Well obviously being reired isn't a cipher for being unreliable.

However - I can only speeak from my own experience. My wife attended a number of meetings organised by Arthritis care which inspired her to start the mansfield arthritis Support Group. It was extremely hard work, and eventually, though we both loved the group and itsmembers and we still stay in touch, it simply became too much. The group has continued to flourish.

However Arthritis Care lost its driving force during the thatcher years and was just struggling for survival - it limited it self to merely keeping going and raising funds - which was understandable.the combination of people having to pay for long term care in residential homes - rather than leaving a bequest to charity, and the National Lottery and Telethons creaming off charitable donations.

We were aware that groups like we had in Mansfield were necessary all over England. But there simply weren't people getting the visionary message any more - the message of the vital work that support groups can do fantastic work in helping people with difficult conditions, with practical help and support.

It really does need people of vision to get help and support to their fellow man. There is a limit to what a Dad's Army can achieve, and I think we touched that ceiling with our group.