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Pic: Sue Gerrard on the Sydney Harbour bridge
Sue’s Sydney harbour view
CLIMBING TO the top of the Sydney Harbour
bridge has given a Birstall Parish Councillor a taste for the
high life.
She is now planing a charity climb up to the top of Salisbury
Cathedral's tower.
Cllr Sue Gerrard (60) was holidaying in Australia with her sister
in June when she made the 3½ hour climb to the top of
the Sydney Harbour bridge.
Tourists are taken up in groups of six and first have to climb
up four sets of vertical ladders before walking up the steel
curved span of the bridge which reaches a height of 134 metres
of 400 feet.
There is a handrail and all climbers are attached to a chain
in the event of a fall.
Sue, an auxiliary nurse at Leicester Royal Infirmary, said: "My
sister was terrified by the height but I felt fine, I get more
scared at the Royal when the emergency button is pressed for
a heart attack."
She added: "It was a clear day and the view was fantastic.
It gave me the idea to raise some money for Parkinson's Disease,
I know so many people who have been affected bt that. So on September
2 I will be climbing to the top of the tower at Salisbury Cathedral
to try and raise some money."
Rotary Club’s busy year
THE ROTARY Club of the Soar Valley will
be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and has a rapidly
growing membership. Club Spokesman Ivan Brookes looks back on
last year's activities and forward to the year ahead.
The Rotary year began in July 2005 and the Club will celebrate
its 30th anniversary during the coming year. It meets every Monday
evening (except Bank Holidays) at 8pm, at the Rothley Court Hotel,
Westfield Lane, Rothley where we enjoy a meal followed by interesting
speakers. Our new President, Neil Morrison and his team have
many events planned for the coming year but first a quick look
back to what we have achieved.
2004-2005 was a milestone for Rotary world-wide as we celebrated
100 years of service.
In our Club the main fundraising activity was the increasingly
popular Christmas Sleigh when we tour the villages of the Soar
Valley. They continued generous support of local people raised
over £4000 annually for good causes including Rainbows
and LOROS.
Two very successful fishing matches were organised to support
Leicestershire Cryosurgery Appeal for the treatment of Prostate
Cancer raising substantial funds for this very worthwhile project.
The incredible response from all Clubs to the Asian Tsunami disaster
was outstanding and Soar Valley played its part by holding a
Jazz Night and other events. The money raised was forwarded to
help rebuild a school in Sri Lanka.
In June 2005 we hosted the visiting Australian Rotary Cricket
touring party and many long term friendships have been formed.
The game was played at Sileby Cricket Club ground but sadly we
lost - let's hope that is not an omen for the Ashes Tests.
Now let us look forward to 2005-2006:
The Christmas sleigh will again come out of hibernation during
December and visit local villages.
During June each year we take up to three coach loads of children
and carers from Maplewell Hall School in Woodhouse Eaves for
a fun day out to Wicksteed Park, Kettering.
We also plan to continue involvement with Youth Speaks and Young
Chef competitions (last year our young speakers won through to
the regional finals). A local young person is also sponsored
by the Club during July to attend a week's Youth Leadership course
at Graffham Water. All these events are very worthwhile in developing
young people's skills and confidence for the future.
On the social side a lunchtime barbecue, outdoor bowls evening
and a Sunday ramble are planned for the summer with more to follow
as the year progresses.
Membership within the Club has increased by around 35% over the
past 18 months and the Club is very buoyant whilst still retaining
its friendly appeal.
Any persons interested in finding out more about what Rotary
has to offer are invited to contact Ivan Brookes - 01509 261152
or visit our website at www.soarvalleyrotary.co.uk
NHW news
"Lies, damn lies and statistics"
Mark Twain
Statistics are often used to mislead the public, but here are
some simple statistics related to crime that show how some simple
measures can help prevent you becoming a victim.
The British Crime Survey shows that security devices are effective
in reducing the risk of burglary. For example, victims of burglary
are less like to have security measures in place at the time
of the incident than non-victims.
Furthermore, victims of 'burglary with entry' tend to have less
security than victims of 'attempted burglary' suggesting that
security is effective in thwarting at least some offenders.
