went in to
needed somebody to identify the body identify him. It was 10pm when we set off As Good As Could Be
which was now in Bodmin Mortuary. back again on that long journey, with her I was anticipating some problems in
in the back cuddling the children telling flight with humidification etc but
She had no relatives who could do this for effectively had no problems at all. We
them that their daddy had been such a
her, and in her isolated cottage no-one to flew 14 hours to Abu Dhabi; had a
good man that he was now with Jesus.
leave the children with. So she had set out seven hour stopover during which we
There was a lot of crying in that car, but
in this very old car, with the children in the did a return trip to Dubai in the Etihad
they all eventually fell asleep.
back, with only enough money for petrol shuttle bus; 1.5 hours each way; then six
each way, and some snacks for the We arrived back in the station yard at
hours to Heathrow (where the passport
children. To say she was distraught would 7am, and Charlie had just delivered the
control queues were horrendous!).
be to put it mildly, and now she was car, and all were standing around it
stranded in London, and just didn’t know looking at his handiwork. He had worked We found the flight, seating, food and
what to do. I had her car towed into his on it all the previous day, and all night service with Etihad as good as could be
garage by Charlie Valiant of Sutherland non-stop. I am sure that he had done expected on an economy ticket and
Square, and the station van to take us into extra things without telling anybody, such would be happy to use them again. I
the station, where they were comforted by as brake linings, and adjustments. After booked the flight less than a month ago
our wonderful old matron, and had a wash George took them into the matron’s room wanting my stoma to stabilise before
and tidy up in her room. George Howard for a morning wash, he bought them all committing to an extended trip. After
was Station Sergeant, and he took them all breakfast again, and eventually they were booking, I immediately became quite
down into the canteen and bought them back in their car ready for the long journey anxious about my ability to cope. This
breakfast. I phoned Charlie Valiant, and he northwards. We all stood around the car was somewhat assuaged by a flight to
told me how much all the replacement saying goodbye to the children in the back Cairns and an eight day stay with a old
parts would cost, and I said that she had no when, from the driving seat, she said to friend near Bramstom Beach, an hour’s
money and explained the circumstances, Charlie, "You know I can't pay you now, drive south of Cairns. The fading of the
and that I would try and raise the money but let me have the bill so I can send it to stenosis also helped my confidence.
through the lads on duty. Charlie you." "Nothing to pay love, it’s all been I was well prepared with the usual lary
immediately said, "See what you can do, taken care of," Charlie replied paraphernalia, medications etc but
Len, I won’t charge anything to do it." have not needed more than a good
She looked amazed, and then another
Raised Enough Sergeant stepped forward and put a supply of tissues and drinking water. I
Within half an hour by seeing everybody in brown envelope on the seat beside her. did find that the anti-swelling pressure
the station, I had raised enough for "That’s for petrol and food on the way travel socks that my wife bought me
Charlie to purchase a new radiator, wings, back home." I saw her eyes fill with tears, and insisted I wear worked beautifully. I
front bumper, headlamps and side lights, and then she wept openly, and looking at had had significant problems with
with everybody contributing from the Chief this hard bitten bunch around the car, she swollen and weeping legs during my
Inspector downwards. With P.C.s’ wages said, "You are all such kind wonderful hospitalisation but arrived in London
then about £10 a week, I knew that many men." I have often wondered how that without any swelling. So I am happy to
had completely emptied their pockets. I poor young woman got through that report that my laryngectomy has so far
took the money round to Charlie, and he difficult time. Life can be so hard for some. continued on page 5
3

4. Wine Tastes Like Brillo Pads
The Daily Mail recently featured an article Does his throat
on Radio Celebrity Danny Baker who has hurt? “No, not at
just announced he is clear of cancer of the all. It‘s healed
mouth and throat. Here are some tremendously
excerpts: well. Feel my
Pre-cancer, Baker would have celebrated neck.“ He
the end of each show with a couple of directs my hand
bottles of wine, but not now. “White wine to it. “Just
tastes like Brillo pads. I managed four generally how
spoonfuls of lasagne today,“ he says soft it is,
triumphantly. Off air, he speaks faster, with because all the
more of a Cockney accent. It's amazing radiation
how he keeps going, without the saliva. makes your
skin slough off.
