JUSTICE 4 ASSANGE THE FULL STORY @ http://justice4assange.com/extraditing-assange.html#LONDON

http://justice4assange.com/extraditing-assange.html #LONDON

Julian Assange the man behind Wikileaks,is  presently a political refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London,
He is;
A POLITICAL PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE.

HE HAS BEEN AWARDED MULTIPLE AWARDS FOR JOURNALISM

HE IS A MAN OF INTEGRITY..

HE IS AN A MULTI AWARD WINNING HUMANITARIAN

& recipient of the YOKO ONO LENNON 2013 COURAGE AWARD
 & Nobel Peace prize nominee.


Julian Assange brought us the news our governments didn't want us to know.
He brought us the truth we need to know, to preserve the safety of our children for generations to come.

WE OWE HIM...... BIG.

Julian's live has been threatened, his work compromised and his character assassinate by those in high places whom he has exposed.

At very least, we should learn the facts about Julian Assange from the documented evidence at   http://justice4assange.com/extraditing-assange.html#LONDON   before blindly believing the propaganda on his case that mainstream broadcasting & media outlets report.

Julian, like Bradly Manning, has put his live on the line for us, that we should know the truth about the corruption and murder machine that spins the cogg's of big goverment,
 he didn't have to, he had no obligation,
was under no oath of duty to care,
 unlike those in goverment office who do take oaths of duty & care, yet are those who seek to attack and destroy him and the Wikileaks organization.

So, please, I beseech you...
SUPPORT JULIAN ASSANGE ...
Care for the man who cared enough about you to tell you the truth.
Demand Julian save passage to Ecuador....

Demand the UK goverment free's JULIAN ASSANGE.

& REMEMBER ALWAYS ...
 that without the courage & bravery of humanitarians & journalists like JULIAN ASSANGE & inspire by him, many more of us would be subject of oppression, injustice & tyranny the likes of which we have seen expose via his organization, WIKILEAKS

UPDATE; MOVIE/SLIDESHOW of The Magnum, Harborside & Beach Park locations...+ proposed magnum 2 location

http://www.savethemagnum.org/

http://junei96.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/focusing-on-local-community-irvine-save.html

REFLECTIONS ... of past week

Since the tragic events in Woolwich last week, the media and the internet has seen much discussion and comment from around the world about terrorism, radicalization and extremist religious groups.

Sadly, in England, much of the rhetoric has been focused on Islamic extremist groups, and sadder still, is that much of this incite-full rhetoric has been propagated by BBC broadcasts and mainstream media.

With this very much in mind I have spent a lot of time thinking and reflecting on "terrorism" and how people are indoctrinated into such violent and hateful lifestyles and behaviors, and I think that as the world has evolved, not only has it become easier for those who do the indoctrination to do so, but it has become one of the most useful forms of manipulation by governments when propagating warfare.
... yeah I know, I'm stating the obvious...but,
what I think many of us fail to consider, is that "our" leaders are every bit as ruthless at manipulating and spinning a story to suit there agenda as those they seek to condemn, and as such they are as capable of being involved in the radicalization of their followers or "soldiers" be they part of the official military, or followers of the "faith" or "culture" as any of the leaders, be they religious or political, of any other nation of the world.
Region and State have had a very convenient marrage since the beginning of the time when hierarchies of both realized the power they wielded over communities small or large, and together that force became, in many ways, the scourge of ordinary people just trying to get by and get on with living thier lives in relative safety and with relative security.

Over the decades we have seen evidence of how the governments via the military machine around the globe have turned men (predominantly) into killing machines, in order to facilitate war.
We have heard countless testament from former soldiers of how they are taught to be emotionless killers , although, they cannot be truly stripped of emotions, because the human mind doesn't work that way, emotions may be suppressed , but they will eventually resurface, one way or another.
 People can be indoctrinated "brainwashed" to think and behave in a certain way to suit the agenda of their leaders, hence they become fighting machines, but as humans their emotions will always remain, and conscience will inevitably react in some mode at some time, even if that is somewhere down the timeline.

I don't seek to cast aspersions on any individual by these comments, I seek only to rationalize the facts as they are presented. I believe that most military men and woman join up because they believe in protecting
the welfare of others who are in danger of risk or harm to safety and security, be that in war zones or at home.
I also believe that as a result of their job many of those who survive to tell their stories, both during and after serving, are left emotionally damaged because of what they have witnessed or had to do in line of duty, and additionally don't get the support and help they deserve to readjust after being all but "dehumanized" in order to be able to function in the very difficult situations their job dictates they operate in.

Now, we hear the word terrorism used a lot these days, and attached to various groups usually religious.
However, I believe that terror, again, is one of goverments greatest weapons against its own people.

 terror as I see it is "the manifestation of fear" fear is defined thus;

Noun

An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

Verb

Be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or threatening: "farmers fear that they will lose business".
  http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fear

Therefore a child being bullied at school by another child would logically be correct to deem his bully a terrorist or someone who is involved in terrorism the "ism" being the participation in the act of what ever the "ism" is added to linguistically.
In addition these fears & provoked  or manipulated emotions can lead to more intense irrational fears that manifest as phobias, ( persistent, irrational fear of  specific thing, activity, or situation that leads to a compelling desire to avoid it OR more sinisterly, harm it )

Governments have used fear in many ways to control the masses, be it via the religious route or the ecconomic one, or both.
Most of us as adults have known the fear of the possibility of loosing that which gives us a sense of security,jobs, homes, even our health as it provides the means to allow us to work and earn the means to provide security and safety, particularly when its in respect of  that for which we feel responsibility & or love, our children, families and friends.
So, when governments tell us that our security is at risk we feel threatened , fearful, and often with good reason, BUT, all too often we fail to stop and truly reflect what has caused these threats to our security and how it has happened.
Admittedly, in recent times we are seeing, all to often, that the major causes of what installs fear in us has been as a result of actions and behaviors of those we have allowed through the democratic process to govern us, they have frankly fucked up, one too many times, and they know it, and in these modern times information and evidence against them is much more difficult for them to hide, and is stacking up against them, so of course they are going to try to restrict that or prevent it from happening,( i believe its called self preservation) hence the reason we see so many reforms and new laws being quickly passed through into legislation restricting our powers to expose them, and raising their powers to control our investigations of them and thus our freedom of speech, expression and press is coming under attack from those with the most to loose when exposed for their involvement in acts or behaviors that cause people to feel fear or "terror".

In addition to this it has been reflected in history that at such times of ecconomic fear, or financial burdens on economies resulting from poor & or bad practice of goverment, tensions rise and wars happen, because wars are a great way for governments to deflect from their failures. ( I'm not going to give specific examples there are many in many history books you can look up yourself)

Modern warfare is undoubtedly complex, and terrorism is defiantly, as always one of its main components, and "terrorism" as a tool of goverment has many guises.
Religious diversities is of course, as it has always been, one of the favorites, and in the global society these religious differences are easily adapted to include those of race.

In the UK race & religion has been used as a tool of division and separation for decades, be it catholic vs protestant, white vs everyanyother co-cation, English vs Scottish, English vs Irish, English vs Welsh, and sadly the latest UK goverment has decreed multiculturalism doesn't work , so its would seem in Cameron's Britain its English vs everyone but particularly Muslims.... for now... (see Martin Niemöller (1892-1984) 

http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007391

This is not how the vast majority of people in the UK live, because we are a multicultural society and most of us get on just fine as we mostly always have with those of different religions, colors and cultures,and even class differences, and that is something we should be proud of. We should be proud that in the British isles people from mixed back grounds be they religious, racial, cultural, whatever, meet, mix, fall in love and have families together and that these families live in harmony and peace, well try to until the bigoted divisive leaders of state and religion try to inflict their perverse standards on us the people.

