Woman jailed for sending text threats to herself

Image via Wikipedia

An Orange County woman was sentenced to a year in jail for sending hundreds of threatening text messages — to herself. Prosecutors said Jeanne Mundango Manunga told police her former boyfriend and his sister-in-law were behind the threats. Full Story

Spend a penny in a shop?

Image via Wikipedia

Now there is a thought Rutland County Council and Oakham Town Council could save a fortune.





Shops are being asked to open their toilets to the public in a bid by a borough council to save £115,000.

Charnwood Borough Council in Leicestershire is closing 10 of its 14 public conveniences .



The council will offer local businesses £600 a year to open up their loos as part of a community toilet plan.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Palmyra Borough Council appoints mayor, new council member (pennlive.com)

Ouse Valley Jazz Band Oakham Bandstand

Ouse Valley Jazz Band

http://www.ousevalleyjazz.com/

will be performing today

3.00 pm

Oakham Bandstand

Oakham BBQ

Image via Wikipedia

Today has been wonderful the
sun beamed down upon Oakham.

After a little walk around Oakham today it was of too Oakham's fashionable part of town for BBQ An annual event held by a local queen and anybody who is anybody was invited. (must be the free beer lol) No Councillors were invited. Now I remember that's why I resigned a BBQ not too be missed! Sausages cooked to perfection and the burgers melted in ones mouth. The Sausages reminded me of one of the comments posted on my blog earlier today, a job and a vicar cant remember how it went  now. Lets hope this will be a long hot summer!

The Assam Cup at Rutland Polo Club

LUNCH AND POLO -
for Marie Curie Cancer Care

at the final of The Assam Cup at Rutland Polo Club, Langham.

Sunday 11th July 2010

People who would like to just watch the polo are very welcome to bring a picnic and support the charity for £5. Tickets for lunch and polo, £55
from 01604 442311

http://www.rutlandpoloclub.co.uk/

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Standards for England Oakham Town Council

Image via Wikipedia

As I read the case file of complaints one question comes to mind?

Will? Alf Dewis, Paul Beech, Alen Kelly, Charles Haworth, Jim Harrison and Doris Cook all claim they don't know each other.

Some have submitted emails not even sent to them, as evidence.


One of Mr Dewis  complaints relates to this email sent by a member of the public relating to him and I sent it to members of the council only asking what should I do with this info? nothing else.

email:

Many years ago Alf Dewis was personnel manager when it was Rutland District Council,
and he worked there with Richard Adam who was one of the chief wigs there. A employee
was unfairly dismissed due to ill health, the council was taken to tribunal by this person
and won the case against the council. The personnel manager (Alf ) and Richard Adams were
going to be sacked over it as it should never gone to tribunal, but within a matter of weeks they both decided to resign.

All this happened, back in the 80s or 90s i think, maybe you can find it on the Internet. Alf should know the law better if he is a HR (personnel) consultant,  i.e,

1. You cant sacked someone due to ill health grounds,
2. Harass you in a very homophobic way about your personal blog.

I feel statement number 2. clearly shows this is my personal blog and is the case by the public.

The complainants say I attack the public I don't they are not the public.

I still feel Dewis has something to hide, why else would he complain about a email sent to me and fwd to members.

Bully is still his title, if having your photograph taken in a gay bar is bringing the council into disrepute why has he not complained to standards? Go ahead Mr Dewis and Joyce Lucas please submit your complaint so the public can see your true colours.

The council brings its self into disrepute each and every meeting it fails to follow its own standing orders. Shamefully laughs at its residents letters.

And Jim Harrison please don't try to be respectable most people who read your blog can see you for what your are nasty bully. My friend has not forgotten the phone call when you told him to "Fuck Off " when he asked you, who you were and why you were calling his private number to speak to me.

Mr Kelly did you notice your behaviour was witnessed at the council meeting this week. yes the people sitting next to you were my friends :-)

Its often been convenient for you that Councillors never see or hear anything.

Doris Cook goes on about me using the council logo what crap so does Mr Beech when he came begging the council for cash for his new boys club. He used it  on his new web site and when the members would not give this nearly bankrupt man any cash he complained to standards about 5 councillors talking during his presentation. What a joke! £12,000 of tax payers money saved!

Priest's House Easton on the Hill

PRIEST’S HOUSE - one of the National Trust’s smallest buildings,

will be open and manned every Sunday in July and August 2pm-4.30pm.

Special displays on Collyweston slating and mining,

early ironstone quarrying and dendrochochronology.

Free admission, Easton on the Hill.

