dippyhippy

Oh good grief. Wouldn't you have thought that Freedom Church members would have learnt a lesson? Enticing school children to attend meetings with sweeties is never, ever going to be a good idea. If this is/has happened, I would hope the headteacher, governors and other parents ensure that this practise is knocked on the head.

Ten new members on the front page I see! C'mon then.... let's be hearing from you!

I just love the playground at the King George playing fields! I used to love that old metal and wood roundabout, which we would all hang onto, whilst at least three other kids would spin it round..... only stopping,if someone either threw up or fell off! The outdoor pool was also brilliant fun, in those long, hot seventies summers! Sadly, health and safety saw the back of both! We must of been a hardy breed back then! Kids play areas in pubs I really disagree with. As a child, if we wanted to play, it was either in the garden or at the park. My parents would never have dreamt of taking us kids to the pub. I really am not comfortable seeing parents get drunk in front of their children. And to be honest, if I'm out for a drink, I don't particularly want to be surrounded by other folks screaming off spring! So let's hope that the playground is sorted out..... then the kids can have their play area.... and the grown ups can have a bit of peace and quiet in the pub!

Well done, Cambo! I'm sure the parents and staff appreciate the support. Were any ward councillors in attendance? Ledbury Road caters for children from right across the county, so families in all areas will be affected.

You have a great day too, Redbird, and I really hope you continue to post, it's always lovely to hear new members perspectives! Hereford Voice has a variety of debates and discussions..... I'm sure we'll find that there are plenty of subjects where we have a similar point of view, but even if we don't, it's never a bad thing to throw a few ideas about! Take care!

Thanks for answering! I'd say that at 35, you know your own mind! My concern is the recruitment techniques used on younger folks, and also how once they are "in", the tactics used to keep the within the Freedom Church fold, often isolating them from friends and family. I do have some experience of this first hand, as I posted on the first page of this thread. (Were you asked/encouraged to tithe?? And have you agreed to this?? If so, how soon was this mentioned?? Again, feel free to disregard my nosy questions!) The involvement of FC in local politics is also causing me concern. I'm not against any form of religion.... each to their own as to what they believe in..... so long as it doesn't hurt anybody else, or take advantage of them. I think Freedom Church are a very dubious organisation..... so we may have to agree to disagree on that point!

It could be possible you know, with a little bit of planning and a few willing hands to help! I love the idea of a city allotment. Where produce could be grown and donated to those who really need it.

Hello Redbird, and you are very warmly welcomed here! For my part, I have no issue with the "congregation" who attend, but I have significant concerns about the way this church is led, and how they recruit. Could I be really cheeky, and ask your age and how long you've been a member?? Feel free to say no!

Psst Harry! Over here. I think the idea of a city garden, a green space in High Town is wonderful. I would also love to see the reinstatement of some trees.... but I only whisper this, as many other members seem to be fed up with hearing about them....! Perhaps we could start some sort of guerrilla planting group?? I'll supply some hand knitted balaclavas, if you can provide the spades???

Comments left on HT. Although with the speed stories disappear from view on line, this will only be fleeting. Hopefully enough folks will care to keep up a sustained campaign, and keep this issue very much as front page news.

Tru, Dinize. Propa spelin wil onlee get wurse. It's a dizgrace if U assk me. No exquoose. Use spel cheque. Then thair shudent be an ishew.

Hi Redbird, good to see you posting and adding your views to this thread. I'm sure both Cambo and Denise understand the concept of giftaid. I think they are questioning the charitable status some organisations have been granted, in order to access this. Where does all the money go?? In the case of Freedom Church, I can honestly say that I really don't know. All I do know is there's an awful lot coming in.

Great news, Chris. And isn't The St David's Centre, now part of Herefordshire Pupil Referral Service, also being farmed out??? Expressions of interest for tendering for this service have already come in. More than ever, the few who seem to care need to stand up and say, enough is enough. Hopefully, a few more may join us......

No.1 Ledbury Road, is run by Wye Valley NHS Trust, so I'm thinking any consultation would come from them, rather than the council. From what I've heard, they are hoping that groups such as Action For Children, Barnardo's etc. will step forward. Some of these children have extremely complex medical needs, some life limiting conditions. There are medically qualified staff on duty there because of this. Because it's staffed by well qualified and experienced people, parents know that their child will be well cared for, and in capable hands. Closing this facility is such a short sighted option. Respite care is the glue which enables many families to stay together. Without it, some may not feel able to cope. This may in turn end up with more children requiring foster placements, or costly specialist residential placements, most of which are out of county. The knock on effect being that family relationships are further fractured. The tax payer loses out, because of the astronomical costs associated with long term placements, the immediate and extended families lose out, because with a little help and support they could have managed..... but the biggest loser is the child. The one this government tells us they are protecting. I have no personal involvement with either Blackmarston or Ledbury Road, but I know their worth, and I know these families desperately need these services. We need to fight for them.

The closure of No.1 Ledbury Road, has been on the cards since 2012, when they started reducing the amount of care offered, even closing on one day a week. Respite care is nothing short of a life line to so many families.... but it is not a statutory service. Therefore, it is seen as fair game by those who wield the axe. The threat of staff reductions at Blackmarston, and the withdrawal of respite is absolutely criminal. How David Cameron and all those Tory voting fools, can say that the vulnerable, the disabled the disadvantaged will be protected is laughable. These people could not lie straight in bed, they are crooked to the core. They will stop at nothing to protect their own little empires, and blithely turn away from the pain and misery that is inflicted on those who suffer from the fall out. I'm ashamed of this country, and I'm ashamed that so many saw fit to vote this bunch of self serving bas.tards back in again. Where will this all end? What kind of society stands back and allows this to happen??? Please, take the time to send an email, make your feelings known. Be the voice of those who don't have one.

What an incredibly thought provoking article. Thanks for posting this Denise. I wonder if this approach will ring any bells with the folks who view this thread???

I stand corrected..... it's on line now!

Well. It certainly appears that this very news worthy story, is being kept very much under wraps. Not so much under the radar, more like not even on it. Very strange.... or is it?? Perhaps this is the norm, when you've spent a lot on advertising with a paper??? I don't know......

Many thanks, Roger. I'm determined to keep highlighting the lack of local provision.

"Kids In Crisis" documentary on tonight, Channel 4, 10.00pm. This new documentary meets families from across the UK whose children are being separated from them, to receive treatment for mental health issues, sometimes hundreds of miles from home.

Leave it to me, Bobby..... I'm sure these arrangements can be made! Thank heavens I attended that "Recreational Welding" course.....I'll have a made to measure mask knocked up in no time at all!

Wow! Just witnessed the amazing fly past! A big "Well done" to all of those who have organised, and are volunteering at this years event.

It's Our County, win the Saxon Gate by election! Brilliant news! A big "well done" to David Griffiths! He received twice the number of votes of the Conservative candidate, Mark McEvilly. With only three parties contesting this ward, there was no splitting of the vote, and IOC romped home! Hopefully, a taste of things to come in future by elections.

Thanks for taking the time to do that Clarkester, and posting the response from Mr Joyce. (As a poster at HT wryly commented..... the family of this young man have other things on their minds at present.) In years to come, perhaps when his young daughter is older, that image will still be floating around on the internet. How distressing will that be? There is no doubt, HT have over stepped the mark.