Carers and the Ageing
One of my pet hates is the way elderly in care homes are treated.I have had almost 30 years working with Intellectually Disabled Adults and at times situations can be extremely difficult and even dangerous,however as a professional and well trained in the field as a team we handled these tough areas.Having spent the last 18 months in the UK horror stories of the aged in care being mistreated are rife,resulting in family members having to resort to hiding cameras in their loved ones rooms.I find it hard to believe people are using excuses especially not having enough training in the job etc.Hopefully we are all going to reach old age and yet young carers don’t seem to realize that we do actually get old ! I have recently returned to Australia and watched a 4 Corner TV show and couldn’t believe my eyes! Apparently bullying is rife here and I watched a harrowing story with video on the awful way the aged are treated and then it struck me ! I happened to know one of the carers involved. I was aware of her case when she was reported and was found not guilty by the judge,not being judge-mental I accepted the decision as most people would. Last night I watched the alleged incident on National TV and I have changed my mind ! How could a judge dismiss what was obviously bullying? Other cases through out Australia were shown and little protection is given to the age.One particular Carer was actually hitting an elderly lady,consequently going to Court and virtually given a warning with NO loss of accreditation to the Home for the Aged.In conclusion? Come on governments of the world protect your elderly
Them were the days after watching The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society film
What a fantastic film showing the British way of life at the end of the War altho filmed in Guernsey.Memories of my youth were definitely invoked !! Everything was so clear cut in those days (I started skule in 1949) at the ripe old age of 4 and a half and left a when I was 15 yrs and 2 weeks old ! None of the mamby pamby stuff and we all made our own way to school by WALKING and having a laugh with friends,some of them became lifelong pals.Respect from we juniors in those days was of paramount importance,step out of line and a clip round the ear hole put us back in place.We had NO tv or phone and playing out on the street with other kid was the norm.One of my pals didnt have electricity in his house,however we used to go in his home on a Sunday night and listen to a fading Radio Luxembourg on Redifusion Radio .Wearing Jeans that were well worn and are now fashionable ! Designer clothes were unheard of. How did people survive without computers and mobile phones?What has become of the Britain I grew up and had the best times of my young life? The Coronation St way of life doesnt exist anymore,thieves get a slap on the wrist ( and a gentle one at that)There was a popular song in the early 60,s ” Bobbies on their bicycles 2 x 2″ there aren’t any street walking Bobbies anymore. Commit a crimes and you may get away with it ! Heaven forbid IF you do a couple of miles over the speed limit or park on Yellow lines because motorist are very vulnerable when it comes to being penalized and fined ! All in all I am happy to have lived through those wonderful,law controlled days and fear for future generations in the way the world is being run. As the saying goes ” Ah,for the good old days” Peace to you all
Roller coaster 18 months
So much as happened over my long Blackpool stay,having to travel back to Perth every 6 months to keep my EARNED Australian pension active.The great thing about the British pension is NO matter how much you have in the bank IF you have paid into the system you will get a FULL pension,meanwhile in Australia pensions are calculated on what assets held or how long is spent overseas.Having left Hervey Bay after a few years I headed off to Perth for a rethink on my future (yes even at the ripe old age of 73) and decided to return to the land of my birth and the best place on Earth to be brought up in…BLACKPOOL !! and it proved to be a great move.2017 Summer was very eventful and full on with different activities and having so many choices as opposed to the very laid back HB . Started to use a local pub and met some lovely people both new and from my school days.joined the pub Domino Team ( really) and traveled to away games at some great pubs and clubs,finishing the season on a singles and double win and a quick karaoke sing song during the break!! Christmas saw my eldest daughter and family over from Perth and we had the BEST Xmas and New Year I have had for a long time.Weather wise tho? it was bloody freezing !!!but loved it ! This Year can only be described horrific in a family way having lost my youngest daughter so young in life after starting a dialogue from a long time no speaking to each other,the hurt will never go away but in a strange sense SO glad we made up .Her daughter Athena is our mini Emma and steps will be taken to attain Grandparents rights within a few weeks time on my Australian return.Summer is almost gone and people have been so unbelievably supportive,my flat is great but I now have to let it go.Weeks are flying by here and I will miss Quiz nights,weekly movie visits with my nephew,BIG family get togethers BUT on the other hand a nice warm Christmas and New Year in Perth with my Australian Family and hopefully another travel around. Entertainment and Social events in Blackpool are second to none and all being well should be back for 2019 Summer. Englands trip into the World Cup were fantastic and there is SO much more happened to me BUT my typing finger is almost down to the bone ! Thanks to all those who have given me strength by all your loving support Peace to you all
1984 and all that
I am not a TV fan and find living in the UK presents invasion of privacy within certain Government Structures who send threatening mail including as illustrated from the mighty BBC proclaiming they are prepared to “investigate” my home stating possible illegal use of the BBC TV on any format inc Phone/Tablet/Computer etc or using a programme called Iplayer? I am also informed I do not have to pay the exorbitant 150 quid yearly ( I dont have the pound sign on my computer) IF I am registered Blind or 75 yrs of age ! I recently read that a BBC DJ is payed around a half a million pounds a year just for playing records? Having lived in Australia for over 30 years ALL TV there is free. If I could afford to take the BBC to court,I would and IF I require a licence I WILL contact them.1984 is truly alive when a TV station can invade MY privacy using a veiled threat,sending regular reminders of possible prosecution costing a lot of postage that perpetually informs me I am being watched !! If they come knocking on my door be assured I will seek identification in detail PLUS sighting of a Warranty. Heres to the Future and I think the last programme I viewed on the BBC was Muffin the Mule !! Ironically all other TV stations are known as “Free to Air” but all TVs are installed with the BBC !! Iron Clad eh?
