What a MESS

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Burton Joyce Village TimeLine Diary - serious and amusing
- News, Views, Faces and Places”

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Burton Joyce Old School - MainStreet

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What a MESS !
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Within a premier position, within the village centre, within the vision of almost everyone passing by - other than those UNDER 1 M tall ( that’s 3 feet 4 inches “plus a bit” in sensible language), there continues to be an unkempt area of overgrown undergrowth and wild vegetation..
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The oblique reasoning behind this probably lies in the fact that this undergrowth and wild vegetation provides an ongoing hiding place for the dilapidated prefabricated building (class room ?) which is also sited there. This unkempt area has, through-out the summer provided a most un-distinguished ( is that the correct word - I wonder ) backdrop to the majestic Flag Standard positioned in the village centre.
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This unacceptable vision reflects adversely upon our pride, our established and widely recognised reputation for being a caring, well kept, well presented village. This unattractive, “unkempt patch” reflects adversely on us all and if left in its present state, will continue to flout and disrespect the significance and importance which the Old School and adjoining ground contributed to the history of this village
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To those responsible --- Please!.. Please!.. Stand up and be counted.. ..
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Give this area the care, attention and respect it deserves as a place which has stood alongside and witnessed so much of our village history thro the centuries

WWW Ethos

Burton Joyce Village TimeLine Diary - serious and amusing -

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WWW Ethos and Blogs !

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As most enthusiastic users of the internet agree and are aware of, the www ethos, is for the FREE, unfettered, transfer and communication of information, opinions, research and knowledge, through-out cyberspace, traversing all boundaries, languages, colours, class and creeds etc.

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This medium is unique in its instantaneous transfer of the written word, visuals and audios etc. Yes! It does involve “renting” access to cyberspace, but Hey! so does domestic TV, car use, newspapers etc., etc., Even so £ for £ the Internet and www must be extraordinarily good value for money.

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Over the last couple of years we have seen an explosion in the creation of the number of BLOGS on the www. Well, first of all and for the uninitiated, in particular, BLOG is the abbreviation used for a “WEB LOG.”. - It is a writer’s vehicle for airing his or her views/comments, and in my case the “BURTON JOYCE BLOG” is my own chronicle or diary of news, view, faces and places related to Burton Joyce village.

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Why do I attempt, at this point of the existence/ethos of the BURTON JOYCE BLOG publications. Why do I consider it necessary to bring some sort clarification to the content ?

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A couple of months ago I commented on certain activities which were taking place in the village on August Bank Holiday. As a direct a result, a after a long delay -infact only a couple of days ago I received a one line e mail - from a fellow villager - the content chastised me over their interpretation of one of my Blog comments. I should add that the subject of the particular comment was not just the opinion of myself, but also that of a couple more villagers . I do admit that I frequently solicit other villagers’ opinions, views and comments on issues and events which occur in BJ. However, in this instance it was not necessary, for it was freely given to me by a couple in the Co-op Car Park.

I want to stress strongly the “www ethos” in that, information and interests in local affairs - current, historical, genealogy and places of significance etc., should be freely given, exchanged, investigated and administrated. - after all, this has been happening for ages past, for more importantly, where would the devopment of the human race/culture be otherwise. ? Donations freely given, is the position for any finance required in local voluntary affairs .. .. in my opinion

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Let me give a further and classic example of this www. ethos . The “Burton Joyce Interactive Tour”. created and administered by a B J villager ( www.bjtour.org.uk ) is a comprehensive, non-commercial project was specially created for the village, on his own initiative, in his own time, at his own expense, and is now made freely available to everyone, everywhere via the www. - What an enlightened, generous and unselfish contribution to local affairs.. There are many others who also contribute with this ethos, long may it live

I rest my case .. .. .. I have no regrets for going on .. and on .. and on ..and on. for all contributions will be gratefully received and digested otherwise ..

To those “who cannot stand the heat in the kitchen" - stay outside , eat/digest the food cooked and served” you will ENJOY .. .. .. .. .. .. I insist - Ha haa! ;-)

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What a Find !

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What a Find !

Earlier last month I was pointed to a local website buy the Editor of the Parish Magazine -What A Find! - The Interactive Online B J Tour”

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Unfortunately at present the Search Engines do not have this particular site listed , which means that a “surfer” can only visit the site by “clicking” a genuine listed link or typing in the following URL address manually into the Explorer Address Bar (at the top of a internet web page) .- http://www.bjtour.org.uk

This particular local website is the work of a local fellow Burton Joyceon - it is a non-commercial projdect, which at a time when there is a plethera of supposed local "village", "towns" and "my county" websites all vyeing for contributions from the advertising budgets of the smaller local businesses is somewhat unique

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It is a splendid piece of dedication and application, by someone who has an obvious, genuine affection for this attractive village of ours. The website will be most interesting to all existing villagers and quite invaluable to those from the outside with an interest in possibly visiting or even relocating here.. .. Plus.. .. all those others located remotely ( worldwide) with an interest in the news, views, faces and places connected with

Burton Joyce.

