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Monday, June 21, 2010

British Forces Day Rutland



Our Town Mayor Sharon Spencer
with
The High Sheriff of Rutland

Cllr Lucas was also present I was rather publicly told "no photographs"
my reply was, I would not want to damage my camera Mr Lucas
I am really getting fed up with Councillor like Lucas
attempting to humiliate me at public events.




Mr Savage MBE always very polite to me
a very respectable gentleman
who deserved his recognition
for his work with the
British Legion








Below Mr Baines Chairman of Rutland County Council


Below The Chief Executive of Rutland County Council
lead the local dignitaries of to the castle
fro a reception paid for by the local tax payer

Once again the forces men were
sent back to the bases

Arts For Rutland lose my support


On Friday I attended the Launch of the Rutland Festival

I wrote a blog and decided to share with member of the committee
and also those of Arts For Rutland all their e-mail address's are
public information and can be found on the publicly funded web site.

I received a disgusting reply from Committee Member
Mr Carey (above)

A good friend of members past and present of  members
Oakham Town Council,

The behaviour of these people has for a long time been totally
unacceptable and due to lack of action taken by
Oakham police the harassment continues
and in this case it is clear Mr Carey feels protected from the
law he uses he own personal email address
rather than remaining anonymous like his cowardly friends.

Mr Carey is a Senior committee member for Arts For Rutland
who sponge of the tax payer many thousands each year
for the sole aim of enjoying their elite activities



Copy of Mr Carey's Emai  below, my original email was signed Cllr Brookes:




> To: martinjbrookes@hotmail.com

> Subject: Re: Hippo Launch

> Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 21:27:02 -0400

> From: grahamjcarey@aol.com

>

> I do not know you, why have you invaded my privacy - do not contact me

> agian - who the heck are you ? how have you got my details -
what gives

> you the right to invade my privacy and contact me unosolicited - what

> kind of werdo are you?> Kind regards

I think it is about time the majority tax payer started taking acation against this elite group of bullies here in Oakham.












Sunday, June 20, 2010

Rutland Hippo Trail

This afternoon I thought it would be nice to attempt to find some of this Hippo's from The Rutland Hippo Trail.

I am sorry but what a waste of time and I am told  Art for Rutland  is printing 20,000 leaflets for  tourists.

The Trail was launched Friday, 1. Gaol Street no Hippo, 2. Jerwoods Oakham School no hippo, 3. Dean Street No Hippo, 4. Music and More No Hippo,




Then we come to number 5 the Rutland Radio Hippo stuck inside in case of theft, this was meant to be the graffiti Hippo so I expected something inspiring or a tad controversial no luck there the event was clinically arrange by Rutland County Council Youth Service. Inside a church hall. State sponsored graffiti whatever next. I guess the young people enjoyed the free high from the spray paint used in a confined space.

6 Saddler Court off Lands End Way takes you for a tour of the incomplete industrial, retail and housing park.
No Hippo

7. Lands End Way Hippo still in place an attempt has been made to make it a little more secure.

8. Schofield Road RPC Hippo yes still there the only one secured in accordance to the makers instructions.





If Arts for Rutland had spent less on its launch parties they may have been able to afford to secure the others correctly. Instead of using cheap padlocks that cost as much as one of the bottles of wine consumed at these events.

While I am ranting about Arts will the bums who work for Rutland County Councils, Little Build who show no consideration for Victoria Hall or its contents please lock up at night when you leave for home.  The artist exhibiting was most unhappy to be called late at night to tell him the hall doors were open to anyone. I have complained about this lack of concern to RCC in the past are they going to pay for the artists work when it is stolen?




One of nice reasons to live in Oakham is your never far from the nice things about England

Leicestershire and Rutland Constabulary.

Leicestershire and Rutland Constabulary.


http://www.leics.police.uk/

Inspector Monks is the police commander of Rutland.

He likes to be known as Johnny Monks, I think that is one of his first mistakes, immediately he looses that element of respect afforded to his role.

I often remember to talking to my father about school and referring to my teacher, I said Geoff told me…. My Father asked who is Geoff, I replied my teacher, my father was angry and hit me and I think this is when dumbing down started. I was 13 and could not understand my fathers anger at why my teacher did not want to be known as Mr or Sir. I guess you can say I rebelled and very frequently am I address by my surname.

Many readers may not know Inspector Monks produces a monthly news letter, in his letter he promotes the good work of Rutland’s Police.