PennyStone Rock Blackpool
When i was a nippers and the extensive promenade running from Lytham St Annes via Blackpool to what was in those heady days a fishing port known as Fleetwood (Fishermans Friend Lozenges are made in Fleetwood and the very famous Alfie Boe was brought up there)was our playground.Opposite the Redbank RD area out in the Irish Sea is a large rock ( seemed like a mountain when we were kids) known as PennyStone Rock having lots of unsubstantiated stories and folk lore to make it more interesting.It is written that in the 1500,s this “rock” was part of a village known as Singleton Thorpe.In that far off time the sea was further out and it is rumoured this place was surrounded by Forest. Singleton Thorpe was one of several villages overcome in the great flood of 1555 when the sea surged inland Pennystone Rock was supposed to be close by a public house and had an iron ring fastened to it for horses to be hitched to whilst their owners had a drink. This is mentioned in “The Story of Blackpool“, though the authors of that book couldn’t confirm the existence of the ring. Pebbles are strewn around the rock and are rumoured to have been part of a road.Penny’O’ Pint was the name of the Pub built next to the rock. Wouldn,t it be nice if Tony Robinson could do one of his TIME TEAM show from there?
About Bloody Time !! and Moving on
After the worst few months of my life,I have taken stock now its time for me to get back into blogging. I am currently planning a bright future both here in UK and Australia. My mind is set on buying a 4 x 4 vehicle in Oz come Sept and hopefully begin further adventures around the brilliant country,hopefully providing plenty of informative blogging.Meanwhile back here in Blackpool having suffered a very cold winter I am obliged to stay until Autumn ! Blackpool has a full on itinerary showbiz wise and plenty to do and see.The world famous Blackpool Tower,3 fantastic fun filled Piers,the wonderful Stanley Park that entertains 100,s of people with free concerts held weekly,the very attractive Zoo and most famously the Golden Mile promenade where I had the best times of my young life. This year will see the return of the mighty Red Arrows,spectacular weekly firework displays,lots of action promenade wise,the end of season magical world famous Illuminations. Pubs are everywhere and each has its own unique way of providing entertainment.I am doing this particular blog as a “practice” run up to what I hope will be informative and interesting articles on my future adventures.I will provide just a fraction of some of Blackpool’s 2018 attractions .Come and visit,you will not be disappointed
Will be hopefully going to see Ken Webster later on afore I head back to Australia,something I’ve always wanted to see “LIVE”
N.H.S the Good the Bad and the Ugly
The NHS was the first universal health care system established anywhere in the world. A leaflet was sent to every household in June 1948 which explained that “It will provide you with all medical, dental and nursing care. Everyone – rich or poor, man, woman or child-can use it or any part of it. There are no charges, except for a few special items. There are no insurance qualifications. But it is not a “charity”. You are all paying for it, mainly as tax payers, and it will relieve your money worries in time of illness” This was the Bold statement issued by the then Government,although it is a truly remarkable institution large cracks are starting to appear.I am fortunate enough to experience both Australian (Medicare) and British health services ( 23 years tax contributions UK and 30 yrs Australia) Australian prescriptions ( known as Scripts) are paid full price until pension age and then cut price until a”cap” of $300 each year has been reached at this stage they are free,the CAP year runs from Jan 1 to Dec 31.Pensioners receive free dental and I have used the Flying Doctor (no charge) which in itself is a magnificent service enabling very remotely based people to get very quick responses to emergencies.For a visit to the Doctor locally can easily be arranged within 24 hrs and Hospital A&E services are available 24/7. All in all medical services are excellent in Australia……..
