Pensioners’ Newsletter – October 2023
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News from the South
Well it appears summer is finished and we have to prepare ourselves for less clement weather ahead of us.
Talking of winter it is probably timely to remind those that need help to avail themselves of any assistance they may need from the Welfare Fund. Contact details can be found at the end of this Newsletter. This Fund does exist for you and should not be seen as a charity, but an earned right from employment.
An undoubted highlight of the year to date has been the number and variety of trips that Sylvia and Dave have arranged for us all. We will hopefully have details of the trips for 2024 in the December Newsletter, so an issue to watch out for.
Details of the Remembrance Service are included in the Newsletter and we urge you to attend if possible.
Finally your Committee work tirelessly for the good of the VPA and its membership, but in truth we are a) getting older and b) looking for new members and the fresh thoughts they will bring with them. So if you could find the time to support the Association we would be more than pleased to welcome you as a Committee member. Please contact anyone mentioned on this Newsletter for information. You will be warmly welcomed into this special group and gain oodles of fun in the process.
Norman McGregor
Well it appears summer is finished and we have to prepare ourselves for less clement weather ahead of us.
Talking of winter it is probably timely to remind those that need help to avail themselves of any assistance they may need from the Welfare Fund. Contact details can be found at the end of this Newsletter. This Fund does exist for you and should not be seen as a charity, but an earned right from employment.
An undoubted highlight of the year to date has been the number and variety of trips that Sylvia and Dave have arranged for us all. We will hopefully have details of the trips for 2024 in the December Newsletter, so an issue to watch out for.
Details of the Remembrance Service are included in the Newsletter and we urge you to attend if possible.
Finally your Committee work tirelessly for the good of the VPA and its membership, but in truth we are a) getting older and b) looking for new members and the fresh thoughts they will bring with them. So if you could find the time to support the Association we would be more than pleased to welcome you as a Committee member. Please contact anyone mentioned on this Newsletter for information. You will be warmly welcomed into this special group and gain oodles of fun in the process.
Norman McGregor
News from the North
Hi Folks:
After the heatwave of the last couple of weeks it looks as though autumn has arrived. I don't know about any of you gardeners, but most of our crops have been exceptional - the runners and raspberries seem to be going on forever and we are running out of homes for the tomatoes.
Our Club nights continue to be well attended with good entertainment, although I think the extreme heat may have taken its toll last month.
In August we had a great day out. We stopped first at Chirk Garden Centre for coffee and an hours browsing, then on to the Downs Inn at Bridgenorth for lunch. We were treated to a lovely carvery meal after which we went into the town - a lovely old market town. It was a long but very enjoyable day.
We will be missing the September trip to the Peace Palace in Halifax as we will be across the pond in Canada, but I am certain it will be a good day out. After reading about the Peace Palace it looks a very interesting place to visit, being a grade one listed building and the only remaining Georgian cloth market left. It now houses a variety of shops, restaurants and heritage exhibitions.
Our Club night in October is the last evening one for this year. In November we revert to afternoons for the winter, but you may be pleased to know we are having a December social all be it an afternoon one.
For all those going on the Turkey and Tinsel it seems to have come round very quickly and I am sure we will have a good time. I will endeavour to have your luggage labels for the November social.
If anybody is still interested in the April holiday to Bournemouth we still have a few twin rooms left. We leave on April 10 and are staying at the Norfolk Royale Hotel for five days.
The trip on Thursday, October 26 is now a mystery tour called Autumn Tints, with lunch at the Stumble Inn. The cost is £15 pp and we leave at 9:00 a.m.
Well folks I think that brings us up-to-date with the news so enjoy the Peace Palace and let me know all about it when we get back. I will see you on the Autumn Tints Trip or at the Club in November. Till then take care.
Dave William
Hi Folks:
After the heatwave of the last couple of weeks it looks as though autumn has arrived. I don't know about any of you gardeners, but most of our crops have been exceptional - the runners and raspberries seem to be going on forever and we are running out of homes for the tomatoes.
