22 January 1879 is Rorkes Drift day - 11 Victoria Crosses awarded -a British Army record

11 Victoria Crosses were won this day and overnight into the 23 January 1879. A study of the battle reveals why. Just over 150 British and local troops successfully defended the simple garrison against an intense assault by 3,000 - 4,000 Zulus. They did so with superior weaponry, a lot of guts, and a well formed defensive position, hastily erected. More details of the battle here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Rorke%27s_Drift

If you get the chance ever to go to the battle site I urge you to do so; I travelled there long ago when hiking around South Africa and have never forgotten it. Failing that try and listen to Rob Caskie on one of his battlefield tours, when he comes to the UK this autumn. http://www.robcaskie.com/ Rob transfixed the Hexham audience in October 2014 and 2013, when he gave a talk for Tynedale Hospice. 

Tynedale Hospice at Home event in Hexham last night

Rob Caskie delighted hundreds with his tales of "Going South with Scott and Shackleton" in Hexham yesterday. He spoke for over an hour without a note, yet all of us present would happily have listened for a further hour so fascinating was his tales of heroism, endeavour, comradeship and bravery. He started with Scott and his doomed journey to the south pole - highlighting the fateful decision to take 5 not 4 men on the long push south, and the toughness of these men who died on a march of incredible distance and difficulty. Then on to Shackleton, whose legendary expedition with the ships the Endeavour, and then the lifeboat the James Caird, on a journey from the Antartic to South Georgia defy belief for their standards of seamanship, fortitude and courage. Whilst talking of the heroism of these men we forgot that Rob was doing it all without a single note. He is an epic storyteller. If you have not listened to him talk on his British tour there is still time. Check out his website here: http://www.robcaskie.com/

As for last night my thanks to the sponsors, Armstrong Watson, Ward Haddaway, and Youngs RPS. Most of all our thanks and support to Tynedale Hospice at Home. To all of the volunteers - many of whom I chatted to - and the staff, and Brian of course, who make such a difference at such a difficult time. This is a wonderful charity that I am proud to have supported in the past and will do so in the future. Our hope is to get Rob to return next year and talk about Rorkes Drift. I have heard him do this and amazingly it is even better than last night! But for now if you want moe info about Shackleton, the unsung legend, have a read here: http://www.jmcomputers.f2s.com/Shackleton.htm

If you have not read it - the famous Advert for Shackletons men is worth a read.

Care providers in tynedale / Northumberland and the care fees cap for old age

This last week I have met with 3 different providers of care:
- hospice care from tynedale hospice at home, with whom I met on Saturday. I know the team well and have fundraised for them in the past, but it was really good to meet George, the new chairman.
- on Friday I also met a number of the domicilliary care providers. They do a vital job visiting the elderly 3-4 times a day. However, it is clear that the model of care provision is particularly complicated and expensive to provide in rural areas. We are working on this and looking to meet with the county council soon.
- finally I have spent a lot of time with specific care homes of late, from discussions with Wellburn, to visiting multiple other homes lately like Helen McArdle's home in Hexham at Acomb Court.
The problems faced by all care providers and the state remain the same.
How do you provide quality care for our loved ones, in a safe and reasonably regulated setting, without making the care provision uneconomic for either the state, whether it be county council or the commissioning group, or the local business doing the providing, to run?
This is not easy.
All this in the context of the government plan to introduce a cap on adult social care costs in 2016 which will limit the amount an individual has to contribute towards the cost of their social care.
- This will lead to a £72,000 lifetime cap as to what an individual is required to pay
- The means tested threshold will rise from £23,250 to £118,000
- A deferred payments scheme will be introduced in 2015 to which should ensure that no one is forced to sell their home in their lifetime to cover care costs

What is beyond dispute are two things:
The present system unfairly penalises those who were thrifty in their adult lives and saved, such that they are forced to sell their homes to pay for care. This new reform will give certainty in old and middle age.
As we all live longer, as health outcomes get better and better, care of our ageing population is going to be a key fundamental of the way we, as individuals, and government, as the custodians of national purse, live our lives. Tyne

Tynedale Hospice

Last week I was able to hand over a large cheque to the team at the Tynedale Hospice at Home, in Hexham. My thanks to all the people who donated for the Charity Walk - which we are going to do every year, but most especially the key companies who contibuted to this very special inaugural walk:
- Kilfrost in Haltwhistle
- Agma in Haltwhistle
- Egger in Hexham
- SCA in Prudhoe

The amazing thing about Tynedale is that everyone pulls together to help each other. Handing over the cheque made me one very proud MP indeed!