‘Above and Beyond’
I WOULD like to thank staff from Heaphy’s in Redditch who saved the day at the last minute when the suit and kilt for my son’s wedding did not go to plan.
He had hired the items from another outfitters elsewhere in the Midlands.
But, despite being measured up at the start of April, the supposed ‘one size fits all’ sporran did not fit and there was no belt to go with the suit.
The outfitters he had chosen said they would not be able to get him a suitable one until after the big day so, in desperation, we turned to Heaphy’s menswear and formal hire on Evesham Walk.
The staff there could not have been more helpful and, as well as getting him a belt from Scotland, they also managed to get a sporran from a mannequin and extend the chain by inserting extra links.
Dean and Brett from Heaphy’s were superheroes without the cloaks and went beyond the call of duty to assist.
My son had spent a long time planning this wedding and without their help it would have been a disaster.
Not enough local shops get the recognition they deserve – Heaphy’s were more than unbelievable.
They just wanted to ensure he had a great day and, thanks to the staff, he did.
Carole Edwards
‘Everyone must vote’
FURTHER to your editorial on May 24, whilst our democracy has been under attack recently from the Tory Government, it is fortunately still basically intact.
Therefore it is essential that this year in particular, everybody who is eligible exercises their democratic right to vote if at all possible whatever their political allegiances.
A high voter turn-out will give more legitimacy to the winning candidate.
One of the local TV news programmes recently featured Worcester – usually a marginal seats – and I was very disappointed at the number of people saying ‘I am not going to bother to vote this time as they are all the same’.
As a lifelong Labour supporter I can fully understand voter apathy as in all honesty I am less than enthusiastic about Sir Keir and his team but I will still vote.
So at the risk of being called sexist I hope that in particular so called ‘Worcester Woman’ loved by TV news channels will turn out in force and not just in Worcester.
The Suffragettes, including my late grandmother, fought hard – and some died – to get female emancipation.
It is an insult to their memories to simply say ‘I am not going to bother’ unless of course you prescribe to the latest nonsense in the USA where some women are returning to being a 1950s Housewife?
In my opinion anybody – men or women – who don’t bother to vote without a valid reason have no right to complain about the state of the country.
Maybe a future Government should look at bringing in legislation similar to that in Australia where you can get fined for not voting.
With all major parties pledging not to raise taxes it would provide a much needed alternative income stream for our underfunded public services.
I Welch
Redditch
‘Help support them’
TO MARK the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings on the June 6, I wanted to take this opportunity to commemorate those who served in the Armed Forces in the lead up, during and in the aftermath of D-Day.
The Allied landings were a turning point in world history.
The RAF, along with their USAAF colleagues, had been preparing for the invasion for months, attacking German airfields, disrupting supply lines and their attacks on radar sites made large parts of the channel ‘invisible’.
As the invasion fleet sailed under the protective fighter aircraft umbrella, the first Allied troops to land on D-Day were being carried in gliders towed by RAF tug aircraft.
Over 8,000 RAF personnel took part with more than 5,000 aircraft involved, including the many squadrons who protected the invasion fleet from German submarine attack.
Following the end of the war, life was difficult for many, especially for those that were wounded and for the families of those who lost their lives.
The RAF Benevolent Fund has provided support for thousands of Second World War RAF veterans and their families, from financial assistance to housing adaptations, including support to Air craftswoman Rose Davies who was a radar operator supporting the landings.
Rose, before her passing earlier this year aged 107, received regular assistance from us which helped her live with dignity and financial security.
From D-Day to today, the RAF Benevolent Fund remains by the side of the RAF providing life-changing support for those who serve, have served, and their families.
Last year, we supported over 42,000 veterans of all ages, families and those in uniform who keep us safe day after day.
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot
Controller, RAF Benevolent Fund
EDITORS COMMENT
REDDITCH’S Michelle Bowen, who is taking on Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life whilst battling breast cancer herself, is an inspiration.
Michelle’s ongoing treatment for cancer, arthritis and fibromyalgia would test even the most determined and dedicated runners
Hopefully, as well as ‘giving back’ to the charity which helped develop the drugs that saved her and her mum’s lives, her quest will also prompt others to follow suit in their own lives, helping this or other good causes in the process.
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