fireworks

The Regatta fireworks that had only recently been saved have now been cancelled at the last moment, my understanding is that it is to do with the foot path that runs at the bottom of Sham Hill, please correct if I am wrong.
Apparently the people that had worked closely together to save the fireworks either over looked this potential problem, or did not perceive it as a problem. It was one I had raised earlier and just assumed someone would have sorted this bit, now it looks not to be the case. Now footpath closures are contentious anywhere and at any time and I have to say, like many people are against closure for most reasons and more so including the Regatta footpath along the river and which also includes the Festival which I feel should never be closed. There are many of the same opinion and who still walk this path as there right, I do not know of any legal reason why you can or cannot exercise your rights to access the path, perhaps someone could tell me. I have been told by local people that still walk it that it is the right of anyone to walk at any time, is that right?
I have to be consistent here and although I am in total favour of the fireworks and acknowledge the great effort these people/land owner and organisers have done in recent weeks to save this one last event for locals and the like and what a great disappointment this is to them and many people, but I have to stand by my own views and think that no footpaths should be closed unless for exceptional circumstances, I think I could have lived with this being closed for the display itself, but either side of that no, of course this would not have been an issue if the powers that be had not withdrawn in the first place, then we could all have enjoyed the fireworks again and from that great family view point Sham Hill
*APPARENTLY YOU HAVE TO GIVE AT LEAST SIX WEEKS NOTICE TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITY FOR FOOTPATH CLOSURE.
It does ask the question who missed this particular criteria and who informed them at this stage? I feel that on this occasion that the council could grant an emergency closure so as not to disappointment the many people and still feel this could be done!!

Watch this space

Press release

3rd July 2009 – For Immediate Release
Council reverse decision to allow Regatta Fireworks
With less than 48 hours to go until the much talked about Regatta Fireworks,
Wokingham Borough Council have gone back on their decision to allow a crucial
temporary footpath suspension. Wokingham Council had agreed to suspend a very
small stretch of footpath for a short time either side of the display, crucial for health
and safety. Everything was set to go ahead with organisers promising the best
display yet only to be dashed late on Thursday by the Council’s unexplained change
of heart.
Organisers stressed that thousands of people would be let down by this decision and
they would be unable to notify the many people who had made plans in time – this
proved to be of no interest to them.
“This decision is a blow to both the town and us as organisers” said James Brennan
of Hofmanns in Henley, “To keep the minority happy to the detriment of the majority
shows that our old friend, Common Sense, seems to have again been beaten.”
A Henley Standard survey showed that people in favour of the fireworks outnumber
those against nearly 10 fold.
“It makes a mockery of so called democracy when one or two people can exploit
loopholes in local government polices for their own purpose” said Dave Coles of A40
Fireworks.
“This is my first time as part of the Regatta Fireworks team and whilst out speaking to
many local people I have learnt that the vast majority of businesses and residents
support the event whole heartedly” said Angie Major of Blueberry Business. Mrs
Major also highlighted lost revenue opportunities for businesses who will have
specifically sold tickets for firework related events. “Banning the Fireworks diverts
from the real underlying issue of licensing and yobbish behaviour which has nothing
to do with the Fireworks. It is utterly disappointing“.
- ENDS -

90°F

We did it! 32°C (90°F) at 16:08. Anorak time; 32°C actually equals 89.6°F precisely.

Phew!!

Phew!!

Just reached 30.2°C at 13:30.

Follow the temperature live for Henley here.

That Time of the Year

Well here we are again. "Two oars and a load of rowlocks." Now, to the visitor this brings high spirits (not just in mind) and a fashion parade. But for many locals it does the opposite with some shops and businesses closing due to lack of trade and is of a contentious nature. Of course it's a great rowing event with masses of excellent talent but now it is not the local family event that it once was. Just ask around. I feel today its a corporate event for people to be seen and a place where they can drink their Pimm's and watch Wimbledon.

In the past we could roam freely in front of the tents, have a picnic and watch some rowing in this most wonderful part of the world. We could then visit the fair next to the enclosure, mix with the crews and toffs on the rides. We'd all get together in the evenings, especially on Saturday - the BIG day where we'd have great fun generally in anticipation of the grand finale of fireworks and that last ride on the waltzer. So come on you guys who make the difference, bring back the people's regatta for at least one day for the people of the town.

This is an event that should be encouraged for maximum benefit to all. Let's do an Ascot and have a locals day.

House Martins

Here's one for the ornithologists. Coming back to work today I saw a flight of House Martins on wing of course. Can you tell me what they were called and where they used to live? I assume they have been coming to the shores for thousand if not millions of years - before we built houses!

Summer Solstice

Here we are, coming up to the Summer Solstice; the longest day and the official start of Summer. I have always been fascinated by these sorts of events. I know, sad isn't it, but doing a bit of minor research I note that the sunrises and sunsets for our postcode in Henley are the same for the 18th, 19th and 20th of June. Are they not all equally the longest day? My only thought is that it must be seconds of variation. Still I am sure someone will know and of course I could make the extra effort and search the web!!

London's sunrise on 21st June is at 4:42am and sunset is at 9:20pm. Sunrise at 4:42am is London's earliest from 11th-22nd June but the sunset maximum is 9:21pm from 22nd June.

Saved

Well I hear today that the Henley Regatta fireworks have been saved and will take place on Sham Hill near Henley (will need to find somewhere else to sit now!) with the kind permission of the land owner. So fair play to them.

Just a thought though, as on a previous blog, could you tone down the noise just a little to protect wildlife and such.