Wrecclesham and Rowledge

10 days

2009-02-24T14:51:00.002Z

I’m not in the habit of simply processing Waverley press releases, but this one is certainly worthy. In the light of the economic circumstances, the council will aim to pay as many bills from local businesses as possible, within 10 days. A challenging aspiration, but a good one.

There’s no specific target as yet, but I’ll see if I can get a measurement after the first month.

Muzzled? No way.

2009-02-24T10:30:00.004Z

I'm 'Annoyed of Wrecclesham' today, following an email last night that gave instruction not to engage in any kind of debate on the issue that I posted about yesterday.

Here are my reasons why I just don't get that attitude:

We don't live in a Stalinist state.
We do live in a constitutional monarchy, with a representational democratic political process.
It is foolish to assume that the council meeting tonight will contain all (i.e. pre meeting debate is fantastically important to sort out the right answers, as well as the chamber) the necessary debate (both in quality and quantity) to produce the best decision.
It is arrogant to assume that the opposition is not able to spot benefits that we as the group in power, have missed.
It is condescending to assume that all Tory councillors are unable to be clear and precise in their communications, and confident enough in what they've said, to defend themselves if necessary.

Can you tell how annoyed I am?

Finally, how does a Tory group with a majority - that's right, a majority - of 45, get so scared of openess?

Council Tax does not equal Rent Increase

2009-02-23T11:03:00.006Z

Had a good swap of emails with an opposition member yesterday, regarding his proposal to reduce cyclical maintenance in the budget, in order to peg the increase in social housing rent, to be the same percentage as the proposed council tax increase.

At first glance, the principle of keeping the rent as low as possible drew my interest, and I'm always one to investigate such a possibility, whether it comes from a Tory colleague, or the opposition. However, on further detials, and consideration, I believe that the proposal confuses good aspirations, with a slight lack of medium-to-long term thinking, and, a simplistic view of percentages.

The budget for cyclical maintenance has been pretty low in recent years, and both main parties in Waverley held the same desire to increase this, but both have operated under the same horrendous constraints of the negative housing subsidy. However, even in this envrionment, it is myopic to think that saving money now on maintenace, will not translate into greater costs in the long-term.

Therefore, deciding to increase this maintenance budget by 60% for 2009/10 is a considered, and responsible step. A proposal to reduce it in order to align two percentages, which don't in reality relate, may well be more political posturing than community compassion.

In the words of a fellow councillor:

Rent is a charge for the right to occupy a dwelling and for it to be maintained by the landlord (in contrast to homeowners who meet their own maintenance costs as well as paying mortgage charges in most cases) while Council Tax is charged for the services provided to all occupiers, irrespective of the nature of their tenure.

As landlords it is imperative that we are honest and accurate about our budget needs, and certainly must do our very best to maintain our housing stock to as good a standard as possible. This year's increase of 60% represents that judgment, and adjusting that to match council tax as a percentage, and thus make a good headline, is not good leadership.

Blink and you missed it

2009-02-22T19:10:00.000Z

That's the quickest AGM I've ever been to. Probably a reflection of the skills of our chairman, fellow councillor John Ward, and also the agenda being mostly compiled of business / admin items.

Anyway, it was a only a little over 30 minutes long, and there were no questions from the floor! That was the bit that surprised me.

I'm also pleased as on a Sunday I'm really loathe to attend political meetings. It's a family day for us, and from now on I'm going to follow the example of our MP, Jeremy, who keeps it a private day.

Ponder

2009-02-22T15:27:00.004Z

A member of the opposition on Waverley Borough Council has just emailed all councillors with information about a potential budget cut that would allow us to reduce the proposed increase in rent for our housing.

I'm certain that colleagues would tell me that there's many a pitfall here, as line items in budgets (printed in agenda) will never tell the whole story. However, at first glance it seems as though there may be an option here, and, with my over-riding desire to see residents get the very best possible service from us, I've emailed to follow-up and find out more.

For the outcome you can attend the meeting on Tuesday evening at the council chamber, or, watch on line.

How local is local?

2009-02-21T17:00:00.008Z

This week the Conservative Party issued a paper on local democracy (you can see it here): sections 3 and 4 have some sound, sensible, and essential proposals that will help change the nature of 'local government.

But before I go further, and risk giving the impression of a sweeping endorsement of the paper, I am struck by the question "How local is local?" Today, some neighbours from across the road, who've been here a few years, and who like us, live just 7 minutes walk from the Farnham Pottery where we have our farm shop and coffee shop, came up for coffee and cake this afternoon for the very first time. After two years.

I'm sure many before me have asked this question, and possible answered it in many ways. I'm thinking about what non-physical barriers there are - such as circle of friends; living in a town that acts simply as a place for commuters to sleep; working so many hours that very little interaction takes place in the evenings nearby; driving everywhere meaning that no-one bumps into each other and chats on the way to or from somewhere; and, possibly, the irony that in this time of communication coming out of our ears, (where anyone is wants to be can publish everything they do on the internet for all to see), it can actually be fairly difficult to either tell everyone, or find out, what's going on locally.

Considering these items then drew me to think on whether the existing constructs of local government are expressions of natural communities, centred round historic centres - towns, markets etc. - or whether what we have now is more the consequences of decades of political posturing, leaving us with un-natural boroughs and districts etc.

Ask 10 people what local community means, and I think you'll get 10 different answers. But, ask 10 people if local community means their respective council, and I'm pretty certain that 9 or 10 out of 10 will say "No".

And so, while resonating with most of this paper from the Conservative Party, I hope that in the not too distant future, another paper will be released, that outlines the vision for revising local representation such that the natural geography, economy, and history of our communities, is counted as paramount.

Social Networking - charm or curse?

2009-02-20T10:42:00.004Z

I've been using Facebook as an online social network for some time now, and although I wouldn't call myself a facebook junkie, I certainly find it immensely useful.

However, now that I'm also a twittering councillor, I've (a) managed to link the two together so that my facebook status is the same as my twitter status, and (b) decided to mention it so that if anyone would like to find out more about what I do / think etc., you can.

Of course, if none of this makes sense to you, or you're not interested, no worries. Otherwise, see you on facebook sometime soon!

Wrecclesham Youth Club

2009-02-20T09:59:00.001Z

Great news about the Wrecclesham Youth Club hit my inbox. It starts up again on Monday 16th March.

Final (hopefully) update on refuse collection catch-up

2009-02-19T16:37:00.002Z

All things being equal, this will hopefully be the final blog post from me about the refuse collection catch-up after our week of snow and ice. John Sandy, portfolio holder for this area, has been steadfast in his communications to councillors, and assurance of clear messages on the Waverley website. Here's his latest email:

The normal day collections have been proceeding as planned.However at the end of each day afew roads have not been completed due to the excessive volumes, in spite of the extra vehicle, but in every case the missed roads have been picked uo first thing the following day. If there are any unfinished roads by close of play on Friday, they will b e collected on Saturday. We anticipate normal collection arrangement to be in place onMonday 23feb.

The telephone calls to the team peaked during the period 2nd to 13th feb but have now returned to normal

Actions, not words

2009-02-19T09:22:00.004Z

A quick snap to show that actions are being taken to rectify the water leakage on Pottery Lane. The two carrying out the work haven't sourced it yet, but in any case will put in something that's known as a 'correlation point' which will measure where the leak is coming from.

However, I'm sure that will only work if it's a leak from the mains, and if, in actual fact, it's simply groundwater - from an extremely high water table round here - I don't know whose accountability that will be. Must find out.

STOP PRESS! Again...

2009-02-18T17:13:00.006Z

My brother-in-law tells me that the guys from yesterday were back again this morning. Apparently they were doing a bit more of a survey, and think that the water leaking onto the roads is a mixture of ground water, mains, and perhaps even some drainage. Let's hope we find out soon.

Planning Applications 18th February 2009

2009-02-18T16:21:00.002Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

WA/2009/0133: 27/01/2009
Proposed Development: Erection of single storey extension following demolition of existing. Installation of rooflights. 4 Copse Way, Farnham.
E: 482690 N: 144731
Case Officer: Mr Stefan Enslin

Applicant: Mr Devaney, 18a Tilford Road, Farnham GU9 8DL
Agent: Mr G Phillips, Phillips Associates, Vernon House, Thursley Road, Elstead, Surrey GU8 6DH

WA/2009/0154: 09/02/2009
Proposed Development: Conversion of garage to kitchen and utility room; erection of infill extension between garage and house. 28 St Peters Gardens, Wrecclesham, Farnham.
E: 482662 N: 144862
Case Officer: Mr A Griffiths

Applicant: P Lechev, 28 St Peters Gardens, Wrecclesham GU10 4QX
Agent: Mr A Cutler, Fiducia UK Ltd, 27 Gillian Close, Aldershot GU12 4HU

WA/2009/0156: 28/01/2009
Proposed Development: Erectio of a two storey extension. Firlands, 16 The Avenue, Farnham.
E: 482878 N: 143561
Case Officer: Mrs J Hammick

Applicant: S King, The Avenue, Rowledge GU10 4BD
Agent: Mr Wright, Wrecclesham Farm, Echo Barn Lane, Farnham GU10 4NJ

STOP PRESS! STOP PRESS!

2009-02-17T15:59:00.004Z

Just saw some water board and County Council personnel reviewing the water pipes etc. around Pottery Lane and Quennels Hill, in order to solve the problem of ground water leakage!

That was quick!

2009-02-17T10:43:00.002Z

My first phone call this morning regarding borough council things, was directly to do with the SANGS! Not that it was an immediate reponse to my own blog below, but more that a local resident with an outstanding planning application, has discovered that this (and I quote) "blanket" ban on planning permission will affect his application for one property which he has been working on for some time.

Unfortunately, this is exactly the kind of impact that will occur many times until we have the review of the SANGS. I'll be passing on this information to my member colleagues, and keeping the blog up to date with progress.

