New view on ‘cheap’ turbines

There was a time when I looked on wind turbines as cheap-looking plastic structures, with no viable purpose and which costs each consumer of electricity £100 a year extra on their bills. A blight on the landscape and no use to man or beast. But hey, if they bring prosperity to Great Yarmouth what the heck? Bring ‘em on!

PAULINE LYNCH

Bradwell

Why not ask us what we think?

I, like John Cooper, cannot understand the ins and outs of what the council is doing. After the debacle of the outer harbour you would think the council would be more cautious of future enterprises.

They give away historic buildings, the Wellington Pier and now I believe the Winter Gardens or Beer Gardens is the next to go. I can appreciate these features of the town may cost a lot to maintain, but hey if no maintenance is ever done, what happens is it all falls into disrepair. And when this happens it can be more costly to repair than to demolish.

While wishing to see more of private enterprise in this town we need to attract more than the “summer season” businesses. We need enterprise that will run 12 months of the year, as opposed to 12 to 16 weeks.

Thank goodness for people like John Cooper, who bring a lot of these important issues to the fore. The council need to be more involved and listen to the normal folk of this borough, maybe even doing a survey, to see what would serve this town best

Maybe a survey to see what people think, there might be a few good ideas out there. Think on council members, if you keep giving it all away, soon we won’t own any of it, then there won’t be any need for a council.

MARLENE DELAY

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Joseph was a fabulous show

Dusmagrik does it again! Well done to all the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, performed at the Pavilion Theatre in Gorleston. Mary Carter has achieved it again. A very polished performance from all her pupils. Under the tuition of John Stephens, the choir was excellent, We all remember enthusiastic teachers, and these youngsters will always remember theirs. All in all, a fabulous show!

TERRY and SANDRA WEST

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More needs to be done for jobs

It is obviously great news that up to 70 news jobs in the town may be created, (Mercury, 22/11), but it is unclear how many local people will have the necessary skills.

It is great news that local unemployment has dropped to 2,792 people (Mercury, 15/11). This is a significant drop since October 2010 when the figure stood at 3,165 and from 3,458 in 2012.

Unfortunately, one is never quite sure what statistical changes have taken place. Likewise, how many people are not registered and would like to work if a suitable opening arose? How many people are on zero hours contracts and are never sure how many hours they will work?

How many people are on short time and at risk of redundancy? How many are temping but would prefer the security of permanent work? How many people are under-employed and not using their skills and qualifications fully with the earnings to match? How many are on the dubious Workfare programme?

Youth unemployment remains a huge issue and is the workforce of the future but are struggling to gain experience and skills needed. If they could be got back to work, the old may be able to retire in peace and create openings for them. It is good news that apprenticeships are being created gain following the decimation under Labour. Likewise, long term unemployment is another big issue that remains to be fully addressed.

I do not understand how if the government is committed to reducing the benefits bill, why job creation schemes with training are not provided. A thousand jobs would cost £10m and would be largely paid for by benefit savings and the benefit of the work undertaken. There is a social cost of unemployment too in terms of the stress and loss of self worth that it can bring. More needs to be done while we wait for more news of new jobs.

CHRIS WRIGHT

Victoria Street,

Caister

Feeling positive after treatment

I have just come home after spending several days in the James Paget Hospital and would firstly like to thank consultants Dr Dernedde, Dr Shaik and Dr Paul Banim and secondly all the staff on ward 16 and the Sandra Chapman unit for their absolute care and dedication for the treatment I received during my stay.

I would also like to thank all my family and friends, since being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in March.

I have just finished a course of radium and chemotherapy treatment at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and will get the results in January following a scan but would like to add at this moment I am feeling well and staying very positive about the future.

MARILYN FISH

Bradwell

Thanks to lady my dog is fine

I would like to say thank you to a lady who helped me after my dog was hit by a car on Marine Parade in Gorleston. She was very supportive. I don’t know how to tell her so am writing this letter to the Mercury in the hope she reads it. My dog, by the way, is now fine.

NICKY BENTLEY

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Bumps needed to slow cyclists

Now the cycling ban has been lifted on Gorleston lower promenade, I hope the council are putting in speed bumps either side of Jay Jay’s cafe. I have witnessed deliberate speeding by cyclists on here on a number of occasions.

