John Butler's take on the World

A55/A494 Highways -Welsh Government costs so far...

2012-01-29T22:00:00.011Z

I often get briefings & updates on North Wales Transport issues from the many individuals, councillors and Assembly Members who continue to research & beaver away on behalf of ordinary folk -and who share my concerns for transport issues in North Wales.

Residents of Flintshire have long been aware of the cost to the taxpayer for all the pre-proposal processes. It must a BIG item -and everyone of us is entitled to assurance that any drain on the public purse is money well spent. Just how much has been dissipated so far was recently disclosed as a result of a Freedom Of Information Request (FOI) sent by one of our elected representatives.

The numbers make interesting reading. Apparently they don't yet include the cost of the properties that lie alongside any tentative route proposals that have already been acquired by Welsh Government. Some say, with reckless speculation...

The Transport Department response lists significant sums of public money -but the chart does not appear to include the cost of land and building purchase. It is known from previous FOI requsts by councillors that a substantial list of properties have been bought so far which don't seem to appear here -one of which it is believed was acquired for several millions -so there could be significant figures to add.

All makes interesting reading. Let's hope that eventually, whatever is the consequence of all this (seemingly one-sided) deliberation, this vast expenditure will prove to be a responsible investment of taxpayer's cash.

I'll not be holding my breath... Read the report here and decide for yourself....

If anyone has any further "hard" information from time to time on what our government's civil servants are planning for us, please let me know....

TALKING POINT JB’s “I-Spell”

2012-01-20T20:46:00.036Z

More than ever today, voice communications over, possibly impaired quality, radio or phone-links, need to be both intelligible and devoid of any possible ambiguity.

Whenever we need to convey critical messages involving letters of the alphabet, it is essential that we get it right first time. Passport info, finance, medical, travel details and document references, demand absolute accuracy. In emergency situations, wrongly-heard words can cause delay and confusion –with potentially, tragic consequences.

The solution -in the form of using a set of dedicated words to define and enunciate each alphabet letter -has been around since mid 20th century. Its now standardised and understood around the world and endorsed by maritime and aviation agencies -as well as police, military and emergency services.

Maybe, in a world where matters of security or personal survival are likely to rely on the spoken word, familiarity with and ability to use this simple convention, could save lives. Lets make it a no-cost part of every young person's social tool-kit.

Here's my own mnemonic. It might help introduce our youngsters to, what I call, the “I-SPELL” code. Try it out on the occasion of your next family motoring trip as a fun way for all the family to acquire this simple skill. Just take it in turns to spell out the registration plate of the car in front using this code!

"I-SPELL" An Aid To Clear Spoken Communication

A is for ALFA the first in the line

B is for BRAVO -so brave and so fine

C is for CHARLIE a Prince in a boat

D is for DELTA –a triangle Greeks wrote!

E is for ECHO – repeat and subside

F for FOXTROT, a dance with a glide

G is for GOLF –best with low handicap

H is for HOTEL -for to dine and to nap

I is for INDIA of fair Taj Majal

J is for Juliet –who's Romeo's pal!

K is for KILO –a, “thousand", to you

L is for LIMA - in far off Peru!

M is for MIKE, which can make my voice stronger

N is for NOVEMBER with nights that are longer

O is for OSCAR –a prize to take home

P is for PAPA -a father in Rome!

Q is for QUEBEC –where they speak, as in France

R is for ROMEO and teenage romance!

S is for SIERRA and mountain peaks wide

T is for TANGO -the Argentine’s pride

U is for UNIFORM that makes all the same

V is for VICTOR who wins at the game

W is for WHISKEY –the Emerald Isle's toddy

X is for X-RAY that sees through my body!

Y is for YANKEE –and Uncle Sam's prime

...and Z is for ZULU –and Greenwich Mean Time!

Moel Famau 2010 -A chat with DAVID HANSON MP

2011-12-28T21:18:00.023Z

Film editing is a laborious though rewarding process. ONE of my New Year resolutions, is to get up to date with some of the hours of footage of worthy local events that are languishing, loved but needing attentive pruning, on my North Wales archive hardrive.

Here's one I've been meaning to top'n-tail for some time. It goes back to the glorious summer day in August 2010 when my team of geriatric video genies took to Moel Famau to record the Jubilee 200 celebrations.....

During that afternoon, on the child-friendly plateau that is the summit of Moel Famau, I met up with old chums and recognised many well-known local folk. I chatted with any who would take the time -and the bait- of my ever-ready microphone.

One of them was a local MP, David Hanson, a respected North Wales figure who, looked as relaxed walking on our lovely hill with his family, as he does when he's appearing before his parliamentary colleagues on behalf of the good folk of Delyn.

As we spoke the sky was showing a hint of later sunset gold -and the exuberant crowd was expectant with the promise of music and festivities, which would define Jubilee200, yet to come....

The Life Of The Party -Learn to Identify a stroke

2011-12-27T14:37:00.010Z

During a party at a friend's home, Jenny stumbled and took a little fall. The good folk around her were naturally concerned and offered to call an ambulance. She assured everyone that she was fine and had just tripped over a rug because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken, Jenny went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Jenny's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - at 6:00am the next morning, Jenny passed away. She had suffered a stroke at the party.

Had Jenny's friends known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps she would be alive today. Some stroke victims don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

Neurologists say that if they can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours, they are usually able to totally reverse the effects...totally.

Apparently, the trick is to get a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and the patient medically cared for within 3 hours. Is that so difficult?

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently), (i.e. It is sunny out today.)
R*Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the otherthat is also an indication of a stroke.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call an ambulance immediately!! and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Be aware of this simple procedure. It might someday save a life...

Recording a live piano concert

2011-12-22T13:19:00.029Z

Recording live, acoustic piano has never been easy for the would-be music archivist. Since the dawn of sound recording -and given the constraints of budget and available equipment- the instrument's range of tone, dynamics -and unique sustain- have been the source of many a challenge to even experienced music technicians.

The arrival in recent times of affordable, consumer-oriented digital a/v kit has helped greatly. The enthusiast now has available tools capable of results that compare favourably with the quality of professional offerings. Its a great opportunity for the competent amateur to be a part of the heritage process by ensuring something of today's young talent will be set down to be enjoyed in future years.

Nevertheless, making good recordings of, even the best-sounding domestic piano can still be difficult. Big, natural piano sound is not easy to record in the average home. That's why, when the opportunity to play and capture the sound of a sumptuous grand' under concert conditions arises, no self-respecting audiophile (or aspiring performer) should pass it up.

Residents of Flintshire are fortunate. As befits Our Lovely Land, education Principals at the County Council -along with school heads and support staff- have an enlightened attitude to good, live music; especially when it serves to showcase individual schools -and the talent of youngsters performing for the pleasure of a critical, local audience.
The social worth of this generous outreach to our communities cannot be overstated.

My local High School at Hawarden has a consistent record of sharing school facilities. Perhaps best known for vocational courses at evening classes and enviable all-weather sports pitches (youth training ground for of today's fine professional players) the campus also houses an impressive assembly/performance hall. Its acoustics coupled with a handsome grand piano, are without doubt, performance-inspiring and and excellence just made to be shared.

What you are hearing in this video example is testimony to all concerned: a great venue, a piano tuned to perfection -and young performers, tense but well rehearsed and ready to give their best shot.

These clips are extracts from my own 2011 recordings of an evening concert staged at the school. The performers were all pupils of prize-winning local piano teacher Mrs Elaine Sleeman. For reference and study, recordings of the complete concert have been made available to all participants as a 2 DVD set.
Special thanks are due to Head-of -School, Mr Rodger Davies and his hard-working staff for going the extra mile and supporting this invaluable community activity.

Technical notes:
The piano at Hawarden High School is a full-size Bösendorfer. It was well maintained, in great-tune -and well worthy of my best efforts! The microphone I used was a Beatles era, top-quality AKG dynamic. I wanted an intimate sound free of excessive room colouration so I mounted it on a short boom stand with the head close inside the open lid. The distance from the performers to my mixing station necessitated a very long XLR mic cable. The mixer outputted to a palm-sized Edirol R09 digital recorder. The audio was saved in uncompressed WAV format with manual set levels continuously monitored during performance on closed headphones and adjusted at the mixer. Most importantly, the morning rehearsals gave me a one-off opportunity to get a feel for the performance dynamics and set the critical audio "peaks". Even so, a couple of times during the evening, the "headroom" I had allowed was pushed to the limit.

Three camcorders were used throughout the concert; Main Cam#1 was on a rigid elevated mount and used for default/general shots, Cam#2 was a compact, self-contained unit, low-mounted about 1 metre from the keyboard. Cam#3 A standard size prosumer, hand-held -used for spontaneous cut-aways/closeups.

The on-board camcorder mic audio was of course only suitable for reference and synching during the subsequent edit.

"Daftland" monologue for our times?

2011-08-13T06:37:00.008+01:00

I don't normally do Political Commentary (!) but sometimes, at very short notice, the man-in-the-street's fertile mind comes up with a gem.

After last week, it makes you wonder what the great world outside thinks of our Lovely Land?

Last night, a new reader of this blog sent me this from his home in Thailand. Expect to hear it recited soon, wherever cultured folk of tolerance -and a sense of humour- assemble,

Brits are going to change the name of their country. Its going to be known as "Daftland".

We live in a country called Daftland
The Britain we knew is no more
Where sensible people do ludicrous things
Or risk breaking some Daftland law.
In Daftland we've police dogs with muzzles
Less the villain has cause to complain
And to steal from a shop and say 'sorry'
Means your free with no stain to your name.

You had better leave lights on in buildings
When you lock up and go home at night
'cause the burglars might hurt themselves entering
And there's no way you'll be in the right.
When speaking be wary in Daftland
As some terms that you've used all your life
Now have connotations unintended
And you'll end up in all sorts of strife.

We elect politicians in Daftland
to give us the laws of the land
Yet eight laws in ten now come from abroad
The whole thing has got out of hand.
The borders are open in Daftland
And of migrants there's no keeping track
Just a few of the thousands illegally here
Will ever be caught and sent back.

The exception to this is the hero
Who fought for this land in the war
He's old and he's sick, he might cost us a bit
So he's not welcome here any more.
When the history is written of Daftland
Historians may just recall
That the craziest people in Daftland
Were the public who put up with it all

R.Hopkins

Virginmedia -is a great brand losing the plot?

