Gift of Christmas Spirit from Your Government

How typical the news that has come out about service and NHS pensions, you are not telling me that some one has just found this out, some body somewhere knew this,and thought it would not have been found out.
This is going to devastate pensioners as to how they will manage next year, they are finding it bad enough as it is,I phoned the Crawley office to find out if I would be affected by this, but no, I am lucky not to be affected by this problem.
How magnanimous of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to say he will not take it all at once, excuse me what about the bankers who have been bailed out, and they have gold plated pensions, but ex-service no, as with this government service personal are only good to do the dirty jobs, just so politician can take the glory, like SAVING THE WORLD.
When are we going to have people in charge of this country who respect and honour democracy, these people who put their lives on the line can be left to beg, while most of the MPs have never been in danger, only from a bad tempered dog.
When will we stand up and say enough is enough, stop paying out for families in other countries, remove all prisoners in our jails who entered this country illegally, back to where they came from, no way should we be paying for their keep.
Stop paying all these so called consultants, who have cost millions of your money, like the examination papers, computers for hospitals, which failed, this list goes on and on.
What else is going to come out of the wood work, please do not hold your breath, as we may find that what we have in our pocket is not worth the paper it is printed on.
Enjoy when you can on little money you have.

The meaning of Christmas

On the 8Th of December in our local church, I had the pleasure of hearing singing and words spoken, this was by children in our local schools.
These children ranged in age from rising 5 to 16, but what struck me was the pose and clarity by which they presented them selves.
The dress of the smallest ones ranged from the tea towel to mums cut down dress, there was no crying or frayed tempers, these small children remember had spent the day in school, and then come to the church with mums and dads.
The look on the faces of these parents, they were so proud of their off springs. the singing so so clear and no mistakes, when they had finished they all received a round of applause, they looked rather bemused at that.
The church was packed out,in fact it was standing room only,I was lucky to have a seat.
I do not know many adults would stand up and read out loud in a clear voice, with no looking down, but straight up looking at the people, that takes some doing, especially with no hiccups, tell me could you do that.
Music was played to a high standard, and one young lady from the senior school, played her violin with great panache, which brought people to their feet.
We have had such awful news about child care I though you would like to hear some nice words of praise of children and parents.
I did my little bit by taking round the teas and Christmas cake, the look on some peoples faces was very amusing.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the readers of this blog, a peaceful with food to eat,as I know around this world there is no peace.
We only have to look at the starvation and disease taking place in Africa.
To all service personal fighting and trying to bring peace, I wish you ,be safe and come home in one piece, and not forgetting the families in these troubled times, may peace be with you.

Christmas Cheer

This should be the time to wish peace and good health to all people, at the present time I have been making angels in gold (that is paint) to go on a Christmas tree, hoping it will generate money for the Little House Children's Hospice here in Devon.

Where are you going Joan, well did you see that the income tax is going up for all those high earners,these people are very quick and savvy in tax laws, will we see them moving out of this country, into tax exile.

In the Mail on Sunday paper I noted on the inside page the equation of tax for,a cabinet Minister's take home pay and what you would need to match up, what I do note is the housing allowance of 24k total income £162,730,tax bill from 2011 £47,363 take home pay £115,367, now look at your tax bill for that period,

salary £184,502 tax bill £66,685  take home pay £115,367 .

If you can please read that article,  I have never heard how one can get lone to get you out of debt, did I not go to the right school.

Well Joan what has this got to do with Angels and Christmas tree's,a lot really,a lot of jobs are going, look at the shops shutting down, and I have not found cheaper food,

In a previous page I have said about not having enough money for all the presants we normally have at this time of year, those years have gone and now we have to live with what we have.

 

Please spare a thought for all the serving men and women, away from their famlies, but also for those families,it is hard for them too.

 

Taxing thoughts for 2009

At this time all over the Country, officers and Councillors are working out what we will all have to pay, to keep the services that are needed,a lot of these are taken for granted.

Having said that how do we balance the book's to keep roads clean, rubbish colleced,look after the envronment,housing register, benifits.

Here in Teignbridge we have a booklet with all the services listed,you tell me which one you would stop providing to reduce tax.,very difficult choice to make.

What is required is steady clear thoughts as to what and where services are needed, how many of you have given this a passing thought, but when that letter drops on your door mat your blood pressure rises, am I right.

On to our Government,who have got us into this mess, it is no good blaming others for this, if you are in charge of the finance for this country, why did they not see the warning signs,sorry, then the buck stops on your desk Mr Brown

All these politicians and Civil Servents have not worked with the tax received from the public, but gone out and put this country into debt, has anybody told us the total amount, don't hold your breath, because this has to be paided for, that is you and me, we are going to pay a very high price for this debacle, very high taxes, oh sorry we are going to get tax break, so look this week to see what the Chancellor has in  store for you.

That is to tempt you out to speed a lot of money that you do not have, but oh boy you just wait till next March.

