Pensioners’ Newsletter – April 2026
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News from the South
At last, the clocks have gone forward and we are starting to enjoy the lighter evenings and see the beginnings of whatever is lurking in our gardens.
The Vauxhall Pensioners Association Committee continues to operate with a strong membership, a full and varied schedule of trips for this year which are mainly sold or nearly sold out, a healthy golf section and, most importantly, a strong financial position.
As ever we are always looking to improve and to serve our members more positively. If you can think of anything that will help us achieve this objective please contact us.
Norman McGregor
At last, the clocks have gone forward and we are starting to enjoy the lighter evenings and see the beginnings of whatever is lurking in our gardens.
The Vauxhall Pensioners Association Committee continues to operate with a strong membership, a full and varied schedule of trips for this year which are mainly sold or nearly sold out, a healthy golf section and, most importantly, a strong financial position.
As ever we are always looking to improve and to serve our members more positively. If you can think of anything that will help us achieve this objective please contact us.
Norman McGregor
News from the North
I know it’s spring by the lovely colours in the garden but the cold wind and rain says something else, just keep fingers crossed that the warm weather is waiting for us.
We have not had any trips since the panto but look forward very much to the April trip for lunch at the Calf’s Head. There was no social in January and the February and March, which were again in the afternoon, were very poorly attended. In March we had our AGM, followed by a hotpot lunch. The officers were all returned to office, while Daffyd and Dave stepped down, Dave through ill health.
Well folks I warned you that this would be short and sweet, hopefully there will be more to say next time.
So cheerio for now.
Dave Williams
I know it’s spring by the lovely colours in the garden but the cold wind and rain says something else, just keep fingers crossed that the warm weather is waiting for us.
We have not had any trips since the panto but look forward very much to the April trip for lunch at the Calf’s Head. There was no social in January and the February and March, which were again in the afternoon, were very poorly attended. In March we had our AGM, followed by a hotpot lunch. The officers were all returned to office, while Daffyd and Dave stepped down, Dave through ill health.
Well folks I warned you that this would be short and sweet, hopefully there will be more to say next time.
So cheerio for now.
Dave Williams
VPA AGM - Tuesday March 24, 2026
The AGM was held in the Juniper Suite at Venue 360, Gypsy Lane, Luton, commencing at 2.15.
David Kirke, our President, opened the meeting by extending a welcome to those present. Guest speakers were Rob Assinder, Pensions Director GM Europe, Pete Hope,Customer Care Director and Richard Pennington from Stellantis.
Rob indicated in his presentation that our pension fund, from which we all draw our monthly payment, is in a much healthier state than has been the case in recent years. No doubt Donald will claim the credit for this!
Importantly Rob encouraged those that have not already done so to go online to manage their pension information. If you go to www.mypensionline.com/gmpp you can check your expression of wish form to ensure it is accurate, check that your personal details are ok, check your pension payslips and benefit from a question and answer section.
The minutes of the AGM can be found on the VPE Website by logging onto https./www.vauxhallpensioners.org. This will give you full information and details of the meeting. One comment I would make is that it was very disappointing that it attracted such a low turnout of members, in fact if you discounted the VPA committee members and guest speakers only about 18 non-committee members turned up. I know that for a variety of sound reasons there are those who cannot attend but nevertheless I felt a sense of sadness at the low turnout.
Norman McGregor
The AGM was held in the Juniper Suite at Venue 360, Gypsy Lane, Luton, commencing at 2.15.
David Kirke, our President, opened the meeting by extending a welcome to those present. Guest speakers were Rob Assinder, Pensions Director GM Europe, Pete Hope,Customer Care Director and Richard Pennington from Stellantis.
Rob indicated in his presentation that our pension fund, from which we all draw our monthly payment, is in a much healthier state than has been the case in recent years. No doubt Donald will claim the credit for this!
Importantly Rob encouraged those that have not already done so to go online to manage their pension information. If you go to www.mypensionline.com/gmpp you can check your expression of wish form to ensure it is accurate, check that your personal details are ok, check your pension payslips and benefit from a question and answer section.
The minutes of the AGM can be found on the VPE Website by logging onto https./www.vauxhallpensioners.org. This will give you full information and details of the meeting. One comment I would make is that it was very disappointing that it attracted such a low turnout of members, in fact if you discounted the VPA committee members and guest speakers only about 18 non-committee members turned up. I know that for a variety of sound reasons there are those who cannot attend but nevertheless I felt a sense of sadness at the low turnout.
