Politics Are Back.

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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)

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)

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

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)

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

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

25 years ago

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

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

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.

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

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

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!!!!

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

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

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' ?

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Euro Cash Casino

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

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

Help!!!!!!!!

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

Farming

Those of you who know me will be aware that my third job is that of a smallholder.

Last night on TV it was made apparant why the EU and our government are killing the UK's agricultural industry.

As from next year all sheep born will have to have an electronic tag inserted as opposed to an ear tag. The 'modern tag' costs £1.55p. the old ear tag 22p. As approx 8% of new lambs die, that is a serious amount of money wasted.

Result, we all have to buy New Zealand Lamb with the consequential air miles.

Me , I've gone over to rare breed pigs, better on the bar b q and less paper work/ electronics .

(and better for a sunday roast)

THE THANET BUDGET

Lots of news on the blog sites about how the District Council's Budget will affect us all. I think it may help to put the matter into perspective:-

If you live in an 'average' band 'D' house it will cost an extra £7..80p a year. Any other rise comes from KCC, the Fire Authority, The Police Authority,and ,if applicable, your very own parish council or Charter trustees.

When you look at it like that I would contend that its a good budget.

Vanishing Bloggers

I am sad to see that a couple of our long established bloggers are 'mothballing' their keyboards for the time being. I may not have agreed with either of them all the time, but their views were always worth a read.

I hope they will be back soon.

Ps the picture is called 'Vanishing Giants'

The Death Penalty

The Eddie Gilfoyle case demonstrates why we should not return the death penalty to our legal system. If this man is proved innocent how would we have 'compensated' him for the taking of his life?

Sevenoaks Election Labour Loses!!

B****Y H**L

What have the people of that area done.? They have only gone from left wing to ultra right wing!!

I have no particular love of the Labour Party, ( To the few who do not know I left them a few years ago) but They do need to get their house in order if the are losing one of their traditional seats to the BNP.

Me, I would prefer to see Labour on the up rather than the BNP. I find their views abhorrent.

Packaging

The big debate this morning on Radio Kent was about packaging, 'Is there two much packaging on food?'

An interesting debate, but one that I am unsure which side I am on.

Do I want tomatoes that someone else has squeezed and sneezed over, or do I want them pre-washed and packed? Are potatoes better washed (so I do not pay for the mud) or are they better and easier to carry in a plastic bag?

As a final thought, why cant I have a plastic carrier bag. After food use it makes an excellant dog bag.

Cricket NOT

What the hell is going on in Antigua?

I was looking forward to a relaxing weekend of cricket after the heated debates of Thursday and friday. Now I am set for a weekend of being a human punchbag by my grandchildren.

I always thought cricket was the sport of gentlemen, now football is looking almost attractive!!!

The Great Airport Debate

An interesting debate last night at Thanet District Council.

Apart from a few sound and good views from both sides there were a few 'County Election' broadcasts from some who hope to be candidates for the forthcoming June event.

I have to say that the blog sites are alive with some fire and vitriol from the 'Anti' brigade. Also praise from the 'Pro' brigade. Overall the final decision was , I think, good for Thanet as a whole, if not for all. If the air lines stick to to agreement I will be a 'loser' in that most of the flights will be near to my home, but EU jet were not too bad, a price worth paying for the prosperity of the area.

As I do not have the skills (ie, piano players fingers) I cannot keep contemporaneous notes as my colleague Cllr Nottingham can, but I do agree with Cllr Mrs Tomlinson, the site of him in 'action' is most distracting. (Peter Checksfield please note)

Dobbin Of The South

I see that the Judges have finally chosen. The symbol that will face new arrivals at Ebbsfleet will be a white 'Cart' Horse. Aside from the fact that there is a recession on could they not have chosen the Invicta Horse? ( I do know its meant to be a posher type of horse, but it does look like a cart horse)

Thanet Matters

Just been to a meeting today where we were discussing the future of our isle for the next 20 years. I have to say I was impressed by the 'cross party ' support for our thoughts.

This place has a real future, lets not let it get held back by the inward looking Luddites who claim to speak for the majority of the population, when clearly they do not. (oops is that a bit controversial or what?)

Explosive News

No,

Gordon B has not resigned! But scientists say that Mount Redoubt in Alaska is about to do what most volcanoes do best.

Puts all our petty little sniping into perspective.

Back to Thanet

Well, I suppose you will all groan when I tell you I returned safely from Birmingham.

Firstly I discovered the delights of the newly upgraded West Coast Mainline. 1hr 22mins from Euston to Birmingham. (compared to 1hr 54mins for 60miles from Thanet to London Victoria).

Secondly, Virgin trains are clean and the toilets work (compared to South East trains that was a pleasent surprise)

Thirdly, got a seat from Birmingham to Euston shame South East trains had run out of those on the return journey.

The point of my post is, no matter what we do in Thanet, we need to get a quality (cheap) rail link to London. That means NO surcharges.

Armed Forces Day.

