Great Western Coffee Shop

Well - I decided NOT to stand for the parish council in the ward in which I live - reasons and details previously blogged

http://www.wellho.net/mouth/4734_Thoughts-on-the-new-Blackmore-Ward-of-Melksham-Without-Parish.html
http://www.wellho.net/mouth/4735_Revisiting-should-I-stand-for-Melksham-Without-Parish-Council-in-May-.html

Nominations closed yesterday, and it turns out that only one candidate is standing for the two seats in the ward, so had I stood I would automatically have become a parish councillor.

<rant>But ... oh dear ... our one councillor, with 40 years experience (he describes himself as "independent councillor for 40 years") is Mr Negative; formerly chair of the Melksham Rail Development Group when it wasn't developing at all, and very much in my memory as the person who made public inputs to a consultation when I was new to this game, suggesting that a train be withdrawn from another (specific) line so that it could be used for Melksham instead.  Made us a number of rather powerful opponents, and helped fuel a lack of trust that has taken years to rebuild.  He's attended a couple of things over the past year or two, and remains an expert at telling us what can't be done (or rather couldn't be done when he was younger); I dread to think how he'll be representing our somewhat off ward at parish.</rant>  Perhaps I should let it be known that I might be open to co-option ...

Oh, dear.  :o

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, grahame, but having read your review of the successful (only) candidate's credentials, I really do think you should seek to be co-opted now - for the greater good of the parish.

Chris.  :-X

Don't spread yourself too thin Grahame have some time for yourself  ;)

Your caution (and the "likes" or agreement) well noted.  Lisa and I are in the midst of a re-organisation of our lives - part of the natural progression - simplifying and easing rather than adding for the most part.   The overwhelming reason I've been involved in elements of the public transport scene has been "for myself" - quoting your words as my person, and I am indeed likely to end up with some time for myself  ;) . 

That's all good then  ;).