Our Club nights continue to be well attended with good entertainment, although I think the extreme heat may have taken its toll last month.
In August we had a great day out. We stopped first at Chirk Garden Centre for coffee and an hours browsing, then on to the Downs Inn at Bridgenorth for lunch. We were treated to a lovely carvery meal after which we went into the town - a lovely old market town. It was a long but very enjoyable day.
We will be missing the September trip to the Peace Palace in Halifax as we will be across the pond in Canada, but I am certain it will be a good day out. After reading about the Peace Palace it looks a very interesting place to visit, being a grade one listed building and the only remaining Georgian cloth market left. It now houses a variety of shops, restaurants and heritage exhibitions.
Our Club night in October is the last evening one for this year. In November we revert to afternoons for the winter, but you may be pleased to know we are having a December social all be it an afternoon one.
For all those going on the Turkey and Tinsel it seems to have come round very quickly and I am sure we will have a good time. I will endeavour to have your luggage labels for the November social.
If anybody is still interested in the April holiday to Bournemouth we still have a few twin rooms left. We leave on April 10 and are staying at the Norfolk Royale Hotel for five days.
The trip on Thursday, October 26 is now a mystery tour called Autumn Tints, with lunch at the Stumble Inn. The cost is £15 pp and we leave at 9:00 a.m.
Well folks I think that brings us up-to-date with the news so enjoy the Peace Palace and let me know all about it when we get back. I will see you on the Autumn Tints Trip or at the Club in November. Till then take care.
Dave William
Remembrance Service
The Remembrance Day service this year will take place on Sunday, November 12 at 8:30 am at the Kimpton Road War Memorial. There will be a short service conducted by Reverend David Alexander, the Vauxhall Chaplain, and a wreath will be laid to honour the Vauxhall employees who lost their lives in the two World Wars. All employees, pensioners and members of the public are welcome.
The Remembrance Day service this year will take place on Sunday, November 12 at 8:30 am at the Kimpton Road War Memorial. There will be a short service conducted by Reverend David Alexander, the Vauxhall Chaplain, and a wreath will be laid to honour the Vauxhall employees who lost their lives in the two World Wars. All employees, pensioners and members of the public are welcome.
Employee OnLine Ordering (EMPOLO) for the Retirement Car Scheme (was Car Roll Plan)
This information is important for those who are retiring and pensioners who are not currently on the car scheme, but who at some point would like to return to the Scheme:
If you have previously retired from the employment of the Company, but you are not currently in possession of a vehicle under the Retiree Car Scheme (NCPR), you will have until the end of December 2023 to register and order a vehicle within the scheme. Your eligibility to join will need to be checked and confirmed before you would be able to join the Retiree Car Scheme (this is detailed at the end of this communication).
If someone does not register by the end of December 2023 then they would not be considered eligible to join the Vauxhall Retiree Car Scheme at any time in the future.
Please note that whilst there remain constraints on the supply of new vehicles, priority will be given to vehicle orders made by:
- Current employees who are members of the Employee Car Scheme then
- Retirees who are currently in possession of a Retiree Car Scheme Vehicle.
Retirees wishing to join the scheme please contact employeefleet@stellantis.com
You will need to provide proof that you are in receipt of a pension related to your former employment. Once your request has been reviewed by the Employee Fleet team your account will be activated on EMPOLO and you will be able to order a vehicle.
A communication issued by Employee Fleet on changes to the Car Scheme can be found at the end of this Newsletter.
If you have any queries please contact
employeefleet@stellantis.com or telephone
0151 350 3250.
This information is important for those who are retiring and pensioners who are not currently on the car scheme, but who at some point would like to return to the Scheme:
If you have previously retired from the employment of the Company, but you are not currently in possession of a vehicle under the Retiree Car Scheme (NCPR), you will have until the end of December 2023 to register and order a vehicle within the scheme. Your eligibility to join will need to be checked and confirmed before you would be able to join the Retiree Car Scheme (this is detailed at the end of this communication).
