Lament over headstone

I CAN sympathise with Mr and Mrs Fisher of Cobholm (Mercury, May 8) re the grave deeds charge. The situation with my family is that we want to replace the headstone on the grave of our aunt, who was buried in 1965.

Her brother (I found out from the Bereavement Office) bought the plot as she never married. He died in the 1970s.

I went to the Memorial Business to inquire about ordering a headstone. I was told I had to be the owner and that I should contact the Bereavement Office to transfer ownership. I received a letter from the council stating that it would cost �34.50 for the Transfer of Burial Rights and if I am unable to produce the original deed there will be an additional charge of �17 for the production of a Form of Identity. If I can't produce the will of the owner, I will have to produce a Statutory Declaration for which an extra charge will be incurred at the magistrates court or at a firm of solicitors!

And all we wanted to do was replace a headstone as the lettering has worn away and there was a note on it stating it was dangerous, which it is not. Oh yes, and another thing: the quote I received for a new one is �1,007. It doesn't encourage anyone to improve the look of the cemetery.

JUDY BUCKLE and FAMILY

Admiralty Road

Great Yarmouth

GREAT Yarmouth as we know it was founded 800 years ago and prospered by its relationship with the sea. Our relationship with the sea has shaped our town as local people have capitalised on the ebbs and flows of fishing, international trade and offshore activity.

But ports like Yarmouth are now too small to compete as ships get larger and lines of communication extend. Our competitors at home and abroad are investing so it's critical that we do not get left behind.

So that's why this town should be grateful that a new generation of entrepreneurs, some of them from the other side of the world, have invested many millions of pounds in EastPort to enable Yarmouth to compete on the world stage in the decades to come.

The magnificent new outer harbour will put our town in the centre of European trade with links to other continents and including, for the first time, the opportunity to attract the larger ships that commonly pass through the Suez and Panama canals.

We know times are hard but let's look to the future. We should be grateful that others have invested so that we can all be ready to trade when the upturn comes.

So let's now stand shoulder to shoulder and thank these people for their vote of confidence in our town.

At a stroke, their brave investment will allow local businesses to address vast new international markets first hand, not second-hand via other larger European ports and that will bring new wealth and hundreds of jobs to our community.

That's something we should celebrate and encourage, not carp and criticise.

IAN TOOLEY

DAVID HARROD

Joint Managing Directors

J & H Bunn Ltd

Great Yarmouth

TO the mindless morons, who over the weekend decided they had nothing better to do than to break into Caister Infant School and spay pink luminous paint all over the windows and nursery equipment. You should be ashamed of yourselves. It's the likes of you that give young people a bad name. As an angry parent, if I could get hold of you, you would be given a good slap and made to clean the whole lot off! Shame on you!

KYM ROBSON,

Second Avenue,

Caister

COULD someone please explain why it is that buses from Martham to Lowestoft which come through Caister are only single deckers on Wednesday mornings? Sometimes when I use the buses they are double deckers and I have no trouble getting on but this morning, (Wednesday, May 6) the single decker was full to capacity and went straight past me.

This was not only a nuisance but very annoying. I had an appointment at the James Paget Hospital for 10.30am and wanted to catch the 9.23am at Prince of Wales Road (or the next stop on the Norwich Road). As a consequence I had to take my car to enable me to get there in time.

We are all asked to use public transport when possible and as I am 74 and have a bus pass I try to use it whenever possible. Because I could not go by bus today it also gave me more problems. I went to have a retinal screen test on my eyes and because it necessitated having drops in the eyes it meant I could not drive for at least two hours afterwards. If I had travelled there by bus I could have got onto the bus as soon as treatment was over and travelled home in safety. As it was, I had to pay parking fees at the hospital and sit in the caf� with a coffee for two hours; such a waste of time and my money.

What is it that on the busiest day of the week, Wednesday, also market day, that there cannot be double decker buses when so many people want to get into town? It is even worse in the holiday season when many visitors leave their cars where they are staying and bus into town to avoid having to find parking places.