Norman McGregor
Luton Made : Vauxhall
I wrote in the last issue on this subject - explaining what it was all about. Following on from the various demolitions that have occurred in the last couple of years and have yet to happen in what was AA Block or IBC Vehicles, it is almost as if this exhibition is bringing the curtain down on the organisation that was part of a good chunk of our working lives.
The exhibition is at the Stockwood Discovery Centre and opens on May2 and ends on June 28. You can attend Wednesday to Sunday inclusive between the hours of 10.00am till 4.00pm.
Admission is free and I can guarantee you will find it interesting.
Norman McGregor
I wrote in the last issue on this subject - explaining what it was all about. Following on from the various demolitions that have occurred in the last couple of years and have yet to happen in what was AA Block or IBC Vehicles, it is almost as if this exhibition is bringing the curtain down on the organisation that was part of a good chunk of our working lives.
The exhibition is at the Stockwood Discovery Centre and opens on May2 and ends on June 28. You can attend Wednesday to Sunday inclusive between the hours of 10.00am till 4.00pm.
Admission is free and I can guarantee you will find it interesting.
Norman McGregor
Potholes!
Potholes and other road defects are an increasing problem on Britain’s roads, causing damage to vehicles and presenting a potential safety hazard whether you are on four wheels or two.
They are a persistent concern for motorists, bikers and cyclists and although it is up to highways authorities to fix them, you can do your bit by reporting those you see.
How do potholes form? Potholes are caused when moisture gets into the cracks in the road which expands when it freezes. The holes get bigger as vehicles drive over them damaging the structure of the road below its surface layer.
Adverse weather conditions and repeated freeze-thaw and wet-dry cycles make the pothole situation much worse. However, it’s not just the weather that is to blame for the problem.
The RAC believes the rise in potholes across the UK has stemmed from many cash-strapped councils’ reactive ‘patch and dash’ approach which means rather than resurfacing roads properly, potholes are repaired individually in a hurry, and sometimes in wet weather, leading to them quickly breaking down and reappearing. Planned preventative road maintenance would, in the longer-term, be a more efficient and cost-effective way of dealing with the issue.
What damage can potholes do to your car? Hitting a pothole can cause a number of wheel and tyre problems. Initial impact on a vehicle can cause buckled wheels, cracks, lumps in the tyre, cracked alloys and can knock out the tracking and wheel balancing. In more severe cases, it could lead to drivers losing control of their vehicles and being involved in an accident.
Report a pothole. If the pothole you want to report is on a motorway or major A-road in England, you can contact National Highways on 0300 123 5000 or visit Highways England. For road defects in Scotland, you can report problems on the MyGov website and for those in Northern Ireland use NIDirect.
The RAC have partnered with FixMyStreet to make it quick and easy for you to report a pothole you see, or indeed any street problem such as street or traffic lights not working, obstructions and broken pavements.
Making a pothole claim. If your car is damaged by a pothole, you may be able to claim compensation. The chances of being successful in claiming compensation will significantly depend on whether the pothole has already been reported.
Councils have a statutory defence in that they cannot be held liable for a defect they are not aware of – either because it has not been reported to them or it has not been picked up by their own system of inspection and maintenance.
To make a claim you must address it to the right authority. If the pothole:
· is on a major A-road or motorway in England, contact Highways England on 0300 123 5000 or by emailing [email protected]
· is on a major road or motorway in Scotland, find the right authority on the Transport Scotland website
· is on a major road or motorway in Wales, contact Traffic Wales on 0300 123 1213 or [email protected]
· is on a major road or motorway in Northern Ireland, contact the Department for Infrastructure
· is on any other road, contact the council that is responsible for the road. You can look up the relevant council at the GOV.UK website
When making a claim, as well as any evidence you've collected, you'll need to provide:
· copies of estimates or invoices for repairs to your vehicle
· a current MOT certificate
· photos of the damage if you have them
If you have fully comprehensive insurance, it may also be possible to make a claim via your insurer for the damage to your vehicle.
Sylvia Gray
Potholes and other road defects are an increasing problem on Britain’s roads, causing damage to vehicles and presenting a potential safety hazard whether you are on four wheels or two.
They are a persistent concern for motorists, bikers and cyclists and although it is up to highways authorities to fix them, you can do your bit by reporting those you see.
How do potholes form? Potholes are caused when moisture gets into the cracks in the road which expands when it freezes. The holes get bigger as vehicles drive over them damaging the structure of the road below its surface layer.