He says the main focus of his policing team is keeping Rutland a safe place to work and live.

He says we have a low amount of crime and anti social behaviour.

This not what people are telling me who live in around my ward. Many people just don’t bother reporting incidents due to lack of interest from Oakham Police.

If you live in the path of a local pub, like residents in Finkey Street, you may have fitted a security door to the front of your home because you are fed up repairing your wooden front door.

Cold Overton Road residents suffer the same it could be your pot plants are smashed, you door kicked or a large amount of litter in the streets or gardens.

If you live around Royce Recreation Ground where do I start? Fires, Litter, damage to property and noise (at this weeks council meeting we are expected to approve the purchase of a replacement piece of play equipment after the new swing has been broken twice £14,500 is the quote!)
Residents often write to Oakham Town Council complaining about Anti Social Behaviour. Although this area is the ward I serve, I am never copied those letters.

After the recent installation of play equipment, one letter was read out at a council meeting, with the name and address removed. Although other Councillor knew the name I was not told, the author highlighted concerns.

The entire council including the other two ward councillors, Lucas and Haworth rejected the complaint and patronised the author by saying they always complain and should not live near recreation ground. Not everyone is fortunate to live in the more affluent areas of Oakham as is the case of many councillors. I suggest we relocate Royce Recreation and all its young people into their neighbourhood.

Inspector Monks reports up to 1st April we have had thirteen burglaries seven less than the previous year. There was a 50% reduction in anti social behaviour.

The force had given £2,500 to local worthy causes and charities, The proceeds of crime act 2002 allows the police to take money from criminals and give it to charities.

I think Inspector Monks is living in a cloud, he needs to come down to earth. I suggest people are not reporting crime because of apathy. My own experienceof the local force is one of we can’t be bothered.

I am especially pleased Mr Hibbert has gone, he was employed as a civilian and posted to the front desk at Oakham Police Station. He often told the public he was a real police officer he forgot to mention he was retired an no longer a serving officer.

Officers often said to me don’t show me the letter or the photograph because I will have to complete a statement. Is that not what one hopes would happen when you visit a police station?

Leicestershire police have a record of not listening to people it stretches back many years.

Most recently the tragic case of the mother who was so taunted she killed herself and her daughter.

Then there was the complaints about Frank Beck who worked for Leicestershire Social Services, he nearly slipped through the net until he moved to Hertfordshire Social Services. People often complained about him this included my own brother who Mr Frank taught to drive whilst preying on him.

Repeated complaints did pay off in the end and Beck was convicted, many other members of the etablishment got away with the help of Leicestershire and Hertfordshire police.

Hertfordshire Police are in my view the same as Leicestershire.

It was good to see Hertfordshire police finally listened to a mother and a Letchworth man has been sent to prison for sending obscene text messages teenage to her teenage daughter. If the mother had not persistently complained this man would have continued.

They keep telling us the police have changed, they never change. The glossy adverts and brochures have changed.

I made a complaint to the IPC and guess what they now ask the same police force to investigate themsleves!
So not much chance of anything ever being resolved here in Oakham.

I dont think the police have every changed they will always support the establishment. It reminds me of one of my early memories of the police not handling things correctly the time a caretaker at Icknield School in Letchworth used to check school records and find mothers telephone numbers and call them for self gratification this was before 0898 numbers when you could dial a disc on 16 for the cost of a local call, no premium rate then. Dozens of mothers complained at Letchworth police station including my own mother before they took action almost a year later, it was rumoured the police only took action because the police sergeants wife became a victim, Back then it was very easy the police to trace callers. The police I feel took no action because North Hertfordshire District Council did not want the police to take any action for fear of adverse publicity.

So in conclusion if you want change just keep complaining, don’t give up, the three clowns from Oakham Town Council, who sit on police committees not going to help bring change because they are not interested in receiving your input.

They are so happy with their involvement with the police Cllr Dewis arranged for their permanent unelected membership of the committee.



Referring to Cllr Alf Dewis in a recent blog, I published he was sacked by Rutland County Council along with another member of staff after a tribunal found in favour of a member of staff who was sacked whilst of sick.

Cllr Alf Dewis did not approach me for a correction instead he raised a complaint with the standards committee.

I have checked Cllr Alf Dewis was not sacked he resigned before he could be sacked.

I am not sure why he sees this as a matter for standards for England to Investigate.

