Readers’s letters, May 12 2017

I would like to congratulate Great Yarmouth Borough Council on the excellent renovations they have made to the public conveniences in Gorleston High Street. Well done to all concerned.

K Z FARMAN

El Alamein Way,

Bradwell

Fancy being a festival friend?

As time is ticking quickly by and the opening of the 2017 Great Yarmouth Arts Festival on June 2 will soon be happening, this may be the right time to consider becoming a Friend of the Festival. The subscription for this year’s Festival remains at £10 and the benefits that every Friend receives are to receive a £1 discount on each of a maximum of four tickets for each event.

Brochures, leaflets and Friends’ application forms are now widely available in the local area – Great Yarmouth Minster and other churches, St George’s Theatre, libraries, colleges and schools, and many venues where societies and clubs meet for their various activities.

If you are unable to pick up an application form, please send your name, contact details and remittance of £10 with SAE to Friends’ Secretary, 7, Green Lane, Bradwell, Great Yarmouth, NR31 8QH.

MARGARET JERMANY,

Festival Friends’ secretary

Looking for cousin Janet

I hope Mercury readers can help me. I’m looking for a lady called Janet from Great Yarmouth, a cousin who visited St Peter’s Church in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire recently. She asked about our family but could only stay for a short while. I can be contacted by email at tony.fisher2@btopenworld.com

TONY FISHER

Email

What are politician’s views?

I was watching the Sunday politics programme on May 7 where Kay Grey of UKIP stated and I quote “something has gone seriously wrong with the leadership, we did not get our policies out” whose leadership was she criticising her’s or Paul Nuttall’s, and exactly what policies did she fail to get out. I was not aware that UKIP had any local policies apart from those on Anglian Water.

CLLR ADRIAN MYERS

Tribune Party

Lothingland Ward

Seafront is not what it used to be

I just wondered whose brilliant idea it was to get rid of the outdoor swimming pool (lido) and lovely jetty on the seafront.

In my day families would spend the whole day at a packed pool having picnics and fun. It was closed to open that awful dull building, the Marina Centre.

The weeds and gross growing round the back are never maintained nor have the windows been cleaned for at least five years. It looks like a disused factory.

There is nothing to do along the seafront without spending a lot of money as it is dominated with arcades.

The lovely piece of grass near the Sealife centre is never really used. Why was the bandstand removed? Again families could sit and picnic with local band invited to entertain, what a lovely Sunday afternoon that would be.

I just love sitting and enjoying the promenade as I am sure others do.

Families loved the waterways as well and they are not being used as they should be,

The plain and simple things seem to be what people would like again. The council needs to rethink these things, times are changing and money is short.

Let’s encourage people to come and enjoy simple things again and put the games and phones away for a while and enjoy Great Yarmouth.

J GALLAGHER

The Pastures,

Hemsby

Trees are being pulled down

Many moons ago I was asked to do a small repair job by a gentlemen who was opening a club in Burgh Castle, a Bunny club no less.

This man was Prince Charles’s ex-bodyguard. The head of the Bunny clubs in London was rather impressed with Burgh Castle and the Broads and said it should never be harmed.

Move onto the present with the Broads Authority recently issuing a ban on cutting down trees in the area of Belton Common because so many had been chopped down or badly pruned people that people were complaining.

If you think this is a new development think again.

I was told by several local people that the Forestry Commission took people to court for chopping so many trees down. I think 80 or 90 down Burgh Road, that they made a complete mess of area, including if my memory serves me correctly the illegal pulling down of the lovely Bradwell House.

All in all a pretty poor effort by all concerned in protecting what was once a beautiful area and with a lot of people moving here to enjoy the countryside you had better come quick as there will not be much left at this rate.

M S DIMMACK

Butt Lane,

Burgh Castle

We need policies not names

During this very important time of preparation for a general election I have noticed that interviewers frequently ask members of the public, “Who would you prefer as prime minister? Jeremy Corbyn or Theresa May?”.

