Village Voice

Day of Action!!!!

2011-11-30T18:46:00.002Z

I see that the public sector unions are on strike today... Good luck to them , but it would help if they were on the picket lines!!! I know at least 7 families who are involved. 3 are doing 'Home Improvements' and four are doing 'Christmas Shopping'!! Says it all really. They just don't get the idea of Strikes.. and Picket Lines....

Is It That Long?

2011-11-26T14:01:00.002Z

I have noticed that I have not posted since August! I could use many excuses, but the only reason was that I could not find anything positive to say!

Now I can. How nice to see the Royal Couple giving Margate the boost it needed! How good to see that the China Gateway is still going ahead, and How good to see that Thanet is getting the rail links it deserves!

There is so much positve going for Thanet... Lets get behind that and give our isle the support it deserves!!

Not a Riot....Just criminal low life

2011-08-09T14:09:00.005+01:00

Sadly there is no reason, other than criminal intent, for the actions of a few morons who caused the horrible events of the last few nights.

It is something that needs dealing with, and quickly!, by Government. I see the police now have authority to use 'baton rounds' .

This may help,along side the vast increase in numbers available, but more importantly it is so good to see the local communities rallying together to clear up the mess left by these sad gits.

Phone tapping

2011-07-05T19:14:00.002+01:00

So the News of the Screws is in the barrel over phone tapping! What goes around comes around!

Bigotry

2011-06-22T16:21:00.009+01:00

This is a copy of a letter I received today.... I am sorry, but I do not support the comments , and cannot understand the sentiments... But I can say that these people live in my ward, and I will continue to represent them in matters other than this!
A question I have to ask is '' Is this a Christian point of view'' .

I believe in a supreme being, but obviously not the same one as these folk!

To those who do not know these letters are quite regularly received by councillors, and so far, Most councillors treat them with the right amount of attention!

Election Results

2011-05-06T14:33:00.003+01:00

So thats it! Another four years before Local Authority elections! Result No Overall Control. Lets hope us Councillors can use the result to work better for the folk of Thanet. I also hope that we will have a less confrontational Council chamber, though I somehow doubt it. Its a shame the public do not often visit some of the working committees of the council, where the real work is done. I think they would be surprised at the harmony that exists.

Rumours

2011-02-12T09:23:00.002Z

As I promised a few weeks ago, I now can publish a link to prove that the rumours are true.

For some years rumours of Large Wild Cats stalking the parks and open spaces of Thanet have been rife, with reports of Panthers etc well published in the Local and National Press.

Follow the link below to read about the possibility that these stories could really be true!

New Evidence for Big Cats Cryptozoology Strange Days Fortean Times UK

EGYPTIAN Democracy ?

2011-02-11T16:30:00.003Z

I do not know enough about the system in Egypt to pass a valid comment, but as an outsider it seems that somewhat less than 7% of the population made a fuss and the President was forced into exile.

If this is true, what was the view of the other 93%?

It make me glad that Great Britain is a Democracy!..

Parish Councils

2011-01-16T16:24:00.002Z

As you all wait with baited breath for the end of the rumours, just think on this...... Monkton Parish Council take around £7k from the village residents a year. Of that over £3k pays the clerk! That means it costs £3k to spend £7k.

Is this value for money? how does it compare with Ramsgate Town Council?

So whats new?

2011-01-14T20:37:00.002Z

Those of you who are waiting for new postings, ...... hang on for another few days and all will be revealed...... the truth about the rumours, and who is behind it all !!!!

Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer!

2010-11-20T15:59:00.003Z

I was interested to see the article in the 'papers' about how Harriet Harman plotted to remove Gordon Brown as leader of the Labour Party!

In the last few years I have not had much respect for Labour, either locally or nationally, but now hats off to them, they have a consistancy I did not realise!

Nationally they have their plotters to seize control of the Party, and locally it seems the knives are out as well. In the interests of the Conservative Party I wish Clive Hart well .

Driving Standards

2010-10-30T11:22:00.002+01:00

Following a trip to canterbury today, where are people buying their driving licences now that Woolworths has closed?

Has a new highway code been published that says its ok to turn right without indicating, turn left whilst indicating right, or overtake on a blind bend?

I thought the driving test was getting harder, it appears not.

The Clocks Go Back!!

2010-10-27T15:04:00.002+01:00

According to the news today some of the resident UK population are ''Worried about the reversion to GMT."

Is it not time to get a real perspective upon life on Earth and worry about real things, not those subjects that the media think we should worry about,? (so as to enhance their viewing figures or circulation figures)

Monkton PTFA

2010-10-22T14:53:00.002+01:00

Well , as I said, I speak for villages, rural or not, How does the Monkton School PTFA defend its stance on the changing of the name of the 'All hallows eve' celebration planned by the PTFA? I would suggest that they have denied the local children the chance of celebrating one of our traditional occasions.
Any religion would be wise to extend the arms of support to any other, on the grounds that they all support the same principle of a 'supreme being'?

