Founded 1980
Chair:        
Secretary: 
Treasurer: 

Graham Smith
Jan Thompson
Graham Mumby-Croft


Brendan O'Friel
EDITORIAL

This Edition is the first to be printed in the Isle of Man. Your Editor has the advantage of having a printers business within 100 yards of where he lives in Port St Mary so we are trying out the skills of Quine and Cubbon for the benefit of our readers. 

I am very grateful to Michael Roebuck for his work on editing the Spring Edition each year which brings a different perspective to alternate newsletters. I am also very grateful for the many people who contribute material to each newsletter and I remind our readers that we are also delighted to hear from those who have not contributed before. Cartoons, photographs, letters or articles are all most welcome. 

John Berry has kindly pointed out that the PGA Office address was incorrect in the last RGN. Horseferry House is apparently being converted into flats.

In this edition we report on the “Prison Wildlife Award”, a first for the RGN. We also carry an article on the work of the Butler Trust as well as our many regular contributions. Terry Bone has kindly contributed an article on his experiences with the prison service in Russia; Graham Smith introduces us to Mensa. Readers will note that Terry Bone became involved with the Russian project through the Retired Governors Newsletter!

As we go to press, the UK is experiencing difficult economic times. Colleagues may be grateful for public service and state pensions at such a time but we should not forget the campaign to link increases in the state pension to earnings rather than prices. I am sure that this will not be achieved unless there is substantial support from as many people as possible. 

I am indebted to Alf Jennings for the following information about contacting our pension provider: “Capita Hartshead has a 0870 premium number that they expect us poor pensioners to use for our queries. However if you go to the website www.saynoto0870.com you can find their Darlington number of 01325 745088 or 745727.”

Brendan O’Friel


Issue No. 57 Autumn 2007