Neighbours war with wounded soldiers families
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Well done to all. I was proud to sign the petition. A bit difficult to watch the 2nd and third stories on the Beeb. 2nd the good news, 3rd..."another soldier was killed today"...
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Service families' home approved
Sue Norton said she was amazed by the unanimous decision
Plans to turn a £1.7m house in Surrey into a "home from home" for families of injured service personnel have been approved despite residents' objections.
A charity will now convert the house in Ashtead so it can be used by relatives of people being treated at Headley Court rehabilitation centre near Epsom.
The proposals were agreed during a Mole Valley District Council meeting.
A total of 86 residents had sent letters of objection saying it would have a detrimental affect on the area.
But the planning sub-committee voted 17-0 in favour of the planning permission on Wednesday night.
'Absolutely wonderful'
More than 43,000 people from all over the world signed a Downing Street petition supporting the proposals.
The seven-bedroom house in Grays Lane will now be adapted by the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) to provide disabled access so men and women being treated at Headley Court can visit or stay overnight.
In a report to councillors, officers had said the application should be refused purely on its planning merits, because it would "adversely impact the quiet, peaceful nature of the existing area".
Sue Norton, wife of Capt Peter Norton who was awarded the George Cross for bravery after losing a leg and part of an arm in Iraq, said she was amazed by the decision.
"I wasn't sure how it was going to go 'cos as each councillor spoke it was like 'perhaps, perhaps not'... but when they put their hands up at the end it was absolutely wonderful.
"A good decision."
'Much support'
Mrs Norton also praised the people who had signed the petition supporting the application.
She said: "Forty-three thousand people have signed the petition to 10 Downing Street. It's wonderful to see so much support and it makes you feel that you are not alone and you are trying to do something right."
A councillor at the meeting said the row had exposed wounds within the community and those wounds would now need to be healed.
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence Dr Liam Fox previously condemned the objections.
In a letter of support to the council he said they were "preposterous and offensive" and praised local MP Chris Grayling, who pushed for plans to be approved.
Sue Norton said she was amazed by the unanimous decision
Plans to turn a £1.7m house in Surrey into a "home from home" for families of injured service personnel have been approved despite residents' objections.
A charity will now convert the house in Ashtead so it can be used by relatives of people being treated at Headley Court rehabilitation centre near Epsom.
The proposals were agreed during a Mole Valley District Council meeting.
A total of 86 residents had sent letters of objection saying it would have a detrimental affect on the area.
But the planning sub-committee voted 17-0 in favour of the planning permission on Wednesday night.
'Absolutely wonderful'
More than 43,000 people from all over the world signed a Downing Street petition supporting the proposals.
The seven-bedroom house in Grays Lane will now be adapted by the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) to provide disabled access so men and women being treated at Headley Court can visit or stay overnight.
In a report to councillors, officers had said the application should be refused purely on its planning merits, because it would "adversely impact the quiet, peaceful nature of the existing area".
Sue Norton, wife of Capt Peter Norton who was awarded the George Cross for bravery after losing a leg and part of an arm in Iraq, said she was amazed by the decision.
"I wasn't sure how it was going to go 'cos as each councillor spoke it was like 'perhaps, perhaps not'... but when they put their hands up at the end it was absolutely wonderful.
"A good decision."
'Much support'
Mrs Norton also praised the people who had signed the petition supporting the application.
She said: "Forty-three thousand people have signed the petition to 10 Downing Street. It's wonderful to see so much support and it makes you feel that you are not alone and you are trying to do something right."
A councillor at the meeting said the row had exposed wounds within the community and those wounds would now need to be healed.
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence Dr Liam Fox previously condemned the objections.
In a letter of support to the council he said they were "preposterous and offensive" and praised local MP Chris Grayling, who pushed for plans to be approved.
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Congratulations to all but I think we should all congratulate the local council for seeing through the original recommendation of the planning officer although she has been very helpful.
