Upcycling at its best

Picked up another bag on Wednesday evening. Bizarre how coincidences keep cropping up. My earlier post about how wildlife seem to see some of our litter as an opportunity was more than illustrated by my find on Wednesday. This grotty piece of foam (originally it could have filled a cushion or other item of furniture) provoked a small surge of outrage as I passed deciding to go back to collect it at the end. Those kind of things take up space in the bag and do tend to smell yuk, besides it looked wet and heavy.

It didn’t look any better when I returned. Attacked it with my Streetmaster litterpicker and came to a complete standstill. You have to look carefully at the picture but between the grass on the left and the leaf on the right are some brown shapes. I could see them quite clearly because they were wriggling around. A nest of baby mice. How wonderful. You can see how the mother has formed the nest from beads which she must have spent hours nibbling from the foam. I couldn’t see her but then I didn’t delay in putting the foam back over the nest. I only hope I didn’t cause any harm. Given the horrible rain we’ve had in the last few days I guess that upcycled rubbish has provided a pretty good shelter.

Had a little look online and can only guess but quite possibly these are young wood mice. If you know better I’d be glad to learn.

Cyclists offer me the Golden Ticket

Out and about earlier this week dusk was gathering and I’d begun packing up. I noticed passing cyclists were begining to gather just out of sight. Hearing their voices I hesitated but in the end decided to approach them, after all that is why I’m out there. Mike, Phil, Rob and AJ are obviously keen cyclists, a couple of them had Middleton CC tops on. I introduced myself and explained what Clean up Prostate Cancer was all about. They accepted a leaflet each. Mike seemed particularly interested and it was he who invited me to go along to a meeting of Southport Cycle Club one Monday evening. For me this is like one of the Golden Tickets. I will very definitely be in touch.

Speaking with the lads gave me the opportunity to pass on some essential advice Tom was given by Mr Parr, his Urologist. Cyclists need to be aware that they should stop cycling for about 5 days before having the PSA blood test. The PSA is not a perfect measure but it is the most accessible means of indicating the presence of cancer we have at the moment.  Cycling tends to raise the reading artificially and could distort the accuracy of the results. I’m guessing but I imagine men who enjoy time on exercise bikes or spinning need to know about this too.

I need to stress cycling does not change the base PSA, it only the distorts the recorded levels temporarily

Mixed bag

Back to Formby Lane last night. It is a long lane so I’ll need to return several times before I’ve covered the whole length. Tricky patches, no pavement or verge, so had to be aware of traffic. I’ve included photos of a couple of bits and pieces I picked up just to illustrate the bizarre combination of stuff which lands on the roadside whether accidentally or deliberately. I know litter is a hazard for wildlife but so often I turn the piece of litter over to find insects and invertebrates have made their home there. Here a snail is lingering enjoying the damp shade on the back of the PVC taxi sign I found.

Can’t say this is the first pair of knickers I’ve collected but they were in by far the best condition. I had no idea how careless people are with their various items of underwear until I started this project. It would be an exaggeration to say they are all over the place but well they are. CKs Northway, black lace St Helen’s Rd and now

these. Really rather nice and from that large department store with so many branches, I sure they are missed.

3 knickers quotes I quite enjoyed, including one from Kim Wilde, 80’s star and more recently, garden designer. “I don’t take myself seriously any more. Sometimes I just garden in my knickers and platform shoes”. No comment on Dawn French’s observation, “That's the awful thing about dating. Tight underwear. We would all like to be in a big bra and pants and when you are in a secure relationship you can do that.”  Then there’s Kate Winslet, “There are moments to indulge and enjoy, but I always know when it’s time to go home and wash my knickers.” Maybe the former owner of the lilac pants just needs a few more years to perfect the skill.

I have to say the following stands out from the crowd, especially when you know who said it – “I've had lots of kids come up and ask for my autograph, I've had a grandmother stop me and ask me if I know a good place to buy underwear.”
Source brainyquotes.com. Will reveal the individual next time. No wish to display any kind of bias, look out for the post on men’s pants when I find another pair.

Sorry I have got completely distracted. I’ll save the rest of the far more important news for next time. Just think of this post as the commercial break.

Harold Jeffery

Harold Jeffrey was a neighbour. A gentle man who I came to know gradually after Tom was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. This led us to discover Harold also had the disease. Unfortunately, Harold's diagnosis came too late to be treated successfully. He had had no symptoms until he collapsed one day and tests revealled the cancer had already moved outside the prostate gland.

