Update 2009 No. 4
Published 31st December 2009
Dear Summerway Friend,
I had been hoping to wish you the very best before Christmas, but time defeated me. I hope you have enjoyed a great holiday, celebrating the reason for the season with those closest to you. By the skin of my teeth, I am just in time to wish you a Happy New Year. May it bring you joy, fulfilment and the richest of God’s blessings.
Lucy, our daughter, won’t be smacking balls around the tennis courts for a month or two. Towards the end of October, Lucy & Geoff became Lucy, Geoff & Poppy. Jenny & I have been elevated to Granny & Gramps, much to our delight. This new time commitment brings us nothing but pleasure.
• Can You Believe it? Thinking that Unitary Status issues in Devon were important to local democracy, I spent much time over several weeks in setting out arguments for a supposed public consultation. This was originally submitted to the Boundary Committee in September 2008, and resubmitted in May 2009. Both were within the deadlines, and neither was examined. Joe Public has been discounted again, as I’m confident my experience is not unique. See the item below.
• The Boundary Committee is a Sham... certainly as far as the public is concerned. It’s acknowledgement said, “We will take your views into account. The Boundary Committee places great importance on ensuring openness and transparency in the way we deal with all representations.” – What a joke! My arguments were never examined, and I can prove it. I hope to email this dubious body before its next deadline of 8th January, and to post full details on our website soon after. I will happily support any Council that wishes to challenge the legitimacy of this bogus ‘public review’.
• Summerway Watching. As indicated in an earlier update, I am now advertising our campaign. New Watchers, otherwise unknown to me, are joining us and are most welcome. Our next advert should appear top left on the front cover page of February’s ‘The Views of Exeter’.
• YouTube Videos. The number of viewings over the past few days has been static, even though I have given out a good number of promo cards over Christmas. Perhaps America is also experiencing a cold snap, and all Google’s servers are frozen. What other explanation is there?
• Video Stats. Just for fun, I’ve constructed a spreadsheet which will show me trends
in video viewings at 30-
• Freedom of Information. There are big issues here, which are ongoing. More in a later update.
• The Website. Update 2009 No.3 has been posted, and related pages added to the website regarding the Police (view page) and our MP (view page). The target for www.sumupdates.co.uk has been changed to: ‘when good men do nothing’. A page about a failed ‘Summer Sessions’ has been added (view page) which also gives access to photos, and a page about ECC’s play equipment additions to Summerway Park raises a point or two. (view page)
Another momentous year has flown past, and I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to all Watchers. Your continuing moral support is greatly appreciated. We are now fighting on a wider front than just Summerway Tennis, but children and community remain our principal focus.
With warmest regards, and wishing you every blessing for 2010,
Jim.