Consultant appointed to lead Oxford’s first free school

7:00am Tuesday 27th November 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Fran Bardsley, covering Education, East Oxford and Cowley. Call me on 01865 425439

Organisers are consulting on plans to use the Lord Nuffield Club as the school base Organisers are consulting on plans to use the Lord Nuffield Club as the school base

AN educational consultant has been appointed to lead Oxford’s first free school.

Liz Russo, 39, will take up the post as headteacher at Tyndale Community School in Oxford in early 2013.

The school, run by Chapel Street Community Schools Trust in partnership with Oxfordshire Community Churches, is due to open in September 2013 with 60 reception stage children.

Organisers are currently consulting on plans to use the former Lord Nuffield Club, in Barracks Lane, as the school base.

Miss Russo said she was “thrilled and excited” to be appointed.

She said: “I actually worked on the team to design the educational vision and plan so this is a project that is close to my heart. I was very excited by the prospect of being able to bring together excellent practice that I have seen across many schools.”

Up to 30 per cent of children will be admitted on the basis of faith, while the remaining places will be open to all children.

Miss Russo said: “We want Tyndale to be a place where everyone who walks in experiences hospitality, warmth, service to others, acceptance, encouragement and relationships which are expressions of our Christian ethos.”

She said she aspired for the school to be outstanding in terms of teaching and learning, and children to learn core skills with a chance to apply those in real life situations.

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The curriculum will focus on developing strong literacy and maths skills through project based learning, while enterprise learning and “financial literacy” will underpin all lessons.

Miss Russo, who has directed her own educational consultancy for the past four years and is an associate with the London Centre for Leadership in Learning at the Institute of Education, said the team had looked carefully at educational challenges facing the city.

The high proportion of children speaking English as an additional language was one of the challenges she highlighted, which she said the school intended to tackle by using one-to-one tutors.

Miss Russo, who was born in America and taught in Chicago before moving to England in 2001 to study for a master’s in theatre education, is the first member of staff to be appointed.

Over the next few months, she will be directly involved in recruiting two reception teachers and two teaching assistants plus administrative staff.

All classroom teachers will have qualified teacher status.

Chapel Street chief executive Russell Rook said: “We are committed to engaging the best and brightest educators to work in our new school community.

“Liz is an inspired choice as she brings a passion for education and a wealth of local and international experience in the United States, Kenya and Columbia.”

Tyndale Community School will be the first new school to open in the city, excluding academy conversions, since Windale Primary School, Blackbird Leys, in 1995.

The school held a public meeting at Oxford Spires Academy on Friday. Miss Russo will answer questions at the final consultation meeting on Thursday, December 6, starting at 7.30pm, also at Spires.

Comments (30)

9:09am Tue 27 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

I was at a local residents meeting last night and there appears to be no support for this development. It will be damaging to our community. I am not sure about the accuracy of some of the details here, the application for a start suggests that it is 50% faith based application. The travel plans for the school are deeply flawed. There's a meeting at the club on December 4 please come along and show your opposition. This school could be disastrous for everyone including for the future of the children. How is it that even though the planning hasn't been approved, work has already begun at the site and people appointed position? I have spoken to the chair of governors, Chapel St and Wilmott Dixon and they don't appear to have any real means of mitigating the risks.
I was at a local residents meeting last night and there appears to be no support for this development. It will be damaging to our community. I am not sure about the accuracy of some of the details here, the application for a start suggests that it is 50% faith based application. The travel plans for the school are deeply flawed. There's a meeting at the club on December 4 please come along and show your opposition. This school could be disastrous for everyone including for the future of the children. How is it that even though the planning hasn't been approved, work has already begun at the site and people appointed position? I have spoken to the chair of governors, Chapel St and Wilmott Dixon and they don't appear to have any real means of mitigating the risks. Joe Chapman

10:52am Tue 27 Nov 12

train passenger says...

This is great news for traffic around Oxford. With the current shortage of school places, increasing numbers of children and parents are having to travel large distances simply to attend their schools. I am not a Christian nor do I particularly favour the ideology behind free schools, but this is the best way to tackle that capacity problem and so reduce traffic problems around the city.
This is great news for traffic around Oxford. With the current shortage of school places, increasing numbers of children and parents are having to travel large distances simply to attend their schools. I am not a Christian nor do I particularly favour the ideology behind free schools, but this is the best way to tackle that capacity problem and so reduce traffic problems around the city. train passenger

11:49am Tue 27 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

How?
How? Joe Chapman

12:30pm Tue 27 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

It may be true that opening this school would reduce traffic coming from Horspath Road area, Hollow Way, Temple Cowley into other areas of Oxford, by approximately 20 cars. The reason for this is that those parents who currently have to drive out of the area to take children to school, will not.

