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Morality. What is it? I think I have asked this question many times before – if not in public then at least to myself. Apparently I have still not come to any reasonable conclusion. Ethics. What’s that all about? Are these personal things or universal necessities for the well being of humans (or animals – I haven’t quite sorted that one in my mind either. Maybe I should just say “living things”) How can we behave in a moral or ethical manner when some of us – like me – can’t define what either of the words mean? Many questions but very few answers. Perhaps this is the nature of the issue. With the advancement of technology (and presumably also then the advancement of the human brain) moral situations come upon us faster than we can even create the questions, much less find the answers.. So what is the difference between the two, if any, and does it matter ? Do we naturally understand how to reason about morals and arrive at ethical decisions? Do our values have any effect on our ethica

It's an old stunt - a low and cowardly one at that - but The Labour Party have decided to use it again, in their "campaign" for the election of two councillors for Maltby Town Council. This stunt is colloquially called "If you have nothing positive to say about your selves then slag off the opposition in any way you can, regardless of whether your comments are true or not." It is regularly used by the current government and has been used by various politicians around the globe. Now, we all know that newspapers are a great source of information, on the whole, but most of us aso know that certain newspapers can be extremely biased towards a particular issue. This is often the case in "party politics".So, to run a campaign based on newspaper headlines is surely, the lowest of the low. But The Labour Party in Maltby have seen fit to do just this on their candidates leaflet, posted through some doors recently. (I am not suggesting that this is selective del

After a short break from this blog, I had been thinking what to write for a "returner". I needn't have bothered thinking too hard. Maltby Town Council has come up trumps again with it's continued inadequacies, which while not new, do still sometimes leave me "gobsmacked". Today 11th September, I have received a response from MTC to an FOI request I sent on 19th May. Ok - so what's 4 months between friends when it should have been replied to in 20 days ? Not a lot at all really.But you would think that in this time they might have been able to answer ALL the questions, wouldn't you ? Well, being well versed in the methods and workings of some of MTC cllrs, I am not suprised at all of course. I am also not particularly suprised that today's mail is from the "Acting Responsible Financial Officer" who is named as a totally different person who signed the mail that I received from MTC the other day. Got it ? HUH ! Ah well - just when I was

The release of the Lockerbie bomber, Megrahi, has caused embarrassment, outrage and crtiticism in different degrees from various ministers and officials around the world. The director of the FBI has told the Scottish Justice Secretary he was 'outraged' at Megrahi's release and says it 's made a mockery of the law and given comfort to terrorists.The Scottish First Minister says it was a 'grave error of judgment' which has damaged the reputation of Scotland. And Downing Street releases the full text of a letter sent by Gordon Brown to Colonel Gaddafi wishing him a happy Ramadan and addressing him as "Dear Muammar". Granted, the letter asked Gaddafi to 'act with sensitivity' over Megrahi's homecoming and said that a high-profile return would cause further unnecessary pain for the families of the Lockerbie victims and it would also undermine Libya's growing international reputation", but I (cynically?) think the intent was more siniste

Dear Mr Barron and anyone concerned with democracy.... I have forwarded to you an open letter sent by Mr Don Buxton (with his permission) in response to the appalling attitude of one of your "colleagues" Mr Iain St John. Perhaps you may have seen this letter, of Mr St John's but it is unlikely as you do not use email, despite your super, up to the minute equipment. However, let's not go over old ground again. The reason for this mail is to bring to your attention the utter contempt that many of those connected to RMBC show to their constituents. I am sure that you already know this but a small reminder never goes amiss, I believe. Perhaps, like Mr St John, you may also wonder why you have been sent this "nonsense" as he describes it. Well, just to reiterate that if any cllr/or MP classes the views of the public whom they represent as nonsense, just because their views differ from the "elite" then we are in a very sorry position. From past experie

