ON NOVEMBER 4, we were joined by Yvonne Kutzer, from head office, who is the co-ordinator for volunteers. She was impressed by the size of our group and the number of activities.

We also had an interesting and helpful talk by Steve Donohoe, from the Mary Hare Hearing Centre. Mary Hare established a school for the deaf in the 19th century which continues very successfully today.

Steve gave some figures about hearing problems in the population. By the time we reach 80, a large majority will suffer hearing loss. Many refuse to acknowledge it or blame others for not speaking clearly, and many, having acquired hearing aids, do not wear them. They are not a quick fix. It takes perseverance to get used to them, sometimes as long as a year is needed.

The Mary Hare Centre can provide first-class private aids including those for purposes like swimming or other sports.

Hearing aids, he concluded, whether private or NHS will never restore normal hearing but should be worn all the time to get the best effect and they will make your life better.

The Christmas party with entertainment is on December 2.

On February 3, is the Winter Warmer Lunch at BCOT after the group meeting. Please contact Kate on 01256 328791.

All retired civil servants and their partners are welcome at our meetings held on the first Wednesday of each month at 10am at Brookvale Village Hall, Lower Brook Street, Basingstoke.