If someone does not register by the end of December 2023 then they would not be considered eligible to join the Vauxhall Retiree Car Scheme at any time in the future.
Please note that whilst there remain constraints on the supply of new vehicles, priority will be given to vehicle orders made by:
- Current employees who are members of the Employee Car Scheme then
- Retirees who are currently in possession of a Retiree Car Scheme Vehicle.
Retirees wishing to join the scheme please contact employeefleet@stellantis.com
You will need to provide proof that you are in receipt of a pension related to your former employment. Once your request has been reviewed by the Employee Fleet team your account will be activated on EMPOLO and you will be able to order a vehicle.
A communication issued by Employee Fleet on changes to the Car Scheme can be found at the end of this Newsletter.
If you have any queries please contact
employeefleet@stellantis.com or telephone
0151 350 3250.
DVLA – Massive Changes for Elderly
Elderly driving licence renewals could be set for changes with the Government and DVLA holding a consultation this autumn. Elderly drivers may soon be hit with major changes to driving licence renewals with the Government considering taking action. The DVLA has launched a consultation asking for evidence on driver licencing for road users with medical conditions. The briefing does not outline any specific proposals that could be introduced to change the system for now.
However, responses are still likely to help formulate proposals to help support future rule updates.
Richard Holden, Minister for Roads and Local Transport, said the consultation was being held as the “time is right” to review existing rules. He explained: “A range of medical conditions, disabilities and treatments can affect an individual’s ability to safely control a vehicle. As the volume and complexity of driving licence applications or renewals where the applicant has one or more medical condition increases, the Government believes that the time is right to review the existing legal framework. However, we recognise that there are many people and organisations with a wide range of expertise that might have views or ideas that they wish to share and that is why we are launching this call for evidence. We want to understand any opportunities for change in this area and we need your help with that.”
The call for evidence began on July 31 and will run for almost three months, expiring on October 22. Evidence can be submitted online through the DVLA SNAP Survey tool or posted to their head office in Swansea.
Currently, those over the age of 70 have to apply for a new licence every three years, but there are no mandatory medical checks to confirm they are fit to drive. Instead, it is up to the motorists themselves to declare to DVLA chiefs if they have any medical conditions that may affect their ability to drive. Illnesses that need reporting include dementia, Parkinson’s disease and any neurological disease. Failure to highlight a condition could see road users slapped with heavy fines and invalidate their car insurance.
By 2035, there are expected to be 21 million older drivers on the roads with around two million suffering from dementia by 2051. Holden added: “The aim of this call for evidence is to tap into a wide range of experience, views, and research to help us to identify areas where policy or legislative changes may be able to improve outcomes for drivers and other road users.”
Elderly driving licence renewals could be set for changes with the Government and DVLA holding a consultation this autumn. Elderly drivers may soon be hit with major changes to driving licence renewals with the Government considering taking action. The DVLA has launched a consultation asking for evidence on driver licencing for road users with medical conditions. The briefing does not outline any specific proposals that could be introduced to change the system for now.
However, responses are still likely to help formulate proposals to help support future rule updates.
Richard Holden, Minister for Roads and Local Transport, said the consultation was being held as the “time is right” to review existing rules. He explained: “A range of medical conditions, disabilities and treatments can affect an individual’s ability to safely control a vehicle. As the volume and complexity of driving licence applications or renewals where the applicant has one or more medical condition increases, the Government believes that the time is right to review the existing legal framework. However, we recognise that there are many people and organisations with a wide range of expertise that might have views or ideas that they wish to share and that is why we are launching this call for evidence. We want to understand any opportunities for change in this area and we need your help with that.”
The call for evidence began on July 31 and will run for almost three months, expiring on October 22. Evidence can be submitted online through the DVLA SNAP Survey tool or posted to their head office in Swansea.