In 2004, this incompetent Government introduced a new GP's contract which increased the pay of the doctors but also took away a lot of the services, like weekend working, and evening surgeries. The ususal mismanagement in the civil service in their financial administration showed another waste of tax payers money. Now it's been reported that the situation may be even worse than we thought. Some family doctors are now earning £300,000 or more. Am not sure if any Maltby GP's earn anywhere near this amount - I guess if they did they might be living somewhere different to Maltby - but it seems a bit excessive considering the hours they work for their local patients. I do not begrudge anyone in the NHS their hard earned pay. I know that especially in hospitals, doctors (usually junior ones) work ridiculous numbers of hours which is both immoral and dangerous. But wouldn't it be better to have the old system of your own GP comes to visit you "out of hours" and gets

The Rt Hon Kevin Barron MP, has made quite a few "gaffes" over the last number of months. Of course I am sure he would not call then gaffes himself, but it doesn't take much to wonder if the man is losing it/has lost it completely. There was the issue of emails - even though Kevin supports taking care of the environment, (he says) he doesn't send emails and prefers to use trees by the thousands for his correspondence. Then there was issue of him telling one of his consituents that he was not going to talk politics with them (strange for an MP) Then we had his expenses issue - the fancy printer and office furniture and the new camera he needed for his trip to New Zealand..... etc But this has to be the best one yet. As many readers of this blog know, Maltby is in the process if s truggle to stop the Secondary School becoming an Academy. Much discussion has gone on - usually without the invited MP's, Cllrs, Governors and ministers who don't turn up at meetings.

Dear Kevin Hall, Let’s get a few facts correct here following your “sensational” front page report and patronising editorial in today’s maltbynews. Firstly, you state the petition to dissolve Maltby Town Council is unlikely to have the effect which it’s supporters are aiming. You also state that Mr Mumford says that it is unclear what the purpose of the petition is. I can assure you that Mr Mumford has been told perfectly clearly what the purpose of the petition is for, but that if he has told you that he is uncertain, then who’s view is it that it is unlikely to have any effect? Contradiction in terms, Mr Hall. Then you state “ that RMBC are already undertaking a review in Maltby following the upheaval in the Town (sic) over the past six months.”WRONG. A governance review is taking place but not following or because of any upheaval. It is happening in numerous parishes across Rotherham. Bit of a manipulation of words there, to suit a biased view. That you have named 2 Maltby resident

We have waited 12 months here in Maltby to have the post of Town Clerk advertised, after the resignation of the former clerk, Mr David Morton. The ex clerk has been paid off and been given an apology from MTC (not sure about what) one day and then the next day the vacant post is finally advertised . There is a "gagging order" on the "undisclosed amount" that Mr Morton has received - well, at least as I write , but who knows what can change ! The job is currently only advertised in 2 places - on an A4 sheet at the Maltby Town Council office (of which only the brave and bold dare enter) and on the "new" MTC website. As the closing date is 31st July, which is quite short and the advertising VERY sparse, this does not appear to give a range of people the opportunity to apply. Surely this could not be the intention of MTC. For the full job description, application form and covering letter (from the self appointed voluntary, "acting financial officer",

John Bercow, Conservative MP for Buckingham, is the new speaker of the House of Commons. He was elected to government in 1997 and served in the Shadow Cabinet under Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Howard. Bercow has increased his majority to over 18,000 at the General Election in 2005. He has risen quickly through the junior ranks and was brought into the Shadow Cabinet in 2001. During this time Bercow stated that he lacked ruthlessness which would stop him from rising higher. John Bercow’s website states “You elected me and sent me to the House of Commons to speak and vote for the people of Buckingham. You might not agree with some of my views and that is OK. That is what representative democracy is all about. Some politicians these days try to have bland views on everything so that they please everybody. However I have always taken the view that there is no point in being an MP if you don’t have opinions and you say nothing. I can’t fight the corner if I have no opinions and don’t kn

Oh dear - poor Gordon Brown. He has been "hurt" by the crises that have plagued him the past months as Prime Minister, and could "walk away tomorrow" and perhaps become a teacher. Walk away Gordon ... PLEASE walk away....but for heavens sake don't inflict yourself and your hurt on our children any more ! Doesn't this country need plumbers, or electricians or something that does not involve PEOPLE that Gordon could work at ?

