Activities

2003:

Progress purchased a Bairdscan Bladder Scanner for the Urology Department at the Royal Gwent Hospital. This unit is portable, accurate and produces images of the bladder and surrounding organs in colour. It is an extremely useful diagnostic tool that should prove invaluable.

2004:

Assisted in funding a research professional at the Royal Gwent Hospital to carry out studies in prostate cancer detection and treatment.

2005:

Made a significant contribution to the Winsor Bowsher Laparoscopic Research Fund at the Royal Gwent Hospital, which aims to continue the innovative work carried out by Winsor Bowsher.

Group Activities

Where does the money go?

Progress hold many social and fundraising activities throughout the year.

These are just a few of the things that Progress have done over the past few years.

We participated in the Caldicot Show over the August Bank Holiday weeekend. A magnificent effort by all concerned.

Six group members were at the Chepstow & District Vintage Tractor Club “International tractor pull”, held at Hullavington, near Malmesbury. Close to 800 tractors pulling together tried to break the world record set in Ireland in 2002—unfortunately they failed but provided a spectacular sight. Proceeds will be divided between Progress and Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Progress continues to support the Usk Agricultural Show with large crowds in attendance.

The annual sponsored walk along the Monmouthshire-Brecon canal continues to be a success.

Twenty members of the group went to the Pontypool Community Council Chairman’s Charity Concert held at Pontypool College. The artists included 11yr old Demi Holborn who has a spectacular voice. She won the GMTV ‘Tot Star’ competition in 2002 and released her first single “I’d like to teach the world to sing” in July 2002, which went into the top 30.

Beechwood Dancers from Newport presented a cheque to Progress, following their charity concert “Dance Fever” held at the Dolman Theatre.

Fifty members of the group enjoyed a social evening at The Friars in Newport. Members enjoyed a three-course meal and entertainment was provided by Stan Stennett, who provided us with a varied selection of anecdotes and songs from his long career.

Twenty-five group members visited Hurrans Garden Centre at Langstone, Newport. Their gardening expert, Reg Moule, gave a very interesting and informative talk at which he introduced several new winter plants and gave valuable gardening tips.

Christmas came early for 28 members of Progress when they visited Torquay on their annual Turkey ‘n’ Tinsel social. Trips to Brixham, Dartmouth, Buckfast Abbey and Exeter throughout the week were welcome breaks from all the early festive merriment.

Progress continues to receive support from Monmouthshire County Council and Torfaen County Borough Council throughout the year.