Adverse weather conditions and repeated freeze-thaw and wet-dry cycles make the pothole situation much worse. However, it’s not just the weather that is to blame for the problem.
The RAC believes the rise in potholes across the UK has stemmed from many cash-strapped councils’ reactive ‘patch and dash’ approach which means rather than resurfacing roads properly, potholes are repaired individually in a hurry, and sometimes in wet weather, leading to them quickly breaking down and reappearing. Planned preventative road maintenance would, in the longer-term, be a more efficient and cost-effective way of dealing with the issue.
What damage can potholes do to your car? Hitting a pothole can cause a number of wheel and tyre problems. Initial impact on a vehicle can cause buckled wheels, cracks, lumps in the tyre, cracked alloys and can knock out the tracking and wheel balancing. In more severe cases, it could lead to drivers losing control of their vehicles and being involved in an accident.
Report a pothole. If the pothole you want to report is on a motorway or major A-road in England, you can contact National Highways on 0300 123 5000 or visit Highways England. For road defects in Scotland, you can report problems on the MyGov website and for those in Northern Ireland use NIDirect.
The RAC have partnered with FixMyStreet to make it quick and easy for you to report a pothole you see, or indeed any street problem such as street or traffic lights not working, obstructions and broken pavements.
Making a pothole claim. If your car is damaged by a pothole, you may be able to claim compensation. The chances of being successful in claiming compensation will significantly depend on whether the pothole has already been reported.
Councils have a statutory defence in that they cannot be held liable for a defect they are not aware of – either because it has not been reported to them or it has not been picked up by their own system of inspection and maintenance.
To make a claim you must address it to the right authority. If the pothole:
· is on a major A-road or motorway in England, contact Highways England on 0300 123 5000 or by emailing [email protected]
· is on a major road or motorway in Scotland, find the right authority on the Transport Scotland website
· is on a major road or motorway in Wales, contact Traffic Wales on 0300 123 1213 or [email protected]
· is on a major road or motorway in Northern Ireland, contact the Department for Infrastructure
· is on any other road, contact the council that is responsible for the road. You can look up the relevant council at the GOV.UK website
When making a claim, as well as any evidence you've collected, you'll need to provide:
· copies of estimates or invoices for repairs to your vehicle
· a current MOT certificate
· photos of the damage if you have them
If you have fully comprehensive insurance, it may also be possible to make a claim via your insurer for the damage to your vehicle.
Sylvia Gray
People who read this newsletter
You may recall that in the February issue I asked that if you read this newsletter you drop me a line telling me that you do so.
I was pleasantly surprised at the number of you who did so. To those of you that did so, thank you very much. To those that did not Ya Boo Sucks! - only joking. It appears that when the newsletter appears on the Vauxhall Pensioners website there is a spike of between 650-700 hits.
This is very satisfying for Sylvia and myself to know that so many people have a great taste in literary values.
Norman McGregor
You may recall that in the February issue I asked that if you read this newsletter you drop me a line telling me that you do so.
I was pleasantly surprised at the number of you who did so. To those of you that did so, thank you very much. To those that did not Ya Boo Sucks! - only joking. It appears that when the newsletter appears on the Vauxhall Pensioners website there is a spike of between 650-700 hits.
This is very satisfying for Sylvia and myself to know that so many people have a great taste in literary values.
Norman McGregor
Dick Mumford
Dick has been the VPA Treasurer for many years and has always carried out his duties with care and accuracy to detail. He will be replaced by Dean Barrett, and although Dick will be a hard act to follow, I am sure that Dean is more than up to the task.
It only remains to thank Dick for the many years of dedication he has given and wish him well in the future.
Norman McGregor
Dick has been the VPA Treasurer for many years and has always carried out his duties with care and accuracy to detail. He will be replaced by Dean Barrett, and although Dick will be a hard act to follow, I am sure that Dean is more than up to the task.
It only remains to thank Dick for the many years of dedication he has given and wish him well in the future.
Norman McGregor
Thursday, March 12 – Disney’s Hercules
The VPA kicked off their first trip of 2026 with a delicious early carvery lunch at the Myllet Arms in Greenford.
We then reboarding the coach for the onward journey to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane to see Disney's "Hercules".
A big thank you to Dave and Jane for organising the trip.
Thursday, March 26 – Little Venice canal trip/Camden Market
A coachload of 51 people left Luton at about 10.45 and after a pleasant ride up the M1 and across parts of North London arrived at Camden Locks at midday.