2011-08-11T14:42:00.077+01:00

Years ago, in the days when my business interests included several travel agents, I saw first-hand the corporate bullying that Virgin airline founder Richard Branson had to suffer from his evil-hearted competitors. Branson kept his head, did his stuff -and the public voted for him with their wallets. Since then, I've held the Virgin brand -and all that it stood for in high regard. In the tough times that face us all today, Britain needs fearless, innovative businesses like Branson's Virgin.

For several years Virginmedia have provided my home telecoms. They gave me a plodding but solid phone+broadband deal and I was impressed. Especially because, for the little things that sometimes go wrong, they had nice people on hand to fix them. I got the impression that, from holidays to phone services, the guys at VIRGIN really cared about their customers -and would work hard to keep folks like me coming back for more -and telling their friends.

A couple of months ago, having gone through a bad time with broadband reliability which virgin couldn't fix without me spending more money, I decided to switch my phone and broadband package to one of their national competitors. The automated confirmations of transfer I received from Virgin promised me a hassle-free handover. On the appointed day my new provider took over my phone and broadband accounts and all went well.

Unfortunately someone at Virginmedia forgot to stop charging their recurring monthly subscription fees to my credit card. Even today, when I checked, they were rolling on into September. Immediate action was called for.

The glitzy Virginmedia website points the user everywhere except to a contact email address; so, this afternoon, I attempted to resolve matters by phoning the "customer service" people. I first spoke to "Lexie" -(she refused to tell me her full name) who told me that her system showed that my account had NEVER been terminated and that monthly charges from Virginmedia were still being debited to my credit card. Lexie refused to accept that the automated emails from virgin indicating "closure" were sufficient to "switch-off" my account. I insisted on speaking to "Danny" her line-manager.

Danny (request for surname also flatly refused) admitted that my story was commonplace in the industry at the present time. He said that the fault was with my new telecoms provider and, although he could effect immediate closure of my account as from today, he could not explain why I was still being charged when the virgin system had communicated their service would be ending. Even worse, any refunds I might get would be by company cheque, a process that might take some weeks

Danny went on to say that my complaint was just one of many that he was aware of at this time that were in the pipeline..Well Virginmedia, that's NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Despite having in my possession, emails in which Executive Director, MARK DAVIDSON confirms that my virginmedia package would end 23-06-2011, without my intervention today, Virgin would have continued monthly charges to my credit card.

I want an IMMEDIATE apology and a FULL EXPLANATION from a responsible executive at Virginmedia -preferably from somebody who is proud enough of their corporate function to reveal their FULL NAME.

I look forward to the time when, once again, I can say nice things about VIRGIN. Stay tuned...

Aberystwyth revisited -"Technium" closes at Y Lanfa

2011-07-31T17:11:00.097+01:00

Last week, working my passage across Cardigan Bay as crew on a small sailing boat, I got to spend a couple of days renewing fond acquaintance with the delightful, mid-Wales harbour and university town of Aberystwyth.

Albeit low-key, Aberystwyth harbour is a gem! Its a real working fishing port with maritime connections older than the town's prestigious colleges of learning. For today's leisure sailors, the modest marina with refueling and overnight facilities for sea-borne visitors, make it a welcome stopover on any trip to the southern Irish Sea and beyond.

At the head of the harbour stands a massive new building. As a fashionably modern maritime museum or an art and culture showcase -or, best of all, a centre for oceanic studies it might just have been acceptable.

But its none of those things. Its excessive and pretentious -and currently empty. in a disgracefully short time it has fetched up as the cast-off of an ill-considered, over- ambitious, WAG-funded scheme.

Opened with a triumphant flourish in 2005 by Andrew Davies, during his time at the helm of our Assembly's ministry for "Enterprise" and "Innovation", the building at Y Lanfa Aberystwyth was designed to be one of a chain of Welsh "Technium" centres that the powers-that-be of the day insisted were a prerequisite to the advancement of high-tech business in Wales.

"The original concept that you would get high growth potential, high tech companies in there developing in their early years and then move on hasn't happened.”Andrew Davies AM Former Economic Development Minister

In Aberystwyth, the location and scale of the Technium building dominates the waterfront in a way that exudes insensitivity. It was set in its grandstand position at a time when the coffers of our Government in Wales were burgeoning with other people's money -and its servants and ministers, in awe of their own importance and power, were incessantly mouthing a mantra of institutional commitment to private businesses.

The flawed premise of the "Technium" was that, with no cutting of corners, they would house all the skills and resources deemed essential to the incubation and growth of emergent hi-tech firms. Obviously, Welsh entrepreneurs thought otherwise. Prohibitive costs of participation and unhelpful attitudes of officials were not what embryonic Welsh businesses needed -and they stayed away in droves. Like too many recent high-minded WAG projects the Technium concept was not the product of consultation with people of practical experience. The ordinary folk of Wales are now paying a high price for political arrogance and institutional ineptitude.

The whole scheme, now recognised as a resounding failure, has been dramatically down-sized. The closure of the Y Lanfa Technium leaves an edifice that will dominate the waterfront at Aberystwyth for generations to come; a legacy of the profligate years and dissipated opportunities of a Welsh Assembly Government with Rhodri Morgan at the helm.

Already, the exterior of the empty complex of offices and meeting rooms is showing signs of crumbling neglect. Last week, there was a notice on the building indicating that a "change-of-use" had been applied for. It reveals that this, redundant WAG asset might soon be redeployed as a courthouse and detention centre. What a let-down for the good folk of Aberystwyth and Ceredigion!

Six years after being lulled into accepting, that the modesty of their heritage waterfront needed to be sacrificed on the alter of "progress", the harbour might now be the setting for a facility that could have been more productively located on a neglected brown-field site elsewhere in town.

Isn't this the shame of the twenty-first century in Our Lovely Land? Why is it that real progress in the intellectual and business skill-sets that might be advanced by a sound basic education for all, is frustrated by a government mindset far-removed from the gritty, realities of the needs of enterprise?

WAG must change and accept that it is never right to pour public money into causes in which they have little proven competence. Sustainable businesses -of whatever level of innovation or technology are founded on a work force with sound basic education and individual, often innate skill and effort -not institutional profligacy and glitz.

I hope my many friends in the libraries and colleges and all the good folk of Aberystwyth take this opportunity to bring about a use for this building that might redeem its aesthetic intrusion by augmenting the town's undoubted cultural heritage.

As I slipped the lines which tied us to the heart of this Welsh centre of learning and culture and headed into the grey fug of a windy return to the land of the Gogs, I hoped that those who now wield the power and influence in Our Lovely Land have seen the need for change...

Lidl Quibble! -Time to move on?

2011-06-02T14:19:00.016+01:00

I like to think that as far as consumer goods -especially everyday indispensables are concerned, I don't do "shoddy". I do value -and up to now that's put Lidl stores near the top-of-the stack. Sadly, no more.

Last year, I bought a pair of Lidl brand trainers; a type of footwear I wouldn't normally favour but I needed to be silently shod whilst moving around a staged setting and in full view and earshot of the audience, whilst I filmed an important bit of Flintshire ceremonial. The Lidl trainers on offer that week at their Queensferry store appeared well-made, good value at less than twenty quid -and, most important, black in colour. Just the job.

The filming, went well. The choice of silent and inconspicuous footwear ensured that my paddings around Flintshire's Great and Good did not audibly detract from the historically significant proceedings.

Lidl trainers had done the day and the occasion proud -with the prospect that they would serve for many more -or so I thought!
I wore the shoes about six times more; mainly round the house. They were comfortable and functional -though I had to agree with The Bride when she suggested that their svelte, contemporary form hardly complimented my dotage or professed gravitas. Then it was pointed out that the damn things had started to fall apart. Unity of sole and upper were visibly an issue -and The Bride was threatening to throw them in the bin.

In our modest household the concept of disposable fashion doesn't sit well -quite the reverse. After thirty years my everyday Loakes Oxford brogues still look only just past their prime. Then it dawned. My new-fanged but necessary black pumps had given me very poor service. On my next big-shop to Lidl, I took them with me and asked the staff what I should do to seek remedy. I was confidently informed, that in the absence of dated proof of purchase, an immediate refund or exchange was out of the question and I was referred to the Lidl website. There I was able to leave comment on my concern for the premature demise of the shoes.

Within 24 hours I received a most encouraging phone call from Pam at Lidl customer service. She sounded business-like and attentive. Pam quickly established the facts of the situation and went on to tell me that I could soon expect a letter authorising the store to refund/replace. That letter never materialised. What I did receive from Lidl's Kirsty Kilfeather was, what I suspect was, a standard letter in which the usual corporate platitudes about customer satisfaction and feedback were trotted out -but which ended with a blunt assertion that the product was out of warranty and therefore not eligible for refund. The fundamental issue of MY expectation of product quality and durability in this instance had been ignored. All was not well!

This leaves me a very disappointed bunny. Lidl had reneged on their original promise of remedy. I remain the owner of a Lidl-brand item that failed to deliver a reasonable product life. When put to the test -Lidl had quibbled! I believe that the product I bought must have been poorly constructed. Any shoes -of whatever brand- that could barely survive a dozen outings must surely be, "not fit for purpose"?

For years, and after many happy past experiences, I have advocated Lidl stores for their quirky but (up to now) exceptional consumer value. This recent experience has taught me a lesson; On this occasion, I probably didn't even get the value that I paid for. They won't get the chance sell me any cheapskate footwear again!

What for the future? Is the Lidl heyday over? Not just me, but shrewd consumers generally are reacting to -and reporting- drooping standards and corporate indifference. These days, our household finds Lidl increasingly less attractive. Top-drawer retailers like ASDA & TESCO -as well as a raft of smaller players have caught up with Lidl's, once-unique, concepts of no-frills value -but their staff offer it with a style and zest that was never a part of the Lidl.game-plan. Better still, when it comes to the crunch ASDA & TESCO staff exude enthusiasm at any opportunity to reinforce their company's stated policies for customer satisfaction.

Henceforth, this household will be sticking to Lidl's consistently better regarded, retail mainstream competitors.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) renewal scam?

