EASTBOURNE MP Stephen Lloyd is chairing a new parliamentary group to safeguard the teaching of RE in schools.

The Church of England, the Catholic Church, the Buddhist, Jewish, Sikh and Muslim faiths, the British Humanist Association and professional RE teaching associations are joining forces to support the new All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).

The group will also look at how the subject can continue to deliver a valuable dimension to the education of all children and young people.

Mr Lloyd previously tabled a popular Early Day Motion that led to widespread cross party support.

Some 115 MPs from all parties agreed the Government should include RE as a humanities subject in the English Baccalaureate.

Mr Lloyd said, “I’m confident that this new PG will be able to provide real insight into the value of RE, especially as it helps young people leave school with an accurate grasp on the importance and relevance of religion.

“In today’s world where our children can be open to an enormous amount of misleading information, I believe it is absolutely essential they are taught about different cultures and religions by trained, experienced RE teachers, allowing children to make informed choices.

“The number of students studying RE at GCSE level has increased from 113,000 to 460,000 in the last 15 years, so it is clear that pupils find it a rewarding and fulfilling subject.”

John Keast, chair of The Religious Education Council of England and Wales, said, “We are delighted that Stephen Lloyd has offered agreed to help set up the first APPG on Religious Education.

“Recently the RE community has felt under fire and this represents an important step to give the subject a strong profile amongst parliamentarians.

“The coalition government is making policy decisions about academies, the national curriculum, qualifications and even teacher training provision.

“Directly or indirectly all these could challenge how RE is taught to young people.

“It is extremely positive that there is such goodwill and interest in Westminster to support the subject in schools today.”

A MASSIVE rise in apprenticeships in the Lewes constituency has been welcomed by Seaford MP Norman Baker.

Figures obtained by Mr Baker show that in the Lewes constituency they are up by 128 per cent for 2010/11, with a rise from 250 to 580.

The news came at the end of Apprenticeship Week which ran from February 6 until February 10.

Results nationwide show that apprenticeships have increased by more than 60 per cent from 2009/10.

The Apprenticeship Week seeks to persuade employers of the advantages of employing and supporting apprentices in their work place.

It also highlights their talent and skills to employers, as well as to the wider public to show the range of apprenticeships available in different sectors.

Mr Baker said, “A 128 per cent increase in apprenticeships locally is way above the high national average increase and is good news.

“It really highlights that local businesses are getting involved in giving opportunities to youngsters, and that the Lewes constituency is exceeding national averages.”

The coalition Government has made increasing apprenticeships a key part of its skills policy.

At the end of last year, Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, announced more funding to support the growth in apprenticeships for 16 to 24 year olds, as part of the £1billion Youth Contract.

This included making at least 20,000 additional incentive payments to raise demand for the age group, doubling the previous commitment.

Mr Clegg came to Sussex in October last year and visited apprentices at the Langham Hotel in Eastbourne after hearing how a town-wide campaign to find 100 apprenticeship slots in 100 days had exceeded all expectations and found 181 placements.

Mr Baker added, “Apprenticeships are a great way of getting hands on training and developing skills, and the Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg, has made the government’s commitment to encouraging them clear.

“We need to ensure that we have a rounded skills base nationwide and locally in order to rebalance the economy away from financial speculators in the City of London and these figures are certainly very encouraging.”

Our young people are our future. I don’t say that as a vague platitude or as the father of young children but in a very practical sense. They are tomorrow’s doctors, nurses, construction workers, teachers, retail workers and so on.

Or rather they have the potential to be.

Parliamentary arguments over the economy can often seem a bit detached and fuelled by political point scoring but they have very real consequences.

We are facing a crisis of youth unemployment. The latest figures make for grim reading and show there are now over one million young people out of work – that means nearly one in four 18-24 year olds is unemployed; the highest number since records began. That is a disaster for our young people and a disaster for the future of Britain.

Worse, it now appears that unemployment is becoming entrenched. The number of young people claiming JSA for over six months is rocketing:

In Hastings & Rye the figure has jumped 83% in the last year. In Bexhill & Battle the figure is up 53% and Eastbourne 218%!

Spending so long on the dole at a young age can have life-long consequences. Far too many skilled youngsters are being left frustrated and idle because the jobs they want simply don’t exist.

We often hear Conservative Ministers blaming unemployment on laziness or scrounging but the truth is that in some of these places there are up to 20 JSA claimants per vacancy at the job centre! This is a jobs crisis not one of apathy.

The Government is creating a jobless generation, with more young people out of work than ever before. It is painfully clear that the Government’s welfare to work programmes are not doing the job and the time for dithering is over – Ministers must act now before a generation is left scarred by their mistakes.

