stupidfrustration

I dip in and out of what's happening here so please educate me if I have this wrong.

Keyte tried his best but run out of money / ideas and got out.

Sold to tommy - I saw somewhere - perhaps the HT he put his hand in his pocket to the tune of £240,000

Tommy has now gone - and lost his money

The local group of businessmen who wanted to take it on have now walked away- again I think HT reported that.

So - what happens now? Or will it just become a derelict site?

Terribly sad. 8 years of retirement with his good lady who sadly suffered a horrible illness and then the gypsy s.

Very very sad and makes you think.

Slim - I stand back to your knowledge in this area, although to be honest, it doesnt feel right.

My understanding - and please educate me if you need to - is smoking leads to bad things within the body.

I say this as a smoker, and im trying to cut down by using an e cig!

But - you cant believe that Smoking isnt bad?

Smoking B&H or smoking weed - cant be  a good thing?

As I say - if you have evidence otherwise - please teach me.

There has never been a Death Certificate issued with smoking recorded as the cause of death.

Im going to assume you mean smoking weed as a cause of death? 

Im pretty sure though that enough people who work in mental health can give you an idea of what it does to some people. 

The West Mercia local area boundaries are bonkers - it splits Hereford City Northside and Southside - but south side covers some of the north and vice-versa and St James is covered by both! How is Joe Public supposed to know who to call - if there's an affray in Nelson St, for instance, it could be north or south, depending on which side of the road! And what if they cross over before the Police arrive? 

Well, if they cross over the line, i guess that set of police turn around and go home?.................................or maybe they will deal with the problem. 

Im pretty sure that a 999 call for a serious incident will get the response you need. 

I believe the police around our parts have to save another £30 MILLION!

So - cuts have to be made.

Already we moan there are not enough being seen in town, but we want the vanity of a open desk that maybe one person walks into a day?

she has been found!

Great bit of PR for the pub that!

All too true - and I admit - when I was stupidlyfrustrated with Roger - at least he has "the balls" to post under his real name, and I wont.

That said - there is one member here who knows who I am, but I trust that person to keep mum!

Ok Glenda - we can respectfully disagree.

Their webiste http://www.thebuttermarket.net/  hasnt been updated since 2003.

I only searched on it just now to find out how old the building actually was.

The BM was created in 1860 apparently - so - if they have the skills and expertise to revamp it for "now" - fair play.

I will watch with bated breath and wish them all the best, although I dont personally see how they can do it.

Ok Glenda - we can respectfully disagree.

Their webiste http://www.thebuttermarket.net/  hasnt been updated since 2003.

I only searched on it just now to find out how old the building actually was.

The BM was created in 1860 apparently - so - if they have the skills and expertise to revamp it for "now" - fair play.

I will watch with bated breath and wish them all the best, although I dont personally see how they can do it.

To be fair dippy - that is very funny! 

Health issues? Lets try the mental health side of things.

For SOME people - it can make them schizo - and thats not a good place to be.

1 in 4 people suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives, and with smoking cannabis that can only make that problem worse.

So - there is a cost to it.

Mental health issue' are also compounded as its harder to see, understand, manage - and once again, its not a good place to be for the person or the loved ones involved.

Whilst it is obviously the mildest of "drugs" - it can still be problematic.

Once again - Im sure I will find myself in the minority - but legalizing it will do what?

Those "middle class'" that are not having a bottle of wine when they get home, smoke a joint instead.

Legalizing it wont change them, what it will change is giving a green light to 18 year olds to obtain it legally.

It will also mean that younger teens will think its legal, lets try it now.

When you are in your early teens - your brain is still forming - and thats where the damage can be done.

So - where we are now - lets all look the other way - is probably good.

Its not encouraging people to do it - but the penalties for personal use are not that great that it would put people off.

Hey Glenda

I would love to post under my name and job title, but sadly - I cant - I really cant.

As we had a "to do" on another thread, I do have respect for you and even though we have only met once, I do get the impression that you really do what you feel is best for the area you serve. That is commendable.

Now - back to my question.

