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Showing posts from April, 2009

"Save Education in Maltby"

The main point of the meeting at the Wesley Centre, Maltby,last night 28th April and the leaflets that have been given out, was to highlight the fact that only STATUTORY CONSULTATION has been been done on the Maltby Schools issues, rather than the FULL PUBLIC CONSULTATION which RMBC policy advocates for such issues. It was clear that there are numerous people who should have, but have not been consulted, very many of these parents. It was unanimous that those attending the meeting felt that the consultation was greatly flawed and inadequate. (Perhaps unanimous is not the correct word as only about 4 or 5 people did NOT put their hands up to the question “who thinks the consultation was unsatisfactory?” and then the same 4 or 5 people did NOT put their hand up to the question “who thinks that the consultation was satisfactory”, obviously using their prerogative to disassociate themselves from an issue as and when they feel) An email was read out from someone who had asked it to be read

National politics goes local

They’ve had a row over the contents of The Budget apparently. The Chancellor wanted The Budget to include big cuts in public spending to tackle the nation’s deficit – it’s the biggest since the Second World War –but he was overruled by the Prime Minister, who feared that might lead to disaster for him at the next Election. Now, I know this comparison is very local, so I apologise to anyone reading this who lives further afield than South Yorkshire and doesn’t know what I am on about, but I can’t help thinking this is a very similar scenario to what’s happening in Maltby and in fact Rotherham in general. I always thought that the role of a Councillor, MP or Prime Minister was to do what was right and for the benefit of their locality, ward or country. It seems that this is not so and that the main purpose of these elected people is to make sure that they stay elected, next time around and for the forseeable future (preferably at least until retiring age and definitely without considerat
“MORE than 3,000 troubled children have turned for help to the NSPCC Sheffield Young People's Centre” The Star’s headline has just shouted at me. The building in the city centre, a former bank on George Street, was opened seven years ago with support from readers of The Star, who raised £250,000. The centre now helps 450 children a year , aged between nine and eighteen, who are or have suffered bullying, family breakdowns, bereavement, physical, emotional and sexual abuse. It provides a safe and welcoming place for troubled young people and has counselling rooms, play areas and a relaxation lounge.It also has a children's rights service and visiting services for children who have little contact with their family http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/3000-kids-helped-at-NSPCC.5204164.jp for full report and contact details. The Young People’s Centre is, of course a great achievement and a wonderful support service for people in need. Many youngsters will, I am sure, be able to lead ha

Please Don't Feed The Birds

RE: Letters to Rotherham Advertiser, page 2, Friday 24th April, 2009 Thankyou Don Buxton, for your detailed and interesting ornithological information, in your letter. Some of the birds mentioned I have not actually seen in the flesh - specifically the Tennesse Mountain Bird , which I have no choosing to see, I may add. Others I have had glimpses of in my day to day doings and can confirm your descriptions of their behaviour. The Bumbling Bee Down Sat Parachuting Bird, though may be rarely seen in Wickersley of late, is VERY prevalent in Maltby. I had occasion only yesterday to happen on this creature in the MTC offices, and I have to say that experiencing the spreading of it's enormous wings, as you describe is a sight to behold. On this occasion the spreading of it's wings was not in preparation for descent, but in show of it's delusional assumption of power and intimidation. The meeting of this bird is not for the faint hearted, and I would suggest that initiates to wat

Take heart, Maltby....

"Things" have been rather hectic lately (or maybe this is again me at my best procrastination ) I have been busy reading numerous documents, repoorts, plans and proposals and attending more and more meetings in connection with the future of Maltby and it's residents. As I have not quite mastered the art of adding a link to my website and have to rely on "others" to do the honours, I must post this link here, for now. http://rothervalley.wordpress.com/ This is a well researched, in depth, up to date blog on the goings on of our elected members of council and parliament and it is a pleasure to know that many are concerned. Take heart, Maltby ! As has been said on many occasions "The truth will come out"

Happy Easter

Today, many people celebrate Easter Day, when according to Christian scriptures, Jesus was resurrected from the dead after his crucifixion. It is a concept which I was brought up on, my father being a lay preacher in the Methodist Church, but a very difficult one (for me) to believe in or understand. Over the years as I have grown up, my beliefs and opinions have changed dramatically from total belief through total lack of understanding and all the possible feelings in between. If I am asked now exactly what I believe, I have to say that I am not sure – I am still learning. It is not easy to put aside an almost inbred culture and way of life that I have known since childhood, despite my study and struggle to understand. Some days I have great respect for those who have such a strong faiths; other times I am confused at how such intelligent minds can believe in such things. But then, that is faith. Whether we have a faith or not, there can be no doubt that the Christian message is one

Serendipity

This week, as always, we have watched and read of reports of unpleasant events and incidents – economic crises, government morality, crime and also natural disasters. Many of us go through a range of emotions ranging from shock and horror to disgust and despair. Yet amidst these situations, I would like to tell of a small incident that occurred yesterday. I hope it does not appear too sentimental as it is, just facts. In my neighbourhood (as many others) we have been experiencing a particularly bad spate of inappropriate behaviour by youths and younger children. We are, however, “lucky” that we are surrounded by fields and countryside, where people are able to walk their dogs. As I was doing this yesterday, I realised that I had lost a fob from my keyring – not valuable but a personal momento. I began looking back along the way I’d walked, not expecting to find it in the long grass and mud. A group of young people shouted across to me “What you lost?” I shouted back and they came over