This past week in the wake of the incident in Woolwich I have watched as the propaganda machine has pumped up the volume , so to speak, in the most ugly way, I have seen in my lifetime in the UK.
I find it odious how it has used the tragedy that has befallen one military family to incite hate and violence against communities ,however, I am also fully aware that it is not the first time it has used these tools of mass destruction to destroy families and communities in other nations in the name of queen and country and defending the home front from terrorism.

There is no doubt in my mind that it is this sort of racial, religious,and cultural, indeed discriminatory behaviors across every area of society, that breeds the kind of radicalization that leads young, sad and desperate people into the types of company that see's them indoctrinated into the kinds of behaviors that lead not only to events such as those in Woolwich last week, but in some minds, to suicide bombings and mass murder, by those who have been so manipulated and brainwashed by hate and violence that they believe it is an honorable or noble thing to do for their particular version of queen or god & country, because its not, it's wrong and no amount of rationalizing will ever make it right.

There is no excuse or reason that should ever be recognized as acceptable for war.
It is the 21st century, haven't we seen enough hate and killing and war through the decades to know that it will never bring peace to the souls of mankind.

We will never find the path of peace when we walk with violence and hate in our hearts and minds.
We must find another way and we must do so with empathy, sympathy & forgiveness & most of all love, in our soul... and we must do so for the sake of our children and future generations of the planet, we all, as homo-sapiens,  call home.

PLEAS SIGN & FORWARD THIS POTITION http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Acknowledge_Bradley_Manning_as_a_Political_Prisoner/?cCrvrdb

http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Acknowledge_Bradley_Manning_as_a_Political_Prisoner/?cJmRJebhttp://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/Acknowledge_Bradley_Manning_as_a_Political_Prisoner/?cJmRJeb

with condolances & peaceful thought to all involved in the horrific murder in Woolwich yesterday

It's hard to know where to begin to express my thoughts on yesterdays events in London yesterday.
I thought about saying nothing, but it would be complacent of me to say nothing, when I have been so vocal on the internet regarding politics , religion and wars, and social issues & the domino effects of these issues on society as a whole, and on individuals individually.

 I would like to begin by expressing my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim of yesterdays horrific, brutal murder in London's Woolwich, and extend my condolences to everyone in the Woolwich community whatever their faith, indeed, I extend those condolences further to anyone who has been, is effected by such inhumane acts of murder, and those condolences include those of the families friends and communities of the young men who committed the brutal murder that we have witnessed yesterday in London.

There has been a great deal of speculation on the radio, TV social networking  and I presume, newspapers today. I say presume, as I haven't been out yet, so haven't seen how the press are covering this story, nor do I have TV, so my knowledge of how this has been covered in the media is limited to radio and internet, and again, I have only looked at a few clips from ITV showing one of the perpetrators of the murder, statements by officials from goverment, and witness accounts.

When the story broke on  BBC radio , I was busy with other things therefore, I initially only heard that there had been reports of a shooting in London and that the perpetrator was reported as being "Muslim looking".

When I looked at the ITN report via a link on Twitter, I saw a black man, wearing European style clothing, with an English accent, taking  personal responsibility for the murder and giving his reasons why.
I would be lying if I did not admit that I was affected by what I seen, I was I found it extremly disturbing and upseting and as a result went to bed earlier than usual.



This morning I've heard statements by the UK Prime Minister, ( whom I myself have referred to many times on Twitter as a "terrorist leader" as a result of my own personal believes and thoughts on how he comports and leads this country) and  I have watched & listened to footage on "youtube" this morning where members of the government cabinets statements, and mayor of London refer to this as a act of terrorism.
 
I have  heard radio reports as to the swiftness of how quickly this was deemed an act of terrorism linking it to both Islamic fundamentalism and radicalized terrorist, again, with the emphasis in these reports being placed on links to the Islamic community, based on what the man who was filmed with blood on his hands was saying to the witness filming him on his mobile phone, who has been quoted as saying that although he felt initially frightened, he did not feel he was under threat or in danger of harm.

The man  with blood on his hands holding a machete and knife speaking in an agitated & angry,  but  fairly calm voice, into the mobile phone camera on the ITN clip, whose picture I presume will be the front page of every news paper said;

"I apologize that women had to witness this today, but in our land our women have to see the same, you people will never be safe, remove your goverment they don't care about you"

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61F7J-6y0aA

Undoubtedly, this image strikes terror into the hearts of all of us, and undoubtedly this is reflected by the  statements of the goverment officials who have spoken publicly regarding yesterdays incident in Woolwich ;

The prime minister addressing the incident from a podium in France with President Francois Hollande,  where he has undoubtedly been discussing the end to the EU arms embargo on Syrian and Britain's  role supporting France in Mali, thanked the french president for his support and solidarity with the British people in light of the appalling murder that had happened in London. 
He then went on to describe the incident as "sickening" and " the most appalling crime," and ensure the audience that there "were strong indications that i is a terrorist incident"
David Cameron then explained that 2 people at the murder scene were wounded by the police and were being treated as suspects. He further briefed the audience on the governments steps to gather all relevant evidence in regard of the incident  then went on to offer his condolences to the family and friends of the victim  and said that he believed people from every community would condemn this attack. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hX9mcqwMt4

The home secretary Teresa May described the incident as a "sickening and barbaric attack" Mrs May said that police & security services were gathering information and "that there was a strong indication that it was an act of terrorism" and that security had been increase around every  army bar-ricks in the capitol.
She then went on to say that the attack was "an attack on everyone in the united kingdom and  would be condemned by every community"
Mrs May concluded her statement by extending her condolences to the victim and his family saying that "we have seen acts of terrorism like these on the streets of Britain before and that we have always stood firmly against it and  that despicable acts like these would not go unpunished."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKg31FWfer0 

William Hague, the UK's foreign secretary said on his official twitter page;

"William Hague ‏@WilliamJHague 14h

Shocked by savage Woolwich murder. A time for unity, our whole country standing together in seeking the facts and condemning this brutality"

And the mayor of London Boris Johnston  said in an interview" that the people of London should take their q, from the behavior of the people of Woolwich yesterday, who showed astonishing natural courage in dealing with appalling events, and who stood up to those killers," Mr Johnston  continued by saying, that he believed that was the spirit of London and what he advised people to do was go about their lives in the normal way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s6we6Rlhw0

In addition to these statements and reports in the immediate aftermath of the murder when the story broke I have heard this morning of the quick response by the British extremist faction the BMP who quickly raised  a hate campaign on social networking media & telephones to initiate violent protest and attacks on Muslim communities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDk9nypaSpk

I totally agree this was a barbaric violent attack, and that these types of terrorable events should not be happening anywhere in the world.
 ... and yes I do think these types of incidents are linked to terrorist behavior,
 But, whither this event was directly a result of  an organized premeditated terrorist attack, as opposed to a random opportunist attack by two young men who have lost their ability to react with reasonable, acceptable behaviors to acts of terrorism and war around the world, who yes, were armed, and therefore reflect behaviors of a violent premeditated attack on a random victim, and with this in mind I don't think that the goverment or any other agency could reasonably link it to an organized terrorist attack by men affiliated with terrorist organizations. as quickly as they did, some 3 hours, as I don't believe that gives sufficient time to examine all the indicators and evidence needed to make such an assessment. That is not to say they were not individuals who have been radicalized by incidents they themselves have witnessed or been affected by, and I believe this is reflected in the statement by the man seen with blood on his hands who was involved in the attack.