“There are very few things I can eat,“ he It melts. You get
says. “Anybody who‘s had that kind of up and think,
cancer is suddenly made aware of the I‘m all wet. And
machinations of your mouth. You think, it‘s not blood,
well, I must be able to eat that if my and you think,
appetite‘s still up, and you put it in your ‘Oh God . . . ' You
mouth and it just turns to stone. Your radiate your
tongue is pulverised, all the muscles are having fun. You know, I‘ve had
head and everything goes – your taste
dry, you can‘t swallow, you can‘t tremendous fun for the last 30 years.‘ He
buds, saliva glands, everything is cleared
manoeuvre things in your mouth, and says, “It is an enormously absurd way to
out. Boom!“
you‘re rushing to bins to spit it out.” earn a living and you can never lose sight
Before he was ill, his life pretty much “Anyway,“ he says, “enough with all the of that. And when you get cancer for eight
revolved around food. “God, my wife is miserable stuff. Now it's time to get on months, it‘s a drag, but all you want to do
one of the great gourmet cooks,“ says with living, dreaming up more crackpot is get back to the goofy wonderland in
Baker. “She‘s got seven sisters and themes for his phone-in shows and which you rattle around.“
they‘re all like that.“
Confidentiality
Never Smoked
The basic aim of our Laryngectomy Clubs and/or Head & Neck Cancer Clubs should, in
When I think of throat cancer, I say, I think my opinion, be to provide a support for our fellow patients. To support each other in
of John Diamond (Nigella Lawson‘s writer whatever way we can. The social side of our clubs and the entertainment they provide
husband who died of the disease). “Well, does form part of that support. However I believe that our primary support to each other
yeah, you can say that, but there are should be in the form of listening, encouraging, morale boosting and confidence
many less publicised cases of people building, without being overpowering!
who‘ve survived. John was a lifelong
smoker, too. I‘ve never smoked in my life, I am not talking about professional counselling here but simple fellow support! And yes, I
so there‘s no rhyme or reason to it. It just am aware that Macmillan Cancer Support provides training for those who wish to dig
happens. And your mind can race to deeper into the subject.
horror stories, but I ain‘t built like that. It It would seem, however, that sometimes our hands are tied by Confidentiality. This is one
was a horrible time, but it was bound to of those modern-day terms riding on the back of the Health & Safety at Work Act and the
be. I didn‘t find it life changing. I‘ve had no Data Protection Act and all sorts of other Acts! Don’t get me wrong, I do understand that
Damascene moment. I‘ve not come out of these Acts are there for the protection of us all, but they can at times be restricting, and
it a different person.“ what we might call ‘common sense’ is not always permitted to prevail.
Was he bored not working? God no, he The medical staff closest to us, usually those in our ENT Outpatients or in in-patient
says, he didn't have the strength to be. wards of our hospitals, have their hands tied by Confidentiality. They are not permitted to
“No! I was ill. I was very ill. I barely had let our Clubs know when one of our Club Members is in hospital, about to be released or
the energy to heave myself over in bed. anything else. It’s literally more than their job is worth for them to do so. This often results
They told me: ‘The good news is the in our members being in hospital or even having an operation without anyone in the
prognosis is optimistic, the bad news is Club knowing. Of course, some don’t want support, and some might not appreciate a
that, other than bone marrow, it‘s the hospital visit. But then I do know that some would! So where is the support?