A Good Man Has Gone

2010-10-11T15:12:00.002+01:00

Roy Ford, the man who told me to get interested in Planning, has finally left for the great brewery in the sky! Roy was intense in his love of good planning (from a Local Authority perspective), and equally passionate about Local Planning committee's being non corrupt, but forward thinking. He taught me all I know about the principles behind planning, and for that I will be forever in his debt.

He also taught me how to enjoy real ale, and for that I thank him more.

More importantly he taught me that politics is not about being nice, its about winning. I will forever respect him and his memory.

Thanks Labour

2010-09-25T17:10:00.003+01:00

They have done it, given the Tories 10 years in government!! Ed Milliband, The best weapon the Tories now have!!!

Death

2010-08-25T17:58:00.003+01:00

A person whom I knew died a week or so ago, Now should be the time to make nice comments about them, BUT, this person bullied my partner, got her sacked from her job( forced her to resign) and was generally nasty to her... I Cannot be nice about him, I am glad he is no longer part of our community, Am I being hard, or honest?

Medway Council election

2010-08-24T17:03:00.002+01:00

Just a note,

Mark Nottingham, on his blog site, asked people to not vote for the BNP. Thanks for that Mark, the people of Medway voted for the Conservatives, result ,a new tory councillor..... Nice to see Mark Nottingham assisting the Tories, Lets work together Mark!!

Training in Thanet

2010-07-07T11:41:00.002+01:00

Yesterday some folk may have noticed members of the Planning Committee being taken around Thanet in a Mini Bus. It was not a 'Jolly' but a tour to see some of the developements that TDC's planning committee have allowed in the last few years.

Some of the completed projects looked really good, some were 'so so' but we were pleased that , on the whole, the standard of construction was good.

This is only part of the training that members are getting. The highlight of the event was a guided tour around a conservation area in Broadstairs. (Interesting point was that St Peters was the reason Broadstairs came into existance)

Making hay whilst the sun shines

2010-07-02T12:32:00.005+01:00

Over the past couple of weeks I have been keeping an eye on the weather , waiting for the hay to dry and be baled. Now that is well under way a few more days of warm weather should do it.

Having researched a bit, it seems that, when it comes to hay, we, here in the south east, are better off than the rest of the country.

Our winter rainfall was over average, the rest of the country are suffering from near drought conditions. That means that areas other than the South East are facing very high hay prices, low grain yields, and poor root crop weights. Look out for increased food prices this autumn.

Armed Forces Day

2010-06-26T10:20:00.004+01:00

Just the thing we need to focus our minds on sacrifices made by our armed forces, and for the sense of security they bring to our country.

Other positive notes today, I see that the Royal Tournament is being brought back, Health and Safety legislation is being reviewed, ( To eliminate the 'daft' elements of its application) , and a limit on migrant workers from outside the EU.

All that and good weather too.....

Food

2010-06-22T19:54:00.003+01:00

I took several pigs to the slaughter house today! No great deal, but I have a question?
Is that better than buying bacon in my local supermarket. The pigs in question had a good life, best of food, and gentle care. I know where they came from. how they were treated, and how they were transported. Your views are appreciated!

Low Life

2010-06-15T21:30:00.002+01:00

I see that a home coming parade for our troops was today disrupted by some sadly misguided folk today.
No matter what your views on the rights or wrongs of the conflicts we are involved in, the actions of our troops should be up for our praise, not our scorn, I for one, salute them all.

50% Tax Rate

2010-05-22T09:08:00.002+01:00

It seems that our new government are looking again at the new 50% tax rate.

The real question seems to be, If the result of the new tax band is a loss to the exchequer, should it be removed, thus not making it worth moving abroad or working out complicated systems of tax avoidance?

Or is our tax system to be used as a tool to punish success?

Voted, Posted, But at least we did

2010-05-06T20:48:00.001+01:00

Shame upon those who did not vote, praise upon those who did!

As I write I do not know the result, but whatever it was, only those who voted can whinge until next time.

Voting

2010-04-24T13:31:00.001+01:00

Well, I've done it, voted and posted, Now to get on and convince others to vote. I do not care which way, just VOTE

General Election update

2010-04-23T13:13:00.002+01:00

I may be in a minority of one, but would we all be better off with less election coverage in our media?

Those who are actively involved in politics will probably have made their minds up by now, those who are not will be making a decision on media hype and snapshot views of the papers and TV. (These people of course are the ones the parties are chasing, because they have not made up their minds).

