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Showing posts with label rutland mercury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rutland mercury. Show all posts

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Is This You? Uppingham Market, Rutland Mercury



Is This You? Uppingham Market, Rutland Mercury

I wonder if this lady claimed her £2 of premium bonds
and did the Mercury make her rich by giving her winning
bonds back in April 1977. I hope so.




Sunday, October 05, 2014

Rutland Mercury, Jobs Page, 3rd October 2014

Rutland Mercury, Jobs Page, 3rd October 2014




Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Josh Frisby, Media Matters, Rutland Mercury

Josh Frisby, Media Matters, Rutland Mercury

I often wonder why our local paper thinks we might be interested, in stories they often publish like this one.

I can see can understand why the company might like the publication because before this article was published I had not heard of them.

www.mediamatters-pr.co.uk


Peter Corder
Managing Director at Media Matters was once an editor for this papers group, once again we are treated to another story supporting a old friend of the paper, I guess it makes a change from the usual reproduced press releases issued from our local councils.





Facebook

A marketing agency has welcomed a new recruit following a bumper summer of business.

Josh Frisby, of Geeston Road, Ketton, has joined Media Matters as an on-line marketing assistant following a recent surge in business.

He is a former Stamford School pupil who won two on-line marketing awards while studying at the University of Leicester.

Accounts director for Media Matters, Dawn Strange, said: “Josh is a breath of fresh air. Our business prides itself on being consistently at the cutting edge of change when it comes to online marketing.

“Josh’s experience to date means he is a very capable pair of hands, ready to jump in and support our team and at the same time, increase his own knowledge base.”

http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/business/business-news/new-recruit-for-ketton-marketing-firm-1-6256149

Monday, March 18, 2013

Leveson Vote, Eileen Green, Rutland Times, Rutland Mercury, Editor

I could not help smiling  when reading the  Rutland Times  Editors comment.

By Eileen Green

Has Ms Green not read her own paper, often filled with page after page of press releases from
Rutland County Council, Oakham  Town Council and many other public figures connected to
local governance?

And not forgetting our charmer, Alan Ducan MP

This is the same paper that gave him front page coverage trashing The Rutland Anti Corruption Party.

Then refused the three members space to respond by insisting the editor, edited their letters.

She harps on about freedom of expression and free press?

Last week I  watched a documentary which clearly showed the press had no freedom when
it came to the publishing articles relating to the Wallace Simpson affair, the rest of the world
was reading about it many months before and I believe all that happened within the 300 years of British
Press Freedom?

Johnston Press is the parent company that is destroying democracy and the freedom of expression  that she
eludes to.  It has killed off hundreds of local titles.

Kate Adie, once said to me the death of the local press will have a huge impact on local democracy.

The Rutland Times under the ownership of the Johnston Press has killed of democracy here in Rutland.

I am sure Pleasing the local Tories who win their seats mainly unopposed.

Whilst on the subject of elections this editor who talks of democracy and freedom of expression
refused to publish any candidates statements at the last County Council election.

But the public has to endure the patronising dribble dished out by Oakham Town Councillor Joyce Lucas,
and propaganda from our Tory MP.

And then they wonder why sales are so low they have to close the Rutland Times Office.



Editor’s comment: On the eve of the Leveson vote


On Monday 18 March, the House of Commons is due to vote on whether to impose statutory regulation on our free press. At a stroke it would break with 300 years of tradition.

In this special comment, we argue that in a civilised democracy this is entirely the wrong approach.
“I detest what you say; I will defend to the death your right to say it,” Voltaire is famously said to have uttered.

George Orwell borrowed the line in his proposed preface to Animal Farm, entitled the Freedom of the Press. He concluded by adding his own version of it: “If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”

Britain, with one or two notable exceptions in history, has avoided civil war and public unrest because at the heart of its democracy has been a free speech embodied in a free press.