Do you feel that the BM traders have :

1 ) The money

2 ) The knowledge

3 ) The expertise 

4 ) The vision

5 ) The strength to see the project through

6 ) The time to do it - whilst running their stalls?

Sadly Glenda - there are many things that I would love to happen in this town, but I have to admit that there are things that are not possible.

I would love the council, city or county - to invest - from memory the £30 million required to bring it into the 2015!

But - as we know - we dont have that kind of money.

So - leave it to die a slow death - ie do nothing. And - that death may be quicker if some of the repairs arnt done.

OR - sell it to another enterprise and get it back to glory.

What would YOU prefer Glenda?

Only 2 options.

Unless of course - you have any other workable, realistic solution?

Glenda - again - I'm not a shill for IOC - but do we have the finances to get the BM back to its former glory? Or the funds to take the building forwards - to modernise?

The answer to both is no.

If the traders themselves took it over - do these highly successful business people have the knowledge on repairs/maintenance/referb to make it a going concern?

no - sadly they don't.

I believe that both the mayor and deputy mayor have love for the BM, have both have had business' in there at one time or another and I believe Len was the chair of the BM traders association at one point?

sometimes - if you love something - you have to let it go so it can flourish for the town once again.

 

 

SF I run my affairs on a simple spreadsheet which shows me where my money comes in and where my money goes out. A process which works very well. I can forecast what my financial position is at any moment in time. I work on the basis that I do not buy anything unless I can afford it and I do use a credit card.

 

The council is a body, which like me, has money coming in and going out, but unfortunately does not appear to have full control over its finances. Money is being spent all over the place and overspends are not realised until too late, so a fix using creative accounting is applied and hidden in the Annual Report and Accounts. The accounts are difficult for many of us to read, but the jargon and terms used, are to smokescreen the reader from the reality that lie (no pun intended) on the pages. If some learned accountant would like to run an evening course on understanding public accounts, I myself would be interesteed to learn more.

 

Regarding your comment about not understanding how pots of money work, I can only assume that the only pot the Cabinet use is a chamber pot judging by the crap that overflows from it on a regular basis. I am taking your advice to look at the simulator and will report back on how I got on, although my preliminery view didn't bode well. The download data (XML) or (CSV) is double dutch and totally unusable. I notice that there are 160 submissions, although this contradicts the information here which shows not one submission has been made in Herefordshire to date - other people experiencing problems?

 

I think a simple "in" and "out" coloum on a spreadsheet for the home is nice isnt it. Its easy - why isnt it that easy for the council eh?

To be fair to you Megillieland - you are much smarter than that - and you know its no where near the same principle.

Emergencies come up - tax implications and mgt of money is all important in business. Im sure you know this - and I believe you are over simplifying it for effect.  

With regards to pots of money - there are different pots - from different departments of the government to be spent in different ways and have strings attached. What I liked about that servery was it quite simply illustrates how difficult some of the choices are.

165,000 people in our county - 60,000 in Hereford central, 161 submitted responses. Shame really.

Its interesting to note when you look at your links above it shows the results from around the country - and most people have voted to reduce council tax.

So - when we do this - wey hey - we can all save £10 a month!!! Whoop - winner! But the compound issue is a lot less money for the council to keep any level of service. What will we do with this modicum of saving? Perhaps have 3 pints in the Commercial?

Also - in Hereford on that servery - "we" choose to reduce the bus service. Im guessing those replies are from people who have cars and dont need a bus. Sod those people who live out in the sticks - if they cant drive - $uck em! They shouldnt have chosen to live out in the middle of no where!

We also choose to reduce the "back of house" council expenses - yeah - the staff that are hanging on in there - the staff that do work hard, the staff that bring work home and are working till 11 or 12 every night, just to keep paddling - yeah - lets hit them some more! Im pretty sure they spend too much on paperclips as well! Cut back on Paperclips! Perhaps we can send people to argos and "borrow" those little pens - that will save the council some money too!

There was also a decrease on building houses and investing in the future - all very interesting stuff isnt it.

