The difference between that of Lord Robert Baden-Powell and Brian Woolgar, Chairman of Poole District Scout Council is almost indistinguishable in the photographs he holds out to me.
“That’s Baden-Powell as he was in 1907,” he says with an air of mischief in his voice. “And that’s Baden-Powell in 2007!”
He offers me a picture of himself, head held high in a flat cap, bearing an uncanny resemblance to that of the weathered black and white photo he managed to obtain from the Daily Mail all those years ago.
This little episode would utterly characterise Brian Woolgar: a smartly-dressed, well-spoken and gentle-natured man, but his congenital playfulness does not escape much of his conversation, and his tales of scouting escapades and travelling anecdotes leave him chuckling like a young man as he recalls each one.
“I remember when I first went to Germany for work, and I was so proud that I could speak the language.
“I asked if I could have a return ticket at the train station, and of course, the ticket salesman replied in English!” he recalls.
“Another time, I was having an argument with a German-speaking colleague, and all the lads were laughing. What I hadn’t realised was that I was shouting in German, while my opponent was replying in English!”
Brian has been involved in the Scouts for around a quarter of the time that they have been in existence- 25 years. It was at the Centenary, which was held on Poole’s very own Brownsea Island, that he dressed up as the legendary Lord Baden-Powell, who formed the first ever group of Scouts. Scouts are now present in every country in the world but six.
Brian is a busy man. He has five titles in total, so it is well that he is now in retirement. He is a Curator of Brownsea Island Scouting Museum, and a Member of both the Brownsea Island and Poole Scout Fellowships.
When I arrive at the house, a caravan is sitting on the drive.
“Oh we love it,” says Brian. “We go wherever we please, although not as much as we please.
“We spent five weeks in Scotland over the summer, and the weather was lovely.”
It is evident that Brian’s dedication to the Scouts has passed through to his two sons, both of which attended Scouts and still meet with their former Scouting buddies of a Wednesday evening.
Son Adam, 42 told me:
“Scouting and my dad always go together in my childhood memories.
My brother and I got involved from a very young age, and we loved it.
I still love it now, I was a Scout until I was twenty-one!”
His daughter Alison, whose son attends a Scout group said:
“I think Dad will keep doing things for the Scouts until he can’t anymore.
It’s a worthwhile thing, and I’m very proud.”
Brian talks animatedly about all of his children, and grandchildren.
“Our daughter Alison, she was an assistant Scout Leader…” he says loudly.
“Guide Leader!” interrupts Barbara.
“Things aren’t the same as they were; there isn’t so much time for family any more,” she says.
“We used to have Sundays- we’d stay in and Brian would do things around the house, and the children would play.”
A keen landscape photographer, Brian lives on top of a hill overlooking much of Poole, and values the position of the couple’s cosy little bungalow. He photographed the Scout Centenary that was held last year on Brownsea Island, the photos from which are now up in various Scout halls throughout Poole.
“I’m a member of the University of the Third Age; I run a photography class on Monday mornings.
“And I do the photography for the Horticultural Society shows.
“I frequently get asked to do photographs. Won’t do weddings though,” he says.
“Too much responsibility.”
He looks at me over large round spectacles with a twinkle.
We talk briefly about cameras and I fear he’s gone off on a tangent, but he suddenly turns to Barbara who sits patiently opposite us.
“I know I recently got asked to do something else… what was that, Barbara?”
Silence.
“… Well you do so much, dear!” says Barbara. We all laugh.
“That was presented to me last… February, was it?” he says, wandering back from the cabinet at the other end of the living room, and hands me his Poole Achievement Award.
Brian has been often recognised for his voluntary work, and has raised tens of thousands of pounds for the Scouts.
It was Brian who managed to fundraise £35,000 to have the statue of Lord Baden-Powell erected on Poole Quay, as well being responsible for the commissioning of it.
“Each sculptor had a two-hour interview, and they had their CVs and ideas.
“We selected David Annand, and the most important thing that he had on his CV was the fact that he had been a Scout for twelve years himself. “
Clearly, Brian puts total trust in the values that the Scouts impart on their boys, and quite recently girls.
“It’s getting on for 15 years since girls were allowed in.
“There are some troops that won’t allow girls in but it is against the rules,” he says.
“Girls can join at any level. They can go into the Beavers, which is the youngest entry.
“No reason why they shouldn’t!”
Brian tells me that Scout Leaders are few on the ground at the moment.
“Current legislation being what it is, people are reluctant to come forward.
“Parents used to come in on a natural progression into Scouting.
“Just coming along and supporting their youngster, and gradually getting almost sucked in.
“But they can’t do that anymore, they have to go through processes, and CRB checks and interviews.
“That’s just the way it is these days.”
Fondly known as Poole’s expert, Brian also gives talks to various clubs and societies on the beginnings of Scouting.
“We’ve got things going back to the Boer War in 1899 in the museum.
“Lord Baden-Powell was the hero of Mafeking, so there were lots of memorabilia produced roundabout the 1900s when he came back.
“The seeds of scouting were sown at the time of the siege, because there were lots of children in the town, and Baden-Powell got boys involved in running errands for the troops, then he came back and met up with William Smith, who was the founder of the Boys Brigade, and they swapped ideas.
“Baden-Powell realised that what William Smith was doing wasn’t general enough, so he decided to run an experimental camp.”
Leaning forward in his chair, Brian relates how Baden-Powell was on a fishing trip in Scotland when he met a couple who happened to own Brownsea Island, and they offered it to him for his ‘experiment’. So in August 1907, 20 boys- seven working class and the other ten from high class backgrounds, were packed off to Brownsea.
“Have you seen the inscription on the plaque at the Quay?” Brian asks me, taking off his glasses with a wry smile.
“Baden-Powell says they were like plums mixed in a pudding, as they certainly still are today.”
Thursday 17 December 2009
Friday 11 December 2009
"EU nations are set to commit more than €2bn (£1.8bn) a year to help poorer countries cope with global warming, the leaders of Britain and France indicated today as they sought to bolster UN climate talks in Copenhagen.
The UK prime minister, Gordon Brown, and president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, said their two countries would contribute the bulk of that sum and were trying to persuade smaller members of the 27-state European Union to pledge more."