In three out of 10 burglaries, thieves do not have to use force.
They get in through an open door or window.
There have been a number of burglaries in Birstall in the last
month; most have taken place while the victims have been away
on holiday. You can use lighting to make it look like you are
in when you are out. 58% of burglaries take place in the evening
or night and 34% occur at the weekend. Time switches can be fitted
to operate radios and lights when you are out.
Visible burglar alarms make burglars think twice. Those connected
to a monitoring service are the best, get specialist advice and
several quotes.
If your front and back doors are not secure, neither is your
home. Thieves are most likely to target doors when attempting
to break in (67%). Check the condition of the frames, hinges
and glass panels. Fit such devices as chains and door viewers.
Patio doors will also need special fitted locks.
Garages and sheds are often left unlocked and may be full of
tools ideal for breaking into the rest of the house. Half of
burglaries in 2001-02 involved some form of property damage.
Fit sheds and garages with strong padlocks and ideally an alarm.
Always lock ladders in the garage or shed to stop a thief using
them.
In 4% of burglaries thieves used false pretence to gain entry
to a property. Most people who call at your home will be genuine.
But sometimes, people call with the intention of tricking their
way into your home. They are known as 'distraction burglars'
or 'bogus callers', whose aim is to get into homes to distract
people and steal their money or valuables. If you are unsure
about the person at the door, do not let them in.
From Birstall & Wanlip NHW
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Your Say...
On behalf of pensioners, myself and husband included. I wish
to make a protest about the dropping of concessions at adult
and community colleges. This applies to the City and County colleges,
and has put up the fee by at least £15 each per term. Pensioners
such as us who are just above the state pension and have no benefits
will find it very hard or impossible to find extra money.
The government urges pensioners to keep their minds active, as
in our case, we attend computer classes to learn programs such
as Excel, Database, Presentation and other programs. We are not
online, for reasons of the monthly cost and the obvious security
risks. Other pensioners attend the many other classes on offer,
according to their interests. For many pensioners as well as
learning it is part of their social life. Leicester Mercury states,
all people have the right to learn and really want to learn,
this is very true.
Name & address supplied
A County Council Spokesperson responds below:
Funding for adult learning was removed from local authorities
in 2001 when the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) was set up.
Adult learning is now funded by the LSC and not by the County
Council. The LSC sets the criteria for concessions.
LSC funding covers approximately two thirds of the actual costs
of delivering adult education; one third is recovered through
fees from adult learners. The LSC funding also covers concessions
for learners on accredited courses who are claiming benefits.
There is no extra funding from the LSC to cover any other concessions.
There are no specific discounts for adults of pensionable age,
although pensioners can access the general concession if they
are in receipt of Pension Tax Credit, Council Tax benefit etc.
Until recently, some of Leicestershire's Community Colleges and
Centres offered an extra additional fee concession to pensioners
but this is no longer possible to maintain because of LSC funding
restrictions.
Leicestershire has introduced a payment instalment system that
will help people to spread the cost of their learning. There
are also a number of courses across the county that are offered
free of charge and details can be found in the new adult learning
brochures entitled 'Go Learn!'
The National Institute for Adult and Community Learning (NIACE)
is spearheading a campaign for fairer adult learning. The Fairer
Funding for Adult Learning campaign pack gives more information
on the campaign and suggests ways to become involved and is available
by telephoning 0116 2044200.
A very big thank you to all who attended the funeral of Janet
Hannah on July 29.
Janet was well known in Birstall having lived in the village
for over 60 years.
She brought up her three daughters alone after the sad death
of her husband, John Hannah VC, at a very early age.
Janet's training as a fully qualified hairdresser gave her the
opportunity to work from home during those early difficult years.
She was actively involved in St James' Church and found great
comfort from her faith.
It was Janet's wish that all donations go to the RAF benevolent
fund as this was a cause very close to her heart.
Thank you, once again.
Jen, Jo & Jackie (her daughters)
On July 1, the 2005 Awards evening presented by 'Youth Voice'
was held at the Walkers Stadium. During this event the result
of the Tsunami collection Box Appeal was to be announced.