Like with the hot food debate - it feels like people dont look 2 or 3 steps ahead, but just consider the immediate problem as they see it. 

Thursday 31st July 2014 in Letters Hereford Times

 

 

 

Has Mr Swindells just realised the city is in a mess as he got ready for Hereford in Bloom. All the stops appear to have been pulled out for this exercise. Now the judges have moved on can we expect BB to pullout and react to the next knee jerk request. The judges should have made their own mystery inspection of Hereford in Bloom to see the reality The council should have a proper plan in place to get this essential work done regularly.

Nope I'm pretty sure Trevor is frustrated about the sad state the town that he loves is in. Trevor is a very "mature" gentleman who runs Bloom for free out of the goodness of his heart.

Sadly - all the stops - we're not pulled out for hereford in bloom - I'm pretty sure that other towns do this much better - but not for the lack of trying on Trevor's part!

The council do have a plan on how / when to do essential work - I'm also pretty sure "we" would think it's not enough.

And I'm also pretty sure from your usually great informative posts that you don't understand how "pots" of money work.

There was a link on the HT and this site where you could play with the council budget - have a go at it and see if you can do better - if so - please state what you did on that tool as it highlighted to me the difficult decisions that have to be taken.

Nice job mark and thanks for coming on here to post.

Biomech

The point about the age you have taken out of context.

The context is this :

Day time people who spend money - I am suggesting is aged 18-80.

Night time people who spend money - I am suggesting is aged 18-30

Again, I am talking in general / majority of the trade terms.

With regards to Hot / Cold subs - well, I left the door open for you to say that..................but you are missing out on the hot ones!

And Nightclubs serving hot food? Well, I personally understand that it is better for people at 2.30 in the morning to get their food, eat it inside and then leave in a taxi and get home.

Its safer/cleaner and no mess for the seagulls to eat up and being supervised by the clubs.

The thing about monopoly - I also share your concern about that - but as mentioned above - Fusion/Play/Jailhouse - now a WORLDWIDE food name and Saxtys all offer food until they close.

I honestly think - and I know many people disagree - but I think it is better to keep a load of small traders in business for the long term, paying staff/rent/rates the economy circle going round in Hereford, than letting the big national take the majority of the pie.

I am fully aware it is a minority view on this thread, but thats where I am at.

McDonalds is open in the day - are Greggs across the road suffering? What about the Mokka Bar, Ascari's?

How about Subway? They are a major global fast food corporation of the same ilk as McDonalds - why are you not arguing for them to close?

On the same topic, Subway is open and yet the small "The Lunchbox" is rammed, so clearly having a big player open isn't that much of a disadvantage to local business.

 

More food sources means a lower density of people per area, which, as we know from the facts, causes a reduction in violent outbreaks.

 

What makes you think that the majority of people will go to McDonalds? Not only is it in the opposite direction of the main taxi rank for the area, it's also more expensive to the £pound when compared to something like chips.

 

I'll be honest, I think you have a problem with McDonalds, maybe you're a fruitcake vegan (no pun intended) or you've had a falling out with McDonalds in Hereford, I don't know. But, in the nicest possible way, it is very clearly clouding your judgement.

 

I wish I knew how to do this multi quote business! 

Biomech - thank you for the opportunity to give you my take : 

McDonalds is open in the day - are Greggs across the road suffering? What about the Mokka Bar, Ascari's?

The day time trade is very different to the Night Time Economy. The age profile, the demographics and the needs of these people are totally different. 

To talk in general terms - day time customers 14 - 80. 

​Some of the younger ones will go to say,,,,McDonalds, some of the older ones  will go to Ascari's. 

On top the the type of customer being so very different - the quantity of customers are also very different. 

Hence - lots of people out in the day time to spend money and very few out in the night time ( apart from a Saturday night ). 

How about Subway? They are a major global fast food corporation of the same ilk as McDonalds - why are you not arguing for them to close?

On the same topic, Subway is open and yet the small "The Lunchbox" is rammed, so clearly having a big player open isn't that much of a disadvantage to local business.