SANGS

2009-02-17T08:20:00.000Z

This is not an acronym that I would have known prior to becoming a councillor, but it is one that has a significant impact on planning, especially new houses, in our town.

Suitable Natural Alternative Green Space

The below text is on the Waverley website, and describes a review about to occur of the status of Farnham Park as a Suitable Natural Alternative Green Space, for planning applications. It is critical that any review not only takes into account the need to allow planning to continue without unnecessary constraints, but also legitimately identifies green space that mitigates the potential negative impacts of any new construction in the town.

If you need to know more, do search on the Waverley website for historic documents and news items related to this. And ask the planning department for more information. But - and here I admit my ignorance (further than what I've described) - don't ask me!

“Information for prospective applicants regarding the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area (SPA) and the Council’s Interim Miniplan

In order to avoid new housing in the Farnham area having an adverse impact on the Thames Basin Heaths SPA, the Council adopted an Interim Miniplan in 2007, whereby developers contributed to the enhancement of Farnham Park as an alternative green space. When the Miniplan was first adopted, the identified capacity at Farnham park was 10.9 hectares. That capacity has now been almost completely exhausted and it is likely that it will be completely used up as a result of planning applications that are already in the system or pending appeal decisions. Therefore, prospective applicants for new housing within the affected area are advised that, in the short term, it is likely that there will no longer be the opportunity to contribute to the enhancement of Farnham Park as alternative green space. As a result, the Council may have no alternative but to withhold planning permission for new residential development within the affected area.

On 10th February, the Council’s Executive approved plans to review the Interim Miniplan. This review will include exploring with Natural England the scope to increase the capacity of the green space at Farnham Park. This review will take some months to complete and in the meantime, prospective applicants are advised to discuss their proposals, and progress with the Miniplan review, with the planning officer before submitting their planning application to the Council.”

Slippery Slope

2009-02-16T09:11:00.006Z

As you may have already read on my blog, I was away during the heavy snowfalls, but I heard about the flurry of accidents that took place near the bottom of Quennell's Hill, and read a number of letters in the Herald that note the continued leakage of groundwater from the junction with Pottery Lane, and the lack of any noticeable work to prevent this.

I've just this minute emailed our County Councillor David Munro, who I know has already been involved with trying to work this out. Presently the only warning abou the road conditions is given part way up Quennell's Hill, but this doesn't help anyone on the main road through Wrecclesham, and when it's icy, you can see what happens to the house at the bottom of the hill!

Musing

2009-02-15T18:04:00.002Z

I'm musing on two things today:

(1) Neighbourliness - I've decided that landscaping my front garden is an excellent way to catch-up with neighbours, visitors to my neighbours, and people walking their dogs. Simply being outside where people see you going about your business is a really great way to strike up conversation. I heard a lot about this kind of community when we had all the snow a couple of weeks ago (although sadly I wasn't around): my mother was helped up a slippery hill, and some neighbours who'd never met each other before were nattering outside with fresh coffee in their hands.

(2) Twitter - now, I think of myself as technically literate, but I'm not sure I've quite clicked with Twitter just yet. Follow this link to see for yourself, but, I'm going to give it a few weeks whilst I work out whether it does anything different from Facebook or blogging.

Ramblings...

2009-02-14T20:56:00.006Z

...of my mind, and definitely not of my feet.

Not that I wouldn't love, simply love, to be rambling over the mountains this weekend. I was invited to a weekend of winter walking in Snowdownia, but turned it down as I needed to be at home with my family, especially after being away so much recently, and with Rach 38 weeks pregnant... yes, I hear you all ask, was there ever really an option to go walking. No, not really.

Anyway, I love winter climbing - usually Scotland somewhere - and so Snowdownia was going to be a great weekend, as I haven't been out in a couple of years. And it looked especially exciting, what with all the snow over the past few weeks. However, all that was before I heard about how some climbers have been killed on Snowdon this week, and how the continues are extreme and treacherous.

There's a part of every climber that, on hearing that information, simply wants to get out there and see how bad (read 'exciting', 'thrilling' etc.) it really is.

But not this time. With a baby on the way, and the sobering news of two brothers (both with young or imminent families) dying in the past week, I know I made the right decision. Nobody could every call me risk averse, but on this occasion, I feel that discretion is the better part of valour.

My nice neighbour

2009-02-13T12:22:00.003Z

A day off today (after 3 weeks business travel including weekends), and my first job is to fill the skip in the driveway with rubble and earth from the front garden which we're completely re-landscaping.

So, good exercise certainly, but not exactly fun - until that is Ian, our next door neighbour, popped round with his wellingtons on, gloves on, and a shovel in his hand: "Can I help? I could do with some exercise."

It was then that the job became fun, and chatting over a shared endeavour became simply the best thing in the world to do right then.

Good news? Bad news?

2009-02-12T09:57:00.000Z

I'm not sure that this FT story is entirely good news for Farnham. Whilst restructuring of the debt and equity of Crest Nicholson is bound to be designed to some extent to allow some cash to flow, and existing schemes to progress to completion, it may not necessarily allow new schemes to start, perhaps not this year, perhaps not for a number of years.

Just my own opinion.

Planning Applications 11th February 2009

2009-02-11T11:25:00.003Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

No new aplications to report this week.

From the ridiculous to the sublime

2009-02-10T21:26:00.002Z

I'm fuming. Really fuming. There's no excuse for the kind of inconsiderate, rude, and downright unacceptable behaviour that my wife experienced on public transport today.

Electing to use the bus that runs to Farnham - primarily because our car was in for its MOT, but secondly, choosing it in lieu of borrowing her brother's car as my mother had said how good the service was - Rach duly waited until 45 minutes after it was due, and as you can imagine (in the cold, the wet, and having to entertain a toddler for 45 mins), was delighted to see it arrive.

What was not delightful was the following 5 minutes during which:
* she struggled to get the pram up the steps;
* no-one offered to help or watch Caleb;
* eventually a gentleman assisted with the pram;
* once the pram was in, the driver pointed out that (due to another - uncollapsed - pram taking up most of the room available, our pram had to be moved again so it wasn't in the way;
* and then, when the driver suggested that a couple of ladies make way for my pregnant wife of 37 weeks, they said no, as they were in (and I quote) "their" seats; therefore
* my wife stood all the way into town.

ARGH!!!!! WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON WITH OUR SOCIETY?

However, contrast this with the way back to Wrecclesham:
* the bus arrived on time;
* she was given help into the bus;
* when exiting the bus, the driver held Caleb on his lap (and I can't tell how much Caleb loved that being a bus driver!) whilst Rach took the pram out and made it ready.

In summary:

(1) Isn't it incredible how inexcusable some people's behaviour can be, when in actual fact it takes very very little to behave in a polite and kind manner?
(2) In fact, the worst of the experiences had more to do with members of the public's attitude that the public transport system itself.

I didn't realise it was so bad

2009-02-09T12:08:00.002Z

Email's a great thing, and in many ways I've kept in touch with what's been happening even though I've been thousands of miles away in some pretty remote places.

But it wasn't really until I was home this weekend, that I could really envisage the difficult circumstances under which our public services have been operating, especially the rubbish and recycling collections. And it's been driven home to me by the number of emails from fellow members of the council who are sharing residents' frustrations at the lack of collection over the past week.

Whilst I can't claim to be able to solve the problem personally, I can promise to communicate and negotiate and influence as much as possible - so, if you do still have an outstanding collection issue in the ward, let me know, and I will find out as soon as I can about when you can expect it to be sorted.

Breathtaking

2009-02-07T11:13:00.000Z

I really do think that Waverley is a beautiful borough. However, stood on the top of Table Mountain overlooking Cape Town this morning, simply took my breath away.

Grit, protectionism, and other stories

2009-02-05T07:05:00.002Z

(1) Today we depart from Luanda, the capital of Angola, to Cape Town. I've been here since Monday with two colleagues, and, whilst I'm glad to be on my way home after almost two weeks on the road, I'm sad not to have seen more of a country that is beginning to find its feet after 3 decades of civil war.

Some incongruities caught my eye this morning though, when after breakfast in the guest house we're staying in, I saw a bit of Sky News telling me that councils were running out of grit in the UK! Well, I can say that I've heard no such status updates for Waverley, and we would certainly be appraised if it happened.

(2) While the EU gets its federal knickers in a twist about US proposals to favour US companies and purchasing, I'm drawn favourably to the concept of buying in-country, having heard much this week about the Angolan strategies to build a skill and knowledge base that is presently lacking. Of course, it's protectionism for a very different reason, but it at least made me stop to think that blindly lashing out at the US for what at first appears to be anti-free-market policies, is not the most helpful response, and instead we could we calmly considering whether promoting local economies is indeed a good and right thing to do.

(3) They make great coffee in Angola! And although I had read that prior to the 70s coffee had been major business here, I hadn't expected to be drinking Angolan coffee, as virtually everything - and I mean virtually everything - is imported, rather than produced locally.

Don't expect to see Angolan coffee on the menu any time soon at the pottery, but, if Rwanda is anything to go by, the potential growth in the industry could see high quality Angolan coffee on the UK supermarket shelves in a few years time.

Planning Applications 4th February 2009

2009-02-04T14:05:00.002Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

WA/2009/0085: 15/01/2009
Proposed Development: Erection of two storey extension to dwelling and new pitched roof to existing garage. 8 Lickfolds Road, Farnham.
E: 482372 N: 143210
Case Officer: Mr A Griffiths

Applicant: Mr & Mrs P & M Ede, 8 Lickfolds Road, Rowledge GU10 4AF
Agent: Mr K Field, 4 Hillary Road, Farnham GU9 8QY

WA/2009/0097: 28/01/2009
Proposed Development: Erection of extension and alterations (revision of WA/2008/1762). 9 High Street, Rowledge.
E: 482287 N: 143510
Case Officer: Mr J Hammick

Applicant: P Brooker, 9 High Street, Rowledge, Surrey GU10 4BS
Agent: Mr Andrew Tomkins, Abode Architects LLP, The Forge, 5 Upper Church Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7PW

NOTICE: Waste / Recycling Catch-up

2009-02-04T13:59:00.002Z

Due to the snow, collections were interrupted. I've just received the below email notice of the plans to catch-up - which of course are subject to further weather interruptions!

