Pensioners rally for support

7:10pm Monday 15th September 2008

PENSIONERS gathered in Bridgwater's Blake Gardens before a march and rally through the town in the hope of gaining support for their campaign on Saturday (September 13).

The Bridgwater Pensions Centenary Event was part of the continuing battle for better state pensions and services for older people.

A group of marchers moved from the gardens to the town hall via the high street for an information fair, exhibition and talk by Dot Gibson of the National Pensioners Convention.

This was the first celebration in the South-West of the day in 1908 when millions of older people were lifted out of dire poverty thanks to the first old age pension.

Back then, the sum was ten shillings a week for a couple over 70, and it stopped thousands of older married couples being split up for ever upon entry to the workhouse.

Today, older people again find themselves having to fight for better pensions and the Bridgwater Senior Citizens Forum, as an affiliate of the present day National Pensioners Convention, is proud to play its part.

They are campaigning for the immediate re-linking of pensions to average earnings and for the state pension to be raised above the official poverty level of £134 a week, for all men and women.