ATTITUDE? HAVE YOU GOT ATTITUDE?

It must be obvious to everybody that things could be better. I'm not talking about the economic situation or the political situation, just things like vandalism, or obesity or inconsideration (which covers a multitude of attitudes) or bad language or drug taking or binge drinking or whatever is your personal bugbear.

But what is the answer? More laws? More police? (Sorry, only joking) More signs? Like the ones placed at doggie heights so their owners can ignore them?

I don't think so. It's up to you and me. Unless we change our ATTITUDES, zero tolerance will continue to mean zero. When we have finished putting the blame on other people such as groups of youths who don't even live in Broadstone and accepted that even some of us must be guilty of dropping litter or parking 2 wheels on the pavement while we use a cash point, then and only then can WE take steps to improve the situation.

I know I will not have covered everybody's pet hates or advertised their solutions. There is always space in the next magazine if you feel strongly about something and I hope you will let me know.

Here is a suggestion from me. If every Broadstone Residents' Association member picked up one piece of litter, every day and disposed of it properly, wouldn't that make a significant difference to our surroundings?

Unhealthy attitudes - living to work?

We can often have an unhealthy attitude to our bodies.

What if we never serviced our cars? Or never put good quality petrol or oil in them? How about if we raced around in them at 10Omph, in third gear? Would we expect them to last three score and ten, and hopefully more?

So why don't we look after ourselves? Why do we eat and drink so much junk and non-nutritious food? Why don't we exercise enough? Why do we rush around so much of the time, not allowing quality time with family and friends?

Why don't we get regular health checks? We are in possession of the most sophisticated piece of biological engineering on the planet, our bodies. We would like them to last as full a lifetime in as reasonable a state of repair.

Let us at least give ourselves a fighting chance. It's not rocket science!

Eat a varied and mixed diet, with lots of fruit and veggies. Drink plenty of fluid, especially water. Get adequate and restful sleep. Relax and unwind from the strains of life. Driven by stress we may be compelled to adopt bad lifestyle habits. If you have a health problem seek professional advice.

With a positive healthy attitude to ourselves, giving our bodies the respect they deserve, we can enjoy life to the full.

Try working to live!

Motorists attitude to other motorists

As a driver who has held a licence for over 40 years 1 have witnessed the at first gradual increase in traffic, followed by, as prosperity has grown over the years, huge increases which has resulted in the chronic congestion of our roads at peak times which exists today. This congestion naturally causes frustration to the drivers who are not able to complete their journeys as quickly and easily as they would like.

These frustrations lead to problems with the attitude of motorists to other motorists who in general have abandoned the chivalry 1 remember in the past and adopted an "everyman for himself' attitude. When the roads are congested at peak times and people are packed together irritation happens very easily especially when drivers do not carry out basic actions, for example using their indicators and getting into the correct lanes at roundabouts and traffic lights. These and other selfish acts can produce bad reactions in the form of horn blowing, shouting and offensive gesticulation as the adrenalin kicks in, and occasionally results in physical violence.

The more drivers are held up the more likely they are to exceed speed limits in an effort to make up time and this has resulted in the increasing number of drivers caught and fined for speeding. Flouting the law is another cause of irritation such as motorists who openly use their mobile phones whilst driving with the inevitable loss of concentration, risking their own safety as well as other road users and pedestrians. Perhaps some stiffer penalties like licence points would encourage then to invest in hands free phone equipment. How many drivers do you see? In very expensive prestige cars holding a mobile phone to their ear when the cost of a hands free kit is "peanuts" compared to the cost of the vehicle.

I am afraid that unless the government get a grip on this problem instead of ignoring it and spending our vehicle licence fees on everything but the roads, we are heading very rapidly to total traffic gridlock at peak times. When this happens standby for a rapid further decline in driver attitudes as frustration and irritation increase.

Broadstone 2005

Let's be positive. Broadstone is a good place to live. The inhabitants are intelligent, friendly and cooperative, housing is pleasant, the streets are quiet and leafy, and the sea and gorgeous inland scenery are all near at hand. There are good schools , thriving local societies and organised activities, and a lively shopping centre where people can buy necessities and pause to chat with friends.