Priest's House

Easton on the Hill,
near Stamford,
Northamptonshire
PE9 3LS

SUMMER FAIR - St Augustine’s School, Stamford Sunday July 11

Sunday July 11


SUMMER FAIR - St Augustine’s School, Stamford, 1pm-4pm,

traditional fun and games, children’s rides, ice cream van, trade stalls, car boot sale, refreshments, raffle, arena displays of pupils’ work. Screening of the British Grand Prix in one of the classrooms.




Kesteven Road

South Kesteven
Stamford, Lincolnshire
PE9 1SR

CLASSIC CAR AND BIKE MEET 11am-4pm, Northfield Farm, Cold Overton

 CLASSIC CAR AND BIKE MEET

11th July 2010

11am-4pm, Northfield Farm, Cold Overton

parking, fully licensed bar and refreshments, a farm walk, and plenty to see and do, 11am-4pm, Northfield Farm, Cold Overton. Proceeds for the  Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance

Barnsdale Lodge RNLI Activity Day Fun Day

Barnsdale Lodge Activity Day

25th July 2010

from

10.30am

reception@barnsdalelodge.co.uk

http://www.barnsdalelodge.co.uk/

The Ave

Exton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8AH

01572 724 678


Lots of Fun activities for all the family
all proceeds to the RNLI

BBQ and Refreshments available

http://www.rnli.org.uk/

GARAGE SALE - 9am-3pm 28 Churchill Road, Oakham. Donation to air ambulance.

10th July 2010

GARAGE SALE - 9am-3pm 28 Churchill Road,
Oakham.





Donation to air ambulance.

OSPREY AND WILDLIFE CRUISE - 3.45pm-6.45pm, Rutland Water

Saturday 10 July 2010

OSPREY AND WILDLIFE CRUISE - 3.45pm-6.45pm, Rutland Water

Anglian Water Bird Watching Centre, Rutland Water, Egleton, Oakham,
for details and booking 01572 737 378

SUMMER FAIR - 1pm-4pm, The Malcolm Sargent Primary School, Stamford,

SUMMER FAIR

1pm-4pm, The Malcolm Sargent Primary School, Stamford,

Saturday July 10

Malcolm Sargent Primary School


Empingham Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2SR

life as a non councillor.

To be honest it has not been much different from any other time, the usual rubbish in my inbox and the silly comments on my blog that have no actual connection to the posts.

My friends will know I now have a new email address, so I wont have to read the silly mail.

I was going to turn off comments but then I thought why spoil it all just because of a few silly people.

I must have picked up that bad habit from being an Oakham Town Councillor, take the easy option to deal with a problem, take the phone box away, take the bench away, take way the bridge  but lets not deal with the real issues.

Yes I am on Job Seekers Allowance, £65 a week it doesn't go far, they taunt me as if I was earning hundreds a week. lets hope none of them loose their jobs.

I heard Beech's B&B is not doing to well.
Photography is a bit slow for Harisson.

Part of being a councillor was intended to in some way repay society and they would not even let me do that. Cllr Lucas said I will never get a job in Rutland, I  hope to prove her wrong one day.

It was good to see Cllr Lucas looking so happy today as she greeted me good morning in the afternoon.

It was also good to see Cllr Fillingham on her way to the Co-op to buy supplies. I trust she is much better now and will be attending council meetings very shortly. She looked the part speeding along the road in her 4x4  long blond hair blowing in the breeze and stunning designer sun glasses.

I have decided I will attend meetings to report findings on my blog.

