Pensioners’ Newsletter – April 2025
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To print the April Newsletter, download it here:
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News from the South
I am writing this looking up at a shining sun, in a bright blue sky, and noting that the bulbs are pushing through and the buds on all the bushes and trees are out. I just hope that we have no more severe frosts to harm our garden contents.
The AGM in March went very well with a decent attendance. You can find the minutes of the meeting on the VPA website www.vauxhallpensioners.org
Our trips in the South are filling up nicely and my advice would be to book up any you may want to go on sooner rather than later.
For those of you with memories of the Engineering building in Osborne Road and wish to see it for one last time you had better get your skates on as it is in an advanced state of dismantlement, particularly to the rear of the building.
Equally the Luton Van Plant (was IBC) ceased van build at the end of March. It was stated at the AGM that it had been sold but the name of the purchaser was not given.
Just to complete this series of misery, what was the Toddington Parts building has been reduced to nothing, with the bricks and mortar having been totally demolished.
So sadly it signals the end of Vauxhall in Luton and, for most of us, that is not good news. Hang on though, at least the Vauxhall Pensioners Association lives on and with it the name Vauxhall!
Stay healthy and happy.
Norman McGregor
I am writing this looking up at a shining sun, in a bright blue sky, and noting that the bulbs are pushing through and the buds on all the bushes and trees are out. I just hope that we have no more severe frosts to harm our garden contents.
The AGM in March went very well with a decent attendance. You can find the minutes of the meeting on the VPA website www.vauxhallpensioners.org
Our trips in the South are filling up nicely and my advice would be to book up any you may want to go on sooner rather than later.
For those of you with memories of the Engineering building in Osborne Road and wish to see it for one last time you had better get your skates on as it is in an advanced state of dismantlement, particularly to the rear of the building.
Equally the Luton Van Plant (was IBC) ceased van build at the end of March. It was stated at the AGM that it had been sold but the name of the purchaser was not given.
Just to complete this series of misery, what was the Toddington Parts building has been reduced to nothing, with the bricks and mortar having been totally demolished.
So sadly it signals the end of Vauxhall in Luton and, for most of us, that is not good news. Hang on though, at least the Vauxhall Pensioners Association lives on and with it the name Vauxhall!
Stay healthy and happy.
Norman McGregor
News from the North
Dear all,
Welcome to spring, what a joy to look through the window and see all the beautiful spring colours and the lovely sunshine.
As there have been no day trips there is not a lot to report. The February social was in the afternoon as was the March one, but now we are back to evenings till next winter which will, I know, please a lot of people.
The March social incorporated the AGM when the Chairman and Committee were returned to office. Mrs Atherall, who has been a staunch supporter of the Committee, and the club, felt it was time to step down, so on behalf of the committee and club I would like to thank her for 26 years of service. We now have a new Committee member Mr John Evans, so welcome to the team. After the business was completed we had a very acceptable buffet lunch followed by a singer/comedian.
The spring holiday creeps ever nearer so let’s hope we do not run out of good weather before then, and we enjoy five days of fun and comradeship.
The Christmas Turkey and Tinsel is now on sale, we go on 1 December and as we all thought the Norfolk Royale Hotel was so good we are making a return visit, so don’t forget to pack swimming costumes. The price as ever depends on how many attendees we have but will either be £335 or £365.
Our next day trip is on 24 April to the Elan Valley and the May trip is a meal at the Stumble Inn on 22 May.
Well folks I think that brings us up to date so till next time if you are not joining us on the Scottish holiday as always take care and enjoy the spring.
Dave Williams
Dear all,
Welcome to spring, what a joy to look through the window and see all the beautiful spring colours and the lovely sunshine.
As there have been no day trips there is not a lot to report. The February social was in the afternoon as was the March one, but now we are back to evenings till next winter which will, I know, please a lot of people.
The March social incorporated the AGM when the Chairman and Committee were returned to office. Mrs Atherall, who has been a staunch supporter of the Committee, and the club, felt it was time to step down, so on behalf of the committee and club I would like to thank her for 26 years of service. We now have a new Committee member Mr John Evans, so welcome to the team. After the business was completed we had a very acceptable buffet lunch followed by a singer/comedian.
The spring holiday creeps ever nearer so let’s hope we do not run out of good weather before then, and we enjoy five days of fun and comradeship.
The Christmas Turkey and Tinsel is now on sale, we go on 1 December and as we all thought the Norfolk Royale Hotel was so good we are making a return visit, so don’t forget to pack swimming costumes. The price as ever depends on how many attendees we have but will either be £335 or £365.
Our next day trip is on 24 April to the Elan Valley and the May trip is a meal at the Stumble Inn on 22 May.