Currently, those over the age of 70 have to apply for a new licence every three years, but there are no mandatory medical checks to confirm they are fit to drive. Instead, it is up to the motorists themselves to declare to DVLA chiefs if they have any medical conditions that may affect their ability to drive. Illnesses that need reporting include dementia, Parkinson’s disease and any neurological disease. Failure to highlight a condition could see road users slapped with heavy fines and invalidate their car insurance.
By 2035, there are expected to be 21 million older drivers on the roads with around two million suffering from dementia by 2051. Holden added: “The aim of this call for evidence is to tap into a wide range of experience, views, and research to help us to identify areas where policy or legislative changes may be able to improve outcomes for drivers and other road users.”
Changes to Landline Telephones
The UK’s telephone network is being upgraded, which means that landline services are changing. You can still have a landline in your home, but the technology that powers it will be different. For most, switching over will be straightforward, but some people may need new equipment or support to make the changes.
Traditionally, landlines have been delivered through an analogue network, but this is being replaced by digital technology. The new system is called 'Voice over Internet Protocol' (VoIP), but you may also hear the terms 'Digital Voice' (from the landline provider BT) or digital phone. VoIP is a type of phone system that uses an internet connection to make and receive calls. Given this, you will need an at-home internet connection to use the new landline digital system. Once you have moved to the new digital system, your landline will mainly work as it always has, although there will be some differences – for example, it will not work if there is a power cut unless you have a battery backup.
The changeover has started, and some people have already been moved to the digital system. For almost all networks, the changeover will have happened by December 2025.
The BT network, which is used by some other telecoms providers, will close by December 2025. Most other companies with their own networks, like Virgin Media, plan to follow the same timescale.
BT has now started to contact a limited number of customers, having paused its changeover programme, and will begin to roll out the programme on a region-by-region basis from summer 2023. However, they are not currently switching certain groups, including:
· people aged 70 and over
· people with additional needs
· people who only have a landline (and not broadband)
· people with telecare alarms
· people with no mobile signal at home.
Other companies have also started rolling out digital systems. In some areas, changes to the network will mean that everyone needs to move to the digital system. You may also be moved to the new system if you decide to move to a new phone and broadband package.
If you have not been moved over yet, don't worry your phone company will get in touch with you when they want you to make the change.
The current landline network needs to be replaced because it is old and is becoming difficult to maintain. The new system uses the internet to make phone calls – this offers better quality calls as well as some additional features.
Phone and broadband companies are leading this change. The Government is supporting it. The aim of Ofcom (the communications regulator) is to make sure customers do not face unnecessary disruption or harm because of the changes.
Your telephone provider will contact you in advance to let you know when your system's changing and what you need to do. In some cases, an engineer will need to visit to make changes.
For lots of people, the change will be straightforward. If you already have a broadband connection you may just need to plug your phone into your broadband router or you will be sent an adapter that connects to your phone and plugs into your router. If you have more than one phone socket with separate handsets you may need additional adapters.
When you are contacted by your provider let them know if you have any questions or concerns about moving to the digital service, or if you need any additional help. In most cases you will be able to keep your current phone number. If your phone handset is very old, you might need to change it. Your phone provider will be able to advise you on this.
The switch to digital landlines may affect telecare devices and other equipment such as personal alarms and security alarms if they are connected to your phone line. Although your telephone service provider will contact you before the switch takes place, you may want to let them know about any telecare devices that you have in advance. It is also a good idea to contact the supplier of your telecare device to check that this will work with the new system or whether any equipment will need to be upgraded. If you are buying a new device that is linked to the phone system, you should also check with the seller or manufacturer that this will be compatible.
If you already have a broadband connection, for example to connect to the internet, then the new digital landline system will use this.
If you do not have a broadband connection, your provider will supply one specifically to support the new digital system, but you shouldn't pay extra for this if you do not move over to a broadband service.
