Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Sunday, 28 April 2013
Roz Harris gets in touch
Hello Geoff
I looked at YouTube page and there was a video about the cobbles. I am glad all my hard work paid off and that as a employee of United Utilities we got things done. Hope you are keeping well
Rozzy Harris
She's the person that got things going on the cobbles and persuaded United Utilities, her employer, to do the honourable thing and repair their very poor work.
See this blog back in April 2009 when Roz did her stuff. One day we'll give her credit for sticking her neck out when Ulverston Town Council ignored her contribution - They couldn't cope with someone else showing up their apathy so they chose to ignore the tow of us (what's new). She needs a plaque putting up - maybe I'll have to make one!
I suggest readers familiarise themselves with this battle - just a few of us made a world of difference and won. The politicians and officers deserve a good hiding! Nick Raymond, Cumbria Highways - the worse offender and the reason the cobbles are costing vast quatities of money even now is because of his incompetence at doing his job back in 2005 and before. Had Cumbria Highways supervised the contactors digging up the cobbles and making sure the cobbles were replace in good order which they had agreed to before starting work then there would be no problems now that needed repairing.
By kicking up a fuss, the length and greatdth of South Lakeland (writing to every clouncil at town level) we got the dastardly Nick Raymond moved elsewhere - eventually to Barrow !
What we need are some good councillors who will chase things up the present lot just act the part except for one - the Liberal Deb condidate for East Ulverston - not Mark Wilson of the inactive Peter Hornby - I've still to find out his name.
I was enjoying a jigsaw until I heard from the wonderful Roz Harris - we need more people like her.
I looked at YouTube page and there was a video about the cobbles. I am glad all my hard work paid off and that as a employee of United Utilities we got things done. Hope you are keeping well
Rozzy Harris
She's the person that got things going on the cobbles and persuaded United Utilities, her employer, to do the honourable thing and repair their very poor work.
See this blog back in April 2009 when Roz did her stuff. One day we'll give her credit for sticking her neck out when Ulverston Town Council ignored her contribution - They couldn't cope with someone else showing up their apathy so they chose to ignore the tow of us (what's new). She needs a plaque putting up - maybe I'll have to make one!
I suggest readers familiarise themselves with this battle - just a few of us made a world of difference and won. The politicians and officers deserve a good hiding! Nick Raymond, Cumbria Highways - the worse offender and the reason the cobbles are costing vast quatities of money even now is because of his incompetence at doing his job back in 2005 and before. Had Cumbria Highways supervised the contactors digging up the cobbles and making sure the cobbles were replace in good order which they had agreed to before starting work then there would be no problems now that needed repairing.
By kicking up a fuss, the length and greatdth of South Lakeland (writing to every clouncil at town level) we got the dastardly Nick Raymond moved elsewhere - eventually to Barrow !
What we need are some good councillors who will chase things up the present lot just act the part except for one - the Liberal Deb condidate for East Ulverston - not Mark Wilson of the inactive Peter Hornby - I've still to find out his name.
I was enjoying a jigsaw until I heard from the wonderful Roz Harris - we need more people like her.
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Politicians
Politicians are a strange breed.
In my view many of them are attracted to the role by wanting to be important. One local, noteworthy politician I am told started life as an electrician working alongside a one of my friends on the fringes. He turned to him and complained "No one takes me seriously- what can I do about it" - "Become a copper." Later he became a man with a gold chain round his neck.
Now I quickly recognise a the trait. Another wimp of a girl I knew thirty five years ago who at the time had a crush on another married friend of mine became a Councillor. When I came across her five years ago she had been a politician for twenty years in an important capacity. Those that had put her forward could find no one else to stand at the time. However the transformation had been amazing - she could walk into a room with 'presence' she could speak on a subject convincingly - she had had twenty years of schooling at 'being important'. Meeting and talking occasionally in impressive buildings- being 'important'; representing a safe seat - many felt very badly - being returned time and time again by her party faithful. Now she is out of office she appears to have drifted into obscurity.
John Clough has been a councillor for a year now. When I first contacted him he blacked me out writing "I've been warned about you" even though I complimented him about his enthusiasm. He didn't like what I understood to be reliable information that he had talked a little through his hat when he 'spoke out' about an issue he didn't understand correctly.