2011-05-25T14:37:00.003+01:00

On a couple of occasions, whilst travelling abroad, the bride & I have had need of, what at the time seemed quite serious medical attention. Once, in mainland Spain, one of us had to check in at the emergency department of the nearest hospital. It was a most enlightening experience. The staff and the quality of medical care we received over several fraught hours was top notch. Everything was expertly managed -even down to the provision of a skilled technical interpreter -and all for "free" on the basis that we were visiting EU citizens. All ended well -and very reassuring!

Nowadays, any EU citizen when travelling within the Union, has an entitlement to the same standards and conditions of heath care that are enjoyed (or suffered!) by the local people in that country. This commendable situation might be open to abuse so, to make it easy to establish exactly who can get this huge travel benefit, it helps if visitors carry a European Health Insurance Card at all times. Its been specially issued to confirm their UK medical status. The card is FREE -but its only issued on-request -and it must be properly applied for. We've each had a card since the day the scheme started and our cards go with us everywhere. Just in case...
Like most of the first batch issued, our cards expired a couple of weeks ago. A friend, who'd already renewed his cards, rang to forewarn me that it had cost him £20 to renew the cards for himself & his wife. As an impecunious time-served, North Wales skip-rat, I baulked at the idea that the simple renewal of an existing state provided service should trigger any kind of new charge. I did some research.

It transpires that the Internet is currently buzzing with official-looking, ploys designed to catch the unwary and lead them through a third-party process that does no more than "check & send" a couple of items of personal data to the renewal authorities. These sites add a totally spurious £10 fee for the privilege. And the unsuspecting or gullible just pay it.

Don't be fooled! EHICs are still FREE -for first-time applicants AND subsequent renewals. Go to the official NHS here and do it yourself!!

A concert to remember -Hawarden High School 2011

2011-05-10T14:33:00.015+01:00

Saturday 26 March was the occasion of the 2011, "Pupils of Elaine Sleeman" piano concert at Hawarden High School. This is the second time that this annual showcase of emerging musical talent has taken place at what is now acknowledged to be one of the best small concert halls in Flintshire. The venue's fashionably "bright" acoustics -and a sumptuous, well-tuned Bosendorfer grand were destined to bring out the best of the young performers.The event has quite a following among the music cogniscenti. The hall was packed, not just with local music-lovers and family and friends of Mrs Sleeman's pupils -but several distinguished faces were to be seen from the world of education/performing arts.

Those lucky enough to be present were treated, by Mrs Sleeman's hard-working students, to two wonderful hours of keyboard proficiency.

In order that students might have a record of their work to look back on, the event was filmed by Terry Sleeman. My role was to make sure that the quality of our captured audio tracks did justice to the student's high musical standards. During the post-event edit process, at the end of each session, my treat was a cup of tea -and an uninterrupted listen to a remarkable soprano.The clip I show here was technically the most demanding. My limitations show in my not always coping with the dramatic dynamics of this hauntingly beautiful love-song.

Next time I shall be more attentive, at rehearsal, to my sound level monitors -and I'll have the soloist stand at a pre-marked distance from her microphone! Nevertheless, I believe we have here a memorable recording. With sensitive accompaniment by Rhiannon, Ffion take us through every haunting nuance of Whitacre's justly famous "Hebrew Love Song", II Kalá Kallá. Her voicing at 3:30 raises the bar of the performance from the adequately competent to the sublime. Beautiful.

I have listened to this work many times and heard it performed by choirs and professional soloists. I think the original Hebrew lyrics are the essence of the song's wistful charm as the mood alternates between melancholy and liberated joy. For more on the writing, listen to Hila Plitmann -the composer's wife, as she throws light on her words here.

CITTASLOW -MOLD town leads the way in Wales

2011-04-25T11:16:00.006+01:00

I love MOLD. Its a modest market town just up the road from where we live and a place with which I've enjoyed a happy association since the days when I was involved in various retail enterprises there.

MOLD has more than just a heart -it has a redoubtable spirit and guts! Never more evident than the way the town and community have evolved and adapted to changing consumer needs and shopping habits. From the dawn of the twenty-first century the town's civic leaders embraced the fact that the big players in retailing were here to stay -whilst paying more than just lip-service to the continued worth and support of owner-managed businesses. Some would say this spirit of optimism and enterprise is down to the town's great artistic and cultural heritage. Whatever, when I heard that, by taking a bold initiative, MOLD had earned itself the status of a "Cittaslow" town -and that it was the first of what is hoped to be many such in Wales- I decided to find out more.

On a typical crisp but rain-blessed morning in 2010, I dropped by on the good folk who regularly man the CITTASLOW information stall at the town's bustling street-market.

ASDA brand (ASDS57) electric kettles -not for the faint-hearted!

2011-04-23T11:36:00.011+01:00

This morning I bought an electric kettle from my local ASDA superstore at Queensferry. From the selection on display, I chose the ASDA own-brand model ASDS57. It looked good in gleaming stainless steel, had all the features we needed and appeared to offer excellent value. Sadly, my contentment ended there.

As soon as I got home, I unboxed it and as I took it out of its purpose-made (and undamaged) carton the moulded bottom of the kettle fell away from the main body. Now revealed were bits of open, spiky mechanism and, what appeared to be mains-voltage electrical connections. I didn't attempt to refit it as I noticed the screw lugs had obviously broken and parted company from the moulding.

Much disquieted -and a little irritated at having to make an unwanted, bank-holiday car journey- I took the whole caboodle back to the friendly folk at ASDA.

The ASDA (Quneensferry) customer service desk was busy, but I was soon attended by cheerful CHRIS who, once she understood the potential seriousness of my concerns for public safety, referred me to customer service manager, SUSAN FORSTER. Susan listened and, as per the training manual, immediately offered me a same-product exchange -or a cash refund.

I explained that I had gone to considerable inconvenience to return the kettle promptly to the store, not just to get a working kettle -but because I believed it in the interests of consumers (and ASDAs reputation!) that their ASDS57 kettle be recalled and taken off the shelves wherever they might be on sale in the UK

...to be continued
within 24 hours I received, via a recorded delivery mail to my home, a simple notification of "customer reference number" (12843909)

...to be continued

Thursday 28 April: I receive a letter from LEANNE TELFORD of the Service Team at ASDA Leeds Office. Ms Telford informs me that they are awaiting receipt of the kettle I left at Queensferry ASDA and that, as soon as it reaches them, they will begin an investigation with their supplier, "to find out what went wrong on this occasion" and that they aim to give me a response within 40 days to let me know the outcome. They express a hope that I will continue to shop with them and enjoy the products I buy...

...to be continued

Saturday 7 May: I receive a letter from LISA WEBSTER of the ASDA Service Team. She says that their supplier's technical department have examined the kettle and that they conclude that it may have been dropped in transit or in use. They say that they have had no other complaints of this nature and believe the defect to be an isolated production fault. They offer me further assurances and apologies and -as a gesture of goodwill an ASDA £10 voucher.

I'm mystified as to how ASDA can suggest transit damage when the box and packaging were faultless. I'm also a bit miffed that they suggest the defect might have been caused by a drop "in use" -when as soon as I noticed that the base had completely parted from the body, and I had taken a couple of photos for my records -the kettle was immediately repacked before taking it back down to ASDA's Queensferry store.

If anyone (including ASDA) would like to see further close-up pictures of the defect -so that they may make their own mind up- please contact me... for now I'll never again be buying an ASDA branded electrical product!

...tbc

Brynle Williams -fond farewell to a popular Welsh AM

2011-04-20T18:02:00.015+01:00

I was saddened to read, upon my return from holiday in mid April 2011, of the death of North Wales AM, Brynle Williams. As one of our best regarded political figures, Cilcain resident, Mr Williams was always true to his rural roots. In his work as shadow minister for Rural Affairs at the Welsh Assembly, he brought a touch of reality and life-experience to farming and country matters.
I met and interviewed Mr Williams in 2007. It was around the time of the controversial plans to widen, to motorway standards, the A494 dual carriageway at Queensferry. At a time of widespread disapproval of any increase in our nation's "carbon-footprint", Mr Williams was concerned that local people had not been properly consulted and realistic alternatives to, yet more road transport, had not been considered. In his view, the impact of the successive, yet separately presented road schemes, would harm local communities.

As we stood and talked on that brisk February morning outside the busy community centre at Aston, his sincerity and concern were self-evident. Inside the centre a steady stream of local folk, were dropping in to view the Aston resident's home-brewed presentation of the case for constraint, in what Welsh highway planners were proposing to inflict on the area -in the name of "improvement".

His views were important. Here was a man of dignity and influence with a reputation for fair-play and straight-talking. He was a "local" with hands-on, practical experience -who also happened to be a politician accustomed to the rough and tumble that often results when the demands of big business conflict with the rest of us. A man who, just a couple of years previous, had publicly and successfully championed the British farming community as it faced steeply-rising UK fuel costs whilst continent-fueled super-trucks raced across the land he loved.

It's interesting that Mr William's first comment refers to the new Dee crossing bridge. He expresses concern that no one in authority seemed to have thought of incorporating this hugely expensive -but shamefully under-used Flintshire asset- as part of a logical alternative that might better -and less disruptively- connect onward traffic to the A55 North Wales highway. His conclusions in respect of "localisation" of production and options for local rail networks were ahead of their time. His insistence that only a fully-integrated transport plan would serve the future needs of North Wales, reflect the sentiments of today.

Newspaper reports of the funeral of Brynle Williams at Cilcain suggest a record attendance. Not surprisingly there were present eminent politicians of all persuasions. All attested to his kindness, generosity and universal popularity.

I believe that the concerns and aspirations that this redoubtable Welshman expressed to me, with such conviction on that day in 2007 are as appropriate as ever today. Lets hope those who plan Welsh Transport have listened.

MIFFY -Opening Day of Mynydd Isa's revamped play area

2011-04-06T12:32:00.022+01:00

For generations, the young folk around Mynydd Isa, Buckley & Mold have enjoyed playing on the local field known affectionately as "The Bonc". Now the facilities have been completely updated by the MIFFY (Mynydd Isa Field For Youth) group -and since opening, its been a resounding success.
In these cash-strapped times, its all too easy to call time on optimism but the MIFFY project shows what can be achieved when sustained voluntary community endeavour works in harmony with Local Authority resources and our National Institutions.

