Wensum - A world away from the hurricane
Having escaped Hurricane Sandy by a few precious days I have to say that the quiet and calm of life in Fakenham just now has a very welcome feel about it.
I checked on my brother back in New Jersey to find he’d bought the last loaf of bread in the local supermarket the day the weather stormed in, was obliged to cook on the gas barbecue in his garden when his electricity cut out and had no phone contact for a while. But such minor privations will hardly have disturbed someone who grew up in post-war England.
The news pictures of flooding along the Jersey coast, in New York City and on Long Island held us in thrall as we thought of the so-recent sunny times we’d spent visiting these places. Our exit plans could not have been bettered.
Back on the home front, the news about our Meals on Wheels service in the town continues to raise anxieties. Rumours abound as to its survival and the very real threat from the county council of removing its meal subsidy. Should this happen I guess it would be curtains.
As you may know, there are twice-weekly deliveries of hot meals to around 13 elderly residents, many of whom are virtually house-bound.
The small band of volunteers who do the rounds from Cranmer House where the food is cooked carry out a very worthwhile social service. Not just in making sure the meals are delivered but also checking on the residents and providing them with a bit of company. Many are quite isolated.
Now we have moved into the wintry months, such attention seems to me to be more important than ever. The letter I received from the WRVS area manager indicates his concerns without conveying quite which way the wind will blow. With council budget cuts high on the agenda, I do fear the worst.
Blood donor sessions out at the sports centre by the racecourse have been well attended when I’ve given my pint every four months. But the trend across the region is apparently of a decline in numbers providing this invaluable service.
There’s been a significant reduction in donor numbers in the county since 2009 and the figures for this year indicate less people signing up during the summer months and subsequently. Hardly surprising, then, that Health minister Norman Lamb has been heard urging more of us to donate.
Book an appointment by calling 0300 1232323 or find out more on www.blood.co.uk
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Weather for King's Lynn
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Heavy rain
Temperature: 5 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: North east