Dear All, I am pleased to confirm that the operational arrangements we made yesterday were put into place at 0700hrs today, Wednesday , when all the vehicles left the depot. The arrangements are as follows:

Wednesday normal collection. Thursday normal collection, Friday normal collection. The missed Monday and Tuesday collections will be collected on SATURDAY 7 feb.

This information has been placed on the Radio,BBC Southern Counties, Eagle andDelta. and in the Surrey Advertiser and the Herald Group of newspapers. EXTRA side bags will be collected during this period.Some roads may remain unsafe and therefore collections will not be made.When new arrangements will be made and communicated over the radio . If no collection is made, or for further information please phone 01483 523524.

Best Wishes,
John

No to No2ID... for now

2009-02-04T09:28:00.005Z

You may recall that a few weeks ago I described how I support the NO2ID campaign, and I followed this up by proposing to the executive that we put forward a motion at the next full council, an example of which could be as follows:

1. That the introduction of National Identity Cards will do little, if anything, to prevent terrorism, crime or fraud and that the money could be spent more effectively.
2. That it will be an unacceptable burden for the citizens of West Berkshire to be forced to pay for a card without regard to their ability to pay.
3. That this is an unacceptable infringement of civil liberties and a further domination of Government over the citizen.

I circulated this with members, and received a broad range of responses. On the basis of needing to address various points raised (all good), and in the desire not to detract from what will be necessarily a robust and critical meeting in a few week's time (where the budget will be the main item), I will be postponing this motion until a future date.

I'd still be very pleased to hear from anyone who has a view on this, and help inform my position, and a future council motion.

And snow...

2009-02-03T11:49:00.000Z

From Mary Orton, this morning:

Dear Councillor

We are not able to run any refuse / recycling collection service today, as too few roads are passable. The web-site has been updated, and we are asking local radio stations to broadcast the information to the public.

Our plan now is to resume the service tomorrow. We will aim to run the normal service for the remainder of the week. People whose collections were missed today and yesterday (except for the most remote and isolated properties) will receive a catch-up service on Saturday. Obviously, this plan still does depend on what happens with the weather over the next few hours - any further heavy snowfall could still disrupt services further.

I shall keep you posted by email on service developments.

Kind regards

Mary

Let it snow

2009-02-02T11:29:00.001Z

I don't believe it. I love snow, I mean, really love snow, and the moment I go to Africa on business for a week, we get more than a foot of snow one day in our village, and I miss the opportunity to break out my winter climbing gear, and build snowmen with my son!

I'm distraught. 31 degrees and humid may be some people's idea of bliss, but I'd much rather be back in Wrecclesham, and being able to post great photos of the pottery in a snow blanket.

Catastrophe

2009-01-31T15:49:00.002Z

Flying back from Baku this morning, it would entirely normal for me to guffaw outloud at some comical film that I was watching (last example was Ghost Town), listening on my headset, and then look around embarassingly to see if anyone had noticed.

What isn't so common, is a gasp of horror and incredulity as I read one of the most ridiculous stories in the Telegraph. Apparently Birmingham City Council is no longer going to use apostrophes in its street names, as they are confusing, and difficult to understand.

As the leader in the Telegraph writes, what "a defeatist position to adopt".

May I therefore ask, that if you, like I, are protectionist towards the beauty and history of the English language, and would like to see it preserved instead of butchered by local government, please go to the Daily Telegraph's website and sign its online petition: www.telegraph.co.uk/debates.

Planning Applications 28th January 2009

2009-01-28T20:15:00.003Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

There's no new planning application for me to bring to your attention today.

However, on the topic of planning and our Waverley portal to associated plans and documents, I know that there's been a few issues the past week or so with getting access.

If you need anything urgently, and you can't find the documents you need, please email me, and I'll see what I can do.

Email is a wonderful thing

2009-01-27T20:26:00.000Z

I may be 4 hours ahead, and a few thousand miles away, but because of technology and concerned residents, I'm able to know that in the past couple of days there have been some serious accidents on the main road through Wrecclesham.

My colleague in the ward of Wrecclesham and Rowledge, Pat Frost, was quick off the mark and has been able to speak with David Munro, our county councillor, and the county highways dept, and although I'm sure there's no immediate quick fix, I'm certain that much attention will be given to the root cause of the accidents, and what, if anything, can be done.

Am I really in Aisa?

2009-01-26T08:29:00.000Z

Because this morning I seriously doubted it:

(a) I turned on the TV, and the first three news stories were: Barak Obama and his first presidential activites; the weekend's demonsration re Gaza in London; job losses in the US and UK.

(b) The shuttle to our offices here in Baku was playing: Spandau Ballet; Enrique Iglesias; and some other modern tune that I recognise but can't for the life of me think who it was.

c) Shops that caught my attention as we drove by: Mont Blanc; Mothercare; Macdonalds.

No-one could seriously accuse Baku of being a clone town, but I was really struck today by the ease with which cultural uniqueness can so quickly begin to be clouded by bland branding, with no local connections.

Caspian Sea

2009-01-25T17:17:00.001Z

I saw the Caspian Sea for the first time today. It's almost too much for my brain to grasp that as I'm looking East, I'm actually looking over a big (well, enormous) lake, and it would take two days by boat to reach the other side.

Baku is my base for work the next 6 days, and I feel privileged to be here. There's so much changing - a building site (actually a new skyscraper office block or appartments) on every corner - that I'm sure if I were to come back in a handful of years it might almost be unrecognisable.

And so, I'm thankful to see some of the original buildings still here, before they are demolished to make way for modern erections that could be found in virtually any major city.

However, I can tell you one thing - I've never seen a city that knows how to illuminate its buildings so beautifully at night.

Your Local MP Broadsheet Columnist

2009-01-23T10:38:00.005Z

Just spotted - Jeremy Hunt writing in the Telegraph about the BBC and competition in broadcasting in the UK.

Well, we stopped having a TV in our house about 5 years ago, and I can't say we've missed it. The internet is broadly as informative as the television, and certainly, if used wisely, can be a lot more balanced in reporting news, due to the wealth of news sites / reports that can be reviewed compartively.

Bring on pay-as-you-go TV, that's what I think. There are certainly some programmes we would watch, but if paying a licence fee - and the horrible intrusion of advertising and a terribly, horribly, unforgivably liberal media - is the price to pay, then buying individual DVDs is our preferred option.

Also, I'm with Charles Moore on the licence fee and their Stalinesque approach that accusea all without a licence of criminmal behaviour. Their copious letters, written in the style of court summons, with, in my opinion, language that must be surely be illegal, are awful, and for some people I know, terrifying.

Don't pay your licence fee.
Don't let a TV licence fee inspector in your door - they do not have any rights to do so.

Speedy

2009-01-22T09:43:00.002Z

Perhaps my new nickname for PC Simon Anderson, although I'm sure I should check with him first :-)

It's because I've just seen his picture in today's Herald, riding his new electric bike. My father-in-law has one and uses it daily in the summer. I tried it once and couldn't quite get used to it - although my bad memory of it is probably more to do with my wife beating me up the hill home than anything else!

Planning Applications 21st January 2009

2009-01-21T12:08:00.002Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

WA/2009/0009: 09/01/2009
Proposed Development: Erection of a two storey extension to provide annexe. 19 Echo Barn Lane, Farnham.
E: 482602 N: 144314
Case Officer: Emma Schofield

Applicant: R James, 19 Echo Barn Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4NQ
Agent: Massingdale and Phillips, 85a West Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7EN

Great news

2009-01-20T21:43:00.002Z

The work on the junction of School Hill, Sandrock Hill Road, and Echo Barn Lane, starts next Monday.

David Munro has just let me know, and he's making sure that full information is posted through the letterboxes of the immediate neighbours to the junction.

I'll add more as I know more, but I'm sure that the Herald will also pick this up next week.

Bumper Book of "Local" Government Waste...

2009-01-19T21:03:00.004Z

... is what we are very consciously avoiding in our budget plans for 2009/10 (even though the book isn't yet written, I reckon it's only a matter of time). In fact, the past two years' budget have had a phenomonal amount of success is drawing out unnecessary line items that, whilst good in one sense, are not central or essential to the working of the borough, and are needed in order to keep our budget balanced.

This year is particularly challenging for all sorts of reasons, but even so, even with the 'Star Chambers' (challenge sessions where heads of service at Waverley have their budget reviewed in great detail and are requested to submit saving proposals) complete, and the budget drafted, we can still find some items that should go.

Tonight at the Corporate Overview & Scrutiny committee a number of items were highlighted including:

(1) £54,000 for a Marquee Theatre Space; and
(2) £35,000 for headstone risk assessment.

It's not certain these will get removed, but, the whole point of the O&S committees is too provide a rigorous challenge to the plans of the council, to ensure that anything approved is actually required. In our present economic situation, it's only right that items such as the ones above have to be proved beyond doubt to be important for 2009/10, and essential to the carrying out of Waverley's duties.

More news as we get closer to the full council at which the budget - in whatever form - must be approved.

Tea: milk, one sugar

2009-01-18T16:45:00.003Z

What a encouraging experience I had today of our local water suppliers (or 'water board' in old English).

We stepped out the house at about 9 am on our way to church, and notice a very heavy stream of water eminating from our water meter outside the front boundary. On returning from church a couple of hours later, and noting it still churning out, I phoned the water board.

Within 30 minutes somone was on-site (see photo), and within another 40 minutes, a gang were digging a hole and fixed the problem and tidied up in 30 minutes flat.

