Your memories of Woolworths?
Posted by Alan Collins on Friday, November 28th, 2008 at 01:15

On Invicta FM this afternoon (it’s the only radio station tuned into my car at the moment, but well worth a listen!) Neil Kefford was asking people for their memories of Woolworths.

Not expecting such a vast response, I should like to open the floor to you and ask you the same question: what event/events will always remind you of Woolworths?

For me, it would have to be the anger consuming me when they informed me that they were not going to be offering me a job. It followed my first ever job interview about 18 months ago.

Today my mood is more optimistic. I feel that someone was watching over me that day, knowing what fate lay in store (if you’ll pardon my expression) for the troubled retailer, as I now have a stable job (on higher pay!) in a company that seems to be acting conversely to the recession.

It’s not that I don’t feel sorry for their employees, today seen looking for jobs elsewhere in Twydall, as their plight is unenviable and I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy.

I just feel secure … at least for now!

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Co-operative pays £8.9m to members
Posted by Alan Collins on Friday, November 28th, 2008 at 01:07

If you, like me, are a member of the Co-operative Group, then you are in for a treat just in time for Christmas!

Continuing to display its growth in contrast to the economic downturn which is slowly killing off big-name businesses including MFI and Woolworths, the Co-operative is paying out £8.9m to its members who have earned more than 200 points between January and June 2008 (myself not included, as I only became a member in September).

Half of the 2.1m members benefitting from the interim dividend, which is £2m higher than last years’, have elected to donate at least the odd pence from their share of the profits to charity, totalling £500,000 (I believe that, if we didn’t live in uncertain economic times, this impressive total would be higher).

Owing to the nature of the business, its profits are unaffected by those who would otherwhise be able to speculate on its success in the City, as Director of Marketing Patrick Allen explains:

Although we are not immune to the general economic downturn, it is worth remembering that as a co-operative organisation it is our members who benefit from our financial achievements, and no faceless city traders can speculate on our business.

Earlier this week, I revealed how the Co-operative is splashing out £10m on advertising over the Christmas period, backed by the excellent Gabriella Cilmi and her rendition of Warm this Winter.

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Way too much…
Posted by Alan Collins on Friday, November 28th, 2008 at 00:53

After spending the night at a jam session, I came home to check a few things before, or so I thought, retiring to bed.

I had planned to write something earlier (I lost track of time and was late leaving!) which has been embargoed until later today, but have now come across several news items that infuriated me and should, in theory, require comment.

My conclusion? There is way too much going on in the world, and not enough time to write about it all!

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Friday, November 7, 2008 - Part 2
Posted by Alan Collins on Thursday, November 27th, 2008 at 16:26

Medway Messenger

Poppy Appeal: Honour the brave

NOVEMBER 11 this year marks the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War and is a chilling reminder of the sacrifices made by millions then and since.

The First World War was supposed to be the war to end all wars and yet millions of people have died fighting both worthwhile and pointless wars since November 11, 2008.

In both cases, the brave men and women laying down their lives did so professionally for our sakes and their sacrifices should never be forgotten.

That is why we wear poppies at this time of year - to show their colleagues and families that we have not forgotten and that we still do care.

This Sunday will see many services of remembrance across Medway and I would urge you to find out where your nearest one is and to attend - to remember those who have passed and those who continue to fight in our name.

Please turn out to remember their sacrifices and let them never be forgotten.

Alan Collins
Goudhurst Road
Twydall

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Friday, November 7, 2008 - Part 1
Posted by Alan Collins on Thursday, November 27th, 2008 at 16:12

Medway News

We still remember them

NOVEMBER 11 this year marks the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War and is a chilling reminder of the sacrifices made by millions then and since.

The Great War was supposed to be the war to end all wars, and yet millions of people have died fighting both worthwhile and pointless wars since November 11, 1918.

The brave men and women laying down their lives did so professionally for our sakes and their sacrifices should never be forgotten.

That is why we wear poppies at this time of year - to show their colleagues and families that we have not forgotten and that we still do care about their sacrifice.

This Sunday (November 9) will see many services of remembrance across Medway, and I would urge you to find out where your nearest one is and to attend - to remember those who have passed and those who continue to fight in our name.

Please turn out to remember their sacrifices and let them never be forgotten.

Alan Collins, Goudhurst Road, Twydall

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