2009 july newsletter
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the July 2009 issue of the BBG Newsletter
Message from the Chairman
It is summer already and many of our members have left for the holidays. Some we will not see again until September. But the BBG continues to organize events for those of you who are still here.
In August we will be holding the BBG Summer Quiz, which has become something of an annual event. This summer’s quiz looks as though it will be extremely popular, as Kate Rudd, our Consul General, has very kindly given permission for us to hold it at the Consulate-General. We expect to be oversubscribed, so make your booking as soon as you can.
We had planned to change the BBG website over to a Web2 content-managed style of hosting during the summer, as the previous design was static and looked rather dated. Events prevailed and this was forced upon us rather sooner than expected. A problem at our (British) hosting provider crashed both our main and backup servers. Rather than go to the trouble of rebuilding the old site on the new servers, only to take it down again a week or two later, we have decided to put up the new site earlier than expected. This means that it looks rather bare at the moment, but we will be adding existing and new content on an almost daily basis. The main change that members will notice with the new site is they can log-in (only once, and remember it with a cookie if they wish). This will allow us to present different information to members and to the general public.
Finally, our congratulations to the Consul General on raising such a large amount of money for worthy causes with the recent Salsa night and Bring-and-Buy. It was great to see so many BBG members involved at all levels. Thanks for your support.
Those of you who are out or going out for the summer, have a great holiday. And for those of you who will still be here, hope to see you at the quiz!
Brian HawleyBBG - Chairman
EVENTS
My thanks to all Members who attended the June meeting. The meeting featured a presentation by Manal Haddad of ManSci. The topic of the meeting was the Human Resources Development Board (HRDB). This is an initiative between the Ministry of Labour and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and industry (JCCI).
What can I say? Almost 50 people heard a fascinating presentation from Manal which was followed by a lively and animated discussion. In fact the discussion went on for over an hour – a new record for Q & A at a BBG meeting - and, even though the call to dinner intervened, discussions continued over the dining table. It was an extremely interesting and informative session. My sincere thanks to ManSci for facilitating such an invigorating meeting and discussion. Also my thanks to the Sheraton Hotel who are rapidly developing a strong reputation with BBG members for the quality of the location and the buffet they provide.
The last reception for BBG Members hosted by Kate Rudd, HM Consul General has just been completed. Over the three occasions that these receptions were convened many members were able to attend and meet with Kate, her team at The Consulate and other BBG Members.
I know that Kate has found it to be a particularly useful programme. I am sure BBG Members also found it to be a positive initiative to promoting the business relationship between the BBG and the Commercial Section and activities of The Consular team.
A quick summary of the meetings currently scheduled for the remaining months of the year:
Sunday 16th August BBG Quiz night, information has be sent out in a separate announcement.
Monday 7th September BBG Iftar, Hilton Hotel see separate announcement Sunday 18th October speaker from KAUST Sunday 15th November Thursday 10th December BBG State of the Nation.
A separate announcement has been circulated detailing the arrangements for next two events: the BBG Summer Quiz and the BBG Iftar. Please make sure you have received and read this announcement in full as it contains some important information on the arrangements for the Quiz night and the BBG Iftar.
Can I take this opportunity to wish all of you jetting off to other climes a happy, restful and well-deserved break? I look forward to seeing you again at future BBG events during the rest of the year.
John LockhartBBG Events Secretary
BRITISH CONSULATE UPDATE
Trade Missions
There are no more trade missions planned for the summer. Trade Missions will start again after Ramadan. The following are already pencilled in for October: Visit Britain, Maritime & Ports Mission, International Business Wales, Invest Northern Ireland and the Railway Industry Association.
New Consulate Regulations
Please could everyone be advised that when visiting the Consulate no cameras nor mobile phones with cameras are allowed onto the compound. The Consulate suggests that you leave any cameras and phones either at home or in your car.