I am certain that opening the school will increase traffic into the area around the school by much more than 20 cars though. The school itself admits this, it's even part of their travel plan. The school's owned travel plan shows a target number of children travelling to and from the school by car of 126 children. Those 126 children aren't going to get into 20 cars, therefore the number of extra cars coming into the area will outweigh the number of cars no longer going out of the area.

All of these cars will have no choice but to travel twice a day down Hollow Way and Barracks Lane. Now due to the changes to the plans to include a turning point outside the school, the cars will be coming in and out of William Morris Close.

It's worse than that thought because the 63% of children travelling to and from the school by foot is unrealistic, it will not happen and a large percentage of that 63% will shift to car travel. Therefore the 126 children travelling car to and from the school will greatly increase.

The local traffic system will be unable to cope with even the target percentage of 30% of children travelling by car.

The traffic will flow over into surrounding roads. It will affect journeys for other drivers.
It may be true that opening this school would reduce traffic coming from Horspath Road area, Hollow Way, Temple Cowley into other areas of Oxford, by approximately 20 cars. The reason for this is that those parents who currently have to drive out of the area to take children to school, will not. I am certain that opening the school will increase traffic into the area around the school by much more than 20 cars though. The school itself admits this, it's even part of their travel plan. The school's owned travel plan shows a target number of children travelling to and from the school by car of 126 children. Those 126 children aren't going to get into 20 cars, therefore the number of extra cars coming into the area will outweigh the number of cars no longer going out of the area. All of these cars will have no choice but to travel twice a day down Hollow Way and Barracks Lane. Now due to the changes to the plans to include a turning point outside the school, the cars will be coming in and out of William Morris Close. It's worse than that thought because the 63% of children travelling to and from the school by foot is unrealistic, it will not happen and a large percentage of that 63% will shift to car travel. Therefore the 126 children travelling car to and from the school will greatly increase. The local traffic system will be unable to cope with even the target percentage of 30% of children travelling by car. The traffic will flow over into surrounding roads. It will affect journeys for other drivers. Joe Chapman

12:46pm Tue 27 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

Here's what I think is the best answer all around to all of the problems:

Invest in existing local state schools, expand them to cope with the needed school places. Ensure that their catchment only caters for children within walking distance.

Free Schools and Academy's are essentially privatisation through the back door. Our government is handing over our education system to private, non democratic organisations. One of the main partners in this free school, Oxfordshire Community Churches, is part of the Evangelical Alliance. Whilst the school is regulated to only take 50% of children on faith based criteria and teach the national curriculum, who wants to trust people whose goal in life is to convert people, especially children to their form of religion?

This whole issue is so wide ranging, it encompasses all that is wrong with society as far as I and many others are concerned. Dependency on fossil fuels, pollution, overcrowding, strain on local communities, politics, religion and so on.

Our government is dividing us by forcing us into these situations, they are like pushers, making us dependent on bringing about our own destruction so they can profit from it. They will watch us all fight each other, watch us suffocated in our towns and cities whilst protecting their lovely homes in country.

This isn't just about traffic, it's the death of democracy even further. Unelected organisations who aren't part of the local community and have a wider agenda will control our education system.
Here's what I think is the best answer all around to all of the problems: Invest in existing local state schools, expand them to cope with the needed school places. Ensure that their catchment only caters for children within walking distance. Free Schools and Academy's are essentially privatisation through the back door. Our government is handing over our education system to private, non democratic organisations. One of the main partners in this free school, Oxfordshire Community Churches, is part of the Evangelical Alliance. Whilst the school is regulated to only take 50% of children on faith based criteria and teach the national curriculum, who wants to trust people whose goal in life is to convert people, especially children to their form of religion? This whole issue is so wide ranging, it encompasses all that is wrong with society as far as I and many others are concerned. Dependency on fossil fuels, pollution, overcrowding, strain on local communities, politics, religion and so on. Our government is dividing us by forcing us into these situations, they are like pushers, making us dependent on bringing about our own destruction so they can profit from it. They will watch us all fight each other, watch us suffocated in our towns and cities whilst protecting their lovely homes in country. This isn't just about traffic, it's the death of democracy even further. Unelected organisations who aren't part of the local community and have a wider agenda will control our education system. Joe Chapman

12:51pm Tue 27 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

It also worth pointing out to people like train passenger that even the chair of governors, Chapel St and Wilmott Dixon have indicated to me and the 2 other people who turned up the last meeting which was meant for prospective parents, that extra traffic is going to happen. There will be no reduction in traffic for the local community, there will be an increase.

