A hand up, not a handout
Wimbledon Big Issue vendor Jane Burns is fondly remembered after her recent passing
Readers respond to Big Issue vendor Jane Burn’s recent passing, our reporting on modular homes and a row about salaries.
I am very sorry to hear about Jane Burns, one of your Big Issue sellers in Wimbledon. I have chatted to Jane for years; we always had a laugh. Such a lovely lady. Jane will be greatly missed.
John Moody
Oh no, Jane! I so loved our chats when I bought the Big Issue from you. Rest in peace my darling.
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@petrolhead28, Instagram
Jane would always say hi to me every time I walked to the station to go to work – for many years. I always admired how she had so many people stop and chat to her and she always had a huge smile on her face, rain or shine. What a lovely lady she was. RIP ❤
@thewholebeingphysio_, Instagram
RIP Jane. You’ve been a fixture of everyday Wimbledon life forever. Against all adversity your
soul shines bright. �ɏ
@stevetaylor8, Instagram
Wimbledon will miss you.
Vid Veerapen, Facebook
People being able to have their own space, where they can feel safe and have some stability is essential. The work @helpbristolshomeless do is incredible and a good template to be replicated elsewhere.
@haveyouseenmy area, Instagram
As someone who grew up on a council estate and saw first-hand how affordable housing helps people, but also tends to concentrate antisocial behaviour, I can’t help but wonder how these risks are assessed and what safeguards are put in place. I’m glad people are trying to combat homelessness. I guess there will never be an ideal solution.
@danbookham, Instagram
@danbookham, as someone who has been shown around the site, I can say it’s something they are mindful of and have mitigated risks to the point where I don’t think it’s a problem. If you’re in Bristol, I would urge you to visit for yourself and see the work they’re doing. It’s really inspiring. The first studio flat I ever had was only 7ft by 9ft – but it was where I could lock the door and that was huge. I actually felt safe to fall asleep for the first time in my life.
@haveyouseenmy area, Instagram
In reference to Lottie Elton’s article on lack of summer care for disabled and special needs children, can I direct readers’ attention to the Newman Holiday Trust which offers week-long specialist holidays across the UK. This fantastic charity has been around for decades providing fun holidays in safe environments for children, giving them an experience they don’t forget and respite for hard-pressed parents. And it’s completely free. The only thing holding them back from providing more places is volunteer helpers (it’s one-to-one and sometimes two-to-one care).
I would encourage your readers to look them up and consider volunteering, and for those in need to speak to their schools. As a volunteer myself at the end of one holiday I had parents in tears with thanks, which made me join in!
Lachlan Robertson
Hi, I strongly agree with Shian Randall regarding the disgraceful behaviour of World Cup footballers. Shian does not mention the Argentinians turning their backs on the victorious Spanish team at the end of the final. Would you ever see a top golfer, tennis player or athlete behaving like that? Perhaps footballers are just not paid enough?
David Halliday, Kidlington
Christopher Richardson suggests that EU tax-free salaries are the reason why the UK should not be in the EU. Neither the EU salaries nor our royal family are significant costs to our country. EU membership would be better judged on trade benefits and freedom of movement, where huge costs and profits could be made. We all dislike fat cats, but they are pet hates, not informed judgement.
Martin Lowe
Christopher Richardson and the letters editor would do well to do some fact-checking before publishing his claim that EU salaries are tax free. A glance at any payslip would demonstrate that tax is deducted from such payments.
Roger Dean
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