WINTER 2010

PRISM PILKINGTON RETIREMENT INFORMATION AND SUPPORT MAGAZINE • www.pilkingtonfamilytrust.com

MD visit to Australasia After a long, but strangely enjoyable flight I arrived into Melbourne either side of some very good company – Hilary Clinton the day before and Tiger Woods the day after, although my flight was not greeted with quite the same fanfare. My itinerary started in Victoria and then took me to New South Wales. I then crossed to New Zealand and returned to finish in Queeensland. The journey took in places familiar to a lot of Pilkington workers from the UK Geelong, Dandenong, Adelaide, Sydney, Whangerai, Wellington, Coffs Harbour and Brisbane. All of these locations previously had Pilkington sites. Since CSR bought Pilkington Australasia they have rationalised the business and glass is only made at Dandenong and Ingleburn (Sydney). Australia is a vast country and travelling interstate is similar to travelling to European destinations from the UK - the travel is tiring and the schedule tight. We met with approximately 500 people in Australia and 180 in New Zealand. I was greeted with the customary warmth in all locations. The conversations do not differ much around the world,

Paul Morgan chatting with retirees at the Sydney Function.

old colleagues meet and fondly remember the good times they spent working on new and wonderful projects for Pilkington and of course they all made the best glass in the world. The common theme is how they loved work and the company and without exception they agree they would do it all over again given the choice. I met many expat workers who are now nationalised Australians or New Zealanders, who although thousands of miles away still have great affinity with their home towns and in some instances had not returned home for decades. On the other hand some are regular visitors to our shores.

Vounteers We have a wonderful group of people in both countries who form a volunteer workforce who keep in touch with beneficiaries on our behalf. Our National Co-ordinator in Australasia is now Arthur Johnson who did a marvellous job of escorting me around both countries on my trip. Arthur worked for Pilkington at Alexandria works in Sydney for many years and now knows most of our retirees. Part of my role was to update beneficiaries on the changes that have taken place since my last visit in 2006. It is amazing how the company has changed in that time and how many sites have closed across Europe and in particular in the UK in that time frame. The people in both countries are still keen to know what has been happening all those thousands of miles away. Continued on page 2.

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ONLY A CLICK AWAY Keeping up the Connections by email

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WHAT TO DO WHEN I RETIRE? Robin Steere tells us his story

Pace yourself Ken Ken Davies from South Wales recently underwent some pioneering surgery when he had an experimental pacemaker fitted at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport. The difference between Ken’s pacemaker and older versions is that his sends continuous electronic messages, firstly to an office in Berlin (where the manufacturers are based) who then relay the information on Ken’s condition back to the Royal Gwent. The hospital can then make any necessary adjustments to the settings of the pacemaker. It’s quite staggering to think that people in different parts of the world know exactly how Ken’s heart is performing almost before he knows himself. Now that’s what you call technology! Ken says he’s feeling absolutely fine, safe in the knowledge that he’s got all these people looking out for him. The only problem that he had was that for three weeks after the operation, he couldn’t lift his arms up in case he dislodged the pacemaker. Given that Ken likes to sleep with his arms behind his head, his wife had to tie his arms to his side at night to prevent him moving. Well that’s Ken’s story and he’s sticking to it!

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NEW EXERCISE CLASS Try out Chi Kung and the five animal moves

News

Editor’s Notes Is it just me or has the year been totally dominated by endless discussions and debates about money? Apart from the occasional scandal about some overpaid footballer or overrated celebrity, the papers and TV seemed to have talked about precious little else other than ‘cutting costs’ and ‘repaying the debts’. The Government’s Spending Review in October brought very little cheer and it would seem that things are not going to get much better in the foreseeable future. The thing that really rankles me though is that the very people who apparently contributed to the economic downturn in the first place, seem to be the same folk who are least affected by the stringent measures to get things back on track. Who said life was fair?? Well my wish in the last edition of PRISM for a successful World Cup certainly fell upon deaf ears – I can almost hear our friends in Scotland and Wales laughing from here. Ah well, we’ve always got the Olympics to look forward to! Unlike the Commonwealth games though which were held in Manchester in 2002, I won’t be volunteering my services this time round. But that brings me nicely on to the subject of our own Volunteers. We’re blessed with a number of Volunteers who give their time so willingly and freely, all with the same objective of helping Pilkington pensioners in one way or another. They help out at the day clubs and social groups across the country, they chaperone on our coaches, work on reception at Ruskin Lodge and offer assistance in so many other ways. I really do want to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to each and every one of them and to tell them just how much we appreciate their efforts. If you think you may be interested in doing some voluntary work for the Trust Funds, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. From everyone here at the Pilkington Family Trusts, we wish you a wonderful Christmas and as always a healthy and peaceful New Year. Mike Horton Welfare Programme Manager

Contact us Editor: Mike Horton Tel: (01744) 457903 Features: Carole Lowe Tel: (01744) 457904 The Pilkington Family Trusts Chalon Way, St. Helens, WA10 1AU

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Our vision of the future Work is currently underway on developing a five-year plan which the Trustees can use to shape the future direction of the Welfare Programme. In preparing the plan many factors are being taken into consideration including the Trust Funds projected income, future pensioner numbers and changes to statutory social and health care provision. We very much welcome your input into the plan and would encourage you to submit any thoughts and ideas on how you might like to see the Welfare Programme develop. If you do wish to contribute to the plan, could you please let me have your comments in writing by Friday 14 January at the following address:

The Pilkington Family Trusts Chalon Way, St. Helens WA10 1AU Or by e-mail: [email protected] I look forward to hearing from you. Mike Horton Welfare Programme Manager

We’re only a click away!