As part of Labour’s five point plan for jobs I want to see a £2billion bankers’ bonus tax with the proceeds invested in up to 100,000 jobs for young people and a tax break for small firms taking on new employees.

We need to get the economy going again and we need to protect our young people from the blight of unemployment.

If you want to get in touch just email me at southeast@peterskinnermep.eu

And don’t forget you can learn more on my website (www.peterskinnermep.eu) and you can follow me on Twitter (@PWSkinnerMEP) and Facebook (Peter Skinner MEP).

]]> 1.3550448 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:44:01 +0000 http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/the_business_coach_with_laura_murphy_i_m_being_taken_advantage_of_1_3550428

Question: “I’m a pretty good natured manager but want to be more assertive as I feel as though I’m being taken advantage of.” Mary

Answer: “True assertiveness is balancing the other person’s rights (to be treated with respect, to have an opinion, to be listened to) against your own, equal rights to the same things. It’s about taking people along with you rather than badgering them into submission. I’d want you to first consider those times when you felt your good nature was being taken advantage of, and what you said or did that led you to feel that your staff did not understand what outcomes you were looking for or expecting.

If you’re not sure what you want out of a situation then it might well be that your staff aren’t sure how they should respond to you because you are too accommodating. As with any management scenario, think through what you want, plan how you might respond to any active disagreement or passive resistance. Set some boundaries and stick to them so your good nature isn’t seen as a sign of weakness.

Be firm and use words that are natural to you: you’ll come over as genuine and carry more weight. Excessive please and thank you can be seen as submissive so should be used when appropriate rather than as padding – less is more. Use language that talks about what you’re going to achieve with them, rather than from them to build up trust and commitment.

So by strengthening your natural leadership style, your confidence will grow and those periods where you felt you were being taken advantage of will quickly reduce.

.......................

Laura Murphy is the founder of mtc2 ltd, a management consultancy, training and coaching company. Laura is an organisation development specialist and business coach. If you have a problem then contact her at laura@mtc2.co.uk

Visit the website on {http://www.mtc2.co.uk|www.mtc2.co.uk|www.mtc2.co.uk}

Names and details have been changed to protect confidentiality

]]> 1.3550428 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:35:23 +0000 http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/discussions_on_changing_face_of_nhs_in_hailsham_1_3546135

THE RADICAL changes being made to the NHS and health services in Hailsham will be discussed with the town’s council.

Following recent talks with the NHS Primary Care Trust, Hailsham Town Council has agreed to meet the leaders of the new GP-led group which from April 2013 will commission hospital treatment and medical services for everyone living in the town.

Over the coming months the newly established commissioning group, Coastal Community Healthcare, wants to talk about the changes with local people and form a close relationship with the town council

GPs from all the practices in the town will meet with town councillors to discuss potential options and improvements to local health services.

Hailsham GP Dr Matt Jackson, vice-chairman of Coastal Community Healthcare, said, “The NHS is facing some of the most significant challenges in its history and we know there are also specific local health needs to focus on.

“However, by working together with all the practices in Hailsham, local people and our partners such as the council, we are confident we can get the best out of the resources available and plan services to meet the needs of the growing population.”

“We are committed to working together with local people and all of the practices in Hailsham to improve services in the town.

“We’ve already introduced new dermatology and cardiology services but will be following this up with a strategy to make further improvements locally.”

Town councillor Bill Bentley said, “We know that many Hailsham residents are concerned that local health provision needs to be improved and expanded.

“Hailsham Town Council has started a dialogue with local GP health managers and NHS Sussex and we look forward to working with them as a local partnership that will inform future planning for health services in Hailsham.

“Our Town Crier quarterly newsletter will include regular features about general health services available in Hailsham, plus we will update you on plans for the future as they emerge.”

All local surgeries and medical practices are setting up patient participation groups and patients should contact their practice manager to find out more.

Or if you would like to find out more about the changes to the NHS Visit www.sussex.nhs.uk.

WASTE deliveries to the Newhaven incinerator could treble under controversial new plans which have been submitted.

Anger has been mounting over the proposals and tomorrow (Thursday) night Seaford town councillors will have their say on the application.

A limit had been put on how many deliveries could be made at the site, but now Veolia Environmental Services wants to increase this from 10 to up to 35 on certain bank and public holidays.

Seaford and Newhaven MP Norman Baker met with Veolia executive director Robert Hunt on Friday to stress the unpopularity of recent proposals.

Seaford resident Geoff King was equally concerned, saying, “The number of waste deliveries at certain times was restricted by the original planning consent with very good reason.

