25th Anniversary

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25^th Anniversary May 2006

Our evening was a huge success. The hospital social club, our venue, was very welcoming, silver "25^th" helium balloons decorated the tables along with some beautiful pink flower arrangements, a stand showed photographs of members old and new, a table groaned under a wonderful array of delicious food, an exquisitely decorated cake making a focal point, and another table was laden with gifts generously donated by local businesses for a prize draw.

On entering we were all given a free drinks ticket, and a lucky draw ticket as well as a silver ribbon badge donated by Breast Cancer Care. It was interesting to meet up with people like June and Peter Barber who had been there at the group’s conception 25 years ago, without their insight into the needs of cancer patients and hard work setting up the group, where would we all be now?

We had two special guests for the evening, Michael Foster, our local MP, who has shown a great interest in our movement, and Kate Goddard from Breast Cancer Care who presented us with a certificate, and came to find out more about the group with a view to publishing something in their magazine; the local press also came to take photographs.

During the evening a toast was made, but before that Peter Barber gave a short speech, explaining that the group had just grown and grown, "from a few like minded nursing staff in 1981 to the interested, spirited, caring and special group we all like to feel part of". He also said that to mention all the folk who had been supporters and helpers of the group over the years would probably take a week, but he would like to mention just a few names of those he felt we would all like to acknowledge before joining in the toast.

Fiona Cassells – one of the founder members, who sadly was unable to be with us, but who had sent her best wishes to everyone.
Janet Stern and Rose Briggs – for their regular help and grand efforts in helping make the evening such a success.
All consultants, doctors, nurses and volunteers – for their ongoing help and advice.
Beryl Brooks – for all her support and years of happy use of her home for group meetings.
All the present and past members – who have made the group their own.
Stephanie Collins – our caring radiographer who has given her valuable time to attend our meetings.
Pat & Colin King – computer and web site wizards.
Gill and Joan Pankhurst – Ice show organisers and long term helpers.
Jane Ramsden – who keeps us fashionable with her fundraising shows.
Lilian Harris – our expert treasurer for many years.
Joe Strange and Bruce Shadboult – ever stalwart helpers and on going supportive young men.
Mr Michael Foster and Mr Greg Barker – two members of Parliament who have shown an interest in the group.
Raymond Shadboult – husband of the now infamous Pamela. His continued support, wisdom and practical help have been invaluable through out the past 25 years.
And last but certainly NOT the least
Pamela Shadboult and Marlene Munday – the rocks: from inception to present day. Always available, caring, advising and a credit to their learning and leadership skills.

A toast was made, and as a token of thanks and love from us all, some flowers and theatre vouchers were presented to Marlene and Pamela; flowers were also presented to some other people mentioned above for the work that they have put into the group. Kate presented her certificate and then we all tucked into the delicious food, a prizes were drawn, the cake cut and then we just enjoyed each others company, as we always do when we meet together. A fitting celebration for a very special group.