Free the Fields Campaign

The Government Respond

2008-08-16T11:04:00.004+01:00

My apologies for my tardy response I do have a good excuse as I've started a new job in SWATK country. So I've been away from home and not been able to do this news justice. Well we've got a response from the government and here it is:

"Government guidelines on non-agricultural use of land under the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) strike a balance between the need to allow for diversification opportunities with the necessity to abide by the EU rules on eligibility of land under the Scheme.
Much consideration has been given to the positioning of power kiting under category B, which allows the activity to take place for up to 28 days in the calendar year, and we conclude that this is the most appropriate category for this type of activity. Power kiting is analogous to other activities within this category where some preparation of the ground may be required and the parcel is, to some extent, unavailable for agricultural use whilst the activity, and in some cases preparation, is taking place.

However, we will continue to push for greater flexibility concerning non-agricultural activities to be introduced into the EU regulations and will take the opportunity of the forthcoming Common Agricultural Policy health check, when the SPS rules as a whole will be reviewed, to pursue this matter. "

They are doggedly sticking to their party line, which unfortunately is a little predictable. The campaign is not over as Jerry Swift of the BKFA is doing amazing work with the CCPR, who are very willing to help us out. There was a meeting week before last and as a result the message is that we need to get some press coverage. So we are looking for a Farmer or farmers who are prepared to go on the record and speak out for our cause, you know they would love to allow us to use their land, we're a responsible bunch and we don't do any damage. I will also continue dialogue with the NFU. So this book is definitely not closed....thanks again for all of your help....and keep your eye on the blog.....Fly Safe!!

The Petiton Ends......

2008-06-07T13:24:00.006+01:00

I can't believe it a year has gone by and the petition has finally ended, its been quite a journey of discovery as to what this sport is all about. In the end we made it to 1,412 signatures, which despite being only 35% of my ambition is a great effort and indicator of the sports commitment to the campaign and their passion, so thanks once again to all of those of you that committed themselves and made their mark. We have managed to raise the profile to a national level of what is a pretty boring technical issue, so well done all. We have to wait now for the government response. All those of you that have signed will receive that in your inbox. I'm going to leave the counter up on the site so we can remind ourselves how long we've had to wait. I'm looking forward to seeing if they have anything different to say. Other avenues will continue to be pursued. I think the most value must lie with Jerry Swift (BKFA) and the CCPR, I have also written to programs like countryfile and Inside Out so we could be appearing on a screen near you or not?! I'm going to knock the forum posts on the head and focus on just maintaining the blog, so please feel free to leave you contribution here. So we're not done yet but are moving onto another level. I guess the major influences will be the pressure on subsidies, because of the world food and fuels crises, which we can either benefit or suffer from ..... lets see.

One small step...

2008-05-16T08:46:00.004+01:00

for the CCPR one giant step for the campaign. Jerry Swift of the BKFA raised the campaign and our objectives at his meeting with the CCPR, and they are optimistic that they may be able to facilitate a meeting with DEFRA, so we inch another step closer, only with more weight and support. The notes will be posted on their website, here. Its all positive stuff. On a personal note I would like to extend my gratitude to Jerry for his creative and productive approach to supporting the campaign and I am looking forward to converting that positivity into results. The petition numbers continue to grow at a steady pace with numbers standing this morning at 1354. Only 18 more days to go so get all those who haven't sign to sign up. A huge thank you to Natalie Reeve has added her support by donating a whole page on her site. No reply from as yet from DEFRA, following my repeated request for a meeting, but you've got to keep plugging away. Keep the Faith!!

Our ducks in a row.....

2008-05-03T14:19:00.007+01:00

I finally got a response to the letter I sent on 31st October, and from seemingly the most elusive person in the Civil Service, the Head of Single Payment Scheme Policy Team. Maybe the follow up from Peter Ainsworth MP's office triggered it? Who cares we have movement again. I have been asking for this person’s name right from the beginning. I wonder how many civil service hours and budget could have been saved if he wasn’t such a closely guarded secret? But I digress, we should definitely be pleased with this break through though, we now have a expressly stated rational from the person who decides policy. At last we have some ducks in a row!!