If the media were not allowed to 'speculate' just report the facts, would we not all be better off, and better entertained by the media?

Blogging Back

2010-04-17T15:43:00.002+01:00

Hello all,

I'm Back, hacking sorted, now busilly composing a new post, but just to say, No I didn't watch the 'Great Debate'. I know who I will be voting for, so did not need to waste time watching the media justify their existence.

Hacking,

2010-03-25T17:21:00.004Z

Just to let you all know this site has been 'hacked' and is suspended until the problem is sorted

Industrial Unrest

2010-03-20T14:03:00.002Z

BA Unite Workers on strike, Railtrack workers due to go on strike, Fire Brigades Union Members threaten strike action............. Sounds like a summer of discontent. On top of that... Vat going up to 18.5%... Fuel prices due to rise (either by the oil companies, or by Mr Darling's fuel tax . Oh! and National Insurance due to rise. I'm glad I am not a Prime Minister going into a general election!!!!

Neo Gothic Concrete

2010-03-04T20:18:00.005Z

For a variety of reasons I have had cause to use the famed hs 1 a few times over the last couple of weeks. Regular viewers of this site will know I have issues with the comfort and toilet facilities, but now, having ranted too much about that I have turned my attention to the Stations at Stratford and Ebbsfleet.

Why, oh why, did the designers have to leave them in a state of finish akin to Neo-Gothic, Modernistic, East German Concrete???? In practice looking like the inside of a sewage works!

What a great welcome to all those athletes in 2012.

Gurmail Singh

2010-02-27T11:36:00.002Z

It only takes a few moments reading the article on Gurmail Singh, in todays Times, to realise that consequences of most problems that face us are small compared to mindless stupidity of those who seem not to care about the rest of their community.

Take a second Look at Labour

2010-02-20T15:06:00.002Z

I am sorry, but I cannot take a second look, there are only a limited number of times one can throw up within one day!

2275th most influential blog in the UK?

2010-02-16T14:06:00.002Z

According to 'Lets Work Together' Mark Nottingham, Wikio say this blog spot is the '2275th most influential blog in the country'
In the words of Ricky Tomlinson 'My Ar**'

Tears or ratings

2010-02-13T16:49:00.002Z

Don't get me wrong, I feel for the Brown family over the loss of their daughter, BUT, that was in the past, why has it been brought to the surface now?

I would suggest that the Labour spin machine is going into overdrive to bolster Mr Brown's personal rating.

That argument would also explain the exploitation of the embarrasing situation a certain ex conservative councillor finds himself in.

I am afraid I keep my views upon peoples personal lives to myself, I would prefer to deal with the REAL issues that face our community, not 'MUD SLINGING' to try and gain short term opinion poll gains. These are distractions, designed to confuse and take peoples minds off of the real problems that face us

EQUALITY????

2010-02-06T13:20:00.003Z

Those who know me will be aware that my interest in football was, and is , non existant.

However the story today that the England manager had sacked his captain, because of his personal position, is , in my opinion, at best, petty, and, at worst discrimination. What does the England Football Captain have to do? As far as I can see, play good football, and lead the team.

So why sack him? Interestingly, at the Council we have to comply with all sorts of acts to ensure inclusion of all. So why no women in the England football team? How many Eton educated players? How many Gay players? how many Bi Sexuals? How many players of non European status? How many people with physical disabilities?

Or is it another case of knee jerk reaction. ? Out of interest all of the above questions have been asked of me, on past job applications! Are the English football team exempt from the RDA, DDA, etc?

Swine Flu ?

2010-02-05T19:10:00.002Z

So the threat of the swine Flu pandemic has 'Officially' ended! Was the enormity of the threat real, or was the cost of the fear of the pandemic a 'Tax' that the NHS had to endure to make people 'forget' the deep trouble this country is in financially?

Disasters Emergency Committee

2010-01-21T20:35:00.002Z

Just to let people know.... A collection was held yesterday at Thanet District Council's Planning Committee for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal. Members of the public, Officers of the council and Members contributed,

Result £119.. 20p donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee today at Margate post office>>> Thats what I call a result!!!!!

Haiti

2010-01-16T12:43:00.002Z

As we all know the events in Haiti are unfolding before us as a disaster of truely biblical proportions.

This must cause many of us to question our beliefs. Whatever religion, there is a presumption of a supreme being........ Does this horrific event cause us to ditch our belief, or does the world wide response to the tragedy reinforce our belief?

Cllrs interests

2010-01-08T14:13:00.000Z

So who has declared, and who has not?