Indeed for 300 years Parliament has not sought to shackle our newspapers and magazines in any way, save through Draconian defamation laws and to a lesser extent Contempt of Court legislation. But on Monday March 18, all that is likely to change.

In the wake of the phone hacking scandal and the subsequent Leveson inquiry, Parliament seems determined to overturn centuries of freedom in a knee-jerk reaction to the alleged illegal activities of one or two national tabloid newspapers.

There can be no greater self-inflicted attack on our prized democracy in my view.
Of course, no-one condones phone-hacking and the appalling impact it had on its victims.
But laws already existed to deal with such illegal behaviour. The issue there was a lack of enforcement not a deficit of statute.

Quite apart from this, the vast majority of the British media - most notably its 1,100 local and regional newspapers - have always behaved honourably. They have policed themselves effectively and efficiently through the Press Complaints Commission and have rigorously enforced their own Code of Conduct.
This newspaper and its parent company Johnston Press, for example, have been committed to the PCC from the outset - enshrined in the contracts of employment of all its journalists.

But the new proposals which will effect equally the smallest local weekly to the largest national daily will ultimately bring with them such horrific bureaucracy that there is a real risk that many editors will be submerged. Ultimately, anything contentious or remotely investigative will be open to such widespread challenge that our papers will be anaemic - packed with government-inspired press handouts.
Do we really want Britain to emulate the worst and most corrupt of the world’s tinpot juntas?
A free press, with all its many faults, has done more to keep democracy alive than any other force.
If the media is to perform its function it must be entirely independent of statute. Of course it will make mistakes; inevitably it will cause upset. But its strength comes from these inherent potential failings. We must trust the public to reach their own conclusions and to have a voice. If we do not we will lose much that defines us as civilised.

In the wake of Leveson the newspaper industry itself has proposed a new, tough independent regulatory process - which goes far beyond the requirements of 90 per cent of our media.
Yet still the House of Commons seems determined enact statute to eventually influence every aspect of our operations.

The Prime Minister David Cameron has displayed remarkable courage in standing up for free speech but it seems unlikely he will prevail on Monday evening. The Lib Dems - historically staunch defenders of civil liberties and individual freedoms and rights - seem set to join forces with Labour in appeasing a small but vocal minority.

But the papers that will pay the price will be the trusted small weekly titles the length and breadth of Britain. Titles like this newspaper - which are already seeking to navigate through the perfect storm of digital competition, recession, and rising production costs.

Meanwhile an unregulated social media and offshore digital media are free to publish whatever they wish - with none of the checks on accuracy, balance, or good taste that your local paper has enforced for decades. And with none of its accountability either.

If you care about freedom of the press it is still not too late to act you can email your MP before Monday night’s vote.

It is not our place to ask MPs to vote in our interests, they will do what they feel is right but it is important that legislation which is drafted in the wake of misdemeanours by national papers is not allowed to impact papers which have never and would never engage in such practices. Let the law run its course against those who are proven to have broken it.

And one final thought... how do we know about the phone hacking scandal? How was it pushed into the public spotlight? By a newspaper of course - principally the Guardian - perhaps the most successful illustration of industry self regulation there has been.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Rutland County Councillor David Richardson, Letter Rejected By The Biased Tory Rag, The Rutland Times & Rutland Mercury, Re MP Alan Duncan

Letter to Local Press (Rejected by Editor)

The entry below is the Letter to the Editor I submitted following the various articles they ran and the outburst from our MP, Mr Alan Duncan.  Sadly, the Editor refused to run it as written and wanted to edit it, which, as far as I was concerned changed the whole context.  I refused, therefore, to have it edited and hence it was not published.  However, here it is for all to now see:

Letter to the Editor

What a shame that our MP, Mr Alan Duncan, did not take more of an interest in these very important local matters before, matters on which he now proceeds to make such defamatory statements about us. Mr Duncan knows that the one thing we do before making any comment is to research our facts thoroughly, facts we believe the people of Rutland have a right to know. Just at what point did Mr Duncan engage with us to ascertain the facts in this matter, before deciding to make such defamatory remarks in public through press and radio? That, we believe, was his first duty before comment.
Given Mr Duncan does not want to hear our side of the story, then let’s have a public debate with him on these facts, let Mr Duncan explain to the people of Rutland how all these decisions have been taken and how those decisions are in the best interest of the Rutland electorate, and then let the people decide who is right and who is serving them to best effect.

