Obviously the Labour spin machine is in full on election mode. Money for Pools, new dog waste bag dispensers, Rossmere Parks make over, the Bishop Cuthbert CCTV, spring cleaning in Owton Manor etc.
However, such is the lack of foresight and all round lack of grey matter at the sharp end of the local Labour group, all it would really take to undo all of the above is a stupid decision that would really get the hackles up of many of the more astute residents of the town.
Expensive council tax bills are still sat under fridge magnets or on people's hall way tables. The council are still bleating about government cuts and having no money etc.
What would happen if many and I mean MANY people within the civic centre became aware of a purchase so crass and wasteful that it pushed even the most 'silent head down and get on with the job' type of officers to speak out.
That would be bad timing in the run up to voting day.
Wouldn't it. ;)
My understanding is every one from the cleaner right the way up to some of the senior officers are aware of the thing I'm alluding to. It's the talk of the civic amongst the staff.
Let's hope it doesn't leak out across the town before polling day eh Christopher? ;)
Quote from: DRiddle on March 23, 2018, 08: AM
Obviously the Labour spin machine is in full on election mode. Money for Pools, new dog waste bag dispensers, Rossmere Parks make over, the Bishop Cuthbert CCTV, spring cleaning in Owton Manor etc.
However, such is the lack of foresight and all round lack of grey matter at the sharp end of the local Labour group, all it would really take to undo all of the above is a stupid decision that would really get the hackles up of many of the more astute residents of the town.
Expensive council tax bills are still sat under fridge magnets or on people's hall way tables. The council are still bleating about government cuts and having no money etc.
What would happen if many and I mean MANY people within the civic centre became aware of a purchase so crass and wasteful that it pushed even the most 'silent head down and get on with the job' type of officers to speak out.
That would be bad timing in the run up to voting day.
Wouldn't it. ;)
My understanding is every one from the cleaner right the way up to some of the senior officers are aware of the thing I'm alluding to. It's the talk of the civic amongst the staff.
Let's hope it doesn't leak out across the town before polling day eh Christopher? ;)
I'm hearing that Theresa May could be contemplating a visit to Hartlepool. The purpose is to view the Magic Money Tree that our Lab/Tor councillors seem to have discovered in Ward Jackson Park.
I heard a whisper about this from a Civic Insider, the SCABal have spent a wodge of council tax payers money on a Computer Controlled Automatic Bull***t Dispenser it has been installed in The Members Lounge....... In comradely fashion they take turns in filling it up.
Are they remodelling the statue of RWJ with a facelift in the image of the current council leader ?
Obviously as an elected member I'm very aware of purdah guidelines which actually kick in TODAY.
Hence why I'm probably not in a position to go into more detail about the specific nature of the thing that's the talk of the civic. However, as was the case with Manor Residents, WCNE, Carpet gate, SABs sacking etc. these things often have a way of finding their way into the public domain.
Funny, I was told this morning that the Labour Civic Leaders had decided to give Cllr Paul (I lied to Council) Beck, a very expensive golden medal as a parting gift to mark his mayoral year, to be present at the Annual Council Meeting.
£2000 worth I was told.
One thing is for certain this has seriously pished of a number of Council employees, all in it together my ar**.
Please tell me us council tax payers didn't foot the bill ?
Quote from: Stig of the Seaton Dump on March 23, 2018, 11: AM
Please tell me us council tax payers didn't foot the bill ?
Where else could the money have come from, I'm told someone has a copy of the relevant spreadsheet
Quote from: Lord Elpus on March 23, 2018, 11: AM
Quote from: Stig of the Seaton Dump on March 23, 2018, 11: AM
Please tell me us council tax payers didn't foot the bill ?
Where else could the money have come from, I'm told someone has a copy of the relevant spreadsheet
Well that is 2 houses/families that worked and struggled this year just for the vanity of HCLP.
The chain is to be names after one of the SCABs.............
Quote from: mk1 on March 23, 2018, 02: PM
The chain is to be names after one of the SCABs.............
What ... serpentine? ;)
http://hptimbral.hartlepoolpost.co.uk/index.php/topic,3291.msg33640.html#msg33640 this thread reminded me of this earlier thread about medals. SAB has two.
This is worthy of a barrage of public question for the next full council meeting, half a dozen, more if possible should be asking the Leader of the council when these medals were first given to the Mayors, who has been awarded them and how much have they have cost the council tax payers.
Hartlepool Labour.....For the Few, Not the Many.....
Quote from: fred c on March 23, 2018, 04: PM
This is worthy of a barrage of public question for the next full council meeting, half a dozen, more if possible should be asking the Leader of the council when these medals were first given to the Mayors, who has been awarded them and how much have they have cost the council tax payers.
Hartlepool Labour.....For the Few, Not the Many.....
So for a ceremonial position that we didn't want, it is now costing us £7900 per year plus a £2000 gong!
Quote from: mk1 on March 23, 2018, 02: PM
The chain is to be names after one of the SCABs.............
a*r**o** ?
Quote from: mk1 on March 23, 2018, 02: PM
The chain is to be names after one of the SCABs.............
The way the minions come to heel I assume it's a choker lead chain.
May I also add that any such award should be fittingly crafted in Iron Pyrites.
Interesting turn of events regarding this. According to one internet troll the ruckus caused by this going public has resulted in something of a U-turn and the alleged £1,975 gold medal is now a £600 one. The word is the initial purchase was a mistake by an over generous officer. I'll love to meet the officer with the autonomy to spend 2 grand on gold without the nod from the emperor.
The plot thickens... I sense a smokescreen starting to emerge. I wouldn't have thought you can get commissioned gold medals on sale or return.
A Smokescreen..... more like a Sahara Dust Storm, i really don`t think you can purchase a £2,000 Gold Medal with the Best Mayor in the World stamped on it off the shelf.
I would have thought it would have had the Town Crest and an inscription praising Big Fibber Beck on it, so if they have already purchased The Medal it would be highly unlikely that a jeweller would take it on a Sale or Return basis.
This will end up as another Carpetgate explanation, even if it is all supposition what is really disturbing is that the blame is once again cast in the direction of an Officer...Is it any wonder officer are leaving.
It smells more than the bin out the back of the chippy.
So, it cost over £500 which means it will be itemised and detailed on an expenditure spreadsheet ?
Has the national press or Private Eye got wind of this yet ?
I think Mr. Riddle may be on the right track here -
Quote from: DRiddle on March 27, 2018, 10: AM
The plot thickens... I sense a smokescreen starting to emerge. I wouldn't have thought you can get commissioned gold medals on sale or return.
Could it be a smokescreen to hide the recent purchase by HBC of £1,400+ worth of crampons ? - must be some really bad weather on the way.
Quote from: Gustaf I of England + BWH on March 27, 2018, 11: AM
I think Mr. Riddle may be on the right track here -
Quote from: DRiddle on March 27, 2018, 10: AM
The plot thickens... I sense a smokescreen starting to emerge. I wouldn't have thought you can get commissioned gold medals on sale or return.
Could it be a smokescreen to hide the recent purchase by HBC of £1,400+ worth of crampons ? - must be some really bad weather on the way.
There must be some amazing story behind that ?
QuoteSo, it cost over £500 which means it will be itemised and detailed on an expenditure spreadsheet ?
I'm told it already is. Logged at £1,975. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the relevant spread sheet was leaked by one of the Labour members in the anti-scab camp.
Might I suggest a commemorative paper clip, 6p and still too much.
Quote from: Inspector Knacker on March 27, 2018, 01: PM
Might I suggest a commemorative paper clip, 6p and still too much.
Hmm ... a paper clip could be highly symbolic ... contorted, twisted, distorted ... ;)
See H Blackwood is singing Mr Riddle's praises on his FB page - who would have thought.... :)
He's like a windscreen wiper going from one side to the other, or the penny has finally dropped.
If this 'medal purchase' is indeed true, then whoever thought of and authorised it should be forced to resign at such a blatant waste of Council tax payers money! I sincerely hope that those HBC employees/ officers and/or councillors who have the evidence (and the ba**s), will let the Hartlepool public know just what this bunch of charlatans have wasted / stolen over the years!
It all boils down to, a medal for what exactly ? Just being there?
I recall no stunning contribution to civic life, no principled stands, no waves made, no boats rocked, just mundane acquiesance.
A medal? Seriously?
Update on this issue to follow soon. Not necessarily from me, but there have been developments since the leak. Which let us not forget did not come from me. I mentioned literally nothing about a medal. Merely about some crass wastage. The spread sheet the Hartlepool Post are allegedly in possession of referring to the acquisition of a gold medal (with specific costings and a councillors name on it) must have just entered the atmosphere via osmosis or witchcraft. Move along there's nothing to see here. Just like there wasn't with the carpets . . . Or MRA . . . Or the cafe in the crems accounts . . . Or Cranney trying to give me a clip . . . Or Cranney asking that granny if he'd slept with her . . . Or Dr Mikes Tooting connections . . . Or the common knowledge that the town plan would be scrapped before it was . . . The Hartlepool Post have got it all wrong. Just like they always do . . . #fakenews.
Quote from: Inspector Knacker on March 27, 2018, 07: PM
It all boils down to, a medal for what exactly ? Just being there?
I recall no stunning contribution to civic life, no principled stands, no waves made, no boats rocked, just mundane acquiesance.
A medal? Seriously?
Plus an extra £7900 for the privilege
Quote from: Johnny Bongo on March 27, 2018, 07: PM
If this 'medal purchase' is indeed true, then whoever thought of and authorised it should be forced to resign at such a blatant waste of Council tax payers money! I sincerely hope that those HBC employees/ officers and/or councillors who have the evidence (and the ba**s), will let the Hartlepool public know just what this bunch of charlatans have wasted / stolen over the years!
i this the first or has it been one of many ??
Ben Houchen is asking people via social media to vote Conservative in Hartlepool.
Has he ever been to a full council meeting ?
If he has, could he spot the Tory Councillors ?
They'll be the ones with the leads on surely? Doing the obedience trials, jumping through hoops and getting patted on the head. Oops, saw the 'C' and thought you meant Crufts. Silly me.
If my memory serves me right wasn't SAB seen wearing an unidentified medal at a Remembrance Parade. Perhaps this is not the first one issued. !!!
Just a thought.
Quote from: notenoughsaid on March 29, 2018, 02: PM
If my memory serves me right wasn't SAB seen wearing an unidentified medal at a Remembrance Parade. Perhaps this is not the first one issued. !!!
Just a thought.
You are almost correct NES.... he was observed wearing 2 Medals, no-one knows exactly what the significance was....
Quote from: fred c on March 29, 2018, 03: PM
Quote from: notenoughsaid on March 29, 2018, 02: PM
If my memory serves me right wasn't SAB seen wearing an unidentified medal at a Remembrance Parade. Perhaps this is not the first one issued. !!!
Just a thought.
You are almost correct NES.... he was observed wearing 2 Medals, no-one knows exactly what the significance was....
DFC and bar (Devoted Frollower of Chipper) Chipper Club life member.?
OBE (Oreder of Burger Eaters)?
looks like our no1 fan is on the case
https://www.facebook.com/harry.blackwood.52
I would not be surprised if SAB had not looked into the chances of him been put forward for an OBE, I'm sure he could get enough people to write in singing his praises. The trouble would come once the powers that be do a google search of the nimcompoop.
I suppose they are very used to self serviing ars*h**es trying to blag a proper gong.
Quote from: Lord Elpus on March 30, 2018, 06: PM
I would not be surprised if SAB had not looked into the chances of him been put forward for an OBE.........
..... to honour Art-le-poo-el?
I'll update on here later on what HBC are saying is the situation with the gold medal. People can form their own views.
Quote from: DRiddle on March 30, 2018, 06: PM
I'll update on here later on what HBC are saying is the situation with the gold medal. People can form their own views.
cannot wait do not leave it to long david
Tom Cook was blaming a Councillor Officer for The Medal situation on Blackwoods FB page......But we all know Blaming a Council Officer is the Modus Operandi of The SCABAL....So much for the Corbynites wanting shot of the usual suspects, now they are kissing their ar**'s.... ::)
This sounds just like the carpet fiasco.
About as believable as the tooth fairy.
So here's the 'story' from beginning to end so far.
Around two weeks ago various people's inboxes started pinging with information from sources in and around the civic centre about a gold medal. That's a fact, that definitely happened. There was talk about a gold medal which could/would/might be given to the outgoing Mayor next month. That information was circulating on or around the 16th March.
What is certain is there is documented proof of what most people perceived to be a purchase order with the words 'for Cllr Paul Beck for annual Council on 24th May' on it. On the same document it quotes a price of £1,975.
That information founds its way into the hands or minds of myself, ex-cllr Geoff Lilley, various other Councillors, the people at The Hartlepool Post and from what i hear, practically every single member of staff in the Kremlin.
Things then start to develop on the 23rd March when i make veiled reference to an alleged purchase which might upset sections of the electorate. I don't mention specifically what the purchase supposedly is due to my awareness of Purdah guide lines. However, others who are aware of the leak opt to fill in the blanks.
Over the next few days there are many murmurings from within HBC, in particular from Labour councillors. My name is offered up as the source of the leak (not true) and i'm told complaints were made to the CEO. The new Labour members go into defensive mode on social media and the story then becomes somewhat hazy with claim and counter claim made about the alleged medal.
Ultimately, the £140,000 a year CEO seemingly in charge of the organisation which employs 4,000 people and receives upwards of £70 million a year in council tax and business rates, decides to clarify a situation raised in an 'insignificant' local online forum.
It seems what has 'leaked' out of the civic is NOT in fact a purchase order for a gold medal for Paul Beck, but in fact a QUOTE for one from a local jeweler.
To quote the CEO directly;
QuoteEnquiries were made with a local jeweler regarding the cost of providing a gold medal. These enquires were made to establish the costs to enable discussions to be had with the out going Ceremonial Mayor and Chair of Finance and Policy Committee. However, these discussions had not taken place before this issue was raised on social media.
Following receipt of the cost estimate, I discussed this with the Chair of Finance and Policy Committee and the decision was made not to proceed with the gold medal option.
As an alternative it is now intended that the out going Ceremonial Mayor will be awarded an alternative medal which the Council currently holds and originally cost £530.
That quote above comes direct from an e-mail from the council CEO dated yesterday, 29th March (sorry Gill but i'm just sick of it all). Some 13 days after the original chatter in the civic about a gold medal for the outgoing Mayor, and seven days after my original post on this topic.
People are free to draw their own conclusions from this timeline of events.
Whatever your position or view on this, it obviously raises some questions.
One, why, if we had a £530 medal 'lying around in the civic', did we feel the need to commission a local jeweller for another? Two, how many other 'treasures' are to be found in HBC as well as a £530 gold medal? A Picasso perhaps? A few diamonds, some bars of gold bullion? Three, how the hell do you 'over order' gold medals? Because it this one was lying around, who was the medal now going to Councillor Beck originally for? Did a previous outgoing Mayor decline it? How much has been spent of 'Medals for Mayors' since Stuart Drummond left office? All in all this raises more questions than answers.
Do the voting public feel even a £530 medal is necessary 36 hours before they're due to start paying the 3rd highest council tax rates (in unitary authorities) in the country?
Do they believe this situation has played out in the way described by the CEO?
Do they believe the situation would have played out this way had the information NOT found its way out of the civic centre two weeks ago?
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, will HBC stand by this explanation if a document marked 'purchase order' were to turn up (showing the details of the £1,975 medal) and find it's way into the public domain?
And that last one, is perhaps the most interesting question of all.
Happy Easter.
Quote from: DRiddle on March 30, 2018, 09: PM
So here's the 'story' from beginning to end so far.
Around two weeks ago various people's inboxes started pinging with information from sources in and around the civic centre about a gold medal. That's a fact, that definitely happened. There was talk about a gold medal which could/would/might be given to the outgoing Mayor next month. That information was circulating on or around the 16th March.
What is certain is there is documented proof of what most people perceived to be a purchase order with the words 'for Cllr Paul Beck for annual Council on 24th May' on it. On the same document it quotes a price of £1,975.
That information founds its way into the hands or minds of myself, ex-cllr Geoff Lilley, various other Councillors, the people at The Hartlepool Post and from what i hear, practically every single member of staff in the Kremlin.
Things then start to develop on the 23rd March when i make veiled reference to an alleged purchase which might upset sections of the electorate. I don't mention specifically what the purchase supposedly is due to my awareness of Purdah guide lines. However, others who are aware of the leak opt to fill in the blanks.
Over the next few days there are many murmurings from within HBC, in particular from Labour councillors. My name is offered up as the source of the leak (not true) and i'm told complaints were made to the CEO. The new Labour members go into defensive mode on social media and the story then becomes somewhat hazy with claim and counter claim made about the alleged medal.
Ultimately, the £140,000 a year CEO seemingly in charge of the organisation which employs 4,000 people and receives upwards of £70 million a year in council tax and business rates, decides to clarify a situation raised in an 'insignificant' local online forum.
It seems what has 'leaked' out of the civic is NOT in fact a purchase order for a gold medal for Paul Beck, but in fact a QUOTE for one from a local jeweler.
To quote the CEO directly;
QuoteEnquiries were made with a local jeweler regarding the cost of providing a gold medal. These enquires were made to establish the costs to enable discussions to be had with the out going Ceremonial Mayor and Chair of Finance and Policy Committee. However, these discussions had not taken place before this issue was raised on social media.
Following receipt of the cost estimate, I discussed this with the Chair of Finance and Policy Committee and the decision was made not to proceed with the gold medal option.
As an alternative it is now intended that the out going Ceremonial Mayor will be awarded an alternative medal which the Council currently holds and originally cost £530.
That quote above comes direct from an e-mail from the council CEO dated yesterday, 29th March (sorry Gill but i'm just sick of it all). Some 13 days after the original chatter in the civic about a gold medal for the outgoing Mayor, and seven days after my original post on this topic.
People are free to draw their own conclusions from this timeline of events.
Whatever your position or view on this, it obviously raises some questions.
One, why, if we had a £530 medal 'lying around in the civic', did we feel the need to commission a local jeweller for another? Two, how many other 'treasures' are to be found in HBC as well as a £530 gold medal? A Picasso perhaps? A few diamonds, some bars of gold bullion? Three, how the hell do you 'over order' gold medals? Because it this one was lying around, who was the medal now going to Councillor Beck originally for? Did a previous outgoing Mayor decline it? How much has been spent of 'Medals for Mayors' since Stuart Drummond left office? All in all this raises more questions than answers.
Do the voting public feel even a £530 medal is necessary 36 hours before they're due to start paying the 3rd highest council tax rates (in unitary authorities) in the country?
Do they believe this situation has played out in the way described by the CEO?
Do they believe the situation would have played out this way had the information NOT found its way out of the civic centre two weeks ago?
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, will HBC stand by this explanation if a document marked 'purchase order' were to turn up (showing the details of the £1,975 medal) and find it's way into the public domain?
And that last one, is perhaps the most interesting question of all.
Happy Easter.
keep plugging young david you have them on the run
Why would an enquiry be made to a jeweller unless a purchase was intended?
Or are random requests made for the hell of it?
What is an alternative medal? Was one discovered down the back of the municipal settee?
so what it amounts to is a man who lied to the full council and then got caught out by said councils own video
then backs belchers dodgy charity
which then becomes a good cause
gets a medal for his sterling service
you couldn't make this up
how many more dodgy gongs have we paid for ??
have that lot got their own skunk farm :o
Do the voting public feel even a £530 medal is necessary 36 hours before they're due to start paying the 3rd highest council tax rates (in unitary authorities) in the country?
NO
Do they believe this situation has played out in the way described by the CEO?
NO
Do they believe the situation would have played out this way had the information NOT found its way out of the civic centre two weeks ago?
NO
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, will HBC stand by this explanation if a document marked 'purchase order' were to turn up (showing the details of the £1,975 medal) and find it's way into the public domain?
NO
And that last one, is perhaps the most interesting question of all.
Quote from: fred cFinally, and perhaps most importantly, will HBC stand by this explanation if a document marked 'purchase order' were to turn up (showing the details of the £1,975 medal) and find it's way into the public domain?
NO
And that last one, is perhaps the most interesting question of all.
without a doubt mucka
the part time sky pilot is just as bent as the rest of them
WTF :o...What exactly does G.A. do for £140K a year...apart from covering up for lying, thieving, hypocritical labour Councillors?
Will G.A. resign when the truth emerges, which will show another cover up?
Was the medal that SAB wore to the Rememberence Day Parade, also a gold one from HBC?
And finally...have HBC/ HCLP recently ordered a few dozen spades (using CT payers money!) as they seem to be doing a wonderful job at digging their own graves! Hopefully, soon they'll have dug deep enough where they can't climb out! Won't be long now! ;D
Do they have a spare medal because they bought a number of them in the past ?
For such a bespoke item I guess it costs a lot more for one than it does for the second and subsequent made at the same time if they use the same mold etc.
There must be a paper trail behind this.
It would be quite something if it started with the disgraced mayor sacked for gross misconduct whilst wearing the mayoral robes and bringing shame on the town.
Is that really how the chief exec allowed such behaviour to be rewarded ?
The most cringeworthy feature of this tawdry business is why a gold medal?
The forces medals aren't even made of gold, So how could the very idea of commisioning a 'medal' for any mere political nodding dog warrant the honour?
A medal for what exactly? Surely not in recognition of the work done ?
The whole thing reeks of pompous self importance amongst a group obsessed with their own vanity.
Surely if they want to indulge in such tosh, I suggest they pop round to the nearest engraver of dog collar discs. I'm sure all the relevant 'achievements' can safely be engraved on the space remaining after the name is finished.
As has already been said - this is on top of the £7900 he has received for being Mayor (chairman of the council) only this bit's tax free.
Adding to Dave Riddle's list - do we now have another spare medal valued at £1975?
The official line, which I have no reason to disbelieve ::) is the £1,975 medal was never actually ordered. It was merely knowledge of a quote which leaked out of HBC, NOT an invoice or list of future pending purchases.
Quote from: DRiddle on March 31, 2018, 08: AM
The official line, which I have no reason to disbelieve ::) is the £1,975 medal was never actually ordered. It was merely knowledge of a quote which leaked out of HBC, NOT an invoice or list of future pending purchases.
The way I was told it was very clear, there was an intention to spend £1,975 on a medal for Cllr Paul (I lied to Council) Beck. It appears to me that once the cat was out the bag there has been a lot of back pedaling to try and save face. Personally I fail to see why us Council tax payers should have to pay over £500 for a medal especially for a man who is a proven liar.
Perhaps we should also be aware of the 'special' relationship Beck has with the SCAB's he has been on holidays with them, a cruise with them, socialises with them and is appears to be involved with the 'Andsome ones' cafe, not to mention a volunteer on the Rifty project.
As far a GA's involvement I would not trust her as far as Chris could toss her, Christian ethics? not the way I see it.
All animals are created equal, my ar**.
Just a quick update. An un named councillor has suggested to the CEO that the cost of the medal be paid for via a whip round from the 32 councillors (33 except Beck). The new cost of the medal, £530 would mean a donation of £16.56 each from their own pockets.
This seems a far more palatable solution to me and is much more 'normal' in most sectors when people have a whip round for a leaving gift or if someone has a baby or is ill and gets sent some flowers or something.
Obviously there will be some councillors reading this who will have just spat their morning coffee out at the thought of having to part with their own cash rather than spend the tax payers. But we live in hope of a further attack of conscience from the reasonable members of the Labour group.
Quote from: DRiddle on March 31, 2018, 09: AM
Just a quick update. An un named councillor has suggested to the CEO that the cost of the medal be paid for via a whip round from the 32 councillors (33 except Beck). The new cost of the medal, £530 would mean a donation of £16.56 each from their own pockets.
This seems a far more palatable solution to me and is much more 'normal' in most sectors when people have a whip round for a leaving gift or if someone has a baby or is ill and gets sent some flowers or something.
Obviously there will be some councillors reading this who will have just spat their morning coffee out at the thought of having to part with their own cash rather than spend the tax payers. But we live in hope of a further attack of conscience from the reasonable members of the Labour group.
They'd have a job to have made me pay it.
Perhaps they could make him a Freeman instead much cheaper apart from the cost of the bun fight but the Andsome one could provide that, burgers all round.
I object to having to stand for the entrance to the council chamber of a man I have zero respect for..... I also object to the possible use of 'Any' public money to purchase a medal for the same person.
Only in Hartlepool and Only Under The SCABAL
Quote from: DRiddle on March 31, 2018, 08: AM
The official line, which I have no reason to disbelieve ::) is the £1,975 medal was never actually ordered. It was merely knowledge of a quote which leaked out of HBC, NOT an invoice or list of future pending purchases.
I would think asking for a costing is an indication of a possible intent to purchase, unless of course they randomly travel around local businesses asking for random quotes for random things out of interest.
If he's that great, never mind the Council or councillors paying, put out an appeal to the public to fund it. Party members excluded of course.
Imagine what would be needed for the top dogs in similar circumstances :o
Maybe the medal is for services to Charitable concerns
The whole disgusting issue should be publicised as much as possible, as soon as possible. Let's see what the Harlepool public really think of these idiots, so soon after the CT rise! As for a whip round, I reckon he'd be lucky to get 50p....and that's off all of the Scabal!
Quote from: Johnny Bongo on March 31, 2018, 02: PM
The whole disgusting issue should be publicised as much as possible, as soon as possible. Let's see what the Harlepool public really think of these idiots, so soon after the CT rise! As for a whip round, I reckon he'd be lucky to get 50p....and that's off all of the Scabal!
Do not worry concerned citizen. Those who claim they never read The Post have proved themselves liars and are busy using the latest revelation to revive flagging careers and open up another front against the SCAB Cabal. Anth has another club to beat CAB with and maybe now he can deliver on his boastful claims that he (and the new intake) were going to quickly defenestrate Christopher and return Hartlepool Labour to its principles. Sadly Anth's power-grab has (so far) turned out to be as successful as his plan to get Ann Marshal elected in Seaton. The SCABs have run rings around the Corbynites and their grip on power is as strong as ever. If I were a betting man I would wager the plot to get Hill replaced by the good Doctor will be Anth's only triumph.
After perusing a couple of social media sites in the last few days, I think the Corbynites are more than a little confused about who they are actually supporting, obviously Doc McMedia is their choice as the next Member..... but between them they have engaged in a little bit of SCABAL licking lately.
When two tribes go to war?
The easily resistible force meets the slippery moveable object.
Update: Various councillors are now saying that the five hundred odd pound new/old medal is definitely NEW and has/is being ordered for Beck. So i'm not sure what the CEO meant by "currently holds" and "originally cost", because according to several Councillors it was definitely recently ordered.
Nice to know your council tax is being put to good use eh? A Gold medal for leaving his role eh? I bet he didn't get one of those when he left his role as a security guard on Powlett Road.
I assume it took an officer to sign off the order and pay an invoice as a councillor won't have that authority will they ?
I wonder who it was ?
HBC only needs have held it from before the S**t Hit The Fan....... Duplicitous shenanigans once again from HBC.......
I think this kind of behaviour was what the Peer Review Group ment when they passed the comment about a lack of... Openness, Transparency and Accountability.
Only in Hartlepool and Only Under The Labour Mob.
As I've said before, all of the lies, waste and fraud from HCLP/ HBC needs to be publicised on a leaflet/ newsletter from ANY of the independent parties/ individuals who are 'running for office' in May. The sheep need to know the truth before it's too late! I'll gladly put them through as many letterboxes as I can, hoping to get rid of this 'cancer' that is (purporting to be) Labour, from Hartlepool, once and for all!
Quote from: fred c on April 02, 2018, 09: PM
HBC only needs have held it from before the S**t Hit The Fan....... Duplicitous shenanigans once again from HBC.......
I think this kind of behaviour was what the Peer Review Group ment when they passed the comment about a lack of... Openness, Transparency and Accountability.
Only in Hartlepool and Only Under The Labour Mob.
nothing has changed then Fred
Quote from: Stig of the Seaton Dump on March 27, 2018, 11: AM
Quote from: Gustaf I of England + BWH on March 27, 2018, 11: AM
I think Mr. Riddle may be on the right track here -
Quote from: DRiddle on March 27, 2018, 10: AM
The plot thickens... I sense a smokescreen starting to emerge. I wouldn't have thought you can get commissioned gold medals on sale or return.
Could it be a smokescreen to hide the recent purchase by HBC of £1,400+ worth of crampons ? - must be some really bad weather on the way.
There must be some amazing story behind that ?
I somehow managed to overlook this and the implied question from Stig.
Don't know if it qualifies as an amazing story but -
Word on the street has it that we ( ie. The Hrtlpool electorate through HBC) need the crampons so that next time a mini ice-age hits Hrtlpool, the Refuse Collection and Recycling Agents (binmen) can continue to do their jobs, unlike last time when they
had to be sent home and didn't return to work until the following Tuesday were re-deployed to other duties to help keep the Highways and Bye-ways of the Borough Open (sorry, was forgetting the official line).
I am just wondering how long it will be before someone orders the Snow Chains and Spiked tyres - because if the weather is so bad that crampons are needed to walk, the wagons won't be able to accompany the binmen on their rounds unaided.
Or is that just me being cynical ?
So it now seems clear (as if we hadn't worked it out at the time) that SABs 'medals' he wore to the Royal Navy event were indeed for services rendered during his time a Mayor of Hartlepool. Looks to me like he served 2 terms so got two medals?
Reportedly the now infamous gold medal for Paul Beck, which turned up in a drawer or wherever, can be traced back to 2014 when it was part of a bulk order. The 'quote' for the £2,000 one is now being put down as a mistake. The lack of knowledge of, or lack of communication about the the existing stock of medals is also being laid at the door of an un-named 'manager'.
Just going back to my first point, let's just think about SABS time as Mayor.
We saw embarrassment after embarrassment both to the council and the town as a whole. He made the national press, was exposed as an out and out liar and upset practically everyone he came into contact with. The made accusations about safeguarding issues to Newcastle City Council then opted not to attend his own tribunal to avoid further embarrassment.
He's the only Mayor i can remember whose very presence could cause a usually deserted council chamber to be packed to the rafters with angry members of the public. There was a spell about 3 years or so ago where he routinely almost caused civil unrest in the council chamber, just by speaking. He showed absolute contempt for members or the public and opposition Councillors and was without doubt an absolute disgrace to the chains.
And he was seemingly given two gold medals for his efforts.
Quote from: DRiddle on April 06, 2018, 09: AM
So it now seems clear (as if we hadn't worked it out at the time) that SABs 'medals' he wore to the Royal Navy event were indeed for services rendered during his time a Mayor of Hartlepool. Looks to me like he served 2 terms so got two medals?
Reportedly the now infamous gold medal for Paul Beck, which turned up in a drawer or wherever, can be traced back to 2014 when it was part of a bulk order. The 'quote' for the £2,000 one is now being put down as a mistake. The lack of knowledge of, or lack of communication about the the existing stock of medals is also being laid at the door of an un-named 'manager'.
Just going back to my first point, let's just think about SABS time as Mayor.
We saw embarrassment after embarrassment both to the council and the town as a whole. He made the national press, was exposed as an out and out liar and upset practically everyone he came into contact with. The made accusations about safeguarding issues to Newcastle City Council then opted not to attend his own tribunal to avoid further embarrassment.
He's the only Mayor i can remember whose very presence could cause a usually deserted council chamber to be packed to the rafters with angry members of the public. There was a spell about 3 years or so ago where he routinely almost caused civil unrest in the council chamber, just by speaking. He showed absolute contempt for members or the public and opposition Councillors and was without doubt an absolute disgrace to the chains.
And he was seemingly given two gold medals for his efforts.
The 'quote' for the £2,000 one is now being put down as a mistake. The lack of knowledge of, or lack of communication about the the existing stock of medals is also being laid at the door of an un-named manager.Hardly a surprise to blame an unamed council officer, it's happened before and it will happen again, no wonder information leaks are becoming more and more prevalent.
Another explanation that has a hollow ring to it, surely it has reached the point, were someone within senior management should stand up and give a factual account of this debacle.
It is public money and the hard pressed council tax payer has other priorities for its use rather than on expensive ego boosting fripperies for pseudo politicians.
Ladbrookes wouldn't take odds on the fact that the first medal awarded to a Hartlepool Mayor was to SAB.
There's now what for all the world looks like a screen shot of a HBC purchase order for a £1,975 gold medal doing the rounds on social media.
Quote from: DRiddle on November 06, 2018, 11: AM
There's now what for all the world looks like a screen shot of a HBC purchase order for a £1,975 gold medal doing the rounds on social media.
A link so a screen grab can be made would be the best course of action.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/337999170081752
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/924/RdCF1D.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/poRdCF1Dj)
Absolutely appalling! I'm aware its' been asked on this forum, however any further info on a signatory for this? Maybe a short clip for Hartlepool TV to cover?
You can picture the scene:
Turnip Head- if you give 'us your charity money I will see you get a right tasty gold medal. It will be worth a bob or two and you can sell it when you retire and no one will be any the wiser.
Fibber-Beck- ok marra. Consider it done, 'done' in the same way all those who thought their donations were going to a registered charity!
Turnip Head- you are a real mate Paul. The medals are the best quality we could get. I have two and I sure 'aint going to lower myself wear any old tat. I had me mam and then me dad penciled in for one each but those cnuts Anth and Brash shafted me..
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/xq90/923/dM9BiR.png) (https://imageshack.com/i/pndM9BiRp)
And this is the thing, how long would this have gone on for IF it hadn't been exposed via an internal leak and people ensuring it made it into the public domain? How many gold medals were purchased BEFORE the intention to buy one for Beck went public? I've been getting grief online from Labour CLP members who claim THEY stopped the purchase of expensive gold medals for out going Mayors. Be assured, the CLP, particularly the new crowd, knew literally NOTHING about the intent to but Beck a gold medal costing £2,000.
Hartlepool CLP and the council in general went into damage limitation mode because they realised the voting public would not be happy. They acted AFTER the exposure. The was no 'moral outrage', they were oblivious to what was going on and ARE oblivious to what's going on in other aspects of the ruling groups behaviour.
I'd bet my bottom dollar that if the proposed purchase of the medal hadn't came to light via social media,it would be in Beck's sock drawer or on its weight to 'cash for gold' once he'd realised it's scrap value.
Quote from: DRiddle on November 07, 2018, 12: PM
I've been getting grief online from Labour CLP members who claim THEY stopped the purchase of expensive gold medals for out going Mayors. Be assured, the CLP, particularly the new crowd, knew literally NOTHING about the intent to but Beck a gold medal costing £2,000.
Given most of the Labour Mob are/were members here under a variety of false IDs (Brash had two and used one to lavish praise on himself) you would think they would have at least been curious when they read this here back in
2016http://hptimbral.hartlepoolpost.co.uk/index.php/topic,3291.15.html
Perhaps you should remind them of their lack of curiosity compared to the current frenetic efforts to mitigate the damage now it is in the public domain.
I find it amusing in a perverse sort of way, the fact the Corbyn Pixies have convinced themselve that it was they who exposed the shenanigans and that the long time users of The Hartlepool Post had Sweet FA to do with it......
The glaring weakness in their belief is the fact most of them have only recently crawled out of the labmob woodwork......although to be blunt, a few of them crawled out of a cess pit as numerous screenshots bear witness to.
Quote from: fred c on November 07, 2018, 03: PM
I find it amusing in a perverse sort of way, the fact the Corbyn Pixies have convinced themselve that it was they who exposed the shenanigans and that the long time users of The Hartlepool Post had Sweet FA to do with it.
Would you expect anything else? They'll be claiming they discovered gravity, penicillin, the planets and the Theory of Relativity next, just give them time.