courtesy call summer 2014
DESCRIPTION
The magazine of the UK National Campaign for Courtesy - summer 2014 issueTRANSCRIPT
SUMMER2014
Vol Five No. Two
A WARM SHREWSBURY WELCOME
Society founded 1986 Registered Charity No. 328296MAGAZINE
ⓕ facebook.com/campaignforcourtesy ⓣ twitter.com/cforcourtesywww.campaignforcourtesy.org.uk
Campaign member TONY BYWATER MBE (Chairman of Salop LeisureLtd.) and His Worshipful The Mayor of Shrewsbury JON TANDY greetour Chairman PETER G FOOT and our Central West England RegionalExecutive LIZ HALL outside the company’s offices. All four joined theShrewsbury Town Council’s Town Clerk HELEN BALL, Town GuideSTAN SEDMAN and Shrewsbury Business Chamber President PETERBETTIS in the Company’s boardroom to discuss plans to make thehistoric County Town the Campaign’s first UK Top Courtesy Town, asnominated by Tony Bywater. The latter has agreed to sponsor aperpetual trophy which – following Shrewsbury’s inaugural win – is tobe awarded annually to the most courteous town. After a second visitby Liz Hall in May to make the final arrangements the scheme will beofficially launched at the Campaign’s 7 June Annual General meetingwhen she will present her full report. (Photo by Malcolm)
WE LOATH LITTERING MOSTLittering easily topped the most-hated list in our recent Questionnairepoll with 311 votes, with cold calling in second place with 253. And,when the same questions were put to the staff of the Salop Leisurecompany in Shrewsbury during our March visit littering again won thevote over Spitting, Cold Calling and Swearing.
That Britain is basically a house-proud nation can be witnessed inmost urban streets and country lanes by the many attractive and colourfront gardens on display. So, naturally, we hate to see some areas of ourtowns littered with rubbish. Plastic bottles, cigarette ends, cans, foodcartons, crisp packets and plastic bags sometimes hide the discardedchewing gum that patterns our town pavements. All of us can afford todispose of litter properly but it costs a lot of needless expenditure toclear up other people’s mess. So, we need to be town-proud too.
POLITICIANS CONTINUE TO FAIL USThere are some trustworthy, hard-working and talented Members ofParliament that we can respect and, in some cases, admire. However,many other MPs show little or no respect for the electorate. Indeed manyappear to have forgotten they are public servants and have been electedto serve. They are also being well paid by the public to run the countryand serve their constituents.
Our Questionnaire shows that Politicians have topped the DiminishedTrust Poll in spite of stiff competition from banks, national press, policeand the BBC. So, understandably, once again up goes the hackneyedcry ‘THEY STILL DON’T GET IT’. We will try writing to the three mainparty leaders again urging them to control their members. We will alsowrite to The Speaker once more about the deplorable behaviour in theHouse during Prime Minister’s Question time sessions.
Meanwhile, cases of MP expenses abuse continue to arise and, recentpress stories about MPs bullying staff and sexual harassmentaccusations from employees in the Houses of Parliament suggest thatcorruption and immorality is rife in the United Kingdom H.Q.
Unless standards of behaviour amongst our MPs greatly improve wemay well see the lowest ever polling figures for next year’s generalelection as more and more people become disillusioned with politics.Strongly expressed views we welcome. Insults and lack of respectshould not be tolerated in a democracy. The good need to show the badthat they won’t tolerate immoral and criminal behaviour in politics.(Following their first exchanges, I was glad to see that Nigel Farage andNick Clegg shook hands at the end of their recent EU debates).
• Questionnaire Results – see pages 10 and 11
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...• ‘MR SOUTHPORT’ PHIL KING DIES ....................3
• CASHING IN by EDWARD THOMAS.....................4
• SPORTSMANSHIP MATTERSby PAUL SMITH ................................5
• DRIVING DOWN DISCOURTESYby DAVID WILLIAMS MBE .............6
• TRIP BIT by VANESSA BOND ................................6
• MEDIA FOCUS – VOICE OF RUSSIA ...................7
• CERTIFICATE AWARDS .......................................8,9
NOTICE; WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF A GENEROUS DONATION FROM MEMBER MRS. H of KENT INMEMORY OF THE PASSING OF HER MOTHER ANN. WE ALSO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO MRS. H AND HER FAMILY OVERTHEIR LOSS.THIS ISSUE OF COURTESY CALL IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF ANN. National Campaign for Courtesy Council
FREEDISTRIBUTIONPlease contactSURBITON H.Q.Thank you
CAN YOU ASSIST INDISTRIBUTING COPIES OFTHIS MAGAZINE INTOLIBRARIES, HAIRDRESSERSAND DOCTORS/DENTISTSWAITING ROOMS?
NATIONALCAMPAIGNFOR
COURTESY
CAMPAIGN
CONTACTS
Chairman/Administrator:Surbiton H.Q.Egmont House240 Tolworth Rise South, Surbiton, Surrey KT5 9NBTel: 020 8330 3707(Mon-Fri / 9.30am - 1pm)e: [email protected]
Treasurer/MembershipSecretary:12 Collington CloseEastbourneEast SussexBN20 7EX
Tel: 01323 736864 e: [email protected]
Website Co-ordinator11 Furse Hill RoadIlfracombe, DevonEX34 8HN
Tel: 01271 879100 m: 07971 176044 e: [email protected]
Twitter.com/cforcourtesyFacebook.com/campaignforcourtesy
Websitecampaignforcourtesy.org.uk
FounderREV.IANGREGORY
PUBLISHER’S NOTICEContributions, articles, reviews and letters arewelcomed, although the editor cannotguarantee to publish same. Letters, emails andmessages that are not intended for publicationshould be clearly marked ‘Not for Publication’.Restrictions on available space may alsorequire the editor to reduce or alter submittedcopy, although every effort will be made toretain its original meaning. Courtesy Call doesnot accept responsibility for loss or damage tomaterials submitted relating to magazine copyand/or any projects connected with thispublication – or for the accuracy of theinformation contained in such material.The views expressed in Courtesy Call are notnecessarily those of the editor.Reproduction of any copy, photograph orillustration from Courtesy Call and/or theCampaign’s website is not permitted withoutthe approval of the editor.
Secretary
MARYDOYLE
Contact:Surbiton H.Q.
Treasurer/Membership Secretary
EDWARDTHOMASContact: - seecolumn one
Chairman/Courtesy Calleditor
PETER G. FOOTContact:Surbiton H.Q.
Vice-Chairman/MotoringCorrespondentDAVIDWILLIAMSMBE, FIRSO
WebsiteCo-ordinatorROBERTZARYWACZContact: - seecolumn one
AdministrationGILLIANROBERTSContact:Surbiton H.Q.