To focus so much attention on personalities instead of issues is to trivialise what is at stake.

The issues should be the main focus and people should be encouraged to consider what sort of country they want to live in and which party is most likely to bring this about.

Leaders come and go, as David Cameron discovered, so please think about policies not personalities.

CERI WALFORD

Hawthorn Crescent,

Bradwell

Is the party relevant to us?

I refer to your Letter pages of May 5 and to the correspondence from Judith A Daniels.

Judith pokes gentle fun at our member of Parliament, Brandon Lewis, the prime minister, Theresa May and the Conservative Party in general. However her second paragraph gives a clear insight into her view of the Labour Party, I quote “Labour is not at the present time in a coalition with any other party and has very little relevance”.

Judith is in very good company, as was demonstrated in the recent county council elections, when nearly the whole of the electorate supported the Conservative candidates.

GORDON CRAIG

Hemsby

Did you find my wallet?

One day last week I got off the No 6 bus at Kingfisher Close, Bradwell and when I arrived home I found I did not have my wallet.

When I got off the bus there were three men on it. I contacted First Bus and the police but nothing had been handed in.

It has cost me unnecessary bother replacing my bank card and bus pass. I hope the person who had it had small children because it had £80 in it and my late wife would have said forgive and forget.

NAME AND ADDRESS WITHHELD

A bus journey not to repeated

Reading in the Mercury that bus number 61 would be running to Harfreys shopping estate, my friend and I decided to give it a go.

What an experience! There was no bus stop, the driver was very helpful, but he said he would have to drop us off opposite McDonald’s. I imagine us crossing that road junction! There was no footpath to the entrance of the estate. Obviously this scheme was not thought through properly. Apparently it has been running for two weeks and hardly anyone used it. A dangerous experience - never again.

B FERGUSON

Arundel Road,

Great Yarmouth

Has the town lost the plot?

I went to Great Yarmouth on Saturday to do some shopping in the precinct. What a shock. Whose bright idea was it to put trampolines in there with music too sky high.

When I to Hinds you could not hear others speak and it was upsetting everyone. Don’t you think people like a bit of peace and quiet. Then onto the market, more noise. It was for the children, don’t you realise it is what goes on at home.

The pleasure to shop has gone, Yarmouth has lost the plot. I was born in one of the Rows and even wrote a poem praising Yarmouth that got published. But it was about yesteryear, when Yarmouth was great, not any more.

NAME AND ADDRESS WITHHELD

Homes programme needs a boost

Enthusiasm in the government’s private building programme seems to have lost its appeal. Although building is going on much of it is for councils or building associations, not any fast moving development in the private sector.

Or is it just in the Great Yarmouth area, where one or two of our building sites are laying dormant.

With rental being the theme first time buyers and chain movers seem hard to come by.

Deposits are high but once paid the money then is achieving something.

But property prices on existing building sites are, dare I say it, ludicrous.

For the average seeker of today even to rent is a millstone on their finances creating a lack of interest on their future life, with rent covering any rainy days ahead.

It is worth that little bit of sacrifice.

JACK DYE

Gonville Road,

Gorleston

Please support our charity week

Christian Aid Week is from May 14 to May 20 this year and it is Christian Aid Week’s Diamond Jubilee

Sadly, not all Diamond Jubilees are times for rejoicing. As Christian Aid Week celebrates its Diamond Jubilee the reason for Christian Aid’s existence is now even greater than when it started.

After the Second World War ended, there were millions of refugees all over Europe and members of the Churches of Europe gave generously through Inter Church Aid to help to alleviate their suffering. Christian Aid became the name of the contributions raised by the churches of Britain and Ireland. Christian Aid Week began 60 years ago.

Today, tens of millions of people across the globe are fleeing their homes because of war, conflict and disaster, making dangerous journeys in search of safety, in the biggest movement of people since that time. The vast majority of today’s refugees seek sanctuary in poor countries, but more that a million refugees have crossed into Europe. Many have endured years of conflict. With borders across Europe currently closed, thousand are now stranded in camps – in urgent need of help.