Consulate News
In the past month, the Consul General has hosted two charity events. The first one, and with many thanks to Vik Paw, was a Salsa classes evening that raised SR 1,800 for Open Skies. The second charity event was a "Bring and Buy" event which raised over SR 30,000 (including donations) for Macmillan Cancer Support and Open Skies. The Consul General wishes to thank everyone involved for their generous time in helping out with all the preparations , bringing items to sell and to those who gave very generous donations.
New 2009-2010 BBG DIRECTORY – Now Available
The 2009-2010 BBG Directory is now available. As the BBG office is closed for the Summer duration (until 19 September) Arabian Homes have kindly agreed that anybody requiring copies of the new directory can collect them direct from the Sierra Village Reception
Alternatively contact any BBG Committee Member and make arrangements to receive your copy of the directory
MEMBERSHIPNew Members:We are delighted to welcome the following new members for the 2009 membership year as approved at the Committee Meeting earlier this month:
Name Company Job titleMembership Type
Simon Khinda Rasiyat Opportunity Investments
Partner Full
Vikesh KindaUK Capital Investments Group
Business Development Manager
Full
Philip John PettNOVA INCEPTA (Saudi Telecom)
Consultant Full
Chance Wilson KPMG Director Full
Antonio ValenzuelaKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)
Manager/Director, Campus Support
Associate
Cecil MurrayKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)
Manager HR Development
Associate
A big thank you to the BBG members who have proposed and seconded the above.
New Member Recruitment:In order to maintain the healthy growth we have seen in the number of our members in recent years, we should all be aware of the need to recruit new members to the BBG. New registrations cost SR150 plus the SR200 annual membership subscription.
A passport copy is also required with the completed Membership Application Form (for which the new member will need to be nominated and seconded by an existing BBG member with his/her approval). For non-British passport holders, we also require details of how the proposed individual furthers or promotes British interests.
Please note that only membership applications, which are fully paid-up and with the right paperwork attached will be submitted to the Committee for approval. Currently, all applications are reviewed for approval once a month at the monthly BBG Committee meetings, the next committee meeting is on 6th June 2009.
For Membership Application Forms, or anything related to BBG membership, please contact Angela, our BBG Secretary on [email protected] or Sam Thanvi, BBG Membership Secretary on [email protected] or visit the BBG website (www.bbg-jed.org)
Membership Benefits for BBG Members
As well as confirming you as a BBG Member, you can also use your Membership Card to secure promotional discounts from the following companies:
AXA Insurance Saudi Arabia 20% discount on Comprehensive Motor Insurance 20% discount on House Contents and Personal Effects 10% discount on Holiday Insurance SR 50 discount on Golf Insurance A further 5% discount if a combination of two policies are taken (excluding Holiday
Insurance) Contact: Johann Barkhuizen at AXA Jeddah, Tel: 263 5566 ext 234
Zedan
1st month free on all subscription products, including web-hosting. 20% discount on NOD32 Antivirus
Contact: Brian Hawley, Tel: 02 665 1904 Barzan Publishing
Local interest speciality titles available from time-to-time at substantial discount on shop price.
Currently Six Months in the Hejaz (1877-1878) SR 120 Contact: Peter Harrigan c/o Brian Hawley, Tel: 02 665 1904 Diving Lessons
10% discount on dive courses. Contact Maggie Andriopoulos at [email protected]
We want to expand the list of benefits available for our members so if you or your company would be keen to promote yourself in this way, please send details to the BBG Secretary ([email protected]) by e-mail directly or via the BBG website on www.bbg-jed.org.
Sam ThanviMembership Secretary
Registration of British Subjects in Jeddah (LOCATE) All British subjects in Jeddah are very strongly advised to register with the Consulate-General upon first arrival and are reminded to renew their registration every year. Full details may be found on the BBG website at:
http://www.bbg-jed.org/locate.html
For those of you are already registered on the LOCATE system you are reminded that the “trip” (at least as far as the FCO is concerned) can only be a maximum of 12 months duration. Once this period is up you must logon and extend the trip or enter a new one. If you do not do this, your registration will automatically expire.