Good start, yes- but are the "smaller members" going to commit?
"Smaller eastern European states are reluctant to donate as they struggle with public sector debt and rising unemployment in the wake of the financial crisis."
"There are few moments in history when nations are summoned to common decisions that will reshape the lives of men and women potentially for generations to come," Brown said.
What I don't understand is why there is an element of uncertainty to what Brown is saying- crazy campaigners aside, climate change is real, and happening now and everyone knows it. He's there doing his bit, but he needs to show the public that he isn't there because he has to be, but that he believes that what he is saying is actually true.
More to come.
The UK prime minister, Gordon Brown, and president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, said their two countries would contribute the bulk of that sum and were trying to persuade smaller members of the 27-state European Union to pledge more."
Good start, yes- but are the "smaller members" going to commit?
"Smaller eastern European states are reluctant to donate as they struggle with public sector debt and rising unemployment in the wake of the financial crisis."
"There are few moments in history when nations are summoned to common decisions that will reshape the lives of men and women potentially for generations to come," Brown said.
What I don't understand is why there is an element of uncertainty to what Brown is saying- crazy campaigners aside, climate change is real, and happening now and everyone knows it. He's there doing his bit, but he needs to show the public that he isn't there because he has to be, but that he believes that what he is saying is actually true.
More to come.
Saturday 5 December 2009
Are we too speedy for our own good?
I had the privilege of visiting Sky News yesterday with my course mates and we were shown around by Rob Kirk who looks after the placement scheme. I had a very interesting conversation with him concerning the Lockerbie bomber mistake, and the problems the new media environment is encountering in terms of staying objective and being as quick as possible- Sky being "first for breaking news". His view matched that of Sean Maguire, a reporter for Reuters, who wrote a blog called "Are we now too speedy for our own good?"
http://blogs.reuters.com/reuters-editors/2009/10/27/are-we-now-too-speedy-for-our-own-good/
In it, he says that when Reuters followed Sky with the Lockerbie story, someone said the following to him: "Reuters has lost its ethical bearings. You’ve sacrificed the sacred tenet of accuracy by rushing to publish information without checking if it is true. Your credibility has suffered, the value of your brand will wither and the service you offer to clients has been devalued."
My first thought was 'Bloody cheek!'The audience who matter are not children. In this day and age, they must understand that breaking news is, exactly as Maguire writes ever-changing and on the ball for that particular second in time. And with organisations like Sky and Reuters, it literally is seconds.
"Real-time readers understand breaking news is contingent, uncertain and provisional," he says.
As long as it employs traditional news values so as to keep evolving mediums as objective as possible and as balanced as it can be, then where does credibility come into it? Not at all I'd say. Indeed, Rob Kirk made a point of telling me that in Scotland yard, Sky is the channel on all of the televisions, for the exact point that they know that Sky will be the quickest. Good on them I say.
http://blogs.reuters.com/reuters-editors/2009/10/27/are-we-now-too-speedy-for-our-own-good/
In it, he says that when Reuters followed Sky with the Lockerbie story, someone said the following to him: "Reuters has lost its ethical bearings. You’ve sacrificed the sacred tenet of accuracy by rushing to publish information without checking if it is true. Your credibility has suffered, the value of your brand will wither and the service you offer to clients has been devalued."
My first thought was 'Bloody cheek!'The audience who matter are not children. In this day and age, they must understand that breaking news is, exactly as Maguire writes ever-changing and on the ball for that particular second in time. And with organisations like Sky and Reuters, it literally is seconds.
"Real-time readers understand breaking news is contingent, uncertain and provisional," he says.
As long as it employs traditional news values so as to keep evolving mediums as objective as possible and as balanced as it can be, then where does credibility come into it? Not at all I'd say. Indeed, Rob Kirk made a point of telling me that in Scotland yard, Sky is the channel on all of the televisions, for the exact point that they know that Sky will be the quickest. Good on them I say.
Friday 20 November 2009
Online Journalism Practice
A Bournemouth man has pleaded guilty to forgery, after a barmaid refused to accept one of his homemade pound coins, a court heard today.
Unemployed Donald Stuart of Folkestone Close, Winton, was at the Madison Bar in Bournemouth when Mandy Rogers noticed that one of the coins he handed her was “too light, and a strange colour”, magistrates heard from prosecutor Duncan Smith.
At this point the tills were checked and no fewer than 31 similar coins were found.
Upon arrival at Stuart’s home, police found a whole array of forging equipment and materials, claimed to have been given to him by friends.
Mr Barry Stewart, defending, said:
“My client does not know what came over him or why he should have taken such stupid advice.
He went out for the night intending to enjoy himself.
This is the first time he has been in trouble, and, as I say, he deeply regrets the affair.”
Stuart has been sentenced to six months in jail for forgery and possession of substances used to forge counterfeit coins.
Unemployed Donald Stuart of Folkestone Close, Winton, was at the Madison Bar in Bournemouth when Mandy Rogers noticed that one of the coins he handed her was “too light, and a strange colour”, magistrates heard from prosecutor Duncan Smith.
At this point the tills were checked and no fewer than 31 similar coins were found.
Upon arrival at Stuart’s home, police found a whole array of forging equipment and materials, claimed to have been given to him by friends.
Mr Barry Stewart, defending, said:
“My client does not know what came over him or why he should have taken such stupid advice.
He went out for the night intending to enjoy himself.
This is the first time he has been in trouble, and, as I say, he deeply regrets the affair.”
Stuart has been sentenced to six months in jail for forgery and possession of substances used to forge counterfeit coins.
Profile Feature Practice- Ten Minutes Stalking a Librarian
An arm swings at her side as she walks purposefully over to a colleague, throws her head back in whispered laughter, then listens with eyebrows raised and mouth slightly open, an attentive hand on his wrist.
The step back and firm nod indicates her distraction- she must get back to work.
Squinting hard, she picks up a book and chews on a hangnail painted black, like her uniform.
Looking up, she whispers:
“Can I help you?”
The sentence betrays a brusqueness not seen in her smiling face.