It was nice to see democracy working right for a change. Too often today the minority seem to get their own way. Today the majority won
It was nice to see democracy working right for a change. Too often today the minority seem to get their own way. Today the majority won
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Brilliant news - have just logged in to catch up (having missed the evening news) and delighted to hear that a 17-0 result is in the bag. And 3rd place in the No 10 Petitions list. Well done all those who took an active part, and thanks to those who supported. 
As one of the councillors suggested, it is now time to engage with the local community and definitely not time to gloat over victory. Our injured personnel need this home to be created as soon as possible.
As one of the councillors suggested, it is now time to engage with the local community and definitely not time to gloat over victory. Our injured personnel need this home to be created as soon as possible.
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Yes, time to close the debate and celebrate the future opening of a much-needed facility. I am sure that the uncomfortable fact of the initial objections will soon fade into insignificance compared with the establishment of this facility, and that the name of Ashtead will soon become synonymous with the support that can now be offered to Service families whose loved ones suffer injury.
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As has been stated before on the thread, a good result for common sense etc, but before we close the thread, could we all take a minute to reflect on why we all signed petitions etc.. for this good cause.
To all those that have served, are Serving or are about to serve in these far off lands, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
To all of you Stay Safe
Zofo and Family
To all those that have served, are Serving or are about to serve in these far off lands, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
To all of you Stay Safe
Zofo and Family
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I was at the meeting tonight and was given the agenda notes, along with everyone else. These showed that Item One had in fact been changed. So that instead of a 'Reject' it was 'Granted.' But there was still the meeting to overcome - but it turned out to be a good oemn.
There were dozens from both PPRuNe and from ARRSE. Also there was Captain Peter Norton GC and his wife Sue. There were also guys from Headley Court who had only one leg and one without both. But they were there to offer support and certainly didn't want sympathy. Their loved ones had to come from places like Essex, Wales and Liverpool. One girl was at the meeting supporting her man and she came from Liverpool. A most charming lady.
SAFFA spoke first. Very much to the point and very eloquently putting forth their reasons for wanting the house in Grays Lane.
Sue Norton then spoke, with a heap of emotion, putting forward the supporters reasons for having the house/haven for visiting families. It was a tough time for a lady who had spent hours and hours traveling with her two sons from Gloucester to Headley Court. In fact, 20,000 miles in the last year. So determined was she that husband Peter should be able to see his two boys. Just take a moment to think about that.
The council debated the issue and it became clear that there was a strong feeling for granting the application and so it turned out. 17 to nil with two abstentions. It would be fair to say that there was a minor eruption of joy with much hugging and congratulations for those who had striven so hard for so long to bring this about.
The press were in abundance as was TV. Interviews were being conducted all around, together with much back slapping. Medals were in view some of which had been hard won.
All the regular PPRuNers who were there, now sport a PPRuNe badge as do the guys from Headley Court including Peter Norton and his wife Sue. I also gave a few badges to those brilliant workers in the field who served the Queen bee that was ARRSE so well. It was to some extent a joint effort but it MUST be said that the major input and success is due to the gallant and wholly successful efforts of a whole bunch of people from ARRSE. But, I was heaped with thanks for the help that PPRuNe and this thread had given and now happily pass this on, first to Danny, and also to you - who contributed so much and gave so much hope for SSAFA and Headley Court.
This was a victory! No two ways about it. It was won by a tenaciousness that was awesome.
Each one of these people can justifiably put a hand on their hearts and be proud that this result was achieved with a dedicated approach and a strong determination.
I thank the contributors to this thread who had forseen some problems but were uncannily correct in the assumption that the premise chosen was the wrong one in planning terms. And those who kept the whole thread up to date with the latest possible information.
Well done everyone.
PPP
There were dozens from both PPRuNe and from ARRSE. Also there was Captain Peter Norton GC and his wife Sue. There were also guys from Headley Court who had only one leg and one without both. But they were there to offer support and certainly didn't want sympathy. Their loved ones had to come from places like Essex, Wales and Liverpool. One girl was at the meeting supporting her man and she came from Liverpool. A most charming lady.
SAFFA spoke first. Very much to the point and very eloquently putting forth their reasons for wanting the house in Grays Lane.