CouncillorPETERCRESSWELL
Contact: Tel: 01638 661138
Public TransportSpokespersonVANESSABONDContact: Tel: 020 8952 7890
CouncillorLIZ HALLContact: Tel: 01981 540479m: 07771 925561e: [email protected]
SportsmanshipSpokespersonPAULSMITHContact: Tel: 020 8567 4659e: [email protected]
CouncillorANNELING
Contact: Tel: 020 8460 5788
EXECUTIVE COUNCILLORS
COURTESY
CALL
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
OUR NEW PATRON –FIONA CASTLE
The so-inspirational FIONACASTLE OBE has agreed tobecome a Patron of our Campaign.Ever busy with her talks tochurch groups for which sheconstantly travels far and wide,many of our Officers andCouncillors will be delighted shewill be lending her enthusiasmand support to our cause. Underher patronage, the former RoyCastle Fund raised over £108,000for Cancer Research UK inmemory of her late and muchadmired husband. Fiona is aspeaker and writer; her booksinclude ‘Give Us This Day, NoFlowers – just lots of joy’ and‘Living Simply’. In 2012, incollaboration with JANGREENOUGH, she produced‘Topic of Cancer – a positive andsupportive guide for patients,families and friends’. Fiona haskindly agreed to donate copies ofthe latter book to the Campaign togive away to its members for asmall donation to our funds. Thisbook provides advice and comfortfor cancer sufferers and theircaring families. Welcome aboard,lovely lady! PGF
DIDDY DAVID ON ITV’sAMAZING GREYS
April saw our Patron DAVIDHAMILTON starring on ITV’s‘Amazing Greys’ quiz programme.This prime-time Saturday eveningshow featured young audiencestesting the ‘grey’ guests abouttheir knowledge of Number Onehits from the charts since hitparades were first introduced inthe 1950s. David was featured ontwo of the April Saturday showswhich were hosted by comedianPADDY McGUINESS and ANGELARIPPON.
Meanwhile, David continues topresent his own daily recordprogrammes at 10am on TheWireless AgeUK digital radiostation.
Contact: Tel: 01342 825676e: [email protected]
DAVEDENNISON
FERDIE YEASTY
perfect gift books
For Adults...A GIFT FOR AN IDIOTand it’s sequelA GIFT FROM AN IDIOTFor Children...CLIP CHEESECAKE ANDTHE MAJELLIC BEANSthe adventures continue
CLIP CHEESECAKEMEETS BEANIE
£5 each - donated to theCampaign funds by the author.All orders to Campaign H.Q.with cheque payable to NationalCampaign for Courtesy240 Tolworth Rise South,Surbiton, Surrey KT5 9NB
FIONA CASTLE
OBE
Latest book:TOPIC OF CANCER - apositive and supportiveguide for patients, familiesand friends.Patient quote “I’m going todie living, not live dying”Available for small donationsto Campaign funds - contactH.Q. at 020 8330 3707e: [email protected]
CHARLOTTEMARTINSThe SavvyConsultancy74 Postern CloseBishops WharfYork YO23 1JFTel: 07968 316576
ALANCOLES
6 Eden ParkLancaster LA1 4SJTel: 01524 67570
3Don’t miss those ‘hello’ opportunitiesSUMMER 2014 COURTESY CALL
REGIONAL EXECUTIVES- ENGLAND
THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN for COURTESY is proud to have the support of our PATRONS
OUR PATRONS
MOIRAANDERSONOBE
COLONELJOHNBLASHFORD-SNELLOBE
ANNEBRUZAC
WYNCALVINMBE
FIONACASTLEOBE
JIMMYCRICKET
DAVEDENNISON
DAMEBERYLGREYDBE
DAVIDHAMILTON
BARONESSRACHAELHEYHOE-FLINTOBE, DL
ROY HUDDOBE
DOUGMcKENZIE
DIANA MORAN
ESTHERRANTZENCBE
MARY ANNSIEGHART
JUNEWHITFIELDCBE
SOUTH WEST
CENTRAL WEST
SOUTH
LIZHALLWalmere,Wrigglebrook Lane,Kingsthorne,Hereford HR2 8AWTel: 01981 540479 m: 07771 925561
MARYCHAMPION
54 Longleaze, RoyalWootton Bassett,SN4 8APm: 07976 949660
ROBERTZARYWACZ11 Furse Hill RoadIlfracombeDevon EX34 8HNTel: 01271 879100m: 07971 176044
NORTH NORTH WEST
NORTH EAST
WESTTIMPRITCHARD
St. Anthony’sRowberrowSomerset BS25 1QR
Enclosed....NEW BROCHUREwhich includes a coupon formembership application. Haveyou a like minded friend willing tosupport Courtesy?
PHIL KING -OUR GREAT LOSS
Our Councillor and North WestRegional Executive died in April.Our editor first met Phil King atSouthport in the late seventieswhen staging his shows at Phil’sSouthport Theatre. A friendshipinstantly developed both throughshowbusiness links and charityprojects. Here we publish Peter’stribute to a colourful character whowill be greatly missed....
One of the theatre’s greatestcharacters PHIL KING, BEM hasdied at the age of 74. He passedaway in his sleep during the nightof 26 April in Southport GeneralHospital with his wife Maureen athis bedside. He had been sufferingfrom fluid-around-the-heartcausing extreme breathingdifficulties.
Affectionally known locally andthroughout showbusiness circles as‘Mr Southport’, Phil King loved hisjob as the Tourism and AttractionsDirector for the Sefton BoroughCouncil – a post he filled withdistinction from 1977 until hisretirement 21 years later. Prior tothat he filled an EntertainmentsManager role at Barry in SouthWales.
In 2012 he was awarded theBritish Empire Medal in theQueen’s Honours List for his charitywork and promotion of tourism. Hewas at the time of his death, aCouncillor of the NationalCampaign for Courtesy as well asbeing that Society’s RegionalExecutive for North West England.With his vast showbusinessconnections, Phil King was VicePresident of the Institute ofMunicipal Entertainment club, aformer Chairman of the Associationof Entertainment and ArtsManagement, an active member ofthe British Resorts Association andan Ambassador for The Roy CastleFund (in aid of Cancer Research
UK). Locally he worked for theSouthport Branch of theAssociation of Jewish Ex-Servicemen & Women, theSouthport & West LancashireNormandy Veterans, and theSouthport ConservativeAssociation.
Visitors to the resort were alwaysdrawn to Mr. Southport’s charges –The Floral Hall and SouthportTheatre. Both venues retained thewarm glow of Phil King’s hospitality.A workaholic, Phil somehowmanaged to enjoy supporting hismuch-loved Hull City football club.
PGF
The late PHIL KING pictured withMICHAEL PORTILLO on SouthportPier. Phil’s great knowledge on theresort and its railway links createdan interesting interview forMichael’s ‘Great British RailwayJourneys’ programme on BBCtv2in February.