My publication suggesting he was sacked could not do him any harm because his Consultancy Company has been dissolved, his customers made up their own minds before I published anything.

It is very interesting he has not complained about my publications about his bullying.

Councillors like proof. I found a site Alf used to display photographs of me that had been photoshopped, all part of his fun group of Councillors present and past and their friends.

The bully has thankfully deleted the comments and images.

I have registered my details with Google and they send me e-mail notification of any internet posting made about me. It is a wonderful tool will and certainly help in any harassment case. the behaviour conducted by Councillors and their mates is unacceptable, I would prefer they just grew up and stopped!

Here is one Google example.

Funny Alf Pictures - Strange Alf Pics - Photoshop Pix 
Alfred Secret Weapon funny pictures - Sources Full view Please . ... Brookes Oakham: Rutland County Council Councillor Alf Dewis - Martin Brookes Oakham ...
www.freakingnews.com/funny-pictures/alf-pictures-06.asp  - Cached

Cllr Dewis should really consider resigning he is clearly helping to bring Oakham Town Council into direpute.

I suggest too the police the photo shop experts like Dewis and Harrison are responsible for the disgusting images sent to me via email and the post.

Cllr Lorna Grey & Cllr Tor Clark co-opted Oakham Town Council

After such a long period of having no councillors serving South East we now have two new councillors, despite one of them applying for the North East Ward where there was no vacancy. I did not point this out at the time of interview because members tend to ignore my observations.


I am still trying to work out the odds of any organisation holding an election and giving each member two votes to chose to candidates and all the member vote the same. Well it happened at Oakham Town Council, it has been described as a miracle!

Our first new councillor, ladies first is:

Councillor Lorna Grey
Glebe Way
Oakham

lornajgrey@virgin.net

Councillor Grey has lived in Oakham for 31 years and very much loves our town and county.

Back in 1979 Councillor Grey and her husband raised a huge sum of money £10,000 to purchase a foetal heart monitor for The Rutland Memorial Hospital.

Councillor Grey has given time to various committee and organisations over the years.

Councillor Grey taught at the Vale of Catmose College as a supply and special needs teacher.

Councillor Grey has also worked as a volunteer for Help the aged and Make-A-Wish.

Councillor Grey says she has a lot to offer the council and the people, mainly a lot of enthusiasm, she would also like to see more facilities for younger people.

Councillor Grey says “I would like to be able to push the idea to EVERYONE that we should take a pride in our environment and keep our street clear of litter”

Strangely when I bring up that subject I am told by members, Rutland County Council do a wonderful job cleaning up. I think some need to get out of their cars and look at the litter everywhere you walk.

Councillor Grey has a slogan for the town. “Wear that frown upside down as people react to a smile far more than a grumpy face!”

I now have visions of a town full of grumpy people, well we have a few like most towns.



The second new councillor is:

Councillor Tor Clark
Hambleton Close
Oakham

On paper this man look interesting, I am not sure what he will make of Oakham Town Council and its current dysfunctional condition.

Councillor Tor Clark is a political journalist and university lecturer. He is Principal Lecturer in journalism at De-Montfort University in Leicester.

He also acts as an academic advisor to other UK universities, as political journalist for national magazines.

At the recent general elections he was a analyst for BBC Leicester.

Councillor Clark has held editorial posts for the following news publication.

Rutland & Stamford Mercury

Harborough & Lutterworth Mail

Kettering & Corby editions of the

Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph

Councillor Clark say he spent a lot of his 16 year working in journalism covering an awful lot of council meetings, a task journalist no longer perform in our area.
,
Councillor Clark is an elected parent governor at Oakham C of E school, he has been very busy as chair of the governing bodies strategic vision committee. He is over seeing plans to rebuild the school this summer.

Councillor Clerk sits on Rutland County Councils Little Build Project board, which is overseeing the rebuild, he also represents the school on Rutlans Governors’ forum. He represents all Rutland’s Primary school parent governors on Rutland County Councils Children and Young People’s Services Scrutiny Panel.

Councillor Clark says “I have thought long and hard about getting more involved in local affairs through elected office and have come to the conclusion that I should at least try to contribute as the opportunity to serve my area is open”

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Rutland Hippo Trail Launch

Oakham Festival Launch was combined with the launch of Rutland Hippo Trail. The reception was held at Rutland County Museum.

The Children's Hippos will remain on display at the museum here in Oakham for the duration of the Oakham Festival.

