Today's Education in the Media blog looks at the government's efforts to improve social mobility and widen access to our world class universities.
Today, November 21, The Times published a piece on the disparity in the number of pupils from different regions of England going to study at Oxford and Cambridge universities.
The piece notes that a dozen private schools in either the Home Counties or London had more students attend the two universities than Birmingham and all major northern cities combined.
Thanks in part to reforms in the school system, disadvantaged young people are entering our world-class universities at record rates – up by 43 per cent in 2016 compared with 2009.
The Government's new Opportunity Areas will work to drive social mobility in these communities, picked because they are social mobility cold spots, through a range of targeted activity and projects. This includes £22 million which will be shared among all 12 Opportunity Areas through a new Essential Life Skills programme to help disadvantaged young people develop.
We have invested over £11bn since 2011 - almost £2.5bn this year alone through the pupil premium to tackle the impact of economic disadvantage on education and help schools support their most disadvantaged pupils.
The Government also has made sure that any higher education institution wishing to charge more than £6,000 a year must have an access agreement, set by the Office for Fair Access, showing how they will promote social mobility and encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds to apply.
As well, universities will also from 2018 be required to have agreed access and participation plans for disadvantaged students – meaning they focus on retention and participation of students throughout their courses, rather than just access to universities.


Minor League pitcher, Ryan Ledbetter, enters Spring Training 2016 with an eager anticipation for what God has for him—both in his baseball career and his call to live out the Gospel. Having spent last season pitching for the High Desert Mavericks, he's not sure what the next step is for him but he's trusting God to carry him there.
"Life is too short to be preoccupied with the pleasures and anxieties of this life," says Ryan.
In order for Ryan to fully trust God with his future both inside the baseball stadium and outside, he has found peace and guidance in knowing God and seeking Him through His Word.


text:
Small Town Boy
The Thousand Dollar Bill (USA: working title)
1937 September, 24
Comedy / Romance
Zion Meyers Productions
Henry Armstrong was past being a spring chicken, still believes in Santa Claus and the maxim that "honesty is the best policy", but lack of money keeps him from marrying Molly and buying a little home, and his is threatened with the loss of the petty job he has had for four years with old Curtis French, Molly's uncle, because he can not sell enough insurance policies. And, then, he finds a thousand dollar bill. His honesty makes him advertise the find, but no one claims the money. When he is convinced that the owner will not turn up and that the money is his to keep, he becomes a changed, more aggressive and self-confident person. He begins to make sales as fast as he can make the pitch and he insists that he and Molly be married at once. While getting dressed for the ceremony, he places the $1000 bill in one of his father's old suits, and Pa Armstrong, trying to raise money to buy his son a wedding present, sells the suit to a passing junk man. The wedding is held up while Henry and his father set out to reclaim the suit. They trace the suit to a second-hand store, where it has just been stolen by a couple of tramps. Henry locates the tramp who has the suit, and trades him his new coat for it and is relieved to find the bill still in the pocket. Shortly afterward, the clothing store man arrives with the police and charges Henry with theft. Broght before the justice of peace, Henry explains about the bill and turns it over to him. The latter examines the bill and discovers it to be a fake and just an imitation put out by a furniture store as an advertisement. Henry takes the news philosophically, and decides that since he was successful when he "thought" he had a thousand dollars, he can retain the traits he had acquired. - IMDb
Invito alla felicità Italy
The Thousand Dollar Bill (working title) USA
Larry Harris [9]

