Update Monday 17 August 2009
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 15:48, Mon 17 August 2009:
Going Digital
You may have noticed some changes to your TV when you woke up last Wednesday morning. The Digital switchover in Plymouth has begun with BBC2 the first channel to switch to digital. On Thursday I joined Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, Ben Bradshaw MP, to meet Bill Taylor the South West regional manager for Digital UK to find out how you can get information and advice on the changes.
We met 'Digit Al' at the Digital UK stand in the Place De Brest in Plymouth City Centre. The staff on the stand are providing advice and information and are ready to take any questions you may have on the switchover. Even if you think you are ready, if you are in town why not pop along and check that you are all set? You can also call the Digital UK helpline on 0845 454 0015 or visit their website http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/westcountry.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach you can visit the Plymouth Guild for Voluntary Services at Ernest English House in Buckwell Street. Today they are offering step by step guides in how to prepare yourself for digital – including having a go at re-tuning a TV yourself! You can try in a friendly environment (assured that you cannot break anything!) before you try it on your own TV. After today you can get help on the phone.
Remember – if you are watching on a digital TV or through Freeview you will have to re-tune and when the rest of the channels ‘go digital’ on September 9th. If you are on cable you will not have to do anything.
Both myself and Ben were amazed at the range channels available on Freeview with the usual 5 plus a whole spectrum of new ones - including our favourite radio stations.
I spoke to both Ben and Bill about the digital switchover and its success across the Westcountry so far – you can see my videos at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sVdW0T9hhQ and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUgMtfAte1U
You can also read more on my website at http://www.lindagilroy.org.uk/linda-gilroy-mp-goes-digital
The Switchover Help Scheme – run by the Government and the BBC – can help you convert your TV to digital if you are either over 75, eligible for certain benefits or registered blind or partially sighted. Call 0800 40 85 900 or visit www.helpscheme.co.uk for further information.
Out and about in Plymouth - “The Finest Urban Seascape in the Land”
Since the House rose for recess I have been out and about in the constituency – including walking its coastal boundary. I met with Eric Wallis MBE of the South West Coast Path Association who took me around the City Waterfront Walkway – the Plymouth Sutton section of the South West Coast Path. The walk, guided by Eric’s expert knowledge of the history of the route, took us from Admiral’s Hard – the landing point of the Cremyll Ferry – around the Hoe and Barbican to Sutton Harbour. Having served on the Marine and Coastal Bill Committee I was eager to hear how Eric felt the route could be improved and how the Bill would make it easier for keen walkers to gain access to the beautiful South West coastline. I must say that I wholeheartedly agree with Eric referring to Plymouth as having “The Finest Urban Seascape in the Land”!
Backing Young Britain:
I am supporting the ‘Backing Young Britain’ campaign to create thousands of opportunities for young people. The £1 billion Future Jobs Fund aims to create 150,000 jobs among the 18-24 year olds who have been out of work for a year. I know having spoken to people in Plymouth, and from my meetings with Job Centre Plus and the University and FE colleges, that young people are finding the recession particularly difficult. I am working closely with colleagues to ensure that Plymouth's bid to the Future Jobs Fund investment comes forward at an early stage. For more information visit: http://www.bis.gov.uk/government-and-businesses-unite-to-back-young-britain
Something to celebrate:
I recently celebrated a certain milestone birthday and was delighted to share the event with friends from Plymouth. I used the opportunity to hold a fundraising dinner to support Cancer Research’s Relay for Life raising £358.30 – thank you to everyone who gave such generous donations. I would also like to say congratulations to all those who took part in the Relay which raised £26,742. You can find more information about Cancer Research and Relay for Life at: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/relay/
Looking ahead
For the next two weeks I will be on leave spending one week tracing some family roots in Suffolk – an interest which has already thrown up several surprises including a great, great, great grandmother born in Devonport. I will then be heading for a week with family in Portugal.
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