On the opening day HG, the Duke Of Westminster performed an official unveiling and "tree-planting". It was a thoughtful and dignified ceremony, witnessed by a large assembly of school children, their parents, the senior executive of the National Lottery Fund (Wales), leading members of our local councils -and our County High Sheriff, Lady Janet Jones JP.

My film includes informal interviews with many of those involved with the scheme. It shows how the recreational needs of young people were delivered by a combination of local community consultation, volunteer resources and availability of funding. The personal enthusiasm by His Grace, for the concept and execution of the project is evident as he delivers some stirring words of encouragement and approval.

The film was made in close collaboration with Flintshire Neighbourhood Watch Association. It is part of my personal, voluntary, not-for-profit, local "Community archive" effort. It took dozens of hours in the planning and compilation -and what you see here are the fruits of much hard work by my volunteer assistants. It is intended that a master copy will be deposited with the National Sound & Film Archive of Wales so that future generations might be better informed of contemporary local events of significance to our people and our times. Please contact me if you'd like a high-quality DVD of this event.

To those who wonder just why I make "back-pack" documentaries such as the MIFFY, its because of the challenge! The work is not so much "low-budget" as "NO-Budget"! Much of the equipment I use has been donated by kind people with over-burdened attics -and "recycled". Microphone stands and lighting rigs have been made of of oddments gleaned from penny-auctions and car-boot sales where impatient, imagination-challenged folk dumped them. The finest examples were crafted from bits of wood & scrap liberated from Alyn & Deeside waste skips!

The films I contribute are a personal "thank-you" to a part of Our Lovely Land which has served my family well for generations. It also gives me an opportunity to observe and reflect whilst I renew a fond acquaintance with North Wales' unique industrial, cultural and community heritage. I hope you enjoy them.

I'm happy to advise or consult an any aspect of community/heritage filmmaking-from scripting and background research to cobbling together a "chroma-key" screen. I give hands-on and (according to some) hilarious talks to societies & schools -usually for little more than a donation to the Salvation Army! I love to demonstrate to folks that anyone with a bit of easily-acquired skill can make a video that people will want to watch.

If you would like to volunteer assistance on future, similar film projects, I can always use extra pairs of willing hands! Call me...

Meet Jorge Rosa in Madeira's newest business -with a heart...

2011-03-22T20:46:00.006Z

With our boat safely tied up in Funchal Madeira for a few hours, Dawn and I strolled between the flower market and old-town district. A charming side-street drew us to a brand-new micro-enterprise and very soon we were chatting to local artist-designer, Jorge Rosa.

Jorge was delighted to talk to my camera about his business philosophy and his plans for the future. I quickly realised that our meanderings had brought us to a sensitive craftsman-artist -and a remarkable and thoughtful young man. When I asked how he was reacting to the catastrophic events that were unfolding that week in far-away Japan, Jorge offered some words of hope to the people and country with which he had happy familiarity and which had been the source of much of his own artistic inspiration...

Best wishes for your future sucess Jorge. Your skill and sincerity will surely be rewarded soon.
We will call again when next we stop-over at your beautiful island.

This short sequence was shot on my trusty, palm-sized Sanyo Xacti minicam. This camera has been my close travel companion for some 4 years. It comes into its own in impromptu, closeup, "run-and-gun" interviews such as this when there is no time for rehearsal -or even basic setup. Its ideal for the sort of one-shot, seat-of-the-pants filming that, according to some, is my trademark. I love it.

The same evening -whilst attempting to shoot a glorious shipboard sunset- I got carried away with the moment -and let the lens rest just a tad too long on the dipping but still fierce globe on the horizon. My reward was a mediocre twilight shot -and a burnt out camera sensor...ah well!

Any suggestions for a modern (SD card) minicam replacement?

Vic Williams -a tribute

2011-02-11T13:55:00.022Z

It was respected Buckley historian and fellow industrial heritage enthusiast, Paul Davies who first introduced me to the man who was the fund of local knowledge and gentle authority that was the late Vic Williams of Connahs Quay. Vic, who came to Deeside from Rhos to teach law at Deeside College, was always happy to share with me his painstakingly uncovered insights on the fabulous heritage of industy and community that thrived on the modest North Wales border strip that he made his home.

My great-fathers -both Vickers and Butlers were involved with ship-building and operating on the river Dee. The families of both were immersed in the busy, progressive communities and business cultures of their day. Vic, a man of meticulous research and learning, willingly shared with me, much of his knowledge of those early Deeside days based around the hub that was Connahs Quay. We discussed, in great detail, the content of his private researches; the well-received publications on Deeside social culture and also the fine Welsh language poetry written by his own grandfather and the consistent excellence and adaptivity of Deesiders over recent generations.

In many extended telephone conversations and especially when I was invited to visit him at his Connahs Quay home, surrounded by shelves of hand-written files and memorabilia, his relaxed but thoughtful manner was always evident.

The short clip I show here was not a formal "interview" -rather an aide-de-memoire taken at the time to serve my later-year's inability, to sustain hand-written notes.

It is taken from a morning of conversation we had in 2009. This was principally to flesh-out my own studies about the Gladstone/Hawarden/Liverpool connection. "Welsh" Liverpool was a topic particularly dear to Vic since his antecedents were a part of the vibrant, culturally rich scene that was that English port city throughout the 19th century. Then Vic spoke about more modern times when he was involved as a councillor representing the Connahs Quay community. He mentioned "Wepre Hall" -and the origins of the Connahs Quay swimming baths.

Sadly, on 5 February this year (2011) after an extended illness, Vic passed-away. He will be greatly missed. Vic is gone but his inestimable endeavours might live on. He had told me at one time, that he hoped that his collection of Deeside memorabilia and his extensive notes and commentaries might, in due course, be conserved for the benefit of future generations.

I hope this clip -and indeed the whole interview recording when available- might go some way towards an appropriate tribute to the dedication and enthusiasm of a remarkable citizen of Our Lovely Land.

There is a growing call to showcase the past achievements of Deeside & district. If I can help with any aspect of establishing a modest but permanent site where the work of such as Vic Williams might be properly displayed, please contact me. JB

Driving on the A55? Tired coach drivers take time for a nap!

2011-02-08T13:41:00.008Z

Say what you like about trans-europe truck/coach travel, the busy A55/A494 dual-carriageway which traverses east-west North Wales, is a great scenic introduction to the top of Our Lovely Land; but its no place for drivers of heavy trucks and (heaven forbid) coaches to be caught napping!

We've had truck drivers eating plates of spaghetti whilst trundling their supersize cargoes above Holywell -now, the generous, tolerant law-abiding folk of North Wales have got to contend with sleepy-eyed Romanian coach-drivers!

Of course, we'll keep a welcome for genuine touring motorists and the top-drawer coach operators that have long drawn much needed tourism to North Wales -but surely we should be cautious of those just "passing-through"

The expanded EU offers us insights to some of the exotic inclinations of our central-european cousins. Tolerate and accept -yes. But we need to draw the line at their, sometimes casual, approach to vehicle maintenance and operation standards. This includes always carrying the same registration plates on front & rear, rigid observation of driver-hours and when and where it is acceptable for the wheel-bound to do their eating & sleeping...

A retired North Wales inspector of Police recently drew my attention to the latest high-jink.

Is it time to wake-up to just how much longer we should tolerate recalcitrant coach operators and convoys of left-hand-drive biggies on North Wales roads as they chase to catch the Holyhead ferries?

A55/A494 North Wales Highways

2011-01-12T19:59:00.002Z

Looks like things are afoot in the "New Roads" offices of Welsh Assembly Government. With elections on the horizon, transport functionaries are jostling to get political acceptance for high-sounding schemes. It seems the closeted official mindset that would have bigger and wider roads as the key to Wales's perceived economic ills is alive and well.

Rumours are that plans for high-speed "super-junctions" around A55/A494 at Ewloe are just the tip of yet another ego-tripping exercise of wilful disregard of public opinion. Ehmm.. has someone forgotten that unless the ordinary folk of North Wales are involved right at the start, ANY plans will be fraught with dissent and controversy.

Its very simple really. With rapidly rising fuel costs and a public preference for local production and consumption, there's no proven case that 21st century North Wales needs any "improvement" in road-transport capacity. Now that the benefits of "globalisation" with all the reckless use of "food-miles" that trans-Europe trucking entails -have been found to be grossly overstated and unsustainable, a few diehards at the top of Transport Wales need to wake up to reality.

Unless those who hold high -though unelected- office at WAG can quickly convince Welsh folk that transport initiatives in The Principality will be founded on joined-up thinking with evidence of INTEGRATED, all-mode transport solutions, they might soon find there is no place for them in government plans...

Watch this space...

Community Film-making -Collaboration

2010-12-21T17:20:00.021Z

2010 has seen the emergence of "flash-mob" events and other pre-planned, collaborative music forms. I'm intrigued. Affordable, ubiquitous consumer media technology -and inspired creativity make it possible. Its truly amazing what can be achieved when good-minded folk work together -and then share freely. If you're not familiar with the style, then check-out the offering here. As as a timely reminder of what Christmas is REALLY about, it certainly, for me, hit the spot.

As a variant, we are also seeing the performance collaborations -where musicians are brought together, often by world girding technology links to produce a composite that becomes more than token representation of ethnic and cultural differences. A celebration. There's something raw yet totally sincere and often very beautiful about these works -especially when they feature musicians of mixed generations each of whom are content to remain "unknown", but all playing a part by adding to the whole. An exemplary aggregation of artistic talent and goodwill, some would say.

Of course, there's usually room for old crumblies like me hamming it up it whilst, hopefully, showing the way. I dare anyone to watch one of these productions and not be moved. This is "feel-good-factor" without the brain-numbing, banal hype that degrades much popular music.

One of the first of this genre, kindly sent me by a regular reader of this blog (thanks DJ) was the version of "Stand By Me", compiled by the Playing For Change Foundation, which you can find here.

Also, from the same team and released a few days ago, John Lennon's "Imagine". I love it.

Click on the "play" icon above and listen for yourself. Tell me what you think.

Performing and setting down music in this idiom is not rocket science. I have access to all the hardware that might be needed and would be willing to teach and advise if required. Be it instrumental or choral and any musical genre, if YOU have an idea for something fresh and original that could utilise a similar collaborative process and participation of the talents, just call me. Together we can make it happen.