‘Connections’ is the name we give to the letter that we send out to beneficiaries who are not on our visiting scheme. The purpose of the letter is to maintain contact with people that we don’t see on a regular basis and to reassure them of our continued concern for their wellbeing. It’s now five months since we trialled our new initiative of sending the ‘Connections’ leaflet out by e-mail. We’re delighted to report that with each passing month we are receiving more and more replies in this way, receiving comments such as: “A good eco friendly and cost-effective way of contact”. “Certainly quicker and more reliable”. “Cheaper and Greener”. If you would like to correspond with us in this way, please forward your e-mail address to [email protected]

A Glass Act A Glass Act is the story of the 170 years and five generations of glassmaking by the Pilkington family. It is told by David Pilkington who is a member of the fourth generation. He is the son of Col Guy and Mrs Margery Pilkington who lived at Fairfield, Crank, Nr St Helens. It is not a technical book, although the invention of Float glass does play a prominent part, but it is a personal account by a Pilkington family member not only of the Company with its successes and failures, but behind the scenes in the life of the family with many tales of relationships – as happens in all families! The book begins with the first generation of glassmakers – Richard and William, the sons of Dr William Pilkington and continues through to the fifth generation when the Company was sold to NSG. Copies available from Pilkington Family Trusts, Chalon Way, St. Helens WA10 1AU. Tel. 01744 457929 Cost: £8.00 plus £3.00 postage and packing. Please make cheques payable to: DFP Charities Book. All proceeds to local charities.

Continued from page 1.

MD visit to Australasia My flight from Whangerai to Wellington was interesting, flying down in a small 12 seat ‘island hopper’ and landing in the windy city of Wellington is not for the faint hearted. Throughout my visit was the usual banter with regard to the superior sporting performances of both nations against their English counterparts. However I struck several bets with Australians over the outcome of the cricket test series which started as I left Brisbane. With the strength of the Australian dollar goodness only knows what I might owe them when I return in three years time if we lose.

Retirees enjoy their meal in Adelaide The trip as always passed quickly with little time to catch my breath. As ever I returned to the UK tired but happy in the knowledge that the name Pilkington lives on strongly in both locations through the memories of its ex-employees.

News

What to do when I retire?

Victoria Park

St Helens Council is currently putting in a bid for some funding to refurbish Victoria Park. They have asked if we could ask our pensioners if they have any fond memories, stories, myths or legends that they might be prepared to share which would form part of the bid. Any old photos of the park are also very welcome. Items can be sent either to the editor or directly to Brian Johnson, St Helens Council, Hardshaw Book Depot, St Helens. Thanks for your help.

Does anyone know…? Maureen Goodman who works at the Welfare Centre recently visited the Transport Museum in St Helens and saw this wonderful photo of one of our original Meals on Wheels vans. We think this vehicle dates back to around 1954 at the time when the service was first introduced. We’d be delighted to hear from anyone who can tell us anything about the van and the people who drove it. Please contact Carole Lowe on 01744 457904 if you can give us any more information.

Mr Robin Steere who lives in Ormskirk, Lancashire, retired from Lathom in 1996. Gardening or DIY were not for him. This is his story: I learnt there is a school at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and volunteered to help. Now, 14 years later, I am working three days a week in the Hospital School and on the wards. This has been the most rewarding work I have ever done (including my professional life) and to see a young person’s life turned round by the school’s efforts continues to amaze me. The work is varied and falls into several very different areas. The school provides tuition in the home and in the Hospital School itself. More often than not the children leave the school with GCSE qualifications and a future to look forward to. Teaching also takes place on the wards and can involve children with anything from broken bones through to serious cancer problems. These children tend to be in hospital from a few days or weeks through to months. The school also provides education for children with psychiatric problems – usually these children enter hospital for assessment which typically lasts about six weeks. The Hospital School is also linked to the nearby Sandfield Park School for children with disabilities. I have worked in all these areas, except tuition in the home, but in recent years have been responsible for teaching GCSE maths in the hospital based school. Would any pensioners both present and prospective like to join me? Any medical issues are dealt with by hospital staff and school staff handles any educational questions or problems. Your time can be as little as a few hours per week of your choosing up to days per week as in my case. Don’t worry if you have no teaching experience or formal qualifications; you will always be of help. The work ranges from helping out in lessons through to teaching a subject. Even now at the age of 70, I am still learning about the difficulties our young people encounter. Anyone interest in volunteering should contact me via the PRISM Editor on 01744 457903. You can have a chat with me or maybe visit the school to look around. You too can be able to say ‘I made a difference’. Robin Steere