Seriously good service. And all for a phone call, a mug of tea (and the water bills of course).

Planning Applications 14th January 2009

2009-01-14T13:15:00.002Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

No new applications to report this week.

NO2ID

2009-01-13T10:28:00.006Z

A few bits and pieces today:

(1) I'm on my way to chilly Chicago, and so catching up with emails in the lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5. It's interesting being here today for a couple of reasons: firstly, that the terminal is amazing, and whilst I'm sure the first few weeks really were chaos, I think it's a pity that news programmes and papers can trash a company's reputation in just a few minutes of video, and yet not deem it important or ethical to restore reputation by reporting on the great job done since. Secondly, the newspapers I'm reading are full of titbits on the imminent announcement about a new runway at the airport.

(2) One of the emails my Inbox contains that I'm determined to get to today, is a councillors briefing from the NO2ID campaign. Regular readers of this blog will know that I'm keen to see repeal of various powers contained within the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, that can be overused by local authorities. This briefing note has been forwarded to me by a kind colleague who believes it will be of use to me, as it relates to privacy of personal data, and the prevention of a bigger and bigger state.

{Note: there have been murmurings in the recent news about amendments to this act to prevent its misuse}

(3) Finally, apologies for a few days last week when I didn't get the blog updated quickly. Manic at work, and I simply had to prioritise family when I wasn't in the office.

5%

2009-01-12T20:00:00.002Z

Tonight I'm attending the Community O&S committee (right now), and I've suggested that we recommend to the Executive that we increase the community themed organsation funding via the Waverley Community Partnership, by 5%.

Not achieved unfortunately, but, we did as a committee make a recommendation that the overall pool of money available is revisited, in order to increase it specifically with regard to greater increases for these community themed organisation.

There's a few more opportunities to pursue this (Executive, and then full council), so watch this space.

I'm an M&S man

2009-01-10T14:45:00.000Z

Yes, I confess it, I'm an M&S man, and today I even managed to buy some clothes on my own, and, when I arrived home my wife approved! ;-)

More importantly though, one could notice a distinct lack of shoppers.

If M&S is being abandoned, I must presume that the recession is biting.

Clash

2009-01-09T20:04:00.003Z

I found out this evening that I'll miss the next Neighbourhood Panel at Weavers Gardens, as I'll be at the Community Overview & Scrutiny instead. It's a special pity, as I'd love to raise the issues of litter and grafitti, particularl blights on our village at the moment. However, my wife will be there, and probably will do it more eloquently and passionate that I.

One thing I'm interested in though - would any reader like to explore setting up a Neighbourhood Watch group? With the best will in the world, it will be nigh on impossible for our local bobbies to organise evening meetings for each small neighbourhood, to which Waverley representatives attend to discuss important issues about the community.

Neighbourhood Watch can provide this framework, led by residents themselves. If you're interested, do get in touch with me, or go direct to Farnham Police Station.

I'm not a naturally gifted brickie

2009-01-08T22:22:00.000Z

I finished bricking up our fireplace tonight - hurrah!

However, I did learn that my skin reacts badly to cement - doh.

Planning Applications 7th January 2009

2009-01-07T15:34:00.003Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

WA/2008/2214: 18/12/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of dwelling and garage following demolition of existing (variation of WA/2008/1268). Minadhu, Manley Bridge Road, Rowledge.
E: 482453 N: 143708
Case Officer: Cameron Stanley

Applicant: W Ramsdale, Rowledge Homes Ltd, Bend-Or, Rosemary Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4DD
Agent: Michael Conoley Associates, Serendipity, 9a Compton Way, Farnham, Surrey GU10 1QY

WA/2008/2215: 18/12/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of dwelling and garage following demolition of existing (variation of WA/2008/1268). Minadhu, Manley Bridge Road, Rowledge.
E: 482453 N: 143708
Case Officer: Cameron Stanley

Applicant: W Ramsdale, Rowledge Homes Ltd, Bend-Or, Rosemary Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4DD
Agent: Michael Conoley Associates, Serendipity, 9a Compton Way, Farnham, Surrey GU10 1QY

It's good to talk

2009-01-06T14:14:00.004Z

Had a great meeting this morning with the head of development control at the council, and a gentleman who runs a small charitable organisation in Farnham, helping the lonely elderly. It's purpose was to determine whether a planning application was required for change of use for some premises to which the organisation wished to move.

And it was great. I can't always say that about planning meetings / conversations, but this one was good. It was excellent to openly discuss the details of the intended activities, and to get open and simply worded feedback. Planning can be an intimidating process, and so to have such a face-to-face meeting, putting a personal touch into the process, and removing some of the fear and trepidation of a faceless bureacracy, was a good thing.

I write this as it was an early and encouraging example of the new planning advice process Waverley has put in place from 1st January. A much more robust and open pre-application process, hopefully leading to more accurate and complete applications, and a higher expectation of the outcome being swift and appropriate.

Watch this space for further news on performance on these pre-application measures. But for now, it's looking good.

One week turned into two...

2009-01-05T21:25:00.005Z

... as I realised how much I needed a rest with my family, and so my apologies to one and all that it's been almost two weeks since I last posted. It's been a lovely time with family in Herefordshire, and a deligth to watch Caleb (our 19 month old) make fast friends with Polly - the 14 year old Labrador -, and Barney - the 6 month old 'Springador' (as I believe they're called).

Returning home seemed so much sweeter after time away. However, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the amount of litter in the streets here in Wrecclesham. I suppose we were spoilt over the holidays, being a few miles from the nearest shop, but I really can't believe that just because we live close to a popular newsagents, we should suffer so much horrible rubbish - mostly sweet wrappers - quite literally covering the pavements.

Some months ago I experimented by announcing on this blog that I would be litter picking along Gardener's Hill Road. Well, it didn't turn out to the be roaring success I hoped, but that's probably more to do with the fact that my blog had 3 readers, one of whom was my mother-in-law in Herefordshire!

This time, I'm going to do it properly. Not sure how, but I'm going to try to organise a series of litter picking activities in the village, and tidy the place up a bit.

{And writing this has reminded me that I need to take a photo of the graffiti that has yet again appeared on the wall at the bottom of School Hill.}

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T00:05:00.000Z

Well, I sincerely hope that all my readers are having a good Christmas Day. I'm posting this the night before, as (like you I suspect), I don't wish to be online tomorrow when I could be enjoying family, food and friendship.

I'll be having a few days off now, and probably start posting again on Monday.

Planning Applications 24th December 2008

2008-12-24T11:21:00.005Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

TM/2008/0106: 16/12/2008
Proposed Development: Application to fell 3 trees the subject of Tree Preservation Order 47/99. Rear of 8, Mayfield, Farnham.
E: 482778 N: 143362
Case Officer: Brodie Cherry

Applicant: Mayfield Residents Management Limited, Rowledge, Farnham GU10 4EE
Agent: Mr L Wilkes, 21 Meadow Way, Rowledge, Farnham GU10 4DY

WA/2008/2154: 16/12/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of a two storey extension; construction of dormer windows and alterations following demolition of existing garage. 2 High Street, Rowledge.
E: 482320 N: 143411
Case Officer: Mr Stefan Enslin

Applicant: Mr & Mrs B Elkington, 2 High Street, Rowledge, Farnham GU10 4BS
Agent: Kerry Field, 4 Hillary Road, Farnham GU9 8QY

WA/2008/2162: 11/12/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of detached garage and store. Forest House, The Long Road, Rowledge.
E: 483098 N: 143103
Case Officer: Mrs J Hammick

Applicant: Mr Newman, Forest House, The Long Road, Rowledge, Farnham GU10 4DP
Agent: J Auburn, Rookery Barns, Hartley Wood Farm, Oakhanger, Hampshire GU35 9JW

WA/2008/2193: 22/12/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of a single storey extension following demolition of existing porch. Gorsedene Lodge, The Long Road, Farnham.
E: 483415 N: 142978
Case Officer: Mrs J Hammick

Applicant: Mr & Mrs C Dukes, Gorsedene Lodge, The Long Road, Rowledge, Farnham GU10 4EB
Agent: P J Bishop, 11 Badbury Close, Farindgon, Oxon SN7 7FB

Angola

2008-12-23T20:34:00.002Z

Not related to local politics at all, but probably the thing that's taken up most of my time these past couple of days, has been obtaining the necessary travel permission, visa, and innoculations to go to Angola in early February next year.

I've been to Africa before - Uganda and Kenya - in 1995, and have been recently yearning to revisit, particularly Uganda, as it was my first flight in my life, and my first trip further abroad than Paris.

Angola's GDP depends heavily on hydrocarbons (gas, oil etc), making up aroung 60% of its economy. My work may well be stuck inside an office, but at the very least I hope to see some of the city of Luanda, and experience a small part of a very different, and young, democracy.

Fixed / Variable?

2008-12-22T22:41:00.002Z

Not your mortgage deal, but a little debate raging on email with regard to this first Christmas since fixed day collections were organised for waste and recycling.

From what I glean of activities at the Waverley offices, we're experiencing a lots of calls from residents who hadn't noticed that their collection would be brough forward prior to Christmas. It's natural that this would catch a few people by surprise, but I don't think we (the council) anticipated the volume.

It would be easy to say "Okay, hold it lads. Let's back it up, and do what we always did." But change is never smooth, and a few hiccups this year might translate into smooth running next. What's I'm confident of is that the activity of the team at the Waverley offices, and Veolia on the road, is focussed on fixing the problem, and playing catch-up prior to Christmas Day. As much as possible is being done.

If you need a reminder of the details of our fixed day collection schedule, click here.

Carol Ian Singing

2008-12-21T21:48:00.005Z

I'm what you might call ambivalent about Christmas.