DESTINATION REPORTCLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVALS AROUND EUROPE – Summer 2009
If you are in to Classical Music then why not take in one of the festivals happening in Europe this Summer. Listed below is a selection of some of the well known ones and all the respective details, plus links
Puccini Festival Torre del Lago, Italy 15 June to 23 August
(0039 0584 359322, www.puccinifestival.it)
Highlights This is the 150th anniversary of Puccini’s birth, and where better to hear his operas than the shores of Lake Massaciuccoli, Tuscany, where he lived and worked. Riccardo Chailly and La Scala Philharmonic kick-start proceedings at the new open-air auditorium with a gala concert; Alberto Veronesi conducts Maurizio Scaparro’s new production of Turandot; and Daniela Dessì and Fabio Armiliato take the lead roles in Tosca. Madame Butterfly and Edgar complete the programme.
Sights Tour the museum at Puccini’s lakeside villa, then head for the Renaissance ramparts of his birthplace, Lucca. The main tourist office (0039 0583 583150, www.comune.lucca.it) is on Piazzale Verdi. The Romanesque churches and towers of Pisa and the Tuscan Riviera resort of Viareggio are nearby.
'Madame Butterfly' will be a highlight of the 150th celebrations of Puccini's birth at Torre del Lago
Tickets Reserve by email ([email protected]) or fax (0039 0584 350277) or buy online or by telephone. The box office is at Viale Giacomo Puccini 257a.
Richard Wagner Festival Bayreuth, Germany 25 July to 28 August
(0049 921 78780, www.bayreuther-festspiele.de)
Highlights Christian Thielemann leads the charge with the Ring Cycle. Albert Dohmen, Stephen Gould, Eva-Maria Westbroek and Adrienne Dugger are among the stars. Daniele Gatti takes to the podium for Parsifal, Peter Schneider conducts Tristan und Isolde and Sebastian Weigle oversees Katharina Wagner’s production of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg at the purpose-built Richard Wagner Festspielhaus.
Sights Attractions include the historic gardens of the Hermitage, the baroque Margravial Opera House and the 20-odd museums dedicated to subjects as diverse as Wagner, typewriters and fire engines.
The tourist information office (0049 921 88588, www.bayreuth-tourismus.de) is at Luitpoldplatz 9.
Tickets Apply in writing with a bank transfer at the ticket office (Postfach 10 02 62, D-95402 Bayreuth) or buy tickets as part of a package from the Germany specialist Dertour (0871 2313 433, www.dertour.co.uk).
Salzburg Festival Salzburg, Austria 26 July to 31 August
(0043 662 8045 500, www.salzburgfestival.at)
Highlights Riccardo Muti conducts the Vienna Philharmonic in The Magic Flute and Otello; Bertrand de Billy wields the baton in Don Giovanni; and Sir Simon Rattle leads the Berlin Philharmonic in a programme of Wagner and Messiaen.
Soloists in the Mozart matinees, chamber and orchestral works include Daniel Barenboim, Vesselina Kasarova, András Schiff, Michael Schade, Ian Bostridge and Alfred Brendel. The cathedral square, the 17th-century Felsenreitschule (summer riding school) and the art nouveau Mozarteum are some of the settings.
Sights Pay your respects at the Mozart Geburtshaus and residence, then take your pick of the city’s baroque churches and palaces, or visit the medieval Hohensalzburg Fortress. The tourist information office (0043 662 889870, www.salzburg.info) is at Auerspergstrasse 6.
Tickets Reserve by email ([email protected]) or fax (0043 662 8045 555) or buy online or by telephone. The ticket office is at Herbert von Karajan Platz 11.
Rossini Opera Festival Pesaro, Italy 9-23 August
(0039 0721 3800 294, www.rossinioperafestival.it)
Highlights Juan Diego Flórez performs arias from William Tell and La Donna del Lago; Roberto Abbado conducts Daniele Abbado’s new production of Ermione; and Joyce DiDonato commemorates the bicentenary of Maria Malibran’s birth in a special recital.
L’Equivoco Stravagante, Maometto II and Stabat Mater are also on the bill. Venues include the neoclassical Teatro Rossini and the futuristic Adriatic Arena.
