Last week I was picking up two of my workmates from Hepburn Street, Dundee. When entering the close I saw a man who had to be in his early 40s sleeping in the stairwell.
I don’t know who got the bigger fright, me or him. My friends and I ended up chatting to this poor fellow, who was visibly shivering, for about 15 minutes.
He turned out to be a very pleasant man and we ended up giving him a few pounds for a hot drink and a warm meal.
It really saddens me that in 2009 we still have homeless people on the streets of Dundee and I would love the council and other relevant agencies to do more for those poor people who have hit hard times and as a result are having to sleep rough.
It’s too easy to demonise these people when we are not fully aware of their circumstances.
I hope the person we met is reading this as we would like him to know that we wish him all the best and that we do care. — Ina Carr, Jessie Reilly and Betty Cassidy.
Touching gesture
The NCR cheque recipients
As reported in the Tele, in the presence of what was left of the workforce, representatives of 14 local charities were presented with cheques from the NCR Shop Stewards’ Fund, which was being wound up due to the closure of the factory.
On behalf of the other directors and all the riders at The Brae Riding for the Disabled Centre, I thank them for the cheque of £1000.
It was a very touching gesture, considering the fact all the employees there are about to be made unemployed.
It need hardly be said that we are all very grateful to them for their thoughtful generosity. — Alison Macintosh, Director, The Brae RDA Partnership.
Marathon madness
A few weeks back I filled out an application form to participate in this year’s Dundee Half Marathon.
As requested on the application form, I also sent a cheque for my participation fees of £22.
However, yesterday I received a letter from the event organisers Interloq stating this year’s event was cancelled.
Applicants were given various options on how they wish to proceed with their application, enter a marathon in another town, obtain a partial refund, or donate their fee to charity.
My preferred option is to receive a full refund of £22, however, on contacting Interloq, I have been advised I will receive only a partial refund of £12 as the remainder has been “deducted for costs already committed”.
I am very disappointed at this outcome and want to know why Interloq cannot refund the full sum of £22. — Very Disappointed Runner.
Utter shame
Interlog sports events management company should hang its heads in utter shame.
To withhold £10 from the £22 entry fee of 380 entrants for the 2009 Dundee half marathon, which has now been cancelled due to absolutely no fault whatsoever of the entrants, is nothing short of scandalous.
I will certainly be watching and listening to the final outcome of this ridiculous case with great interest. — Ron McIntosh, Balunie Drive, Dundee.
Struggle to find dentist
I went to see about an appointment in the dental clinic at Kings Cross Hospital and was told by the girl on the reception desk that as I was not in any pain I could not be seen as an emergency, but if I wished I could be put on a nine-month waiting list.
Who can predict when pain will strike?
She was good enough to give me five dental practices that are associated with the DHS.
I phoned all five to no avail.
I was going to phone the dental hospital, but I was told by my neighbours they are not taking any new patients
After years of paying national contributions and tax when working, I am left wondering what I did it for.
Maybe the Tele can find me a dentist. — C. Walker, Lochee.
Communal cleaning
I read with interest the letters regarding the close cleaning issues. We are in the same boat in our block. Including myself, only one other flat cleans the close. When we complain we all get a standard letter issued to the six flats in the block.
The housing officer then suggests we pay to get it cleaned, but the only two flats that would actually have to pay are the two that clean it anyway.
Our issue at the moment is the communal grass. All the other tenement blocks in our area have the communal area cut by the council. We do not and have been in dispute for seven years.
Yet again, it is the same two tenants who clean the close, who try to keep the grass cut, too. The housing officer keeps saying she is going to have the grass re-assessed. I wonder how the council would feel if we withheld our rent payment until then? — Dunholm Road, Dundee.
James Simpson
I was pleased to read that Dundee teenager James Simpson, who was sentenced to detention for four years for culpable homicide, has had his sentence almost doubled following an appeal.
This is the action I would like the Crown to take in other cases like this, then justice would be seen to be done. — Jimmy Borland.
Great night
I saw an ad in the Tele for Downfield Social Club, Dundee, doing a theme night called Southern Cross Country Old Music Club, so I decided to get out of my chair and visit the club.
On entry I was greeted in a friendly manner in the lounge, which was bedecked with various banners signifying American Country Music. I was amazed at the atmosphere and friendliness of the room.
The entertainment was four hours non-stop country music.
Two live bands and a country disco, the main act was a well-known band on the British Country Scene called Tequila and a local band called Two Gun Cook,
The line dancing was a delight to watch.
I now look forward to the last Sunday in May visiting this great club again. — R. D. A.
Bingo night
A prize bingo night is being held in aid of St Margaret’s Resident Comfort Fund on Wednesday, May 6, in Camperdown Lodge, Wellington Street, Dundee. Eyes down 7.30 pm. Tickets on sale at St Margaret’s Home or payable at door. Price £1. — Deborah Taylor.
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