|
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.
 |