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Poisoned former spy Alexander Litvinenko's deathbed message may have accused Russian President Vladimir Putin, but pro-Kremlin lawmakers and state-controlled television networks pointed the finger at a prominent Putin enemy in Britain - tycoon Boris Berezovsky. Legislators seconded a top Putin aide's suggestion that Litvinenko's death in a London hospital Thursday was part of a plot against Russia and claimed that Berezovsky, a major critic whose asylum in Britain has enraged the Kremlin, was involved in the killing. "The death of Litvinenko - for Russia, for the security services - means nothing," Valery Dyatlenko, a deputy head of the security committee in the lower parliament house, said on state-run Channel One television Friday, contending that neither the Kremlin nor Russia's intelligence agencies would have reason to kill him. "I think this is another game of some kind by Berezovsky." Berezovsky amassed a fortune in dubious privatization deals after the 1991 Soviet collapse and became an influential Kremlin insider under President Boris Yeltsin, but fell out of favor with Putin and fled for Britain in 2000 to avoid a money laundering probe which he said was politically motivated. He has been a thorn in Putin's side for years, assailing him for backtracking on democracy and accusing Russian security services of organizing the 1999 apartment-building bombings that helped stoke support for the Chechen war.


text:
Property Consultant to Software Engineer
Software Engineer at Bioxydyn
Share via LinkCopied!
How did you find your time on the bootcamp?
Doing the Northcoders course was the best decision I've made for myself in so long. My life has been put on the pathway I've always wanted thanks to the dedication of the tutors and everyone who makes Northcoders the welcoming and amazing environment that it is. It's hard work , but extremely rewarding. Everyone at Northcoders is focused on helping you get the most out of the course and when I had a problem with a family member getting very ill , they stepped up to support me in any way they could so that I could make the right decision about whether to continue the course.
What were you doing before the bootcamp and what made you apply?
Before Northcoders I was a property investment consultant and project manager. I felt that my career prospects were stagnant and the work was unfulfilling. I had previously aimed to do something in computer science after taking more of a serious interest while doing a maths degree but fell in into the property business.
What was the support like on the course?
Everyone was just very reassuring and supportive of any problems both me and people on my cohort had to deal with during the course. Mentors took the time to sit and answer questions on things I had struggled with in the week and tutors really wanted us to understand the work and not just write the code correctly. When I had personal issues outside of northcoders that affected my work I felt listened to and reassured that my emotional well-being came first.
When I had personal issues outside of northcoders that affected my work I felt listened to and reassured that my emotional well-being came first.
How much support did you receive from Northcoders with your job search after the course?
The Careers Team were very keen to get me a job somewhere that suited me and they succeeded. I had help writing a CV and feedback on my attempts, which is something I was nervous about since I hadn't written one for years. They were always quick to respond to questions and give advice during the whole process.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about applying?
If you are interested in coding and have the motivation to do it then Northcoders can help you change your career in a relatively short amount of time. It's the best education environment I've ever experienced.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks to everyone at Northcoders for helping me believe in my ability to learn and to get an amazing job. My future is a lot brighter and I can't thank everyone enough for all the support.
Sales Executive to Front End Developer
I couldn't have got to the level I am at now without Northcoders and couldn't have got the job I have and love now without their network.
Criminal Analyst to Software Engineer
I was undecided as to whether I should self-teach, because I already understood the basics of coding. Now I can say with certainty that Northcoders was the way to go.
Sales Engineer to Software Developer
We were taught very interesting and useful content at a challenging yet not overwhelming pace.