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Thanks to you Angela for your contact suggestion, and thanks to you John! For allowing me to add your unique, creative website link to my own websites

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BJ For Sale Boards

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Trentside Village life - serious and amusing
“Todays - News, Views, Faces and Places” becomes “Tomorrows History”

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More and More “For Sale” Boards in BJ

Home loans down 57% - 71 % .. .. increase in home repossessions .. - petrol prices down again ( oil prices fall from the upper 140’s dollars per barrel to 67 dollars per barrel ).

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However Gordon Brown still bails out the major Banks, who continue starving national and good local businesses of cash flow and now have the audacity to charge 15% interest on overdrafts/ loans etc (and this is) with the bank rate down in mid single figures. All thisis after signing up to the "Bail-out deal" with Gordon Brown and agreeing to match 2007 loan levels.- some aggreement

Gordon Brown’s bail out of the Banks could also result in a “winter of discontent” with less than inflation pay increases for public service workers and others. With the pensioners being hit badly/worst, trying to cope with astronomical fuel price increases what can they do otherthan wear more clothes and go to bed early.

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The main trouble is that Government promises are cheap -for their administrations regrettably move .. .. oooh, .. .. Sooooo .. .. .., sloooooowly.. ..

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When will the help for the needy actually arrive ? Making the best promises in the world is easy, yet it appears thet creating the accompanying legislation to bring this help to a realisation is like “trying to push a car with the handbrake on - - up hill“

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In the meantime what can the average UK citizen do - NOT A LOT! .

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Double Yellow Lines

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Trentside Village life - serious and amusing
“Todays - News, Views, Faces and Places” becomes “Tomorrows History”

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B J Weather Today - Quite cold, but sunny and bright

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Question ? - How and where are located “double yellow, no parking restriction, road side/curb lines “ in the village - I am aware of two unrelated locations . Are there more?

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Answer - Lendrum Court and Meadow Lane

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Eye See Bargain

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Trentside Village Life - serious and amusing
“Todays - News, Views, Faces and Places” becomes “Tomorrows History”
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Eye for a Bargain
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I was in the car park of a local Food Supermarket ( one of the top 5) when I noticed a middle aged lady exiting with her shopping trolley, packed with 10, yes TEN, of the RE-USABLE type of particularly easily recognised “plastic orange livered” bags - full to brimming. She then off loaded the bags onto the pavement outside and waited for her Taxi - booked to take her home ( presumably)

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Nothing odd about this! You would say. However this particular Food Supermarket Car Park was definitely NOT, the car park of the - original supplier of the “particularly easily recognised “plastic orange livered” bags.

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I guess the quality and price of the “plastic orange livered” bags. (used by the lady) is assessed ( by this middle aged women) as NOT replicated by the quality and price of the FOOD and PRODUCE purchaseable at the original supplier of the “particularly easily recognised “plastic orange livered” bags.

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Uuh! Wow! What a thought and a mouthful .. ..

Fortifide Nutrients?

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Trentside Village life - serious and amusing
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“Miracle” Nutrient Fortified Bird Seed !!!!!!!!!!

Oh Yes! I thought suspiciously, however a contributor supplied this image as proof of the miracle qualities of this new feed, served to a local family of DOVES - “The results claimed” are illustrated here .. they are truly amazing as can be seen ;-).
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The results of feeding the Doves with this new highly fortified nutrient feed - show they may have become PEACOCKS, or is it PEA-HENS overnight !! ??

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Those fed with normal bird fed are seen in the background .. Ha Ha Haa!

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B J Geese

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Trent-side Village life - serious and amusing
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B J Geese. !! !! !!

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Our Trent-side village is also the residence for hundreds, upon hundreds of migrating Geese, using the river embankments as their own . They see the adjoining, cultivated arable fields as their free and bottomless larder and the attractive stretch of river as a superb environment for living, breeding and bringing up their young .

These "B J Geese" - Canada, White-Fronted, and Greylag species, create endless, disgusting , mushy, foul- smelling droppings all over the area and the local walkers footpaths… uugh! Especially if you find your shoes and boots clogged up with the vile smelling c***. - Despicable .. but not so., the numerous beautiful, serene families of Mute Swans who also share our stretch of the River Trent .

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Although the local farming community use their shotguns and bird-scaring devices to restrict and limit the geese flocks destruction of local vegetation,

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Just to emphasise the problem, the Environment Agency also finds it necessary to undertake periodic "organised culls" .. .. .. for many individual consider them to be VERMIN

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Hide and Seek ??!!

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Trentside Village life - serious and amusing
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HIDE and SEEK !- A September Blog Resolution
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Thank you ! From all the village - To those concerned for the remedial action ( no identification in print for they know who they are ) it is appreciated .. ..
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Pavement parking

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Trentside Village life - serious and amusing
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Pavement Parking - a misunderstanding ..Oh yes !If you believe that, you will believe anything

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Why is it that some car drivers illegally park on pavements? - Oh YES it is ILLEGAL
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My guess is that this type of driver is somewhat frightened or apprehensive by the situation, for if they parked legally on the road, there is a chance that some other car driver may drive alongside and because of what they consider as a narrow gap in the road, may , in passing by scrape and damage their own parked vehicle.

