15 members attended.

Welcome                           
Rowland welcomed members and visitors to our 46th meeting and gave visitors a brief outline of the history and objectives of Colon-aid. Our membership included patients and carers with ages between 50 and the mid 80s. Members with stomas were now a minority following 9 successful reversions in the last couple of years or so and others who did not need formation of a stoma in their treatment.  We have members who were up to 12 years from diagnosis and others who were part way through their treatment or just starting their treatment.  Many of our members have returned to work following successful treatment and are unable to attend our meetings but keep in touch via our meeting minutes; web site; telephone calls and they also support our Annual Dinner, Cream Tea Afternoon and Bowel Cancer awareness events. Julie, Stan & Eric and our visitors then left us for a separate meeting for ostomists.

Correspondence
Rowland received a letter from David Laws confirming that he and his party fully supported Macmillan’s Vote Cancer Support campaign.
Rowland received a letter from Bowel Cancer UK seeking participants for research on patient’s needs for post-treatment information and advice on diet. They are looking for people who are ideally from 6 months to 2 years post completion of treatment. The research will involve 6 focus group discussions for up to 10 participants spread around the country with one located in the South West. Out of pocket expenses will be paid. Anyone interested is invited to contact Susan Wealthdale at Bowel Cancer UK on 020 7381 9711 or e-mail susan.wealthdale@bowelcanceruk.org  Information leaflets were passed to members.