Basingstoke Civil Service Retirement Fellowship
At the meeting on 7th November there was a Christmas themed “Bring and Buy Sale” which raised £105 towards the new sound system. David Cowling, the Chairman welcomed everyone and thanked them for making the sale such a success. Tony Brazier, the Secretary, then gave a reminder that the Christmas Lunch at BCOT on Thursday 13 December was at 12.00 and said that there were still 4 places available for the four course lunch with drinks followed by tea or coffee all for £25. Christine Broadbent, the Welfare Officer, gave her up-to-date report in which she mentioned members who had been unwell and with whom she had been in touch with or sent cards to.
The speaker this month was Tom Codling a Community Safety Officer from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. He outlined the work done by his department from fire protection, which was checking buildings to ensure that they conformed to Fire Safety Orders, to fire prevention, which entailed visits to people’s home to advise and assess their needs. This was particularly important in the case of vulnerable people or those with lifestyles that would put them at higher risk from either starting a fire or being rescued if one occurred. Overloaded electric plugs and unattended items being cooked on the hob were the cause of a large percentage of fires in the home and he emphasised how just a few simple measures could either avoid fires breaking out, or if they did, to prevent them from spreading throughout the house. Help and advice on all aspects of fire safety is available at hantsfire.gov.uk/yoursafety or on 02380 626751 (Weekdays 9am – 5pm). There are also a series of Ageing Well Events taking place at Basingstoke Fire Station with the December date being Friday 21st from 12 to 1 pm. A number of organisations will be there with tea and coffee also being provided.
The next meeting is on 5th December when there will be a buffet lunch with Gary Myles providing the musical entertainment. The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month (except January 2019 when it will be the second) at Brookvale Village Hall from 10 am to 12 noon and all retired Civil Servants and their partners are welcome. Details can be obtained from the Secretary Tony Brazier on 07715 640171 and for information about our trips please contact Kate Lambeth on 01256 328791.