In the letter; Defra basically clarifies their position and fleshes out the principles why they have adopted their current position. Basically when making their decision they first have to pass the rules of “Land Eligibility” which governs the classification that an activity is allocated. The guides “…are based around the extent to which non-agricultural use impedes or is inconsistent with normal farming activities.” Which is why, he explains, without any research or consultation why the RPA have grouped the sport in Group B. This of course is NOT new to us, and not what we are asking. He goes on to state that this is analogous to other categories in that category as because the land will be “….unavailable to some extent for agricultural use whilst the activity (and preparation of the land where that occurs) is taking place. Which of course also is not the case. He goes on to state that he believes that this is “a balanced outcome”. He accepts that the letter from Marian Fischer-Boel is correct about the GAEC element but that does not overrule the for the test of land eligibility which we know is incorrect. I have put a link to a scanned copy of the full document at the base of the blog section so you can read it for yourselves. Please feel free to make comments on this post or ask questions. I have added a link to the letter at the bottom of the posts, and also added a poll to see if you are interested in seeing all the other letters from this process.

This letter though on the face of it, is a little patronising and just restates a position that is known and well understood. But when you read between the lines it does form the basis for a reasoned and ongoing discussion. It does not say that they are inflexible or intractable on this decision. So I am hoping that with the BKFA and their approach from the CCPR, the campaign’s ongoing mail requests for a due diligence process to enable us to enlighten their understanding, supported by the current petition and the next one I will establish and all of your amazing support, we will turn the tide of understanding in our favour. We should pat ourselves on the back, we have achieved a solid result and have a position from which we can move forward, and we are now talking to the right person!! Obviously I will be writing to their head of policy to start the education process.

Whilst on the subject of the petition when I checked this morning we had broken into the top 100 most signed petitions, which again is a real bonus. We could really jump up the list if the 20 of the 32 people who signed up at Atmosphere08 and would validate their signups. If you did sign up at the event and haven’t received and email from 10 Downing Street then please sign up yourself, by following the link on this page or drop me an email at freethefields@googlemail.com and I’ll add it again.
Keep the Faith

Atmosphere08

2008-04-28T17:50:00.006+01:00

A major hollar of thanks to Al and his team for laying on an incredible event, well organised fun, no hassle and they even managed to book the right Weather and tides for maximum enjoyment!! I have stuck a small youtube vid of the freeflyzone at the bottom of the blog. As far as my small contribution was concerned I have to say it was a humbling experience. I went along hoping to come away with 1 signature and a sore patch on my backside from all the scratching. Instead I was overwhelmed by the comments of support, the amount of slips completed (34) and general proactive attitude of everyone I spoke to. So a huge thanks to all of you who took time away from beer and kites to chat and sign up. E.S from Bishops Stortford you forgot to put your email address down so please can you go online and sign the petition. There has also been an increase in the rate of signing today, so I am hoping that the combined effort should take us into the dizzy heights of the top 100 most signed petitions, which will be a huge show of support and significance. I thought it might be interesting for you to see how far the canoeists got with their effort and the response that they got. I hope that we get an equally proactive response. (http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/page14435.asp ). Anyway Keep the Faith and keep signing we've only a little over a month to go now.

News just in: Email from Peter Ainsworth MP's office apologising for the lack of response from Hilary Benn MP's they have followed up and are hoping for a response.

A busy Week

2008-04-18T16:52:00.006+01:00

Well it's been a busy week for the campaign, and I've recveived some great offers of help. Also I've been chatting with Jerry from the BKFA about the campaign and the CCPR so I'm looking forward to see how that pans out. Whilst the brain is focussed I've been digging around to see if we are any closer to the simplification of the SPS that Tony Cooper at the RPA said was imminent. The process is definately under way but there isn't any sign that it will have much of an impact on us. But I'm still reading, and there is a lot to read!! I have also written to Tony Cooper again to see if that yields any results. If you want to do your own reading I've added blog feeds for the "Cap Health Check" (a UK pressure group) and "Mariann Fisher-Boel" (European Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development) to this page. It is Mariann who wrote to us telling us that there is nothing in the current framework that prevents the sport being carried out, and who is managing the simplification process. Any news about proposed changes will be posted on these blogs. Still looking forward to meeting some of you next weekend. Keep the faith!!

Learn a new thing everyday.......