Documents and receipts relating to MPs' allowances are published today on the parliament website. www.parliament.co.uk From today the public will be able to view printed documents and receipts relating to MPs’ claims dating back to 2004/05 and up to 2007/08. The expenses claims of every MP for the past four years have been published, but, ironically with some key details not shown. The Commons authorities have published the details after the long-running Freedom of Information battle. Addresses and correspondence that claims relate to have been removed for privacy and security reasons. This means it is not possible to see if MPs "flipped" second homes which is a main part of the Daily Telegraph's revelations from its leaked version of the data. This news comes on the same day that Kitty Ussher, a Treasury minister, has been forced to resign after avoiding paying up to £17,000 in tax on the sale of her constituency home. Another case of "acting within the rules&qu

In an earlier blog I have commented that the Rt Hon Kevin Barron MP has refused to answer my questions about politics as "it will go on the blog". Some of us have discussed the possibilities of which blog this could be and want to ensure that Kevin gets to know all the questions that his constituents want answering and also give an opportunity for him to reply direct (in the absence of his own website) This blogger http://rothervalley.wordpress.com has asked a direct question to Mr Barron and I have posted the blog below. Keep going to the site in the off chance that Kevin may reply some time in the none too distant future. Mr Barron ... I also would welcome a reply on this blog , if it happens to be the one that you read. Hi Kevin I know you read this blog – the letter you wrote telling me about it is one of my most prized possesions. I also know that you said you weren’t going to write to me anymore because I have published your comments on this blog. What I didn’t know is

Maltby Festival 2009 - Sunday 5th July - Saturday 11th July Sunday 5th July - Gala Day,Maltby Main football field, Muglet lane, Maltby 10 am - 4pm Stalls, rides, disco, childrens entertainment, dancing and a medieval re-enactment, White Post Farm, circus workshop, competitions: kids fancy dress, gurning (funny faces), knobbly knees, glamorous granny and scruffy pet. Each competition winner will be announced on the day. All competitions will take place between 11-2pm Lots of prizes to be won. Monday 6th July - Zion Youth Group, Coronation Park, Maltby 6.30-8.30pm Wild West night, including a Bucking Bronco and disco by DB Entertainment Tuesday 7th July - Art Exhibition, Wesley Centre, Blyth Road, Maltby 2-9pm Presented by Dave Brennan - local artists including students from MCS displaying their work. Refreshments available. Bar from 6pm. Free admission. Supported by Maltby Community Development Trust Wednesday 8th July - "Camp Fire" in Coronation Park, Maltby Sin

Sir Alan Sugar, “businessman and TV personality” has been offered the position of Enterprise Champion a position in the UK government responsible for advising the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and promoting entrepeneurship. I say “offered” the position , as in an interview with him this morning, Sir Alan appears a little confused as to why the government has given him this title and exactly what the title infers. He says that the role is totally non political and that he is intending to do what he does best, which is encourage and promote business and training and this title gives him the opportunity to spread this work further afield. All good stuff, except … the role of Enterprise Champion carries with it a Labour peerage. The future Lord Alan Sugar, can’t say what would happen if the Government became Conservative led, as he does not know enough about David Cameron to back the party. Yet he has been a personal friend of Gordon Brown, he says, for at least 10 y

Dear Friend. Thanks for the photo. Really can't say that I have seen her before - but you know my memory for names and faces and it's not for me to remember her anyway. That's your job. I understand the throwing out photos and stuff - I have done a bit of that kind of thing myself..... and more ! But have now come to the conclusion that it's not necessary. Obviously when things are raw you tend to go crazy and want rid of everything connected to that person and situation. You don't need that person's face smiling out at you from a photo on the mantelpiece when you enter the room. You don't need that kind of reminder at all. This person's features are etched into your very being, the touch of them and the thought of the touch of them is difficult enough. Keeping those thoughts to the back of your mind is what you need, at first. But then, as we are constantly told by family, friends and trained professionals, time does alter our thinking.We don't ev

