A postcard from Brighton
Busman’s holiday by plane?
The first postcard has arrived at the Corner Shop following yesterday’s appeal, this from Mr. Ahmed Khan, suggesting that the Busman’s Holiday had arrived in Brighton for an important week at the beach a conference. Mr. Khan suggests that Cllr. Foreman is enjoying the company of Amanda Skelton (figuratively speaking) although it is not sure what the business of the conference is. However, in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint and do their bit to help South Tyneside achieve it’s carbon emission targets the company decided to leave old Blakey’s bus back in the depot after it was discovered there was no catalytic converter fitted to the exhaust. Naturally, they flew instead.
While Cllr. Foreman was there, I wonder if he discovered that Mr. Brown’s government is planning to attack prudent schools who spend their money wisely and save some for a rainy day? Those clever schools will see their money stolen by the government and given away to schools who know how to waste it best!
Not what we’d want to see in all of the bright new schools Jimmy is planning to build in the borough is it?
Any further sightings of the Blakey Bus, (or other councillors enjoying our largesse) would be much appreciated, we like a nice sea view when the weather is so dreary here!
He’s in South Shields.
He was yesterday. And he certainly is today.
You ill-informed ignoramus.
Comment by Hans Offmycrotch — October 23, 2007 @ 12:56 pm
Jimmy Foreman spent Wed to Fri last week (he left on Wednesday) at a conference in Bournemouth with amongst others Amanda (I’m leaving) Skelton. The conference was the National Children and Adult Services Conference 2007 and the theme was ‘My life - my choices: independence, security and achievement’. The cost was £450 pp with transport (flights), hotels & subsistence costing extra. Interestingly the were a number of sponsored events (piss ups) including a last night slap up meal, cabaret and a free bar.
It seems the whole thing was a cosy affair with several of our councillors, senior officers including Amanda going out for meal with the Redcar delegates (Amanda’s new employers) and delegates from Northumberland (including Mr Doherty formerly of South Tyneside council).
It’s no wonder our elected representatives and our public servants are so desperate to cling on to power with freebies like this!
Speak soon
Ahmed
Comment by Ahmed Khan — October 23, 2007 @ 4:22 pm
Councillor Foreman obviously has a doppelganger that walks the streets of South Shields.
Who do I believe? A man called “Hans Offmycrotch” or Mr Khan, a man known for his basic honesty and tenacity? Put it this way Hans, the only hand near your nether regions will be your own, so we all you know what that makes you don’t we?
Comment by Peter Shaw — October 23, 2007 @ 5:04 pm
We know where Jimmy wasn’t last week, we also know where he was, so hans offmycrotch, Curly and Ahmed have it right between the two of them. Of course he’s back in Shields now, getting handfuls of petitions from people protesting at schools closing the conference might help decide how to deal these nasty choices.
I guess we might read of his antics last week in next weeks gazette.
Comment by Double Six — October 23, 2007 @ 6:06 pm
Councillor Foreman has personally confirmed that he was in Brighton last week with Cllrs. Steve Harrison and Tom Defty.
I think an apology is in order Mr. Hans Offmycrotch!
May I also refer all readers to this post which holds true for press and public alike, that they must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information, any significant inaccuracy, mis-leading statement or distortion once recognised must be corrected, promptly and with due prominence, and - where appropriate - an apology published.
Comment by curly — October 23, 2007 @ 7:32 pm
I agree with Mr Khan, no wonder Cllr Defty was so desperate to remain a councillor!!
ps is it still true that all the opposition (except Cllrs Jane and Alan Branley) all claim their allowances?
Is it also true that Cllr Jane Branley has been “ordered” by her group to claim the opposition leaders allowance and to divi it out to the independents to help pay their election leaflets?
And is it also true that thats why Cllr Elsom broke ranks with them?
Funny lot.
Comment by brenda — October 23, 2007 @ 10:00 pm
Who is this ignorant hans offmycrotch? Is there any need to throw these stupid insults around it looks like curly is right again.Go play with your toys mister.
Comment by Ginger Geordie — October 23, 2007 @ 10:31 pm
brenda,its also true that every labour party cllr also claim there allowances,these allowances are there to be claimed but some choose to do the job for no financial gain so dont mock brenda as its your council tax money that they spend so freely.as for election leaflets why dont you come along to a independent fundraising event,i know of no independent that mr elsom paid for there election leaflets,how can cllr elsom claim the leader of the opposition allowences when he is not,cllr branley is not the sort of person to be ordered to do anything.i hope to see a lot more candidates in next years local elections pledging not to take allowenses,
Comment by j taylor — October 28, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
J Taylor, you are right, all labour councillors do claim, as did g white when she was on the council.
There are only three who don’t the westoe cllrs and they have the worst attendances at any meeting for any group of ward councillors - you get what you vote for I suppose.
Cllr elsom WAS the leader of the opposition last year and he DID give money to independent candidates.
Also remember, those indies who are on sick benefit/incapacity benefit have to claim their councillors allowances - its the law, so your mate mr pattinson won;t get away with trying to con the voters otherwise next year.
Comment by BRENDA — October 29, 2007 @ 11:05 am