Her brow furrowed in concentration, she smoothes out the wrinkles in a laminated paperback, scans its spine and slots it firmly between two others. Dyed blonde hair falls forward and she tucks it back revealing hooped earrings, made up eyes moving quickly over the scattered books.
In the silence, she looks up and mimes something to a co-worker, her lips form words she doesn’t sound and make big shapes distorting her face.
He shrugs and shakes his head, undaunted. She waves it away; then rocks back on her heels, blowing air between her teeth in a syncopated rhythm. A pop tune? But her full attention remains on her work, her face calm and concentrated. A woman’s work is never done.
The step back and firm nod indicates her distraction- she must get back to work.
Squinting hard, she picks up a book and chews on a hangnail painted black, like her uniform.
Looking up, she whispers:
“Can I help you?”
The sentence betrays a brusqueness not seen in her smiling face.
Her brow furrowed in concentration, she smoothes out the wrinkles in a laminated paperback, scans its spine and slots it firmly between two others. Dyed blonde hair falls forward and she tucks it back revealing hooped earrings, made up eyes moving quickly over the scattered books.
In the silence, she looks up and mimes something to a co-worker, her lips form words she doesn’t sound and make big shapes distorting her face.
He shrugs and shakes his head, undaunted. She waves it away; then rocks back on her heels, blowing air between her teeth in a syncopated rhythm. A pop tune? But her full attention remains on her work, her face calm and concentrated. A woman’s work is never done.
Online Journalism Assignment
ONLINE JOURNALISM STORY
Bournemouth residents are being given the chance to choose where their councillors spend the budget, in light of a £6m cut in government funding.
The poll will be available until December the 8th, and will come into effect for two years from 2010.
Cllr John Beesley, Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
“To help us make these difficult but necessary decisions, we’re consulting the public on a range of proposals.
“This is about finding solutions that are the least unacceptable to our residents, so it’s important that people take part and make the most of this chance to influence our decisions.”
In what has been referred to as a ‘virtual budgeting hot-seat’, those who take part will decide where they would reduce costs on various public services.
Options available in the multiple-choice survey known as SIMALTO (Simultaneous Alternate Level Trade-offs), include cutting down on CCTV cameras, road and pavement repairs, grass-cutting, street-cleaning and closing youth centres or day centres for older people.
Mr Darren Mentry, manager of Castlepoint Town Centre in Bournemouth, highlighted the recent increase in crime on the Rossmore estate.
“If they decrease CCTV I don’t know how on earth we’ll keep vandalism and night-crime down- look at Rossmore.”
Bournemouth PC Mike Brett, said:
“We all want the town to look inviting, but safety is the issue.
“I hope people will realise that the CCTV cameras need to stay, and pick another option.
“The police are working really hard to make Bournemouth completely crime-free.”
Robert Eldridge, 83, of Pitwines Close argued:
“I should think that day centres are the only contact some people make outside their homes.
“It would be such a shame to close one.”
Young mother Amelia Moore, of Wimborne Road, asked:
“Does it really cost that much to keep the youth centres open?
“We need somewhere to keep the kids off the streets.
“Who cares if the grass is too long?”
SIMALTO takes about twenty minutes to complete online at www.bournemouth.gov.uk/budget, and thirty face-to-face sessions will take place in local community centres for people who need assistance. Call the Consultation team on 01202 454959 for more information.
END
Press release, www.bournemouth.gov.uk
Can the town get by with less CCTV cameras? What if we need to make road and pavement repairs less of a priority? Do we really need to cut grass verges so frequently? Should we clean the streets and pick up litter less often? Or close a youth centre or a day centre for older people?
These are some of the hard – and real – options that Councillors have to consider over the coming months, as we prepare for a huge squeeze on Council budgets for the next two years and beyond.
But before we decide, we want to hear from the public.
Cllr John Beesley, Cabinet Member for Resources said, “To help us make these difficult but necessary decisions, we’re consulting the public on a range of proposals. Their opinions will influence our decision-making when the budget is set next February.” He continued, “Some people may be surprised at the range of services we are having to consider reducing. We understand that some residents may not be happy with the proposals, but I must stress that these options are only being considered as a result of the expected significant cut to our grant from central Government. This is about finding solutions that are the least unacceptable to our residents, so it’s important that people take part and make the most of this chance to influence our decisions.” Cllr Beesley also said, “We are taking a two-year approach to enable the Council to cope with the anticipated cuts in government grant and increased demand for services. With so many people struggling with their finances during the recession – particularly young families and the elderly - we are determined to keep rises in Council tax down to an acceptable level. To emphasise this, we have made efficiency savings of over £7million in the past two years.”
The consultation, known as SIMALTO (Simultaneous Alternate Level Trade-offs), is taking place both online at www.bournemouth.gov.uk/budget , and in community venues, from 12 November until 8 December. It gives participants a range of options for cost savings by reducing certain services and puts participants in a ‘virtual’ budgeting hot-seat, asking them to prioritise various services over others. It will take about 20 minutes to complete online.
Thirty face-to-face sessions will take place in local community centres for people who need assistance or have difficulty using a computer. Pick up a leaflet in your local community centre or library for details, or call the Consultation and Engagement team on 01202 454959 for more information.
Young mum Amelia Moore, age 27, 01202 421233, Wimbourne Road
CLLR John Beesley, Cabinet Member for Resources
Address: 7 Elm Gardens, Bournemouth, BH4 9JL, Telephone (01202) 762403 Mobile 07860 391219 mEmail john.beesley@bournemouth.gov.uk
PC Darren Brett, 01202 481248
Robert Eldridge, age 83, 01202 564830, Winton Road
Manager of Castlepoint Mr Darren Mentry, 01202 510050
Bournemouth residents are being given the chance to choose where their councillors spend the budget, in light of a £6m cut in government funding.
The poll will be available until December the 8th, and will come into effect for two years from 2010.
Cllr John Beesley, Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
“To help us make these difficult but necessary decisions, we’re consulting the public on a range of proposals.
“This is about finding solutions that are the least unacceptable to our residents, so it’s important that people take part and make the most of this chance to influence our decisions.”
In what has been referred to as a ‘virtual budgeting hot-seat’, those who take part will decide where they would reduce costs on various public services.
