Highly delighted about this -  a small step in the right direction ! I took my son and his friends to Corby Skatepark during the school holidays and it is the most amazing place - there were children as young as 3 right up to adult using the facility. We stayed all day and it was £7 for the day.  There were so many people there (mainly boys), from all walks of life, that may otherwise be roaming the streets, with little to do. There was a real sense of community and everyone respected one and other. If anyone is seriously interested about doing something like Corby in Newbury count me in !

Is this a permanent thing or was it set up for the school hols.

Quoted from richard.garvie

Permanent thing. It'a a place called adrenaline alley, and is something I would like to see happen here in West Berkshire. Unfortunately elected members currently not able to think outside of the box, and would rather spend the amount it would cost and more on an outdoor facility that can only be used during the summer. A like for like facility would have to be housed within an industrial unit and I have personally been looking at options for a while now. It's only since the town council want to spend £200k on the existing outdoor facility that I've called for a bit of thought process to go into this decision. Why create something outside when the existing facility could be replaced a lot cheaper than building concrete bowls, with the remaining cash going towards an indoor facility for all year round use.

Is there something suitable at the air base ? Have you ever been to Corby ? It's amazing ! A lot of the staff are volunteers, and their "perk" is being able to skate for free. There are so many people that do down the "youth of today", who are seriously under-estimated.  Surely if we can build a shopping centre, we can build an indoor skate park !  What about Vodafone sponsorship ? (This is worrying me, I am 40, it's midnight .... and I have a bee in my bonnet !! )

I'd suggest that £200k isn't going to get you an adrenaline alley.

And they charge kids £7.00 a time to use the facilities, which include a 'concrete bowl'.

I think you will find that they have much more than just a concrete bowl, which is why people drive for three hours to go there!!!

It cost Corby Council £15,000 in grants. The rest was raised by the user group who created it, and only visitors pay £7 a day which isn't a bad revenue stream. I think locals could pay an annual members fee which would allow them to use it as much as they like. Remember, it isn't just a skate facility, but attracts young people with other facilities.

The fact is any facility in Victoria Park can't be used in winter weather!!!

Quoted from richard.garvie

The fact is any facility in Victoria Park can't be used in winter weather!!!

Yes, but Victoria Park is just that, a park. It is bad enough that WBC and Greenham Trust want to build a pavilion on it. The park is a green space, Summer or Winter and that's how it should remain. No huge pavilion, no indoor skating rink.
I seriously doubt if Greenham would want a "community facility" on their site, they are doing their best to get shot of all of the community projects up there anyway, hence their "generosity" with misplaced grants for the Pavilion.

Quoted from 78

I'd suggest that £200k isn't going to get you an adrenaline alley.

And they charge kids £7.00 a time to use the facilities, which include a 'concrete bowl'.

£7 for a day is very good value - there is little else to occupy that age group in the area.  A trip to the cinema, and the bowling alley work out more expensive.  Then there are the refreshments ----- adrenalin Alley charge about 50p for a tea or coffee.  Cinema refreshments are horrendous prices !  And as I said previously many staff are volunteers.

Quoted from PaulaM

£7 for a day is very good value - there is little else to occupy that age group in the area.  A trip to the cinema, and the bowling alley work out more expensive.  Then there are the refreshments ----- adrenalin Alley charge about 50p for a tea or coffee.  Cinema refreshments are horrendous prices !  And as I said previously many staff are volunteers.

200k for the 6 or 7 kids that would use it doesn't seem good value. Buy 2,000 x boxes instead.

Quoted from PaulaM

£7 for a day is very good value - there is little else to occupy that age group in the area.  A trip to the cinema, and the bowling alley work out more expensive.  Then there are the refreshments ----- adrenalin Alley charge about 50p for a tea or coffee.  Cinema refreshments are horrendous prices !  And as I said previously many staff are volunteers.

Yes but kids don't go to the cinema every day, nor the bowling alley.

During the summer holidays it would get rather expensive if Jnr wanted to go skateboarding every day. £7.00 is for a 'all day' nine hour session. To get these rates you have to also pay £20.00 membership.  I bet the cans of coke in AA are expensive too.....

Quoted from PaulaM

£7 for a day is very good value

I'm sure it is. But for the current users, it represents pretty poor value seeing as they currently pay nothing. Also, there will be many who enjoy skating but cannot afford £7 a day. It's a good idea to have a dedicated indoor skate facility, but it shouldn't come at the cost of removing what is already there to people at no charge. If we want to encourage more people to use the skate facilities in the park then taking away the free ramps and potentially moving the facilities to somewhere not within walking distance of the town centre, then also charging people to use them is not the way to do it.

Quoted from richard.garvie

I think you will find that they have much more than just a concrete bowl, which is why people drive for three hours to go there!!!

It cost Corby Council £15,000 in grants. The rest was raised by the user group who created it, and only visitors pay £7 a day which isn't a bad revenue stream. I think locals could pay an annual members fee which would allow them to use it as much as they like. Remember, it isn't just a skate facility, but attracts young people with other facilities.

The fact is any facility in Victoria Park can't be used in winter weather!!!

Visitors pay £7.50 for a 4.5 hour session, wheras locals pay £5.00 for the same.
AA does have other things - a classroom ( full of school kids I notice & not skateboarders ), a music practice room &  video games.

It may only have cost Corby council £15k in grants ( which is why there is a classroom no doubt) but they also got given £125k in partner funding, many donations & were able to locate a 51,000ft² factory unit. This no doubt came about because the developer who owned the unit was building 5100 houses in the town.

Yes it would be great to have some all singing, all dancing urban sports area in town, but it ain't gonna happen.

Quoted from 78

Visitors pay £7.50 for a 4.5 hour session, wheras locals pay £5.00 for the same.
AA does have other things - a classroom ( full of school kids I notice & not skateboarders ), a music practice room &  video games.

It may only have cost Corby council £15k in grants ( which is why there is a classroom no doubt) but they also got given £125k in partner funding, many donations & were able to locate a 51,000ft² factory unit. This no doubt came about because the developer who owned the unit was building 5100 houses in the town.

Yes it would be great to have some all singing, all dancing urban sports area in town, but it ain't gonna happen.

  ....... Why not ?? Because the town is run by idiots ?? Does anyone have a vision, or the gumption to do anything ? Corby is an INTERNATIONAL attraction for your info. - so of course we couldn't have THAT in Newbury.

Quoted from PaulaM

  ....... Does anyone have a vision, or the gumption to do anything ?

This kind of thing is best left to a commercial concern, in my opinion. If there is a market in Newbury for people to pay to use a skate park then, with the right proposal, it will attract investors. But that isn't something that I want the council to be wasting it's time with. They already provide skate facilities, which have no admission fee, to anyone that want's to use them.

First of all Brian, an indoor facility would be located at an industrial unit, NOT Victoria Park. I totally agree that Victoria Park is a great place to go and I for one would not want to see it covered in vast building or concrete. However, I do support the idea of a pavilion if it replaces the existing building. Sorry for the confusion, but I have said elsewhere that I have been looking for a suitable unit for some time. So, once again, no massive buildings on the park.

