Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer!

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

Death

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

Industrial Unrest

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

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

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

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?

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

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????

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 ?

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

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

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

So who has declared, and who has not?

Holidays

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!

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?

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

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

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.........?

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

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 +

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?

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?

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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)

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?

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

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

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

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............

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

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

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

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

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.

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.