Updated 7th January, 2012
London 2012 Paralympic Games Wheelchair Basketball.
With reference to the above the Tayside Branch of the RPOAS is delighted to record that Branch member Bill Shepherd has been appointed as a Table Official for the above event. Appointment in this capacity at the biggest sporting event in the world is indeed a great honour and the Branch extends it’s warm congratulations to Bill on his achievement.
In police circles Bill has played, coached, and officiated at the highest level initially as a player and coach in Police and Local leagues and later Nationally at these levels. His dedication and participation culminated in his appointment as a Referee and Table Official at the European Police Championships in Athens in 1995 and Antwerp in 1999. Bill has also officiated at Special Olympic Games in Glasgow and Minneapolis and at a host of other Tournaments and Competitions across Europe in particular.
Being grateful for the support he received as a serving officer himself Bill has pledged to advocate the value of sporting activities within the Police Service at every opportunity during his attendance at the biggest sporting gathering on the planet.
Commutation factor complaints involving Retired Police Officers Scotland
"The Office of the Pensions Ombudsman wishes to draw the following information to the attention of Scottish Retired Police Officers.
A number of Fire Fighters have complained to the Pensions Ombudsman that the tables of commutation factors of the Fire Fighters’ Pension Scheme should have been revised by the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) earlier than they were in 2006, which would have resulted in larger lump sum benefits when they commuted part of their pensions on retirement.
Whether GAD is within the Pensions Ombudsman’s jurisdiction is now the subject of court proceedings. Until those proceedings have concluded, which could be as late as autumn 2012, the Pensions Ombudsman cannot investigate the Fire Fighters’ complaints.
The same applies in respect of similar complaints about the Police Pension Scheme. Applicants have been or are being advised that their case cannot currently be considered pending the outcome of the judicial review. Once the outcome of the proceedings is known the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman’s has said that it will contact members to explain what will happen next.
The Office of the Pensions Ombudsman has also said that it is reasonable for members not to submit such complaints to them between now (December 2011) and when those proceedings have concluded. If former police officers submit such a complaint to the Pensions Ombudsman after proceedings have concluded, the time from December 2011 to when those proceedings are concluded, will not count when the Pensions Ombudsman looks at whether the complaint has been made in time.”
Kim Parsons
Casework Director"
The foregoing is for consideration by RPOAS members.
ASSIST 'COPS' TO GROW
Did you know that you could help raise money for the Charity COPS (CARE OF POLICE SURVIVORS) while shopping online? Simply go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk/COPS and sign up. It won't cost you anything and you can assist this worthwhile charity by raising much needed funds.
A big thank you from COPS!
COMMUTATION FACTORS UPDATE
For any members who are concerned with this item the following gives an update on the latest response from The Ombudsman to one of our members who has already submitted the Form.
He is advised that there are pending cases from the Fire Fighters' Union which are currently on hold pending a Judicial Reveiw. This Review will clarify whether it will be appropriate for the Pensions Ombudsman to investigate further complaints. As the court's decision will also impact on whether the Pension's Ombudsman is able to investigate his complaint,he advises that it is not presently appropriate for him to consider whether to accept his complaint.
As no date has yet been set for this Judicial Review, it may be that members wish to delay the submission of their respective claim, until the outcome of the review is known. Alternatively, should they wish to submit their Claim, be advised to ensure they receive a receipt from the Ombudsman's Office.
Progress of the Judicial review can be found on the Fire Brigades Union's websitewww.fbu.org.uk
WARNING - COMMUTATION FACTORS
The following has been received from the Ombudsman regarding the article below about online submission of Application Forms.
We are currently looking into the security of our email system, and so at the present time we advise applicants to submit any correspondence to us by post rather than electronically, where there is personal information involved.
Yours faithfully
Alexander Holdaway Investigation Assistant The Office of the Pensions Ombudsman 02076302246
COMMUTATION FACTORS - retirees 1998 - 2006
Guidance on submission of an "Application" for a Review
Further to the message sent out previously regarding the above subject, several requests have been receive, seeking further information and for a template of guidance as to what should be submitted and to whom.
For those men or their widows who retired between the above dates, the consequences of a successful review could amount to 20% of your commutation figure!