Holidays

2010-01-08T09:47:00.002Z

With the current weather, after moaning about 'how badly' local authorities, central government, or ''THEY'' are dealing with the situation, many of us will be turning our minds to holidays.... Me, I've booked up, paid for, and am now looking forward to a few weeks away in the summer. The big question is where are you going?

Is it a Uk Holiday, or somewhere more exotic? Should we worry about carbon footprints, or should we regard a holiday as a break from worry and just use it to recharge our batteries, enabling us to put more into life when we return?

And before anyone asks or snipes, I'm Uk'ing this summer!

2009-12-26T13:04:00.003Z

Well its that time of year when we all reflect upon the last year, and look forward to the next year.

I sometimes feel that we get so engrossed with our local and national problems that we, as a nation, lose sight of the terrible suffering of people in other lands.

Their problems make our's look like being beaten around the head with a feather duster.

I feel privilaged to be living in Britain, where we mostly have free speech, the NHS, and everything else that goes to make our society.

Finally let us not forget the members of our armed forces , who do the bidding of our government, of whatever political colour, without question.

Snow, what snow?

2009-12-21T19:26:00.004Z

Living in God's own village of Monkton, I am pleased to say we have been spared the snow.............except that the grand kids want some, Please Santa???????????

Foxes

2009-11-26T19:13:00.002Z

On another blog site much is made of the fact that the conservative leadership is proposing to have a free vote in the commons to decide to keep or not the 'Foxhunting ' legislation.

To get it clear, I have never supported the idea of Foxhunting on horse back with hounds, but I have always supported the idea of a 'cull' of foxes.

After the latest attack on my chickens by the local 'radgel' population I can assure all that the local fox population has indicated that it has weapons of mass destruction and I will be persuing it with the same energy as Mr Blair and his mate George W Bush.

Turkeys/ morrison

2009-11-19T22:23:00.006Z

Try to buy your festive bird at the turkey retailer of the year?not in margate . Morrisons,turkey retailer of the year,.. do not have any for sale. apparantly its only a local store, so you cannot buy what you want. Do they want us all to go to Westwood Cross?

Should your Child start school at.........?

2009-10-16T13:51:00.002+01:00

Report today says that children should start 'Real ' Education at 6, I started at 5, my daughters started at 4 my grandchildren started at 3. Why?

My view is that education (other than Home) should start around 4-5, and end between 14 and 18 (other than at Uni or college).

Of course some would say that the School leaving age should be 18, but the that would reduce the unemployment figures.

The future

2009-10-13T19:22:00.002+01:00

At the Pavilion today TDC held a public event to find out peoples views for the future of Thanet.

Seems they want the airport to succeed, the harbour to prosper, and Westwood Cross to go forward. Jobs for the young and homes for locals. I feel heartened by real people.

Joint Working +

2009-10-07T21:14:00.003+01:00

Went to a meeting today in maidstone to put your view forward. I have to say I was disappointed. Lots of 'Buzz' words, lots of officers who want 'central' control. Me I am horrified, Entire plot seems to be taking away 'control from local people. I will oppose.

Who dunnit?

2009-09-29T12:48:00.002+01:00

According to the Labour Party, The Bankers did it, the hoodies did it, the ASBO holders did it, the EU did it, the Police did it, The Council did it, Osama bin Laden did it, the unemployed did it, but no way did Gordon Brown do it.

After 12 years + of Labour, its time for change.

SOUTH EAST TRAINS?

2009-09-23T19:53:00.003+01:00

They may train, when will they learn?

Catching the 1903 from Victoria yesterday was , on a scale of 1 to 10, -3...... Dirty, overcrowded, no disabled toilets and only 2 ordinary ones!. And they were FILTHY.

It saddens me that we spend loads of your money on promoting Thanet, only to find our principle public transport system in such a sad state

Public Fear

2009-09-19T11:01:00.004+01:00

Is it not strange that Government 'experts' are stressing the importance of caution with regard to E Coli and 'Swine Flu' ? Could it be that Gordon and pals are hoping we will get so worried that we will 'forget' the economic problems that face us all, along with the ever increasing unemployment?

I really do not think that the British people who vote are that stupid.

Local Paper loses reporter

2009-09-12T11:28:00.003+01:00

Sad to hear that our local 'newshound' has departed to pastures new (Ashford) He will be our loss and their gain.

More importantly it tells us that areas that pay better wages get the best staff.

Arson About

2009-09-12T11:15:00.002+01:00

Following our little conflagration here in Monkton, I have been doing a little research.

In the last six weeks there have been 11 cases of arson involving agricultural buildings in East Kent. The largest being 10,000 bales of hay (at £3.50 a bale) near Dover, the most recent and probably the smallest, being at Preston yesterday.

