Letters, May 10, 2013

I own among other things Orion Taxis and remember very well the evening and night of Saturday, May 3 2003, the tragic day seven year old Daniel Entwistle went missing. I had had for a long time a job to take an old boy to the Dance Studio on Riverside Road every Saturday evening; then I picked up a lovely lady who was a carer in a place that looked after Huntington patients.

I can remember clearly that shortly before I picked them up, I had taken my dog down to the river on South Quay, and was shocked to see the tide coming in at a rate I had never seen before. The Yare can be a fast treacherous river but on this night the tide was heading northwards, coming in at a cracking pace. Such was this rate of knots; I had to mention it to my two friends and we stopped and observed it. They agreed they had never seen it come in so fast.

Later that evening the tide was still coming in very fast; perhaps a 30-40 mph torrent.

The next morning we were woken by overhead helicopters and the news of this missing boy. It was said that as his bike was found by the river wall on Trinity Quay he may have well fell in. I am not sure but as there was evidence of him alive around 17.05, had he indeed fell in, as was the general view and it had been around 18.00, the tide was slack and on the turn to start filling the river again and of course the Broads, as it does every day.

Had I and my friends not noticed this particular tide that was so ferocious, and it had come in at its normal flow, it would not have been worth mentioning. But I remember telling a police officer, a police inspector and a fire officer. All just seemingly patted me on the head and told me not to worry.

But it was my supposition had this poor boy indeed fell in, he and or his body would or could have been carried far up into the Broads system, even as far as Norwich so I was always a little dumfounded when most of the search seemed to concentrate south of Trinity Quay and the open sea. Nobody ever mentioned this freak tide.

I would love to know if it would be impossible for young Daniel to be carried up into the Broads and that it was more probable for him to be carried out to sea against this particular fast tide.

ROY G SYMONDS

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Paved ‘walk’ way

Promenade: Paved walkway along the seafront at a holiday resort; old-fashioned leisurely walk.

Say no more.

BRIAN EVANS

Ormesby St Margaret

Only eye-witness evidence in bible

Last year, I and three friends went to the Norfolk Show. A year later, we recall different things according to their relevance to us. For example: one might recall that it was a nice day whereas, I recall that actually it was a bit windy. Although we all went to the same event, there are slight differences in what we recall.

The fact our stories are slightly different bears credence we attended the same event but there are slight variations in what we recall according to their relevance to us as individuals. If this is typical of other events, why should the bible be any different?

D Brown claims Christ’s divinity was decided at the Council of Nicea. This was established 300 years before ‘while Christ still walked among us’. The Apostle Thomas upon witnessing the risen Christ proclaimed: ‘my Lord and my God’ Jn 20;28. The principle reason the established religion of Christ’s day condemned Him was for the very reason ‘He claimed to be God’ Mk 14.61, Mt27.25, Jn10.33. St Paul writing less than 30 years after the crucificixion in Philippians states ‘His state was divine yet He did not cling to His equality with God’ Phil 2:5-11.

The canonised Gospels, were those that bore eye-witness testimony, hearsay, second and third hand evidence was excluded, irrespective how inspired and rightly so, that is how evidence works in English law. The same criteria was used for biblical evidence. It was rumoured there exists other Gospels whereas, there is no evidence these were reliable, so were excluded from the bible.

Looking forward to this year’s Norfolk Show.

ROGER HAYES

Beccles Road,

Bradwell

Blue badge cars avoid pay-to-park

Last Saturday I took my 81-year-old mother into Great Yarmouth so she could purchase a suitable outfit for an upcoming wedding. We drove over the Haven bridge and turned right into Stonecutters Way and was met with a very orderly line of parked cars along the left hand side, alongside the local CAB, all on the double yellow lines, with blue badges on display.

We turned right to go to Palmers car park so my mother would not have to walk too far get to the town centre. All along the left hand side of Howard Street South was another line of various sized cars from large 4x4s, people carriers and smaller cars - again with blue badges on display, again on double yellow lines.