Oakham in Bloom Open Gardens 2010

Oakham in Bloom Open Gardens 2010




Open Gardens Sunday 18th July 2010

11.00am - 5.00pm

37 Cold Overton Road

Oakham

Admission to the Gardens is 50p per person



http://www.oakhaminbloom.org.uk/OIB/Home.html

Oakham in Bloom Open Gardens 2010

Oakham in Bloom Open Gardens 2010




Open Gardens Sunday 18th July 2010

11.00am - 5.00pm

11 The Dell

Oakham

Admission to the Gardens is 50p per person



http://www.oakhaminbloom.org.uk/OIB/Home.html

Oakham in Bloom Open Gardens 2010

Oakham in Bloom Open Gardens 2010




Open Gardens Sunday 18th July 2010

11.00am - 5.00pm

135 Brauston Road

Oakham

Admission to the Gardens is 50p per person



http://www.oakhaminbloom.org.uk/OIB/Home.html



Martin Brookes, Oakham, Rutland, Discover Rutland, Oakham in Bloom,

Open Gardens Sunday 18th July 2010

Oakham in Bloom Open Gardens 2010




Open Gardens Sunday 18th July 2010

11.00am - 5.00pm

17 Glen Drive

Oakham

Admission to the Gardens is 50p per person



http://www.oakhaminbloom.org.uk/OIB/Home.html

Oakham in Bloom Open Gardens 2010

Oakham in Bloom Open Gardens 2010




Open Gardens Sunday 18th July 2010

11.00am - 5.00pm

7 Nene Crescent

Oakham

Admission to the Gardens is 50p per person



http://www.oakhaminbloom.org.uk/OIB/Home.html

Oakham in Bloom Open Gardens 2010

Oakham in Bloom Open Gardens 2010




Open Gardens Sunday 18th July 2010

11.00am - 5.00pm

35 Trent Road

Oakham

Admission to the Gardens is 50p per person



http://www.oakhaminbloom.org.uk/OIB/Home.html

Oakham in Bloom Open Gardens 2010

Open Gardens Sunday 18th July 2010

11.00am - 5.00pm

17 Westfield Avenue
Oakham

Admission to the Gardens is 50p per person

http://www.oakhaminbloom.org.uk/OIB/Home.html

Cllr George Swiffin Oakham Town Council

When I was a Councillor I was asked not to blog this but now I can.

It shows a total lack of team work and support from members of the corporate body known as Oakham Town Council.

Cllr Swiffin has been ill and it is public knowledge his suffers from mobility issues.

Cllr Swiffin has not been able to attend any the last two council meetings because he can not afford the taxi fare from his home to and from the meetings.

His absence is recorded as sickness.

Why can't any of the councillors who drive by his home from their short distances not give the man a lift to meetings.

One Cllr told me I don't wan't that in my car.

Cllr Dewis speeds up and down that road, yes! Cllr Dewis, Cold Overton Road is 20 mph

Cllr Lucas could fit him in her van.

Why not?

Of course Cllr Swiffin could save cash by buying his bread in bulk instead of sending a taxi out for each loaf purchased from Croft Bakery

The Laughing Tree Oakham Town Council

Dear Mr Pook,

I attended the Oakham Town Council meeting on Wednesday 7th July 2010. The last as a Councillor.

Cllr Sharon Spencer was chairing the meeting.

We came to a planning application the applicant wanted to remove a branch from a tree.

Cllr Sharon Spencer read the content of the applicants letter and found it highly amusing and laughed and most of the other members joined in.

Her behaviour and members who joined in with the joke, showed a total lack of respect towards the applicant and brought the Town Council into disrepute.

A document was handed around for all to view and Cllr Woodcock proposed the application should be rejected and a vote was taken before all councillors had considered the documents.

At this point I did not vote and the Clerk recorded a unanimous vote, I questioned how my vote had been recorded and he altered his sheet to show I was voting against the proposal. Of course my experience tells me this will be denied, I suggest you look at the sheets.

What happened at this meeting is another example of the councils complete contempt for the public this council is meant to serve.

I believe this is the most serious because the applicants name and address was published on the agenda and given to the public.

If the applicant felt the tree attracts birds to their garden and the washing is spoilt that is a issue, it may sound funny. It is not professional for any Councillor to laugh or ridicule any member of the public. The behaviour of the chair influenced the member decision. It was an embarrassment to sit around the table in view of the public

From

Martin Brookes

RUTLAND: multum in parvo

RUTLAND: multum in parvo


Rutland's tiny, It has by far the lowest population of any English county or unitary district - if you gathered all the residents together they'd not even half fill Wembley Stadium. It nestles inconspicuously amid rolling green countryside between Leicester and Peterborough. And there are only two towns. Rutland is quite unique.
Rutland's not a real county either. It used to be, for several centuries, up until 1974 when it was suddenly and unpleasantly swallowed up by Leicestershire. Local people were annoyed and campaigned for restoration, and they were almost successful. An independent Rutland was reinstated with much pomp and ceremony in 1997, but only as a unitary district and not a proper council. Elected representatives have therefore been rather cunning and renamed Rutland as "Rutland County Council", just so that the place still sounds like a proper shire county. This means that the council's full legal title is "Rutland County Council District Council", which is administrative madness. At least the county motto is rather more appropriate... multum in parvo (much in little).

STRAWBERRY TEA Normanton Lodge Farm

STRAWBERRY TEA -  10th July 2010

cake and preserve stalls and farm walk, from 2.30pm,
Normanton Lodge Farm, nr Oakham.



Funds for the Amnesty International Protect the Human.

