This cartoon struck a chord. BBC News is really getting on my nerves these days. Channel 4 News covers issues much more in-depth without resorting to the descent into ‘That’s Life’ (remember that?) style street interviews. Look East is a big culprit in that respect – go into a local town and ask random passers by what they think, ideally showing their complete ignorance of the subject. We KNOW what we think. Hearing what selected other people think or don’t know isn’t going to change our views. We just want to see a report about the issue and know something’s being done about it (or not, as the case may be).

Another thing… Why do we have to vote on TV programs and phone into everything? I know they make money out of our calls, but I thought we paid these guys to make our entertainment for us – they’re supposed to be good at it and shouldn’t be getting ignoramuses (ignorami ?)  like me to contribute to their output.

Oh yeh… Breakfast on the BBC. Why has it become a vehicle for overrated pop stars, actors and authors to peddle their latest outpourings? Why, also, does it insist on promoting other TV programs all the time?

More and more lazy journalism. I dislike it intensely. Bring back news and abolish ‘infotainment’. It’s making people dumber (with apologies to all people who dislike the increasing use of the antithetical Americanism ‘smarter’, meaning more intelligent).

Rant over… for now

I was at the Fakenham Chamber of Trade AGM during the week. It was an ideal time to hear what the Chamber are doing on behalf of the town’s business community, to speak to fellow business owners and traders, ask questions and suggest ideas.

There was a really nice ‘spread’ supplied by the ever-willing Fakenham Garden Centre – sarnies & nibbles, a choice of wines, juices and so on. Ideal for members who didn’t have time to eat at home before the 6.30 start.

Two guest speakers were there – one from North Norfolk Radio, who provide lots of support for the Chamber and Fakenham in General. The other from Larking Gowen accountants, who also provide a great deal of assistance to the business community in and around the town.

The Chamber has over 60 members, with an extremely wide spread of business interests from agriculture through to industrial companies, large-scale employers to sole traders. A meeting like this is a great way to see who’s doing what, make new contacts, swap advice and maybe even pick up a bit of extra business

Why was it then, that I was the only non-committee member there?

Everybody got an invitation. The details were on the Chamber website. Food was provided. The venue is easy to get to. There are few excuses for the low attendance by the membership.

Businesses can’t expect the Chamber to do anything for the membership when they can’t be bothered to put any effort into supporting the committee – and each other.  The committee must sometimes think they’re banging their heads against a brick wall.

These guys are trying to help YOU. Get a flamin’ grip!