dippyhippy

Hi Paul, I see that both requests are already "delayed" as a response should have been due on the 17th October - have I read that right?? Well done for persevering with this. It will very illuminating to see what facts these requests bring to the surface.

In fact, thinking about it, if I were to hum my favourite tune on The X Factor and Simon Cowell were to critique my performance, he would probably say that the reason he makes that show is to find people like me. Louis Walsh would say that I reminded him of somebody I don't remind anybody else of. Then they would all agree that I made that tune my own. At which point I would cry. And Two Wheels could switch over and catch the end of Strictly.

I see we have had a visitor to the Hereford Voice garden today. Those with beady eyes will have noticed Jim Kenyon stopped by earlier. Welcome back Jim.

Have no fear Hillbilly.......we like controversial on here. Some say we thrive on it!

Brilliant! That's music to my ears! The thing about this blogging malarkey, is there is usually someone who can answer anything you may not be quite sure about. (And in my case, that's an awful lot!) I've lost count of how many times I've asked Megilleland or Two Wheels something...........and the world and his brother has to help me out with providing links, and technical assistance! Honestly, we are a pretty good bunch on here. We don't always agree....but that's what makes for an interesting discussion. New voices and opinions are always welcomed.......so don't be a stranger!

I think this Rotherwas Railway is a great idea. I think it would prove even more effective if the new relief road was built on the Eastern side, not the Western.

I'm a hummer! I find it very therapeutic! My most favourite is Jerusalem......plenty of light and shade in that for the ardent hummer. It reaches a wonderful humming crescendo, which has often turned heads at the self service tills in Sainsbury! I like to tell myself that the furtive glances my Jerusalem humming generates, are admiring ones. They're not, I know that really. Ah well. This world would be a very boring place if we were all the same!

We aim to please, Hillbilly! To be honest, it's nice to find posters who have a sense of humour.......following last weeks debarcle!!! It's great to see you contributing........hope you decide to share your thoughts with us on a regular basis!

Brilliant news!! This all adds to what is now becoming an extremely strong case for saving The Working Boys Home! This campaign is really gathering momentum now, with other groups picking up on this. Together, I feel we stand a better chance than ever of getting a really positive outcome!

Did you think they had the potential to "brighten up" your garden, Clarkester...???!!!!!

I completely understand what you are saying Hillbilly, but what on earth has happened to common sense and personal responsibility??? If you have had "The Training" and carry "The Equipment," surely you should be trusted to know which situations would deem it necessary to don "The Kit"??? Blimey....I am prone to getting a lot of static shocks....but I don't spend my life in Marigolds!!!

Has anybody heard any up dates on those worrying rumours about the allocation of homes at The Furlongs development??? That all seems to have gone rather quiet of late.......

"We realise we got things very wrong." Could this possibly be the understatement of the year?? I am so glad this case has been brought before a court. Why the council can't confirm if the three involved in this sorry sags are still employed by the council is beyond me. If the court has said their actions make them liable for misfeasance in a public office, then they surely should not still be there.

I've just spent the last two hours reading this report in full. If you have the time, I would suggest you all do the same. The issues around A and E alone, are extremely significant.

Hi Roger, I have read about being partnered with Birmingham....that information is on HT I'm sure. More sobering news.....apparently Herefordshire is the worst in the country for diagnosing dementia. Let's hope that this improves as well. Our elderly population is on the rise..... (I was surprised that following the report on "transforming" Adult Services, it was online over at HT, and not a single comment has been made).

I think most people have lost count at just how many Top Dogs there have been in the last couple of years. The most recent , announcing his departure, just prior to this report being published. The chief exec is now Richard Beeken - he took over from Derek Smith in August of this year. I'm not sure how long Mr Smith was in post for, but I don't think it was more than two years or so.

Sometimes I barely recognise this country of ours. Where are all of these folks supposed to go?? Where is the inclusivity in schemes like this?? Not only are they quite literally selling off huge swathes of our country, they also seem to be wanting to cherry pick the people they want living their. We are already a country of the "haves" and "have nots". This is segregation of the rich from the poor. There has been a lot of discussion about areas of towns / cities where due to race, religion, or other factors, there are marked splits in communities. There has also been a lot of discussion about how to positively improve community cohesion. I would say the split between rich and poor will trump any other divide with ease. And the sad fact is, once this land is in the hands of those purely out to make a profit, this split will be a permanent one. As a country, we have never been less united than we are now.

Listening to the Midlands Today report on this, A and E seem to be particularly hard pressed. Is it any wonder?? There have always been too few beds. The pressure on staff to perform the miraculous task of conjuring up a bed, whilst simultaneously treating patients within the allotted time, is unbelievable. It's not just now and again, (when there is an outbreak of Norovirus, or some other winter pressure) it is year round. A relentless struggle. I spent time in hospital last year, and I can say hand on heart that the treatment I received was excellent, and equally as important, the care I received was superb. I am sure being shackled to the PFI contract has a large bearing on finances. If this could be tackled that would be a start. Then managers need to start listening to their staff. They are the ones who see the problems, they are the ones who are best placed to ask. We have a wonderful resource in The County Hospital. Let's support them in their efforts to improve.

Well it tells us one thing for sure.....there are far too many Councillors who do not appear to want to reply! Bad manners?? Bad attitude?? Or just couldn't be bothered?? I would have thought better of some of the names on that list.

Hi Biomech! Just wanted to ask you to have a quick look at the Autumn Watch thread. Councillor Chappell is asking about costs for setting up a web page - I thought you would be the best placed person to answer!!!

Hummph! I might have known he would support it. No surprises there. We must keep shouting about this, and telling anyone who will listen. Cambo and I were amazed at how little folks knew about these plans when we were out leafleting the other weekend. People who are virtually living next door to The Working Boys Home knew very little if anything about the proposals.

It would need to be affordable though - The Conservative Club in East Street has recently been redeveloped into apartments. Prices are around £150,000 for a one bed flat. I believe the flats where the old Green lands building was in Wide marsh Street are also pretty pricey. These sort of price tags put them beyond the reach of many folk -particularly first time buyers -who like the idea of city centre living, which is a real shame.

I'm guessing you think I should forego the boots (sob sob) and buy a ticket??

I think £45.00 is a very reasonable price. However........I have seen the most gorgeous pair of boots. Truly, Megilleland, they are stunning. They are extremely flattering, because whilst my legs aren't fat, they are certainly on the slightly chunky side...........but not in these boots!! They are £90.00. What to do.....? If I buy a ticket, I can only buy one boot. I have two legs............. Can you understand my dilemma...........???

Blimey! Forty five pounds!! Perhaps you'll just have to post your findings!!