To see photograph of Hippos  decorated by children from all Rutlands schools click this link.
http://martinbrookes.blogspot.com/2010/06/rutland-hippos-from-all-schools.html

The decorating of the Hippos by the children may have been fun, there was also a serious education side to the project.

Wild in Art Ltd. provide schools with an education pack.

A quick glance at the pack last night I find the students are guided through the design process, then learn to discuss and develop, define, deliver and evaluate ideas, this involves group work, students create drawings and paintings,

The ideas are then developed during discussion, looking at details of individual sketch books.

They then learn to define, with presentations and further discussion.

Once this is all completed it is time to deliver the project.

Then the final stage is to evaluate, a time for the students to reflect and think.

Charlie Langhorne Wild in Art Ltd.





http://www.wildinart.co.uk/


The adults of Rutland were not left out 25 Hippos have been sponsored by companies and decorated by local artists although some have been stolen http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Thieves-strike-hippos-snatched/article-2324417-detail/article.html    there are still plenty to see. 


The High Sherif of Rutland takes a look.



1. Gaol Street Oakham

2. Jerwoods Oakham School

3. Dean Street Oakham

4. Music & More Melton Road Oakham

5. Rutland Radio Melton Road Oakham

6. Saddlers Court-off Lands End Way, Oakham Bypass

7. Lands End Way Oakham Bypass

8. Schofield Road Oakham Bypass

9. Olive Branch Clipsham

10. Barrowden

11. Lyddington
one stolen

12. Market Place Uppingham

13. Goldmark Gallery Uppingham

14. Horse and Jockey Manton

15. St George's Barracks North Luffenham

16. Normanton Park by the church Rutland Water

17.  Sykes Lane Rutland Water

18. Whitwell Rutland Water

19. Fox and Hounds Exton

20. Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, Barnsdale
one stolen £250 reward for return

21. Stamford Road A606 roundabout
Stolen

22. Mill Street Oakham

23. Market Place Oakham

24. Oakham Castle

The Hippo Trail is also supported by the following organisations

Oakham Festival: www.oakhamfestival.co.uk/



Arts Council England:  www.artscouncil.org.uk/

Rutlland County Council: www.rutland.gov.uk/ 







Friday, June 18, 2010

Oakham Festival Launch 2010



Tonight saw the launch of the
2010
Oakham Festival







Glum Councillors


Councillors Looking Glum
now that is a
thought?


I have a nice stock of photographs of my local Councillors



Rutland Hippos from all Schools

These are all the Hippos decorated
by Rutland Schools and Colleges

I am told Oakham Schools
Hippo is to be decorated
very soon

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Oakham Town Council History COUNCILLOR AT CENTRE OF ROW BECOMES MAYOR

When I look at the history of Oakham Town Council it has never realy been any different than it is now

back in 2001 there was much controversy has surrounded the decision to elect Joyce Lucas as Town Mayor.

Joyce Lucas was very contraversal because as a councillor, she had supported the closure of Ferrers school,

at the time Sheila Smith, a grandparent of children at Ferrers School, said: I don t think Joyce Lucas should be mayor of Oakham. She is not worthy of this position.

Her decision to vote for the closure of Ferrers proves she does not have the communities best interests at heart.

The pupils are devastated. Every day gets worse for them, as the reality of the closure hits home.

I won't single Cllr Lucas out, My feeling is most of Oakham Town Councillor don't have the communities interest at heart.

I found a letter in the Rutland times very interesting today. I noticed more residents are now speaking out against the elite who run Oakham and who are often quite selfish.
I noticed Joyce was elected in a secret ballot by Oakham Town Councillors. Not much changed there I wonder why they feel the need for so much secrecy?

Mrs Lucas was asked to comment after she was elected Mayor and said: My three Rs are: one, if it doesn t work rip it up, two, no recriminations, let bygones be bygones, third, reconcilliation, we have all got to pull together to achieve our aims, I hope I have support now.

Oakham Festival

Oakham castle Hippo on Wheels

Oakham Market Place Hippo

Creme hippo Mill Street Oakham

Gaol Street hippo Oakham Rutland

Hawksmead Hippo Oakham Rutland




Oakham Town Council Support

I would like to thank a gentleman who lives in the ward for his support over the past few months.
He is happy to help impliment changes at the council.

I would not normaly publish his emails but with details removed, I think it is good to show the public another member of the publics view of thier town council.have

I would also like to thank the public who attend meetings.

