Events - Exercise classes - News - Talks - National Osteoporosis Society - Home December Newsletter 2011 Dear Members Over the past year we have been very grateful for the support of Katie Hall, NOS Regional Development Manager for this area. Katie took on the role of Chair for the Group, but this help had to come to an end at our AGM in November. Luckily, our newest committee member, Hilary Barker, agreed to take on the role of Acting Chair for the time being while we continue our search for more volunteers. At the AGM it was reported that the Group had reluctantly made the decision to close the Castle Bromwich exercise class. The falling attendance figures and lack of volunteers from the area made it difficult for us to continue. The class of eight has been taken over by the exercise tutor and Age UK has also started up a small group, so it pleases us that there is still provision for gentle exercise in that area. Dr Crichton, our Medical Adviser, gave his annual osteoporosis update and took time to answer questions from the floor. He also updated us with the very good news that Osteoporosis would be included in the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) of the UK wide GP contract for 2012/13. This decision has the potential to transform the care GPs provide for older patients who are at risk of broken bones. November also saw the return of our exercise tutor, Heather, fully fit again after an operation to the bunions on both of her feet. It was lovely to have her back and hopefully the ladies who found the young and energetic replacement at the Solihull class rather too much will return in the New Year. You will have noticed that with this newsletter we have enclosed the new programme of meetings for 2012. Last year we held all our meetings in Solihull as it was a convenient venue between Shirley and Castle Bromwich which we hoped would encourage attendance. But with no support from the north of the Borough during the year we have decided to split our meetings next year between Shirley and Solihull, and we look forward to welcoming back some familiar faces in Shirley. Our last meeting for this year was a Christmas Quiz and Tea Party to mark 25 years of the National Osteoporosis Society. We had a good turnout from our exercise classes which helped boost our numbers to about 40 people. The quiz on a Christmas theme was hotly contested and the mince pies and home-made cakes donated by many of the ladies were compensation for all the runners up. Hopefully the memory of a fun event will encourage more of you to come along to the meetings next year. We can’t promise to please all of you all of the time with the subject matter – although it’s surprising what interesting things you learn - but the talks usually only last for 30 minutes, which leaves time for tea and biscuits and a chat. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Your Committee Telephone: Janet 0121 705 8385