Now I know that that may cause a little bit of shock - a stir perhaps. But I've been one for all the tinsel and baubles, or the shopping madness etc. However, I do entirely believe in having reason to collectively celebrate the birth of Christ, and doing so by way of a Carol Service is simply delightful. Good fun, and, if the carols are chosen wisely (and let's face it, some of them are downright awful), very awe-inspring and humbling.

So, I was at our service at Millmead (Guildford Baptist Church), when our pastor Ian Stackhouse stepped up, and as part of the small choir singing some of the carols to us, took up a solo - and how good it was. What a delight to hear his voice, and to recognise him not just as our preacher, but as a whole person, with other gifts and talents with which to praise God.

Hallelujah.

Planning Applications 17th December 2008

2008-12-17T17:39:00.002Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

WA/2008/2137: 10/12/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of two storey and single storey extensions. 9 Hollis Wood Drive, Farnham.
E: 482282 N: 144423
Case Officer: Rosie Smith

Applicant: Mr Brisbourne & Miss Goodwin, 9 Hollis Wood Drive, Wrecclesham GU10 4JT
Agent: Ace Designs, 143 Station Road, Liss GU33 7AJ

Aspirational Thinking

2008-12-16T08:50:00.002Z

Last night we had our pre-council meeting for the group of Conservative councillors. We always (as I'm certain do the Lib Dems) review the agenda of the council meeting, as well as discuss matters relating to our policies and procedures. And normaly that's literally it.

... Which - because most council meetings are really the revisiting for full council approval of decisions recommended by the other committees of the past 6 weeks - can sometimes be a tad labourious.

However, I was delighted that last night's meeting was much more aspirational. The topic of the credit crunch and the effect it is having on residents of the borough and their families, was very much at the front of everyone's minds, and much was said on how we can help more effectively. I whole heartedly agree.

Sewers

2008-12-15T12:59:00.003Z

Not the nicest topic of conversation, but something that piqued my interest in the Telegraph today, as there's been a flurry of emails over the past week with regard to a 10 year old problem on the edge of the ward.

The story of Hillary Benn's announcement of the takeover by the government of all privately owned sewers in 2011, is good news for this problem. But, it does mean an estimated £12 increase per household on water bills.

Prohibition of Traffic

2008-12-13T12:35:00.004Z

No, not the latest (temporary) amendment to the US Constitution, but a notice I received today about the work at the crossroads at the top of School Hill and Sandrock Hill Road. It's a Temporary Prohibition of Traffic Order for roughly the first six months of 2009, although it's likely to actual occur from 5th January for 8 weeks. You can see information on the proposed scheme by clicking here. And you can see it on my ward map here.

This answers a couple of questions I've received recently about the various works on the stretch from Ridgeway Road, along Shortheath Road, and onto Echo Barn Lane, which has ended up with the road surface looking like a patchwork quilt. The junction upgrade has been waiting until the gas works were completed, and with this now done, it can begin.

It's easy to agree that the entire length of the ridge should be resurfaced, but money is tight and so it's unlikely to get done any time soon. Sorry about that. David Munro, our County Councillor, managed to get three roads in the area prioritised - Weydone Lane (done), the A287 through the Bourne (just started), and Gardener's Hill Road (next year's programme), and that's some achievement in itself.

Local?

2008-12-11T23:11:00.000Z

Local politics in Chicago means a very different thing than local politics in Waverley. Here, it refers to an expensice juggernaut of corrupt authority that measures its budget in the billions. So, it's a little odd listening to the news channels talking of the Governor of Illinois' arrest, in the same breadth as talking about the local machine politics of Chicago.

Please rest assured that I have no intention of trying to sell on my ward seat at any time in the future!

Planning Applications 10th December 2008

2008-12-10T13:39:00.001Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

WA/2008/2125: 28/11/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of roof extension (revision of WA/2008/1414). 3 Bryn Road, Farnham.
E: 482691 N: 145045
Case Officer: Kathryn Laughton

Applicant: J Parnell, 3 Bryn Road, Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4PZ
Agent: Douglas M Blyth, 17th High Street, Rowledge, Surrey GU10 4BT

A life lived for others

2008-12-09T05:15:00.003Z

This may sound crazy, but I've just experienced a very joyful, funny and profound 90 minutes - and it's down to David Brent. Well, Ricky Gervais really, and his role in a most wonderful film Ghost Town.

I wasn't expecting to be reminded of the most important things in life, but I was captivated by the transformation of a selfish socially inept, disagreeable character, into one that found the true and undeniable fulfilment from helping others.

Only a life lived for others is a life worth while.
Albert Einstein

Trading Standards? Not of common sense

2008-12-08T10:10:00.002Z

My breath is taken away by the ludicrous nature of some over-zealous officials in Northumberland. James Cookson sells vegetables from the end of his driveway, with an honesty box next to them for purchasers to leave their money.

I'm sure that most of you are thinking that it would wonderful to live in a community where leaving food and / or money at the end of one's driveway is safe, and neighbours can be trusted.

But it would appear, the trading standards in Northumberland are much more concerned with the 'gold plating' of EU regulations.

Now, I don't normally use my blog to vent my frustration. However, in this instance - WHAT ON EARTH DID THEY THINK THEY WERE DOING?

I mean really, haven't we all just about had enough? When such lovely examples of community trust and support and relationship are penalised by our local authorities, isn't it time we all agreed things have gone too far? Legislation and regulation are the not the panacea of a perfect world.

Seriously, laws are not the answer to ensuring certain behaviours in society. They show to us all the bounds of acceptable behaviour, certainly. But they make no claims, and cannot, to conformity by the citizens of our country.

Sadly, we have moved to a state (of being, not a nation state) where laws are (a) created for the most insignificant issues, (b) implemented unquestioningly when handed down from Brussels to our sovereign nation, and (c) relied upon as the only means to regulate behaviour.

Please, please, please, can we all wake-up from this sleep-walking into a police state (nation this time), and acknowledge that unless we multilaterally encourage right relationships in all spheres of life - family, community, work, politics - we will soon be too far down the slippery slope to fight our way back.

William Wilberforce wrote eloquently and persuasively two centuries ago about the Reformation of Manners needed in our nation. The same must be said of now.

P.S. I'm sympathetic to the argument that this was simply a standard letter sent out because the stall had been seen by an officer passing. BUT, my point is why oh why did it cross their minds to send the letter at all? How have we arrived at this point when it's an important thing to do?

Celebrity. Culture.

2008-12-07T10:16:00.005Z

I'm sat in the lounge at Terminal 5 waiting for my flight to Chicago, and Jamie Oliver is sat a few yards from me. I'm not writing this to claim bragging rights on nearness to fame or anything: t's more that I'm intrigued at my own reactions and emotions.

Firstly though, some background: we don't have a television at home - so no regular updates on so-called celebrity behaviour and antics; I'm not an avid Jamie fan in any case, as, although I enjoy cooking, and co-own a coffee shop, it's not my thing; from the snippets of news I get from the internet and general chatter amongst friends and collegues, I understand that recently he's received some flack for this persistent use of extremely bad language on his latest TV show (which I mention because I have a low tolerance for bad language, as for me it's simply a sign of lack of self-control and laziness with the English vocabulary, which has more than enough words to express any feeling one might have).

Therefore (eventually getting to my point), I find it immensely intriguing that I should be feeling some need to glance at Jamie every now and again, so that I can see this 'celebrity' in real life. For some reason I'm curious about his demeanour, what he's doing, and what he looks like. Why? I can only surmise it's a subconscious subscription to western popular culture, which in turn is the pursuit or worship of fame and glamour. Is it a fundamental building block of human nature (or at least of mine), that fame is alluring, and the money and power that it brings tempting?

Well, those are my musings on the matter, and, you'll be glad to know, I managed to restrain myself from dashing over and getting his autograph. Or, more importantly, inviting him to appear as a guest chef at the coffee shop one Saturday morning ;-)

FVF and S&C CM 2008

2008-12-04T08:58:00.006Z

I'm back from a Farnham Visitors Forum meeting. It was the first one I'd attended, and it was very stimulating. Many businesses and local organisations working together to improve the opportunities for visitors to Farnham, and thus benefit the local economy, and ultimately local jobs and families.

I guess I was there more on behalf of Smith & Causey, rather than as a borough councillor, but it did fit both roles in many ways. I'm not that experienced as a councillor, but we do get opportunities to learn about many organisations, and therefore can often suggest business or other networking connections that can help those to whom we speak.

I'm now back at my Farnham Pottery desk - we have our Christmas Market here tomorrow and there's lots to do - bit of a plug I know, but can't help it :-)

Planning Applications 3rd December 2008

2008-12-03T11:52:00.005Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

Well, this has happened for a few weeks, but there are no new applications to post today.

So, perhaps I'll wax lyrical on a couple of planning issues that have been bumbling about my brain this week.

(1) Wrecclesham Road - no sign yet of any development for the 60ish houses given permission for site on the west of the road near Coxbridge roundabout. I'm guessing it's a simple and direct effect of the recession.

(2) I find myself telling people about the new permitted development rules quite a lot. It does seem quite excellent timing - so few people are moving, that extending one's home is a more attractive option, and being able to do a lot more without an onerous planning application is welcome.

(3) A concerned resident emailed councillors with a tale of confused infrastructure planning contributions advice, concerning planning permission given before the latest guidance came into effect, but not implemented as yet, and therefore questions about whether the new guidance would apply should some changes to the permission be sought. Not sure my planning knowledge stretches far enough to be able to fully comprehend it all! But I was delighted to see the resident receive a swift, grateful email confirming that he's raised a significant point, and we'll be looking into it straightaway.

Freeloading freeloaders

2008-12-02T10:11:00.004Z

If I offered an annual prize (and perhaps I should) for the quote of the year, the 2008 prize might well go to John Benton, leader, with his wife, of the parenting classes that Rach and I have been attending for the past 3 weeks.

The final class of three was last night, and John said that our country was

freeloading on our Christian heritage.