SEA VIEW FARM COSTS DECISION

2010-12-15T17:42:00.014Z

Breaking News 15 December 2010 ! GOOD NEWS for Flintshire tax-payers?

I am delighted to make public for the first time the official COST DECISION document associated with the recent Planning Inspectorate notice on the Sea View Farm Public Inquiry. Read it here

A few hours ago, the Office Of The Inspectorate released to me an unredacted copy of the Inspector's comments on cost applications associated with this case. Significantly, he stated that he will "refuse the application for costs". Whilst anything that reduces the drain on public funds is good news, nevertheless it is certain that the council will have to somehow absorb -and and then write-off- all of their own expenditure incurred to date.

I hope to release a breakdown of the Council's expenditure so far -and specifically of costs for mounting the current legal action- soon.

Since, during the public inquiry, both sides to the dispute indicated that they would be seeking an award of costs -declared at the Inquiry to be running to hundreds of thousands- no one at FCC should take unwarranted comfort from this decision. Its open to challenge, in its own right, at a High Court. No amount of spin will change the underlying truth that efforts and public resources applied over many years have achieved little but to fritter away local authority time and money -and cause unaccounted public frustration.

These are times of unprecedented financial stringency for local authorities. The prospect of any relief to the drain on public funds is welcome. At best, Flintshire taxpayers will only have to foot, say half, of what by any standards, is likely to tot up to a massive expenditure.

The Cost Decision document sadly also confirms that the planned resumption of this inquiry has been cancelled. Those issues of land-stability, containment, unaccounted content, habitat and environment will not now be put to public scrutiny. As one of many who submitted extensive evidence that would have supported the council's case and was prepared to be cross-examined by a top-drawer barrister -in my case on concerns for health impact, I'm disappointed.

So, what happens now? What of the unfinished business of issues of genuine concern? Will they remain buried for a generation? What must happen next at County Hall?

Those who would dismiss this case as an unfortunate localised blip should consider their position. The consequences of mistakes of this magnitude effect everyone in Flintshire -and bring, disrespect to what should be a robust and dependable function, with over-arching responsibility for essential services.

When will the review processes start that will put in place the checks and balances that will, never again, allow such a wasteful and public humiliation to occur.

Seems to me, that time can't come soon enough..

Sea View Farm Planning Inquiry -FCC case rejected at Public Inquiry

2010-12-09T19:44:00.069Z

Inspector throws out "hopelessly uncertain" Flintshire County Council planning enforcement case.

Late on Friday 9 December 2010, I received a copy of a report of findings from the office of the independent Inspector appointed by Welsh Assembly Government to scrutinise the long-running planning enforcement dispute in respect of landfill permits at Sea View Farm Aston. It contained the inspector's ruling on, what council officials had claimed were serious consent infringements at the local beauty-spot site.

In summary, the inspector found that the enforcement documents and procedures that had been prepared and served by Flintshire's planning officers -one of which was as recent as January 2007- effectively, were not fit for purpose. The report sent to me is concise and to the point.
To read the full report, click here.

As a regular participant in the Hawarden Community Walking program, I have often tramped the delightful terrain which is the subject of this dispute. For several years I have enjoyed an affable acquaintanceship with some of the issues and personalities involved. So, on 19-20 October of this year, with a lifetime interest in North Wales community and an inclination to sticking my nose into any open door that held the prospect of an hour's nap followed by free coffee, I attended the Inspector's inquiry.

It took place in the very chilly (and untypically refreshment-free!) Ewloe Social Club, a short walk from my home. This formal meeting, to which only a handful of Ewloe/Aston souls took advantage of the free public access, was well-served with expert witnesses and top-drawer legal representatives. It was was far from a lavish affair -as many of the shivering attendees would testify.
I would put the cost to the public purse, solely for these two days, as being no more than that of a modest society wedding.

The inquiry was expertly conducted and very dignified. It was almost exclusively concerned with the core fundamentals of land surveying and presentation and interpretation of documents. Non of it was rocket-science.

I've had no legal training and my experience in surveying is limited to holding the theodolite pole steady, often whilst passing dogs peed into my wellies, with a much more learned man, a hundred yards distant, pushing the buttons that made the computations upon which the foundations of a few of the minor edifices of our Lovely Land were to be defined. Nevertheless, with the benefit of an "O" level in solid-geometry, gained whilst in the bottom set at Hawarden Grammar School over half-a-century ago, even to my uncritical eyes, the technical evidence Flintshire County Council planning and legal departments had ranged against Morgan plc, looked decidedly iffy.

Two things that did impress me at the inquiry were the patience and level-headed professionalism of the Inspector, Mr Clive Nield, one of the UK's most respected chartered engineers, and the well-researched, erudite confidence of the representatives of the firm who, the council were asserting, had failed to comply with their enforcement notices.

In his report, Inspector Nield, said of three enforcement notices prepared by officers at Flintshire County Council and subsequently served on Morgan (Plant Hire) Ltd...

" The range of interpretation of required land levels is so wide as to render the notice hopelessly uncertain in its specification of requirements...

My overall conclusion is that the enforcement notices are all a nullity...

...in the light of this finding the Local Planning Authority should consider reviewing the register kept under s188 of the [Town & Country Planning 1990] Act

...the main grounds of appeal do not fall to be considered any further."

What price FCC planning-department failings?
The October Inquiry was intended to be a prelude to the main event planned for early 2011. It was specially convened to consider arguments about process and documentation. Both sides intimated that legal costs were already running into "hundreds of thousands" -and there was a clear declaration that full recompense would be sought from the side that lost the argument. With the inquiry ruling now determined and published, Flintshire tax-payers are now be faced with a massive bill for costs. I intend to find out just how many hundreds of thousands of pounds?

BREAKING NEWS 15/12/2010-COSTS DECISION DOCUMENT

I have obtained a copy of the document which defines the INSPECTORATE ruling on who pays what costs attendant to this case. The new item also contains some interesting observations by the Inquiry Inspector.
For further comment & link to this latest document check here

What do YOU think should happen next at Flintshire County Council?
As a county tax-payer, I have grave concerns that a small fortune in desperately needed local funds will now evaporate in legal recompense. The substantive issue; the consequences of alleged large-scale, unregulated over-tipping, the potential for unacceptable environmental damage, the need for comprehensive health impact assessment to precede any work of such scale will now not be put to public scrutiny.

At the first hurdle, FCC have utterly failed to assert an established process of planning regulation and compliance with the resolve and competence to which every resident within its jurisdiction is entitled. All of this could have been foreseen and avoided with due diligence.

There are many questions now to be answered. If YOU are a Flintshire resident/tax-payer or councillor and share my concerns YOU can help by contacting your own elected representative(s) asking them to push, at the highest level, for an immediate investigation into what went wrong, who is accountable and what is the planned remedy. (To find/contact your representative/councillor, click here and insert your postcode)

I'd also like to know your views on where responsibility lies for this spectacular and hugely expensive failure of our Local Authority to navigate its way around what should be a routine planning process.

Tell me what YOU think should be done right now to ensure that those who we entrust with tasks critical to an even-handed and robust administration at County Hall, never put the public interest in such an indefensible, costly -and humiliating position again...

Hawarden Community Walkers "THE LEADERS"

2010-11-16T12:19:00.022Z

As soon as I started my personal 2009 Gladstone bicentenary archive project, I became fascinated by fresh insights I gained into the life of four-times Prime-Minister, and Hawarden folk-hero, Mr W E Gladstone and his prodigious talents and interests.

Like many notable Victorians, Mr Gladstone was an enthusiast for the great outdoors -be it practising tree-surgery in Hawarden park or tramping the foothills of Snowdonia during his annual vacations to Penmaenmawr. He was an experienced and prolific walker who frequently strode the 5 miles or so from the main railway station at Chester, to his Hawarden Castle home.

When I discovered that St Deiniols, the present-day, Gladstone commemorative library situated in Hawarden village, was the assembly venue for a weekly, volunteer-led, community walking group, I knew I had to go along with my camera and explore this serendipity.

I was welcomed into the group immediately. Many of the walkers were known to me from schooldays and through multifarious social and business connections around Deeside. During the year I walked with the group most fridays and came to anticipate and relish the weekly tonic of fresh-air, exercise and lots of laughter and friendly banter.

But my first and enduring impression was the sheer enthusiasm and competence of the walk-leaders. Founded in the best traditions of selfless and voluntary community endeavour, their dedication and competence -and the joy that the efforts of a handful of people brought to so many others- was the real story. Mr Gladstone would, surely, have approved.

By the end of 2009, the Hawarden community walking group started by Colin Herbert and Jean Cole just a few years before, was receiving acclaim throughout Wales. Its successes would often be quoted as example to others and they continue to serve as a remarkable inspiration for many communities, in the UK and beyond.

All things change. During 2010 what for almost 100 years had been known in th village and the world outside as St Deiniols Library, was henceforth to be known as "Gladstone's Library". In Spring 2010, the walking group, realising that it had outgrown its roots as it gained popularity, adopted the name, "Hawarden Community Walks". With the promise of enthusiastic practical support and backing from Hawarden Community Council, its flourishing friday walks program moved to a new base at the nearbye Hawarden Institute.

Check community newsletters for up to date information on latest Hawarden Community Walks.

Many folk have enquired about the incidental piano music quoted in this archive series. It was played by the talented Paige Gowland (aged eleven years in 2009) when she performed at a pupil's concert at Hawarden High School.

This item has been preveiwed on YouTube 16-11-2010

I specialise in making community-themed videos on a voluntary basis. In an attempt to popularise the technology, I use ordinary "consumer" equipment and recycled hardware wherever possible. This video edition was kindly supported by Butlers -come home to entertainment -a long-established, owner-managed North Wales home-electronics retailer that will always have a special place in my affections.

With a genetic pre-disposition to technology and fair-play, I am an early-adopter and advocate of new-media democracy. On a strictly amateur, unpaid basis, and subject to usual caveats, I can offer advice and one-to-one training on most aspects of micro-budget, heritage film making. I am available (usually at cost of a donation to The Salvation Army!) to mainstream media for equipment reviews, consultation and opinion at any time.

