Misterton Community Trust aka Victoria Institute

Apparently there is a Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 30th July, when it is mooted they will decide on when to hold the Public Meeting. I see it is not on the Agenda, but that might be intentional if they are still trying to flog a dead horse.  The apathy within the village on this project is sending certain individuals into a frenzy of activity, aimed I suppose to present a lovely picture of what can be done with the VI and get a vote on keeping it, regardless of the fact that finding a grant will be non existent.

Although I have to admit to being really biased on this and just want it sold,  even looking at the pros and cons gives a big fat sell.  Trouble is, when you have raised your flag of defiance, it's very difficult to concede defeat and I suspect this enthusiastic bunch will hang onto the bitter end.  Hopefully by then the pot should still have a few coppers left.

Publish and be Damned

When it comes to money I have to admit to being a bit anal.  Lists for this and lists for that.  So, when I look at our 'Published' accounts for 2012/2013 on the Misterton Parish Council website, it's a bit upsetting when they are so small, you cannot read them.  And, if you blow them up, they are too blurred to read.  This might be fine if we get them in paper form once a year but since this new lot took over, as far as I'm aware we have had nothing.  Which makes it a poor show for those residents who do not have access to the Internet or probably don't even want it.  Now they might think that  it is just fine and it saves money in printing costs, but when they can blow huge sums on other projects, it is a bit disappointing. 

Talking about money, I see we are having new signs to the village, which say Welcome To Our Village, another unnecessary expense, in my opinion.   Just a thought but will they be placed before Newells Terrace or after it?

What's the problem

I have been pointed in the direction of another website, Firbeck Online, and the piece relating to an anonymous email sent to a parish council member.  Since there is little happening in Misterton and it relates to a comment made earlier, I thought I would high jack it and copy it in.

It was written by a Phil Rogers, a member of the parish council and licensee of the Black Lion

"To Whom this may concern

I think the verbal assault on Nic Stevens and her private life is totally unacceptable.

This has been done by someone who has created a spoof email address just to cause upset and harm to one of the hardest working people I know.

Nic has worked tirelessly for this village, Creating youth interest, Farmers market, Fund raising for the Church and generally going out of her way to help people.

And this is the way she is repaid for this hard work. The sender of this email does not even have the courage to put their name to the slanderous accusation made in it.

I for one, and I can only speak for myself as a parish councillor will be pressing for Police involvement in this matter. This sort of behaviour is not acceptable.

What do people want from the Parish Council. We have to move forward and stop this back biting we are only trying to do the best for everyone who lives in Firbeck and not just the minority.

Nic on a personal note don’t let this mindless idiot get you down."

What is interesting is the attitude of the Parish Council, none of this, nothing to do with us mate, like from our own council, who apparently have no interest in assisting past members with the onslaught of anon letters received whilst they were in office.  Trouble is, for some people finding out the truth might be a bit close to home.   Since those who received the letters were accused of having their fingers in our till, if it was me on the receiving end, I would want the village ducking stool brought out and since we haven't got a pond, then use the sewage tank at Walkeringham.  That's where they belong.

Don't know who runs the Firbeck Online website but it is a good one, something we ought to have in Misterton, warts and all.

Bit of a Puzzle

I enjoyed the Gala, the weather was great, plenty of stalls to spend on and plenty for children, which is what it's all about.  I would think that a nice profit has been made for the charitable causes because the turnout was fabulous for a village event.  Well organised as well.

There was a stall for the Victoria Institute, friends or whatever, but what puzzled me was the fact that there was a trustee also on the stall.  What doing, didn't get close enough, or want to, but surely there is a conflict of interest here.  Undoubtedly  they were flogging a dead horse but why if the majority of public opinion is against.

Parish Council stall, where was that, no sign of our Beckingham councillor, other than in the bar and looking decidedly untidy.

What's all this with the old Library as well?  Another demolition job as far as I'm concerned but then certain people seem to have other ideas.  Now that would be costly, both to purchase and then give it a massive facelift internally and externally.

Looking at the Parish Magazine and parish council brief piece,  there appears to be a bit of a disagreement regarding the supposed S 106 agreement with Langley relating to the houses and the sports field, giving up the front piece to Langley.  I'm told legal advice at the time, both from Bassetlaw and the pc's legal advisers, was no, just renew the lease.  So who is right, or who thinks they are right.  Time will tell, but if someone is not careful I can see houses on the front piece of the sports field, might even get the sports field land locked! 

Gala Day - 6th July 2013

Since the Gala Committee moved the venue to the rear of the Social Club it has proved a particular success in wet weather and the parking is better.  At least you can drown your sorrows in the sanctuary of the bar if it decides to pour with rain.  This year should be a good year since the weather is forecast to be good, so all being well this Church sponsored event should have a good turnout.

There will be plenty for everyone, including a representative of the Parish Council for a change, although it will be Councillor Simpson who actually lives miles away at Beckingham.  Why he should want to be on our council I have no idea, although I could hazard a guess. He's felt a bit unwanted lately, so many elections fought and lost in an attempt to get back onto Bassetlaw District Council.

I wonder if there will be a stall for the Friends of the Victoria Institute, trying to drum up support again  for this derelict building.  This might sound as if the village is apathetic of anything that happens but you would be wrong.  When the church needed funds to repair the roof after thieves had stolen the lead, an organised appeal led to the £33,000 required being obtained in I believe, less than 8 months.  When there is a real need our village will give its full support in barrow loads.

Anyway, have a good day.