“This was to alleviate the heavy goods vehicle traffic problems for local residents.

“If these waste deliveries were allowed to be increased at these very sensitive times such as certain bank and public holidays then any safeguards for local residents are eroded.”

The application comes just under a year since Veolia submitted an application to remove the restrictions entirely during public and Bank Holidays but this was withdrawn following an outcry from the community.

They submitted the latest application in January this year.

Mr Baker, who urged East Sussex County Council to stand up for the community when its planning committee makes a final decision on the application, said, “Local people and I overwhelmingly said no to the incinerator, yet the council said yes.

“I do not doubt that local people will say no to this application as well.

“The issue is whether the council ignores them as usual, or for once decides to stand up for the residents of Newhaven.

“Basically, limiting lorry movements on bank holidays was one of the only things that came out of the permission which might be considered as a ‘concession’ for local people.

“But, if this application is approved, I have no doubt that any remaining positive view that the local residents have of the county council will go up in smoke – much like the vast amounts of waste being transported to the incinerator.”

A Veolia environmental services spokesperson said, “In anticipation of the future requirements of the Waste Collection Authorities (WCAs), there is a greater need for waste deliveries to the Newhaven Energy Recovery Facility at North Quay on public and bank holidays.

“Therefore we are processing a variation to our current planning condition to support this which includes up to 35 vehicle deliveries permitted to the site on a public/bank holiday – this compares to the current 10 permitted.”

A spokesman for East Sussex County Council added, “Veolia has withdrawn its previous application for unrestricted waste deliveries on Bank & Public Holidays and has submitted a new planning application for up to 35 waste deliveries on bank holidays and public holidays to the Energy Recovery Facility in Newhaven.

“The county council has informed all those who commented on the previous application of the new submission.

“Anyone wishing to comment on the new application should write to the Head of Planning at the county council or email: devcon@eastsussex.gov.uk.”

An elderly woman has died in a house fire in Herstmonceux.

Firefighters were called to a property in West End at 2.05pm today (Wednesday February 22).

The woman was rescued, but died at the scene.

Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are investigating the cause of the fire, but it is not being treated as suspicious.

Wealden District police commander, Chief Inspector Dick Coates said, “This is a desperately sad incident and our thoughts are with the lady’s family and friends at this time.

“There is nothing to suggest at this stage that there is anything suspicious about the cause of the fire, but a full investigation will be carried out to confirm this belief.”

HAILSHAM Harriers finished runners-up in the sixth and final round of the East Sussex Sunday Cross-Country League.

The Harriers team of seven put in some great performances in cold weather on a new five-mile course across compact snowy fields and through the hilly wood in Snape Wood, Wadhurst.

For the men, Lee Ashworth had a superb run to finish fourth in a time of 32m25s in a race won by Kris Everett, from Hastings Athletic Club, in 31m36s.

Martin Bell followed up with another good performance to gain 31st in 39m20s and the evergreen Brian Winn, who crossed the line 77th with 50m47s, added to the points tally.

Once again, however, it was the ladies who gained valuable points with Emma Richards first lady again and 15th overall with 36m56s.

Hot on her heels was Sam Alvarez, who was second lady and 17th overall with 37m39s.

Jo Curran was third lady and 19th overall in 38m04s, with Olivia Webb fourth lady and 20th overall in 38m22s.

A number of Harriers also collected category awards for the series with the best four scores from the six events counting: Senior men - 2nd Lee Ashworth 792pts; over-50 men - 3rd Dale Martin 725pts; over-65 men - 1st John Taylor 547pts; senior ladies - 1st Emma Richards 800pts, 2nd Jo Curran 794pts; over-35 ladies - 1st Sam Alvarez 797pts, 2nd Olivia Webb 780pts.

Harriers continue to train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm at Summerheath Hall, Hailsham, and all runners are welcome. Further information is available on the club website www.hailsham-harriers.org.uk

RIGHT: Lee Ashworth

Eastbourne Swimming Club’s Masters took a nine strong team to Crawley’s K2 to compete in the South East Region Long Course Championships.

The Eastbourne team was slightly smaller than usual but the event was well attended with swimmers from all over the country, as well as Europe.

Carrying on recent great form every member of the Eastbourne team won at least one medal.

Leading the way, and as usual showing the others in his age group just how it’s done, was Dave Cumming, with a win in two of the toughest events run over the weekend, the 200m Fly and the 400m IM. He also tried his hand at one of the shortest events, demonstrating versatility with a silver in the 50 Fly.