This subject is being driven by several former police officers across the UK and also the Fire Service, the difference being that the Fire Brigade Union are backing and funding the demand for a review whereas the Police Federation are apparently on the back foot. The importance therefore for individual former Police officers affected by this subject to submit a ‘complaint’ to the Pensions Ombudsman cannot be overstated!
What do you need to do?
Attached is a link for the online completion of an Application Form to the Pension Ombudsman’s and provided draft answers to the questions posed.
On the draft answer there are some areas emboldened These are variables so please amend to fit with your own circumstances!!
If you have former colleagues in other Force areas who may be affected by this issue, please feel free to forward this message, albeit they will need to make more changes to reflect their Force area, pension scheme provider etc!.
The more “Applications” the greater the potential for a review. Note that this is being driven primarily by the Fire Brigade Union and there are positive indicators that they are being listened to. This has only come about because of the number of individual applications which preceded the involvement of their Union!! Your involvement therefore may be crucial!!!
www.btprecruitment.com/ Pension Ombudsman Application Form (Guidance available on the SPPA website - ) www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk/Complaints/Complaint_Form/ You will need to print this document after completing it on line and then post to the address below. To complete online Ctrl and click on the link below. www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk/Publications/docs/Application_Form_Online.pdf/
Your details (Self Explanatory) Representative Details ( Leave blank unless you have enlisted the services of a solicitor or similar!) Complaint or Dispute Details Scheme or Policy Number(s) - Police Pension Scheme - UK
Employer – Grampian Police
Trustees - Leave Blank
Scheme Manager – Leave Blank
Scheme Administrators – Aberdeen City Council, Pension Fund, AECC – 2nd Floor, Balgownie One, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen. AB23 8AQ
Previous referrals
Pension Advisory Service advised – Yes
Can we request papers - Yes
Reference Number – 95770 and Police Pension Circular 2009/5
Court or Tribunal involved - In July 2008 the Police Federation E&W applied for a Judicial Review of the decision to back date no further than 1st October 2007 the new factors for commutation of annual pension, i.e. the equalization of commutation rates for men and women. The Courts judgement, which was not appealed by the Home Office, set the new date on which the new factors would take place, as 1st December 2006. Since then the Fire Brigade Union (FBU) & their Lawyers have advanced the argument that the Government Actuary's Department (GAD) had a statutory obligation to review the commutation tables on an Annual basis which, it appears, did not happen during the period 1998 - 2006.
A Background 1. I am a former employee of Grampian Police and I retired on [ ].
2. When I retired, I was entitled to a pension. I was given the option of commuting part of my pension for a lump sum, and chose to do so.
3. The lump sum was calculated on the basis of factors taken from tables prepared by the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD). The factors within these tables are used to calculate the lump sum that is actuarially equivalent to the value of the annual pension which is foregone by commutation. The tables used in my case were prepared by GAD in 1998.
4. No review of the tables seems to have been carried out in the eight years between 1998 and 2006. >P> 5. Revised factors were supplied to the Home Office in 2006. They were considered by the Home Office and commuted sums were re-calculated, with a back dating to 31 October 2007.
6. The Police Federation of England and Wales challenged the back dating and the High Court, after due consideration opined that the backdating should be made to the time at which the Home Office became aware of the new tables; 1 December 2006.
7. Because I retired before the 1 December 2006, the new factors were not use in calculating my commutation. They tables should have been reviewed more frequently and should have been introduced earlier and should have applied to me.
8. The arrangements for the Police Pension Scheme were analysed by the High Court in Queen on the Application of the Police Federation of England and Wales and Others v The Secretary for the Home Department and Another [2009] EWHC 488 (admin). That case concerned errors made in the review of the commutation factors used in the Police Pension Scheme and that is the basis of my complaint.
9. The Court concluded that:
(i) There is a statutory obligation on GAD to prepare the actuarial tables to be used and to keep them under review (paragraph 106 of the judgment).
(ii) The Home Office, in the case of the Police Pension Scheme, is not the administrator of the scheme as that term is commonly understood (paragraph 96). The Home Office should not have taken the role of instructing GAD what to do and when to do it; GAD should not have surrendered that role (paragraph 109).