most gruelling of times.‘ And that‘s how it
proved. My head had to have the As Secretary of the Plymouth Laryngectomy Club I would very much appreciate hearing from
radiation. If it‘s in your body, it‘s fine, but if Clubs or individuals as to how they deal with the subject of Confidentiality so as to better the
it‘s in your mouth, you can‘t talk or eat support they provide to their Members. Do please email me on: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk
and there are various other disgusting Geoffrey N. Read
conditions that come with it.“ Plymouth Laryngectomy Club
4

5. Baseplate Not Sticking? Try This! Deadline Extended
My father, Ronald Greenwood, had a The deadline for submissions from
laryngectomy in August 2009 at the age of doctors, patients and carers of
83. After three tough months in hospital, treatment uncertainties has been
he finally returned home and looked extended by the Head & Neck Cancer
forward to attending speech therapy to Research Setting Partnership to
learn a new way to speak. However, November 30 2011. In September, all
Dad’s physical neck anatomy proved clubs will receive details of some of the
difficult. His stoma is oval-shaped, set suggestions submitted so far and
quite deeply between tight, protruding further advice about how to get involved
neck muscles. He found it difficult to cover in this important project.
it completely with his thumb and adhesive
In the meantime any club or individual
baseplates would come unstuck, allowing
can make a submission using the form
air to escape when he tried to speak. Dad This was an encouraging start but Dad felt
sent out already or the web link
was feeling frustrated and rapidly losing it wasn’t ideal to carry his homemade
provided. Please contact Vivien Reed if
hope. Even the speech therapist found his material ‘mushroom’ everywhere with
you need more information.
case challenging. him. Mum’s next experimental discovery
was that a standard HME, usually worn Malcolm Babb
The initial breakthrough came through a
with a baseplate, also fits into the plastic NALC Vice President
simple solution. My mother, Barbara, tied
trachea tubes. So now Dad first puts a
soft material around a ball of cotton wool,
Kapi-gel around the stoma. (This is a jelly-
with a handle, forming a ‘mushroom’
like doughnut shape which acts like a No Flight Problems
shape. Dad learnt oesophageal speech
spacer.) The plastic trachea tube sits Continued from page 3
by pressing the bundle of soft material
snugly on top of this, held in place with the
over his stoma to stop air escaping – and proven not to be a reason to stay with the
Velcro neck band. Then Dad simply fits a
he found his voice! security and comfort of home which I had
standard HME into the end of the tube –
and talks! come to value particularly and rely on
over the last year. Apart from the usual
We wanted to share this idea as perhaps effects of ageing (I was 71 last January) it
other laryngectomees find difficulties with is still possible to enjoy life. The support
adhesive baseplates too. Hopefully some gained from attending the LANSW
readers might find this alternative to be a meetings and involvement with the
solution. website have contributed tremendously to
Anne Greenwood my recovery, confidence and wellbeing.
A small boy is lost so he goes up
to a policeman and says: “I’ve
Macnews lost my dad”.
“What’s he like?” asks the
Have you seen the online Macmillan magazine for Summer 2011? It’s packed with policeman. “Beer and women”
interesting features & news (including video clips). You can find it at: replies the boy. (from NSW
www.macnews.macmillan.org.uk/summer_2011 newsletter Still Talking)
Shoulder Dysfunction exercise. A muscle on top of my left shoulder had collapsed
and muscles leading from it likewise. The left pectoral was
The following letter was to Still Talking – the NSW (New South sagging as if the muscle had collapsed to under my armpit.
Wales, Australia newsletter): (Man-boob would be an appropriate description to apply here.)
Your article has reminded me of my own experience. By 2000 I Ill health caused a premature end to that and a following
had developed Cancer of the tongue which ended up at Stage 4 series of appointments with physiotherapists at the same
by diagnosis that December. During the preceding winter practice. A third was started later but only after my
months, I discovered pain similar to that described. Initially, I laryngectomy and commencing at a second practice was I
thought the problem was that my mattress needed an urgent finally able to lift my arm normally. Last year I commenced
replacement as the pain occurred when in bed. However, I learnt treatment with another therapist and the programme I
that as the cancer spread it had paralysed a nerve (Spinal commenced then still needs to continue.