At one time it used to be worse during the school holidays, now it has spread. Is it possible that we have got a problem with unemployment, or is it something in the water? Me I take a more vigorous view, and feel that the rural communities are under policed. Not the fault of the Police Force, more a problem with cuts in the funding for the police authorities

Local Liberal Democrats

2009-09-05T13:06:00.002+01:00

Not often will I give 'Free' publicity to the Lib Dems, but........... I notice their South Thanet web site is promoted, published and run by an office in Shepway.

Is this not the same lot who lost control of Shepway District Council, failed in their bid to unseat Michael Howard, and split their group on the council, causing members to defect to Go Folkestone, the Conservatives, and any other group who were not Liberal Democrats. ?

At least the Conservative, and Labour parties run their campaigns locally

Seagull Proof?

2009-09-05T12:47:00.002+01:00

It is reported in the local press that Cllrs Green and Campbell have done a 'few hours' research to 'Discover' a solution to seagull damage to rubbish bags.

Apparantly the bags cost £2 for 5ooo but, if I read the article correctly, you also need 'bag protectors' . How much are these? We already have a solution, it's called a 'wheelie bin'. Unfortunately not all of our residential properties can accomodate these. For those properties other altenatives are needed, maybe central rubbish collection sites, maybe plastic sacks, but there will always be a problem, if not seagulls, foxes, cats, dogs, maybe local vandals.

Sometimes it is better to accept that a problem exists, and also accept that a solution is too expensive. It may be cheaper to clear the mess than to make political points .

BT Call Centres

2009-09-01T12:19:00.002+01:00

Interesting to see that BT are having a bit of a problem with their stated aim to 'bring back' their call-centres to the UK. Seems that UK workers do not want to work the same hours as their Indian 'peers'. Having spent half the last week trying to get some sense out of BT, I would encourage them to 'Outsource' their management to India.

Afghanistan

2009-08-29T11:56:00.003+01:00

It is reported in today's Times that General Sir David Richards (took over as head of the Army yesterday) warned of troop shortages in Afghanistan 3 years ago.

What ever your views on the campaign in Afghanistan I am sure that the consensus would be that if the United Kingdom commits troops to a conflict, they should have full support and enough logistics to complete their task.

Seems that the current administration do not.

Return from somewhere (not Panama)

2009-08-21T10:37:00.002+01:00

Having returned from a mixture of Holiday, Business, and Pleasure, I see I was wise to leave comment moderation on! Several actionable comments have been intercepted by the Google people, two of which I have asked them to identify the sender.

Returning to the current time.

I see Gryff Rhys-Jones wants all rivers open to boaters, swimmers rafters etc. I have an interest in this as I enjoy a spot of freshwater fishing, and have to say would oppose the plan. When you take into account the fees and charges a fisher person pays, how much and how do you collect fees from a swimmer/ boater?

Who's in Charge?

2009-08-08T13:44:00.002+01:00

With the departure of Ms Harman to her pre booked holiday, Gordon Brown continuing his Community Service in Scotland, we are told that the unelected Mr Mandelson is the one with his finger on the nuclear trigger. Nice, especially since he is in Corfu.

Are communications so bad in Scotland that our beloved PM cannot run the country from there? (mind you he is not making much a fist of it from London) At least he and Harriet were elected, not appointed.

Joanna Lumley

2009-07-28T15:36:00.003+01:00

Am I the only one who feels that Joanna Lumley and her friend Peter Carol are milking this Ghurka matter a step too far?

Whilst I might be expected to support anything that is uncomfortable for Gordon Brown, I do feel that the right result was achieved, (ie fair treatment for those who fight for this Country). We are now on to the 'Lets get Joanna Lumley elected as a Liberal Democrat' campaign. I cannot help feeling the Ghurka's plight has been hijacked by a political wannabe.

Full Council

2009-07-24T13:15:00.004+01:00

Last night was not the best of Council Meetings I have seen, but would say in response to Cllr Harrison, I think his group came over as a 'rehearsed' demonstration more than any other. However, it was nice to see 'cross' party agreement for the major issues.

Dartford River Crossing

2009-07-21T18:20:00.002+01:00

So the power cut that has affected Dartford has highlighted a statement made by the Minister of Transport.

When approving the increase in charges for using the Dartford Crossing it was said the hike was to 'reduce congestion'.

The power cut caused charges to be suspended, result........no congestion. at about 5pm charges were reintroduced...........result congestion. I rest my case.

I'm Back............

2009-07-20T13:25:00.003+01:00

OK, that's harvest sorted for another year, so now have time to resume the 'Blog'

Sorry to disappoint the 'creature of the night' who cannot spell 'drivel'.

Time now to trawl the local papers and the nationals for some interesting threads, I fear that may take some time.