Close on his heels was Wendy Pritchard (pictured) with wins in her age group in the 50m Fly and 50m Backstroke, swimming in a heat against a previous Olympic swimmer. Sarah Knapman and Ian Woodward picked up a gold and silver each, with medals also for Gary Brickley, Melissa Wright, Greg Knapman, Jim Brent and Janet Jefferies.

The total tally was six gold, eight silvers and three bronze medals.

]]> 1.3548981 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:42:17 +0000 http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/ladies_back_on_track_as_course_thaws_out_1_3548973

Royal Eastbourne Ladies were back on Thursday in their first competition since the big thaw.

The course looked none the worse for wear after recent snow as 16 teams took part in a nine hole Texas Scramble.

In a very close game the winning team of Lizzie Carol, Nora Ferris, Wilma Hyndford and Sue Htoon took first place with net 33, just beating Lesley Williams, Denise Wishart, Penny Valentine and Winnie Perry who scored net 33.1.

In third place were Anne Garner, Alice Millest, Caroline Hunt and Linda Dove with 33.4.

The winter mixed league saw Alistair Wadsworth and Gill Illsley shade first place by a single Stableford point over John Bateman and Jan Edwards, 41 & 40 being the respective scores.

John Harmer and Wilma Hyndford’ s 39 placed them third.

Willingdon Golf Club: Winner of Division one of the February Stableford competition was Nick Pavey with 39 points on the back 9 from Alan Huggett.

Tony Rochester won Division two with 37 points from Ian Fletcher on 36 points.

Division three was won by Derek Kirkman with 35 points.

]]> 1.3548973 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:38:45 +0000 http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/heading_the_right_way_1_3548968

Eastbourne Hockey Club need to ‘push just a little bit more’ if they’re to stand a chance of staying in the South Premier Division One this season.

The squad put in a much improved performance against promotion-chasers London Wayfarers on Saturday and hope to carry that into this weekend when they face a crucial clash away at Banbury.

Free-scoring London Wayfarers took the lead within 20 minutes at The Saffrons, but Eastbourne’s Andy Edwards managed to equalise just before the interval.

However, a goal ten minutes from time and a last-minute penalty ensured the visitors left with a 3-1 victory.

Last time the two sides met, London Wayfarer thrashed Eastbourne 8-0 and team manager David Adelston believes the most recent score line is testament to how far the team have come since then.

“Our concentration was much better than it has been. It’s just frustrating when we’re putting in good performances but not getting the points.

“It was a very good performance, especially from Rob Cornell, and I think the match was a lot less one-sided than the shoreline suggests.”

As Eastbourne continue the hunt for their first win since November, they come up against the side who were their last victims; Banbury.

Like Eastbourne, Banbury are struggling at the foot of the table and Adelstone believes the outcome of this match will determine the fate for the losing side.

“The side that loses will probably go down, whereas the one that wins will still have a chance of survival. It’s an absolute must-win match.

“It’ll be an early start for us and we’ll just have to see what happens on the day, but I hope we win.”

Eastbourne Men’s seconds also put in a very good performance last weekend, winning 6-2 against Penguin firsts, and now face Brighton and Hove Albion Men’s thirds on Saturday.

Eastbourne Ladies firsts narrowly lost out as they slipped to a 4-3 defeat to Lewes Ladies firsts. They face London Wayfarers Ladies firsts this weekend.

Middleton & Bognor 2

Hailsham Men’s 1st XI 2

THE Hailsham men’s first team had to settle for a draw on Saturday after opening up a two-goal lead.

Hailsham fielded an altered line-up in this South Hockey League Sussex Area - Division One fixture with youngster Josh Headey having an excellent game on his first start.

Despite the bleak weather, Hailsham made a positive start with Dan Ivemy slotting home a loose ball midway through the first half. Hailsham grabbed a second soon after through a precise flick into the top corner by George Cyster.

Hailsham had goalkeeper Richard Burraston to thank for keeping them in the lead with a string of fine saves, but the defence were breached just before the half time whistle when Burraston was beaten by a fine finish.

The home team were lucky to remain with 11 players for the second half after a Middleton player was seen and heard threatening a Hailsham man.

The second half saw continued pressure from Hailsham, but despite powerful flicks from Sam Headey which struck the post and bar, the visitors couldn’t capitalise.

Middleton & Bognor didn’t allow this to go unpunished and after two Hailsham players were sin-binned, the visitors were humbled by a last minute equaliser after some scrappy play in the D.

WITH the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this year a number of Looking Back readers have sent in photographs of Her Royal Highness visiting Eastbourne.

The first is from Mrs Smith who lives in Northbourne Road who found this photograph in her mother-in-law’s possessions and shows both the Queen as a young princess, her sister Margaret and their parents King George and Queen Elizabeth during a visit, believed to be taken in the town.

