Mission Statement - Read This First

When you have finished browsing this Blog why not post a comment here or, alternatively,visit
http://ourexeter.co.uk/ to see just how far the rot extends.


I have only included this mission statement because it seems to be essential when discussing really, really, very important matters! Thanks for 'dropping by' and, hopefully, participating in, this exposure of the self-seeking organisations and individuals that infest the City of Exeter, Devon. This Blog has been created to detail some of my experiences since I have become a resident of this City and involved in a wide variety of community issues.

Much of the focus here is on the actions of St.David's Neighbourhood Partnership and their representatives, specifically Christine Fraser's, disgraceful and unacceptable behaviour, and relates to this organisation taking control of the local Community Centre and, effectively, converting it into little more than a Business Centre. The Community Centre, currently valued at about £500,000, has been 'gifted' by Devon County Council to the newly formed Exeter Community Centre Trust, plus an additional £200,000 to renovate the 'shell' of the building. Funding of £1.2M is to be provided by the Community Builders funding provider for the refurbishment of the interior. Other costs have been incurred by Devon County Council (the Taxpayer) in relation to the Community Centre and these will be included in due course. (EDIT: Estimated costs to Devon County Council, the taxpayer, range from £30-50,000, possibly higher).

The actions/inactions of Exeter Parks Watch also get the occasional mention!

This is a 'no holds barred' site but, difficult though it may be, please try and refrain from the use of foul language. I will also be highlighting the 'Orwell Factor'.
I have derived the Blog name from 'Cerberus', the 3-headed dog that guards the gate to Hades and George Orwell's book '1984'. If you Google these references, individually, you will see the obvious relevance.I welcome any reponse, particularly from named individuals and organisations, and the poor unfortunates that have had the misfortune to try and deal with them.

If the experiences of myself, and the community in which I live, are not to be repeated elsewhere, it is essential that a procedure be implemented whereby concerns such as those detailed below can be dealt with effectively and efficiently. It is obvious that a serious review of co-operation between communities, councils and other involved organisations is also needed to establish a fairer and more evenly spread distribution across the City of services and funding. Focusing on 'flagship' projects, at the expense of those viewed as less 'worthy', is unacceptable.

There are many people in Exeter that work very hard to increase community involvement, both inside and outside official organisations, and these I salute for their continued dedication. It is regrettable that the attitudes of some others, and their preference to ignore anyone that raises concerns, in the hope that they will give up and go away, is both arrogant and counter-productive.

I hope that 2010 will be the year that their negativity will change. It's time to 'walk the walk' not just 'talk the talk' regarding greater community/council co-operation.

An apology. Unfortunately, Blogger.com have introduced a problematic pagination presentation within their systems. As a result you, the reader, are unable to scroll to the bottom of this page and progress up through the posts as they have been entered. To date there are about 70 posts. To gain a better 'overview' of my experiences it is recommended that you, a)use the Blog archive on the right of the page,click on 2009, or, b) start at the bottom post on this page, click the 'older posts' link to take you take you back to the very first post, and 'work your way up'. It may be necessary when you reach the top of each subsequent page to scroll down to the bottom again and click on the 'newer posts' link.
This will enable you to share in my 'joys' of community involvement.

Please feel free to share this site with anyone that you think may be interested.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

'A Friend'....

....has contacted me by mail from elsewhere in Exeter.
I would like to thank them for the brief information provided and will look a little deeper into the questions that it raises. Edited and further information added 23.55 today, highlighted in blue - You are correct re your comments relating to the person that you name. Given the company that this person is keeping I cannot help but view their involvement with cynicism, particularly as their current 'companys' actions are causing a great many problems to others.

For now -  Collecting 'Positions' and 'Important Sounding Job Titles' is viewed by some as an essential  part of community involvement, frequently creating/projecting a false impression of their true aims.  These roles and titles are displayed and compared like bizarre 'banners of success'.  "What? You didn't attend XYZ course/ seminar/pointless meeting that went absolutely b****y nowhere, again?  How can you possibly imagine that anyone will ever take you seriously if you don't attend a(nother) course, go to a(nother) meeting, get a(nother) certificate, pick up a(nother) environmentally friendly bag full of 'self-congratulatory, didn't we do well by our community' nonsense".  Not forgetting, of course, a(nother) crucial Title and/or Position! 
I've been there, done that and been given the Tshirts, mugs, pens, books, very expensive glossy handouts.  You name it and, within reason,  I've probably been given it, including all-expenses paid trips, funded by the taxpayers, to various parts of the UK ( the Seychelles would have been better, perhaps I should have 'hung on in there', I'm sure it's only a matter of time!).  Please forgive my rant, I have finally reached the point that it has been leading up to.