After joining a few cars entering the car park I got parked after a circuit and a half to find a space, paid for the ticket then walked the short distance with my mother into the shopping centre.

Imagine my surprise on the way through to there to see all but one of the available disabled parking spaces allocated for blue badge holders empty. These are at least 100 plus metres nearer the town than outside the CAB or even the road outside the car park, and they still sat empty an hour or so later.

I have to walk with a stick, and have done for the last two years or so, but it seems where walking for the owners/passengers of the badged roadside parked vehicles is involved, there is no problem with doing the extra walking distance when they want to go into town, it’s just a problem they have with having to pay a small fee to be that much nearer.

Perhaps the council should look into converting these spaces back for general public use as these seem to be surplus to requirements on there and probably in other council car parks as well.

However, I do know some people do still rely on available spaces being there for wheelchairs/carers that do use and need them and are willing to pay for these spaces.

MARK DURRANT

Oxford Avenue,

Gorleston

We rented shop where man died

I am an avid reader of the Mercury, particularly Peggoty’s memory page 8, and I was very interested in the piece on the unsolved murder of Horace Butcher at 151 Middlegate Street.

My parents rented the shop and house, and we lived there until its demolition after the war. I remember as a child, being taken to the cellars of the next door Druid’s Arms during the air raids. One small correction to the article: the landlord of the pub was Edgar Aldous.

MALCOLM FERROW

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Many born-again are unholy people

I was shocked recently when I went to a funeral service in St Nicholas Minster, Great Yarmouth. The lady who had died was not a born-again Christian. Nor was her late husband. Yet what did we hear from the man at the front? That her husband was in heaven awaiting her. And this lady was now in heaven too!

Do the people who conduct these services study the bible at all during their theological training? Jesus says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

But it’s not enough just to be “born again” spiritually. Many born-again Christians are unholy people who fool themselves they’re going to heaven – just because they were once born again. The apostle Paul warns, “For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words” (Ephesians 5:5–6)

E BARKHUIZEN

Albemarle Road,

Gorleston

Why let vehicles flout park rules?

With reference to P Taylor’s letter, I also have noticed the so-called traders plying there trade on Regent Road and as he says, have every right to do so. But the reason for my letter is how long has Regent Road been pedestrianised? There are people who park there, as well as on Regent Street. The police just ignore them so can someone shed light on this?

BOB SEWELL

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Shop assistant on mobile phone

Would someone from the council see why the lights are still on in the empty Co-op building. It closed a few years ago and it is such a pity to see it go downhill. Mind you, it is not the only empty building and it will not be the last.

I can remember Yarmouth back in the old days. All the shops were so busy and people having manners helped. Not now. Shop assistants barely speak and a few weeks ago l was in a shop and the girl assistant kept speaking on her mobile while serving me. Years ago she would have got the sack.

Like the old song said: Things aren’t like they used to be.

Mrs T WHITMORE

Email

‘We know best’ lost Tory seats

The political landscape may have changed through UKIP’s surge in popularity; all the discussions seem to imply that immigration is the main reason why we now have 14 more UKIP councillors, this in my opinion is not so.

Over these past years of questioning councillors what is obvious to me, ordinary ratepayers are not considered. Councillors believe they are elected to decide what is best for the ratepayers, not to listen and act on what the ratepayers complain or object to.

Three of NCC councillors, twin hatters from GYBC have been knocked off their seats. I believe the attitude “we know what is best for you” the main cause of their demise.

The bullish attitude of secrecy and decision making behind closed doors has over the years cost the borough dearly, perhaps, just perhaps this fright UKIP has given the three main parties will make councillors think and accept they were elected for the ratepayers benefit, not their own.

JOHN L COOPER

Burnt Lane

Gorleston

People at risk must be warned

Your excellent article on the danger emanating from the Bunns fertiliser plant on South Denes emphasises the need for the borough council and the health and safety executive to ensure people who live in the area at risk from any explosion are warned of any risks. At the same time the method of washing the excess material left over on the quays after the unloading of vessels into the river must be stopped. Also the dust on the public road leading from the plant must be addressed.