We know that the conflict that drives these crises is not what God wants for the world, and that he wants each one of his children to have a safe place to call home.

But until that day – while we are needed – Christian Aid will be working with refugees as well as continuing numerous projects to help people support themselves where they live.

Theodor Davidovic, now aged 91 is a dedicated Christian Aid Week volunteer.

Orphaned at eight, he was teenager during the Second World War and fought in the resistance movement in Serbia against Germany. But in the political chaos after the war he had to flee his country.

He lived in refugee camps in Europe for two and a half years and says he owes his life to the support of organisations like Christian Aid.

Many of the churches in this area will be holding fundraising events and collecting money in various ways. Your contribution will be most gratefully received.

You may also donate online at caweek.org or by calling 08080 006 006

We believe in life before death.

ANN MEAKIN,

Honorary organiser for the Martham area

Did you know Aunt Henny?

Does anyone remember Henrietta Narborough known as Aunt Henny?

I am now 70 years old and have not been back to Filby for many years. I spent many happy times in the village as a young child. My grandad was a farm manager at Manor farm.

I spent many good times with Aunt Henny and Uncle Dennis playing at their house and in their beautiful market garden which was in Bridge Lane. The garden led down to Filby Broads.

They were such a very lovely couple and were very well known in the village. It would be so lovely to hear if anyone may remember them.

Any replies to John Donoghue’s email johnodonoghue407@btinternet.com

DENISE DONOGHUE

Email

Letter got me thinking on policies

Sometimes when I have asked friends if they have seen my letter in the Mercury, I receive a reply that states yes and it was long wasn’t it? And they do have a valid point. But saying this Ceri Walford’s letter in last week’s Mercury was indeed lengthy but my word was spot on with her very relevant and true observations.

I deemed it a master class in letter writing and it certainly made me think objectively about the Conservative record and its failures and omissions.

All the points she made are manifestly true but somehow we the electorate are being brainwashed into thinking this party has all the answers to our myriad problems and concerns. Theresa May is single-minded in wanting this to be a Brexit election to the detriment of everything else.

I could not believe my eyes in reading that fox hunting is back on the radar if she is elected and she will instigate a free vote. Surely not, and this could be the thin end of the wedge for a great many people who have genuine concerns about this ‘sport’.

Ceri Walford’s letter covered most bases but I would also add this government’s treatment of lone child refugees finding sanctuary in this county is a moral stain on their conscience. Up to 3,000 were promised but to date 480 children will be admitted.

This is callous and wrong and will come back to haunt us, if we as a wealthy country cannot rescue refugees who for no fault of their own find themselves in such dangerous conditions.

Yes, I too want a strong and stable government but one with compassion and empathy to all its citizens who struggle to get by. Mrs May promises to aid and help families and rightly she is now flagging up mental health concerns which is always the poor relation to physical wellbeing.

To conclude I will weigh up all the pros and cons as should everybody and please make sure you get a vote because it has never been more important and necessary in this election.

JUDITH A DANIELS

Winifred Road,

Cobholm

Our manifesto calls for changes

For many years the trades union council has held politicians of all colours to account over issues that impact on local residents.

From lobbying councillors to put pressure on Westminster to keep the coastguard and tax offices open, promoting the living wage, and highlighting the impact of Universal Credit on claimants and the local economy.

Great Yarmouth Trades Union Council now calls upon all parliamentary candidates in this general election to pledge their support for its manifesto for Great Yarmouth, which seeks to improve the lives of working people and the wider community in the borough.

The trades council asks candidates to sign the pledge and put Great Yarmouth first.