I was invited to attend with Mrs Doreen Wilson and Mrs Jane Scott.
We enjoyed a very interesting evening which included music, drama,
an excellent dinner and awards to young people for their voluntary
work in the community.
The young people had instigated the shoe box appeal and had hoped
to reach the goal of 1000 boxes. This goal had been achieved.
Sir Richard Branson had offered free transport which involved
security checks on all the boxes - they were then all wrapped
in beautiful silver paper and looked very attractive. Youth Voice
Chief Executive thanked the young people for all their hard work
and then a special thank you was given to the people of Birstall
who had contributed over 200 boxes.
Once again I want to thank all those whose generosity has helped
to make this appeal a success.
Joyce McNee
I was disappointed to read Carl Gunns's letter in the August
'Birstall Post'.
While he is quite right that a sports centre in Birstall would
be an excellent idea, he surely knows that Birstall Parish Council
have neither the resources nor the legal right to undertake such
a project. Only the Borough or County Council could consider
building a sports centre.
But why did Carl have to be so unpleasant about Birstall Parish
Council? The Parish Council was one of the first organisations
to make a grant to Carl when he opened his gym.
He has recently requested another donation but, as the gym is
a private organisation, the Council was required to ask for a
set of accounts before we could offer anything more (grants such
as this are called Section 137 payments and are strictly controlled
by the Local Government Act 1972). Unfortunately, despite several
requests, no accounts have been produced, so no grant could be
made. So, I wonder if, rather than writing 'in sport', Carl has
written 'in spite' because of this.
Carl has done a marvellous job at his gym and deserves both praise
and encouragement. But he should remember that many others in
the village are quietly working hard to provide similar facilities
at other sports clubs, as well as at the Scouts, Guides, Boys'
Brigade, Girls' Brigade and ATC. Indeed, there are several current
members of Birstall Parish Council who have given many years
of service to youth sports organisations probably even more than
Carl.
So, although I agree that a sports centre in Birstall would be
wonderful, I feel that Carl let himself down by the unpleasant
and unjustified tone of his letter.
Peter West
Towards the end of last month, I received a notice from the
Borough Council that a complaint had been made regarding bonfires
in my garden.
The complainant, unnamed and therefore unknown, has been instructed
to keep a diary of any future bonfires I may have, and to send
it in.
Welcome to Soviet Birstall!
I regret this person did not come to my door, or make a 'phone
call when he/she first had a grievance. If so, the matter could
have been discussed and resolved within five minutes and he/she
would not have needed to skulk under a blanket of anonymity.
H G Wheatley (Mrs)
I welcome, applaud and endorse the letter in the Birstall
Post of August from Carl Gunns calling for a so-called Sporting
Academy on the site of the former bowling green. It echoes a
letter from me published about 18 months ago when I suggested
building a Sports Hall on that site. Surprisingly and disappointingly
no one responded to my letter - no young person, no adult or
elderly person and no sports organisation/club in the village,
nor indeed did Birstall Parish Council give a response. In my
letter although I praised the work being dome by Carl Gunns with
young people in his gym, even he did not respond to my letter
- I suppose at that time his gym was still in the early stages
of its life and he did not realise then that he would eventually
need much more space for the activities he organises and that
he wants to expand.
It was announced some months ago that Birstall Parish Council
intends to create a public garden on the site of the former bowling
green. Although this would be an attractive facility I'm not
sure how much it would be visited and is it really needed? It's
maintenance to a high standard obviously would entail a lot of
work and time spent by parish council employees and involve a
great deal of expense. Instead why not create an attractive flower
bed/rose garden with some seats around it on the grassed area
bounded by Birstall Road, the last house on that road and by
one side of the former bowling green which seems a wasted area
at the moment.
It was announced recently that since the Labour Government came
to power in 1997 children's playing fields have vanished at the
rate of almost one a day. Pitches have been sold to developers
at over 2,540 school and community sites despite ministers' promises
to protect them (is the one at Stonehill School safe?) Does Birstall
Parish Council really want to join that alarming, disappointing
performance and betrayal by changing a site that has been used
for sports activities for many years into non-sports use? Please,
parish councillors have a re-think about the use of the site.