4 SUMMER 2014COURTESY CALL Think of someone to thank
ERICH SEGALHAS A LOT TO ANSWER
FOR‘Sorry’ has been in the news a lotlately: such a simple word, yet oneapparently proving the mostdifficult to utter. It could beargued that if Lord Rennard hadsaid it, the Liberal Democrat Partywould not have been involved insuch turmoil and the annoyanceof several women would have beenassuaged, with no threat of legalaction by any of them.‘Sorry!’ How long does it take? Andhow much frustration and upsetdoes the word have the power todampen down? In ourincreasingly litigious society, itdare not be used for fear ofimplied admission of guilt. Thatappears to have been half thetrouble in the Rennard case,bolstered - by the sound of it - byhis counsel, Lord Carlisle.What sort of a state would we bein if we were not prepared to offerthe word in our everydayinteractions? Walking along thestreet we almost bump into oneanother. A quick, if awkward,smile and an even quickerexclamation of apology, whicheverone was at fault, and we are onour way feeling fine, the socialwheels well-oiled. If one or neithersays it, we are likely to rememberthe encounter with bitterness forthe rest of the day.Not long ago we heard thedesperate case of the woman whotelephoned for an ambulance fourtimes while her husband laysuffering from a heart attack. Bythe fourth attempt, he was dead.Following the subsequent enquiry,the woman said quietly: ‘If onlysomeone had said sorrysomewhere along the line’.There appears, however, to beevidence of green shoots ofchange. A N Wilson wrote anarticle in The Daily Telegraph inJanuary in which he reported thatthe NHS had just issued a bookletentitled Saying Sorry. What’s this?Do they want to increase the heartattack rate among us? But no, itwas not a wind-up. The documentreally is designed, as Wilson putit, ‘to help NHS staff who haveforgotten the uses of this helpfultwo-syllable word’. Think what theuse of the word could have donefor so many distraught relativesduring and after the atrociousevents at the Mid StaffordshireHospital? Imagine what it could
have done and could be doing inmany other hospitals long beforethe degree of those particularcircumstances has been reached.In one of the Campaign forCourtesy’s most successfulCourtesy Days in the 90s, weteamed up with the RAC and theHighways Agency to place thespotlight on Road Rage, a termthat had become much-used bythen. One of the most positiveaspects of that day occurredduring the BBC 9 o’clock Newswhen the then chairman, GerryHanson, demonstrated thesimplest sign that could be madeto say ‘Sorry’ to another road userfollowing a mistake made. It wasto raise one hand lightly in the airso that the offended driver couldsee it.It is surely the most obvious ofobservations to note that thenumber of situations which couldbe defused in our domestic,national and international life islegion. I blame Erich Segal for allthis. The writer of Love Story cameup with the most banal of slogansin his novel, adopted with relish inthe film version: ‘Love meansnever having to say you’re sorry’.Rubbish!
Treasurer EDWARD THOMAS prepares to interview JUNE WHITFIELDOBE at Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre. This was another of Edward’shighly entertaining interviews that he has presented at the resort sincebecoming Chairman of the Ashridge Circle. June – who is, of course, aPatron of The National Campaign for Courtesy – was in sparkling formand the talk attracted a full-house at the 1700 seat theatre. A masterof the interviewing craft, Edward expects to be putting his questions toone of our special guests at our 7 June Annual General Meeting (seeprogramme details elsewhere in this issue).
Note: JUNE WHITFIELD played the roles of two wonderfully eccentric
sisters in BBCtv’s ‘Jonathan Creek’ mystery series in March.
EDWARD TO RETIREAt the Executive Council meeting on 20 February 2014, EDWARDTHOMAS read out a Personal Statement declaring his intention to retireby the 2015 Annual General Meeting. Altogether, he is the longestserving officer of the Campaign and has fulfilled three posts withdistinction during his twenty years on the Committee. At the meeting,our next longest-serving Officer, Vice-Chairman DAVID WILLIAMS MBE,paid tribute to the dedication, hard work and leadership Edwardcontinues to give the Campaign.
A HARD ACT TO FOLLOWTo fill the posts that Edward will be vacating will, I imagine, not be easybut the great man has given us advance warning of the task.Nevertheless, to appoint a new Treasurer, a new Membership Secretaryand find a new auditor, we must start our search NOW. So we will bepleased to hear from any members willing to consider taking over one ofthese roles. If you would like to discuss the implications of servingplease contact me without any obligation as soon as possible. Thankyou. Peter G Foot (Chairman)
NAMES AND NOISESHerewith some delightful wordsyou might like to slip into yourconversation and see a raisedeyebrow or two:MONDEGREEN...misheard wordsor lyricsGRAWLIX...punctuation used inplace of swearing in comics,etc...such as “you %#$&@!Rascal!” Also known as JARNS,NITTLES and QUIMP.TITTLE...the dot over a lowercase“i” or “j”.FESCUE...small stick to point outletters on a board to childrenlearning to read.OVERMORROW...the day aftertomorrow.PANDICULATION...stretching thataccompanies a yawn.MISOPHONIA...irritation felttowards someone for eating orbreathing too loudly.WAMBLE...rumbling of a stomach.
HAVE YOU GOT YOURMEMBERSHIP CARD?
Any Campaign members whohave not received (or have mislaid)their membership card, shouldcontact our Surbiton HQ. Pleaseprovide current address. Thankyou.
Ridgeway PressFor all your print requirements01256 300420
WANTED
The National Campaign for Courtesy seekscandidates to fill the following posts...
Hon. TREASURER MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
AUDITOR
Note: Posts become vacant in May 2015 but can beadopted earlier if desired.
www.campaignforcourtesy.org.uk
5Courtesy - the human passportSUMMER 2014 COURTESY CALL
PAULSMITH
WE LOST ASHES BUTWIN HONOUR FOREVERThe Ashes may have been lost toAustralia, but here’s something somagnificent about English cricket,that makes you admire the honour,the sportsmanship and the courtesyshown to a great Aussy.
I discovered this on a recent visitto one of the world’s great cricketgrounds, do you recognise it? Mostpeople don’t.
Firstly, what Test CricketStadium Is this (this makes a goodpicture quiz question)?
The stadium is Old Trafford TestCricket Ground (located besideManchester United’s Old Traffordfootball stadium).
The reason it is, arguably, thefinest example of sportsmanshipis because, despite the intenserivalry between England andAustralia when they compete forThe Ashes test series, there is, onthe landing by the stairs in the
1864 Suite, a wonderful exampleof sportsmanship.
This full blown photograph fills acomplete wall on the landing andshows a young Aussy bowlershocking an experienced Englishtest cricketer – with what wascalled, the ‘ball of the century’.Shayne Warne’s first ball in AshesCricket & it destroyed England’sMike Gatting. It was anextraordinary extreme spin bowl.
And this magnificent Australianmoment is honoured with thisphotograph in this famous testcricket stadium in the heart ofEnglish cricket. Truly great sportsmanship – of thatthere is no doubt.
A Question For YouHow many other stadia show photosof great moments that went againstthe home team? Please do tell me,by emailing a comment.To see these photos, post acomment or find other stories aboutsportsmanship and courtesy visitwww.GreatSportsmanship.org
PR Smith• The person featured in thestadium photograph is, of course,one Paul Smith...........................ED
SPORTSMANSHIPMATTERS
e: [email protected] Tel: 020 8330 3707
NEW A5 LEAFLETFor notice board andshop window display
Please contact Surbiton H.Q.
PETER G FOOT
WELL, I DODECLARE
Did you know that:
l Warring German and British soldiers played football together on Christmas Dayl A Palestinian kidnapper shared sporting kindness with a western hostagel A heavyweight boxer carried his old adversary’s coffin and paid for his funerall An English sailor abandoned his dream of winning to save a Frenchman’s lifel A Czech Olympic runner secretly gave his gold medal to an opponent
“Read this book” Richard Dunwoody“This book is wonderful” Paul McGinley“Thought provoking & inspiring” Olympic Council of Ireland
www.GreatMomentsOfSportsmanship.com by PRSmith.org
Orders via website: www.GreatMomentsOfSportsmanship.com or via Amazon or bulk orders directly to [email protected] enquiries: +44(0)20 8567 4659 or +44(0) 7747 116 123
£10 (inc. p & p)... with Author
kindly donating£3 from each
sale to theNational
Campaign forCourtesy.