This is the run up to Christmas which should be a happy event, but remember what I wrote about in previous pages, just reminds me of the end of world war two, and the cold and poverty that we endured that Christmas, a lot of people have no idea what this is like, sorry that you are about to see for your self.

When will the truth come out at the lack of Child-Protection

I have written about baby P, and there is a lot more to come on that subject, as to why have the names been with held, who has given this order, when you look at the finding of a baby and a toddler murdered yesterday, and the mothers name is splashed across the news papers and radio -TV, why was her name given.

Again we are being told that mistakes have been made, and "Oh we are so sorry", this is not good enough lives have been lost, if this had been them or their family, there would have been an out cry, calling for heads to roll, but no all sitting in their cosy offices,being paid a salary to do a job which has not been done.

I have going through my mind that so called professional people are just not talking to one another, it is called sharing information,did they?.  Of course not,who did not want the trouble to pass on information,did not see why they should.

This type of attitude I have come across, and it is sick making, of so called officers who think for one reason or other that it must be kept in the closed files, this crass attitudes must stop.

These politicians are so full of their own importance that they can't see what is going on in their wards or constituencies, no horrible problems please, it boils down to it they have not got a clue,just take what is put in front of them as Gospel.

Please do not tell me we will have an inquiry a lot of thing said, then they will go back to doing the same old thing and in the same way, no scrutiny or accountability.

I would like to see and hear hard hitting questions with all on oath, no body keeping their jobs because they have lost respect and not worthy to stay in post.

In yesterdays case why did nobody from the practice go with the police, and why did they not brake in, may be they could have saved lives of those two little boys.

The mother has cried for help, so why were those children not on the register, and one must ask what of the other person responsible for these children called the father, did she have no other family.

These days it seems to be lets have sex and blow the consequences, no thought is given of how to bring a child into this god forsaken world, and what it entails, they are not toys just to be thrown to one side when it does not suit, stops social engagements, why can't these people take responsibility for their actions, no , that is too much to ask, so we will go on having children abused and killed, and know this will raise some hackles, I would bring back the death penalty for child abuse and murder. I can hear it now, you cant say that, well I have, and the saying we must work to keep the family together, look where children have been taken from the family by Social Services for they own good, when it has been shown that was not true.

We are still in the dark ages so far as child protection is concerned   

Child Abuse

The sickening treatment of the seventeen month old little boy, we have listened to sick making statements poured out by the so called people, who are paid to take a small little hand and take them to safety.

Through the last decade I have listened to this garbage spurred out by so call protection teams.
I am more incensed by the medical treatment of this little boy, how can one who is employed by the NHS as a consultant, and miss the damage inflicted, serious discolouration of the skin, broken ribs, this would have caused this child to be not breathing in a normal way, due to acute pain, plus a spine which has been stated as broken, the shock surely must have stood out to even a junior nurse.

How staff can say they visited and looked at the child, is beyond comprehension, or was this a cover up by the parents saying he was a sleep, remember the last case when this happened.

When babies are subjected to this torture,and having no one to protect them, I would inflict the same injuries to those who did not carry out a duty of care, and as for the so called parents, the same treatment and no mercy to be given-to pain killers or a soft treatment.

Oh I know the social workers out there would say they need help, the saying of DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD BE DONE BY. That ladies and gentlemen should be the code of conduct!

I am sick and tired of Public Inquires, what does it achieve, just a lot of talking, and children are still at risk, I am still thinking how in those months and sixty visits, all this was missed and not actioned, perhaps those logs should be open to scrutiny and accountability, but please don't tell me that the same Local Authority has changed its spots!

History Has Been Made

Historic event has been made in America, this new President to lead his country is aged 44, the youngest one so far, but to be born of mixed race, that is a major step for that country.
I do hope that care is taken to protect him and his family, in that he does not suffer the same fate as President Kennedy.

He has pulled his country together, by his oratory and passion for the need for change (oh boy do we need that in this country), when was the last time we had a massive turn out at the polls,sorry I have been a round a long time,but I have never seen or heard of it.

What will his thoughts be on the ongoing war in two countries, which lets face it, anybody who has tried to win in Afghanistan have been beaten, so why are we there (drug trade) perhaps the leaders of this country could tell us the truth, please do not hold your breath, I would hate you to pass away. We could say the same thing about Iraq.

I do hope that President Barack Obama can bring to this world cohesion with all religious faiths, when did you last see that happening, now that might be one of the first steps forward.
We are all waiting to see how he will pull the States through the financial debacle, and get back on track.

He may think of the little people and not tax them to future generations like this country has.
I look forward to talking to my cousin in North America, to see what her thoughts are on this election.

Sir, I wish you well and may you preside with truth, humanity and honesty for your country and the wider world.

Remembrance

This Sunday at 1100,please stop and give thought to the service personal who did not come back, also to the families who have to injure the pain of loss.