If not, I say to Mr Duncan, let the proper Courts decide who is right? Not some Kangaroo Court where those making the accusations sit as both Judge and Jury, with trumped up false accusations and only one side speaking. Uphold democracy Mr Duncan, as is your duty to this Country and as an MP elected by the people of Rutland. Show that you are an MP of substance with true character and show that you only wish to see the best for this Country and Rutland, show that you defend the name of truth, openness and transparency which is supposed to be at the heart of Conservative policy and thinking. Do not blindly defame people and try to be a Champion of those who seek to withhold information. Instead start to listen to the people of Barleythorpe, Langham, Hambleton, Edith Weston, who have time and again come to you for help with their own concerns in the running of Rutland Council.

Perhaps at the same time Mr Duncan will also encourage the people who make these allegations to use their own money to put forward their case in the Courts, not use public money. We are prepared to put up our own money to defend ourselves, let them do the same to prove their case. Make them win their case first before you castigate, condemn and defame us in public without trial or jury. One of the mainstays of this Country is that one is; “innocent until proved guilty”, perhaps Mr Duncan should reflect on it.

Councillor David Richardson
Oakham, South West

Monday, December 10, 2012

Sunday, November 04, 2012

Oakham Fireworks, Photographs 2012, Oakham Rugby Club, Rutland, Martin Brookes

Oakham Fireworks, Photographs 2012, Oakham Rugby Club, Rutland, Martin Brookes




















































Rutland Lions, John Photographer Rutland Times and Rutland Mercury
PCSO's Leicestershire Constabulary in silly winter hats


A very cold night, thankfully it was dry this year. 

The crowd was as big as ever, I imagine it is due to financial pressures that there was a large crowd of spectators outside this year.

Mr Gray from Rutland Lions came out to collect donations, of course asking Mr Brookes, do you have any money? If I had the money I would have gone inside the ground, I think it was wrong for the Lions to come outside begging and especially asking me by name. 

I purchased my poppy for remembrance Sunday today a much better cause.


Friday, October 19, 2012

Police & Crime Commissioner Husting, Holiday Inn, 129 Saint Nicholas Circle, Leicester, Rutland County Museum, Catmose Street, Oakham

Police & Crime Commissioner Husting event has been arranged for the public to attend to question the three candidates standing for election (not sure why this has dropped to three?)

Members of the public are invited to attend either of the following events and put questions to candidates prior to deciding who to vote for in the November 15th elections. 

Both events will commence at 7pm and close at 9pm. 

Refreshments will be provided upon arrival.

To assist catering and orderly management on the night, persons proposing to attend are invited to book, in advance, a place at their chosen event.

To book by email e-mail contact secretary@rutlandconsortium.org.uk
To book by telephone, contact 01572 823465.

Full details are as follows:-

Leicester and Leicestershire Hustings Monday October 22nd 2012 - 7pm to 9pm

Holiday Inn, 129 Saint Nicholas Circle, Leicester, LE1 5LX

Tel: 0871 942 9048

Chair - Richard Bettsworth, Editor of the Leicester Mercury
Rutland HustingsTuesday October 23rd 2012 7pm to 9pm

Rutland County Museum, Catmose Street, Oakham LE15 6HW

Tel: 01572 758440

Chair – Eileen Green, Editor of the Stamford and Rutland Mercury (oh dear! is that the best they could come up with the political puppet of Tory Rutland County Council?)
 While questions for candidates will be accepted from the floor of both meetings, attendees are encouraged to submit written questions in advance to 

Friday, October 05, 2012

Rutland Mercury 35% Price Rise Disgraceful Relaunch


The article contradicts the headline because as you read on the reporter 
says they do not know how the council will fund the purchase of the prison site.
It does not surprise me know one knows what is going on when you
read the Tory Deputy Leader of Rutland County Council is responsible
for this project, serving Councillor can't even get the true facts from this man.

