Category: dec 16 party

Jan092014January 9, 2014January 16, 2014by admin

January newsletter 2014

Posted in Campaigns, dec 16 party, Previous events

Last HPAG Meeting, Christmas Social on 11^th December 2013

Audrey was Mistress of Ceremonies

Singing All – Wouldn’t It be Loverly
Reading Ann A. – From her new book
Poem Janet – Poem, Custard the Dragon
Poems Pamela- Tom Lehrer+1
Duet Janet/Clive – Baby It’s Cold Outside
Story Esther – Her story, now in print form
Poem Ann Beach- Readings
Poem Hetty Bechler- The Highway man
Story Clive – Dylan Thomas.
Poem Sue – Pam Ayres Poem
Poems Lauritz-Champion/Samarkand
Singing All-When I’m 64 and
Singing All- Jingle Bell rock
Poem Sylvia- Tea Dance

Entertainments, raffle, tea, good food and socialising nearly 30 members and guests attended with father bruce at tea time.

Get involved!

Would you like to join the HPAG committee? If interested you could come to a committee meeting to see what we do. Next committee meeting February 5^th. Ring Ann, Pamela or Janet.

Would you like to stand for the Executive of Greater London Region National Pensioners Convention? ( GLRNPC) It meets monthly at Walkden House, 10 Melton Street NW1 2EJ near Euston station. Nominations are needed before February 13^th. Janet can tell you more.

Become an Associate Member of GLR NPC, (£5 per year) and get monthly updates. The next London Regional Council meeting will take place on:- Thursday 30th January, at St Pancras Church Hall 11.00 to 3.30pm. All delegates and associate members are welcome to attend.

HPAG Campaigns continue in 2014.

Please let us know if you or your friends are concerned that the Housebound Library Service should not be lost. We want to make a convincing case to Haringey Council for the retention of this service. See the Survey on Library Services www.haringey.gov.uk/librariesreview ; Respond by Jan 22^nd online or get hard copies from your local library. Friends of local libraries meet on 16 January (12.30-2.30pm) to discuss the review of library services further.

February 1^st Dignity Day: On this day the Dignity Code will be promoted by the National Pensioners Convention. HPAG’s presentation will be at Hornsey Library, to be launched by the Mayor of Haringey; other agencies that have signed the Code will attend. There will be stalls at WhittingtonHospital the week before.

People’s Inquiry on the state of health services in London following the Health & Social Care Act

On November 1^st HPAG submitted aural evidence and later documented evidence. Copies of this can be obtained form Janet.

Lobby of Parliament: Clive, Barbara and Janet attended the Rally at the House of Commons on November 27^th. HPAG has sought an opportunity to meet our MP Lynne Featherstone who could not meet us on the Lobby Day. So far we have not heard when we can meet her.

Ham & High Column. So far we have had several articles published in the Ham & High. The next one on the importance of Library services is due on January 9^th. We hope that the next one may be on the difficulties faced by older people when shopping.

Loss of staff manning London Transport stations. This is currently a concern and may need action.

Other concerns. Do let us know whether there are problems facing older people that we should campaign about.

Dec022013December 2, 2013December 2, 2013by admin

December newsletter

Posted in Advice, Campaigns, dec 16 party

We continue to meet in the the Marian Centre at Hornsey Parish Church Hall, Cranley Gardens, N10 3AH, formerly St. George’s Church.

Access for the Marian Centre is through the big metal gates shown on the photograph, behind the bus stop on Park Road for W7 buses towards Muswell Hill.

The entrance is by the steps on the right of the building, but a step free access can be found through the second wooden gates around the building. Look out for our notices to guide you. Bus routes nearby: W7, 144, W3. Cross safely using the zebra crossing or the crossing with traffic lights.

News of members

The meeting on November 20^th began with a minute’s silence. In sadness we honoured both Hetty Bower and Vilma Grant.

We had hoped that Hetty would recover from her stroke, but unfortunately she suffered a second one and died on November 12^th. There will be a private family funeral on December 7^th, but a gathering to celebrate her life will be held in 2014 and we shall let you know details when this is arranged. It is hoped this will be in February.

We remember Hetty Bower as a founding member of our group, but her renown is national. Born 1905 as Hetty Rimmel, she devoted her life to campaigning for peace and social justice. Only last September she received a standing ovation for a speech at a Labour Party fringe meeting.

Hetty with her family marching to stop closures in the Whittington Hospital recently

She regularly attended the annual August 6^th Hiroshima Commemoration Day.

Reg and Hetty Bower set up our Pensioners Action Group; we shall miss her – we have lost a loved and respected campaigner.