Options available in the multiple-choice survey known as SIMALTO (Simultaneous Alternate Level Trade-offs), include cutting down on CCTV cameras, road and pavement repairs, grass-cutting, street-cleaning and closing youth centres or day centres for older people.
Mr Darren Mentry, manager of Castlepoint Town Centre in Bournemouth, highlighted the recent increase in crime on the Rossmore estate.
“If they decrease CCTV I don’t know how on earth we’ll keep vandalism and night-crime down- look at Rossmore.”
Bournemouth PC Mike Brett, said:
“We all want the town to look inviting, but safety is the issue.
“I hope people will realise that the CCTV cameras need to stay, and pick another option.
“The police are working really hard to make Bournemouth completely crime-free.”
Robert Eldridge, 83, of Pitwines Close argued:
“I should think that day centres are the only contact some people make outside their homes.
“It would be such a shame to close one.”
Young mother Amelia Moore, of Wimborne Road, asked:
“Does it really cost that much to keep the youth centres open?
“We need somewhere to keep the kids off the streets.
“Who cares if the grass is too long?”
SIMALTO takes about twenty minutes to complete online at www.bournemouth.gov.uk/budget, and thirty face-to-face sessions will take place in local community centres for people who need assistance. Call the Consultation team on 01202 454959 for more information.
END
Press release, www.bournemouth.gov.uk
Can the town get by with less CCTV cameras? What if we need to make road and pavement repairs less of a priority? Do we really need to cut grass verges so frequently? Should we clean the streets and pick up litter less often? Or close a youth centre or a day centre for older people?
These are some of the hard – and real – options that Councillors have to consider over the coming months, as we prepare for a huge squeeze on Council budgets for the next two years and beyond.
But before we decide, we want to hear from the public.
Cllr John Beesley, Cabinet Member for Resources said, “To help us make these difficult but necessary decisions, we’re consulting the public on a range of proposals. Their opinions will influence our decision-making when the budget is set next February.” He continued, “Some people may be surprised at the range of services we are having to consider reducing. We understand that some residents may not be happy with the proposals, but I must stress that these options are only being considered as a result of the expected significant cut to our grant from central Government. This is about finding solutions that are the least unacceptable to our residents, so it’s important that people take part and make the most of this chance to influence our decisions.” Cllr Beesley also said, “We are taking a two-year approach to enable the Council to cope with the anticipated cuts in government grant and increased demand for services. With so many people struggling with their finances during the recession – particularly young families and the elderly - we are determined to keep rises in Council tax down to an acceptable level. To emphasise this, we have made efficiency savings of over £7million in the past two years.”
The consultation, known as SIMALTO (Simultaneous Alternate Level Trade-offs), is taking place both online at www.bournemouth.gov.uk/budget , and in community venues, from 12 November until 8 December. It gives participants a range of options for cost savings by reducing certain services and puts participants in a ‘virtual’ budgeting hot-seat, asking them to prioritise various services over others. It will take about 20 minutes to complete online.
Thirty face-to-face sessions will take place in local community centres for people who need assistance or have difficulty using a computer. Pick up a leaflet in your local community centre or library for details, or call the Consultation and Engagement team on 01202 454959 for more information.
Young mum Amelia Moore, age 27, 01202 421233, Wimbourne Road
CLLR John Beesley, Cabinet Member for Resources
Address: 7 Elm Gardens, Bournemouth, BH4 9JL, Telephone (01202) 762403 Mobile 07860 391219 mEmail john.beesley@bournemouth.gov.uk
PC Darren Brett, 01202 481248
Robert Eldridge, age 83, 01202 564830, Winton Road
Manager of Castlepoint Mr Darren Mentry, 01202 510050
Court Story Practice
You are reporting court proceedings at Weymouth Magistrates, and note down the following case where the defendant Watson has admitted the charges against him. Write a court report news story (250 – 300 words) from your notes as outlined below.
Remember – you are looking for a NEWSY* intro paragraph; removing jargon but remaining accurate; not introducing or implying any new information other than that which is given during the proceedings.
You should use at least one full quote from both prosecution and defence.
Fact sheet
Name: Joseph Watson
Age: 19
Address: Wesley Close, Charminster
Occupation: mechanic
Charges: 1 x assault; 1 x causing criminal damage
Plea: guilty
Result: ordered to carry out an 18-month community rehabilitation order and aggression replacement training. Also ordered to pay £150 compensation to Michael Colman.
PROSECUTION: Tim O’Sullivan says: “On October 30 at approximately 2pm, Watson was driving his Mazda 323 along the A35 at Charminster when he pulled up alongside a Ford Fiesta, driven by Michael Colman. He proceeded to wind down his window and produced an iron bar. He then used this to strike Mr Colman’s Ford Fiesta several times. This resulted in a smashed window and also caused a small piece of glass to hit Mr Colman just below his right eye. This resulted in a small cut.”
DEFENCE: Simon Lacey says: “There has been for some time a degree of bad feeling between these two gentlemen, the root of which I am not privy to. However, the assault on Mr Colman with the piece of broken glass was not intentional but just a consequence of Mr Watson breaking the window. Mr Watson does have problems with anger management and now knows he needs to do something about it.”
Comment from magistrate James Long: “Your offence of assault was aggravated by the iron bar. I am of a mind to accept the submission of Mr Lacey regarding anger management therapy for you.
(Mr Long makes the orders as listed in ‘result’ above)
A Dorset mechanic has been ordered to attend anger management classes after he smashed up a car with an iron bar whilst driving down the A35.
Joseph Watson, 19, was forced to pay £150 compensation to Michael Colman, who was driving his Ford Fiesta through Charminster last month when the teenager pulled up beside him and struck the car.
Tim O’Sullivan, prosecuting, said:
“On October 30 at approximately 2pm, Watson was driving his Mazda 323 along the A35 at Charminster when he pulled up alongside a Ford Fiesta, driven by Michael Colman.
“He proceeded to wind down his window and produced an iron bar. He then used this to strike Mr Colman’s Ford Fiesta several times.”
Simon Lacey, defending, said:
“The assault on Mr Colman with the piece of broken glass was not intentional but just a consequence of Mr Watson breaking the window.