I had a little bit of philosophy from Geoff from Willmott Dixon, he told us that the human race is unsustainable. Anyone who thinks this is going to do some good for us doesn't even have the support of the people doing it on that basis.

This whole thing is underhand, our local community is being stitched up.
It also worth pointing out to people like train passenger that even the chair of governors, Chapel St and Wilmott Dixon have indicated to me and the 2 other people who turned up the last meeting which was meant for prospective parents, that extra traffic is going to happen. There will be no reduction in traffic for the local community, there will be an increase. I had a little bit of philosophy from Geoff from Willmott Dixon, he told us that the human race is unsustainable. Anyone who thinks this is going to do some good for us doesn't even have the support of the people doing it on that basis. This whole thing is underhand, our local community is being stitched up. Joe Chapman

3:58pm Tue 27 Nov 12

Basilisk says...

train passenger, yes please tell us how 'traffic will be reduced' when the catchment area for this school is OX1-OX4??
Joe Chapman is on the right lines. Though, in fact, for every child attending school there will be 4 corresponding journeys by the accompanying adult. And these will all be up/down Barracks Lane and Hollow Way. Official stats show that Hollow Way already has an annual average daily traffic flow that falls almost midway between the AADTs for Headington Hill and London Road Headington. But Hollow Way is a narrow residential road, not a main route in/out of Oxford. So I think we've already seen the limits of what the local residents can tolerate - or should be expected to tolerate.
train passenger, yes please tell us how 'traffic will be reduced' when the catchment area for this school is OX1-OX4?? Joe Chapman is on the right lines. Though, in fact, for every child attending school there will be 4 corresponding journeys by the accompanying adult. And these will all be up/down Barracks Lane and Hollow Way. Official stats show that Hollow Way already has an annual average daily traffic flow that falls almost midway between the AADTs for Headington Hill and London Road Headington. But Hollow Way is a narrow residential road, not a main route in/out of Oxford. So I think we've already seen the limits of what the local residents can tolerate - or should be expected to tolerate. Basilisk

5:12pm Tue 27 Nov 12

Basilisk says...

And, by the way, the greater part of AADT along Hollow Way occurs during broadly daytime hours - as any local resident will confirm. That surely makes additional traffic during those hours caused by siting a large primary school in Barracks Lane even less sustainable.
And, by the way, the greater part of AADT along Hollow Way occurs during broadly daytime hours - as any local resident will confirm. That surely makes additional traffic during those hours caused by siting a large primary school in Barracks Lane even less sustainable. Basilisk

6:05pm Tue 27 Nov 12

Andrew:Oxford says...

What's the point of whining about it now?

The building has been marketed for years and this is the first time anyone has expressed a realistic and financially backed option for the land and buildings.

The local community had the chance to grasp the building as a local co-operative owned gym and fitness centre at a fairly low cost per person - but was more focussed on maintaining a near derelict facility that is unfit for purpose.

It can never be a bad thing to open a new school in the heart of a community.

Think of the Children!
What's the point of whining about it now? The building has been marketed for years and this is the first time anyone has expressed a realistic and financially backed option for the land and buildings. The local community had the chance to grasp the building as a local co-operative owned gym and fitness centre at a fairly low cost per person - but was more focussed on maintaining a near derelict facility that is unfit for purpose. It can never be a bad thing to open a new school in the heart of a community. Think of the Children! Andrew:Oxford

8:18am Wed 28 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

"Think of the Children!"

Erm...? You mean the children that will attend the school, being given Christian values but at the same time being part of the system which is making having more children, unsustainable?

How about the children that the school thinks are going to walk 2+ miles/50 minutes twice a day from places like Valentia Road in Headington which is in the walking catchment for the school because foolishly they've put the walking catchment as the crow flies? Or if children, aged 5 - 11 don't walk 4 miles a day and instead are driven for 15 minutes in a car, they'll surely thank us for it and be pleased with the future that they'll be part of. right? No.

Or the local children who will have to endure even more danger and health risks as a result of this?

Or perhaps those children's children? or those children's children's children and so on?

Because that, is exactly what will, absolutely, happen.

This is not good for any children, not really, the benefits are superficial, could be achieved in another way and the damage outweighs the benefits. Therefore there are no real benefits to anyone, not the children, not the elderly (ah yes, ageing population? a neighbourhood which is already made hostile to elderly because of traffic? yes, it is.)

You're welcome to come and visit, Andrew, I'll happily show you what you're advocating but it should really be bleedin' obvious really. Creating or perpetuating dependency on cars is insane. It makes no sense whatsoever and that is exactly what this will do.

