Whilst unable to confirm rumours of a ban on gatherings of more than 4 people on the Market Square this blog can now confirm the introduction of the heavily rumoured ban on Tea Drinking in the Walled Garden at Delapre Abbey.
Yes that's right "Tea Drinking"
In a statement to the Politburos Revolutionary Planning Committee a junior Commissar of the Council, Comrade Planner Andrew Holden told those in attendance that,
" We want to keep the Garden as a peaceful space and it was being disturbed by tea drinking"
see http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Drinking-tea-is-too-noisy.6066455.jp
As a consequence the Abbey Tea Rooms run by the counter revolutionary Friends of Delapre Abbey have been told to
MOVE YOUR TEA TABLES OFF OUR LAWN
Only in Northampton and only under a Liberal Democrat Administration can you be assured of such ridiculous, yet compelling news stories such as the one above.Of course the real story behind the story is confirmed by the fact that the "Tea drinking ban" was also included in the terms of the new lease currently under discussion between the Council and FoDA which the later must sign if they want to remain on site. All this because a small group within the Liberal Democrat group on the Council have made it their lifes work to make life almost impossible for FoDA.
Complaints are fired off to the Charity Commission like confetti, Pickets made up of Liberal Democrat Councillors are sent out to agitate and leaflet those arriving at FoDA meetings and even yours truly has fallen victim to their well-orchestrated campaign of complaint, innuendo, distraction techniques and smear tactics, when a Lib Dem Councillor reported me to the Standards board for not declaring in my register of Councillor interests that I along with Sir Hereward Wake was a founding Patron of the Charity at the time of its formation! My crime? I tried to mediate in the dispute.
But I am not allowed to discuss with you what the Standards board said on this matter, but you will note that I still have my Liberty and that none of my fingernails have been extracted, much to the disappointment I am sure of some in the Lib Dem group.
But I feel really sorry for FoDA, and I think it is high time that some of the Liberals on the Council put their cards on the table and say exactly what their beef is, instead of using the Council officers both through its estates department and now through its seems the "non political" planning process as a stick to beat the charity up with.
FoDA has suffered a great deal in recent months from both infighting and a lack of tangible support from the Council, and this needs to stop right now. Some members of the public have been used by Councillors in my view to do their dirty work for them, but now that also has to stop.
Its now time for all of us who hold the future of the Abbey dear to our heart to tell the administration and their bullies within, that their campaign against FoDA must stop right here, right now. And I will work with any member of the Council of whatever political party to ensure that happens.
It may have taken this ridiculous story to surface in order for the real truth about what has been really been happening down on London Road to be flushed out for all to see, but maybe the embarrassment that follows might prompt some within the Liberal group to ask whether or not their underhand tactics to date have served them well?
In the future, when people look at your blog, they will find a record of what didn't take place.
ReplyDeleteYou are supposed to be a Patron of the Friends of Delapre Abbey, but you cannot even spell the name of the place properly. It is Delapre, not “Delepre”.
The tea tables were never on the lawn. The tea room was working well. What has caused all the problems has been the commercialism introduced by some members of the FODA committee. The lawn – which the borough council gardeners maintain, not FODA - was being spoilt by marquees being left up for weeks on end after commercial functions (non community events). None of the money from these events was for the benefit of the Abbey or the community. Someone did very nicely, thank you, drawing a huge salary for what should have been a volunteer's task.
As a past volunteer at the Abbey, and former committee member of FODA, I am no longer allowed to help at the tea rooms because I did not like some of the unacceptable activities and decisions that were being made without other committee members being asked what they thought.
I am one of many FODA members who are extremely concerned for the future of FODA and the community tea room. We have tried to help the charity out of its problems and get it back to its roots, but anyone who speaks out or attempts to make the truth know has their membership suspended. Why? Because they are whistle blowers.
I don't see that any of your very limited involvement has been of any help whatsoever. You have personally ignored and dismissed these members' concerns. Why?
Ray Di Ata
Damn, first the Standards Board and now I have been reported to the spelling Police (that will be another £80 FPN I guess)
ReplyDeleteRay Di Ata, I am aware of all of the differing opinions between members as to how the charity should or should go forward, and I tried my hardest to mediate.
The only way forward I could see was for an AGM to be held where all members could vote as they pleased for the candidates they wanted to take the Charity forward.
That happened, I acted as returning officer for the votes which were placed in a sealed box in front of the whole membership, counted out in front of them with 3 scrutineers looking on including a local magistrate and what happened?
Another complaint to the Charity Commision about the AGM vote being rigged, The Charity Commision now has about 60 complaints recoorded against FoDA, none of which have been upheld?
Its time to move on and for any disgruntled members from the past to let go and let the elected body do their best. Next year of course others can stand for election again if they wish and propose alternatives.
But all this backbiting is silly, if the problems regarding commercialism or damage to the lawn were the real reasons for concern then why are the Council speaking in code by banning noisy tea drinkers?
I have listened to lots of concerns and tried to act on most of them at a time when other local politicians have kept well clear so they don't upset anyone, I don't want to upset anyone, but sometimes you have to do and say what is right not whgat is convinient for one side ot the other.
I don't take sides, what I do do is act in any way I can to assist the majority of members of FoDA who are sick to the back teeth of all this name calling and just want the committee to be able to get on with its task of helping to protect the Abbey for the future and allow people to visit and enjoy this wonderful public assett
independent mediater,back biting,fair FODA agm-Northampton needs the truth.
ReplyDeleteAn independent mediater would offer no opinion and the words above clearly state yours.
back biting or is it members seeking answers to legitimate concerns about FODA's governance?
A fair agm-two of the 4 scruntineers have complained to the Charity Commission about the farce of the AGM.The voting system was farcical
Northampton needs the truth-yes it does.
Members have been suspended for telling the truth.
This how FODA operates not the cosy little picture you portray.
I am open to all points of view, please use this space to say whatever you feel you want to say, without libel of course, and let the truth come out into the open?
ReplyDeleteHows about we start with your name?
Tony;
ReplyDeleteas much as I think the world of you, and as good as our friendship is...
You are trouble.
And I am never having tea with you again!
(Maybe a coffee or drink though, but no politics okay?)