I  participated in this 'community circus', as many others have and do, naively believing that it would really make a difference in my community. These days I am much more selective which events I attend.  It soon became clear that there exists an unsavoury element of participants everywhere that use their so called 'community involvement' for personal gain and nothing more.  What is truly shocking (or is this yet more naivety on my part?) is the range of individuals and organisations for whom self-interest is their only focus, with the occasional 'crumb of largesse' served up to perpetuate the illusion that they really give a damn about the communities they profess to represent, and it is by no means limited to the voluntary sector. 
Rant definitely over :-).
Please note: You can contact me by leaving a comment on this Blog.   No comments are added to the Blog without my authorisation, nobody else can view them.  Your privacy is guaranteed and any information will be treated in the strictest confidence.  Alternatively, you may wish to write again or email me.  I understand your wish for anonymity and this will be respected.
Less ranting next time, I promise!

I Never Really Believed it

Extract from the Mission Statement -

"I hope that 2010 will be the year that their negativity will change. It's time to 'walk the walk' not just 'talk the talk' regarding greater community/council co-operation".

I hoped in vain, it's September now and still nothing changes.  Election on Thursday for City Councillors, I can barely contain my excitement.

Just popped in.......

.......to say Hi! and let you know that although there hasn't been a post here for quite some time, there is plenty stuff going on elsewhere and all will be revealed in the fullness of time.
Regards

It Would Seem That The River....

.... of discontent that runs through Exeter is deeper and murkier than even I had thought possible.
I believed that I had achieved a personal peak of cynicism, that I and many others, generally without their even realising it, have spent years cultivating. However, a brief chat with a few fellow peasants (residents) of this Devonian 'Jewel in the Crown', have empowered me to attain even greater heights of scepticism.

It has become clear that much of what ails this City can be laid fairly and squarely at the door of 'authority' and the self-seeking individuals and organisations that they have, and continue to, support, in the mistaken belief that 'they all knew what was best' for the people of this city. Yes, the people, remember them? Or have you all lost sight of the them as you climb your way up the greasy pole of self-interest?

A Voice In The Wilderness? Apparently, Not For Much Longer!

I have been contacted by a small group that describe themselves collectively, and with no small degree of understatement, as 'The Disenchanted', with a view to their using some of the posts included in this Blog. Not exactly a 'groundswell' but more a ripple, but then isn't that how a tsunami starts, with a ripple?

My experiences with a wide range of organisations and individuals across Exeter specifically, and the UK generally, have been a revelation, most of which haven't yet been touched upon by this Blog. Clearly, my own experiences are/have been mirrored elsewhere across the City and the UK. Perhaps now is the time to expand the remit.

More Christine Fraser Lies or, to be precise, Recycling of Old Ones

Recent Comment from Christine Fraser to Cornerstone tenant + my responses in blue.

"Your Housing Association (Cornerstone), by the way, is the same one which failed to act effectively over a similar situation in Looe Road a couple of years ago - the drugs family was finally evicted." The eviction referred to was not drugs related and was as a result of other anti-social behaviour. Still, not to worry Christine, you have never been one to let the true facts interfere with your perception of reality, have you.

"but people's lives had been made miserable for 2 years! When we found out, we started to look into it AND managed to get a meeting with Rick Williamson (Chief Executive of the housing association)". Christine, is there no end to the crap that you continue to spout to inflate your ego and feelings of self-importance? Your comments might gain a little credibility (but, given your penchant for lying, I doubt it) if you could at least manage to get the name of Cornerstone's CEO correct. Big deal, you had a meeting with the CEO of Cornerstone. For what it's worth, so have I but, unlike you, I don't feel the need to try and impress people with it. What you failed to mention is the fact that you were informed that the Looe Road eviction was none of your business and, effectively, 'keep your snout out of it'.