text:
PAYBACK: NEW SIX-PART CRIME THRILLER FOR ITV
ITV's Head of Drama, Polly Hill has commissioned six-part crime thriller Payback, produced by Jed Mercurio's HTM Television, written by acclaimed screenwriter Debbie O'Malley.
A compelling character-led series, Payback follows Lexie Noble, played by Morven Christie, as she becomes entangled in a perilous police operation to topple a notorious crime lord, Cal Morris, played by Peter Mullan.
With an idyllic family lifestyle in the suburbs of Edinburgh, Lexie is unaware her husband, Jared, has been laundering Cal Morris' illegal earnings on a vast scale.
Jared's every move is being monitored by financial investigators DC Jibran Khan (Prasanna Puwanarajah) and DCI Adam Guthrie (Derek Riddell), who are determined to use the Noble family to bring Cal Morris to justice.
A partner in Jared's business, Lexie is forced into working for Cal, at the same time as the police net inexorably tightens. Soon Lexie finds herself walking a treacherous tightrope between Cal and the police in which her safety, and even her life, are in grave danger.
ITV's Polly Hill said: "Payback is a brilliant thriller which questions how well you know your partner and as the secrets come out, asks who you can trust. Debbie has written compelling scripts that will keep the audience hooked and surprised...
"I'm delighted to be working with Morven Christie again, and of course Jed Mercurio and Madonna Baptiste at HTM Television." Commented Madonna Baptiste and Jed Mercurio on behalf of HTM Television: "Working with Debbie has been a joy, and everyone at HTM is proud to bring her thrillingly propulsive crime series to screen...
"We are very excited to announce a stellar line up of acting talent and pleased to be working with immensely talented directors and production team." Creator Debbie O'Malley: "I'm delighted to be working with such a high-calibre team at HTM Television and a truly superb cast to bring Lexie Noble's story to life...
"Following our ordinary wife and mother through the loopholes and increasingly grey areas of fiscal malpractice, into the murky world of organised crime, Payback poses the disconcerting question: just how far might any of us go, if we thought we could get away with it?" The drama will be filmed in Glasgow, Edinburgh and surrounding areas.
Drama and Soaps


text:
import {
    ParamInterface,
    FlagInterface,
    CommandType,
    InputInterface,
    OutputInterface,
    CommandInterface
} from '../interfaces';

import {
    HelpFlag
} from  './flags';

import {repeat, TAB_SIZE} from './utils';

export class SoftCommand<F, P> implements CommandInterface<F, P> {

    /**
     * Falg index
     */
    _flags: { [option: string]: FlagInterface<F> };

    /**
     * Describe command behavior
     */
    description: string;

    /**
     * Parameter definition
     */
    params: ParamInterface<P>;

    /**
     * Flag list
     */
    flags: Array<FlagInterface<F>>;

    /**
     * Help flag
     */
    helpFlag: FlagInterface<F>;

    /**
     * @abstract
     */
    action(input: InputInterface<F, P>, output: OutputInterface): void {
        throw new Error('Command must be implement action method');
    }

    /**
     * Add option to flag index
     */
    addFlag(flag: FlagInterface<F>): this {

        flag
            .list
            .forEach((f: string) => {
                this._flags[f] = flag;
            });

        return this;
    }

    consume(input: InputInterface<F, P>, output: OutputInterface): void {

        let param = input.argv.shift();

        param[0] === '-' ?
            this.parseFlag(param, input, output) :
            this.parseParam(param, input, output);
    }

    hasToConsume(input: InputInterface<F, P>, output: OutputInterface): boolean {
        return input.argv.length > 0;
    }

    /**
     * Parse input and call action method
     */
    handle(input: InputInterface<any, any>, output: OutputInterface): void {

        this.initialize();

        this.params.before(input, output);
        this.flags.forEach(flag => flag.before(input, output));

        while (this.hasToConsume(input, output))
            this.consume(input, output);

        if (input.flags[this.helpFlag.name]) {
            this.help(input, output);

        } else {
            this.params.after(input, output);
            this.flags.forEach(flag => flag.after(input, output));
            this.action(input, output);
        }
    }

    /**
     * Print help info from command
     */
    help(input: InputInterface<F, P>, output: OutputInterface): void {

        let ident = repeat(' ', TAB_SIZE);
        let join = '\n' + ident;
        let executable = input.exec.join(' ');
        let helps: Array<string> = [];
        let styles: Array<string> = [];

        helps.push('');
        helps.push('%c' + this.helpDescription());
        styles.push('color:green');

        helps.push('%c' + this.helpUsage(executable));
        styles.push(''); // reset styles

        this.helpOptions()
            .forEach((definition) => {
                let [option, description] = definition;
                let hasDescription = !!description;

                if (!hasDescription) {
                    helps.push('%c');
                    helps.push('%c' + option);
                    styles.push('');
                    styles.push('color:yellow');

