Message from the Chair…Dear Members

First of all, a warm welcome to all those who haverecently become members of ESF and pleaseremember that as well as sending you informationwe are always glad to receive your feedback onour Newsletters and any comments aboutparticular issues of concern.It was good to see a number of you at our NHSOpen Meeting at the RAFA Club.I would like to thank Josh Broadway our Speaker,Community Officer from the East Sussex BetterTogether Team, for giving an informative anduseful talk at our Open meeting about the recentchanges and restructuring in the services that theNHS offers. Josh also provided the following links Health and Social Care Connect: Tel: 0345 60 80191 and the ESBT websitewww.eastsussex.gov.uk/esbt 2018 is a special year as several organisationsare celebrating” landmark” Anniversaries:the RAF: 100 years, the NHS: 70 years, womengetting the vote: 100 years, the University of theThird Age: 25 years.ESF also had cause for a special celebration: its10th Anniversary! See report on Page 2.We thank everyone who has been involved in

supporting ESF over the yearsor more recently and helping itsfounder member Steve Thornettto drive his vision and to makeESF the successful organisation itis. We are now looking forward to the next tenyears and hope with your help to continue raisingawareness and influence decision -making atLocal and County levels.Following the closure of many libraries, will theLangney Community bid succeed in saving thelibrary? More nurses are to be hired by the NHStrust for two hospitals’ A&E Departments; will thisrelieve the pressure in coping with extra demand.At least it is a step forward!The petition to stop the closure of Milton Grangeand Firwood House has gathered enoughsignatures to spark a Full Council Meeting on the15th May. Watch this space!As we look forward to the Summer, we also lookforward to discovering the town’s new image andthe opportunities it will provide. Some of us willalso be looking forward to the “Nature ValleyInternational”, our town’s International Tennisevent, the Carnival or simply some lovely walks oroutings on the Downs and along the seafront.Please remember to make a note of our AGM.See further details in Newsletter.My Best Wishes to you all and have a wonderfulSummer. Until next time!

Nadine Harris, Chair

Summer Newsletter 2018 Issue 34

EASTBOURNE SENIORS FORUMTHE OVER FIFTIES FORUM

www.esf-online.org

IF YOU think you’ve nothing of realvalue to offer others, consider thewords of an unknown poet:“One song can spark a moment; one flower canwake a dream. One tree can start a forest; onebird can herald spring. One smile begins afriendship; one handclasp lifts a soul. One star canguide a ship at sea; one word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation; one sunbeamlights a room. One candle wipes out darkness; onelaugh can conquer gloom. One step can start ajourney; one word can start a prayer. One hopecan raise our spirits; one touch can show youcare. One voice can speak with wisdom; one heartcan know what’s true. One life can make adifference; you see… it’s up to you.”

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New GuideThe new 2018 EastbourneGuide for Disabled Peopleis now available at TouristInformationCentre. The EastbourneAccess Grouphas updated theguide whichincludes the‘WheelchairRoutes’showing thesafest way fora mobilityvehicle user totravel alongpavements in the townand where the dropped kerbs are for safecrossing of roads. There is a list of publicwheelchair accessible toilets, places to hirewheelchairs, access information on shoppingcentres, parks, theatres, cinemas and a list ofuseful contacts. With the additional informationincluding accessible places to visit and eat inand around Eastbourne available on the Access Group’s website:www.eastbourneaccessgroup.org.ukand Facebook page, residents and visitors witha disability or impairment can have informationabout access in Eastbourne readily on hand.Over the coming weeks the guide will bedistributed to various locations around the townlike the Town Hall, Council Office, Shopmobility,libraries, CAB, Care for Carers, mobility shops,Age Concern. You can download a copy fromour website.

OVER 300 DELICIOUS DISHES

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With our delicious frozen meals and desserts, you’ve more time to enjoy the things you love.For your free brochure visit wiltshirefarmfoods.com or call 01323 760 008SAVOUR

EVERY MOMENT

10th anniversary Tea party As it was ESF’s 10th anniversary a number ofpeople who were involved in the original launchmeetings were invited to celebrate the event andreview all that had happened.It was great to seefolks who had beeninvolved since thebeginning increpresentatives fromthe ESCC, ESSA andEBC, as well some original members inc SteveThornett the founding chairman and his wife,Gwynne Pickering the original treasurer and CllrColin Belsey and his wife Terri.One of our committee members had put together anexcellent PowerPoint presentation of photos whichSteve used to give a short talk on the history of ESFand how it came to be started as part of the networkof seniors’ forums across the county.He referred to many of the notable successes of thelast 10 years, including our reaching over 1200members and the Good Life Show.The Mayor Pat Hearn and her consort Philip joinedus enjoying the delicious cake cut by Steve. During the tea we were entertained to table magic bythe very capable Marko the Magician who also gavean enjoyable and amusing show to complete theproceedings.Our grateful thanks also go to Sarah Tingley and herTeam at the ILTC for their wonderful organisation andsupport to ensure the smooth running of theafternoon which was enjoyed by all.

