How was your weekend?

Hello to all, and I hope all had a lovely weekend. A couple of catch ups this end and a great lunch had at 'The Antelope' in Tooting that can be highly recommended by the 10 of us or so there on the weekend.

One of the viewing highlights of the weekend was of course the F1, since the 6 nations has finished with a solid but not quite good enough performance from Ireland this year. World Cup possibility still looking strong for the boys though!!!!!

Anyway, returning to the grand prix back in the home country and a good win by Jensen but we still have to see if the new regulations start to take their toll on the drivers endurance? Seems to have had an obvious effect already and hopefully we will witness more hard fought competitions as a regular occurrence following on from Melbourne on the weekend.

Although I would like to see Mark Webber to move with some urgency from his 10th place in the competition standings. He is one of the best athletes of all the drivers and I really hope the he focuses on winning some races, as much as he focuses on criticising Australia lately? especially after Lewis Hamilton's, over exuberant driving.

right to die? or right to kill?'..........

The term "right to die" refers to various issues that relate to whether an individual, who could continue to live with the aid of life support, or in a diminished or enfeebled capacity, should be allowed to decide to die. In some cases, it refers to the idea that a person with a terminal illness and in serious condition should be allowed to commit suicide before death would otherwise occur. Central to this argument is whether loved ones or physicians should knowingly aid these individuals and if so, should they be deemed criminally responsible?

In England, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Keir Starmer said motives of suspects will be the main focus for prosecutors. Mr Starmer’s office is keen to see not necessarily the laws changed, but would like to stress to those prosecuting that they take into account all facts relevant to the case.

They have outlined what they see as key factors that should be considered when looking at prosecuting someone with’ assisting suicide’, a charge that can carry up to 14 years in jail if convicted. These factors state that anyone acting in a wholly compassionate way, which did not encourage but assisted someone who had reached a sound and settled decision to commit suicide, would be more than likely not be prosecuted. These guidelines are only given as having any merit if the individual fully cooperates with the police.

Who decides that these guidelines have been met? At what point does your cooperation with the police stop and your potential self incrimination begin?

Well known members of the community have spoken out in support of the DPP’s findings including Right to Die Campaigners, Debbie Purdy and Sir Terry Pratchett. Mrs Purdy is battling Multiple Sclerosis and Sir Terry’s high profile diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease has allowed him the platform to spark public debate on the issue.

Even though Mr Starmer still acknowledges that it is crime to assist suicide, some see his approach to deciding who is prosecuted as opening the floodgates to exploitation. It has also struck fear into the most vulnerable sectors of society as acknowledged by public statements from charities for both the elderly and the disabled. This view has also been quite firmly shared by the Prime Minister himself.

The overwhelming conclusion by parties both for and against is that the findings do not go near being enough to help put the debate on this issue to rest. Whilst focusing on who would be prosecuted for assisting suicide, the findings have no solid ground on which members of society the DPP deem are in a position to take their own life legally. The calls of a full parliamentary debate will also not go far enough as they will not reflect or demonstrate the true nature of the people suffering to such an extent, they would want to end their own life.

Before asking if they should be allowed I think the question is why are so many people seeking this alternative to alleviate their pain? These cases are growing everyday and without the due diligence and response to the people seeking this end, who to prosecute after the fact will be a very moot point.

darren cummins

Come see a cool play!!!

SUMMER PRODUCTION

The Magdalene Players' summer production will be The Memory of Water, a contemporary black comedy by British playwright Shelagh Stephenson, directed by Natalie Charles and produced by Jane Cooper, with performances on the 20th, 21st and 22nd May as part of the Wandsworth Arts Festival.
You can book tickets here on the website, or by calling our box office on 07535 925268.

WINNER 2000 OLIVIER AWARD FOR BEST COMEDY
“A deeply felt, richly funny study of the pervasive power of the past.” The Guardian
“A touching and hugely entertaining comedy.” The Independent

If anyone likes David Gray........great free invite only gig this Thursday!! (see below for details)

On Thursday January 14, the internationally renowned and multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter will take to the Hard Rock Cafe stage as part of Q The Music Club Live .

Singer/songwriter David Gray is to play an exclusive intimate gig for Q readers, showcasing tracks from his back catalogue as well as new album Draw The Line .

Tickets for these exclusive gigs are available only through competition entry!
For information, check out - www.qthemusic.com or Q Radio: available online, on DTV and London DAB (remember to retune your radio!)"

Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Anne "Annie" Wills

To anyone who knew our mate Annie, I know she will be missed. Her tragic loss has effected so many people around the world . You inspired all who met you and were one of the true embracers of life. Miss you hun and you are one of the 'coolest' people I ever had the opportunity to meet. x x x

'To friends and family of Anne 'Annie' Wills, a memorial service to celebrate our special girl's life will be held at 2pm on Thurday 14th January at Tobin Brothers 21 Lyall Road Berwick. Full details will be in the funeral notice in Monday's Herald Sun. For those that feel that way inclined, we are asking that in lieu of flowers you make a donation to the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club where she was a member for many years. Envelopes will be available at the service. To all her friends interstate and overseas that are not able to make it, the service will be webcast live and available for up to a month on www.tobinbrothers.com.au. On behalf of our family we would like to thank you all for your love and support during these difficult times. Apologies for not having been able to return all the calls and messages. This does not mean they haven't been appreciated. Please pass these details onto others that knew and loved her. John, Vynn, Rohan and Gareth Wills'

Welcome to 2010!!!

.....quick note to say that i hope all your plans for 2010 come true and that all the good luck in the world finds you.