Accessory?) leading to the failure of a muscle (Trapezius?). My main problem now is my appearance – the dreaded man-
It was too late for me to have surgery so I had Chemotherapy boob! I will never work as an underwear model again unless I
and Radiotherapy. When treatment was completed, being succeed in exorcising it. And I fear attending the local swim
concerned that I had the same limited use of my arm, I centre, changing to my Speedos and being scorned by all the
consulted a physiotherapist. I learnt that the nerve and the Chicky-babes! Oh, my dismay!
muscle were still able to function but would benefit from Raymond Chappelow
5

6. News from the Clubs
Speak Easy, Cornwall Chinwags, Kirkaldy THE LOVE AFFAIR
From their newsletter: This month, Jack On 27 June 2011, 13 (laryngectomees,
How could she expect me to love it,
Pagett, Brenda Salter, Di Helyer, Ted and Speech Therapists, family & friends) made
a bright pink, convertible car.
Barbara Barlow, Peter and Pat Clark, Ron their way to Ratho. They were going on
It was a ladies car, or for funny young
and Rosemary and Jan were treated to a one of the barges on the Edinburgh Canal
men,
magical boat trip on the Helford River (Seagull Trust Cruises). The crew were very
not a copper who was manly by far.
followed by delicious afternoon tea helpful and entertaining. There were three
courtesy of the Budock Vean Hotel – crew members – all volunteers – who My poor old Charlie was no good for the
thanks to Ted and Barbara. Our thanks gave them a lot of information as they wife,
also to Phil who took us on a guided went along. Tea and biscuits were served. so to that heaven, he had to be sent.
journey up and down the many beautiful Before their return journey, they stopped A really true friend, in many moments of
creeks, where we saw egrets nesting and at the picnic area. As it was raining, they strife,
cormorants taking flight alongside the all stayed on the barge. They all enjoyed Such sadness, when cruelly bent.
boat, into Frenchman’s Creek (for Daphne the Marks & Spencer picnic hamper, But late one night, as I was driving home,
du Maurier fans), and then past multi crisps, drinks etc which Christine (the in my effeminate looking car,
million pound properties, some owned by Speech therapist) kindly organised and I spotted a smash and grab, in that gas-lit
famous people. This was followed by an picked up. She also organised the gloom,
informal meeting at the hotel. A warm booking of the barge (for which many and the bandits as they sped off afar.
welcome had been extended to Ron, thanks).
Rosemary and Val by Plymouth Lary Club I gave chase along that silent street,
at their recent meeting (which was The Seagull Trust is free for people with with headlights and hooter blaring,
attended by Bill from NALC) and Speak special needs or disabilities. The crew are hoping a police car, that I might meet,
Easy would be happy to go up to all volunteers. Donations are welcomed. with such noise and all lights glaring.
Plymouth again. Ron told PLC members They returned with Christine steering them
part of the way back. They all bought We did many miles at eighty,
that they are welcome to join us at Totnes
souvenirs (pens, fridge magnets, small with me close, right up their tail.
Littlehempston for the steam train journey
bears, postcards etc) to remind them of They thought it was the CID,
(details below), and of course we look
the occasion. They arrived back at 5.30. to take them off to jail.
forward to seeing them at Devoran in
September for a soup & sandwich lunch. They all had a lovely afternoon (despite At last my colleagues stopped them,
the rain). It was very peaceful and those villains looked in dismay,
Here is an account of their recent trip by calming. The photo shows the group at my litle pink marvel, racing gem,
steam train: “After quite an early start for beside the barge. which had really spoilt their day.
those taking the train from down West,
seven of us met up with Miles from Platon And then I realised it was Charlie,
for an enjoyable, scenic trip back in time his spirit had been reborn.
on the Buckfast Steam Train from Totnes to a true copper’s car, my Charlie,
Buckfastleigh. We had two hours to spare, “I’d never leave you,” he had sworn.