�Eastbourne Guide for Disabled People 20

18

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Your Committee…Throughout the year we attend numerous meetingson behalf of the forum, where we are able to putacross the point of view of seniors that will help toinfluence decision makers.These meetings include:• East Sussex County Council on health,adult social care and transport

• NHS and Clinical Commissioning Groupon health matters and services.

• Trading Standards• East Sussex Seniors Association on countywide issues

• Age UK and Age Concern serving seniors

Advice & Support provided to all members

Book a Free Trial Now Call 01323 722266

Visit our website www.effw.co.uk/eastbourne

Special offer for ESF members (redeem this voucher)

66 Grove Rd, Eastbourne BN214UH

Enjoy some gentle exercise

Remind meWe're 65 so we've been toldAm I really, really quite that oldMy memories just as good todayRemind me, What was I going to sayNow I remember there's something I must doThere's a party somewhere, I'm invited toThe Comer House is where it's atDid I actually remember that?There's just one problem I can seeNow I've been invited out to teaIf I'm supposed to be at this doWhy am I at home with youI'm sure I'll remember all the people thereBut please forgive me if I stareHow strange! I can't remember why I'm hereI'm 65 oh dear OH DEARNow should you find me wandering roundPut me someplace, where I'll be foundI'm 65 so I've been toldJust now that seems so very oldThe moral of this saga isAge is a problem you should try to missBut should it grab you in it's iron gripRelax and enjoy - it's a one way trip

Thanks to Clifford Smith (now 79!) for this contribution

Do you write poetry or short articles?We would love to hear from you for inclusionin this newsletter. Please contact the editor.

AGM – Note the Dateand hope to see you thereCome and bring your friends! Tuesday 19th June at 2.30pmAt the RAFA Social Club 13/17 Wish Road, Eastbourne BN21 4NXWith a talk by Alan Wenham on theEastbourne Seafront Parades. Refreshments provided.See page 7 and separate sheet formore details.

Feeling lonely?…Why not get out and meet somenew friends and have a cup of teaor coffee whilst listening to: Rick BonnerSinger and Entertainersings Live at Tea Dances (Ballroom and Se-quence Dancing)Every Thursday at the Imperial Hotel, Devonshire Place – 2pm to4pmCost: £4.50 includes Tea/Coffee and biscuits

Page 4

One of the fastest growing health issues in UK society isthe seemingly relentless rise in dementia. This terrifyingcategory of diseases combined with an older populationmeans that it’s never been more important to get youraffairs in order as early as possible. But if dementia doestake hold, at what point do you hand over responsibility toa nominated person and grant them Power of Attorneyover your financial affairs? And what alternatives do youhave?LPAs – there to look after your affairsWills are, without doubt, an essential part of the processof later life. It’s not something that people want to thinkabout at any age, but unless you want to leave a financialtangle behind for your bereaved relatives to sort out afteryou’re gone, it’s crucial to make sure your will is takencare of earlier rather than later. A key part of that could becreating an LPA.An LPA (or Lasting Power of Attorney) is a document thatallows you to appoint one or more people to look afteryour affairs and make decisions on your behalf when youare no longer able to. These nominees are referred to asattorneys, although they do not necessarily have to havelegal experience to qualify, and are usually close relativesor trusted friends. There are two types of LPA:• A Health and Welfare LPA can specify what kind oftreatment and palliative care you want if you have adegenerative disease like dementia, whether youshould be moved into a care home, and specificsconcerning your daily routine.

• A Property and Financial Affairs LPA often gives yourattorney access to your finances to manage youraffairs when you are unable to. They will be able toaccess your bank accounts, pay bills, and arrange thesale of your property if you go into a care home.

LPAs must be registered with the Office of the PublicGuardian, which can take up to ten weeks to complete.LPAs are appointed by a person while they are stillcapable of making rational decisions concerning theirfuture care, financial matters, and how their estate is to bemanaged once they are no longer capable of doing it forthemselves. There has to be a degree of trust betweenthe sufferer and the person appointed to takeresponsibility for the instructions laid out in the LPA,whether that’s a Financial or a Health and Welfareagreement.Court of Protection appointed deputy There is an alternative to an LPA in the form of a Court ofProtection appointed deputy. These are usually appointedby a third party on behalf of a dementia sufferer once theyhave lost the ability to appoint their own representative.However, this is rarely offered as an option to an LPA,primarily because in the majority of cases an LPA hasbeen arranged long before a dementia sufferer loses theability to make considered decisions about their futurecare. As long as the person nominated to look after the