It is widely recognized that young people who have grown up with war and all that it involves, fear, mass murder, rape, starvation and poverty,  are primary targets not only for terrorist organizations, but also for governments involved in all that war and the hate & corruption it breeds as wee have seen by reports of child soldier being recruited in civil wars around the world.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5K4yhPSQEzo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sFi5c7uGB4

There is no doubt in my mind that terror and violence breeds terror and violence.
I think the protests in the aftermath of yesterdays events in Woolwich reflects this,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBXoW1s6Dd4

People who believe these sort of violent reactions to the horrific and very sad incident in Woolwich yesterday do not want peace, they are no different from those who perpetrated war and violence on religious or political grounds around the world . THEIR ACTIONS AND BEHAVIORS ARE WRONG, as wrong as the behaviors of those who committed the murder yesterday on a London street and indeed as wrong as the behavior of any goverment who finances or condones violent acts and behaviors around the world.

In conclusion I think the question we should be asking ourselves is WHY? 
What social constructions and  behaviors is it that brings anyone to behave in such a barbaric and cruel way towards his fellow human beings, & WHAT non violent ways can we the community of planet earth do to stop these behaviors and violent acts happening around the world?


 PLEASE GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.

http://youtu.be/AwNg4lHFj7I

with respect to Susan Manning & Christine Assange

As mothers we all want the best for our children.

As mothers we also strife to ensure we raise our children to be empathetic, caring , honest, adults that have integrity and respect for our fellow human beings.

How difficult then must it be having succeeded in raising their sons to be thus, to have to watch them be subjected to character assassination, personal attack on their lives and torture, for doing the right thing by those very people they exposed., those who abuse the rights of their fellow man.

Bradly Manning & Julian Assange took a stance against corruption and mass murder by exposing to the world the truth about wrong doings at goverment level, and as a result , they and their families have been subjected to, what amounts to, not only personal abuse on their characters, but abuse of their human rights.

Everyday, I think of the Bravery of these 2 men,
my own eldest son is only a little younger than Bradly, my daughter only a couple of years older...
I can only imagine how I would feel were any of my children subjected to the treatment Bradly and Julian have had to suffer....and all the more importantly, they have suffered for doing the right thing, while the criminals continue with their mal- practices , their, cruelties against humanity , their lies & their corrupt behaviors that affect us all.

So I would like to say thank you to Susan Manning & Christine Assange for raising their sons to be decent men, honest men with integrity , empathy and thought for their fellow human beings around the world.

Because not only should their sons have our support and respect but they should too for raising them to be the hero's they are.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/obama_shut_down_gitmo_4/?cCrvrdb

http://www.avaaz.org/en/obama_shut_down_gitmo_4/?cCrvrdb
Obama -- Guantanamo ends now
sign the petition
To President Barack Obama:
As citizens from across the world, we urge you to respond urgently to the hunger strikes in Guantanamo. We specifically call on you to appoint a White House official whose responsibility it is to close down the prison, and to use the authority granted to you by the US Congress to immediately transfer the 86 men who have been cleared. This shameful complex is a scourge on humanity, is destroying lives, and fuels hate across our world. Close it down!

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Posted: 21 May 2013
In 24 hours, President Obama could finally move to close Guantanamo -- the most notorious prison camp on earth.

With inmates on a 100-day hunger strike and the UN denouncing their force feeding as torture, Obama has been pushed to respond with a major speech about the prison. If enough of us demand a plan -- he could free the prisoners already cleared for release, and appoint a White House official with one mission: close Guantanamo down!

We're at a tipping point. Sign up to demand Obama close this shameful gulag down, and share the shocking facts below so others join this urgent call.

The facts speak for themselves:

• Detainees in Guantanamo now: 166
• Detainees facing active charges: 6
• Detainees cleared for immediate release, but stuck in the camp: 86
• Guantanamo inmates on hunger strike: 103
• Hunger strikers strapped down and force fed: 30
• Prisoners who have died in custody: 9
• Children the US has held at Guantanamo: 21
• Detainees tried in civilian court: 1
• Detainees who can't be tried for lack of evidence or torture: 50
• Prisoners released by the Bush administration: 500+
• Prisoners released by the Obama administration: 72
• Current annual cost to US taxpayers: $150 million
• Days since Obama first pledged to close Gitmo: 1579
• Time since first prisoners arrived at Guantanamo:

11 years, 4 months, 11 days ...
Tell Your Friends

The 2013 Pilgrimage for Peace and Economic Justice in Glasgow

Scottish CND is hosting an event to welcome the pilgrims to the city of Glasgow on Wednesday May 29.
The event takes place in the Wellington Church Library (side entrance by the SCND offices) 77 Southpark Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8LE.
The event will start at 6.30 and Scottish CND would really appreciate it if you could bring some vegetarian food or snacks along for the pilgrims.

 The evening will also feature live entertainment in the form of:

Marc Livingstone – spoken words set/vocal poetry (confirmed)
Haley Hewitt – harp (confirmed) & Ioanna Tsimikow – acoustic guitar (invited)
Short Videos (presentation of old and new inspirational peace videos and Scrap Trident short films)
Please come along, share the peace and invite your friends!
Phone: 0141 357 1529 or 07788738887 for more details.
If you want to find out more about the pilgrimage itinerary as it passes threough Scotland, Scottish CND have posted useful and detailed information of each individual section ‘here’.

please sign this petition backed by Russel Brand & caroline Lucas MP

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Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 - Impact Assessment

Responsible department: Home Office

Drug related harms and the costs to society remain high in Britain, with a growing consensus that the current enforcement led approach is not working. In recent months the independent UK Drugs Policy Commission has highlighted the fact that Government is spending around £3 billion a year on a policy that is often self-defeating; and the Home Affairs Select Committee has concluded Government action is needed "now, more than ever" to consider all the alternatives to our failing drug laws and learn from countries that have adopted a more evidence based approach. We are concerned that, in this age of austerity, nobody is checking whether Britain's current approach is value for money - or money wasted. We therefore call on the Government to commission an authoritative and independent cost-benefit analysis and impact assessment of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 within the next 12 months, in order to provide the evidence for Parliament to pursue a more effective drugs policy in the future.

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12,045

Created by:

Caroline Lucas MP

Closing:

15/02/2014 09:26

Share:

June Mackendrick

Shared publicly  -  5:49 PM

Pornography, is sexually explicit publications, in all its forms, that may be offensive to some people. Because of the many modes of practice it can encompass, what constitutes pornography can differ from individual to individual.
Although it can be abusive sexual behavior , it is not always, and within the production of pornographic material those participating are generally consulting adults, although, again this may not always be the case and cohesion may be a factor.
This is one of the reasons why it is imperative to teach school children about sex, sexual abuse and pornography from an early age.
A child who has not been made aware about the facts about sexual relationships between loving, or casual  consenting sexual partners, is unable to reason the difference between that and cohesive abusive sex.
All to often sexually abused children are unaware they are being abused and this can happen, to infants as well as children of all ages.Those who are abused are manipulated with fear and often threat.
Parents and schools have a moral obligation to teach children as early as possible about these issues in an appropriate unscary way in order to educate children about the many issues involved in sexual matters including biological & gender differences, different kinds of sexual relationship, sexual abuse and pornography in order to prepare them for all possible situations they may encounter, and in order to keep them safe from risk of harm from some of the situations that can be associated with sex, from both medical and emotional perspective, and issues related to sexual abuses.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/10030545/Ofsted-teach-about-pornography-in-sex-education-lessons.html

THE MARRAGE BETWEEN RELIGOUS & POLITICAL HIERARCHY

As I sat down this morning and bit into an apple for breakfast I tuned into BBC Radio Scotland where a call in programme was taking place regarding the debate at The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland,  considering whether the church should ordain ministers who are in same-sex relationships.