Now he is making the right noises when he writes in his election leaflet "I WILL keep in close touch with you all throughout the coming four years". I wrote
"How?
Will you use a blog?
If not - why not?"
I received the reply:
" I use Twitter and find this as a quick way to communicate, I am willing to use a blog but as you know you can always email me. "
Being willing to isn't the same as doing it. Twitter is a start but can be very trivial- see James Airey's and you'll see what I mean. Time Farron's is no better. It tells us little about what they are doing as politicians in government: It's a PR job and extension of the wittering we hear at election times. Something we can do without.
It seems to me that politicians when they step into 'office', believe they now become 'important people'. Yes they may reply to emails but it could be just to blank us out and avoid giving us information. I get the distinct impression that they consider themselves a little superior to the rest of us and are only willing to scatter what crumbs of information they choose to from the 'high table'; nothing substantial as to what work they are involved with particular on issues.
If on reading this John is feeling particularly expansive then may I ask:
Where exactly are we regarding providing a face-to-face CAB service here in Ulverston.
Do we have a room ready for use at the Town Hall?
When will clients be able to talk to someone here in Ulverston? - Now, in a week, in a fortnight, in a month, really not sure.
When will clients be able to be able to reach someone by telephone at Windermere at the first call within 5 rings of the phone (80 % of the time within their stated opening hours)? - Now, in a week, in a fortnight, in a month, really not sure.
John, can you start now on the straight and narrow by giving us honest answers and not "the Matter is in Hand" of Jayne Kendall, the clerk of the Ulverston Town Council.
So what does "I WILL keep in close touch with you all throughout the coming four years" mean.
Please start by answering my few questions.
Thanks .
Further insights: The phrase - "I use Twitter" is perhaps a tease as I can find the "John Clough" I know and I've been through very carefully - I'm writing to ask for help.
.
In my view many of them are attracted to the role by wanting to be important. One local, noteworthy politician I am told started life as an electrician working alongside a one of my friends on the fringes. He turned to him and complained "No one takes me seriously- what can I do about it" - "Become a copper." Later he became a man with a gold chain round his neck.
Now I quickly recognise a the trait. Another wimp of a girl I knew thirty five years ago who at the time had a crush on another married friend of mine became a Councillor. When I came across her five years ago she had been a politician for twenty years in an important capacity. Those that had put her forward could find no one else to stand at the time. However the transformation had been amazing - she could walk into a room with 'presence' she could speak on a subject convincingly - she had had twenty years of schooling at 'being important'. Meeting and talking occasionally in impressive buildings- being 'important'; representing a safe seat - many felt very badly - being returned time and time again by her party faithful. Now she is out of office she appears to have drifted into obscurity.
John Clough has been a councillor for a year now. When I first contacted him he blacked me out writing "I've been warned about you" even though I complimented him about his enthusiasm. He didn't like what I understood to be reliable information that he had talked a little through his hat when he 'spoke out' about an issue he didn't understand correctly.
Now he is making the right noises when he writes in his election leaflet "I WILL keep in close touch with you all throughout the coming four years". I wrote
"How?
Will you use a blog?
If not - why not?"
I received the reply:
" I use Twitter and find this as a quick way to communicate, I am willing to use a blog but as you know you can always email me. "
Being willing to isn't the same as doing it. Twitter is a start but can be very trivial- see James Airey's and you'll see what I mean. Time Farron's is no better. It tells us little about what they are doing as politicians in government: It's a PR job and extension of the wittering we hear at election times. Something we can do without.
It seems to me that politicians when they step into 'office', believe they now become 'important people'. Yes they may reply to emails but it could be just to blank us out and avoid giving us information. I get the distinct impression that they consider themselves a little superior to the rest of us and are only willing to scatter what crumbs of information they choose to from the 'high table'; nothing substantial as to what work they are involved with particular on issues.
If on reading this John is feeling particularly expansive then may I ask:
Where exactly are we regarding providing a face-to-face CAB service here in Ulverston.
Do we have a room ready for use at the Town Hall?
When will clients be able to talk to someone here in Ulverston? - Now, in a week, in a fortnight, in a month, really not sure.
When will clients be able to be able to reach someone by telephone at Windermere at the first call within 5 rings of the phone (80 % of the time within their stated opening hours)? - Now, in a week, in a fortnight, in a month, really not sure.