                } else {
                    helps.push('%c' + option + '%c' + description);
                    styles.push('color:green');
                    styles.push(''); // reset styles

                }
            });

        output.log(helps.join(join) + '\n', ...styles)
    }

    /**
     * Return command description
     */
    helpDescription(): string {

        if (this.description)
            return this.description + '\n';

        return '';
    }

    /**
     * Return usage description
     */
    helpUsage(executable: string): string {

        let hasFlags = this.flags
            .filter(flag => !!flag.list.length)
            .length;

        let options = hasFlags ? '[OPTIONS]' : '';
        let paramDefinition = this.params.definition;

        return `Usage: ${executable} ${options} ${paramDefinition}\n`;
    }

    /**
     * Return flags description
     */
    helpOptions(): Array<string[]> {

        let flags = this.flags
            .filter(flag => !!flag.list.length);

        let flagList = this.flags
            .map(flag => flag.list.join(', '));

        let max = Math.max(
            ...flagList.map(flags => flags.length)
        );

        let helpFlags = flagList.map((flag, i) => {
            let ident = repeat(' ', TAB_SIZE);
            let space = repeat(' ', max - flag.length + TAB_SIZE);

            return [flag + space, flags[i].description];
        });

        return [
            ['[OPTIONS]:'],
            ...helpFlags,
        ];
    }

    /**
     * Add option list and help flags to flag index
     */
    initialize() {

        if (this._flags)
            return;

        this._flags = {}
        this.helpFlag = this.helpFlag || new HelpFlag;
        this.flags.push(this.helpFlag);
        this.flags.forEach((flag) => this.addFlag(flag));
    }

    /**
     * Call parse method from option in flag index
     */
    parseFlag(flag: string, input: InputInterface<F, P>, output: OutputInterface): void {
        this._flags[flag].parse(flag, input, output);
    }

    /**
     *
     */
    parseParam(param: string, input: InputInterface<F, P>, output: OutputInterface): void {
        this.params.parse(param, input, output);
    }
}

/**
 * Base implementation from command
 */
export class Command<F, P> extends SoftCommand<F, P> implements CommandInterface<F, P> {

    /**
     * Add option to flag index
     */
    addFlag(flag: FlagInterface<F>): this {

        let command = (<any & { name: string }>this.constructor).name;

        flag
            .list
            .forEach((f: string) => {
                if (this._flags[f])
                    throw new Error(`Cannot overwrite flag ${f} in command ${command}`);
            });

        super.addFlag(flag);

        return this;
    }

    initialize() {

        if (this._flags)
            return;

        let command = (<any & { name: string }>this.constructor).name;

        if (!this.params)
            throw new Error('Command must be define params property');

        if (!Array.isArray(this.flags))
            throw new Error('Command must be define flag list property');

        let commands: any = {}

        this
            .flags
            .forEach(flag => {

                if (commands[flag.name])
                    throw new Error(`Cannot overwrite flag with name ${flag.name} in command ${command}`);

                commands[flag.name] = true;
            });

        super.initialize();
    }

    /**
     * Call parse method from option in flag index
     */
    parseFlag(flag: string, input: InputInterface<F, P>, output: OutputInterface) {

        if (!this._flags[flag])
            throw new Error('Unexpected option: ' + flag);

