The Grey Vote
Aims & Objectives

Welcome: 

The Evesham & District Pensioners Association believes that all Pensioners, also those on early retirement need and should expect a dignified comfortable and independent retirement. The EDPA are not tied to any political party and is an active voice for the Elderly.  We offer help and friendship. We have an active Campaign Committee as well as a Social Committee and are continually improving our commitment to all our members.

MEETINGS

The EDPA meets 2^nd Tuesday of the Month
2pm to 4pm Wallace House, Oat Street, Evesham

Each meeting lasts about and hour and a half. There is refreshments available at meetings plus easy disabled access to meeting room and toilets. Elderly are taken to be aged 50+ and over

Our Association is affiliated to the National Pensioners Convention.  

Aims and Objectives 

(a)    To promote and defend the interest of all pensioners, including those on early retirement, in their desire for a dignified, comfortable and independent retirement. We will do this by any means possible including campaigning.

(b)   To obtain and impart information on a wide range of subjects concerning pensioners.

(c)    To hold regular meetings to discuss such information. Members will decide on policy and action by a show of hands.

(d)   To have speakers on a wide range of topics and to encourage a friendly and social atmosphere at our monthly meetings.

(e)    To become involved with the local community in matters of common concern and interest.

(f)     To involve all members, if they so wish, in additional social activities.

(g)    Make representations to local authorities and other bodies on matters of concern to its members, as the committee sees fit.

(h)    Seek to encourage an active community interests and spirit on all matters within the EDPA’s aims and objectives.

The "grey" vote

The "grey" vote is one that aspiring Westminster hopefuls ignore at their peril. With an increasing number of' people living to a riper old age, they make up a significant number of electors.  Their influence spreads even further, however, than their one-man or one-woman - vote.
The population at large has roundly condemned Chancellors of the Exchequer as being stingy - whenever they have awarded “increases” in basic state pensions. The public is invariably on the side of senior citizens who they feel have worked all their lives and should be entitled to enjoy their retirements, unburdened by financial worries. 

Evesham and District Pensioners' Association has lost no time in issuing an open letter to candidates standing in the Mid Worcestershire constituency, outlining members' concerns and spelling out what they would like to see the MP, eventually elected, address on their behalf.

The Association's president, Lillian Sodeau, says that Britain could be "a difficult place in which to grow old". She explains: "The country may have grown in wealth over the last decade but older people have not all shared in this wealth, as the state pension falls further behind in value.

"What kind of country forces its oldest citizens to choose between eating and buying a new winter's coat?

"What kind of country is it asks people who have paid taxes all their lives to pay for care when they need it in their older age?"

 Eking out a meagre pension is just one aspect of the problems facing the elderly, says the association, blatant prejudice is another.  "Older people also face discrimination on a daily basis, in employment, in the health service and as consumers," says Mrs Sodeau.

 "This discrimination is based on the unfounded assumption that older people have got little to contribute or they cannot learn new skills or that their health and welfare is of less value than other groups in our population.  It is a problem which requires both legislation and a campaign to change the attitudes and practice of people throughout our society."
"Older people are in danger of losing touch with the rest of the community.  There are also a large number of older people who are isolated in our society - from friends and family or from work and leisure opportunities or even from the local shops," says Mrs Sodeau.

“Reliable and affordable public transport can make all the difference to these people, who are more likely to be without a car than any other group in our society."

Growing influence

There are now 17 million people over 55 in the UK   In 2030 there will he 25 million -about a third of the population. The over-50s accounted or more than one in three votes at the 1977 General Election.

 Appeal

In a direct appeal to all the candidates, regardless of their political views or affiliations, Mrs Sodeau says: I would like to know if you are committed to: 

• Helping our country plan for an ageing population. 

• Ensure that older people do not retire to a life of poverty. 

• That we can live in independence as equal members of society, not as a resented burden. 

• That we will have opportunities to work, volunteer, participate and learn in our later years. 

• That we can stay in touch with our friends and family and part of our community."

Mid Worcestershire's candidates would be well advised to take pensioner's views on board.

In an open letter to Mid Worcestershire's prospective parliamentary candidates, the Evesharn and District Pensioners' Association posed the following five questions: 

Will you support a basic state pension, up-rated each year to give all pensioners a share in the nation's rising prosperity and to restore the link with average earnings? 

Will you support new laws to outlaw discrimination against people on the basis of their age?

Will you support a programme to change attitudes and practices in the NHS and public services, ensuring that age is not a justification to offer lower quality services or refuse them to people? 

Will you support making all nursing and personal care free of charge? 

What will you do to make sure that older people in this constituency have access to cheap and reliable public transport?