Mrs Smith’s mother-in-law worked at Belle Tout Lighthouse in 1924 and also cooked a meal for King George and Queen Mary when they visited the lighthouse.

Back in 2000 Mrs Smith sent a copy of the photograph to the Queen Mother and received a reply from Clarence House.

A lady in waiting said, “Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother has asked me to thank you for your letter and for sending a copy of the photograph.

“Although the Queen Mother cannot quite remember where it was taken, Her Majesty was very pleased to see this picture which brought back many happy memories.”

• {http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/news/local-news/share_your_diamond_memories_with_us_1_3520601|Do you have diamond memories to share? Click here to find out more|diamond memories}

THE Royal College of Nursing is urging management at the under-pressure DGH to ensure staff have the proper support to help the hospital emerge from under the cloud of its recent damning report.

Last week the Gazette’s sister paper the Herald revealed health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published another highly critical report following a second visit to the hospital.

The first, which took place last year, saw management slammed for failing to properly provide both care and dignity for its patients.

The second study released late last week and based on a visit at the end of 2011, said the DGH was still failing in a number of areas and far more needed to be done to turn the situation around.

Darren Grayson, chief executive of the NHS trust which runs the DGH, said staff were determined to improve and a raft of changes had already been introduced prior to the report.

That though did not stop the CQC warning the trust that it is expected to “address these issues or face serious consequences.”

This week the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) – the body to which all nursing staff have to be registered – issued its response to the news.

Teresa Budrey, Sussex officer for the South East Region, was pleased to see the CQC inspection team had noted some improvements.

She told the Gazette, “We know staff at the trust have been working very hard to improve conditions since the last CQC report, and we at the RCN have been monitoring progress and working closely with nurses there to ensure robust plans are in place to improve patient care.

“Nurses are now ensuring good record keeping and providing quality data about patient experiences. We are pleased to see the hospitals now comply with many of the essential standards they were not in compliance with nine months ago, and we note the trust believes it will be fully compliant with all standards by the deadline set by the CQC of the end of next month.

“However, we continue to urge managers to ensure they provide the support and training necessary for nurses at the hospital to do what they came into nursing for – to deliver high standards of care to patients.

“We hope the recent major restructure of senior management at the trust will make it easier for them to do this.”

Among criticisms of the trust in the 55-page report were concerns over the general care and welfare of patients, staffing levels – with the CQC citing an over-reliance on locum doctors – and the trust’s ability to effectively monitor the quality of the services it is providing.

The report also said there was a lack of evidence patients with reduced mental capacity had been given access to advocacy or that best interest meetings had taken decisions on their behalf.

“Shall we bring our bikes?” asked my friend as we arranged for his family to come down for a visit. “Yes, there’s some great cycling nearby” I said before adding “But the town itself is a very bike unfriendly place ”.

I’m an occasional cyclist. I managed the South Downs Way a few years ago and I like cycling days out with my family. As I got off the telephone, awful memories come back to me. There was a depressing and dangerous cycle into town after a day out with the boys on the wonderful Cuckoo Trail. We enjoyed stopping to pick blackberries on the stretch between Polegate and Hampden Park. We still have some jam left! But a blissful family day out was then spoilt by the lack of a safe cycle route back into the centre of Eastbourne, resulting in scared parents and our younger son in tears.

On one of our first ever visits to Eastbourne, there was also a cycle home with the boys from Bexhill when at the end of our journey we suddenly realised that there is no cycling allowed on the seafront. The only option for us was to cycle on the road with the boys on what we now know is an incredibly dangerous stretch of seafront road from the sailing club to the pier. I remember doubling back again and again thinking there most be safe route provided – even if just for the kids – but as you all know there isn’t.

I know that Bespoke (a local cycling group) has done a great job convincing the Council to provide the beginnings of a network of cycle routes over the next few years. The Council itself now seems genuinely committed to promoting cycling throughout the town. But I note that there is still no firm plan to provide a cycle path along the seafront to the east of the pier. We need to get on our collective bikes and go faster.

Just to be clear, this needs to be fixed fast with a cycle path along the entire seafront if Council chiefs want to encourage more families to visit Eastbourne and to keep coming. It’s ridiculous state of affairs when a young French family on a cycling tour of the south coast told me that they had been advised by friends to cycle around the town.