For more information, contact me at jbsandown@hotmail.com -or just pick up the phone & call me on +44 (0)7840 884 000

Old Pathe Newsreel -Lieutenant WCC Gladstone MP Funeral

2010-11-05T13:32:00.006Z

2009 was the bicentenary commenmoration year of the birth of four-times British Prime Minister, W E Gladstone. I spent much of it with my film camera, documenting aspects of present days and life in Hawarden Village and surrounding areas. I intend that my modest attempts at capturing something of the essence of our village life & times will be lodged with the Film & Sound Archives in Aberystwyth.

I used the media of the ubiquitous consumer camcorder -an affordable device which is revolutionising the way enthusiastic amateurs can make a contribution to local culture and heritage. Its often enough to simply be there and observe -and then set something down that might benefit future generations.

There was a time when motion-picture journalism was very new, costly and all-consuming of scarce man-power and resources. Only events of unusual national significance were considered appropriate subjects for the motion camera. This week, Paul Davies a knowledgeable friend with a passionate interest in North Wales' history and heritage, sent me a link to such an event. Click on the picture to be taken to the Pathe archive site.

LIEUTENANT WCC GLADSTONE MP

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It occurred in Hawarden Village during the era of the First World War -and was the funeral procession, through the village, to the Gladstone family plot in St Deiniol's Churchyard, of WCC Gladstone MP. Here was, yet another local man, a serving soldier who had been killed on action in that terrible conflict. Of historic intrigue; at a time when almost all those who died in the great war were being buried close to where they fell, what considerable influence must have been brought to bear that caused the remains of Lt. WCC Gladstone MP, to be brought back to his home village of Hawarden?

Notice the folk spectating from protruding top of the shopfront on the corner of The Highway/Church Lane, Hawarden village.

Jubilee Tower 200 Moel Famau Sunday 24 October 2010 Part #1

2010-10-31T16:45:00.009Z

Well, here is the opening to our little epic. For Fred & I, the day of the celebration commenced with us arriving in a car, laden with gear, at the "top" car park, Moel Famau. We were just in time and the few remaining spaces were strictly controlled. When quizzed by the somewhat bemused officials, we explained that we were the unofficial film-crew, the ones who did things for love rather than reward and glory -the back-pack journos who would be leaving the record for future generations -provided that our immediate need for a parking spot with access to a proper loo was met.

Our candour paid off and we were looked after well. In fact, we were the first to "christen" the pristine, on-site portaloo when one of the many very kind gentlemen wearing hi-viz jackets, noticed my glazed eyes and strangled gait and proffered us the key.

It was great morning for filming. Brian, Ann, Dave and Ennis all duly turned up (they had to park almost a mile down the road in the clearing behind the public restrooms!) and the team was assembled and rarin' to go. I issued them with "orders of the day" -and miniature walkie-talkies. With musicians warming up, plus all the various communications kit crackling away by us, mountain rescue teams and the headset-wearing official organisers, the pastoral ambiance of Moel Famau was uniquely challenged!

The autumn light of that morning was crisp and offered stunning, far-reaching views not regularly seen during the height of summer haze. As I unpacked our kit, I worried that our tape-dependant camcorders might seize with condensation so longish warm ups were the opening order. Once our gear was checked and running, we looked around the almost-finished base camp and I commenced by wandering around, soaking up the expectant atmosphere and chatting to some of the folk as they worked away applying the finishing touches.

By 11.30, the initial trickle of walkers arriving and milling around at the base waiting for companions, had turned to a steady flow....

As soon as I got the raw footage home and ran it through my computer, I knew it would need something special by way of introductory music. I hope you like the wistful specially-written piece played and sung by North Wales musician, Nia.

We hope this volunteer-lead work, has captured something of the essence of the day so that it might be a useful reference for future generations. Ultimately, the film and sound recordings will be deposited with the Wales National Film & Sound Archives, Aberystwyth.

Go right to the top!

2010-10-21T17:48:00.007+01:00

When I was a shop-keeper, even with multiple branches and dozens of competent and enthusiastic staff, I always tried to be available to any customer who specially wanted to speak to me directly -and was prepared to wait a just a few minutes. That way, be it gripe or bouquet -I got to know what my customers were thinking first-hand. Customers told me -and their friends- just how much they appreciated having a personal connection with the top-man -someone with an on-going involvement with the day-to-day operating of his own business. It paid off handsomely for both parties -and I learned about the things that REALLY mattered to the folk on whom the long-term success and repeat custom of my enterprises depended.

Nowadays, in commerce and the institutions upon which we depend, instances where the man behind the counter is the name above the door are few and far between. But if you know where to look you can still make personal and very effective contact with top decision-maker at many busineses. I write to them all the time -sometimes to be critical -but often to hand out praise when someone has gone the extra mile for me. If you want to write to the chief of any UK based organisation or big-business -and you can't find their address -or maybe your enquiry has received the brush-off from self-important functionaries, just drop me a line via this website. Do let me know of any response you get and I'll be pleased to report anything printable here...

In the meantime, here's the email addresses of a few "Captains-Of-Industry" to be going on with!

The "Running Hare" takes-off!

2010-09-03T12:58:00.012+01:00

Late August 2010 saw the opening of "The Running Hare" -Flintshire's latest and spanking-new "Super-pub". With a location on one of the last expanses of open grassland in Ewloe, when the prospect of, yet another, licensed premises was first made public I was sceptical. Like many community-minded folk, I held that our locality was better served by the open field upon which much of the new pub and its car park now stands. With an established children's playground close by, I was not convinced that yet another and extensive licenced premises was needed in a progressive but still rural village setting.

My commentary of just a few months ago has now been superseded by events. Only time will tell if the heart-felt concern of quite a few local residents was justified. This is Brian Foley speaking just before the proposals to build the pub were approved by the planning department at Flintshire County Council.

Well, for better or worse, the Superpub is now with us and open! I've already visited twice and seen the way it bustles with the chatter of youngish families. The interior is modern, functional and unpretentious and those with needs best served outdoors will find chairs and tables laid out on an adequate patio. The Running Hare offers, what to my eyes appeared to be a delicious carvery buffet at family-friendly prices and the high-piled plates and beaming diners told a picture of contentment. On both my visits, customers and staff probably numbered in the hundreds and all seemed to be enjoying the early evening sunshine with affable companions in undemanding surroundings. Maybe my initial concerns were ill-founded and more to do with my own observations of the "creeping-urbanisation" of Our Lovely Land.

The Running Hare is off to a flying start and, with the reservation of early-days, obviously well-patronised. I have a sneaking regard for the spirit of enterprise which has established this new venture and,albeit grudgingly, I wish it well. The Bride & I will no doubt drop in soon to sample a glass or two with our beef and roast potatoes -and to see how well the pub's opening standards are maintained. I'm no real-ale aficionado but drinker's comments are starting to pop-up on the local CAMRA group web forum.

"Kathleen & May" -historic ship's return to the Dee?

2010-09-01T12:13:00.004+01:00

"Bring her home to Deeside!

The Kathleen And May, Britain’s last three-masted topsail schooner which once featured in the TV series The Onedin Line, is due to visit North Wales coastal waters in Spring 2011.

Roy Norry, webmaster of northwaleslinks.co.uk, is putting out a call for the ship to come home to the river Dee where she was built so that she may serve as a reminder of the river's historic maritime importance.

This indomitable, fine welsh-built vessel operated a coastal trader out of Connahs Quay under the ownership of Captain John Coppack. My grandfather and several of my family worked on her over the years.

This is a great idea Roy. Deeside has a tremendous maritime heritage and "Kathleen & May" was proudly at the heart of it. My family built and worked on ships like this at Connahs Quay. What a prospect. K&M moored in the river between the two Dee road bridges. Now that's what I call a worthy sight to welcome visitors to this part of Our Lovely Land.
p.s. I'll volunteer to make a short documentary film on the progress of this project -and help with fundraising ...just contact me.

Jubilee Tower 200 Celebration walk on Moel Famau 24 October 2010

2010-08-24T22:13:00.019+01:00

Be you young or old, if you are lucky enough to be in North Wales on Sunday 24 October 2010, here is an unmissable event to remember -and recount to your grand-children!

Its outdoors, sustainable and a family-friendly occasion that's already bubbling with community energy as it plans to celebrate one of the most beautiful locations that Our Lovely Land has to offer. And like so many of the best things in life, its FREE!

There's a great new Facebook site that, by joining-in, you can keep yourself -and your friends- posted with all the latest information.

I want to capture the spirit of the day for the record and do justice to all the effort that others are putting in right now. As an experienced, volunteer community filmmaker, I know this can work!

As a "taster", on August Bank Holiday, I back-packed my video gear to the summit. Have a look at our stunningly beautifull mountain -and hear what one visitor-family had to say...

On the same day I met up with Richard Davies a local resident with a lifetime connection with Moel Fammau and district. As we sat together on a glorious late summer afternoon at the "Bwlch" car-park, Richard told me of one of his early childhood memories of the mountain...

My group of enthusiasts is now ready to make something worthy of depositing for the benefit of future generations, with County and National Archives. But YOU too, could help!

If you are physically tough and can handle, a modern camcorder, the film YOU shoot could be a part of it! If after the event, you would like your shots to be considered for inclusion in the archive, just contact me via this site and I'll do the rest. Shots of the firework and laser displays, taken from near and far -and anything with commentary in WELSH will be especially welcome.

Some time ago, experienced mountain filmmaker "Henllan" made a well-crafted movie which explains much of Moel Famau's past -and a few secrets. I love it and hope my own TV interview style reportage might compliment Henllan's obvious passion and expertise. Its a dramatic introduction to our favourite hill. Have a look below..

MOLD goes SLOW! -"Cittaslow" a breath of fresh-air in our market town!

2010-08-08T12:26:00.013+01:00

For much of my life as a retailer, I operated shops in and around Mold. Its a vibrant town full of character and diversity that has somehow managed to take in its stride the predatory threat of faceless superstores. On my Saturday stroll around the market I came across a busy stall operated by Mold's new "cittaslow" group.

Mold is a "Citta-slow" town. The word literally means, "slow town". It champions the view that "less-is-more" and that if we want to preserve the best of rural Britain, we need to moderate the frantic, soul-destroying, anti-social scramble that is often the consequence of large-scale industry. Andrea Mearns and her volunteer colleagues were handing out leaflets at the stall. Andrea enthusiastically told me of the group's aims of improving the quality of rural life in Mold and district by encouraging alternatives to big-business market forces -especially in matters of food-production and community traditions. Neville Howell an acquaintance of mine who is a walk-leader with the Mold community was on the stall offering advice and guidance on walking opportunities around Mold and district.