A complete obituary will be available at the next meeting.

Meeting November 20^th ‘Scrimp & Save’

This was a lively session; our members exchanged ideas working at three tables. Members are apparently expert in saving money and also had ideas for saving water and fuel. We learned new tricks from each other; don’t despair if you missed it. The tips will be collated in a pamphlet to be handed out later.

Gordon Deuchars had come to tell us more about Age UK. Gordon added his comments after our teamwork. He concurred with many of our ideas, but urged us to observe safety considerations when saving electric light and heating. He added more suggestions on shopping wisdom. He mentioned ‘Love Food/Hate Waste’ that run events www.lovefoodhatewaste.com and Silver Travel Advisor, [c/o Age UK, 4th Floor, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, LondonWC1H 9NA].

Gordon urged us to claim the benefits that we are entitled to. Age UK can advise. 0800 169 6565.

HPAG attended the National Pensioners Convention Lobby of Parliament Wednesday 27^th November, for the photo and at the Rally/Lobby. (Photos later.)

There was a very long wait to get into the House of Commons so The meeting started late. We had speakers from Unison, 38Degrees, Northern Ireland speaker for ‘The Hands Off Campaign’, Brian Sturtivant (NPC expert on pensions), Kelvin Hopkins MP and Rodney Bickerstaffe. NPC General Secretary Dot Gibson gave a rousing introduction on the many NPC campaigns on behalf of pensioners now and in the future. Keeping public services is crucial for us and the younger generations – we want no scape-goating of older people. Most important is to oppose the ‘Transparency & Integrity in Lobbying’ Bill being rushed through parliament. It is misnamed -the Bill hardly affects Corporate lobbying but would restrict the democratic rights of ordinary citizens belonging to charities, unions and NPC. Such organisations are not rich and have few paid staff yet the bill will impose heavy reporting, and unreasonable limits on spending long-term, not just during the election period. Do all you can to ensure that MPs and those in the House of Lords oppose it.

The next HPAG meeting is on January 22^nd2014

The speaker Joanne Barrett from ‘Living under one sun’ on Haringey Big Community Switch.

This is our Annual General Meeting at which you can put forward your suggestions for how the group is run. You can also propose motions on local or national issues that you care about. Please let us know well before the AGM.

The AGM for London Region National Pensioners Convention (LR NPC) is on March 27^th2014. The following motions have been suggested.

Elections:

This meeting notes that in the run up to local and parliamentary elections that it essential that candidates are fully informed of the concerns of older people and the National Pensioners Convention policies.

This meeting urges members to lobby existing councillors and MPs and candidates to make sure they are all properly informed and to gain their assurances for support.

Safe transport:

This meeting observes that for the safety of travellers, particularly those with mobility problems or in need of assistance, stations in London should be staffed at all times when trains are running.

This meeting resolves to liaise with transport unions and campaign for all stations to be fully staffed.

The meeting also resolves to continue campaigning for stations to be step free.

Home care:

This meeting recognises that the local authority provision of home care has been largely delivered through commissioning of services to agencies, and that many of these are employing care workers on zero hours contracts. We consider that this must be detrimental to the care delivered to older people, while we note that the care workers themselves struggle to give good care.

This meeting urges members to campaign for better home-care services by:

Endorsing and publicising the NPC Fair Care Campaign.
Lobbying local authority commissioners to strengthen contracts to ensure that care workers get training and good working conditions.
Gathering evidence from local people in receipt of home care.
Making contact with care workers to encourage them to join unions and demand fair conditions of work.

Reverse marketisation of NHS: to be drafted in line with our article in Ham & High

Nurse Staffing levels: this motion would back the call from the Royal College of Nursing for limits to be set in law for safe nurse to patient ratios.

HPAG will put these motions at the GLR NPC AGM. The full text of the motions can be collected on December 11^th.

Nov042013November 4, 2013November 4, 2013by admin

November newsletter

Posted in Campaigns, dec 16 party

News of members

Sadly we have to announce that Vilma Grant died on October 28^th. Her daughter tells us that she died peacefully.

Our best wishes to Hetty Bower, a founding member who is now 106 years old, who has suffered a stroke, and is currently being cared for at the RoyalFreeHospital. Celia her daughter is with her as much as possible.

Summary of Meeting of October 16^th ‘The History of Alexandra Palace’

Stuart Little brought his video ‘A Palace for the People: The story of AlexandraPalace’. We had a show complete with sound.The company that Stuart works for had cooperated with others living near AlexandraPalace including the Hornsey Historical Society. It was the result of two years research with the help of lots of experts. The film was launched in June 1998.

