Digest- September 2024
If you are a UK citizen living in an EU country all pensioners are still entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment. Is this a joke, or what?
Last month’s Meeting: Open Forum:
Forty one people attended after much publicity from our Chair in the local press. We had a lot of suggestions for topics, and any not covered will be addressed in future meetings.
The new MP for Southend East and Rochford, Mr. Bayo Alaba attended with Robbie and Jenny, his assistants. Also, Cllr. Maxine Sadza the Portfolio Holder for Social Care was present.
Winter Fuel Payments: (Précis).
Several Members and visitors spoke on this subject including Jill Allen- King, the Rev. Ron Wiffen, Alan Hart, and Jean Howes.
The MP Bayo Alaba said he would talk to people during the tea-break.
We hope that the Chancellor will reconsider, and better target the support to “just managing” pensioners at the Budget in October. The Age UK Petition to help struggling pensioners by Saving the Winter Fuel Payment is available for circulation.
NHS: Bob Howes highlighted the need for chiropody to be taken back into the NHS. There needs to be a campaign to pressure the government to reverse cut, as so many pensioners cannot afford the high cost of private treatment. Kenny Pitcher mentioned the long delays in obtaining surgery. He had witnessed situations where only one surgeon was doing a particular type of surgery, and only twice a week. Jill Allen-King spoke of her struggle to get appointments for her husband, Alvin who suffers from dementia.
Digital Divide: Jean Howes spoke of the growing concern about Southend City Council and government consultations being purely on-line, and very rarely providing alternative means for residents being involved with them. Jean also reminded us of our Campaign to have a Champion of Older People on the City Council . Members expressed their concerns over the lack of responses from City Councillors and Officers when they send emails. Bob will write to our new Council Leader and urge him to appoint one as a matter of urgency.
The MP’s Closing Speech:
Mr. Bayo Alaba spoke about the Winter Fuel Payment, basically towing the Party line that it was a necessary cut to stabilise the economy. It was a very hard decision to make. What he failed to mention, was that it was simply wrong.
Marketing SDPC: If you know of any local charity or voluntary organisation who may host an indoor community networking event or an Open Day, please let us know. We would be keen to attend to advertise our Campaign and meet other campaigning groups in the area.
I’m grateful to Member Sue Stacey for the following memories:-
“Reminiscences – I am sure many of us will remember the cold winters of our childhoods. When I grew up in the 1950’s we had cold lino on the floor and ice crystals grew on the inside of the windows. You had to scrape this off to see outside. The free school milk would be frozen solid in the bottles. Pea souper fogs obscured everything. When you sat in the enamel bath you didn’t hang about as it was so cold. Getting into bed was another cold experience with the cotton sheets, no duvets or electric blankets. The only way to keep warm was to think yourself warm and wear a bodice”.
Jill Allen –King has advised that September is “Catch a Bus Month”.
For details go to the Website of Bus Users UK. The Southend Association of Bus Users Group may get involved.
Dates for your Diary:
Jazz Centre UK. Live concerts on most Saturday afternoons. 2pm till 4pm. Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend. SS2. Tickets £10-£15.
Southend Council Concert Series. Monthly serious music concerts continue, but the venues now alternate between the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend. SS2 6ER. And The Plaza Centre, Southchurch Road, Southend. SS1 2PT. Friday evenings. From 8pm. Internationally acclaimed musicians. £12 at the Civic or £15 per concert at The Plaza.
Music in the Park: Free live music from 4th May till 29th. September, 2024. Priory Park Bandstand. Various musical groups from 3pm. till 4.30pm. Bring your own chair and blanket.
18th September. SDPC Meeting: Balmoral Community Centre, Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff. SS0 2pm till 4 pm. Speaker: Richard Brown from Southend Pier Museum Trust.
17th to 21st September: Cluedo-2 The Next Chapter. Palace Theatre. 7.30pm and 2.30pm. Book online or visit the booking office.
21st. September: Trust Links: Walking Together Fundraiser. 10 am. Shoeburyness.
30th September to 6th October. Southend Jazz Festival: Several venues across the city. Full details from Southend Council Website.
Slipper swop:
Southend Council invites older and frail residents to exchange their worn-out slippers for a free brand-new pair, to help reduce trips and falls in the home.
Age Concern, Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Monday, 16 September, 10am to 12pm
Shoeburyness Library: Tuesday 17 September, 10am to 12pm
The Forum Southend: Tuesday 24 September, 10am to 12pm
Editor’s request: If you would like to contribute any items to your “Digest”, please send your articles to Bob Howes at 91, Brightwell Avenue Westcliff on Sea, Essex. SS0 9EG
Email to howes01702@outlook.com Many thanks.