Now, he was talking, naturally, in the context of child-rearing. But, I would argue that this same idea could be applied to much of our culture. As a nation we’ve swallowed – hook, line and sinker – the notion that we should do things if they feel right, enjoy them when we do them, and if we happen not to enjoy them, seek therapy to find out how we misinterpreted our own desires, and get it right next time.

Of course, I’m exaggerating and generalising wildly, but the point is that some decades ago before postmodern thinking, our crime rates were much lower; our children more obedient and schools safer; our concept of duty towards our neighbour more strong.

And so now, when these things can no longer be taken for granted, and the standards of common decency and manners we once cherished are no longer shared, it seems to me that when we complain about the behaviour of civil society, we’re freeloading on our Christian heritage by assuming we can abandon previously pervasive biblical standards and norms, without experiencing the consequences.

Very odd numbers

2008-12-01T13:16:00.001Z

The good news is that the change in VAT rate from today is being passed on in its entirety by Waverley Borough Council.

The bad news - although it's barely bad news let's face it - is that some of the charges (in the words of Graeme Clark at Waverley), are now

odd amounts replacing neat, rounded amounts.

So, not really bad news at all, and, with car parking not subject to VAT, that's certainly a bit more good news!

It's good to talk - even when it's difficult

2008-12-01T12:51:00.001Z

0800 038 0700

Launched in October, Waverley's project "Don't lose your home or business", now has a freephone number. It's been a while since I added a new contact number to the Good to Talk sidebar, but this one is essential in such difficult economic climes.

Please do make contact if you or your business is struggling with extra burdens because of the looming recession. Waverley have access to all sorts of resources and people that can help, and will do so in the swiftest way.

Brand Battle

2008-11-30T12:27:00.002Z

I'm blogging today in support of a charity called "Grassroots" that's based in Rowledge, helping vulnerable communities in the UK and overseas, and yet finds itself subject to a potentially onerous, and certainly inappropriate, challenge to its identity, by our government.

It was only launched two weeks ago, but already Hugo and Sharon Anson are being called about information on the new central government initiative called "Grassroots Grants". Not for a moment do I believe that this initiative is bad - it's a great programme to match grant giving by local funders. But, I do believe that this is an example of a government behomoth that has neglected diligence by not ensuring that its good intentions do not overshadow or hinder the work already underway by other organisations.

Hugo and Sharon have written to Jeremy Hunt on this, and I do hope he can persuade someone to make it loud and clear that this new programme is definitely not the same as their own charity.

Rowledge School Fair

2008-11-29T17:23:00.001Z

Just back from the Rowledge School Fair. I was there manning the Smith & Causey stall rather than as a councillor, but it was lovely to walk round and see all these wonderful children engaged in simple and enjoyable activity.

And especially great to see so many parents there. I've often heard that the involvement the parents was second to none, and so it seemed, with the vast majority of stalls being run by parents and children.

A wonderful sense of community and joy.

A pair of old clogs

2008-11-28T16:49:00.004Z

That's my mother-in-law and great-great-great-grandfather - terms of endearment of course :-)

Just a quick post about them as my in-laws are staying the weekend, and my mother-in-law (about whom I seem to blog regularly), has brought with her an interesting print-out of the history of clogs. And that is because the last time that she was here, I found out that my great-great-great-grandfather was a clogger.

That's about it really. A bit of education in which I learned that

(a) clogs are not uniquely Dutch;
(b) in Lancashiare (and my family are from St. Helens and Wigan) cottom mill workers habitually wore clogs because of the wet floors; and
(c) the French name for a wooden shoe or clog is sabot... from which the word sabotage is derived, reportedly describing how disgruntled workers damaged workplace machines by tossing their shoes into the mechanisms.

Just wanted to share.

Conservative Councillor Compassion

2008-11-27T22:59:00.007Z

A colleague of mine on the Borough Council sent a wonderfully compassionate and passionate email this week, about the immense challenges facing all of us in the coming recession, and stressing our responsibility to provide as much assistance as possible by way of free advice and training services.

[Writing such an email - appealing to the core nature of fellow councillors as individuals community representatives, and not as political animals - is not as easy as it may sound, and can feel as if it is a little risky and vulnerable.]

As the Waverley representative on the board of trustees of Citizens Advice Waverley, I completely agree, and will be campaigning vigourously for the CA Bureaux to be given as much financial help as possible these coming months, with the main emphasis on the grants given through the Waverley Community Partnership. The process has started, with the deadline for applications already passed, with decisions being made in February. It's by far the main funding source for CA, and I believe that this year is not one where WBC can simply freeze the amount, or add a small nominal percentage.

Rather, I believe we're going to have to make some tough decisions (precisly what - in part - we were elected to do) and choose not only to fund CA and other critical organisations more generously, but also to choose not to fund other groups that in many years past, and in years to come, will be natural and deserving recipients of grants from the council.

Planning Applications 26th November 2008

2008-11-26T13:07:00.004Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

WA/2008/2034: 12/11/2008
Proposed Development: Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness under Section 192 for construction of a first floor extension as approved by permission reference FAR/418/61. Hawthorn Cottage, Hawthorn Lane, Rowledge.
E: 482672 N: 142847
Case Officer: Mrs J Hammick

Applicant: D Mitchell, c/o Agent
Agent: J Long, Planit Consulting, PO Box 721, Godalming, Surrey GU7 9BR

WA/2008/2035: 14/11/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of a single storey side extension.
E: 482697 N: 144833
Case Officer: Terry Prideaux

Applicant: Mr & Mrs A Fox, 17 St. Peters Gardens, Wrecclesham GU10 4QX
Agent: Mrs A Stevens, Churchill Design, The Studio, 93 Brighton Road, Aldershot GU12 4HN

WA/2008/2058: 19/11/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of single storey, two storey and first floor extensions. 4 Shrubbs Lane, Rowledge.
E: 482838 N: 143658
Case Officer: Mr A Griffiths

Applicant: Mr & Mrs N Slim, 4 Cherry Tree Lodge, Shrubbs Lane, Rowledge, Surrey GU10 4AZ
Agent: A Stevens, Churchill Design, The Studio, 93 Brighton Road, Aldershot GU12 4HN

Motion

2008-11-25T07:49:00.005Z

Travelling to London on the train this morning, I’ve just read on page 12 of the Telegraph, that the government is considering banning the sale of electoral role information to the public by local authorities. Hurrah!

As regular readers will know, I posted my opinion on this some months ago – that the practice should definitely be banned; that officers at the council would be very happy to see this ended; and that it raises very little income and causes much work.

So, I’m writing today to the leader of the council, Richard Gates, to ask him to allow the inclusion of the following motion at the next full council meeting:

“This council believes that the practice of selling electoral register information should be ended.”

If allowed on the agenda, I will speak to this on the grounds not only of privacy, but also as it will very likely lead to the reduction of junk mail, and therefore, in this very difficult economic climate, prevention of mis-selling or over-selling to vulnerable households.

I recognise the potential complaints that some companies will be curtailed in their attempts to maintain turnover if sales opportunities through junk mail are prevented. But, as a business owner myself, I believe that much more targeted marketing, and considerate advertising, would be the more responsible approach.

Putting Parenting to Bed

2008-11-24T22:57:00.002Z

Rach and I went to a parenting class tonight. It was the second of three that are being held at Farnham Baptist Church. It's not that we already know we're awful parents (although I'm sure I should ask that question of people who know us well rather than proclaim it myself!) - more that we wish to gain from the knowledge and wisdom of others, before we make the obvious mistakes.

The course is written by a couple based in Guildford, and mixes practical advice with biblical wisdom. And the first thing for us to do was - describe our child(ren)! An interesting task, and one that we'd never specifically done before.

And tonight we were focussing on discipline, and the difference between authoritarian, and lovingly authoritative. There were so many great pieces of advice, and strategies for dealing with misbehaviour and disobedience, that my head is now reeling with the content, and I hope I can take some time out to get some of it embedded in order to make good use of it.

I'm sad

2008-11-23T20:59:00.003Z

And not in the 'I'm upset' sense, but in the 'I'm a geek' kind of sense.

The reason I say this, is because this weekend we travelled to see four different set of friends, and, as I happened to do most of the driving, I was paying particular attention to road signs. And, what did I find myself doing? Comparing the state of 'Welcome to ... Borough' signs - how clean they were, their design, and their general wellbeing! Having gone at literally done this to the 'Welcome' sign on the road into Wrecclesham, I'm now rather envious of those who have clean, untarnished (from passing wagons swiping them perhaps) and generally easy to see signs.

And it's not just signs that I found myself comparing, but also waste and recycling strategies. In fact, when in search of a bin in which to place some used kitchen roll, not only did I ask if I had found the right recepticle, I also enquired as to my friends' satisfation (or otherwise) with their council's collection of food waste (which I had deduced took place due to their food waste bin beside the waste bin beside the plastics and metal bin...

And finally, and most sadly, I started comparing wards. We'd pass a lovely woodland and I'd think "wouldn't it be nice if...", and then pass some arable open farm land and think pretty much the same.

Please don't get me wrong - we had the most wonderful weekend, and spent some quality time with good friends in four different locations. But, I do wonder: am I taking this local poltics thing a little too far?

GBC

2008-11-20T22:30:00.001Z

20.15: I’m at the church meeting this evening, and, a bit like the committee meeting at Waverley the other week, I’ve decided to blog live. Well, pseudo-live, as I’m currently offline (I don’t have the WEP key [for those techies out there] of the church wireless network), and so I’m recording it to post later this evening.

Actually, I confess (a good church activity) to arriving 15 minutes late, as the parking in Guildford tonight was atrocious, and I ended up some distance away.

I ended up missing the first few songs, but did arrive in time for the reading of the last meeting minutes - one of my favourite parts of the church meeting (said only with my tongue slightly in my cheek).