It is only a matter of time before someone is injured, especially small children who may be unaware of the possible danger from idiots who cycle through this area at full speed.

Like many others I am in favour of allowing cycling on the lower promenade as long as cyclists take care.

But there is only one way to slow those who act dangerously and that is by putting in bumps to slow them down. The lack of objections to date is of no surprise as most people only report something after an accident occurs.

The council will be partly responsible if they have not taken all reasonable preventative measures and an injury occurs.

BRUCE GRANGER

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Star and Garter best as a pub

I am writing with interest about the article on the Star and Garter which I read in the Great Yarmouth Mercury about two weeks ago. Over the years people who have visited and drank there have been oil rig workers etc. It will be a shame to see it go as it has been a landmark where it is. I would like it to be retained as a public house.

MR P TURNER

St Margaret’s Way,

Fleggburgh

Flick switch and put lights on

I would be really grateful if you would publish my letter in the Mercury as I feel it could possibly save a life.

We have just had to travel to Cromer on what was a very murky, wet and misty morning. Driving along the Acle Straight I was amazed how many drivers had no lights on at all. This is totally irresponsible behaviour on the drivers part and I can understand now why there are so many accidents on this stretch of road.

Lack of lights and speed don’t bare thinking about. Even when these people see motorists with lights on they still carry on as if they are saving energy. Come on, think. There might be children in the car so remember flick that switch and put them on.

MRS S BURGESS

Gorse Close,

Belton

Hospice figures

need close look

Re last week’s letter concerning the unfortunate situation of the proposal for two hospices. None of them referred to the building or running costs of either.

It has been stated previously that East Coast Hospice near Hopton will cost approximately £4m to build and £2m a year to run. The Palliative Care East Hospice at the James Paget Hospital estimated building cost is £3m and £1m a year to run. Surely these figures need careful consideration by all concerned.

I share people’s worries about the involvement of the NHS in these uncertain times, but even a private hospice cannot run without NHS support. Can the people of one area really raise £2m a year to run one or is it more feasible to raise half that amount and run the other.

No correspondent writes from the point of a patient’s distress and discomfort of being ambulanced from hospice to hospital and back again. I have seen the results of this for myself. It quite took my breath away when I read that ECH have already spent £250,000 of donors money but that is their business.

BRENDA TAYLOR

St George’s Road

Great Yarmouth

Hero event was rocking success

Last Saturday my wife and I along with 100 plus enthusiasts from the East Coast Swing and Rock ‘n’ Roll Club attended the most wonderful show of first class music and entertainment from a young local man who goes by the name of Danny Reno all for the aid of the Help the Heroes fund.

Starting at 8.30pm the packed crowd in the Pub on the Shrubs concert room were entertained for three hours and 30 minutes by a trio of yesteryear’s top entertainers, Shakin’ Stevens, Roy Orbison, and The King himself Elvis Presley performed by Danny Reno.

Our hearty thanks go to the event organizers Barry and Jo Palmer who worked so tirelessly and to the DJs who filled in the early part plus the raffle assistants.

The event raised over £800 for the Help for Heroes. Well done to you all.

BARRY AND MARLENE STEWART

Crown Road

DNR is no barrier to hospital TLC

I have been reading reports in the local and national press over the last few months about ‘end of life’ care decisions, and realise that it is a complex issue of which we should have better knowledge.

As I understand it DNR, meaning do not resuscitate, indicates that if the patient has actually died (that is, the heart has stopped) naturally, attempts to restart it are not made as the chances of success are very low even in a hospital ward, usually because there is an underlying medical condition that is irreversible and makes it inappropriate to subject them to this procedure. This is entered on the notes either at the request of the patient themselves, or as a medical decision by the doctor in charge, and nursing staff, and relatives if present, are informed. DNR is written in the notes to prevent unnecessary suffering and distress. Unless there is such an occasion the patient continues with active medical care in the hope that they will respond.

There are also ‘Advance Directives’ which can be initiated by the patient who would usually discuss the meaning with their GP or consultant. This is a legal form (available on the Internet) but should be arranged before there is a crisis so that the patient is fully aware and able to make the decision for themselves. It does not stop treatment for acute illness, pain or discomfort, but means that life is not prolonged if there is not a reasonable chance of recovery to independence

I personally obtained this before I developed a life-limiting illness, and am relieved to think that my life will not be prolonged to cause distress to myself and my relatives, but will still get the ‘TLC’ at which the NHS excels.

