Members of the Lowestoft Branch hosted the quarterly meeting of Anglia Region Pensioners Association NPC at the Stella Maris Hall last month with affiliated delegates from Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex present.

Members of the Lowestoft Branch hosted the quarterly meeting of Anglia Region Pensioners Association NPC at the Stella Maris Hall last month with affiliated delegates from Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex present. A minute's silence was held as a tribute to the late Jack Thain who helped establish and develop the Pensioner Movement in Lowestoft, Suffolk, Norfolk and England. Leaflets outlining the Pensioners' Manifesto researched by the National Pensioners' Convention were available which will be distributed by branch members to the public and prospective parliamentary candidates in the next general election expected within the year. The main demands of the manifesto are: 1 A basic state pension set above the official poverty level (estimated at �165 a week in 2009), which is linked to the higher of earnings or prices, and paid alongside other existing concessions, to provide some financial security for all. 2 Free long-term and social care funded from general taxation and provided to the highest standards in order to maintain dignity and without the need for means-testing, rationing or a postcode lottery. 3 Good quality local services funded through national income tax rather than council tax. 4 Free UK-wide travel on all forms of public transport (bus, tram and rail) to encourage independence and greater mobility, as well as helping the environment and reducing demand on care services. 5 An end to discrimination where it adversely affects the opportunities, goods and services available to older people. 6 A winter fuel allowance of �500 per pensioner household to help maintain a warm and comfortable home. Lowestoft members enjoyed their Suffolk Coast mystery trip in June and yesterday hoped to avoid the forecast showers on a mystery minibus day out around the Norfolk/Suffolk border. The next meeting will be this Monday, June 13 at 1.45 pm at the BT Hall, Clapham Road. All seniors are welcome and new members will be welcomed with a cup of tea. Former Lowestoft evacuees Owen and Mary Draper, Derek Aldred and Barry Robinson will provide the commentary for a slideshow compiled by Derek of the Evacuees day trip to Derbyshire last Friday.