BT has committed to not raise prices above inflation for 'voice only' customers until 2026. 'Voice only' customers are those who do not have home broadband. Virgin Media has also said that people will not pay more than what they already pay for their current service. This means that you should not face extra costs if you need a new simple internet connection to make calls. Unlike some traditional corded analogue phones, a digital phone will only work in a power cut if it has a battery back-up, because it will run using your home electricity. In these instances, phone companies are advising people to use mobile phones as a backup.
If you are dependent on your landline phone – for example, if you do not have a mobile phone or you live somewhere where there is no or poor mobile signal, then your telephone provider must offer you a 'resilience solution' to make sure you can make emergency calls during a power cut. This could be a mobile phone (if you have mobile signal) or a battery-backup unit for your landline phone. This resilience solution should be provided free of charge to people who are dependent on their landline. If you are not eligible for a free resilience solution, you may be able to purchase one from your provider or another retailer – talk to your provider about the options available to you.
As the switchover is affecting millions of homes, this can create an opportunity for criminals to develop new scams. These scam attempts could happen over the phone, via email, or in person on your doorstep. Remember the following scam advice when someone's contacting you about the switchover:
STOP – take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or your personal information.
CHALLENGE – could it be fake? It is OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. You should never feel rushed or pressured into making a decision.
PROTECT – contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been a victim of a scam and report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.
Other unscrupulous people may also try to sell you equipment or get you to sign up to expensive contracts that you do not need. In these cases, it is important that you do not rush into making any decisions. You can always seek a second opinion and speak to your phone company – they should be able to advise you about what you need.
The UK’s telephone network is being upgraded, which means that landline services are changing. You can still have a landline in your home, but the technology that powers it will be different. For most, switching over will be straightforward, but some people may need new equipment or support to make the changes.
Traditionally, landlines have been delivered through an analogue network, but this is being replaced by digital technology. The new system is called 'Voice over Internet Protocol' (VoIP), but you may also hear the terms 'Digital Voice' (from the landline provider BT) or digital phone. VoIP is a type of phone system that uses an internet connection to make and receive calls. Given this, you will need an at-home internet connection to use the new landline digital system. Once you have moved to the new digital system, your landline will mainly work as it always has, although there will be some differences – for example, it will not work if there is a power cut unless you have a battery backup.
The changeover has started, and some people have already been moved to the digital system. For almost all networks, the changeover will have happened by December 2025.
The BT network, which is used by some other telecoms providers, will close by December 2025. Most other companies with their own networks, like Virgin Media, plan to follow the same timescale.
BT has now started to contact a limited number of customers, having paused its changeover programme, and will begin to roll out the programme on a region-by-region basis from summer 2023. However, they are not currently switching certain groups, including:
· people aged 70 and over
· people with additional needs
· people who only have a landline (and not broadband)
· people with telecare alarms
· people with no mobile signal at home.
Other companies have also started rolling out digital systems. In some areas, changes to the network will mean that everyone needs to move to the digital system. You may also be moved to the new system if you decide to move to a new phone and broadband package.
If you have not been moved over yet, don't worry your phone company will get in touch with you when they want you to make the change.
The current landline network needs to be replaced because it is old and is becoming difficult to maintain. The new system uses the internet to make phone calls – this offers better quality calls as well as some additional features.
Phone and broadband companies are leading this change. The Government is supporting it. The aim of Ofcom (the communications regulator) is to make sure customers do not face unnecessary disruption or harm because of the changes.
Your telephone provider will contact you in advance to let you know when your system's changing and what you need to do. In some cases, an engineer will need to visit to make changes.
For lots of people, the change will be straightforward. If you already have a broadband connection you may just need to plug your phone into your broadband router or you will be sent an adapter that connects to your phone and plugs into your router. If you have more than one phone socket with separate handsets you may need additional adapters.
When you are contacted by your provider let them know if you have any questions or concerns about moving to the digital service, or if you need any additional help. In most cases you will be able to keep your current phone number. If your phone handset is very old, you might need to change it. Your phone provider will be able to advise you on this.