Apologies

2009-06-27T12:34:00.002+01:00

Just a quick note to give my apologies for lack of recent posting, but its haymaking time, and I can assure you all the last thing I feel like doing when I come indoors is to fire up the computer.

Internet Shopping

2009-06-18T14:13:00.002+01:00

Today I found out that internet shopping has an advantage I had not forseen.

Out shopping for a simple item , 150gm of dried sage (the average tub you find in tesco is about 10gm).

Ramsgate, Margate, and Broadstairs, tried, small shops big shops, butchers and just about anywhere else possible (though not Invicta Motors).

Comment was the same across the board, ' No they've stopped supplying the big jars, you can only get the small ones'.

I noticed the name of one of the suppliers on the small jar, so contacted them on the trusty 'Dell'

Reply came within minutes,' yes we still do the large jars, we will send you one , if you buy three you can have them postage free'. (price for 150 gm, twice the price of the 10gm tub. )

My point is, why do our shop assistants use the 'Easy' excuse, 'They've stopped doing them' and not ask someone further up the 'ladder'?

More Road Closures

2009-06-16T14:45:00.003+01:00

Hello all, just been informed by Kent Highways that they will be closing St Peters again .

This time its the Gas folk. I do understand that they have to do it, and urgently, but its a bit like buses, they all come at once.

Dates to avoid, toward the end of June. (for two weeks)

Modern Times

2009-06-13T10:53:00.002+01:00

A certain 'Lady' from Devon has been 'Let Off' her Community Payback, because she has to wear high heels. Instead she has been 'tagged' and has a six month 'curfew' order. Result, she feels 'humiliated' and is so angry she says she is going to appeal.

I might have had some sympathy if the original sentance was for TV licence evasion, but the original offences were for failing to provide a breath sample following an accident and two counts of damaging a vehicle.

I cannot see how she can say she will feel humiliated, and use it as a defence, I thought that was the purpose of Community Payback. Perhaps she should wear dayglo overalls as well

Politics Are Back.

2009-06-10T15:16:00.003+01:00

South Thanet has a question to be asked. When you get old should you have to sell your home to pay for your medical care (not just nursing care)?

If you answered YES then vote for Labour.

In an interview today Dr Ladyman announced that a way out of the funding gap that faces the NHS is to make old folk sell their hard won homes to pay for NHS provision

New Beginnings No old endings

2009-06-08T20:35:00.003+01:00

Elections gone, more to come, but in the meantime we get on with the job. 2 years before TDC are in the 'BOX' 1 year before the Government has to 'go' to the people. I hope we can improve the lot of Thanet with little political fighting, at least fo the next 20 months.

I am sure all of your Councillors want a better Thanet, same destination, different route.

All I hope is the obnoxious BNP get duly shafted at any election in the future. I fear for our society if we elect people who support that party. But i also have confidence we can dump the two MEP;s they have now, lets get on with the job we all were elected to do

Beachy Head

2009-06-02T18:17:00.005+01:00

I was really upset to hear the story of the young family who ended it all at Beachy Head. What stresses they must have been under. My heart goes out to their family, but more importantly to them. If you believe in an afterlife, or any form of life after death, I hope they are happy
.

Blue Moon

2009-05-31T06:54:00.003+01:00

Another First for Thanet. A sunny Half Term weekend, It was great to see people in my local shop buying their Bar-b-que makings and the chemist selling loads of factor 40 sun cream. Has summer finally arrived, or is it just wishful thinking.

ITN Pension Fund

2009-05-30T09:16:00.003+01:00

It is becoming more likely that ITN may come to the end, as its pension scheme has a deficit of £39,900,000.

The producer of the much loved News at Ten has turnover of £105.4 million, but makes a pre tax profit of just £4 million.

The whole pension issue is one that is going to need some nifty footwork by government in these challanging financial times

Local Soft Drink puts fizz in Microsoft

2009-05-30T08:56:00.003+01:00

How many people quench their thirst with the orangy looking drink, produced in East Kent, called 'BING'?

It seems that Microsoft has pinched the name for its new (well, replacement) Search Engine. It is really an attempt to grab a bigger share of the searches carried out on the net.

Perhaps its time for Silver Spring to take on the might of Microsoft in the courts?

Google takes 64.2% Yahoo 20.4% and Microsoft 8.2% at present

Marx and Sparks (apologies to the IOTG)

2009-05-29T11:38:00.002+01:00

Crikey, It appears that the 'Fire of the Gods' has been unleashed upon poor old Mark Nottingham's house. Unlucky or what? Especially as us poor mortals only know that he can be contacted C/o the Labour office in Newington Road.

Seems that he may have had a premonition though, as he left the Councils AGM on the Thursday early, perhaps to avoid the celestial being's SAT NAV.