Sue Norton then spoke, with a heap of emotion, putting forward the supporters reasons for having the house/haven for visiting families. It was a tough time for a lady who had spent hours and hours traveling with her two sons from Gloucester to Headley Court. In fact, 20,000 miles in the last year. So determined was she that husband Peter should be able to see his two boys. Just take a moment to think about that.
The council debated the issue and it became clear that there was a strong feeling for granting the application and so it turned out. 17 to nil with two abstentions. It would be fair to say that there was a minor eruption of joy with much hugging and congratulations for those who had striven so hard for so long to bring this about.
The press were in abundance as was TV. Interviews were being conducted all around, together with much back slapping. Medals were in view some of which had been hard won.
All the regular PPRuNers who were there, now sport a PPRuNe badge as do the guys from Headley Court including Peter Norton and his wife Sue. I also gave a few badges to those brilliant workers in the field who served the Queen bee that was ARRSE so well. It was to some extent a joint effort but it MUST be said that the major input and success is due to the gallant and wholly successful efforts of a whole bunch of people from ARRSE. But, I was heaped with thanks for the help that PPRuNe and this thread had given and now happily pass this on, first to Danny, and also to you - who contributed so much and gave so much hope for SSAFA and Headley Court.
This was a victory! No two ways about it. It was won by a tenaciousness that was awesome.
Each one of these people can justifiably put a hand on their hearts and be proud that this result was achieved with a dedicated approach and a strong determination.
I thank the contributors to this thread who had forseen some problems but were uncannily correct in the assumption that the premise chosen was the wrong one in planning terms. And those who kept the whole thread up to date with the latest possible information.
Well done everyone.
PPP
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Wow, what an evening
Ladies and Gents,
I'm just back from Dorking (thanks Aristander for the lift).
What a truly emotional evening and what a fantastic demonstration of Purple forces pulling together in time of need! I feel utterly drained !!
It was a real priviledge to meet so many people who have contributed to this campaign. Many were there tonight and it was great to meet so many of you and put faces to names.
It was truly humbling though to meet Peter and Sue Norton and the guys from Headley Court who came along with their prosthetic arms and legs to lend their support. What more can I say?
Many of us have been very small cogs in a much bigger machine, and I am proud to have been part of it, but together we have achieved a great result
No small thanks are due though to PartTimePongo for his unstinting (does he ever sleep?) and utterly focussed dedication to this campaign. I recommend the guy for a medal !!
Big respect too for the Councillors who looked at the bigger picture and voted in favour of SSAFAs application. Thank you.
The pride of Ashtead has been totally restored and I sincerely hope that good relations can be established between local residents and those staying at 36 Gray's Lane.
CS
I'm just back from Dorking (thanks Aristander for the lift).
What a truly emotional evening and what a fantastic demonstration of Purple forces pulling together in time of need! I feel utterly drained !!
It was a real priviledge to meet so many people who have contributed to this campaign. Many were there tonight and it was great to meet so many of you and put faces to names.
It was truly humbling though to meet Peter and Sue Norton and the guys from Headley Court who came along with their prosthetic arms and legs to lend their support. What more can I say?
Many of us have been very small cogs in a much bigger machine, and I am proud to have been part of it, but together we have achieved a great result
No small thanks are due though to PartTimePongo for his unstinting (does he ever sleep?) and utterly focussed dedication to this campaign. I recommend the guy for a medal !!
Big respect too for the Councillors who looked at the bigger picture and voted in favour of SSAFAs application. Thank you.
The pride of Ashtead has been totally restored and I sincerely hope that good relations can be established between local residents and those staying at 36 Gray's Lane.
CS
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I am once again proud to British and humbled by the emotion Mrs Norton’s ability to speak eloquently, on such an emotive issue. The councillors also deserve some credit for their hard work and sympathetic attitude to the planning issues.
I shan’t mention all the good people who I met this evening, but suffice to say that PPRuNE and ARRSE members were all on form. Plans 123, thanks for bringing this issue to the masses and to all those who took days off work and travelled the length of the country to make this happen. Great to have a beer afterwards and I shall wear my new PPRuNE tiepin with pride.