The Church of Scotland said the report described the breadth of theological opinion that existed but did not represent the considered view of the Church.
A spokesman said it had been put forward by the seven members of the commission who had a broad spectrum of views.
 
"On the one hand the report offers the Church a way of allowing the ordination of ministers in same-sex relationships who have entered into a civil partnership, while protecting both individuals and congregations who in conscience do not agree with the theological principles which underpin that choice," the spokesman said.
 
"On the other hand the report, while reaffirming its belief that homophobia is sinful, invites the Church to reaffirm its traditional stance that the only appropriate expression of sexual activity should be within marriage between one man and one woman." 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-22168298

At the same time I learned on  BBC  Radio news reports that  150 Conservative M.P.s were rebelling against legalizing same-sex marriage—forcing the UK head of state goverment, to issue grave warnings across the aisle for support.

 The bill is being tabled by a former Tory minister, Tim Loughton, who opposes gay marriage, and instead has proposed an amendment that would allow for civil unions. 

Loughton has waged a public battle for his own amendment, claiming—without any real facts to back him up—that same-sex marriage will cost the taxpayers £4 billion in new “survivors” pensions. Labor leader Ed Miliband could end up the real kingmaker of the bill—and he could gain some real political capital.

 http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2013/05/20/gay-marriage-bill-splits-uk-parliament.html

Now, excuse me if I've missed something, Mr Loughton, but we have had what you refer to as "civil union" for many decades in the UK, aka common law marriages, legalized under the provision of 
sui juris marriage, informal marriage or marriage by habit and repute,

Common-law marriage, sometimes called sui juris marriage, informal marriage or marriage by habit and repute, is a form of interpersonal status that is legally recognized in limited jurisdictions as a marriage even though not legally recognized marriage ceremony is performed or civil marriage contract is entered into or the marriage registered in a civil registry.

 A common-law marriage is legally binding in some common law jurisdictions but has no legal consequence in others. In some jurisdictions without true common-law marriages, for example, Hungary, the term "common-law marriage" is used as a synonym for non-marital relationships such as domestic partnership or reciprocal beneficiaries relationship. A Sui Juris Marriage might only apply in the United States in this form.

http://dictionary.lawyerment.com/topic/common-law_marriage/ 

Indeed, civil marriages have been preformed in  registration offices across the length & breadth of the UK & have been common practice for many years, as an option available to those who could not participate in a religious ceremony as a result of discrimination against their social circumstance,

 ie  Sometimes the church banned divorced people from re marrying in church, or those with "illegitimate children" who had dared to conceive outwith the sanction of gods house and its rules,and in many cases it was the only mode of legitimizing the loving relationship between two adults that was affordable, or indeed available on the grounds of their gender sameness.

In recent years the word "civil " has being attached to the marriage debate in relation to gay rights, and the arguments involved in this issue reflect that the hierarchies of both the religious & political class still feel it is acceptable to discriminate and interfere in the relationships and union of individual adults based on gender discrimination, despite the fact that the Human rights act 1998; article 12 -the right to marry, article 14 - prohibition from discrimination, article 9- freedom of thought, conscience and religion, article 10- freedom of expression... introduced these rights into law and are indeed fundamental in respecting the rights of all civil societies of, or relating to ordinary citizens and their concerns.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=civil+define&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=fflb

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/schedule/1

Of course that is the same Human rights act, the UK prime minister is on record as saying he would like to rip up and replace with his own agenda for a bill of rights.

 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1518255/Im-ready-to-rip-up-Human-Rights-Act-declares-Cameron.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2243161/Tories-turn-heat-Human-Rights-Act-seven-ministers-Cameron-repeal-law.html 

 I found it particularly interesting that these topics were the focus of  BBC programming on the same day, on different  geographical regions, being approached via very different prospectus's, yet still, sharing a serious issue of discrimination's that affect our civil and human rights and are dictate of the state in regard of extremely personal area's of our private existence, emotions & social and mental well being. 

There is no doubt that the marrage between church and state has used its power to flex its muscles and manipulate the behaviors of citizens, in what they deem the interpretation of civil society is.

Since the beginning of modern religion it has been so, and the influance of religious leaders has played a fundamental role in constructing it so.

Indeed, it is widely recognized that the 10 commandments of the christian doctorate makes up the bases of internationally accepted law.

http://www.godstenlaws.com/ten-commandments/#.UZoy1dhGqt8

Interesting then, that commandments 7 thou shalt not commit adultery & 10 thou shat not covet, house or spouse of thy neighbour ( baring in mind that in biblical terms our neighbor is our fellow human beings irrespective of their gender.) make no mention of any unwritten commandment that Moses was too tired to engrave on the stone tablets that read, thou shalt not be gay!

Commandment 9, my favorite, thou shalt not bear false witness,
on the other hand, seems to have disappeared into oblivion, as these same religious and political hierarchies appear to do little other than bear false witness, and do so as they propagate and involve themselves in murder

commandment 6 thou shalt not kill
& commandment 8 thou shalt not steal,
 which they do under various guises & modes of operation which they contrive to write into law, then change & amend to suit their particular flavor of  political or religious bullshit .

In the last few years we have seen & heard countless reports on TV ,radio and newspapers about sexual abuses by members of the religious hierarchies of the christian faith which have gone on unpunished by law, or even the hierarchy within the church, choosing instead to cover it up  deny it, or accept the confession & repentance of such acts of abuse of position as  acceptable retribution, and thus, it is left unpunished by due process of the law. .

Nor are these revelations of abuse of power, be they, to inflict sexual or other abuse on civilians new, these  practices have been going on within of the church for centuries, and the link between church and state has served to protect the perpetrators of these crimes.

Nor should it go unspoken that within the political hierarchy, the marrage with church has served as a mode of procuring monies & investment to subsidies various state initiatives ,often against the wishes of the civil population whom they serve, and who subsidiaries their incomes through taxation, taxation which these same political hierarchies use cheatery & false witness to steal from and to enhance their personal, buisness and or social circumstances, to improve their personal lifestyles.

With all this in mind surely,
 in the 21st century it is time for the church and state to go for a quickie divorce .

In order that civilians in society can live free from the various types of discrimination's & abuses that these institutions use together in order to suppress, oppress & abuse fundamental human and civil rights .

Focusing on the local community ... IRVINE , Save the Magnum.

North Ayrshire councils proposed regeneration initiative which involves the Magnum 2 development in the town center appears to me to be a waste of 60million pound of tax payers money on an ill planned regeneration programme that would better benefit the community by  using the money for a refurbishment of the original Magnum complex and development of the immediate outside surrounding area and the larger beach park and harbor side location .

I am under no illusion that the Irvine would vastly benefit form investment through regeneration , however the planed closer and relocation to a new build with a 40% decreased capacity of the Magnum sports & recreation leisure center located at the back of the harbor side seems to me to be a grossly un-thought through infinitive from a ecconomic, comercial  and health & social development prospective.

