AT our April meeting, after the formal business, we had a talk on Vasculitis which is inflammation of the blood vessels. The speaker, David, is not a professional but has gained a lot of knowledge because his wife, Diane, who also attended the meeting, was diagnosed with vasculitis in the late 1990's.

It is a rare disease, affecting only a small number of the population, but is complex and difficult to diagnose. Some of the symptoms such as extreme tiredness, loss of appetite and joint pain, etc., are common to other diseases and getting a correct diagnosis may take considerable time.

As one of our members has the condition, we were anxious to learn a little about it and David spoke about the three main types and how it can affect any part of the body. It is not curable but controllable with steroids, chemotherapy and other drugs although, of course, these can have side effects.

Vasculitis U.K. is a small charity which aims to support sufferers and their families and also makes grants towards research.

After refreshments, members took part in a cryptic quiz about titles of musicals which was enjoyed by those present.

On May 23 we will be having a return visit from the Harvington Ukelele Band. This will take place at the Town Hall from 1.30-4pm and visitors are welcome, so please come along.

JEAN PARLETT