A Sports Hall/Academy could cater not just for the activities
organised by Carl Gunns but for other sports at various times
eg badminton, basketball, indoor bowls, gymnastics, martial arts,
weight-lifting etc. Would not the clubs who run these sports,
or some of them at present, in the village be interested in having
such a facility? Birstall Parish Council does indeed provide
very good facilities for those taking part in cricket, football
and bowls. It could be said by participants in other sports:
"Why should cricketers, footballers and bowls players be
the privileged sportspeople in our village?" When the Hallam
Fields estate has been completed in a few years' time I suppose
that will increase the population of Birstall by between 4000
and 5000, an increase of the present population of about 30%
- 35%. That will lead to more demands for leisure/sports opportunities
and facilities.
Yes, a Sports Hall/Academy would cost a great deal of money but
it's no use just sitting on our hands bewailing that fact and
saying it can't be done, the money can't be found. If Rev Charles
Bradshaw had had that attitude the St James Day Centre would
never have come into being. A grant from the National Lottery
Community Fund is surely a strong possibility. At the time, about
13 years ago, when an extension to the Village Hall was built
to provide part of the premises for St James Day Centre, National
Lottery grants were not being made for new buildings but I understand
that is no longer the case. Also I'm sure the Edith Murphy Foundation
(which has generously provided a new minibus for St James Day
Centre) would be prepared to fund the creation of a wonderful
facility for the village. Also a public fund could be launched.
So respectfully I say to Birstall Parish Council : with the site
of the former bowling green now available you have been given
a marvellous opportunity to create a magnificent, much needed
facility for many people in all age groups of the community and
hopefully for many generations to come : please, please use this
opportunity wisely and boldly.
Jex Woods
Church news
August has been anything but a quiet month for the parish
churches of Birstall and Wanlip. Sadly, it has also been marked
by the sudden death of two more well-loved members of our church,
Beulah Chapman and Janet Hannah. Both will be missed for their
faithful, cheerful presence and we mourn their loss as we extend
our sympathies to their families.
Our newly appointed parish priest, the Rev James Shakespeare,
will be officially inducted by the Bishop at St James Church
on Thursday November 24 at 7.30pm and we all look forward seeing
James and Alison and their family in our midst. In the meantime,
some vital alteration and modernisation work is taking place
in the vicarage.
Well before that date, the choirs of the two churches will be
seen wearing their new blue (unisex) robes, replacing the 30
year old gowns which are well past their sell-by date! To contribute
to the cost of this, several fund-raising events have already
been held by choir members. The next one will be on Tuesday September
6 at Ivy Cottage, 13 Perseverance Road, Birstall, when June and
John Crebbin will host a coffee morning and Bring and Buy book
stall from 10am to 12noon. Everyone will be welcome.
On Sunday September 11 the annual Thanksgiving service will be
conducted by the Archdeacon of Leicester the Ven Richard Atkinson
at 9.30am when there will also be a short dedication of the new
choir robes. James and Alison Shakespeare and their family have
also agreed to join us all after the 11 o'clock service for a
parish lunch in the Village Hall.
For the first time this year the church has organised a mid-week
holiday, s a party of 40 lucky people will be leaving Birstall
on Monday September 12 by coach for Cober Hill near Scarborough,
returning on Friday 16, hopefully strengthened and refreshed!
Churches Together in the village have held joint study and discussion
groups in various people's homes for a number of years, under
the title of Emmaus Groups. On September 20 there will be an
open evening and shared supper at the Day Centre in the Village
Hall when Jessie Anand, formerly curate at Birstall will be talking
about prayer. Anyone interested in hearing Jessie, or thinking
about joining one of the groups, which are held at different
times and on different days of the week (usually fortnightly),
will be very welcome to come and hear more of what it means to
share your faith with others, outside the context of a public
act of worship.
From Beryl McHugh
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Scouting growing
SCOUTING IN the Charnwood villages is growing,
with two new groups having recently started.