2008-04-17T14:25:00.006+01:00

I never thought when I started this campaign that I'd end up having to learn about html, widgets, flares, tags, feeds etc or that it would appeal to the Geek in me. But it has and now hopefully it will work in every ones favour. If you put your email address in the box these posts will arrive in your inbox, if you prefer to use a feed reader or a social bookmarking site click mark us up from one of the links above. If you use a site not up there let me know and I'll add a button. As far as the campaign is going the signing rate has picked up on the petition and I've had an amazing offer of help from one of you, who will remain nameless unless they let me make it public. Which has put some more wind in my sails. That's all I wanted to say, that now it's easier to get news about progress, also for those of you who do receive the news you can forward them on to your mates. I've also added a diagram of who we've been talking to and what looks like the best channels for progress. Keep the Faith and Keep Signing. Thanks to all

Getting out there....

2008-04-11T10:38:00.009+01:00

Well the saps rising and that's not all!! People are beginning to wake up and dust off their kites. What a great time to try another tack and bring the campaign out into the public. I got a great call from Al at Atmosphere kites who, (along with the crew at SWATK have been a huge support), offered me a soapbox stand at their event Atmosphere 08. What an amazing opportunity to get direct feedback on the campaign, rustle up a few more signatures ('cos we really need them!), answer any questions and spread the word, as well has having a blast!! I look forward to meeting you there.

As far as the campaign is going, I've updates the site, I hope you like it. No news from the parliamentary approach. The NFU legal chap is going to have a look at it in a couple of weeks when his schedule clears. The countryside Alliance are desperately trying to find an MP even remotely interested in sporting land access issues. I have written to Nature England, a branch of DEFRA who are responsible for Access and recreational access issues. So lets see how that goes, hopefully I'll have some positive news to announce at Westward Ho!

Branching out for Support

2008-03-04T09:24:00.005+00:00

It's been a while since I last posted so I thought I'd better let you know what's been going on. The petition stands at 1168 signatures, so a little way off. I am wondering if that is down to a general lack of faith in the system. I can understand this but it would be great if we could set that aside and shout about what we want rather than being brow beaten or swept aside without being heard. Thanks as always to those who have stood up and made their mark, so far.

On a more positive note, thanks very much to Jerry Swift and the Committee of the British Kite Flying Association who have voted to support our campaign. This is even more good news as they are now members of the CCPR (Central Council of Recreative Physical Training) who are an influential lobbying organisation for change in sport. I approached the CCPR some time ago, and they were incredibly helpful. Fingers crossed that they (the CCPR) will take up the causes promoted by their fee paying members.

In the need to get some more formal weight behind the campaign I have also approached the National Farmers Union and the Countryside Alliance. I have yet to have any feedback from the Alliance (mainly due to the head of policy being on holiday), so I look forward to a positive response from them. The NFU have been very helpful and pointed the campaign towards their legal bods for review, I'll let you know what their thoughts are as and when I hear.

The wheels of government and bureaucracy turn rather more frustratingly slowly; Mr Peter Ainsworth MP has as yet not written to me about a response from Mr Hilary Benn MP's office. So I have sent a memory jogger. My thoughts here are that the powers that be have lost site of one of the oldest principles in the book...."Look after the Pennies and the Pounds will Look after themselves."

Well that's it from me for the next month or so, the wind and the weather are on the up, progress is being ground out so keep talking and signing......Thanks to all.

A drop of good cheer for the New Year....

2007-12-23T11:45:00.003+00:00

Well it's been over a month since my last post, as there was nothing to report. I have to admit that I was beginning to think that we were grinding to a halt. But the posty brought a spark of hope yesterday from Peter Ainsworth MP, Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The letter was personally signed by him rather than from one of his team. I'm taking this as a positive sign that he at least has had site of what we are trying to achieve rather than it just having been processed by the Secretary of States office. Again we find ourselves in a waiting game as obviously the higher up the ladder we go the slower the process becomes. Mr Ainsworth has "forwarded (my) correspondence onto the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs asking for his comments." and he will write again when he has received a response. So we're not done yet, and I'm looking forward to seeing at where this avenue takes us. In the meantime ...... Merry Christmas (I hope that Santa brings you all the gear that you've been dreaming about!!) and a Most Excellent New Year!!!!