Sights Rossini’s birthplace on the Adriatic Riviera has broad, sandy beaches and a medieval old town. Visit Casa Rossini, the civic collections of art and ceramics and the sixth-century cathedral mosaics.
The tourist information centre (0039 0721 69341, www.le-marche.com) is at Viale Trieste 164.
Tickets You can reserve them by email ([email protected]) or fax (0039 0721 3800 220) until May 30. Buy online from June 1 or by telephone (0039 0721 3800 243) from July 1 to July 25. The box office at Via Rossini 24 opens on August 1.
Beethoven Festival Bonn, Germany 29 August to 28 September
(0049 228 2010 345, www.beethovenfest.de)
Highlights This year’s festival explores Beethoven’s political legacy in works such as Fidelio, Egmont and The Ruins of Athens. Kurt Masur conducts all nine symphonies over four evenings, and soloists include András Schiff, Daniel Hope and Annette Dasch.
Lorin Maazel heads the New York Philharmonic; Daniel Harding appears with the London Symphony Orchestra; and Riccardo Chailly conducts the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. Venues reflect the political theme and include the former Bundestag and Palais Schaumburg, one-time official residence of the chancellor.
Sights The Beethoven-Haus, the museums and art galleries of the Museum Mile and river cruises on the Rhine are a few of the possibilities. The tourist information office (0049 228 775000, www.bonn.de) is at Windeckstrasse 1.
Tickets Order by email ([email protected]) or fax (0049 228 9104 111) or buy online (www.bonnticket.de) or by telephone (0049 180 5001 812). Haydn Festival Eisenstadt, Austria 4-14 September
(0043 2682 61866, www.haydnfestival.at)
Highlights Harry Bicket conducts Vesselina Kasarova and the English Concert in Handel arias and Haydn symphonies; the violinist Viktoria Mullova appears with Giovanni Antonini and the Kammerorchester Basel; and Nuria Rial performs a programme entitled “Haydn and the Opera” with L’Orfeo Barockorchester.
The Esterházy Palace - where Haydn was Kapellmeister - is the venue for the 20th annual festival. Adam Fischer conducts the Austro-Hungarian Haydn Philharmonic in ll Ritorno di Tobia and a concert to mark the occasion.
Free concerts The Kleine Orgelmesse at the cathedral and the Theresienmesse at the Mount Cavalry Church.
Sights Visit the temples of the palace gardens, the museum at the Haydn-Haus and the composer’s mausoleum at the Bergkirche. The tourist information office (0043 2682 67390, www.eisenstadt.at) is at Hauptstrasse 35.
Tickets Reserve by email ([email protected]) or fax (0043 2682 61805) or buy online or by telephone.
Mendelssohn Festival Leipzig, Germany 4-21 September
(0049 341 1270 280, www.gewandhaus.de) Highlights Riccardo Chailly conducts the Gewandhaus Orchestra in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé; the Leipzig Klavierquartett performs works by Mendelssohn, Mahler and Schumann; and Jürgen Bruns commands Peter Bruns and the Mendelssohn Kammerorchester Leipzig in Schumann’s cello concerto and the Hebrides overture.
Other soloists include the pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja - playing the Variations sérieuses and Songs without Words - and the violinist Carolin Widmann. The Gewandhaus, the Schumann-Haus and the Grassi Museum of Musical Instruments are among the venues. Free concert Chailly conducts Vadim Repin, Truls Mørk and the Gewandhaus Orchestra in a programme of Brahms at the Augustusplatz.
Tickets Reserve by email ([email protected]) or fax (0049 341 1270 222) or buy online or by telephone from July 1. The box office is at Augustusplatz 8.
Verdi Festival Parma, Italy 1-28 October
(0039 0521 039399, www.teatroregioparma.org)
Highlights Rigoletto and Giovanna d’Arco at Teatro Regio di Parma, Il Corsaro at Teatro Verdi in Busseto - Verdi’s birthplace - and Nabucco at Teatro Municipale Valli in Reggio Emilia. The conductors and soloists will be announced this month.