As a young man he served in the Navy and went on to work in the print industry. With Marion, he travelled in Europe and particularly enjoyed visiting the Lakes where they had a caravan and took pleasure in using their boat. There is much more to say about Harold but both preferred a private life and I would like to respect that.

Harold Jeffrey died with great dignity in 2014.

 



Uncle Fred

Uncle Fred is the oldest surviving member of the Lennon clan. 7 brothers and Mary. He is now 95 and still has a brother and sister living in Canada. He was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer years ago and his PSA is massive but it hasn't stopped him living life to the full. I know that another of the brothers also had Prostate Cancer, his  prostate was removed and he lived until he was 93. Four of the brothers served overseas in the Second World War, thankfully they all survived and came home to raise the next generation of Lennons. Brothers Jack and Harry had exemptions for reserve occupation and medical reasons while Stephen had died as a young man. Fred served as a union convener and was active in his regimental reunions. He is a man of strong opinions and has always been prepared to stand up for his beliefs. His support of the union movement was informed by life. That is life as a teenager in Liverpool during the Depression as well as in the army and on the shop floor. He knows far more than I will ever dream of learning.

I do wonder how many of those men who survived the World Wars, service in Korea and the many other conflicts of the 20th century have subsequently faced the battle against Prostate Cancer.

You just never know what will happen next

Out on Formby Lane, Downholland today. Collected 2 bags in the sunshine. Nothing spectacular until my knight in orange running shirt appeared in the distance. I’d just decided there wouldn’t be room in my second bag for much more rubbish and looked up to see how far I had still to cover. There was Conor ferreting around in the undergrowth with a carrier bag, bulging with rubbish.

When we met up in the middle he was full of compliments but you see I have a good reason for what I do, his was a spontaneous and practical gesture of support. Felt a bit overwhelmed by his generostity and gave him a hug which he accepted gracefully. A leaflet in hand, he spent the next 10 minutes running backwards and forwards helping me out. Before he headed off on the run he set out to do originally, he said he would visit the facebook page.

Can’t help but reflect on the waves of positive feeling I get as I collect rubbish. I just hope that all those male passersby are being persuaded to think about a PSA and the women go home and talk to their husband, brother, father, son, partner. You see the risk is that people think it doesn’t apply to them or their loved ones,  that someone else will be the 1 in 8 men in the UK who experience Prostate Cancer.

Oklahoma meets the Prophet of Doom

Had a great time at the crossroads by The Plough @ Lathom. They kindly let me park on their carpark and even better accepted a poster to display in the men’s toilet. Collected a bag of rubbish to much appreciation from passing motorists inc a tractor driver. To crown it all I received a donation of £3 from a lovely young man in a red Fiesta(?). Said thanks but like the Prophet of Doom suggested when he was 50 he go and have a PSA check. Could have been a little bit more upbeat but who knows it may be a vital piece of advice – if he remembers.

In was the perfect spot for appreciating the abundance of our farmland. Potatoes thriving on one corner, barley on another and wheat on the third with The Plough completing the picture on the fourth. Couldn’t help hearing a rousing extracts from Oklahoma including “There’s a bright golden haze on the meadow" and “Okla, Okla, Oklahoma...” playing in my head.

Just a passing reference to the personal archive, I first saw Oklahoma at Lowther Pavilion, Lytham when I was about 8. Couldn’t be done now but the family had a biggish van and Dad used to put an old sofa in the back plus some cushions on the floor for the kids so that the five of us with Grandma, Auntie Maggie and Grandad could be loaded up and whizz off to such events. I think he used to go round corners deliberately in a way so we would slide all over the place, giddy with laughter. So much for child and bumper seats but it sure was fun.

Collection in tribute

I had a couple of good reasons to go out collecting on Briars Lane, Lathom tonight. We spent an afternoon at Briars Hall celebrating Julie and Colin's 50th Wedding Anniversary with their family and friends. What a lovely occasion.

 

As well as this I wanted to take some time to remember Annie Cowburn, who died recently. She with husband, Bob and their family farmed just down the road. I spent many hours in her company and found her such a positive and gentle lady, a proper country woman with an infectiously warm, all encompassing smile. There will be many people throughout the area and beyond who will remember both Annie and Bob with great affection.

 

On practical matters, the collection was a bit of a trudge, scrappy bits of plastic and sweet papers. One small entertaining find was the Michelin man. I didn't know he was still around!