There are now Scout groups in Barrow-upon-Soar, Sileby, Syston,
East Goscote, Rearsby, Queniborough, Rothley, Mountsorrel, Quorn,
Woodhouse Eaves, Wymeswold and Thurcaston.
Scouting is a mixed uniformed youth organisation for young people
aged 6-25. The Beavers are the youngest members, aged 6-8, and
their motto is 'fun and friends' and they take part in activities
such as crafts, visits, outdoor games and 24 hour sleepovers.
Cub Scouts are 8 to 10½ and they get involved with activities
such as archery, climbing, canoeing, shooting and camping under
canvas.
Scouts and Explorers are the oldest section, enjoying World Jamborees
and pushing themselves to their limits with adventurous activities
such as water skiing, tubing, shelter building, overseas expeditions
and the opportunity to join the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
District Commissioner Carol Black said: "Scouting is a voluntary
organisation, which is run by a great bunch of enthusiastic adults,
who have a vast knowledge of skills, that is shared with all
our younger members. As numbers are growing, our leader ratios
are being stretched, so we are looking for adventurous adults
to come along and join the Charnwood district.
If you are interested, or even have a skill that you would like
to share with us all, please contact me on 01509 880438"
Pic: Derek Catt (left) and Lady Gretton launch
the Centenary Appeal, watched by some of the civic leaders invited
to support the effort
LEICESTERSHIRE'S GROWING Scout movement
is launching a £100,000 appeal to mark the centenary of
Scouting in 2007.
The money raised will be invested in refurbishing and re-equipping
Scouting headquarters and other facilities used by the county's
7,000 plus Scouts, helping members celebrate the centenary.
Launching the appeal at the County Scouts headquarters in Blaby,
Lady Gretton, the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, said a successful
appeal would help ensure Scouting remained available for future
generations and enable them to benefit from the activities the
movement offers. She said: Scouting is open to anyone who wishes
to join. The movement's programme at all levels is flexible,
modern and relevant for now and the foreseeable future. Particular
religions, gender and special needs are all catered for".
Unusual Facts About Scouting:
o There are 28 million Scouts worldwide, many of them non-Christian,
which includes several Muslim packs in Leicester.
o Scouting is established in 210 countries worldwide.
o In other words, only six countries do not have a Scouting presence.
o The movement goes beyond that - all the astronauts who have
walked on the moon are former scouts!
o The youngest person to reach the South Pole (Andrew Cooney)
was a Scout
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PICTURED ARE Children from Birstall Rainbow
Nursery on Wanlip Lane, at a Graduation evening held in August
Planning applications
Mr & Mrs A Vann - 2 storey extension to side, single storey
extension to rear & porch to front of semi-detached house.
4 Birchtee Ave
Mr Stran - erection of single storey front extension with canopy
extending over bay window, 2 storey side extension, rear roof
extension, rear conservatory & 2 dormer windows to rear of
dwelling. 78 Stonehill Ave
D Gravelis - erection of conservatory to rear of semi-detached
house. 37 Moorgate Ave
Mr L Skelly - raising roof height, installation of 2 dormer extensions
& rooflight to front and 2 rooflights to each side, 2 storey
extension and erection of detached garage to rear of detached
bungalow. 66 Roman Road
Mr & Mrs M S & R R Tara - erection of 1st floor extension
to side and rear of dwelling. 5 Walker Road
Mr N Morjaria - site for erection of one dwelling. Land adj 16
Malling Close
Mr & Mrs Geschke - erection of a single storey extension
to side of dwelling. 34 Kilby Ave
Mr & Mrs P Parmar - erection of 2 storey extension to rear
and 1st floor extension to side of dwelling. 9 Park House Close
Mr B Rathbone - lopping of one Eucalyptus tree and coppicing
of 2 Yew trees. 20 Nether Hall Lane
Mr R Antkowiak - cutting down of 1 Norwegian Spruce, 2 Conifers,
1 Apple Tree, 2 Lilac Trees and 1 Acer. 271 Birstall Road
Hutchinson 3G UK Ltd - erection of a handrail ancillary to the
telecommunications apparatus. Earl of Stamford, Front Street
Mr & Mrs I Wardle - 2 storey extension to side & conversion
of semi-detached house to 2 flats. 11 The Wayne Way
Mr S Steward - 2 storey extension to side of semi-detached house
to include french windows at 1st floor level and balcony rails.