Well folks I think that brings us up to date so till next time if you are not joining us on the Scottish holiday as always take care and enjoy the spring.
Dave Williams
Pension safeguards
At the March AGM Rob Assinder gave a presentation on the state of the pension funds covering those ex-employees who are part of the Aon run pension group. It was encouraging to be told that the fund is in a healthy position. However, one area of concern is the number of members who have still to update their expression of wishes form. This indicates that when a member passes their pension goes to the person they nominate, within the rules of the programme.
If you have already registered with Aon then you simply go to www.mypension.com/gmpp and armed with your National Insurance number and your enrolment ID you received from Aon in your original launch letter, you follow the instructions on the website.
If you do not have your original launch letter then no worries simply phone 0330 808 5226 and talk to someone who will guide you through the process. Have your National Insurance number to hand when making this call. If you prefer not to call you can e-mail [email protected] or write to them on Pensions Administration, GM Pension Plans, Aon, PO Box 196, Huddersfield, HD8 1EG.
It really is in your best interests to register as, once in, you can check that your personal details are correct, check your pension payslip, get answers to most of your questions and check your expression of wishes form and update where or if necessary.
Incidentally, if you are not sure who to leave your pension to I am more than happy to be adopted by you. For clarification purposes that was a joke, albeit rather weak, and not what you would expect to find in an article about pensions.
If you do as suggested there is no doubt that it may avoid a lot of confusion and concern when it is least required.
Norman McGregor
At the March AGM Rob Assinder gave a presentation on the state of the pension funds covering those ex-employees who are part of the Aon run pension group. It was encouraging to be told that the fund is in a healthy position. However, one area of concern is the number of members who have still to update their expression of wishes form. This indicates that when a member passes their pension goes to the person they nominate, within the rules of the programme.
If you have already registered with Aon then you simply go to www.mypension.com/gmpp and armed with your National Insurance number and your enrolment ID you received from Aon in your original launch letter, you follow the instructions on the website.
If you do not have your original launch letter then no worries simply phone 0330 808 5226 and talk to someone who will guide you through the process. Have your National Insurance number to hand when making this call. If you prefer not to call you can e-mail [email protected] or write to them on Pensions Administration, GM Pension Plans, Aon, PO Box 196, Huddersfield, HD8 1EG.
It really is in your best interests to register as, once in, you can check that your personal details are correct, check your pension payslip, get answers to most of your questions and check your expression of wishes form and update where or if necessary.
Incidentally, if you are not sure who to leave your pension to I am more than happy to be adopted by you. For clarification purposes that was a joke, albeit rather weak, and not what you would expect to find in an article about pensions.
If you do as suggested there is no doubt that it may avoid a lot of confusion and concern when it is least required.
Norman McGregor
A Glaring Problem
I’m sure I’m not alone in being nervous about driving in the dark.
In January 2024 the RAC called on the Government to commission an independent study into the issue of headlight glare after new research found 85% of those affected believe the problem is getting worse.
A survey of 2,000 drivers found 89% think at least some headlights on cars on the road today are too bright, of which 28% – a higher proportion than ever – think most are. Of all these drivers 91% say they get dazzled when driving with 75% saying this happens regularly.
When it comes to the effects of glare on drivers, 67% who suffer say they have to slow down considerably until they can see clearly again, while a similar proportion (64%) believe some head-lights are so bright they risk causing accidents - 5% of these drivers state they have nearly been involved in a collision. Alarmingly, nearly 7% say they find headlight glare so bad that they avoid driving at night altogether, a figure that rises to 14% for drivers aged 65 and over.
Drivers were asked to estimate how long it takes them to see clearly again after getting dazzled by other drivers’ lights. While 68% say it takes between 1-5 seconds, 11% say it takes 6 or more – which, staggeringly, is enough for a driver travelling at 60mph to cover 160 metres, the equivalent of 40 car lengths.
The reasons may be as a result of the increasing prevalence of cars fitted with LED headlights, leading to a much more intense and focused beam that the human eye reacts differently to, compared to a conventional ‘yellower’ halogen bulb. While LED headlights are great for improving a driver’s view of the road ahead, this can be to the detriment of other road users.
However, more than 44% think the dazzling is caused by badly aligned headlights. A Freedom of Information request submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in November 2023 shows that since 2019, an average of 1.6m, or 5% of Class 4 vehicles – which includes passenger cars – failed their MOTs as a result of poor headlight aim. What’s more, with the DVSA stating in 2016 that ‘headlamp aim consistently tops the MOT compliance survey as one of the most likely items to be assessed incorrectly by testers’, the actual figure could be much higher.
The increasing popularity of cars that sit higher on the road, especially SUVs, may also be a factor with those in conventional cars such as hatch-backs, saloons or estates suffering the most. 62% of conventional cars blame the dazzling on higher vehicles, whereas only 35% of those in higher vehicles point the finger to similarly sized vehicles.