Furthermore, the proposed site of the new leisure center does not offers the sports & leisure development & investment properties that the Magnum location does from a commercial sports & recreational aspect  or with the benefits provided from a health & safety prospective or indeed as an investment & ecconomic commercial and recreational site, that the Magnum & beach part offers.

Details of the proposals by the developer  are available form      http://www.irvinebay.co.uk/publications

The Magnum has, over the years gone though some major changes to the original build.
When the original Magnum opened the venue hosted a wealth of leisure & recreational facilities including large swimming pool, ice rink, theater , cinema, gymnasium, squash courts, bowling allay, archery & table tennis and facilitated many types of sporting and leisure activities in it halls.

 In recent years these facilities and events have dwindled, and there have been many reasons given for this, not least, lack of interest or inappropriate location. Frankly, and not to put too fine a point on it, these excuses are bollocks.

Undeniable, financial slumps and ecconomic crisis has had its impact as it has in Irvine in general. Unemployment, resulting from the closure of many of North Ayrshire's main employment resources has seen many North Ayrshire residents loose their jobs resulting from closures and redundancies, voluntary or otherwise.
These issues impact on lifestyle, financially and socially.

Cuts to public services also impact.
One of the most frequent reasons I have heard from locals & council officials in regard of the inappropriateness of keeping the Magnum open, is that of transport availability to the Magnum.

There is only an hourly bus service and parking facilities are given as being an issue.
This is easily rectified. There is opportunity within the location of the Magnum to improve & expand on the existing parking area and the bus service could also be improved.
Indeed, I believe there are a number of options to improve the transport issues for reaching the venue location, and these would also involve creating full,  part time & seasonal job opportunities.

These are  examples;
1. A 30minute service shuttle mini bus service from the town centers main bus route on the high street could be created which could be funded by a non profit scheme by the council available to Magnum membership holders,
 or a scheme could be introduced where mega rider holders for any route could travel on it, with their existing bus card,
also, a reduced priced fair for shuttle bus could be introduced costing a low fair.

2. Seasonal opportunities could offer a horse and cart service for the waterfront Harbor side & beach park area that could also accommodate the Magnum, this would serve as tourist opportunity, as well as, a part time seasonal employment, ( possible negotiated with some of the local farmers who have horses) & could have additional options for expansion on route from a a tourist perspective to take in other venues with in the geographical area of the coast from Ardrosan to Troon.

3.A rick shaw or motor cycle taxi service could be introduced from the railway station to the Magnum, again creating job opportunities.

4. A bike hire, park and go, service similar to those in holland and London could be initiated.

If the council was to opt for a refurbishment of the original Magnum, I suggest that the Magnum be restored to its former glory bringing back the original facilities the original venue offered , ice rink, cinema etc.
This could also accommodate comercial retail opportunities such as hairdressing and beauty salon, therapeutic massage & holistic therapy opportunities, for both hands on therapeutic resources and comercial retail outlets, including sports wear & sport equipment shop as well as health food outlet & eatery on the premises, that would not deflect from the many pubs, hotels & restaurants and bar on the harbor side, indeed, it could work in conjunction with these hospitality & eating outlets as a point of referral and recommendation, for corporate hospitality & exhibition purposes that they offer which would enhance local trade on the harbor-side without taking away from existing businesses in the hospitality or exhibition and corporate domain that offer conferencing opportunities within the Irvine and North Ayrshire local.
There are many existing venues that accommodate these buisness ,conferencing & hospitality opportunities accommodating everything from lectures and wedding fayres to wedding receptions and corporate events, that are presently not reaching full capacity.
Those promoting  the Magnum 2 proposals emphasis the corporate facilities & meeting hub in the new proposed venue, fail to recognise that with at a 40% reduced capacity they will not be able to generate the same projected revenue the existing Magnum, does from both sporting & leisure activities, as well as cultural , therapeutic retail and opportunities & options.
Indeed, the Magnum is perfectly located for working in conjunction with the Harbor Arts Center, an already well established arts & exhibition venue that belongs to the council, and has an excelant restaurant  franchise within its premises, only a short walk across the Magnum bridge, which leads to both the beach park and harbor side, where there is already a number of existing business's and  the court yard galleries, in addition to the maritime museum .
It is without a doubt that these existing local businesses would benefit greatly from an improved transport link from both the town center and railway station, as well as benefit from any increase to foot-flow that the refurbishment of the Magnum would bring.

The restoration & refurbishment of the existing Magnum would also offer a fantastic opportunity to create job opportunities and youth training programmes that are badly needed within the area, covering not only sports , leisure and retail training and job opportunities but also allow opportunists to develop health , care and risk assessment training opportunities that would work in conjunction with the marketing and promotional plan I have suggestions for which I shall post at a later date later.
These training & marketing suggestions also allow for the facility to work in conjunction with local schools and training collages and could offer work experiences opportunities for students covering in a wide range of subject with in the health & welfare agenda.

Outwith the Magnum facility itself as a refurbishment project , the intimidate grounds and area that leads to the beach park also offers a multitude of development opportunities for sporting, leisure and environmental interest pursuits , with both the marina and beach area all within its boundaries.

I also suggest, that at minimum cost the expansion of the existing skate park, and the development of a cycling proficiency site, in the form of a mini Irvine town center theme, with rd tracks and round abouts and traffic lights would be a fun way of developing road safety skills for young people and again offer youth training  and employment opportunities.

In addition  I believe, the location offers excelant development opportunistic that could house a Equestrian center for able bodied and disabled people, as well as a base for wildlife and ecco friendly walks and trails with enhanced environmental & wildlife  learning opportunities .

I suggest all these suggestions would far better benefit the Irvine and North Ayrshire community in way of eduction, training & employment opportunities, sports cultural and leisure facilities in a safe location, with the added benefits of minimal risk from traffic congestion and the other road safety issues the Magnum 2 project reflects, as well being as a perfect location and opportunity to develop revenue from not just the local community but visitor and tourist markets.

Lets not forget, there is further development opportunists with in the Irvine bay and former science island areas, but that is subject of another project.

Obviously it is prevalent to point out I am neither architect or town planner, but I put these suggestions forward in good will, to reflect for the people of Irvine what the original Magnum refurbishment and development of the beach park area could do to enhance opportunities within the area & community in way of facilities , job and training opportunities as well as offering sports cultural and leisure options that would benefit the community .

I leave it to the good people of Irvine to conclude from this , what they think is the best option.
Posted by junei at 9:23 AM

 

shiney shoes... a peom by me

My shoes maybe dirty
My heels maybe be worn
My collars & sleeves may ragged & torn
My nails may be dirty & filled with grime
My pockets are empty I haven’t a dime
& I have 2 admit that I’ v committed some crimes.
But… I’m honest & friendly most of the time.

You sir, however.. have nice polished shoes
& might I suggest for your clothing its Seville row
 where you choose
…
& how lovely yourr nails look …so well manicured
& your dazzling smile... leaves my vision obscured…
But I guess you can afford it …
 with all you’ve procured…
However,   I don’t see you smile much…
not convincingly
& may I suggest...
 you have less real friends than me…

See, that there’s the difference sir,…
’ tween thee and me...

U c I speak quite loudly... an’ often I swear
Where u sir..., prime minister... u widnae dare,
But u c sir I’m common…
A real working girl
Who’s drank champagne with all sorts
Shared hash, cocaine and pills…
Where u sir have real class, a title and skills…
& live in a hoose... for which I pay the bills
& at my expense, you seek exotic thrills.

