Present
11 members attended the meeting.

Apologies
9 members were unable to attend for various reasons.

Welcome
The group was pleased to welcome Mike as a new member. Mike became aware of our group through the Western Gazette that gave reference to our web site.
The group was pleased to welcome Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Steve Gore as our guest speaker.

Matters Arising
Future Guest Speakers
At the last meeting topics for future guest speakers in the following areas of interest were identified:-
(1) Diet – Rowland to contact YDH for a speaker to cover advice on dealing with constipation, diarrhoea, wind, etc. Action outstanding
(2) Bereavement – Rowland to contact Macmillan with a view to setting up a one day workshop on “Dealing with Loss and Bereavement”. Macmillan usually requires a minimum number of 12 for their workshops. Action outstanding
The meeting agreed that rather than extend one of our monthly meetings into a one day Bereavement Workshop it would be better to arrange an additional day. Rowland will contact Macmillan and co-ordinate with St Margaret’s to establish suitable dates for a workshop.

Summer Fayre
The Summer Fayre at Forde Abbey in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice was cancelled at short notice due to waterlogged ground following days of heavy rain. Heather reported that a subsequent event at Brympton had raised £530 for St Margaret’s Hospice.

Colorectal/Stoma Care Department
The department is still without a secretary.

Web Site
Rowland reported that the Web Site had been updated to add the minutes of the last meeting and photographs from the Birthday Party.