        super.parseFlag(flag, input, output);
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Looking for Generator Control Panels? Get a quote fast.
The fundamental purpose of a generator control panel is to automatically start and stop a generator's motor. It engages and disengages the starter by using an automatic transfer switch, which tells the control panel when the generator needs to run. A generator control panel uses a series of switches and sensors to make sure the generator does not overheat, or speed up/slow down at the wrong times.
While it protects, controls and automates your generators and their engines, a generator control panel also allows you to safely monitor your generator, sometimes even remotely. With advanced control panels, you can monitor many details of your generator including wattage, voltage, amperage, frequency, and more.
Notable generator control panel features.
Generator control panels are available with either remote automatic or manual functionality, depending on what your requirements or preferences are. Automatic or remote generator control panels will utilize their sensors to detect a change in temperature or other parameters, and engage automatically. By combining your generator control panel with an automatic transfer switch, you can ensure a continuous flow of electricity in case of a power outage.
Common uses and applications for generator control panels are vast, as generators are used across nearly all sectors, and in any situation where one might need backup or emergency power.
Meet your generator control panel creators.
From automatic to manual, and everything in between, Bay Power UL508a-certified control panel shop can build the generator control panel that's right for you. We design them, build them, and then ship them straight to you, pre-assembled and installation-ready. Using on only the best control panel components from leading control panel manufacturers, you can count on Bay Power to provide you with your perfect, custom control panel solution.
Have any old or unused Generator Control Panels lying around? Don't get rid of them just yet. While we stock a wide range of quality electrical products and solutions, both new and reconditioned, we also buy back your unwanted equipment. So, before deciding what to do with your old Generator Control Panels and components, have one of our expert technicians take a look to see if we can save a few parts, save the environment, and save you some cash.
Great service shouldn't end after the purchase. We pride ourselves on the relationships we build with our customer-first mentality and the quality of our Generator Control Panels and components. That's why we offer a 1-year replacement warranty on all of our electrical products and solutions from the top manufacturers. Because when you buy with Bay Power, you buy with confidence.
We are proud to stock a variety of competitively priced, new and reconditioned components from the leading manufacturers of Generator Control Panels.
Thanks to our extensive inventory of Generator Control Panels and components, our resourceful and expertly trained staff will always be able to get the products that you need. Through our extensive network of suppliers, we are able to carry and acquire a huge variety of electrical products and solutions, so chances are if you need it, we can get it.
Bay Power's priority is providing you with reliable, high quality electrical hardware. That's why our mission is to make sure our reconditioned electrical products and solutions function as perfectly as the day they were built. Because while the quality is high, the cost of Generator Control Panels shouldn't be.
Our selection of new surplus Generator Control Panels may not arrive brand new in a box, but they function just as well, and have never had electricity run through them. All of the quality, none of the packaging, always with our 1-year replacement warranty.


text:
<?php
/**
 * Created by PhpStorm.
 * User: Qilong
 * Date: 16/5/13
 * Time: 17:35
 */
## 1. 合并分支
function svn_merge($args)
{
    if (count($args) == 0) {
        Utils::println("Error: no branch name supplied");
        return Error::E_PARAM;
    } else {
        $branch = $args[0];
        if ($branch != "trunk") {
            $branchList = SVNInfo::getBranchList();
            if (!in_array($branch, $branchList)) {
                Utils::println("Error: branch {$branch} does not exists");
                return Error::E_PARAM;
            }
        }

        ob_start();
        system("/usr/bin/svn status");
        $result = ob_get_clean();

        if ($result == "") { // 工作目录干净, 可以切分支
            $command = "/usr/bin/svn merge " . SVNInfo::buildBranchUrl($branch);
            return Utils::exec($command);
        } else {
            Utils::println("working dir not clean, merge branch failed");
            Utils::println("svn outputs: \n");
            Utils::println($result, false);

            return Error::E_SUCCESS;
        }
    }
}


text:
<component name="InspectionProjectProfileManager">
  <profile version="1.0">
    <option name="myName" value="Project Default" />
    <inspection_tool class="NotVisibleClass" enabled="false" level="WARNING" enabled_by_default="false" />
  </profile>
</component>