The rest of what you've written, Andrew, isn't even accurate! This is not a realistic option, no parents even turned up to the first prospective parent's meeting in a large hall at Oxford Spires Academy (which is incidentally similar to a free school and is cutting staff). Just 3 people turned up to that meeting, me, my girlfriend and a lady called Carol. Before you suggest that there's no opposition though - We had to walk down the marsh, in the dark, past people doing dodgy deals under the street light, ushered onto what looked like a building site with no proper lighting. Many of the people who oppose this development are elderly, plus they didn't even know about the meeting.

This whole thing is absolutely anti-social.
"Think of the Children!" Erm...? You mean the children that will attend the school, being given Christian values but at the same time being part of the system which is making having more children, unsustainable? How about the children that the school thinks are going to walk 2+ miles/50 minutes twice a day from places like Valentia Road in Headington which is in the walking catchment for the school because foolishly they've put the walking catchment as the crow flies? Or if children, aged 5 - 11 don't walk 4 miles a day and instead are driven for 15 minutes in a car, they'll surely thank us for it and be pleased with the future that they'll be part of. right? No. Or the local children who will have to endure even more danger and health risks as a result of this? Or perhaps those children's children? or those children's children's children and so on? Because that, is exactly what will, absolutely, happen. This is not good for any children, not really, the benefits are superficial, could be achieved in another way and the damage outweighs the benefits. Therefore there are no real benefits to anyone, not the children, not the elderly (ah yes, ageing population? a neighbourhood which is already made hostile to elderly because of traffic? yes, it is.) You're welcome to come and visit, Andrew, I'll happily show you what you're advocating but it should really be bleedin' obvious really. Creating or perpetuating dependency on cars is insane. It makes no sense whatsoever and that is exactly what this will do. The rest of what you've written, Andrew, isn't even accurate! This is not a realistic option, no parents even turned up to the first prospective parent's meeting in a large hall at Oxford Spires Academy (which is incidentally similar to a free school and is cutting staff). Just 3 people turned up to that meeting, me, my girlfriend and a lady called Carol. Before you suggest that there's no opposition though - We had to walk down the marsh, in the dark, past people doing dodgy deals under the street light, ushered onto what looked like a building site with no proper lighting. Many of the people who oppose this development are elderly, plus they didn't even know about the meeting. This whole thing is absolutely anti-social. Joe Chapman

8:20am Wed 28 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

"It can never be a bad thing to open a new school in the heart of a community."

Except when opening that school would be more detrimental to the community than beneficial.

Something tells me that you won't be the one experiencing the direct impact of this here, I can assure you, you will feel it one way another though.
"It can never be a bad thing to open a new school in the heart of a community." Except when opening that school would be more detrimental to the community than beneficial. Something tells me that you won't be the one experiencing the direct impact of this here, I can assure you, you will feel it one way another though. Joe Chapman

8:54am Wed 28 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

"What's the point of whining about it now?"

Something to do with a planning application and public consultation. Or perhaps you'd rather we bypassed democratic process completely?
"What's the point of whining about it now?" Something to do with a planning application and public consultation. Or perhaps you'd rather we bypassed democratic process completely? Joe Chapman

9:05am Wed 28 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

Part of me says, forget it. I was already right on the edge about traffic and a whole heap of other real issues, before I found out about this development. That would just be wallowing in misery though, it won't make the problem go away. Not speaking out, or whining as you call it, would be the least constructive thing to do. Having a voice is often the only power any community has, it is not even a power that is nurtured by the system properly, worse, that voice is oppressed, as appears evident from issues with the local Shotover View development. Our communities are fed up with being stitched up by individuals and organisations that are given greater weight over what happens in our communities than the people who live in them. Then we have to listen to others who apparently without good reason support that oppression of community, like turkeys voting for Christmas.
Part of me says, forget it. I was already right on the edge about traffic and a whole heap of other real issues, before I found out about this development. That would just be wallowing in misery though, it won't make the problem go away. Not speaking out, or whining as you call it, would be the least constructive thing to do. Having a voice is often the only power any community has, it is not even a power that is nurtured by the system properly, worse, that voice is oppressed, as appears evident from issues with the local Shotover View development. Our communities are fed up with being stitched up by individuals and organisations that are given greater weight over what happens in our communities than the people who live in them. Then we have to listen to others who apparently without good reason support that oppression of community, like turkeys voting for Christmas. Joe Chapman

9:13am Wed 28 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

Sure, come right on in, park in front of my house, choke my children with more pollution, make yourself at home, condemn us all to a bleak, unsustainable future. None of this matters because we're all going to be saved and will ascend into heaven, Jesus is going to come back and perform a miracle to undo all the stuff we've messed up. Well, how about instead of waiting for the second coming, we actually fix stuff ourselves, save some suffering, or better still stop doing it, fight the elements within ourselves that create and perpetuate this, what is becoming, he'll on earth.
Sure, come right on in, park in front of my house, choke my children with more pollution, make yourself at home, condemn us all to a bleak, unsustainable future. None of this matters because we're all going to be saved and will ascend into heaven, Jesus is going to come back and perform a miracle to undo all the stuff we've messed up. Well, how about instead of waiting for the second coming, we actually fix stuff ourselves, save some suffering, or better still stop doing it, fight the elements within ourselves that create and perpetuate this, what is becoming, he'll on earth. Joe Chapman

10:22am Wed 28 Nov 12

DoctorBob says...