This morning I received another large pile of papers from Standards for England.

Enclosed is a complete package of the allegations made by Mr Jim Harrison, Councillor Charles Haworth, Mr Alan Kelly, Councillor Alf Dewis, Mrs Doris Cook, Mr Paul Beech and Richard White.

Although Standards have accepted the case for investigation they assure me they have not yet formed a be view.

The whole process is going to take a long time and cost will be huge.

Standards for England Expect all interviews to be conducted by the 2nd September 2010
A Draft finding will be issued by October 7th 2010
and the finding should be issued by the 4th November 2010

Maybe Rutland County is hoping I will be put on the bonfire the next day.

It is interesting to see ex councillors links to Senior Rutland County Councillors, Cllr Heather Wells and Cllr Peter Jones were amongst those to receive copies of the complaints.

I always said there was a Tory link as far up as Rutland County Council.

Oakham in Bloom Judges Visit

Oakham Town Clerk Richard White Takes Judges from

East Midlands In Bloom judges Doug Stacey and Sharon Thomas

for a tour of Cutts Close

No guessing to where the car is parked!

Assistant Clerk Oakham Town Council

The Assistant Clerks Right to reply

In a earlier post I mention the Assistant Clerk is always eating bacon sandwiches

She has told me she has given up this tasty habbit

for fear of getting fat and also the salt content

made her to thirsty.

I hope the photograph does not tempt to run up the road.

just one more :-))

Town Clerk and Assistant Clerk

As a member of the public I question why we need to pay the town clerk so much money, it became very obvious to me as my time as a councillor the clerk was not qualified to give advice.

The work load of the Clerk is not the large for the size of this small town and he is paid one stage below the highest paid town clerk the country normally afforded to a much larger town with a greater responsibility.

Although he has an assistant I never received notice of meetings with the three clear days notice.

And the apparent loss of my emails which included statements from the public was astonishing.

Maybe its because the assistant is always busy eating bacon sandwiches.

Thank you

Thank you Mr *************

Hello Martin -

I understand and respect your decision. As you know, my motivation has been to try to find some way of restoring harmony. However, while your decision may well assist in doing just that, it certainly was not what I had in mind! What impresses me about Oakham Town Council is that EVERY MEMBER cares passionately about Oakham. As I sit through meetings on the public benches that impression is palpable. And Martin Brookes is no exception. I am saddened that your interest and enthusiasm can no longer be harnessed for the benefit of the town, along with that of the other members. While I feel saddened by today's news, I am none the less very mindful of the fact that the last six months have been difficult for you. Your brave decision will, I hope, give you some closure and constitute the beginning of happier times. Very best wishes.

Mr *********

Oakham Town Council no respect

At last nights council meeting most councillor showed a total lack of respect. A application to cut  a branch from a tree was refused on the grounds that the applicants letter was funny. Chair Cllr Spencer read the letter to members and Councillors started laughing.

This of course is not the first time this council has shown lack of respect towards letter writers.

Oakham in Bloom

I would like wish Maureen Dodds well?

Chair of Oakham in Bloom stuck at home recovering from an accident.

I know she is frustrated at not being able to get out and about to do her work.

Maureen is a super person often disrespected some by members of Oakham Town Council.

A older member does rightly deserve respect if earned and Maureen has done that.

Her title given to her by Cllr Charles Haworth is totally disrespectful.

Thank you

Thank you to all my friends and decent residents in Oakham who have sent me messages of support.

Like  this one

"Why indeed, I have often thought that, but now , the bullies have won. And the elite club will continue, so wouldn't you always feel resentful, at least you will have more rime to tackle your overgrown front garden and less time on your blog . Less stress for you ."

Cheeky Young man my garden is not overgrown, its meant to be full of shrubs the birds love it.

I did do some light pruning yesterday.

Don't worry as a member of the public I can attend meetings and report on my findings.

I don't spend so much time on my blog for the last couple of weeks most posts have been created and stored and auto published.

I don't resent the experience, after attending meetings at Oakham Town Council and seeing how it should not be done and attending Rutland County Council meetings and finding correct procedure followed I would consider becoming a district councillor next May.

Cutts Close Oakham New Play Equipment

Members of Oakham Town Council agreed to go ahead and purchase new play equipment for older children £7,000 is to be spent.

The Council did not tender for this contract with Kompan.