stipulations laid out in the LPA has the trust of the donor,and the donor is mentally capable of making the decisionto nominate a person as their LPA executor, thereshouldn’t be any problems.A court-appointed deputy is only really appropriate after adementia sufferer has lost the ability to make rationaldecisions for themselves, or there is no one to act as anLPA nominee. They have to provide a full list of assetsand annual accounts, as well as a security bond.Sorting things out sooner rather than laterAs power of attorney is often agreed upon before thecondition really starts to affect the cognitive ability of thesufferer, it can be months or even years later when thepower of attorney status really comes into play. By then,the family dynamic may have dramatically altered, as maythe financial situation of the sufferer, especially if theyhave been forced to go into a care home.This is why it is so important to sort out not only your will,but any LPAs as early as possible, especially after thediagnosis of a degenerative disease. LPAs can, in fact,bring families closer together, as they ensure the suffereris cared for properly, and that those granted the Power of Attorney are fully aware of their responsibilities from the outset.

At Stephen Rimmer LLPTelephone: 01323 644222

Email: enquiries@stephenrimmer.comWebsite: www.stephenrimmer.com

Wills and Probate Dementia and the power of attorney

Page 5

Simple PleasuresI’ve been wondering what makes people happy,those silly unnoticed moments that make the dayworthwhile. Obviously, most of us cheer up whenthe sun shines, or when the daffs first show, but I’mthinking of odd scraps of time which often fall by thewayside unappreciated and lost.So what feedback did I get when I put this questionon Facebook? The example I gave was a bit toomundane for most people because it was simplyseeing a newly emptied dishwasher gleaming at mejust waiting to take on another load of dirty dishes. As predicted a sunny morning does the trick. Itleads to smiley faces and good moods all round.Contact with far flung family and friends come highon the list, but also visits from the grandchildrenwhich can be tiring but oh so rewarding. Ken lovestaking his kids out and as he doesn’t see them dayby day I can understand how big a treat it must be;Gail, who lives in Amsterdam, enjoys cycling roundher city and who wouldn’t love that! What I wouldlike to hear from Gail and Ken is about the preciousmoments in those days that make them so special.Important small pleasures in Steve’s life includesseeing birds on the feeder and Facebook photos of

his family; Carol was delighted when she found alone cowslip on her lawn as took her back to idyllicchildhood days. Courtney, a Norfolk friend, sayswhat makes her day is ‘coming home to herpooches.’ June’s pleasure is to see a friend walkthrough her gate and Sylvia gets pleasure fromseeing a variety of birds visiting her garden. Petertold me he loves a big hug; me too! In the light of all this I have to revise my originalcontribution. I do love the dish washer moment, itsignals a job done, but family moments, seeingfriends and nature changing through the seasonsprovides the glue that holds life together and makesless enjoyable moments worthwhile.

Have a wonderful summer, notice the things thatmake you smile and treat them as stepping stonesto contentment.

Vera

Musings from Vera...

If you would like to contact Vera to comment on her musings, please feel free to do so

by emailing: info@esf–online.org

or by writing to our usual address.

TheGood Life

ShowThursday September 27th from 10am to 4pmin a new, exciting venue –The View Hotel (TGWU)on the seafront.Make a note in your diary and if anyorganisations you know would like to book adisplay stand (NB. only six spaces left), pleasecontact Shirley Davis on: 01323 472167or email her at: shirleyjdavis@talktalk.netwww.goodlife.esf-online.org

Great News!

Clean Air Eastbourne Meeting Report How proficient are you at building your own airquality monitor?I recently attended an eye-opening Workshoporganised by The Clean Air Eastbourne group. The guest speaker was a lecturer in atmosphericscience from the University of Brighton, Dr KevinWyche. The second part of the workshop was onbuilding an air quality monitor, but as I realised, notevery local was attending. However, air qualitymonitor kits and data readings will be available asthe project develops. More information aboutthis to follow. Nadine Harris, Chair

Cryptic Puns :)• When fish are in schools,they sometimes take debate!

• A bicycle can’t stand alone; its just too tired!• When she saw her strands of grey hair she thought she’d die!

:) :):)

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB)have noticed an increase in Action Fraud reportswhere fraudsters are offering a discount onTelevision service provider subscriptions.Fraudsters are cold-calling victims, purporting tobe from a Television (TV) provider offering adiscount on their monthly subscription. Victimshave been told the following: their subscriptionneeds to be renewed; that part or all, of the TVequipment has expired and they are due anupgrade on the equipment/subscription. In orderto falsely process the discount, the fraudster asksvictims to confirm or provide their bank accountdetails. The scammers may also request thevictim’s identification documents, such asscanned copies of passports.The fraudsters are using the following telephonenumbers: “08447111444”, “02035190197” and“08001514141”. The fraudster’s voices arereported to sound feminine and have an Asianaccent.Later victims make enquiries and then discoverthat their TV service provider did not call themand that the fraudster has made transactionsusing the victim’s bank account details.