The switch to digital landlines may affect telecare devices and other equipment such as personal alarms and security alarms if they are connected to your phone line. Although your telephone service provider will contact you before the switch takes place, you may want to let them know about any telecare devices that you have in advance. It is also a good idea to contact the supplier of your telecare device to check that this will work with the new system or whether any equipment will need to be upgraded. If you are buying a new device that is linked to the phone system, you should also check with the seller or manufacturer that this will be compatible.
If you already have a broadband connection, for example to connect to the internet, then the new digital landline system will use this.
If you do not have a broadband connection, your provider will supply one specifically to support the new digital system, but you shouldn't pay extra for this if you do not move over to a broadband service.
BT has committed to not raise prices above inflation for 'voice only' customers until 2026. 'Voice only' customers are those who do not have home broadband. Virgin Media has also said that people will not pay more than what they already pay for their current service. This means that you should not face extra costs if you need a new simple internet connection to make calls. Unlike some traditional corded analogue phones, a digital phone will only work in a power cut if it has a battery back-up, because it will run using your home electricity. In these instances, phone companies are advising people to use mobile phones as a backup.
If you are dependent on your landline phone – for example, if you do not have a mobile phone or you live somewhere where there is no or poor mobile signal, then your telephone provider must offer you a 'resilience solution' to make sure you can make emergency calls during a power cut. This could be a mobile phone (if you have mobile signal) or a battery-backup unit for your landline phone. This resilience solution should be provided free of charge to people who are dependent on their landline. If you are not eligible for a free resilience solution, you may be able to purchase one from your provider or another retailer – talk to your provider about the options available to you.
As the switchover is affecting millions of homes, this can create an opportunity for criminals to develop new scams. These scam attempts could happen over the phone, via email, or in person on your doorstep. Remember the following scam advice when someone's contacting you about the switchover:
STOP – take a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or your personal information.
CHALLENGE – could it be fake? It is OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. You should never feel rushed or pressured into making a decision.
PROTECT – contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been a victim of a scam and report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.
Other unscrupulous people may also try to sell you equipment or get you to sign up to expensive contracts that you do not need. In these cases, it is important that you do not rush into making any decisions. You can always seek a second opinion and speak to your phone company – they should be able to advise you about what you need.
Trip Reports
Thursday, August 3 – Brighton
A coach load left Luton at 9:30 am arriving in Brighton at 12 noon. The weather was very good and the group had the afternoon to explore the resort by shopping in the Lanes, walking along the promenade, going on an open bus tour or just eating and drinking in the many cafes and restaurants on hand. All too soon it was 4 o'clock and time to board the coach to return to Luton. The journey home took a bit longer than expected due to there being problems on the M25 car park. Andy alleviated the boredom by playing music from the 50s and 60s which led to a sing song and made the journey pass quicker. Thanks to Sylvia for her efforts.
A coach load left Luton at 9:30 am arriving in Brighton at 12 noon. The weather was very good and the group had the afternoon to explore the resort by shopping in the Lanes, walking along the promenade, going on an open bus tour or just eating and drinking in the many cafes and restaurants on hand. All too soon it was 4 o'clock and time to board the coach to return to Luton. The journey home took a bit longer than expected due to there being problems on the M25 car park. Andy alleviated the boredom by playing music from the 50s and 60s which led to a sing song and made the journey pass quicker. Thanks to Sylvia for her efforts.
Thursday, August 31 – New Forest Tour
The trip to the New Forest left Luton at about 9 o'clock and sad to say it rained until about 3ish. Nevertheless the VPA'ites did not let this dishearten them. They were going to have a jolly day and by Jove they did. The first major stop was at Lyndhurst where they took advantage of refreshments and a spot of shopping. The major stop was at Christchurch where some of the group took on board some rather splendid fish and chips. Later in the afternoon it stopped raining and with the brighter weather came the appearance of the famous new forest ponies and very cute they were. Later much to the driver Andy's pleasure we actually spied a donkey so the day was voted a success! The group arrived back in Luton happy and tired. Thanks Sylvia.
