Wednesday 20 March 2013

Answers from our Kent County Councillors and candidates and a lot of confusion about having no map.


How anyone in Kent is supposed to work out which county councillor represents them and which electoral division they live in is more difficult and complicated you would expect.

There is no straightforward map on the KCC website, instead there is a link to a map on the OS website that you can put layers on here it is http://www.election-maps.co.uk/electmaps.jsf because of the zoom limitations and the size of the bit you can see, this isn’t an easy thing to use, like looking at a very large map through a very small hole. If anyone can find an ordinary map of Thanet with the electoral divisions marked on, please let me know.

The is also a list of county councillors on the KCC website https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1 perhaps it is just me but I found the whole thing very difficult to use.

Anyway here is the list of the Thanet KCC councillors I emailed the Turner Contemporary open letter to yesterday Robert Bayford, Bill Hayton, Michael Jarvis, Chris Wells, Robert Burgess, Elizabeth Green, John Kirby, Charles Hibberd.

I think this a complete list of the KCC councillors representing Thanet, please let me know if I have missed anyone.



I have just taken a book of the shelf and taken some pictures of the pictures in it to illustrate the post, lost in Kent if you like. I will try to make the next bit easy to follow by using coloured text.

Putting the councillors replies in red. Please remember that a lot of this is not so much about the problem but about if anyone is in i.e. do you get a reply from them? 



 Michael Jarvis


Hi Michael

I see you are keeping busy with your paintings and blog writing. I think you asked whether Councillors use any form of social media to keep in touch with their constituents. Well, while I do not have a specific blog for that, I do have two other blogs for people to see, one is my full CV detailing my work and councillor experience http://michaeljarviscv.blogspot.com, and the other one is my poetry blog: http://poetryinflight.blogspot.com, and yes I do use twitter as well @Cllr_MikeJarvis where I comment on council things and other matters.

Back to your questions - see my answers below.

Best Regards
Michael
 
1 do you consider this to be a KCC issue?
No, the gallery is the responsibility of the management team, however, there is the problem of reputation risk for KCC to consider if displays continue to be below par.
 
2 do you consider the gallery to be a key player in the local economy?
Yes, however, we require to see the development of Dreamland to add more value to the local economy. 
 
3 would you see ensuring its proper running as part of your remit as a councillor?
We would not directly get involved in the proper running of the gallery. However, if we were receiving continue complaints from the public then the matter would be taken up with the Cabinet Member accordingly.
 
4 would you see the extent of your remit to request and pass on to me officer advice?
Yes
 
5 would you see your remit to actively pursue the issue and ensure its proper resolution?
Yes
 
6 do you see it as part of your remit as a councillor to keep an eye on KCC funded activities in Thanet?
Of course, we have a duty of care to ensure KCC funded activities are properly managed across Thanet. So if we are giving grants to organisations, we expect to see details of that spending and the expected results from that project we are supporting. 

7 have you visited this exhibition?    
Yes on the opening night and things were working OK 
 

 Elizabeth Green,

Hi Michael
Thanks for raising these issues
On my way to meeting and more than happy to respond in detail shortly
(below)
Best wishes
Liz



1 do you consider this to be a KCC issue?   Yes, as you are one of my residents and I am a KCC Cllr for Ramsgate.  I have previously taken other issues and concerns to the Director of the Gallery and will immediately take forward the points you have raised.     
 
2 do you consider the gallery to be a key player in the local economy?  Yes. It is acting as a catalyst for bringing new investment, new residents and visitors into Thanet.     
 
3 would you see ensuring its proper running as part of your remit as a councillor?  There are professionals running the gallery. I would however expect KCC officers to closely monitor and ensure the KCC funding to the Turner is spent wisely.  If any concerns arise then I would see this as part of my remit.  
 
4 would you see the extent of your remit to request and pass on to me officer advice?  Yes, I do take forward residents requests and inform them of any officer response.  
 