1000 sigs mark exceeded

2007-11-15T11:19:00.000+00:00

Just a quick one to celebrate breaking the 1000 signature mark!! Nice one Lee for being the 1000th signature. Score on the door today stands at 1039 roll on 2000 :) . Whoooohooo it is a serious boost! So thanks to all of you who decided this is a cause worth supporting. As for any more news I haven't heard from the Opposition equivalents as yet. I have written to my local opposition candidate to see if they can give it a nudge, so we'll see.

Other avenues.....

2007-11-08T10:33:00.001+00:00

Apologies for not posting sooner, I've spent most of this week fighting viruses. Such creative individuals who create these things :o(. Anyway, thought I should let you know what I've been doing. Obviously I have written back to Phil Hope letting him know what I thought. I have yet to hear from his office. I wrote to the Shadow Secretaries for CMS and DEFRA but no response from them. I guess the Queens speech etc has had them all a bit tied up so we're waiting again. When I catch up I'll start looking for other options to tackle the issue. Apparently the EU are revising the framework regulations to give countries more flexibility. I feel a whole heap of reading coming on!! As far as the amount of kiters on the door of No10 stands, we stand at 990 ohh so close to that 1000 mark so keep it going, it's a great effort!! We've inched into the top 2.5% of most supported petitions. We're getting there!! Thanks to all ...and enjoy the return of the Wind!!

One word...Bogus.....

2007-10-31T10:49:00.002+00:00

Sorry, I have had the letter now for a few days now, and been wondering how to proceed.......and also to calm down a little. The letter from the Interim Chief Executive's offer, changes the RPA's position on the rational about our Category B classification, not because we are a motor sport, not because we are likely to cause damage in the pursuit of the activity but because the land is "likely" to require "preparation" that would be inconsistent with normal farming activities. In my head I am screaming "B******T, have you not read your own regulations!!". Preparation of the kind described in the letter, under the regulations would require a change of use permission and at most a planning permission permit. All that is required is that the land be able to be able returned to Agricultural purposes within 14 days. Are they suggesting it take 2 weeks for a group of kiters to pack up and push off because a farmer wants to plough his field!?!?! Are they also suggesting that preparation by a heard of sheep to be against their regulations ......really this is Barrow boy ducking and diving at its worst. This has got to be costing them more than writing our sport in the list and posting it in the next issue. The RPA's approach to this is Bovine in the extreme. None the less ....now I have calmed down....I have replied courteously and professionally to Mr Cooper, directly and not to his MP, contesting this new position so we will see what new position they will adopt next. I last wrote to him in August so on that guide we will wait to hear from him in the New Year. It is becoming increasingly important that we get the numbers up on the campaign, this change of position for the third time proves that we are on the right track and that we shouldn't give up. So get out there and pass the link to the petition to anyone you know with any kind of access to the Internet. Oh and if anyone knows a Lawyer who will do Pro Bono work of this kind, pass on the link to this blog, any and all help will be greatly appreciated. For those of who have pledged evidence letters about the impact of the sport on the land, we may yet need them, so please keep them in mind.

Lost in the Mail......

2007-10-24T11:49:00.001+01:00

I thought I'd give them the benefit of the doubt as they had finally said they were going to send me something. I have yet to receive anything from them, despite being told that the letter went in the post on the 15/10. I called up today to try and track it down, they had told me the delay was down to the posties being on strike, and another very helpful lass looked into it for me. Initially I was told that the letter had gone out on the 18/10 but that she would confirm. The helpful lass has since called me back and told me the letter went out on 17/10 but was sent to Phil Hope my MP rather than me. A very strange way of doing business, I would have thought that it was legally incorrect to respond to a correspondent by sending the reply to an unnamed party?!? Anyway they are going to send a copy to my address. I will now have to follow up with Phil Hope's office, to get the letter forwarded. Very Weird..the truth is out there..anyway will keep you posted. Scores on the door is 924 that 1000 sig horizon is getting closer, thanks to all of you who have taken the time and effort to support the cause. Keep talking, and signing....

The pools are clearing.....