So the head isn't a qualified Teacher and her photo appears to show her outside a pub.

Good start folks.
So the head isn't a qualified Teacher and her photo appears to show her outside a pub. Good start folks. DoctorBob

12:46pm Wed 28 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

I think Liz Russo does have experience in schools though to be fair.

However, I wonder if Liz Russo will be walking to school every day? It remains to be seen out of all of the people suggesting they will advocate walking 50 minutes to school with small children twice a day (and more for the parents) will actually be walking to school themselves.

Please note that the next public consultation specifically regarding the development of the site will be on 4th December at the Lord Nuffield Club. It may still be worth turning up at Oxford Spires Academy on the 6th but I went to the last meeting which is mentioned in this article and I was one of only 3 people to turn up from the 'public'. As mentioned previously absolutely no prospective parents or people pro-actively for this school on that site, turned up. No-one. Zero.
I think Liz Russo does have experience in schools though to be fair. However, I wonder if Liz Russo will be walking to school every day? It remains to be seen out of all of the people suggesting they will advocate walking 50 minutes to school with small children twice a day (and more for the parents) will actually be walking to school themselves. Please note that the next public consultation specifically regarding the development of the site will be on 4th December at the Lord Nuffield Club. It may still be worth turning up at Oxford Spires Academy on the 6th but I went to the last meeting which is mentioned in this article and I was one of only 3 people to turn up from the 'public'. As mentioned previously absolutely no prospective parents or people pro-actively for this school on that site, turned up. No-one. Zero. Joe Chapman

12:53pm Wed 28 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

I'd also like to point out that there has been way too much confusion about meetings, when they are supposed to be held, where and for what purpose.

The meeting dates given out in the leaflets at the first meeting on the 6th November at the club, did not go ahead, we turned up at the club to find it shut. We then phoned the number for the school which gave 2 different numbers. I then contacted the school on Facebook and they admitted that the numbers on the phone message were completely wrong, didn't exist, that they've cancelled the other meetings in the leaflet without telling anyone. They then failed to deliver leaflets about further meetings, I complained, they apologised and then sent me 2 leaflets for the same thing.

The way the meetings had been published in the Oxford Mail has added to confusion. In this very article it mentions the meeting at Oxford Spires, which is specifically about the school, not the actual site. The idea of these meetings at Oxford Academy appears to be as PR stunt for the school, to sell it to prospective parents, not to hear the opinions of local people.
I'd also like to point out that there has been way too much confusion about meetings, when they are supposed to be held, where and for what purpose. The meeting dates given out in the leaflets at the first meeting on the 6th November at the club, did not go ahead, we turned up at the club to find it shut. We then phoned the number for the school which gave 2 different numbers. I then contacted the school on Facebook and they admitted that the numbers on the phone message were completely wrong, didn't exist, that they've cancelled the other meetings in the leaflet without telling anyone. They then failed to deliver leaflets about further meetings, I complained, they apologised and then sent me 2 leaflets for the same thing. The way the meetings had been published in the Oxford Mail has added to confusion. In this very article it mentions the meeting at Oxford Spires, which is specifically about the school, not the actual site. The idea of these meetings at Oxford Academy appears to be as PR stunt for the school, to sell it to prospective parents, not to hear the opinions of local people. Joe Chapman

1:09pm Wed 28 Nov 12

Andrew:Oxford says...

Joe Chapman wrote:
Sure, come right on in, park in front of my house, choke my children with more pollution, make yourself at home, condemn us all to a bleak, unsustainable future. None of this matters because we're all going to be saved and will ascend into heaven, Jesus is going to come back and perform a miracle to undo all the stuff we've messed up. Well, how about instead of waiting for the second coming, we actually fix stuff ourselves, save some suffering, or better still stop doing it, fight the elements within ourselves that create and perpetuate this, what is becoming, he'll on earth.
Don't underestimate children. Whilst clearly some aren't as bright as others, most are very savvy.

At the age of six, once I had clarity on the authenticity of the chap who visits six days before Hogmanay, I knew for sure how authentic the other associated parties are.

Just play along, and enjoy the other parts of the education.

