Best Of

The more we accept the phasing out of the people working across our public transport network, the more lawless it becomes. The difference I saw (and still see) on Nottingham's tram network after they withdrew conductors was massive, and not in a positive way.

Your last line of defence are the staff at the station who sell and check tickets plus the onboard train managers. And that applies to the fit and able. Any of us who travel by train will have seen these people at all hours, helping confused and vulnerable travellers and of course, those with mobility issues who'd otherwise be completely barred from travelling around.

I chatted with a woman last year who was heading back from her daughter's graduation ceremony in Durham, coming back into Newark. With her was her husband, who was really struggling with his mobility due to advancing Parkinson's. They travelled by train because he can no longer drive and she had never done more than local journeys to the shops in her car. The staff doing ticket checks and refreshments checked to see they were ok throughout the journey and, along with platform staff, helped her and her husband and assorted bags off the train. It was a first class service but not quick, and the train just had to wait until the all clear was given.

Imagine that on a driver only train with no platform staff. That family would quite likely have been unable to enjoy the day they had. I think we should value that, and fund the service to make sure it continues. After all, we can find the money for an allegedly popular Prime Minister to take private jets and helicopters instead of a train. And before anyone starts, I've seen wealthy types like Prince Harry and Kenneth Clarke using the Midland Mainline over the years - Clarke wasn't even in 1st!

Finally, as happens to so many women travelling alone on public transport, my wife picked up an 'admirer' a couple of weeks ago who continued to follow her after the train finished at Nottingham. Her sanctuary was found at the ticket office - as soon as she started to talk to the member of staff, the pesty bloke did an about-turn and she stayed there while I drove in to pick her up. I don't think she'd have found an app and a CCTV camera much comfort.

I can't abide the attitude that if it works for me then fuck everyone else. But then again, I'm not a Tory.

Wycombe Wanderers need to keep every supporter they have. This thread is about my own very recent experience with prostate cancer. I thought it was important to talk about it and I consulted with @micra and he agreed and has been giving me good advice. There are no gory details or nasty surprises, in the story.

The last five weeks weeks have been busy. A health review for me triggered a PSA test and a slightly raised level triggered a MIR scan and that triggered a biopsy and I have a diagnosis of prostate cancer - I have started treatment and the prognosis is good and I feel fine. It appears fairly likely that was caught before it spread.

I want to suggest that anyone reading this who has a prostate and has celebrated 50 years or so of having one, should consider asking for a PSA test. I think if it hadn't been for Bill Turnbull I would have been more reluctant to submit to the testing regime and that was a timely decision because it looks as though for me it was caught in time to treat completely. I talked for a while to the people at Addenbrookes Hospital Cambridge and they tell me that often, as for me, that particular cancer is often virtually symptom free until it begins to spread from the prostate. I was told that consideration was being given to offering tests to all men who are over 50 as standard: I don't think funds for NHS initiatives are readily available at the moment so please don't hold your breath.

@micra told me his story, a similar diagnosis with some spreading outside the prostate itself 17 years ago. In complete remission after treatment until 2021. His treatment was similar to what I believe mine will be. I am grateful, as I know we all are, that to quote @micra he is "still alive (if not exactly kicking) nearly 17 years after [he] was first diagnosed." I think he would want me to say that he was completely in remission until 2021.

I know it is sometimes difficult to access GPs surgeries in these times. @micra would say, and I would echo, if you fit the age profile use any opportunity you have to take a PSA test. If you think an opportunity won't present itself and you are concerned, please make an opportunity.

I have been thinking about participating in Jeff Sterling's walk from Wembley but I am not yet sure when I will have radiotherapy.

If anyone has a question, I am happy to answer a direct message. Sorry about the short term delay to the attendance thread postings.

Take care. Your club needs You.

Nice touch from the club again