tommysmith

Well, their methods certainly attract attention and debate, - more than most churches do! Conversely, the 'controversy' Freedom creates and the publicity they get makes it quite an attractive proposition to some. I'm sure many/most that attend are very genuine people but throw enough mud, some sticks and they will be labelled as something they probably aren't. I'm just grateful we live in a country where we can still choose what religion, if any we follow, without fear of oppression. If Freedom are a little shady, they fit in well with most Councils, many large and small companies and political parties!

Yes Dippy. Some all year round greenery would be good ( not counting the Christmas tree ). The flower planters should be in soon which helps. Agree there should be more seating, though this needs to be balanced against street clutter. Am damn sure what ever happens not all people will be satisfied, all of the time.

Hi Dippy, Thanks for the welcome. Would the Freedom Church model then be similar to many of the so called superchurches in the US? If any church has income streams other than or in addition to the 'Sunday giving' is this problematic? If a church pays its leaders from these income streams is this wrong? (My opinion is that if these leaders are living lavish lifestyles on the back of it then this would be something I would find uncomfortable). If these 'facts' could be verified by independent sources - an Audit Commision for the church if one existed, then I'd be interested. To me a church is a community of committed believers, based on the teachings of the Bible. I accept other will have different opinions though.

Cycle lane I think Roger. Detest these income generating vans but the law is the law. Its just so easy to exceed the limits on certain roads though. There is a Facebook page which people use to log where they have seen vans/radar guns in the county - quite useful.

Great photos there Colin. Love the fair, as to my grandkids though it is an expensive night out there is no doubt about that. Roger - cant agree with you ref the Lights Switch On - there was thousands there year before last when I went (public not glowstick sellers!) and it was pretty good. Think it was a Sunday afternoon. Last year was a Weds night from memory which is why I couldnt make it. Not sure how busy it was? I definitely agree with you ref the hoarding/scaffold continuing to blight the vicinity.

Plenty of guff written about Freedom Church on here and everywhere else. Their progressive and full on style of worship is not my cup of tea but stories which I read about brainwashing and cults are wide of the mark having been there a few times. Probably some of their methodology has been ill thought out and who knows what else goes on fully behind the scenes - not me and probably not any of us. Yes we can read all sorts in the press and on the net, doesnt mean to say there is no spin or misrepresentation. What I do know as a church goer is that no church is a perfect church, as no organisation or indiidual is either. What I also know is that for all the youngsters they do engage with and who attend, it is less kids who go out causing ASB behaviour and the like on a Friday night. Mind you if there was no room for gossip and hearsay (along with hard facts) websites such as this would have little to discuss!

On the contrary Roger, I often take the grandkids to town and they love going on this ride. I think it is only in during the holidays and seeing their little faces and those of other children cheers me right up. Lets remember High Town will never be the privately managed elitist Old Marking type shopping centre but a community and civc space accessible for all. IMO any money available for refurbs should first be spent on St Peters St and Commercial St which desperately needs it. High Town was only done about a decade ago - looks a bit shabby in places though such as the paths with lettering missing.