On the subject of admission charges, we are once again jumping well ahead of ourselves as unless I am very much mistaken, I've not even set up the steering committee yet let alone apply for funding. The thing is, I have a vision of creating a youth facility that incorporates a skate and bmx facility, a hang out zone, music area, classroom and possible additional facilities. It's a vision, and with a group of dedicated local people it can become reality like Corby, Leeds or any of the other facilities in the UK. I know from research and visiting Corby that these places are very rarely empty.

I'm not suggesting it is run or funded by the council either. What I am suggesting is that if the council want to spend £200k on two concrete bowls, why not consult kids and parents as to where to spend that money??? An indoor facility could be used all round, the kids would be supervised and it would attract people to the area. I think it is great that the council are prepared to spend this amount of money on a youth facility, but why build two massive concrete bowls on a green area when you could rebuild what you already have for less money and make a contribution to a youth facility that targets more than just skaters.

Local politics is failing all over the UK, not just here, because local politicians think they know best and are more important than they actually are. By contrast, I want to make a contribution to improving this area and think outside of the box. Why should our taxes pay for a facility like this??? Why can't we have a charitable trust that can introduce a facility like this without people sniping that it will "never happen"??? The days of elected members hiding in council chaqmbers are nearing an end, and hopefully the electorate will vote for the alterantive at the ballot boxes next year.

We live in a great part of England, and unless we get out of the mindset that we can't achieve great things and we have to put up with the narrow minded "we know best" politics that exists currently, we will continue to slide down this very slippery slope that we are on. Lets stand up and do something different. Lets inspire people to get involved in their local community and help make it a better place to live. Forget "The Big Society", I want to be part of the good society.

Quoted from richard.garvie

Lets stand up and do something different. Lets inspire people to get involved in their local community and help make it a better place to live. Forget "The Big Society", I want to be part of the good society.

Nice speech.   You're not at a party conference though.

Anyway, back down to earth, and from reading your last post you seem to be changing your stance somewhat. The impression that I got from your initial anti-council diatribe was that the £200k was a waste of money and should be used to set up a newbury version of Adrenaline Alley. Now you seem to be suggesting that the council should go ahead and replace the existing skate park, but then consider putting what's left into your indoor skate park idea?

Quoted from richard.garvie

First of all Brian, an indoor facility would be located at an industrial unit, NOT Victoria Park. I totally agree that Victoria Park is a great place to go and I for one would not want to see it covered in vast building or concrete. However, I do support the idea of a pavilion if it replaces the existing building. Sorry for the confusion, but I have said elsewhere that I have been looking for a suitable unit for some time. So, once again, no massive buildings on the park.

The proposed pavilion is a massive building - much, much larger than the current buildings combined.  And it is accompanined by another building for changing rooms etc that is probably much the same size as the current buildings (combined).

My objection to the pavilion is not that it would not perform a useful function - but that it is needlessly building on the park when it would be better placed elsewhere.  Why they are so determined to build a public building in an isolated position with no accessible parking totally bewilders me.  Why not build it on the Wharf?

Quoted from richard.garvie

First of all Brian, an indoor facility would be located at an industrial unit, NOT Victoria Park. I totally agree that Victoria Park is a great place to go and I for one would not want to see it covered in vast building or concrete. However, I do support the idea of a pavilion if it replaces the existing building. Sorry for the confusion, but I have said elsewhere that I have been looking for a suitable unit for some time. So, once again, no massive buildings on the park.

On the subject of admission charges, we are once again jumping well ahead of ourselves as unless I am very much mistaken, I've not even set up the steering committee yet let alone apply for funding. The thing is, I have a vision of creating a youth facility that incorporates a skate and bmx facility, a hang out zone, music area, classroom and possible additional facilities. It's a vision, and with a group of dedicated local people it can become reality like Corby, Leeds or any of the other facilities in the UK. I know from research and visiting Corby that these places are very rarely empty.

I'm not suggesting it is run or funded by the council either. What I am suggesting is that if the council want to spend £200k on two concrete bowls, why not consult kids and parents as to where to spend that money??? An indoor facility could be used all round, the kids would be supervised and it would attract people to the area. I think it is great that the council are prepared to spend this amount of money on a youth facility, but why build two massive concrete bowls on a green area when you could rebuild what you already have for less money and make a contribution to a youth facility that targets more than just skaters.

Local politics is failing all over the UK, not just here, because local politicians think they know best and are more important than they actually are. By contrast, I want to make a contribution to improving this area and think outside of the box. Why should our taxes pay for a facility like this??? Why can't we have a charitable trust that can introduce a facility like this without people sniping that it will "never happen"??? The days of elected members hiding in council chaqmbers are nearing an end, and hopefully the electorate will vote for the alterantive at the ballot boxes next year.

We live in a great part of England, and unless we get out of the mindset that we can't achieve great things and we have to put up with the narrow minded "we know best" politics that exists currently, we will continue to slide down this very slippery slope that we are on. Lets stand up and do something different. Lets inspire people to get involved in their local community and help make it a better place to live. Forget "The Big Society", I want to be part of the good society.

Beautifully put ... wish I could write that eloquently without being in a paddy   Agree with everything you have said in this post. Back to my initial question is there anything suitable at Greenham ?

Quoted from richard.garvie

What I am suggesting is that if the council want to spend £200k on two concrete bowls, why not consult kids and parents as to where to spend that money???

Why should our taxes pay for a facility like this???

Richard, can you let me know what plans of the skatepark you've seen that shows it as 'two concrete bowls'? And you've forgotten I told you yesterday the users of the skatepark have been instrumental in formulating plans for the designs.

As for getting the parents involved, you need to be aware that the age range of the skatepark users is approximately 10 to 45 years old! The Treasurer of the Users Group who spoke at the Town Council meeting last Monday evening I reckon is about 28, and I doubt his mum particularly cares at his age what he gets up to in his free time, presumably as long as it's legal.

And your taxes are not paying for the facility. Again, you are aware of this. The funding is coming from a source of S106 Developer contributions (in this case, from Standard Life), and Greenham Common Trust.

David, thanks for coming back to me. What I have seen is what amounts to two concrete bowls and a teenage shelter with a rail and some steps. I do think you should have gone to visit the current facility to speak to other users of the park who are a little put out it would seem, but what is done is done. I will continue to put together plans for an indoor facility, and I wish you all the best with the outdoor facility.

Paula, not sure if there is anything big enough at Greenham but I have found a perfect unit if there was a suitable price!!! What I will be doing now is establishing a steering committee to proceed witth the project, and the more people who rally round the better. I'm not a skater, but I think something similar to Corby or Leeds would be a fantastic venue and put us on the map for young people all over the south of England. It's important that skaters of all ages contibute to the process as this will ultimately decide how successfull the project is.

Massifheed, after speaking with the users who were there, it would be criminal to remove the skating facility at Victoria Park altogether. It could be repaired or replaced a lot cheaper than the concrete proposal, and there would be significant money leftover. It's irrelevent now though, as the money is ringfenced to Victoria Park!!!