It’s not just for tourists that we need better cycle facilities. The atmosphere of the town would be much improved if we developed a culture of cycling on all but the longest of most awkward of journeys. Changing culture is hard. Habits are hard to break. The Council can show a lead but pushing on more quickly with its cycle path plans. As the cycle paths open, our schools should be promoting walking and cycling to school every day to encourage use of these new facilities. For example, my sons’ previous school gave collectable pin badges to kids that had walked or cycled to school every day for a month.

The families and the majority of progressive people in Eastbourne who love the town to bits and think it could be even better need to make their voices heard a bit more. It worries me that the town is too often associated with the whining of the ‘oppose everything new’ and the ‘blame someone else’ brigades who fill up the letters page of the Herald. Free speech is a wonderful thing so the only way to beat them is to join them. If you disagree with the moaners, get writing and give the Herald something positive to print on the letters page!

Through my work with Eastbourne Can – www.eastbournecan.com - I’ve spent the last few weeks helping to organise a networking event at the Towner on Thursday 23 February for local creative, digital and technology businesses. These sectors are worth 7% of the UK’s GDP and are one of the few sectors forecast to keep growing through the recession. It’s been great that Wired Sussex and the Council have got behind the event. I’m looking forward to meeting the fifty or people who have registered to attend to hear what more the town can do to support them. There are still a few (free) tickets available if you work in this sector and you want to come along.

Finally, huge thanks to every single nurse at the hospital where my dad is currently being looked after. Lots of stories recently about uncaring staff in elderly wards but you are all fantastic. Thank you!

{http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/1919218139?s=6920787|Tickets for the free networking event are available here|tickets}

• Email me at grahamcwalker@googlemail.com

• Follow me on twitter @eastbournelife

]]> 1.3546120 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:09:25 +0000 http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/something_to_say_with_keith_newbery_war_rages_on_over_council_prayers_1_3546064

Clive Bone looks like one of those men with too much money in his bank account and too much time on his hands.

He spent quite a lot of both taking Bideford Town Council to the High Court because, when he was a member there, they had the nerve to put prayers on the agenda at the start of every meeting.

Ex-councillor Bone is an atheist and managed to convince their lordships he felt ‘embarrassed and disadvantaged’ by this monthly ritual.

One look at his portly and pugnacious features should be enough to convince anyone (even a law lord) that here is a man entirely impervious to the disconcerted flush and singularly unlikely to be caught on the hop.

But he won his case, and his lasting achievement is to ensure that in town halls throughout the land the word ‘prayers’ will now be placed above the word ‘agenda’ on local authority documents, rather than below it.

They will not, therefore, form part of the official business, so guidance from above can continue to be sought by those who require it, while the unbelievers can begin a sudoku or discuss the location of their post-assembly pint.

Either way, it is not going to make much difference to anyone’s council tax bill.

Local councillors are there to fret about potholes, fuss about overgrown hedgerows and vie for their turn with the mayoral regalia.

Those wishing to make a moral point about anything from atheism to Third World hunger should be encouraged to parade their consciences in more meaningful and appropriate surroundings – like Westminster.

But atheists - led by the great god Dawkins – have become increasingly militant.

They are as evangelical as any believers in their attempts to make infidels of us all – and in doing so have ignored the contrary nature of the British people.

When someone seems intent upon forcing their beliefs upon us – be they political, religious or moral – we have a tendency to take the opposing view just for the hell of it.

And the more they seek to achieve their aims by adopting a hectoring, pedantic and sneering approach, the more likely we are to turn our face the other way.

Ex-councillor Bone may have won his silly little battle – but the war rages on.

**********************************

On the subject of Professor Dawkins, I suspect everyone from believers to rampant nihilists will have smirked at his discomfort on Radio Four’s Today programme.

He was discussing the recent survey about Christians undertaken by The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science (what else?)

He kept mentioning the fact that two-thirds of respondents did not even know the first book of the New Testament – and dismissed them as ‘tick-box believers.’

Darwin is his hero, of course, and when asked if he could provide the full title of his seminal work, Origin of the Species, Dawkins muttered and spluttered before giving up and hissing: ‘Oh God!’

That was not thunder you heard. It was a big belly laugh from above.

]]> 1.3546064 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:54:48 +0000 http://www.eastbourneherald.co.uk/conmen_posing_as_water_officials_steal_1_500_from_old_lady_1_3545977

POLICE are warning residents to be wary of cold callers after conmen posing as water board officials stole £1,500 from an elderly lady.

Two men called at a flat in Bourne Street at 3.20pm on Saturday (February 18).

They pretended to be from a water company and managed to convince the pensioner to let them in by claiming there was a water problem in the area.

While one of them engaged the 89-year-old resident in conversation in the kitchen, the other man searched the flat and stole £1,500.

