Today we have started the campaign to Save Mill Hill Sports Club. The club is situated in Grahame Park Way and is a vital hub for many of the best things in Mill Hill. As well as cricket, football, hockey, squash and boxing, there is a gym and a social club. It also plays host to the Mill Hill Jazz Club as well as the Mill Hill Music festival.
Sadly, whilst most people recognise the importance of good sports facilities for young (and older) people, the message doesn't seem to have gotten through to the people running Barnet Council. It seems that not a year goes by, without us losing another local sports ground. It seems that Barnet Council just doesn't care about providing activities for our children. It is a proven scientific fact that regular exercise reduces the probablity of developing all sorts of chronic ailments, which place a huge burden on Barnet Council social services and the local NHS. When I see young people rioting, I ask myself why providing activities for our youngsters, where they can learn the value of work, understand the importance of team spirit and get themselves fit, are not our no 1 national priority.
I am disturbed to hear that the closure of Mill Hill Sports club has seemingly been brought about by intransigence at Barnet Council. We cannot afford to lose these facilities, which is why we are launching the petition today to try and persuade Barnet Council to think again and save the centre. If our councillors are not prepared to step up and fight for local people, I intend to make sure that they pay the price at the next council elections. As Boris Johnson is standing for mayor next year, I'll also be seeking his opinion.
The campaign will continue. Sign the petition by clicking here - http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-mill-hill-sports-club-facilities-for-local-peopl.html - It's in the sidebar. Please forward this to your friends
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Tender - A Saturday night special
What a week it's been in London (and other cities). Many people have speculated on how such trouble breaks out and what is the route of it. I have my theories about it, but I happen to think a massive part of the problem is the fact many of the people involved are emotionally unable to relate to other people. They don't realise that when they trash shops and burn down houses, it hurts other people. As a musician who tries to keep up to date with what is happening in the wider music scene, I have to wonder just how rap music has affected the emotional intelligence of many of the young people. The themes of rap are centered on misogyny, sexism, homophobia and materialism. I quite like rap, but am truly amazed how little of it has any sort of a message at all beyond "Smack up me bitch, look at me trainers,like, look at me piece, yeah, I'm tha gangsta in th' hood"
Music can be all sorts of things. It reflects society. There is an argument that violent rap lyrics are an outlet for aggression. If nothing else, it does get young people to start thinking creatively. My hope is that as people develop their styles and technique, they also broaden their minds. What is unarguable is that some of the very best rappers such as Tupac met violent deaths, immersed in gang culture and many young people actually want to emulate that. I'm a fan of such punk songs as "Anarchy in the UK" by the Sex Pistols, "Hate and War" by the Clash and "Babylons burning" by the Ruts. These songs can be seen as quite nihilistic. Sid Vicious of the Pistols and Malcolm Owen of the Ruts both died in the most awful of circumstances. Topper Headon, drummer of the Clash was jailed for drug dealing. MI5 tracked many leading punks. Musical subversion really is nothing new. I see much of the nihilism of punk in rap, without the positive aspects of self reliance, self confidence, equality and independence. Punk spawned "rock against racism", the independent music scene, an independent publishing scene, a new breed of film director/producer and a group of highly politicised and intelligent leaders. Perhaps the greatest moment of all of these was Bob Geldolf and live aid, which saved hundreds of thousands of lives.
What we really need to see is young leaders emerging from the communities which have been most troubled. We need mentors to go in and identify them and help them. We need a few bad boys to to start sending out a few positive messages and doing something for their communities.