What is it then that limits our enjoyment of such a delightful place? Should we mention litter, graffiti , dog fouling or petty crime? Unfortunately, these are nuisances, common to all parts of the country under the general heading of anti-social behaviour. There is a general lack of what used to be called good manners which is not confined to the young; getting older does not mean that we have no need to show consideration for others. Young people bring vitality to a district and most of them are caring and well behaved. It is sad that the actions of a few have engendered distrust and even hostility in some of us older citizens. Exuberance and high spirits should not be dampened but, of course, there have to be rules. Going round knocking down fences and pulling up garden plants, daubing paint on walls and generally spoiling the environment cannot be tolerated.

So what is to be done? Perhaps we should all think carefully about the results of our behaviour on others and try harder to do as we would be done by?

My Attitude Towards Cyclist Riding on the Pavement

According to my dictionary a pavement is "a paved surface, or that which is paved: a footway by the side of the street." The pavements in Broadstone have changed little, apart from more decorative surfaces, in the last 25 years but in that time the population has increased. There are probably more toddlers, prams, pushchairs, pensioners, invalid carriages, walking frames, dogs, traders wares, seats, litter bins, and yes, pedestrians now than there ever has been and some cyclists insist on trying to manoeuvre their machines, sometimes at speed, along our very crowded pavements. I have witnessed a number of "near misses" and one day a collision will surely occur which could spill into the road and result in a very serious accident.
My attitude towards cyclists that 1 see riding on our pavements is one of great irritation and on those occasions when 1 feel minded to mention, in a reasonable manner, that they should be on the road the normal response is a load of expletives usually ending with "you old git!" Many years ago, of course, one tended to respect one's elders more so than today and the sight of the local bobby would be enough to get onto the road sharpish!

The World Around Us

Presumably most people get a little hot-under-the-collar when they hear or read about things which have happened in the world around us.

Isn't it time, before it is too late, that we got back to playing 'football, and watching 'Coronation Street'. 'Footie' and 'Corrie'- what ridiculous words - are an insult to our language. Authority talks of improving the nation's education and at the same time people, who should know better, are using such words on Radio and Television for all and, in particular the younger generation, to hear and copy.

Our law makers legislate maximum sentences for crime. When cases come to trial the Courts seem to impose minimum punishment presumably to encourage a repetition of the offence in the future and to demonstrate to future lawbreakers that "Crime does Pay".

Not much encouragement to law-enforcers who must sometimes wonder whether their investigating efforts are really worthwhile.

Cycling on the pavements of busy roads, where there is little pedestrian traffic, probably reduces death and injury, providing those who do use common sense and care.
However cycling on the pavements of roads in shopping areas or where pavements are particularly narrow borders on criminal folly and must be dealt with accordingly.
To supplement the Police it would be practical to expand the duties of 'Parking Wardens, to take on this additional task. Riders also seem unaware that cycling over pedestrian crossings in illegal and what about restoring bells on bicycles?

From a Retired Policeman

Much is made of 'attitude' these days. You hear it quite frequently " He ( or she ) has got an attitude problem". And a lot of it is aimed at young people, wrongly in my view. I'm of the opinion that most of the attitude problems are a result of our intolerance towards each other. Take the different 'rages' we hear about. Road rage, air rage, queue rage and even rages between neighbours. People have become so intolerant towards one another that if they don't get their way they sound off in a very aggressive manner, in many case it leads to violence. But more often than not its just a few verbal insults and that is our attitude. 1 think most people are guilty of it ( including me ), sometimes we cant tolerate those of us who hold up the queue for example ( which I witnessed only last week in a paper shop ), some drivers get agitated if driving behind a slower person, and this is an attitude due to intolerance. I feel that young people are saddled with this 'attitude problem' label nowadays because of things reported in the media, and its quite unfair. All of us in society should take a good long look at ourselves and if we're honest, we should take some of the blame.

PLEASE INDICATE!

I'm a pedestrian and a cyclist, and I'm 16 years old.

Recently I have nearly been hit by cars on 3 or 4 occasions, by when cycling and when walking. This is because many drivers fail to indicate on corners that they know well, or if there are no other cars around. People often shout at me for walking where they are about to drive. However, it is their fault for failing to indicate. There are some corners in Broadstone where very few people bother to indicate. For example, at the bottom of Lower Blandford Road by the roundabout: this has become a very dangerous place to cycle or cross. Another place where people rarely indicate is near Broadstone First School. People turning to go down towards the golf course fail to indicate, and people turning towards the school's main entrance rarely indicate. This area is very dangerous for the children.

Indicators are there for a reason! Please use them!