The news of Royal Navy and Royal Marines going to the base camp of Everest, is mind blowing, yes these are the ones who have lost limbs and others who need help to lead as near normal lives as possible

Prince Harry has even said in public that he will buy a pint to Marine Mcbean if he succeeds in reaching this camp, so this is no picnic, shear hard slog and determination, that will be after they have completed the London Marathon,did any of you see the news last night, then you would have noted personal climbing that wall with artificial legs

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Tax Secrets in Pub Car Park

 

That is the headline in a national news paper,it states that Ministers have been forced to order an emergency shutdown of key Government computer system to protect millions of people's private details.

Does one cry or laugh at this Government's so called security of important documents, how many so far have been lost, could I suggest that they are lost to order,oh my how could I say such a thing, do they not care about us, only when they want votes.

Why are these civil servants allowed to take documents from offices. Does nobody sign the Official Secrets Act any more.

Just think somebody could impersonate you and take your whole life from you,scary yes, what has happened to all the other files that have been lost, have they got into enemy hands.

Who will take the blame not the head of this government or his other cabinet colleagues, oh no some lower civil servant.

Do you know how your money is spent in Europe

Reading my email from Open Europe bulletin,my blood pressure started to rise, as you are aware and I mean the people of this world, are in a state of rescission,I have written my thoughts on that in previous pages, but this takes the breath away.

Despite recession, Members of the European Parliament last week approved a controversial directive that will raise costs for UK employers by requiring them to pay temporary and agency workers the same as permanent staff after only 12 weeks in the job.

 

We in the UK will be the biggest loser from the Agency workers Directive- by far. Close to 1.3 million are employed in the UK, what will that do to small business,or even in the civil service, now that would be telling, how many are employed by this Government.

After years of blocking the agency workers proposal, the UK Government agreed to back it in return for being allowed to retain the valuable British opt-out from separate EU rules restricting working hours.  The Government estimates that this opt-out is worth £9bn a year to the UK, now don't hold your breath read the next paragraph.

However, in a significant development, MEPs are now threatening to vote against the working hours opt-out when a revised Working Time Directive is debated in early December - a large number of MEPs both from the Socialist and Conservative groups in the European Parliament, have expressed their hostility to the UK pot-out, including some British Labour MEPs, it has been quoted by a Socialist MEP, that a totally united Socialist group in the European Parliament will help achieve the majority to finally achieve end the opt-out.  With this happening who needs enemy's, when they live in this country.

In previous surveys have shown that almost nine out of ten MEPs have no business experience whatsoever.

 

Having said that do you know how much pay they get, and how many hours they actually work, yes I know you have a hard working MEP. but can that be said of all,

I would like to draw your attention to the fact that a new commissioner for the UK is set to receive for just one years work, will be entitled to receive almost THREE QUARTERS OF A MILLION POUNDS IN FINANCIAL BENEFITS.will be paid almost £200,000 in salary, Upon leaving the post will be entitled to a further £250,000 of so-called "transitional payments" over the next three years.

Single year of service will also entitle that person to an annual PENSION OF approximately £8,000 A year, MORE THAN TWICE WHAT A BRITISH PENSIONER GET FROM THE STATE AFTER A LIFETIME'S WORK,oh and do not forget this person will be able to claim relocation costs, a ' residence allowance' and other perks.

That is why my blood pressure goes up with a bang, I along with other pensioners will just scrape along giving those poor hard working MEPs their perks.

The Poppy Appeal

Next week the Poppy Appeal will come into action, please do not just walk by the volunteers standing in the cold, they are giving their time to help all service personal, who have injuries,or home problems, the Royal British Legion, provides care and help,where and when it is needed.

This year is so important to raise money for the Headly Court, rehabilitation unit, if you look on my earlier page to see a young Major Phil Packer, who was shot in the back, and now sites in a wheel chair, this is for his and fellow comrades who need help.

 

Why do you ask us to give,we have so little, I could say you have two legs and arms, but they don't, and the National Health Service, does not cover their treatment. They don't want your sympathy, just a small help of a pause and drop in money

 

It is not just the present wars that we are fighting, but going back to the second world war, shown on to-days news a man who would have been living in a cardboard box, if the Legion had not found a home for him.

There are others who are on the streets, with major problems, not able to settle in a home, have problems with drink and drugs, these in turn are caused by sights and sounds that they have witnessed, this has pushed then to the brink,some go on to taking their own life.

Who would understand these problems, if you had not been in that position, their mates have most likely been blown to bites in front of them.

At this time I think of my time, when I also served with the QA's , and also the QA's who were killed in the second world war. 

That ladies and gentlemen is why you should not walk pass the poppy sellers. 

 

Rage -the lust to harm and kill

It has been reported that a young woman walking home was attacked, by a group of girls, why for gods sake, what did she do to them?