Wow! What attitude? This is ILLEGAL - do not be misunderstanding of that fact

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Not only do these individuals choose to park illegally, they completely disregard the "right of the pedestrian". The pedestrian for whom the pavement exists, is entitled to free passage and how about considering those pedestrians who actually need safe passage via the pavement - which they are obstructing and on which they are illegally parking their car

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Question .. What are the pedestrians supposed to do in these circumstances? - The elderly ,the infirmed, the wheelchair users, the young Mums with her offspring and buggies ( I hate buggies), the individual who has difficulty walking and requires the use of a motorise scooter, which is NOT licensed for road use ( there are more and more of this type of independent, individual using scooters now a days, and good luck to them. Their scooter is more than a vehicle to be inconvenienced on the obstructed pavement, it is their means of bringing some quality and much appreciated independence to their lives).



Answer ..Not a lot really, other than squeezing by ( if possible) or taking a chance and stepping out into the road to get around the obstruction. However, what is the wheelchair and motorised scooters user supposed to do? ( hopefully they will have an umbrella - in case it rains), and they should never leave home WITHOUT a packed lunch and i-pod, to help with passing the time, whilst waiting for the car owner to return

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I make no apology for rabbiting on , about this subject, it annoys me unbelievably to see the unconcerned, uninterested, inconsiderate law breaking individual, flout the law, showing disrespect to the needs of others, many less fortunate than themselves,. My own patience is pushed even further to the brink, when the illegally parked vehicle is also the fashionable “Chelsea Tractor 4X4”

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Personally I would like to extend this grumble even more further to that particular inconsiderate individual who not only parks HER car on the pavement outside our home, but also aggravates further with partially parking across OUR drive entrance - really no joke!

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However for those who transgress in B J, - beware .. .. my “ roving, contributing vigilante” insists that the majority the culprits for this type of illegal car parking are lady drivers - noted by the “jottings” kept in the vigilante’s little black book and digital camera !!!! ( Note! the use of the term .. lady - rather than the alternative, but less respectful .. “female“)

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"Finally! I am sure that these parking illegal practices are in no way malicious, they are simply the result of the lack of thought by the culprits, who consider it more important to ensure less inconvenience to themselves rather than others" ..

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Road Death

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Trentside Village life - serious and amusing
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Mobility scooter victim dies after crash with car transporter
Friday, October 24, 2008

The above is a recent local headline . This incident happened on the COLWICK LOOP ROAD

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The B J through road serves the east end of this Loop Road and also carries Car Transporter Traffic - to and from Colwick , the Victoria Park Car Auction Site and the Logistics New Car Delivery compound -

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"Let us all hope that this tragic accident is not repeated on B J Bye-pass (Church Road) with its one and only Pedestrian controlled Road Crossing Point,"

Or any other road for that matter ..

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More BJ Congestion

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"For those interested in the geographic location of B J village"

-It is Latitude 52 degrees 58 N ---- Longitude 1 degree 1. 60 W

"So what! I hear you say.. .. Dont say I didn't let you know I answer ;-) .."

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B J Village centre congestion continue

I have learned that the Authority has already considered ands responded to others who have raised a couple of the points I have covered below. The reply appears to be in the normal “Gobbledy Gook” language expected of those in the employment of an official Administration. The language as usual contains text which is pure “legislation speak” . What is wrong with Plain English and reasoned decisions based upon a flexibility and understanding which can be appreciated and understood by us plain mortals

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We have numerous “peak-time” traffic problems in BJ village, with the intensity of private and commercial vehicles aggravating the existing difficulties and safety of pedestrians going about their everyday shopping and leisure activity

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Within a few metres in any direction of the small Shopping Parade in Main Street are numerous pedestrian road crossing hazards

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1)Pedestrians crossing the bottom junction of Padleys Lane in both directions,
2)Pedstrians crossing Main St, to and from the “Cross Keys” / the Co-op,
3)Pedestians crossing the road to and from the “Cross key” to The Charity Shop , Post Office , Chemist etc
4)Pedestrians crossing Main St diagonally to and from the Co-op Car park to the Post Office, Chemist etc
5)Pedestrians crossing the road at the bottom of Willow Wong in both directions
6)Pedestrians crossing to and from Main Street to Meadow Lane.
7)Pedestrians crossing Meadow Lane in both directions
8)Pedestrians crossing Main Street to and from the Post office to the Old School side
9)Pedestrians crossing Chestnut Grove from the Old School side to and from the Coop Food Store
10)Pedestrians crossing midway along Chestnut Grove to and from the Coop Food Store
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11)Supplement the above dangerous crossings required by the pedestrians with the further need for some of the public to access the one of the two scheduled Bus service Stops on either side of Main street together with the continual mounting and dismounting of the “ to and from Nottingham service”. partticularly at school start and finish times

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Add to all the above facts that a major proportion of the village population is either young and elderly and that there is alway a disproportionate number of cars use the above area with routine high peaks at regular daily periods and .. ..

