The Big Society

[John Small]

It is occuring around the globe I fear. Here in Oz the Salvoc are complaining that this year less has been donated by those with so those without may be serviced. It is estimated that one of the food kitchens will serve up to 1,000 Christmas Dinners to the needy and we are told we are a rich country. It has also been discovered that soem of the 'Charity' shops are sorting clothes donated and selling the best of it to other countries where they are getting more than they would at home.

Its happening where I live John, every week we are bombarded with plastic bags to fill with all our unwanted clothes,
I filled a black bag up with old clothes took them down our local Oxfam shop, thinking I am helping someone. and see nearly every week these same
black bags, being picked up by the same vans that deliver and collect from our shops which we know go on to be sold in Europe.
Some one is making a lot of money.
P.S.
I am having to write this in the middle of winter the only clothing i have left ( shorts and vest and flip flips)

John

[Captain Kong]

My mate and drinking partner, Derek, died on CHRISTMAS DAY, he died in the Ambulance, outside of his house, just as his twin daughters arrived with the Christmas Prezzies. that was real sad for them.
Cheers
Brian.

[Ivan Cloherty]

My mate and drinking partner, Derek, died on CHRISTMAS DAY, he died in the Ambulance, outside of his house, just as his twin daughters arrived with the Christmas Prezzies. that was real sad for them.
Cheers
Brian.

Our thoughts are with you and his family Brian

Rgds Ivan

[John Pruden]

condolences Brian we are in the same fog of grief at this time.jp

[Gulliver]

Very Sad Brian and I feel your pain.
I also had to accompany a friend to A & E on Christmas Day after a nasty accident.It was noticeable there was a great percentage of over 60's there requiring attention after falls,heart attacks and strokes- we were there 12 hours-and beds were 'queued' down the corridors awaiting attention. As well as trying to comfort my friend I also had to console a woman whose 97 year old mother from a nursing home had broken her shoulder.She had dementia and was crying that she didn't want to live anymore.Her daughter was asked by the doctor whether she wanted resuscitating after the operation which might kill her.Her broken-hearted daughter said No. The NHS staff were all wonderful.My friend was discharged yesterday.
I feel for you Brian.

Gulliver

[Captain Kong]

Many thanks Gentlemen for all your kind thoughts. I guess it is just an on going thing. We are now of an age where the family and friends start to dwindle faster as the years go on.
So amid all the partying there is a lot of sadness behind the scenes.
Cheers
Brian

[Tony Morcom]

As said, very sad Brian and yet another Christmas tainted by the grim reaper.

[Lou Barron]

Yes it is always sad when you lose a good friend or a relative so my condolences to those people especially when it is at time when families get together

[Roger Dyer]

Brian, I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your dear friend and would like to extend my sincere condolences to you and to Derek's family.

As you so rightly point out, many of us have reached that stage in our lives whereby the death of a relative or friend seems to become a more regular occurrence, but that doesn't make it any easier, does it ? That it should happen to both you and John in such tragic circumstances and at Christmastime must have made it even harder to bear.

My thoughts are with you both at this sad time.

................Roger

[Captain Kong]

Many thanks again gentlemen .
Cheers
Brian.