Yet, still u will judge me
You obnoxious louse
With your big cat salary
And posh council house
Which is paid for by real working folk
And you really think you deserve their vote…

But that’s not a problem for me sir you c.
Because I believe in the right 2 be.. & speak free
So u cannae stop me from having my say
 For in my tax deduction ..
under you law...
... for that right I pay.

1.10.09 address tae the prime sin est heir - uncut/ a poem by me

You robbed me of my self respect...
which caused my children to suffer neglect,
my health  defiantly deteriorated....

My mind in a state of complete confusion
and I pondered...
if maybe it was just a delusion...
because it was so ridiculously mad...
but clearly there was no other possible conclusion
and I would have to work hard if I wanted solution
cos I was completely sure it was not a delusion
and it looked like there just might be a revolution...
what with all the social unrest...
that was everywhere...
 north, south. east and west...
all because of you and your ilk

You cause me to feel ... completely
isolated...
I can assure you, my emotions are exasperate
an' I'v informed you polity over my distress
and not a single response have you expressed

My family is broken... an wi'r awe depressed
all the masses... like me...
that u'v oppressed

and make no mistake that its you I blame
and you...SIR!...walk around
showing absolutely no shame

so remind me...

Who the fuck is it you claim to represent?
wi' your stupid hairdo and' yer  Eton accent
living in a hoose, for which the masses pay the rent

And remind me, what it is your doing wi' the taxes?
And remind me again,
 what ecconomic collapse is...

cos you reflect no understanding of the meaning of crisis
an' the masses are concerned about ill finance reprises
as a result of your plans...
you reproachable man...

so spick and span with your nice shiney shoes...
how bloody dare you?!

Your running this nation into the gutter...
You really are a dangerous obnoxious  fucker!

tae the magistrate

I'm writing to the magistrate
cos wi' this goverment i'm completely irate...
taxes and rules that are so out of date
in this Britain they claim to be so fuckin' great

As a citizen I am penalized...
given penalties that are frankly- ill advised
that cause the mind to feel vaporized
wi' their " policies " and " procedures "
that need sanitized...AN

i'm placed in a position of clarity
of what it is exactly they do fur me
az to wit they define as reality
cause their judgements are causing fatealities ...
and socially incapacitated causalities
and that's just knot on... and
meanwhile...they sit
procrastinating...
while people die in despair...and deprivation
and theirs certainly plenty desperation...
that leads to stress and big frustrations...
spread all around fae nation tae nation

That they have created...
those sanctimonious spinners and sinners
of the political class
who site on their arses contemplatin'
and labeling us craz

...or if the long term forecast reflects ...
if they put it to the test...
.review, what  historical sources suggest
just might be best...
to bring justice and peace ...
in this restless world...
where there is so much fears & decease
as a result of their fucked up political decrees
that see the masses brought tae their knees
wi the taxes & fees...

fae them, that are a dirty... toxic... decease 
them that are know as the political class
them greed fuckwit bastards,,,
 that are so fuckin craz & should be
kicked oot on their arse.

ghost(1996) a poem by me

she wears a fraudulent smile
vested in pride and arrogance
behind wise eyes...
a weary soul masks fear and madness
strange insights whisper
drowning her in a sea of sentiment
secrets learned have drowned her spirit
she is a ghost
tortured by a soul
that forgot how to die.

my scars belong to me... a poem by me

behind the smooth soft shine of my completion
my scars are invisibly lustrous...
drawing the eye to unseen etchings...
electrifying surreal thoughts...
in graphic detail...
emblems earned in tear
in mindful ...youthful... bygone years...
when thoughts and dreams were promises...
whispered to the sky...
future possibilities
where's...and when's... and why's
& why can't I's? ... ...
that died.

My heart still hears the sad refrain
of innocent tears
lost......devoid of pain...
my scars are my humanity
and i wear them with pride.

A silent shadow... a poem by me

a silent shadow  on a distant shore...
i see you
standing on a beach
where I don't stand...

A history in black & white frames...
a cloauge of you.. .frozen

dark & light ...
electrifying sights....
in psychedelic hues
that fuse... and amuse.... & confuse
you are my muse...

a shadow...
always in delusions
echoing memories of wanton dream...

I see you... in the labyrinth
where games played ...
and games planed
and dreams... and nightmares go...
hand in hand
dancing...

to the rhythm of my howling soul

Save the Magnum... how I see it...

updated 23 may 2013 please go to the end of the original blogg post and vido to see update info ref North Ayrshire council internal letter received today

 North Ayrshire councils proposed regeneration initiative which involves the Magnum 2 development in the town center appears to me to be a waste of 60million pound of tax payers money on an ill planned regeneration programme that would better benefit the community by  using the money for a refurbishment of the original Magnum complex and development of the immediate outside surrounding area and the larger beach park and harbor side location .

I am under no illusion that the Irvine would vastly benefit form investment through regeneration , however the planed closer and relocation to a new build with a 40% decreased capacity of the Magnum sports & recreation leisure center located at the back of the harbor side seems to me to be a grossly un-thought through infinitive from a ecconomic, comercial  and health & social development prospective.

Furthermore, the proposed site of the new leisure center does not offers the sports & leisure development & investment properties that the Magnum location does from a commercial sports & recreational aspect  or with the benefits provided from a health & safety prospective or indeed as an investment & ecconomic commercial and recreational site, that the Magnum & beach part offers.

Details of the proposals by the developer  are available form
 http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/council/community-planning-partnership/regenerating-north-ayrshire.aspx

http://www.irvinebay.co.uk/

The Magnum has, over the years gone though some major changes to the original build.
When the original Magnum opened the venue hosted a wealth of leisure & recreational facilities including large swimming pool, ice rink, theater , cinema, gymnasium, squash courts, bowling allay, archery & table tennis and facilitated many types of sporting and leisure activities in it halls.

 In recent years these facilities and events have dwindled, and there have been many reasons given for this, not least, lack of interest or inappropriate location. Frankly, and not to put too fine a point on it, these excuses are bollocks.

Undeniable, financial slumps and ecconomic crisis has had its impact as it has in Irvine in general. Unemployment, resulting from the closure of many of North Ayrshire's main employment resources has seen many North Ayrshire residents loose their jobs resulting from closures and redundancies, voluntary or otherwise.
These issues impact on lifestyle, financially and socially.

Cuts to public services also impact.
One of the most frequent reasons I have heard from locals & council officials in regard of the inappropriateness of keeping the Magnum open, is that of transport availability to the Magnum.

There is only an hourly bus service and parking facilities are given as being an issue.
This is easily rectified. There is opportunity within the location of the Magnum to improve & expand on the existing parking area and the bus service could also be improved.
Indeed, I believe there are a number of options to improve the transport issues for reaching the venue location, and these would also involve creating full,  part time & seasonal job opportunities.

These are  examples;
1. A 30minute service shuttle mini bus service from the town centers main bus route on the high street could be created which could be funded by a non profit scheme by the council available to Magnum membership holders,
 or a scheme could be introduced where mega rider holders for any route could travel on it, with their existing bus card,
also, a reduced priced fair for shuttle bus could be introduced costing a low fair.

2. Seasonal opportunities could offer a horse and cart service for the waterfront Harbor side & beach park area that could also accommodate the Magnum, this would serve as tourist opportunity, as well as, a part time seasonal employment, ( possible negotiated with some of the local farmers who have horses) & could have additional options for expansion on route from a a tourist perspective to take in other venues with in the geographical area of the coast from Ardrosan to Troon.