And just to remind you, edgy bands can produce beautiful music - here's Tender by Blur. I hope you have a peaceful and tender Saturday night
Music can be all sorts of things. It reflects society. There is an argument that violent rap lyrics are an outlet for aggression. If nothing else, it does get young people to start thinking creatively. My hope is that as people develop their styles and technique, they also broaden their minds. What is unarguable is that some of the very best rappers such as Tupac met violent deaths, immersed in gang culture and many young people actually want to emulate that. I'm a fan of such punk songs as "Anarchy in the UK" by the Sex Pistols, "Hate and War" by the Clash and "Babylons burning" by the Ruts. These songs can be seen as quite nihilistic. Sid Vicious of the Pistols and Malcolm Owen of the Ruts both died in the most awful of circumstances. Topper Headon, drummer of the Clash was jailed for drug dealing. MI5 tracked many leading punks. Musical subversion really is nothing new. I see much of the nihilism of punk in rap, without the positive aspects of self reliance, self confidence, equality and independence. Punk spawned "rock against racism", the independent music scene, an independent publishing scene, a new breed of film director/producer and a group of highly politicised and intelligent leaders. Perhaps the greatest moment of all of these was Bob Geldolf and live aid, which saved hundreds of thousands of lives.
What we really need to see is young leaders emerging from the communities which have been most troubled. We need mentors to go in and identify them and help them. We need a few bad boys to to start sending out a few positive messages and doing something for their communities.
And just to remind you, edgy bands can produce beautiful music - here's Tender by Blur. I hope you have a peaceful and tender Saturday night
There's a hurricane a' comin' - call for Captain Useless -Hendons Souperhero !!!!!!!
Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid day Sun !
http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/9194537.Hendon_MP__holiday_involves_counterterror_work/
Seem's like the good Captain is on a highly secret undercover mission to sort out the local drugs cartels in Belize, or at leas that's what he's told the press. He's also highly involved in undercover counter terrorism work. I do hope that the Belizian drug barons and terror overlords are not readers of the Hendon Times or his cover will be blown. He's also taken time out to advise the Belizian government on hurricane protection.
Of course, you do realise that I made up the last paragraph, don't you? Just to prove that when it comes to spinning tall stories, we can all do it, if we really want. Of course, you'd think with Captain Useless being an expert in combatting the narcotics industry, Burnt Oak, Graham Park and Hendon would be completely drug free, wouldn't you? I do know one thing though, given the previous record of Captain Useless, I'lll be buying some hurricane shutters and storm lamps ASAP. If he's in charge of hurricane planning in Hendon, what could possibly go wrong?
***************** Late Update ******************
Just got another call from my old mate Dean Burrows. He's rather cross
Why did I think of this as I read of the tropical antics of our very own Souperhero MP - Captain Useless AKA Matthew Offord. You too can read all about his escapades here :-
http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/9194537.Hendon_MP__holiday_involves_counterterror_work/
Seem's like the good Captain is on a highly secret undercover mission to sort out the local drugs cartels in Belize, or at leas that's what he's told the press. He's also highly involved in undercover counter terrorism work. I do hope that the Belizian drug barons and terror overlords are not readers of the Hendon Times or his cover will be blown. He's also taken time out to advise the Belizian government on hurricane protection.
Now it may surprise you to know that the Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Burrows is an old family friend of the Tichborne family. He recently got in touch and said "Hey Rog, it's coming up to the Hurricane Season, being a tropical country, we have no experience of such events. Can you recommend an expert to help us?" I of course replied "Well our local MP, Captain Useless is a souperhero. He can fix anything. Get him over on holiday and he can fix your hurricanes, sort out your terrorism and your narcotics industry". Job done.
Of course, you do realise that I made up the last paragraph, don't you? Just to prove that when it comes to spinning tall stories, we can all do it, if we really want. Of course, you'd think with Captain Useless being an expert in combatting the narcotics industry, Burnt Oak, Graham Park and Hendon would be completely drug free, wouldn't you? I do know one thing though, given the previous record of Captain Useless, I'lll be buying some hurricane shutters and storm lamps ASAP. If he's in charge of hurricane planning in Hendon, what could possibly go wrong?
***************** Late Update ******************
Just got another call from my old mate Dean Burrows. He's rather cross
"Hey Rog, your hurricane expert you sent out here. I asked him what he'd recommend and hey said "Well the celery and tomato soup is pretty good, but my personal favourate is the brie and butter bean with a smidgeon of parmesan!" I replied "I'd stick with the celery and tomato if I were you".