24 Lambourne Road
Mr & Mrs Antkowiak - erection of bungalow. 271 Birstall Road
Mr & Mrs I Jackson - single storey and dormer extensions
to front of detached house. 12A Hallam Ave
Mr S Flintham - reduction in height of Yew tree to 2m above boundary
wall. Abbeyfields House, 33/35 Church Hill
Mr & Mrs D L Solla - erection of 2 dormer windows to sides
and roof extension to rear of dwelling. 28 Clarke Grove
Mr A J McArthur - lopping of 1 Cedar tree. 93 Roman Road
C Palmer-Tomkinson - conversion & extension of farm buildings
to form 6 dwellings. Manor Farm, 23 Rectory Road, Wanlip
Mr & Mrs M Toone - erection of single storey extension to
rear of dwelling. 49 Rectory Road, Wanlip
Mr S Warner - erection of 2 storey side extension to dwelling.
64 Rectory Road, Wanlip
Mr A Hopkins - erection of a conservatory to rear of dwelling.
24 Cliffwood Ave.
Mrs De Caprio - erection of a single storey extension to side
& rear of dwelling. 7 Highgate Avenue
Hutchinson 3G UK Ltd - erection of 12.5m high monopole incorporating
3no. telecommunications antenna & 3no. transmission dishes.
Land at A46/A6 Roundabout, Wanlip Hill, Wanlip
Age Concern Info
Handy Van Scheme Leicestershire
The Handy Van scheme operates in Charnwood, Hinckley and Bosworth
and North West Leicestershire. The primary objective of the scheme
is to make older people's homes more safe and secure, thus reducing
the risk of burglary and providing peace of mind.
The scheme is aimed at older people who meet the Help the Aged
criteria. The scheme provides and installs for free a complete
range of safety and security products in clients' homes. The
scheme can also provide SeniorLink, a 24 hour response service,
for help in an emergency, or assistance when answering your front
door to unexpected callers. The equipment and installation is
free of charge for older people who meet the criteria but a weekly
charge of £1.50 applies for monitoring and maintenance.
To make a referral : if you are an older person (over 60) and
you are concerned about your home safety or security, OR if you
are aware of an older family member, friend or neighbour, who
may need the service then ring Safe at Home for further information
on this free security service. Tel: 01530 837097,
Important Information : Handy Van fitters always carry photo
identification cards and arrive by appointment. Remember - always
ask for identification and secure your door chain if you already
have one - make sure that you are happy that the caller is genuine
before letting a stranger into your home.
Balancing Life and Caring
Balancing Life and Caring is an information leaflet which aims
to help carers balance the care they give with their own preferences
for work, learning or leisure. The leaflet promotes the new legal
right for carers to have an assessment from Social Services that
takes into account their needs or preferences regarding work,
learning and leisure. It also gives wider advice about employment,
learning, leisure activities and accessing service. There is
specific information on public and voluntary agencies that can
offer support. The leaflet signposts readers to more detailed
Carers UK booklets on juggling work and care, carers and learning,
and carers' assessments are made clear.
Balancing Life and Caring....Finding Ways to Live Your own Life.
11pp. Available free from Carers UK, 20-25 Glasshouse Yard, London
EC1A 4JT. Tel: 020 7490 8818, Fax: 020 7490 8824. Email: info@carersuk.org.
Also available on the internet at www.carersuk.org/information/Newtocaring/Livingyourownlife.
Taking Control of Your Pain
This book aims to give guidance and advice to people suffering
from chronic pain. The author considers the physical and psychological
effects of pain; the different types and common causes of pain;
diagnosis and assessments; orthodox and self-help treatments;
stress relief and non-orthodox treatments; and advice on lifestyle.
The book concludes with a list of potentially useful contact
organisations and addresses.