As for the pavillion and other buildings, I admit that I wasn't able to devote so much attention to the plans as I would have liked. I do think that the size of the buildings appear to be excessive, but again it doesn't seem like anything can be done now!!! I would have built a small pavillion that had a cafe, store room and some public toilets, and replaced the small block near parkway with suitable changing facilities. I don't think you need much more than that.

Quoted from PaulaM

  ....... Why not ?? Because the town is run by idiots ?? Does anyone have a vision, or the gumption to do anything ? Corby is an INTERNATIONAL attraction for your info. - so of course we couldn't have THAT in Newbury.

Err, I don't want the council paying for it no. AA is a commercial venture. If some investor wants to build something similar in newbury, fine - but lets not moan when our local council does something positive.  

not sure if there is anything big enough at Greenham

LOL.

Quoted from 78

Err, I don't want the council paying for it no. AA is a commercial venture. If some investor wants to build something similar in newbury, fine - but lets not moan when our local council does something positive.  

Once again, I am thinking of something created by a charitable trust.

I had a very positive phone call from one of the users of the skateboard facility. It was very constructive and as a result, I won't be commenting further on the Victoria Park proposal.

Quoted from richard.garvie

I had a very positive phone call from one of the users of the skateboard facility. It was very constructive and as a result, I won't be commenting further on the Victoria Park proposal.

Translation: I've been rumbled so I'm going to shut up now, however I'm going to pretend it's because I'm involved with things that are happening.

Quoted from user23.3

Translation: I've been rumbled so I'm going to shut up now, however I'm going to pretend it's because I'm involved with things that are happening.

You never shut up when you are rumbled why should he??

Quoted from user23.3

Translation: I've been rumbled so I'm going to shut up now, however I'm going to pretend it's because I'm involved with things that are happening.

No, I'm meeting with the users on Friday at 5pm at the current facility. Although I post on here, I actually get off my backside and speak to local people too. Although my view of what should be created may differ from theirs, I still think that support is support and I for one won't be hiding away on internet forums taking pot shots with fake user names!!!

Quoted from richard.garvie

No, I'm meeting with the users on Friday at 5pm at the current facility. Although I post on here, I actually get off my backside and speak to local people too. Although my view of what should be created may differ from theirs, I still think that support is support and I for one won't be hiding away on internet forums taking pot shots with fake user names!!!

No one's hiding away, we're just not using our own names in order to promote our own causes on the internet, that's all. Again you've jumped to a conclusion and again you're wrong.

Oh, and Greenham's not big enough for a skate park? Come back VBird, all is forgiven!

Did I say Greenham wasn't big enough??? Or that I wasn't sure if there is anything big enough at Greenham??? There is a unit available a lot closer to the centre of Newbury and for this reason that is the option I have been investigating in detail. The one unit mentioned to me up at Greenham might not be big enough to accomodate what I was proposing, and if there are other units available I'm sure somebody will come back to me.

I do think I made it clear that any project would utilise an industrial unit didn't I???

Quoted from richard.garvie

Did I say Greenham wasn't big enough??? Or that I wasn't sure if there is anything big enough at Greenham??? There is a unit available a lot closer to the centre of Newbury and for this reason that is the option I have been investigating in detail. The one unit mentioned to me up at Greenham might not be big enough to accomodate what I was proposing, and if there are other units available I'm sure somebody will come back to me.

I do think I made it clear that any project would utilise an industrial unit didn't I???

Great, so you're planning to send kids roaming round an industrial estate at night. Good luck on getting the planning permission on that then, I'm sure you won't get many objections from the business owners in the area.

Quoted from richard.garvie

As for the pavillion and other buildings, I admit that I wasn't able to devote so much attention to the plans as I would have liked. I do think that the size of the buildings appear to be excessive, but again it doesn't seem like anything can be done now!!! I would have built a small pavillion that had a cafe, store room and some public toilets, and replaced the small block near parkway with suitable changing facilities. I don't think you need much more than that.

Of course something can be done about it! Their last public consultation late in 2009 resulted in a weight of feeling against the pavilion as proposed - something like a 55/45 split (I don't recall the actual figures - if we have been shown them).  This seriously dented WBC's plans - the planning application that was supposed be submitted in January has yet to appear.  

There have been rumours of new tactic (or a return to an old tactic) - consulting on the pavilion only as part of the overall Wharf Redecelopment - the only tactic that has ever generated figures that can be interpreted as supporting major building in the park.

Now there is the suggestion that they have redesigned the pavilion to look more acceptable (it certainly helped the anti-pavilion lobby that the thing looked so naff).

The problem is that they have totally failed to give a clear argument as to the need to site this monster in the park - the only arguments I have heard are the cynical (its cheap land) and the whimsical (it provides some nebulous 'flow', 'connection' between the Wharf and Parkway - despite it being obviously a detour off any direct route between the two).  The latter is the best Patrick Griffin could come up with when presenting the design to NTC.

When we strated talking about a skating facility at Corby, bless my soul, I though we were talking about skating. I couldn't understand what the concrete bowl thing was about and then the penny dropped, we're talking about skateboarding ramps.
Now, that, in my opinion, is not for 'across all age groups' as has been suggested, it's a young persons sport. Whatever the Town Council are proposing in Victoria Park, and I somehow doubt that they will be able to raise the funds, due to their original sponsors pulling out, I would hope that there is a deal of imagination and it will be what the users want. At the moment, it is free but I seriously doubt that regular skate boarders will be able or want to afford seven pounds a day.

As far as Greenham is concerned, I have no doubt in my mind that the last thing the board of the trust want is that type of facility. As I said before, they are doing their best to shunt all of the community stuff off to Newbury and WBC are going along with the carrots that they are dangling. Hence the proposal for the massive carbuncle in the park that they, including dear Pam are so excited about.

I'm just going back to re-read the thread from the beginning with the new understanding of what we are really talking about.

Quoted from user23.3

Great, so you're planning to send kids roaming round an industrial estate at night. Good luck on getting the planning permission on that then, I'm sure you won't get many objections from the business owners in the area.

A few days ago, you were running me down for my lack of community spirit - now hark at you !!

Quoted from PaulaM

A few days ago, you were running me down for my lack of community spirit - now hark at you !!

Point taken, I just don't think an industrial estate is the best place for the youth of Newbury to spend their spare time.

OK Blackdog, if permission has not been granted I will stand shoulder to shoulder with you and fight for a suitable proposal. Are you genuinely prepared to sit down and discuss a suitable alternative???

Quoted from user23.3

Point taken, I just don't think an industrial estate is the best place for the youth of Newbury to spend their spare time.

But sending them off to Greenham is more suitable???

Quoted from user23.3

Point taken, I just don't think an industrial estate is the best place for the youth of Newbury to spend their spare time.

  Adrenalin Alley in Corby, is by RS Components, I don't think they objected, I should imagine they have a big "say" in Corby, rather like Vodafone do here.  There are very strict rules at Corby - if you play up you are barred for life - which is the last thing a serious "skater" wants.

Quoted from richard.garvie

But sending them off to Greenham is more suitable???

My comment was on the size, not the suitability of Greenham.