In spite of the very wet weather there was a large audience. Excerpts from the video were shown. Between these we had explanations and questions answered by Stuart.

Early ideas for a palace to match Crystal Palace began in 1860, but it was thirteen years later that a building designed by John Johnson and Alfred Meeson was opened together with a railway. But 16 days later it burnt down. Victorian energy achieved a rebuilt People’s Palace in 1875 with extensive leisure attractions.

Early on AlexandraPalace suffered from financial problems, and in October 1876 was bankrupt. Some land sales from the 220 acres of land – now Dukes Avenue and other residential streets – helped.

The next extract featured the Race track. This was always problematic, called the frying pan because of its shape. Viewing was limited from the grandstand. It was the only London race-track and attracted an insalubrious clientele. Later it was used for a Donkey Derby and closed in 1968

During WWII the palace suffered further decay. Only the roller skating stayed open. It became a reception for refugees and store for furniture. There was no bomb damage apart from the Rose window. Broadcasting ceased but the transmitter helped the war effort by relaying false radio messages. In 1957 the hall was reopened.

Transport to the palace had a patchy history. There were railway links from Highgate Station to Muswell Hill and Wood Green (later called AlexandraPalace). In 1878 the Great Eastern Line served Palace Gates, and we had tramway links in 1898 electric powered overhead. We can now regret the loss of all these links but have the station booking office converted to CUFOS community centre and Parkland Walk on earlier rail tracks.

There was some dramatic footage of the disastrous fire in July 1980. An area comprising the Great Hall, Banqueting Suite, and former roller rink together with the theatre dressing rooms was completely destroyed. It was the bravery of the fire fighters that saved the Palm Court and the area occupied by the BBC escaped damage. It could have been far worse.

The footage on the Willis Organ installed in 1875 was not shown, but it was explained that the organ had been saved from destruction in 1980. The fire damaged the site of the organ, but the organ has been restored. At the time it had been dismantled for repair and much of its parts safe in store. By the way, don’t miss the organ recitals*.

This was a very enjoyable meeting. Stuart was presented with a suitable thank-you gift and he gave capable help with the raffle.

* The next organ recital is on November 26^th, with Silent Film “For Heavens Sake”. To book supper telephone 020 8870 4082 or just turn up at 7.30p for the film.

** The video can be purchased from KLA Film and Video Communication, 57 North View Road, N8 7LN price £16.49 including postage.

Campaign notices:

Please note that the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) works for pensioners on a number of issues.

Don’t miss the NPC Lobby of Parliament Wednesday 27^th November. 1-3pm Rally/Lobby, Committee Room 14, House of Commons with good speakers. Lynne Featherstone MP cannot see us until December in Hornsey – date not yet agreed.

The NPC had an exhibition stand for the Dignity Code asking MPs and Peers to sign. Clive Evers and Janet Shapiro helped. Haringey has signed, but please get others responsible for the care of older people to sign.

The National Pensioners Convention policy is: “We need a free National Care Service funded like the NHS through general taxation and a redistribution of current government spending” The ‘Fair Care Campaign’ is fully explained in the NPC booklet, cost £2.

Next year Saturday February 1^st is National Dignity Day. Can we start now to see how we can highlight this day in Haringey?

HPAG evidence was presented on November 1^st at the North London hearing of the People’s Inquiry on how local people are experiencing recent changes to the NHS.

Pam Moffatt is co-chair of Haringey Forum for Older People. She hopes to tell us more. Ask Celia Bowers and Lauritz for information of their meetings.

LR NPC AGM Spring 2014 London Region National Pensioners Convention is next year, but we are preparing HPAG motions. Please make your suggestions. The deadline is in December.

HPAG AGM January 22^nd 2014 Get ready with your suggestions for how the group is run, or motions for local or national issues that you care about. It is your group! Deadline is December 4^th but start thinking now.

Party Time! Come Forward

Our meeting on December 11^th will be a party. We invite members to come forward with their contribution. This could be a story from childhood or career. We know many of us had interesting lives!Contributions may be a reading, story, poetry or musical. We prefer to hear from you before December 2^nd. Those inspired on the day are welcome but there may be a queue!

Looking out for one another – Would you be prepared to join a ‘Telephone Tree’? This would mean being given numbers of other members who have agreed, so that you could phone them or be telephoned yourself. Often members get ill or have other troubles and no one knows. In this way we may be able to help. Please let the committee know if you are willing. You could also indicate members that should be on your list.

Sep032013September 3, 2013September 4, 2013by admin

September newsletter

Posted in dec 16 party, Previous events

We continue to meet in the autumn at the Marian Centre at Hornsey Parish Church Hall, Cranley Gardens, N10 3AH, formerly St. George’s Church.