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Information page

Dr Nat Wright of ElderCare

Bowel Cancer: BE AWARE

How to PROTECT yo

Bowel cancer affects nearly 40,000 people every year and claims almost 50 lives every day. However, if it’s detected early on and treated successfully, bowel cancer is completely curable. In St Helens bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer for men and the third biggest for women. More people in St Helens are diagnosed with the disease than the English average but in the past ten years the number of people in St Helens who have died from bowel cancer has dropped. This could be due to screening programmes that have led to earlier diagnosis and effective treatment. A significant 90% of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated if they are diagnosed in time. Bowel cancer affects the colon and the rectum. Also known as colorectal cancer and colon cancer, bowel cancer often begins as benign growths – called polyps – on the wall of the bowel. Polyps are similar to small cherries on stalks and most do not produce symptoms. They are common as we get older and most are not pre-cancerous. One type of polyp called an adenoma can, however, become cancerous. If it’s not detected, the cancer cells may multiply to form a tumour in the bowel which could grow into the back passage. So what are the symptoms of bowel cancer? • Rectal bleeding with no obvious reason could be a symptom of bowel cancer. If you continue to bleed from your bottom for more than six weeks then make an appointment to see your GP. If you have some soreness, lumps or itchiness then this could be piles but get it checked out anyway. • A change in your bowel pattern lasting more than six weeks is something you should speak to your GP about. Looser or more frequent bowel movements are more significant than constipation. A change in your bowel habit for a short time is common and usually nothing to worry about. • Speak to your GP about any abdominal pain, particularly if it is acute pain and has been going on for a number of weeks. • A lump in your tummy is another symptom that you should mention to a doctor. • Unexplained weight loss – when there is no obvious reason for it such as dieting or improving your lifestyle – is another thing doctors look out for. However this is not specific to bowel cancer. Please remember that most of these symptoms will not be bowel cancer, but to rule it out you must visit your GP.

Reducing your risk of bowel cancer There are some factors that cause bowel cancer – such as previous bowel conditions and genetics – that are out of your control. Bowel cancer is very rare in people under 40 and the risk increases with age. However, you can do a number of things to lessen your risk:

Get to know any changes in your bowel habit • Eat lots of fibre and oily fish • Eat less fat and red meat • Drink more water and less alcohol • Stop smoking • Stay fit • Don’t become obese • Be aware of your family history Most bowel cancers develop in people who are over 60. There is now a screening programme across England for those aged 60-75 years. Every five years you will be invited to take part. If you are over 70 you can request a test kit yourself. The test is simple but not very specific. Although a positive test will trigger an invitation for further investigation, most people with a positive sample will not have cancer. A high proportion of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated if they are detected in time. Be aware of the symptoms and be sure to accept any invitation to take part in the bowel cancer screening programme in your area. You can get further information from http://www.beatingbowelcancer.org/ and www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk

Sherdley Medical Centre is a new GP surgery based in St Helens Hospital. Open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday & 8am-12 noon on Saturdays. www.sherdleymedicalcentre.co.uk/ T: 01744 624 806 4

When you have worked hard all of your life to save money, it is often disappointing to see just how little your savings then generate for you and your family in retirement. In particular, the current climate of low interest rates, rising inflation and higher taxes are compounding the problem. However, there are some tax planning opportunities that may help to minimise the amount of tax you have to pay and that will help you to provide for your children and grandchildren. Firstly, it is important to make sure that you incur as little Inheritance Tax as possible. The current Will Gardner from Close Wealth Asset Inheritance Tax threshold is £325, 000, and tax is Management, offers his advice. payable at 40% on the amount over this threshold.

Thank you, busy Les! 2011 Calendars Hopefully by now, you should have received your 2011 Pilkington Calendar – if not please let us know! As always we thank Les Bott for allowing us to use reproductions of his original paintings in the calendar. We would also like to thank Mr Steve Foster, the son-in-law of one of our beneficiaries Ron Peters, for sending us his lovely photograph of Kirkudbright which Les has kindly reproduced (January). If anybody wishes to send in any photos that Les might be able to use, then please do send them in to the Welfare Centre. Original photos won’t be returned.

