I congratulate the doctor at the Terra Nova House Surgery in Dundee’s Dura Street, who was assaulted by a man recently for having refused him a sick line for a “sore back”.
I am pleased to see that at least one local doctor has the courage to send malingerers packing, although I have no doubt this particular malingerer (and many others like him), will simply consult another doctor at another surgery, very soon, and claim to have either depression or stress.
Perhaps the rules should change so that only doctors who are employed by the Department of Works & Pensions (or doctors who are employed by a claimant’s own employers) can issue sick lines.
This would allow GPs to concentrate on providing cures instead of providing sick notes. — Kenneth Brannan, Carnoustie.
Dogs need good training
Mayzie.
In response to the Staffy debate. I can’t believe how people let any dog off the lead. I have had my dog Mayzie for years and I have socialised her and she is well trained.
I know exactly how she is going to react but any dog can turn — hot weather, feeling out of sorts — so even if you know your dog you have to be extra vigilant.
I say bring back the licence fee and all dog owners, good or bad, would take responsibility. — Jacklyn Maywood.
Still on the buses?
I watched the On The Buses films recently and wondered what became of the actors and actresses of the comedy. — Curious, Dundee.
[On the Buses ran on television from 1969 to 1973 and there were three spin-off films.
Reg Varney (Stan) is now 91 and lives in Malta, and Doris Hare who played his mum died in 2000 at the age of 95. Anna Karen (his sister Olive) now appears in EastEnders as Peggy Mitchell’s sister Sally Martin, and Michael Robbins (her husband Arthur) died in 1992 at the age of 62. From the garage, Bob Grant, who played Stan’s mate Jack, died in 2003 aged 71, and viewers of Last of the Summer Wine will know that Stephen Lewis, who played Blakey, has played Smiler in the long-running sitcom for 17 years now.]
Romance of Kid’s last fight
With regard to the song The Kid’s Last Fight by Frankie Laine, the song may give details of a fight by Kid McCoy, but it is nothing more than a romantic tale.
Kid McCoy was a trickster and often pulled stunts to gain the upper hand in a bout.
One of his most famous was to cover his face in flour to give the appearance that he was ill and fool the other boxer into not training as hard as normal.
This was the case against Tommy Ryan (Tiger Wilson in the song). McCoy went on to win but most certainly did not die afterwards.
He would even tell an opponent his bootlace was undone and strike while they glanced down at their feet.
I believe the term “the real McCoy” is also attributed to him. — Eric Manzie, Dundee.
Blues Bonanza
As an avid Blues fan, I eagerly awaited the line-up for this year’s Dundee Blues Bonanza only to find at least four bands I had hoped to see did not make the final selection. I understand time and space are limited. However some bands get to play time after time and can often be seen playing in the city throughout the year. Some bands get to play twice.
Hopefully next year the organisers will freshen things up and make the Bonanza what it once was. — Linda McCabe, Inchcape Place, Barnhill, Dundee.
Bingo night
Ballumbie Court Nursing Home is holding a prize bingo night tomorrow in the old Whitfield Housing building, Whitfield Drive at 6.30 for 7 pm in aid of the Residents’ Comfort Fund. — Avril and Elaine, Care Assistants.
Call for justice
I believe most people will agree with Valerie Heath’s statement that “Justice was not done” and they felt “cheated” by the Crown’s handling of her husband’s assault and robbery case.
This was clearly a deliberate downgrading of a case to alleviate the overcrowding in Scotland’s prisons. It will be interesting to see if the same downgrading of an assault and robbery occurs when the perpetrators of the vicious attack on MP Anne Moffat are brought to justice. — L. A.
[Disabled Robert Heath from Dundee was assaulted and robbed after collecting pension money for his neighbour. His wife Valerie spoke out after the two perpetrators were sentenced to nine months and one year, one month and 15 days for the crime. She said they were “angry that justice had not been done”.]
Life should mean life
Every time I turn on the news, all I hear is another child has been murdered.
I think this is disgusting, and what do these people get for taking away someone’s life?
Well if the killer is a child, the most someone has had is 13 years.
Thirteen years for taking away a person who had their whole life ahead of them.
Someone needs to take a long look at our justice system. I am actually ashamed to say I’m part of this country.
When a judge says life, it should actually mean life. — Ashamed.
Great garden
It’s great to be writing about some good news.
I would like to praise Gordon Smith Garden Design and his team from Perth for making a wonderful job when they transformed my front garden from an eyesore.
For three days, they worked with hardly any breaks, come rain or shine.
All my neighbours and passers-by have commented on how good the end result is.
Many thanks to Gordon and his team. — Edith Anderson.
Drug addicts
We keep hearing about reformed addicts coming off heroin etc., and expecting to be helped.
What about the people they’ve mugged or houses they’ve burgled to feed their habit? Who’s there to help them? I’m surrounded by addicts and they make me sick.
I’ve suffered at their hands but I’ve been left to get on with it. — Drug Victim.
AGM invitation
Residents are invited to the AGM of the City Centre & Harbour Community Council on Thursday, at 7pm in the Conference Room on the Second Floor of the Central Library, Wellgate, Dundee. Mike Galloway, Director of Planning and Transportation will be giving his annual Waterfront Development update.
Nominations for election to the Community Council will be taken on the evening. All local residents are eligible to stand.
A small buffet and refreshments will be provided. — Sheena Wellington, Treasurer, Dundee City Centre & Harbour Community Council.
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