Think of the children - don't deny them an education because of your own personal circumstances.
[quote][p][bold]Joe Chapman[/bold] wrote: Sure, come right on in, park in front of my house, choke my children with more pollution, make yourself at home, condemn us all to a bleak, unsustainable future. None of this matters because we're all going to be saved and will ascend into heaven, Jesus is going to come back and perform a miracle to undo all the stuff we've messed up. Well, how about instead of waiting for the second coming, we actually fix stuff ourselves, save some suffering, or better still stop doing it, fight the elements within ourselves that create and perpetuate this, what is becoming, he'll on earth.[/p][/quote]Don't underestimate children. Whilst clearly some aren't as bright as others, most are very savvy. At the age of six, once I had clarity on the authenticity of the chap who visits six days before Hogmanay, I knew for sure how authentic the other associated parties are. Just play along, and enjoy the other parts of the education. Think of the children - don't deny them an education because of your own personal circumstances. Andrew:Oxford

2:12pm Wed 28 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

wtf? Sorry Andrew but I'm not sure that your last comment has any bearing on the issue we're discussing here.
wtf? Sorry Andrew but I'm not sure that your last comment has any bearing on the issue we're discussing here. Joe Chapman

6:02pm Wed 28 Nov 12

Andrew:Oxford says...

Joe Chapman wrote:
wtf? Sorry Andrew but I'm not sure that your last comment has any bearing on the issue we're discussing here.
Which part. You clearly have a prejudice about people who drive?

Or maybe you didn't know that "Hogmanay" is a UK cultural festival held on the 31st December?

I can make it clearer, but imagine it would upset some reader if I were to be more specific about a certain "visitor".
[quote][p][bold]Joe Chapman[/bold] wrote: wtf? Sorry Andrew but I'm not sure that your last comment has any bearing on the issue we're discussing here.[/p][/quote]Which part. You clearly have a prejudice about people who drive? Or maybe you didn't know that "Hogmanay" is a UK cultural festival held on the 31st December? I can make it clearer, but imagine it would upset some reader if I were to be more specific about a certain "visitor". Andrew:Oxford

6:51pm Wed 28 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

I have no idea what you are on about now, so I'm out of this conversation, sorry. Too many things to do, I appreciate any feedback, even if it's negative it can be useful but I'm struggling to see the value of this.
I have no idea what you are on about now, so I'm out of this conversation, sorry. Too many things to do, I appreciate any feedback, even if it's negative it can be useful but I'm struggling to see the value of this. Joe Chapman

6:55pm Wed 28 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

"Liz is an inspired choice as she brings a passion for education and a wealth of local and international experience in the United States, Kenya and Columbia.”

I wonder if by "local", Russell even means this city? I doubt she's got much experience in the actual local community. Does she even know the area she's going to be working in and expecting to bring in children from? Guess I'd better ask her.
"Liz is an inspired choice as she brings a passion for education and a wealth of local and international experience in the United States, Kenya and Columbia.” I wonder if by "local", Russell even means this city? I doubt she's got much experience in the actual local community. Does she even know the area she's going to be working in and expecting to bring in children from? Guess I'd better ask her. Joe Chapman

7:13pm Wed 28 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

btw I like cars, I appreciate engineering, design and need cars to shift heavy equipment around. I even know a little about I just think we are insanely dependent on them and the fuel needed to run them. As far as drivers are concerned they are people, they come in many shapes and sizes but what I see is that it is the system we've created that turn otherwise decent intelligent people into selfish people. The seemingly petty things that people do like jumping lights, going on amber, parking on top of pedestrian crossings when people are trying to cross, talking on mobile phones, causing more death and riding on the pavement and so on. 1 person sees another doing and they decide they might as well do it too. The police even ignore it, I've caught police in traffic staring into space, not aware of their surroundings. Meanwhile everyone, particularly the pedestrians and cyclists are breathing in the fumes. We live here yet we have no real control over what happens here. Because the way the road is that bleeds right into the community. Only the toughest can stand it living along this road now, the old chap a few doors down to me does exactly what I do when confronted by a driver on the pavement (due to the narrow road). He stands there and doesn't move, then he gets abuse or laughed at. You know how that feels? Standing outside your own home on the pavement with someone passing through telling you to get out of the way.

This is the reality, this is nothing, it's constant, chipping away at us all, pushing us all to compete with each other, to get out of the way.

I was taking some video as evidence of traffic problems for the purposes of this very issue. Some bloke in a car, crawling along in traffic starting laughing at me and calling me nuts. He soon shut up when I pointed out he was the one stuck in traffic and likely to be for quite some time to come.