Gordon Brown, PM, has announced that he is going to bring in a Statutory Code of Conduct for MP's. Excuse me while I fall about laughing a while longer, but this really is a joke. I have a feeling it's something to do with MTC and the implementation of their Code of Conduct that amuses me so much in this matter - but then, surely the Prime Minister must get it right even if MTC and RMBC can't manage it ? He is proposing big changes in the House of Commons… "...people want to think that their MP is accountable to them. I will be leading this debate. I want to clean up the system." he says.. Hmm..." There needs to be a link between the constituency and MP. People want to feel that their geographical area is represented. " He wants to be involved in his constituency too. Hmm... (clearly hasn't met Rt Hon Kevin Barron, MP for Rother Valley) "We will have a big debate on a new constitutional settlement." Great ! But, hang on a minute - who is g

Are you in a dilemma over who to vote for in next Thursday's election? Have you only had 3 campaign leaflets through your door, but you have a suspicious feeling there may be more parties with cabdidates available? Have you been turning the TV off at 6.55 to purposely miss those party election broadcasts and now wonder if you are going to waste your vote? Don't worry, help is at hand.... http://www.votematch.co.uk/europe (thanks to http://rothervalley.wordpress.com for the site info) Try this and you can find out the best place to put your X on June 4th ! (apparently I should vote for Libertas, so now will have to do some reading up on them to see if they really do represent my views ) Disclaimer: I do not accept any responsibilty for anyone voting for a party which turns out to do the exact opposite of what they said they would do. This is, after all, the way of political parties in this great country of ours, it seems.

I have been considering the views of The Jury Team party. This is in an effort to find some party that I can vote for whose policies I can believe in. The party leader is Sir Paul Judge. Surely someone with a name like that can make a success of a new political party, especially as he is a "multimillionaire businessman" and intends to "clean up politics". The Guardian thinks that announcing that your leader is a multimillionaire business man is not, in current times, the best way to inspire confidence - and I think I agree on that one ! But I suppose any party needs money to get going - though apart from leafletting and hiring halls to speak to people in, I can't see what else you would need to spend money on.Has anyone any views on The Jury Team? I am still "out" on this one, which is sort of appropriate given the name.I hope I am not going to waste my vote because there is no one worth voting for.... then I would have to keep my views to myself until

Two Maltby constituents went to see Kevin Barron at his surgery at Dinnington, on Saturday 23rd May. They are concerned about the situation in Maltby Town Council and want Mr Barron’s advice and support about what can be done to sort out the problems. Mr Barron acknowledges that the situation is bad, though appears to think that the only problems are due to the ex Town Clerk, David Morton, scenario. As we well know, this is a sorry state of affairs, but there are numerous other problems too. So guess what the Rt. Hon. Kevin Barron MP is going to do to help these two constituents help the residents of Maltby ? If you think “nothing” then you are absolutely right. Mr Barron states that he has many views on what is happening in MTC and he will speak of these views “when the time is right”, but to him, that is not now. In fact, the time will be right according to him only when he knows for sure that tax payers money is being spent incorrectly, or too much is being spent. A commendable st

Much has been said about Maltby Town Council over the past couple of years, much of it showing the decisions and actions of some to be wholly inappropriate. Much has been discussed and written and some of us have been wrongly accused of postulating. Whatever I am accused of, I can place my hand on my heart and say that I never lie, cheat or fabricate. I have and will continue to follow through my words with actions. This is not a “holier than thou” attitude – it is me. Democracy is non existent in MTC. What are you, the reader of this, doing about it – if you care ? A few quotes on this subject: “Take time to deliberate; but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.” Andrew Jackson “An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied.” Arnold Glasgow “The shortest answer is doing.” Lord Herbert of Chirbury “People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do. “Lewis Cass “We cannot do everything at once, but we c