It would be nice if somehow I could be reimbursed for the expenses I incurred through no fault of my own!

MRS P MUNDAY

Weston Rise

Caister

IN Great Yarmouth we honour and pay tribute to the Ghurkhas. In Westminster parliament is derisory and insulting toward them. The work of Joanna Lumley further exposes the farce of our immigration policy and the Daily Telegraph is in the process of blowing the lid off our MPs expenses, even the less astute recognize these revelations as seriously damaging.

Who does one vote for? Does one vote for garden maintenance at �7,000, �13,000 for a second home flip, light bulbs at �100 per 25 fitted or perhaps a London flat at �75,000? Each and every one of these examples in my opinion is a vote for dishonesty, the convenient loop hole for politicians blaming the system and not their own responsibility.

I believe this attitude to be the foundation stone on which the current recession was engineered. I also think it prudent to remember that failure to rectify a recognized wrong denotes complicity, and that complicity always has dire consequences, which is why I would like to ask Archant archives if Guy Fawkes has any living relatives aspiring to be politicians.

JAMES LINDSAY

Trinity Avenue

Great Yarmouth

AT long last the mass graves of the men who fell at Fromelles in 1916 are to be opened and the remains given decent burial.

Reading that “those higher up the chain of command” refused the requested temporary truce from British, German and Australian troops so that their comrades could be taken from the battlefield shows the same paltry treatment as the present government has shown to the brave Gurkhas. And what distress this must have given their comrades to see such an order carried out.

Truly, “plus �a change, plus la meme chose.”

MISS R L FARMER

Marine Parade

Gorleston

IN his letter in last week's Mercury, Philip Knight, Wherry Way, wrote of “true followers of Christ”. But Mercury readers should know that Mr Knight holds Jehovah's Witness views (he's written to me). Also the JW Christ is not the same as the Christ of the Bible. The JWs teach that Jesus was “a created individual” and “not the Almighty God”. They also claim that Christ in his pre-existent state was Michael the Archangel, whose brother was Lucifer. The Bible, however, says that Jesus has always existed and is God the Son, of equal deity to the Father (Micah 5:2, John 8:58, 14:9, 20:27-29, Colossians 1:17, 1 Timothy 3:16, Titus 2:13, Revelation 1:13-18).

The JW teaching about Jesus is simply a rehash of the fourth century AD heresy known as Arianism. Readers may be interested to know that the Mormons (Latter Day Saints) teach much the same about Jesus - that He is not God, but one of God's created spirit children, and Lucifer is Jesus' brother.

“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him.” (2 John 9-10). I pray Mr Knight will come to know the true Jesus (of the Bible) and receive the eternal life He offers (John 6:35, 40).

E Barkhuizen

Albemarle Road

Gorleston

MAY I express through the good offices of the Yarmouth Mercury, my enjoyment of the concert of the combined talents of the Broadland Youth Choir and the Great Yarmouth Gilbert and Sullivan Society given recently at the Town Hall. The contrast of the old and new, both in the works performed and the singers themselves made this a truly memorable evening in a wonderful setting and may we enjoy such treats of this sort in the future.

Mrs J E LARNER

Carter Close

Caister

IT seems we have a new landmark on our horizon! coming back from Norwich along the Acle Straight, the entire bus load of passengers got up to gawp at the new arrivals - the cranes. It seems we have yet again not been fully told the truth about what is good for us in Great Yarmouth. The ideals of the port management were only marginally told to us. They did not say that the right of way to the harbour mouth would be completely blocked - the pleasurable Sunday afternoon viewing spot has been taken from us and not replaced. The old harbour mouth has been totally decimated and we are now stuck with four ghastly cranes towering over the landscape.

The false promise of employment gone, as they have already got rid of dock-workers. It seems we have been duped into accepting a container port, once again lining the pockets of the few at the expense of the majority and increasing road traffic with huge trucks.