I hope organisations concerned will urgently review this matter

RUSSELL W CARTER

Coxswain Read Way,

Caister on Sea

A need for the Book of Mormon

I would like to thank Derek Brown and Dave Gahan for their letters in the Mercury, May 3. Their letters show that there is a need for a second witness of Jesus Christ – The Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon was brought forth to witness alongside the Bible that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world. It supports and strengthens the bible.

DENNIS COOPER

Cedar Close

Bradwell

A monument to public generosity

A sincere thank-you for the excellent coverage given to HRH Princess Royal’s visit last week, and especially for the very full coverage given to the Louise Hamilton Centre, (palliative care centre) which stands as a monument to the generosity of all those member of the local public who have given their time, money and total commitment to making this Centre a reality.

A very special mention should be made of the enduring energy and commitment shown by the appeal’s co-ordinator, Jenny Watson, who gave unstintingly of her time and efforts to see this project come to fruition.

It was my husband’s dying wish to repay for some of the care given to him during his last few years, and my family and I are very proud we were able to donate and name one of the treatment rooms in his memory, as did others in the local community. I now look forward to the next phase of this very worthwhile project.

JULIA BOLCH

Marine Parade,

Gorleston

Thank you for Mercury support

Last week you published a fantastic 16-page supplement to celebrate the opening of the Louise Hamilton Centre by the Princess Royal. In it you highlighted a number of groups and individuals who had worked hard over the past six years to raise the £1.5m needed.

There was one notable omission to that list and that is yourselves, the Great Yarmouth Mercury and the Lowestoft Journal.

You have adopted the appeal as your own and provided excellent coverage of the fundraising status and the notable events on the journey. I would like to thank you, on behalf of the appeal, and the people of Great Yarmouth and Waveney, for that support. It has been exemplary.

Perhaps I could also mention in passing that the Palliative Care Appeal will continue as we need to raise around £100,000 per annum to fund the operating expenses of the building. Thank you again for your support.

JOHN H HEMMING

Chairman, Palliative Care Appeal

Louise Hamilton Centre

Prom cycling is terrible mistake

Much has been written recently about cycling on Gorleston Prom. I believe Great Yarmouth Council have made a terrible mistake and would question whether the council carried out a risk assessment to assess the health and safety of pedestrians using the prom.

My biggest concern is in the area of JayJays Beach Cafe. There is a row of tables and chairs immediately outside of the cafe and also against the railings which reduces the width of the promenade by at least 50pc. I use the promenade every day and this weekend with the fine weather and influx of welcome visitors it has been absolutely chaotic in the area of this cafe.

Obviously most cyclists using the promenade do cycle at a sedate pace but unfortunately we do get our fair number of idiots. Let’s hope that your newspaper doesn’t have to report a tragic accident in this area in the future.

NICK CHEEVERS

Kennedy Avenue

Gorleston

Two-dog attack on mum’s pet

On Sunday, April 28, my partner and I were walking my mother’s small dog not far from Breydon bridge. Suddenly, from nowhere, two large dogs - both off leads - went straight for my mother’s dog and started biting her.

My partner quickly picked up the small dog with one of the large dogs still having hold of her neck. Thankfully it let go. Nevertheless, both large dogs continued to jump up my partner and bite the legs of our small dog. The only way he could keep her safe was to raise her above his head.

The owners were not quick to respond. Casually, they grabbed one of their dogs and continued walking. The other large dog though continued to jump up at my partner.

Regrettably, my partner had to kick the dog and only then did it return to its owners. Thankfully my partner and my mother’s dog were unscathed.

This is the second time my mother’s dog has been attacked by dogs off leads. I believe she would have been ripped apart had it not been for my partner.

I have contacted the police and they intend to patrol the area. Responsible dog owners be vigilant and report any incidents.

Y LITTLEWOOD

Great Yarmouth

Caister Road is dangerous road

Further to Simon Clarke’s letter “Use cycling land in rush hour.”

