Grandmothers who can't help out because of increase in State Pension age

I am afraid our MP's take all the school holidays ( it would be more convenient for me too) and call it Parliamentary recess! Wednesday's are PM's questions so most MP's are in London.

Aha, Maggiemaybe, you guessed my job!

Yes, school staff would have been more plentiful during half-term or even during the summer holidays.
Sorry, we can't take unauthorised absences!!

I'm not sure why it couldn't have been during a half term holiday though, so that all the school staff affected could have gone. Or perhaps Parliament is always closed then too?

Because it has to be a day when MPs are there, and they wouldn't be on a weekend. We're going to lobby our MPs from 1.30pm.

I would love to join you as it affects me too, but why a Wednesday? - Many of those concerned are obviously working that day?

I'm 205 miles away myself, Juggernaut (I just googled it!) and there are lots of women travelling down from Scotland. Even some flying in especially from Italy and Spain. Though I appreciate not everyone can make it, for various reasons.

I'm a 1950s woman too. Not in employment now at 61 and looking after my DGC, but not eligible for my state pension till I'm 66. I couldn't do this without my DH and my small company pension, so I'm luckier than many. With 41 years of NI contributions paid, I feel cheated. I've got my train booked for the 29th and my WASPI sash ready to go!

I'd love to join you as I'm one of the women having to wait an extra six years for my state pension.
I'm in the very fortunate position of having a good occupational pension, but that has nothing to do with the government and their depriving us of what is rightfully ours.
I wish you well in your endeavours, but can't attend your Demo as I'm over 200 miles away!

Thank you for your good wishes. And indeed many of this generation are carers for their elderly parents or would like to be.

It is true that the government underestimates the role of grandparents and their huge contribution to society in terms of child care and voluntary work. The longer retirement is delayed the more the state will need to fill these gaps - or more likely not. I wish you well with your demonstration.