Does anyone believe we will get a roll-on ferry for our pleasure? No, nor do I.

LYN BYFORD

Exmouth Road

Great Yarmouth

WITH the development of the outer harbour, expectations were for the creation of jobs. A boost for the town's economy. Larger port, larger workforce. How wrong was that assumption.

Eastport bosses obviously have other ideas. A third of the port workers have already been dismissed. The remaining workers being held to ransom with unrealistic working contracts. It is surely unsafe to expect anyone to be available for work 24/7. If workers do not comply, their employment will be terminated. What is the reasoning behind this? How can a port run effectively and safely without an adequate level of experienced workers? It may be questioned why bosses are not commenting on these issues. Come on Eastport, sort yourselves out before the outer harbour becomes another white elephant for the town.

MRS O RANT

Shrublands Way

Gorleston

I HAVE followed the progress of the outer harbour since day one and have driven past it on many occasions. You can imagine my great surprise when I heard that two huge dockside cranes were coming, as I was always under the impression it was to be a RO-RO operation at the port. One starts to get suspicious when changes like this occur without prior notice, and I think Messrs Beckett and Gould and the Port Users have cause to worry.

Is the chief executive of EastPort aware that Felixstowe, Britain's largest container port, has announced a 20pc drop in business due to the recession? Where does that put Yarmouth? People are asking why workers are being made redundant, and others' jobs are being threatened whens the port isn't even open yet. With �18m of public money involved in this operation, I think we all have a right to be asking questions.

A CASS

Station Road South

Belton

AS a member of Great Yarmouth Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, and as matron/chaperone for the Original Dusmagrik Theatre Company, I am sure I am not alone in lamenting the pitiful lack of venues for the many, varied and talented companies that exist in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston to put on shows.

If it wasn't for Kevin and Stuart at the wonderful Gorleston Pavilion Theatre where there have been so many excellent amateur productions recently, amateur theatre may as well curl up and die.

Why can we not have a council-run facility - oh sorry, I forgot - not interested are they? After all, they let St George's go to rack and ruin till it became too expensive and unsafe to do anything with. I don't see much happening there three years down the line.

However, the main reason for this letter, now I have got that off my chest, is to say that the Ops and Drams are very much alive and kicking and are about to celebrate their 110th birthday with an evening of chat and nostalgia, and for the newer members to meet up with the former members.

This event is being held at the Royal Masonic Assembly Rooms opposite what was the Wellington Pier (now don't start me again!) on Friday, May 22, tickets priced at �15 including buffet. You can come dressed as a character from a past production if you so wish. We have contacted many people by letter but they may have changed addresses or moved on and have just not received them. If we have lost track of you and you would like to come along, it is not too late. Just ring Linda Applewhaite on 01493 730924. It looks like it is going to be a good night, so see you there, I hope.

JUNE SEABROOK

Caister Road

Great Yarmouth

ON Thursday, April 30 my husband and I attended the Caister Soul Night at the Green Gate Inn, Caister on Sea. It was free entry and held in the function room and what a fantastic evening it was. The DJ was playing old fashioned vinyl records which I have not seen for years. The music was northern soul and Tamla Motown which brought the memories of my childhood flooding back. The main thing that caught our attention apart from music was the diversity in ages which ranged from late teens to OAPs. Can't wait for the next one on May 16.

Mrs R WARD

Seabird Close

Caister

I MAY live nearly 4,000 miles from The Wellesley, but I still follow the fortunes of The Bloaters, via the Mercury online, club's excellent website and the Ridgeons Football League site.

I want to congratulate everyone involved with the club on a very successful season. The town should be proud of all four teams. I'm sure with Tongy at the helm and the back up of the faithful few (especially secretary Brian Smith), promotion is within the first team's grasp next season.

The youth policy is certainly paying off and for both the U18s and U9s, the season has been magnificent.