Interestly the two new cllrs did not attended many if any meetings over the past year.
Before I became a cllr I attended meetings for nearly a year.


Meeting with Mr Pook: inclusion of ************


From: ***************

Sent: 17 June 2010 10:42:02

To: martinjbrookes (martinjbrookes@hotmail.com)



Hello Martin - I hear your apprehension. However, the fact remains that the inclusion of ******* would represent the beginnings of contact and dialogue with the other councillors on the subject of the inconsistent observation of Standing Orders.

After last night's stony silence in response to your proposal - a silence made all the more ridiculous by the fact that members ultimately showed that they were actually in agreement with you - I would say that contact and dialogue, however tenatative, are very much to be encouraged.

I think that the "official" territory of the Monitoring Officer is an appropriate place for this.

However, the meeting with Mr Pook is YOUR meeting and I certainly have no desire to pressure you nor to facilitate what you might see as "gatecrashing". I shall respect your decision, and inform ********** of the outcome.

Perhaps you could let me know the time of the meeting? Best wishes. *********

Oakham Town Council co-options - 16th June 2010

Oakham Town Council co-options - 16th June 2010

http://helenpender.blogspot.com/2010/06/oakham-town-council-co-options-16th.html



Present: Cllrs Joyce Lucas; Charles Haworth; George Swiffin; Alf Dewis; Alan Walters; Martin Brookes and Chairman and Mayor – Sharon Spencer.

Candidates in order of interview: Linda Grey; Helen Pender; Tor Clarke and Fiona Arnold.

The following Councillors cast two votes each in favour of Mrs Linda Grey and Tor Clarke: Cllrs Alf Dewis; Charles Haworth; Joyce Lucas; George Swiffin; Alan Walters.

When told of the vote by the Chairman, Sharon Spencer, she also said that Martin Brookes and she did not vote since they each knew one of the candidates. This prompted me to ask if I was sleeping with (openly gay) Cllr Brookes, since Linda Grey had admitted to me two weeks earlier that she was a friend of both Alf Dewis and Joyce Lucas. In fact I hear from Martin’s blog that she also admitted this as she was introduced at her interview. However Joyce Lucas shut her up.

Oakham is a town of 10,000 people, a very small community. It is unlikely that the five Councillors who voted did not know at least one of the candidates. What cloistered lives these five must lead.

By a happy coincidence the five Councillors, who did vote, roared in unison like unanimous lions in favour of Linda Grey and Tor Clarke.

Martin’s comment to me after the meeting was that I had not pulled my punches when telling the Council of its failings. This was the only opportunity I would get to be heard and it is important to make the most of opportunities when they arise. The Town Clerk said that everyone else was interviewed for a quarter of an hour. My interview lasted half an hour.

Cllr Dewis had to listen as I told the meeting that Plato believed that Tyranny and Anarchy replaced democracy when democracy fails. However I am not sure he is capable of understanding the depths to which he is bringing this Council by riding rough shod over Standing Orders.

The public were ejected when the five Parish Councillors voted. Martin Brookes had proposed, I am told by other members of the public, that the public be excluded for the discussion. Needless to say, since it was proposed by Cllr Martin Brookes, no one would second his proposal. A few seconds later Cllr Dewis suggested the public be excluded. No one seconded his proposal either, but it was put to the vote and carried. One shakes ones head in despair at this point. You can’t surely have a motion to exclude the public, which receives no support, and then revive exactly the same motion again, which again receives no seconder, and then put the motion to the vote.

Oh yes you can, but only on Oakham Parish Council where Standing Orders don’t apply. It seems my small opportunity to educate Cllr Dewis had fallen on deaf ears. Heigh Ho! Why can’t I learn that casting pearls before swine is always a vain exercise?

As we left the building Martin was locked out of the Council Chamber and office. It became clear that some Councillors were holding an informal discussion from which they wished to exclude Martin Brookes. Quelle suprise?

The outcome was predictable (see Martin Brookes’ blog posted before the meeting). Martin expressed great regret that he hadn’t placed a bet with William Hill as he left the Council Chamber. I couldn’t help thinking that if he had he might have been arrested and charged with fraud.

Lest we forget, at the last Council meeting Cllr Alf Dewis assured us that he, Cllr Lucas and Cllr Haworth would serve on the Police Joint Action Group, since membership of this group is in future to be ‘by invitation only.’

