Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

Hopefully I’m not boring people with Local Election news….
However just come my ‘in box’ some interesting development for the Ward of Coates, Eastrea and Benwick.
It looks like a very crowded field already and the nominations may change yet again before the cut off date.
The latest is that besides the (3) conservative candidates, there could be (3) independent candidates, (1) labour and the good possibility of (1) green candidate – I make this 8 in all for a 3 seat ward – this will be a very contested area – good for democracy….

Although only 12 members in attendance, the meeting was informative, there are at present 35 paid up members of the WBF, there are over 100 businesses in the area.
The Forum have a new secretary Kerry Ogden.
A presentation by ‘Bull Funeral Directors’ was good and Rebecca told us that Bull’s started in 1904. One long time employee Mark Green is now working in the Peterborough branch.
During the Q&A – I asked why ‘Cardboard Casket’ cost more than a Wooden one – and she replied it was supply and demand with only a small amount of Cardboard ones produced.

Deborah Slater founder of ‘Defibrillators for All’ has become a fantastic success for Whittlesey and surrounding area’s, they need to raise in the region of £10,000 in the next year, it takes now some £5,000 just to maintain the defibrillators. The charity is now 5 years old and has made a difference to saving lives on several occasions.
The AGM is to be held on 10th April 2019 @ 7pm anyone is welcome – please contact Deborah via their website http://www.defibrillatorsforall.co.uk/

Treasurer Cllr Eamonn Dorling gave an update of Whittlesey Railway Station, he had attended a meeting recently of the Community Rail Partnership (Or what ever they are called now) – simply – don’t hold your breath!….

A recent newsletter sent out by a community group, stated that :-
“The building of a new Co-op on the former Morley’s petrol station site in West End has fallen through due to land contamination. This comes as no surprise, it will be difficult for anyone to develop this land”

I was taken back about this ‘new’ news as I thought I was up to speed with the development. I made 4 phone calls to various people who attended the meeting at which this comment was made and now no one remembers who said it!
I know the ex owner very well, and can say that the purchase of the site was completed to a Land Agent representing the Lincolnshire Co-op in June last year.
The developer carried out a new contamination exercise and received a report, along with approximate costing to put the site back in condition ready to develop.
Although there appears to be delays in developing the site, officially nothing has changed unless ‘someone’ knows otherwise.

This is how it stands today…If anyone knows differently I’d be pleased to be informed.

So what an experience….I had made an appointment to submit my election papers at Fenland Hall this morning.
I do not normally ‘bash’ employee’s as they have little or no redress, but I think this needs telling…I think some serious ‘retraining is required’

On arriving at the foyer – the layout has been changed – in front of you now are a sign which points to the left ‘Business’ and a sign to the right ‘Customer Services’ – not quite knowing which way to go, I stood a few seconds a bit bewildered – The receptionist on the ‘left side’ – said crisply…. ‘Read the Sign’, a few seconds later, ‘Read the Sign’ and again a bit louder a few seconds later ‘Read the Sign’ – eventually she asked me why I was there, and then directed me to the Customer Service section on the right. Proceeding as I did, when I got there, was told no you need the other side…..back I went – No apology and then told I had no appointment in the book…..well what can I say – I am telling it as it was….Customer Service – Not on this occasion.
Not a chance of can I help you or may I be of assistance.
So I was seen by the ‘appointed lady at the appointed time’
This situation has come about due to the ‘One Stop Shop’ closing in March and relocating to yes the area I mentioned above…..
And by the way…. Don’t even think of wanting a ‘Wee’ whilst you are there – we were informed that there are no public toilets…..I don’t know whether to laugh or cry – it surely can not get any worse.
Success – my Election Papers have been validated….

Article speaks for itself….and they are coming to Whittlesey!!!!
TONY HETHERINGTON: Persimmon plot that gives greed a bad name.
Follow link from Daily Mail….. https://mol.im/a/6842627

Friendly FREE activities – FREE refreshments and LUNCH!!!!!

What a fantastic time everyone had last year…all put on by just a few ‘volunteers’ – with help from WTC & FDC. It is hard work for the few – but a couple of more to help would make all the difference…why not come along…..it’s a few hours – a year..?
Whittlesey Extravaganza AGM Agenda March 19

Well done to Richard Exton, Whittlesey man who has recently been awarded winner – ‘Volunteer in The Community’ – Pride in Fenland awards.
Richard has previously been ‘Citizen of the Year’ his long term commitment to community projects has been well known and this latest accolade is well deserved.
Richard and I went to school together and we have known each other since those times, our interests are very similar – Richard is involved with The Straw Bear Festival for all its 40 years, Whittlesey Christmas Lights, Whittlesey in Bloom and The Whittlesey Extravaganza.
He is not afraid of getting stuck in and getting his hands dirty…Well done again Richard.