Congratulations to everyone who gave up their time and forced the planning committee to make an unprecedented turnaround.
I suppose there is no excuse for avoiding my ISS now
SIA
I shan’t mention all the good people who I met this evening, but suffice to say that PPRuNE and ARRSE members were all on form. Plans 123, thanks for bringing this issue to the masses and to all those who took days off work and travelled the length of the country to make this happen.
Great to have a beer afterwards and I shall wear my new PPRuNE tiepin with pride.Congratulations to everyone who gave up their time and forced the planning committee to make an unprecedented turnaround.
I suppose there is no excuse for avoiding my ISS now
SIA
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Just woke up in Western Australia and ecstatic to see the result!
Pats on the back all round for the sheer tenacity, professionalism, and enthusiasm to see this thing through. Congratulations also to the members of the Council who were able to see the big picture and make a decision on planning grounds alone (As an ex Councillor and Shire President I know how difficult this can be when you are subject to pressure from lobby groups - for and against!). One hopes that the email I sent to all Councillors, the signature on the petition and the letter of support helped.
Thanks also to the guys and gals who took the trouble to post up to the minute, nail biting reports as events unfolded at the meeting. It certainly helped those of us abed (0200 our time and there was nothing to be served by me staying awake in WA) to experience the tension.
Well done all.
Allan907 (banned)
Storl Tern (banned)
Cooking Fatfish (banned)
and my latest incarnation Goer Round!
Pats on the back all round for the sheer tenacity, professionalism, and enthusiasm to see this thing through. Congratulations also to the members of the Council who were able to see the big picture and make a decision on planning grounds alone (As an ex Councillor and Shire President I know how difficult this can be when you are subject to pressure from lobby groups - for and against!). One hopes that the email I sent to all Councillors, the signature on the petition and the letter of support helped.
Thanks also to the guys and gals who took the trouble to post up to the minute, nail biting reports as events unfolded at the meeting. It certainly helped those of us abed (0200 our time and there was nothing to be served by me staying awake in WA) to experience the tension.
Well done all.
Allan907 (banned)
Storl Tern (banned)
Cooking Fatfish (banned)
and my latest incarnation Goer Round!
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am now just in! A long time after Cargosales , and Aristander is indeed a great chap for driving 4 of us back to the London area, and turning a one hour journey for himself, into a 2 1/2 hour journey. Thank you Sir!
I am at a loss as to what to say now, like Cargo and many of you i am emotionally drained. The chap from SSAFA who spoke must be commended, he was sharp, punchy and caused the room we were in (Public Gallery Full, but we had a big plasma screen and surround sound downstairs with 100 in the room + another one next door the same!) to erupt in applause.
Wondermum i know you will read this. I spoke to you after and said well done and you gave me a hug and said 'no' as you thought not. When you started it was plain to see that two years worth of hurt, anger, frustration, uncertanty and sadness overtook everything your bones were saying 'don't let this happen'.
You stopped, were silent, and you could have heard a pin drop in our room, we were holding our breath. I was sat next to the wonderful gent PPRuNe Pop and he just said out loud(the only voice in 100) 'Go on Girl!', and you did. You pulled through and went into the breech! You made us proud. You joined our community forever. Many of us have been faced with this, almost scared of what is to come, we then remember those of us who we love and care for, and we push forward. That, as you must know is exactly what Pete did. He would have been frightened and scared when his incident first started, and then he rembered you, and your kids, and all of his men, and he pulled through and he went on, the rest is history, but that is why he is a George Cross Holder (and tearfully I tell you that I am not! and hold my man hould cheap). You are justifiably proud of him, i think tonight he is justifiably proud of you.
By the time the fourth councillor had spoken (all the first 4 being women), I was in pieces! These professional people, who knew that planning was THE only issue spoke from the heart - like Wondermum. It was clear that they were all mothers. One of them only just made it to the end of her wonderful speech without breaking down. We saw her sigh of relief as she finished. There were many battle hardened men in our room with 'grit' in their eyes.