20.27: The first item on the agenda this evening is an open discussion on ‘small groups’, the tendency of churches to have groups of people who live near to each other, meeting mid-week to continue bible study and prayer. (At the last church meeting, our pastor started on this topic at 9.30 pm, and it soon became clear that it wasn’t going to get finished that night: hence being first on the agenda tonight).

20.45: A bit of a break there, as I’ve stood up to contribute. I said that our mid-week group, called “Firmer Foundations”, is messy - the conversation goes all over the place, from Rob’s communist tendencies (I said it with love and humour) to Grannie Annie’s ramblings about her grandchildren. From Paul’s update on the latest machinations at Croydon County Council, to Alison worrying about her daughter’s latest long distance travel. My point? That whilst we do feel some identify as a group, we only do so because we care for each other both individually and corporately, and hence, are committed to the small group. And somewhere in the middle we get to discuss the New Testament meaning of the greek word “koinonia” (the anglicised version), from which we get our word (and others ), ‘community’.

Oh, and on a personal note, that I found a different format and style to the Sunday services a really great thing, and really don’t want to attend another service once evening a week.

21.02: A few minutes on, and I’m listening to Lisa, who’s being proposed as the church’s new Children’s and Family Worker. Lisa’s been in the church since 1975 (think she was born then), and is a qualified primary teacher, as well as being wonderfully passionate about the role.

[By the way, I should point out, for the purposes of transparency, that yes, I did choose this meeting over the Wrecclesham Village Society - an example of the decision-making where one things is prioritised over the other, with sometimes the more obvious ward meeting / issue, missing out.]

21.19: Lisa’s answering a question about mixing other work with commitment to the church role. A great explanation, which very much mirrors the Apostle Paul’s tent making (to put food on his table), and debating with the intellectuals and preaching at other times.

21.50: Well, that’s was slightly unusual. We had a vote on two people being elected back into positions (volunteer) in the church, and I offered to count the votes. Felt kind of different being on the other side of the election count.

21.59: No vote as it were on the final business of the evening (retirement and possible future part-time role of one of the pastors). And so we finish just before 10 pm.

Planning Applications 19th November 2008

2008-11-19T17:15:00.002Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

TM/2008/0096: 03/11/2008
Proposed Development: Application for consent for works to a tree the subject of Tree Preservation Order 09/01. 3 Greystead Park, Farnham.
E: 482449 N: 144465
Case Officer: Mr A Clout

Applicant & Agent: B Barnes, 3 Greystead Park, Quennels Hill, Wrecclesham, Surrey GU10 4NB

Batteries Not Included (in kerbside recylcing anyway)

2008-11-14T11:56:00.005Z

I've blogged about Verity O'Connell before, the Waste & Recycling Co-ordinator at Waverley. It was after she had blinded me with science at a Wrecclesham Village Society meeting some months back, and educated me to look at the plastic classification on packaging before putting it in the bin or the recycling container.

Anyway, she's been co-ordinating a trial of kerbside collection of batteries and textiles, and, whist the quality of materials collected has been excellent, unfortunately the quantity has not been enough to make permanent collection a viability.

Instead, the battery collection points around the borough will remain, plus some new ones. See the Waverley website for details.

What is a driftway?

2008-11-13T10:33:00.006Z

I'm grateful to David Munro, our county councillor, for this post. In recent months he's been the key person behind the resurfacing of The Avenue, Rowledge, and he's sent me some background information on it which makes me realise how much works he does, and what a great result this is. As you can see from the photo (for those of you who use The Avenue), this is an amazing improvement, and looks a treat.

David says, "The Avenue is a driftway, which means that it only has to be maintained in a condition for pedestrians, horses and farm animals to use it. Although the residents also have a right of vehicular access to their properties, it isn’t the responsibility of Highways to upgrade it. [However] The Avenue now has a brand-new surface – in sympathy with the rural area but easily good enough to be used by everyone. And it should stay that way for many years to come"

David worked hard to gain the trust and contributions from residents, Surrey County Council's Right of Way service, and his own local allocation, and the results speak for themselves.

Planning Applications 12th November 2008

2008-11-12T16:28:00.002Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

TM/2008/0091: 24/10/2008
Proposed Development: Application for consent for works to a tree the subject of Tree Preservation Order 09/01.
E: 482480 N: 144500
Case Officer: Mr A Clout

Applicant & Agent: P Jukes, 1 Greystead Park, Quennels Hill, Wrecclesham, Surrey GU10 4NB

WA/2008/1991: 07/11/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of rear extension. 26 Riverdale, Wrecclesham.
E: 482511 N: 145244
Case Officer: Terry Prideaux

Applicant: A Warner, 26 Riverdale, Wrecclesham, Farnham GU10 4PH
Agent: S Annells, 65 Thorpe Gardens, Alton GU34 2BQ

Legacy

2008-11-11T18:01:00.000Z

An email from the head of committee services, Robin Pellow, made me sit back and ponder today. The email informed councillors that Alan Lazarus, former mayor of Waverley, "died following a fall last week".

I didn't know Alan, and so it made me realise that there are many people down the years who have given of themselves to their local community, serving their neighbours, and not seeking or receiving fame for their roles and actions. Alan probably did so much more than I'll ever do, and yet my knowledge of him is non-existent.

It's simply making me realise that I need to think less about myself and my reputation (and certainly forget about 'legacy', a horrible concept that prime ministers seem to obsess about), and more about service and selflessness. Not sure I'll ever be great at these things, but aspiring to them seems the right approach.

Live! From the council chamber

2008-11-10T21:17:00.002Z

Is this the first blog post from the Waverley council chamber?

18.59: Just been asked by another councillor to chat about blogs after the meeting. Excellent.

19.20: Well, I'm at the Community Overview & Scrutiny Committee, and in a short but very appropriate item on communications with tenants, and the key being frequent updates, rather than being kept in the dark.

19.26: STATUS Survey - 85% overall satisfaction, on a response rate of 56%.

19.34: But, once broken down a bit, it reveals some real differences between, say, younger families and those in sheltered accommodation. Satisfaction of younger people is significantly lower, and this maybe due to type of home being unsuitable.

19.42: John Swanton makes a good point - that even where issue is sorted out, the solution may not be to the tenant's preference, and therefore not deliver "satisfaction".

19.55: Just shared some puzzlement at some of the survey questions - puzzlement shared by the officers! I wish we were allowed to add supplementary questions.

20.20: A great review of the Careline service - a wonderful provision for those who need it.

20.34: Hurray for technological innovation - the extensions to this service include smoke alarms, fall detectors, external door detectors. All sorts of comfort for those in need.

20.46: Bit of a discussion about reliability of technology - the risk that it doesn't work, especially once the 24 hour fault reporting service is demised. Very unlikely, but what about monitoring / polling of units from the centre?

20.50: So, tech possible, but we don't use that version of the equipment yet.

21.03: Councillor Webster has just introduced the performance stats in his own inimitable style.

21.09: And concluded by agreeing for Councillor Wilson to replace me on that sub-committee.

21.14: Just learned that WBC have to pay council tax on its own void properties! E.g. £60,000 pa on Rowland House alone.

21.19: Good news item - 100% gas servicing.

21.20: Meeting closed. Home I go.

PPPC

2008-11-10T09:26:00.003Z

Great news. One of our Waverley Councillors has been selected by the constituency party of Preston, in Lancashire, to be the Conservative Party candidate at the next general election.

Currently held by Labour, with a majority of around 8,500 (due to boundary changes), this is eminently winnable.

Where am I?

2008-11-06T10:18:00.003Z

I openly admit that this post is simply an excuse to show-off the gadgetry excellence of my iPhone 3G!

I'm on the way to Krakow Airport: I'm really glad to be heading home.

Planning Applications 5th November 2008

2008-11-05T22:03:00.002Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

WA/2008/1921: 21/10/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of extensions and alterations. 12 Fullers Road, Rowledge.
E: 482225 N: 143453
Case Officer: Mr A Griffiths

Applicant: R Tomlins, 12 Fullers Road, Rowledge, Farnham GU10 4BP
Agent: Mr Andrew Tomkins, Abode Architects LLP, The Forge Studio, 5 Upper Church Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7PW

WA/2008/1941: 22/10/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of extension. 28 Shortheath Crest, Farnham.
E: 482989 N: 144839
Case Officer: Portia Birch

Applicant: Mr & Mrs Snelson, 28 Shortheath Crest, Farnham GU9 8SB
Agent: R Ball, Charter Design Associates, The Stable, Chamber Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU10 5ET

WA/2008/1945: 28/10/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of a 2 storey extension. 23 Lickfolds Road, Farnham.
E: 482394 N: 143100
Case Officer: Portia Birch

Applicant: J Gosden, 23 Lickfolds Road, Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4AF
Agent: B MacDonald, Ben MacDonald Associates, Hoggats House, Kingsley, Bordon, Hants GU35 9NY

White Gold

2008-11-03T19:29:00.003Z

I'm in my favourite business location - the old town of Krakow (see yesterday's post). Whilst I do my work, she's going to see the sights, and generally enjoy the delights of one of the orginal entries on the 1978 UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Actually, not one entry, but two, as this morning we visited the Salt Mines about 10 km south of Krakow, in the small town of Wieliczka. Over 700 years of mining (virtually all by hand) has produced some 300 km of tunnels, just one percent of which tourist see on the tour.

But oh, what a beautiful place. At least 3 chapels, one of which is cathedral like in its enormity and beauty, and the air - what wonderfully clean air - so pure and healthy that there's a treatment centre 135m below ground for asthmatics, especially children.

Well, suffice to say, that a visit to Krakow is a must. It's my third time though, and I still have been to Auschwitz, which is just 60 km away. Next time.