British NHS services are lacking in patient/Doctor services as it can ( seriously) take weeks before booking to see a local Doctor,however most towns and Cities have what is known as a “Walk in ” service usually manned by Doctors and Nurses which are an excellent resource if medical attention is required within hours.Prescription for Pensioners are at all times free and a Medical card can be issued for free for use in all EU countries ( at this current time) and entitles the holder for similar services for free offered in the UK. Prescriptions in Australia usually mean a visit to your Doctor for renewal,British people can order prescriptions via the Internet and NO Doctor visit is necessary.I feel the pressure put on the wonderful NHS may be the result of mass immigration and of course no payments paid into the system by the migrants.As a child in the UK Doctors visits would mean a next day visit or even a same day home visit by your regular Doctor,the times they certainly are a-changing eh Bob?
EPITAPH Bitter/Sweet
I was to return to Perth on the 17th approx one week after my daughter Emma gave birth.On a cold dark morning end of February my eldest daughter rang me 6 am UK time that Emma was in a coma.I immediately changed my flight dates to take effect immediately and Qantas were great at organizing it for me. My Blackpool based lovely niece Jenine came over to my flat,helped me pack and onto breakfast with brother Brian and his wife Tresha at the local Transport Cafe.After horrendous,very emotional goodbyes,my lovely niece dropped me of at Preston rail station.I had half an hour to wait afore the train departed but for some unknown reason the Tea Trolley man (from Latvia) opened the carriage doors and I,m sure he sensed my emotions,invited me on board the Manchester bound train,made me a nice hot cuppa and made me feel quite comfortable ! At the airport I broke down whilst getting my boarding pass and he lovely lady upgraded me to the upstairs on the plane ( I have NEVER been upstairs in all my years of travel) The flight was great but doing the change over in Dubai I made the connecting flight via the skin of my teeth th0 I was visualizing chatting to Emma..getting her mum to to sing Que Sara with me.Perth Airport I explained to the customs and asked if I could get thru customs quickly,answer? NO I had to get in line in the very long queue that seemed to take a life time !! After going thru this hellish way out I spotted my fantastic Son in Law and new immediately the news was of the worst kind ! My lovely talented youngest daughter has left us,I missed her life by three effing hours !! On reaching the Hospital I saw some young people I assumed were thugs and I was ready to take them all on !! It was 2 am and all these lovely people were Emma,s friends and I am SO pleased they were part of her life and I now call em my Thugs (really beautiful people) I saw my Emma for the very last time then on to meet my lovely grandaughter Athena.Emma is now well rested,the Service was great and lots of people turned up including friends of mine from the 80/90s .I am extremely pleased with her pals from her Punk days inc the lovely Aggie,Vern,Pedro,Mazz were instrumental in helping her leaving in the best possible way.I Love you all and know that Athena will be looked out for.Daughter Jayne,Paul & Helen have been magic throughout.There are so many people to thank and lots of hearts were broken.My trip has meant I stayed with Paul n Jayne who have been my strength thru this horrible time BUT I get to see my grankids and it has been a lovely experience.One good thing is my divorce looks as if it is moving along nicely and I will be off to Blackpool 3 April for a short while.It will be painful on my return going through family emotions again especially with Brother Brian and his wife Tresha,Where ever you are my dear daughter (and yes we have had difficult times) Keep on Rockin xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Trough of Bowland Lancashire and a little scary History
Now that I have become very independent with my new KIA motor I am able to travel into our beautiful countryside (its now Winter and travel is restricted to a few miles BUT come the Summer I will hopefully travel further) I am considering travelling around Australia again come the end of the year.Here in England I have frequently visited the fantastic area known as The Trough of Bowland that is steeped in history and just a 30 minute drive away.Roaming sheep,flowing streams ,brooks and breath taking landscape mesmerizes me BUT sadly I have witnessed fools who leave their rubbish behind without a thought ! I caught up with a retired traveler who informed me that he was a Quantum Scientist !! so I told him I like beer ! and we continued to have a great conversation One of the best-known features of the area is Pendle Hill which lies in Pendle Forest. There are more than 500 listed buildings and 18 scheduled monuments in the area. Pendle witches in 1612 are among the most famous in English history, and some of the best recorded of the 17th century. The twelve accused lived in the area surrounding Pendle Hill in Lancs, and were charged with the murders of ten people All but two were tried at Lancaster Assizes on 18–19 August 1612, along with the Samlesbury Witches and others, in a series of trials that have become known as the Lancashire witch trials. One was tried at York Assizes on 27 July 1612, and another died in prison. Of the eleven who went to trial – nine women and two men – ten were found guilty and executed by hanging; one was found not guilty.Over 400 yrs of history when people actually believed in Witch craft..must have been scary times
Watch me play Didgeridoo
Geoffs Life After Work ! 