After the decision the celebration was immense, and we all went for a beer, much to the surprise of the staff in a pub (who were brilliant) expecting a quiet night on a wednesday, but i am sure to the delight of the landlord for the bar takings!
What struck me in the pub, were the 10 or so YOUNG men who had come down from Headley. Severe injuries, missing legs, arms, in wheelchairs, and most of them in the agegroup of my two sons aged 19 and 26. They were proud, shoulders back and looking forward, and frankly i was utterly humbled and felt honoured but cheap in their company. I spoke to one and said what does this mean and he said 'the best thing ever Sir! "More Hugs from me Mam!!" ' , I nearly had to phone 999....for me!
One soldier who had lost both legs has been accepted for the paralympics (however you say it/spell it!), he said I am going to try for every event, and if I don't make it I will move onto the next event!! His courage and mental stamina leaves me feeling small (although those that now know me know that I am)
I met a young man who had lost a leg who , looking at my medals said 'what is that'?, I said that is a 'Mention in Dispatches' he asked what it meant, I said well my understanding is, that if allegidly if you are seen to act bravely in a War Zone, you may be written up for a really high class medal, but if you don't quite make the grade you get this, which although not looking much is a very highly regarded acceptance of your bravery. He said 'you know sir, i didn't really know that, and I have just been given one'!!. He was humble, and had no idea of what he had done, and at 25!
Speaking of this we were blessed to be in the company tonight of men who had racks wider than their chest! We had young subalterns and Corporals through to 1 stars and all the hairy arsed feckers in between. We had Navy, Marines, Army, Airforce, Wives of, Husbands of, Girlfriends, Boyfriends and great great civvie support from people that value what we as a military organisation do.
As William Shakespere wrote, we are truely a band of brothers.
A few thanks
Part Time Pongo - I see from a post not so long ago you have lost your PPRuNe virginity PTP, you are a friend and an inspiration to many people. You have worked so hard (with i reackon only 3 hours sleep some nights) you have coordinated the media and the campaign in general, and have had the very difficult task of keeping people tight in terms of discipline on ARRSE in an environment where normally these things would not have been considered. The discipline on our part as forums was instrumental in our success. Thanks mate.
Dozy Bint and Moody Bitch .... THANKYOU!! from all on PPRuNe, E-Goat and RuMRatioN. What a pair of ARRSERS. Dozy i know tonight when i met you, you were litterally empty, you were Emotionally drained to the power of three. To the rest of you, no names neccessary, you all know what you have done, in whatever context. Remember what comes around, goes around! You reap what you sow!
My faith in humanity is restored, my faith in my comerades never waivered.
Please also remember many people whom i met tonight are still very much in harms way. Scientia In Alto.. A young man, A delight to meet you sir. Take care, fly safe, and continue to bring our boys out of harms way( obviously thats after you have had to drop them IN THERE in the first place!!) in Afghanistan. Thank the squadron chaps on our behalf
Thank you!
PS I know that there is a significant amount of money in fluffy's fund i was staggered to be honest ... A couple of thousand!! We could give to SSAFA for furniture etc, but I think that they have that in hand. We gave out leaflets, and i for one would be happy to go down and give out roses!! Everyone a thank you. Bridges must be built, thankyou's must me given and the families of our soldiers need to be accepted. We can be like the Rainbow house....ie opposed then fully accepted!!
PPS and very important. 'The Helpful Stacker'. Despite all of our banter etc, which are what forums are for, you have done a top notch job! excellent job well done, you are not alone as you leave the service today! Stay with us Sir and pm me if you need anything in London!
I am at a loss as to what to say now, like Cargo and many of you i am emotionally drained. The chap from SSAFA who spoke must be commended, he was sharp, punchy and caused the room we were in (Public Gallery Full, but we had a big plasma screen and surround sound downstairs with 100 in the room + another one next door the same!) to erupt in applause.
