Write-Place

What a splendid example of the "democracy" that is in process in Rotherham, was shown at today's Area Assembly meeting at Wickersley - where the main item on the agenda was DEMOCRACY. In other words - there IS none! At a very well attended meeting, the "new chairman" (elected in a way that is against the constitution of the assembly itself) was asked by a member of the public to introduce himself, as he attempted to run a meeting with total disregard for public opinion and views - which is the whole idea of the Area Assemblies. At today's meeting after refusing to acknowledge a part of the constitution that was read to him, the Cllr acting as Chairman told various people to "be down sat" (????!!!!) when they tried to voice their opinion on the situation, and then he closed the meeting. Cllr Thirlwall suggested that those who wished to, remain and discuss the main item on the agenda. He was told that this would be an illegal meeting as the room was ...

Since posting yesterday's blog, I have had a few emails from people saying...ok, what can we do ? I appreciate that this is a valid point. It's no good proclaiming what's going on and saying that it is wrong, without a suggestion of what to do. For that I apologise. For those who did not receive a maill from me regarding this situation, this website gives details of what some are trying to do to help in the UK. http://www.palestinecampaign.org (The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) aims to raise public awareness about the occupation of Palestine and the struggle of the Palestinian people. PSC seek to bring pressure on both the British and Israeli government to bring their policies in line with international law. PSC is an independent, non-governmental and non-party political organisation with members from communities across the UK) It is not an incitement to demonstrate, unless one feels the need to , but it does give some other suggestions for action that can be taken ...

So, today a new year, 2009 has arrived, and many of us I am sure, are wondering what changes, for the better, there will be. Some new laws have come into being in this country but whether the majority of us will be affected, remains to be seen. From today, coastguards around Britain will not be able to fire flares during night rescues. This is apparently in line with changing rescue practices and more use of night-vision goggles. Crews still with flares will have to hand them to the Ministry of Defence or face prosecution. I wish they would bring in a similar law to this about fireworks Still on the medical scene, cancer patients will get free prescriptions from today, (in Northern Ireland patients will get slightly cheaper prescriptions, for some reason) This is good news at least. And 13year-old girls may be vaccinated against HPV, the sexually transmitted disease that can lead to cancer of the cervix. I suppose that is good news too, but it’s a little disturbing (to me) to say it. “...

I am not sure how this will come across to people. Probably with mixed reactions. It's often difficult to portray what we really intend on a blog - especially when one's blog has gone from being an upbeat, regular "topical" piece to an almost non-entity ! However, as I am having a problem writing much at the moment, I wanted to acknowledge that and to also acknowledge that I am sure there are many others feeling the same, but perhaps not wanting to voice their thoughts. It's Christmas, and usually at this time of year I am well into the festive spirit with shopping like crazy, making sure I have all the foodstuffs that I know won't even be eaten, but have to have because its Christmas, playing carols and singing with the kids etc. I have to admit that I can hardly believe that it is Christmas Eve and I have only just put up the tree this year (and a very small one at that) I have presents not wrapped and every advert on the TV for the "magical" da...

Things are not good when I don't post blogs for days on end , then post a poem !! Well at least am in "thinking a bit" mode . Beginnings I watched them rub the twigs until a spark flicked into flame And then they took the rock and carved the spear to hunt the game A stone was fashioned in a round to move the carcass of the beast While the fire burned on and all prepared to engage in the feast. And the sun shone down. I saw them take the branches from the trees and make them bend to blast the sharpened sticks to wherever they could send a message to another, that told them – “ keep away from here; this territory’s ours and your presence is too near “ And the rain fell softly. Still as I looked they turned their thoughts towards machines. Their works became more powerful in their minds and in their dreams. And the world was changing faster than each man would dare to think, As they searched for more yet somehow moved away from a joini...

The next Wentworth Valley Area Assembly (Rotherham, South Yorkshire) will be held on 8th January 2009, at 4pm at Wickersley School and Sports College, Wickersley, Rotherham. The theme of the meeting will be "DEMOCRACY". This should be a very interesting meeting with the "new chairman" Cllr C McMahon chairing the meeting after the completely UN - democratic way that the current Chair, Cllr Peter Thirlwall has been ousted from his post. Cllr Peter Thirlwall had the full support of the members of the assembly (public and cllrs) and yet has been thrown out of his post by the "democratic" labour members of RMBC. When a motion is carried despite the support of the opposing party for the support of a member, and the complete LACK of support by the electorate ...something has surely gone desperately wrong with our system. Wake up Rotherham to what is really happening with the governing of our town !

Someone posed the question on a writer’s forum today about whether they have got a few too many unfinished projects on the go. She has about eight different things that she is working on at the moment. She likes “ diversity” she says – I am not sure if this is a deadly serious comment or not - but finishing things can soon become a problem, if we let it. Some people only do one thing at a time (men, I usually find – but that’s a sexist remark which has no place on a blog such as this !) It’s got to be good to have a variety of things to be thinking about, lots of ideas to work on, lots of things on the go. You can then take a break from one and return to it refreshed and ready to move on with it, That’s the theory anyway, I suppose. Some people write lists - on a short, medium & long-term basis. Prioritising things. Some may not happen, depending on circumstances; some may get completed before their allocated time. I think the idea is to stop your mind from jumping from one thin...