Brian Colemans plan to sneak in abolition of pay and display is foiled
The blogs of Barnet are suitably chuffed to hear that the attempt by Brian Coleman to sneak through the abolition of pay and display parking in Barnet has been foiled. The decision has now been called in for review by the cabinet. I've no idea whether anyone in the cabinet has the cojones to stand up to Coleman and throw his plans out, but at least there will be a discussion. I am looking forward to videoing the meeting, using our newly won powers.
I'd love to claim the credit for throwing a spanner in the works, but I got an email from Lib Dem Councillor Jack Cohen almost immediately after sending the email to the councillors, saying he'd already spotted it and called it in. Labour & Tory Councillors also got in touch to say the same thing pretty promptly.
It is pretty clear to me that no one has been too impressed with Colemans cunning stunt. A Tory councillor (who asked to remain anonymous) confided that he was most unimpressed with the way this has been handled. He said "I don't agree with most of what you write in your blog, but I can't argue with you that this needed a proper discussion". I put it to him that as Brian Coleman is one councillor that officers generally don't push around, this clearly has Colemans fingerprints all over it. His response "Heh Heh, you may say that, I couldn't possibly comment". indeed
Friday, 12 August 2011
Rog T on Londonist podcast
If you want to hear Rog T talking about the issues of the week on Londonist Out Loud podcast, just click here
http://londonist.com/2011/08/londonist-out-loud-a-podcast-for-london-12-august-2011.php
Riots, planning, and a whole host of other topics are covered. Also featured is the West Hampstead blogger Jonathan Turton. Hosted by N Quentin Woolf.
http://londonist.com/2011/08/londonist-out-loud-a-podcast-for-london-12-august-2011.php
Brian Coleman abolishes pay and display parking in Barnet – bloggers call for Cabinet call-in and consultation
This was emailed to all Barnet Councillors at 07:30 this morning by the Barnet Bloggers on behalf of local residents.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian Coleman abolishes pay and display parking in Barnet – bloggers call for Cabinet call-in and consultation
It has been brought to our attention that Councillor Brian Coleman has signed off, using delegated powers, a decision abolishing pay and display parking in the London Borough of Barnet. We believe that this is much too important an issue to be left to just one councillor to use delegated powers, and we call for the cabinet to call the paper in for review by the full cabinet.
The relevant report states that call-in must be done by 15th August. [http://committeepapers.barnet.gov.uk/democracy/dp/meetingdetail.asp?meetingid=6944]
The people of Barnet deserve better than to have such important decisions passed without debate. This change affects many residents, businesses and visitors to the Borough. We call on the cabinet to reject this change and follow the example of other Boroughs, where residents, businesses and other impacted organisations are properly consulted, before such changes are approved.
12 August 2011
Signed:
Derek Dishman
John Dix
Vicki Morris
Theresa Musgrove
Roger Tichborne
#Londonriots # Londontalksbollocks - Part 2
I've never heard so much crap talked in all my life. All of a sudden we have a Prime Minister who slags off a whole generation of kids, when those who have actually been looting etc are a tiny minority. hearing all of the bollocks talked today, you'd think that these were the first riots we've ever had, or that previous ones were somehow nicer. They weren't. Trust me. Here's just a few I can remember. Broadwater farm, Notting Hill, Toxteth, the Poll Tax riots. In all of these there was looting and people got hurt.
Remember this song?
What is abundently clear to me is that in 30 years, nothing much has changed for those at the bottom of the ladder. Bankers vandalised the economy a couple of years ago. They are doing OK now. Last year politicans were exposed as greedy self serving money grabbing creeps, trousering everything they possibly could at our expense. I've no time whatsoever for anyone who robs, loots or steals. I just think that David Cameron should look at some of the people sitting behind him in the chamber, before he starts getting too self righteous.
How many of them should have been locked up by now? The trouble with having double standards is that the average person in the street is not fooled. We have to start building a fair society. That means that the people at the top have to be held to account, just as the people at the bottom should be.
Of course the rich and powerful always think different rules apply to them
Remember this song?