Meeting my Mum in Poland

2008-11-02T08:12:00.001Z

My business trips are usually pretty standard:

Taxi, Airport, Flight, Taxi, Hotel, Taxi, Office, Taxi, Hotel [Repeat last four steps multiple times] Taxi, Airport, Flight, Taxi, Home

And so this week is a delight. My Mum, flying for the first time on her own, is meeting me in Krakow later today, and in between business meetings, we're going to enjoy the sites. Admittedly, Krakow offers a serious amount of interest for the business traveller anyway - a greater depth of breadth of history than most destinations, and the ease of pretty much walking everywhere between hotel and office and the rest of the town.

Here's to air miles.

My Great, Great, Great, Mother-in-law

2008-10-31T17:35:00.003Z

When I tell you that I spent two hours with my mother-in-law last night, and had simply the most wonderful time, you'll probably think that I've either (a) totally lost my mind, or (b) had taken a good bottle of red wine with me and can't actually remember a word she said.

Well, you'd be wrong with either choice (this time) as June was showing me how to begin to investigate my ancestors. And wow, I didn't know I could learn so much about my family in a couple of hours, and at the same time be coached how to use a website by my mum-in-law. It was almost too much ;-)

But seriously - I'm hooked, and I'm a little bit overwhelmed. On my father's side, we've never really known much about my Grandfather's past, and so, to suddenly find out the names of my ancestors back to my Great Great Great Grandfather William and his wife Ann, as well as finding out I had a Great Aunt Margaret, who died after just one year, was not a little emotional.

I'm pretty sure I'm now addicted (to accompany my diet coke habit), and over the next months I hope that I'll find out much much about my Grandfather's wife's past, and maybe a bit about his World War II record.

I feel much richer for what I've already learned, and excited about what's to come.

12 months in the clink

2008-10-30T16:00:00.003Z

Had lunch today with a friend who's studying at the College of Law in Guildford this year, and I want to pass on a little nugget.

He mentioned that he's looked at the Forestry Act of 1967 - which came up as I was talking Tree Preservation Orders (ah, the scintillating nature of our conversation I hear you all cry) and the Wrecclesham Conservation Area.

Anyway, I learned something new: apparently, this Act defines the most serious penalty for cutting down a tree, as 12 months in jail!! 12 months! As my friend pointed out, he hopes that that is for the most important of trees, and not the leylandii hedge down the garden.

Ad Hominem, or, Sleight of Mind?

2008-10-30T12:40:00.010Z

Leafing through a book last night, I found, just inside the front cover, an article from 1996 (!) that I thought I had lost, and, as it's so clever, and so funny, I thought I'd share it.

Originally entitled "Conversational Terrorism" and now retitled "Conversational Cheapshots" (post 9/11 etc. etc.), it's a brilliant list of all the things we might find ourselves attempting to assert power and position over someone else whilst in conversation with them. I genuinely hope that I don't use these.

And, whilst I first read the article just after leaving Uni, and many years before considering serving in a political position, I can't help but think how much more helpful it would be if all levels of political debate signed up to eschewing these tactics, and instead re-developed proper debating techniques.

I hope you enjoy the article as much as I do. Here's some highlights to whet your appetite!

Over Your Head
"I'd like to respond to that, but taking into account your background, education, and intelligence, I am quite sure that you would not be able to understand."
--

Question As Opportunity
A standard response for politicians is to view any question as an opportunity to say whatever they want. The "answer" does not have to have anything to do with the "question" asked. This practice has all but killed the utility of debate and dialog in politics and, unhappily, it is spreading to other areas of life as well. Following are some inconspicuous techniques that allow a deft shift from the question subject to the desired subject.

This or That
Deny that the issue is limited to the question at hand. Redefine the issue to your favorite topic.

"It is not a question of (this) or (that), but rather it is an issue of (whatever it is you want to say.)"

["Are you for or against capital punishment?"] "I don't think the issue is being for or against capital punishment. The real issue facing our country is the federal budget deficit. I propose that we.... "

Planning Applications 29th October 2008

2008-10-29T13:37:00.001Z

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

WA/2008/1914: 15/10/2008
Proposed Development: Erection of a replacement dwelling. Gorsedene Cottage, The Long Road, Farnham.
E: 483384 N: 142968
Case Officer: Mr H Hobbs

Applicant: M Tivey, Gorsedene Cottage, The Long Road, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4EB
Agent: V Conway, Abode Architects LLP, The Forge Studio, 5 Upper Church Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7PW

ITIL

2008-10-28T18:53:00.000Z

Anything that begins with IT is probably a turn-off for most people, but this afternoon I did have a very enjoyable conversation with Linda Frame, the new IT manager at Waverley.

Last year's audit report including recommendations that the council implement ITIL. It's a an approach to delivering IT services, developed by the Office of Government Commerce, and now adopted by pretty much every leading organisation in the world. I work with it permanently in my day job, so Linda and I had a good time discussing how it's going to be implemented over the next few months.

As much as anything it's a big culture change, as it applies good but firm rules to how things are changed and managed in the world of IT. Ultimately, it will prevent costly mistakes, identify systemic problems, track the utilisation of what are expensive assets, and (from the Audit Commission's point of view), introduce an level of control over access to these computing resources on which are held the council's finances.

Well, I've probably bored a few of you, educated another few, and maybe even intrigued a couple. Like most things at the council though, it's the things that live most of their time behind the scenes, that deliver the foundation of the good services we aim to deliver.

Children catch everything - and so do their Dads

2008-10-27T20:45:00.002Z

I was supposed to be at a finance seminar this evening, but instead I'm realising first hand how easily Dads can catch viruses / colds / .... just about anything in fact, from their children. The doctor calls it a 'post viral' something, and so, with a medical name (even including some latin) my hope of a miracle cure in the vein of Calpol surfaced. But alas. Only a brief comment about it going away in a day or two, and taking some paracetemol if I felt I needed to.

So, I'm at home, about to sleep, and feeling decidedly under the weather. The only good thing to come out of this is that my empathy for parents everywhere has increased.

Shadowcatch

2008-10-26T15:26:00.004Z

Earlier this afternoon, Rach, Caleb and I visited the launch of Shadowcatch, a six day event at the West Street Potters' premises at the Farnham Pottery. Julia Quigley, the driving force behind the event, has procurred funding from the lottery, and collaboration with the University of the Creative Arts (our country's newest university!), in order to boost the potential of educational activity at the pottery.

It was lovely to be part of an event such as this at the pottery: it continues to be exciting to see more and more community developed there. Obviously, we have an interest in it as our business is there, but, a key reason for us starting our coffee shop was because we wanted to provide Wrecclesham with a place to meet, and talk, and make friends, and feel at home. Anything that continues to help that aspiration is welcome.

Quiz Night

2008-10-25T23:37:00.002+01:00

Just back from one of the highlights of the South West Farnham Branch of the South West Surrey Conservative Association's annual events calendar - the Curry Supper, at the Rowledge Village Hall.

We snuck in a bottle of our own wine (along with apple juice for Rach), bought two strips of raffle tickets and won nothing (although I did have a beady eye on a silver gilded photo frame, honest), but, did manage to come a respectable third in the quiz.

Embarrassingly though, our table didn't so well on the 5 'Local' questions. So, for your excitement and testing of your local knowledge, here are the questions, with answers posted next Saturday:

(1) What relation was the Bishop of Winchester (Henri de Blois) to King Stephen?
(2) Who wore the sleeping cap that can be seen in the Museum of Farnham?
(3) What is the date of St. Peter's Day?
(4) What sport is represented on the Wrecclesham sign at the top of Riverdale?
(5) What was made on the site which is now occupied by the trading estate on Wrecclesham Road?

Best Western?

2008-10-23T10:23:00.007+01:00

Last night I attended the Western Area Committee for planning, in order to speak as a ward councillor on application WA/2008/0645 - Land behind 86 Boundstone Road.

It's a bit complex due to the history of the site, so I won't delve into that here. But, I wanted to post that I was pleased with the debate. Whilst the decision went the opposite way to my aspirations, I believe that the questions asked by members of the committee were pertinent, and demonstrated the tension between a planning process that can appear to be unsympathetic to common sense, and councillors who are striving to make somethng right in their community, on behalf of residents.

I'm certain that this will be a constant battle for all time!

[As a side note, just like to say that Gina Pink's presentation on enforcement at the beginning of the meeting was excellent!]

Planning Applications 22nd October 2008

2008-10-22T11:27:00.002+01:00

(Click here if you want to go the Waverley planning search page, and select 'Ward' from the left hand list of options)

CA/2008/0102

Notification of tree work in Conservation Area - Oakfield, 7 Pottery Lane, Wrecclesham, Farnham. Works to trees.

How many councillors does it take to make a borough?

2008-10-21T07:20:00.002+01:00

The answer is 57. No, wait, 45. Oops, no, 35.

And so, I was educated last night, when it came to light that not all councils have the same number of councillors, and indeed, Waverley has a significant number more than others.

This was raised almost as a passing remark last night, at our Conservative group meeting, which we always hold prior to the council meeting itself, (which is tonight). We review the agenda, and debate any issues as required, and ensure an appropriate level of understanding about each recommendation in each set of minutes.

So, when discussing ‘Value for Money’ (a term employed to describe a broad set of initiatives to save council resources, and to improve council services), it was pointed out that councillors (by dint of their numbers) could save money by simply losing some of them!

Well, it’s not that simple of course. But it is doable. And I for one would be entirely happy investigating it. It would require the Boundary Commission to conduct a review, and then the measures to be voted upon.

One councillor suggested that we should “put our hands up if we were prepared to stand down”, in the belief that if turkeys don’t vote for Christmas, then neither would we vote ourselves out of a role. But, in my case, this councillor was mistaken. I would be very happy to have an independent review conducted, and, if I happened to lose my seat, well, I’d be deeply disappointed, as I enjoy and feel privileged to serve. But, if it’s right, then it’s right. My end goal is right goods and services from the council to residents, and if fewer councillors helps the cog wheels of local government go round, then I’d be for it.