……..as I said, it’s my birthday and two lads have just knocked at my door to ask if I need my car cleaning. Do I? They are still in one piece even though I almost pounced on them with gratitude! When I bought my car, I swore I would clean it every Sunday. You know the saying…the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. 

My car was in need of a good clean, so how fortuitous that these two young lads should turn up, full of enterprise and with bucket and sponges at the ready.

Cory and his mate, James, have done a terrific job and ‘Butch’ looks showroom clean. What a birthday gift, even if I did have to pay them! Well worth it!!!!!!

Whenever the grass mowing teams arrive to mow the grass verges in Leeming Ward, they seem to pay litttle heed to the litter including beer and pop cans, plastic bottles and the like. They ride their mowing machines over the whole lot and leave sharp shards of metal and plastic around on the play areas with, apparently, little thought for children who might play there.

The following story picked up from The Mirror by way of the LGA website tells a vastly different story.

‘PLASTIC FLOWERS BANNED FROM GRAVEYARD  - A council has banned plastic flowers from a graveyard on health and safety grounds. Keynsham Town Council officials say it could be dangerous if they get caught in lawnmowers and spray bits of plastic around.’

What happened to the ‘happy medium’? Why is there no middle ground?

……When you forgive, you in no way change the past, but  you sure do change the future.

It would be nice to think that the youngsters involved in the Restorative Justice Scheme understand that by working off their debt, they are forgiven and can go on to better things. We all want the best for today’s children and for them to be able to see a good future ahead. 

Realism or Optimism? A bit of both, but let’s hope for realism in this case, with a smidgeon of optimism thrown in to help the mix!!

…….A team of youngsters undertook Restorative Justice yesterday on the park, picking litter in lieu of fines for various offences. In the company of two Neighbourhood Wardens they repaid their fines by way of litter-picking.

A good scheme, which has the added beneficial effect of teaching kids the error of their ways, whether it is under-age drinking, littering or other misdemeanour.

Friends of Peafield Park are hosting the Greenwood Friends Forum tomorrow so this litter pick in the park is well-timed; when we take our walk in the park, it will be good to show off how clean and tidy it is, so ‘thanks’ to the team of workers.

…….are moving at a terrific rate. We now have a clear idea of what will be happening on  - 23rd August. Thanks to funding from various agencies we are able to provide an array of free activities for local children and their families

ALL THESE ACTIVITIES ARE FREE!!!!! FREE!!!!!!FREE!!!FREE!!!!

Farm animals from White Post Farm,

2 Bouncy Castles,

Punch & Judy Show,

Story-telling with Puppetry,

Fairground ride,

Play tents,

Native American  Teepee,

Army vehicles (and Soldiers),

Fire Engine (& Firemen) ,

Police Car (and Officers),

Climbing Wall,

Taekwondo Display,

Nature Walks with a Forest Ranger and craft tent.

IF YOU WANT TO SPEND MONEY, there are stalls of all kinds and  food, ice creams and refreshments for sale.

 Official opening at 1pm by the Chairman of Mansfield District Council, Alan Fell and closes at 5pm.

……..checked by the Criminal Records Bureau and all passed the strict checks that were made to ensure the safety of children who use the Playscheme. The news that some people have been incorrectly labelled as criminals, due to mismanagement, is scarey and commenting on this news  Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said: “This sensitive information must be 100% accurate.” I should say so!

We Playscheme members have now undergone 3 consecutive years of checks and none of us have been found to have any criminal record and the thought that we might be erroneously mis-labelled is horrifying.

I wonder how much these public servants are paid to do a job conscientiously and correctly - a dashed sight more than the volunteers on our scheme, who all give time freely for the benefit of local children!

….was the phrase on everyone’s lips last night and the red, white and blue bunting was flying at the event to wish our Olympians good luck for the summer games.

There was a wonderful display of gymnastics by the young girls from the Mansfield Olympic Gymnastics Club and three of our Olympic hopefuls were there to receive our good wishes. I got autographs from two of the three swimmers, Sam Hynd and Becky  Adlington, but unfortunately, I missed out on Charlotte Henshaw. Our fourth hopeful, table tennis competitor Arnie Chan was unfortunately unable to attend.

This function is exactly the kind of motivational, inspiring event that makes a difference to people’s lives and it was a joy to be able to attend, along with sporting representatives and businesses who give their support to this worthwhile cause - there was a presentation by ex-Councillor Stuart Rickersey of The Armchair Club, during which he took on the mantle of Michael Parkinson and interviewed the swimmers.  This was followed by a talk from a past Olympic medallist, cyclist Bryan Steel.

A wonderful evening!

….will be expressed at a presentation by the Executive Mayor, Tony Egginton, at the Civic Centre this evening.

There will be a contingent of Mansfield’s sons and daughters travelling to the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics this summer and tonight’s function will give us a chance to show our pride in these young people who have  worked so hard to get into the elite group travelling to the Games, to represent Great Britain.  It will also give us the opportunity to give them our good wishes for a successful tournament.

……Good habits formed at youth make all the difference.

Ain’t that the truth? The youngsters who are running amok about our streets and parks, were, perhaps, not given the advantage of  learning good habits at a young age. I’m not saying that all bad kids come from bad homes, sometimes quite the opposite, but if we are to generalise, then yes, the lack of good parenting is considered to be the root of the current problems. It is so sad that by sparing the rod, we are spoiling the child. I do not advocate brutality against children, but we have to find a middle ground  - a punishment that will be a deterrent.

 ……for letting their child try alcohol at home under proposals being considered by ministers. Currently children as young as five can drink at home with parental supervision but a Government review is looking at raising that limit. The Youth Alcohol Action Plan, which aims to curb binge-drinking among teenagers, could also lead to a 9pm watershed for alcohol advertising.

How insane is it to give children as young as five the taste for alcohol? No wonder there is such a monstrous problem with under-age drinking!! These problems start in the home, the place where children should be at their safest. Some parents are creating a store of trouble for their children. Time to educate the parents?