John, can you start now on the straight and narrow by giving us honest answers and not "the Matter is in Hand" of Jayne Kendall, the clerk of the Ulverston Town Council.
So what does "I WILL keep in close touch with you all throughout the coming four years" mean.
Please start by answering my few questions.
Thanks .
Further insights: The phrase - "I use Twitter" is perhaps a tease as I can find the "John Clough" I know and I've been through very carefully - I'm writing to ask for help.
.
Friday, 26 April 2013
Free - the flags in the Gill are wild
We're liberating our flags - come and have a look and tell us what you think. Unlike previous years, the flags here on our houses are now completely free. They are like untamed stallions, excited by the wind - proud, full of energy, now able to dance as they've always wanted to: free from a harness.
If you like the change - let us know.
This is what the ones round the centre danced like last year.
The flags on the houses are now dancing as well. If you're looking for a place to chill out and relax : The Gill is the place to be. Plenty of bench seating. The gentle flutter is mesmeric.
If you like the change - let us know.
This is what the ones round the centre danced like last year.
The flags on the houses are now dancing as well. If you're looking for a place to chill out and relax : The Gill is the place to be. Plenty of bench seating. The gentle flutter is mesmeric.
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
It's all go for Geoff !
The planning meeting of SLDC to decide about a supermarket for Ulverston will be at 10:00 at Kendal Town Hall on this Thursday morning. It will be quite an event and I can't imagine how they will fit all the people in. Not only will there be lots of speakers putting forward their arguement but I hear the Sainsbury's will be busing people in to Kendal from Ulverston: taxis are also being provided.
It seems an unfair contest with big businesses versus the everyday person who stops and thinks about the future rather than being persuaded by the needs of the short term.
My main concern is what happens to Ulverston in say ten years time with high petrol prices and transport costs Then remote people at head office will decide that a supermarket in Ulverston is no longer viable on economic terms and they close a store situated on an insignificant peninsular away from the motorways. The decision will be made on the basis of keeping the shareholders happy when money and profits are important.
What I have to figure out is how much you can say in 3 minutes which is all the time I get.
Add to this pressure I have the Flags to go up in the Gill, play chess in the Market square on Saturday, support a thriving pottery group that meets here weekly, work on my allotment where the shed that's being built blew over and blocked access to the other allotments, get the sweet peas in for the fencing down one side of Mill Dam. Reply in endless emails. Keep banging on about the need for a CAB here in Ulverston. Keep walking over Hoad every day to stay fit. Deal with an election in early May - my job list is endless.. .
and thank god, practise my clarinet that helps return my brain to sanity.
With all this amount of contact with a wide range of great people there's no chance to feel depressed for longer than an hour or two.
When you're coping; life is very satisfying.
It seems an unfair contest with big businesses versus the everyday person who stops and thinks about the future rather than being persuaded by the needs of the short term.
My main concern is what happens to Ulverston in say ten years time with high petrol prices and transport costs Then remote people at head office will decide that a supermarket in Ulverston is no longer viable on economic terms and they close a store situated on an insignificant peninsular away from the motorways. The decision will be made on the basis of keeping the shareholders happy when money and profits are important.
What I have to figure out is how much you can say in 3 minutes which is all the time I get.
Add to this pressure I have the Flags to go up in the Gill, play chess in the Market square on Saturday, support a thriving pottery group that meets here weekly, work on my allotment where the shed that's being built blew over and blocked access to the other allotments, get the sweet peas in for the fencing down one side of Mill Dam. Reply in endless emails. Keep banging on about the need for a CAB here in Ulverston. Keep walking over Hoad every day to stay fit. Deal with an election in early May - my job list is endless.. .
and thank god, practise my clarinet that helps return my brain to sanity.
With all this amount of contact with a wide range of great people there's no chance to feel depressed for longer than an hour or two.
When you're coping; life is very satisfying.
A great and very experienced singing duo
Demix is their name. Sara sings and Rod plays guitar - and sings. They have been performing for over thirty years and Sara, sadly, is considering giving up because she finds it increasingly difficult to attain the standard she sets herself. They perform because they enjoy it - sort of as a hobby- but they are very good.
The listener would never spot anything other than total excellence and entertainment. Such is the enthusiasm of those that have heard them that Sarah keeps extending her public singing by another year and then another - and another.
