Letters to the editor:- "Smoking fans help 96 year old’s fag fine"

"I would like to let your readers know about this.  A 96 year old war veteran Cyril Carter from Southport, Merseyside, has been overwhelmed by the generosity of people who have sent £60 to help cover a £100 ‘fine’ for smoking in a hotel bedroom. Cyril, and his wife Lydia (92) spent two nights at the brand new Ramada Plaza hotel on Southport’s Marine Lake, as they were too frail to take a proper holiday. But on paying the bill he was hit with a £100 ‘fine’ for having a smoke after his morning cuppa. The hotel has refused to repay the money as it said it would set a precedent for others who ignore their 'no smoking' signs.  But kind folks who logged on to clickliverpool.com sent in sums from £10 - £25 and even pro-smoking group freedom2choose members contributed. Cyril said:- “I am overwhelmed that people can be so kind. It was hard for me to pay the £100 fine out of my pension and this has helped a lot. I want to thank all those who have found it in their hearts to help me, and to say God bless to them all.”  One couple, as well as sending a cheque for £25 also offered Cyril and his wife a two night complimentary break at their Yorkshire bed and breakfast. But sadly Cyril will have to decline as his wife died two weeks ago after a short illness. But he just wanted all those kind people who helped him out how grateful he was."  Jeanette Smith.  

Editors note:- "Thank you for your email.  We will contact the hotel this week for a statement."

The Queen pays tribute to North West volunteering groups with prestigious Award

EIGHT volunteering groups from the North West are today announced as winners of this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others.  The prestigious National Honour, which is equivalent to the MBE, sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, and the activities of those awarded have been judged of the highest standard.

Those from the North West receiving the Award for 2009 range from a residents’ association providing activities for children, teenagers and elderly residents on a deprived Ribbleton estate, to an Ulverston advisory service for those suffering thyroid dysfunction and a group boosting the morale of chemotherapy patients in the Christie and Greater Manchester by designing fashionable headwear.

The winners from the North West were selected from 406 groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of the groups’ work in their communities.

They will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and an exclusive commemorative crystal. These will be presented by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenants in the counties at special ceremonies arranged by the Lieutenancy offices. Group representatives have also received an invitation to a Royal Garden Party event at Buckingham Palace in the summer.

The Award is overseen by the Office of the Third Sector, in the Cabinet Office. Kevin Brennan, Minister for the Third Sector, said:- “Volunteering binds communities together and builds a stronger and kinder society. Often these unsung heroes go about their work without much recognition, that’s why I’m particularly pleased to see their efforts recognised and rewarded by the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.”

More than 700 groups around the UK have now won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, including 75 in the North West, over the seven years since it was created by Her Majesty to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

For details of all this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service winners and information on how to nominate a group that really makes a difference, visit queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk, where a nomination form can be downloaded.

LORD STREET BANDSTAND ART GROUP

LOCAL artists are again displaying their work each Sunday on Lord Street’s bandstand this summer. Roy Munday, who runs the group, told News 24. “We tried it last year for the first time and despite the poor summer it proved very successful for both artists and the general public. We established a real spirit of friendship amongst the group, which is made up of both amateur and professional artists, and we help each other any way we can. We don’t vet the work but simply display it and let the public make its choice.” And the public are more than welcome to simply go along and chat to the artists who are more than ready to answer any questions they may have on art or painting. Roy added:- “People have even commissioned several of the artists to produce paintings, ranging from a favourite landscape to a portrait of a loved one.”  Several of the artists even get their paints out and paint on the spot and this has proved popular with visitors. The group meet each Sunday between 11am and 4 pm. Anyone needing further information can contact Roy on 01704 564122 or email via:- roymun@cybase.co.uk.