Please addword
“Courtesy”when ordering.
BEWARE THE SCAMSCUM
Three of our Campaign committeemembers plus one Patron havebeen victims of telephone emailscams. Members have receivedemailed requests to send largesums of money to rescue our‘victims’ who are supposed to beabroad, have had their moneystolen and need to pay hotel billsbefore their passports arereleased. Even worse are the callsfrom your ‘bank’ reporting a heavywithdrawal from your account.Reassured by the requests tocheck caller’s validity by phoningyour bank, you ring off and thendial the bank’s number on yourcard. A girl answers and says shewill put you through to the caller.You now believe you are talking toyour bank – BUT YOU’RE NOT!The caller did not cut-off the lineat his end so you are stillconnected to the original caller,WHO IS CERTAINLY NOT YOURBANK! Golden rules – NEVERSEND MONEY REQUESTED BYEMAIL OR GIVE YOUR BANKACCOUNT DETAILS TO ANYONEOVER THE PHONE. Look out fornew scams in the pipe-line – thesecriminals might be clever but theyare the SCAM SCUM of oursociety.
ENJOY OUR BRITISHPRIDE
On 12 April, Councillor PETERCRESSWELL, Campaign memberBARRY PRICE and I were atCraven Cottage for the Fulham vNorwich City encounter. As onother football grounds around thecountry, a minute’s silence wasobserved in respect of the 96supporters who lost their livestwenty five years ago atHillsborough. The absolutesilence was observed by the25,000 plus crowd at Fulham andreports indicate that respect wasshown nationwide.
The next day I joined themillion-plus spectators lining thestreets for the London Marathon.No one was a stranger that day asall cultures wore smiles andshared the excitement. I know theworld is still full of problems, butthe behaviour of people over thosetwo days was so uplifting andmakes our courtesy cause soworthwhile.
HI-TIME WE SAID“ENOUGH!”
The press have recently beendecoding text-speak for us. Isuppose I have to endure theopening ‘HI’ greeting in emails(but not in letters as well, thankyou). However, can I protest atpeople signing off emails with‘Best Charlie’? Hopefully ourteachers will win the fight againsttext-speak so that English cancontinue as a universal language.
The brevity-bug is now commonin cafes and restaurants as yourwaitress orders you to “enjoy”.For years now, our sincereenquiry “How are you?” receives a“I’m good” response. We were notof course querying their moralcredentials! Can we please holdon to the original meanings ofwords before everyone ceases tounderstand each other?
In an April issue of ‘Yours’magazine, actress AMANDAREDMAN revealed her pet hate: “Ihate the way our language isbeing destroyed by abbreviations.Our language is beautiful. It’ssuch a shame”.
LEGACIES FOR OUR CHARITYTHE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN
FOR COURTESYYou probably have a number of causes and people whom
you want to benefit when you pass on.
How about leaving a portion of money to theperpetuation of a nicer, kinder, politer world?
The National Campaign for Courtesy wouldwelcome any bequest – large or small –
so do think about remembering us in your Will.Thank you
6 SUMMER 2014COURTESY CALL Lower the volume, raise the tone
DAVID WILLIAMS MBE
DRIVINGDOWNDISCOURTESY
VANESSA BONDe: [email protected]
TRIP BIT
PublicTransportSpokesperson
COURTESY ON THE ROAD– 82 YEARS OLD ANDSTILL GOING STRONG
In 1932 there were as few as 2million cars on the roads ofBritain. There was no compulsorydriving test (that was not‘invented’ until 1935) and ineffect, if you had the substantialfunds to buy a car then yousimply purchased a drivinglicence and away you went.
Sadly, the social cost of thisfreedom was a staggering 6,667road deaths in that year alone.The huge scale of this problem ishighlighted even more sharplywhen the current road toll iscompared. In 2012, with over 30million cars on our roads, thenumber of lives lost had fallen to1,754 per annum.
This massive social problem ofroad deaths in the 1930s causedconcern throughout the whole ofsociety. Government’s responsewas to enact a number ofrestrictions such as speed limits,traffic regulations, andcompulsory tests. However, thepublic also felt compelled to act totry and reduce the number oftragedies.
A group of motorists based inWorthing, met in 1932 to discussthe growing problem of roaddeaths and concluded that part ofthe answer lay in convincing allroad users to adopt the qualitiesof Care, Courtesy andConcentration.
The meeting agreed to form aclub called The Company ofVeteran Motorists and their aimwas to demonstrate andencourage care and courtesy on
the roads at all times. The clubremains committed to that taskover 82 years later and is nownamed GEM Motoring Assist.
The link between safety andCourtesy is now accepted asfundamental and obvious toprofessionals in the field ofaccident prevention. GEM and theNational Campaign for Courtesyhave been working together fornearly 20 years to encourage safeand courteous behaviour on ourroads.
Simple actions such as saying‘thank you’ for considerationsmade to you by other drivers willnot only reduce tension and stressbut will encourage others to followyour example and thus make theroads safer. Likewise saying ‘sorry’by apologising to other driverswhen you make a mistake avoidsconfrontation and helps reduceanger.
In every aspect of life, displayingCourtesy to others is a vitalingredient to a well ordered andtolerant society. On the roads,Courtesy could also help to reducethe death toll even further.
To view the courtesy code fordrivers as approved by GEM and TheNational Campaign for Courtesy visitwww.motoringassist.com/courtesy-on-the-road
By DAVID WILLIAMS MBE, is theVice-Chairman of The NationalCampaign for Courtesy andCEO of GEM Motoring Assist
THE MAN IN THE BLUE SUIT
This may have taken place in thebusy and crowded city of London,but I’m sure many of you canrelate to it in some way. I was standing patiently waitingfor the next tube train on theplatform at Tottenham CourtRoad station on the NorthernLine. The train pulled in andeveryone politely stood to one sideas the doors opened and we let theother passengers off. I was in thefront and put one foot onto thetrain when, out of nowhere, a manin a blue suit pushed past me andthrew himself triumphantly intothe only available seat andproceeded to read his newspaper.I was incensed. I mean, we wereall tired, it had been a long day ...and he was SO rude! I was jostled forward and stood inthe aisle and, low and behold, I
found myself standing right infront of him. Unfortunately, everytime the train made a slightmovement, my bag knocked hisnewspaper. Every time the trainjolted, I trod on his foot. Oops,sorry. Out of the corner of my eyeI saw him looking at me, but therewas nothing I could do. Eventuallyhe got off the train and I sat in theseat that was, by rights, MINE! Three days later, at a differentstation on the Northern Line anda different time of day, I steppedonto the train, relieved to seethere was a seat free. As I walkedtowards it, I looked up and therehe was, the Man in the Blue Suit,flying in through another doorand just about to throw himselfinto MY seat! At the last momenthe spotted me, hesitated,obviously recognised me, thoughtabout it...and indicated to me tosit down. Phew.Naturally I thanked himgraciously and inwardly smiled asI sank into the comfort of that‘special’ seat. Almost “instantKarma” I thought. I haven’t seen him since... Theman in the blue suit...
Have any of you similar stories totell? Do let us know. Contact usvia the website or write or emailour office.