What is abundently clear to me is that in 30 years, nothing much has changed for those at the bottom of the ladder. Bankers vandalised the economy a couple of years ago. They are doing OK now. Last year politicans were exposed as greedy self serving money grabbing creeps, trousering everything they possibly could at our expense. I've no time whatsoever for anyone who robs, loots or steals. I just think that David Cameron should look at some of the people sitting behind him in the chamber, before he starts getting too self righteous.
How many of them should have been locked up by now? The trouble with having double standards is that the average person in the street is not fooled. We have to start building a fair society. That means that the people at the top have to be held to account, just as the people at the bottom should be.
Of course the rich and powerful always think different rules apply to them
Thursday, 11 August 2011
RIP Rog T
Did you know that technically I'm already dead. This may come as a surprise to you. It certainly came as a surprise to me. How did I die? I honestly don't know. How do I know I'm dead? Because the doctor told me. I always presumed that when the doctor tells you that you are dead, you realise. I always presumed that it wouldn't be too much of a shock. I always assumed there would be some sort of clue - an illness, an accident, a bad pain in the chest. Sadly for me, I got none of these. Let me tell you what happened.
Back in 1988 I was having some trouble with my ear. I hadn't been to the doctor for a while, so I thought (niavely) that I'd pop into the doctors on the way back from work. At the time I was registered at the Burnt Oak practise. In I went and asked if I could make an appointment. They asked my name and I replied. No they said "You are not registered". I replied "Yes I am, I've always been registered here". The receptionist insisted "I'm afraid you are not and so we can't help you". I said "look, I've been coming here for years, you are clearly mistaken". After a debate, my Doctor came out. I said "ask her, she knows me". The doctor smiled and said "oh yes, I know him". The receptionist said "Well you must have de-registered as you are not on the system". I then said "I've not deregistered. I think I'd know". The receptionist said "Many of the people who come here are a bit old and forgetfull". I was affronted "I'm 26 years old. I don't think I'm old or forgetful". At this the receptionist smiled and said "We'll you've clearly forgotton this". The doctor said "Look, there is clearly a mistake here. We will check our records. If you moved elsewhere, we will write and inform you". At that she walked off. The receptionist said "We will inviestigate and we will write to you". I said "How long will that take". She responded "I don't know, but you can't see a doctor if you are not registered". I asked what I should do about my ear. She replied "Go to A&E at Edgware General (you know, that fine hospital, shut down by the Tories).
So off I went to Edgware General. After a 5 hour wait, a doctor saw me "You have a minor ear infection. You should have gone to your GP". I said "I tried, but they said I wasn't registered". The Doctor said "You should have registered when you moved to the area, not waited until you were ill". I said "I was registered, they have lost my details" The doctor said "Well you shouldn't come to A&E for minor problems, we have REALLY SICK people here". I asked what I should have done "I told you, you should have made sure you were registered with a GP". At this he wrote the prescription and sent me on my way with a parting shot of "If it doesn't clear up, go back to your GP".
Anyway, the earache cleared up. Two months later, I got a letter from my GP. It was addressed to Mr R M Tichborne (deceased). I read it. Dear Mr Tichborne (deceased), We have investigated your complaint about your lack of registration at the practice. After an exhaustive search of records, we have found that you were de-registered as a patient when you passed away. We are sorry to hear of your loss. What do you say to such a letter (paraphrased). So next day I went down to the surgery and said "I got this letter". The receptionist replied "Oh yes, you are the dead person aren't you". I then said "Look I'm clearly not dead. I'm at my doctors and I want this mess sorted out". She retorted "We checked this thoroughly. The paperwork is correct. People will do anything to get registered with a doctor these days". I responded "The Doctor recognised me". She responded "Well even if you are alive, we are full. We have no vacancies for patients". I asked "So I've been coming here for 26 years, you've cocked up and now I can't see my own doctor?". She responded. "Look, even if we had a space, you are technically dead, so we couldn't register you". I hit upon a brainwave. "Look, there are seven doctors on site. As you are saying I'm dead, and I think I'm alive, maybe we could get the opinion of an expert. Ask one of them". At this she responded "I'm afraid I've had enough of your attitude. You'll have to leave now". So I did.
