Government seeks OPC advice

Many services affecting older people in the city are controlled by national bodies. This means that increasingly the OPC is consulted by these bodies on new developments. Because of the OPC’s fight for the retention of the Brighton to Watford train service the Department for Transport now asks for our views during consultation periods. We are currently being asked for our views on two projects affecting disabled passengers. MPs recognise the experience present in the OPC and consult us. We are currently discussing our attitude to a document issued by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills dealing with the long term future of Informal Adult Learning – a subject very dear to our hearts as we have watched “Life Long Learning” cease to justify its title. The City & Guilds training organisation decided to run course for those working with older people – we were consulted at every stage. All of which results in the OPC being listed amongst major national and regional bodies as consultees!

OPC Election Results

ZONE 2 - East Brighton & Queen’s Park wards

John Barry has been elected to the OPC with a total of 408 votes. In a very closely run contest Dorothy Warburton, the second placed candidate with 401 votes, will be the substitute member. Thanks also to Faith Matyszak (227 votes) and Michael Stimson (209 votes) for participating in the by-election.

Turnout was 42.9%

ZONE 6 - Brunswick & Adelaide, Goldsmid and Regency wards

John Eyles has been elected to the OPC with a total of 455 votes. Rosemary Shepherd, the second placed candidate with 284 votes, will be the substitute member. Thanks also to Valerie Paynter (195 votes) and Joan Woodley (181) for participating in the by-election.

Turnout was 38.4%

OPC Creates a Radio Production Company

Working with the Pensioners’ Forum, Age Concern, the City Council and hospital radio enthusiasts, the Older People’s Council has established Grey Matters Productions Community Interest Company. Grey Matters (CIC) is an independent radio production company run by older people that makes radio programmes for older people.

Every month Grey Matters (CIC) produces a new edition of their radio programme “At Home this Morning”. At Home this Morning is broadcast by RadioReverb (the community radio station) at 11.00 am on the first Tuesday of every month [97.2VHF]. The programme is repeated throughout the month every Tuesday at 11.00 am. Further repeats occur on some Sunday mornings at 9.00 am.

GREY MATTERS - LATEST NEWS
Grey Matters has recently been awarded £9000 by the Lottery “Awards for All” to build a state of the art radio studio. We are currently working to identify a suitable site for the studio. Once established in our new studio we aim to produce a fortnightly programme.