Friday, September 15 – ‘Kentish Lady’
A fair crowd of members joined the coach for Maidstone to board the Kentish Lady for a 3 hour cruise along the River Medway. On board they enjoyed a fish and chips lunch. Arriving home at 5:30 pm they had a really enjoyable voyage and thanks to Sylvia and Dave for organising.
Thursday, September 21 – Peak District Day
49 intrepid members set forth from Luton at 9:00 am stopping for a brief comfort break at Leicester Forest East before arriving at Bakewell at noon. There were many comments as to how pleasant it was to avoid the M25. Bakewell is a very pleasant place known for its pudding and the Bridge of Padlocks. A very pleasant lunch was taken and some sightseeing before we boarded the coach for Matlock, which was fairly non-descript, but served the purpose of allowing for a drink and pee break before we left for home. The coach arrived in Luton dead on 7:00 pm. It was a splendid outing much enjoyed by all.
Thanks to Sylvia and Andy for the usual service.
The trip to the New Forest left Luton at about 9 o'clock and sad to say it rained until about 3ish. Nevertheless the VPA'ites did not let this dishearten them. They were going to have a jolly day and by Jove they did. The first major stop was at Lyndhurst where they took advantage of refreshments and a spot of shopping. The major stop was at Christchurch where some of the group took on board some rather splendid fish and chips. Later in the afternoon it stopped raining and with the brighter weather came the appearance of the famous new forest ponies and very cute they were. Later much to the driver Andy's pleasure we actually spied a donkey so the day was voted a success! The group arrived back in Luton happy and tired. Thanks Sylvia.
Friday, September 15 – ‘Kentish Lady’
A fair crowd of members joined the coach for Maidstone to board the Kentish Lady for a 3 hour cruise along the River Medway. On board they enjoyed a fish and chips lunch. Arriving home at 5:30 pm they had a really enjoyable voyage and thanks to Sylvia and Dave for organising.
Thursday, September 21 – Peak District Day
49 intrepid members set forth from Luton at 9:00 am stopping for a brief comfort break at Leicester Forest East before arriving at Bakewell at noon. There were many comments as to how pleasant it was to avoid the M25. Bakewell is a very pleasant place known for its pudding and the Bridge of Padlocks. A very pleasant lunch was taken and some sightseeing before we boarded the coach for Matlock, which was fairly non-descript, but served the purpose of allowing for a drink and pee break before we left for home. The coach arrived in Luton dead on 7:00 pm. It was a splendid outing much enjoyed by all.
Thanks to Sylvia and Andy for the usual service.
Golf
The ‘Golfing Gods’ must have conspired to arrange for the National Pirates Day on September 19 to coincide with the VPA Golf Day at the Aylesbury Vale Golf Club. This coincidence was dampened down by the adverse weather and this partly curtailed some acts of piracy.
The twenty intrepid golfers had to contend with high winds, threatening dark clouds and several stormy showers. Despite this the VPA golfers played some excellent golf when they competed for the coveted Peter Johnson trophy.
The format of the competition was a pairs better-ball Stableford and the winners were Peter Johnson (the trophy donator) and his ‘swashbuckling’ partner Jim Heaney. It was also deja vu for Peter as he won his cup at the same event last year.
The winning pair attained a score of 44 points and in second place with a score of 41 points (on countback) was Martin Redmond and David Alexander. In third place on the same score (but with a slightly inferior back nine holes) was short handicapper Paul Davies and Lou Chadwick. In fourth place with a creditable 39 points was Phil Watson and Mick Shea.
The nearest the pin competitions on two difficult par three holes were won respectively by Bill Goodyear and the buccaneering Peter Johnson.
After battling the elements the players took shelter at the nineteenth hole for some refreshment, some ‘rapier-witted’ banter and a hearty high calorie Pirates Lunch!
The event was greatly enjoyed by all players and all went home with a prize – all except Roger the Cabin boy.