Quoted from brian

When we strated talking about a skating facility at Corby, bless my soul, I though we were talking about skating. I couldn't understand what the concrete bowl thing was about and then the penny dropped, we're talking about skateboarding ramps.
Now, that, in my opinion, is not for 'across all age groups' as has been suggested, it's a young persons sport. Whatever the Town Council are proposing in Victoria Park, and I somehow doubt that they will be able to raise the funds, due to their original sponsors pulling out, I would hope that there is a deal of imagination and it will be what the users want. At the moment, it is free but I seriously doubt that regular skate boarders will be able or want to afford seven pounds a day.

As far as Greenham is concerned, I have no doubt in my mind that the last thing the board of the trust want is that type of facility. As I said before, they are doing their best to shunt all of the community stuff off to Newbury and WBC are going along with the carrots that they are dangling. Hence the proposal for the massive carbuncle in the park that they, including dear Pam are so excited about.

I'm just going back to re-read the thread from the beginning with the new understanding of what we are really talking about.

We are talking about two completely different things which for whatever reason have merged into one. Victoria Park is suitable for an outdoor facility that would be free to use. What I am proposing is an indoor facility which can be used all year round, indoor and secure and run by a charitable trust.

Quoted from user23.3

My comment was on the size, not the suitability of Greenham.

Why even talk about Greenham if it isn't suitable??? I've made it clear that a Newbury facility is the preferred option due to locality.

Quoted from richard.garvie

Why even talk about Greenham if it isn't suitable??? I've made it clear that a Newbury facility is the preferred option due to locality.

I didn't say it wasn't suitable and I didn't bring it up, that was someone else, I just commented on your post about it.

Can we see your consultation into Newbury being the preferred option please, or I might jump to the conclusion that "someone told you this".

User23, I have already offerred not only to show you information, but to take you to see where I would put the prefferred facility. If you have any interest whatsoever (rather than just distorting my comments) come along on Friday at 5pm (Victoria Park) and contribute to a constructive debate.

Quoted from richard.garvie

User23, I have already offerred not only to show you information, but to take you to see where I would put the prefferred facility. If you have any interest whatsoever (rather than just distorting my comments) come along on Friday at 5pm (Victoria Park) and contribute to a constructive debate.

Can't we have a constructive debate here on the results of your consultation.

Post up the results of your consultation please.

One of the advantages that the Midlands and the north is that there are empty industrial units all over the place which are a throwback from the days when we were an important manufacturing country. They are usually cheap on short term rentals just so that the owner can pocket a bob or two.
I can't think of any units in Newbury that don't command impressive rents and would be suitable for a charitable group to rent.

Richard, for a person who wants us to believe that you have your finger on the local pulse, you seem to be very uninformed about what is being proposed by WBC and the Greenham Trust for Victoria Park, the plans for the wharf and the loss of the Waterside so that they, WBC can build prestige apartments.

Quoted from user23.3

Can't we have a constructive debate here on the results of your consultation.

Post up the results of your consultation please.

You are not able to have constuctive debate on here User23, possibly unable to have constructive debate at all!!!

Brian, I do need to play catchup you are right. I was under the opinion that most of it had been settled, and if that's not the case then I have been misinformed. I am away all day tomorrow, but I will spend Friday reading up and come back to you with my thoughts. I am aware of certain bits of it, but I need to understand where they are at with regards to planning permission and the like.

Quoted from richard.garvie

You are not able to have constuctive debate on here User23, possibly unable to have constructive debate at all!!!

No, not if you're going to constantly fabricate thing I'm not. You haven't carried out a consultation have you, ergo there's no constructive debate to be had about it.

Your bluff has been called yet again and I mist say you're worst politician (and possibly the most amusing) I've ever encountered.

User23, I'll see you on Friday. If you don't turn up, I'll know you aren't really interested!!! Documents will be present

Quoted from richard.garvie

User23, I'll see you on Friday. If you don't turn up, I'll know you aren't really interested!!! Documents will be present

Can't you scan in and post up here the back of your f** packet so we can see these "documents" before then?

I don't have a scanner, but if a member wants to pop round and collect them from me I'm up for a little while yet!!!

Quoted from richard.garvie

I don't have a scanner, but if a member wants to pop round and collect them from me I'm up for a little while yet!!!

Great, what's your address. It's not a B&H packet is it, I bet the gold background might be difficult to scan in.

PM sent.

Richard if you want the details of the pavilion, go no further....

http://www.newbury.net/forum/m-1257379199/s-0/

Quoted from user23.3

Can't we have a constructive debate here on the results of your consultation.

Post up the results of your consultation please.

Also have you fiddled the consultation as User 23 does along with WBC???

And if User 23 isn't hiding would he like us to reveal his identity?????

Needless to say, User23 didn't come to collect anything, nor did he or anyone else contact me on the number supplied to him!!! Yet again, he's all talk and no action.

All of what has happened to date Nobby is documented, and is mainly building studies and studies of similar projects about start up costs. Once there are a number of models, hopefully the user group / steering group will be in place to make an informed decision as to what option to go for, and exactly what equipment they want. Unfortunately due to costs, there seems to be only one suitable unit, but this could change in the coming months ahead.

Quoted from brian

Richard if you want the details of the pavilion, go no further....

http://www.newbury.net/forum/m-1257379199/s-0/

I'll be back around 11pm tonight, I'll have a read before bed!!!

I got a better idea Richard Garvie, bollocks to the lot of them and why don't you go and do something more rewarding and selfish.  With spiteful people like user23.3 and others around, I think life is too short to get exited about it.

Quoted from Greenham Common

I got a better idea Richard Garvie, bollocks to the lot of them and why don't you go and do something more rewarding and selfish.  With spiteful people like user23.3 and others around, I think life is too short to get exited about it.

Spot on ! User 23.3 was completely out of line and offensive last night - why is he still on here administrator ? - there is freedom of speech and then there is downright nasty  !

Quoted from PaulaM

Spot on ! User 23.3 was completely out of line and offensive last night - why is he still on here administrator ? - there is freedom of speech and then there is downright nasty  !

I have read the entire thread, and can't recall reading any posts of User's that I would call offensive. Indeed, Admin is pretty quick to remove genuinely offensive posts. If you become offended when people don't agree with you then you are in the wrong place!

Quoted from richard.garvie

Once again, I am thinking of something created by a charitable trust.

Great. Now you can stop rubbishing what will be built in Victoria Park.

Quoted from massifheed

I have read the entire thread, and can't recall reading any posts of User's that I would call offensive. Indeed, Admin is pretty quick to remove genuinely offensive posts. If you become offended when people don't agree with you then you are in the wrong place!

offence is in the eye of the beholder: sneerful, snide, cynical, antagonistic, puerile are the adjectives I'd have used for user23.3 on this 'debate'.  user23.3 doesn't just disagree, he does it with personal mocking contempt.  He brings the worst out of people; like me for instance!  

Quoted from Nobby

And if User 23 isn't hiding would he like us to reveal his identity?????

I thought his identity was known on here? It was posted a while back.

I don't think it is right to out people on forums if they chose to remain anonymous.