This type of fraud isnationwide. Since thebeginning of this year(2018), there have been300 Action FraudReports relating to thisfraud. From the reports received, victims agedover 66 seem to be the most targeted.What you need to do…• Don’t assume a phone call or email isauthentic: Just because someone knows yourbasic details (such as your name and addressor even your mother’s maiden name), itdoesn’t mean they are genuine. Criminals canexploit the names of well-known companies inorder to make their scams appear genuine.

• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making adecision: a genuine company won’t force youto make a financial decisions on the spot.Always be wary if you’re pressured topurchase a product or service quickly, anddon’t hesitate to question uninvitedapproaches in case it’s a scam.

• Stay in control: Have the confidence torefuse unusual requests for personal orfinancial information. Always contact thecompany yourself using a known email orphone number, such as the one written on abank statement or bill.

Visit Take Five (www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/advice/)and Cyber Aware (www.cyberaware.gov.uk) for moreinformation about how to protect yourself online.

TV Providers Discount Fraud

East Sussex NHS WheelchairService Users Coffee Morning

Tuesday 10th July 2018, 11am –1pmAt: East Sussex Wheelchair Service, Alder Close, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 6QFInvitation to all East Sussex NHS Wheelchair Service users and their carers.Please come along to meet members of the user group. Look forward to seeing you all!Email: wusges@gmail.com or Text/Phone Robert on: 07766 476852 to please join ouruser group with your contact details.

Page 6

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Page 7

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DATA PROTECTIONYou may know that Data Protection Regulations are changing with effect from 25th May. ESF will only use the informationyou have provided in order to send out our newsletters and e-News to keep you up to date with news of interest to olderpeople. We may also, from time to time, contact you with helpful information provided by external agencies such as theNHS and Adult Social Care. We are committed to keeping your records as accurate and up-to-date as possible. Byproviding this information you are consenting for us to contact you in this way. You can ask us to remove your details fromour database at any time by emailing: info@esf-online.org. Alternatively, you can contact the ESF Secretary (StephanieBlackledge) on 01323 659 792. Your information will not be sold or shared with any other person or organisation notconnected to ESF.

This Newsletter is for general information only You are recommended to seek competent professional advice before doing anything based on the contents of the Newsletter.Printed by Printing Services, Town Hall, Grove Road, Eastbourne. Tel: 01323 415037.

May 2018

For Editorial content or queries, please contact Steve at: 1 Wellington Close, Eastbourne BN23 5AR. Tel: 01323 479846 Email: sthornett2@gmail.com

Driving Laws you didn’t know existed!• Eating at the wheel– Could cause a charge of carelessdriving.

• Letting your dog stick its head out of the window– Having a pet loose in your car couldput you at risk of driving without duecare and attention, and might invalidateyour insurance.

• Leaving the engine runningwhile de-icing your car– It’s illegal and carries a fine.

• Sounding your horn in angerwhilst stationary or between 11.30pm and 7am in a built up area.

• Splashing pedestrians– You are at risk of a careless drivingcharge.

• Mounting a Satnav on the windscreen– If it obscures your vision.

• Using a Mobile Phone with the engine running– If you pull over to check a phone call,turn off the engine.

• Driving with an empty screen wash bottle– It must be maintained properly.

• Dirty number plates– If they can’t be read easily by acamera, it’s an offence.

Age Concern Eastbourne 01323 638474

Age UK East Sussex Advice 01424 426162

Alzheimer’s Helpline 0845 300 0336

Care Home Listing East Sussex 0800 389 2077

Congress Theatre Box Office 01323 412000

Cineworld - Crumbles 0871 200 2000

Citizens Advice 03444 111444

Conquest Hospital 01424 755255

District General Hospital 01323 417400

Eastbourne Borough Council 01323 410000

East Sussex County Council 01273 481000

Independent Living Service (STEPS) 01424 464890

Independent Providers Forum 01580 715660

National Talking Newspapers 01435 866102

Pension Service 0845 6060265

Post Office Services 0845 7223344

Silverline Helpline 0800 328 8888

Social Care Direct (SCD) 0345 6080191

Supermarket Trolley Collection 07930 662042

Sussex Police (non-urgent) 101

Tourism Information Office 01323 415415

Towner Art Gallery 01323 434670

Trading Standards Consumer Advice 03454 040506

Useful Telephone numbers