Recently, there have been continuing reports on the way hospitals in this area (said to be among the worst performing in the country) have been organised and run.

They have focused, in particular, on the treatment of elderly people which, if the reports are only half true, is shameful.

A few weeks ago, there was widespread cheering and flag-waving to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, with thanksgiving and gratitude for the efforts of those old veterans, with their medals and banners, and remembrance of those who gave their lives in the conflict.

But am I missing something? Aren't those old heroes destined to join those who are considered "bed-blockers" and nuisances, clogging up hospitals? Those whose simple needs for food and cleanliness must wait until someone is inclined to attend to them?

I, too, fought in the war and, thank God, am still active and mobile, although I don't seem to have a great deal to look forward to at the end.

Gratitude? In a month or two, the Government will add 25p per week to my pension. It doesn't sound much and, put in context, what difference will it make?

like to go to Wakehurst Place occasionally for a cup of coffee. If I saved up the additional 25ps of pension for six weeks, I would be able to afford one cup of coffee. And if I saved them for three months, I could have a slice of (the cheaper) cake to go with it.

It is said that the recent anniversary parades will be the last of their kind because there will be too few of the wartime generation left to attend further.

And there will be even fewer if "they" carry on looking after us in the way they seem to at the moment.

-John O'Riley, Hassocks