My congratulations go to Tor Clarke and Linda Grey along with my fervent hopes that they might bring some sanity to this Council. Chris Hilton, Martin Brookes and I raised our glasses in a toast to Oakham Town Council in the Hornblower afterwards. No doubt there will be a celebratory dinner for Lions and their spouses too in the very near future … so perhaps collective sanity on Oakham Town Council is a vain hope.

Oakham Town Council Cllrs Questions

Dear Oakham Town Council,


Cllrs Question to be answered at next meeting.

I also wish to make a complaint regarding the conduct of the Town Clerk Richard White.

Although like my previous complaint. I imagine this will be ignored.

Ms Helen Pender, told me Mr White asked her at last night meeting the following question, during a conservation she was having with him and Cllr Sharon Spencer.

Richard White asked if she was having sex with me?

1. Can the council explain why Mr White asks this question.

2. Does the council think it is correct for the town clerk to conduct himself in his way.

3. As a person who has been subjected to homophobic bullying by this council because I am a openly gay man. I consider this a continuation of the bullying. When will this stop?

4. Why has the council not responded to my written complaint concerning the town clerks conduct.

5. Why has the town council not responded to a complaint sent by a member of the public also relating to the town clerks conduct.

6. How much is the town clerks training going to cost?

7. Could the clerks pay not be cut until he is up to standard and capable of giving correct advice to councillors.

8. Could the Town Council not bring back Mr Adams who was qualified to show the current clerk how to correctly carry out his duties.


from Cllr Martin Brookes

Oakham Town Council Standards Complaints

This morning I received another pile of papers from Rutland County Council.

It appear Rutland County Council work backwards.

I have to still receive information relating to my complaints made last year and early this year.

This morning I find the follwing complaints have been refered to Standards.

Four complaints made by ex Cllr Paul Beech, ex Cllr Alan Kelly, Oakham Town Clerk Richard White and Melton street warden Doris Cook.

A nice little group of thugs and bullies now where is Mr Tyers complaint.

All the complaint relate to my private blog.

When I became a Oakham Town Councillor I expected some crap but not as much as this.
These people would like to see me removed from the council, they may suceed but I believe the conduct of these people and the current members of the council will cause more damage than anything they think I could I do.

Until these people leave me alone and the town council remembers it is a council to serve the town I will keep blogging.

Do they think the public are stupid the public attend meetings and after each I am approached and concern is expressed at how I am treated as members.

Yes I do get annoyed at meetings and sometimes speak out of turn. I like all the others have received no training. Including the thug and bully Councillor Alf Dewis who attempts to trip me up at every oppertunity.

The sooner this council is abolished. the better.

These people try and stop me speaking out at every chance they can. They wrote to Rutland County Council suggesting I am banned from library computers. They succeeded in some way by seeking the removal of my flickr account. I receive many emails asking where my photographs have gone, they are not lost, I will not and can not afford to renew flickr surpringly one of there mates offered to pay. They silenced the local rag the Rutland Times, they are dissapointed Gary is leaving the Times to bigger and better things in Manchester. I am not sure how that happened because he seeemed lack any journalistic talent, although he was a nice person to chat with.

Whatever they complain about they wont get me to give up. Cllr Fillingham can knock back a few more bottles before she returns to council meetings.

All this stupid behaviour conducted by town councillors, friends and former councillors is having a huge effect on the running of the council. A council that cost the tax payer a fortune. The tax payer deserves better.

I am now convinced my acceptance onto the council was agreed because they though they could shut me up.
Well they were wrong I wont shut up until the bullying stops! the council takes notice of its standing orders.

I was told the new working group would be delayed set up to review procedures and standing orders because the council and was sending Richard White the Town Clerk for training. This was the first I heard of this allthough it is a good thing who decided this.

It is becoming very clear to me there are two councils one the public see chaired by Sharon Spencer and another behind closed doors run by the town clerk and a elite group of councillors.  doors that are firmly closed to me.

The most damming finding of this council is the descision published by The Standards Commitee at Rutland County Council. There is substantial governance dysfunction in the authority.

Personaly I don't mind the complaints against me what can they achieve, not much realy bad publicity for the town council. I am not paid to serve as a Cllr so no loss there. I hope the complaints will highlight the poor standards of the council and this will be corrected. You could say the council has shot itself in the foot for attacking me for over a year.

In addition two further complaints made by me regarding the bullying by Cllr Alf Dewis have also been refered to Standard of England.