“Mr Watson does have problems with anger management and now knows he needs to do something about it.”
Remember – you are looking for a NEWSY* intro paragraph; removing jargon but remaining accurate; not introducing or implying any new information other than that which is given during the proceedings.
You should use at least one full quote from both prosecution and defence.
Fact sheet
Name: Joseph Watson
Age: 19
Address: Wesley Close, Charminster
Occupation: mechanic
Charges: 1 x assault; 1 x causing criminal damage
Plea: guilty
Result: ordered to carry out an 18-month community rehabilitation order and aggression replacement training. Also ordered to pay £150 compensation to Michael Colman.
PROSECUTION: Tim O’Sullivan says: “On October 30 at approximately 2pm, Watson was driving his Mazda 323 along the A35 at Charminster when he pulled up alongside a Ford Fiesta, driven by Michael Colman. He proceeded to wind down his window and produced an iron bar. He then used this to strike Mr Colman’s Ford Fiesta several times. This resulted in a smashed window and also caused a small piece of glass to hit Mr Colman just below his right eye. This resulted in a small cut.”
DEFENCE: Simon Lacey says: “There has been for some time a degree of bad feeling between these two gentlemen, the root of which I am not privy to. However, the assault on Mr Colman with the piece of broken glass was not intentional but just a consequence of Mr Watson breaking the window. Mr Watson does have problems with anger management and now knows he needs to do something about it.”
Comment from magistrate James Long: “Your offence of assault was aggravated by the iron bar. I am of a mind to accept the submission of Mr Lacey regarding anger management therapy for you.
(Mr Long makes the orders as listed in ‘result’ above)
A Dorset mechanic has been ordered to attend anger management classes after he smashed up a car with an iron bar whilst driving down the A35.
Joseph Watson, 19, was forced to pay £150 compensation to Michael Colman, who was driving his Ford Fiesta through Charminster last month when the teenager pulled up beside him and struck the car.
Tim O’Sullivan, prosecuting, said:
“On October 30 at approximately 2pm, Watson was driving his Mazda 323 along the A35 at Charminster when he pulled up alongside a Ford Fiesta, driven by Michael Colman.
“He proceeded to wind down his window and produced an iron bar. He then used this to strike Mr Colman’s Ford Fiesta several times.”
Simon Lacey, defending, said:
“The assault on Mr Colman with the piece of broken glass was not intentional but just a consequence of Mr Watson breaking the window.
“Mr Watson does have problems with anger management and now knows he needs to do something about it.”
Thursday 19 November 2009
ASBO Parents and The Queen's Speech
An issue in the Queen's Speech coincided with an interview I conducted this morning and was touched upon by the Guardian- kids with ASBOs, and their parents. Admittedly, I was a problem child (to nowhere near that extent fortunately) and I thoroughly believe that it was my self-righteous stuck-up C of E school which led me to go off down the path to Hell... well, not so much Hell as down to the bottom tennis courts to smoke.
But is it the parents' fault? Yes, they should definitely receive what the Queen referred to as "help", but help to accomplish what exactly? To gain the authority in the home to prevent their children from becoming little eejits; help with coping with the ones that are unsalvageable; or with "good parenting"? T'was unclear.
The interview I mentioned was with Ian Cooke, who heads various Anti-Social Behaviour Task Group schemes at Poole Council where they've recently had to extend the dispersal order to quite a larger area of the town. I discussed with him where he thought the problem fundamentally stems from and he was vague on the subject (the camera was on him) and he didn't seem to want to place blame. Of course, in some cases the parents Will be to blame but in others they will be at their wits end and it's really very sad. When asked about the relevance to the current economic climate he brushed somewhat over it, saying "Well, people will steal if they don't have the money to buy the things they need."
Either way, it's an impossible situation, what with the huge budget cuts in government funding which are expected for both Poole and Bournemouth- 10%, Cooke quoted. How on earth will the Councils afford to keep the youth centres and the CCTV running, the police patrolling, and ultimately the kids off the streets?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/queens-speech
But is it the parents' fault? Yes, they should definitely receive what the Queen referred to as "help", but help to accomplish what exactly? To gain the authority in the home to prevent their children from becoming little eejits; help with coping with the ones that are unsalvageable; or with "good parenting"? T'was unclear.
The interview I mentioned was with Ian Cooke, who heads various Anti-Social Behaviour Task Group schemes at Poole Council where they've recently had to extend the dispersal order to quite a larger area of the town. I discussed with him where he thought the problem fundamentally stems from and he was vague on the subject (the camera was on him) and he didn't seem to want to place blame. Of course, in some cases the parents Will be to blame but in others they will be at their wits end and it's really very sad. When asked about the relevance to the current economic climate he brushed somewhat over it, saying "Well, people will steal if they don't have the money to buy the things they need."
Either way, it's an impossible situation, what with the huge budget cuts in government funding which are expected for both Poole and Bournemouth- 10%, Cooke quoted. How on earth will the Councils afford to keep the youth centres and the CCTV running, the police patrolling, and ultimately the kids off the streets?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/queens-speech
Monday 2 November 2009
Talbot School for Special Needs
Parents of disabled children are angry and worried today after it emerged that the Talbot School for Special Needs is to be moved to a new site over ten miles away.
The school is to be merged in part with Bournemouth High School, a comprehensive school in the next town.
Sarah Jane Smith, mother of 12-year old Jamie who suffers from Down’s Syndrome, said:
“I’m not okay with it, and my biggest concern is bullying.
I’m worried Jamie will come back with a black eye, or worse.
Plus it takes time to adjust, he knows the local area well.”
Mrs Smith also expressed concerns about the cost and frequency of transport to the new town.
Adam Smith, Head of Children’s Strategic Services at Bournemouth Borough Council said in response:
“We’re thinking about the possibility of extra bus services to accommodate this change.”
The transfer was suggested after a review of the school brought its lack of space and crumbling facilities to light.
The children will spend break and lunchtimes in a communal playground, and use the same gymnasium as pupils from Bournemouth High, which is run by headmistress Tara Olivias.
“My school is very well-respected and bullying is rare.
A survey was carried out and the vote to integrate with the Talbot School was unanimous.
We think that it will benefit everyone.”