so after lunch some wandered into the
So now my little pink Zodiac,
town, but there were several attractions
is known by all the nick,
around the railway – at the butterfly farm
what gives those villains heart attack.
we saw one emerge from its jewel-like
The’re quite glad when he’s off sick.
continued on page 8
Len A. Hynds
Diary Dates Western Patient Day in Swansea
Wednesday 14 September For further details please contact
Laryngectomy Conference Ireland Head Office on 020 7730 8585 or
Wednesday 19 October Welsh and info@laryngectomy.org.uk
The Windpipers, Blackpool
At their May meeting, they welcomed Ulla the Hacketts Hotel for their usual luncheon
Rohrbeck from Heimomeb, a German and it was nice to meet up with other
company, who demonstrated their groups from the North West. The Easy To
products for laryngectomees. They had a Swallow cookbooks, which the club had
very informative evening and were very purchased for laryngectomees, have been
impressed with the Larkel swimming aid. passed to Jo Ashton for distribution. A trip
Ulla distributed free samples to all the to the Lakes is anticipated for August and,
members and they had a very pleasant of course, the NALC Lunch is on 4
evening. Some of the members attended September in Penrith.
6

7. News from the Clubs
Oxford Lothian Club
Many of the club members turned out at the Churchill Hospital, on Thursday 19 May 2011. A club member, Jim Thomas, has written
The occasion was the presentation of to CLAN with a poem by George
diagnostic equipment to the hospital and Robertson. It was prompted by a request
also for the naming of the room in honour from a “laddie about 6‘ 3’’ and about 16
of Ken Whiley. Ken’s family were well years old who asked me to get him fags. I
represented. His sister Grace, brother Peter told him my wife had told the shopkeeper
and wife Annette, son Keith and Keith’s not to sell me fags. I didn’t tell him I’d
partner, Kay, were there. Although Ken stopped smoking 27 years previously. I
himself was unable to be there in person, showed him my stoma by lifting my
he made a speech, which was delivered Kapitex Bib. At that time I didn’t use a lary
by his son, Keith: button. I’ve never seen him since!”
Firstly, I would like to say I am sorry that I cannot be there in person. The Lesson
I am very honoured having this unit named after me. I feel the room is honouring not Mister, mister, can you do me a fave,
only me but also the work carried out by the Oxford Laryngectomy Club. For those who I’m a lad who is a nicotine slave;
don’t know I would like to tell you a bit about the history of the club. I need a draw, I need a drag,
Desperate for the kick of a fag.
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 Mister, mister, I’m out of my mind,
was something badly needed for the Oxford area – and it certainly was needed. In my Twenty please, if you’d be so kind.
25 years plus with the club we gained many members – those who were about to have I’m going crazy, I’m in a rage,
operations, their families and friends. Members came, from people in Oxford and from The shop won’t serve me, I’m underage.
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 Listen lad and listen good,
fundraiser. Please don’t think I’m being rude.
I remember many enjoyable lunches and dinners. These were great for meeting Before you board this smoking boat,
members and their families but also raised money through various raffles. That was Have a wee look at my throat.
apart from bring and buy sales and other events run by myself and other members. So go away, just turn and flee,
Substantial amounts have been raised and this has been used over the years to help the Learn a lesson shown by me.
consultants buy much
Do you still want this man’s fave?
needed equipment, helping
I didn’t think so! Not that brave.
individuals affected and
refurbishing a relatives’
room in the hospital to
name but a few. I know Head & Neck
since I moved to Essex the Cancer Clubs
club has continued to raise
I have heard that several Laryngectomy
money and arrange various
Clubs throughout the UK have
lunches and dinners.
progressed from being Laryngectomy
So in conclusion I would like Clubs to becoming Head & Neck Cancer
to repeat how deeply Clubs. In other words, accepting Head
honoured I am to have this unit named after me and would like to thank you all for & Neck Cancer patients as members.
