THIS week, our readers wrote to us about junior doctors, Clackmannan regeneration and support for stroke survivors. We were also sent in a poem from a Mr Cuthbert-Imrie...

 

Say no to contract
Dear Editor,
IT IS TIME for junior doctors to take their gloves off in their fight against the Health Secretary.
Whilst a long-term strike might be considered to contravene the Hippocratic Oath, surely nobody could find fault with medics who simply refused to accept the new contract and resigned from their posts?
Of course they would then be at liberty to register with temporary agencies to work at at whatever was the going rate.
This would doubtless be more expensive for the NHS than simply settling with the BMA, but I cannot see any government allowing hospitals to close when there was a ready supply of suitable doctors available in the free market.
John Eoin Douglas

 

Revamp is welcome
Dear Editor,
CONGRATULATIONS to Clackmannan Development Trust and other partner organisations in securing funding to start the process of regenerating the town centre.
The cost of this venture will be significant, certainly involving an expenditure of hundreds of thousands of pounds if not over a million pounds to complete.
Any improvement to the appearance of many buildings in the Main Street must be applauded and the enhanced appearance will surely increase the value of some privately owned homes in the area.
Hopefully the process of regeneration will bring some desperately needed jobs and apprenticeships to the town while the work is carried out.
Perhaps the plans will include public toilets and a community cafe.
The success of this undertaking not only depends on Clackmannan Development Trust and the partner organisations, but on support by the people of Clackmannan.
It's time to stand up and be counted.
EA, Clackmannan

 

Fluttering moths
LOVE unsure!
Oh sweetheart, where are we, in this love that we share?
Sometimes I struggle to understand, is it really there?
We flutter round each other, like moths around a light.
Too close, and too much dazzle blinds my wishes and intent, too far, a hint of panic, and once more I must relent. 
I reach again towards the light, the dazzle blinds no more.
And I am back to flutter all around, only to struggle as before.
By Robert Cuthbert-Imrie

 

Stroke survivors
Dear Editor,
AFTER the devastating moment when a stroke strikes, the healing process can be a labour that takes a lifetime.
It takes mettle, tenacity and patience, not only from the survivor but a legion of family, friends and medical professionals to reassemble the fragments of yourself.
The Life After Stroke Awards are an opportunity to recognise the courage of stroke survivors and their supporters everywhere. I would like to urge anyone who knows an undaunted stroke survivor or a remarkable carer to nominate that person for a Life After Stroke Award today.
There are around 121,000 stroke survivors living in Scotland, which means there are a lot of unsung heroes who deserve recognition and celebration. Nominations for the awards are open until 30 April 30, 2016. 
For more information, go to stroke.org.uk/lasa
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Marr

 

Join us for golf day
Dear Editor,
KEEN golfers are being encouraged to help Barnardo’s Scotland mark their 150th anniversary year at the sixth annual golf day on Wednesday, June 22 at Archerfield Links, East Lothian.
Up to 20 teams of four will have the opportunity to take on the 18 holes of the renowned Fidra Links with a range of prizes handed out. 
The day will consist of a light lunch on arrival and a two-course supper to finish, along with a silent auction.
We’re really excited to be heading back to Archerfield Links this year – it’s such a great course that everyone always enjoys. 
Our golf day is a great way to network, socialise and can also be a fun teambuilding event, all the while contributing to a worthy cause.
To mark Barnardo’s 150th year of supporting vulnerable children and young people, the 2016 golf day is a great opportunity for golfing enthusiasts to help us raise vital funds to allow us to be there always for those families who need us.
To register your team of four, please visit barnardos.org.uk/golfday, call 0131 446 7021 or email jordyn.armstrong@barnardos.org.uk for further information. 
Entry for Archerfield Links members is £75 per person, and non-members £175 per person.
Jordyn Armstrong, Barnardo’s Scotland