Councillors in Ulverston

Frankly they don't make a very good impression in my view which is why Ulverston lags behind other towns in spite of an enormous range of talent here. Grange used to be a town for the oldies but now it comes across as far more go ahead than Ulverston.

The South Lakeland District Councillors, here, make out that they can't do anything because they are outnumbered by Kendal which initially seems true until you take into account that if the non-Kendal councillors got together they would outnumber the others. However none of the Ulverston councillors would ever try this - they're too defeatist. There's nothing that we can do - they bleat. Meanwhile Grange over Sands forges ahead.

SLD Councillors: -

In order of preference!

Norman Bishop-Rowe Also Town council (present Mayor) Highly thought of by many in his ward at Croftlands. One of only two that were mentioned as visiting them at home and working hard on their behalf when I visited door to door in note the East half of Ulverston. Attends a lot of meetings. Has a mind of his own, sits away from other Cllrs at meetings and makes shrewd and worthwhile comments. Has been known to be a pain in the neck at SLDC meetings by going on over some silly point he wanted to be recognised. Is Now Mayor (and can't help thinking "Mr Maaayor" as in Larry the Lamb of old). Likes to claim credit for things where possible and comes across as pompous and wordy but not a fool. Won't reply to emails.

James Airey A quiet one. The only one I feel comfortable with as he relates to me as human being. When he says something in meetings it is very much to the point and concise - great contributions. Somewhat of a doer - look forward to seeing more action from him as a County Councillor. Good email correspondence and one meeting for a chat.

Mark Wilson New and keen. The other cllr that received accolades from his flock for the work he had done on their behalf. One resident immediately mentioned him but in the context of a broken promise. Other councillors of all parties have a high regard for him and seek to work with him. Can't escape the feeling that I'm talking to a politician. Fairly good email contact (improving).

Janette Jenkinson One of 'the bunch' Very courteous indeed. Brilliant at guiding meetings and formulating proposals. Works hard but I have no knowledge of how effective she is. A great figurehead. Little email contact.

Colin Hodgson One of 'the bunch' Fulfils my caricature of a politician. Always friendly and tries to appear helpful and on your side only to find he sides with the opposition. Good at getting a proposal voted on and taking the initiative at meetings. Occasionally works well on my behalf. Poor at replying to emails.

Brian Wilkinson One of 'the bunch'. Can say things that make a lot of sense but quite belligerent. I admire him for being a Doer. Not approachable and his allotment was hardly touched last year at Lund Road (here I am told by his wife that this is wrong and that this is her responsibility- if she's still unhappy with this assessment, could she clarify her view with a comment here - emails to me are difficult to understand - alternatively I could publish our correspondence in full. As she says she can be far more belligerent than her husband). Tries to ridicule my criticism of the Council's and SLDC web site for Ulverston. No email -" leave me alone"

Jamie Samson Know very little about him - could be because he's from Dalton. Seen occasionally at public meetings. Wise comments in the paper. A low working cllr as far as attendances at SLDC meetings. No replies ever, even to letter by post.

Maureen Nicholson Very friendly and has Ulverston and young people close to her heart though represents Holker area. Would be very Green. Good email when working!

Jane Carson Difficult to gauge what she thinks as with me she seems to play her cards very close to her chest. Also very Green. Good email.


Town Councillors: -


Colin Williams Great guy for thinking. Good creative ideas though takes extreme positions sometimes. Queries things . Good email

Judith Pickthall. Very friendly - has a gift for coming alongside of people and winning their confidence. Sensible and a doer - organised the high successful Ulverston in Bloom but not , as far as I can tell, a major influence. Good email

Jack Rice Comes across as very friendly and a "real person" but little contact so far.

Tom Watson Friendly appears to come alongside you and be sympathetic. No reply to email.

Brenda Marr Difficult to communicate with. Not a listener. Self important - which describes most of them.

Phil Lister. Far too self important and tends to witter on. Comes up with good proposals and work on Ulverston's behalf. Has let his constituents down in their view.

Dawn Wright. Not highly thought of in much of the Honeypot. Only come across in a negative light.

Margaret Hornby She made an offer regarding Skateboarding and then never followed it up.

Helen Irving. Could be impressive but know little about her

Jan Hancock Nothing of note

Pat Jones Not impressed so far

Jim Prosser Says little of import

Amanda Rigg Says little

Note : The Bunch tend to sit close to each other like penguins at meetings as if to protect each other - keep each other warm.

Coming up soon : my assessment of our officers.