This photo was taken on the platform of Green Park tube station onthe Victoria Line. Transport for London do their best to stop us alldropping our rubbish on the floor or leaving it lying around the place.Just out of the picture to the left, is an arrow pointing to the RubbishBin, which is right at the end of the seat... What more can be done?Discarded food cartons and rubbish left on public transport, is mybug bear and I have often asked people to take things with them andfind a bin, especially when it comes to fruit remnants like apple coresand banana skins - awful!
Jim Kennedy / Peter G FootSHOWBIZ
BOOK MARTA to Z Biographies
(Dave Allen to Andy Williams)£5 hardbacks £3 paperbacks
Proceeds toNATIONAL CAMPAIGN for COURTESY
For complete list of titles -Campaign H.Q. Tel: 020 8330 3707
* *NEW MEMBERS
MRS EFFIE BAWDEKER -(New Ash Green)
MARIE CONLIN - (Bury)
SALLY & GEOFF NICHOL(Kingsthorne, Hereford)
MRS CHARLOTTE V SLATER(Sevenoaks)
MARY ZOELLER (Epsom)
7A smile – an international languageSUMMER 2014 COURTESY CALL
RAPTUROUS RUSSIAN HOSPITALITYThere was a most enjoyable visit and interview last Autumn at theLondon Bureau of the Voice of Russia radio station to record a studiodebate on the subject of spitting chaired by TOM SPENDER (broadcasttwice on 30 September and twice again on 1st October). Our Chairmandetermined to present Campaign Certificates to producers ANNAFOMICHEVA and NIMA GREEN to reward their courteous hospitality. InNovember he returned with our Councillor ANNE LING and presentedthe Certificates - as pictured by the studio’s photographer EVGENIAFILIMIANOVA. Pictured l to r are ANNE LING, producer ANNAFOMICHEVA, freelance producer/broadcaster NIMA GREEN and ourChairman PETER G FOOT. The affable Head of the Bureau DMITRYLINNIK confirmed the station also operated from New York and Moscowand – of the 15 London-based staff five were Russian.
NOTE: ANNA FOMICHEVA kindly allowed our Chairman to interview herregarding the adjacent article.
During the November visit PETER FOOT was interviewed on courtesyissues by the Voice of Russia’s newscaster, the delightful VIVIENNENUMIS. EVGENIA FILIMIANOVA’s picture captures the discussion infull flow.
RUSSIAN MODEL SAYS“ENGLISH MEN HAVE NO
MANNERS AND BRITSDRINK TOO MUCH”
By PETER G FOOT
In September, The DailyTelegraph’s CLARE CARTERreported the views of Russianmodel KATERINA IGOREVNAELIZAROVA on the socialshortcomings of English men(“woefully bad manners”) andBritish women (“too aggressivelyfeminist”). This Russian model –who was here to appear in the FoxTV’s ‘Meet the Russians’programme – went on to lambastBritish men as being “weak”compared to their Russiancounterparts.
Is Miss Elizarova right? Seekinganswers I approached the LondonBureau of the Voice of Russiaradio station and interviewedproducer ANNA FOMICHEVA.Anna moved to England fromRussia in her late teens and, tenyears on, she has had plenty ofopportunities to assess differencesin manners and courtesy betweenthe peoples of each country.Three years ago she met DEREKWALKER – who she describes as“half American and half English”.Twenty months ago, she marriedDerek and has now been workingfor the Voice of Russia productionteam for the past year.
This attractive and so friendlylady responded to my questions inimmaculate English. She beganby explaining to me that MissElizarova’s life in Russia hadprobably been at the ‘aristocracy’level – her great-grandfatherhaving been married to Lenin’ssister. Therefore, Anna was notsurprised that this model mighthave a lower opinion of the socialbehaviour of the average man andwoman.
Also acknowledging that Englishmen are more gentle and don’t tryto impress their masculinity onwomen, Russians are more likelyto beat their women. Both Annaand Miss Elizarova confirm this,reciting a well-established sayingin Russia that “If he beats youthen he loves you”.
What about Russian women?Anna views the girls in hercountry of birth as being verycompetitive for male attention.
She maintains that Russianwomen generally aspire tomarriage a lot more than Britishwomen. Both ladies are also inaccord over condemning womenwho tell men off for offering theirseats on public transport. Theyboth agree that Feminism doesnot mean you must be aggressiveto people.
Although 29-year-old Anna is atodds with 27-year-old Katerina oncertain issues, it appears thatthere is not much differencebetween the two peoples in termsof courtesy and respect. Duringmy time spent during two visits tothe Voice of Russia studios Iexperienced a warm and friendlyatmosphere amongst the staff offifteen, five of which were Russian,and all led by the most amiableHead of Bureau DMITRY LINNIK.And, when you work and socialisewith young women like AnnaFomicheva, you wonder whynations ever exchanged a crossword!
‘ELDERLY’ OR ‘OLD’Campaign Secretary MARYDOYLE recently objected to seniorcitizens being described as “old” –much preferring the ‘elderly’description. So, how do we reactto the following report culled fromthe Daily Mail (1/2/14)?...
Let’s give the last word to DAMEJUDI DENCH with her quote in 1st
March Daily Express ‘Richard andJudy’ column: Retire is “therudest word in my dictionary” shesaid with typical forthrightness.“And ‘old’ is another one. I don’tallow them in my house”.
MEDIA•FOCUS
www.campaignforcourtesy.org.uk
NEWMEMBERSHIPAPLICATIONBROCHURES
NOW AVAILABLEPlease contact Surbiton H.Q.
RADIO INTERVIEWS
Interviews undertaken sinceprevious list (Courtesy Call –Autumn 2013).
Stations in alphabetical order oflocation plus dates/interviewer’snames/and Campaign’s interviewees’initials – i.e. PGF (Peter G Foot), RZ(Robert Zarywacz) and LH (Liz Hall).