I wonder if they will hurry up and investigate before Mr Cameron abolishes them.

Third Rutland Hippo Stolen

It has been reported a third hippo has been stolen from the village of the Village of Lyddington Rutland

Barnsdale Lodge Hippo Stolen Reward offered for safe return


                                                                       Hippo Stolen


Director Ed Burrows of Barnsdale Lodge
 is offering a reward
for the safe return
of his baby hippo named Dale
Dale was stolen last night

The theft is the second in a week

The large hippo is named Barny

reward offered is
£250

If you have any information please contact

Ed Burrows


or contact 
Rutland Radio






Man Tweets Suicide Note, Proves Twitter Actually Touches Every Part of Human Life

Very Sad!!!



On Sunday a South Korean man tweeted, "I'm going to commit suicide. To all of you, even those who shared the slightest friendship with me, I love you." He then hung himself from a dock on Seoul's Han River. [Telegraph]





Oakham Town Council Six More Standards Complaints

Dear Mr Pook Monitoring officer

Rutland County Council
16th June 2010


(1) I wish to make a complaint against Cllr Joyce Lucas.

Cllr Joyce Lucas failed to declare an interest in knowing a candidate seeking co-option onto Oakham Town Council.

Lorna Grey said at her interview she knew members very well.

Lorna Grey had told Helen Pender at a previous art event she was very good friends with Cllr Joyce Lucas.



(2) I wish to make a complaint against Cllr Alf Dewis.

Cllr Alf Dewis failed to declare an interest in knowing a candidate seeking co-option onto Oakham Town Council.

Lorna Grey said at her interview she knew members very well.

Lorna Grey had told Helen Pender at a previous art event she was very good friends with Cllr Alf Dewis.



(3) I wish to make a complaint against Cllr Alf Dewis.

At last nights council meeting I proposed correctly the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during the co-option vote Item 4 on the agenda.

There was the usual stoney silence as no councillor will ever accept a proposal from me.

So my proposal did not get seconded. So failed. after some thought Cllr Dewis in breach of Standing orders and the local government act. A member can not reintroduce a proposal with six months. I would say in less than a minute Cllr Dewis placed the proposal to the members this was not seconded and voted on and the public were excluded.



Cllr Dewis clearly breached standing order 35(a)




(4) I wish to complain about Cllr Alan Walter at last nights council meeting he showed total disrespect to a member of the public.

Cllr Alan Walters asked ********* why he attended the meetings and had he not got a life. ******** was shocked by this manner and replied politely Coronation Street was currently very dull and he rather enjoyed the alternative of Oakham Town Council meetings.

Cllr Alan Walter also questioned me as to why some of friends attend.




(5) I wish to make a complaint against Cllr Charles Haworth.

Cllr Charles Haworth failed to declare an interest in knowing a candidate seeking co-option onto Oakham Town Council.

Lorna Grey said at her interview she knew members very well.





(6) I wish to make a complaint against Cllr George Swiffin.

Cllr George Swiffin failed to declare an interest in knowing a candidate seeking co-option onto Oakham Town Council.

Lorna Grey said at her interview she knew members very well.




******** are former town councillor would like to meet with you and me to discuss the constant breaches of standing orders by Oakham Town Council, ******** has observed meetings for many months now. I am one of ********* ward cllrs and would be happy for this meeting to be arranged for this Friday if convenient with you.



I would like to mention it is was very clear Mr Tor Clark was very friendly and known by all councillors accept myself and Cllr Walters.

Mr Tor Clerk was also granted a private audience with Richard White the town clerk before interviews commenced and this was seen by other candidates who had to wait outside.

The events of last evening clearly show Oakham Town Council is very much a elite club.

one member of the public asked how I was granted membership. To be honest I don't know.
My membership has achieved zero. Cllr Alf Dewis and Cllr Charles Haworth are the main problem. I can not understand why Cllr Dewis is tolerated he is also a very new member who has moved very quickly. It was very clear to me he engineered last nights vote. in favour of Mr Clark and Mrs Grey as I predicted. After the interviews time was given for members debate all five members who were able to vote refused to debate the interviews and all stated they had made their minds up. The interviews wasted a lot of peoples time.  candidates were told they would be aked one question from each councillor and it would be the same question for each candidate this was not true, Cllr Dewis unknown to the candidate was granted permission to ask a different question, he asked Helen Pender more than one.

Oakham Town Council has lost the plot, I can not see how this council can be fixed it is my view it should be abolished.