Willowbrook hospice book Les also produces paintings for Willowbrook Hospice calendar. This year they are celebrating 15 years of paintings by Les and have compiled a book containing all the pictures. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Willowbrook Hospice. For further details please contact Willowbrook Hospice on 0151 430 8736

Information page

ur assets for the FUTURE For example, on an estate worth £360,000, the Inheritance Tax incurred will be £19,200. However, married couples and registered civil partners are able to share their allowances by increasing the threshold of their estate when the second partner dies, to as much as £650, 000. You are able to leave any amount of capital to your surviving spouse and up to £325, 000 to anyone else, without incurring any Inheritance Tax. On the death of your spouse, you can combine your tax free allowance and use both to pass on a maximum of £650, 000, tax free, to the children. Every year, you are able to give away up to £3,000 in each tax year, and carry over any unused tax allowance to the following year. You can also give your child up to £5,000 upon marriage or civil partnership, and grandparents and other relatives can give up to £2,500. These gifts can be combined with the annual exemption, so you could give away up to £8,000 to your child. It may also be worth considering setting up pension arrangements under a “Spousal Bypass Trust” so that on death the pension transfers to the trust and not your spouse. This trust can be set up for beneficiaries such as children and although the surviving partner cannot access the money directly, they can borrow from the trust and pay the money back on their own death.

Inheritance Tax is avoidable for most people and it is important to understand all the options available. Remember that your house is part of your estate and can often drag it unnecessarily over the threshold without careful planning. Jointly owned property can either be held as joint tenants or tenants in common. How your property is held can have a significant impact on your Inheritance Tax planning options and should be carefully considered when planning for the future. By making a will, your assets can be distributed exactly as you want and you can ensure you are making the most of the tax benefits available. The main point is to ensure your assets go to the people you want them to, in the most tax efficient way possible. Setting up a pension in the name of your children is also a tax efficient way of investing and helps ensure the money is well looked after to provide for them later in life. Parents and grandparents can put money into a savings account for children and grandchildren and the account can be set up to receive gross interest by completing a HMRC form R58. However, if the interest is over £100 per annum and the capital has come from the parents, HMRC will tax anything above this amount. The Government may be stopping Child Trust Funds, but for those eligible to open one before the final curtain falls at the end of the year, £120,000 can be invested annually on a tax free basis for children. Careful planning helps to ensure your money works hard for you. The trick is to get some guidance and make sure you do not miss out on all the options available.

Preparing for bad weather By following routine checks and maintenance on your home‚ you can feel safe and secure during the winter months. Unnecessary risks should not be taken when checking your property, always seek professional help where appropriate. Preparing for winter • Make sure you know where the mains water stop valve (main stop cock) is and you can turn it on and off • Ensure that gas appliances are regularly serviced and ventilators in rooms where they are used are not blocked • Clear drain gratings and get the chimney swept • Repair dripping taps • Check the roof for cracked or dislodged tiles • Check the gutters for cracks and debris • Bituminous felt flat roofs are prone to leaks/water damage and need regular checking‚ their general life expectancy is only 10 years • Repair fences and gates • Make sure tanks and pipes are properly lagged • Check that electric fires are properly guarded

• Keep paraffin heaters away from doorways and draughts • Check that flexes on electrical appliances are undamaged and adaptors are not overloaded • Ensure that you have adequate insurance cover and your sum insured is up-to-date • Check your insurance premiums have been paid and that a valid policy is in force on your home • Read your insurance policy and keep it in a safe place in case you need it If you go away from home Keep central heating or storage heaters set to come on when you are away, this will minimise the risks of tanks and pipes bursting through freezing. Many insurance companies specify conditions if a house will be unoccupied for a certain amount of time. Always comply with these or it could seriously prejudice any claim. Get a neighbour or a friend to look inside your house whilst you are away and give them your contact number.

GOVERNMENT SPENDING REVIEW Are you one of the many pensioners worried and concerned following the recent Government spending review wondering how your benefit entitlement will be affected? The Government is currently looking at a range of options for simplifying the state pension system. Initially, this will affect FUTURE pensioners born AFTER 6th April 1953. Proposals are that between December 2018 and April 2020 both men and women's retirement age will rise from aged 65 up to 66. Pension Credit will continue for existing customers under the current rules. New customers can apply providing they have reached the minimum age for a women to retire – currently 5th July 1950. The proposal for a ‘Universal credit’ is very much in its early days and not expected for quite some time. There has been a lot of speculation in the press about a flat award of state pension for all customers with a figure of £140 per week quoted. This again is just one of a series of proposals not likely to come into effect for several years. Your state pension will continue to be paid at the current rate and increased each year as normal. Both Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance will remain unchanged for existing pensioners paid at the current rates and again increased each year as normal. Winter Fuel payments will not be changed for the winter 2010/2011. These will be: • £250 per household with someone between women’s state pension age and age 79 • £400 per household with someone aged 80 or over • The minimum age for receiving a winter fuel payment is increasing in line with the women's state pension age. To qualify this year a customer will need to have been born on or BEFORE 5th July 1950 Payments will be issued automatically as in previous years. Cold weather payments, where money is paid towards extra heating costs during a week of severe weather, continue to be available as in previous years. The payments can be triggered during the period from 1st November through to 31st March where the average temperature has been recorded at Zero degrees centigrade or below for seven consecutive days. There is no need to claim this payment, eligible customers will be paid automatically. The rate was temporarily increased for the previous two winters from £8.50 to £25 and will now be a permanent increase for this winter at £25. Please be aware that many reports in the press are PROPOSALS not Legislation until introduced and passed by Parliament. The most up to date information is available to Internet users on www.direct.gov.uk

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People

Below are lists of retirements, deaths and anniversaries for the months of June to October 2010 inclusive. Retirements BP UK Peter Gilbert Steve Lawrie

List of retirements for the months of June to October 2010 inclusive. The number of years’ service are as shown.