A year since the local elections, where two BNP councillors gained seats from long standing Labour councillors in the Rotherham Borough. John Gamble took the Brinsworth and Catcliffe seat from the Mayor of Rotherham and William Blair, Maltby, from long standing Labour councillor Glynn Robinson. Headlines then were “Labour Disaster”, “Damning Indictment”, “Shock Results Outcry at BNP”. I have recently commented that then, there was debate about how BNP policies might affect Rotherham and that concerns were shown by many. So, almost a year to the day, I again went to interview Cllr Will Blair at his home in Maltby, where his pigeons still flutter in their lofts in the garden and his poodles still seek attention around visitor’s legs. Previously, I had asked him if I could quote directly from a list of BNP policies. This time I asked him if I could put questions from residents of Maltby directly to him. His answer was the same “Ask me anything you want - I am here to help the people of

In a discussion this morning on TV, it was suggested that : “Having a conscience is knowing that someone may be watching you”. What nonsense. That surely, is having a guilty conscience. Conscience is, in my opinion, being able to distinguish between whether your own actions are right or wrong and it is then your own choice to decide what further actions you take. This is an individual ‘s decision and based on that individual’s own judgement of their own moral code. It might be that this code is based on religious views, culture, society’s persuasion or a personal philosophy, but conscience is something that is there or not, regardless of outside opinion. It is the outside opinion versus our conscience that informs our attitude. If we feel that “someone is watching us” (in this context) then it shows that our conscience is in conflict with our morals, but is does not define it. My conscience often gets me into situations that could have been avoided, but then I would have been going ag

I do not wish to quote newspaper articles - you can read those yourselves in The Advertiser, Maltby News and others. Currently, there are numerous people concerned not only about the fact that the school may become an Academy Trust ( I say may, because there are many who do not intend to let this go ahead without further discussion) but also that the consultation process has not been carried out in a satisfactory way. Despite what RMBC and Mr Sutton say, the consultation has been proven, and acknowledged, to be flawed (ref. Graham Sinclair and Cllr Shaun Wright) Today, a number of people have spoken to "the public" on the High St, and it is clear that there are very many that would like a further consultation on the issues.So, a group went to see Cllr Amy Rushforth at her surgery at the Services Centre. They explained their concerns about the consultation and asked that she support the people of Maltby in getting a further, more accurate public consultation. Cllr Rushforth

This blog was not started with the intention of being “political” but I am finding more and more that what I am feeling and want to write appears so. I have, of course, said many times that I am not “party political” but to me “politics” is something that by nature, is a large part of our daily lives. It is not just about the activities of the government or law making organisations, but about how we try to influence the way we are governed. My philosophy on the way I try to live my life, is that if I believe that something is not “right” then I challenge it, and of course try to influence change. If I do not do this, then I am not doing my duty as a citizen in a democratic society. This is my opinion. (For the benefit of my MP Kevin Barron, this is perhaps rhetoric, but not “anti-Labour rhetoric” as he labels my opinion). I was asked this question the other day : “Why put yourself on this mighty crusade to right every wrong in this town?” Now, this was on a forum “chat” and the questi

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

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

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

"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"

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

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

Dear Mr Barron, Thankyou for the Rother Valley Parliamentary Newsletter, which I received this week. I am interested to read about the positive work that you have been doing within the Rother Valley community, including the backing of local business in Dinnington, justice for miners in their compensation payments and supporting schools in Wales, Anston and Rother Valley College. I wish you continued good luck in the future with these projects. Unfortunately, I am very concerned that you do not feel the need to mention the major upheaval and recent discussion regarding the secondary school and primary schools within your home town of Maltby. I appreciate that your workload is great and that you must prioritise with the issues that you handle, yet, as you well know, there are currently major areas of concern on a number of issues in Maltby, Bramley and Wickersley, which mainly come under the heading of “Consultation and Acting on Public Views (or not) ”. Your newsletter states that yo