From

Cllr Martin Brookes

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Oakham Town Council Co-option Farce

As predicted Lorna Grey and Tor Clark were co-opted 5 votes each.

I arrived at the Council office at 5.30 pm.

I spoke to the town clerk to let him know I know one of the candidates

The Town Clerk said he was concerned there would not be enough members to vote.

We sat and arranged how the interviews would be conducted I chose not to ask questions of the candidates as I was not able  vote. 

Cllr Sharon Spencer also declared an interest and did not vote.

I am very concerned that members did not delcare an interest in knowing anyone.

Lorna Grey walked into the room and started by saying who she knew she was firmly told not to reveal any more names.

Lorna Grey told Helen Pender at a recent art show how she was very good friends with Joyce Lucas and Alf Dewis.

Cllr Dewis refused to declare an interest.

Cllr Dewis could not understand the procedure for the election it was explained to him more than once. He kept asking if it would be considered a majority,  if the 5 councillors voted for both candidates unanimously.

It is clear to me at least two Cllrs failed to declare an interest and this will be reported to standards.

Rutland Hippo Stolen

Have you seen this Hippo

The Hippo was one of the first to be placed on
show for the
Rutland Festival

The hippos were purchased with Arts Council Money
such a waste.

This Hippo was placed on the
Stamford Road
 round about
on Monday





Before hippo was stolen it was
photographed by
local photographer
Mr Morgan
click to see full size image



Tesco Fish Counter Oakham

Former Cllr Mr Paul Beech , used to ccontribute to my forum until I traced him.

I know he will be reading this as he is signed of work hopping around his bedsit for the next two weeks sorry I meant his fine B&B.

I wish him a speedy recovery.

Then its back to frozen fish for me.

Its rather disconcerting passing the fish counter and seeing bully Beech pick up the knifes and start sharpening them each time I pass the counter.

I never know why he took the job on the fish counter, being so anti Tesco as a member of Oakham Town Partnership.  Aslo in his deputations and e-mails to Oakham Town Council.

Oakham Town Council Complaints

Oakham Town Council Council Complaints further information received.

Cllr Dewis has complained about me.

The committee suggests I may have breached the following code of conduct.

Treating others with respect - paragraph 3(1)

It would be good if Cllr Dewis  showed me the slightest amount of respect.


His harrasment and assault is not showing me any respect.


Mr Kelly ex Cllr Complains about my blog entry regarding his behaviour at council meetings.

The committee suggests

I may have breached the following code of coduct

Treating others with respect - paragraph 3(1)
Bullying any person - paragraph 3(2)(B)

No wonder the press dont cover council meetings if you can be accused of bullying for exposing one.

Lastly one of my old friends Doris Cook a street warden employed by Melton Borough Council who joined in all the fun on the Rutland Chat Forum suggesting people are only alive because it illegal to kill them and then asked her husband to send a threat to me via his face book accout.

The Committee

Suggests I could be in breach of the following code of conduct.

Treating others with respect - paragraph 3(1)
Disclosing confidential information -paragraph 4(a)
Bringing the office or authority into disrepute - paragraphs 5
Using the position as a member improperly to confer an advantage or disadvantage - paragraph 6(a)

That is quite a lot, I hope standards for England will investigate and find the common link to all five complaints.

Oakham Town Council past and present.
The Rutland Chat Forum
Rutnet

All the complainants are bullies and know each other.

Despite my repeated request Melton Borough Council have never followed up my complaints regarding Doris Cook.

Since when is it breach for me to publish letter recieved relating to my personal complaint to her employer.
I suggest Mrs Cook the respected Mrs Cook does not want peole to know the other Mrs Cook who partakes in online hate campains and suppport her friends bullying

Cllr Alf Dewis
ex Cll;r Alen Kelly
Cllr Charles Haworth
Ex Cllr Jim Harrison
Ex Cllr Paul Beech
Robin King
Mr Tyers
Cllr Lovell
Tim Hunphreys son of ex Cllr who hosted the forum

Town Clerk Richard White who tried to assist me.

All because I complained over a year ago about the drunk friend Cllr Jan Fillingham
I would not normaly refer to a fellow cllr as a drunk but in this case it is true and erserved.
Harassing a old person late at night drunk over the phone

and then telling me I deserve all I get for exposing her behaviour.

She and her family and friends all think they are above the law.

Her MBE should be returned