Today the Rutland Mercury was relaunched with the biggest ever price hike. The paper contains plenty of news very relevant to Lincolnshire residents. It's one redeeming feature is it is not plastered like the Rutland Times with those annoying new blocks of green and black to frame stories and photos. 

                                                                                                                           


Some local Twitter reaction:

Tweets

Tweets

95p for a Rutland Mercury is a bit much!
They do say in these 'ere parts if you is bitten by an underdog you turns in'o one yerself!


Thursday, October 04, 2012

New Higher Priced Rutland Times Launched Today, Disappointing Relaunch

  New Higher Price RUTLAND TIMES Relaunched 4 Sep  2012  

Today saw the relaunch of the Rutlnd Times selling at a new higher price of 55p

The free gifts promised is a football DVD, yes most annoyingly to the Average Rutland Times Reader
not available in VHS or  Beta Max Format.

The editorial content remains unchanged and there are about three small job adverts.

The Rutland Times leads with a story that first appeared in the news around 10 days ago.

Text content and photographs are framed with the most annoying black or green bars?

I did find the cartoon rather amusing, It refers to a news item from last week.
Tory Leader Roger Begy celebrated 40 years of Oakham Library by cutting a cake. It has a caption that suggests the Tory Leader could be corrupt when he returns overdue library books. Surely Roger would never do such a thing ? ;-)

                          Above written by Martin Brookes                         

If you are a fish and chip fan the paper is worth buying just for the coupon, the buy one get one free Fish and Chip Offer
redeemable at this Fish & Chip Shop in Oakham.

                                                                                               
                                                                                               


The Rutland Times also failed to take advantage of its own advertising spaces to promote its relaunch, there was also a
noticable lack of publicity at its South Street Office







The New higher priced thinner Rutland Times and the U E F A  The Best of European football
Golden Moments I

One retailer said going by the few copies of the fee DVD they had received sales expectations
were never going to be that high (50)

                                                                                                          



"Just Slip in those over-due book while I cut the cake"

                                                                                                 

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Rutland and Stamford Mercury and Rutland Times Relaunch


This Week sees the relaunching of The Stamford Mercury (also Lincoln, Rutland and Stamford Mercury, Rutland and Stamford Mercury and Rutland Mercury) based in Stamford, Lincolnshire claims to be "Britain's oldest newspaper".Berrow's Worcester Journal and London Gazette also claim this honour. They say never believe what you read in a newspaper, The Mercury's masthead proclaims that it has been published since 1695.
Three editions (Stamford and The Deepings, Rutland and Bourne) are published every Friday.Most of these titles only differ by title, the content is mostly the same.  The circulation figure in 2011 was 16,675. 
The Mercury is now owned by East Midlands Newspapers Ltd, part of Johnston Press. Sister newspapers include The Peterborough Telegraph,  Melton Times and The Rutland Times which is also being relaunched this week.

Johnston Press has destroyed the local press. This year alone it killed off Five of its local daily newspapers – the Halifax Courier, Scarborough Evening News, Northampton Chronicle & Echo, Peterborough Evening Telegraph and the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph.

Will the temptation of free gifts and more council press releases, tempt the public to save the Rutland Times?
I think not, the biggest complaint I hear is the big price for a wafer thin paper. So thin there is not even enough paper to wrap the fish and chip offer.

Rutland folk are not easily fooled they know it's no longer a local paper once admired by readers because it was owned and published by a local man.

Kate Ade, once said to me the demise of the local press will harm local democracy.

I agree and the lack of true local journalism here in Rutland, has certainly contributed towards a public apathy.

