Dearr Member
How we as individuals communicate with organisations and family has changed in recent years and this newsletter deals with why and how the Group need to change to meet to reflect this whilst ensuring you the member retain a voice and are involved in the democratic process of CSPA.
This year’s AGM will look different as there is a new General Secretary with Sally Tsoukaris taking the role in August and a New Chair Linda Ridgers-Waite as the she is the only candidate.
The mandate meeting is a chance for you the member to inform Clive on how to vote on the acceptance of the financial statement, and the AGM agenda that are pullout centrefolds of the CSPA Pensioner magazines. Clive welcomes your views as they help form a response to specific motions.
Emergency motions can be submitted on any issue affecting pensioners that arose after the original submission date of 7 July 2023. If you have a viewpoint/question on anything please raise it on the day or by telephone, write, text or email Clive or myself before 22 September 2o23
It was pleasing to get a good increase in pensions this year that went some way to covering our expenditure and early indications are that the major parties intend to support the triple lock into the next Parliament. I trust you are not struggling with the rising cost of living or in obtaining timely medical intervention, if you are, please let us know.
There will be a feedback meeting from the CSPA Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 8th November at 14:00 hrs at the Bella Italia, Queen Street, Exeter, EX4 3RP
Les Calder
Chairman /NEC South West Regional Representative
CSPA East Devon Committee for 2022/2023 – Vacancies (3)
Chairman: Les Calder, 33 Rendells Meadow, Bovey Tracy, TQ13 9QW. Tel: 01626 830266. email: landmcalder@btinternet.com
Treasurer: Barbara Roberts, 10 Underwood Close, Dawlish, EX7 9RY. Tel: 01626 865319
Secretary: Clive Roberts, 3 Connaught View, Sidmouth, EX10 8FJ. Tel: 07541 246 576 email: clive.dee.roberts@talk21.com
Membership Secretary: Phil Roberts, 10 Underwood Close, Dawlish, EX7 9RY. Tel: 01626 865319
Member: Colin Passey, 23 Cornlands, Sampford Peverell, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7UA. Tel: 07503 123022
Member: Barbara Farrell, 35 Newcombe Street, Exeter, EX1 2TG, Tel: 01392 424691
The world is changing.
March 2023 East Devon Annual General Meeting (AGM) where the attendance was the committee members as there was no non-elected member present. Whilst it was disappointing it was not unexpected and we express a thank you to those who gave their apology for not attending.
We are not the only Group struggling to get involvement of members and there is an increase in Groups closing through lack of volunteers to form a committee or attend meetings.
Whilst a reduced core of Groups are still raising issues and directing HQ in priorities through a democratic process that role is being weakened by Group demise.
Recognising the CSPA strength is its membership when presenting to authorities on the issues that affect the Civil Servant Pensioners it is essential we involve many in the democratic process of CSPA
With all above in mind, we need the Group to change in the way we include you the member in CSPA decisions giving the background and way forward below.
Who is it about?
You the member and your right to voice / have that voice heard on the issues that affect you in later life and be involved in the democratic procedure managing the business of CSPA.
What happened?
Groups nationally, including our region, continue to close which will leave their members disenfranchised. There are Groups with committees whose average age (yours included) that is increasing in average age as they are unable to find those younger members who are willing to join them.
When did closures take place?
Increasingly more often in recent years that gave rise to a motion at the National AGM 2022 proposing to move from local Groups to Regional Groups. It was remitted to be addressed by a working party in the early months of 2023. Its finding has been reported in the Pensioner magazine. The main point agreed that there is not one solution that would suit all Regions.
Where did this take place?
Nationally:The demise of Groups is happening across the country and in the Southwest one third of Groups are closed.
Why did this happen?
When I retired, I took my watch off and managed emails to suit me as they had driven my day when employed. So, I understand that having the responsibility of forming a committee, finding the finance and discussing CSPA business is not every one’s cup of tea and definitely not their first priority.
More people are finding jobs in retirement or retirement is the time we set aside to do those things that we want to do – Longer or more frequent holidays – time with the children or grand children – working on hobbies or with charities – just doing nothing. What soon happens is that you wonder how you had time to work and your day is full.
How can you assist?
Your Regional Representative (Les) is asking for help and support to develop strong communications in a forward-thinking organization that suits today busy life.
To achieve this, we are asking for your minimal involvement and time to create a forum to advise your representatives twice a year (March & September) where ever you are in the world and in any format that suit you (letter, postcard text, telephone, email, web meetings)
CSPA – Needs YOU
The South West Regional meeting of active Groups agreed to work in collaboration to counter the closure of groups, recognising that given the distances and variation in living styles across the Region amalgamating Groups that may well discourage member involvement. (London Region considered the best option is to amalgamate closed groups to the nearest open group).
The change will be achievable without change to the existing rules or representation if all Groups in the South West have a committee.,
Having said that it is accepted that there may be a need to review the rules, where the Group cannot be revived, though there are Advisors, then how best to represent the group members nationally
The intent of the Groups within South West Region is to
- Support existing Groups to remain open
- Assist in reopening existing Groups – This has proved difficult in the recent passed though remains a principal aim.
- Gain greater involvement by members in the decisions and policy setting.
- Amalgamate members of closed Group to the nearest active Group if it is to the advantage those members (i.e., low number of members.).
What are we proposing?
The diagram below gives a vision of what we are attempting achieve
Who are the advisors?
You, either as an individual or as a spokesperson for a group who meet locally.. Whether – just retired to those in the sedate stage of life – all genders – all levels of income – in urban or country environment.
