Pre-Christmas lights noise in Stoke

“Soothsayer2 - I don't have a problem. The article in the printed press was accurate, Mr. Raftery's was not. If you choose not to believe me, that's your prerogative, but look at the statements to support my stance, and then look at the statements to support his before you rush to condemn an excellent community event as a "waste of time".

I also remind you that I was there, he left before it started properly, and I doubt you were even in the vicinity. However, if you were, perhaps you'd care to venture an opinion of your own regarding the success or otherwise of the day. If not, then I cordially invite you to join the organising team to help us improve on future events. All are welcome, even Mr. Raftery.”

“Alan Barrett the arguments surrounding this event have been balanced out only because of this story by Mr Raftery. The Sentinel print press ran a story on the event featuring all the laudatory cliches of what a wonderful time everybody had. That article in the print press was not balanced but was all one sided. What is your real problem?”

“dougalcross - you're right, I don't see the point of Mr. Raftery's bile. I do however, appreciate that not everyone's tastes were accommodated. We did ask Stoke Minster to join us, but sadly, they already had other things planned and couldn't be with us this time, and they are as disappointed as we are. This is something we'll remedy next year by preparing earlier, perhaps involving more churches and schools. As I've said elsewhere, constructive criticism is always welcomed, Mr. Raftery's article was clearly written with malice aforethought and he's yet to reply to any of the comments made here, even though he has ample opportunity.

Soothsayer2 - no-one wants merely propaganda, but Mr. Raftery's opinion, as you should be able to tell from the other comments, is in a minority. I have no wish to silence Mr. Raftery as I believe in a free press and full democratic opinion. However, a balanced journalistic piece would have served both the event and his credibility far better. Let's be fair here, he didn't even stay for the opening; by his own admission, he was only there for the preparation, where things get sorted out ready for the main event. I also think you're doing a little fishing, and I congratulate you if you catch a few people.”

“I have to say that this is the most interesting article Mr Raftery has ever written. Do we want journalism to be about the propaganda stunts of face painting/come musical events and everything is rosy in the garden or do we want something different and nearer to the knuckle as possible?

It seems that the other side to the story is very difficult for some people to grapple with. Truth is subjective to the purveyor. The comments are also of interest. Nobody likes to face up to the fact that their good intentions were a waste of time do they?

I think the Sentinel should contact the 88 year old gentleman to do a front page story. This plot thickens”

“The people backing this racket are not quite seeing the point of the protests. It would have cost no more to present a more acceptable event. Seasonal music, perhaps, instead of the cacaphony that modern popular music flings at us. O come, all ye faithful......”

“One elderly man who was stood at the bus stop in Church Street waiting for a bus to Penkhull said:

"A nuclear bomb wants dropping on this bloody country. I served in the wars."

He then rolled his trouser leg up to reveal scarring.

"They want this noise do they; they want to go to war.

Sometimes I am waiting 45 minutes for my bus to Penkhull at 88 years of age."

That is quite probably the most bizarre thing I have ever read on this site. Someone doesn't like the noise so the country should be nuked???

Anyway - I was there for the switch on and while the music wasn't to my taste I certainly didn't think it was too loud. The teenage boy who was singing seemed popular with the children at the front (no idea who he was), and the stalls offered something a bit different, including highlighting what the patients at St Augustine's could do with some encouragement.

But if Stoke is indeed such a rundown town, why on earth do we have to denegrate any efforts to improve it? I know it's easy to criticise other people for making an effort, but surely unless you actually try to do something yourself it might be better not to.”

“Shabby journalism once again. One man's opinion and the thoughts of an old man with a scar passing through town. I think that may be a little one sided Mr Raftery.

You obviously think you can do better for no budget so why not give it a go next time?”

“Can I ask how loud music can give anyone breathing difficulties. Its not to everyone tastes I know, but I'm sure there were many more things to do in the town center It would have taken a lot of very hard work to get this off the ground and was done very well by the people who care for the town. There would have been nothing without their efforts, and for that I say well done.”

“To add weight and credibility to Kevin's report can we see a break down of all the community activities he gets involved in.

With regard to the event itself the activists are to be applauded, as are others around the city who're making do with nothing in organising their events to help ensure their communities have some semblance of a Christmas celebration. It takes a lot of hard work Mr Raftery, much of it frustrating.

I know from recent experience that city councillors are becoming excellent self promoters and I will not congratulate a city council which is abandoning communities whilst, simultaneously piggy backing on the hard work and dedication of others.”

“David Riles37 - your point is well made, and this is the sort of CONSTRUCTIVE criticism that we welcome. No-one person, or even a committee of people has all the answers. We have done our best, however, now we've learned a few things, our best can be improved; and it will be.

The mystery guest was Olly Marland, and his large following helped the overall atmosphere. Yet another plus point, a young person doing well and enjoying success. Something Mr. Raftery doesn't appear prepared to acknowledge.”