COWLEY HILL 26 Ian Litherland 11 A Heffernan

Deaths

GROUP IS 41 Lisa Phillips 36 Ken Balshaw Stephen Pownall Helen Head

BIRCH STIGMAT Phyllis Adkin Joan May Emma Blain

39

CITY ROAD Alfred Clifft John James McDonald George Atherton Emily Ackers

1 COWLEY HILL 24 Ernest Liptrot James Taylor BUILDING PRODUCTS UK Tony Reid 40 Mary Critchley Leslie Wilson CAPS MICROFILM James Tully David John Nunn 4 Charles Hayes Harold Tickle CHANCE J Horton 27 James Eccleston Victor Budd 23 Thomas Connell Catherine Clayton 5 Robert Riley Qassim Ali Mohsin 1 Alfred Harris Margaretta Young 8 Brian Heyes Eveline M Martin 13 CP ST ASAPH Elisabeth Swift

Brenda Davies 27 John Cranham 13 DONCASTER Elsie Manning 48 John Hull 30 Thomas Roebuck 25 Donald Campbell 23 FG STIRLING

HEAD OFFICE 21 F H Wegg Anthony L Cove FIBREGLASS Eric R O'Brien 18 Brian Beesley David Abbott FIBREGLASS GLASGOW Mary Shea Archibald Carrick 42 Mervyn L D Windsor FIBREGLASS PONTYFELIN James R Webster Haydn Jones 29 Joyce Wailing FIBREGLASS RAVENHEAD KINGS NORTON John Garrity 13 Elizabeth Hart Ronald Hardman 19 Audrey Denson 13 LARKHALL James Murphy 8 Janet Easton Alice Wilson 17 Helen Brown Joseph Pennington 29 Margaret Weir

23 16 27 31 32 34 30 34 32 28 37 35 20

LEEDS 37 Gary Russell 36 42

PLYGLASS 3 Rodney Barron Michael Selby Trevor Kerry Christina Homer

19 42 43 22

LATHOM Ronald Cave Ann Rigby Sidney Dingsdale Peter R Walsh

23 37 23 34

PB SOUTH WALES 26 Ivor G Rogers 26 24 18 36 14 29 27 48

PIP QUEENSFERRY Norman Montgomery

PRSL 37 Anne Spanner 39 REDDITCH 26 Philip John Weager 22

GOLDEN WEDDING Mr & Mrs P Baylis, Prescot - 20.08.10 Mr & Mrs W Davies, Rhyl - 04.06.10 Mr & Mrs R Dutton, Prescot - 17.09.10 Mr & Mrs K Griffiths, Prescot - 02.09.10 Mr & Mrs J Hughes, Birmingham - 10.09.10 Mr & Mrs A Jackson, St Helens - 17.10.10 Mr & Mrs D McKay, St Helens - 30.07.10 Mr & Mrs P Ryan, St Helens - 19.09.10 Mr & Mrs R Walker, St Helens - 30.06.10

Remember, if you would like your Golden or Diamond Wedding Anniversary mentioned in PRISM, please inform your Welfare Officer or telephone the Welfare Centre on 01744 457929.

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ST ASAPH 21 Green John Philip Arthur Bentley 21 TRIPLEX ECCLESTON 44 William Thornber Leslie Wilson 20 James Linehan 14 Edward Kerwick 30 Norman Hurst 13 Vera Simpson Brian Hardman 21 James Caunce 20 George Mallam John Pounceby

PONTYFELIN Harry Gilbert Derek Morgan

PPE ST ASAPH 34 Barry Rycroft Joseph Furnifer 31 David Jones Charles Forsdick

PGL HO Leslie Porter PIL PONTYFELIN Patrick Atkin

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PILKINGTON CANADA Harry K Clarke

QUEENBOROUGH Horace C Edwards Raymond Perry

42 RAVENHEAD Ronald Halsall

PILKINGTON GROUP LIMITED Yvonne Roynan 18 William A Jones 21 John H Carter 9 12 G McLaughlin 0 D Metcalfe 19 10 Philip Trigg 12 7 Vera Barnes 6 15

33 WATSON STREET Audrey Dowdle 49 Thomas Onion 23 Harold Dearden 22 David Smith 28 Stanley Farrington 10

SHEETWORKS Bernard O’Donnell Sarah Ann Gaskell Dennis M Carrier Frank Wainwright Norman Scarisbrick