(iii) The employers have no option but to apply the factors produced by GAD.
10. The Police Pension Scheme explicitly requires commutation factors to be set on the basis of “actuarial equivalence”. That means that factors must take account of life expectancies and long term interest rates. In the period between 1998 and 2008, it was widely recognised that life expectancies were improving and long-term interest rates were falling.
11. Neither the Home Office nor GAD took responsibility for the task of reviewing the commutation factors.
12. The duty to undertake a review was, I understand, in fact GAD’s. GAD assumed that Home Office would initiate a review, and the Home Office did nothing to change that assumption. I am advised that that was an error in law.
13. The failure to put proper administrative arrangements in place for a periodic review of the factors constituted maladministration on the part of both Departments. GAD is responsible for ensuring that the factors achieve actuarial equivalence. The Home Office, since it had assumed the role of management of the Police Pension Scheme, should have ensured that a review mechanism was in place. If proper administrative arrangements had been put in place for periodic review of the factors, they would have been updated in 2001 and again in 2004.
14. GAD should have produced new tables at regular reviews as outlined in paragraph 13 and had they done so, the new factors would have been in place regularly and commutation amounts calculated using them.
Summary of complaint
My complaint is that the Government Actuaries Department were in neglect of their Statutory Duty to review the Commutation tables for retiring Policemen timeously. Having served as a Police Officer since 1973, and retired in 2005, I am affected financially by the failure of the Government Actuary's Department to review the commutation tables annually during the period 1998 – 2006. I became aware of this matter in October 2011 when it was brought to my attention by the Web Manager of the Retired Police Officers' Association Scotland Injustice suffered
If the factors had been updated and parity between male and female officers achieved, the commutation lump sum paid to me would have been greater. Having retired in 2005 after 32 years of public service, I received less commutation than I would otherwise have been paid had the Government Actuary's Department reviewed the commutation tables on an annual basis as required by Regulation. This shortfall in my commutation and therefore my potential annual earnings impacts negatively and unfairly on my standard of living when compared with my former colleagues who retired after 1 December 2006 or female colleagues who retired at the same time as me. How would I like the matter put right
In the interests of fairness and natural justice, I believe that the reviews that should have been conducted during the period 1998 – 2006 be now undertaken based on historical data. I would like the Respondents to pay me an additional commutation lump sum based on the reviewed calculation and any interest that would have accrued had the payment of my commutation been properly calculated and paid to me in 2005.
Send the completed form to:
The Pensions Ombudsman
11 Belgrave Road
London
SW1V 1RB
Scottish Police Bowling (Retired Members) Association
The new season fixtures as follows
INDOOR
| Match | Venue | Date | |
| SPBA | WEST LOTHIAN INDOOR | 5/02/2012 | |
| SPS | WEST LOTHIAN INDOOR | 19/02/2012 | |
| STIRLING EX PRESIDENTS | STIRLING INDOOR | 4/03/2012 |
| Match | Date |
| FIFE EX- PRESIDENTS | TBA |
| AUCHTERARDER BC | 6/05/12 |
| COATBRIDGE BC | 20/5/12 |
| BA BC BAINSFORD | 10/06/12 |
| DUMFRIES EX PRESIDENTS | 1/07/12 |
| FALKIRK BC | 15/07/12 |
| THORNTON BC | 12/08/12 |
| AIRTHREY SPA BC | 02/09/12 |
David Grant
Secy
Scottish Government Consultation on the Future of Policing in Scotland - Single Police Force
The Justice Minister has issued a further consultation document and invites people to contribute to the process. The closing date for contributions is the 2nd November and full details can be found at www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/public-safety/Police/ConsultationFuturePolicin
The consultation - which closes on November 2 - is available at www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/09/08111413
THE ANNUAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE AT THE SCOTTISH POLICE MEMORIAL
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Since 1770, 238 Scottish Police Officers have lost their lives in the line of duty. 2011 saw the 7th Anniversary Ceremony of the dedication and opening of the Scottish Police Memorial, which was opened by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal in 2004.
