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Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - Freddie Dawkins (14th Nov 2006 - 11:43:53) The next Community Forum will focus on Youth Issues, at the Millennium Hall, Ontario Way, on Tuesday 21 November at 6.30pm. Everyone is invited. If you would like more info before the event, contact Jackie Kelsey (01730 234097) or you can email her at: jackie.kelsey@easthants.gov.uk Andy Ferrier, Head of Community for East Hampshire District Council, says: "If you are a young person we want to know about the things that you'd like to change in the area and what issues really matter to you. Coming along to the Forum is a great way to get your views across. It will help Parish and District Councillors understand your needs and help in the planning of services. The meeting will be very informal and you will have the chance to talk to other young people and your councillors, in small groups." Also on the agenda, after the Youth Issues discussions, will be a presentation on Business Continuity - Planning for the Unexpected. Earlier this year, EHDC was given responsibility to promote and encourage businesses to improve their planning against disruptions and potential disasters that would seriously impact on local communities. EHDC officers will give a presentation and invite comments and suggestions from the audience. More info in advance from: Ellie Apperly, Business Community Project, ellie.apperly@easthants.gov.uk

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - nigel newman (19th Nov 2006 - 09:43:14) As chairman of the youth forum may I just remind everyone about the meeting in the Millennium Hall at 6.30pm on Tuesday evening (November 21). I hope that people - expecially young people - will not regard it as just another bunch of adults talking shop and turn up to take part. This is a real chance for everyone to get together to discuss what can be done to make sure that this vital section of our community does not feel that it is being ignored. We will be there to listen to what everyone has to say - you can be as rude as you like - and then try to move forward. I know that many of our young people feel that they are regarded as a nuisance at best and trouble-makers at worst. But let's be positive for a change and sit down to talk about what we can do to make life better. The meeting will be very informal with no long boring speeches or lectures. So please come along and take part. Nigel.

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - Freddie Dawkins (19th Nov 2006 - 10:33:12) Hi, Nigel - Saw your front page story in the Herald. What ideas do you have for improving things? It's no good just saying to the Herald that some people's attitudes are turning off another section of our community. Can you tell us some of your thoughts on specific actions which could be taken? What's missing at the moment? If you've been speaking to Jan Scard at Hampshire Youth Service, you should be aware of the successes and disappointment she and her team have had in Liphook. How can we do more? cheers Freddie

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - john t (19th Nov 2006 - 14:52:56) Hi there Read Nigel Newmans report in the Herald on Thursday and his item on here posted today. Then freddies reply, which to me, “joe bloggs from liphook” hint of sour grapes. Are you both not Parish Councillors, hoping to work as a collective group to manage and improve the local area for the people of liphook. Reading between the lines Nigel Newmans elect win in the summer ruffled a few feathers in dark corners of the Millennium hall, which in my view is great. A more open council is what liphook needs and since the summer what we seem to be getting the start of. So todays second reply is at least negative and some may say a backward step. Cheer john

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - nigel newman (19th Nov 2006 - 16:25:10) Freddie. Thanks for your input but I'm afraid you're missing the point. It's not about what I think should be done, it's about what the youngsters of the village think should be done. I have spent today walking around Liphook talking to young people and asking not only what they want but also what they feel they need. There's no point in us going down that tired old route of saying: 'This is what we think you should have, so accept it and be thankful.' The whole idea of the meeting is to listen to the youngsters and not just dismiss their ideas as unworkable. As for your comments about Jan Scard, let me just say that other parish councils in Hampshire seem to be able to work comfortably with the youth service professionals. Let's face it, we are paying them to do a job so let's make sure we are getting value for money. I look forward to your attendance at Tuesday's meeting and the positive approach I am sure you will bring. Nigel.

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - liz (20th Nov 2006 - 08:31:00) I totally agree with john t's views. In my view there is huge scope for new ideas both on the council and, quite frankly, on this website.