Government collision statistics shows that since 2013, there has been an average of 280 collisions a year where dazzling headlights were a contributory factor. Of these, six a year involved someone losing their life. The actual number may be higher if an investigation was unable to determine whether or not a collision was directly or indirectly caused by the glare from another vehicle’s headlights.
As a result of the sentiment among drivers, the RAC has raised the issue of headlight glare with the Department for Transport. Currently there is a petition on the Government website for a review of the brightness and type if vehicle headlights allowed, with a deadline of June 2025 – ‘Ban LED headlights’ https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions
Dealing with glare – Always use your rear-view mirror properly at night - some newer cars have self-dimming rear-view mirrors that can reduce dazzle from vehicles behind. Speak to your optometrist - for those who wear glasses, a glare-minimising coating can help.
Sylvia Gray
I’m sure I’m not alone in being nervous about driving in the dark.
In January 2024 the RAC called on the Government to commission an independent study into the issue of headlight glare after new research found 85% of those affected believe the problem is getting worse.
A survey of 2,000 drivers found 89% think at least some headlights on cars on the road today are too bright, of which 28% – a higher proportion than ever – think most are. Of all these drivers 91% say they get dazzled when driving with 75% saying this happens regularly.
When it comes to the effects of glare on drivers, 67% who suffer say they have to slow down considerably until they can see clearly again, while a similar proportion (64%) believe some head-lights are so bright they risk causing accidents - 5% of these drivers state they have nearly been involved in a collision. Alarmingly, nearly 7% say they find headlight glare so bad that they avoid driving at night altogether, a figure that rises to 14% for drivers aged 65 and over.
Drivers were asked to estimate how long it takes them to see clearly again after getting dazzled by other drivers’ lights. While 68% say it takes between 1-5 seconds, 11% say it takes 6 or more – which, staggeringly, is enough for a driver travelling at 60mph to cover 160 metres, the equivalent of 40 car lengths.
The reasons may be as a result of the increasing prevalence of cars fitted with LED headlights, leading to a much more intense and focused beam that the human eye reacts differently to, compared to a conventional ‘yellower’ halogen bulb. While LED headlights are great for improving a driver’s view of the road ahead, this can be to the detriment of other road users.
However, more than 44% think the dazzling is caused by badly aligned headlights. A Freedom of Information request submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in November 2023 shows that since 2019, an average of 1.6m, or 5% of Class 4 vehicles – which includes passenger cars – failed their MOTs as a result of poor headlight aim. What’s more, with the DVSA stating in 2016 that ‘headlamp aim consistently tops the MOT compliance survey as one of the most likely items to be assessed incorrectly by testers’, the actual figure could be much higher.
The increasing popularity of cars that sit higher on the road, especially SUVs, may also be a factor with those in conventional cars such as hatch-backs, saloons or estates suffering the most. 62% of conventional cars blame the dazzling on higher vehicles, whereas only 35% of those in higher vehicles point the finger to similarly sized vehicles.
Government collision statistics shows that since 2013, there has been an average of 280 collisions a year where dazzling headlights were a contributory factor. Of these, six a year involved someone losing their life. The actual number may be higher if an investigation was unable to determine whether or not a collision was directly or indirectly caused by the glare from another vehicle’s headlights.
As a result of the sentiment among drivers, the RAC has raised the issue of headlight glare with the Department for Transport. Currently there is a petition on the Government website for a review of the brightness and type if vehicle headlights allowed, with a deadline of June 2025 – ‘Ban LED headlights’ https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions
Dealing with glare – Always use your rear-view mirror properly at night - some newer cars have self-dimming rear-view mirrors that can reduce dazzle from vehicles behind. Speak to your optometrist - for those who wear glasses, a glare-minimising coating can help.
Sylvia Gray
Dick Mumford
After 23 years sterling service as Treasurer of the Vauxhall Pensioners Association Committee Dick Mumford has stepped down from the role and this change was ratified at the March 2025 Annual General Meeting.
During his period on our Committee, he also, for 15 years, served as a Trustee on the Vauxhall Early Retiree Pension Board. He has certainly been a busy lad! During his time on the Committee Dick was often the calming voice of reason when discussions veered towards the heated, and of course as Treasurer he controlled the finances of the VPA. It is largely due to him that we are in the healthy position that we are now as regards money in the bank.
In recent years Dick has assumed responsibility and therefore played a major role in the distribution of the Christmas hampers that are provided to our members that are entitled to them. The activity covers buying the contents, packing them and arranging delivery.
In this activity he has been ably assisted by his wife Linda. Indeed, she has been a great support to him through all the years he has been a committee member.