text:
Here's how to get the most out of your Morning Call subscription
Sports Penn State
Reports: Big East basketball-only schools ready to split from conference
Paul Doyle, The Hartford Courant
Four days after meeting with commissioner MIke Aresco in New York City, seven non-Football Bowl Subdivision members of the Big East Conference appear on the verge of leaving.
The New York Post reported this morning that the schools are expected to release a statement Thursday afternoon saying they are leaving the conference. A number of internet outlets are also now reporting the departure is inevitable.
Earlier, ESPN.com reported the Catholic schools ( Providence College, Georgetown, Villanova, DePaul, St. John's, Seton Hall and Marquette ) would decide within the next 24 to 48 hours whether to leave the conference or vote to dissolve the 33-year-old league. Former Boston Globe reporter Mark Blaudschun also reported on his web site http://www.ajerseyguy.com that the schools are on "the brink of a mass exit."
Leaders of the schools have been discussing a possible basketball-only conference for months, but the lure of a lucrative television/media deal kept them affiliated with the football side of the Big East. But a few recent events pushed the schools toward breaking away -- the loss of Louisville and Rutgers, the prospect of a lower-than-expected media deal and the decision to add Tulane, a school with a perennially low RPI rating.
The Big East attempted to respond to refections by Syracuse, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Louisville and Rutgers by adding schools from coast-to-coast. But the revamped football conference -- which features Boise State as a marquee program -- has not garnered much interest from TV programmers.
Aresco, a former CBS executive, has been talking to multiple networks, including ESPN, NBC and Fox. The expectation had been for a deal that would bring the conference perhaps $150 million per year, but the most recent reports indicate the conference is being offered as little as $50 million per year.
That could leave the basketball schools with less TV revenue than the $1.5 million they current receive.
"There are more networks out there that need programming, but what is the demand for the Big East product," one industry source told The Courant. "Do people want to watch the what the Big East is offering? I'm not sure how attractive it is. The Big East brand isn't what it once was."
ESPN reports that the presidents of the seven schools will hold a conference call with Aresco Thursday and they are expected to issue a statement in the next few days and sources are quoted as saying it "would be an upset" if they remained in the conference.
The ESPN report also says UConn president Susan Herbst has been "pleading with (the seven schools) to stay in the league." UConn has lobbied the ACC for an invitation and was considered a favorite before the conference chose Louisville to replace Maryland.
Dissolving the conference requires a two-third vote, with the Catholic school apparently hold until July as they outnumber the football schools (UConn, South Florida and Cincinnati ). Temple, which joined in football this year and will be a full member next year, reportedly does not have a vote in dissolving the conference.
2012 The Hartford Courant (Hartford, Conn.)
Visit The Hartford Courant (Hartford, Conn.) at http://www.courant.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services
Sixers draft target at 24: Carsen Edwards of Purdue
IronPigs' stellar starting rotation ready to be called upon when needed
IronPigs media relations manager Mike Ventola happy to be home chasing his dream job
Copyright © 2021, The Morning Call
Insider Guide