3.A rick shaw or moter cycle taxi service could be introduced from the railway station to the Magnum, again creating job opportunities.

4. A bike hire, park and go, service similar to those in holland and London could be initiated.

If the council was to opt for a refurbishment of the original Magnum, I suggest that the Magnum be restored to its former glory bringing back the original facilities the original venue offered , ice rink, cinema etc.
This could also accommodate comercial retail opportunities such as hairdressing and beauty salon, therapeutic massage & holistic therapy opportunities, for both hands on therapeutic resources and comercial retail outlets, including sports wear & sport equipment shop as well as health food outlet & eatery on the premises, that would not deflect from the many pubs, hotels & restaurants and bar on the harbor side, indeed, it could work in conjunction with these hospitality & eating outlets as a point of referral and recommendation, for corporate hospitality & exhibition purposes that they offer which would enhance local trade on the harbor-side without taking away from existing businesses in the hospitality or exhibition and corporate domain that offer conferencing opportunities within the Irvine and North Ayrshire local.
There are many existing venues that accommodate these buisness ,conferencing & hospitality opportunities accommodating everything from lectures and wedding fayres to wedding receptions and corporate events, that are presently not reaching full capacity.
Those promoting  the Magnum 2 proposals emphasis the corporate facilities & meeting hub in the new proposed venue, fail to recognise that with at a 40% reduced capacity they will not be able to generate the same projected revenue the existing Magnum, does from both sporting & leisure activities, as well as cultural , therapeutic retail and opportunities & options.
Indeed, the Magnum is perfectly located for working in conjunction with the Harbor Arts Center, an already well established arts & exhibition venue that belongs to the council, and has an excelant restaurant  franchise within its premises, only a short walk across the Magnum bridge, which leads to both the beach park and harbor side, where there is already a number of existing business's and  the court yard galleries, in addition to the maritime museum .
It is without a doubt that these existing local businesses would benefit greatly from an improved transport link from both the town center and railway station, as well as benefit from any increase to foot-flow that the refurbishment of the Magnum would bring.

The restoration & refurbishment of the existing Magnum would also offer a fantastic opportunity to create job opportunities and youth training programmes that are badly needed within the area, covering not only sports , leisure and retail training and job opportunities but also allow opportunists to develop health , care and risk assessment training opportunities that would work in conjunction with the marketing and promotional plan I have suggestions for which I shall post at a later date later.
These training & marketing suggestions also allow for the facility to work in conjunction with local schools and training collages and could offer work experiences opportunities for students covering in a wide range of subject with in the health & welfare agenda.

Outwith the Magnum facility itself as a refurbishment project , the intimidate grounds and area that leads to the beach park also offers a multitude of development opportunities for sporting, leisure and environmental interest pursuits , with both the marina and beach area all within its boundaries.

I also suggest, that at minimum cost the expansion of the existing skate park, and the development of a cycling proficiency site, in the form of a mini Irvine town center theme, with rd tracks and round abouts and traffic lights would be a fun way of developing road safety skills for young people and again offer youth training  and employment opportunities.

In addition  I believe, the location offers excelant development opportunistic that could house a Equestrian center for able bodied and disabled people, as well as a base for wildlife and ecco friendly walks and trails with enhanced environmental & wildlife  learning opportunities .

I suggest all these suggestions would far better benefit the Irvine and North Ayrshire community in way of eduction, training & employment opportunities, sports cultural and leisure facilities in a safe location, with the added benefits of minimal risk from traffic congestion and the other road safety issues the Magnum 2 project reflects, as well being as a perfect location and opportunity to developed revenue from not just the local community but visitor and tourist markets.

Lets not forget, there is further development opportunists with in the Irvine bay and former science island areas, but that is subject of another project.

Obviously it is prevalent to point out I am neither architect or town planner, but I put these suggestions forward in good will, to reflect for the people of Irvine what the original Magnum refurbishment and development of the beach park area could do to enhance opportunities within the area & community in way of facilities , job and training opportunistic as well as offering sports cultural and leisure options that would benefit the community .

I leave it to the good people of Irvine to conclude from this , what they think is the best option.




TODAY; 19th May 2013  Updating this post with some photos that show the locations for the proposed Magnum 2, with  North Ayrshire council & Irvine Bay regeneration project. With relent negative risk assessment issues to road & pedestrain uses in community.
Also some geographical & locational shots of surrounding beach park and harbor side vicinity with references to my proposal notes & reflecting positive risk assessment points




Main thouroughfare thru Irvine town centre.

 PIC.1 TH court house looking along to Irvine cross. The main bus route serving most bus route though the town.

pic 2. Car part next to court. Old town house & police station site.
This lies on the busy corner at the "Burn's"  roundabout, The car & bus routes is the main route around the back of the town centre and has heavy traffic flow day and night. The rd , is fairly narrow , and busy with shoppers and commutation traffic..

 23/05/2013

I have today come into possession of a copy of an internal letter by North Ayrshire council regarding the Mangum leisure center and the proposed Magnum 2 ( its replacement)

I feel it is in the interest of Irvine and North Ayrshire residents to know the content of this email as the regeneration of Irvine and any investment of public funds in it, is very much the in the interest  of the people of North Ayrshire, and the interest of future generations of North Ayrshire people.



    ----- Forwarded Message -----
    From: Audrey Sutton
    To:
    Cc: Liz McKinlay
    Sent: Thursday, 23 May 2013, 12:10
    Subject: Letter of objection [INTERNAL]


    Dear  ,

    Thank you for your correspondence on behalf of a number of objectors to the
    new leisure centre in Irvine.

    I apologise for the delay in responding. I now have the letters, and the
    replies will go out to those people for whom we have identifiable names and
    addresses today.

    I append below the information contained in the response to the objectors,
    for your information.

    Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.

    Yours sincerely,

    Audrey Sutton

    Dr Audrey Sutton
    Head of Service

    Education and Skills,
    North Ayrshire Council,
    Cunninghame House,
    Irvine KA12 8EE
    Tel: 01294 324414



    Thank  you  for  your  correspondence in relation to the new Irvine Leisure
    Centre.

    When  it  first  opened in 1975, the Magnum Leisure Centre was the first of
    its  kind in Scotland and one of the largest destination leisure facilities
    in  the  UK.  Extremely popular, its visitor numbers were reportedly over a
    million a year when it opened but have declined significantly since then to
    just over 500,000 a year today.

    During  its  lifetime,  the  nature of leisure centre provision has changed
    from  that of large, destination attractions at a small number of locations
    to  more  numerous  facilities  at  local  level.  This  has  meant  that
    individuals are able to travel shorter distances to more modern facilities.
    As  a  consequence,  the  catchment  area  for the Magnum has fundamentally
    changed  from  that  of  a  national  to  a local facility. A recent survey
    confirms  that 78% of the present users of the facility come from the local
    area.  Overall  usage  of  the centre has steadily declined in recent years
    with  a  fall  of  18%  between  2004  and  2007, with swimming and fitness
    attendances falling by 25% and 30% respectively over the period.

    The  building  has  a number of issues relating to the age and condition of
    the facilities as well as scale of provision.  Significant investment would
    be  required to address all the issues with the structure and fabric of the
    building  and  the  services.  Even if the building was fully restored, the
    facility  is  of  a size that is unsustainable.  Staff and energy costs are
    high  compared  to more modern and efficient facilities.  The complexity of
    the  design  and  operation  of  the  Magnum make it much more expensive to
    operate  than  more  modern leisure facilities and resources which could be
    used for sports development and to promote participation instead have to be
    directed  towards  keeping  the  existing  facilities  operational.  It is
    projected  that  the  replacement  of the existing facility with a smaller,
    modern,  energy  efficient  building  would  see a significant reduction in
    operating  costs.  In  the  current  economic environment, with the Council
    having to make significant efficiency savings, the current provision at the
    Magnum is unsustainable.

