St Albans Macular Support Group
September & October 2025 Newsletter
A Warm Welcome Back!
I hope this finds you well and you have had an opportunity to enjoy some of the lovely weather over the summer. I look forward to welcoming you back in September. Our afternoon tea in July was a great success with 30 people attending. The feedback was very positive, and I have passed this onto the staff at Aldwyckbury.
Listen to this Newsletter
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Here you will find details for our get-togethers for the next two months. These are wonderful opportunities to connect with fellow members, share experiences, and learn from our guest speakers. We encourage you to join us.
September Meeting
Guest Speaker: The Talking Newspaper
Join us to hear from the fantastic Linda Randall from the Talking Newspaper, who will share insights into this invaluable service for our community.
October: Community Fair
Meet Local Support Groups
We are thrilled to host a fair featuring local groups. We need a brilliant turnout, so please attend and invite your family and friends!
Attending Groups:
- ✔ Age UK
- ✔ Computer Friendly
- ✔ St Albans Old Peoples Trust
- ✔ Talking Newspaper
- ⌛ Awaiting: Real Sam Phone Service
- ⌛ Awaiting: Specsavers
Group Notices & Updates
This section contains important administrative updates for all members, including information on fees, our website, and the annual schedule. Please take a moment to review these items.
Membership Fees
We will begin collecting membership fees in October. Our treasurer, Teresa, will be available at the Community Fair to accept payments by cash, cheque, or bank transfer. Thank you for your continued support!
Website & Audio Newsletter
Our website has recently been updated! We are working to expand the resources section and welcome any feedback. Additionally, starting this month, the newsletter will have an audio version available for greater accessibility.
Visit Website2025-2026 Schedule
The full schedule of events from September 2025 to July 2026 is being finalized. I will distribute it as soon as all events and speakers are confirmed.
Call for Volunteers: New Clinical Trial
This is a significant opportunity for those with late-stage dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to contribute to groundbreaking research. The information below details a new clinical trial seeking volunteers. Please read carefully if you believe you may be eligible or know someone who is.
ARCHER II Trial for Dry AMD
A new clinical trial, ARCHER II, is seeking volunteers in the UK. The study is testing a drug called ANX007, developed by US company Annexon Bio, as a new treatment for late-stage dry AMD.
What's Involved?
- This is the final phase of the study (Phase III).
- Recruitment is ongoing until the end of August 2025.
- Participants will undergo monthly eye injections for two years.
- The trial compares the drug against a placebo (two out of three patients will receive the active drug).
How to Join
To express your interest and join the study at the lead site, The Retina Clinic London, please email them directly.
*Please note: Current centres are Kings College or Moorfields, but you can express interest as other centres will be added.*
Email to Express Interest