Wondermum i know you will read this. I spoke to you after and said well done and you gave me a hug and said 'no' as you thought not. When you started it was plain to see that two years worth of hurt, anger, frustration, uncertanty and sadness overtook everything your bones were saying 'don't let this happen'.
You stopped, were silent, and you could have heard a pin drop in our room, we were holding our breath. I was sat next to the wonderful gent PPRuNe Pop and he just said out loud(the only voice in 100) 'Go on Girl!', and you did. You pulled through and went into the breech! You made us proud. You joined our community forever. Many of us have been faced with this, almost scared of what is to come, we then remember those of us who we love and care for, and we push forward. That, as you must know is exactly what Pete did. He would have been frightened and scared when his incident first started, and then he rembered you, and your kids, and all of his men, and he pulled through and he went on, the rest is history, but that is why he is a George Cross Holder (and tearfully I tell you that I am not! and hold my man hould cheap). You are justifiably proud of him, i think tonight he is justifiably proud of you.
By the time the fourth councillor had spoken (all the first 4 being women), I was in pieces! These professional people, who knew that planning was THE only issue spoke from the heart - like Wondermum. It was clear that they were all mothers. One of them only just made it to the end of her wonderful speech without breaking down. We saw her sigh of relief as she finished. There were many battle hardened men in our room with 'grit' in their eyes.
After the decision the celebration was immense, and we all went for a beer, much to the surprise of the staff in a pub (who were brilliant) expecting a quiet night on a wednesday, but i am sure to the delight of the landlord for the bar takings!
What struck me in the pub, were the 10 or so YOUNG men who had come down from Headley. Severe injuries, missing legs, arms, in wheelchairs, and most of them in the agegroup of my two sons aged 19 and 26. They were proud, shoulders back and looking forward, and frankly i was utterly humbled and felt honoured but cheap in their company. I spoke to one and said what does this mean and he said 'the best thing ever Sir! "More Hugs from me Mam!!" ' , I nearly had to phone 999....for me!
One soldier who had lost both legs has been accepted for the paralympics (however you say it/spell it!), he said I am going to try for every event, and if I don't make it I will move onto the next event!! His courage and mental stamina leaves me feeling small (although those that now know me know that I am)
I met a young man who had lost a leg who , looking at my medals said 'what is that'?, I said that is a 'Mention in Dispatches' he asked what it meant, I said well my understanding is, that if allegidly if you are seen to act bravely in a War Zone, you may be written up for a really high class medal, but if you don't quite make the grade you get this, which although not looking much is a very highly regarded acceptance of your bravery. He said 'you know sir, i didn't really know that, and I have just been given one'!!. He was humble, and had no idea of what he had done, and at 25!
Speaking of this we were blessed to be in the company tonight of men who had racks wider than their chest! We had young subalterns and Corporals through to 1 stars and all the hairy arsed feckers in between. We had Navy, Marines, Army, Airforce, Wives of, Husbands of, Girlfriends, Boyfriends and great great civvie support from people that value what we as a military organisation do.
As William Shakespere wrote, we are truely a band of brothers.
A few thanks
Part Time Pongo - I see from a post not so long ago you have lost your PPRuNe virginity PTP, you are a friend and an inspiration to many people. You have worked so hard (with i reackon only 3 hours sleep some nights) you have coordinated the media and the campaign in general, and have had the very difficult task of keeping people tight in terms of discipline on ARRSE in an environment where normally these things would not have been considered. The discipline on our part as forums was instrumental in our success. Thanks mate.
Dozy Bint and Moody Bitch .... THANKYOU!! from all on PPRuNe, E-Goat and RuMRatioN. What a pair of ARRSERS. Dozy i know tonight when i met you, you were litterally empty, you were Emotionally drained to the power of three. To the rest of you, no names neccessary, you all know what you have done, in whatever context. Remember what comes around, goes around! You reap what you sow!
My faith in humanity is restored, my faith in my comerades never waivered.
Please also remember many people whom i met tonight are still very much in harms way. Scientia In Alto.. A young man, A delight to meet you sir. Take care, fly safe, and continue to bring our boys out of harms way( obviously thats after you have had to drop them IN THERE in the first place!!) in Afghanistan. Thank the squadron chaps on our behalf
Thank you!
