Subscription Increases At Conference there was a motion to increase subscription to £19.80p per year, in line with what the Annual AGM had agreed in April, however due to voting technicalities this was lost, therefore the increase will be in line with inflation and therefore a full year’s subscription is set at £16.08 per annum. Those who contribute by way of payroll deduction this will mean an increase of 4p per month to £1.34p. Those members who pay annually by cheque or Direct Debit should have already received notification of the increase. The widow’s contribution will remain unchanged Further information can be found on Branch Circular 13/07 via this website. Red Arrows banned from the Olympics The world-famous Red Arrows have been banned from appearing at the 2012 London Olympics because they are deemed 'too British'. Organisers of the event say that the Arrows military background might be 'offensive' to other countries taking part in the Games. The display team have performed at more than 4000 events worldwide, but the Department of Culture, Media and Sport have deemed the display team 'too militaristically British.' Red Arrows pilots were said to be 'outraged', as they had hoped to put on a truly world class display for the Games, something which had never been seen before. Being axed from a British-based event for being 'too British' is an insult - the Arrows are a symbol of Britain . The Red Arrows have been excellent ambassadors for British overseas trade, as they display their British-built Hawk aircraft all over the world. The Arrows performed a short fly-past in 2005 when the winning bid was announced, but their fly-past at the Games was to have been truly spectacular. It is to be hoped that common sense prevails. If you disagree with this decision, sign the petition on the link http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows2012/?ref=redArrows2012

NEW NARPO SCHEME FOR VISION EXPRESS Following a review of their corporate eyecare scheme, Vision Express is pleased to announce our relaunch date for the corporate benefit package they offer to NARPO members, as of Monday 18th February 2008. •      £5 off an eye exam has been replaced with:         £10 standard eye examination.   •       Save £30 off complete glasses with frames costing £69 or more - stays as is (proved to be a strong performer) •      £45 contact lens package (enhance) changes to: Save £70 when joining the Contact 7 direct debit scheme – FREE registration & consultation and first 3 months supply of lenses to value of £44.85.     Terms and conditions apply.