Quoted from Greenham Common

offence is in the eye of the beholder: sneerful, snide, cynical, antagonistic, puerile are the adjectives I'd have used for user23.3 on this 'debate'.  user23.3 doesn't just disagree, he does it with personal mocking contempt.  He brings the worst out of people; like me for instance!  

I always think that it's down to each individual to choose whether to take offence at something or not. People get their knickers in a twist on here so often just because someone posts a comment that goes against their own point of view.

I don't care if someone agrees, but there is more than one way to do it.  user23.3 sometimes chooses a way that is all that I have written in my one before last post.

Quoted from massifheed

I always think that it's down to each individual to choose whether to take offence at something or not. People get their knickers in a twist on here so often just because someone posts a comment that goes against their own point of view.

Exactly, if differing views and a bit of banter offends one they probably shouldn't be on a chat board.

True there are a few WuMs like Nobby but the best thing to do is put them on Ignore, I've blocked his posts for the best part of a year.

I have no idea why you're getting lathered up about User, he has always been the same so there shouldn't be any surprise when he comes up with one of his classic posts. He or she, is so predictable that I could almost write a reply for him before he does. If we didn't have him, this would be a boring old board and when Vbird was on here as well, you could hear feathers being ruffled in the town centre. I'm still not convinced he is a WBC employee unless he is in actual fact the CEO in disguise, winding up the locals anonymously.

Quoted from user23.3

Exactly, if differing views and a bit of banter offends one they probably shouldn't be on a chat board.

If you are employing a simple bit of banter, you could make yourself understood better if you used emoticons (I know some wouldn't even understand this, but I would).  I think, though, that you are being somewhat disingenuous, and that yours is more than a bit of banter.

Quoted from Greenham Common

If you are employing a simple bit of banter, you could make yourself understood better if you used emoticons (I know some wouldn't even understand this, but I would).  I think, though, that you are being somewhat disingenuous, and that yours is more than a bit of banter.

It's just a bit of banter. If Richard wants to get into politics there are people who are far more intelligent and quick witted than I who will quickly dismantle his ill thought out plans.

He's not complained himself so what's the problem. This reminds me of all those people who listened to the Ross and Brand faux pas on iPlayer purposely to be offended.

Quoted from user23.3

It's just a bit of banter. If Richard wants to get into politics there are people who are far more intelligent and quick witted than I who will quickly dismantle his ill thought out plans.

There must be a reason why so-many complain about you above other posters.

Quoted from user23.3

He's not complained himself so what's the problem. This reminds me of all those people who listened to the Ross and Brand faux pas on iPlayer purposely to be offended.

No it isn't the same, because I don't purposely tune it to read some of your more...'esoteric'...points of view.

Quoted from Greenham Common

There must be a reason why so-many complain about you above other posters.

They don't.

If User23 wants to keep his / her identity secret on a public forum, that should be there choice. I would be interested to know who they are, just so I can establish why they are so anti towards change.

The good thing about boards like this is everyone's opinion has the same value. Sure there's a very few that give it "do you know who I am" by using their real name but on the whole one is judged on their words alone. You can see in this thread that almost everyone is using a nom de plume.

I'm not anti-change. I'm anti ill thought out change.

I'm not against people having user names. I always use my real name on any forum / social media sites. But just because I do, it doesn't mean I'm trying to get one up on anyone. As for you personally User23, it just baffled me as to why you are so agressively against everything I say???

Quoted from richard.garvie

I'm not against people having user names. I always use my real name on any forum / social media sites. But just because I do, it doesn't mean I'm trying to get one up on anyone. As for you personally User23, it just baffled me as to why you are so agressively against everything I say???

He is a pussycat really ! I actually got "point taken" yesterday - I was thrilled  

Quoted from user23.3

I'm not anti-change. I'm anti ill thought out change.

But you must understand that he hasn't formally proposed anything, yet you are utterly intolerant or Richard Garvie and I am sure that is because he has bad mouthed the Council, not because you are against what he has canvassed for.

Quoted from richard.garvie

......As for you personally User23, it just baffled me as to why you are so agressively against everything I say???

Somebody has to be, you come up with half an idea and to be honest, there isn't a snowballs chance in hell that most of them will work but it means you can go round huffing and puffing about how you will change things when you're out and about on the election trail. Full marks for your early start but people will get a bit fed up if you keep on banging the same old drum.

Quoted from brian

Somebody has to be

Why?

Quoted from brian

you come up with half an idea and to be honest, there isn't a snowballs chance in hell that most of them will work

With that attitude it is not surprising we have the council and councillors that we have.

Quoted from brian

but it means you can go round huffing and puffing about how you will change things when you're out and about on the election trail. Full marks for your early start but people will get a bit fed up if you keep on banging the same old drum.

Surely that is something  to say when it happens not before!!!!


I say b*llocks to being a councillor; no wonder they are the thick skinned 'idiots' many accuse them of being!!!  

Quoted from brian

Somebody has to be, you come up with half an idea and to be honest, there isn't a snowballs chance in hell that most of them will work but it means you can go round huffing and puffing about how you will change things when you're out and about on the election trail. Full marks for your early start but people will get a bit fed up if you keep on banging the same old drum.

Exactly. poorly thought out, ill informed and un-costed ideas like the ones he's put forward do nothing to dispel the notion that politicians promise much that deliver little.

OK, what have I proposed that isn't achievable??? My main "dislike" about this area is that those in power seem anti-change and believe everything is rosy. The majority of people who live here are now so disillusioned that they just don't care about local politics any more. This is why the Tories are railroading everything through, and because the opposition don't have enough numbers they are now growing increasingly frustrated!!! What have I proposed so far?:

A reduction in the Capital fund allocated for members personal projects (I call in the vanity fund). Under my proposals there would be a saving of £146,000.

A second part to the chicane on Pound Lane (Thatcham), with two speed ramps to prevent people from using it as a rat run.

And a completely non political youth project to incorporate a skate park, music studio, classroom and hang out area (which could take some of the services from Waterside) that would be set up as a charitable trust. It has happened in other parts of the country, so why not here??? If there are not enough people to set up a trust, then it will fall by the wayside but we will be no more worse off than what we are now.

A community facility to replace Faraday Road stadium, allowing Newbury FC to grow and build a lond term facility, whilst also providing additioanl community football pitches. All of which would be paid by a retailer and no cost being met my the District, with a charity trust set up to run the facilities long term.

A proper review of the Adult Social Care budget. Why should it be allowed to overspend every year???

A review into planning decisions made since 2004. This would be carried out by a local government inspector, at a initial cost of around £35k, but could rise if wrongdoing or mismanagement was found.

That the elected leader of the council actually leads. I know if I was the leader, I would do it as a full time job. We have nurses, police officers and teachers working for less than £24,000 a year, why shouldn't that be enough for the leader of the authority???

Quoted from user23.3

Exactly. poorly thought out, ill informed and un-costed ideas like the ones he's put forward do nothing to dispel the notion that politicians promise much that deliver little.

Is Richard Garvie a politician yet?  And perhaps you can point me to the final, official proposal from Richard Garvie, so that I might judge for myself?

Some of us are not that stupid user23.3, it seems clear to me what your game is.