It was with pleasure that I read that we will be having an 'Armed Forces Day' each year from now on.

It was with sadness that I read that it will not be a Bank Holiday. Apart from the fact we all need more holidays from banks, it seems to make the day a little less important than May Day.

Also, this situation could have been expected from a government that denies our protectors the correct equipment, delays the delivery of new aircraft carriers, delays the delivery of the aircraft to go with them, and denies the people who fight for our country the right to become citizens.

Washing Machines

As is usual, just after Christmas a major expense is required.

Today the washing machine died. As it was 8 years old I determined a new one was needed.

Visiting a local retailer (named after a good Indian Meal) I purchased one. However the great member of staff that served me said that they had just had their pay cut, half of the workforce had walked out, and management had responded by saying that they would recruit school leavers on the minimum wage, so what was the problem?

Me, thats the last time I do business with that particular firm!

help Your Local Banker

Gordon Brown tells the banks to 'come clean' on the amount of 'Toxic Loans' they have.

Rich coming from a government that took us to war on the 'Threat' of weapons of mass destruction!!!

Life On Mars?

According to NASA Mars may have life of some form or another. (they know this because methane has been discovered in the planet's atmosphere).

Perhaps they should now turn their research to the left hand (as you look at the TV screen) bench at Parliament (Commons department)? I suspect a dire shortage of the important gas.

Local Drugs Company cuts Jobs

Pfizer are to cut jobs again, Any truth in the rumour that the entire site was built with a view to sell off in small factory units.
Does this damage their reputation as a good employer? Or is this situation the blame of the mishandled economy?

Media Matters

The new Breakfast Show on Radio Kent is now 'Co-Presented' by Julia George and John Warnett, Is it better or is it worse?
( I suppose our licence fee has to pay for the extra presenter, is that value for money?)

Bail Hostels

I refer you to the article in Wednesdays Times about Bail Hostels. (Page 8).

It appears that a firm called ClearSprings can use domestic properties as 'Bail Hostels' without planning consent, but only having to notify the local authority 5 days before commencing use. Failure of the local authority to repond within 5 days will result in the assumption of consent.

Is this right, who do they consult with? and do we want bail hostels next door??

Hello Again to Driving Madness

How much does it cost to use the lights of a car?

Well apparantly more than lives are worth. A quick drive up to my local fuel station at lunch time gave me a chance to count 73 cars travelling toward me with no lights on, 17 with. Visability 40metres.

yesterday it was ice, today fog, the one constant factor............ Idiot Drivers

Icy Roads

Once again, today local radio was wittering on about why we have so many accidents when there is a cm or two of snow or a spot of ice.

a common theme was 'Why don't they have these problems in Scandinavia?'

I would speculate there are at least three reaons for this.

1. Scandinavia is more geared up for dealing with Ice and Snow (they have more of it)

2. Drivers there are more skilled at dealing with this hazard.

3. To have the Scandinavian infra-structure to deal with these hazards would not be cost effective in view that it would only be in use for a couple of weeks a year, maybe?

Fly Tipping

I had to drive to Littlebourne this morning. How depressing! The amount of household rubbish 'dumped' at the roadside was staggering!

I suppose the people who dumped it are the same ones who moan when their council tax bills arrive, or those who gripe about how councils fail to serve their residents.

Train fares

South Eastern trains tell us that fares have to rise by more than inflation to allow them to pay for the fast trains to London! Straight question............ does that mean that fares will not be at a premium on the fast trains.......??? as they will have already been paid for??

Merry Christmas.

Its been a bit of a tempestuous year for us all, but in the true spirit of the season I wish you all well.

The Pound

Ok Uncle 'Gord' has reduced the pound to a Euro. Should we join it or try to keep our own currency? In the past I have said I don't have strong feelings about this question, but now, having been forced into a corner, lets save the pound!!

Shannon Matthews

So the poor child had a 'Bad' Mother.
Is it right that we should be raking over this sorry case, looking for someone to 'Blame'? or should we be working to find a wider solution to poverty and inadequate parenting?
I have even heard some folk shouting about the morals of the Matthews family for having 7 children with 5 fathers. Is anyone qualified to tell another who they choose to father their children?

Weather

Is it good to have a hard winter, or should we look forward to a mild one,???

Who is running this country?

Of the two above pick the one who resides in 10 Downing Street.

The recent arrest of the Conservative spokesperson on Immigration begs the question, 'would it have happened in a free country where the opposition can speak out against the government?'

If Gordon says he had no advance knowledge of this, why did the Police inform Boris J and David Cameron?

And the Home Secretary also claims a lack of knowledge. Perhaps the police trust the opposition more than the government?

Health and Safety

I confess to being an ex health and safety officer, but I was appalled to see a comment in today's Times that an 'Expert' says that we should put notices on our beaches that digging tunnels in the sand is dangerous. Without having a go at the parents of the poor lad (age 16) that died, surely parents have a responsibilty to look after their offspring?