I WAS delighted to read recently that there's a group of people in Yeovil who are keen to form a Yeovil District 50+ forum.

I believe they are holding a public meeting at the Community Centre/Day Centre, 20 South Street, Yeovil, at 2.30pm on September 16, to explore the local interest in having such a forum.

Older people, and particularly more senior pensioners, need a strong organisation to speak up for them. The NHS and council-run care services, sheltered housing, post offices (for collection of pensions), the current meagre state pension, are all issues that older people need, and all these services need improvement.

Senior citizens of this country deserve a better deal. This country couldn't survive without our contributions to the care and support of our grandchildren and other more elderly family members. We deserve better recognition for our exemplary contribution, throughout our working adult lives, to current freedoms, security and the prosperity of our nation. If any of this rings true for you, then turn up at 20 South Street at 2pm for 2.30pm on Tuesday, September 16, and help this new group to get a big, resoundingly successful start.

Chris Plaster Ilminster