 

Clean up PC is in the news

Grand plans create empires but then sometimes things just happen. Dusk falling at the end of a collection on Scarth Hill Lane, Augton, Lancashire, a car pulled up and out sprang Roger Blaxall. He introduced himself as a reporter for qlocal.co.uk. Photos, a brief chat and he dashed off again. Well, when I got home, it all seemed a bit incredible. Found the site and found they did have a reporter of that name so nothing ventured I sent an email with a bit more information and waited.

http://www.qlocal.co.uk/ormskirk/news_list/Janet%27s_tidy_piece_of_work_in_fighting_prostate_cancer-54346382.htm

Please use this link and find out why I'm chuffed to bits. Need I say more!

The information page is where you will find useful thoughts and contact details divided into 3 separate posts as follows

 

Prostate Cancer symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

 

Where to find support in the Prostate Cancer community

 

Litter and related topics 

The information mainly relates to the countries of the United Kingdom. Over time I hope to include relevant details from other countries.

All information in these posts was correct in July 2015.

 

 

 

Prostate Cancer symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

·         Remember 7 out of every 8 men in the UK will not experience Prostate Cancer. (Prostate Cancer UK 2015).

·         There are several conditions which share symptoms with Prostate Cancer. If  you are aware of a problem please seek medical advice as soon as possible. Researching treatments or listening to friends before seeking medical advice will often cause unnecessary distress.

·         Each incidence of Prostate Cancer is unique and needs to be assessed by experienced medical practitioners. Important factors include the stage at which the cancer is discovered and consideration of how aggressive the cancer is combined with patient specific circumstances.

·         Prostate Cancer strikes randomly, however, there are two groups which need to be particularly conscious of symptoms - if one or more of your close relatives have already been diagnosed OR if you have African or West Indian heritage the chance of you having the disease increases significantly. Become familiar with symptoms and consider having regular checks. In the UK 50 is the accepted age for volunteering for a PSA test but if you are in the 2 groups mentioned your GP may be prepared to start monitoring sooner if circumstances suggest an history of early onset.

·         Incidence of the disease increases with age. For your own peace of mind it may well be worth discussing a monitoring schedule with your GP. 

·         The internet offers many sources of information. Please be very careful, not all of them are accurate or relevant

I have deliberately not included symptoms to look out for here. For good information I recommend visiting Prostate Cancer UK http://prostatecanceruk.org/

You can also call the specialist nurse team there on 0800 074 8383 

The internet cannot replace one to one advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner.

Always start with your GP  

In the UK, if you are not already registered with a local doctor you can find out where the nearest practice or clinic is here http://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search

It allows a simple search requiring your postcode. As I write in 2015 access to appointments in clinics varies and is subject to change. Check the arrangements before registering.

 

The Prostate Cancer Community

 

·         In my experience once a cancer has been identified hospitals have well established arrangements for leading you through the stages of your treatment. You will be assigned a consultant but it is likely your treatment may take you into several different departments and even to different locations.

·         You may be given a case nurse or contact details for an individual who you may speak to about your concerns. They will help you understand what is happening. It is inevitable that you will feel a range of emotions. Fear, isolation, emptiness, helplessness and confusion are just some of the commonly mentioned sensations among newly diagnosed cancer patients. Sometimes your brain just stops working or can be entirely engulfed by the diagnosis. Your case nurse is the person you need at this time. If you are not assigned someone from the oncology department to take this role, do ask for a contact name and number. We had Jan and she was wonderful.

·         Look for a support group. It is often helpful to spend time where you can speak openly about your condition with others who are in the same situation. Ask for details at your next appointment OR http://prostatecanceruk.org/get-support/find-local-support has a list of support groups. If you can't find one in your area consider starting a group yourself. http://menunited.prostatecanceruk.org/ offers guidance for those seeking to set up support groups. Getting involved can even help by giving you a positive focus.

·         Internet forums, for example the Macmillan Prostate Cancer Forum or the one at Prostate Cancer UK offer mutual support. The community is strong. While you may receive help, forums also give you the opportunity to return the favour if only by showing your support in a brief message. One word of warning take care, members tend to speak from their personal experience or point of view which may not be appropriate to your situation.

·         Don't forget your own family, friends and colleagues. They are your ready made supporters club. They may not have the disease but they are sharing your experiences.  They are living with Prostate Cancer just as you are. Our cousin turned up one afternoon out of the blue and sat talking for a couple of hours. He was being treated at the same hospital for bowel cancer and his calm reassurance, his praise for the the unit gave us confidence to go forward with hope rather than blind fear. We owe an awful lot to John's spontaneous act of love.