A box on the West Berks website showing current consultations and meeting dates / times etc.

Quoted from Greenham Common

Is Richard Garvie a politician yet?  And perhaps you can point me to the final, official proposal from Richard Garvie, so that I might judge for myself?

Some of us are not that stupid user23.3, it seems clear to me what your game is.

If he isn't party political, I can't see why he would be so opposed to "change" in working practices, especially if they are geared to having more transparency as to restructuring the authority and giving employees of West Berkshire a bit more respect and dignity. Nick Carter said in a survey to the BBC that 150 people were likely to go in the short term, but didn't say from where. How can anyone at West Berkshire be happy in their job with the fear of the Grim Carter (Reaper) lurking in the shadows???

A reduction in the Capital fund allocated for members personal projects

You don't class your crusade for an indoor youth centre/skate park/music room/chill out zone a personal project then?

A second part to the chicane on Pound Lane (Thatcham),

And this has nothing to do with the fact you live on Pound Lane?

Quoted from 78

A reduction in the Capital fund allocated for members personal projects

You don't class your crusade for an indoor youth centre/skate park/music room/chill out zone a personal project then?

A second part to the chicane on Pound Lane (Thatcham),

And this has nothing to do with the fact you live on Pound Lane?

With regard to an indoor youth facility, yes it is a personal crusade. But where have I factored in financial support from West Berks??? User23 is making out that it is a political goal for me, which it isn't. Just because I want to be a district councillor, should I not be able to get involved with community projects or charities??? That's a big part of my life, and I'd rather not go into politics if that was LEGALLY the position.

I don't officially live in Pound Lane as yet, but I do spend most of my time there. When I do officially move to Thatcham, I doubt it would be to Pound Lane due to the traffic situation. Can you imagine cars flying up and down your street at all hours??? Cars crashing into the existing half chicane, lorries dropping stuff on the road and numerous incident of cars of residents being clipped by passing traffic. Just because I spend a lot of time in Pound Lane, those issues can't be addressed now then!!! The fact is (without revealing details of my personal life), I've spent many nights in Pound Lane and as a result I now know how bad the situation is. If it is indeed Thatcham West where I stand at the election, this will be one of the projects I would like to get done as quickly as possible, as I don't want to be the one who says I told you so when either somebody is killed crossing the road or a car ends up in one of the blocks of flats!!!

So basically if a councillor choses to oversee the installation of a new road sign it is a vanity project, whereas you wanting to get a new speed chicane installed isn't?

Are you not sugesting that the £200k being used in Victoria Park could be better spent? On your personal crusade?  

I did indeed say that the 200k would be better spent on an indoor facility, as it would be. But as I do not have a vote on the awarding of funding (nor am I an elected member of NTC), I hardly see it as a conflict of interests.

If said councillor is a cyclist, talks about cycling at every meeting, then complains about not turning right at a certain junction, goes on and on until the council agree and put up signs which only really benefit him then of course that is a vanity project. How many cyclists have you seen turning right at that junction??? A chicane on Pound Lane will not benefit me as an individual, but will protect the cars of all of those people who park on that road and the hundreds of people who cross the road outside the play park. I believe Keith Woodhams is also calling for a 20mph speed restriction on this road, maybe his partner lives on this stretch of road too!!!

Well if you can say that the turn right signs only benefit one councillor I equally can say that the chicane will only benefit you when you stay on Pound Lane.

Quoted from richard.garvie

I did indeed say that the 200k would be better spent on an indoor facility, as it would be.

That's what I thought you said originally, but then you said that the £200K should be spent on replacing the original facilities in the park, and the remainder should be spent on your indoor project.

If you are now going back to suggesting that, rather than spend the cash on replacing the existing skate park, it should go toward your proposed indoor youth facility, what free facilities are you going to provide for those that use the current admission-free skate ramps in Victoria Park? You didn't clear that up last time I asked.

Quoted from 78

Well if you can say that the turn right signs only benefit one councillor I equally can say that the chicane will only benefit you when you stay on Pound Lane.

But why would Keith Woodhams also be campaigning for a 20mph speed limit if this stretch of road wasn't dangerous. Any improvements on Pound Land or other stretches of road would come out of the highways budget.

Quoted from massifheed

That's what I thought you said originally, but then you said that the £200K should be spent on replacing the original facilities in the park, and the remainder should be spent on your indoor project.

If you are now going back to suggesting that, rather than spend the cash on replacing the existing skate park, it should go toward your proposed indoor youth facility, what free facilities are you going to provide for those that use the current admission-free skate ramps in Victoria Park? You didn't clear that up last time I asked.

Massifeed, the money is allocated to the Victoria Park skatepark, it can't be used for anything else. I do believe an indoor facility that could accomodate numerous purposes would be a real asset for the town, and that the 200k funding could of made that become a possibility very quickly. When I called for the 200k to be spent on the indoor project, I was under the impression that only a few bits of the current eqipment were in need of replacing which would have left surplus cash to spend on my suggested project. I've maintained all along that the existing skate facilities should be retained in some form, but this argument is a sideshow now, all of the funding must be spent within Victoria Park.

Quoted from richard.garvie

And a completely non political youth project to incorporate a skate park, music studio, classroom and hang out area (which could take some of the services from Waterside) that would be set up as a charitable trust. It has happened in other parts of the country, so why not here??? If there are not enough people to set up a trust, then it will fall by the wayside but we will be no more worse off than what we are now.

A community facility to replace Faraday Road stadium, allowing Newbury FC to grow and build a lond term facility, whilst also providing additioanl community football pitches. All of which would be paid by a retailer and no cost being met my the District, with a charity trust set up to run the facilities long term.

I don't quite understand charitable trust. How does being a charitable trust provide the finance for rental, running costs, rates etc. As far as the football club is concerned in these days of austerity, the finances for local projects such as this are thin on the ground. Ask Newbury Rugby Club who struggled and scrimped and drove their team forward into the top league only to have Vodafone, without much warning, pull the plug on their sponsorship deal. Finances became tight and down they dropped because they couldn't now afford to pay their professional players  and they, Vodafone, are one of the richest companies in the district who conned Newbury into approving their out of town greenfield location and then pulled out of most of the major local areas they promised to support.

Just to define this bit about funding for the skateboard facilities in the park, Newbury Town Council undertook this project to include all the play facilities in the park not just the skating area.
As I understood it, there were grants and funding for the Victoria Park play areas. These were identified in the Town Council newsletter dated 15th June 2010. Even with these grants there was still a substantial shortfall of about  £178,000. I have no idea where this was to come from. Generous Greenham Arts were all set to throw cash into the pot but you can bet that this would be subject to it fitting in with their Pavilion in the park.

http://www.newbury.gov.uk/News/newplayareaandskateparkforvictoriapark.pdf

Subsequent to this, there was a paragraph in the news letter dated 16th August 2010 which gave out the news that
“The recent announcement by central government that most Playbuilder funding is to be withdrawn means that the recently announced £100,000 Playbuilder and Aiming High funding towards a new skate park and playground is under threat. The Council will continue to seek other funding sources”.
I believe it is right that we find the funding for this valuable community area for the park but it is not looking so good at the moment.