The ink was barely dry on New York's agreement with an organization that is building an interstate student data project when parents and advocates raised concerns about it this weekend.
The parents and advocates held a press conference Sunday about a letter that they sent Friday to the state's attorney general, Eric Schneiderman, and Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch. The letter asked the officials to halt New York's participation in the Shared Learning Collaborative until the state assures them that student information will be secure.
But the state only finalized its agreement with the SLC, a nonprofit group that aims to help state avoid building duplicative data systems, on Thursday, according to a signed agreement that state officials provided to reporters this weekend. The officials said the terms of the agreement should quell privacy concerns about the system, which each state will use and augment independently.
Some of the parents' and advocates' allegations — they suggest in their letter that the state might be preparing to sell student data to for-profit companies — are simply incorrect, according to Ken Wagner, a State Education Department associate commissioner. But he said today that other concerns raised in the letter reflected important questions about privacy and security that the department had previously not answered publicly.
"They were right to raise those issues, but we believe those issues have been addressed in our agreement," Wagner said.
Norm Siegel, the lawyer representing the parents and advocates, was not available to review the agreement immediately upon its release late Sunday. But Leonie Haimson, a longtime parent activist who spearheaded the complaint, said she was not reassured that student data would be insulated from being used by for-profit companies.
"Nothing in this agreement that would give anyone confidence or lessen anyone's concern about the potential risk involved," Haimson said.
New York became one of the first five members of the SLC when it launched last year with funding from the Gates Foundation and other education philanthropies. The organization was created at a time when many states were beginning to create systems to manage student data in new ways, at great expense to their taxpayers. The philanthropies' goal was to introduce an economy of scale by building a shared platform that each state could use independently.
Wireless Generation lost a state contract to create a student data system in 2011 because in part because of revelations about illegal wiretapping conducted by some publications owned by its parent company, Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. In August, the state again awarded Wireless Generation a portion of a data contract but said that its portion of the portfolio would focus on delivering curriculum materials to teachers and would not bring the firm anywhere near student data.
Currently, state officials are just beginning to test the SLC in an "alpha" form that is not available to teachers and principals, Wagner said. The system is supposed to go online for their use in a year, he said.
New York's service agreement with the Shared Learning Collaborative, finalized last week, is below.


Plumbing is the circulatory system of your own home, with several pipes working unseen below the floor, or behind the partitions, through which water is mysteriously carried backward and forward. The Broedell household invitations you to come back flick thru our showrooms the place you'll be greeted by skilled gross sales associates eager to assist you in all of your plumbing wants. Customary Plumbing has over 80 branches servicing eight states (Utah, Idaho, Oregon, California, Wyoming, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado). Oh no my go to retailer when I have a problem and their stuff is so a lot better than the chain stores…pleased retirement Tony you deserve it!
All the chemicals you employ in a house eventually discover their method into the plumbing. Or, since your crawl space wasn't tidy to start with and you'll by no means be crawling beneath there again, you possibly can permit the present whereabouts of you previous plumbing lines to slide your mind. The (PINK) sizzling-water line popping out of the highest of the new-water heater likewise runs the length of the house, branching to produce hot water to every plumbing fixture.
Plumbing strains above flooring level cannot run in a straight line from one finish of the house to the other. People like Mark Kestler, our Buyer Service Manager who for nearly thirty years has been right here, to promote, troubleshoot, and service your plumbing wants. We now have rock-solid relationships with the highest plumbing provide vendors in the business.


text:
Melochia nodiflora är en malvaväxtart som beskrevs av Olof Swartz. Melochia nodiflora ingår i släktet Melochia och familjen malvaväxter. Inga underarter finns listade i Catalogue of Life.

Källor

Malvaväxter
nodiflora

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


A rare three-seat sofa designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll International and produced by De Coene in the late 1950s. The sofa has been fully reconditioned and newly upholstered in a grey Kvadrat Steelcut Trio fabric. From 1954 onwards, the renowned Belgian manufacturer De Coene produced Knoll furniture under license. A substantial number of influential Belgian and other European architects started to incorporate Knoll furniture in their designs to emphasize the modernity in their work.
Bibliography: Steven and Linda Rouland/ Knoll Furniture 1938-1960, Schiffer Publishing. Atglen, 2005, page 77. Charlotte and Peter Fiell. Decorative Art 60s, Taschen. Cologne, 2013, page 92-3.