I went around to see my mum, in a foul mood. "What's the matter" She asked. "I went to see the doctor", I replied. "Oh, I hope everything is OK. What's wrong with you? Nothing serious I hope". I responded "Yes actually it is. In fact it couldn't really be any worse". She looked shocked "Oh my God, what did they say?" I broke the bad news "We'll technically I'm already dead" I said. She looked horrified "Is it cancer?". I said "Nope, it's nothing I'm actually dead". She looked puzzled "What do you mean. You clearly aren't". I said "Yes that's what I said, but they insisted". I then explained. She then said "That surgery has gone downhill since Dr Cookson left. Go to Millway. Dr Carswell is very good".
So the next day, I went to see the Millway Surgery. They gave me a form and told me I had to see Dr Carswell, to run through my medical history. One of the questions was "reason for changing doctor". I put "Death". When I saw Dr Carswell, he was puzzled "What do you mean by this?". I told him the sorry story. He said "Here we tend to check the pulse before we de-register a patient as dead". He then gave me a check up and said "Well Mr Tichborne, I'm very pleased to tell you that contrary to medical opinion, you are quite definately alive".
I asked him if he had any idea how they'd decided I was dead. He said he'd try and find out. A couple of weeks later, he called to say he'd got to the bottom of it. The previous year, my father had died. The Burnt Oak practice, had received the notification and processed the death using my records. So they had one alive Mr Tichborne who was dead and one dead Mr Tichborne who was alive. I asked Dr Carswell "Shouldn't they take a bit more care?" He replied "oh yes". He then chipped in "If you were in the USA you could have sued them for millions". I replied "Nope, actually I'm just glad to be alive".
Back in 1988 I was having some trouble with my ear. I hadn't been to the doctor for a while, so I thought (niavely) that I'd pop into the doctors on the way back from work. At the time I was registered at the Burnt Oak practise. In I went and asked if I could make an appointment. They asked my name and I replied. No they said "You are not registered". I replied "Yes I am, I've always been registered here". The receptionist insisted "I'm afraid you are not and so we can't help you". I said "look, I've been coming here for years, you are clearly mistaken". After a debate, my Doctor came out. I said "ask her, she knows me". The doctor smiled and said "oh yes, I know him". The receptionist said "Well you must have de-registered as you are not on the system". I then said "I've not deregistered. I think I'd know". The receptionist said "Many of the people who come here are a bit old and forgetfull". I was affronted "I'm 26 years old. I don't think I'm old or forgetful". At this the receptionist smiled and said "We'll you've clearly forgotton this". The doctor said "Look, there is clearly a mistake here. We will check our records. If you moved elsewhere, we will write and inform you". At that she walked off. The receptionist said "We will inviestigate and we will write to you". I said "How long will that take". She responded "I don't know, but you can't see a doctor if you are not registered". I asked what I should do about my ear. She replied "Go to A&E at Edgware General (you know, that fine hospital, shut down by the Tories).
So off I went to Edgware General. After a 5 hour wait, a doctor saw me "You have a minor ear infection. You should have gone to your GP". I said "I tried, but they said I wasn't registered". The Doctor said "You should have registered when you moved to the area, not waited until you were ill". I said "I was registered, they have lost my details" The doctor said "Well you shouldn't come to A&E for minor problems, we have REALLY SICK people here". I asked what I should have done "I told you, you should have made sure you were registered with a GP". At this he wrote the prescription and sent me on my way with a parting shot of "If it doesn't clear up, go back to your GP".