Quoted from richard.garvie

That the elected leader of the council actually leads. I know if I was the leader, I would do it as a full time job. We have nurses, police officers and teachers working for less than £24,000 a year, why shouldn't that be enough for the leader of the authority???

How much do you think the leader of the council is paid in salary per year?

Quoted from Greenham Common

Is Richard Garvie a politician yet?

Yes

Quoted from brian

I don't quite understand charitable trust.

Apparently if you're a charitable trust people fall over themselves to give to free cash.

Quoted from PaulaM

  ....... Why not ?? Because the town is run by idiots ?? Does anyone have a vision, or the gumption to do anything ? Corby is an INTERNATIONAL attraction for your info. - so of course we couldn't have THAT in Newbury.

Yes, if only there was some sort of Newbury Vision.  

Fist let me answer the bit on being a charitable trust. This would allow the trust committee when elected to apply for funds from various different sources. Being a charity opens a lot of doors in terms of funding.

With regards to Newbury FC, I believe they are doing ok with the revenue they make from functions and bar. It is therefore important that any alternative facility allows the club to generate money to allow the club to develop through the leagues. The club have a very shrewd operating model which will prevent them from going the same way as AFC Newbury and the like, purely because the club is not relying on big fat sponsorship cheques and handouts. The new ground and community pitches would have been paid for by a supermarket chain desperate to move to town, but West Berkshire would not even discuss the idea (they obviously have their own ideas, otherwise they are just hoping to do away with the club altogether) and the land agents acting on behalf of the landowner are about to embark on a very expensive legal challenge to the housing allocation.

As for Vodafone, I think the council are playing a very dangerous game, and I believe we should be building relationships with Vodafone rather than seeming to be intent of driving them out of town with negative reporting.

I had a very usefull meeting with various people at the skateboard facility this evening and will now fully support the plans in there current form. What I will say is that the funding was secured for the purpose of rebuilding that facility, and after meeting the users who have campaigned for it I am confident that the right facility will now be built. Can I just say that the new facility will actually improve the visual appearence of the park, and is only a little larger than the existing one. I met an officer from the Town Council and I am extremely impressed, West Berks would do well to listen to his vision for the park.

Quoted from user23.3

Yes

Have you finished with your copy of his official proposal yet!  

Quoted from user23.3

How much do you think the leader of the council is paid in salary per year?YesApparently if you're a charitable trust people fall over themselves to give to free cash. Yes, if only there was some sort of Newbury Vision.  

I know how much Graham Jones recieves each year, the figure is available on the West Berkshire website as you well know!!!

Quoted from user23.3

How much do you think the leader of the council is paid in salary per year?

last year. £23,721 which included £1,074 travelling and subsistence

He is not a member of the Local Government Pension scheme.

Quoted from Greenham Common

Have you finished with your copy of his official proposal yet!  

There isn't an official proposal silly, just a f** packet waiting to be collected!!! Seriously though, all of the research I have done up to now is available if anyone would like to read it.

Quoted from Greenham Common

Have you finished with your copy of his official proposal yet!  

No, I've still got 2 more to smoke.

Quoted from richard.garvie

As for Vodafone, I think the council are playing a very dangerous game, and I believe we should be building relationships with Vodafone rather than seeming to be intent of driving them out of town with negative reporting.

What are you on about now?

Quoted from richard.garvie

I had a very usefull meeting with various people at the skateboard facility this evening and will now fully support the plans in there current form.

There were literally five people there in this "meeting" when I walked past.

Quoted from richard.garvie

I had a very usefull meeting with various people at the skateboard facility this evening and will now fully support the plans in there current form. What I will say is that the funding was secured for the purpose of rebuilding that facility, and after meeting the users who have campaigned for it I am confident that the right facility will now be built. Can I just say that the new facility will actually improve the visual appearence of the park, and is only a little larger than the existing one. I met an officer from the Town Council and I am extremely impressed, West Berks would do well to listen to his vision for the park.

So, is the funding actually there for this project, in the bank, and what about the restoration or repair of the other play facilities. Can I just ask why at this late stage you are calling a meeting of interested parties. Are you a "Friend of Victoria Park" a member of "The Skateboard Club" or just somebody jumping on the band waggon.

Quoted from user23.3

No, I've still got 2 more to smoke.

Quoted from user23.3

There were literally five people there in this "meeting" when I walked past.

That's the trouble: fair weather skateboarders! Spect Buzz was there grabbing big air or wot eva they do!    

Quoted from user23.3

There were literally five people there in this "meeting" when I walked past.

I would hate for you to be wrong again, but there were six people and a child, plus one late comer. You should of said hello or asked for some information (the information I offered to give you but you seemingly don't want now?)

Quoted from brian

So, is the funding actually there for this project, in the bank, and what about the restoration or repair of the other play facilities. Can I just ask why at this late stage you are calling a meeting of interested parties. Are you a "Friend of Victoria Park" a member of "The Skateboard Club" or just somebody jumping on the band waggon.

I will be joining the friends organisation, and yes the funding for the skate park was applied for and is in the bank. The final design will be chosen shortly I believe. I went to find out information, and clarify my own vision of an indoor facility. All of the concerns I have raised have now been addressed, and although I still feel that it's a lot of money, they applied for it and were awarded it so I wish them the best.

Quoted from Greenham Common

That's the trouble: fair weather skateboarders! Spect Buzz was there grabbing big air or wot eva they do!    

Buzz was present, and unlike User23 was actually brave enough to admit his identity. There was no airbending or shapeshifting because of the rain!!!  

Quoted from user23.3

There were literally five people there in this "meeting" when I walked past.

  You walked past and didn't introduce yourself ??? What a wus !! Actually that's kinda creepy - you really should have introduced yourself ! In fact you could have had a go at airing the spine whilst you were there, and who knows you may have enjoyed it !!

Quoted from richard.garvie

I would hate for you to be wrong again, but there were six people and a child, plus one late comer. You should of said hello or asked for some information (the information I offered to give you but you seemingly don't want now?)

Yes, I'll hold my hand up to this one I'm totally wrong here and the fact that there were not five but six people and, wait for it, a child at this much publicised meeting totally validates it and your entire proposal.  

Your meeting was some way away from my route home across the park and as I'd just done nine hours at work I wanted to go home and see my family.

Quite honestly when I saw there were only five people, sorry six and a child, most looking like bemused and unenthused as far as I could tell from a distance I thought there was little point in me taking a detour on my way home.

Quoted from user23.3

Quite honestly when I saw there were only five people, sorry six and a child, most looking like bemused and unenthused as far as I could tell from a distance I thought there was little point in me taking a detour on my way home.

Actually if we knew YOU would be there, we probably would have all come along !!!

Quoted from PaulaM

Actually if we knew YOU would be there, we probably would have all come along !!!

I bet you would, "What's that officer, oh, I'm going to play baseball in the park"  

Quoted from user23.3

I bet you would, "What's that officer, oh, I'm going to play baseball in the park"  

Quoted from richard.garvie

. I met an officer from the Town Council and I am extremely impressed, West Berks would do well to listen to his vision for the park.

