IlonaM

I have had very good experiences with individual vets and other staff at NV, particularly with an uninsurable elderly cat with multiple chronic health problems. There has always been a great deal of compassion and care in the way they look after my cats and we have built up good working relationships with a core team who I have a lot of faith in. Unfortunately some of the vets who we used to see regularly have since moved on and there has been a large intake of new staff over the last few years. I have noticed a change in attitudes since the practice changed hands which is a shame and money does seem to be becoming more of a priority, although the vets I have seen continue to be professional. Recently, after notification from NV that a particular repeat prescription was not available due to a national shortage, I asked for a written prescription to source it online. Initially I was charged £25 until I pointed out that it was unreasonable to charge for a necessary represcription that the practice could not dispense. Luckily they removed the fee, but it did leave me with a bitter taste.

Paul O'Grady https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/mar/29/paul-ogrady-presenter-and-comedian-dies-aged-67 https://www.indy100.com/celebrities/paul-ogrady-death-austerity-speech - still relevant today https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/paul-ogrady-battersea-dogs-donations-b2312288.html

Guidance Cost of Living Payments 2023 to 2024 Guidance on getting extra payments to help with the cost of living if you’re entitled to certain benefits or tax credits. From: Department for Work and Pensions Published 13 March 2023 Last updated 27 March 2023 gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payments-2023-to-2024.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/phantom-cat-shaver-kent-london-rspca-police-warning-b1069400.html Extract from Standard article: 'Pet owners are being urged to keep their felines inside after more than 50 cats were found with their fur buzzed in a bizarre shaving spree spreading across London and Kent. Dubbed the “Phantom Cat Shaver” by local media, the RSPCA admit they have no leads to go on to collar the mystery culprit who has allegedly struck in Streatham, Bexley, Dagenham and large swathes of Kent. ... Patrick Hamby, RSPCA chief inspector, urged owners to keep their pets indoors at night and report incidents to the police or the charity. “We may not be able to do something right away as it’s very difficult if you have no leads to go on, but it lets us know what is going on and the areas it is happening in, so we can concentrate more in those areas,” he told The BBC. “If a cat has been shaved, it would have had to have been held down by someone they don’t know, which would put a lot of stress on the cat,” he added. “Your cat may show signs of not wanting to go out anymore, or wanting to go out much less.”'

TODAY! Emergency protest: Stop the refugee ban bill The government's bill on 'small boats' is on the ropes. Hundreds of organisations and even the UN have pointed out that the lack of 'legal' routes means that the bill amounts to a ban on refugees. Now the Tories are trying to rush the bill through tonight. An emergency Stop The Bill protest has been called in London's Parliament Square for 6pm, at the same time as the debate in parliament. We are asking supporters in or near London to do two things: 1. Get to the protest at 6pm if you possibly can. 2. Share this image on social media: Use the hashtag #StopTheBill. Refugees are welcome here!

Someone we may not have heard of, but maybe should know more about ... Traute Lafrenz, the last of the White Rose anti-Nazi resistance, dies aged 103 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/09/traute-lafrenz-the-last-of-the-white-rose-anti-nazi-resistance-dies-aged-103

I'm extremely lucky with the variety of birds who visit my garden (not far from Horniman, in area full of trees and green space). Just seen the group of Redwings that have been feasting on ivy berries for the past week - back again!

Chaim Topol, Fiddler on the Roof actor, dies aged 87 https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/mar/09/chaim-topol-dead-fiddler-on-the-roof-actor-dies-death-aged-87

I think everyone's subscription finishes at end of March. The early contact is to make sure you get your new label in time - some years there have been problems.