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - Freddie Dawkins (20th Nov 2006 - 09:07:30) Hi, Nigel and John - You're both being incredibly defensive. I was not suggesting Nigel tells us/the younger members of the community, what should happen. I was asking for some of his ideas. If you read the Herald interview and Nigel's response here, he is basically saying that some of the community don't want to know about the younger people who live here. I happen to think he's wrong and to make blank covering statements like that will alienate a portion of the community. What about evidence? But Nigel's not saying anything about his ideas. It's great that he is taking the time to talk to young people around the village and I hope lots of them and their parents turn up to the meeting. I've not said Nigel or anyone else should impose any ideas - but it would be nice to air some! Nigel, perhaps you could put on the agenda as some areas for discussion: 1. Extension of skate park 2. Manor Fields lack of facilities 3. Further improvements to facilities at Radford Park and the Little Rec 4. Youth Club restart - where and when and which age groups and facilities/equipment 5. Swimming pool - with the Bohunt developments, is there an opportunity to build a swimming pool. There's a few ideas to get the ball rolling. I'm sure there will be lots more. cheers Freddie

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - john t (21st Nov 2006 - 01:06:20) Hi freddie May i ask what am i 'INCREDIBLY DEFENSIVE' about ???? cheers john

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - Freddie Dawkins (22nd Nov 2006 - 10:44:53) Hello, "John" - Perhaps you'd like to tell us your surname first, so we all know whom (think that's the correct grammar?) we are speaking to.... Then I'll be happy to expand. And sorry I missed last night, Nigel - I spoke to Les earlier and made my apologies, which I hope he passed on before the meeting started. Also, big omission on my past: I forgot to add to the list -Gunns Farm. There was a lot of talk a while ago about what to site on the land that was available. I seem to remember there was quite a lot of enthusiasm for a BMX track. Has that resurfaced as a request/idea from local people? Look forward to reading/discussing the ideas that have emerged. rgds Freddie

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - john t (22nd Nov 2006 - 16:45:13) Hi Freddie Why is my surname an issue, as a regular reader and you being fanatical contributor, I’ve never once noted you having a problem with peoples surname’s before? If you feel I’ am not worthy of a reply to your sweeping statement then fine, but surely Nigel newman is as a fellow colleague. I’ve got the feeling Freddie that I’ve touched a nerve. Speak too you soon John t

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - Freddie Dawkins (22nd Nov 2006 - 21:55:17) So, Mr T - What's the big mystery? Why can't you reveal who you are? If you're going to have a go at me, at least I'd like to know who you are. Remember that I started this thread, in an attempt to raise general awareness. The meeting was last night - were you there? I was 150 miles away on business and couldn't make it. Where's the initial feedback info? Are you going to post a summary here? Freddie

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - Anon (23rd Nov 2006 - 12:31:55) Picking up a theme in the "Youth Issues Forum" thread where Freddie seems to be refusing to answer a question on the basis of the fact that he doesn't know who exactly the questioner is, and is pressurising the writer to give his full name, I decided to start a new thread to comment, as it is an issue that comes up every now and again throughtout this site. (I am not John T, and do not know who he is, but I do support his position) Nice as it is to know who the contributors to this forum are, I think it is VERY important that everyone has a right to remain anonymous if they choose. We are all entitled to opinions, but for some people, it would create difficulties to publicly acknowledge views, especially political or controversial ones, because of their professional position or the role they play in the community. For example, if you are a local school teacher, playgroup leader or leader of a childrens' club, it makes life easier if you are seen to be neutral on most issues that do not directly concern your work, otherwise you have parents of children coming up to discuss your opinions in an inappropriate setting. (Believe me, I know!) It would not be helpful for some shop keepers or service providers to have their opinions known for business reasons. Sad as it is, I know some people who do not drink at a certain hostelry as they disagree with it's landlord. Others do not feel comfortable revealing who they are for more personal reasons. There are as many reasons as there are anonymous people. Those of you who are happy to wear your heart and mind on your sleeve should understand and try to respect those of us who are not, and allow us to contribute without giving our names, as we may not be in a position to be able to explain to you why it is inappropriate for us to do so. I don't see any justification in refusing to reply to someone because you don't know who they are, Freddie. Presumably your opinion doesn't change depending on who you are talking to, so just give your honest reply. bearing in mind that it is not just adressed to John T but to all of us. Anon

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - Mike Grimes (23rd Nov 2006 - 23:38:54) I happen to believe that opinions are worth less if you're not prepared to put your name to them. I have haven't seriously solicited young people's opinions for some time and it may, actually, be quite difficult but I am sure Nigel is absolutely correct in attempting to solicit ideas with an "open mind" and not with any pre-conceived ideas that are either his or Freddie's. Lovely idea for a swimming pool Freddie, but the villagers would probably vote for paving over Sainsbury's and the OSU instead.