Anyway, the earache cleared up. Two months later, I got a letter from my GP. It was addressed to Mr R M Tichborne (deceased). I read it. Dear Mr Tichborne (deceased), We have investigated your complaint about your lack of registration at the practice. After an exhaustive search of records, we have found that you were de-registered as a patient when you passed away. We are sorry to hear of your loss. What do you say to such a letter (paraphrased). So next day I went down to the surgery and said "I got this letter". The receptionist replied "Oh yes, you are the dead person aren't you". I then said "Look I'm clearly not dead. I'm at my doctors and I want this mess sorted out". She retorted "We checked this thoroughly. The paperwork is correct. People will do anything to get registered with a doctor these days". I responded "The Doctor recognised me". She responded "Well even if you are alive, we are full. We have no vacancies for patients". I asked "So I've been coming here for 26 years, you've cocked up and now I can't see my own doctor?". She responded. "Look, even if we had a space, you are technically dead, so we couldn't register you". I hit upon a brainwave. "Look, there are seven doctors on site. As you are saying I'm dead, and I think I'm alive, maybe we could get the opinion of an expert. Ask one of them". At this she responded "I'm afraid I've had enough of your attitude. You'll have to leave now". So I did.
I went around to see my mum, in a foul mood. "What's the matter" She asked. "I went to see the doctor", I replied. "Oh, I hope everything is OK. What's wrong with you? Nothing serious I hope". I responded "Yes actually it is. In fact it couldn't really be any worse". She looked shocked "Oh my God, what did they say?" I broke the bad news "We'll technically I'm already dead" I said. She looked horrified "Is it cancer?". I said "Nope, it's nothing I'm actually dead". She looked puzzled "What do you mean. You clearly aren't". I said "Yes that's what I said, but they insisted". I then explained. She then said "That surgery has gone downhill since Dr Cookson left. Go to Millway. Dr Carswell is very good".
So the next day, I went to see the Millway Surgery. They gave me a form and told me I had to see Dr Carswell, to run through my medical history. One of the questions was "reason for changing doctor". I put "Death". When I saw Dr Carswell, he was puzzled "What do you mean by this?". I told him the sorry story. He said "Here we tend to check the pulse before we de-register a patient as dead". He then gave me a check up and said "Well Mr Tichborne, I'm very pleased to tell you that contrary to medical opinion, you are quite definately alive".
I asked him if he had any idea how they'd decided I was dead. He said he'd try and find out. A couple of weeks later, he called to say he'd got to the bottom of it. The previous year, my father had died. The Burnt Oak practice, had received the notification and processed the death using my records. So they had one alive Mr Tichborne who was dead and one dead Mr Tichborne who was alive. I asked Dr Carswell "Shouldn't they take a bit more care?" He replied "oh yes". He then chipped in "If you were in the USA you could have sued them for millions". I replied "Nope, actually I'm just glad to be alive".
Brian Coleman sneaks through cashless parking in Barnet whilst London burns
It is truly unbelieveable. Brian Coleman has snuck through the abolition of pay and display parking in Barnet, whilst everyone is on holiday. He signed the order last Friday. This has been done under delegated powers, with no democratic debate whatsoever. From September, there will be no pay and display machines in Barnet.
The full details are here :-
http://committeepapers.barnet.gov.uk/democracy/reports/reportdetail.asp?ReportID=10559
Even local Tories are shocked. One promenant local Tory and former councillor said
The full details are here :-
http://committeepapers.barnet.gov.uk/democracy/reports/reportdetail.asp?ReportID=10559
Even local Tories are shocked. One promenant local Tory and former councillor said
"This is going to be a political catastrophe and revenue is going to SLUMP. Mark my words, this is poll tax on wheels... If the SPA income increases it won't be from parking fees but fines"
Brian Coleman must be the only Londoner who wlecomed the riots as he probably thought we were all looking the other way and he could sneak this through and we wouldn't notice. If you notice, the issue date is the 10th August (see dates on the report here - very fishy)
According to the date on the report, Coleman signed this on the Friday 5th, the day before the riots started, but it supposedly took the council until Weds 10th to actually publish the report. Rather interesting timing. I would say I smell a rat, but we all know they are in the Barnet Council datacentre chomping away on the cables.
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
#LondonRiots #Londontalksbollocks #Barnet #Brentcross
It's always someone else's fault isn't it. It's always someone elses children. It's all the fault of the parents. It's all the fault of society. It's always the fault of the Police for not "getting stuck in". It's always the fault of David Cameron for not coming home from holiday. There's only one person who is totally exhonourated of all blame for the #Londonriots. Can you guess who that is?