Employment:

Promote and support full-time all year around jobs in the town, lobby Westminster to bring government jobs back to the town, oppose agency terms and conditions that are detrimental to workers and outlaw zero-hour casual contracts

Pay:

Reinstate the agricultural wages board to improve pay in the sector and introduce the real living wage as promoted by the Living Wage Foundation

Health:

Oppose the privatisation of the NHS and deliver same day GP appointments

Local Infrastructure:

Dual the A47, the electrification of the railway between Great Yarmouth and Norwich and build the third river crossing.

Local economy:

End council subsidies for the low paid and seasonal tourism industry, lobby the council to work with business and the trade unions to promote and bring fulltime permanent jobs to the town, work with the port industries to create permanent jobs and recognise trade unions and build stronger links with our EU trading partners

Homes:

Build more affordable homes and council houses for working people in our town and tackle rouge landlords, driving up standards.

Education:

Improve local schools and colleges and encourage colleges to work with trade unions and industry to create vocational courses that lead to skilled jobs

Nationalisation:

Renationalise energy and water companies in the national interest, ending foreign ownership

Trade Union membership:

Promote the benefits of joining a trade union

LEE SUTTON

Secretary,

Great Yarmouth & District Trades Union Council

County council election thanks

I am writing just to say a big thank you to all the residents in the Lothingland Division who voted for me in last week’s Norfolk County Council elections and commiserations to Carl and Cara who I stood against. Regardless of who people voted for I will carry out my duties to the best of my ability and represent all residents diligently and professionally and look forward to working for you.

ANDY GRANT

County councillor Lothingland Division.

I would like to thank everyone within the Lothingland division for their support in the county elections. Although coming second place, I am immensely proud of getting 800 votes and giving the political elite a run for their money.

A massive thanks firstly to my family for their support, my chairman and agent Peter Fitzgerald, and to everyone within UKIP Great Yarmouth.

My borough councillor role continues, helping all within the borough when required.

I am personally really concerned of a wave of blue across Norfolk County Council, massive cuts to the fire service and many vital services will now continue at a alarming pace, and to those in real need.

People continue to pay more for less, but it appears this is the electorate’s choice.

My daily routine will continue at a borough level, doing my best to make people’s lives more comfortable where I can.

The serious lack of funds from government over the past years and coming years will have a negative impact even more on all which I am truly horrified.

But for now I thank my loyal supporters within my area for their kind words and support, I really cherish helping others within the Bradwell South and Hopton Ward.

It’s an honour to be in my position and thank you all.

CARL ANNISON

UKIP Borough councillor,

Bradwell South and Hopton ward

I should like to thank the good folk of Yarmouth North and Central for re-electing me as their county councillor in last week’s local elections. I look forward to rejoining the fight to get a better deal for our town.

MICK CASTLE

Town Wall Road,

Great Yarmouth

Through the letters page, may I take this opportunity to convey our sincere appreciation of all the votes cast for our UKIP candidates in last week’s county council election.

Although the results were disappointing for all those who voted and campaigned hard during the election period, we are a resilient group and will move on to the next challenge - the general election.

Our appreciation also goes to the candidates themselves and all those volunteers that assisted our campaign.

P FITZGERALD

Great Yarmouth branch chairman

I would like to thank all residents in the Breydon Division who voted for me in last week’s county council Elections. Your support is very much appreciated.

TREVOR WAINWRIGHT

Email

My grateful thanks are extended to the local communities of Somerton, Winterton, Hemsby, Scratby, California and Ormesby for electing me as their representative on Norfolk County Council.

I fought a clean, honest and positive campaign and I am overwhelmed at the landslide endorsement that you have chosen to give me. I pledge to work hard for you all in the coming years ahead.

RON HANTON

County councillor East Flegg Division

I would like to thank all those people who helped and supported me during the recent county council election campaign.

I would also like to thank my two opponents Trevor Wainwright and Alan Grey for the good spirit in which the campaign was fought.

I would also like to thank everyone who voted for me to be elected as the representative for the Breydon Division and I look forward to representing all the residents of Breydon on Norfolk County Council for the next four years

CARL SMITH

County councillor Breydon Division