Dear Editor,
I have just read the article “A fine nation” ( MT October 2011 ). Giving police-style powers to civilians is going to have little effect on our neighbourhoods.
How on earth do the Home Office think that fining someone whose dog has fouled a pavement is going to make the community safer? If they really want to help, then they should give civilians enough power to confront the gangs that dominate our streets so that good citizens do not have to feel intimidated or lock themselves indoors after dark.
Yours Sincerely,
Heather Mason
Campaigns & Issues
Help Age UK fight loneliness and isolation
Shockingly, over one million older people have not seen a friend or family member in a whole month.
Age UK needs your support to fight loneliness and isolation by helping 16,000 older people to get online and get connected.
The Charity is through to a public vote for a £500,000 Global Impact Award from Google’s Global Impact Challenge and is urging people to visit their website to vote for their innovative project, which will open up a new online world for thousands of older people.
News
The WISH campaign
On Saturday, 18 May, Robert Davidson, age 70, and Anne Ludlow, age 62, will be setting out on their much-beloved e-bikes to ride from Totnes, Devon, to London. They estimate the total distance will be 250 miles, as they must take circuitous routes to sneak up on Bath from the rear - there they can pick up a Sustrans cycle trail the rest of the way to London.
They are undertaking this challenge on behalf of all people everywhere who are older than they used to be, in the firm belief that an increase in your age should not mean a decrease in your rights - above all, your right to freedom, fulfilment, and fun.
Competitions & Fun
Win a Table Top Grille and Side Fire Box!
The warmer weather is finally here and for us Brits, any hint of sun means one thing – rolling out the BBQ.
We’ve been cooking meat over flames for more than a million years and the origin of the word “barbecue” is thought to come from the Spanish word “barbacoa” which means a wooden frame used to cook meat.
Nowadays, we cook far more than meat with popular dishes including vegetable kebabs, fish and even melted chocolate chips stuffed inside bananas in their skins.
Reader Offers
Win a prize at home or away in this month's prize draw with Silver Travel Advisor!
Enter now and you could win a prize at home or away! How about a 7 night break for 2, with flights included, in beautiful Slovenia? Or a trip to London’s glitzy theatreland, staying in a 4* hotel? Both fabulous treats which must be won!
Silver Travel Advisor is a friendly website packed with advice, tips, information and honest reviews written by and for silver travellers (aged over 50). A team of advisors are on hand to answer queries (for free), and you can share your own experiences too.
Health & Wellbeing
Too many older people falling due to poor eye sight
New research by the College of Optometrists reveals lack of awareness of the link between falls and poor vision
The majority of people are unaware of the link between poor eyesight and falls in older people, according to new research by the College of Optometrists, released in the run up to this year’s Falls Awareness Week.
Nearly half of those surveyed said they had an older friend, parent or relative who had fallen, yet less than a third (32%) knew that poor vision was a major cause of falls.
Property & Finance
2nd National Personal Budget Survey results released
2nd National Personal Budget Survey shows how councils can get the best results and improve lives for people who need care and support
A survey of more than 3,300 people who use personal budgets (PBs) in social care and their carers has found positive results when people have taken up PBs.
Leisure and Lifestyle
Robert Tanitch reviews Tanzi Libre at Southwark Playhouse, London SE1.
The redevelopment of London Bridge Station has forced Southwark Playhouse to vacate the arches under the station and relocate in a former warehouse in Newington Causeway.
This will be the theatre’s new home until the station is completed in 2018 when they will then be able to return.
The first season in the new building opens with Ellie Jones’s production of Claire Luckham’s trite and crude feminist tract, which was a big success in 1980 and hasn’t had a major revival in London in 30 years.
Travel
Returning to Blighty
A French friend called me this morning and as I spoke to him I looked out of the window and saw grey skies and raindrops hanging off the washing line. I very nearly shed tears that matched them. Why? Because it is now seven years since I left my beloved Languedoc Roussillon in the South West of France after living there for six blissful years and am now residing in West Yorkshire.
I miss the many friends I made there –contrary to popular opinion that the French despise the Brits I found this untrue. Except when England beat them at Rugby! Of course in many towns, and especially Paris, the people are sometimes just plain right rude to anyone who can’t speak fluent French. But go to the many villages and you will find them charming and very helpful as you struggle to find the right words!
Again no paper to beat Mature Times from day one of first publication all inside we need - thanks to all!