You never know though when she will stop so:
Hear them at the Queens pub at Biggar , Walney Island on Saturday 11th May, say 8pm - very soon. Sadly Rod is not the best of pulicists - he anounced they were performing only on the morning of their last gig. You'll have difficult finding out about them so - trust me - they are superb and great fun.
Superb Meal at The Bistro at Ford Park
Or should I say at The Bistro, The Coach House, Ford Park, Ulverston.
We had, what I consider to be, the best meal of my life at this new restaurant last Friday when it was a French Food night. I have mixed feelings about recommending it as this could lead to it being packed and needing to book months ahead when I want to go again . . . . .
Worth travelling here from Lancaster puts most of your restaurants to shame - we've been to several. The prices will amaze you for the quality.
The next themed evenings are on Friday and Saturday 3rd and 4th May - Spanish with live Flamenco music - £18.50. Wow.
We had, what I consider to be, the best meal of my life at this new restaurant last Friday when it was a French Food night. I have mixed feelings about recommending it as this could lead to it being packed and needing to book months ahead when I want to go again . . . . .
Worth travelling here from Lancaster puts most of your restaurants to shame - we've been to several. The prices will amaze you for the quality.
The next themed evenings are on Friday and Saturday 3rd and 4th May - Spanish with live Flamenco music - £18.50. Wow.
Monday, 22 April 2013
Our post box is back in a beautiful stone wall
This video was made just as the stone wall was being started and the post box returned. The work which will continue all along Union lane to six feet or more is being done by the local Urswick stonework firm , Edward Waddington t 01229 586833 m 07885 056945
Saturday, 20 April 2013
Friday, 19 April 2013
CAB and Cllr John Clough
I met up with John earlier this afternoon.
He came across as a very genuine person with a lovely friendly twinkle in his eye. I immediately trusted him and believe that like Cllr Jane Harris he is doing the best he can for the town. There may be others but I haven't been impressed yet.
On the basis of this contact I would vote for him for County Councillor at the election in May. More of that later.
He is clearly keeping tabs on the CAB situation. He winced when I told him that I couldn't get through to the Windermere CAB.
So it's really watch this space. The situation re our CAB is at present totally unsatisfactory and no, the transition from one organisation to another has not run well in that there has been a gap with no face-to-face contact but something is really happening behind the scenes.
The lesson I come away with is that officials should avoid using phrases like "the Matter is in Hand" which is a red rag to a bull for me. It means "I don't really know but just leave it to us". But I'm not ready to do that - I want some explanations of really what is happening and that someone is actually doing something to solve a situation. Too often nothing does until someone like me pokes his nose in and asks questions.
From John Clough's point of view, can I thoroughly recommend a blog like this with the aim of keeping people like me informed and establishing trust that we really do have some politicians who are genuinely working their socks off for us. I can see that it could be a lot of work for already busy people but it would restore public confidence in our politicians and get us involved in supporting them. We need to move in the direction of us all working together. As in the picture of the charity I saw in town earlier today - well done Avril!
He came across as a very genuine person with a lovely friendly twinkle in his eye. I immediately trusted him and believe that like Cllr Jane Harris he is doing the best he can for the town. There may be others but I haven't been impressed yet.
On the basis of this contact I would vote for him for County Councillor at the election in May. More of that later.
He is clearly keeping tabs on the CAB situation. He winced when I told him that I couldn't get through to the Windermere CAB.
So it's really watch this space. The situation re our CAB is at present totally unsatisfactory and no, the transition from one organisation to another has not run well in that there has been a gap with no face-to-face contact but something is really happening behind the scenes.
The lesson I come away with is that officials should avoid using phrases like "the Matter is in Hand" which is a red rag to a bull for me. It means "I don't really know but just leave it to us". But I'm not ready to do that - I want some explanations of really what is happening and that someone is actually doing something to solve a situation. Too often nothing does until someone like me pokes his nose in and asks questions.
From John Clough's point of view, can I thoroughly recommend a blog like this with the aim of keeping people like me informed and establishing trust that we really do have some politicians who are genuinely working their socks off for us. I can see that it could be a lot of work for already busy people but it would restore public confidence in our politicians and get us involved in supporting them. We need to move in the direction of us all working together. As in the picture of the charity I saw in town earlier today - well done Avril!
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