More and more females are getting in to this awful state of causing grievous body harm, that means bones broken, tissue damaged, why is this for kicks.
Perhaps we should bring the troops home,and send out all the young people who get their kicks by hurting other people to the danger spots around the world, and see what that would do to their warped egos, would that satisfy their lust to hurt.

Oh no that would not do, I can hear the voices of do gooders saying, they come from poor homes, I came from working class home, and lots of other people also, but we did not go round in gangs hurting others,even to killing.

Stop giving excuses, and work these people hard, so no energy to engage in this type of thuggery.

We have never had it so Good

Our these pensioners the rich ladies, throwing their money in to the sea for the fishes, I think not more like trying to catch a meal, the inference of the life style in Devon is misleading and insulting to the hard working people who get the lowest wages nationally

 

Oh my what have I been missing, those knowledgeable people who sit in the House of Commons, are so sure that we have nothing to grip about.

People who think the west country ends at Bristol, should venture in the this so called idyllic utopia,

You know and I know we have the highest bills in all the utilities, and the Water bill are more because we have the largest area of coast line.

 

Take all this in plus the cost of food, why do you think the Pensioners are on the war path, not just to get their blood boiling or exercise the brain cells, no it costs more to live in this area.

It was said that we had full employment, strange why has the building trade laid off so many staff, why have so many small company's gone out of business, I have seen this before we had the credit crunch.

 

A lot of food is brought  in from other areas, so the cost goes up, and have our farmers had a good deal from this Government, the answer is no, having lived in France I can say their farmers would not have stood for what our farmers have had to put up with. they would have shown their politicians who was in charge.

 

 

 

A Hundred Years of Scouting in Kingsteignton

I was approached by a grand dad, to be told that the roof needed urgent repairs.

We in Teignbridge have a Community fund, and Councillors have £1500 to spend within their community. What better way to help young boys and girls, so yes I put £500 in, they also had money from the Parish Council of £300, and the Land fill Trust was approached and they helped.

Today was the day for all mums and dads to see the work that has been carried out by Grand dads, now that is community working. Oh what a joy when a young man asked if I would like a cup of tea, and I might add lovely cake to go with it.

What memories it brought back for me - I was a Girl Guide, and loved every minute, working for my badges, going to help out in the day nursery near to our group. One big joy was the camping out, in our tents having midnight snacks, cooking over open fires, sitting round the camp fire singing, we were happy girls, It made us more mature and able to face what life and in store for us.

I still have my badges and belt, and the scrap book with all the things we got up to, even the photos which look a bit ancient, I loved every minute. Looking at the photos and wondering were where all those girls are now.

I was most impressed by the courtesy shown from the man on the gate to all the boys and girls, looking at the photos from all the years that Kingsteignton has had Scouting, but looking at the faces who had taken part in those years, they may be old and infirm ed, but the eyes lit up when some body said look at you there, bring forth loud giggles and laughs.

Congratulation Kingsteignton Sea Scouts on reaching your century, and I do hope you go on for many more years. I have added the picture of the founder Baden Powell, who inspired all the young people of the world, to work for others, who have not.

If you have grand children encourage them to join the Scouting movement, it broadens their out look on life, and make life long friendships.

Are you ready for the Olympic Games

Ladies and gentlemen shall we ask the rich bankers to pass over their hard earned cash, oh dear me no it is you the humble tax payer, the money for these games is drying up, why oh why has no one checked the contracts, who are the project mangers, are they not doing their job.
If one asks for building work to be done you see the quote, the time scale, and if it is a big job you put clauses in to safe guard your project and money.

So why has this gone over budget?

I hope this government is not thinking about raiding the pension fund or the County Councils coffers, that they might get back from Iceland. It was interesting looking back at 1947 to the freezing winter, when all our pipes burst, we could not go to school, that we though was great, but not when we had to shift the snow.

It was no joke trying to keep warm, remember no central heating, coal fires, where you roasted in front and froze on your back and legs. It was a combination of though in lack of money now, and then, we also had no money, and very little food, no good mum going to Iceland, only the corner shop, with her ration book.

In my earlier blog I spoke about the training of the team's, the cost to be incurred in the training programme, I do hope the money comes up, but not the tax payer's subbing it

The Real Meaning of Poverty

What is the real meaning of the word "POVERTY"? It is used in so many contexts, which gives it so many different meanings.

I will point out that I am not making any inference to the sick, disabled or infirm.

from Wikipedia
Poverty (also called penury) is deprivation of common necessities that determine the quality of life, including food, clothing, shelter and safe drinking water, and may also include the deprivation of opportunities to learn, to obtain better employment to escape poverty, and/or to enjoy the respect of fellow citizens.

Would you say that this applies today's living?

In 1947 having come through the the war, then into another, we had to have a Austerity Plan for Great Britain - that was due to money that this country had to borrow from the USA, to pay for the war and we still had rationing up until 1954.

