MANY people see members of the volunteer forces like the TA as hobby soldiers, who join up to give themselves some excitement at weekends.But in reality their “hobby” can be very dangerous and put themselves in real danger, as is shown by the Ipswich-based territorials who are being sent to Iraq next year.

MANY people see members of the volunteer forces like the TA as hobby soldiers, who join up to give themselves some excitement at weekends.

But in reality their “hobby” can be very dangerous and put themselves in real danger, as is shown by the Ipswich-based territorials who are being sent to Iraq next year.

Those who are volunteering for this six-month mission are very brave people indeed. They are putting themselves in real danger as they drive convoys between bases in Iraq.

These convoys have regularly been targets for rebels and there is no doubt that those who are prepared to go to Iraq are very courageous.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of this country's involvement in Iraq, there is no doubting the courage of everyone who has been sent to that country.

Whether they are full-time service personnel or part-timers like the TA soldiers from Ipswich does not matter a jot once you are in the line of fire - the insurgents do not distinguish between full-time and part-time targets.

Everyone will be hoping that the TA perform their task safely in Iraq - and that they are all counted out and counted back.

NEWS that Ipswich-based Call Connection is looking for new financial backers represents very good news about a company that is on the up.

Managing director Graeme Kalbraier, who had already started two huge companies before selling them on, spotted a gap in the market to pick up calls that other firms were missing and has built a hugely-successful company from scratch.

However in the national insurance picture Call Connection remains a relatively small company and if it is to expand as its management wants it needs new financial backers.

Mr Kalbraier and his team are clearly keen to remain running the company, although they acknowledge new money could be accompanied by new managers.

But whatever happens in the future, the fact is that he has built up an important new company in this town, and whatever happens it is clear that Ipswich has not heard the last of Graeme Kalbraier.

FELIXSTOWE General Hospital is getting a welcome makeover and improved services - but now health bosses are looking to give this long-established institution a new name.

Hasn't the Suffolk PCT got anything better to do with its time and money than come up with pointless exercises to re-brand something that doesn't need a new identity.

If its name is changed to Felixstowe Community Hospital will that really make any difference to local people? It will, however, force the PCT to order new signs, new stationary, and change every reference to the building taking up hours of staff time.

“The General” is a name known to everyone who lives in or around Felixstowe. The PCT must have lost touch with reality if it thinks changing its name is necessary to let everyone know what kind of services it offers.