Sights Visit the Galleria Nazionale, the Duomo and the Casa Natale di Toscanini in Parma. The museum at Verdi’s villa in Sant’Agata is a 40-minute drive away.
The tourist information office (0039 0521 931828, www.turismo.parma.it) is at Piazzale della Pace 1.
Tickets Buy online or by telephone. The box office is at Via Garibaldi 16a.
The Glyndebourne Festival - UK
Not forgetting the world famous Glyndebourne Festival in the UK which is now in its 75th year
Festival 2009 Repertoire
Although the Festival is already on-going and has been since May, there are still many superb productions that are still running throughout the summer of 2009. Just check out these which are listed below:
Henry Purcell The Fairy Queen A new production for the 2009 Festival sponsored by Associated Newspapers Limited12 performances between 20 June and 8 August
Antonin Dvorák RusalkaA new production for the 2009 Festival supported by a syndicate of individuals16 performances between 5 July and 28 August
Gaetano Donizetti L’elisir d’amoreA revival of the 2007 Glyndebourne on Tour production sponsored by Balli14 performances between 23 July and 29 August
Richard Wagner Tristan und IsoldeA revival of the 2003 Festival production supported by a syndicate of individuals7 performances between 6 and 30 August
Booking details for the 2009 Festival - General Public BookingTelephone booking now open 10am – 6pm on +44 1273 813813Tickets also available 24 hours a day online. Subject to availability
Glyndebourne on Tour 2009
Glyndebourne on Tour will visit six venues in the UK between October 13 and December 5 2009. Check out the following site for a list of venues and the respective dateshttp://www.glyndebourne.com/operas/tour_2009/
Destination Report - Henley on Thames
Henley is a picturesque and compact town situated on the edge of the Chiltern Hills and the banks of the River Thames. It was founded in the 12th century as a river crossing and port for the supply of timber and grain along the river to London. It has a present population of 10,000 and supports the many small, attractive villages in the surrounding countryside.
History of Henley
The first record of medieval settlement dates to 1179, when it is recorded that King Henry II "had bought land for the making of buildings". King John granted the manor of Benson and the town a manor of Henley to Robert Harcourt in 1199. A church is first mentioned at Henley in 1204. In 1205 the town received a paviage grant, and in 1234 the bridge is first mentioned. In 1278 Henley is described as a hamlet of Benson with a Chapel. It is probable that the street plan was established by the end of the 13th century.
As a demesne of the crown it was granted to John de Molyns, in 1337 whose family held it for about 250 years. It is said that members for Henley sat in parliaments of Edward I and Edward III, but no writs have been found to substantiate this.
The existing Thursday market, it is believed, was granted by a charter of King John. A market was certainly in existence by 1269, however, the jurors of the assize of 1284 said that they did not know by what warrant the earl of Cornwall held a market and fair in the town of Henley. The existing Corpus Christi fair was granted by a charter of Henry VI.
By the beginning of the 16th century the town extended along the west bank of the Thames from Friday Street in the south to the Manor, now Phyllis Court, in the north and took in Hart Street and New Street. To the west it included Bell Street and the Market Place.
Henry VIII, having granted the use of the titles "mayor" and "burgess", the town was incorporated in 1568 by the name of the warden, portreeves, burgesses and commonalty.Henley suffered from both parties in the Civil War. William III on his march to London in 1688 rested here, at the nearby recently rebuilt Fawley Court and received a deputation from the Lords. The period of prosperity in the 17th and 18th centuries was due to manufactures of glass and malt, and to trade in corn and wool.
Henley-on-Thames owes much to its location and port that supplied London with timber and grain.
Henley Today
The town nowadays is perhaps best known for the annual Royal Regatta, which attracts some of the world´s finest rowers. But just a few strides from the riverbank is the very heart of Henley with its historic church, town hall and market square, the latter bustling with busy stall-holders and shoppers on market days. Attractions include the award-winning River and Rowing Museum (where statues of Olympians Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent greet visitors), boat trips, a 15th Century Chantry House, Mill Meadows, the Thames Path and the fourth oldest working theatre in the country. Just a short drive away, attractions such as Stonor Park, Greys Court and Mapledurham House and Watermill can also be visited.