Mary Millingham, headteacher of the Talbot School said:
“There will be bigger opportunities, and lots of pros. I feel that this is a positive move for all involved.”
The school is to be merged in part with Bournemouth High School, a comprehensive school in the next town.
Sarah Jane Smith, mother of 12-year old Jamie who suffers from Down’s Syndrome, said:
“I’m not okay with it, and my biggest concern is bullying.
I’m worried Jamie will come back with a black eye, or worse.
Plus it takes time to adjust, he knows the local area well.”
Mrs Smith also expressed concerns about the cost and frequency of transport to the new town.
Adam Smith, Head of Children’s Strategic Services at Bournemouth Borough Council said in response:
“We’re thinking about the possibility of extra bus services to accommodate this change.”
The transfer was suggested after a review of the school brought its lack of space and crumbling facilities to light.
The children will spend break and lunchtimes in a communal playground, and use the same gymnasium as pupils from Bournemouth High, which is run by headmistress Tara Olivias.
“My school is very well-respected and bullying is rare.
A survey was carried out and the vote to integrate with the Talbot School was unanimous.
We think that it will benefit everyone.”
Mary Millingham, headteacher of the Talbot School said:
“There will be bigger opportunities, and lots of pros. I feel that this is a positive move for all involved.”
Rossmore Estate
Rossmore residents have learned that there is to be an extension of a Dispersal Order after a gang of wild youths stepped up their anti-social behaviour.
One local mother has reported increasing incidents of criminal damage, drunken and disorderly behaviour, littering, noise, intimidation and abuse.
“I called the police a number of times, and they haven’t even bothered to come round.
They’re completely useless.
They don’t seem to realise that up until now these kids have been ruining our lives.
I just hope that this extension does the trick.”
The order, which gives police the power to break up groups of two or more, was extended yesterday to cover, in total, much of the Bourne Estate.
Offenders could face arrest, a fine and even a prison sentence if they refuse to comply with police commands.
The news comes just days after the Daily Echo reported a new craze among youths of carrying chains on their backs to aid the infliction of vandalism.
Previous hotspots have included Tesco Express in Herbert Avenue and the grounds of the Church of the Good Shepherd since July.
Reverend Tim Gomm said of the situation:
“It is absolutely beyond me.
Youngsters these days just don’t have enough guidance, and contaminating a holy building is appalling, to say the least.”
The focus of the order is on a small group of “young adults”, according to Poole council and Dorset Police, who jointly agreed the order.
Inspector Adrian King, Poole North section commander for Dorset Police, said:
“I’m confident the extended order will continue to reduce anti-social behaviour and make residents safer and feel safer.”
Ian Cooke, the council’s acting community safety manager, said the known group “will not be tolerated”.
The order is due to run until April 23 2010.
One local mother has reported increasing incidents of criminal damage, drunken and disorderly behaviour, littering, noise, intimidation and abuse.
“I called the police a number of times, and they haven’t even bothered to come round.
They’re completely useless.
They don’t seem to realise that up until now these kids have been ruining our lives.
I just hope that this extension does the trick.”
The order, which gives police the power to break up groups of two or more, was extended yesterday to cover, in total, much of the Bourne Estate.
Offenders could face arrest, a fine and even a prison sentence if they refuse to comply with police commands.
The news comes just days after the Daily Echo reported a new craze among youths of carrying chains on their backs to aid the infliction of vandalism.
Previous hotspots have included Tesco Express in Herbert Avenue and the grounds of the Church of the Good Shepherd since July.
Reverend Tim Gomm said of the situation:
“It is absolutely beyond me.
Youngsters these days just don’t have enough guidance, and contaminating a holy building is appalling, to say the least.”
The focus of the order is on a small group of “young adults”, according to Poole council and Dorset Police, who jointly agreed the order.
Inspector Adrian King, Poole North section commander for Dorset Police, said:
“I’m confident the extended order will continue to reduce anti-social behaviour and make residents safer and feel safer.”
Ian Cooke, the council’s acting community safety manager, said the known group “will not be tolerated”.
The order is due to run until April 23 2010.
Sunday 25 October 2009
Nick... Griffin
Ok, so Question Time turned out to be more of a witch-hunt than a debate- Straw was bloody useless and Dimbleby flailed in the background at the audacity of the witch himself. I don't intend to offer a viewpoint on every aspect of the thing; I'm actually writing this because I came across someone with a sympathetic view towards him.
I remember thinking at the time that the attack against the bastard could generate empathy, and although he held his own with that stupid smile on his face, he was most certainly cornered. Of course he deserved it, but for those who aren't perhaps 100% aware of his previous convictions and audacities...
The viewpoint that this person took was that he was "traditional". I can perhaps on some small level see their point concerning his opinions on homosexuality being taught to primary schoolchildren, but most won't concur at all! And although I see their point, I don't necessarily agree. Indeed, I doubt most gay men and lesbians bringing up children, or not for that matter, will consider it valid.
Either way, I don't wish to be comPLEtely controversial so I'll refrain from carrying on too much, but I really wanted to say, and I think we can all agree (on no uncertain terms), that first and foremost, Nick Griffin is an absolute DOUCHE.
I remember thinking at the time that the attack against the bastard could generate empathy, and although he held his own with that stupid smile on his face, he was most certainly cornered. Of course he deserved it, but for those who aren't perhaps 100% aware of his previous convictions and audacities...
The viewpoint that this person took was that he was "traditional". I can perhaps on some small level see their point concerning his opinions on homosexuality being taught to primary schoolchildren, but most won't concur at all! And although I see their point, I don't necessarily agree. Indeed, I doubt most gay men and lesbians bringing up children, or not for that matter, will consider it valid.
Either way, I don't wish to be comPLEtely controversial so I'll refrain from carrying on too much, but I really wanted to say, and I think we can all agree (on no uncertain terms), that first and foremost, Nick Griffin is an absolute DOUCHE.
Friday 23 October 2009
Online Journalism
One of the “best shopping centres” in Oxdown has become notorious for crime after serious incidents continue to be reported, says the Oxdown Chamber of Trade.
Subways which link the bus station to the town centre are now acknowledged as no longer safe to use.