A fair point, but Subway is famous for its mmmmm lovely hot Subway melts, or Mmmmm Meatball Subs. Not often have I ever had a COLD Sub - which would be more expensive than a cold sandwich from The Lunchbox. So - we are not comparing Apples with Apples here. 

Another question COULD be - why do McDonalds not open later now and just do their Salads, drinks and Ice Cream and Muffins? Im guessing its because its not really what they are known for - like with Subway and their COLD sandwiches. 

More food sources means a lower density of people per area, which, as we know from the facts, causes a reduction in violent outbreaks.

You are absolutely right! Soo - in its current form, there are plenty of food places open, all selling cold food. 

My assumption, based on some knowledge is that in a small town, McDs will always beat the "local boys" in the late night food operations. 

Now - I personally think that its a sad reflection on society, but thats how it is. 

IF all the food houses were to open later - it is my view that shortly after that - there would only be one "winner" in the night time. 

What makes you think that the majority of people will go to McDonalds? Not only is it in the opposite direction of the main taxi rank for the area, it's also more expensive to the £pound when compared to something like chips.

Because thats what happens in other towns that I have visited in the Night Time, and knowing what 18-30s are like - that in my view is what will happen here. 

I'll be honest, I think you have a problem with McDonalds, maybe you're a fruitcake vegan (no pun intended) or you've had a falling out with McDonalds in Hereford, I don't know. But, in the nicest possible way, it is very clearly clouding your judgement.

Do you know what - I can see why you would say that. I honestly can. BUT 

1 ) I am partial to the odd Big Mac or Qtr Pounder with Cheese myself. And they are very nice too! 

2 ) I have NO axe to grind with McDonalds

3 ) I have concerns for the local, small business owners and feel "we" are being short sighted. 

4 ) There are simply not enough customers in the Night Time Economy for them all to be able to stay open and make a living, now, bring along the "big boy" - open that till late with all the advertising, offers etc they will fight for the custom, undercut the locals and win the trade, forcing the locals to close - AND that is my issue. My issue is not even about choice, its about the local business staying open and employing people. 

These are just my views, what do I know? 

BUT - Hereford is safe, and all the business seem to be trading well ( ish ) right now, so why are we trying to change it? 

Dippy - I understand that it is moving forward, but it is a slow process.

All the business' involved in the catchment area need to be contacted, the owners/bill payers need to be met, spoken with, canvassed, get their thoughts, collate all the info and then a plan put into place to try and make it all happen.

This wont be a quick thing happening in the next 6 weeks, more like another 6 months to get it working properly, and at a point in which a vote can take place. 

You are correct Colin - it will be their choice - and sadly the locals will be forced to close due to lack of trade.

Thats fine, BUT - you and others will end up with less choice than you have now.

But hey - we can win and break the CIZ for food! 

ok - I can understand what you are saying when you put it like that.

Well, from one resident outside of your area, I also think you do a great job Glenda and respect to you for what you do! ( even without the extra allowance ) 

In fact Glenda - thinking about it - are you a little frustrated today - I cant think of another time when you have "tapped" like that before, you normally seem so professional/level headed and fair.

It is obvious that you as others here are members of the Jim Kenyon and IOC appreciation society, but I know and see a very different side of him!!!

Oh dear Glenda - actually no - not really.

However - im my life in Hereford it just so happens that I have more contact and discussions with IOC people than any other party in Hereford, its not intentional, its just the way its worked out.

Glenda - I honestly think that you are a good person and work hard for your patch as well, BUT I do think your little jib above was a little out of line.

I have a good idea what the wages/expenses are for Cllrs, and I know its not a lot ( in the big wide world ) and that most Cllrs do it for their passion for the community - I personally believe Jim is a great example of that.

As I say - I DO NOT always agree with his views/ideas/ways of expressing himself, however - I do believe that he does what he thinks is best for his patch, and for that I have respect.

Glenda - I am not in your area, in fact, my Cllr never seems to do ANYTHING - and I think you are a great person for doing what you do, but dont think you should put in little jibes to other good people.