Boarding the boat at 12.20 the group enjoyed an informative voyage which passed by London Zoo and various Regency Mansions on the way to Little Venice. Unfortunately, the combination of a boat with no lateral protection against the elements, being on water and a boisterous wind led to an uncomfortably chilly group leaving the boat at 2.00.
Most of the group went to a conveniently situated Wetherspoons as much as to get warm as to take on board food and drink. Some of the party then visited Camden Market before all joined the coach at 4.00 for an uneventful journey back to Luton arriving back at 5.45 ish.
Special thanks go to Jane who did admirably in the absence of her husband, Dave, and to Andy the coach driver.
The VPA kicked off their first trip of 2026 with a delicious early carvery lunch at the Myllet Arms in Greenford.
We then reboarding the coach for the onward journey to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane to see Disney's "Hercules".
A big thank you to Dave and Jane for organising the trip.
Thursday, March 26 – Little Venice canal trip/Camden Market
A coachload of 51 people left Luton at about 10.45 and after a pleasant ride up the M1 and across parts of North London arrived at Camden Locks at midday.
Boarding the boat at 12.20 the group enjoyed an informative voyage which passed by London Zoo and various Regency Mansions on the way to Little Venice. Unfortunately, the combination of a boat with no lateral protection against the elements, being on water and a boisterous wind led to an uncomfortably chilly group leaving the boat at 2.00.
Most of the group went to a conveniently situated Wetherspoons as much as to get warm as to take on board food and drink. Some of the party then visited Camden Market before all joined the coach at 4.00 for an uneventful journey back to Luton arriving back at 5.45 ish.
Special thanks go to Jane who did admirably in the absence of her husband, Dave, and to Andy the coach driver.
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April Quiz
The subject this issue is a return of the ever-popular potluck. 1. What does the T stand for in the initials VAT? 2. What does a Venus Fly trap catch? 3. Which movement was founded by Lord Baden-Powell? 4. What day precedes Ash Wednesday? 5. In snooker does the pink or blue ball have a higher value? 6. What is the principal county town of Buckinghamshire? 7. What animal answers to the name Brock? 8. Which Shakespeare play features the Capulets and the Montagues? 9. In which country is the battle site of El Alamein? 10. According to the proverb great oak trees grow from what? 11. Which town did Jesus grow up in? 12. What is the name of the dress worn by a ballerina? 13. Stratus, cumulus and cirrus are types of what? 14. Where do mosquitoes lay their eggs? 15. What are clogs traditionally made of? 16. Which Canadian province is Toronto the capital of? 17. Who wrote Mein Kampf? 18. What do arteries carry from your heart? 19. What is golden according to the proverb if speech is silver? 20. What is a natterjack? Have fun with this quiz - it is not too difficult. |
February Quiz answers
1. Rita 2. Eastenders 3. Family Affairs 4. Coronation Street 5. Spice Girls 6. Grant 7. Liverpool 8. Eco Warrior 9. Eastenders 10. Brookside 11. Dallas 12. Shopping Centre 13. Emmerdale 14. A close 15. Dot 16. Oil 17. Peggy 18. Mike 19. Duckworths 20. Ken Barlow |
The VPA Golf events for 2026
Please note the date for the Singles Championship at Harpenden has changed.
Thursday, May 14 - Texas Scramble at Abbey Hill Golf Complex in Milton Keynes
Thursday, June 18 – Singles Championship at Harpenden Common Golf Club
Tuesday, September 15 – Pairs Championship at Aylesbury Vale Golf Club
Please forward the names and respective email addresses of any additional players.
All registered players will be sent entry forms by email, and should any other VPA Club golfer wish to join in these events the contact is Mike Roberts – [email protected]
Please note the date for the Singles Championship at Harpenden has changed.
Thursday, May 14 - Texas Scramble at Abbey Hill Golf Complex in Milton Keynes
Thursday, June 18 – Singles Championship at Harpenden Common Golf Club
Tuesday, September 15 – Pairs Championship at Aylesbury Vale Golf Club
Please forward the names and respective email addresses of any additional players.
All registered players will be sent entry forms by email, and should any other VPA Club golfer wish to join in these events the contact is Mike Roberts – [email protected]
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]
For Upcoming Events go to this page
For Useful Contact Information go to this page
For Upcoming Events go to this page
For Useful Contact Information go to this page
