GENERAL CAMPAIGNS
There has been recent publicity about the withdrawal of Cheques.
Many pensioners rely on the use of cheques to pay bills and purchase things by post. This is particularly true for people who are not very mobile and rely on the use of cheques and the postal service to make life easier.
It will be particularly difficult for small organisations such as ours to to take money in for membership and outings as the cost of paying for card facilities is too high with most groups relying on a very small income from membership fees and the occasional grant.
Social isolation is one of the most cruel forms of discrimination and the removal of a chequing service will only perpetuate it.
Please support us in lobbying against this unfair discrimination against those who need the service the most.
Subject to approval, we intend to raise our profile in relation to campaigns in order to bring about change. April 2011.
Introduction from the Secretary.
A big thank you to all the members and the Officer team who elected me and have supported me during these early days as your Secretary. During the forthcoming period, I intend to devote my time to listening to your views, offering information and advice and of course completing all the usual tasks. My initial focus will be designing a new web site for consideration and helping to develop the campaign work. And do not worry the important social-educative side of the organisation will not be forgotten. So do not be concerned, the Convention's policies on Socials, Trips and Speakers will not be overlooked.
My past experiences have enabled me to spend many happy years in the building trade, before gaining further formal qualifications and pursuing a professional career. I spent over two decades as a elected Trade Union Official and experienced being elected to many positions both on a Local and National level. Also enjoyed many other positions in both the Voluntary and Statutory public services as both the Secretary and Chairman. I hope to be able to bring to the Coventry Pensioners Convention some of the positive experiences from such work. My hobbies and fun work over the past include walking, potholing, being a local DJ, practical conservation work and competitive Motocross.
After being a Carer for some years, it is a return for me to the daily tasks of working on behalf of all members and representing your views. My practice will be based upon what is determined at our regular meetings, so please make every effort to attend. Hopefully, campaign work will be high on our agenda, as we need a collective voice to speak up about the proposed cuts to our services and benefits. Our NHS and all our public services are very precious, Our collective views and teamwork are needed so much at this time, in order that we can challenge unwelcome decisions and gain support from each other. We also need to make efforts to protect our standard of living and our communities. I will always promote policies beneficial to pensioners, the retired and older people.
Finally, please do not hesitate to telephone or talk to me for whatever reason. I feel very proud to have represented the Coventry Pensioners Convention and now to move on to assist in forming a North Warwickshire Branch and I pledge to offer you all my support and repay the big thank you gave to me in those early days.
Ivor Timson July- 2011