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.. ..there exists a formula for events none of us want to consider .. .. .. this situation needs resolving

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BJ Centre congestion

The 24th is National "Get On-Line Day" . Stats tell us that 33% of the poplation do use the Internet and that 27% of us have never used the Internet
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What a dissappointment in real terms this means that 20million > 16 million of us or so, area ctually missing out on everday occurances and more to the point they could be missing out of approx £300 in average annual savings as a result of Online price comparisons which are available to and for those embracing this easy to use technology
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Trentside Village life - serious and amusing
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Just two of the useful and popular village centre facilities - which unfortunately do contribute to congestion

Congestion in B J village centre

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Main St, Chestnut Grove, Meadow Lane, Padleys Lane, and Willow Wong
are all provide access which are vital to the “lifeblood” of our village centre, yet parking on these roads is becoming quite irresponsible, and is in danger of finally grid-locking the passage of pedestrians and vehicles into and thro the village

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Sooner rather than later some measure of control will be inevitably and required to bring those thoughtless culprits to “heel” (heel- “walking” - that’s so “punny”) , for I ask why? Why is it that so many find it imperative to use the car for such a short journey from their homes within the village simply to get to the school and the few shops.

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Why not walk ? This has many advantages - for as a vital component to our own and our children’s well being ( exercise), it will save us the expense of the disproportionately high petrol usage for such short journeys when using the car. Walking and not driving into the village centre also contributes to assisting us to reduce all our carbon footprints, ... plus more importantly, it will certainly provide some ease to those, both young and aged, who suffer with asthma, and,,,,, just as significant it will have a remarkable affect on the congestion, the safety of the elderly, ourselves and all our children in the village
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The Main Street area certainly needs some traffic control/parking measures, particularly at the peak times - 4x daily “School Runs“. These “runs” bring an additional and coinciding time activity for Food shopping, the Post Office, the Chemist, Library, Doctors Surgery, Bus Stops to town and Southwell etc., plus the contiual mobile activity of exiting and returning back into the village.

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Are the “powers that” be considering the situation ?,,















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Poplars Sports Ground

Trentside Village life - serious and amusing
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Poplars Sports Ground - Burton Joyce
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Poplars Sports Ground

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Surely this potentially superb leisure/sports facility ( the responsibility of the Parish Council ..?) can and should be more effectively utilised ..

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It would appear that with a little more creative thinking, that many of the “barred activities” could/should be included, and that with the addition of some limited outdoor evening lighting (through-out the long autumn and winter evenings), the use and availability of this valuable facility could be effectively extended. with a corresponding increase in revenue

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Obviously there may be some reason, or covenant within official documentation, which excludes commercialisation of the facility.. If this is so, then not only is this regrettable, but inevitably the "Poplars" will continue to be a drain on the Parish Council’s finances

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If this potentially, superb leisure/sporting continues to be under used and is not “A WHITE ELEPHANT,” then it is very close to being “WHITE - ISH” ?? .

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A solution needs to be found to resolve the situation - sooner than later, for every Council Tax Payer in B J contributes to this facility

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A Gentleman 2

Trentside Village life - serious and amusing
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A Gentleman is .. .. “Manners maketh a man is continues and ongoing

7)A gentleman is someone who does not wear white ankle socks with normal outdoor- wear shoes
8)A gentleman does not wear dark socks with white trainers at any time ( urgh !) ..
9)A gentleman does not tuck his shirt into his underpants ( as one of our recent Prime Ministers did)

10)A gentleman changes his underwear at least once a day (Uum! )
11)A gentleman does not wear make-up .. .. ( in daylight .. .. Uum! )
12)A gentleman does not burp! or belch! in company
13)A gentleman always excuses himself, at the table, only ever using a toothpick behind a napkin or his hand raised to his mouth
14) A gentleman does not openly “ogle” after the fairer sex ( actually, instead he discretely “admires” unseen, and from a distance !! )
15) .. .. ..
16) .. .. ..

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YES there are more examples to come .. ..

However! Come on all you Surfers, Silver or otherwise ! Send in your contributions also . ..

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Help in creating .. “The ultimate .. .. .. A gentleman is !

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Who lives in a house like this?

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"Who lives in a house like this ?"

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B J’s Most desirable residence .. ..

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For several years now I have enjoyed walking the paths, lanes and embankments of the Trent , thro all weathers rain shine, winds and breezes and it never fails to amaze me just how adaptable nature can be.
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Well here is one for the book! The image above shows old concrete rail crossing gate post, at the Trent Lane pedestrian crossing on the main Passenger and Freight Train Rail lines passing thro B.J. to and from Nottingham .
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These post with holes cast within them ( no longer in use - for their original purpose !! ) were use for securing the original gate hinges, yet, now used as a most desirable detached residence - for families of Blue Tits and Wrens - (whoever gets there first) for laying their eggs and rearing chicks Returning every year

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Trent Lane unmanned level crossing- the desirable residence is within the post across the track
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This desirable residence is possibly no more than 3M<4m>A quite amazing choice !!So next time any of you locals take the walk over these unmanned level crossings, remember to please tread quietly .. .. Uum!
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Cars/Mobile Phones

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Trentside Village life - serious and amusing
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Car driving/mobile phoners should remember B J Main St is no longer like this.. ..