Round this neck of the woods there's a pretty cool blog called "Broken Barnet". Strangely enough, Barnet appears to be one of the less broken parts of London right now. Far less Broken than Tottenham or Clapham. I'm just waiting for the first local Tory to say that this is because they've done a marvellous job. Luckily for us, the demographics of our Borough, are such that we are not well set up for rioting. Our biggest shopping centre, Brent Cross is not really close enough to any of the usual hotbeds of rioters that cause such problems elsewhere. The big Council Estates, such as Burnt Oak and Grahame Park are not particularly close to easily robbable shopping centres full of large chains selling designer goods. I heard a couple of likely lads on the 302 bus saying that Burnt Oak had been spared the rampage "because there's nothing worth nicking down there"(I suspect they were only semi joking).
As I heard the conversation, it became pretty apparent that there is a perception that "robbing shops" is OK. That all shopkeepers are rich, so it doesn't matter. There seems to be a perception that if you can nick stuff and get away with it, that is OK. Is this attitude reflective of youth today generally? I happen to believe that it's not. I don't even believe that it is reflective of the majority of the young people who are looting. Sadly, I believe that many young people feel incredible peer pressure to "belong" to the groups that are causing the problems.
Over the last year, I've been involved in a youth project at our studios, where we've got some of the most troubled young people in Barnet (NEET kids, to use the lovely Council term) involved in music making. The 10 week courses has resulted in a massive change in the attitudes of those taking part. just developing some self confidence has massively changed their perspective on life. I happen to believe that EVERY rioter has been failed by the last 30 years worth of political leadership. I am one of those namby pamby doo gooders who believe that nearly all of us are basically good, some of us just never have the chance to show it. I've had my doubts, but the sound school project reinforced this belief.
One of my daughters was telling me that someone she knows has been excluded from school. What for? Smoking Pot in the woods. Has the school done the right thing? Expelling someone for indulging in a form of self harm? I don't think so. Who is a 14 year old, who goes to the woods to smoke pot in school time harmed? As I see it, they've only harmed themselves. They are damaging their education. How has the school responded? By damaging it even more. By stigmatising the young person what have they done? This scenario is repeated all over the country. A results obsessed educational system has thrown such kids to the wolves. Once you have been turfed out, where do you go? What are your prospects? What happens next?
Sadly many young people decide that drugs are the solution to a bad situation. These days kids are given education about the subject, but what exactly are they being told? Take cannabis for example and it's preferred current form - Skunk weed. Why should a 14 year old steer clear of it? It might make you suffer from mental illness? Well most 14 year olds know people who are smoking it who clearly are perfectly sane. As a result they don't believe the literature. For some formerly high achieving pupils, skunk starts a rapid decline in marks, but what do you tell the kid who was low achieving already? When they find they can make decent money dealing to classmates, how do you discourage them? I don't pretend to know the answers, but we'd better start trying to find them, because if we don't the situation will only get worse. One thing is clear to me. The cuts in funding for youth projects is sending all of the wrong messages. The devil makes work for idle hands. Every teenager who can no longer go to whatever scheme they were participating in, is potentially bored, bitter and disaffected. The last thing I'd ever do is condone vandalism and robbery, but we need to support our youth, otherwise the dark voices which seduce them into such activities have free reign.
So who do I blame for the #Londonriots - I blame the whole f***ing lot of us. Those who do it, because they know it's wrong, no matter what they say, those who have let the situation develop and yes, you and me brother for not doing everything we possibly could to stop elitism in schools, destruction of youth schemes, closure of libraries, marginalisation of those on the edge of society.
And I will leave all you smug Barnet Councillors with this thought. I believe that the reason Brent Cross Shopping Centre wasn't trashed and burnt to the ground on Sunday was because there wasn't a huge number of disaffected people in awful "social housing" living on top of it. Anyone who has seen the plans for the Brent Cross redevelopment, will not need a crystal ball to see what will happen, if we have riots in 10 year time once the rabbit hutch flats have been built next door to it. It is a disaster waiting to happen and if you can't see that after this last week, you ain't fit to hold public office.
