Write-Place

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...