BBC Radio WM Birmingham8/3/14...EH/Iain Lee20/3/14...PGF/Peter MorganLBC Radio (London)21/11/13...PGF/Glen TomsettBBC Radio London21/11/13...RZSmoke Radio (Universities Station)10/3/14...PGF/Max ParadiscoBBC Tyne Tees21/11/13...PGF/Mike ParrVoice of Russia1/10/13...PGF/Tom Spencer6/11/13...PGF/Vivienne Numis
8 SUMMER 2014COURTESY CALL Courtesy costs nothing and profits everybody
COURTEOUS SERVICE AT SAINSBURYSIn February, the Campaign presented a Certificate to SHAMSUDDOHACHOWDHURY in recognition of the ever-cheerful and polite servicedelivered by him at the Surbiton store’s check-out counters. ‘Shams’emigrated from Bangladesh in 1998 to study at the London School ofCommerce. For the past ten years, his courteous approach to hiscustomer Service Assistant role has been appreciated by the Sainsbury’sshoppers. Our picture taken by Campaign Secretary MARY DOYLE shows‘Shams’ receiving his Certificate from the Chairman PETER G FOOT. SUPERB APPLIANCE SERVICE
A Campaign Certificate was presented in February to proprietor MARKBAKER in his Surbiton A3 Appliances showrooms by Chairman PETERG FOOT. It was a reward for the company’s excellent customer serviceduring the past thirty years. A family business that was started withMark’s parents BRIAN and BRENDA BAKER, has maintained a friendlyand courteous service over the years. Photo by MARY DOYLE
SO WELCOME BRITISH POSTAL MUSEUMLast November, the Campaign Chairman was one of the Cuneo Societymembers invited to the British Postal Museum & Archive in PhoenixPlace, London WC1 to view some of the later Terence Cuneo’s famoussteam railway engine paintings. In January the Chairman returned topresent Certificates to three of the Museum’s staff who had given theSociety such a fascinating and courteous welcome last year. Our pictureshows the museum staff fronted by their inspirational Curator VYKISPARKES (right) and visiting American intern MELISSA COLLINS. Alsoa third Certificate for Archives/Records Assistant PENNY McMAHONcould not be pictured, her being absent with an illness. Our thanks goto Team Support officer DEEPA SEBASTIAN for arranging the photoopportunity. Photos by British Postal Museum staff
DANIELLE’S DELIGHTFUL DELIVERYOn 30th October, 18 years-old DANIELLE FERRY captained her BramleyGolf Club’s foursome to victory in the Roy Castle Junior GolfCompetition at the Epsom Golf Club. Campaign Chairman PETER GFOOT and Secretary MARY DOYLE witnessed her superb speech aftershe received the winning team trophy. This very impressiveperformance clearly warranted one of our Certificates because of theyoung lady’s evident sportsmanship, courtesy and appreciation.Accordingly, the Chairman travelled to the Bramley Golf Club on 21st
January to present the Certificate in the Clubhouse bar. Danielle joinedthe Club at 12 years and was elected Junior Captain for 2012-13. Shehas played in four Junior European Championships, qualified for twoTeen World Championships and represented Surrey for three years. Shecurrently plays off 11.5. Studying at Godalming College, she hopes herSport Diploma will lead to her getting a PGA Degree and fulfilling herdream of becoming a professional golf coach. The above picture of thepresentation was kindly taken by Club Manager Jeremy and shows theClub’s Ladies Captain JEAN HOOPER on the extreme right. Our thanksto Jean for arranging the Chairman’s visit.
EasyFit DVD available fromwww. amazon.co.uk
DIANAMORAN... tune in to her weeklyexcercise spot on TheWireless from Age UKon digital radio.
Current Book: A FULHAMISH TALEwww. ashwaterpress.co.uk
DAVIDHAMILTON... tune in to his dailyprogramme on TheWireless from Age UKon digital radio.
9Courtesy – something always affordableSUMMER 2014 COURTESY CALL
A special moment to honour Salop Leisure’s Chairman, the affable andmost courteous TONY BYWATER MBE with a very deserved Certificate.The hospitality extended to our Chairman, LIZ HALL and new memberSALLY NICOL was much appreciated.
(Photo by Malcolm)
Note: TONY BYWATER was awarded the MBE in 2003 for his servicestowards tourism in Wales.
Some of the staff gathered in the showroom of Salop Leisure Ltd toreceive a Campaign Certificate Award awarded to them for theirdedication to courteous customer service. ANNE HEAP accepted theCertificate from Campaign Chairman PETER G FOOT. Behind Anne isSalop Leisure’s Chairman TONY BYWATER and Assistant MarketingManager ED GLOVER to his left. On Peter’s right is our RegionalExecutive for Central West England LIZ HALL. Extreme right (with herCertificate presented earlier) is Receptionist JEAN COURTNEY.
(Photo by Malcolm)
The ever cheerful Receptionist for Salop Leisure is JEAN COURTNEYwho will be celebrating 40 years with the company next year. Above shereceives a well-earned Campaign Certificate to mark her service-with-a-smile that has endured since she started on 1st September 1975.
(Photo by Malcolm)
Salop Leisure has in recent years received the following awards:
• 2011 - Award for outstanding achievement in the field of excellence• 2012 - Practical Caravan Dealer of the year• 2013 - Practical Caravan Gold award for customer satisfaction• 2014 - Practical Caravan Gold award for customer satisfaction
ANNUAL MOST COURTEOUS TOWN EVENT?In 2012 our Councillor ROBERT ZARYWACZ organised his ‘MostCourteous Town’ project in his home base of Ilfracombe. As ourCampaign’s South West England Regional Executive, Robert involvedthe town council and local newspapers to seek the support of local shopsand stores. The project came to a very successful conclusion when theRt. Hon. ANN WIDDECOMBE presented the Mayor of Ilfracombe with alarge certificate in June (see picture below).
Following the visit to Salop Leisure Ltd by our Chairman and CentralWest England Regional Executive LIZ HALL (see above photos), thecompany’s Chairman TONY BYWATER nominated Shrewsbury for amost courteous title and promised to sponsor a perpetual trophy tomake the honour an annual award. Plans are now being discussed withTony Bywater and officers of the Shrewsbury Town Council and it isplanned that Liz Hall will launch the project at our AGM on 7 June.
Above picture shows the Mayor of Ilfracombe receiving the MostCourteous Town Certificate from the Rt. Hon. ANN WIDDECOMBE whileour ROBERT ZARYWACZ looks on.
CERTIFICATE TIME AT SALOP LEISURE
ENROLA FRIEND
l Individual .......... £20.00 p.a.l Family .............. £20.00 p.a.l OAP .................. £7.50 p.a.l Life Membership .. £200.00l Corporate Membership1 to 10 employees ..........£25.00
11 to 50 employees ........£75.00
51 to 999 employees ....£150.00
1000 plus employees ....£500.00www.
campaignforcourtesy.org.uk
NATIONAL CAMPAIGNFOR COURTESY –FAIR PLAY CODE
• Opponents are also people• The other side is not the enemy• To lose graciously is true victory• The spirit of the game matters
as much as the rules• Winning by cheating is
worthless
10 COURTESY CALL SUMMER 2014‘Thank you’ costs nothing but means so much
QUESTIONNAIRE REVEALS –IT’S LITTERING YOU HATE MOST
It is the sheer volume of food cartons, cans, bottles, cigarette ends andchewing gum that litter our streets that appall our members most. That isthe finding of our Questionnaire poll taken at the end of 2013. Litteringtopped the poll with 311 votes, 58 votes more than Cold Calling (253 votes),closely followed by Swearing in Public (247) and Spitting in Public (228).
There was an amazing 22% response from our membership which ismuch higher than most survey polls achieve and is a clear indication of howmuch our members care about our Campaign.
The full results are as follows:
1st place ... Littering Streets ................................... 3112nd “ ...Cold Calling (Phone/visits) ................... 2533rd “ ... Swearing in Public ............................... 2474th “ ... Spitting in Public ................................. 2285th “ ... Inconsiderate Driving/Parking ............. 1686th “ ...Binge Drinking .................................... 1547th “ ... Public Transport Food Consumption/
Feet on Seats/Noise ............................. 1538th “ ...Bad shop/Store Service ....................... 1439th “ ...Mobile Phone Abuse ............................ 13710th “ ... Lack of Sportsmanship ........................ 12011th “ ... Twitter abuse ....................................... 70
Note: On the subject of litter – see picture in VANESSA BOND’s new columnon page 6.
IN OUR DIMINISHED TRUST POLL THE POLITICIANS LOSE FACE
In 2009 the Campaign Executive decided to ‘retire’ our politicalrepresentatives from the Patrons list in the light of the ParliamentaryExpenses scandal. Although MPs Frank Field, Bill Cash and EdwardDavey had been very supportive of our Campaign and were in no wayimplicated in the scandal, it was felt that the Campaign should not carryany hint of political bias.