P STUART

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Mental health care is lacking

I felt emotional after reading Lara Norris’ letter in last week’s GY Mercury, there in black and white was everything I had suspected over the past months. Quite unexpectedly, we have had to reach out for help from the Mental Health Service for a close relative and have felt that we have had to fight every step of the way for help and information. We are distraught and exhausted both with worry for our relative and lack of help or information. A home visit half an hour or so every seven to ten days with no feedback is not helping our anxiety and stress.

Patient confidentiality is all well and good in the right circumstances but family input from those living with a relative 24/7 is surely crucial (or so I would have thought). We trawled the internet for information (not always a good idea) but better than no information. We only gained some information when we registered a complaint. Families need help not a battle when they find themselves in a dreadful and shocking situation. I worry for anyone who suddenly finds themselves in the same situation especially if they don’t have families to help. We dont want to fight the sytem we have havent got the strength left. We just want some help, understanding and compassion from those concerned, so hopefully our relative gets the care they so deserve.

Name and address supplied

Congratulations on a super show

On Saturday evening we attended the performance of Joseph by the Dusmagrik Young People’s Theatre group. The show was amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Congratulations must go to all involved, cast, support and helpers. Their dedication and hard work was evident throughout. There were many outstanding performances but the performance by the French onion was the highlight of the evening. Well done to all.

TINA BURTON

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Where were the puffing patients?

I am drawn to protest in the strongest manner as to perceived editorial inaccuracies in the recent edition of the weekly periodical. The Great Yarmouth Mercury. Under the headline on p33 of “Hospital services for seven days a week” is a supporting photo that has clearly been tampered with by the new technology of photo-etch-a-sketch or whatever it is called. Edited out are the hapless figures enjoying a puff under the three foot wide “no smoking sign”, some even with more pipes and drips than a cyberman, determined to follow the free expression of the law and share with others setting an unenviable example for the next generation on the front door.

In future please do not resort to such levels of censorship and lets have more upbeat stories told in a Pathe News style from our chap in Westminster telling us back here in the shires what his next renovation project will be. Good show can’t be easy for the fellow caring from such a distance to his home port. I know you will take these criticisms on board and look forward to seeing our chap pictured cutting the ribbon around the new exclusion zone of Don Quixote business park.

STEVE TAYLOR

Gorleston

Bucket loads of thanks to store

We offer our sincere gratitude and thanks to the customers and staff of the Rainbow Store in Bradwell for their magnificent contribution to our club’s bucket collection on Saturday November 16 for the Philippines Disaster Appeal. The collection totalled £665.51 which was superb and will assist in the relief work in the Philippines.

STUART HALL

Secretary

Rotary Club of Gorleston on Sea

Cast a credit to our borough

Last Friday Jenny and I were invited to attend the performance of Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Gorleston Pavilion Theatre by Dusmagrik. We would like to congratulate them on the quality and professionalism of their show. We are delighted to see the young people representing this borough in such a marvellous way. They are certainly a credit to the town. We were pleased to note that the show was well attended and urge people to support this group in the future.

COUNCILLOR JOHN AND JENNY BURROUGHS

Mayor of the Borough of Great Yarmouth

All sorted in just 90 minutes

A very cold and wet Monday and I had to attend the pathology Lab at JPH, after waiting about 10 minutes I was greeted by a nurse who explained everything in a happy and professional manner, bloods taken and I did not feel a thing.

Into A & E department as I had been having severe pains in my arm, I read the screen and it stated there was up to a two hour wait but after 20 minutes I was called through and my arm given a thorough check, I was then sent through to X Ray department, ten minutes later I was in and out of the X Ray area and sent back to A & E, met by the same very competent nurse who explained that I had fractured my arm and would have to attend the fracture clinic the following day.

All this took 90 minutes, I wonder if there is anywhere else that we could ever receive such good treatment by professional and caring staff and all for free, including my very up to the minute sling, I must also mention the fracture clinic where the same level of professional care was given, so a big thank you to the hard working staff at James Paget.

Janet McManus

St Johns Farm

Belton