What is litter?

I personally believe it is a form of vandalism. A beautiful area can be destroyed by the indiscriminate dropping of all sorts of refuse. For example: tin cans plastic bottles, chewing-gum, paper and numerous other things. Most of this litter could have been recycled, and instead of being a scar on the landscape could become a form of revenue for the benefit of the community.

In places such as Singapore, where chewing-gum is forbidden, the dropping of litter anywhere incurs an immediate fine. This ensures that the city is clean and litter free. How I wish it were the same in Broadstone.

Attitude towards littering by a mature person.

Drug Addiction

One of the saddest things in our world today is drug addiction. This, linked with alcoholism, is one of the main reasons for homelessness. It exists in towns everywhere. When a person becomes addicted they usually end up on the street and often in prison. Addicts are not always kindly received by the 'Authorities' who have not always got the resources to solve the problem. There are organisations and charities who try to help by feeding the homeless and offering them clean clothes. There are the resources to refer them to rehabilitation centres if the individual requests that.

Once on the street, drug users lose their self respect, become dirty, unkempt, abusive and no one feels inclined to help them. Society finds it hard to cope with, except for some family and close friends who try to help. Young people like to experiment and then find themselves involved before they realise it. 'Hard' drugs are expensive to buy so addicts steal and turn to prostitution to obtain money to feed their habit. Characters are completely changed when people are on a 'high', they don't know what they are doing. It is terrible to see how these people abuse their bodies, e.g. causing abscesses where they inject themselves.

Shoppers' Attitude

The attitude of shoppers to assistants in small retail outlets at times leaves a lot to be desired. The last fifty years has seen a great change in the attitude of customers in small retail outlets, at one time if all the assistants were busy, people were quite happy to wait their turn - not today if no one approaches them they drum their fingers on the counter while they wait, make comments that can be heard by all and generally give the impression that they should not be kept waiting whilst others are served. The attitude adopted by these very same customers in the supermarket is totally different, they are willing to wander around filling their trolley or basket, muttering to themselves if an item is out of stock but not saying anything to the management, they seem quite willing to take a ticket to be served at the delicatessen counter and be pushed around at the fruit and vegetables, squeezing and prodding the items before purchase - the very same person then demonstrates a remarkably different attitude towards the check-out staff, quite willing to queue whilst perhaps three or more customers in front have their goods checked out - not so in the small shop they must have immediate attention or the sale is lost - is it any wonder that so many small businesses are struggling to survive? The attitude of the landlords, the every increasing business rates and other overheads is enough to contend with, without the attitude of 'I must be served first' exhibited by an increasing number of customers.

A Few Thoughts from a Newcomer

I've recently moved to Broadstone having lived for most of my life on the Wirral, a pleasant rural/urban area of Merseyside. Although I lived in a rural farming community I did most of my shopping in a community rather similar to Broadstone.

The community supported several active churches, numerous activity and interest groups, a library, schools, pubs, restaurants, a supermarket and a variety of other shops, banks and building societies. In addition there was a well used bus station, a police and fire station. ( both now part time only.)

This was and still is a lively, active community similar in many ways to Broadstone.
Sadly over recent years my part of the Wirral suffered the same problems as many other parts of the country ; vandalism, graffiti, fly tipping and litter. It started gradually and seemingly before we realised what was happening it was there, part of our everyday life.
I've already mentioned that part of the Wirral was a beautiful place to live, just like this area. We had common heathland, parks, wooded areas and even an old railway " Trailway" for our enjoyment and relaxation. These facilities were enjoyed by the majority of people and sadly spoiled by the few.

Our quality of life in Broadstone is good but is being spoilt by the few. Graffiti on doors, walls hoardings, by litter including empty drink cans, plastic bags and take away cartons. These anti social activities detract from the pleasure we all enjoy when visiting the shops or walking on the Trailway or in Delph Woods.

In writing this article I'm sure I'm communicating with the "converted" and that you all agree with my comments.

Reversing this trend is not going to be easy but it may be that each one of us could play a small part. We could ensure that within our circle of family and friends we ensure that our children, grandchildren and their friends are made aware of the importance of looking after their immediate environment not just in the interest of their generation but also for the sake of successive generations.

