Surrey UK Forums - Raven's Ait - Future of the Island

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Re: Raven's Ait - Future of the Island (30th Apr 09 at 4:02pm UTC)
The island is common land and was not the council's to sell as I understand, yet I see no public outcry about this fact, so does that mean the general public think that's OK? The same as certain councils who held funds in off shore banks as was revealed when the banks collapsed, yet they are only budgetary organisations who should have no money to deposit by rights, but again no public outcry. The last 'private' owners closed the door and left quite a large number of people considerably out of pocket, including the local bobbies - who had paid for their Christmas party on the island, and excluded the wider community from using the island, for who the island is meant according to a ruling by the House of Lords. Privatisation is not another word for guarantee - it does not mean the 'tax-payer' is guaranteed to not get ripped off, in fact it generally means quite the opposite, remember recently the energy market prices dropped but the drop was not passed on to the customers for some time. 'Business' has one key aim - to make money and keep it for its shareholders, its not that business is unkind but it is not an individual but if it was it would be a very scary one that you would all be calling to be locked up... (ever seen the film The Corporation?) - whilst there may be ethical and environmental objectives worked in to the business framework on the whole making money is what business is about, not the people, the individual and greater good, as I'm sure most would agree. It's is easy to get into labelling and name-calling but there are a core few who are working seriously hard to make this island into the place it should be, for the community, and have succeeded in setting up other community schemes, and I don't think you can just assume (as it makes an ASS out of U and ME) about whether people are working or not or whatever, if you are walking down the street at 11am, as a number of people do I've yet to see an empty street at any time of the day, does this mean you're a layabout just window-shopping instead of looking for a job? For every finger of blame you point at someone there are three pointing back at you. The intention is to establish a vibrant and self-sufficient community venue for all of the borough of Kingston to enjoy, and to generate wider interest for the borough, with a vision of going international in the future, that will harness natural resources to provide energy, this will create a number of satellite initiatives that will include training, education, recreation and a place that anyone can have a wedding or celebration at, not just those that have large purses- so rather than put it down or worry about who's working on the island and who isn't why not a) visit www.ravensait.org.uk and get involved b) sign up to Ecotricity who are looking at collaborating with us, or Good Energy and show your support and concern for the need for more renewables c) come and visit d) reduce your waste at home...... The people organising this are not trying to hurt you, con you, exclude you, rip you off, and hope you will appreciate it takes time to set things up and there are bound to be things that need smoothing out, this project needs you to support it and share their vision. Are you a yoga teacher? Looking for somewhere to hold dance classes? Or other classes? A business looking to be greener? What is your vision for the island? Did you ever go over there when it was owned by the hotel?? Wouldn't you like the freedom to do so? Are you Interested in renewable technology? Or just plain curious about us and what we have to say, why not come visit and chat and join in and make the island yours too, we are not your enemy, please come and see us before condeming us.
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