TWO news items in the Examiner of March 14 took my eye, one being that concerning the proposal to appoint a Deputy Police Commissioner and the second referring to an all-women short list for a Labour candidate for Colne Valley.
Like many others, I was dubious of the need for a new Police and Crime Commissioner, but felt it would maybe introduce some element of independence through that role.
But instead of the election being between experience individuals standing as independent, it largely turned into the usual political party dogfight.
After considering the information provided on the candidates, I concluded that Mark Burns-Williamson had the best credentials, and chose not to vote on party lines.
I find it a little surprising that Mr Burns-Williamson finds the need for a deputy after only four months in the job. At a time of austerity, with most people having to tighten their belts, why is it so necessary to splash £53,000 of public money on this post?
Worse than that, the commissioner says he is determined the post will have to be filled by a member of the Labour Party. It seems to indicate that commissioner work is being politicised.
No question then of finding the best person for the job irrespective of any party allegiance? Having in effect voted Labour for the first time in half a century last November, I’ve learned a lesson – never again.
The decision by Labour to have a woman only short lists poses the same question.
I have no objection to women in politics or any other notable positions, in public or in business, but would expect them to have achieved by merit, being the best person for the role irrespective of gender.
Is it not odd that in announcing their intentions, the Labour party say they are committed to equality! Surely something of a contradiction in terms?
Given that one of the elements of the Equalities Act 2010 is to fight discrimination, I cannot help questioning if both these proposals are legally acceptable.
PETER FENTON
Lepton
Cheers, George
IS IT me or does anyone else think the penny off a pint of beer is an utter nonsense?
Anyone who actually drinks beer in a pub, (unlike Chancellor George Osborne), will know of the massive disparity between “pint” prices.
A difference in price of £1.50 in town to £3.20 at my local, for the same pint of bitter, makes one penny reduction ridiculous.
In fact, a couple of weeks ago, my local pint rose from £3.06 to £3.20 in one go! However, must be positive.
On my evening’s consumption of 10 pints, (32 quid), I will save 10p! I can feel a new car coming on. Cheers George!
Terry Baxter
Meltham
Worth the trip
WHAT a wonderful concert was given on March 16 by the band of the Yorkshire Regiment and Honley Ladies Choir with the Kirklees Mass Choir, in aid of the Mayor of Kirklees Charity.
Huddersfield Town Hall has lost nothing of its splendour that I recall as a pupil at Greenhead High School speech days in the 1950s.
I travelled from central Brittany expressly to attend this concert and I am so glad that I did. I have added another happy memory from my home town.
PAULINE BASDON (NEE FIRTH)
France
Great service
I WISH to thank the Almondbury and Dalton District Nursing team for their care and kindless for the aftercare regarding my mum’s short stay in hospital.
Special thanks to Christine and Bev. They were amazing and the other nurses who came, I unfortunately, don’t know their names.
They all do a wonderful job and provide a great service to many people, grateful thanks to all concerned.
HEATHER GARNER
Almondbury
Education’s rewards
JUST like a school giving out gifts for attending school, I contacted my boss to see if such a scheme was in force at our firm.
Having attended for 31 years and never missed a day, I thought I could be in for such a gift.
Dreaming of a new car or a new kitchen, I was promptly told no such luck. If it takes incentives to do what you are supposed to do then schools and our education system is going amiss.
Sadly when schools became large ones many pupils are side-lined because of poor results and get lost in the education machinery. They become bored and that results in absenteeism.
Sport used to be a great outlet for them to run their frustrations off. Schools are for learning and rewards are future prospects when youngsters leave school.
M TAYLOR
Lepton
Pleasantly surprised
WHILST walking near Digley Reservoir last Saturday, I lost a sum of money.
It was only upon returning home that I realised, and so my friend and I set out to retrace our steps, albeit with very low expectations of finding it.
How surprised we were to discover that someone had found the money and placed it at the edge of the track, under a stone to prevent it blowing away, for me to recover.
To that very kind person I would like to say....a HUGE thank you!
CH
Huddersfield
Remembering Frank
I WAS shocked and upset to hear of the death of actor Frank Thornton, who was so famous from his work in Last Of The Summer Wine and Are You Being Served.
He was a fine actor, a gentleman, a star.
Mr Thornton was a friend of mine. I often wrote to him, sent him cards, good wishes and he often wrote to me, when he was in London and staying at the Huddersfield Hotel, as the complex was before it was taken over.
Sometimes when I was walking down past the Parish Church I used to see Frank Thornton and sometimes Peter Sallis walking towards the hotel when the cast was here shooting/filming Summer Wine.
I often walked with Frank to the hotel and saw him safely inside the hotel entrance. He always said “thank you” to me and “most kind of you”.
He’s in heaven now and will be missed by me and all his friends and showbiz stars who knew him as I did.
God Bless you Frank.
IAN KILBURN
Huddersfield