Sri Lanka

2009-05-25T15:05:00.002+01:00

Interesting piece in the Times today, about the fate of nearly 250,000 civilians involved in the final few days of the recent conflict in what was Ceylon. Will we be looking at more 'war crime' trials in a few years?

Bristow Helicoptors

2009-05-22T06:12:00.002+01:00

Sad to see the obituary of Alan Bristow, founder of Bristow Helicopters, who provided Search and Rescue helicopter cover at Manston from 1971 to 1974.

Although his attitude toward industrial relations was a little harsh, his company was well liked in Thanet.

land locked Russians

2009-05-12T19:53:00.003+01:00

Sad to see that the crew of a Russian ship are stuck in Bristol are being held until the debts incurred by its owners are paid. What have the crew got to do with it? Let them Go!

On Yer Bike (or off yer bike)

2009-05-09T10:50:00.002+01:00

The post office are giving all their bikes away to third world countries in an attempt to improve delivery times.

Perhaps it is time they were privatised, as it seems they are not very green at the moment?

Councillors are Human too (well nearly)

2009-05-08T15:03:00.002+01:00

Just to prove the above statement I would like to apologise wholeheartedly for not attending todays site visit of the Planning committee. No excuse except for the fact that I FORGOT!. Thanks to my good friend Steve Ward for chairing the meeting. On planning there seems to be a welcome truce when it comes to politics.

Mexican/Swine/Flu

2009-05-02T15:05:00.002+01:00

So we are all going to be delivered a leaflet telling us how to deal with this nasty virus! Shame its going to be in English only. How the he** do we tell the ethnic,non english speaking, minorities the information???? . I would expected better of an 'Inclusive' administration.

Quote of the Week (1)

2009-04-29T10:11:00.002+01:00

David Aaronovitch writes in todays Times.......

''Cyberspace permits contact between people who, in other times, might have thought each other mad''.......

25 years ago

2009-04-27T14:27:00.003+01:00

How many people rember LASER 558 ? it was 25 years ago they stopped broadcasting. They made almost as great an impression on European radio as Caroline in the 60's.

French Trawlermen/women

2009-04-16T17:20:00.002+01:00

Am I the only one who see's double standards when it comes to the recent channel dispute.

Thousands of protestors clog London for the recent G 20 talks, a few hundred threaten our electricity supplies at Northfleet last year, and there are calls for the police to be 'softer' in their approach to the protesters.

A few fisherfolk are blockading the Channel Ports, and the cry goes up 'Stop them causing chaos' Are some forms of protest OK, but others not OK?

Moderation, Elections

2009-04-14T14:01:00.002+01:00

As most will know there will be Euro, County and some Parish elections in June. As a result, in order to comply with electoral law, I will, until the election is over, restrict my postings to Non Political issues. I will also enable comment moderation until June 5th. Sorry for the inconvenience , but I do not wish to fall foul of the law. (I know that technically I do not have to do this until the elections are 'Called' , but I wish to make sure that no allegations can be made about this blog.)

Access to E Mails.

2009-04-10T12:14:00.002+01:00

Just to advise that there seems to be some problem with access to Councillors emails at the TDC address. It has been reported and hopefully solved soon. (for those who are not aware, TDC members can access their council emails from home, but it does seem to rely upon some really 'clunky' procedures.Though maybe that is a penalty we pay for security)

Hospitals Car Parking and Planning

2009-04-07T19:37:00.002+01:00

Recent media coverage seems to blame local authorities for the chaos that is reduced car parking availability at hospitals in Kent.

Sorry, not true, Central Government lays down the requirement for parking availability at hospitals.The intention is to discourage use of private cars for journeys to hospital.

I have to keep an open mind on this, but would suggest that an adequate public transport network should be part of the equation.

More Roadworks in St Peters

2009-04-01T11:35:00.002+01:00

Just to let all the residents know, there will be some more road 'improvements ' in the 'Trees' estate during the next three weeks. No serious details yet, but I will update.

The Euro is Coming!!!!

2009-03-31T13:47:00.002+01:00

As of midnight tonight I am reliably informed that all Pay and Display parking meters in Kent will only accept Euro's. This is a trial ordered by Westminster and will last for 12 hours until midday. Apparantly it is to get us all used to the pound being replaced by the Euro. Change will be given in Euro/cents. Don't forget the date. The trial finishes at 1200hrs.

Bus Passes

2009-03-28T10:37:00.002Z

From next wednesday (April 1st although its no joke) bus passes, so loudly shouted as available for travel across the whole country, will not be valid on any service where 51% of the seats CAN be booked in advance. This effectively rules out loads of national express routes. Governments comment is that ' bus passes were only intended for local use'. My point being, little or no publicity has been given to the implications of this new legislation.