Should we not ask ourselves "where did we go wrong", at the start of the sixties through to today, and ask your self "what is poverty"?

We have child benefit, unemployment benefit, sickness benefit.

Look at child benefit - is this money spent on the child, or on adult entertainment? Unemployment has been low, but how many people claiming this are out of work? I know this will rise due to the economic downturn, or have we bred a generation of work shy people (or are they needing the education which has failed them)?

There are people who just can not organise their lives, through no thought of their own, inadequate and hapless people.

We managed in the forties and fifties, but the expectations where not as of to day, to-days society must have it now, pay on tick, it is known in areas in this country that the term knocker man is a way of life, from cradle to grave no other way to pay.

What about the drug addicts - are they poor or just inadequate souls? You will say "what about the poor people who live on the streets"? Well who are they, and why do they live rough?

They are most likely to be ex-service personnel who have complex problems - they are poor, as the brain is unable to clear the awful pictures and noises in their heads when they close their eyes. This also applies to people who have mental health problems, they are unable to live as others do.

I will come to the other people who beg on the streets, and no, I am not talking about the sellers of The Big Issue, but people who make out they need money - where do these people come from - are they of this country?

If one could take just one item in what I have said, it would take pages to do justice to this subject.

Sorry my mistake in text

 

I apologize for a miss quote in the paragraph about pensions, I should have said that over 11million pensioners are getting a pension £40.90 per week less then the official poverty level of £135.60 per week, having said that why do these people have to go through means testing to get benefits, when there is this money in the pension pot.

Now we all pay for bail out

Oh dear those poor politicians in the cabinet, having to work all night and pay out our hard earned money, to save the banker's and deposit holder's, but hang on a minute what about the local councils, who were advised by the Treasury to put their money in to the banks which have hit rock bottom.
The tune we are playing to is some £500 or is 700 billion, that all depends which programme you happen to be watching, that amounts to the tax payer, £16 k each year, how on earth are the pensioners and families going to pay, the extra tax that will come out in future budgets

I would like to draw you attention to the fact that pension savings have been hijacked by this government, a note from the Devon Pensioner Digest In communications with the National Pensioners Convention, Three senior ministers, Secretary of State ,Pensions Minister and the former Paymaster General all three have said that the funds huge surplus is being used to finance expenditure that is totally unrelated to the purposes for which the fund was created.
As a result, over 11million pensioners are getting a pension £40.90 per week, and do you know what there is ,£46 billion in the pension pot.
I ask you put this into perspective, what other funds have been hived off, and into what pot has this money gone.

I have just been reading a letter in The Western Morning News, saying how wonderful this government is, is it me, but who is responsible for what I have just said, or do I live on a different planet.

Other points that one should be aware of , if you require help in the home, like getting up,or going to bed,even having a wash, how much an hour will you be charged - cost £9.50 per hour, and for small jobs around the home like DIY-type jobs, these small jobs will cost just £14 per hour or if on benefit £8.

There are a lot more thing that I am going to research, and will be keeping you up to date with

Has Christmas come too soon?

Well we know now it has, for those poor struggling banker's, what do they say "God Bless America", no the people who pay taxes will be paying, it is the people who pay the piper, no, never forget that when the politicians say what they are doing for you the trouble is so many people just sit back and take it, so ask the question just what are you doing with my money.

I have spoken before about the redundant banking staff and building workers, who else will go to the wall, as it has been reported this weekend think of seventy five years ago, oh why the young people will be saying, I would just say look back at history ( 75 years ago ).

I do not follow how one can be sacked from one's position, and then reinstated a couple of years later, what is this the mad hatters tea party, have you been reinstated, if so why were you fired in the first place? Are we ever going to have somebody in power, who will actually tell us the truth, no Joan don't be daft, that only happen in fairy land,or are we living in the brown fairy land, of good payment for farmer's, growing our food, oh I forgot I believe Lord Woolton words to the mum's in the forties, how to spread out the rations, yes I do remember the Shepard's pie with little or no meat, must say we did not have a problem with weight gain, and remember no cars, as people did no earn enough to buy one, even a Ford.

Transport in London in those times was bus-Trolley bus, or you just walked or run when an air raid was on. What has this got to do with today, think of petrol prices,Gas & Electricity,plus water, will we be going back to a ration book?

I just wonder how this generation would manage, when you are in a super market just look at the trolleys, I wonder if they are stocking up for a food crisis.

How much of this food ends up in the green bin? forget the other countries lets provide for the children of this country, must say the school meals are improving.

Remember only 80 days to Christmas

Crisis What Crisis?

Are you sitting there shaking your head and wondering just what is going on in this world we live in, tell me has your mortgage gone up, mine has, so from now on it is skinny lizzy, do you find when you go shopping,what you normally buy is now twice as much,even compared to last week, do you even have a job?

 

Just look at the head lines, 'To Hell and Back', tell that to the people who are being repossessed,the dreadful up set for families, Oh said some bright spark they should not have exceeded their income.

 

OK , why were the banks so eager to lend out money, not just customers, but to each other.

Our economy has dived into the abyss, the big boy's have had their fingers burnt, but guss what, they get a big pay rise plus extra shares and still keep their job,  now if that had been me I would have been sacked and out on my ear.

 What are all the minions of the lower order going to do,lose their homes, jobs, on the dole, oh boy join the queue mate, look at the building trade, large lay off, so no housing being built, to add to that what about what I have said about the redundancies in local government, who next?

 

Sunday papers headlines  'Share Sharks MADE £190 m, JUST WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE, is there no law to stop this ,if not there should be,

 

The US Treasury Secretary is asking the Sennett to approve $500 billion, to buy TOXIC ASSETS, excuse me but what the hell is that, would some body please explain to this bemused lady.

 

Just stop and think, whose money goes in to the Treasury,yes that's right yours and mine, so how are we going to pay the piper,will it be the care for our service men and women wounded in action,or will it be cut to the NHS, to supply drugs to patients with cancer, the simple answer is I just do not know, but you can bet your bottom dollar it will not be the fat cats oh no, they have their money in a nice haven with no tax.

 

Today's news after the highs we descend down to the lows, so no jubilation,as the shares have dropped down again.

 

I do not think that Santa Claus will be calling, plus the long range weather forecast is for a very cold Winter, one we have not had for years, so get your thermals checked out.,

WI on the Warpath

The WI have been asking this government to reduce the plastics that is used in packaging of food, and the effect it is having on the landfill sites - we know that plastic does not break down for at least a hundred years, so why have they not introduced legislation to stop this.

 

Composting this is another issue which is being abused, like putting in carpets, large amount of cardboard and rags, why oh why do not people read the booklets that are sent out by councils?

 

This leads to nasty smells, which invade peoples homes, and cause me to have headaches from complaints of residents, please only put in to the GREEN bin food waste and garden waste.

 

This picture show Post Meridian being shown how the system worksland

Sustainable Communities Act 2007

This act is something puts a smile on my face, for one thing if you go on to the Gov web site on of the pages has a big sign
Worried about ,then it goes on to list a number of things that you can now fight back ,it states that you ,your neighbours and friends power to tell Government how to stop your community declining.

Just look at this list...

• No local jobs or businesses
• Your Post Office closing
• Local shops and Pubs closing
• Doctors, Dentists & Community Hospitals
• No local Police station

...and the list goes on, but what sticks you about this list, lets face it Post Offices in rural areas have closed along with local shop's and pub's.

I am for sustainable communities, here in my own community we have seen shops close, and big super markets move in, we have had to fight to keep our library open, we do not have space to walk or sit.

Why have so many MP's just let this happen, in a safe job ,I think not, please go to the web site on this subject and read it's not long if you take the small edition.

We are being bludgeoned in to having 600 more houses built here in Kingsteignton, but we lack space, in research it has been shown if you put animals in a confined space, they will start to fight and eat each other, look at what is happening with young people, knife crime, alcohol abuse and drugs, does it ring any bells it does for me, space and activity is needed for all ages.

I must look for some nice things to put a smile on people's faces, I had an email with some of Beryl Cook's paintings, that cheers one up.

Local Government Review

I know I have written about this before, but I am worried about the cost to the Taxpayer...

Tell me, would you go out and buy some thing with out asking the cost?

Well we still do not know how much this is going to cost you!

This country is in trouble - going into, or in recession. The help to be given to first-time buyer's - do we have this money and what other services will have to go to the wall?

Results from consultation with the public show that 83% say that the two tier system should stay, 13% would like some change, 3% needed more information.

If money is needed from this Government, we would have to pay it back in five years, yes that is you and me, so does that mean a big hike in taxation to pay for this?

Will Exeter /Exmouth join in a whole Devon unitary, or will they go to a separate unitary, what happens to East Devon do they come in with the rest of us or join Exeter/ Exmouth, think about it Exeter has a good business set-up, and expanding, so where does that leave the rest of Devon?

The National Parks of Devon and Exmoor are not in this equation - some food for thought!

What is not talked about is other Unitary's who are having major trouble and costs are soaring, perhaps some one out there will let us know.

Just ask your self can your Town or Parish council deliver the services that you have from a District council, like Legal, Housing Register, Benefits / housing /tax, policies on Development control, Engineering, these are just some of service that a District Council delivers, would they have the staff with sufficient skill, or would they have to buy in, that would hit your pocket in taxes.

Do you honestly think this will give greater democracy to the people?

The Members' of Teignbridge Council will be debating this on the 15th September, at Buckland Athletic Football Club, Decoy, (this venue is due to building works to the Council Offices).

Please if you or your friend's have thoughts on what has been written please let me know, thank you.

Achievement through sport

We have had a good result from the Olympic games held in Beijing, now we have gold medals here in the West Country, how will this continue, do we have young people out there who would be willing to give up a great deal of time, it is not a soft option, you realy have to work hard, I know how hard it is from my past.

Kingsteignton has a football club, being established in 1929, and it is still active with matches being played home and away, other teams use this pitch. They work within this community and would like to have more young people come forward, that is girls as well as the boys.

Just think women for football and cricket have taken world cups, when did we win the world cup in soccer or cricket, yes I know we had the Ashes the other year, and World cup in soccer in 1965, what is my point, all those gangs out there, why not get rid of your agression and go out and train every day, and we may find a few who could kick a football with the dexterity of top flight sport, come on you men and women prove me wrong.

I would like to see this well established club who have very good aims still be going in to the next century.

One aim I applaud - To encourage teenagers to continue in sport after they have left school, to promote and encourage community spirit by playing for their local teams. To teach and develop team spirit and a sense of pride and achievement.

To provide a means for young people to channel their frustrations in a controlled manner.
To encourage older players to continue playing , move into management, coaching, refereeing or become committee members and take an active role in the running of the club. Being a role model in order to demonstrate how to achieve more from the game than just playing.

To promote community cohesion throgh providing facilities where young and old of all gender can meet and socialise and join in its achievements.

Kingsteignton is an evergrowing community, which has a danger of loosing its identity. The football club can play a genuine part in giving a local commumity a focal point whilist providing a very valuable service.

Taking all of the above in just think what I am saying about the changes that this Government is making to local Government, we of Kingsteignton could well be smothered by other towns, so stand up and be counted, write to the boundry commission, and tell them what you want for your Kingsteignton.

Local Government Reorganization

When I joined Teignbridge in 1999, I was tasked to work with other Councillors to carry out the Governments dictate to reorganize the way in which it worked, little did I know that again I am tasked to work out a way of working.

The Governments thinking is one of greater democracy for the people, like a Unitary Authority, with Market Towns having a greater say in how to run services, two having Communitty Boards, and Focus groups.

You may say what the hell Iam I talking about,

First let me begin with a Unitary Authority, what is that made up with, answer elected members, how many, I do not know as it has not been made clear.

Where will these members meet, don't know.

What are Community Boards made up with, answer -28 to cover the whole of Devon

 

Indicative membership- Unitary Councillors   number no known

                                  Up to 5 Parish/Town Council representatives,including the  

                                  Main Town.

                                   Key service partners reps e.g. Health, Police CVS, .

                                  Up to 5 representavites nominated by the Community forum

                                  Chair elected by the Board but would be a Unitary Cllr.

Public Forum meetings 2 per year.

There are a lot of questions, but no answers, I just wonder why this Government is so intent in taking apart something that is working,or are we being broken up to become like Russian states or just an EU number.

I ask you to go and look in your Town Halls, District Council,and see for your self, what is taking place.

I will be writing more on this subject,but in the mean time please email me with your thoughts, for or against

Sale of Exeter Airport

Did you read the Mid Devon and the Herald Express? Were you confused at the amount of money portrayed for Kingsteignton? Well, you are not the only one!

The total money left from the sale of the Airport left £48m - that was after paying off the debt. The Devon County Councillors community fund has been increased by £25K to the amount they all ready have.

I think you should ask your County Councillor what has he or she spent in your area. Towns and Villages go to great lengths to raise money for the local projects, have you been lucky to have had money given to you, if so, I would be delighted to know.

To all you Library lovers a £5m has been put into a pot along side the Community fund.

To the Green people there is £5m for you.

To schools £5m, now I will be paying a close eye on that one, being a Governor.

And now to the big one, and that is £26.5m for major projects, and that ladies and gentlemen, we get to the headlines. I was told a long time ago never believe what you read in newspapers, just take it with a pinch of salt and do your own research.

So Kingsteignton we have to come up with £10m, will Sport England come up with the goods? Remember they will have to pay out for the 2012 event, so we will just wait and see.

PS - It might have been polite if Teignbridge or County had let the Parish Council know.

Weather Patterns

I have talked about the destruction of trees and what that does, I will follow that up with the wet weather we have been having.

The Teign river is full of deposits from the moors, but she is running fast. Put that with the high tides and it does not help in the flooding that takes place. When I have been driving round my ward, I have come across roads full of mud and clay that with rain makes for dangerous driving.

The Highways officer has said these conditions have been reported to the companies concerned, the John Acres Lane is one place in question, so please take care when driving on this stretch of road.

How much water is on the Newcross site, and where is that water pumped to? If housing is going to take place on the Newcross site,where will that water be run off to, plus what has just been said about the SUDs, will the people of Broadway Avenue and Chudleigh road have more water in their gardens?

Please pass to me any comments you have about the above, thank you.

Heroes

How would you like to help this young man achieve this amount of money, Phil is determined to take part in the London marathon, and as you will see he suffered a bomb blast injury,this has left him a paraplegic.
These young men and women are not just sitting back and crying in their beer, far from it, TV has shown Royal Marines with legs and arms blown off,also training for this event.
I wonder how many of us can even do the mile let alone 26 miles.
The money they raise will go to the rehabilitation centre at Headly Court, where all this major work takes plase under well trained staff, but this all takes money, Oh you will say the Government should support, the small amount that has been put in does not cover the costs.
I would like to know your views, can you contribute to his fund.

About Phil . . .

On the 19th February 2008, Major Phil Packer was injured following a rocket attack in Basra. Phil has been treated at the Spinal Ward in the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore where his surgery, rehabilitation and medical support has taken place since the 2nd March. Sadly, as a result of the accident Phil has lost the use of his legs and is now a paraplegic with what are classed as catastrophic injuries.

With the help and kindness of fellow colleagues, friends and the generosity and goodwill of others! Phil plans to raise £1 million for the Help for Heroes charity in support of wounded colleagues.

Join Phil's 'London Marathon 2009 Team'

Phil has been donated a practice racing chair and is currently training for the next Flora London Marathon hoping to raise the £1million!

Phil sincerely hopes you will help him and if you would like to join 'Phil's London Marathon 2009 team' please email him to get involved!

If you have a sport or challenge that you would like Phil to join in with you that will raise money for Help for Heroes, then email him more details or if you would like to raise positive support or disability awareness Phil would be delighted to consider your request and travel to see you!

Join 'Phil's Million' Team' !

Why not join the Fundraising Million Team and hold your own event! Ask your friends and family to join the team too, Phil's story is unique and he hopes that he can inspire you to join him to make a real difference!

If you need some ideas, check out the Help for Heroes fundraising manual, as long as its legal, its ok! When your ready to join the 'Million Team' Contact Phil via email at: phil@helpforheroes.org.uk and let him know your ideas.


'Phil's Million Team' sponsorship forms

Once you have thought of your fantastic idea, talked to Phil, and are ready to fundraise you may require some forms to help you fundraise:

'Phils Million Team' Single Sponsorship form (leave a few with friends to help you fundraise).

'Phil's Million Team' Multiple Sponsorship form (carry this form with you and gather sponsorship on your way).

Donate and Support Phil's Million!

If you are unable to fundraise but would like to help support Phil, you can click on the donation button on the left at the top to make a secure donation and help Phil raise a Million!

Endangered Trees

This is a fact, there are more trees being uprooted, just to provide more space to build concrete jungles!

We are being told by this Government that we in Teignbridge need to put up 8,000 more houses, that is above the amount that we have already been tasked to do. Here in Kingsteignton mature trees have been felled, what did that do to the atmostphere? How much carbon was released in to the atmostphere? I have looked at the report from the government SWRA but I am not convinced at the methodology used.

Why do we expect people to leave the village or hamlet where they have lived all their lives? We need more village trusts, that will take up land for their own residents, young people growing, these properties would be kept in perpetuity, and not sold to outsiders.

Just, look around you and see how many homes are up for sale, I would like to know what you think, affordable what is that? This is a question I have asked many times in questionnaires that I have sent out.

Summer Sizzlers

SUPER SUMMER SIZZLERS OFFER CUT-PRICE FUN!

There's never been a better time to get happy and healthy at local leisure centres as Teignbridge Council introduces its special Summer Sizzler passes.

At a time when it's getting ever more important to watch the pennies, Teignbridge has introduced two brand new Summer Sizzler passes for the months of July and August, helping users of all ages get the most out of their local leisure centre at an even more affordable price.

The Junior Summer Sizzler is on sale now and costs £10, entitling the holder to 10 indoor swims at either Dawlish or Newton Abbot Leisure Centre. Available to people aged 16 or under, the cards can be renewed after 10 swims and reused as many times as required throughout July and August, meaning that younger customers can enjoy a whole summer of super-cheap swims!

Young people aren't the only ones in for a treat, however, with the Adult Summer Sizzler going on sale in August. This pass, available at Newton Abbot Leisure Centre, Dawlish Leisure Centre, Ashmoor Recreation Centre and Broadmeadow Sports Centre, will cost just £14, and entitles the holder to any 14 leisure centre activities (including an induction in the New Physique Fitness suite, usually costing £8)

Among the activities on offer are use of the indoor pools, exercise classes, fitness training sessions, badminton and squash sessions and use of the sauna and steam rooms.

Cllr Anne Fry Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Recreational Services said:

"This fantastic new offer is not to be missed! It's a wonderful way to start the summer - keeping the children entertained and parents busy.

"The Summer Sizzlers are a brilliant way to keep the family happy and healthy, and make the summer all the more fun. With activities working out at just £1 each, it's an ideal way to save some cash while getting the most out of the summer holidays.

"The whole family can enjoy a day of fun, from only £1 each, so why not come and join in!"