Home Office accepts Brexit EU citizens registration scheme is unlawful The High Court ruled against the ‘pre-settled status’ element in December 'The department said late on Wednesday that after “careful consideration” it would not be appealing a court ruling on so-called “pre-settled status”. ... Dr Kathryn Chamberlain, chief executive of the IMA, said the body was “pleased that the Home Office has taken the decision not to proceed with the appeal” and said she hoped the department would provide clarity on how it would proceed. ... "In the meantime, the IMA is encouraging citizens with pre-settled status to apply for settled status under the scheme as soon as they are eligible for it, until a new system is in place."' Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-eu-citizens-settlement-scheme-pre-settled-unlawful-b2283597.html

From Evening Standard online 15/02/2023: https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/mark-rylance-parliament-afghanistan-iraq-crowdfunder-b1060346.html 'Sir Mark Rylance said he hopes a new memorial statue of the late peace campaigner Brian Haw will serve as a “call for peaceful resolution of conflict rather than violence”. Mr Haw, who died in 2011 aged 62 of lung cancer, spent nearly 10 years camped outside Parliament fighting off attempts to force him to move while protesting against British military action in Iraq and Afghanistan. To honour his activism, a group of his friends and supporters, including actor Sir Mark and fellow campaigner Michael Culver, have launched a Crowdfunder campaign to raise money to have a small statue of him facing the Imperial War Museum in London. Artist Amanda Ward has sculpted the 78cm high statue, which has been granted planning permission to sit within an exterior alcove at the School of Historical Dress in south London, just outside the exclusion zone created in 2005 in an attempt by authorities to move Mr Haw away from the seat of government. The campaign is hoping to raise £50,000 to cover the costs of the creation and installation of the statue. Sir Mark told the PA news agency: “He was one of the greatest men I’ve met in my life. And I think he’s thought of in London as an extraordinary example of English persistence. “I think we’re known for it in wars that our soldiers are very determined and persistent. And in many ways he was a soldier, he was one of the best soldiers we’ve ever had because he was standing for peace, as I believe most soldiers, men and women who go off to war, believe they’re going to do. “But he did it not by fighting but by standing as an example and speaking the truth. And so I just feel it would be a great shame if he wasn’t remembered in London.” The veteran actor explained that Mr Haw himself was a “victim of warfare” as his father was a soldier in the Second World War, one of the first to see the Nazi death camps, and that what he witnessed disturbed him so much that his father eventually took his own life. Sir Mark also confirmed the group behind the campaign are not connected with any political party or campaigning group but just wanted the statue to be a representative for those who “pray and hope for peace”. “He stands there really as a symbol of peaceful protest and a call for peaceful resolution of conflict rather than violent resolution of conflict”, he said. The Crowfunder campaign for the statue has been launched on February 15 to coincide with the anniversary of the global demonstrations led by the Stop the War coalition which took place in 2003. People across the world, including an estimated two million in London according to Stop the War, marched to protest against the Iraq conflict. Asked about his thoughts on Ukraine requesting more military aid in its fight against Russia, Sir Mark said: “I’m certainly upset by the horrors of it, of course, but I don’t know that throwing more arms and bombs into it is the way.” The actor also reflected on how protests often receive a backlash for the disruption they cause, saying: “I know that people may say ‘Why should politicians have to face that kind of barracking? It was horrible to have all those signs and stuff there’. “And that goes hand-in-hand a little bit with people’s frustration about protests at the moment and some of the extreme fear and passion that’s behind the Extinction Rebellion protests and that they are disturbing people’s (lives). “I would just urge people, if you’re offended by a protest, to have a look at the causes. “Most of these people when I’ve been on these marches and things, and I knew Brian, they’re not people who are mentally ill or insane or just hateful or angry people, they’re sensitive people, arguably more sensitive than the rest of us, maybe you can’t live that way, I don’t know. “But have a look at the causes and see then whether you think they should be imprisoned or removed or abused in the way that Brian was. I think you’ll find that the causes might upset you, too.” Those who donate to the Crowdfounder campaign will have their names added to a website which will be connected to the statue via a link which you can access with a mobile phone. – www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/brian-haw-memorial-1 ' [edited to correct website address - incorrect in Standard article!] See also Guardian article: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/feb/15/mark-rylance-iraq-war-protester-brian-haw-statue-memorial