Henley Royal Regatta
Henley is a world renowned centre for rowing, each summer holding the Henley Royal Regatta, one of the highlights of the social calendar of the English middle and upper classes. The regatta is held on a stretch of the river that is naturally straight. The event became Royal in 1851. In that year Prince Albert became the patron of the regatta.
Other regattas and rowing races are held on the same reach, including: Henley Women's Regatta and the Henley Boat Races for women's and lightweight teams between Oxford and Cambridge University, Henley Veteran Regatta, Upper Thames Small Boats Head, Henley Sculling Head, and Henley Small Boats Head. These heads often attract strong crews that have won medals at National Championships.
Events and What's on
Henley is a vibrant town, with plenty going on to entertain everyone all year round. There are a number of key annual events that attract people from all over the world, Apart from the Henley Royal Regatta there is the Henley Festival of the Music and Arts, when the town really does come alive! Other annual events such as the Henley Festival of Music and Arts and Henley Food Festival also attract thousands of people More recently Henley Food Festival and the forthcoming Henley Literary Festival have been added to the list of attractions in the town.
On the Lighter Side
The 10 Funniest Parking Tickets Ever?
As Tommy Cooper once said "You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen, it said 'Parking Fine.' So that was nice!"
Yes it's true that the old jokes are best but parking tickets are certainly no laughing matter...or are they?
While the people described below probably didn't see the funny side of their ticket receiving circumstances, some of them are hilarious .
And you think that you've been hard done to by the parking authorities...
Trucking Ridiculous
It was a normal day for Michael Collins, who was on his way to collect a skip in London's Belsize Park. Suddenly, his truck lurched as the road beneath him collapsed. Unbeknown to Michael, a burst water main had caused the road to give way, creating a deep hole where the front wheels of his 17-tonne truck became stuck.
While he was waiting for his lorry to be rescued, a passing parking attendant appeared. To the astonishment of nearby residents and despite Michael's protests, she stood on tiptoe and whacked a parking ticket on the trucks windscreen, uttering the immortal words, "You can appeal".
Bad News Comes in Trees If a tree fell on your car and you escaped death by mere inches, you might think that you would get some sympathy from your local council wouldn't you?
Sadly, no such compassion was found to be available when one family suffered just such a fate under the parking fascists of Wychavon District Council
Nicky Clegg was driving along the Bromwich Road with her 82-year-old mother and her 11-year-old son. Suddenly a tree crashed on her car. Amazingly, they escaped death but the car ended got a crushed bonnet, smashed windscreen and broken wing mirrors.
Police dragged the wrecked car to the side of the road and told Nicky that it was fine to leave it there and she could pick it up the following day.
But when she came back the next day, guess what? Yep, she had a parking ticket on her window.
Feeling run down?
Think that being badly injured is an excuse to park illegally? Then think again buster! When Nadhim Zahawi of South London was thrown from his scooter and left lying in the road with a broken leg, a heartless traffic warden from Lambeth Council slapped a £100 ticket on his bike.
Horse play
You leave your horse in the street and what do you expect to find when you get back? A small pile of manure perhaps, but a parking ticket?
Yet, amazingly, this is what happened to Robert McFarland, a retired blacksmith from Yorkshire when he left his trusty steed, Charlie Boy, for a few brief moments. The horse had a ticket on him...
On the ticket, the over-zealous warden had written the vehicle description as "brown horse".
Daylight robbery
It was a normal day at first for Fred Holt when he went to his local bank. But then it went a bit pear shaped when two masked men burst into the bank brandishing an axe and a machete. During the raid, they held a young cashier hostage with an axe to her throat and customers were forced to lie on the floor as staff members were made to hand over the cash.
If being a victim of this scary situation wasn't bad enough, 77 year old Mr Holt had parked his car nearby, and by the time he had given a statement to police officers, his car had been there for 20 minutes longer than allowed.