2007-10-16T09:39:00.001+01:00

We seem to have penetrated the darkness, I spoke to a really helpful lass who after 35 minutes heroically managed to get through to the customer champions but also managed to track down a progress update!! So full marks and much appreciation to her. A response has been drafted and should have been posted yesterday. With a bit of luck and the right wind I should have it this week. Really don't know what to expect but everything is crossed for a positive result. On a down note it, seems that yet another restriction has been placed on powerkiting, at West Wittering, I've placed a link to the SEKA forum where the statement is posted, in the side bar for kiting issues. There is also some further chat about this on other threads. Which increases the pressure even more on the success of campaigns like the this and others, to succeed. I'll post the RPA's response as soon as I get it. I hope the people dealing with it weren't the ones recommending we give up Fresh milk for UHT. Score on the Door has passed 900 thanks to all of you for keeping the faith. Only 97 more and we'll be passed a 1000 which will be 25% of our initial target. Keep signing, posting and talking :o)

Murky pools of bureaucracy...

2007-10-10T09:54:00.001+01:00

The government have seen fit to reduce the amount of land a farmer is allowed to set aside next year, because the Grain mountains are now depleted. As I understand it the ability to provide a "set aside" allowance has not been removed from the regulations. So don't think that this campaign has lost its following wind. There are other elements that this campaign impacts. The classifications also impact on land classified as "permanent Pasture" it also has the benefit of getting us "written into" the regulations as a body that should be taken into account for future regulations. I have already ranted about my feelings about our "listening" government on other forums so I won't repeat myself. Rest assured that I am continuing to fight the fight. I am giving our local MP the benefit of the doubt about the fact that he has not responded to my last communication. Firstly as secretary to the cabinet office he was probably planning to fight the election that never was, and now he has to catch up there is a Postal Strike. I guess whilst we wait for the election things will grind even slower, as no one will want to make a decision until they know who will be in power and what the policy will be, so I am preparing for a period of stagnation. So much for a happy and improved society. I am hoping Phil Hope's usually efficient office will catch up in the weeks to come. The lass at the RPA who is following up on the Customer Champions, isn't due back from her Hols until tomorrow. So all I have to say is we're just 5 short of 900 sigs on no10's door, but unfortunately we've slipped back down the rankings, so get onto facebook, get out your address book, poke everyone you can for a sig, there's still a long way to go.

On the shelf.......

2007-10-01T12:44:00.001+01:00

I think the rephrasing of the word "parked" is you've been put on the shelf. And so young to!! Well the lass at RPA has gone a well deserved break this week and no one else wants to get involved so I am always deferred to the lass. So no progress on that front. I have decided that the time is coming to up the stakes, before there is an election and everything grinds to a halt and we have to start all over again on the MP front. We have been promised a response from Tony Cooper the Chief Executive of DEFRA, but as yet that was made a while ago, so I am pursuing this week point to see if we can't make some progress. The score one the door of No 10 is 868, we're gradually inching towards the 1000 mark so dig deep in the address books and see if we can't get passed that mark and into the top 200.

Gone to ground......

2007-09-24T12:46:00.001+01:00

It seems as though the "Customer Champions" department are taking a leaf from Batman's book and have gone to ground in the Champ-Cave!! Unfortunately the lady who has the key to Champ-mail has had to call in the repair team as it appears to have been foiled by the Joker!! Sorry....my poor sense of humor. It appears that once a query has reached these dizzy heights normal service ceases and no one can track what's happening. So I am still waiting for a call back from the Lass at the call centre. I tried to get hold of her again today but she's engaged and another email has gone to her requesting a call back......hummm. So I'm afraid the waiting game persists, no news is good news!! On the subject of the hunt for statements about the impact of the sport on grass, I have to put a huge THANKS out to Mell at the BPKA, Justin at the Essex Powerkite Park and Al from Powerkiters who have all pledged their time to send in a statement. These will prove to be invaluable, if the response is as we would like. Forewarned is Forearmed!! Growth continues to be steady with the petition we're now at 850 sigs and ranked 217, still respectable but there is still a way to go yet. Oh yes and another case of spin arrived (thanks to rarelymarty on racekites) in the Times of all papers about councils and response to signatures (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article2484959.ece) definitely don't believe all you read in the papers, especially the bit about Downing street responding to petitions over 200 on their website.....All I can see is there has to be over 60,000!! We've a bit to get yet :0) Keep signing, poking and chivvying...Thanks to all.