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13 21 30 15 29 14 31 17 30 24

15 37 17 28 43

MAY 2010

JUNE 2010

JULY 2010

AUGUST 2010

SEPT 2010

OCT 2010

NOV 2010

£1,500 Peter Molloy, Newtown, St. Helens £500 Christina Goalen, Billinge, Nr. Wigan £250 Douglas Newell, Prestatyn, Denbighshire £150 Graham Standish, Haydock, St. Helens £100 Paul Casey, Manuf Ops, Watson Street Works

£1,500 Frank Jenkinson, Billinge, Nr. Wigan £500 Margaret Halton, Haresfinch, St. Helens £250 Mr. L Procter, Windlehurst, St. Helens £150 Peter Gibbons, Process Coatings, Greengate Site

£1,500 Lilian Terry, Huyton, Nr. Liverpool £500 Leslie Wilson, St. Helens £250 Leslie Rowland, Barnby Dun, Doncaster £150 George Stafford, Haresfinch, St. Helens £100 Keith Williams, Warehouse, Cowley Hill Works

£1,500 Diane Hilton, H Block, Greengate Site £500 Peter Simpson, Rhyl, Denbighshire £250 Kenneth Lockhart, Haresfinch, St. Helens £150 Mrs RP Roberts, St. Helens £100 John E Fuller, St. Helens

£1,500 Daniel Johnson, Manufacturing, Lathom Site £500 Mr R Maxwell, Eccleston, St. Helens £250 Raymond Nixon, Aughton, Nr. Ormskirk £150 Mr T Taylor St. Helens £100 Mabel Heavey, Blackbrook, St. Helens

£1,500 Mrs EJ Rigby, Stonydelph, Tamworth £500 Andrew McDowell, UK Sales, Pilkington HO £250 John M Jackson, Bessacarr, Doncaster £150 Thomas Darbyshire, Nutgrove, St. Helens £100 Stanley Evans, Billinge, Nr. Wigan

£1,500 Mr HD Harrison, Carr Mill, St. Helens £500 Josephine Mortell, Wrexham, Clwyd £250 Douglas Newell, Prestatyn, Denbighshire £150 David Hutton, Refractory Svs., Watson St. £100 Nicholas Wilson, Manuf. Improv., Greengate Site

DECEMBER 2009 JANUARY 2010 FEBRUARY 2010 MARCH 2010 APRIL 2010 Nature of enquiry:..................................................................................................................

By telephone:

01744 457929

Mark Frost Mrs M Wright James Benyon Keith Hayden Verna Roxburgh ..............................................................................................................................

In writing:

The Pilkington Family Trusts Chalon Way Industrial Estate St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 1AU

Lathom Merseyside Helens Redditch £500 ..............................................................................................................................

[email protected]

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Please don’t forget to let Ruskin Leisure know if you change your address.

Contact us…

e–mail:

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22 TRIPLEX KINGS NORTON Arthur Rainsford 29

REED MILLICAN Frederick Turner

Ruskin monthly draw prize winners

Congratulations are sent to the following couples who have or are about to celebrate their Diamond/Golden Wedding Anniversary. DIAMOND WEDDING Mr &Mrs R J Arkwright, St Helens - 19.08.10 Mr & Mrs V Bowker, Pontypool - 20.08.10 Mr & Mrs A Cooper, Stourbridge - 28.10.10 Mr & Mrs S Hollands, Birmingham - 27.05.10 Mr & Mrs E Houltram, St Helens - 31.08.10 Mr & Mrs T Jotham, Sidmouth - 16.09.10 Mr & Mrs A Moorhouse, Doncaster - 06.08.10 Mr & Mrs R Owen, Dyserth - 11.09.10 Mr & Mrs J Twist, St Helens - 09.09.10

10 GREENGATE 13 Edward Hitchmough Alan Monaghan Henry Ford 17 26 Leo F Polding 33 GROVE STREET 17 Norman Baker

Ronald Atkinson

Anniversaries

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LATHOM 15 Paul McKechnie 39 Thomas Towey Stanley Oakes

List of deaths for the months of June to October 2010 inclusive. The number of years’ service are as shown.

It is with regret that we report CHANCE BROTHERS the death of the following Leonard Bradley employee. The number of years’ Elias Owen Williams service is as shown.

PLYGLASS Alwyn Kerry

HEAD OFFICE 8 Steve Gange 30 Barbara Bates 14 31

£2000 Technology Centre, £500

£2000 St. Helens, £500

£2000 Islands Brow, St. £500

£2000 Pilkington AGR, £500

£1500 Birkdale, Southport Grattan Bottell

Ronald J Mitchell Mr JG Freeman Alfred S Ball Mrs B MacDona Clockface, St. .............................................................................................................................. Billinge, Nr. Wigan

Rainford, St. Helens Prescot, Merseyside Windle, St. Helens

Helens

£250 £250 £250 £250 £250 ..............................................................................................................................