The wisdom of this decision appears to have been endorsed by theresults of our ‘Diminished Trust’ Poll with the Politicians topping thetable, albeit closely followed by the Banks, The National Press and thePolice. A sad reflection indeed on today’s society that there no longerappears to be any faith in the behaviour of these institutions. The fullresults are as follows:
Diminished trust in...
It is most interesting to see how the appalling behaviour of some high-flying celebrities has particularly dented the once-proud BBC imagewhile there is far less criticism of ITV’s stable of presenters and itsmanagement. Will we carry on paying for the TV licence?
AGREEMENT WITH STROKE ASSOCIATION’S POLLIt seems our members are mainly in agreement with the results of therecent Stroke Association’s poll over the following categories (their %results in brackets as to the extent of the anger they felt)...1. RUDENESS...32 (80%) 3. REALITY TV SHOWS...14 (32%)2. BAD DRIVING ...20 (61%) 4. QUEUE JUMPING...22 (66%)
A SAMPLING IN SALOPWhile Chairman PETER G FOOT and Regional Executive LIZ HALL werevisiting the Salop Leisure company in Shrewsbury during March, theywere given permission by the company’s Chairman TONY BYWATERMBE (one of our longest serving Campaign members) to distribute ourQuestionnaire to his staff. 31 forms were duly completed, the votingresults from which proving very similar to the Campaign’s poll. Onceagain, Littering came out on top with 25 votes, closely followed bySpitting and Cold Calling (24 each), Swearing (22) and InconsiderateDriving/Parking (21).
Furthermore, it was a case of similar voting patterns. Politicians cametop of the ‘Diminished Trust’ poll (22 votes), followed by Banks andNational Press (both 20 votes) with the Police fourth (19). Again ITVtrounced the BBC in the trust department.
In the comparison with the Stroke Association poll, again Rudenessand Queue jumping equally angered the Salop Leisure staff most.
Our thanks go to Tony Bywater and his staff for their support and co-operation.
MEMBERS’ QUESTIONNAIRE QUOTES“Let’s not forget, there are still some very pleasant people left in theworld. It’s not all bad “... Steve Mowbray – Radio Jackie “Swearing and violence on tv spoils so many programmes” ... MaureenTubman“No one should be a politician before completing at least 5 years realemployment “... Angela Jenkins“Sadly we now have a use-and-abuse, speed-and-greed society” ... Rayand Margaret Revening“Mobile ‘phone users seem oblivious to what is going on around themand impede other people”... Shelagh Lockwood“There’s a general loss of any moral standards – particularly in thebusiness world”... Miss Dilys M Harrison“The public-funded BBC should inform us about all personnel whetheremployees or interviewers”... Andrew Logie“In a recent letter, youngsters left the elderly and infirm standing, onesaying he had paid for a seat. I’m pleased to report that twoschoolgirls stood for me on different buses thinking I was elderly. Infact I’m only in my seventies! ... Harry M Scharf“Food should be banned on public transport and swearing duringsports events. It particularly offends me when my grandchildren arewith me” ... Frances Harris“Manners and courtesy have diminished to a great degree. We areliving through a secularist pagan society whose only agenda ishedonism and their own miserable self interest” ... Jon S. Duus-Jensen“Many thanks for the excellent Courtesy Call. Grateful thanks to all”... Anthony Archer-Lock “I haven’t ever seen spitting in public here the way one sees it on theContinent” ... Claire Freer“Please add music on tv which drowns out speech” ... Mrs Meg Picco“We need to control modern communication to restore good manners”... Mr R Underhill“I have found courtesy on the road increased when I have waited orgiven way, by a wave. Cycling on the pavement can be dangerousbecause they are unheard” ... G.M. Watkinson“Deplore lack of help for disabled – but also failure to thank those whodo help” ... Jan C Baillie“Cyclists who ride on pavement telling me to get out of the way! Cardrivers who don’t signal. All dangerous” ... Ann MacDonald“You haven’t listed yobbish behaviour!” ... Jacqueline Deeks“I wonder how many people who use the f-word know what it means.As well as being disgusting it shows a lack of imagination in languageskills” ... Elizabeth Parsons“I deplore cartons and plastic bottles littering our streets and, evenworse, dog poo left in bags on pavements” ... Mr D Cox“We need a ‘Take Your Litter Home’ campaign ... Derek Legg“If spoken to, the perpetrators of the listed ‘sins’ usually apologise andthink twice before committing the ‘crimes’ again” ... Avril Binns“Dropping litter shows a lack of respect for the environment – and inother areas of life” ... Elizabeth Burbridge“I would welcome school education on most of the misdemeanourslisted” ... David Coates“Phone abuse irritates more than others with the exception of spittingwhich is becoming a scourge” ... Vera Morley“I have general surliness in shops (especially large chain-stores) andhate seeing mums on mobiles when pushing their children” ... WendyHill
NATIONAL CAMPAIGNFOR COURTESY
www.campaignforcourtesy.org.uk
FREE ENVELOPESTICKERSAvailable fromSurbiton H.Q.Tel: 020 8330 3707(Actual size)
COURTESY CALL‘Please’ – the magic word 11SUMMER 2014
‘Courtesy Call’ photographs by
DOUG McKENZIE‘number one in showbusiness’
TALKS and AFTER-MEAL SPEECHES4 George Lane . Hayes . Kent BR2 7LQ
020 8462 8578 . [email protected]
“Young children not under parental control while roller-blading/skate-boarding around shops” ... Sue Dyke“I have had problems with cold calling from claims advisory groupringing my home” ... Rosemary Dabbs“It is clear that those infringements that affect the public are the mostdifficult tolerate” ... Edward Thomas“I have an objection to the increasing use of self-serve and self-scansystems in supermarkets. This shows a lack of courtesy towardscustomers” ... Siobhan O’Rourke“I deplore elderly people not being offered seats on trains and buses”... Rita Butler“Cars should be stopped from reversing out of their drives. I was hitby a reversing car while walking on the other side of the road(resulting in my having a hip operation). Drivers need to have a clearview as they enter the road” ... Sylvia G Morrison
CELEBRITYENCOUNTERS
Campaign Patron DOUG McKENZIEhas at last been persuaded toproduce a book on his remarkablecareer as a photographer of theworld’s major stars and celebrities.From royalty to the headliners ofstage and screen, from primeministers to major sporting legends,Doug McKenzie’s photographs havegraced the pages of internationalnewspapers and magazines. Thegreatest stars of variety andvaudeville have been captured onfilm, as have the leading lights ofworld-wide television. Even amoon-landing astronaut features inhis vast collection.
The book will feature stories and,
of course, pictures from Doug’slifetime as a show businessphotographer. Presentation of allthe photographic material has beencollated by Doug’s photographerson John and production andediting undertaken by Peter G.Foot.
The publishers and launch datefor the book to be titled ‘CelebrityEncounters’ will be announcedshortly.
On 13 November our Chairman rushed into the Farringdon Post Officein Islington with bag full of packets and letters to mail and joined theinevitable late afternoon queue. When he reached the front he wasgreeted with a broad smile by a young lady who proceeded to sort hisoverseas and UK items speedily – even affixing the necessary stamps.Our Chairman expressed his gratitude and left. However, once on thetrain he wished he had asked her name although this would not havebeen popular with the folk queuing behind him. He resolved to write andhappily the postage receipt helped to trace the lady. A ‘phone call fromthe Post Office Southern Area Sales Manager and a Certificatepresentation date in March was booked and the above photograph wasthe happy outcome. Pictured l to r are GRAEME BOWER (Area SalesManager), Chairman PETER G FOOT, the lady in question BINAL PATEL(Sales Assistant) and GEORGE IATROU (Post Office Manager). Born inGujarat, India, Binal explained that her name in that country means‘Princess’. How apt!
