The Ipswich Flyer IpswichFlyer_Sep2018_For_Web | Page 9

The Flyer The Plight of Mr and Mrs Owens Many will have read in the newspapers or seen on the national news a decision of the Supreme Court relating to the divorce between Mr and Mrs John Simpson Owens. Baroness Hale stated in her Judgment, “It is not for us to change the law laid down by Parliament – our role is only to interpret and apply the law that Parliament has given us”. So, what is the law on divorce in 2018? There is only one ground for divorce in England and Wales set out in section 1 Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 which is that the marriage must have irretrievably broken down. However, a court cannot hold that a marriage has irretrievably broken down unless the applicant/petitioner satisfi es the court of one or more of the fi ve facts set out in section 1(2) of the Act. These are: a) That the respondent has committed adultery and the petitioner fi nds it intolerable to live with the respondent. b) That the respondent has behaved in such a way that the petitioner cannot reasonably be expected to live with the respondent. c) That the respondent has deserted the petitioner for a continuous period of at least two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application for a divorce. d) That the parties have lived apart for a continuous period of at least two years immediately preceding the presentation of the application for a divorce and the respondent consents to a decree being granted. e) That the parties have lived apart for a continuous period of at least fi ve years immediately preceding the presentation of the application for a divorce. Mr and Mrs Owens remain married (for the time being). Anybody contemplating divorce should obtain specialist legal advice to make sure they can show the marriage has irretrievably broken down and to discuss other options which may be more suitable to their circumstances. Put your hands up for St Elizabeth Hospice! St Elizabeth Hospice is asking people to think again about volunteering with our new campaign ‘hands up for your hospice’. The hospice currently has around 1500 volunteers providing support in every area of its work, however it is vital that this number increases in order for it to continue to grow and provide specialist palliative, and end of life care to local people and its young adult patients. Volunteer team leader Jemma Wood said: “There’s no such thing as a typical volunteer at the hospice, or a typical volunteer role we have over 50 areas where we need support so there is certainly something for everyone. We welcome work ex perience students, young people working towards their Duke of Edinburgh award, corporate teams who are often spotted sorting donations in the shops, and we have a fantastic team of regular volunteers who work with patients providing all kinds of support. We take volunteers from the age of 14, and have many staff who started their journey with us as a volunteer. The benefi ts of volunteering are many and varied, from gaining new skills P le a s e m e n t i o n ‘ T h e F l yer ’ wh en r esp o n d in g t o ad ver t isements and experience, to making new friends not to mention the positive effect on mental health and wellbeing.” One area where help is always needed is the charity’s retail operation which provides a signifi cant income stream for the hospice, and all 29 shops are supported by a huge team of volunteers who are the backbone of the retail arm. Jason Rudderham, head of retail, commented “There is a real community feel within the shops and volunteers are embedded in the teams. If you think of charity shops as fusty, musty places then think again. Many of the hospice’s shops have a very different feel to the traditional image of charity retail including our new Zest shop in Ipswich which has a distinctive boutique feel – with imaginative displays and a young vibrant atmosphere.” The hospice is appealing to people to consider contributing to its success by joining the team. Even if people can only give an hour a week, the difference this can make is huge. It’s a fantastic way for people to put their skills to good use and support the vital work of the hospice. If you think you can help all the current volunteer roles can be found on our website stelizabethhospice. org.uk/volunteer or for further information contact the volunteer team on 01473 707939 or [email protected] T H E FLY E R | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 8 9