The Scottish Police Memorial, which is dedicated to the lasting memory of these officers, is located within the grounds of the Scottish Police College. The College has been at the heart of police training since 1954. All officers who have been part of the service since that time have passed through the College gates during their career making the grounds a fitting place for this memorial. The College grounds provide a quiet place for loved ones to remember and reflect upon the contribution made by their friends and family members whilst also serving as a place of training for those who have joined the Scottish Police Service family.
The founding committee of the Scottish Police Memorial Trust consisted of: Christine Fulton, James McNulty and Stuart McAllistair. A short time later they were joined by representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, the Scottish Police Federation and the Scottish Police College.
A Memorial Book is held within Tulliallan Castle, with an entry dedicated to each of the officers named on the Memorial.
The RPOAS wreath was laid by Alex Grant, Ayrshire Branch, and there was a good representation from the RPOAS branches.
Members may be interested to know that there is a Scottish Police Memorial Trust Memorial for Police Officers at Tulliallan for officers who died off duty or in retirement if you want to look at the web site www.spmt.org.uk there are details and an application form or you can phone 01563 579988 for more details.
Change of indexation RPI to CPI
please consider signing petiition
You will be aware that we are currently challenging this change by Judicial Review and the case it due to be heard in the High Court later this year. Should the site receive 100K responses it will result in the matter being debated by Parliament, which may assist our challenge.
Please feel free to circulate as widely as possible.
Regards
Ian Rennie
General Secretary
Police Federation of E&W
Federation House
Highbury Drive
Leatherhead
Surrey KT22 7UY
01372.352022
1st Cadet Training Course at Aberdeen 1968
Many thanks to Jim Forbes for the picture
SCOTTISH RETIRED POLICE ANGLING ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GATHERING 2011
The SRPAA's annual gathering took place at the Lake of Menteith on Wednesday 29 June 2011 with 34 anglers in attendance from throughout Scotland, a number which could well have been over 40 had there not been last minute call-offs. The weather proved kind but challenging. The catch weigh-in was limited to maximum of five per rod. The day's sport ended with 91 fish being returned weighing in at just over 215 lbs with eight anglers returning the limit. The biggest return of the day was Jim Walker, Lothian and Borders with five fish for 12lb 13oz closely followed by Keith Anderson, also Lothian and Borders, with five fish for 12lbs 8oz. Ronnie Picken, Strathclyde, had the heaviest returned fish of the day with a rainbow trout of 3lbs 7oz. Following the weigh-in the day ended with a well welcome and most enjoyable meal and presentation of prizes at the Lion & Unicorn, Thornhill. The day's success must go to SRPAA Secretary Ian Harper, Central Scotland, for what were his usual faultless arrangements, a fact which was acknowledged with a hearty vote of thanks by all who had the undoubted pleasure of taking part.
Assembled, Ready and Eager
Winner - Jim Walker L&B (left) with Ian Harper
Heaviest Fish - Ronnie Picken, Strathclyde, (right) with Ian Harper
SCOTTISH POLICE ANGLING ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL CHAMPIONSHIP 19TH MAY 2011
LAKE OF MENTEITH
The 45th Annual Championship of the Scottish Police Angling Association (SPAA) took place on Thursday 19th May 2011 at the Lake of Menteith, Stirlingshire. Due to some late withdrawals only 64 competitors took part in the event which, besides being a Championship in it’s own right, also serves as the Regional qualifiers for the PSUK representative events that will take place in 2012.
The event was fished to a 3 fish bag limit with competitors thereafter adopting catch and release tactics with 2lb in weight being credited for each released fish. A total of 206 Fish (including 68 released fish) weighing 415lb 14oz were caught.
The 4-man team event was won by Lothian and Borders Police Team A, comprising of Jim McBride, John Greep, Kenny Hall and Jim Walker with a total team catch of 28 fish for 55lb 11oz, and this Team with represent Scotland at the PSUK National Final at the Lake of Mentieth in 2012. Central Scotland Police Team A were the runners up with 20 fish for 39lb 2oz.
