Pensioners’ Pop-In Party a Huge Success

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The three Chatham Central councillors, Paul Godwin, Julie Shaw and Vince Maple attended Dolly Morgan’s Pensioners’ Pop In Easter Party.  The Mayor, Cllr Val Goulden, was also there to judge the Easter bonnet competition.
A great time was had by all, and the only problem for the Mayor was how to judge the six best bonnets from such a fantastic selection.
The party was part-funded by the councillors’ ward improvement fund.  However, although it was agreed to keep Ward Improvement Fund monies in Thursday’s budget, the money is now ‘capitalised’.  This means that councillors will no longer be able to support events, only to buy tangible items.
Cllr Godwin said,
“I was delighted to come to Dolly’s party.  I’ve known her for many years, and the work she does organising the Pensioners’ Pop In Club is fantastic.  All of the Chatham Central councillors, and Cllr Bill Esterson, have given money to the club this year to support their work.”
“However, from April we will no longer be able to do so.  The Tories have shifted the Ward Improvement Fund into the capital programme to balance the budget, so we can’t give money to community groups like Dolly’s.  This mean-spirited move, caused purely by the Tories’ financial incompetence, will mean a struggle for many worthwhile local groups.”
Cllr Vince Maple said
“The Pensioner’s Pop In is a real life line for its members, somewhere that they can get together, enjoy each others’ company and have a laugh.  Sadly, our support for this group and others will be curtailed by the Tories’ decision, and it could really limit the possible community benefits through the Ward Improvement Fund scheme.”
Cllr Julie Shaw said,
“On Christmas eve, Dolly received a letter from the Council saying that they wouldn’t help with the Pensioners’ club’s Christmas shopping trip.  We felt that this was so miserly- and ill-timed- that we decided to help out with their Easter celebrations.”
ENDS

For further comment please contact Cllr Paul Godwin on 01634 865944 or Mobile: 07740 590047, or Cllr Julie Shaw on 01634 813647.  Alternatively contact the Group office on 01634 332393.