Digest March 2023
SOUTHEND & DISTRICT PENSIONER’S CAMPAIGN
“Digest “ – March, 2023.
As long as we live, there is never
enough singing. (Martin Luther).
LSE Research Study on Housing and Adult
Care at last month’s AGM.
At our AGM, Nicola and Jayeeta gave an outline of their project exploring the links between housing and care within England as it relates to Southend. Flyers were handed out and interviews arranged. They really enjoyed their time with us. They also had tea on the seafront, and loved the train journey in from London, as it runs along the coastline!
The interviews are taking place this month, so if you are interested and haven’t got around to doing anything about it, please email Nicola at n.s.brimblecombe@lse.ac.uk or phone 07354 226 532.
Jean Howes
In Committee
We welcomed Jim Folwell as a new Committee member which is really positive
news.
In the absence of Jean and Bob, Margaret had joined an online meeting hosted by SAVS, of the South East Essex Alliance formed between SAVS, their equivalents in Castle Point and Rochford, together with Mid and South East Essex Integrated Care System. Margaret also attended the Southend Rotary Club “Community Gala” held at Porters. Reports and feedback will be included in the April edition of the “Digest”.
Several members enjoyed a good fund-raising lunch at the Shore House, in Shoeburyness on 1st March, and £20 was raised for the Campaign.
We still need another delegate who would be interested in attending the quarterly NPC London Region Council Meetings in Euston, London. Travelling expenses would be reimbursed. The Meetings are normally held
between 11 am and 2 pm. Currently members bring their own snack lunch.
News from National Pensioner’s Convention: London Region Council.
We had no February “Information Bulletin” from the Secretary, Barry Todman as he suffered a broken ankle which needed hospital treatment. In recent months, the Region’s Council has been bogged-down dealing with their Constitution. Two or three London members conspired to submit about 26 amendments, and at one meeting they only managed to deal with 3 of them. This is causing concern to the Officers, as it threatens the Region’s ability to concentrate on the various campaigns they should be fighting.
Barry has signed a petition from the National Federation of the Blind of the UK (NFBUK) which received support of 61different organisations. They now have another petition which states: 1: For all ticket offices to remain open, and all manned stations to remain manned at all times with a safe level of staffing. 2: For all trains to have guards (also known as train managers or conductors), at all times. 3: For all unmanned stations to become manned at all times with a safe level of staffing. The Federation would welcome support via this link. https:/www.nfbuk.org/nfbuk-petition-on-safety-security-and-accessessibiliy-at-all-train-stations-in-the-uk/
Voter ID for elections.
Starting in May, voters at polling stations
will need to show photographic ID to the
Polling Officers. Full details are on the Gov.uk website.
Concessionary bus passes are acceptable,
but some young people will not be able to vote without a passport or driving licence
photograph.
Senior people without suitable photo ID can obtain a Voter Authority Certificate from their Local council which will allow them to vote. It has to be applied for.
Our Secretary, Jean is planning to visit Westcliff Library soon to a public meeting which will explain all the details.
These meetings will be held in Shoeburyness Library on the next 5 Thursdays from 10am till 1pm. At Westcliff they will be held on the next 5 Wednesdays at the same times.
Far better to simply ring the Council (Democratic Services) and ask to be a postal voter.
Enhanced Community Transport within Southend
The Community Investment Board, (CIB) which is funded by Southend City Council, holds £1.5million to be distributed over 5 years to fund local projects. It has recently made Community Transport a priority as CIB are keen to invest in the development of an enhanced community transport service for Southend residents. Funding is available to put together a pilot for a new service over 6 months. Expressions of interest are invited before 5pm on the 22nd March.
The Board are acutely aware that safe, accessible, reliable, cost-effective community transport for Southend residents would greatly reduce isolation for those unable to travel. The Board are aware of Vecteo’s Dial a Ride services available 10am – 2pm Monday to Friday. They are keen to enhance the current offering which would likely include a central booking mechanism and volunteer drivers utilising their own vehicles
Vecteo is the trading name for London Hire Community Services and Southend Travel Partnership Ltd set up to provide core transport services.
SDPC very much welcome this positive move towards making transport easilyaccessible for
the elderly within the City of Southend. It needs to be a simple, reliable and affordable door- to- door service for people who are unable to use conventional public transport or have no access to a vehicle. The ability of our members and potential members to attend our meetings and social outings are hindered by the complete lack of community transport. Disgraceful state of affairs!
Dates for your Diary
Jazz Centre UK. Live concerts on most Saturday afternoons. 2pm-4pm. Beecroft Art Gallery, Victoria Avenue, Southend. £10-£15.
Southend Central Museum. Victoria Avenue, Southend.
A stunning display of recent finds from the “London “ wreck” is now permanently on show at the Central Museum. Free entry between Wednesday and Sunday from 11am till 5pm.
Sunday, 19th March. Clocks go forward at 1am. (Spring forward-if you can) (Fall back-which may hurt).
Monday, 20th March. Spring Equinox.
Tuesday, 21st March. Trust Links. Recruitment Day. 4pm till 6pm. Learn how to apply for jobs and volunteering. Tea and cake will be served. Visit Trust Links House, College Gardens, Rochford, SS4 1YL.
Sunday, 26th March. British Summer Time begins.
Wednesday, 29th March. NPC London Region Council, quarterly meeting.
Wednesday 5th April – Fund Raising Lunch 12.30pmStrawberry Fields, Tesco Roundabout £15 two course meal ring Jean to book your place.
Friday, 7th April. Good Friday.
Wednesday, 19th April, Next SDPC Meeting: Speaker is Lin Catling talking about “Post Box knitted toppers”
Robert C. Howes. (Editor)
Email < howes01702@outlook.com
Tel. 01702 341047
Mobile: 07913 433 752