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Mobile phones and cars

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What can we to do about car drivers and mobile phones? when "Stats" constantly advise us that using a moblie phone whilst driving increase accident liabilty by 4x .. .. Yes ! FOUR TIMES

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It is plain to see that Government legislation , fines etc will not and do not work for 90% of the driver/mobile phone users

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Drivers and phones, present a risk at all times to other road users and pedestrians - particularly within the confines of our own village of Burton Joyce

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To use a mobile phone whilst driving to and fro on the school run,- Is a crazy irresponsibility

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To use a moble phone whilst driving down our Main St. restricted with cars parking on the road side is plain stupid and ignores all consideration for the safety of others

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To use a mobile phone whilst manipulating their car during exiting from the co-op car park is unbelievable - however it does happen, quite frequently by the fairer sex, the young of both sex, the mature quite staggering by the elderly

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To use a mobile phone to conclude a last minute "shopping list" on entering Store car parks also occurs more often than one would anticipate

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Now adays there is also the increasingly used tactic of attempting to hide this illegal practice by adopting the “hands-off” technique and communicating via wearing the clip-on ear device -
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I guess, at the moment, there is really not an effective way of creating a fool-proof method of ensuring compliance with this legislation, particularly as we have still to educate drivers on the hazards connected to smoking whilst driving
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Although, I expect we will soon will learn of the availability of new cosmetic surgery - for surgically "in-planting" devices into ears and voice boxes .. .. .car drivers note.. Uum!
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A Gentleman 1

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Trentside Village life - serious and amusing !
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B J Autumn morning

A Gentleman always ....

Following my Blog of the 16th Oct. 08. I have extracted this relevant section to officially begin my effort to create a definitive list of what “A gentleman always is.. .. “

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1)A gentleman walks on the outside of the pavement when escorting his mother, wife,
daughter or lady friend ( Both young and mature) or anyone of the opposite sex
2)A gentleman always opens doors for the fairer (opposite) sex
3)A gentleman always returns the lady to her place/seat after a dance
4)A gentleman always orders and carries the lady’s drinking glass to her table
5)A gentleman always helps the more mature to traverse up or down steps
6)A gentleman will always help in picking up spilled, goods or the property of a lady
7) .. .. ..
8) .. .. ..

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There are more examples to come from myself .. ..

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However! Come on all you Surfers - Silver and otherwise ! Let us all begin to see your contributions also

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Help to create “The ultimate list of A gentleman always .. .. .. ..”

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B J Peacocks

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"Trentside Village Life- serious and amusing"
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The leader of the pack

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The Burton Joyce Peacocks are back .. .. -

Last year many residents adjoining the greenbelt on Foxhill Road and Hillcrest were constantly ( daily ) visited by a flock of .. .. .. Would you believe it - peacocks! -

At one time last year the flock was was up to 16 strong - conventional coloured, all white, males (or was it one male) and a collection of females etc - “Fantastic” ! Many of you may say, particularly when they are seen strutting down the middle of the roads, sitting high up on roof tops ( Yes on the roof, for unlike those at “Newstead Abbey” etc., these birds do not have their flight feathers clipped ).-

It has to be agreed, that in flight, they are spectacular. However, when they are strutting around in your gardens , patios etc they are much less attractive - particularly when they peck/feed constantly at your plantings, herbs etc and yes, even more so when they "c***" all over he place. This "c***" is NOT the corrosive variety we have all seen which is discharged by feral and wood pigeons. ( and in which we have nore tha probably trod) No !this "c***" is a large and messy heap and what is more it does not appear to “harden off” like that of pigeons - this messy heap remains soft and squashy, for long periods and sticks like glue to your shoes, boots, trainers, wellies etc and what is more it smells and stains horribly .

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Evidently many of the local residents also saw and witnessed the similar, numerous ( daily ) visits last year, plus their shrill calls were also constantly heard, during their mating season - even if they were not seen. -anyone in or around the Bridalway ( top of Willow Wong) will also have been subject to these frequent calls

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The “grape vine“, advises that many of these birds were sold off last year ( for they are reputed to be a good buy and lay really tasty breakfast eggs - urgh!

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However, they are now back in force once again …..such a pity !

Gallantry, Respect, Manners

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“Todays - News, Views, Faces and Places” becomes “Tomorrows History”

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“Manners maketh the man“
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A saw an nice act of respect and gallantry, by an elderly gentleman, in B J village centre the other day. There was a young mother having a little difficulty with her shopping and her youngster, probably 3 years old or so, crossing across a busy Main St.. There were several cars around and others parked nearby restricting all pedestrians vision. Plus a "Southwell bound" bus, parked and off loading passengers in front of the Post Office

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This mature gentleman, who had just crossed Main St from the Co-op Car Park , realised the situation and immediately went to the lady's assistance - then taking the hand of the youngster he guided them both, back across the road, navigating the traffic which was passing both ways, and into the Co-op Car park (from where he had just come). He then crossed Main St for the third time, to get back on his own way to the Post office

- .. .. .. .. .. What gallantry and consideration for others

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It was this example of courtesy and respect for others that prompted me to begin to compile a list both serious and amusing, which exemplifies just what make someone a "Gentleman".

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So here we go with the beginning of an ongoing list with contributions form myself and others sought from any surfers anywhere

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A gentleman is .. ..

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1)A gentleman walks on the outside of the pavement when escorting his mother, wife,
daughter or lady friend ( Both young and mature) or anyone of the opposite sex
2)A gentleman always opens the door for the fairer (opposite) sex
3)A gentleman always returns the lady to her place/seat after a dance
4)A gentleman always orders and carries the lady’s drinking glass to her table
5)A gentleman always helps the more mature to traverse up or down steps
6)A gentleman will always help to pick up spilled, goods or property of a lady
7) .. .. .. ?
8) .. .. .. ?