It goes without saying that Dick will be sorely missed both as a Treasurer and a committee member, but as I understand it he and Linda will continue with the Christmas hampers.
The Committee thanked Dick for all he has contributed to the VPA over the past 23 years and wish him well in the future.
Norman McGregor
After 23 years sterling service as Treasurer of the Vauxhall Pensioners Association Committee Dick Mumford has stepped down from the role and this change was ratified at the March 2025 Annual General Meeting.
During his period on our Committee, he also, for 15 years, served as a Trustee on the Vauxhall Early Retiree Pension Board. He has certainly been a busy lad! During his time on the Committee Dick was often the calming voice of reason when discussions veered towards the heated, and of course as Treasurer he controlled the finances of the VPA. It is largely due to him that we are in the healthy position that we are now as regards money in the bank.
In recent years Dick has assumed responsibility and therefore played a major role in the distribution of the Christmas hampers that are provided to our members that are entitled to them. The activity covers buying the contents, packing them and arranging delivery.
In this activity he has been ably assisted by his wife Linda. Indeed, she has been a great support to him through all the years he has been a committee member.
It goes without saying that Dick will be sorely missed both as a Treasurer and a committee member, but as I understand it he and Linda will continue with the Christmas hampers.
The Committee thanked Dick for all he has contributed to the VPA over the past 23 years and wish him well in the future.
Norman McGregor
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On behalf of the Committee, a cheque was presented to Dick at the AGM by the President David Kirke, who thanked Dick for his many years of service to the Vauxhall Pensioners' Association.
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VPA Treasurer Position
Consequently, this gives the VPA the task of finding a replacement. Initially it would be ideal if anyone who worked in Finance or has a keen interest in this area of knowledge could get in touch with me at [email protected] or 07880855603 so we can have a chat.
If the prospect of going solo is something you find daunting, then I am sure that the position could be a shared one. Equally I am sure that Dick would be on hand to help you through the initial stage of your assignment.
Nigel Smith
Consequently, this gives the VPA the task of finding a replacement. Initially it would be ideal if anyone who worked in Finance or has a keen interest in this area of knowledge could get in touch with me at [email protected] or 07880855603 so we can have a chat.
If the prospect of going solo is something you find daunting, then I am sure that the position could be a shared one. Equally I am sure that Dick would be on hand to help you through the initial stage of your assignment.
Nigel Smith
Trip Reports
Thursday, February 13 – Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre
28 members boarded the coach and headed to the Rushden Lakes and shopping village. It was cold but another pleasant day.
Wednesday, March 12 – The Lion King
48 members set off from Luton to see the Lion King. There was a stop off for a lovely carvery lunch before heading to the theatre. The show was great, full of lights, music, fabulous costumes and amazing dancing.
Thursday, February 13 – Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre
28 members boarded the coach and headed to the Rushden Lakes and shopping village. It was cold but another pleasant day.
Wednesday, March 12 – The Lion King
48 members set off from Luton to see the Lion King. There was a stop off for a lovely carvery lunch before heading to the theatre. The show was great, full of lights, music, fabulous costumes and amazing dancing.
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April Quiz
This month's quiz should whet your appetite as it is centred around food and drink! Apologies for that dreadful attempt at humour. 1. What colour wine goes into sangria? 2. Which country did Calvados come from originally? 3. What comprises the outer layer of a baked Alaska? 4. What colour is associated with the liqueur Chartreuse? 5 What is the main ingredient of a caramel sauce? 6. What are the two main vegetables that usually comprise bubble and squeak? 7. What is espresso? 8. Mozzarella cheese is used to top which popular fast food? 9. Which nuts are used in marzipan? 10. Which English county is associated with its hotpot? 11. Chapatti is a cuisine item from where? 12. Italian oval tomatoes are named after which fruit? 13. Which meat is associated with the term crown roast? 14. Morel and oyster are which types of vegetable? 15 What is a crouton made up of? 16. Is green bacon smoked or unsmoked? 17. What is a Blue Vinney? 18. Which spice goes over a steak au poivre? 19. What herb is used in a pesto sauce? 20. Which fruit can be a honeydew or cantaloupe? As per usual enjoy the challenge and answers will be posted in the next newsletter. |
February Quiz answers
1. Perth 2. Shanghai 3. South Africa 4. Italy 5. East Germany 6. Jerusalem 7. 7 8. Casablanca 9. Germany 10. Nile 11. Barcelona 12. Colchester 13. France and Spain 14. Japan 15. Africa 16. Paris 17. Victoria Falls 18. Estonia 19. Qatar 20. Rupee |
If you have a story you would like to tell, then please get in touch with the newsletter editor Norman McGregor via email: [email protected]
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