Customer Champions......

2007-09-17T13:10:00.001+01:00

For the first time I didn't get a call back from the RPA, I have to say I was surprised. I made a couple of chase up calls today and spoke to the lass that I last spoke to. It seems that we have managed to unearth another department in the RPA the "Customer Champions" unit. Apparently following the last letter, and the subsequent appeal, you get escalated to it. The lass on the line didn't really know much about the department, but read out what info she had about them apparently they have been established to ensure "consistency in decision making and policy making within the RPA." Which all sounds very positive, but they don't seem to like to respond to emails, so the lass said she will call me back when she hears from them. At present I have decided that holding my breath wouldn't be in my best interests.....some of you may beg differ of course :0b The petition is making slow but steady progress with the score on no10's door being a honourable 833, with a healthy standing of 225 in the rankings. Autumns coming the beaches are clearing and the winds picking up ..... its all good!!!

Here we go again......

2007-09-10T11:27:00.001+01:00

Back from some time in the Sun, and back on the case. I have followed up my response to the last letter from the RPA, requesting the basis for their decision; and surprise surprise, no one can tell me who is dealing with it. So I am again waiting for the call centre to call me back. The holiday was great, but I took a kite and wasn't able to fly, but it served to remind how lucky we are in the UK to have the terrain and space to pursue our sport, rather than having to travel to a beach, just a nightmare that the bureaucrats don't want to think outside of the box to help everyone enjoy the country. Reinvigorated, there are some new leads, (thanks for those suggestions) that need following so I'll get on with that rather than descending into my alter ego the kiting grouch!!! Scores ont he door now 809 and we're up to position 230 so progress is still being made. Thanks to all as ever....

No one said it would be easy......

2007-08-23T14:29:00.001+01:00

I have today recieved a response from the RPA. It is I am afraid a rather perfunctory repetition of their initial position. I have to admit to being a little depressed by the predictability of the faceless civil 'servant', and the fact that term is proving to be a contradicition in terms. There is some hope in that they did not mention the link with motorsports and that the position has shifted to the rational that the sport is "likely to cause damage", and therefore the classification remains the same. This on its own is not a reason to restrict an activity in it's own right. The framework only restricts an activity if it would prevent a farmer from keeping the land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition. I have responding and requested that they provide the detailed reasoning behind the decision to restrict the activity in this way. I have also written to written to Phil Hope MP who has in turn again written to The secretary of State for Culture media and Sport for a response. Please show your support and sign the petition for your fellow kiters, the demonstration of opinion will be invaluable.

On a promise..and a letter from Europe

2007-08-20T09:59:00.001+01:00

I was quite hopeful this week when I called up to find out what the score was with our query. I have to admit to getting a tad grumpy when the helpful chap came back and said that "a manager" at Exeter says it shouldn't be with them and that I should call the help desk at Reading!!! Poor sod, I really do feel for these people who have to face the frustration of customers that are let down by "the ones that do not speak". I have to say that he pulled it back, he took my number and promised to find out from Reading who will be dealing with the request and also by when it will be dealt with. So I hung up confident at least that I would at least get a call back. So at 1615 I get a call back, with the poor chap saying that there's no good news as the person he needed to talk to had left the building for the day. He assured me a call back the next morning. Anyway the next day he calls me back, very cheerily saying that the it is policy that "the ones that do not speak" do not speak!! But I have been "promised" that by Wednesday I'll receive a letter from a "Senior Manager". I am excited and a little fearful of what that letter may contain, I am not full of confidence that it will be dealt with the appropriate care and attention, but there is always hope. Anyway we will see. I'll post what has been said when we receive the letter.

Posty's just been and a letter has arrived from Glenis Willmott (MEP). The letter contained a response to her letter from Mariann Fisher Boel (European Commissioner responsible for Agriculture & Rural Development). The key element is that the activity has to fall within the framework of the legislation and I quote...

"....this framework does not prevent the kind of activity described by your constituent.

I would therefore suggest that your constituent obtains the necessary clarifications from the British Authorities."

.....this is a bit of a coupe!! I have been advised to go back to my local MP to pursue it further. Interesting aside though, I wrote to EU after I wrote to the UK and I have yet to hear from the head of State for Culture Media and Sport.