The individual Scottish Champion for 2011 was Jim McBride from Lothian and Borders Police with an excellent catch of 11 fish for 22lb 3oz and Jim will also represent Scotland as an individual at the 2012 PSUK National Final. The runner up to the individual Champion was Stuart Marshall, Central Scotland Police with 9 fish for 18lb 3oz and he will also represent Scotland as an individual in the 2012 PSUK National.
Harris Campbell, Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary caught the heaviest fish, weighing 3lb 5oz.
Following the event the presentation dinner was held within the Winnock Hotel, Drymen, and Arthur Donaldson MBE presented the prizes to the winners.
John Friel
Secretary SPAA
WARNING re INTERNET SCAMS
Following a report on the BBC 15th November, please be aware of two similar scams currently going the rounds in the UK.
1. You receive a call from someone (they may say that they are from Microsoft) informing you that they have noticed your computer is infected with a virus and offer to talk you through and download a programme to sort things out. Instead, it is malicious software that is downloaded and which can then extract your personal information. If you receive such a call, HANG UP.
2. While you are on line you may receive pop ups on screen claiming that your computer is infected and encourages you to click through to a site hosting malicious or useless software that acts as a front for gathering personal information. DO NOT be tempted to activate these programs.
For further information go to www.getsafeonline.co.uk
The Glasgow Police Museum has been voted No. 28 on the Independent newspaper's Top 50 UK Museums !!
Click to see Newspaper article
Glasgow Police Museum
Glasgow Police Museum re-opened at:
(First Floor)
30 Bell Street
Merchant City
Glasgow G1 1LG
(0141 552 1818)
Hours: (April - Oct) Mon - Sat 10am - 4.30pm ; Sundays 12 noon - 4.30pm
(Nov - March) Tuesdays 10am - 4.30pm ; and Sundays 12 noon - 4.30pm ONLY.
Futher information click here
Latest information
For the Latest information from the PMAS specially for the Retired Police Officers Association Scotland
A WARNING ABOUT E-MAILS SUPPOSED TO BE FROM THE TAX OFFICE
THIS HAS RAISED ITS UGLY HEAD ONCE MORE
A member received an email to the effect that he was going to get a lot of money from the Tax office. He checked it out and got a reply confirming that:
HM Revenue & Customs DO NOT send e-mails that:-
notify customers of eligibility to a repayment
or, to request personal information or payment.
They advised that their specialist team will look into the circumstances and take the necessary action but can not always inform the originator of the outcome of the investigations.
So, 'Semper Vigilo'
Scottish Police Credit Union
Saving Today
Securing Tomorrow
Many of you will have seen the return on your savings diminish over the last two years as the credit crunch and the recession have produced devastating effects. Lack of regulation and a desire for profit at any cost led to several major financial institutions taking uncalculated risks, resulting in the banking crisis we are witnessing today. Interest rates are at an historic low and many people are looking for an alternative to the high street for regular savings. The question is - where you find an alternative?
The simple answer is Scottish Police Credit Union - the co-operative financial services provider to the Police Family in Scotland. Your Credit Union can offer you an alternative home for your regular savings, which saw a 3 % (Gross) return in the financial year 08/09.
So what is the difference? Our members! A credit union is owned and run by its members, is dedicated to providing an excellent service and ensuring its members’ financial welfare. We have no fat cat directors or third party shareholders to satisfy. Our shareholders are our members and, by providing the money we lend and contributing to our income by borrowing, they are rightfully rewarded by sharing in the surpluses they have helped create. Governance by a volunteer board of directors, all of whom are serving or retired police personnel, ensures we stay in touch with the needs of our membership.
Regulated by the Financial Services Authority and with 21 years of financial experience serving the police family in Scotland, Scottish Police Credit Union can provide you with a safe and secure environment in which to make regular savings. In addition, we offer an opportunity to borrow, as well as providing access to several insurance products. Payments are made by direct debit on a monthly basis and the minimum savings payment is £10. There is a one off membership fee of £5 taken from your first deduction, but there are no other fees or charges levied by Scottish Police Credit Union.
If you would like more information on the benefits of being a member of Scottish Police Credit Union please visit our website at www.scottishpolicecu.co.uk or if you would like to talk with us, telephone 0141 771 1314 where a member of our administration staff will be delighted to speak with you. You can of course email us on info@scottishpolicecu.co.uk.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Scottish Police Credit Union.