The worst incident to be reported involved a fight between an elderly man, who received a head wound, and a group of teenagers.
Other menaces which haunt the subways during the day as well as at night include beggars, drunks and thieves.
Laden shoppers who frequent the subways are prime targets for muggers.
Philip Rush, Chairman of the Oxdown Chamber of Trade, is calling for the council and the police to take action, whilst he is offering to donate some benches and murals to “give the subways a face-lift”. He said yesterday:
“Occasionally, the police move people on, but it isn’t long before they are back again.
[…]Rubbish lies there for days on end before it is cleared away and efforts to remove the graffiti are few and far between.
[…] We believe that we have one of the best shopping centres in the region, and we want to encourage people to visit us, not to see them put off.”
Mr Rush proposes to meet with representatives of Oxdown Council and Oxdown Police to discuss the situation, but whether sufficient action will be taken remains to be seen.
Subways which link the bus station to the town centre are now acknowledged as no longer safe to use.
The worst incident to be reported involved a fight between an elderly man, who received a head wound, and a group of teenagers.
Other menaces which haunt the subways during the day as well as at night include beggars, drunks and thieves.
Laden shoppers who frequent the subways are prime targets for muggers.
Philip Rush, Chairman of the Oxdown Chamber of Trade, is calling for the council and the police to take action, whilst he is offering to donate some benches and murals to “give the subways a face-lift”. He said yesterday:
“Occasionally, the police move people on, but it isn’t long before they are back again.
[…]Rubbish lies there for days on end before it is cleared away and efforts to remove the graffiti are few and far between.
[…] We believe that we have one of the best shopping centres in the region, and we want to encourage people to visit us, not to see them put off.”
Mr Rush proposes to meet with representatives of Oxdown Council and Oxdown Police to discuss the situation, but whether sufficient action will be taken remains to be seen.
Wednesday 21 October 2009
A brief encounter with climate change... and Alex Carter
The UK faces a "catastrophe" of floods, droughts and killer heatwaves if world leaders fail to agree a deal on climate change, the prime minister warned last week.
On the second day of talks at the Major Economies Forum in the capital, he said that by 2080 an extra 1.8 billion people - a quarter of the world's current population - could lack sufficient water.
But whilst debates between various world leaders rage on at the UN this week, what we want to know is- what is being done on a local level, and what can we do ourselves?
Alex Carter, Managing Director of bus company Go South Coast based in Bournemouth and Poole, says that we can all be more energy-efficient.
"If we can persuade people to switch from cars and other modes [of transport], but cars especially, to buses, then that would be a definite step towards helping to reduce carbon emissions," said Mr Carter earlier this week.
Go South Coast is a branch of the Go-Ahead Transport group, who last month announced a huge 16% reduction in carbon emissions this year, not only from investing in new fleets of greener buses, but on site premises, where employees are being encouraged to be more energy-conscious.
"We've put in a number of measures to try to get our buses running more fuel-efficiently.
We're training drivers to give them techniques to drive more efficiently and we have to support that, in the cab of the buses, a device called a 'little black box' to give them indications of when they're revving excessively…
We've also got more energy efficient lighting on-site which switches off when people aren’t in the room, and saves us about 15% year on year."
For more information visit:
Go South Coast
Summit on Climate Change
http://www.bbc.co.uk/climate/
On the second day of talks at the Major Economies Forum in the capital, he said that by 2080 an extra 1.8 billion people - a quarter of the world's current population - could lack sufficient water.
But whilst debates between various world leaders rage on at the UN this week, what we want to know is- what is being done on a local level, and what can we do ourselves?
Alex Carter, Managing Director of bus company Go South Coast based in Bournemouth and Poole, says that we can all be more energy-efficient.
"If we can persuade people to switch from cars and other modes [of transport], but cars especially, to buses, then that would be a definite step towards helping to reduce carbon emissions," said Mr Carter earlier this week.
Go South Coast is a branch of the Go-Ahead Transport group, who last month announced a huge 16% reduction in carbon emissions this year, not only from investing in new fleets of greener buses, but on site premises, where employees are being encouraged to be more energy-conscious.
"We've put in a number of measures to try to get our buses running more fuel-efficiently.
We're training drivers to give them techniques to drive more efficiently and we have to support that, in the cab of the buses, a device called a 'little black box' to give them indications of when they're revving excessively…
We've also got more energy efficient lighting on-site which switches off when people aren’t in the room, and saves us about 15% year on year."
For more information visit:
Go South Coast
Summit on Climate Change
http://www.bbc.co.uk/climate/
Messy Church
Parents in Poole might find themselves being dragged towards the Longfleet Baptist Church by their children this Wednesday.
In a bid to bring families closer together, the church is one of the first in the area to adopt the scheme 'Messy Church'.
The project, named so by St. Wilfrid's Church in Portsmouth of which members laid its foundations, has been running since 2004. It is assisted by the charity Barnabas, and represented by Christian actress Lucy Moore, author of Messy Church.
Rev. Brian Bishop, vicar of Longfleet Baptist Church said: "It isn't an after-school club- the kids go with their parents, and activities are organised by church-goers who volunteer, and cook the evening meal at the end of each session."
An age-old super-power within the country, nowadays the Church of England is deemed inconsequential by many- with the country's dire economy ever-looming in the background one must ask: is going to church still prioritised?
Longfleet strives to be "culturally relevant" as one of the newer churches in Poole, Bishop writes on the website.
Irene Pullin, Longfleet's Secretary said: "The scheme came from a wish to expand the old idea of Sunday School, which I went to when I was a little girl.
Sunday School is a great place for children to learn about Christianity, but Messy Church is born from a desire to help families grow together in their walk of faith- not see Christianity as something you grow out of when you're eleven."
Sarah Garner, co-founder and dubbed 'Queen of Mash' by the children of St. Wilfrid's commented: "In this day and age the church is becoming more and more foreign in today's society, but Messy Church is a package deal.
It's support, it's families coming together to worship, but most importantly it's fun- that's what we all need."
For more information visit:
http://www.messychurch.org.uk/
http://www.longfleetbaptistchurch.co.uk/
Keeley Graham
In a bid to bring families closer together, the church is one of the first in the area to adopt the scheme 'Messy Church'.