From Free Movement blog: '141,000 EU citizens were marked with “refused” status last month The Financial Times is reporting today that “around 141,000” EU citizens had their digital status updated to “refused” last month. Their applications were previously refused by the Home Office but for some reason their online status had not been updated. Online status is used by employers, landlords, banks, the NHS, local authorities and others to check someone is eligible to receive services. The article goes on to point out that those affected will now have their welfare benefits cut off and suggests there is a risk of their having to backpay benefit payments as well. They have all just been pitched into the hostile environment, basically. Apparently the EU is not happy, unsurprisingly.' Source: https://freemovement.org.uk/141000-eu-citizens-were-marked-with-refused-status-last-month/?mc_cid=c339fcf3fc&mc_eid=bcf851a85d

Hilary Alexander, former fashion director at The Daily Telegraph. Used to live nearly opposite me on Soames Street. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/hilary-alexander-dead-age-cause-b2276914.html

RIP Kit Hesketh-Harvey - been listening to him on old episodes of Just A Minute recently. He had a great sense of fun and humour, and a great musical talent. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/kit-hesketh-harvey-dead-age-cause-b2273706.html

Just seen three Goldfinches on my seed feeder. Very colourful addition to today's visitors. Haven't seen any for a while.

LInk Age Southwark (www.linkagesouthwark.org) might have some ideas as well as other support to offer. Also Southwark Independent Living might have some good ideas and contacts - www.sdail.org/sport

My mother arranged one last year before the prices went up. She doesn't want a funeral. She seems pleased with the ease of arranging it.

I'm glad you're finding it interesting. Here are a couple more websites to keep an eye on: - Which: 17 ways to save money on your household bills and living costs in 2023 Expert advice on cutting your fuel usage, food costs, energy bills and more https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/how-to-save-money-on-your-household-bills-aiTGN6b5jZ2N - Article: 'DWP: 2 million people could save £100s with 23 freebies to help ease cost of living burden' - useful particularly if you're on Legacy benefits (PIP, ESA, IS, JSA etc.) https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/dwp-2-million-people-could-save-100s-with-23-freebies-to-help-ease-cost-of-living-burden/ar-AA16yOxs?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=61f493d2f62e4267c819f48152097f5c

Potentially of interest: https://www.over50smoney.com/Home+Bills/The+Energy+Guide 'The Energy Guide This guide is designed to provide information on the support packages available during Winter 2022, to give advice on how to manage your energy bills over the next six months and to highlight the wide variety of support available. We go a step further, to discuss household budgets and how your mindset can make a significant difference to household disposable income. Parts of this guide may be useful printed out, rather than on screen.'

Came across this and thought it may be of interest to those who are eligible: Help to Save Scheme: Direct link to Help to Save Scheme: https://www.gov.uk/get-help-savings-low-income 'Launched back in 2018, the Help to Save schemes offers low income earners, claiming Universal Credit and other benefits, a savings boost. It pays a 50 percent bonus on their savings, up to £1,200. To get the maximum £1,200, each eligible person in the household will need to save £50 a month for four years. With the bonus, this will increase your cash saving to £3,600, the equivalent of saving £75 per month. If there are two people who can open an account each, the totals will be doubled. The problem is, not many know they are eligible for the scheme. Since its launch around 270,000 people are thought to have opened a Help to Save account. So who can open an account? Well you can if you live in the UK and receive one of the following benefits: Work tax Credit Child Tax Credit Universal Credit Your eligibility will be checked during an application process. If you are eligible, there are two ways you can open an account. Go to the Help to Save page on gov.uk, where it will ask you to sign into your government Gateway account. Alternatively call 0300 322 7093 and the HMRC helpline advisors will assist you with setting up an account.'' Source: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/dwp-warns-millions-of-brits-not-to-miss-out-on-cash-boost-worth-100s/ar-AA168ywt?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=105454119c3f40dba6b037bb10b3bfeb Direct link to Help to Save Scheme: https://www.gov.uk/get-help-savings-low-income

Last time I ordered from Deliveroo, within the last week or so, there was a new security feature. On confirmation of the order they gave me a number code which I had to tap into delivery driver's machine [smart phone??] in order for driver to hand over my meal.