Ian Caldwell
Business Development Officer
Scottish Police Credit Union Ltd
Fully Retired or Semi-retired?
You are eligible to join the University of the Third Age
The University of the Third Age is a unique and exciting self help educational movement for people no longer in full time work. It offers the opportunity to pursue learning for sheer enjoyment and for its own sake.
Retired people in many parts of Scotland get together to pursue and share their own interests; these could be learning a language, walking, science, computing, painting, architecture, art gallery visits or anything the member wishes. There are no qualifications offered and none asked for.
Currently there is an active U3A in Edinburgh and various other places and new groups in Orkney and Oban.
Have a look at our websites:www.u3ascotland.org.uk or the main site at www.u3a.org.uk
The Scottish site will tell you if there is a U3A near you.
Scam Regarding Phone Bills
BT has published the following notice on its website warning customers about the scam: Please be aware of the following:
Fraudsters, pretending to be from various phone companies, have been calling people on the pretence that there is an outstanding bill and threatening to disconnect their line immediately if they do not pay the bill straight away.
The fraudsters have been pretending to "cut off" the customer. Worried about having their line cut off, some people have been persuaded into giving the fraudsters their bank account details.
The police are investigating and BT Security is looking into incidents where the fraudsters have claimed to be from BT.
Whilst BT does have debt handling procedures which may involve calling customers, BT never carries out disconnections during the call by way of proof.
We advise customers never to give out any banking details over the phone unless they are absolutely certain who they are dealing with.
If there is any doubt at all, a BT employee will be able to give the customer their employee ID number and an 0800 number to call, where the customer can check that they are who they say they are. The customer can also check their identity by calling 0800 800 150.
Beware of similar phone numbers. Fraudsters may for example offer a number which has an extra zero - 0800 0800 xxx has been used by fraudsters - it is not the same as 0800 800 xxx.
UK communications regulator OfCom has also posted a warning to consumers about the scam: Fraudsters are currently phoning consumers claiming to be from BT or Ofcom. They claim that the consumer’s telephone line needs digital upgrade work. This, they say, will cost £6 and if it isn’t paid within 10 days the consumer’s phone line will be cut off.
In some cases, the fraudster will claim that the line needs testing and they will temporarily disconnect it. When the consumer tries to make an outgoing call they are unable to do so. This is simply because the fraudster is still on the line meaning no outbound calls can be made.
This is a scam. Ofcom and BT have alerted the relevant authorities for investigation.
Membership at COSTCO
Retired Police Officers Association Scotland Members can apply for membership of the wholesale chain Costco. You will require to take your Association membership card and a utility billinto any of their three stores (Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow). Memebership of Costco is £25 + VAT per annum. Could you also let them know youheard about it from our website !!!
For Further information click here
Police Treatment Centres - New Application Form
Could you all please note that the Police Treatment Centres have informed us that they will not be processing any of the old style applications forms in future.
The new form can be found at their web site: www.thepolicetreatmentcentres.org
The Scottish Helpline for Older People (S.H.O.P.)
The Scottish Helpline for Older People (S.H.O.P.)
offers an independent, confidential telephone based information service to people aged 50 and over living in Scotland, and to those associated with them such as their carers and families. Our aim is to provide people with the information they require to enable them to make their own decisions about their own lives - it's about maintaining independence, enabling freedom of choice and empowerment. We understand that it is often difficult to find the information you require from the vast array available, and we can present the information to you in a format that suits your needs eg we can provide translation services, we have facilities to help us deal with enquiries from people who have hearing difficulties, and from those who have sight problems.
Our services are available to everyone who lives in Scotland - there are no geographical boundaries to our services. We are particularly keen to reach people who are in the minority groups, and would welcome more callers from these communities.
We deal with all types of enquiries, for example what benefits can be claimed, what is the current situation on free personal care, how can I get help for my parents who are not as agile as they once were, what should I do if I think an older person is being abused, etc. Whilst we do not profess to knowing all of the answers, if we are unable to provide the answer we cap generally put you in touch with someone who can.
