NHS still makes us proud to be British

What puts the pride into Britain? Is it our health service, free education or sense of humour? The Post Office recently asked people what they thought in their ‘Alternative Census’, asking 10,000 adults which cornerstones of society they cherished most.

And almost half the respondents said it was the NHS and our schools and colleges which made them proudest.

The Chronicle asked people in Uppermill for their views.

Jeffrey Lawrence, 56, from Mossley, thinks the local countryside is one of the best things about being British and added: “We’re only seven miles from Manchester, 15 minutes on the train, and the countryside is great.

“There’s also freedom to go where ever you want, and there is no violence — you live a peaceful life. I think people do under rate our freedom.”

Dave Morris (69) from Shaw, is a former NHS payroll worker who was in Uppermill park with his two-year-old grandson Luca, and said he thought the health service was the best thing about being British: “Privatisation would be a shame.

“A lot of people could not afford to pay.”

His wife Barbara (67) added: “I also think the Sure Start service for the under fives is fantastic. It is about health, education and care.”

Glynis Kitchen (58) from Mossley, a child minder also praised the NHS and child-care facilities, and the countryside ‘when we get the weather.’

Husband and wife Peter and Mu Swan-Brown from Glossop were on a trip to Uppermill and Mr Swan-Brown said he was not proud of Britain under New Labour but added: “I am glad we have got a new Government and hope it will put pride back into Britain and get our debt down.

“It worries me that countries like Germany have been so much better at getting out of the recession.”

His wife added: “The British sense of humour — it is a bit off the wall.

“But language and pronunciation has changed — people don’t sound their Ts or end their words any more. But we are quite polite. What I hate about Britain is litter, and I always want to go and say ‘would you mind picking that up?’”

John Richards (70) of Greenfield said: “It is our heritage which makes me most proud.

“We used to have strong family connections as well but these are being scattered as people move away and lose their local identity.

“But you are very proud of what has been achieved by this nation over the years.”

Joel Brisk (23) of Greenfield is a teacher and said his girlfriend was a doctor, so they would both be proud of free health care and education.

He added: “There are some great things and some not so great — we see that in Oldham where people struggle to get on peacefully with people not from Britain.

“I went to Oldham Sixth Form college and I’m very proud that a college in the middle of Oldham has such a diverse ethnic mix, and was so peaceful and a beacon of hope. It’s the one place where everyone gets on and sets an example.”

Linda Frost (65) from Dobcross immediately said British tolerance made her proud, adding: “I do a lot of travelling in many countries and we mix very well. When you are British you make friends very easily.

“Health care and education, yes, and I would say heritage and history is very important.”

Her grand daughter Natalie Gray (11) who is just back from holiday said: “It’s good to be back with family and I do like British food, but not British weather.”