The group aims to raise awareness of the benefits of small-scale, production and localised distribution and the preservation of all aspects of Mold & district's significant heritage and traditions.

Mold citizens can take pride in their town's "cittaslow" status. Its the first of, what is hoped to be, many towns of similar aspiration in Wales. It's a great achievement. It shows that, driven by dedicated volunteers, this little corner of Our Lovely Land can offer hope and inspiration for present and future generations.

Encouraging a cleaner, "slower" -but hopefully, more caring and productive lifestyle- is a cause around which many -including me- will empathise. I intend to find out more.

CittaslowMOLD promotes community interest in events around Mold town. Local local folk are already aware of the annual Mold "Food-Festival". This year it will take place in New Street car-park on the weekend of 25/26 September. Those with an interest in "stately homes" around Mold can find out more about the town's FREE "Open Doors Heritage" program (in which local landowners open up their estates on dedicated days). There are some great events planned for this year -and they're happening right on our doorstep!

It was via Cittaslow that I learned of an important local event. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Moel Famau JUBILEE MONUMENT and there will be a bicentenary walk up Moel Famau, planned for Sunday 24 October. This has the makings of a memorable day and I shall be encouraging all my friends who enjoy weekly walks with Hawarden Community Walkers, to make a group showing. I'm also considering putting together a team of of walker/photographers who might capture the moment for posterity by way of a modest video documentary about this event. You might wish to help.

CittaslowMOLD promises a better quality of life for Flintshire folk. The group's formation suggests, that despite the general "doom-and-gloom" prevalent in the media, the root and heart of our community is alive and flourishing ! Check them out here. Any comments -let me know what you think.

The Rhydymwyn Valley -A vital part of Flintshire's Industrial Heritage.

2010-07-05T18:50:00.023+01:00

Last year I visited the fascinating Rhydymwyn Valley, near Mold. From a local heritage point of view its quite unique. For the whole of the second world war through to the end of the 1950s it was a top-secret factory making weapons. Of mass-destruction. The governments of those times considered the product and research that came out of this tranquil valley to be essential for our national survival.

Only in the past couple of years, from the manufacture of mustard gas to preparations for the signal event of the "Manhattan Project", the story of just what went in this rural Wales back-water is being revealed.

During its years of operation hundreds of people -many of whom were local folk- were employed at Rhydymwyn and sworn to secrecy. This was serious stuff! Those still alive today, are in their nineties -and most feel that, even now, they would be betraying the national interests if they talked about their times at Rhydymwyn. Peter Parmella, Cambridge recalls:

"We learned about his work at 1pm on the day the dropping of the atom bomb on Hiroshima was announced, when my father although a very un-dramatic man, told us that that was what he had been doing - he had been working on the atomic bomb development at Rhydymwyn"

By prior arrangement, anyone can visit. A small force of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers devote many hours gathering information, , interviewing veterans, tending buildings and a staffing a purpose-built visitor centre. Despite its sinister past purpose, today the valley is a peaceful woodland sanctuary and habitat for an assortment of wild-life.

But right now people are reporting that obstacles are being put in the way of easy visitor access. Not by those who believe in a free and open society but by the worst of petty officialdom. This must change. Casual lay visitors and informed researchers MUST be given every opportunity to drop in and judge for themselves.

I shall be watching the situation carefully and will report here on steps that are being taken to make this important part of North Wales Industrial heritage better known and understood -and more accessible to present and future generations.

Googlemail goes lite to "gmail" No Problem?

2010-06-26T11:25:00.008+01:00

You might share my own view, that googlemail is the ultimate in friendly, web-based email accounts and use it prolifically. In recent days Google have told users that we now have the option of referring to any googlemail accounts they hold, in character-economic, trimmed-down format as "gmail". They assert that this, "lite" version, will continue to be recognised as was the previous format, by any recipients. 'fraid not google!

High-security websites -especially internet banking sites and the ubiquitous "paypal", will only accept an email address as ID if its tendered in the exact same format as at time of original subscription. If you volunteer to switch to "gmail" format -then don't forget to register your revision on all the related sites you access regularly.

Personally, I like old-style, full-fat "googlemail" and I'll be sticking to it for as long as possible. "Gmail", though admittedly slicker, smacks of sinister "men in black" not the laid-back, world-loving altruists that I thought the good folk at Google to be...

Judge makes landmark fast food ruling

2010-06-16T22:38:00.006+01:00

Governor and Student group action CAN make a difference!

A recent planning approval for a fast-food takeaway near a school with a healthy eating policy has been quashed by the High Court.

The judge said (Tower Hamlets) councillors had voted in favour of permission after being wrongly directed that they could not take account of the proximity of the local secondary school because it was not "a material planning consideration". The council will now have to reconsider any further planning application for a takeaway at the site in light of today’s ruling. There were indications that committee members who had voted in favour of the takeaway would have reached a different decision "if they had been properly directed".

The judge said: "I declare the council has acted unlawfully and I quash the grant of planning permission."

Pity this ruling was not in place last year when governors/ school councils could have added meaningful objection -which planners at FCC would have been obliged to take into account- to the building of a 24/7 "superpub" in St Davids "business" park, Ewloe!

Awards available for community campaigns -"Sheila McKechnie Foundation"

2010-06-16T09:35:00.013+01:00

Over the past couple of years I've been contacted by various individuals and campaign groups. Like me, they were seeking better ways to peaceably communicate their point of view in respect of concerns for land-fill sites, traffic-pollution, unjustified road-building, need for health-impacts and unwanted urbanisation of rural beautyspots. All were avid fans of the internet -and its enabling resources that gives every one of us an opportunity to be heard as citizens of a "global-village". This, and other "new media" are transforming the way we can effectively share common concerns -and solutions.

I've corresponded with folk and media from all over the UK and continental Europe, North America and even the Antipodes! But even with the benefit of hindsight -and some modest achievement of my own goals, I don't know all the answers. However, at heart, humankind is very generous. I learned greatly from the experiences of others -and was always glad to exchange ideas with folk- who shared my own conviction that every individual alive today has something to contribute in making a better, fairer, safer society for future generations.

Yesterday, out of the blue, I was contacted by an official from the "Sheila McKechnie Foundation". They had read on the internet about the successful campaign to have official proposals for a North Wales motorway challenged at a public-inquiry. The Foundation explained that as a UK registered charity, they exist to offer training and support to individuals working on non-party-specific campaigns to correct perceptions of social injustice.

I was intrigued by what this foundation might be able to offer local champions of social justice in the future.
I shall certainly be looking into how it might support the ongoing interests of "People-Power" here in North Wales.

If you have an issue on an aspect of our communities that you would like to help put right YOU might qualify for a consultation and training award. Have a look at this Sheila McKechnie Foundation video and decide for yourself. FAQ here

Cement Kiln Health Fears- Health Board Invites YOUR comments this week!

2010-06-06T22:38:00.000+01:00

In respect of local health concerns for the operation of the CEMENT KILN at PADESWOOD, Andrew Jones of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We are taking the views of the local community very seriously and would like to invite residents to get in touch to share their public health concerns about the Hanson Cement works.”

It is not only the health of people living in Flintshire which will be taken into account, but also views of people living in the kiln’s plume grounding area. Emissions released by the kiln can travel as far as the Wirral.

Buckley councillor John Thornton has been campaigning for the investigation. “Things are finally moving forward,” he said. Milk from the farms surrounding the Padeswood site will also be tested to see if the food chain has been affected.

Members of the public are now invited to submit comments to Wales NHS
Email general.enquiries@wales.nhs. uk or write to Hanson Cement Investigation, Public Health Wales, Preswylfa, Hendy Road, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1PZ.

John Butler's take on the World: Local Council demands Health Impact investigation on Cement Factory

2010-05-01T21:28:00.001+01:00

John Butler's take on the World: Local Council demands Health Impact investigation on Cement Factory

Aston Mead -Proposals for housing development

2010-04-29T13:19:00.033+01:00

In 2009, the 20 or so houses alongside the A494 dual-carriageway at Aston ("Aston Mead"), Flintshire, were demolished and the land cleared and fenced off.
The land is still in the ownership of Welsh Assembly Government (WAG). Despite a recent independant Public Inquiry ruling that their plans to widen the A494 to a motorway were too ambitious, they intend to retain ownership of a large strip of land immediately adjacent to the highway to allow for any future road-widening they might consider necessary. However, with no immediate prospect of road widening of any sort, they are duty bound to dispose of all that part of the site in which they no longer have an immediate interest.

But like all proposals to built new dwellings close to busy roads, recent clinical research gives rise to concerns for risk to human health. For years, the occupiers of the now demolished houses suffered the air-pollution and noise from passing traffic. So what's changed? Before any new building plans are approved, surely these issues and the impact on human health must be properly assessed and addressed. By someone with competence and authority.

Pennaf, a North Wales based housing association" would like to build a modest residential complex on the site. This association has a record of providing quality, affordable housing for North Wales folk.

Their proposals have the blessing of WAG's "Affordable Housing" division. They seem to think that local concerns for health have been addressed by our local council who have to approve whatever is proposed as a prerequisite to granting full planning consent. The Environmental Health/Public Protection Division of Flintshire County Council (FCC) have long been aware of local concerns for the health implications of traffic-derived noise and air-pollution. Officials are commendably open about their view that compliance with pollutant emission criteria absolves them of need to commission implicit assessments of health impact.

FCC carry the ultimate responsibility for the terms of any building permissions. If they are so confident that the site is OK health-wise, why don't they insist that any new-build proposals must be accompanied by an implicit and properly documented Health Impact Assessment (HIA)? Flintshire's elected representatives, including MP Mark Tami and Assembly Members, Mark Isherwood and Carl Sargeant have long been united in their support for this process.

My concern is that whatever happens, Aston Mead site MUST tick all the boxes as a healthy and safe environment for the generations of local folk who will have to live in anything built there. A formal Health Impact Assessment -as proscribed and advocated by the Welsh Health Impact Assessment Support Unit (WHIASU -a department of NHS Wales) would go a long way to reassuring prospective new-build purchasers and existing local residents.

Let me know what YOU think.

