Back home

Headed back to the Fylde today, to the village where I grew up, Greenhalgh. My brother still lives there and it seemed an appropriate spot for me to branch out into new areas. Had to make arrangements with Fylde District Council to have the bags collected. They are encouraging residents to join the Flag iniative, that’s the Fylde Litter Action Group. Notices are issued to be stuck on bags to identify them and a central total is kept. My brother can now put the bags out with his normal waste next week without question.

Got 2 bags, one is featured in the photo. Behind is the field which I could see from my bedroom window. It belonged to neighbours and as children we used to go out at haytime to help or, more likely, hinder. In fact I met one of the family who owned the field again today. As I passed their gate Harry was taking milk for the calves. I reintroduced myself, 30 years has left its mark. He is such a lovely man and gave me a warm welcome. Coincidences crop up continually and when I explained why I was there, collecting litter, he told me he had been diagnosed a couple of years ago. He had been having checks for a number of years and a biospy confirmed the cancer was present. After hormone treatment everything seems to be going well. I didn’t realise that his father had died of prostate cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer had not been discovered soon enough to be successfully treated and this is why Harry had been so active in monitoring his PSA. He knew the risks for all men who have a close family member diagnosed with the disease.

Speaking of close family members, I finally got round to giving Bob, my brother, a Know your Prostate leaflet, his father in law got one too. Bob took a couple of spares which he will put up at Inskip Bowling Club. I’ll send him a poster as well. Thanks for all your help, Kid, we need everyone to get active in spreading the message and you have done your bit.