However, Mr. Holt was not worried because the police officers who interviewed him said that traffic wardens had been told about the raid and asked not to issue tickets. But when Mr Holt got back to his car he was shocked to find a £30 parking ticket pinned to his windscreen; the reason: overstaying his allowed time in the street.
Bloody Ridiculous
"Do Something Amazing Today" is the slogan of the National Blood Service.
In Sutton, a traffic warden did just that, though not quite in the way one woudl like... For four years, a mobile National Blood Service truck has visited Sutton, parking at the same spot outside a group of offices, so volunteers can give blood. But seeing the good citizens of the town turn up and exchange a pint of the red stuff in return for a cup of tea and a biscuit was too much of a temptation for one parking attendant. Whilst those inside were giving blood, the parking attendant gave in his own special way; a parking ticket.
Sutton council eventually waived the fine, saying the parking attendant had made a simple error of judgment. Or was it more like a rush of blood to the head?
Bus(ted)
Picture the scene: You're a bus driver. You're driving your bus. You see a queue of people waiting for you at a bus stop. You pull over to pick them up. So far, so good.
But sadly, not everyone wants to buy a ticket. This chap in the queue wants to give you one instead... This was the ridiculous scene that greeted Manchester bus driver Chris O'Mahony, when he stopped his number 77 bus to let people on. He and his passengers looked on in absolute disbelief as the Manchester City Council parking attendant joined the queue to prepare the parking ticket, deposited the £40 notice and then walked away.
The bus driver's crime? Parking in a restricted area.
The attendant said he'd been told to issue tickets to buses that park. Manchester City Council bosses cancelled the ticket and ordered the warden to be retrained (hopefully, as something other than a traffic warden)
Heart Attack
Whilst David Holmes was driving along he felt chest pains; naturally he drove himself straight to hospital. When he arrived he was forced to park on the road and was then treated for a heart attack.
A kind nurse left a note on the windscreen saying it was an emergency and that David's daughter would pick the car up later. Despite the note, a scumbag parking attendant slapped a parking ticket on David's car.
Despite an appeal to the local council, the £40 fine was not cancelled. What a bunch of swine!
Welcome to Warwickshire
Warwick is a beautiful part of England but it had no appeal for one man who received a parking ticket from the local Council.
Krister Nylander was upset to get a parking ticket in the post for parking in Warwick. But he knew the ticket was wrong; and here is why:
He lives in Sweden and had not visited England since he was 16 The offending vehicle was his 20-ton snowmobile The snowmobile had hardly ever left the barn, let alone Sweden
How did it get the ticket? We've absolutely no Ikea.
Driving you crazy
Driving instructors are used to the problems that can come with teaching people to drive (3 point turns can be especially tricky)
So spare a thought for the driving instructor who got a CCTV parking ticket when his pupil stalled whilst attempting a three-point turn and could not restart the car.
The offence? Parking more than 50 centimetres from the kerb!
Material & Copy for the Newsletter
Each month for the BBG Newsletter we actively look for news and articles related to British Business as well as Community Events, that could be of interst to BBG members. Accordingly if youhave any material that you consider relevant for
publication tosend it to [email protected] and we will endeavour to include it in the next issue of the NewsletterNote: Copy dealdline is normaly 3 days after the first Sunday in each month
BBG OFFICEThe BBG Office is presently closed for the Summer Duration
and will re-open on the 19 September
Should you need to contact the BBG Secretary or the BBG Office you can do so by e-mail on [email protected]
If there is any issue you wish to raise with the BBG Committee or suggestions you wish to make that you consider will be relevant to the overall function or operation of the BBG then please e-mail the BBG Secretary / Office at [email protected] or contact any of the BBG Committee members listed below:
Brian Hawley [email protected] Edward Ogilvie [email protected]
Chris Barsby [email protected] John Lockhart [email protected]
Sam Thanvi [email protected] Stephen Thomas [email protected]
David Wheen [email protected] V.White [email protected]
Don’t forget the BBG belongs to you the members and it is up to you to speak up on subjects you consider relevant… if you don’t contact us then we can’t redress the issues or answer your queries … your participation is important!