Letters: April 15, 2016

Anonymity is granted only at the discretion of the editor, who also reserves the right to edit letters. Please note, the Adver will not be printing letters on local political subjects until after the elections in May.

Blood pressure checks

I AM writing to make Swindon Advertiser readers aware, that for the fourth consecutive year Swindon Phoenix Rotary Club will be linking with the Stroke Association to offer free blood pressure checks to all, during the annual Know Your Blood Pressure Day.

The event will be held on Saturday, April 23 from 9am to 4.30pm in a shop unit in the main shopping Plaza, thanks to the generosity of the Brunel Centre Management Team.

During the past three years we have seen almost 300 people per KNYBP day, so this year we anticipate that our total will climb to well over 1,000 people we have made more aware of this silent killer, which can affect anyone at any age with no visible signs.

At our past events, some people’s readings meant they were advised to go immediately to the medical walk-in centre for further fast help.

Others were told to visit their doctor within a week or so.

Everyone seen this year will leave with a written sheet of their individual BP reading and a leaflet showing both the safe and danger levels of blood pressure, together with a flyer of our next great Swindon Event, our annual dragon boat race at Coate Water on June 26.

By the way, we can still accept boat team racers to make funds via sponsorship for their favourite charity or cause, also those willing to run lakeside stalls. Visit www.swindondragonboat,org.uk.

PETER GOLDSWORTHY

Swindon Phoenix Rotarian

and KYBP organiser

....

Recognition of Rifles

I HAD the pleasure of attending the Rifles’ Freedom Of The Borough Parade in Swindon on April 9.

This was a spectacular parade in the best traditions of the British Army and even the rotten weather didn’t spoil it.

The pace at which The Rifles marched was impressive. It brought many happy memories for me from my days in the Royal Air Force when I marched through the high street in Northallerton, North Yorkshire in a “guard of honour” for a Beat The Retreat parade, it was a proud day for me and one I shall long remember.

Thank you to our British Army and a big thank you to the Rifles, well done to those involved.

R J PRESTON

Wroughton

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Burden of paying tax

A FEW years ago I remember reading about a super rich woman who had been caught out having not paid any taxes whatsoever.

Her comments stuck with me: “The rich should not have to pay taxes, only the masses.” There we have it.

Naively I thought this incident a one-off. Alas, no.

The Panama papers scandal proves that tax avoidance by the world’s elite, including world leaders, has reached epidemic proportions.

These greedy creatures exploit tax avoidance schemes, leaving the middle classes and the poor to shoulder the burden.

The lengths to which these rich and famous reach to increase their fortunes and thus avoid their share of the tax burden beggars belief! It is theft.

Ordinary people have to suffer taking smaller pay rises (if any), working longer hours and witnessing public services decimated.

On top of this Cameron and Co boast “we are all in this together”. Yeah, right! King Midas turned everything he touched into gold, unlike Cameron, who presides over the demise of the NHS, rotten rail services, and the ending of our steel production.

His mother had the nerve to complain about local council cuts, while her husband did everything possible to avoid paying taxes that fund them for the previous 30 years.

J ADAMS

Bloomsbury, Swindon

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Hope for brighter future

WE OUGHT to continue the debate to make this country better for the next generation.

This country faces enormous issues, which are made by the politicians of this government.

The huge demonstration which is taking place in London on Saturday is the only hope for better future of this country and its citizenry.

These politically conscious and brave activists are demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister who benefits offshore tax.

The Prime Minister has denied it on many occasions and misled the public but thanks to the Panama Papers Release now his involvement in offshore tax avoidance is clear.

Hope and a bright future will not come from this government.

This government escalates imperial wars abroad which jeopardises world peace, destroys the economic balance and ignores the working class people who cannot feed their families adequately. It is time the whole government stepped down.

AXMED BAHJAD

Fleet Street, Swindon

....

Make right EU choice

THE present government may, or may not, be your political choice, but it has given all British People the choice to get out of the European Union. Grab it with both hands! Vote to leave the EU!

This is the chance of a lifetime. You must know in your hearts it is the right thing to do.

A G LANSDOWN

Market Lavington

Devizes

....

Hospital traffic woes

I RECENTLY heard on BBC Radio Wiltshire that traffic was backed up from the A419 to The Great Western Hospital.

As someone who used to work at the hospital and also had to attend for appointments with my dear late son Robin I know only too well that this has been going on for a very long time.

Something needs to be done – now!

Not only is this inconveniencing people attending appointments and the hospital staff if those appointments are missed it also affects other road users.

How do ambulances and other emergency vehicles get through?

TERESA BRETT

Covingham

Swindon