It took us (and I'm on Exeter Parks Watch, too) Odd point to make, this one. Given some of the other posts on this blog re Exeter Parks Watch, and your involvement with this 'organisation', you somehow believe that mentioning this is a positive, the council, the police (super) and eventually the housing association to resolve the matter. Presumably, constantly telling yourself, and others, this will somehow make it true. It isn't, you were not instrumental in this eviction. But this won't do. OK, so I managed to get a £1,000 community

award (Bless your generosity of spirit) for the resident who had taken a lead in that battle but that was no compensation for what everyone had been through. Tsk! Tsk! Christine, yet more recycled lies and misrepresentations of the real world and actual events. The £1,000 community award had nothing to do with this eviction. Of course, lying has become a natural part of your rather charmless persona. What you forget is the fact that you need , as is included in the Mythomania post, a good memory to satisfactorily perpetuate your distorted view of reality.

'Community' Meeting

I attended a community meeting at which Susan Lawrence, Chair of Exeter Parks Watch (EPW) and St.David's Neighbourhood Partnership p(m)uppet/automaton, focused on her main mission in life and, ignoring contributions from others present, attempted to raise the profile of herself and EPW.
Also present at this meeting were husband and wife committee members of a community centre based in a different part of the City to my own. This lovely couple, that have freely devoted many years of voluntary service to 'their' community centre, were expressing concerns re difficulties they may have in paying fuel bills that had arisen due to the prolonged Winter/cold weather. Despite the unanticipated 'cold snap', they had continued to provide the regular bingo etc. sessions for their elderly community and were worried about how they would pay the inevitable additional costs of heating provision.
Not to worry - I'm sure that that they were reassured to hear from Susan Lawrence that EPW had, in their infinite wisdom, raised and spent £50,000 of funding to purchase two (oak?) trees that were used in the creation of a shelter and bench, by the local youngsters, in Heavitree Park.
All very commendable, but....

Susan, your lack of tact and diplomacy is already well documented but, not to worry, I'm sure that you believe that informing this couple, struggling to make ends meet, were absolutely thrilled to hear of this £50,000 expenditure. Sadly, I think that you really believe that informing this genuinely caring couple of this use (waste, some would say) of money was something to be proud of. It isn't.
As per the norm for Exeter, it's more about personal ambition than sensible application.

The Gang of Three

Below is listed the Board of Trustees for Exeter Community Centre as registered with the Charity Commission.

MRS KATHARINE CHANT
MRS PENELOPE DODD
MRS SUSAN ERRINGTON
MS CHRISTINE FRASER*
MR KELVIN LACY*
MSHANNAH REYNOLDS FRSA*
MR ROBERT CORAM

How reassuring to note (not) that the St.David's Neighbourhood Partnership 'Gang of Three *) are included. I see that Mr.Robert Coram is also listed. It is no doubt a pure coincidence that Mr.Coram is 'part of' Michelmores the solicitors that issued threats of legal action against me if I continued my exposure of the actions of SDNP and their representatives.
I understand that a Councillor is to be added to the Board of Trustees. Given the amount of support extended to SDNP by Phil and Stella Brock surely one, or both of these Councillors should be given first refusal?

Freedom of Information Request - The results are in

But I'm not posting them yet.

Beware Pestilence and Other Things Godly.

Planning response to provision of Community Facility is below.  I have added my own comments, in blue.

Council Automaton Response Begins -
Whilst the Planning Service would generally support the provision of new community facilities, I have a number of concerns regarding the proposals by Mr.XXX Wow! This is totally unexpected and comes as a complete shock

Government policy and the Council's Local Plan, against which planning
applications must be determined, both require that development achieve a
context with appropriate materials. A 'portacabin' style building will
not achieve this objective, no matter what the finish. Councils usually
only approve portacabin style buildings for temporary periods pending
more permanent arrangements (Clearly, using them at schools for many years, decades in some cases, doesn't count!) A portacabin is also unlikely to provide
high quality facilities in terms of toilets, services and disabled
access. (The proposed toilet facility fully complies with all Disability requirements. I'm sure that Portakabin would not be particularly impressed with the comment that their units are "unlikely to provide high quality facilities in terms of toilets, services and disabled
access." This is precisely what Portakabin produce.

