OUR October coffee morning was well attended which was good, but owing to a medical emergency our speaker was unable to be with us. However, our chairman had plenty of information to impart.

We also finalised details for our Christmas lunch at NEW College. Mid- October saw the start of our winter exercise programme –Tia Chi sessions at the Winyates Neighbourhood Centre.

We have room for four more people, so if anyone over-55 out there would like to join us, ring Lorna on 01527 522030. We meet at 10am each Wednesday.

There was a brief discussion on the effect the new care bill is likely to have on the lives of older people after 2016.

A letter has been sent to the Prime Minister expressing concern on this matter. Members were asked to write to their county councillors and our MP to raise their concerns.

Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (RCCCG) has issued a draft prospectus as to the health services it would like to buy in for their patients, and members were informed comments on this document would be their chance to have some influence on future health care in the town. Leaflets are available in all GP surgeries inviting people to become members of the RBCCG and have their say. Please give your support, it could make a difference to the treatment you receive the next time you become ill.

Next coffee morning is on November 14 at 10am at Redditch’s Ecumenical Centre.