5 would you see your remit to actively pursue the issue and ensure its proper resolution?  I do have a reputation for my tenacity!  I never like to give up on any issue until I have taken it as far as possible to achieve a satisfactory outcome.   
 
6 do you see it as part of your remit as a councillor to keep an eye on KCC funded activities in Thanet?  I see it as my remit to keep an eye on all KCC activities in Thanet.    
 
7 have you visited this exhibition?  Not yet. My intended visit will be brought forward to check out the problems!      
 

Chris Wells

 1 do you consider this to be a KCC issue?
1.   No this is not a KCC issue, it is an issue for the management of the gallery itself.  I could think of little less appealing to anyone than a gallery run by political diktat, and I suspect it would get many fewer visitors.  You should contact the management of the Turner and then read their reply.
 
2 do you consider the gallery to be a key player in the local economy? 
2. Factually, the gallery is a key player in the local economy.In the years of planning all of us who believed in the gallery were often mocked for anticipating 156,000 visitors in the first year; criticised for not having a car park next to the gallery; and saw politically motivated untruthful campaigns regarding the 'destruction of the view' from the gallery siting. 500,000 visitors in its first year (including The Queen); all of whom had to park or arrive elsewhere in the town and walk through, giving opportunities to attract trade; and a still superb view from the bench point above the site demonstrate the believers were right all along.
 
3 would you see ensuring its proper running as part of your remit as a councillor?
3. KCC have carefully placed the running of the gallery in independent hands, with experts and art lovers controlling what happens, as it should do. I can talk to the management there, who know me quite well, but should not have undue influence in their operational independence.
 
4 would you see the extent of your remit to request and pass on to me officer advice?
4. No, because it is not KCC officer advice, the gallery has its own management structure and operation, to whom you should address your concerns.
 
5 would you see your remit to actively pursue the issue and ensure its proper resolution? 
5. In exactly the same way I would/will pursue residents complaints about other bodies outside my direct control, no more no less.
 
6 do you see it as part of your remit as a councillor to keep an eye on KCC funded activities in Thanet? 
6.  Yes, of course, but within the structures in place, not by going around them to suit the demands of one particular resident, who appears to have not used the proper channels for complaint first.
 
7 have you visited this exhibition? 
7.  No, not this one, although I am in and out of the Turner for various reasons frequently, and often see exhibitions I had not planned to see in bits and pieces.
 
Comment:
 
I have answered your questions as I usually try and do with all enquiries. However, it is pretty clear these, as are many enquiries, heavily slanted to the questioners personal view of life, and lack objective perspective in their scope and direction. For example, questions 4, 5, and 6 effectively ask the same thing from 3 different directions, seeking assurance that you wil be treated differently than others. So, in the spirit of your questions, here's a few for you, bearing in mind your comments in the run up to these questions on your blog.
 
1. Why do you make no mention of three years frozen council tax by KCC, especially when challenged recently at the proposal (since withdrawn) of a 2% rise in council tax at TDC, promoted by your favoured politicians, Ian Driver and child mayor Will Scobie, was explained away as 'taxes will rise'?
 
2. Which District has received the largest share of KCC capital spending in each of those 'frozen' tax years?
 
3. Support for Turner revenue costs, your special interest, accounts for less than 1% of KCC's budget, have you no interest in education, adult social care, children's services, regeneration, East Kent access road completion, or the current successful marketing of East Kent around the Discovery Park?
 
4. Have you ever attended a Local Board to acquaint yourself with KCC's local members and their activities?
 
 
Regards
Chris Wells

80 comments:

  1. Michael,

    Elizebeth Green claims that the Turner is acting as a catalyst for bringing new residents and visitors into Thanet. My understanding was that the £21M Live Margate money was to promote a social change and introduce some real people into the worst parts of Cliftonville, who would positively contribute to our local society. Why is it that her party are now cramming more and more sub standard social housing into an area that is overwhelmed with 'vulnerable' people already. Does this not smack of Gerrymandering designed to maintain Labour support? If so KCC should withdraw the funding.