PS I know that there is a significant amount of money in fluffy's fund i was staggered to be honest ... A couple of thousand!! We could give to SSAFA for furniture etc, but I think that they have that in hand. We gave out leaflets, and i for one would be happy to go down and give out roses!! Everyone a thank you. Bridges must be built, thankyou's must me given and the families of our soldiers need to be accepted. We can be like the Rainbow house....ie opposed then fully accepted!!
PPS and very important. 'The Helpful Stacker'. Despite all of our banter etc, which are what forums are for, you have done a top notch job! excellent job well done, you are not alone as you leave the service today! Stay with us Sir and pm me if you need anything in London!
Last edited by Tigs2; 2nd Aug 2007 at 04:18.
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Tigs2, thank you for that wonderful piece of descriptive writing. It make us down here feel as if we were there with you, which we were in spirit, of course.
The feel-good factor of the whole event and the final result will be something to be savoured for many years I should think.
Well done, all of you
The feel-good factor of the whole event and the final result will be something to be savoured for many years I should think.
Well done, all of you
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Samuel
you are a credit sir to all of you and the other guys that have listened in 'downunder'. The Best ever holiday in my life, was me and the missus on the 28 Dec getting a two person minibus in Christchurch and spending two weeks going all over South Island. Mate your support is so gratefully recieved. Thank you.
you are a credit sir to all of you and the other guys that have listened in 'downunder'. The Best ever holiday in my life, was me and the missus on the 28 Dec getting a two person minibus in Christchurch and spending two weeks going all over South Island. Mate your support is so gratefully recieved. Thank you.
Last edited by Tigs2; 2nd Aug 2007 at 05:29.
'Today', BBC Radio 4.....
has just led its 0700-0800 segment with the story. A reporter who had been at the meeting, and a council officer were interviewed live. The famous bicycle poster was mentioned - but, interestingly, all the various forums only got a tangential mention. The petition was, of course, referred to.
Go to this link, look under 'Today's Running Order', click on the '0700-0730' button. The piece is 12 mins in.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/
On a personal note, without repeating all the fully justified praise that rings through these columns, I'd just like to say that everyone's behaviour has made me very proud - and when I saw Tigs' totally brilliant account at post #579, I'm not ashamed to say that the beery tears did well and truly course down the seamed old cheek.
Thank you. Thank you.
airsound
Go to this link, look under 'Today's Running Order', click on the '0700-0730' button. The piece is 12 mins in.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/listenagain/
On a personal note, without repeating all the fully justified praise that rings through these columns, I'd just like to say that everyone's behaviour has made me very proud - and when I saw Tigs' totally brilliant account at post #579, I'm not ashamed to say that the beery tears did well and truly course down the seamed old cheek.
Thank you. Thank you.
airsound
Last edited by airsound; 2nd Aug 2007 at 07:57.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Temporarily missing from the Joe Louis Arena
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...and when I saw Tigs' totally brilliant account at post #579, I'm not ashamed to say that the beery tears did well and truly course down the seamed old cheek.
I sit here this morning, my first day out of uniform for many a year, but this fine example of us all pulling together has left me with a feeling of never being more a part of the military than I am now.
Thanks for your kind words 'Tigs2. I do intend to keep a toe in the water by passing on a bit of my experience to the future members of the RAF through a position within the ATC and as such I will still no doubt pop up on here from time to time.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
I see the petition total is edging to 45k now. I know that it is not needed but continued support is a clear indication of the popular support for our servicemen and women.
I remember how, in those distant days of peace, HC was essentially an RAF facility largely used by aircrew ejectees. Now its purpose is redefined and is public profile raised.
I second that suggestion for a sensitive documentry on the work they do.
I remember how, in those distant days of peace, HC was essentially an RAF facility largely used by aircrew ejectees. Now its purpose is redefined and is public profile raised.
I second that suggestion for a sensitive documentry on the work they do.