The VPA Golf organisers Mike Roberts and Jim Heaney are hoping for even more support from members next year and they have already planned the 2024 events and these are:
May 16 - Abbey Hill - Team Texas Scramble
June 25 - Stockwood Park - Singles Championship
August 3 - Details of this VPA Platinum Jubilee team event to be confirmed
September 17 - Aylesbury Vale - Pairs Championship
All golf-playing VPA members with a club handicap are most welcome and can register for the events by sending a brief email to Mike Roberts at mikerobertsverulam@msn.com
The ‘Golfing Gods’ must have conspired to arrange for the National Pirates Day on September 19 to coincide with the VPA Golf Day at the Aylesbury Vale Golf Club. This coincidence was dampened down by the adverse weather and this partly curtailed some acts of piracy.
The twenty intrepid golfers had to contend with high winds, threatening dark clouds and several stormy showers. Despite this the VPA golfers played some excellent golf when they competed for the coveted Peter Johnson trophy.
The format of the competition was a pairs better-ball Stableford and the winners were Peter Johnson (the trophy donator) and his ‘swashbuckling’ partner Jim Heaney. It was also deja vu for Peter as he won his cup at the same event last year.
The winning pair attained a score of 44 points and in second place with a score of 41 points (on countback) was Martin Redmond and David Alexander. In third place on the same score (but with a slightly inferior back nine holes) was short handicapper Paul Davies and Lou Chadwick. In fourth place with a creditable 39 points was Phil Watson and Mick Shea.
The nearest the pin competitions on two difficult par three holes were won respectively by Bill Goodyear and the buccaneering Peter Johnson.
After battling the elements the players took shelter at the nineteenth hole for some refreshment, some ‘rapier-witted’ banter and a hearty high calorie Pirates Lunch!
The event was greatly enjoyed by all players and all went home with a prize – all except Roger the Cabin boy.
The VPA Golf organisers Mike Roberts and Jim Heaney are hoping for even more support from members next year and they have already planned the 2024 events and these are:
May 16 - Abbey Hill - Team Texas Scramble
June 25 - Stockwood Park - Singles Championship
August 3 - Details of this VPA Platinum Jubilee team event to be confirmed
September 17 - Aylesbury Vale - Pairs Championship
All golf-playing VPA members with a club handicap are most welcome and can register for the events by sending a brief email to Mike Roberts at mikerobertsverulam@msn.com
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October Quiz
The topic this issue is The 60s. Good luck with the answers: 1 Who made the ‘wind of change speech’? 2 Which Christine was involved in a governmental scandal? 3 Which future Princess of Wales was born in this decade? 4 Edwin Aldrin became the second person to walk where? 5 Who played piano for Peter Cook? 6 Who married Tony Armstrong-Jones in 1960? 7 How did Tony Hancock die? 8 Who did Richard Burton marry in Canada in 1964? 9 Colonel Gaddafi assumed power in which country? 10 Bob Dylan starred in a 1969 rock festival on which island? 11 Which doctor drastically cut the UK rail network? 12 What was George Blake famous for being? 13 Which Francis sailed solo round the world? 14 Who became the youngest ever president? 15 Who slept with John Lennon in a ‘bed for peace’? 16 Which president originally blocked Britain from joining Europe? 17 Which country banned a tour by the English cricket team? 18 The Torrey Canyon was what type of transporter? 19 Which theatre that "never closed" finally did? 20 Which Private magazine signalled the beginning off the satire boom? |
August Quiz answers
1 Yorkshire 2 National Gallery 3 St Helier, Jersey 4 China 5 Jorvik Centre 6 Morecambe 7 Taxidermy 8 Nine 9 Silver Ghost 10 The Palace Pier 11 Colchester 12 Liquid clay 13 Coin collecting 14 Fell walking 15 Four 16 November 17 China 18 Calligraphy 19 Cambridge 20 Name of the country |
If you have a story you would like to tell, then please get in touch with the newsletter editor Norman McGregor via email: normanmcgregor3@gmail.com
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