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    Replies
    1. Anon it would seem like me you are going to be on a learning curve with this one. KCC has 84 elected councillors, only three of which are Labour councillors, one of these Labour councillors is Elizabeth Green.

      It would therefore seem unlikely that she has been gerrymandering, or for that matter has any significant influence at KCC.

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    2. Sorry Michael,

      I didn't make myself clear. Elizabeth Green is Labour. The local Labour administration Iris and Co, are now responsible for misusing the £21M funding (some provided through KCC), in order to provide more and more sub standard social housing in Cliftonville to accommodate 'vulnerable' people. There is far too many already. Political Gerrymandering!! Is Elizabeth Green going to demand that Iris behaves herself? Probably not.

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    3. Ah I think I see where you are coming from although I have obvious reservations about multiple exclamation marks, you are saying I think that the TDC Labour group are deliberately lowering the ton of Cliftonville in order to enhance the Labour vote.

      I wouldn’t worry too much about that as I don’t think the itinerant population of sub standard housing there vote at all.

      My guess is this is one to take up with her though or the other KCC TDC councillors as I think this fund is jointly managed.

      One way or another the subject is outside of my understanding I will try and find out about it if I get time.

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    4. Michael, you are being a little dismissive of Anon for you are as aware as I am that political parties, when in power, seek to manipulate an electoral advantage. Not all people in social or sub standard housing fail to exercise their right to vote, particularly when one major party implies they will get more benefits under them. Blair's government saw immigration as a way of increasing Labour votes, as the nasty Tories would be more likely to throw such folk out again. Similarly they moved many public sector departments and jobs into their heartlands and away from the Tory areas.

      Margaret Thatcher on the other hand felt home ownership led to aspiration hence right to buy was an attempt to move people into a more middle England bracket with a better prospect of them voting Conservative. Even for or against grammar schools is politically slanted on the assumption that such schools turn working class kids into Tories.

      Locally we have Labour running TDC yet they use their own party website, Thanet Labour, almost exclusively to attack the present central government on national rather than local issues. If TDC, of whichever flavour, spent more time on the things that matter in Thanet we might see a bit more progress.

      Appreciate what you are trying to do here in this post, but my guess is people will vote mainly in line with the national polls with the faithful following the rosette as usual.

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    5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    6. Before some cretin over Birchington way starts crowing, I deleted the above comment because it appeared twice for some reason, not because I slipped up and gave a clue to my real identity as Uncle Tom Cobbly or whoever I am today in his tiny cell.

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  2. I think it disgusting that no councillors were honest enough to tell people what the annual running costs of the Turner Centre would be at the time it was being planned. And before were are inundated by a stampede of councillors whingeing that they didn't have this information, let me say "You can't have it both ways." Either you asked the right questions, but someone lied to you, or you didn't ask the right questions and you aren't fit to be occupying a position where vast sums of public money are at risk.

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    Replies
    1. Anon I think you may wish to consider that this post is partly about the impending election to select new councillors, if you don’t like the ones you have this is your opportunity to vote for different ones.

      I would say in the first instance I would exclude those who don’t bother to reply in a timely fashion.

      Delete
    2. Rather presumptuous, Michael, to suggest that candidates, who do not respond to a blogsite question at what is a busy time for them, are unworthy of a vote. Those listed are already KCC councillors and probably, unlike TDC and sometime Ramsgate Town Cllr Driver, have little time for soap boxing and Leninist Question Times. One also needs to consider the electoral division they represent and whether the Turner is a major issue with the voters in their division.