The men are both described as white, and in their thirties, about 5ft 5in to 5ft 6in tall, stocky with bald or shaved heads, short beards and moustaches.

Both wore black and white check shirts.

One may have worn a checked jacket and dark trousers. The other man wore a white hooded top.

They both spoke with what is described as a foreign accent.

Detectives are considering possible links between this offence and four similar offences which happened in Brighton, Hove and Crawley during the past week.

Detective Constable Andy Mountford-Laker said, “If any other local residents have had men calling at the door and asking to come in on the pretext of being from the ‘water board’ we would like to know about it.

“Please contact us 101 quoting serial 1177 of 18/2.

“Meanwhile, please continue to be aware and cautious about anyone calling at your door unannounced and do not let them in.”

Sussex Police has published a check list of tips to help people when receiving cold calls.

l Attach your door chain before opening the door to strangers

l Water company staff and contractors always carry identification

l A company uniform and vehicle logo are things to watch for

l Remember, if you are unsure, don’t let them in – keep them out

l Employees and contractors of genuine companies will always be happy to wait whilst you check their identification. Your can check the identity of water contractors by telephoning Southern Water on 0845 278 0845.

l If you are suspicious and the callers are still present or nearby call the police via 999.

THE NUMBER of visitors paying a trip to the Redoubt is less then expected according to figures released by Eastbourne Borough Council.

A study into the finances and performance of the local authority during the third quarter of 2011/12 shows that during that time just 2,764 people visited the sea fortress.

The local authority estimated around 18,500 people would visit the attraction but, with 6,278 popping in during the previous quarter, is seems unlikely that target will be hit.

Built in the early 1800s, the Redoubt was home to naval troops for more than 100 years before being brought back into use during the Second World War amid the threat of a Nazi invasion.

It currently houses a host of exhibitions and is full-to-bursting with artifacts from the area’s military past.

However, fewer people seem to be lured by its showcases, prompting one outspoken opposition councillor to call on the Lib Dem-dominated authority to do more.

A dismayed Councillor Tom Liddiard told the council’s cabinet, “More should have been done before this point to have ensured this did not happen.”

Tourism boss Tracey McNulty wrote in a recent report that the reason visitor figures were lower than anticipated was because of the overall economic climate and far less people walking by because of the closure suffered at Treasure Island.

It was a sentiment shared by the authority’s head of tourism Cllr Neil Stanley, who told the Herald, “The Redoubt has enjoyed a busy year in 2011 despite the wider economy still feeling the effects of the recession.

“We are confident that as the year progresses we can demonstrate the Redoubt’s success even more, with an events programme, wedding bookings, and new cafe all set to attract even more footfall to this wonderful historic venue on our seafront.

“With a commitment to making further improvements to the Redoubt, including better signage, more events, and improved accessibility, which is a priority project for the next year, our ambitions are expected to continue to drive visitor numbers during 2012.”

Hoping to take another step forward in the Ladies County Singles, Julia Savin of Langney played against Sheila Simmons of Eastbourne and District I.B.C.

Although Sheila made a good start, scoring a three on the first end, Julia immediately broke back with a four and from then on was ahead for the rest of the game, winning 21 - 11 when her opponent conceded the game after the 15th end.

Julia’s next game will be to play for a place in the semi-finals of the competition. Meanwhile, Langney Ladies welcomed bowlers from clubs all over the county, led by the president Carol Bowles, for their game against Sussex County Women’s Indoor Bowls Association.

In a game played in a very friendly and sporting spirit, Langney Ladies took an early lead, holding it throughout the match to win 135 - 91.

Top rink - Rene Cook, Vera White, Marie Sellers, Edie Vine v Cora White 38 - 6. Other rinks - Audrey Wheeldon, Fran Baxter, Brenda Tarrant, Sheila Holmans v Carol Templeman 14 - 23. Josie Martin, Pauline Beale, Alice Cooper, Rose Riggs v Audrey Lake 28 - 13. Mavis Buist, Lynn Parker, Brenda Thomas, Kath Selby v Anne Poid 21 - 10. Phyll Atkin, Rose Doidge, Catharina Vogels, Joan Leeson v Jean Bracey 17 - 25. Anne Beauchamp, Jean Reed, Anne Cousin, Julia Savin v Carol Bowles 17 - 14.

Dyer advances

There was mixed success in County Competitions for the Ladies and Men’s sections at Eastbourne Bowls Club.

Playing at home in the Ladies County Pairs Sue Taylor and Pat Bain played Sheila Stocker and Chris Horsley from Adur IBC.