Taking Control of your Pain by Toni Battison. 224pp. Price £6.99
(plus £1.95 p&p) ISBN.0862423872. Available from Age
Concern Books, Units 5 and 6, Industrial Estate, Brecon, Powys
LD3 8LA Tel: 0870 442 2120. Fax: 0870 800 0100
Survey on 'Hidden Healthcare'
The Patients Association has published research conducted by
MORI into carers' experiences when an older relative comes out
of hospital. It found around two and a half million people in
the UK have had to take time off work to arrange suitable short-term
post-hospital care for older relatives. The press release states
that 'Care Packages are in theory put in place by hospitals with
social services...but the survey reveals that the onus of ensuring
that the care package is actually delivered often falls on working
relatives.'
The press release mentions that the not-for-profit insurer Western
Provident Association has produced a 'How to' guide for those
facing the challenge of post-hospital care and it has also launched
'Parent care' a plan which helps people organise and fund professional
care at home after an overnight stay in hospital. (The Patients
Association Press Release, June 14, 2005)
Ageing and Health Research
The Medical Research Council (MRC) has published a booklet describing
the research into ageing which the MRC funds and the effect it
can have on health in later life. The booklet includes chapters
on the ageing brain, cardiovascular disease, and bones and joints,
together with information about health through the life-course
and the day-to-day healthcare needs of older people. Areas of
research which hold promise for the future are explored, together
with ethical standards in research.
Ageing and Health: MRC Research for Lifelong Health, 42pp. Available
free from medical Research Council, 20 Park Crescent, London
W1B 1AL Tel: 020 7636 5422. Fax: 020 7436 6179. Email: pubs.order@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk.
Also available on the internet at www.mrc.ac.uk/pdf-ageing_and_health.pdf.
Review of the BBC's Royal Charter : Age Concern's Response
The BBC's Royal Charter runs out in 2006. The Government has
decided to grant it a new Charter to run until December 2016,
and that there is currently no alternative to funding the BBC
through the licence fee. The main issues raised by the Green
Paper published in march 2003 were:
o The core principles of public service broadcasting
o The contribution the BBC should make to develop digital Britain;
and
o how the BBC should be governed and regulated
Age Concern's response states the following:
o We agree there is currently no suitable alternative to the
licence fee for funding the BBC.
o We are not convinced enough work has been done on the level
of budget needed to provide quality broadcasting, and we therefore
welcome the Government's commitment to work further on this.
o Age Concern agrees with the core public purposes of the BBC
but would have preferred more guidance on the level of programming
for each of these. We fear that public support for the licence
fee may evaporate if the BBC is required to provide programmes
which viewers do not consider important.
o Age Concern welcomes the Government's commitment to consider
the needs of vulnerable groups, including older people, in planning
for switchover to digital. However we feel schemes to help vulnerable
consumers should be funded by the Government, not from the licence
fee.
o We receive many complaints from older people without television
sets about the tone of letters sent out by TV Licensing. To prove
they do not have a television set, older households are expected
to let Enquiry Officers into their homes to check. If there is
no other method that can be used, we would like Enquiry Officers
to be trained to be particularly sensitive when visiting older
households. We would also like the tone of the letters changed.
o We think it unsustainable that the governors should have responsibility
for both championing and regulating the BBC. We therefore support
the proposal to separate these functions. (Age Concern's Response
to the Green Paper on the Review of the BBC's Royal Charter 2pp.
Available on receipt of a (9"x6") sae from Donna Pearce,
Policy Unit, Age Concern England)
Interesting Items from Newspapers
The World's Longest Love Story: a couple aged 105 and 100 who
have just celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary say the secret
of their happiness is that they have always been there for each
other. They have six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren
(Daily Mirror, June 4)
Stay Younger and Richer - Work Longer: There are signs that the
cultural prejudice against older workers is changing. National
Building Society has raised its compulsory retirement age to
75 in response to demands from workers and DIY chain B&Q
recruits actively among the over-50s. A job can help foster an
active, creative mind and bring companionship and a sense of
achievement for older people.
(Independent on Sunday, June 5)
Jex Woods
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