A location on the Looe Road play area would also be likely to conflict
with local plan policies regarding the loss of open space. In view of
these concerns , it would be difficult to overcome these objections.
While the small site on Looe Road by the sub station is more prominent
in the street scene so I would be more concerned about design, it would
not lead to an objection regarding loss of open space.

The Council would require a flood risk assessment to accompany any
application. This area is likely to be at greater than 1 in 100 per
annum risk of flooding. (Not only a possible 1 in 100 risk of flooding, but have Planning seriously considered possible invasion of locusts, boils, frogs, death of all first-born, darkness etc. It wasn't all pyramids and palm trees in Egypt!). A community centre would be a sensitive use.
The Environment Agency would normally expect a 'sequential approach'
based upon finding a site that is not subject to a 1 in 100 flood risk. (Note the not so subtle shift/sharing of responsibility here?)
A portacabin may be more susceptible to flood risk than a permanent
building. I would normally urge Members to be very cautious about
overriding any Environment Agency objection. (The proposed Portakabin shell is of metal construction and, as a result, would suffer considerably less damage from flooding than a conventional brick/block structure. Perhaps if Planning had taken a few minutes to read the specification that I sent to them they would have been aware of this.)

In conclusion, I would not feel able to recommend planning permission be
granted for a project as Mr XXXXX currently envisages. It remains open
to Mr XXXXX to make a planning application if he wishes and,(swell the coffers of ECC's Planning Department) if there
is any Member support, those Members are entitled to ask that the
application be considered by Planning Committee and not be determined
under delegated powers.
It would seem that ECC Planning Department's view of the 'unsuitability of Portakabin type structures' doesn't extend to the proliferation of 'timber frame' type student accommodation that is overwhelming parts of Exeter. Effectively, these student 'battery houses' are little more than Portakabins type structures constructed/stacked on top of each other.
It is also difficult to grasp Planning's concept/interpretation of "local plan policies regarding the loss of open space". Whilst being used as an argument against my proposal, the much larger 'loss of open space' relating to a recent planning consultation, regarding the construction of houses/flats to the rear of homes in Newport Road, Countess Wear (and no doubt other sites) , seems not to be an issue.
It would appear that ECC's Planning Department are happy to apply the rules as best suits their own agenda.

Urban Myth? You Decide

Extract from ‘Communities and Local Government Website'

I have added my own comment at the end of this post.

About Communities and Neighbourhoods

We are working to help people and local organisations create strong, attractive and economically thriving communities and neighbourhoods.

Our aim is to ensure that they are given all the support they need to make the best of their communities and overcome their own difficulties. These are problems like community conflict, extremism, deprivation and disadvantage. We want to make sure communities are equipped to respond to challenging economic, social and cultural trends.

We have a number of initiatives to help us achieve this. In this section you can find out more about:

• Neighbourhood Renewal which aims to improve the quality of life of people in the most deprived areas to ensure that no-one is disadvantaged by where they live
• Creating Cleaner, Safer and Greener communities by improving the way we plan, design, manage and maintain our public open spaces and buildings
• Community Empowerment which is about giving people and communities more of a say on the services they receive and where they live

Bulls**t.

Special Thanks to Peter.....

....for making my day. Peter works for a large organisation and, shock horror, has a sense of humour.
I won't name the organisation that Peter works for otherwise he too may become the focus of legal bullying/intimidation and anonymous attempts to discredit him.

I Think That It's Time To 'Up the Ante'....

....a little. More info re this in the next 7-10 day.

Another Freedom of Information Request....

.... is to be issued in the next 7/10 days. It will be interesting to see what response there is to this request.

The Phantom of the Doctora.... with apologies to Andrew Lloyd Webber

I have been informed this past week that the inclusion of a Doctor's Surgery in the 'Community' Centre is, well, umm... excluded for now.......... but will be given 'serious consideration in due course'. Odd, this comment, if it's true. It was my and others understanding, that the presence of a local GP facility always formed part of the main argument for funding acquisition and, presumably, was an important part of the 'robust business plan'
Of course, St.David's Neighbourhood Partnership/Exeter Community Centre Trust are best placed to confirm or deny this statement and I will be happy to post their response/clarification.