We know we have a wealth of experience in members that was gained from working in the civil service that stands the test of time. I have met members who were senior figures working with Government and influencing policies, listened to sad stories that affect the quality of their retired life that gives colour to the grey process of lobbying.
What: – We are asking you to give us the benefit of your wisdom gained from experience in life and employment.
When – Twice a year when we only ask that you state that you either have no issues or to express your view in –
- March: – let us know of those issues over the past year that you experience or hear of that you consider disadvantage those in retirement for consideration as a motion for the AGM or local action.
- September: – Review the CSPA – Account – AGM agenda that is distributed to you as a centre fold in the “Pensioner” magazine.
- Optional: – Throughout the year receive and consider the Group Communications (GC) that regularly update on progress on HQ undertakings. .
Where: – We are not asking you to attend meetings, so wherever you are at the time as you choose how you communicate with us.
Why: – Do I do it? (Clive)
A good question as I sit writing this newsletter given I have a busy, enjoyable life. though I recognise that life itself does not stand still and being of an age when friends and colleagues express issues with health or aging parents that need highlighting .
We all have antidote to tell where the world has gone mad – with division in society, costs rising, appointments with GP’s taking up to four weeks, hospital procedures that can take what seems to be years to access through obscure procedures and care or care home accommodation that is proving difficult to obtain whether you have money or not
I enjoy the challenges that stretch my thinking and that I may occasionally influence a beneficial change. I accept someone has to stand and ask questions. I suppose I am just that Nobody doing something Anybody could do!
How: – By letting us knowbefore the 22nd September by letter, telephone call, text or email with the following detail.
- Your Name
- Your preferred method of communication(s)
- Your post code
Ideally before 22 September 2023
If you want more detail please contact Clive.
Become another Nobody that can do what Anyone could do to make this the “go to” organisation where policies are influenced.
For this year we ask you to attend the East Devon Mandate meeting in person to help us get it right. Again if you are unable to attend and wish to express an opinion, please respond by 22 September 2023 to Les or Clive the information
Please don’t leave it to others as we are just asking for an involvement of those who are willing to express a balanced opinion on life as it is and recognise that small acorns of thought now can grow into the large oak tree of policy for the future.
Save Energy.
Find below examples taken from Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) recommendations that is produced when letting or selling a home. I found these on the Right Move web site as they give an indication of the broad order of costs that can be saved by spending on improving the energy performance. Most of the information is based on costs in 2016 though whilst both energy and installation costs will have increased it does give a good indication of likely ratio for payback.
The install cost does not consider the cost of maintaining or the need to replace components within the overall life of the installation. As an example, photovoltaic panel have string or micro inverter that need replacing at least once in the installation life and there is a recommendation of maintaining the installation every three years to ensure maximum efficiency.
Dividing the install cost by the savings in following information gives an indication of what is known as simple payback in years. The installation of photovoltaic panels in the example below indicates at best some sixteen years payback.
Having undertaken the role within energy conservation department for several years the cost flow analysis was part of deciding which project to fund, generally looking for a payback within ten years This analysis looks at all costs/savings and gives a spend today and investment for future spend against savings with consideration to future inflation
When I assessed a proposal for photovoltaic panels (solar) by cost flow analysis, just prior to the covid19 years, I could not achieve pay back within the life of the installation, twenty five years, so chose not to go ahead with it
- Increase loft insulation to 270 mm Typical: –
o Install cost £100 – £358
o Yearly saving – £55
Simple payback – 3 to 8 years
· Flat roof insulation. Typical: –
o Install cost £850 – £1500
o Yearly saving – £87
Simple payback – 10 to 17 years
· Internal or External wall insulation,. Typical: –
o Install cost £4,000 – £14,000
o Yearly saving – £442
Simple payback – 9 to 31 years
· Solid floor insulation,. Typical
o Install cost £4,000 – £6,000
o Yearly saving – £73
Simple payback – 55 to 90 years
· Low energy lighting. Typical
o Install cost £90
o Yearly saving £74
Simple payback – 1.2 years
· Replace boiler with new condensing boiler. Typical
o Install cost £2,200 – £3,000
o Yearly saving £113
Simple payback – 19.5 years
· Solar water heating Typical
o Install cost £4,000 – £6,000
o Yearly saving £49
Simple payback – 82 to 122 years
· Solar photovoltaic panels, 2.5 kWp, Typical
o Install cost £5,000 – £8,000
o Yearly saving £306
Simple payback – 16 to 26 years
· Heating control (room thermostat) Typical
o Install cost £350 – £450
o Yearly saving £44
Simple payback – 8 to 10 years
Of course this is just looking at the financial considerations. There is good reason to consider these options to reduce emissions or when equipment comes to the end of its life.
It is worth noting replacement gas boilers should be available under the present proposal for reducing emissions until 2035 for boilers installed prior to 2025.
The rural oil boiler debate to replace them with low emission boilers from 2026 continues without resolution at present.
Donations to East Devon Group
We express a big thank you to the generous individuals who made donations to the Group.
I have had a couple of members say they had intended to donate though lost sight of it, so just in case you missed it first time – denotation should be made by:
Direct bank transfer –
Sort code – 30 94 36
Account number – 01295829
Bank – Lloyds,
Account – Civil Service Pensioners Alliance East Devon Group
Reference – “Donation” and YOUR NAME
By cheque
Payable to Civil Service Pensioners Alliance East Devon
Please include your name if it is not obvious on the cheque
If you require a receipt please request one from the treasurer at email agarbird@gmail.com or provide a SAE
Mrs B Roberts,
10 Underwood Close,
Dawlish,
EX7 9R
