News .. March and April
The driving force behind the formation of the Clough Hall Residents Association, nearly five years ago, was the need to establish a Neighbourhood Watch group. At that time problems of antisocial behaviour, under age drinking and vandalism were on the increase, which prompted a small group of residents to find out how to form such a group. Under the guidance of Kidsgrove Police and Phil Hopkins (NHW Support Worker) it soon became apparent that the best approach would be to create a residents association operating in conjunction with Neighbourhood Watch. There is no doubt that this combination works well, antisocial problems seen five years ago have reduced considerably and initiatives undertaken by the association have been of benefit to the area.
Neighbourhood Watch has moved on a lot in five years and the ‘Owl' or Online Watch Link recently introduced has been a big step forward. When Owl replaced the old system it provided a faster and more reliable means to pass on messages to our watch members about crime in their area. The added bonus of course is that apart from voice mail and Fax it will also send messages by Email.
Phil Hopkins ‘the local voice' of Neighbourhood Watch retires in June. Our residents group would like to thank him for his support and for the many useful alert messages he has communicated over the years. We wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement ... happy golfing Phil.
For details on joining NHW contact Ken Rickard . Tel. 01785 232938 or Email mailto:joseph.rickard@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk?subject=RE:%20(OWL)%20North%20Staffs%20NHW%20Newsletter
The presentation at our March meeting was given by Knights Solicitors of Newcastle - Inheritance Tax, Wills, etc. A team of solicitors explained the complex issues relating to Power of Attorney, Planning the ‘Cost of Nursing Care', Making a Will and Inheritance Tax.
With the cost of care being in the region of £35,000 per annum and the pitfalls surrounding the funding of such care, expert advice should always be taken to avoid expensive mistakes. Ways in which IHT could be mitigated or eliminated, along with advantages of Power of Attorney over Court of Protection, were also discussed at some length.
For further information and advice contact Knights Solicitors Tel. 01782 619225. www.knightsllp.co.uk
Knights Solicitors, Newcastle
The March Quiz Night was well attended and much enjoyed by our members; thanks go to Kidsgrove Cricket Club, who were again excellent hosts and to Mr Keith Kemp, Quiz Master.
Proceeds were for association funds; our thanks go all who helped and to the following for the prizes which they donated:- Leon's Fish & Chip Shop, Market Street, Kidsgrove.
Mr & Mrs C Brough , Clough Hall.
Bodymech (Stoke) Ltd, Far Green Industrial Estate, Chell Street, Hanley. ST1 6AZ
Our guest speaker at the May meeting was Susan Fisher (County and Finance Officer, Social Care & Health - Staffs CC) - Cost of Social Care. Susan explained that approximately 30% of the average Council Tax Bill goes into Social Care & Health. She also pointed out that as we are living longer, there is an on-going requirement to increase the budget to cover the additional costs of life-saving and life- prolonging drugs. Much work is being done to ensure principles for the future are fair and to provide good care which is equitable to all.
This was a very informative and interesting presentation which gave both our members, and those of the Newcastle 50+ Forum, much food for thought.
Meetings are held at Hollinwood Sheltered Housing, Hollinwood Road starting at 7.15pm.
Date for next meeting ..
Tuesday 13th July ... Dental Myths Busted - John Shapter