Nice promo picture, but where are the trains?
ARRIVA departed for ever, replaced by Transport for Wales.
Do other readers wonder about the replacement company Transport for Wales’ new promotion picture – a wonderful Welsh open countryside view, but not a train in sight?
I find this an unusual image for a train company – have we missed the train or are we waiting for it? All will work out for the best I am sure with improved public transport connections, new railway stations, a “metro” linked up tram / light rail services and facilities coming on track.
I hope the train and station staff of Transport for Wales will be as supportive to cyclists, like me, who often take our bikes on the train, as Arriva always were.
Councillor Iona Gordon Riverside Ward
RBL ready to help
MANY UK citizens will have served in the armed forces of the Crown, either as regulars, for national service or in the reserves.
They may never have joined the Royal British Legion and may not be aware of the help they can get, provided they have served at least seven days “under the colours”. In most cases this will also apply to a dependant of the service: widows, widowers, cohabiting partners or civil partners.
One service provided is named “Poppy Calls”, which is a team of experienced handypersons and a dedicated support team trained to help and assist to enable independent life. For some this is wholly free and will include small household repairs and minor adaptations (contact 0800 032 0306).
The RBL can also help in many other areas. To give an illustration a neighbour who served as a national serviceman in the 1950s had to make a new will and was concerned about the problems this can cause, not least the cost. I put him in touch with the RBL and a solicitor was able to draw up this new will at no cost to him. This was done with the minimum of fuss and maximum of efficiency.
On a less happy note, anyone who has served as described is entitled to a Union flag on their coffin at a funeral. All funeral directors will have this available on request.
None of the above applies to members of the merchant navy or cadet forces.
For further information or advice please ring 0345 845 1945.
David Prichard Rumney, Cardiff
Take care of pets this November 5
THIS November 5, remember, please remember that for cats and dogs, Bonfire Night might seem more like The War of the Worlds than a traditional celebration.
Noisy fireworks displays are often frightening to animals, who don’t realise the explosions are meant to be entertainment, so people should take precautions to make sure animals stay safe at home.
When startled, dogs can panic and try to flee. They may jump over fences, and some have even been known to jump through plate-glass windows to get away from the terrifying sounds. Many cats, dogs and other animals are taken to animal shelters with bloody paws and torn skin from running and breaking through wooden fences. Lucky ani-
A solicitor was able to draw up this new will at no cost... David Prichard Rumney
mals are reunited with their families, but others are never found.
To avoid such upset, make sure you stay inside with your companion animals. Close windows and curtains to help muffle the noise of the fireworks, and turn on the TV or a radio to help drown out the sound. Finally, make sure your animal companion is wearing a collar or harness with an up-todate identification tag – just in case.
Don’t forget about wild animals, too, especially hedgehogs, which often seek out warm nests for their winter hibernation – and this could include your leafy bonfire pile. Before lighting any fires, please check for these small prickly garden friends and safely move any you find.
Jennifer White
Media Partnerships Coordinator People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta)
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