Dog Owners

"Love me, love my dog" is my motto. With the behaviour of some dog-owners, many people will not do so. Why is it that so many dog-owners fail to pick up the mess their dogs make, making it not only unpleasant for people but also for other dogs, themselves! It takes only a second to shovel it into a bag, or into the many bins provided. It seems to be yet another "couldn't care less attitude" of our society. We are very fortunate - Broadstone is a beautiful place in which to live. Why is it that so many people lack a sense of pride? A question I feel unable to answer. Perhaps someone else can.

Problems with some dog-owners don't end there. Some dogs are allowed to run loose, some are allowed out, either very early in the morning or late at night, to inevitably disturb the peace at unsocial times. Often, dogs stray into neighbours' gardens without any check. More questions to be answered, more owners who can't accept their responsibilities. But then, it's not just dog-owners, is it?

Mature Persons Attitude Towards Drug Taking

How would we manage without prescribed pain - killing drugs as we get older? The young people who take drugs "for kicks" have been warned often enough and more drastic action should be taken against defaulters and their parents! The results of drug taking as seen on TV are so awful and causes "users" to commit crimes.

Senior Citizens Attitude Towards Personal Appearance

I try to keep myself tidily dressed and certainly clean, although becoming more difficult with clothing prices - as for the dress code of some of the young people today I find it deplorable - nothing seems to matter today - binge drinking and smoking is the way of life for far too many young people today.

I can find nothing wrong with the appearance of the older generation. I think we want to look neat and tidy but wear what suits us rather than following fashion.

Senior Citizens View of Attitude by Young People to their Elders

I have met very good young people

Some are quite difficult, particularly when on bicycles on the pavement but others can be very helpful when you have luggage and when getting on a bus.

Some of them have no respect for the elderly - other are very helpful.

Some are pleasant and helpful.

On the whole I find them very polite and helpful, except the boys who insist on riding their bikes on the pavement

Attitude to Music

If it's making Community music that we are after, then Broadstone is rich. How many small towns/ villages can boast a Community choir and a sixty strong concert band?
Now the sad bit. Having been to various concerts given by these organisations, something soon becomes obvious. The audiences are too small and are made up of the same people on every occasion. "What a fabulous performance" I hear them say, "Shame there weren't more people here". Does that person make it their business to sell a further handful of tickets next time? I doubt it.

I wondered how many music teachers from our local schools were aware of what their pupils were doing, or had been along for a listen. So I asked. "None" Wow, that's impressive. I can't begin to understand why one wouldn't encourage the next generation to learn. Next time you think about going out for an evening, try your local Community music groups. Use them or lose them. Be warned.

The Dragons

Contrary to many people's perception of a Doctor's receptionist we are not dragons. We do endeavour to be as friendly and helpful as possible, within the parameters of our terms of reference set by the Doctors within the Practice.

Since October 2004 Dorset Emergency Care Service has taken over the out of hours cover. As a result of this the surgeries now offer patient telephone access between 8am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday. Many patients find the 8am access beneficial particularly if they wish to book an appointment for the day or to cancel an early appointment. Unfortunately not everyone is considerate about notifying the surgeries if they wish to cancel an appointment and some appointments are wasted this way.

We offer a triage system each day to prioritize the day's appointments. The receptionists take the patients details and telephone number and the triage Doctor contacts them. Many patients like this system as often the Doctor can help them either with advice or a prescription without the necessity of an appointment.

The surgeries have a zero tolerance policy toward violence or verbal abuse to any staff members. Fortunately this is a very rare occurrence. Patients sometimes get upset and angry with a receptionist, but this is often because they are worried or frightened about their medical condition the situation can usually be defused by listening patiently and doing your best to help them see or speak to the right person.

There are many plus sides to our job and it is very rewarding to feel you have helped someone. We do have lighter moments our flu clinic which we run every year being one. We all thoroughly enjoy it (the staff anyway) as there is always a lot of banter amongst the patients as they queue to have their injection. We get lots of witty responses to our question "Are you allergic to eggs?" the favourite one being "no only the wife". A patient who brought her knitting in to do whilst waiting to see the Doctor showed the receptionists her handiwork and got us all hooked on knitting scarves - we could set up our own market stall with the amount we have knitted now.

The one downside is that on occasion the surgeries have been vandalised, fences and lights broken and graffiti scrawled on surgery signs. This is very frustrating to see when we arrive early in the morning to open up the surgery and this involves the surgeries in time and expense to rectify.

"The Dragon Slayer"

Archive Summer 2005

Say you saw it on "Broadstone NET"