Can I, as chairman of the North Yarmouth Road Safety Group, say the council has been approached on numerous occasions about the cycle lane.

We want to have it clearly marked on the pavements, and also more signs to say where the cycle lane is eg for people coming out of the alleyway from Hawkins Close onto Caister Road but this seems to have fallen on deaf ears. Maybe it’s because the council is cash-strapped but we can get no further apart from the fact the cycle lane is shown along with all the other cycle lanes in Yarmouth in a booklet, whatever use that is.

The cycle lane from Jellicoe Road junction towards Yarmouth town centre is on the right hand side of the road, not on the left, as it is from the Caister roundabout to Jellicoe Road.

I’d also like to remind people what a dangerous road Caister Road is and that there is a speed limit of 30mph, from just north of Jellicoe Road- town ward which is meant to be adhered to – not many people seem to take much notice.

For all issues regarding roads, contact me on 07837 960187 or email kenblood@talktalk.net

K BLOODWORTH

Amazed to see photos of family

I was amazed to open the Mercury to see photos of my aunt Jessie, aunt Nell and uncle Edgar with the story of the Harry Butcher murder. I must point out my uncle’s name was Edgar Aldous, not Farrow. If my memory serves me right a Mr Farrow lived opposite Harry’s shop. I remember my uncle was questioned by the police a few times.

The Druids Arms had magnificent living rooms: on the first floor there was a small window out of which we could see Harry’s living room window. If the curtains were not open my uncle would call out to Harry to wake him up.

I recall my uncle was very upset at this dreadful murder of his dear friend. I lived at the Druids and was brought up by my aunt and uncle Edgar.

C M COOKE

Lancaster Road,

Great Yarmouth

All the best to Cliffs Bowls Club

I have been a member of Gorleston Cliffs Bowls Club for 37 years. I, along with Roger Farrow and Michael Spyer, were the founder members of what was then called the Cliff Hotel Bowls Club.

I had the pleasure of being captain of the club for 17 years and winning the Lothingland league three times. I am so pleased to say the club has rewarded me with a tankard and inscribed, thanking me for my efforts and hard work for the club. Due to my age I can no longer compete as a bowler.

However, I am delighted to see the club will continue thanks to a dedicated team of chaps namely Rodney Scott, Frank Gibbs, Michael Sayer, Doug Williams, Brian kerrison and Ivan Gilbert and that does my heart good to know.

I therefore wish the club all the very best for the future and many thanks for the present.

ROY BASE

Address withheld

Art exhibition had wow factor

I am an avid collector of pictures of boats and the Broadlanders Art Club Spring Exhibition featured many such delightful pictures, several of Wherries on the Broads, whence the club derives its name. The wow factor of such a wonderful array of paintings, arranged in the charming schoolroom of Lowestoft Road Methodist Church, Gorleston, is just one reason why the exhibition was a really cool way to relax at the Bank Holiday.

The work, which included botanical studies and holiday scenes, had been executed in a variety of media: pastels, acrylics, watercolours, oils, coloured pencil, and gouache. All the pictures were tastefully framed and mounted. A selection of exquisite miniatures was also offered for sale.

During the weekend four talented members gave demonstrations. Last Saturday morning Pat Anderton demonstrated her pastel technique and in the afternoon Gloria Harris made a collage.

On Sunday morning Jan Lacey revealed her skill with watercolours, executing a landscape format painting of pansies she had grown herself. She explained how she had composed the picture and showed her artist’s palette. In the afternoon Sarah Billyard used acrylics to execute a painting.

This exhibition will linger long in the memory and all wish the talented Broadlanders every possible future success.

CAROLINE BUDDERY

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Thanks to JPH

I recently spent four days in the James Paget Hospital having a hip replacement operation. I would like to thank all the staff involved for their help and kindness during my stay, and community nurses and physiotherapists since my return home.

GWEN MIDDLETON

Keyes Avenue,

Great Yarmouth