mercuryg

Nice island, I helped produce the brochures for him. No, Tony can take a running jump. I'm not sure the Brexit vote was democratic in truth, given that many on both sides didn't know what they .were voting for. An almighty mess, in my opinion,

No, i'll be supporting him.

Yes, I have a friend who is working on this very thing right now, in this country....unfortunately, he is not at liberty to give too much away!

Not often I agree with you outright 3G, but this one I do! I believe wind farms to be an expensive waste of time. Out of interest, what would your suggestion be in terms of replacing fossil fuels?

If you click on malcolms link to the newsletter, the very first post in this thread, and check the last page you'll see a list of the Town Council's responsibilities.

By the way, this is a little bit rich coming from someone who has resorted to many sarcastic remarks in this very thread, isn't it? Ad well as inferring that people who have, through their own efforts, done a great deal for the town 'don't know what they're doing'! I think I'll get a spade and a rope, and shift the monument myself to settle the issue once and for all!

I thought there were 12!! Seriously, Moe, I think you're taking some comments a little seriously! And, after all, this thread was about the newsletter; why don't we all read it (again in my case) and debate something more important?

I don't think your opinion has in any way been frowned upon, moe. Malcolm took the time to explain the reasoning behind the proposal, after all, which I would say shows respect for your opinion.

All well said Bedlingtonian, but the subject of the monument has nothing to do with shaking up NCC; it's about the identity of the town. As for people not knowing what it is should it be moved, that's been covered earlier in the thread - a few displays around the roundabout, displaying the inscription on the monument and with more information would suffice, much as a Blue Plaque does the same for an otherwise non-descript building. The railings, the seats and so on are all, in my opinion at least, excellent; the town has little to offer in the way of amenities, so the least that can be done is to make it look good. The same to be said of the upcoming gateway features. As for shaking up NCC, you vote counts at the next elections, which I believe are in May.

Thanks. I'm not supporting him merely as a friend, but as a tireless supporter of the town, of improvements to the town, and of the people who live and work in the town. Malcolm has made his point quite clearly about the little or no cost involved in moving the monument; I'm sure he knows more about it than I do, after all. Also, he's explained that it's not a case of spending money for the sake of it; It's about providing a more impressive and relevant Gateway feature at a point where four roads converge. The fact the current one - the St Cuthberts Cross flower bed (did you know they were arranged thus, by the way? I didn't!) can only be viewed from the air is surely a point to consider? The monument would be a fitting sight for people entering the town, in a prominent position. Of course, we're all entitled to our opinion, and yours remains as valid as mine.

I think what Malcolm means, Moe, is that while he holds down a job, is a very active chair of WBTC, and covers a number of other voluntary positions, it's easy for us (note I include myself here) to criticise in the digital world, most likely without full knowledge of the facts. After all, it is easy to write a few sentences, and press a 'send' button. You clearly have strong views on the state of things, as do I, but perhaps we're a little bit guilty of not getting as involved as we could? For the record, I also run my own business. I am, from now, going to make it a commitment to attend the council meetings; after all, at least that way I can see who is doing their bit. I also think that many people over-estimate just what the Town Council can do; I, for one, have seen a definite improvement in the way the town looks in the past year or two; even it is simple things such as the railings at the roundabout being painted in the WBTC green and gold colours, as are the new bins and bus stops. This sort of thing DOES make a difference; if a place looks awful, if feels awful. I also have to commend the Bedlington in Bloom team for the superb planters, which also add colour and life to the town. Perhaps, rather than continuing to comment on what we don't agree with, we could choose something to congratulate Malcolm and his team for? There's plenty, in addition to that mentioned above.

I think the roundabout flower beds are wasteful. The tall grasses in the middle are a mess, and should be removed.

A true poet.

Just been past, it is quite stunning. Superb effort.

I'm sure the street sign opposite the Lion says 'front street west'?

I stand corrected. Malcom has pointed out the suggestion of moving the monument is just that. Personally, I see his reasoning and would like it to happen, but I'm sure public opinion will determine the decision, and I am aware I'm in the minority. Perhaps I have more interest in the heritage of the town than some, or maybe give it an inflated level of importance!

I'm not qualified to answer this Moe. I do, however, believe that public toilets across the county are managed by NCC. Please correct me if I'm wrong. If I may add, I reckon the cost of moving the monument a few yards would amount to a lot less - a great deal less - thab putting the toilets back in action. As it stands, if you need a wee, the Red Lion welcomes you.

"Why not use that cash to open the public toilets" If I'm thinking correctly, that's NCC's remit, not WBTC.

You don't acknowledge my basic point; you can't wander onto a roundabout, it's neither allowed nor encouraged. Where it is, you can get up close and examine it. Doing so from a passing care would not be quite the same. The younger generation - well, any generation - are not born with instant knowledge as to who Dr Trotter was.

"Or about three lecterns Merc at places where pedestrians can stop and read them. " Precisely what was suggested in a conversation I had in, of course, the Red Lion yesterday.

"How on earth could that possibly be?" Because one cannot simply wander over to the roundabout, get up close and have a look. I'm a bit concerned you think it sidelined, also; it's at the edge of a pavement, between two public crossings. As an aside, I'm all for moving it to the roundabout; the answer to the problem would be to install simple notice boards depicting the inscription and explaining the purpose of the monument.

"I want a TV that does not receive BBC programs so I no longer have to pay them the yearly ransom to keep its luvvies in champagne" Not necessary, Moe! Simply never watch anything on the BBC, or any programmes as broadcast live, and use a catch up service (NOT BBC iPlayer) and you can legally cancel your licence. http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/tv-licence

Ghosn is also notorious for taking the business where it's best for his Interests. He's a hell of a businessman. Too early yet to say, as we're still part of the the EU, but I would say he's a healthy barometer in terms of what others may do. He isn't without credentials.

Foxy, change from a fiver means you get a pint AND a half in the Lion!

Couldn't agree more! I was making the point that a spellcheck may not have picked this up, and that no journalist should be relying on one anyway! What happened to proofreading? More to the point, what are they teaching kids these days? I am often asked by friends to help them update their cv's; these are often initially produced under the guidance of a 'tutor' on a compulsory course for Jobseekers over one day. The tutor signs the finished product off as usable. One lad brought me his to look at and see if I could improve it. I threw it away and started again. To be honest, I was furious as, having been involved in recruitment and the process of weeding out those to interview from a few hundred applicants, I assured him his cv would go straight in the bin within five seconds. His opening personal statement began: 'Ah am a hard worker....' - yes, 'ah', not 'I'; that's how he speaks, and it went on to get worse in a couple of lines. Who taught him English? More to the point, who is this idiot 'tutor' who signed this - and many others - off as usable? For the record, the lad hadn't had an interview for two years; with my revised cv, and a simple, clearly written cover letter, he had three out of three from his next applications.