    Councils  are being encouraged to be more imaginative in the refurbishment,
    design and location of new buildings so they meet the needs of a wide range
    of  sports and are flexible to meet changing trends. Facilities should also
    be sustainable in financial and environmental terms.

    In  February  2007,  Genesis  Strategic  Management  Consultants  were
    commissioned  by  North  Ayrshire  Leisure Ltd to carry out a review of the
    Magnum  Leisure  Centre.  The specific objectives were to provide a robust
    assessment  of  the  present  and  likely future performance of the Magnum,
    identify  the  key capital investment issues and the likely lifespan of any
    investment  made  and  develop  a  series  of options for the future of the
    building.

    In  July  2007,  Genesis  published  a  report  on  the review process with
    recommendations that best value for the longer term needs of the area would
    be  achieved  by  building  a  new leisure centre in Irvine that allows the
    rationalisation  of  facilities  to  meet  the  expectations  of the modern
    leisure  market,  local  demands of the Irvine area and identified regional
    functions for North Ayrshire.


    If  approved,  the  new Leisure Centre will be sited in the heart of Irvine
    and  will  provide  an  iconic  modern  facility  for both local people and
    visitors and forming a key part of the development of the town centre.

    The  current  planning  application  outlines  the  proposals  in  detail –
    including  innovative plans to integrate the historic Towns House to create
    a  venue  which  will  cater  for  local  and family history, art exhibits,
    community and cultural events as well as sports and leisure.

    The  Council  has  worked  with  its  partners  at  Irvine Bay Regeneration
    Company,  sportscotland and Historic Scotland to develop an exciting modern
    facility which also incorporates Irvine's historic past.

    This  redevelopment  will play a major part in the regeneration of Irvine –
    helping  the  town  to develop a strong identity, attract more visitors and
    tourists  and  ensure  the  iconic  Towns  House building has a sustainable
    future.

    I hope this information is helpful and provides you with a rationale behind
    the decision to build the new leisure centre in the heart of the town.





    Dr Audrey Sutton
    Head of Service

    Education and Skills,
    North Ayrshire Council,
    Cunninghame House,
    Irvine KA12 8EE
    Tel: 01294 324414


    Follow North Ayrshire Libraries on Facebook, Bebo and Twitter and
    www.ers.north-ayrshire.gov.uk


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looking at goverments infrastructure spends & the bigger picture

This morning I have been listening to calls & comment on the BBC Radio Scotland Ask Kay programme discussing changes to rd safety & cycling issues, & the dangers to cycles.
I'v heard a lot of discussions and debate around this topic in recent months.

 I'v also heard a lot of talk from central and local government about infrastructure, regeneration and rebuilds of various infrastructure projects, frankly, most of it centers around party political PR, focused towards investment interests from the construction industry.

With this in mind I would like to address some of the issues I see in regard of  rd safety, regeneration and the wider aspects of health & economic interest in these areas.

Obviously my opinions are personal, I am neither politician or construction engineer, my interests are purely from the health & social welfare prospective because as I see it , a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

I have had an interest in this area for a few years and indeed wrote a risk assessment of issues of concern I had regarding Wellington bus station in Telford, while I was a resident there,( it was posted on my facebook and I shall find it at some point from my various memory stick files & repost here, I have lost access to my facebook notes so it may take some time too find!I have many file in many boxes!)

 I had many concerns with regard to infrastructure, road and in particular pedestrian safety while a resident in Telford, and took many pictures, of many cracked pavements and poor road, safety concerns which I confronted both the local parish council, and Telford & Wrekin council with, however my concerns fell on deaf ears and I was told on more than 1 occasion by the chair of the parish council to "shut up you stupid woman" indeed, I was branded by the parish council as something of a hot head and trouble maker, as is suggested in one or more of their minutes from a parish council meeting referancing My name, and points made regarding road safety are mentioned in more than 1 parish council meeting minutes, ( I have copies) along with the copies of of emails to Telford and Wrekin council road and traffic dept reporting my concerns ,I am very thorough in regard of record keeping in these areas.

I  have noticed, that in debates and proposals for road salty & regeneration construction based projects, the emphases is pushed in 3 main areas by local and central goverment,  these are;

1. The comercial value in promoting investment to the infrastructure & regeneration projects

2. The employment opportunities these projects will enhance.

3. The overall benefits this will bring to community & nation.

      However, what I have seen in practice is,

1. Neglect of risk assessment in regard of pedestrian and road safety issues

2. New builds & refurbishment of council offices & buildings housing goverment & goverment       associated departments

3. Regeneration projects to town center and comercial developments, with large construction projects involving demolition & rebuild of existing properties (both commercial and private & social housing based) on properties that could have been renovated to a high standard at a fraction of the cost, and still provide temporary employment in the construction industry during duration of regen project, & encouraged comercial investment in on going buisness and training opportunities in the renovated properties.

4. local communities with poor paving & lighting repair posing various risks to residents from all sections of the community

5.Closures and cut backs to community based services, both front line & recreational

6. existing comercial properties that lie empty for long periods (often with lights on and no one inside!)

I am fully aware of the need for investment and improvement to the infrastructure, not least from a health and safety prospective.

However, I find it totally irresponsible and a misappropriation of funds to spend money on demolition & rebuild when refurbishment would suffice, particularly when it is at a cost to residential communities where residents young and old are at risk of accident and emergency resulting from, not just poor traffic & road safety conditions, but poor pavements that are filled with cracks and potholes underfoot ( particularly in winter when it's dark earlier and these dangerous cracks and potholes are covered or filled with autumn leaves or snow and are thus concealed , posing the risk of increase strain on A&E, and  other health services, ie hip replacements& other nasty fall incidents, particularly a risk to the ealderly, who are having to walk further in many cases as a result of the cuts to local bus services.
I don't think I have to explain the consequences of  incident or accident resulting from poor pedestrian & road safety or risks posed by poor or ill repaired street light maintenance, but I will.

1.Incidents of time of work for recovery, even for minor injurys cause inconvenience to employers and loss of earning for workers,

2.Elderly people suffering from a fall often need extra help with care, from families or health services, may have to undergo major surgery that is a higher risk to their health & will cause additional issues in both instances of trauma, possible depression & stress to all involved, themselves, family friends, CARERS.

3.Poor maintenance of lighting & shrubbery in residential estates increases risk of violent crime or attack, to all ages, & indeed property, this can be from a burglary or theft ( property, home or car) or opportunist crimes against the person, again robbery, or sexually motivated.

All of these issues have consequences that can affect the long term physical, emotional & mental health of the individual involved in the incidents that occur and their families in a number of ways,

Let there be no mistake, I am all for investment and the development of communities at both a national and local level.
 I strongly believe that investment in these areas promotes employment & training, comercial investment & economic growth and I absolutely believe that this greatly improves the physical mental and emotional well being of the people living and working in the community.

                                  BUT...

Let there also be no mistake, that I do not believe that the current policies & procedures, cuts & reforms be they social, financial, ecconomic, medical,  economical or whatever other area you wish to look at, of the present or former UK governments are in the best interest of the residents of the UK or indeed the greater global community...

IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE.