Missing Bus Timetable Requested for Stop at Campfield Square Shops

Residents in Barnhill have complained to me about the lack of a bus timetable at the 'new' bus stop on the south side of Nursery Road close to the Campfield Square Shopping Centre. They are glad that the bus stop has been replaced but puzzled why the Timetable space has remained blank.

I have written to the transportation department to request a timetable is inserted as soon as possible.

I shall be watching this space!

Forthill Tenants' Association Meeting

Yesterday evening, I attended the monthly meeting of the Forthill Tenants' Association which meets in the Tenants' Lounge in the Complex on Forthill Drive.

Forthill Tenants' Association is an enthusiastic and hard working group of older people who bring lots of life experience and many years involvement to their work on this committee. They are also a group of folk who know what they want and will enlist support wherever this lies to help them to achieve their goals.

These meetings are always lively and the members present are enthusiastic and caring. I always enjoy attending their meetings.

A worthwhile and constructive meeting. I am glad that I attended.

Broughty Ferry Waterfront from the Stannergate to the Dighty

I was in Tayport this morning. Standing on the harbour wall provides an uninterrupted view point across the estuary towards Broughty Ferry. It was here that I shot this short video, on my hand held Panasonic TZ10 camera. 

The video begins its sweep at the the western, Stannergate, end of The Ferry coastline and pans slowly to Balmossie Station and the Dighty at the eastern boundary. Apologies for the camera shake.

Its a fine coastline, I am sure you will agree. As a former Ferry Councillor used to say, 

'Broughty Ferry is the jewel in the Dundee crown'.

Road Safety Fears from Camphill Road Residents

Camphill Road looking East along
one of the narrower stretches.

Many residents in Camphill Road have contacted me to pass on their concerns about road safety in their street. 

Their concerns focus particularly on the narrower section of their road between the top of Whinny Brae and the junction with Queen Street at the traffic lights. 

They think that the corners in this stretch of the road leave drivers with blind spots. These hazards mean that motorists, pedestrians and cyclists are in danger of colliding at the corners where sight lines are restricted by the turns in the road and parked cars down one side of the road. In the picture (click on the picture to enlarge) notice that the single free lane is bounded on the left with a narrow pavement.

Observations of close run collisions at this point make some residents fearful that this is a serious accident waiting to happen. Their solution is to make Camphill Road east from its junction with Panmure Street one way. This would also reduce the opportunity for Camphill Road to be used as a rat run.

I have written to the Head of Transportation at the City Council to request that the traffic flows on this section of Camphill Road are monitored and options for improving road safety are assessed. The residents I have met are however adamant that they are not requesting the Council to paint more double yellow lines as many homes in the narrower part of the road have no off street parking.

Entering Dundee Cyclathon Sunday 9 September 2012

Ready to go in the 2011 Cyclathon

Sunday 9 September is the 2012 Dundee Cyclathon organised by Claverhouse Rotary Club with cyclists raising money for the Caring for Kids charity or their own nominated charity.
I shall be joining hundreds of cyclists who will pedalling around the 26 miles of the Dundee Green Circular route with the start and finish at Camperdown Park. 

This year I will be riding with my two daughters Naomi and Imogen and we will be making up a team entry.

Our team are raising sponsorship cash for Tushinde Childrens' Trust. If you would like to sponsor us, we have a fund raising page on Just Giving.

If you want to join in the cycling fun and raise some cash for good causes there is still time to enter the Cyclathon. More details of how to enter.

Les Miserables the Best - Dundee Schools' Music Theatre 29 August - 1 September 2012

Lovers of music theatre may not agree on which is the best musical of all time, but surely Les Miserables must be up there near the top of most of their lists? In my opinion, 'Les Mis' has it all: an epic narrative, snatches of humour and in the end redemption and hope as well as a rousing musical score and songs with memorable lyrics. 

All this presents a considerable challenge to an amateur company like Dundee Schools' Music Theatre (DSMT). My younger daughter was in the last DSMT production nine years ago at the Whitehall Theatre. That production was a triumph. I wondered whether they could pull it off again?

I was not disappointed in the performance of 'Les Mis' on Friday night at the Gardyne Theatre; in fact this production surpassed my expectations and the 2003 performance. Sorry Daughter! 

The DSMT cast gave the audience the performance of their young lives. It was truly an astonishingly accomplished all round performance. I particularly noticed the increase level of participation by young men in the cast and the improved solo, small group and unison singing compared with the class of 2002/3. 

In such an engaging and energetic ensemble performance, it seems almost wrong to pick out a favourite moment but I will. The rousing and rumbustious 'Master of the House' was a superb blend of singing, dancing and well timed pantomime like delivery by Thenardier and Madame Thenardier. They provided a snatch of humorous relief between the darker themes woven into the script.  

On the staff side, I noticed that this time Richard Waghorn was the Conductor of the Orchestra whereas he took a leading role on stage in the 2003 production. In the Orchestra I also noticed three members of the Mainds family.

A great night out from of the talented young people drawn from each one of our nine secondary schools. Their talents has been nurtured in our schools and by the staff leading and supporting this eleven month extra curricular programme of rehearsals leading up to the DSMT show nights.

The DSMT done good.

Education Review Group Meeting Secrets

Yesterday morning, I attended a meeting of the Education Review Group in the Council's Committee Room 1. This was Chaired by the Chief Executive, David Dorward, and involved a wide range of people with an interest in the Education of young people in the city. This included, amongst others, the Director of Education and Head Teacher representatives and two other Councillors. 

I found this to be a very positive meeting at which we discussed a number of important educational issues for nearly two hours. I think many parents, carers and teachers would be interested in our deliberations and decisions. Unfortunately, I can't reveal any further details about the agenda, or the papers issued for this meeting because the papers were stamped: 
"NOT FOR PUBLICATION IN TERMS OF
PARAGRAPHS 3.14 AND 3.15 OF THE CODE
OF CONDUCT FOR COUNCILLORS"

I regret that I am curbed from extending these discussions by writing about them here. I think, in this instance these restrictions are disproportionate and unnecessary and arguably a gagging clause is counter productive. I have written to David Dorward, to suggest these restrictions are lifted. 

Visit to NE England Regional Viewpoint Team

A Tenant Led Inspection Group in Falkirk

On Wednesday I spent the day with tenants of Home Group from the North East of England meeting in Durham. These tenants are involved in the North East Regional Viewpoint Team who have been reviewing the policy and practice of Home Group, in their areas, on void properties; properties that have been vacated, abandoned and repossessed and are empty until relet. This viewpoint team perform similar functions to the tenants of the City Council here in Dundee who have recently been involved in undertaking tenant led inspections of the housing service. 

It was enjoyable and informative visit which was connected to my role as Chairperson of the Dundee Area Committee of Home Scotland. Home Scotland are part of Home Group and are a registered housing association who own and manage 1600 homes in Dundee. Home Scotland are currently considering the best range of ways to involve tenants. This visit will help inform planning for the future on the Dundee Area Committee of Home Scotland. It will also help inform my contributions as a member of the Housing Committee of the City Council. 

For those who are worried about who might be financing this activity, my train fare to Durham was arranged by Home Scotland so there will be no drain on the council tax payers in Dundee.

Open Lecture on Leonardo's Art & Science 6pm Sat 1st Sept Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee - Free Tickets in Advance

Martin Kemp, one of the world's leading authorities on Leonardo da Vinci, will give a public lecture in Dundee on Saturday 1st September to mark the arrival in Dundee of a new exhibition of Leonardo's drawings.

Ten Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration from the Royal Collection is at The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum, from August 31st to November 4th. It is the only Scottish venue hosting the exhibition.

Martin Kemp is Emeritus Professor of the History of Art at the University of Oxford and one of the world's leading experts on Leonardo. In his public lecture at the University of Dundee on Saturday September 1st he will explore the ways in which Leonardo's art and science can both be understood as a remaking of nature on the basis of deep understanding of cause and effect.

Free tickets for this event are available from events@dundee.ac.uk, www.dundee.ac.uk/tickets, Tower Building Reception at the University, or by calling 01382 385564/385108.

A drinks reception will follow this event. Please note that overflow theatres may be in operation.

Coastal Pathway Drainage Improvements Underway

Out dog walking yesterday and it was good to see the work to improve the drainage on the coastal pathway underway. This is on the section of the raised pathway which lies to the west of Dundee Sailing Club's Grassy Beach Centre beneath Ravenscraig Gardens. 

At the end of July, I had reported to the Council that:
'there was a short but very slippery stretch of green slime stretching across the path just beneath Ravenscraig Gardens..... Water is usually oozing out of a cleft in the wall beneath the railway line at this  point. The unusually high levels of rainfall in June and July have presumably led to a greater volume of water running over the path. This in turn has created the conditions for a more extensive area of green fungal slime. This has created very slippery under foot conditions which for an unsuspecting person might lead to a serious slip or fall.'

In early August, the Council's Environment Department, arranged for a thorough cleaning of the path to remove the slime. Feedback from walkers, joggers and cyclists has been very positive. Now the Council is helpfully undertaking the work that should mean there is a longer term solution. In the photo you can see that they are making provision for a drainage channel to take the water away preventing it spreading out across the path.

Tayside Police Board Meeting in Forfar Monday 27 August 2012

Yesterday morning I attended my first regular meeting of the Tayside Police Board. I had previously only attended meetings of the Board as a substitute for colleagues. 

A really informative item for me was a briefing from Andrew Laing, Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland. He overviewed the role of the Inspectorate which was very helpful to a new member like me. He also reminded Board members of the importance of ensuring that as preparations are made for the introduction of the Single Police for Scotland in April next year, we weren't distracted from ensuring that tangible improvements to fighting crime are maintained. 

We also discussed the Tayside Police Performance Quarter 1 April - June 2012. This report included an analysis of recorded crime which indicated that there had been a significant reduction in violent crime and vandalism compared with earlier quarters. Over the same period there had been an increase in Domestic House Breaking and Break-ins to business premises.

There was also an item taken in private about anonymous allegations which had been sent to some members of the board and local and national newspapers. Our response as a Board to this are covered in an article in the Courier.

Beach Lane Brambles and Nettles Cut Back - Good Job by Environment Department Staff

Before

Just over a week ago, I wrote to the Environment Department and requested clearance of the core pathway that runs from Beach Lane over the railway footbridge to Grassy Beach. 

I reported that it had become badly obstructed by brambles and nettles which blocked the way to all but the most determined walkers. I also observed that stretches of the path had become muddy.

I am pleased to report that my email and photograph sent to the Environment Department triggered a good strimming of the margins of the path, which is now well and truly cleared. 

I think my 'before' and 'after' photographs tell their own story. 

After

Well done to the staff of the Environment Department for acting so promptly. 

I will continue to press for some action to improve the underfoot conditions, where the Beach Lane path is muddy. 

I am mindful that when the £0.5 million contract work is undertaken to rebuild the raised walkway connecting Grassy Beach and Douglas Terrace, that section of the coastal pathway will be temporarily closed. When that happens, Beach Lane will be the alternative main access route, from central Broughty Ferry, along which pedestrians, joggers and dog walkers will be diverted. 

Summer Holiday Supreme by Dundee Schools' Music Theatre

As we arrived at the Whitehall Theatre last night, the rain started again. We needn't have worried because we were 'going where the sun shines brightly, .... going where the sea is blue'.

We were there for the final show in the run of 'Summer Holiday' as performed by the multi-talented members of Dundee Schools' Music Theatre (DSMT).

After an indifferent summer, four London Transport bus mechanics went off to the the south of France in a double decker bus to have a holiday in the sun. Plus ca change!

The show maintained a lively pace with the indefatigable dancers keeping in time and in unison; particularly impressive since there were often 30 or more performers on the stage. Their performance was enhanced by the colourful period clothes and the groovy music from the band under the direction of Paul Clancy.

The chief singing parts were all very well cast and were ably supported by the chorus. I must mention Don, played by Jack Pedersen from The Ferry. He was one of the stand out singers and dancers with a good stage presence.


As I sat there with my grand daughter, I was reminded nearly forty nine years after the film Summer Holiday was released that, 
'And some day
When the years have flown
Darling, then we'll teach
The young one of our own'


The Megamix finale had the audience clapping and almost dancing in the aisles. During the curtain calls, the audience rose to offer a sustained standing ovation.

A great night of entertainment from a company of very talented singers and dancers; all outstanding ambassadors from our nine secondary schools and from our city.

Broughty Ferry Development Trust AGM 11 am Saturday 1st September 2012 Castle Green Hall

The AGM of Broughty Ferry Development Trust will take place in the Castle Green Hall at 11 am on Saturday 1st September.

The order of business will be as follows:

Introduction and welcome. (By committee member Hugh Begg standing in for Chairman Andrew Nicoll who has been ill.) (Chairman’s Statement attached)

Minutes of the last AGM (attached)

Matters Arising from these Minutes

Report by the Chairman on the activities of BFDT (attached)

Consideration Annual Accounts (attached)

Election of Andrew Nicoll as Honorary President

Election of Management Committee: Clause 20 of the Constitution (attached)

Any Other Competent Business

Andrew Nicoll (Chairman of Broughty Ferry Development Trust)

Cllr Laurie Bidwell Announces a New Rota of Surgeries from 27 August 2012

Click on image to enlarge

I have extended my regular programme of surgeries for my constituents and these come into effect from Monday 27 August 2012. 

I have added a new weekly surgery at the Forthill Sheltered Housing Complex on a Tuesday afternoon beginning at 3:30 pm. I have also added a surgery at the Barnhill Community Centre on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month beginning at 5pm.

I also confirm that I am continuing with my weekly surgery at the Broughty Ferry Library but this will now begin at 6pm.

You can read full details of my new surgeries and my contact details in the poster displayed.

I think it's important that I am available to my constituents on a regular basis.  It is also important, in a large ward like The Ferry, that I am available to constituents in different parts of the ward and I have tried to do this through the premises where I have located my surgeries.

However, the shortage of suitable premises in West Ferry, Panmurefield, Balmossie Brae, Ferry Fields and Clearwater Park means that not everyone can have a surgery in their neighbourhood. I am also aware that many problems and issues can't wait for one of my surgeries, I am therefore very happy to hear from constituents by phone, letter or email.  It is important to me as a Councillor to hear the views of people in Broughty Ferry and respond as quickly as possible.  If you think that I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.