I hope that I will have a few more signatures on the petition to demonstrate the sporting communities strength of feeling. Currently the score on the door is 727 and we're 270th in line. The trend figure this week (11) fell below 40 signatures for last week, but forum views remain constant.

Summer Hols must be here....

2007-08-13T10:13:00.001+01:00

The summer hols must be here, not that I can tell from the weather, but things in general seem to be on a go slow. My follow up call to the RPA was enlightening rather than progressive this week. As always the people on the line are very helpful and pleasant, the people in the back office seem to be reluctant to support their front line colleagues. Isn't that always the way with call centres. But that's another campaign!!! I did find out that our request as we said last week is sat at Exeter which is where the Scheme's Management Unit is. So I guess we are slowly moving up the decision tree, awaiting to be allocated. I guess there will be more delays whilst they decide on the initial party line. It took them 4 months to let me know their current position so I guess a little over three is par for the course. Talking of moving up the ladder the petition continues to grow, but slowly as everyone is out kiting in sunnier clime's! I know I'll be off soon, wahoooooooo! Usually we jump at least one rung every day, but today was the first day of rest at position 279 and this despite a load of petitions ending. Currently there are 695 signatures on the door. We started off needing a daily signature rate of 10.4 to achieve our 4K target but this is starting to slip with us now requiring 11.2. Things will pick up hopefully as the Autumn winds blow in. Have a good week, and keep nagging people to make their mark. As always thanks to all those that have signed and contributed.

Back on the right track.......

2007-08-06T09:03:00.001+01:00

This week has been relatively uneventful, but the RPA tell me that we have been rescanned and are now in Exeter for task allocation. So we have now been to Cumbria, Newcastle, North Allerton and now we're in Exeter. The wonders of ethernet travel ;o). The upside of this is that I've been able to get out in the glorious sunshine and get some kiting done....it had seem an age since I was able to get out....roll on summer!!! (There is always hope!!)

Thanks this week go to the Kite Society of Great Britain who have featured the campaign in their All New 'News' page (http://www.thekitesociety.org.uk/news.htm) on their website. It's a real boost for another National to sign up as a campaign backer, thanks once again.

Oh yes score on the door for the petition is 656 and we're in the top 300 standing at 292. We're surrounded by serious petitions now, please keep signing......

Lets see what happens this week.........

The Shaggy dog story continues.....

2007-07-30T09:53:00.002+01:00

Well the shaggy dog story goes on at the RPA, yes its a bit of slow news week..... The RPA have this fancy paperless system where inbound letters are scanned and then allocated as tasks to various handlers. So this I call the call centre and speak to this bloke, the bloke looks up the case and tells me again that my document has been scanned but is not sure why it has not been allocated. I say well its been 15 days, he says hummmm it has hasn't it. All of the peeps at the call centre are very helpful and unlike any other call centre I have come across when they say they'll call you back they actually do, in the time they said they would. I say well let us have the number of the person concerned and I'll call them, sorry says the bloke I'm not allowed to do that, I know says the bloke helpfully, if you don't mind holding I'll call the person. OK I say. Sorry the bloke says, the person is on lunch, but I'll try again later and email them to get in touch, and confirms my number. Thank you I say and Hang up, thinking I'll follow up in a couple of days. Two hours later this phone rings and its a lass from the RPA who is in charge of the scanning, who very helpfully and honestly informs me that the no matter what I've been told so far, that the letter was scanned incorrectly and allocated as a "Supporting document". Hummmm I say that's OK just change the classification and we can move on. Sorry says the lass, the document will need to be rescanned......OK I say, how long will that take, a few days she says, but I'll forward your note to the person that its likely to be allocated letting her know the situation, and they should be in touch soon. Thank I say for being so open and honest and i look forward to hearing from you......(to be continued)....

Thanks this week go to SEKA (South East Kiting Association) who have volunteered to fly the supporting banner on their website and include a piece in their newsletter, so we're looking forward to reading that. There were an extra 37 signatures added this week, thank you all. The score on the door of No10 is currently 629 and we're almost in the top 300 most popular petitions. I have noticed that petitions with over 60000 signatures get a comment from No10....we've a way to go, we know you're out there so keep talking and signing.