The proposal from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to spend NHS funds on financial incentives to encourage the morbidly obese in our nation to attend cost free gym sessions seemed ironic considering the government’s intended withdrawal of funding for the School Fruit & Veg Scheme. I fail to see the logic of depriving children of fresh fruit and vegetables which can lead to a healthy approach to diet and nutrition in later life - a tried and tested scheme with proven success - in favour of desperate measures to increase fitness and reduce the size of a different generation.

Common sense dictates that it is ludicrous to penalise the young in favour of those who already have access to a healthier lifestyle without cash incentives, and are old enough to take responsibility. The old adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ should surely hold some resonance with the decision makers in our country, and we have stepped up our campaign to save the provision of fresh produce to children in schools.

We were saddened by the sudden demise earlier this week of one of the industry’s oldest and finest members. Donald Grimshaw was an extraordinary gentleman of the old school whose knowledge of the wholesale sector and commitment to the FPC through four decades was exemplary. A treasured member of Bradford St James Wholesale Market, his drive and energy will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We were fortunate to have recently spent a morning with Donald walking the market and organising our forthcoming FPC members’ visit.

It was one of the longest and most enjoyable market walks I have experienced and as he introduced us to each individual tenant the mutual respect and friendship was self evident. Although in his 80s, Donald remained an active, integral part of market operations, he was an example to us all and I am glad to have known him. Our sincere condolences go to his dear wife Rosa and his family.

High risk issues remain a concern and we continue to lobby on your behalf. Meetings with members and port authorities at Felixstowe and Tilbury over recent weeks, in addition to further meetings with the FSA, have seen us actively seek to influence change with some success detailed on the rest of this page.

Anglia Business Solutions has enjoyed a successful year and it was great to catch up with David Hurley and the team at their recent forum. Also sponsor of our annual dinner for the fourth year, we thank them for their support of this great event. Make sure you join us at the Savoy on 5 February 2011 for the 65th Annual Dinner with guest nation Morocco.

It was great to catch up with friends and members from New Covent Garden last Saturday evening - another great example of a thriving British market moving forward and making changes necessary in modern times to ensure it continues to operate as one of our leading institutions.