The project, named so by St. Wilfrid's Church in Portsmouth of which members laid its foundations, has been running since 2004. It is assisted by the charity Barnabas, and represented by Christian actress Lucy Moore, author of Messy Church.
Rev. Brian Bishop, vicar of Longfleet Baptist Church said: "It isn't an after-school club- the kids go with their parents, and activities are organised by church-goers who volunteer, and cook the evening meal at the end of each session."
An age-old super-power within the country, nowadays the Church of England is deemed inconsequential by many- with the country's dire economy ever-looming in the background one must ask: is going to church still prioritised?
Longfleet strives to be "culturally relevant" as one of the newer churches in Poole, Bishop writes on the website.
Irene Pullin, Longfleet's Secretary said: "The scheme came from a wish to expand the old idea of Sunday School, which I went to when I was a little girl.
Sunday School is a great place for children to learn about Christianity, but Messy Church is born from a desire to help families grow together in their walk of faith- not see Christianity as something you grow out of when you're eleven."
Sarah Garner, co-founder and dubbed 'Queen of Mash' by the children of St. Wilfrid's commented: "In this day and age the church is becoming more and more foreign in today's society, but Messy Church is a package deal.
It's support, it's families coming together to worship, but most importantly it's fun- that's what we all need."
For more information visit:
http://www.messychurch.org.uk/
http://www.longfleetbaptistchurch.co.uk/
Keeley Graham
Monday 12 October 2009
Journalism in France
In preparing for a presentation on world journalism (my chosen country being France, because I spent a year in French-speaking Switzerland), I realised that my Powerpoint bullet points had turned into mini essays, so decided to whack them in a blog.
My "area" in the group was regulations, and the issue of public and private in the media, which seriously intrigues me. It seems that, at the moment especially, within the French media there is a growing problem with general relations between journalists and politicians. I say 'especially' in reference to the Mitterand case- Sarkozy's minister for culture, who has recently been slaughtered by the press for various reasons all stemming from his writing about his sexual escapades with "young boys" in Thailand.
My reasons for using this as my example follow thus: 1) he's a politician, and he's very prominently "in the news"; 2) he used to be a Television personality; 3) he wrote the book in which he confessed his paedophilic sins four years ago.
The third point is, in my humble opinion, the reason why Sarkozy is now defending Frederic Mitterand- the President hired the guy knowing that he harboured disgusting sexual habits amongst, no doubt, several STIs... However, why this is is totally beyond me. So I've come up with a formula if you will, as to why the French are only now making a huge deal out of the whole issue.
Basically, selected aspects of the public versus private interface are changing in France, quite specifically and significantly concerning the mediatisation of politicians. It is my belief that there is now no political, journalistic, and certainly no popular consensus as to where this dividing line should, if at all, be drawn. I've designed a formula to lay out this theory:
Maybe because he was a TV personality, choosing to bare himself. Now he has a hand in running France. While this possible answer could and does make sense, it doesn't offer an explanation as to why he was still widely liked after the book was first published, and more importantly- why he was elected as Minister of Culture. And on a vaguely humorous note, how very ironic: he certainly has succeeded in showcasing some Thai culture across the pond.
Anyway, since I'm English, could we possibly compare this problem with the MPs expenses scandal? Are we intruding into their 'private sphere' by demanding to know what they do and how they spend in la quotidienne? Not really considering most of them are blowing our ridiculously large taxes on gardening. But something to think about nonetheless.
Until next time...
Keeley xx
My "area" in the group was regulations, and the issue of public and private in the media, which seriously intrigues me. It seems that, at the moment especially, within the French media there is a growing problem with general relations between journalists and politicians. I say 'especially' in reference to the Mitterand case- Sarkozy's minister for culture, who has recently been slaughtered by the press for various reasons all stemming from his writing about his sexual escapades with "young boys" in Thailand.
My reasons for using this as my example follow thus: 1) he's a politician, and he's very prominently "in the news"; 2) he used to be a Television personality; 3) he wrote the book in which he confessed his paedophilic sins four years ago.
The third point is, in my humble opinion, the reason why Sarkozy is now defending Frederic Mitterand- the President hired the guy knowing that he harboured disgusting sexual habits amongst, no doubt, several STIs... However, why this is is totally beyond me. So I've come up with a formula if you will, as to why the French are only now making a huge deal out of the whole issue.
Basically, selected aspects of the public versus private interface are changing in France, quite specifically and significantly concerning the mediatisation of politicians. It is my belief that there is now no political, journalistic, and certainly no popular consensus as to where this dividing line should, if at all, be drawn. I've designed a formula to lay out this theory:
- Politicians need to use the media for the purposes of self-publicity and to project a coherent electoral image.
- Journalists operate in a highly competitive market which is dominated by the pursuit of audience and advertising revenue.
- The French public, as voters, have become somewhat disenchanted with the political class. As users of the media they view politicians rather as celebrities, and have an insatiable appetite for personal information on them.
Tony Blair once said: "Everything private is potentially public." Apparently so.This is potentially why "sex tourism culture minister" Mitterand is being absolutely slaughtered by the disillusioned, somewhat bitter French. Especially now because he is supporting a man who believes a thirteen-year-old is old enough to decide whether or not to have sex, or know whether she is in love. Debatable of course, but we can all agree that the law is in place for a reason, and it is in place. Of course, no one cares that Mitterand's having a bad time anyway, because he's a 'pedofile degoutant', but this is besides the point. Why wasn't he told off four years ago when we read his book the first time around?
Maybe because he was a TV personality, choosing to bare himself. Now he has a hand in running France. While this possible answer could and does make sense, it doesn't offer an explanation as to why he was still widely liked after the book was first published, and more importantly- why he was elected as Minister of Culture. And on a vaguely humorous note, how very ironic: he certainly has succeeded in showcasing some Thai culture across the pond.
Anyway, since I'm English, could we possibly compare this problem with the MPs expenses scandal? Are we intruding into their 'private sphere' by demanding to know what they do and how they spend in la quotidienne? Not really considering most of them are blowing our ridiculously large taxes on gardening. But something to think about nonetheless.
Until next time...
Keeley xx
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