After 10 ends Sue and Pat led 11-6 and continued to play steadily going on to win 22-18. In the Men’s County Triples Tom Dickens Brian Henty and Jim Preston never got into the lead when they played a triple from Denton Island skipped by Stuart Anscell.

Needing four shots on the last end to get an extra end. Jim had two bowls to play when he forced the Jack into the ditch to hold three shots, trying to draw close to the ditch for a fourth shot his last bowl just dropped into the ditch to see them loose 12-13.

In the Men’s Championship Singles Competition players played for a place in the quarter finals.

Derek Dyer secured his place when he defeated last year’s winner Vince Smith 21-16,the scores were level at 16 all after 21ends Derek then scored 3,2 to win a close game.

Farther and son clashed in a nail biting game when Brian and James Henty battled it out to move into the next round. Young James led 19-16 after 25 ends. Using all his experience Brian finished the strongest scoring 1,2,1,2 to win 21-19.

Keiron Packham was losing 16- 17 after 20 ends to Frank Stevens then scored 3,1,1 to win 21-16. Alan Glenister led past champion Stephen Bain 15-5 after 10 ends Stephen fought back to trail 16-18 and then Alan scored four shots recorded a notable victory 22-16.

Tom Dickens Played steadily to beat Ken Hook 21-10. Roy Charlton played better as the game went on, when he played Glynn Burton, from 8 all after 10 ends he tip toed over the winning line 21- 18 after 26 ends. Peter Reynolds progressed to the next round when he defeated Competition Secretary David Bain 21-10. John Pannett booked the last quarter final place when he defeated Barry Colbran 21-11.

Glastonbury B continued their unbeaten run at the head of division one of the Eastbourne Snooker League with another 4-1 home victory against Angling Club A.

Paul Grimes got the league leaders off to a fine start by defeating the Angling Club skipper Richard Anderson 112-17 - Paul pocketed a 57 break in the process.

Dave Pringle for the Angling A stopped the whitewash by outpointing Ben Dain on the black 50-49 in the fourth frame.

Dolphin A moved back into second spot with a 4-1 home win over HMI Rutherfords. Paul Binks, Neil Sivyer, Peter Buckland and Phil White recorded the winning frames.

Nik Driver in frame five lost out on the black 49-45 to the Rutherfords skipper Dave Smith.

Hailsham MI C moved down into third spot following a 3-2 away loss at Meads A Kevin Walbrin, James Loft (51 break) and Mark James recorded the winning frame for Meads A. Ash Bull and Pete Watson replied for HMI C.

Glastonbury C were the visitors at the Nuthouse to take on the B team. Ross Mabbott and Bruce Meeks took the two opening frames against Barry Pugh and Dave Lee.

Gary Callingham and Steve Heals responded for the Nuthouse by winning frame three and four over Matt Lee and Jake Cleveland.

Mick Compton played the winning anchor role for the Glastonbury C team defeating Phil Feneron 66-9.

Bollards recorded a 3-2 home win against Glastonbury F. Allan Mills, Paul Sellings, and the Bollards skipper Mike Ashcroft recorded the winning frames.

Andy Simpson and Colin Sargent took the points for the Glastonbury F.

The Derby match between Polegate Legion A and B resulted in a win for the Legion A team.

Shaun Murphy, Gary Jones and Graham Brooker had the winning A team frames.

Alan Dean and Doug Izzard were winners for the B team.

Hailsham MI A took a 3-2 home win against Eastbourne Workingmens Club A. Scott McLean, Richard Frost, and Steve Jones won the last vital frame for the HMI A outfit.

Trevor Binks and Chris Bearne recorded the Workers wins

A NUCLEAR bomb attack on London would leave residents of Eastbourne nursing third degree burns.

A controversial new website (www.nuclearsecrecy.com) allows users to select a town or city to target and then shows the different degrees of damage and fallout which would result from the subsequent blast.

The online projection shows that were the capital to be hit by a 100 megaton bomb, not only would everyone within a two-mile radius be killed instantly, but the after effects would stretch all the way to Eastbourne.

Thermal radiation would go out as far as 47.88 miles – taking in this corner of East Sussex.

The website’s designer Alex Wellerstein, who teaches at top US university Harvard, said he uses the maps to bring the reality of nuclear weapons to life for shocked students.

The 30-year-old said, “What I like about the map is it makes the explosions look large and impressive, but it shows it isn’t the end of the world.

“I think a lot of people think a nuclear weapon goes off and everybody gets blown up or disappears.

“The reality is the buildings would collapse and you would be set on fire, which makes it real and scarier.

“I don’t think nuclear weapons will be gone any time soon, but I hope we don’t use them. The map is just laying out the facts of it.”