I wonder where we’d be if we didn’t have our emergency services and the committed individuals who provide for our communities?

I couldn’t ever imagine being without our ambulance, fire service, police or lifeboat.

But another emergency service could be on the horizon.

Helen and I were invited to an event on Thursday night, which I found amazing and was ready to sign up to there and then.

The event was organised by a group of motorbike enthusiast who are looking at providing what I would probably call our fifth emergency service.

Local biker enthusiast Neil Powers had invited a group from Dumfries and Galloway members of the National Association of Blood Bikers.

I for one had never heard of this organisation and was interested to hear what it was all about as my limited knowledge of bikers related only to Hell’s Angels and suchlike.

The groups within the association are all volunteers who give up their time to provide a life-saving service to their communities. Their role is to transport blood and samples between hospitals throughout the country, negotiating traffic congestion in our cities and saving valuable time and resources for our NHS nationwide.

The turnout of volunteers at this preliminary meeting was excellent and the presentation made by the team from Dumfries and Galloway was extremely interesting, with speakers telling the assembled group how they started, where they are now and what should be expected in setting up a similar group here in the Grampian area.

Numerous questions were asked and answered and the atmosphere was a hugely positive one, with one of the bikers saying, “when can I get started?”

Volunteers will be needed if this life-saving organisation is going to be a success and it doesn’t matter whether you’re 30 or 60, providing you can ride a motorbike safely, within the structure of the law. I think this would be a wonderful new addition to our area and would encourage interested parties to e-mail northeastridervolunteers@gmail.com

Bus firm must think of customers

Once again the monopoly position of First Aberdeen is giving cause for concern as it looks at removing the number 4 service.

Obviously it hasn’t thought through the consequences of such a move, leaving passengers who would change at Auchmill Road for Dyce high and dry.

First says lack of numbers is the reason.

I’m sorry, it’s not the lack of numbers that’s the problem, it’s the lack of competition. High fares and an ageing fleet don’t help.

Think of your customers and abandon this idea.

Labour offering is very different now

One of the main attractions to New Labour for many voters was the party had changed dramatically.

It was seen as a strong centre left alternative to the Conservative Party.

My goodness, haven’t things changed.

I really feel for the ordinary members of the Labour Party, particularly those who joined during the Blair days, because the choice of candidates is abysmal.

It’s obvious Jeremy Corbyn no longer has the support of the majority of his MPs.