Michael Liptrot, John Briers Edna O’Donnell David Prescott, Carl Hargreaves Engineering, Watson Eccleston, St. Helens Haydock, St. Helens Manuf Con, Watson Pilkington Name, address and telephone of sender: .................................................................... If you prefer you may wish to complete the attached slip and St. Works number £100 £100 Street Works Laminated, Leeds £100 Mr WF Pilkington Mr J Owen £100 £150 return it to the above address, and we will get back to you as ............................................................................................................................................ Mr WJ Gibbon Billinge, Nr Wigan Moss Bank, St. Trevor Shortland Mr JR Beattie soon as possible. Churchtown, Rednall, Birmingham Southport Mrs Elizabeth Ellis Helens ............................................................................................................................................ Southport Mr WH Jackson £150 Moss Bank, St. Mr JD Hughes Every effort is made to ensure that details and information in the Mr L L Richardson Helens Carr Mill, St. Helens Anthony Bold Rhuddlan, Clwyd magazine are correct at the time of going to press. ............................................................................................................................................ Great Sankey, Drymen, Glasgow Warrington Produced by: LBW Communications Ltd. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01295 690074 • Mob: 07917 548589

Out and about

NEW EXERCISE CLASS This new exercise class is easier to learn than Tai Chi and will still provide you with many of the same benefits.

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Chi Kung is an ancient Chinese art of combining simple movements with breathing techniques. Regular practice of Chi Kung will enhance health and fitness, leading to general well being and longevity. There are many styles of Chi Kung exercises practised around the world today. This new class will focus on Yi Jing Jin and The Five Animal Frolics.

The Five Animal Play also known as The Five Animal Frolics The original ‘Five Animal Frolics’ was created by Hua Tuo (141-203AD) a famous doctor who lived in China almost 1800 years ago. It was created by imitating the habits and movements of five animals, namely the Tiger Deer, Bear, Monkey and Bird. It is practised by combining the movements with breathing techniques to enhance fitness, health and well-being. Each exercise has it’s own special function for health benefits which include: • Relief of stress • Improved blood circulation • Improved leg strength and balance • Improved function of the internal organs such as the kidneys, spleen, liver and the heart and lungs. It has the reputation to strengthen the muscles and tendons through the circulation of Chi, stretching and loosening of joints and also energising your body and mind increasing your internal strength. The highly-qualified instructor has specially designed a Chi Kung program which will develop co-ordination,

Whats on DONCASTER Silver Leaf Club: 2nd Thursday in the month at Pilkington Recreation Club, Kirk Sandall, 2.00am – 4.00pm. All Pensioners and Non-Pilkington Friends. Membership fee applies. Day Club: Fortnightly (Wednesdays) at Pilkington Recreation Club, Kirk Sandall, 11.00am-3.30pm. Housebound and elderly only. Fee applies. NEWCASTLE Self Help Group at Newcastle Central Library: 19th January: 1.00 pm-4.00 pm 20th April: 1.00 pm-4.00 pm 20th July: 1.00 pm-4.00 pm 19th October: 1.00 pm-4.00 pm NORTH WALES Wrexham Self Help Group: Meets the last Wednesday each month at the Railway Club Wrexham at 2.00pm. For further information contact Mr J Binnington on 01978 359289. St Asaph Self Help Group: Meets 1st Tuesday every month at Rhuddlan Community Centre at 2.00pm. More information: Mr G Jones on 01745 332517.

A few website addresses which you might find interesting and useful:www.moneysavingexpert.com Financial advice, consumer revenge and ready-made bank charge letters to print off and keep.

improve concentration and is highly beneficial to the relief of many ailments especially: Asthma, ME and Dyslexia If you are interested in trying it please feel free to go along. You are also welcome to invite a guest to attend with you. Your guest does not have to be a Pilkington pensioner. Class fees apply.

Every Monday except bank holiday Mondays. 2pm – 3pm Ruskin Leisure. For further details please contact: Tina Peel, Activities Co-ordinator, 01744 457909

www.carehomes.co.uk Features care home and fee advice and detailed database of UK Care Homes & Providers. u3a.org.uk University of The Third Age Trust; encouraging lifelong learning for retired people.

Please ring 01744 457909 for further details SOUTH WALES Self Help Group: Fortnightly (Wednesdays) between 2.00pm-4.00pm at the Owens Corning Social Club, New Road, New Inn, Pontypool. More information: Mrs B Loveridge on 01495 764432. Day Club: Meets monthly on a Friday 11.00am-3.30pm at ‘Widdershins’ East Avenue, off Greenhill Road, Sebastopol. More information: Sally Lewis, Welfare Officer on 07788 956439. WEST MIDLANDS Chance Pensioners Club: 1st Tuesday every month 2.00am-4.00pm at West Smethwick Enterprise, St Paul Road. SCOTLAND Glasgow Self Help Group: Meet 1st Thursday every month from 1.30pm onwards at The Netherton Centre, Netherton Road, Glasgow KINGS NORTON TRIPLEX PENSIONERS’ CLUB Bingo: Every Monday Housebound Meeting: First Thursday of every month Bowling: Each weekday from 13.30 One Coach Trip per month from May to September