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There are more examples to come from myself in future Blogs .. .. .. ..

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Who lived here?

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“Todays - News, Views, Faces and Places” becomes “Tomorrows History”-
Click to e.mail comments
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Who lived in this house ?-

Test your knowledge BEFORE you look at the answer

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Then and Now

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“The Spring” Main Street (old and new )

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Answer - Noncking John - ” John Alvey - B J “Hosiery Bagman” - the late 1800's and early 1900’s
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B J Donkeys

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“Todays - News, Views, Faces and Places” becomes “Tomorrows History”

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The popular and friendly "B J. Donkeys"

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"B J. DONKEYS "- ALIVE & WELL ..Hip! Hip! Hurrah !
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Some 18 months or so ago the two donkeys pastured in the land/garden at the Bulcote end of Criftin Road were "Dangerously overweight" re- the local Vet .

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The remidy suggested was on a typed Notice attached to a tree overlooking the Allotment Holders/Walkers Car Park.

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The text of the Notice kindly requested that,

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"as the overfeeding of the donkeys had resulted in them becoming "Dangerously overweight". It would be kinder if the generous feeding by passers by and onlookers was restricted to one apple or two carrots"..!!.
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As the image shows the requested remedial feeding regime has been successful...... Hurray !! and please may it continue .. .. ..

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B J Buzzards

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“Todays - News, Views, Faces and Places” becomes “Tomorrows History”

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Click to e.mail comments
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B J's location is ideal for soaring Buzzards

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Buzzard stalking and attacking, come under attack themselves

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It was mid afternoon, this last Sunday, whilst out in the garden, when suddenly I was surprised by the noise and commotion made by numerous feral pigeons in frantic flight, at full throttle, all dramatically racing away from the trees at our back boundary - just above my head height

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It was only a second or so later, when the reason for the panic became quite obvious, for in full flight and chasing (only about 15 foot above my head) was a large Buzzard, (with some 20 inches of wingspan), in full flight and aggressive attack mode.

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I confirmed this later checking the details in my copy of “Kingfisher’s Field Guide - Birds of Britain and Europe” -

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I have never seen a Buzzard so close and in such an actual hunt/attack mode and so close - it was quite exciting. However, it was also evident that the lone chasing Buzzard was not on its own, for it also was being chased - by a pair of huge black Rooks.

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The chase of the pigeons was over in a couple of seconds or so, when the Buzzard gave up hope ( lack of speed ) and flew rapidly up to about 100 foot or so and began its all too familiar high level “soaring” flight pattern. However the rooks had not yet given up their mid-air sparring and challenges. This challenge was quite fabulous to watch - it was akin to an unrehearsed air-borne ballet. However, it became obvious that the superb agility and wingspan of the Buzzard resulted in it having a major advantage in its evasive action at that height.

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After 5 minutes of challenging and sparring (in retrospect this time had been completely lost within my interest ) the rooks finally gave up their affray and allowed the Buzzard to continuing its lone soaring , for a further 10 minutes at least. Traversing and gliding with apparent ease over an area (possibly 100M x100M) taking advantage of the benefit of the up-currents of the air, and soaring with outstretched wings only in maintaining its flight

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HOWEVER. the initial kill opportunity was lost - NOW NO SIGN OF DETECTINING A POSSIBLE PREY

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The "Bramley" Apple

“Todays - News, Views, Faces and Places” becomes “Tomorrows History”

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Click to e.mail comments

Autumn comes to the Old Nottm/Grimsby Rd thro' B J-
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We have now added a “Bramley” Apple tree to our Fruit tree collection and become one of many 10,000’s “Bramley” enthusiasts through-out the country. So here are a few facts which surround this famous species
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In 1809 the first “Bramley” tree grew from pips planted by a little girl, Mary Ann Brailsford, in her garden in Southwell.
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Local butcher Matthew Bramley bought the cottage and garden in 1846.
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Ten years later local urseryman Henry Merryweather asked if he could taking cuttings from the tree. Bramley agreed but insisted the apple should bear his name – and the name “Bramley's” Seedling was born .!
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Disaster struck in 1900 when the original “Bramley” tree blew down during violent storms .but the tree somehow survived and is still bearing fruit more than 100 years later.
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During the early 1900s, “Bramley” trees were extensively planted and the fruit was a useful source of food during the First World War.
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By 1944, a fruit census in Britain revealed that more than 25% of the country's fruit output was provided by the “Bramley” apple with 6.25 million trees under cultivation.
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The British “Bramley” remains the most popular cooking apple in the UK, accounting for about 95% of all sold for home cooking. .
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This year's “Bramley” Festival on Saturday, October 18, is being organised by a team led by
the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire - Col Roger Merryweather, a great-grand grandson of Henry Merryweather.. .. ..