Access for the Marian Centre is through the big metal gates shown on the photograph, behind the bus stop on Park Road for W7 buses towards Muswell Hill.

The entrance is by the steps on the right of the building, but a step free access can be found through the second wooden gates around the building.

Look out for our notices to guide you.

Bus routes nearby: W7, 144, W3. Cross safely using the zebra crossing or the crossing with traffic lights.

Meeting on July 17^th‘Let’s Talk about Bereavement’

It was unfortunate that Father Bruce, Hornsey Parish Church, was unable to speak to us. Apparently his computer had been hacked causing problems. He sent his apologies. This meant that we had more time with the other speaker, Hans Meijer, Humanistic Integrative Counsellor & Psychotherapist.

Hans concentrated on having an informal conversation with us so that we could raise problems that we thought important. He wanted us to feel relaxed and able to speak knowing that what we said would be in confidence.

He related a story to show how children have very strong feelings of remorse and loss, and then asked us to share stories of loss with whoever was sitting next to us.

Hans stressed how important relationships established with our mother as a child were in developing feelings of trust in other people met in later life. When coming to terms with a loss of someone who had died these early feelings of security could help.

Hans spoke about separation and how this could be accepted as one became more independent.

There was an exchange of experiences leading to a discussion as to how we dealt with the death of younger people, or deaths through accidents or suicide. In all cases we feel remorse, sometimes of guilt; not being with them can be difficult. Hans reminded us of Schindler (as of the film ‘Schindler’s List’) who looked back brooding over whether he could have saved yet one more. When the relationship with the one who died had been strained, coping with grief could be more difficult.

How can we help those recently bereaved? Denial – avoiding the reality of the situation does not help. It is better that the hurt is acknowledged and that the grief is allowed. In any case bereavement is the price for loving each other.

The bereaved often find it comforting to pay tribute to the person who has died, and hold ceremonies that celebrate the life that has been cut short. One of us suggested that when a good-bye had not been possible a letter could be written and then burned.

Those whose parents died when they were young have particular problems; they may suffer delayed bereavement. As a child they would have no words to make sense of their loss.

For all those bereaved, the pain of grief changes as time goes on; it may not go away but is different. The main thing is for people to feel free to talk to one another and not to hide their feelings.

Hans stayed for the social part of the meeting and people were able to ask further questions. The weather was hot, and we enjoyed our tea in the garden.

National Pensioners Convention Pensioners Janet brought photographs of past meetings. Some were of the march at Blackpool on June 18^th 2013.

Reports of the proceedings of the Pensioner Parliament were handed out. Ask if you want a copy.

A special thanks to those who helped with setting up the room and tidying up afterwards. Such help is always welcome!

BEWARE SCAMS!

Elsie Hawkins wants the scam on her credit card publicised in the newsletter. A named policeman from Holborn police station supposedly phoned her at 8.30 on a Sunday evening to check her details as a cloned credit card had been found. The police NEVER ask for credit card details. It is important not to phone any official soon after because the phoney caller keeps the line open.

Contactless Cards. – Have you a contactless card?

Make sure that this card is not kept with your FreedomPass when checking onto a bus or tube. Money could be taken.

Our Ham & High column. The most recent article by Ann Anderson was published on August 22^nd. Did you get a copy? The next one is due on September 30^th

Letters written: We have written to MP Lynne Featherstone about the threat to East Finchley Post Office, and about the switch to on-line claims for benefits and need for face to face assistance.

A letter has been sent to Joanne McCartney, Greater London Assembly about the 67 bus service to St Ann’s Hospital.

Muswell Hill Festival. Cherry Tree Woods Sunday Sept. 8^th 1pm.

HPAG will have a stall to publicise our group. Members please come to this event. If you can help contact Clive (07801 833584) to arrange at a time when you could be on the stall.

The main entrance to Cherry Tree Woods is opposite East Finchley Station.Buses: 102, 263, 234, 143, H3 stop nearby

Looking out for one another – Would you be prepared to join a ‘Telephone Tree’?

This would mean being given numbers of other members who have agreed, so that you could phone them or be telephoned yourself. Often members get ill or have other troubles and no one knows. In this way we may be able to help. Please let the committee know if you are willing. You could also indicate members that should be on your list.

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Esther Singer (8883 3391) informs us of this exercise class that will be added to our list of local activities.

Keep Fit for over 50’s with musical accompaniment. United Reformed Church Hall, Tetherdown, Tuesdays 10.30 from Sept. 3rd. (£3 followed by optional refreshments to follow)

Do members find the list of local activities useful? Shall we send this out every 3 months? Please let us know.