Round this neck of the woods there's a pretty cool blog called "Broken Barnet". Strangely enough, Barnet appears to be one of the less broken parts of London right now. Far less Broken than Tottenham or Clapham. I'm just waiting for the first local Tory to say that this is because they've done a marvellous job. Luckily for us, the demographics of our Borough, are such that we are not well set up for rioting. Our biggest shopping centre, Brent Cross is not really close enough to any of the usual hotbeds of rioters that cause such problems elsewhere. The big Council Estates, such as Burnt Oak and Grahame Park are not particularly close to easily robbable shopping centres full of large chains selling designer goods. I heard a couple of likely lads on the 302 bus saying that Burnt Oak had been spared the rampage "because there's nothing worth nicking down there"(I suspect they were only semi joking).
As I heard the conversation, it became pretty apparent that there is a perception that "robbing shops" is OK. That all shopkeepers are rich, so it doesn't matter. There seems to be a perception that if you can nick stuff and get away with it, that is OK. Is this attitude reflective of youth today generally? I happen to believe that it's not. I don't even believe that it is reflective of the majority of the young people who are looting. Sadly, I believe that many young people feel incredible peer pressure to "belong" to the groups that are causing the problems.
Over the last year, I've been involved in a youth project at our studios, where we've got some of the most troubled young people in Barnet (NEET kids, to use the lovely Council term) involved in music making. The 10 week courses has resulted in a massive change in the attitudes of those taking part. just developing some self confidence has massively changed their perspective on life. I happen to believe that EVERY rioter has been failed by the last 30 years worth of political leadership. I am one of those namby pamby doo gooders who believe that nearly all of us are basically good, some of us just never have the chance to show it. I've had my doubts, but the sound school project reinforced this belief.
One of my daughters was telling me that someone she knows has been excluded from school. What for? Smoking Pot in the woods. Has the school done the right thing? Expelling someone for indulging in a form of self harm? I don't think so. Who is a 14 year old, who goes to the woods to smoke pot in school time harmed? As I see it, they've only harmed themselves. They are damaging their education. How has the school responded? By damaging it even more. By stigmatising the young person what have they done? This scenario is repeated all over the country. A results obsessed educational system has thrown such kids to the wolves. Once you have been turfed out, where do you go? What are your prospects? What happens next?
Sadly many young people decide that drugs are the solution to a bad situation. These days kids are given education about the subject, but what exactly are they being told? Take cannabis for example and it's preferred current form - Skunk weed. Why should a 14 year old steer clear of it? It might make you suffer from mental illness? Well most 14 year olds know people who are smoking it who clearly are perfectly sane. As a result they don't believe the literature. For some formerly high achieving pupils, skunk starts a rapid decline in marks, but what do you tell the kid who was low achieving already? When they find they can make decent money dealing to classmates, how do you discourage them? I don't pretend to know the answers, but we'd better start trying to find them, because if we don't the situation will only get worse. One thing is clear to me. The cuts in funding for youth projects is sending all of the wrong messages. The devil makes work for idle hands. Every teenager who can no longer go to whatever scheme they were participating in, is potentially bored, bitter and disaffected. The last thing I'd ever do is condone vandalism and robbery, but we need to support our youth, otherwise the dark voices which seduce them into such activities have free reign.
So who do I blame for the #Londonriots - I blame the whole f***ing lot of us. Those who do it, because they know it's wrong, no matter what they say, those who have let the situation develop and yes, you and me brother for not doing everything we possibly could to stop elitism in schools, destruction of youth schemes, closure of libraries, marginalisation of those on the edge of society.
And I will leave all you smug Barnet Councillors with this thought. I believe that the reason Brent Cross Shopping Centre wasn't trashed and burnt to the ground on Sunday was because there wasn't a huge number of disaffected people in awful "social housing" living on top of it. Anyone who has seen the plans for the Brent Cross redevelopment, will not need a crystal ball to see what will happen, if we have riots in 10 year time once the rabbit hutch flats have been built next door to it. It is a disaster waiting to happen and if you can't see that after this last week, you ain't fit to hold public office.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)