This is the insanity of the situation. Where anyone who speaks out is pounced on by some turkey who has been fed a diet of rubbish and made dependent on something he can't afford. Instead of laughing at me brother, you'd be better off realising you're actually on the inside of the battery cage.
btw I like cars, I appreciate engineering, design and need cars to shift heavy equipment around. I even know a little about I just think we are insanely dependent on them and the fuel needed to run them. As far as drivers are concerned they are people, they come in many shapes and sizes but what I see is that it is the system we've created that turn otherwise decent intelligent people into selfish people. The seemingly petty things that people do like jumping lights, going on amber, parking on top of pedestrian crossings when people are trying to cross, talking on mobile phones, causing more death and riding on the pavement and so on. 1 person sees another doing and they decide they might as well do it too. The police even ignore it, I've caught police in traffic staring into space, not aware of their surroundings. Meanwhile everyone, particularly the pedestrians and cyclists are breathing in the fumes. We live here yet we have no real control over what happens here. Because the way the road is that bleeds right into the community. Only the toughest can stand it living along this road now, the old chap a few doors down to me does exactly what I do when confronted by a driver on the pavement (due to the narrow road). He stands there and doesn't move, then he gets abuse or laughed at. You know how that feels? Standing outside your own home on the pavement with someone passing through telling you to get out of the way. This is the reality, this is nothing, it's constant, chipping away at us all, pushing us all to compete with each other, to get out of the way. I was taking some video as evidence of traffic problems for the purposes of this very issue. Some bloke in a car, crawling along in traffic starting laughing at me and calling me nuts. He soon shut up when I pointed out he was the one stuck in traffic and likely to be for quite some time to come. This is the insanity of the situation. Where anyone who speaks out is pounced on by some turkey who has been fed a diet of rubbish and made dependent on something he can't afford. Instead of laughing at me brother, you'd be better off realising you're actually on the inside of the battery cage. Joe Chapman

10:29pm Wed 28 Nov 12

Andrew:Oxford says...

Does he do the same for mobility scooters and wheelchairs on the pavement too? If it was me in the car, all would be well. I've got the patience of saint, so would quite happily put on radio 4 (DAB of course) and wait - see which of us has the strongest bladder or ability to cope with the weather.

As for yourself, I'd find someone standing in the street recording "evidence" a bit bizarre too. Not sure if I'd laugh, but I'd pay attention to what he was recording. In case the person was focussing on single female drivers or children on the way to school.
Does he do the same for mobility scooters and wheelchairs on the pavement too? If it was me in the car, all would be well. I've got the patience of saint, so would quite happily put on radio 4 (DAB of course) and wait - see which of us has the strongest bladder or ability to cope with the weather. As for yourself, I'd find someone standing in the street recording "evidence" a bit bizarre too. Not sure if I'd laugh, but I'd pay attention to what he was recording. In case the person was focussing on single female drivers or children on the way to school. Andrew:Oxford

12:55pm Thu 29 Nov 12

Joe Chapman says...

Andrew is attempting to use this issue to defame my character. I will not allow him to disrupt this, he's not just attacking me, he's attacking the entire local community as a result. Trying to scare people into thinking I'm some kind of pervert is completely underhand and out of order. As it happens the police know what I've been doing and they even have some of the footage. It's a public place, I am not filming anyone going in or out of houses, I'm not intentionally filming children. Andrew must cease all such insinuations.

Right, back to business: Anyone wishing to know what the local community thinks, I suggest looking at the public comments on the application for the school. There are now 9 comments and only 1 of them, from Tony Brett, Lib Dem councillor is for the school. It is absolutely clear at this point that the local community are against this school and the development.
Andrew is attempting to use this issue to defame my character. I will not allow him to disrupt this, he's not just attacking me, he's attacking the entire local community as a result. Trying to scare people into thinking I'm some kind of pervert is completely underhand and out of order. As it happens the police know what I've been doing and they even have some of the footage. It's a public place, I am not filming anyone going in or out of houses, I'm not intentionally filming children. Andrew must cease all such insinuations. Right, back to business: Anyone wishing to know what the local community thinks, I suggest looking at the public comments on the application for the school. There are now 9 comments and only 1 of them, from Tony Brett, Lib Dem councillor is for the school. It is absolutely clear at this point that the local community are against this school and the development. Joe Chapman

4:29pm Thu 29 Nov 12

Andrew:Oxford says...

I’m sorry that you feel distressed that a civic minded resident would be concerned about a lone (male) individual filming people passing by.

Many readers will be reassured that you choose the individuals you film with due care and provide edited footage to the police.