The Muddies , Maltby, Rotherham was once a small wood with a small pond.It lies on the outskirts of Maltby and is surrounded by housing and farm land. For several months of the year it is very wet and supports a variety of water amphibians including frogs and newts. The Great Crested Newt has used the land for breeding for at least forty years, but the land is under threat from development by RMBC. Residents in the area have at last persuaded RMBC to erect a fencing along one boundary, in an attempt to prevent damage caused by "youths" congregating there. This has and is continuing to be a long and difficult struggle on the part of residents. I am allowing myself some light relief today from the constant stream of emails and phone calls that this entails. I present : The fencing cometh (with apologies to Flanders and Swann) ‘Twas on a Monday morning that the Muddies fence began And Streetpride came along to clear the rubbish, with their van. They looked and saw the mess was

This is very hastily put together, so I apologise now for any errors, omissions or panic style writing. I write in haste. I have heard today that The Home Office is considering plans to force “social networking sites” such as Facebook, MySpace and Bebo to hold information about their users in an effort to foil the criminals/terrorists who communicate through them. All the information would be stored on a central database (and yes, possibly a few cds which get mislaid on trains, buses etc) as part of the proposed Intercept Modernisation Programme. These plans are to keep information about all telephone calls, emails, and internet visits made by everyone in Britain through a multi-billion pound system. Every picture we look at, every piece of music we listen to and every person we have emailed will be “on file”. The Data Retention Directive, a European Union statutory order already proposes that internet service providers in member states store communications for one year. Now I do not

Almost a year since local elections here, when I made observations on the election of BNP Councillors. Then, there was debate about how BNP policies might affect Rotherham and concerns shown by some. As it has transpired since then, the concerns most prevalent within the town (particularly, from personal experience, in Maltby, Bramley, Wickersley) are the blatant underhand doings of RMBC and their Labour councillors and the awful detrimental effect this is having on the community. Maltby Town Council is commonly known as a pantomime. The chairman is under investigation after allegations have been made against him by previous Labour councillors who now purport to be independent. The true independent councillors are being hounded out of their positions by false accusations – some by intimidation and aspersions about their religious beliefs. Verbal and physical assaults have been made on members of the public by MTC councillors. The Chief Executive at RMBC pass the buck in any way that t

Today is World Book Day. I had always thought that it was held on 23rd April - Shakespeare’s birthday, St. George’s day and no doubt many other things celebrated but it seems it’s a “moveable feast” in this country and varies. After weeks of reading, but little writing (apart from in my head) I promised myself that I would devote today to some serious writing on one of the many projects I have in process, specifically the follow up to “Crossing Borders”. But I am in a moral dilemma, which is this: When is it acceptable to publish autobiographically about situations and family life, and at which point does it become airing your dirty laundry in public ? Julie Myerson, a novelist and columnist has published a book which tells of her family life, and includes details of her son (allegedly) smoking a “spliff”. The debate about this is whether this is a mother betraying her family and making money in the process or is it perfectly feasible for anyone to tell their own story and that of ot

I have been AWOL from this blog for various reasons, over the past few weeks (yes ok, no one noticed) and I couldn't decide what to talk about as I launch myself back onto the blogging “scene”. I could voice my opinion on the economic situation, the financial in-discrepancies of the government and bank officials, the love of the celebrity culture that is becoming sordid and inhuman, immigration, texting the police instead of contacting them directly, the Middle East situation or the “court of public opinion”. But these are all very serious topics, and I feel the need to think of relative trivia at the moment. What is on my mind today is organic vegetables. I don’t mean that I have a yearning for them or am about to become vegetarian. Just that I bought and cooked an organic Savoy cabbage yesterday and am puzzled about it’s texture. Now I have to say that this is the first time that I have bought an “organic” vegetable, or more precisely, the first time that I have bought vegetabl