·         People talk of the elephant in the room, with Prostate Cancer the elephant is stampeding and damaging everything in its path. We found being open and including the family in conversations worked best. It may well be that you feel sharing your innermost feelings is a step too far but maybe there is someone, not necessarily someone you anticipate, who can become a confidante, if you let them. Talking is good and perhaps, one day, you'll find that cancer isn't mentioned at all. I'd try really hard not to keep it bottled up inside.

 

Remember you had a life before Prostate Cancer came along.

Please do work on rediscovering and continuing it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Litter and related topics

 

I use collecting rubbish from the roadsides as a means of spreading awareness of Prostate Cancer. I love these islands. Rubbish exists and no matter how much money, time and effort local and national authorities commit to controlling waste, it is constantly replaced. To stop that happening over and over again we all have to take responsibility. Until everyone does so the only way forward is to roll up sleeves and get out there. 

Main Players

Locally

In England your local district council is the waste collection authority while waste disposal is the responsibility of the county or equivalent council. 

Environment Agency

This is the body which operates at a national level with Parliament to oversee all matters relating to waste. Wales and Scotland have their own versions, National Resources Wales and Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Zero Waste Scotland has the job of minimising and eliminating as much waste as possible.   

Keep Britain Tidy inc Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Keep Britain Tidy, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful all started out as a single organisation launched by the WI in the 1950s. Times have moved on but the fundamentals stay the same. Working within communities the groups aim to stimulate and educate, while encouraging them to improve their own environment. Visit websites @

www.keepbritaintidy.org

www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/

www.keepwalestidy.org/

www.keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org

 

 

Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)

CPRE campaigns for change in policy and to stimulate action on a range of topics including waste. Visit their website to find out more. www.cpre.org.uk/

 

Litteraction UK

This is a place where active individuals and groups can promote their litter collection efforts. Clean up Prostate Cancer is among them . There is a diary page where groups post information about future events. There is also a count for total number of bags collected and reported by all the groups nationally. A growing number of those are from Clean up Prostate Cancer. Visit www.litteraction.org.uk/

 

Get involved

·         Do it yourself. Some people just take a bag and pick up rubbish. If you would like to make a more concerted effort there are clear restrictions about disposing of street litter collections. I recommend you get in touch with the waste department of your local council for advice. They may also be able to provide you with equipment and almost certainly bags.

·         Look for a group in your area. The organisations shown have lists covering the whole country but it is worth keeping an eye on local press. National Trust, for instance, organises specific events which are often featured. We have a group who clean up round the railway station on a Sunday morning who aren't listed anywhere, they just get on and do it.

·         Keep safe. I always wear working gloves with protection against sharp items and shoes with sturdy soles for the same reason. I always carry hygienic handwash in my workbox and use it as soon as I've finished a job. Wear clothes which maximise visibility. There are recognised margins for clearance from moving traffic. I work alone using common sense but particularly if you are organising a group event do ask for advice from the local council waste department. They may recommend insurance. It's bureaucracy I know, but safety first. 

A few examples of what Government is doing in the UK

·         Since 2006 English and Welsh councils have had the right to impose penalties or fines for littering.  Drop a cigarette stub or dump the old kettle and you are liable for a fine. Penalties vary but the ones I've found range from £60-£75.

·         Fly tipping is a serious criminal offence and in 2014 courts were instructed to maximise levels of fines imposed on offenders. Be aware, as a householder you are responsible for making reasonable attempts to ensure anyone working on your property has made correct provision for disposal of waste.

·         Street webcams, love or hate them, have become key in identifying and prosecuting offenders.

·         Laws have been introduced regarding styles of packaging in an attempt to maximise recycling and or use of biodegradable materials. 



The question you need to ask is who is responsible?

 

Bottom line is that everyone needs to play their part.

 

Avoid creating rubbish.

 

Get rid of rubbish properly.

 

 Dog owners, you know what you should do, do it.

 

Refuse unnecessary packaging.

 

See if you can use it again, even if only to entertain the kids. 

 

Give the people on the frontline, bin men, street cleaners and their colleagues your support. Help them to do their job and thank them for doing it, not everyone would. 

 

Take photos, record dates and report businesses and organisations which fail to dispose of waste properly. They are breaking the law.

 

This information is correct at July 2015