I WAS dismayed to read about the tightening of rules governing Angus Council’s smoking policy for foster carers. Current policy prevents children under the age of two being placed with smoking carers, but a new move is set to see the limit raised to the age of five.
My husband and I have been foster carers in Dundee for more than 20 years and it has never been a problem for us.
I am a smoker, but do not encourage anyone to smoke.
A lot of the young people we foster are between 14 and 18 and already smoke when they come to us.
We advise them to stop for many reasons, not just for their health. If they don’t then when they leave us they will not have much money to buy other necessary items.
Dundee and Angus have wonderful carers, but not enough.
If tighter rules come into play, they will struggle to find places for children in need of care as there are too few beds in the children’s homes that are left.
I really think Angus Council should think again and the status quo should remain. — Foster Carer.
£5000 raised for Cash For Kids
Radio Tay’s Cash for Kids golf competition at Strathmore Golf Centre, Alyth, went with a swing, raising £5000 for the charity.
The first Ladies and Gents Scratch & Handicap Open attracted more than 100 entrants and saw prize money of £1200 distributed among the winning golfers.
This was a fantastic event and special thanks must go to the members of Strathmore Golf Club who came along to officiate and support this new competition. Cash for Kids is also very grateful to the hole and prize money sponsors, and those who donated raffle and auction items. With this kind of generosity and help, the charity can only go from strength to strength. — Cash for Kids Co-ordinator, Lynda Curran.
Month wait for package delivery
I read with interest the article regarding the alleged backlog of mail items in a Dundee Royal Mail delivery office, a backlog which Royal Mail has denied.
I have been waiting since April 30 for a package and had almost given up all hope of receiving it.
Then, to my surprise, it was finally delivered on Saturday, May 25, almost a month late.
It is just as well it wasn’t something I needed urgently. I got the package in the end, but I don’t think it is at all satisfactory.
I am sure I’m not alone in this problem and know there are issues regarding new working practices between staff and Royal Mail management, but please Royal Mail, sort it out and give your customers the service they pay for and deserve. — D. E. Layed.
Extra time
Filming on West Sands at St Andrews.
Chariots of Fire (Channel 4) was on TV recently, bringing back happy memories of being a film extra.
To the immortal strains of Vangelis’ brilliant theme tune, athletes pounding along St Andrews beach is a notable scene. It was partly filmed in Scottish locations like Glen Almond where extras dressed in full Highland attire (eg kilt, sporran, etc.)
Hugh Hudson (director) had to speak to me because the film company exhausted its hats supply and I was conspicuous as the only extra without one.
Eventually, I had to borrow one from an onlooking real-life Highlander who was watching.
My close-up on-screen in the coalmining shots always seems like a bit of a dream now, looking back. — J. I. Matthew.
Cycle into past
The Tayside group of the Cyclists Touring Club is organising a guided cycle ride tomorrow to explore the old railways of Dundee.
Leaving from Discovery Point at 10.30am, it will trace the route of the old railway through Lochee to Fairmuir and back into Dundee along the path of the railway.
It will be at a gentle pace, taking about two-and-a-half hours, and be mostly on cycle paths, though some parts are on road with frequent stops to explain the history.
This ride is supported by Dundee Travel Active. All are welcome — just bring a roadworthy bike and refreshments. Children under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and capable of riding safely on the road. Further details can be obtained from martinfamily@blueyonder.co.uk or 07980 213173. — David Martin.
Festival help
The Douglas Summer Festival is taking place on Sunday June 21 and we are looking for volunteers to help move barriers, gazebos, tables and chairs into the grounds of the old Claypotts Primary School, Balunie Avenue, Douglas. Preparation starts at 10am and clear up is at 4pm.
Contact telephone number 436944. — Rena Smith, Treasurer.
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