dippyhippy

Hi Ubique! We received ours the other day, and it was popped through the letterbox. I seem to recall that in previous years, it had been left on the doorstep, but was in a clear plastic wrapping/bag. Even if it was left outside, the contents remained dry! Probably for either cost or environmental reasons, the bag has been ditched - which is great.....but only if you receive it in a usable condition! To be honest, I'm quite surprised we still get them - most information is available via the internet or mobile phone!

Cracking email, Green Knight. With regard to the "psychopathic tendencies".....perhaps it would be an idea for those applying for positions of authority/power, to undergo some psychometric testing??? Perhaps it may give a glimpse into precisely what sort of person they really are, before they are offered the post? Or perhaps, this characteristic is exactly what employers are looking for....???

As someone who respects the opinions of both Wirral PC and Two Wheels, could I raise my hand tentatively to make an observation?? I know nothing about the technicalities of this, but reading through this thread I think you are both right. Paul has given us all the information that Councils and various bodies use to measure minimum light requirements for street lighting, and Two Wheels has quite rightly pointed out, that if the minimum doesn't do the job, it should be up to our elected leaders to argue for improvements. They are both valid comments, from informative posters, and I have learnt something from them both.

A brilliant piece, Bobby. Like you, this concerns me greatly. Hard to fathom isn't it, why when someone brings a genuine issue into the public gaze, they are treated with such hostility. The procedures and protocols which management are so quick to point out, are there to protect these folk, are abandoned with ease, and the whole circus becomes little more than a modern day witch hunt. So desperate are those in power to maintain that all is well, and no wrong doing or errors have occurred on "their watch" that it becomes the easy solution to lay blame at the whistle blowers door. Nobody else is complaining. Nobody else is making a fuss. It is this poor individual - who only ever wanted to do the right thing - who is at fault. They must be impossible to manage...difficult, the root of the problem. Yes.Much easier all round if this one individual can be held up as a shining example to the rest of the workforce, to keep your head down, see no evil, hear no evil, and never, ever speak of the evils, they may have witnessed. If you do......you'll be on your own.

Hi Glenda. Many thanks for your prompt responses - I really do appreciate it. I also appreciate the fact that you are always so willing to help answer the many queries that come your way via this forums pages, and you aren't afraid to speak your mind and voice an opinion. It's all too rare that we see this. There was an issue, it was bought to your attention, and you have endeavoured to get an explanation. No mess, no fuss. Thank you.

The same as the "information" poster in my GP's Two Wheels.....advising you contact them via 111. (Post 7 above.)

Thanks for that, Glenda. Could you possibly answer a few more questions related to this. Is this a regular occurrence? Would do you say they are understaffed? Has this department suffered redundancies, or a re structure, or both? Many thanks for your time, it's always appreciated.

Bobby applied for that job! Bobby...you were robbed!

Evening Green Knight! Like you, I have had a lovely weekend, I now have a glass of red in my hand, a warm hot water bottle tucked up next to me and am feeling content. Earlier though, I did press the "report here about "button......I got as far as reading alternative options......estimated costs to Herefordshire £43.8 million.....and I could feel my blood pressure rising. I chickened out. I could read no more. I admitted defeat. I opened the wine. I will return to it when I have more reserves, and am slightly less tipsy!

Hallelujah! Bobby is here to save me......where do I sign, Bobby??? I shall be your first disciple! Dippy the disciple has a nice ring to it! I'd rather listen to your pearls of wisdom than a lot of the tripe that is trotted out under the banner of religion!

I would agree with that Denise. I know of several posters "good deeds." They would never mention them on here. My own thoughts are that groups such as Freedom Church do the "random acts" as positive publicity. Perhaps I am a tad cynical. My experience of this group, and Smartieno1's, are obviously different, so we will inevitably have a different view of them. I welcome all comments though, as I said.....different perspectives are good to hear!

Evening Smatieno1! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience on this thread. A variety of views and perspectives always makes for an interesting read.

Interesting response. So lets see if I have got this right. Gary Snowzell sets up Freedom Church. Gary Snowzell sets up 2XL. One of the directors of 2XL is - and I quote from their LinkedIn page - " A social worker, and a church leader." They go on to say..." As a social worker, I work independently providing assessments for the local authority. As a church leader, I am part of the Senior Leadership Team at Freedom Church Hereford." No. Try as I might...I just can't join the dots here. I can see no link, no muddying of the water.

Wasn't Countryfile a breath of fresh air!! Doctors and patients who really knew each other. GP'S had amalgamated their practises....really joined together to provide an excellent service. Not only do they see home visits as the norm, they also provide a dispensing service, respond to call outs to accidents, provide support as police doctors, and a plethora of other things. It made wonderful viewing.

The other link provided within the same post, is also worth perusing. Particularly if you look at the co-workers, then follow the link to their Linked-In Profiles. It confirmed to me that my recollection of names and faces from this time, are indeed correct.

Hi Glenda. The "youth project" was called 2XL. It was a business. The director was Mr Snowzell who set up The Freedom Church. Herefordshire Council paid them to undertake work. The teenagers you remember would have been part of this group. Have a look at the link to the petition link which Megilleland has kindly provided in post number 23.

Looking back through various threads, did we ever get to the bottom of the money - around one million pounds - which Amey were supposed to have repaid?? I think Biomech asked again about this quite recently. There was no councillor response on that thread. Things are bleak. Very bleak. If this money is still out standing, it needs chasing up quickly.

That would be really interesting to hear, Cambo! I hope they feel they can take you up on that invitation.

Indeed, AylestoneVoice. With the cinema and fusion now closed, and plans to re site the current bus station, this is now potentially a large plot of land....perfect for the new fire station!

Blimey! I must be having a good day! I have correctly remembered information about both this, and the Freedom Church! Not often that happens. I am with you all the way, Two Wheels. East Street could be so much more than it currently is, and a huge part of the problem is the constant through traffic. Church Street is just fabulous, it would be great to extend the "feel" of this street out a little further.

Thanks for that advice Paul! I may do just that.....or get a bigger dog! Seriously though, a very informative comment.

I recall hearing from a shop keeper in East Street a few years ago, that the whole of East Street had been earmarked for a revamp, to tie it in a bit more with Church Street. We had quite a discussion about it over on HT, not least because a poster - I think it was Two Wheels - stated that the road should only really be used by emergency vehicles and for access. (Apologies if I have remembered this incorrectly!) Has anybody else heard anything about this....plans seem to have been shelved, and there is no mention of it in this new scheme.

Bravo Green Knight! Fantastic post, which I am in complete agreement with. Your last paragraph...."The big plan of continuity of care has failed...at the start with general practise, and the end with care in the community, where someone forgot to budget for such a grand plan." Just about sums it up for me.

Evening Glenda! Thanks for clearing that up for me! Much appreciated.

.....and yes, Bobby. You are correct. Bretherton was everywhere. He was in places he had no business being in. Unfortunately, the fall out from his stint in power will cast a shadow for a long time to come.