From afar, one thing that does sadden me is the total apathy of the people of Great Yarmouth towards their senior football club. How I wish that would change and more people would swell the gate. Wishing the club all the very best for a great summer break and a successful 2009-10 season.

MICK CAPON

Durham

North Carolina, USA

I AM just writing as not sure who to inform but I witnesses a lady stealing plants from outside the Town Hall. She looked at the plants and then as quick as lightning, started grabbing them and putting them into her bag. I couldn't believe it. Is it fair that the council are trying to make Great Yarmouth look nice and for the people to pay for the plants out of our council tax just for anyone to come along and take what they want, when they want.

I am contacting the Mercury hopefully to name and shame her.

SUSAN BRENNAN

Harley Road

Great Yarmouth

ON returning from holiday on Tuesday May 5 it was with great sadness that I read in the Mercury of the death of a friend and former works colleague Sandra Roden.

Sandra and I worked together for 37 years in the electronics industry at what is now C-Mac Microcircuits, formerly, Erie Electronics, ITT, STC, and Northern Telecom.

Always quick to speak her mind and not mince her words I found her to be very honest and industrious in all aspects of her working life. She worked her way through many production processes to become a leading production inspector and instrumental in working hard with her other inspector colleagues and department team leaders like myself and with engineering and management teams to ensure that the products were of the standard expected of a high tec company.

Her role as a leading inspector would often lead her to confront the team leaders and production managers with any production faults she might find, but whilst being critical and forceful in putting her point across her approach was always in a professional manner and that's where she gained the respect of all her work colleagues.

She was sorely missed when she decided to retire. Her powerful drive and forceful nature at work was matched at home with her great support for her family.

Being a member of Unite, the union, Sandra put the same constructive messages across at all union meetings and as the works convenor of Unite I found her views to be very helpful. I send condolences to Sandra's family on behalf of all her former works colleagues and Unite Union members.

BARRY STEWART

Great Yarmouth branch secretary

Unite the Union

THE article in the Mercury on May 1, regarding the new super-sized Tesco store came as an awful shock. Caister does not need a super store like that. This area is well served by supermarkets. The parish council has been really devious about selling Tesco's land and charging the ratepayers for the legal work. The parish council are supposed to be working for the village and should have asked us what we thought first. I shall certainly object to planning permission; that is of course if we are informed about it.

BARBARA FRENCH

Newarp Way

Caister

WHY are we paying �30,000 pounds for repair of the new seafront roadway? And an unspecified amount is projected may be required at a later date! I fail to see how the sand has altered in form enough to cause this expenditure. If this is the case (I doubt it) what can we expect for any future work?

The road has been resurfaced at enormous cost and after just three years it requires remedial work to be carried out. Why? Prior to the “modernisation” how much was spent on repairs to this area? What guarantees were given by the contractor regarding this work? Any? Either way this is poor workmanship and should be put right at no cost to the rate payers.

If I have work done and it is not satisfactory I go back to the contractor to come back to remedy the situation, I have after all paid for the job to be carried out, just like we paid for this road. Yes, I know that part of the work was carried out with grants but where do you think this money came from? Yes, that's correct, you and me.

M HOOD

Claydon Grove

Gorleston

I THINK the port users have every reason to be concerned over the port's use and indeed the port's future. The feeling among locals who know a bit about boats is that it is 30 years too late and is doomed to fail. It was thought that the main use would be RO/RO and there does not appear to be any work on a quay for that use. Who had the bright idea to have containers in the port? We have Felixstowe maybe 50 miles down the coast and Hull about the same up the coast, and both these ports have adequate roads to the Midlands which I would think is the main destination for containers from the east coast. I would very much like to see the port succeed, but I have my doubts.

H G PERRY

Gorleston

THE people who run this country who claim exorbitant expenses are nothing but parasites. Every Member of Parliament should have their claims for any expenses made public on the web, so that the general public who foot the bill can see were their money is spent. That in turn may make those greedy people think twice about over the top claims. That also should apply to the local council and councillors.

D J COLMAN

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