My Response to the Legal Eagles

Below is copied my email sent to Community Builders that have agreed to the provision of £1.2M of funding to Exeter Community Centre Trust. I have included some information already published on this Blog to put my response (6th Paragraph) in context.

Dear Mr.Sheath,

Copied below are extracts from documentation sent to me by solicitors representing St.David’s Neighbourhood Partnership and Exeter Community Centre Trust.

"We have been consulted by the St.David's Neighbourhood Partnership and the Exeter Community Centre Trust in connection with the contents of an email sent by you to Community Builders on the 26th November 2009".

"These statements are very serious allegations and are libellous. They have been issued to a third party and therefore are defamatory in nature and our clients are currently considering what further action to take in the matter."

"In the meantime, we must ask you to contact Community Builders immediately and withdraw these statements and forward to us a copy of your letter. Our clients are also entitled to an unqualified apology."

"Finally, we must warn you that if any other statements or correspondence is issued by you to any third party which contains allegations similar to those set out in your email of the 26th November, our clients will have no alternative but to apply, without notice, for a Court Injunction to prevent any further publication and to ask the Court to award substantial damages".

As requested in the third paragraph above I am contacting you to inform you that I have no intention of ‘withdrawing these statements’ or offering SDNP an ‘unqualified apology’.
In fact, further documentation has recently come into my possession that reinforces what I have already stated.

Also, for your information, I am involved in voluntary work for Devon & Cornwall Constabulary and, it would seem, that 'someone' has attempted to undermine my position and credibility with them. To avoid any possible embarrassment to this organisation I have offered my resignation and it has been refused. I appreciate their vote of confidence.
I have no idea who was responsible for this 'action', and care even less. It is unfortunate that, whoever this 'someone' may be, they are clearly happy to question my integrity when, perhaps, in view of their actions, they should be questioning their own.

In conclusion, the roles included at the end of this message are merely to express my commitment to community matters and do not imply these organisations support for the contents of this communication.

Kindest Regards –

Chair – Lower St.David’s Community Association
Member – Devon & Cornwall Constabulary’s Police Volunteer Programme
Home Office Community Crime Fighter
Neighbourhood Watch Office Manager for Exeter.

An Offer You Can't Refuse....Can You?

If CF/SDNP have an issue with what is posted on this Blog (and clearly they do, having threatened legal action) can I propose that we meet and discuss them further? Perhaps the Express & Echo would like to observe? Other Community Association Representatives? Who knows, such a discussion may even attract the attention of a wider media audience?

Please, disregard the first paragraph of this post. I'd momentarily forgotten that I have already given CF the opportunity to explain her actions, but she failed to attend. Sometimes it's what isn't said that speaks volumes.

Yet Another Document.....

......has come to my attention.

For now, at least, I will not be posting it on this Blog. Suffice to say, it is again breathtaking in it's lies and misrepresentation of the true facts.

Mythomaniacs

Pathological liars, or "mythomaniacs," may be suffering from histrionic personality disorder or narcissistic personality disorder. The following comments basically reflect a pathological liar who has the characteristics of histrionic personality disorder.

Some characteristics
1. Exaggerates things that are ridiculous.
2. One-upping. Whatever you do, this person can do it better. You will never top them in their own mind, because they have a concerted need to be better than everyone else. This also applies to being right. If you try to confront an individual like this, no matter how well-intentioned you might be, this will probably not be effective. It is threatening their fantasy of themselves, so they would rather argue with you and bring out the sharp knives than admit that there's anything wrong with them.
3. They "construct" a reality around themselves and don't value the truth. If you question them on a lie and they are backed into a corner they will act very defensively.
4. Because these people don't value honesty, a lot of times they will not value loyalty. So watch what you tell them. They will not only tell others, but they will embellish to make you look worse. Their loyalty is fleeting, and because they are insecure people, they will find solace in confiding to whoever is in their favour at the moment.
5. Obviously, they will contradict what they say. This will become very clear over time. They usually aren't smart enough to keep track of so many lies (who would be?).