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    3. Michael,

      It isn't about having an opportunity to elect different councillors. There is no point in changing the faces if the behaviour remains the same. The behaviour I'm talking about it the total lack of proper debate and information when important local issues are being discussed. It doesn't matter whether it's the Turner Centre, the airport, Pleasurama, Foreness Point, Tesco at Arlington or any other major issue affecting the area. The Council doesn't discuss the proposals properly. Councillors don't insist on clarification of important issues and, in the end, they are all whipped to vote for a pre-determined position. For years they have got away with this, safe in the knowledge that they aren't held to account for the decisions they have made. The local press can't hold them to account because they are a buch of tame poodles who suck up to the council at every opportunity. Let's face it. TDC is a real dumb-ass, red-neck council. It beats me how they can have the nerve to accuse anybody of bringing them into disrepute. They have made a pretty good job of doing this themselves.
      People may not like Ian Driver but he is a breath of fresh air. Finally, someone has plucked up enough courage to say. "The King has no clothes." And what do the established councillors do in the face of this? They try to intimidate and silence him. I have no intention of voting for the status quo but I am sceptical that I can make a difference. So many people are so disillusioned by local politics that they won't vote for anyone, and people of real stature and quality won't stand for election because of the petty pathetic way that TDC is run.

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    4. Several people of real quality and ethics stood in the 2011 district council elections as independents. What did the electorate do, stick with the rosette wearing brigade and even your hero, Ian Driver, only got elected by pretending to be Labour. He will be booted out on his ample bottom next time without the red badge.

      Delete
  3. Michael, you ran a posting on Thanet's locality board last june THANET FALLING BEHIND THANKS TO LOCAL TORIES and there have been quite a few posting on other blogs about actual locality board meetings - the word fiasco comes to mind. You may enquire of the locality boards what has happened to the KCC funded youth clubs in Thanet?
    I thought that with high youth unemployment youth clubs were essential.
    And since the subject of the TC only costing %1 of KCC's budget (a bit more when you add up the building maintenance, insurance and educational grant) and the subject of children's services has been mentioned, you could ask what percentage the extra £17 millions spend mainly on agency staff to sort out the mess 2 years ago represents. KCC has had a very poor record in childrens services which was well reported in the press.
    Example story in which the leader cllr Carter apologises - BBC story KCC children's services overspend june 2011

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    Replies
    1. Anon ‘t wasn’t me I just posted the Labour press release as I post the Conservative ones, you have to appreciate that posting a press release isn’t an indication that I endorse it, or for that matter even understand it.

      That said it looks like there is the makings of an interesting post here, perhaps you could send me an email and we could knock something coherent together, I can see that you wouldn’t need to compromise your anonymity to do this.

      Delete
    2. Having attended the meeting at the Red Hall I was struck by how alone people feel, with numerous few first hand accounts of how residents have felt intimidated by Thanet Councillors and/or Officers. Certainly there were no attempts at conversion to a political ideology.

      There was a feeling that people need to somehow get the confidence to start speaking up. How is this best achieved I wonder?

      Delete
    3. Oh, bless, the poor dears!

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    4. Bring back National Service and their drill instructor will make them feel wanted.

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    5. Shhhhhh don't mention the young people. It always gets shot down in flames

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  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. I suppose it looks like you've had a rant and regretted it when a deleted post appears?

      This is the second time I have done this in Michaels' posts. The reason being I sometimes suddenly see my post is at odds with the way conversation needs to head, so I de-clutter. The meeting at the Red Hall last night also changed my focus.

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    2. Surely you are not an anarchist as well now, Solo Gays. You certainly picked up on the victim culture and how they feeel alone whilst none of the nasty councillors or officers listen to them. Funny really how the majority of us are able to contact our ward councillor easily enough, or get replies when we write to the council and can even attend meetings if we want to. By the way, did you take Peter's advice, and stopped shaving your armpits, said the 'f' word a lot whilst speaking in a middle class accent, Driver excluded from that of course.

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    3. Solo Gays,

      I doubt that last night's meeting at the Red Hall will actually change anything, for good or bad. It is nothing more than a bit of self indulgence for the organisers.

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    4. Solo Gays,

      You can rest assured that I would not be intimidated by any Counsellor or council Officer.

      Delete
    5. 1:06. Representation was to be found across the whole political spectrum.

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    6. Now you are seriously having a laught, name one Tory who was there?

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    7. The organisers are responsible for the register.

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    8. Why am I not surprised at that statement, Solo Gays, so, in other words, you have no proof that representation was across the spectrum.

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    9. All were invited to bear witness.

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    10. Peter, why didn't you attend yourself if you care so much about the outcome?

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    11. I think we have a GREAT deal more in common than has been evident so far Peter. I find myself in the disturbing position of agreeing 100% with your post! *goes for a lay down in a darkened room*

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    12. "Representation was to be found across the whole political spectrum"

      HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

      Delete
    13. We shall see who has the last laugh Mr Hamilton

      Delete
  5. Solo Gays

    Please contact me directly (chris.wells@kent.gov.uk). I apologise for using your name previously, that is your call, it was an unintended kindness. However, I believe we may fruitfully discusssome of your concerns.

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    Replies
    1. Chris

      Email sent to you 13.49. I await your reply.

      Delete
  6. The Red Hall meeting will achieve nothing. Didn't the organisers start their film and whinge activity nearly 20 years ago ? When they were wedded to the idea all Thanet ills could be cured by tackling one pub chain operator and one amusement park operator.

    The idea that blogging or Facebook groups can make a difference is a fallacy.

    Ian Driver is riding the Pleasurama hobby horse and representing himself as a champion of the people. But he does this whilst playing to the gallery. Like a blogger fifth columnist in the council who, in truth, is terrified of Section 18 (To bring in a WW2 metaphor for TC)

    It is more Thanet posturing. I find myself rather sympathizing with the sentiments expressed in Chris Wells response to his allocated research questionnaire. Councill answer the following hypothetical questions for publication.

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  7. That is, Anon, when he is not riding some unfortunate sheep down the Ramsgate port or shouting through a magaphone at little old ladies trying to get into the surgery at the Broadway Practice.
    It is, as you so rightly say, all posturing that will change nothing.

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  8. On the 8th of March this year I replied to Mark Seed concerning an issue I had with TDC to date I have had no reply. On the 19th of March I resent the same email to Mark Seed and Sue McGonical asking why the email hadnt even been acknowledged. Should I wait or should I send a copy of the email to my elected representative?

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    Replies
    1. Get your elected representative to chase it up for you.

      Delete
    2. Or better, stop wasting peoples valuable time with pointless and irrelevant questions that have no bearing on any issue whatsoever, and find a hobby you're good at, leave investigation, and forensic accountancy, indeed any accountancy to people with some talent in those areas, something that has clearly never graced your communications James.

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    3. Thanks Anon 7.33 have done.

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  9. Since everybody who went is either biased or naive that is difficult, Peter. Anon 6:13 is right when he says it will achieve nothing. Twelve years ago to my knowledge, their big campaign was building on gardens and back filling. Lots of hype, a film show in Ramsgate and Broadstairs but it all changed nothing. It is all a bit protest for protest's sake with a strong anti-establishment anarchist bias. Like you said, they stop shaving their armpits as it adds to the culture cred.

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  10. As yet no acknowledgement of my 13.49 email sent today to Cllr Chris Wells. Sent at his suggestion. Do I resend?

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    Replies
    1. Allan MallinsonMarch 21, 2013 7:46 pm

      Bit unreasonable and rather sneaky, Solo Gays. In fairness Cllr Wells invited you to email him as he had some answers for you. You have no idea what his programme was for the rest of the day so I suggest you exercise a little patience and wait. I am sure he will respond although, frankly, I would politely tell you to push off if you tried to show me up publicly like you have him. No wonder councillors avoid blogsites.

      Delete
  11. Peter,

    I understand that a helpful and un-biased report on the meeting has been written by Dave Spart.

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  12. Tom,

    The Red Hall Mob is nothing more than a bit of self indulgence. They are rather quaint.

    ReplyDelete
  13. John, who is David Spart and where can we read his report?

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  14. Allan

    I do not get paid for the service I am giving here to the community, and since Chris has obviously got the time to indulge his passion for blog watching and inviting private conversations, the very least I would expect would be a quick acknowledgement of my email with perhaps a brief summary of my/our concerns as he sees them, together with a timeframe for a fuller response.

    My post is entirely in keeping with this subject matter, which is about the responsiveness of our elected representatives. Yes, as you say, in the fullness of time, one would hope to be able to make a decision about who is best placed to achieve.

    Incidentally, are you going to take Michaels' advice and register a blogging identity? You are vulnerable to being impersonated as things currently stand with you.

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    Replies
    1. Allan MallinsonMarch 21, 2013 8:22 pm

      No I'm not!

      Delete
    2. Allan MallinsonMarch 21, 2013 8:31 pm

      Chris is probably like many other busy people, and you should remember he is a district and county councillor as well as having his own business to run, who have windows of opportunity for blogging. He invited you to contact him and I got the impression he was trying to be helpful. That you then complain because he has not come back again instantly is, in my view, bad form. As to whether you are paid or not for what you do is totally irrelevant.

      Whether I will take a blogging identity remains to be seen. So far I am not that impressed with the quality of debate around the Thanet blogs and there are far too many anonymous punters, not to mention a certain Birchington councillor who pretends to be anonymous despite his love of capitals and poor punctuation invariably giving him away, for my liking. I may well seek another outlet for my spare time energies.

      As for someone impersonating me, well they are welcome to try. Since most of us do not know each other outside this forum does it matter. In any event, some who have identities are still accused of being someone else and the monotonous moron from Birchington regularly pops up with his John Hamilton = Roger Latchford = Simon Moores = Tom Clarke = Ren Wood = John Holyer = Tim Clark allegations. Who knows Solo Gays could be Roger Rabbit for all we know and the Aquifer Man is actually a frustrated spinster lady who was jilted in her prime by a fighter pilot, giving rise to a pathological hatred of Manston.

      Delete
    3. Cllr Chris Wells and I have openly acknowledged each other here, and we have shown some respect toward each other, which would not have happened but for the existence of this blog. Surely, from what you say, this should be a matter for rejoicing, that a real exchange has taken place! Who knows what could happen next????

      Delete
    4. Solo Gays,

      Neither am I paid for what I do, but then I do not do very much.

      Chris Wells has always struck me as a rather conscientious and sincere person. You may wish to discuss your grievance with him privately.

      Delete
    5. Allan MallinsonMarch 21, 2013 8:54 pm

      Nice one, the other Allan Mallinson at 8:22. Didn't you write a book about the British Army or is that yet another Allan Mallinson. See old Solo Gays still cannot see that it is rather poor form to make a fuss about a councillor not getting back to him instantly. As for John Holyer, well I am afraid that the dear old Solo Gays stopped doing things in private a long time ago. Now it is shouting happily for all to rejoice on Pink days.

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    6. So do I re-send my email John? For all you or Chris knows, I could be feeling suicidal?

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    7. Love it all and wish I had thought up that one about the Aquifer man and the fighter pilot. Well said, Allan, and it could explain a lot.

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    8. Well I didn't say anything about rejoicing on Pink Days? I think this has all been a dreadful mistake. I know now I shouldn't have listened to that Mr Worrow when he said I would feel better if I told everyone about my sexuality, or Mr Driver for that matter who thought I would be better off trying to marry another bloke.

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    9. Such piety Allan Nothing Nobody 8.54 Mallinson. I have accepted the public apology from Cllr Chris Wells for revealing my identity in a previous post. No doubt I will receive another one in due course for publicly inviting me for a cosy chat when he has access to my email anyway, and could have just quietly dropped me a line.

      Delete
    10. Solo Gays,

      Your 8:55 pm,

      In the unlikely event that you are feeling suicidal then I suggest that you contact the Samartitans.

      Delete
    11. Tom,

      Me too - I love the gag about the fighter pilot.

      Delete
    12. Actually John, I find it far more of a comfort hanging on every word of a man who posts with a budgie on his head, who has a fixation with marxists conspirators in the neighbourhood, and who commissions secret reports on their activities.

      Delete
    13. Roger Todger RabbitMarch 21, 2013 10:28 pm

      Allan Mallinson,

      I was that fighter pilot, a night fighter, to be precise.

      Delete
    14. Solo Gays

      I see - so you are prejudiced against people who love budgies. That's not very nice.

      I notice that you have yet to discover Dave Spart. When you do you will understand that
      I am not fixated about the Red Hall Mob. It's just that their antics amuse me.



      Delete
    15. I see budgiephobia is alive and well in the gay community.

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    16. Budgies provide comfort in old age, especially to older gay people.

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    17. I wonder if the RSPB know about that?

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    18. I know what you mean 12.26, If only budgies could choose?

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    19. At least some of them can talk!

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    20. Looks like we found you a job?

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    21. What, as an interrogator of abused budgies?

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    22. You will need specialist training, but if you suspect abuse, you would need to have to take account of an appropriate intervention. Ultimately you may have to consider separating the bird from its owner, but this should only be considered a last resort, as such a course of action could inevitably induce greater trauma, disaffection and dysfunctional behaviour if future placements broke down.

      Delete
    23. Surely it was inappropriate 'placements' that caused the problem in the first place.

      As for training, well transcribing 'Whose a pretty boy then' is not exactly mind blowing though if sweetie pie suddenly does a mayor of Hiroshima and shouts "What the f*** was that" then we might have a case. Then it is down to who goes in the cage, the bird or the owner?

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    24. and just look at the cost to society........? I am sure Michael will do a new post for you soon.......

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    25. What cost are you talking about, Solo Gays, incarceration, budgie feed or atom bombs?

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    26. Solo Gays,

      I should welcome your thoughts on the subject of Macaws on the head.

      Delete
    27. An altogether more vigorous sensory experience I would imagine John?

      It would certainly stretch even further the mind of our anonymous contributor here.

      I like the photo.

      Delete
    28. Solo,

      I did not mention the second Macaw on the arm for fear of appearing boastful.

      The photo is of me. It was taken beside the head waters of the Amazon by a group of indigenous Indians.

      Well that's not completely accurate. It was taken by my mother beside the Thames at Windsor. I was about 14.

      Delete
    29. I am sure the Amazon head waters is where you imagined being at 14.

      Delete
    30. I knew a Sgt. Macaw, or was it McGaw, in the army but he certainly was not gay or feathered. Plastered sometimes mind you with a tendency to beast the idle.

      Delete
  15. Tom,

    You can check out Dave Spart on Wikipedia.

    The Red Hall Mob (RHM) is not too dissimilar from the harmless Workers Revolutionary Socialist Party (WRSP). Though of course the WRSP features the enormous talent and beauty of Vanessa Redgrave. In this respect the Red Hall Mob has nothing remotely similar.

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  16. Anything I do or dont do regarding solo gays now enters the realm of casework, which is always totally confidential.

    ReplyDelete

Comments, since I started writing this blog in 2007 the way the internet works has changed a lot, comments and dialogue here were once viable in an open and anonymous sense. Now if you comment here I will only allow the comment if it seems to make sense and be related to what the post is about. I link the majority of my posts to the main local Facebook groups and to my Facebook account, “Michael Child” I guess the main Ramsgate Facebook group is We Love Ramsgate. For the most part the comments and dialogue related to the posts here goes on there. As for the rest of it, well this blog handles images better than Facebook, which is why I don’t post directly to my Facebook account, although if I take a lot of photos I am so lazy that I paste them directly from my camera card to my bookshop website and put a link on this blog.