coming with a special thanks to the consultant, Mr Cox. Thank you all. The NALC Association Secretary has
Ken Whiley confirmed to me that this is perfectly
acceptable. As Secretary of the
Plymouth Laryngectomy Club I would
Sans Blas 2011 very much appreciate hearing from those
clubs that have made this change and
Clan readers may recall news of the whether it has proved to be a bonus or a
celebrated Laryngectomee choir from Leon. problem to them. Do please email me
Well, the latest magazine ALLE has two on: saudigeoff@yahoo.co.uk
photos of them celebrating the Feast of their
patron San Blas (St Blaise). They sang in the Geoffrey N. Read
Church of San Martin. We did a web search Plymouth Laryngectomy Club
to see if they appear on You Tube so we
could hear them in action. But we couldn’t
find them there. So just enjoy the photo.
7

8. News from the Clubs
Plymouth Lost Chord North Ashford Club
The club has its own website at: Staffordshire Here are two photos of their day trip on
www.plymouthlc.webs.com where you On Tuesday 5 July the Lost Chord Club the Hythe and Romney railway, travelling
can read about all that is happening. (North Staffordshire Laryngectomee from Hythe to Dungeness, with a
Here are a few snippets: Support Group) along with the Head traditional pub lunch at The Britannia Inn,
A copy of the Club’s Calendar of Events, Cases (Staffordshire Head and Neck where fish and chips have an excellent
including Future Entertainments for the Cancer Support Group) visited the reputation. There were 26 in the group,
next 12 months or so, is available on our National Arboretum at Alrewas. We the weather was lovely and all enjoyed
Club’s website. The PLC Club’s August arrived at 10.30 in time for those who the scenic ride, the fish and chips were
Meeting was at the Mustard Tree Cancer wished to attend the 11 o’clock service. very tasty and all enjoyed the summer
Support Centre at 11 a.m. There was a Talk Members then toured the site either by outing. The group are now busy planning
by our Guest Speaker, Miles WILLIAMS train or on foot. At 1.00 pm we departed their next venture with plenty of ideas to
from Platon Medical. On 5 September for Barton Marina for lunch. We had an choose from.
they held their Annual General Meeting excellent lunch enjoyed by everyone. After
at the Mustard Tree Cancer Support lunch some of the ladies visited the shops
Centre at 11 a.m. After the meeting there around the marina. The general
was a Talk by our Guest Speaker, Charles consensus was that everyone had a great
HANDLEY from Countrywide Supplies Ltd. day out!
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 DON’T
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!
Speak Easy, Cornwall
Continued from page 6
An overnight stay.
They then tried to fit a new valve the very chrysalis, exotic specimens flying
next day but this was not to be! amongst tropical plants, and terrapins so
static we thought they were plastic
It just wouldn’t go!
models until one or two suddenly slid into
I returned to the hospital two days later the water. From there, on to watch the
and had a new all-singing, all-dancing otters swim and play; and for those who
valve fitted at long last. really only came for the trains(!) a
Even though I now have a very sore throat museum and a miniature railway. Our
I can manage to eat and drink again after thanks to Pat for organising the day, and
12 weeks’ abstinence! to Miles who, on behalf of Platon, paid
I can even talk a little! our entrance fees to see the butterflies
and otters. We were disappointed that so
I am so grateful to all concerned at
few were able to make it, and missed
Derriford Hospital... especially for the
those who had wanted to join us but were
never-ending patience of Maggie and
prevented (especially Val who boarded
Julia!
our train at St Austell, heard she was on a
I know I’m not the best of patients but train to Glasgow, so jumped off!). We
those two never seem to give up on me... would welcome suggestions from
even though I’m sometimes getting ready A few members & friends attended the members for outings or other social
to throw the towel in! open air concert by the City of Plymouth events – at the moment our events
It’s great to know that kind of support is Orchestra at Chaplin’s Superstore in calendar runs out of steam after
available to us all! Plymouth on 23 July. September!
© The National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs 2011 Printed by The Ludo Press Ltd, London SW17 0BA