Take control of your personal information

2010-04-28T18:45:00.000+01:00

In this wonderful age of transparency (for some) anyone, not just Big Brother, can find lots of postcode-based information really easily. Now you can do the same. Enter your postcode where indicated in the checkmyfile website -and see a professional profile compilation of where YOU live!

"I-Spell" -Maintaining accuracy in telephonic communications

2010-04-26T12:15:00.017+01:00

Tsunamis, earthquakes -and now volcanic clouds! What next will our Good Earth throw at us -and how might we be best prepared to cope? When things go "critical" we can't afford to be misunderstood. Let's think about how we might COMMUNICATE more effectively when using the phone!

Whenever we need to send or receive critical data involving letters of the alphabet, it is essential that we get it right first time. Communications over, possibly overloaded or substandard, radio or phone-links have to be both intelligible and precise -and devoid of any possible ambiguity. Passport info, finance, medical travel and document references, demand absolute accuracy. In emergency situations, wrongly-heard words can cause delay and confusion –with potentially, tragic consequences.

The solution -in the form of a convention of dedicated words to define and annunciate each alphabet letter- has been around since mid 20th century. The "I-spell code" is a proven and well-accepted tool designed to serve the needs of maritime and aviation professionals -and world-wide police and emergency services whenever it is necessary to quote a precise alphabet character over a telephone or radio link.

I first came across it when I was learning to fly a Piper Colt at Liverpool airport (in the days when pilot lessons cost £6 an hour!) During my time setting up travel agencies, it was something that every aspiring counter-clerk had to take on board before being entrusted with client correspondence. Maybe, in a world where preservation of accuracy of transmitted data might save a life, the process should be embedded in each of us at an early age. Perhaps, like swimming and first-aid, the convention should be part of every child’s life-skill tool-kit!

Here's my own mnemonic. I share it freely in the hope that it might help introduce a generation of youngsters to the “I-SPELL” code. Try it out on your next family motoring trip as a fun way for all the family to acquire this simple skill. Just look out of the window and take it in turns to spell out car registration plates using this code!

"I-Spell" A young person's aid towards maintaining accuracy in telephonic communication.

A is for ALFA the first in the line
B is for BRAVO -so brave and so fine

C is for CHARLIE a Prince in a boat
D is for DELTA –a triangle Greeks wrote!

E is for ECHO –it’s sure to return
F for FOXTROT, a dance I must learn

G is for GOLF –a game, someday I'll play
H is for HOTEL for to rest when away

I is for INDIA of fair Taj Majal
J is for Juliet –who's Romeo's pal!

K is for KILO –a, “thousand", to you
L is for LIMA - in far off Peru!

M is for MIKE, which can make my voice stronger
N is for NOVEMBER with nights that are longer

O is for OSCAR –as won by film stars
P is for PAPA -my dad, who loves cars!

Q is for QUEBEC –where they speak, as in France
R is for ROMEO and youthful romance!

S is for SIERRA and mountain peaks wide
T is for TANGO -the Argentine’s pride

U is for UNIFORM that makes us the same
V is for VICTOR who won at the game

W is for WHISKEY –the Emerald Isle's toddy
X is for X-RAY that sees through my body!

Y is for YANKEE –and Uncle Sam's prime
...and Z is for ZULU –and Greenwich Mean Time!

All Rights Reserved. © John Butler

...let me know what YOU think...

The Old Quay Parkgate -Incredible roast-dinner value

2010-04-20T14:44:00.010+01:00

One of my Hawarden walker chums, a fellow micro-budget gourmet, had mentioned the fare to be had, at modest cost, from "The Old Quay House" hostelry at Parkgate Wirral. So last night, in the company of two neighbour-friends, we went over to try it. We were not to be dissapointed.

At 7pm the place was heaving. But The Bride has long experience of elbowing a passage through throngs and so we quickly found a table that, had we not had the setting sun in our eyes would have given us a superb view of Bagillt. The first gobsmacker was the price of a pint. Good bitter at £2.10 set the scale. Then we took our places in, what was about to morph from a queue into an orderly scrum -with just a hint of a presence of The Great Unwashed. No wonder. The food under the carvery-lamps looked good enough to grace the finest domestic Sunday lunch-time table. Choice of three roast meats backed up by a rainbow variety of succulent looking veggies. Our queue became a sure but slowly moving community of anticipant scoffers as plates piled up with good honest grub -just like everyone's mother used to make.

Returning to our table, bearing laden plates like trophies, little was heard from any of us for the next twenty minutes or so. Except for groans of delight as yet one more forkfull of beautifully cooked turkey and prime beef slipped down a gullet. And to wash it down, we were tended by a smiling and hardworking lass who replenished our glasses whenever needed. Accept the odd flash of tatooed thigh and pierced nose (and that from the happy, chattering but sometimes underfoot kids) and recognise, that when the chips -or more accurately the superb roasties- are down, this place is a great place for family eating.

Our first "crowncarveries" experience was one that, for us, broke the mould of pub dining. And one we shall certainly be repeating when we see that brand again. Do it once and then you'll know just what specialist preparation plus value marketing can put on the table -given that its a traditional British roast -or nothing. And at £3.59 a head I could even put up with the efficient, but slightly jaded manager.

Local Council demands Health Impact investigation on Cement Factory

2010-04-15T14:36:00.011+01:00

15-04-2010 In response to an article in "The Leader", detailing local concerns for the air-quality around Padeswood/Penyffordd, I wrote to the paper's "readers letters"

As the responsible authority for county air-quality, FCC have a duty of care to us all. When it comes to air-quality monitoring, they call the shots. So what are they doing to monitor air-quality around proposed new housebuilding at Aston Mead or around Padeswood/ Penyffordd, localities of vulnerability and known clusters of respiratory disease?
Get this wrong now and FCC will leave themselves exposed to a massive class-action for compensation from disgruntled -and sick- residents. Read the 19 April 2010 letter page here.

Elsewhere in the UK, Local Authorities are waking up to the need to express robust objection to new applications for air-polluting processes that are proposed to be located close to residential areas. A recent example is an objection by the Planning Department of Rugby Borough Council/ Warwickshire County Council, to the building of a waste-treatment facility to supply Rugby Cement Works. Note their concern about provisions for monitoring of the very sinister PM2.5 dust particles.

Like Padeswood, the operation of the cement kiln at Rugby has given rise to concerns for human health for several years. Rugby was recently visited by leading expert toxicoligist Professor Paul Connett. Have a listen to his views on some of the dangers to health for the people nearby. You can read more about ongoing kiln-related concerns at RUGBY -and what local folk are doing about it here.

AXA Finance get settlement sums wrong -and want refund!

2010-04-06T21:49:00.003+01:00

Seven months after paying out out on a policy, AXA the global finance institution writes admitting a calculation error "...entirely of our own making" -and then, asks for a return of over £900!
Is this what they mean by redefining/standards?
We couldn't believe our eyes when we saw it -and it almost ruined our Easter holiday. Read the letter they sent us here and -and let us know what you think about AXA ...and what we should do next.

Lidl -Pride or Prejudice?

2010-04-04T20:33:00.003+01:00

I'm a regular at Lidl Queensferry. Whilst never one to follow the herd, the clincher for me was peeking through the bread racks one day and spying a chortling gaggle of local old-money Tafia quietly stashing away vast quantities of smoked salmon, 12 year old single malt and dishwasher tablets by the armfull....

Read the full story of this "store-review" here...

Euro Comma Costs

2010-04-04T17:41:00.001+01:00

JB's survival guide for Brits when reading/writing euro amounts!

In the good old days of the peseta, the cheeky coin often punched well above its weight. To the newcomer to Spain the only worry was, that when spending large amounts of money, there would not be enough room on the cheque to write in all the required zeros.

Then along comes the all-singing, man-size euro and the expats breathe a sigh of relief. That is until they discover they didn't really want their bank to pay a standing order worth several thousand pounds each month for the supply of electricity to a one-bedroom apartment. The problem is one of orthographic inconsistency across our beloved union!
Brits are used to writing cheques for whole amounts of pounds –followed by a full-stop, after which we put in the two digits for our humble pence. If the cheque is for many thousands of pounds -and we want to make it absolutely clear that we are talking about sums that would ordinarily only be familiar to megastar footballers and recently ousted business executives, the UK and USA convention is to place a friendly comma to mark the divide between the millions and the thousands. That's clear enough isn't it?
Well yes, except that many continentals –institutions and common folk and all of our dear chums in sunny Spain do exactly the opposite! The confusion is often compounded by many Brit's misunderstanding over the Spanish word for thousand, "mil" – which to the uninitiated sounds like something much more serious. It pays to remember that if you really want to be a euro millionaire then you have to be reckoned in "milliones" –and check each line of your Spanish bank statement very carefully!

This article was originaly published by JB in "Just Landed!"

Flintshire County Council and the Planning Enforcement Appeal -Sea View Farm Old Aston Hill Ref 70219/74162.

2010-04-03T20:20:00.034+01:00

Members of the public who have concerns now have the opportunity to bring them to the attention of a Public Inquiry which has been rescheduled for week(s) commencing 19 October 2010. To read the FCC letter setting out their case -together with details of Inquiry dates, venue and all contact info, click here.

08 April Chronicle Newspaper feature

15 April 2010 Carl Sargeant AM confirms concerns for the "public interest" and that he had written to the Planning Inspectorate to endorse the views of constituents and FCC, that planning controls should adhered to. To read the correspondence, click here..

BREAKING NEWS! 3 September 2010

CLIVE NIELD the independent inspector appointed to head the public inquiry, sent out the following statement to interested parties:-

"A previous pre-Inquiry meeting was held on 4 May 2010 and much of the information provided at that meeting and in the Inspector’s meeting notes remains valid. At that time it was proposed to open a public inquiry on 6 July 2010. However, that date was later changed to 19 October 2010 with provision for it to last 2-3 weeks.

Part of the Appellant’s argument has for some time been that the enforcement notices themselves are deficient but this has not been accepted by the Council. In June 2010 the Appellant’s barrister produced an Opinion that the enforcement notices were either a nullity or were invalid. These are terms that have specific meanings
in planning enforcement, and the Inspector explained them at the meeting.." ..click here to read the complete report

Transport Issues for North Wales

2010-03-29T20:50:00.003+01:00

The latest Wales Transport Plan was published by the Welsh Assembly Government today, 29-03-2010.
Please use this area to add your own comments and views.