CSF NEWSLETTER: APRIL 2025
1st April - 30th April
Event Navigation
Hallo Everyone
Now we are heading into my favourite time of the year, with nature putting on its annual display of renewal, especially verdant this year after all the welcome rain. And how good it is to see the sun again.
AL Supporters needed
All our Active Listeners have a supporter who provides a balance of encouragement and challenge. Meeting every six weeks or so, usually by telephone, they allow the AL to share any concerns about their client work and to practise their listening skills. Supporters are either experienced ALs or others from a relevant professional background with a good grounding in what CSF is about. They support their colleagues, helping them to achieve they best they can for CSF clients.
If you would like to know more then please contact Penny at sud-po@cancersupportfrance.org
Drop Ins
Wednesday 2 April, Bar le Pablo, Céret, 10.30
Wednesday 16 April, Villa Lafabrègue, Prades
Monday 21 April, Café des Artistes, Laroque des Albères, 10.15
Events in April
CSF Walk for Life
This year we are pleased to be welcomed to the village of Caixas (just above Fourques between Thuir and Céret). Explore our lovely region and have some fresh air and exercise. As in previous years, there will be a choice of two walks or petanque.
Bring your own picnic and enjoy the relaxed ambiance over lunch. For sale there will be beer, wine, tea, coffee, soft drinks and cakes plus small savouries. Also pre-loved books, music CDs, CSF greeting cards and local art for sale.
For more information about Activity For Life and to sign up for either of the walks, email: sud-penny@cancersupportfrance.org
All funds raised to support Cancer Support France – Sud de France + La Ligue contre le Cancer
Find out more here.
Looking ahead
Wednesday 21st May
We are invited to an Open Garden event in Fuilla, 10.15 – 12 noon, which will also include our host’s talk on their forest project. This will replace the Prades drop-in for the month of May. More details on this next month.
In September a Tea Time Quiz, with tea, cake and champagne, is in the planning stage.
Past events
The Annual Open Meeting was held at Guy Molas restaurant in Céret.
Jill Merriam took us through the main CSF events over the last 12 months, including the work to build good links with the main medical centres. Penny Parkinson then explained that thanks to fund-raising events and some generous donations, CSF, whilst being a non-profit organisation, has sufficient funds to continue with the ongoing training of Active Listeners.
There are currently 30 trained Active Listeners s in the PO, with currently 16 clients allocated between them. Other ALs host drop-ins, events and man the telephone helpline.
Our guest speaker, Captain Chris Elliot, shared some of his fascinating experiences operating a research ship in the Antarctic. It was evident that, whilst this was a tough, challenging place to work, it was immensely rewarding.
We saw photos of the dauntingly beautiful islands, the ice sheets, glaciers, the various research bases and some of the wildlife – King penguins, elephant seals (up to 4 tons in weight), whales and that giant seabird, the albatross.
We learnt of the challenges in keeping the various bases supplied and how that has changed over the years. Dog sled teams played an important part, although improved technology and supply options have made the living conditions less harsh in this savage environment.
This all allowing important research to continue, whether geophysical, into the ionosphere or the depths of the sea.
Please remember that if anyone is struggling or needing help, the CSF telephone and email helplines are always open. We are there for everyone needing assistance at this time as well as for those affected by cancer. There is also lots of information on our website. |
c/nn