Cllr Martin Brookes Resignation Letter Oakham Town Council

8th July 2010
Dear Chairman of Oakham Town Council,


The first 6 month have been very difficult and distressing for me, and I have been thinking carefully about what action I should take in the interest of my constituents myself – most important of all – those friends. I am grateful for the strong support which I have received from my friends, This support has been incredibly important, but nonetheless, I have decided that it is right to tender my resignation as councillor for the North West Ward Oakham. I have done so for many reasons.

Firstly, I do not see how I can carry on my work on the council without the support of all members. The Town Clerk is a total pillock, implications of recent revelations are unbelievable.

The constant obstruction.

Total lack of basic respect. I was beginning to feel as if I am not human.

Exclusion from arranging the simplest of tasks ie: Ward Walk.

The disappointment relating to my appointment to the Oakham Festival Committee.

Bullying, Discrimination and homophobia.

I hardly need say how much I regret having to leave, but I am human and six months of this would be enough for anyone.

As one person I can not change this dysfunctional authority.
(Dysfunctional is the description used by the Standards Committee.)

I decided to pursue the role of councillor because I wanted to serve the community, sadly because I have not even received copies of any correspondence, I have not been able to carry out this wish. I want to apologise to my constituents for falling below the standards that they are entitled to expect from me. The job was difficult when I was constantly faced with obstructions.

Since my first day as a Councillor I have been subjected to harassment and complaints from Ex Councillors many complaints are currently being investigated by Standards for England at a huge cost to the tax payer. I shall ensure that I co-operate fully with Standards For England.

It has been a great honour to try and serve Oakham this year and I will remain its strong supporter for change of this rotten council

Yours sincerely,

Martin Brookes

Oakham Town Council meeting 7 July 2010 7:15pm

Oakham Town Council meeting 7 July 2010 7:15pm

Public welcome, Victoria Hall, High Street Oakham

Click Here To Visit Oakham Town Council Website

Oakham Chamber of Trade Meeting

Oakham Chamber of Trade



Click here to visit Swans


Oakham Chamber of Trade will be meeting today at Swans in Mill Street, today at 6pm

The Chamber of Trade is looking for more traders to join.

For more information contact Caroline Hodges on 01572 722737

Wednesday 7th July

Oakham in Bloom Summer 2010

Audit and Standing Orders Working Group Oakham Town Council

The Audit and Standing Orders Working Group first meeting will take place on Wednesday 14th July at 7pm in the council chamber.


Please note as this is a working group it is not open to the public.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cllr Sharon Spencer
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cllr Alfred Dewis
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cllr Martin Brookes
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cllr Alan Walters
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Town Clerk Richard White
(I know its not Richard I only have a photo of him at a event in shorts so I needed to fill the space  here is Mr Graham Coles, Town Crier of Glastonbury)
 
All make up this group, it is believed a complete review of standing orders will take place.
The working group will then make recommendations to the full council.
 
 

 
It is hoped the new standing orders will be based on the National Associations of Local Councils (NALC) Model Standing Orders for Local Councils.
 
 
The Town Clerk has just completed a training course based on standing orders.
 
This weeks the council meeting will start at the later time of 7.15pm on Wednesday due to all councillors receiving training for one hour before. What it is to be a councillor is the theme.

Rutland County Council ask are you paying too much Council Tax?

This leaflet produce by Rutland County Council asks "Are you paying too much Council Tax?

Despite this year years lower increase,  Rutland has moved up the chart from last years number 2 to the impressive number 1 slot.

The answer is YES


The highest bills will be in Rutland (£1,689), Hartlepool (£1,671, Kingston-upon-Thames (£1,663) and Newark and Sherwood (£1,651). The lowest are still in the London boroughs of Wandsworth (£687), Westminster (£688) and the City (£950).   From Times Online March 24, 2010

Victoria Hall Oakham

Victoria Hall Oakham given to the people of Oakham.

Held in trust for the people of Oakham.

The venue is  used for many events organisers who can afford to hire.

The Town Council pays over £12,000 year to base its offices in the building.

Whilst Oakham Town Table Tennis club and other groups have to hire other venues outside Oakham.

Artists use the venue to show there work, the hall takes their fee and provides no security, basic security is often ignored by Rutland County Council staff who also rent offices they frequently leave the doors unlocked when they go home. 

The toilets are now not available to the public during art exhibitions artist are expected to provide signs stating this to members of the public.

And not even on the

The people of Oakham should not forget

Victoria Hall

is belongs to them not the trustees

That is why they are called trustees and not owners!

Search on for missing hippos from Rutland art trail

A Rutland Hippo Smashed as thieves try to steal another BBC Video Joy Everitt explaining

Click Here For BBC News Video
My comment the festival is over put them away before it gets worse.