The local Tories have for far to long enjoyed, controlling the weak journalists this group has employed over the years.

This tweet is a perfect example from a young lady, no longer employed by the group she tweeted at the time her employment was terminated. she claimed to be a senior reporter at such a young age. She  is so young she could not see the Tory Leader had her in his 
pocket .


Collapse 


Just had a phone call from RCC leader Roger Begy to thank me for my hard work-small things like that matter :)


And as its final act......JP has withheld my pay slip! I'm expecting personal messages from the top bods to accompany my P45 ;)




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Thursday, September 15, 2011

Johnston Press merges weekly titles


Badge greenslade blog



Johnston Press merges weekly titles

Two Yorkshire weeklies published by Johnston Press - the Driffield Times and Driffield Post - have been merged to become the Driffield Times & Post.  Read more


http://martinbrookes.blogspot.com/2011/03/is-this-end-for-rutland-times-or.html

Friday, September 09, 2011

Roger Begy Rutland County Council Some Where Over The Rainbow



Reading the local papers today Roger Begy Leader of Rutland County Council is clearly not popular!

No he does not shop in Oakham in answer to one letter writers question.
At a planning meeting he told us all he jumps into his shiny silver Jag and drives to Stamford Lidl.

We are treated to a large amount of letters: One writer said what many and I have been saying for some time, the current economic climate is not effecting councillors like him and he a his Tory Bullies who are serving the elite minority.

Another writer in his column in today's Rutland Mercury suggested Councillors like him and others from Lincolnshire are living in cloud cook coo land. 

I prefer to say he lives over the Rainbow with the Wicked Witch played by the Chief Executive Helen Briggs.

I spotted a Rainbow today, I like to think Roger Begy lives somewhere over the rainbow, it is said all rainbows lead to a pot of gold this one today seemed to end at Rutland County Council Offices, Roger and his Tory mob certainly enjoying dipping into the pot of gold there. £22,000 + in allowances and expenses each year is normal amount for him.

Well done to the Rutland Times and Mercury for printing all the letters from angry voters.

The Mercury column writer said Councillor like Roger Begy are serving the minority, I would not disagree with that. He went on to say Roger shot himself in the foot over the BBC Supermarket issue and relies on voter apathy.

He and his five Conservative cabinet members are only serving themselves, so I guess that could be the minority the writer refers to. I watched our local elections and spoke to people in Greetham and there is certainly apathy. How do we end that apathy if all these angry people stood at the next election we would really have a good choice at the poll.

It very clear now the cabinet is making some very important decisions without any input from the full council.
 Last week it was taking money hundreds of thousand of pounds away from the little build. Oakham Church of England Primary School.

This week out of 12 Tenders for the Parks School site the Cabinet decided this week to ignore the applications from 3 supermarkets and chose two applications from two home builders.

Going back to the letters, another letter writer says "when will Mr Begy and his like realise that they are supposed to be representing the majority view of those he purports to represent, rather than that of the privileged minority? At the next elections, I hope".

Mrs Briggs and the Tory mob reading this weeks local papers will I am sure be thinking how can we shut them down, carefully noting the names of all the letter writers for future reference.

This week I was contacted by three Radio Four Radio Journalist who were interested in interviewing me about unemployment in Rutland and the Work Programme after reading my blog. I understand one of them spoke to Rutland County Council and then at the last moment they were too busy to meet and discuss an interview. Rutland County Council are very good at squashing peoples freedom of speech. We all have to listen to the rubbish that comes from them but they don't want to hear from anyone else. I was disappointed to lose the chance to help the unemployed of Rutland in a small way. Rutland County Council can not attempt to quash peoples freedom of expression for ever can they?
I understand the judge at my tribunal is directing the tribunal to advise Rutland County Council and Oakham Town Council about its breaches of Article 10 of the Human Rights Act.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Dog Parking, Oakham, Rutland, Photograph

£700,000 To Boost Rutland Internet Speeds, Rutland Mercury