Perhaps you should consider investing in some form of signage to say that you are working in partnership with the police to allay concerns of people who are unfamiliar with your research.
I’m sorry that you feel distressed that a civic minded resident would be concerned about a lone (male) individual filming people passing by. Many readers will be reassured that you choose the individuals you film with due care and provide edited footage to the police. Perhaps you should consider investing in some form of signage to say that you are working in partnership with the police to allay concerns of people who are unfamiliar with your research. Andrew:Oxford

11:02am Sun 2 Dec 12

Isawyoucoming says...

Andrew:Oxford wrote:
Joe Chapman wrote:
wtf? Sorry Andrew but I'm not sure that your last comment has any bearing on the issue we're discussing here.
Which part. You clearly have a prejudice about people who drive?

Or maybe you didn't know that "Hogmanay" is a UK cultural festival held on the 31st December?

I can make it clearer, but imagine it would upset some reader if I were to be more specific about a certain "visitor".
hogmanay is primarily a scottish festival its not a uk wide event. free schools, all schools should not be teaching religious nonsense. science is the answer
[quote][p][bold]Andrew:Oxford[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Joe Chapman[/bold] wrote: wtf? Sorry Andrew but I'm not sure that your last comment has any bearing on the issue we're discussing here.[/p][/quote]Which part. You clearly have a prejudice about people who drive? Or maybe you didn't know that "Hogmanay" is a UK cultural festival held on the 31st December? I can make it clearer, but imagine it would upset some reader if I were to be more specific about a certain "visitor".[/p][/quote]hogmanay is primarily a scottish festival its not a uk wide event. free schools, all schools should not be teaching religious nonsense. science is the answer Isawyoucoming

2:28pm Sun 2 Dec 12

Andrew:Oxford says...

Isawyoucoming wrote:
Andrew:Oxford wrote:
Joe Chapman wrote:
wtf? Sorry Andrew but I'm not sure that your last comment has any bearing on the issue we're discussing here.
Which part. You clearly have a prejudice about people who drive?

Or maybe you didn't know that "Hogmanay" is a UK cultural festival held on the 31st December?

I can make it clearer, but imagine it would upset some reader if I were to be more specific about a certain "visitor".
hogmanay is primarily a scottish festival its not a uk wide event. free schools, all schools should not be teaching religious nonsense. science is the answer
That's a shame. Have you never been invited to a Hogmanay Ceilidh in Oxford? Great fun.
[quote][p][bold]Isawyoucoming[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Andrew:Oxford[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Joe Chapman[/bold] wrote: wtf? Sorry Andrew but I'm not sure that your last comment has any bearing on the issue we're discussing here.[/p][/quote]Which part. You clearly have a prejudice about people who drive? Or maybe you didn't know that "Hogmanay" is a UK cultural festival held on the 31st December? I can make it clearer, but imagine it would upset some reader if I were to be more specific about a certain "visitor".[/p][/quote]hogmanay is primarily a scottish festival its not a uk wide event. free schools, all schools should not be teaching religious nonsense. science is the answer[/p][/quote]That's a shame. Have you never been invited to a Hogmanay Ceilidh in Oxford? Great fun. Andrew:Oxford

7:35pm Sun 2 Dec 12

Pavinder Msvarensy says...

Joe, surely the best option is to turn it Back into Morris Motors, or failing that, a pub. The drunken residents (judging by the number of them I see staggering home late at night or falling out of taxis and struggling to put the key into the wrong house front door) would keep it in profit all on their own. By the way don't get so tetchy, Andrew was only pointing out that it is a bit peculiar for somebody to be filming others as they go about their daily business, I did not see any insinuations of impropriety in his post directed at your good self.
Joe, surely the best option is to turn it Back into Morris Motors, or failing that, a pub. The drunken residents (judging by the number of them I see staggering home late at night or falling out of taxis and struggling to put the key into the wrong house front door) would keep it in profit all on their own. By the way don't get so tetchy, Andrew was only pointing out that it is a bit peculiar for somebody to be filming others as they go about their daily business, I did not see any insinuations of impropriety in his post directed at your good self. Pavinder Msvarensy

8:12am Mon 3 Dec 12

Joe Chapman says...

Hi Pavinder,

I think that's a good idea, whatever it is, I think it has to serve the immediate local community in order to be sustainable and not create a problem.

Have you put in a public comment yet? It sounds like you are local given your knowledge of the local community. People do like to enjoy themselves don't they. Sometimes if I lock myself out I just sleep in the shed ;)
Hi Pavinder, I think that's a good idea, whatever it is, I think it has to serve the immediate local community in order to be sustainable and not create a problem. Have you put in a public comment yet? It sounds like you are local given your knowledge of the local community. People do like to enjoy themselves don't they. Sometimes if I lock myself out I just sleep in the shed ;) Joe Chapman

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