LAST year, with my husband, I managed to go to every Status Quo concert on the UK winter tour, a total of 31 concerts in 6 weeks. I met so many people who had stories to tell about their experiences of seeing Status Quo. As a result I am compiling a book of people’s memories for a book entitled Goin’ Quoin’ Past and Present.

I am interested in hearing from anyone who has seen Status Quo from the 1960’s right up to the present day. As the band have been performing for more than 40 years now this would be an ideal opportunity to record all those memories.

All the proceeds from the book are going to The Shona Smile Foundation (www.shonassmile.org).

I would be very grateful for any contribution readers could send me either at the address below or email to yvonnehanvey@aol.com.

YVONNE HANVEY

West Lodge

Romsey Road

Nursling

Southampton

SO16 0XA

Accidents happen despite assurances

JUST to confirm my statement that accidents do happen, there has been a major fire at a re-cycling plant in Hertfordshire today. I am sure the local people were assured that there was no danger when it was built!!

ALAN LOWE

Melchett Crescent

Rudheath

Population growth threatens planet

INCREASED energy use is the principal force behind the threat of global warming, but little consideration is being given to the other main factor which is rapidly increasing population growth.

When I was born there were fewer than three billion people on our planet. now there are more than 6.5 billion and we are on track for 9 billion. Spaceship Earth has stayed the same size but the stocks in the cupboard are going down.

This is not simply a problem for those in developing countries. People in Britian, with its huge levels of consumption, are responsible for releasing 50 times more carbon than people in parts of Africa. Latest figures suggest that our own population may rise to 80 million or more thanks to greater longevity, higher fertility and immigration.

Is it not time for political parties to put the issue of population growth on their agendas?

Maybe governments hould be taking steps to encourage couples everywhere to have only one child or no children at all and to start their families later in life.

This is not a criticsm of those who have been part of large families in the past, just a reflection of the fact that we now face environmental challenges never before considered.

Devising methods that would respect freedom of choice, avoid discrimination and yet be effective is no easy task. There are also economic arguments to be considered. I would welcome suggestiosn from your readers. Maybe the starting point is just to discuss the issue.

CHRIS DAVIES

Liberal Democrat MEP for the North West

RNLI needs new charity volunteers

FOR many years now the Royal National Lifeboat Insitute (RNLI) has been supported in the Northwich area by a committee, whose chairman for more than 20 years has been Guy Potter.

The committee meets about six times each year and organises various fundraising activities, scuh as flag days, collections outside supermarkets, suppers and quizzes.

In the last year we have lost three members from the committee through death or moving and we are most anxious to rebuild so that we can continue to support what we consider to be one of the most worthwhile charities in the country.

If anyone would like to join us they can contact any of the following: Guy potter 01606 883048, Miss E Bailey 01606 42372 or Mr K Jones 01606 888061.

EDWINA BAILEY

Secretary

RNLI Northwich

Fancy a run in a worthy cause?

WE would like to ask any of your readers in the North West who are brave enough to run in next year’s Flora London Marathon on April 13, if they would like to raise money for Meningitis UK.

National charity Meningitis UK has a single focus – to find a vaccine to eradicate all forms of meningitis. This year we launched our Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign, which aims to raise £7 million over the next seven years to fund research into finding a vaccine for meningococcal group B – the most common form of meningitis in the UK. This accounts for almost 90 per cent of all cases and there is currently no vaccine.

Everyone who runs for Meningitis UK will be part of the Meningitis Musketeers team, with the motto All 4 One and One 4 All – to highlight the devastating fact that meningitis can kill in under four hours and the importance of our Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign.

Full support will be given and everyone who participates will receive a free Search 4 a Vaccine running vest or T-shirt, and a handy information pack including hints and tips on how to prepare.

If you would like to take part in the Flora London Marathon and help us achieve our vision, please contact Emily on 0117 373 7373 for a sponsorship pack.

We look forward to hearing from you!

EMILY KNIGHT

Community Fundraising Officer

Meningitis UK