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - john t (24th Nov 2006 - 02:01:43) Hi Freddie The big mystery is you

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - nigel newman (24th Nov 2006 - 11:05:03) I would like to thank everyone who came along to the community forum on Tuesday evening. It was very encouraging to see our young people there and to hear their views. I was very proud of them. As you may have already seen in the Herald some of the ideas were practical ones - like a meeting place and improvements to the skate park. But what was paramount was their desire to have some sort of say in what goes on in the community and to know that someone who can do something about it is listening. A forum like this is already being set up in Bordon and the wheels are now in motion with the parish council and relevant youth service professionals to have one in Liphook as well. It will be a great platform for our youngsters to make their voices heard. I'm very pleased and excited about it and I really believe that something is going to come from this. So, let's stay positive and keep going forward. Nigel

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - Freddie Dawkins (24th Nov 2006 - 11:27:12) Hello, Everyone - Well, I can see the logic that Anon is proposing. I also agree with Mike Grimes that opinion's can be worth less when the proponent is not prepared to put their name to it. This site logs all IP addresses, so if ever there was a really big dispute, the IP address could be traced back to the poster. In support of Nigel, because I think that's what has really upset some people, I think his heart is in the right place but to start criticising whole parts of the community in the local press and on this site is not really a great way to win hearts and minds. I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing what came out of the Youth Forum meeting. I also really hope that there is an improvement in what's on offer in the Parish for younger people. We have seen Liphook village grow enormously over the past decade and the facilities and resources have not kept pace with demand. Mr T - I still think you should tell us who you are. I've never posted on this site, which I've been doing now for probably 5 or so years, without revealing my real identity. If you can't bring yourself to do it, maybe better not to post in future? Freddie

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - Steve Read (24th Nov 2006 - 18:55:15) This seems to have gone off track from the original thread. But for what its worth I think the whole issue of not revealing names is rather childish. I happen to agree with Mike and feel the opinion is as he says worth less. However I also can understand the points raised by Anon, but I think the diffference being if people have an opinion about issues concerning the village to post without revealing a name for whatever reason I can half understand. When the issues or comments are aimed at individuals personally then don't hide behind an initial or silly handle, have the balls to put your name to it. Its very easy to gripe away at individuals or groups sat behind your screen without revealing who you are, some regular contributors have either dropped their surnames or gone to initials, whats that all about? Yes we all have an opinion and have the right to express it no worries, I admit I have probably more than most but at least my name is at the top for all to see, do I care, not a jot! Yes I was at the Youth Forum Tuesday evening, those of you expressing a view on here were you there? Replies on a postage stamp please. Cheers, Steve Read (Name at the top & now the bottom).

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - Eneida (24th Nov 2006 - 19:16:23) I actually have very little time for anonymous posters and even less respect. If you feel strongly about a local problem or think you have fair criticism about a local councillor, what's the problem about having the honesty of putting your name to it? People who feel they would compromise their position in the community by being honest and open about their opinions should just keep quiet. Eneida

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - nigel newman (25th Nov 2006 - 17:16:06) I had not intended to say anything further on this posting, but I do feel it would be a great shame if the last word is all about the identification, or non-identification, of people who contribute to it. Please, let's not get side-tracked into a debate about who said what to whom, why, where and when. The issue is about our young people and how we can help them. I would also like to refute Freddie's condescending view that while my heart is in the right place I have 'really upset' some people. I don't believe I have upset anyone; nor criticised 'whole parts of the community in the local press and on this site.' As an elected councillor who lives and works locally, I am merely reflecting opinions expressed to me every day of the week. I am not being 'defensive,' I am being open with people even to the extent of publishing my mobile telephone number. I think it's time to draw a line under this now, and move into a more positive and worthwhile debate. Nigel

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - liz (27th Nov 2006 - 10:03:04) Nigel A lot of people support what you are doing and the youth forum was very well received. - The only person who seems upset is Freddie Dawkins.

Re: Youth Issues Forum - 21 November - Steve Read (17th Apr 2007 - 23:28:02) Its been nearly six months since this forum, can someone in the know tell me exactly if anything has been decided upon. I probably know the answer, and appreciate they have been working flat out on the crossing down the Headley Road. I would expect that by the time anything is sorted today's youth will be moving into the old hospital site.

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