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It will include the Bramley Apple painting competition.. .. ..
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John Hempsall's display of heritage apples at the Bramley Centre .. .. ..
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Women's Institutes Apple Day stalls at the Admiral Rodney… .. ..
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The National Trust's Southwell Workhouse, which has Bramley trees growing in its
kitchen garden, will also be involved… .. ..
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St Helen's Cemetary

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“Todays - News, Views, Faces and Places” become “Tomorrows History”

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Click to e.mail comments

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B J - St Helen's Church

Attendance at the “new” Protestant Church of England had been compulsory since 1570 as part of a campaign against the Catholics after the Pope had excommunicated the Queen.

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B J - St Helens churchyard

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CONGRATULATE, PRAISE and THANK those individuals personally responsible for the upkeep of St Helen' Church and cemetary

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All those in Burton Joyce should be most pleased with the care and attention given to both St Helen’s Churchyard and Cemetery. These two areas are always most carefully tended and peaceful with a genuine pleasant and respectful environment, typical of that sought by visitors and relatives seeking a little time for peaceful, solemn solitude.

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The only downside is, the inevitable noise of a passing train on the adjacent rail track, fortunately this is NOT a frequent occurrence - confirming we do not live in a perfect world

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Incidentally and as a point of interest. - The first three headstones, within the churchyard - are those of individuals of the ALVEY family dating back to mid 1800’s

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Gedling Council Budget

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Early morning weather today in BJ

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Weekly summer bin collections could be axed and car parking charges introduced as Gedling Borough Council attempts to plug a potential £800,000 hole in next year's budget.
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Council Leader Roland Spencer has said the Council faced difficult decisions on next year's spending in light of increased fuel charges and lower income from leisure centres.
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He said the economic conditions had forced the council to consider taking "painful" decisions in order to balance the books – but he insisted he is determined not to pass increases on to residents through council tax.
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The Council has run a weekly collection for household waste during the last two summers, instead of the usual fortnightly collections.
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Rising fuel costs, - a loss in revenue from Council land searches, and a huge drop in cash from leisure centre usage have contributed to the shortfall. . .. Tut ! Tut !
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Next year the Council could see a huge rise in the cost of its gas and electricity when its current deal, signed two years ago when prices were cheaper, comes to an end in February.
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According to Council Leader Spencer this all means the Council may need to find an extra £800,000 in the next budget or introduce cuts to services
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Meanwhile the Conservative Council already faces significant pressure on its budget during the current financial year. Council members have already voted to take £500,000 from its reserves to meet the shortfall in this year's budget. . .. ..
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So whats wrong with this ? Surely this is what reserves are for - “for the rainy day”
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Not to be stored away, at risk - in the HOPE of higher interest rates - seen a folly (Icelandic Banks ?) but to the detrementof their own Council Tax payers ( or every Tax payer if the Government refunds their losses - several £ Billions - as most of the LA's concern appear to be bleating and asking for .. ?? ..!!

Although it has been suggested that the Treasury overlooked the possiblity of Icelandic Bank failure when questioned on the subject, in the House of Lords, in July this year
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Click to e.mail comments

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Internet - the mature

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Autuminal morning in B J
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Come on all you retired and mature individuals in BJ, get with it.. .. Let the internet do the talking .. .. and join the many “silver surfers” with your voice in our community .
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Your views and opinions can become a “vehicle for pressure and change”. We know that in today’s financial climate, the mature and elderly are adversely affected disproportionately to the general population.
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We know that a pensioner, for instance, have to rely on pensions that are NOT index linked and that their household rent ( or mortgage), council tax, heating, lighting, and food bills definitely absorb a larger percentage of their weekly income than the younger families.. . Oh Yes! others may say .. .. How about income support etc. ?
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Well come on help get the Silver Surfers (some say the SAGA “louts”) really get organised, for don’t forget, the mature are a massive (usually silent majority) section of the voting public. Governments and Political Parties should take note of you. You Silver Surfers should begin to make your voices heard,

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constantly .. ..Constantly .. .. CONSTANTLY .. .. CONSTANTLY .. .. CONSTANTLY ..

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The www with the INTERNET is more than probably the best medium.

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So come on all you mature residents, get vocal and become an active “Silver Surfer“, and if you make some space in your day, you will even be able to talk with, and see your distanced family without even leaving your own living room.

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STOP PRESS : The BBC announced yesterday that once again the Government has had to admit that comprehensive computer details of 100,000 individuals receiving Pension ( information include National Insurance Numbers, together with Pensionable Salaries - had been stolen from one of their “Contracted Out” Agency -

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This farcical situation show once again our Government’s does NOT have control of their data security -
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I suggest that the DATA PROTECTION ACT is used against the establishment, with PROSECUTION and INSTANT DISMISSAL for all those with RESPONSIBILITY, including those with ACCOUNTABILITY also
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NATIONAL IDENTY CARDS - "Oh ! No Gordon .. No Gordon .. No Gordon .. No !"
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BJ Post Office

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The latest information on the grapevine is that the purchase of BJ Post Office is once again in the final stages of completion and ought to be resolved shortly . !! .. !!
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I have heard this comment at least a couple of times in the past, so we all must wait and see.. .. once again!
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In-Car Smoking

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Now that the use of mobile phones in our cars is banned, and eating apples or snacks whilst driving is also punishable with fines and penalty points, I consider it is about time that SMOKING IN CARS is also banned and punished with penalty points plus the ultimate possibility of disqualification.
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Oops ! .. I guess I will really have upset the “apple cart” by expressing that opinion.
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But lets just look at the situation and the possible consequences .. .