WELFARE LEISURE CENTRE Monday Sewing Group: 9.30am (Patchwork quilting etc). Chi Kung: 2pm – 3pm 1.00pm Tuesday Art Group: 1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month. 50+ Ladies Keep Fit: 2.00pm-4.00pm Pilkington Choir: 7.45pm Wednesday Rambler’s Coffee Morning: 10.30am (1st Wednesday in every month). Water Colour Painting: (2nd & 4th Wednesday in every month) 9.30am inc. Beginners Section. Bingo Sessions: 2.00pm Ladies Crown Green Bowling Practice Night: 6.30pm Thursday Tai Chi: 11.45 am-12.45 pm. Indoor Bowling – winter months: 1.00pm. Fridays Women’s Indoor Bowling – winter months: 6:00pm-9.00pm. Alternative Fridays Companions: 2.00pm. TV Lounge and Games Room for darts, dominoes and cards and mobile library service (always available). Women’s Indoor Bowling – winter months: 6:00pm-4.00pm.

PILKINGTON BRIDGE CLUB Contact David Goodall on 01744 752872 for details and venues.

Bold Miners Bold Miners Neighbourhood Centre, Fleet Lane, Parr, The Sports Bar. Last Friday of each month 10:3am-noon.

SELF HELP GROUPS Did you know that there are ten geographically dedicated groups in and around St Helens. Each group meets once a month and participates in a varied programme of events. Following are details of when and where:

Creative Living in Retirement Ruskin Lodge, Swinburne Road, Dentons Green. Meeting Date: 3rd Wednesday of each month 10.00-noon Burscough Ormskirk Social Group Older People’s Club, Lord Street. 3rd Tuesday of the month 2.00pm4.00pm

Sutton The Blue Room, Shining Light, Sutton Manor Primary School, Forest Road, Sutton. 1st Wednesday of Clinkham Wood Social Group Moss Bank Mission, Moss Bank Road. , each month 10.30am-noon. St Helens. Last Tuesday of the month 10.30 am-noon Eccleston St Luke’s Church, Knowsley Road, Eccleston. 1st Thursday of each month St Ann’s Social Group St Ann’s Millennium Centre View Road, 10.30am-noon. Rainhill. 2nd Monday of the month 10.30 am-noon Haydock St James Church, Church Road, Town Center Social Group Haydock. 2nd Wednesday of each United Reform Church, Ormskirk Road, month 10.30am-noon. St Helens. 2nd Tuesday of each month Billinge 1pm – 2.30pm Rainford Road Sheltered Housing Complex, Billinge. 3rd Monday of each month 10.30am-noon.

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Pho Yo ur t o g Cor ra ner phy

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This photo was taken by Des Gardner from Birmingham in his back garden where the robins nest. He set his camera up on a tripod with a long cable release and waited for the birds to arrive. Des and his wife Val worked at Kings Norton before taking early retirement in 1997. Photography has become a big hobby for Des along with travelling all over the world. They also help look after their five grandchildren. As Des says “Who said retirement is easy?” If you have any photographs you would like to appear in PRISM, please send them by email to: [email protected]. It can be on any subject, we’ll make a selection and they’ll appear in the next issue. We could also show them on our own website www.pilkingtonfamilytrust.com provided they are of the right size and quality. We can always advise how to do this. Ring Carole Lowe on 01744 457904 for information.

Reunion lunches The Trust Funds organise reunion lunches all around the country to encourage people to meet up with former colleagues and renew acquaintances. In the past we have traditionally invited everyone regardless of whether they have attended the lunch previously or not. The invitations go out to several thousand people, but believe it or not we only receive a relatively small response. As you can imagine, the cost of sending out the invitations, if only on the postage alone is quite significant. In an attempt to reduce costs, in future we’ll

only be sending out invitations to those people who have previously expressed an interest in attending one of the lunches. Anyone who has recently retired will receive an initial invitation. If you are in any doubt as to whether you are included on our list of people wishing to attend a reunion lunch – or wish to check/change which lunch you being invited to, please give us a call on 01744 457929.

Pilkington Snooker Section Does anyone remember the Pilkington Snooker Section which ran for many years but disbanded two years ago due to falling numbers? Paul Wilson is arranging a Reunion Night and would like anyone interested to ring Carole Lowe on 01744 457904 for contact details. A professional snooker player will be there on the night and Paul is keen to get as many former members together as possible.

SUMMER CROSSWORD COMPETITION RESULT Congratulations go to Mr S Parr from Orrell in Wigan who sent in the winning entry to our Crossword Competition in the Summer edition of PRISM. M&S Vouchers to the value of £20 are on the way to Mr Parr. Thank you to everyone who took part.