Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

Neighbourhood Watch Meeting –
19:00 Tuesday 15th December – details later.

I am sure we all live in close contact with neighbours who are ‘older’ than ourselves.
Most are pretty ‘savvy’ – but I always check to make sure…..I have neighbours in their 90’s, it takes only a few minutes to ask if ‘everything’ is Okay.
Do they need any help getting to the doctors or hospital, do they know how to get help with transport
Have they had their Flu – Jab?
Please take a minute….

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A fantastic turn out at the remembrance parade, considering the weather, just holding dry, it was one of the best attended – year on year more organisations take part, and it would seem more people wish to attend.

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Many would have noticed work being carried out at the Ex FDC – One Stop Shop on High Causeway…. originally thinking it may become a Pet Food Shop, Whittlesey Business TLC – Tim and Linda, have been busy moving from their present (2) premises to this site.
I am sure as ‘locals’ we all wish them every success in their expanded venture.

Many thanks to Natasha and the team @ Discovering Whittlesea© for inviting me to do the article in the November edition. As a ‘local boy’ it is very humbling to be asked to do this. As happens someone asked me ‘why’ some of my cv was missing, trying to catch me out? – Well it is well known I worked for the Government and I hope to put a post up in the near future, once I have permission to do so.

All very ‘quiet’ on local issues, nothing much happening with the ‘Sainburys Supermarket’ – No news on the Showfields development.
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But I did get a ‘whisper’ that Our Council may well be looking in to giving themselves ‘Medals’ again.
This topic came up a couple of years ago, and at the time I was very vocal against it, I still am – there should be NO cost to the Public/Ratepayer.

As some of my community commitments now allow us to have a bit more – me time – I am away a lot more, making the most of what mobility will allow.
Just returned from Madeira, went to the same place last year – excellent all round, weather could have been better. I met a delightful 91 year old gentleman and his 90 year old wife.
He started the day at 8am with several glasses of ‘bubbly’ with his breakfast, and didn’t stop all day….never fell over and was totally looked after.
Our friends Andrew and Sue O stayed in the hotel next door and joined us for a celebration 65th birthday at the Riu Palace.
Andrew and I were ‘Cubs’ in Coates in the 1950’s, ‘Scouts’ in the 60’s. Both went to sea, he in the RN – me in the MN. We both married ‘Nurses’ and have remained friends for over 55 years – many happy memories.

Avid ‘Blogger’, former high flyer and ex leader of the Conservatives @ Cambs County Council is first to submit his manifesto for becoming the next PCC (Police & Crime Commissioner) – Standing as now the UKIP candidate.
Mr Clarke makes a hell of a lot of promises should he become elected.
He has been a big critic of the present PCC – Conservative Sir Graham Bright.
Maybe the electorate and the conservatives should remember ALL the promises he made when he was the leader for a shortish time at Cambs CC.
Nick blamed his demise on living too far away from his electorate. He then joined UKIP.
I stand on an Independent view as always, and I dislike the fact that the PCC’s job started and carried on as a ‘Political platform’ this position should not be a political position and I believe the electorate all over the country agreed – that’s why there was only about a 20% turnout at the poles, disillusioned – fed up with party politics, can’t be bothered….
We wait to who the rest choose as their candidates.
Yes I have been asked be several people if I would stand – ha – I know my place I’m not in that league and in any case would I waste £5,000 of my own money knowing I am on a looser…I don’t think so – thanks for the offer.
This is a very serious and important position and should be treated as such.
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk (Photo and read more)

Last week after some deliberation, I decided to resign my position as Vice Chairman of Whittlesea Street Pride. I was until recently the Chairman for 6 years.
My reasons are many, I just feel uncomfortable with how the new management committee works.
Don’t miss-quote me, I think many of the committee have and will do a very good job. This is a personal decision.
My ability in time management was also becoming very challenging as I am involved in many other organisations/voluntary groups and Street Pride was becoming far too onerous.
I believe I have left a ‘fantastic’ legacy in terms of Financial stability and Public Relations.
Sometimes when someone has been ‘in charge’ for a long time – it is ‘time’ for a change.
I remain a ‘mortal litter picker’ and naturally wish the group every continuing success.

        
Fred Mills Chair          Rob Kent Treasurer     Peter Davies Secretary
        
David Palmer                Bernard Gray-Esson  Alan Hobbs                  Margaret Palmer
All Management Committee Members of Whittlesea Street Pride

Sad news to hear the passing away of Steve Parker. Well known local business man, involved in many of our local groups. Condolences to Jenny. RIP

Here we go again – The rumour mill – Marian D plus others hiding behind pseudonyms.
heard today about the proposed closure of our Police Station. Surely to close this would be criminal. … I wonder whose bright idea this was!
Next of course comes the next very mis-informed and lets have a go at ALL councillors whilst we’re at it.
I Roy Gerstner have attended 100’s of meeting with the Police/Police Authority/Crime Commissioners Office over the past 10 years.
The ‘FACT’ is that ALL assets are always under review. Cambs Police Commissioner has massive savings to be made (As all other authorities). This has come from Central Government, who have always blamed the previous Government for the financial legacy.
Like with the General election and local elections – we have all had a vote, the ‘peoples’ democracy took its course.
Only this week I was at a meeting in Hinchingbrooke Police HQ, and I asked some senior members of the issues of ‘closures’ – I was given exactly the same answers – All assets are under constant review.

One day – when – sooner or later ours and many other local Police Stations will close.
My picture of the official opening is of poor quality.

‘Mid-Anglia Police Authority’
The building was opened on 3rd October 1968 by
Alderman T.W. Anthony J.P.
Chairman of the County Council

As an ‘original member of the NQS Patients Participation Group (PPG) we have supported the surgery on Flu Clinic days, this Saturday being the 1st of two (Next Saturday the next Clinic) The Ladies had a fantastic Cake stand which raises money for a project for the benefit of all patients – they sold out very quickly.
I promoted the electronic registration of patients – You can register, and be able to book/or cancel appointments, get repeat prescriptions and a host of other information.
The PPG has regular meetings and these can be viewed either online or on the information board near the ‘Booking In Office).

There has been a meeting held at WTC Offices of parties concerned including the owner of the ‘Marina’ by the ‘Whistling Bridge’, apparently there is to be ‘monitoring of the issue and another meeting to be arranged. In the meantime there are still vehicles using The Cycle Route to gain access to their boats, when they should be using the ‘Funthams Lane’ entrance. We wait and see – again.

Quite naturally it is in Bruces interest to keep the Sainsburys Supermarket highlighted, he quotes:
“Whittlesey supported Sainsburys   –   Sainsburys must now support Whittlesey”