Quoted from richard.garvie

How many elected members turned up??? ZERO!!!

If you are talking about a member of NTC permanent staff, was he there as a representative of NTC and if so, presumably was representing the council, or was he there in his own right and not a representative.
If he has an idea for the park there would be little point in him passing this on to WBC as they do not administer it. That falls to NTC although I must admit, the former have taken it upon themselves to trample over the town council to get their own way (Pavilion etc) and only informing them at a late stage what was going on.

I didn't ask, why???

Quoted from richard.garvie

I didn't ask, why???

It's important, if that was a reply to my question, to know if NTC are with you or have never heard of you.

PM sent Brian. I really don't know if anyone there was present in an official capacity, it was an informal chat. The people there were invited by one of the Skaters.

I very rarely, well never if were being honest, post on Internet Forums, whether they be Media, Community, Social or any other kind. Working in publishing for a local Newspaper, I’ am regularly exposed to different debates, or disputes as the case may be, on internet forums but my reading and forwarding on, along with a bit of behind the scenes journalism, is about as far as it goes. However, this time I just couldn't resist throwing my notepad in!!

I’ am highly intrigued, fascinated even and it would give me nothing but great pleasure to interview a certain Mr Garvie, just to find out what the game is if nothing else. I do feel however that I would be out of a job pretty sharpish if it was ever published!

Saying that your input in this, Richard, is for the good of the local community and nothing to do with personal gain is a bit of a fib isn’t it? It appears you aspire to become somewhat of a local celebrity, and seeing as though you seem to hip hop around the country from place to place making your ‘mark’, doesn’t exactly fill the long term residents of Newbury, Thatcham and the surrounding areas with confidence that you really want to ‘make a difference’, does it? From what I understand you’re originally from Corby, Northamptonshire. Do you not think you’re ‘Making a difference’ (becoming a household name!) would be better off spent there? Or have you burnt too many bridges and got too many people’s backs up there already??

If you were truly interested in bringing change and making a positive effort towards the things you are most passionate about, surely a little anonymity wouldn’t do much harm. But no, your name is everywhere, and not always in the most glowing light.

Quote - Thanks to the unique combination of the explosion of media outlets, it is easier than ever to become a household name. It does not matter whether one is famous or infamous, only that there is name recognition. And it seems you manage rather a lot of that Richard!! Without revealing too many details about your personal affairs of course, attempting to become a leader of West Berkshire Council, Broadcasting, if you can call it that, Television, Pub and Club Promotions, even entirely genuine ‘Charity Walks’! Your name really does pop up everywhere doesn’t it! Still, irritating people with your larger than average sized ego probably isn’t going to win you many groupies!

You are possibly the best example of everything a politician should never be. Why not just stick to the Z List radio Richard? You seem to have far more skills in broadcasting than you ever will in convincing people you are the best person to be leading their county. Still, might get a few more Google hits yet!


Oh, and P.S – Best of luck with ‘Dumbarton or Bust’. I’ll be sure to bag myself a copy, you know, for research purposes!

FFS, another almost pointless personal attack!

I don't give s**t what Richard Garvies (RG) motives are; if he inspires debate and gets people thinking about local issues all power to him.  It has been DEAD boring round here until RG joined in.

I would imagine a number of us are more knowledgeable about local current affairs now, than before he joined.  Whether to his benefit or not.

If I wanted to get famous, the last place I'd do that is to get into politics and f**k about in a town like Newbury with its grass-chewing idiots who will only ever vote for one of two parties.

Quoted from brian

I I'm still not convinced he is a WBC employee unless he is in actual fact the CEO in disguise, winding up the locals anonymously.

i'll tell you one thing for nothing...it isn't me under a different name, I promise!!!

How dare you!       

Quoted from gemweaver

You are possibly the best example of everything a politician should never be.

Spot on, the last thing we need is a fame hungry politician in it for their own personal reputation. To mix metaphors it seems Richard has stuck his foot in every pie going.

Quoted from Greenham Common

I would imagine a number of us are more knowledgeable about local current affairs now, than before he joined.  Whether to his benefit or not.

Hardly, he doesn't seem to know much about anything, this thread is testament to that with brian having to explain what's happening on various things.

Quoted from user23.3

Spot on, the last thing we need is a fame hungry politician in it for their own personal reputation.

That wipes out the West Berks Council then!

Quoted from user23.3

Hardly, he doesn't seem to know much about anything, this thread is testament to that with brian having to explain what's happening on various things.

Clearly you didn't understand: because of the debate, information has been forth coming (like from brian and David Allen for instance).  Nothing to do with RG's knowledge.  Had RG not posted, these people wouldn't have had the opportunity to post as they did.  That is assuming they themselves are accurate with their information!

All I can say it's a shame out local newspaper doesn't PRINT such hard hitting articles.  Instead we are fed with such "headline" news as "local locksmith loans customer money" - which was no doubt mis-quoted and full of spelling mistakes too .... all for 60p  

Quoted from gemweaver

Working in publishing for a local Newspaper

Would that be the NWN - a paper that, amongst others, User23 a council employee frequently lambastes for lazy reporting?? Perhaps you should get out more!

I've heard it all now, the NWN is biased towards the local councils?

Quoted from gemweaver

I very rarely, well never if were being honest, post on Internet Forums,

Wow, to think you have been storing up all that bilious hatred. It's a wonder you haven't blown a gasket.

I'd be surprised if gemweaver was a new poster without any other account on here already.

Quoted from 26

Wow, to think you have been storing up all that bilious hatred. It's a wonder you haven't blown a gasket.

  That will be the press for you ....... mmm who shall we pick on this week ?

Quoted from 26

Wow, to think you have been storing up all that bilious hatred. It's a wonder you haven't blown a gasket.

Eh?

Seems pretty fair comment to me on our newest fame hungry radio DJ / local politician.

Apparently this is the baby - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=240906&id=11876251262

Looks good to me, there are also kids chatting on various skating websites - they can't wait to visit it !

Quoted from PaulaM

Apparently this is the baby - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=240906&id=11876251262

Looks good to me, there are also kids chatting on various skating websites - they can't wait to visit it !

There will be a full press release from Newbury Town Council tomorrow (Tuesday 26th).

Blimey! That's big!

Also, What a shame that next to this new skate park will sit a rapidly decaying childrens play park, with rides that are becoming dangerous and no signs of replacement on the horizon. What a pity.

Quoted from massifheed

Blimey! That's big!

Also, What a shame that next to this new skate park will sit a rapidly decaying childrens play park, with rides that are becoming dangerous and no signs of replacement on the horizon. What a pity.

Without wishing to preempt an announcement from NTC, There May be some good news in this direction as well. Watch this space!

Any news as to whether the skate park will have timer cladding?

Quoted from user23.3

Any news as to whether the skate park will have timer cladding?

What's that?  Do you mean timber?

Quoted from Greenham Common

What's that?  Do you mean timber?

Yes. Do you think it might get "rammed"?

Quoted from user23.3

Yes. Do you think it might get "rammed"?

You never know with the building industry!  Or do you mean it will be popular?