4 minute read
Letters
Inept government blaming the NHS
I read with dismay the opinion piece by Chris Chope MP. He advocates more deregulation, suggesting businesses should take more responsibility. Does he think the water companies would respond to that and ensure our beaches and rivers are clean? He also suggests our progress towards net zero should be subject to affordability. I agree, the facts linking emissions to global warming are now well established - anyone with common sense who has witnessed events both here and abroad this year would conclude that we cannot afford not to act swiftly. Finally, it is a scandal that so many hospital patients await discharge for too long. Who does he think is responsible for this? Fine, let’s charge the costs to those responsible - I think he’ll find that it’s largely the lack of action, funding and any reasonable plan by his government over many years. I hope Patricia Miller, the chief executive of the NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board is preparing her invoice now.
Robert Westwood Alderholt
n Little wonder that the UK is in such dire straits when we have Conservative MPs such as the Right Honourable Christopher Chope (S&A, 26th August): “We should end restrictions on the use of household coal and wood burning stoves for heating” with “the net zero CO2 emissions target subject to the test of affordability”. Unbelievable that he should, apparently seriously, make such proposals. Is he completely isolated from the world of fact and information? Then he goes on to once again condemn the NHS for the huge problem of bed-blocking when this has been an increasing factor for years owing to his corrupt and inept government utterly failing to deal with the mounting staff crisis in both the NHS and the care system, accentuated by Brexit.
Ronnie Rees Wimborne
Your help could save a life
In preparation for World Suicide Prevention Day tomorrow, Saturday, September 10, Samaritans are asking the public to consider doing the following if something doesn’t look right, or a person looks as if they need help. Introduce yourself Ask their name Ask if they are okay, or if they need help Make a comment on the weather Ask them where they are going Ask if they know where you can get a coffee Ask for the time If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, the Samaritans are here to help 24/7 with free confidential support and a listening ear. You can call free day or night on 116 123, or email us at:
jo@samaritans.org.
OFF THE WALL...
Cartoon by Lyndon Wall justsocaricatures.co.uk
Invite going out to all would-be singers
Verwood Choral Society is ready to start singing again in earnest. The choir briefly met for a few weeks’ rehearsal during May for a performance on the memorial field to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. Apart from that, we have not sung together since February 2020. On Monday, September 19, however, we will be starting up again and preparing for a lovely Christmas Concert with some new music and some old favourites. If you have ever thought you would like to give singing a try, why not come along to a session and see what you are missing. Verwood Choral society is a mixed choir of both gentlemen and ladies and we always welcome new members, especially any basses. There are no auditions, just a love of music and singing We meet every Monday at St Michaels’ Parish Church, Verwood, between 7.30pm and 9.00pm. For further information, please contact me on 01202 829212 or e-mail me at sumlon@hotmail.com alternatively, feel free to just turn up any Monday evening and you will be given a warm welcome.
Sue Longstaff Verwood
A quacking day for annual duck race
Words and pictures: Tom Scrase
The very colourful flower displays in Wimborne Minster added to the great setting for the 22nd annual duck race on the River Allen in aid of Wimborne in Bloom, and it was all of a quack again this year. It took place at the bottom of Mill Lane, starting by the bridge and mayor of Wimborne Carol Butter gave a hand to get the ducks on their way down river - by permission of the Slocock Trust - and over the finishing line beside the garden at the back of the Rising Sun in East Street. Tickets to sponsor a duck were sold in town before and on race day itself at £1 each. The winner of the first duck home received £50, second £25, third £10 and fourth, fifth and sixth, £5 each. The proceeds - more than £1,400 - were in aid of Wimborne in Bloom funds.
Platinum Award-Winning Care 2022
We have been awarded this much sought after accolade for our work with Gold Standards Framework
“Your staff are exemplary in every way. They care for my every need, showing genuine kindness and always go above and beyond the call of duty. The excellent chef caters for my special diet - all cooked to perfection. I couldn’t ask for
anything more.” Current resident Comfort &elegance
Loyal staff