A large part of our success is due to joint working arrangements with member organisations of the Consortium that supports the Helpline. These include W.R.V.S., Alzheimers Scotland, The Pension service, The Scottish Pensioners Forum, and Citizens Advice Scotland, to name a few. The Helpline is. funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Age Concern Scotland.
Our overall aim is to ensure that every person over the age of 50 in Scotland has access to the same high quality information, in a format that is appropriate to the needs of the enquirer. We have real people answering our telephones, not a plethora of options to choose and buttons to select and endless recorded music and messages. Occasionally if we are very busy or outwith opening hours your call will switch over to our answering service where you may leave your contact details and we will call you back as soon as possible. The Helpline is manned by both paid and volunteer trained information workers who have : wide range of experience, Some of our volunteers are over 70 years old and are acutely aware of the issues faced by older people today.
Why not try us?
The Helpline is open from 10am until 4pm Monday to Friday.
0845 125 9732
MONEY-SAVING WEB SITES
We have been informed that these all work but we haven't checked them out.
moneysavingexpert.com/travel/?utm_source=jantip&utm_medium=email
moneysavingexpert.com
www.saveonmakeup.co.uk
www.play.com
www.cdwow.com
www.strawberrynet.com
www.grabitnow.com
www.clearance-comet.co.uk
www.needundies.com
www.madaboutbargains.co.uk
www.Bornforsports.com
www.Sciencemuseumstore.com
www.freestuffjunction.co.uk
www.landsend.co.uk
www.directcosmetics.com
www.mysupermarket.co.uk
www.giveortake.com
www.entitledto.co.uk
www.rpoints.com
www.quidco.com
www.readitswapit.co.uk
www.envirofone.com
www.offeroftheday.com
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
http://www.beauty21.co.uk/
SCOTTISH POLICE COLLEGE MUSEUM
The Scottish Police College has embarked on a project to establish a museum reflecting the history of the Scottish Police Service. At the present time we have a number of small displays of uniforms, badges and equipment used by the Scottish Police Forces since the 1940’s.
To be able to accurately reflect the change in policing over the decades we would like to build a stock of any item used by the City, Burgh, County and latterly Regional forces in Scotland. This includes any police related photographs.
We are appealing to all retired officers, who may have retained such items of memorabilia which are possibly taking up valuable room or loft space, to consider lending or donating items for display in the museum.
You all played your part in making the service what it is today, you all have stories to tell which depict the trials and tribulations of the service. Don’t store them away or leave them for your annual gatherings, share them now for those people joining the service to tell them what was achieved through your hard work and indeed hard times.
The gathering of items for display is only the start of the process; we would like to explain what the donated items are and what they were used for. If they have stories attached then let us hear them.
Eventually we would consider, with the permission of the person providing the story (changing names to protect the innocent!!), publishing these stories and tales with the proceeds going to police related charities.
Some of the items gathered so far are:
- Station Log Book from Larkhall Police Office (1899-1902)
- Batons
- Oil Lamps
- Handcuffs
- Insignia
- Photographs
- Uniforms
Chief Inspector George Barnsley
Head of Quality & Standards Division
Scottish Police College
Tulliallan Castle
Kincardine
Fife
FK10 4 BE
Tel: 01259 732013
Email: george.barnsley@tulliallan.pnn.police.uk
Exclusive members
offers from BUPA
CLICK HERE
Accommodation Leatherhead, Surrey
The Police Federation of England & Wales have open new offices in Leatherhead, Surrey. Included in the office suite are Hotel Rooms. It is only a £30 taxi fare from Gatwick Airport! Check it out at www.federationhouse.co.uk/
MacMillan Cancer Relief
If you are having problems with the cost of travelling to and parking at hospital, MacMillan Cancer Relief may be able to help you. They know that travelling to and from hospital can be expensive, especially if you are undergoing treatment on a daily basis, over a period of weeks. The side-efects of cancer treatments, such as tiredness and nausea, also mean that public transport isn't always an option. The costs quickly add up, but there is help available.
Under the The Hospital Travel Costs Scheme you may be eligible to claim. For further details phone MacMillan free on 0800 500 800 or visit their website at http://www.macmillan.org.uk/abetterdeal