The Discussion group expressed a wide variety of views at their meeting on Thursday 22nd March when they met to discuss the laws in England relating to alcohol. Members questioned the modern culture of needing a drink to be able to have a good time, and the lack of any social stigma associated with drunkenness. Health issues, particularly liver diseases, were mentioned along with the large number of deaths and injuries caused by drinking and driving.
There was general agreement that role models, perhaps sports personalities or celebrities, were needed to persuade young people against binge drinking, that there should be a zero alcohol limit for driving, and that a minimum price should be introduced to stop the sale of cheap alcohol.
Finally, members thought that the existing laws were adequate but that they should be enforced more rigorously.
Next meeting will be on Thursday 26th April 13.30 – 15.00 at Melling Tithebarn when the topic will be
Is laughter the best medicine? – Do we take life too seriously?
Entrance £1 includes tea / coffee and biscuits.
- Members of the group with leader Brian Leach and discussion chair Bert Dowell
We had an enjoyable and wide ranging discussion which began with the sharing of revenues from north sea oil and gas fields, the possible changes to the armed services and the moving of our nuclear submarine base away from Scotland.
Also mentioned were the Barnett formula which funds public sector spending across different parts of the UK, the problems faced by a new Scottish currency and the consequences of insufficient funding for the Scottish health service.
We also talked about the ability of 16 and 17 year olds to have sufficient judgement to vote, the constitutional implications for the monarchy and the effect on the main political parties of losing sixty Scottish MPs from the House of Commons.
We noted that Rupert Murdoch has been reported as saying that he will support Alex Salmond’s independence campaign!
Finally, we voted by twelve to one against Scotland leaving the United Kingdom.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday 22nd March, 13.30 – 15.00 again at the Tithe Barn, Melling, just around the corner from the Bootle Arms. The topic will be Alcohol: do we need to change the laws? If you have views on drinking, selling alcohol or our licensing laws, come and have your say over a sober cup of tea or coffee. All welcome.
Led Brian Leach (531 8928) this new group continues to meet monthly at Melling Tithebarn.
Thursday 23rd February 2012 13:30-15:30
Topic: Scottish independence, Yes or No
In the Chair – Bert Dowell
Thursday 22nd March 2012 13:30-15:30
Topic: Alcohol, do we need to change the laws?
In the Chair – Wanda Leach
Thursday 26th January 2012 Melling Tithebarn 13:30 – 15:30
Recent riots – Causes and solutions
Chair – Bert Dowell
This is a chance to share your views
with other members in a friendly and
not too serious group, with tea, coffee
and biscuits available. Entrance £1
This friendly and not too serious group, led by Brian Leach, got off to a good start recently at Melling Tithebarn when over 20 members attended to discuss whether or not television is taking over our lives. Ably chaired by Bert Dowell, a lively discussion ensued, before everyone went home to watch TV!
The next Meeting will debate ‘The EU – In or Out?’
Preceded by refreshments, this will take place on Thursday November 17th at 13:30-15:00, again at Melling Tithebarn. This is a great new venue for U3A which we think will be a popular one for other activities.
Speaking for the motion will be Geoff Kean and against Tony Atlay. Geoff and Tony will give short introductory statements and summings-up. Members will be invited to participate by giving their own opinions. before the motion is voted on.
Come along and be informed, inspired and challenged to decide.
Enquiries and more information about this new group from Brian Leach Tel. 0151 531 8928