G20

2009-03-27T11:57:00.002Z

Next week London will host the band of folk called G20. Should we encourage or discourage the inevitable protesters who will strive to get their voice heard by the delegates? Or should we let the great and good get on with their deliberations?

Brown a 'Plonker' ?

2009-03-26T19:05:00.003Z

I see some folk have 'had a go' because I called a certain Prime minister a 'Plonker'. Well lets look at the facts, 2 million + unemployed, the pound trading at about 1 euro, Banks going to the wall, and those who saved hard for their old age getting returns on their savings of less than 1%.(less tax). Sorry, but that equates to a 'Plonker' in my view. (please bear in mind I do have a political aspect to my life). If Mr Brown had not been chancellor for all those years I might well have been a little less harsh, but not so. (oh yes , I forgot to mention 'our troops' being killed in Iraq)

TDC rises in the tables.

2009-03-25T22:32:00.002Z

Nice to see that when Labour lost control of TDC we were 345ish in the 'I want to be a good Council' table. We are now in the top 50ish. Good going I think.

Enforced holiday

2009-03-20T12:56:00.003Z

Hello all,

Now got the old desk top back on the road, and ready for the fray.

Firstly thanks to Michael, Don, and Tony Beachcomber for their help.

Secondly no thanks to Microsoft or the firm I bought the bloo** computer from. Hey Ho, Thats life.

Now I see we have the highest unemployment since 1997, the lowest returns on our savings since who knows when (why does that not apply to mortgages?) AND a prime minister who is a plonker. (no change there then).

Met a good friend of mine at PC world today, great to chat about old times, but more revealing to us was that , although we are on different sides of the political divide, we agreed that the area is going forward in the right way.

Dodgy Convictions

2009-03-15T15:59:00.002Z

Last month I posted about Eddie Gilfoyle who had been convicted of murder and was appealing against his conviction, on the ground that the evidence had been 'tampered with or withheld'. Today I read that Jeremy Bamber is in a similar situation, I am convinced that The Death Penalty is something we can be proud that our Country did away with.

jobs, jobs, jobs, oh, sorry No Jobs

2009-03-15T15:18:00.006Z

Months ago I blogged under the heading 'Labour isn't Working' In todays Observer I see that labour may be working (at spinning and smeering) but for those unfortunate enough to have no job there are 60 0f them for each vacant post in the south east. Its all very well having free bus passes and reduced charges for the old, young and disabled (and I would support those things in a society that could sustain them) , but its the working people that pay for these 'add ons' and if people are not working they cannot be funded . And that is why Thanet Council and Kent County Council are trying their hardest to attract investors and employers to Thanet. ( apologies to those of you who are not politically minded, but as a conservative and local councillor I am, and its my site.)

Pricing of alcohol

2009-03-15T07:24:00.002Z

I see the Government's Chief Medical Officer recomends that the price of alcoholic drink should be regulated by taxation.

Forgive me if I am mistaken , but I thought duty was already taken on booze. What we are really talking about is an increase in the price for the purpose of plugging a hole in the governments budget. I suspect that the news of the CMO's idea has been leaked now to 'soften' us up for an inevitable price hike in the budget.

Though I could be wrong and it is really a lifeline for the ferry industry, making the good old 'Booze Cruise' a popular day out again.

site for anyone who gets 'non posted' at cllr nottingham's site

2009-03-14T18:34:00.002Z

ok go for it . if cllr nottingham does not publish your comment, i will if its legal.

Euro Cash Casino

2009-03-14T08:50:00.002Z

I see our beloved Business Secretary has managed to secure a great deal from the European Commission. (unfortunately its for him not us). £468,000 over three years! Well done that man. Especially in view of his comments about those Bankers who got huge bonuses for doing a bad job.

No wonder the labour party want us to trade the pound for the euro.

Broadstairs Crime

2009-03-13T11:33:00.002Z

Crime, and the perception of crime is the being dealt with by a partnership between Thanet District Council, Broadstairs Town Council, and the Police.

Part of this task is being performed by the University of Kent. As a Broadstairs and St Peters District Councillor I am involved in this process and have a direct input into the University's work.

Whilst I can get round the streets of my ward, I will not be knocking on every door,(there will be enough of politicians 'bothering' residents in the lead up to the Euro and County Elections in June), so if anyone has views, please let me know, Its your chance to influence the future course of public safety in Broadstairs and St Peters.

computers and non computers

2009-03-08T19:52:00.002Z

Help!!!!!!!!

Desk top has died, any ideas of local 'fixers' to mend it. ? (sorry no dodgy stuff on the hard drive)