COUNTER SERVICE FROM A PRINCESS
www.campaignforcourtesy.org.uk
Ridgeway Press
Proud printers of Courtesy Call
DONATIONSGUY BENNETT – East GrinsteadAVRIL BINNS - BoltonJANICE BOOTH – SeatonWYN CALVIN – CardiffPHILIP COLE – TamworthDEREK CRANE – BreconDAMIAN DAVID –
Market DraytonJACQUELINE DEEKS –
RustingtonDAVID FENNER –
Tunbridge WellsROSALIND GRIFFITH –
EastbourneANDREA JENKINS – SouthseaJOHN LUCY – New MaldenMAUREEN SMITH – CheamTERENCE SMITH – StevenageMARTIN SYDENHAM –
Katikati, New ZealandJEAN TAYLOR – EastbourneHARALD WILSON – WinchesterDr. HAROLD YARDLEY –
Newcastle-under-Lyme
BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY
Our Campaign has alwaysoperated with the dedicated helpof voluntary help. In fact no one issalaried, although travel andpostage expenses have alwaysbeen reimbursed. Therefore, Iwould like to register ourCampaign’s gratitude to adeserving few.
Special thanks must go toAdministrator GILLIAN ROBERTSfor her outstanding work in ourH.Q. office; to MARY DOYLE, bothin our office and as our stand-byphotographer; to ANNE LING alsofor her support as stand-inphotographer; to VANESSA BONDfor organising our meetings and tomember BARRY PRICE forproviding me each week withcopies of his Daily Telegraph andDaily Mail newspapers thuskeeping me abreast of nationalevents.
‘HAROLD BE THY NAME’I enjoy Daily Express DeputyEditor JENNIFER’S SELWAY’SSaturday column and her so wittycomdemnation of the silly thingsthat bug our everyday lives. Butshe is not slow in admitting someof her own shortcomings too asthe following extract from her 19April column……
“When I was very little Iremember a kindergarten teacherregaling us with the old chestnutof the child who prayed ‘OurFather which are heaven, Haroldbe thy name’. I looked around atmy laughing classmates. Whatwas so funny about that Iwondered?”
GAYE’S BIG DAY INEASTBOURNE
On 30 January, the LaughamHotel’s banqueting suite had a‘full house’ to celebrate the 80th
birthday of Campaign memberGAYE VAUGHAN. Widow of thelate singing star MALCOLMVAUGHAN, Gaye displayed herown talents from a longshowbusiness career by deliveringa delightfully entertaining speechto her guests during lunch.Gaye’s son DARYL VAUGHAN flewin from America to pay his ownmoving tribute to his wonderfulmother. The occasion wassuperbly orchestrated by MC forthe day EDWARD THOMAS.
Our picture shows some of theCampaign members on the day,including Gaye and EdwardThomas, plus OLIVIA BREEZE,JAN LYNTON, JEAN and JOHNTAYLOR and PETER G FOOT.
(Photo by HARRY LETERMAN/PETER KILLICK).
Campaign for Courtesy
Good manners aretheir own reward
www.campaignforcourtesy.org
12 SUMMER 2014COURTESY CALL Life is richer with respect and good humour
SPECIAL FILMPREMIERE FOR POWs
Our Patron ROY HUDD writesabout 93-year-old ex-SuffolkRegiment POW ROLAND ‘ROLY’BAKER in his March ‘Yours’magazine column. ‘Roly’ was oneof the prisoners of war forced towork building the Burma Railwayduring World War 2 – a task whichcost the lives of 12,500 AlliedPrisoners. Invited to the 1957premiere of ‘The Bridge on TheRiver Kwai’, Roly was not wellenough to attend. SARAH PAGE,the office manager of Roy’s localcinema – The Regal in Stowmarket– heard about this and decided tonow put on a special premiere of‘The Railway Man’ for Roland andtwo other local lads who livedthrough the horror, namelyFRANK KERRIDGE and PUGGYWELLS. Roy (“I sneaked a ticket”)attended this happy reunion andhis column featured a photographof Roland with Roy and Sarahwith the local Mayoress at thepremiere.
www.campaignforcourtesy.org.uk
OUR FIRST MEETING AT QUAKER HOUSEPhotographer JOHN McKENZIE took the above photograph prior to theCampaign’s Executive Council Meeting held at the Westminster QuakerMeeting House in London’s St. Martin’s Lane on 20 February. John haslong been working for his father, our Patron DOUG McKENZIE, in theirphotographic service business which has established itself with anunrivalled reputation in the show business industry (see story elsewherein this issue of a new book soon to be published on Doug’s amazingcareer). Pictured above are (rear l to r) Administrator GILLIANROBERTS, Treasurer/Membership Secretary EDWARD THOMAS, Vice-Chairman/Motoring Correspondent DAVID WILLIAMS, Councillor ANNELING; and (front l to r) our new South East Regional Member ERICFOWLER, Chairman PETER G FOOT and Councillor/PublicSpokesperson VANESSA BOND. Everyone enjoyed the comfort andfacilities experienced at our ‘new’ meeting venue and we can lookforward to holding our Annual General Meeting in this historic buildingon Saturday 7 June 2014.
EXECUTIVEMEETINGThurs 18 Sept12.30pm
WESTMINSTER QUAKERMEETING HOUSE
8 Hop Gardens, St Martin’sLane, London WC2N 4EH
Members welcome - phone020 8330 8707 in advance
Historic Quaker Meeting House
Venue Hire SponsorsCAROLE & WYN CALVIN MBE
Members& GuestsWelcome
Buffet Lunchat £10 per head
Please confirm attendance by 31st May to Surbiton H.Q.
on 020 8330 3707e: [email protected]
Programme
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGat the
NATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR COURTESYSATURDAY 7th JUNE 2014commencing 12.30pm (Buffet Lunch at 1.45pm approx)at theWESTMINSTER QUAKER MEETING HOUSE8 Hop Gardens entrance offSt. Martin’s Lane • London • WC2Tel: 020 7836 7204Nearest Underground station - Charing Cross, Leicester Sq.
AGM... Officers/Councillors/Regional Executives - reports
... Election of officers. Any nominations for Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary must bereceived at Surbiton H.Q. by 31st May
LUNCH... Introductionof Guests; Photographs by Patron DOUG McKENZIE and JOHN McKENZIE
INTERVIEWS... Special Guest (subject to engagements) -interview by EDWARD THOMAS
LAUNCH of COURTESY TOP TOWN PROJECT...report by Councillor Liz Hall
Q & A DEBATE... Guest Panelists. Chaired by DAVID WILLIAMS MBE
RAFFLE... organised by Councillor VANESSA BOND
28thAnniversary
(founded 1985)
CAROLE and WYN CALVIN have,once again, sent us a verygenerous donation towards ourAGM costs. Our picture shows ourPatron (‘The Welsh Prince ofLaughter’) at our 2011 AGM.
Photo: Doug McKenzie