Roads are busier than ever, with high traffic levels ( particularly on the Motorways) and when an accident does happen the results can be fatal and catastrophic. Add a lighted cigarette to the equation and the result can be compounded out of all proportion.
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Generally it is the older and more mature driver (both sexes) who have this particular personal habit/addiction, for you have only to look around you, particularly in car parks alongside Super Market Food Stores, and you will see shoppers of both sexes ( yes in B J) breaking their necks to get out side of the automatic doors and “light-up”.. followed by the huge gasps of delight and deep inhaling. Invariably they also drive away, with the lighted cigarette still in one hand, thro restricted multi parking areas.
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Every car with a built-in cigarette lighter will only serve to exacerbate the situation. I say to the manufacturers, “leave them out and reduce the car cost“. - Ha! Haa! .. No chance of that happening .. ..
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Surely in today’s fast moving, intense, road traffic conditions, with speed cameras and the like, this personal habit should be constrained. I don’t have any factual statistics on car accidents created by drivers or their passengers having lighted cigarettes to back up my view and certainly smokers will invariably quote an infringement of their individual human rights etc , however,, when driving and switching lanes in fast moving traffic, moving into/away from roundabouts , chicanes, parking and reversing, driving with young children on board etc., there is always a possibility /need for instant emergency/evasive action and a lighted cigarette will only compound the situation -

I am not just advocating the CAR DRIVER ABSTAIN from smoking -on the move - but also EACH of the individual car passengers

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Not conducive to having such an unconstrained ignition source “in hand” !! . Surely NO ONE can justifiably deny this ?
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School Runs

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B J weather today is a repeat of yesterday

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First of all let me make it clear I do not live an either of the two roads ( Padleys Lane and Willow Wong), providing access to Burton Joyce Primary School, nor do I live in Main Street in the village centre. I do frequently walk and drive our car up/down “Padleys” at times which occasionally coincide with parents taking/collecting their children from the school - toddlers as well as the above 5’s.
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The problem is not simply the parking in front and on the frontage of the local residents, it is the car movements up and down the roads creating confusion and bottle necks ( particularly at the bend in “Padleys” which coincides with one of the school entrances.
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I must add here that the School in their website, ask for some co-operation , having negotiated with the car parks at the Co-op and Cross Keys which does not appear to have helped all that much
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The problems on Padleys - aggravated further with the fashionable introduction of the “Chelsea Tractors ( large 4 wheel drives ) are
1) Parking on both sides of and the corner junction of Main Street/ Padleys
2) Parking on the lower section of Padleys Lane in front of resident properties (and occasionally drive-ways
3) Parking creating safety and bottle-necks problems at the difficult, semi- obscured road bend in Padleys, adjacent - to the school entrance
4) Parking on the grass verges in “Padleys” close the to obscured bend- creating hazards for children and parents crossing behind/in front of cars (parked and moving)
5) Congestion in both direction of “Padleys” as cars arrive and depart simultaneously at the school - at least 4X a day/ 5 days week ( up to 150M of lower “Padleys”)
6) Parents gossiping and congesting the pavements for normal/elderly pedestrians before/after collecting their own children
7) “Unobserved” young children and toddlers not responsibly tended chasing around excitedly whilst parent chat of prepare opening car doors and boots
8) Cars parked with wheels on the pavements
9) Car doors opening onto the pavement areas and more importantly into the carriageway - creating yet further difficulties and congestion for other road and pavement users
10) Cars parked opposite and on each side of the road within Padleys

11) Of course all these probems are further aggrevated by the weather - rain, frost and snow create their own contribution to the difficulties
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Etc.. etc..
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It should be added that the School Run “parking problem” experienced by local residents is not quite as bad in "Willow Wong"
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However, the problem does exist in "Willow Wong" and elsewhere, should be noted for the roadside congestions in the village centre and in Meadow Lane ( which create difficulties outside of the Library and at the Church Road ( Bye-Pass) junction, really do need attention and remedial action
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"The Grove"

B. J. Weather today - Sunny/warm/bright white clouds

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It was pleasing to learn the news that the Paris Council has taken the decision to apply for funding from "Building better Communities" , if this is successful, they then can begin implementing some of the suggestions for "The Grove" received from B. J. residents

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It is understood that Cllr O'Neill will take on the responsibilty for the application -

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Let us all keep everything well and truly crossed, give her all the help she may seek and need, and wish her all the best in obtaining the best result for the village community.. .. ..

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B.J. Players

B.J. Players Web Site

GOOD NEWS - Another new BJ historical website in the making - BJ & B LHS .. .. please note !

( Copy of the BJ Players advert in the October issue - Parish Magazine )

"The Players have been around for over 80 years and in that time many people have come and gone. We are in the process of building a website and we want this to be an archive of the Players' history.

This appeal is to anyone who has any memorabilia of past productions ie. photographs, programmes, newspaper reviews, even tickets .

We will take great care of these items which will be scanned and then returned"

If you have any items relating to the BJ Players please contact

Patrick McDonough
Tel 0115 93q1 3149
e:mail p.mcdonough@talktalk.net





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