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Southport & Mersey Reporter® covering the news on Merseyside.

Date:- 01 October 2007

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Specsavers launches search for the Grandparent of the Year

AGE CONCERN and Specsavers Opticians in Southport have joined forces to launch a UK search for super grans and granddads in a bid to find the Grandparent of the Year 2008.  Nominations can be made by anyone aged over seven to recognise the special qualities and achievements of an outstanding grandparent.  The UK is home to some 14 million grandparents who, if they were being paid to look after their grandchildren, would result in a childcare bill of £3.8 million. 

Stuart Roberts, store director at Specsavers in Southport, says:- 'Grandparents are the nucleus of the family and play a pivotal role in influencing, developing and enriching the lives of all those around them.  That's why this is such a special campaign as it allows loved ones to recognise the achievements of grandparents and the unique place they have in the family. We would encourage as many people as possible to come into the store to tell their story and nominate their parents or grandparents for this very worthy award.'

The North West winner could follow in the footsteps of George Birkett, who was nominated by Thomas and Sarah McNulty in last year's awards.   George said;- ''I never expected this. It really was an honour to win the title, but I'm only the best granddad because they are the best grandchildren.''  Thomas and Sarah put him right, adding;- ''Our granddad is the best in the whole wide world, especially to us. We think he is great because he is very caring and we love him for the love and help he always gives us and because he is always there for us. We were so pleased when he got to go to London and even more excited when he won the title of Grandparent of the Year.'

The annual competition, now in its 17th year, is looking for outstanding grandparents with a heartwarming story to tell. Nominations are also welcome from people who want to recognise someone who is not a grandparent but has played that role within their life.   5 regional finalists will be plucked from obscurity to attend the all expenses VIP weekend in London, accompanied by the grandchild and parent who have nominated them. During the visit they will take part in the final awards ceremony at the House of Commons, hosted by breakfast TV presenter Fiona Philips. They will also have the opportunity to visit some of the capital's top attractions, including the London Eye.  The national winner of the Grandparent of the Year 2008 title will receive £3,000 cash to spend as they wish plus £750 in eyecare vouchers and £2,000 in hearing vouchers, courtesy of Specsavers.

To nominate your grandparent for the Grandparent of the Year competition please visit Specsavers Southport or your nearest Age Concern centre to collect a nomination form. Alternatively please email or log onto www.ageconcern.org.uk.  Closing date for entries is Friday 30 November 2007,

A call for the "Heroes in our Community" to claim their Bevin Boys badge

ENERGY Minister, Malcolm Wicks, has called for the 'heroes in our community', who may be eligible, to come forward to claim the unique Bevin Boys badge. The badge is available to all surviving Bevin Boys and formally recognises the sacrifices made in the UK coalfields during and immediately after World War II.

The application form for the badge is now available and can be obtained by calling the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency helpline on 0800 169 2277 or by visiting www.veterans-uk.info.

The Bevin Boys scheme was introduced in 1943 by then Minister for Labour and National Service, Ernest Bevin, in response to an increasing shortage of labour in the coal mining industry. The scheme ran between 1943 and 1948 and involved recruiting men aged between 18 and 25 years to work in coal mines rather than serve in the armed forces. Some 48,000 men were either selected or volunteered under the scheme.

Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks MP said:- "I am calling on all surviving Bevin Boys to come forward to claim this unique veterans badge as a tribute to their sacrifices during and after the Second World War. These heroes in our community helped to keep the coal fields running during the war and in the post-war reconstruction of Britain.  It is with honour and gratitude that we recognise their tremendous work with the award of this special badge. It is important that we never forget the sacrifices that were made both at home and abroad during the war. If you are a Bevin Boy, or you know someone who is, please come forward to claim this fitting tribute."

All Bevin Boys, be they ballottees, optants or volunteers, are eligible to apply. Applications will also be accepted from widows of Bevin Boys who passed away on or after the 20 June 2007, the date when the announcement of the badge was made. This is provided a copy of the marriage and death certificate are attached to the application form.  The 1st badges will be issued in March next year, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the demobbing of the last Bevin Boy.

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