Mercury Sable have only one modification of doors quantity:4.
Option LS 4dr Sedan (1995) have min height 54.1. Option Premier 4dr Sedan AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A) (2009) have max height 61.5mm.
Length min of Mercury Sable:192.2 in GS 4dr Sedan (1990). Max length: 202.1.
Mercury Sable was equipped with only one option of the engine with 6 cylinders.
The Mercury Sable was a full sized sedan that was developed by Ford initially and was later sold as Mercury brand. This car had the milestone design that made Mercury to assemble over 2,112,374 cars during the initial 20 years. A special usable feature it had was the front light bar with a low wattage lamp. This car then had a redesign for its premiere in the 1996. This model remained in the leading market for quite sometime but was stopped in 2004 as the production wrapped up. Then in 2007, the Montego sedan was renamed as sable but then its production was ended in May 2009, as there were low sales.


text:
Jacob Williams https://jacobwilliams.com
Saturday 9th August, 2014.
MOLEHUNT: Chief executive threatened to engage private investigator over council leak
• Explosive new letter claims Bryn Parry-Jones "threatened to engage a private investigator" to uncover council mole
• John Evans MBE claims he is "shocked at the tone, attitude and hostility" of Bryn Parry-Jones in letter to leader, Cllr. Jamie Adams
• Council officers backtracked on aspects of internal review into Pembroke Dock grant scheme fraud allegations
• Mr. Evans claims he had 'no option' but to resign his position on council's audit committee two months ago, comparing his treatment by officers to 'constructive dismissal'
• Cllr. Adams knew everything but failed to say so at July full council meeting
An explosive letter sent to the leader of Pembrokeshire County Council by the ex-chairman of the authority's audit committee lays bare the reasons for his shock resignation earlier this year, including the 'hostile' conduct of chief executive Bryn Parry-Jones, backtracking on committee decisions, and an attitude towards him by senior officers which he says made it impossible for him to continue in his role.
John Evans MBE unexpectedly announced his resignation at the end of May as the co-opted lay member of the committee which, since January, has been investigating the well-documented irregularities that were uncovered by my fellow unaffiliated councillor, Mike Stoddart, in the Pembroke Dock grant schemes which are administered by the authority.
Cllr. Stoddart's allegations have all been published via his Old Grumpy website, and relate to public cash being awarded for restoration works on old buildings in Pembroke Dock that haven't been carried out, or as Tim Minogue of Private Eye magazine's Rotten Boroughs column put it in November 2013: "phantom building works." Other sinister revelations made by Cllr. Stoddart concern what Private Eye described in a later edition as "unaccountably favourable treatment" to a particular building contractor in supposedly competitive tendering processes.
Under the chairmanship of Mr. Evans, the council's audit committee had been tasked with investigating the internal procedural matters pertaining to two grant schemes operating in the town, whilst in April, potential criminal aspects of the saga were compiled into a dossier by the council and handed to the police, who as I revealed last month, have not yet decided "if a Police investigation is appropriate under the circumstances." Despite having half of his term remaining, Mr. Evans tendered his resignation from the committee to council chief executive Bryn Parry-Jones in a letter dated 29th May, which contained cryptic hints that "the vision" he held and "the appetite for change held by the authority" were "no longer aligned."
Old Grumpy blogged about the resignation at the time, and at the end of June he took full advantage of my absence from the county (my tennis trip to Wimbledon) by publishing Mr. Evans' resignation letter in full. It was a low blow, especially as he knew I had a copy of the letter myself much sooner than he did, but you don't have friends in the blogosphere, only rivals. To read the letter, along with the old duffer's impudent ramblings, click here!
Five weeks to the day after tendering his resignation, and amid "some speculation" surrounding his departure, Mr. Evans chose to write to the leader, Cllr. Jamie Adams, laying bare in clear detail the circumstances surrounding his decision to stand down. It includes shocking claims that the attitude and actions of the chief executive and other senior officers had 'intimidated,' 'compromised' and 'violated' his independence as the co-opted non-councillor committee lay member.
Until now, the reasons for Mr. Evans' resignation remained unknown, but jacobwilliams.com has obtained a copy of his July 3rd letter to Cllr. Adams. Within it he expresses concern that the authority doesn't have the will to probe or properly investigate the internal handling of the Pembroke Dock grant schemes issues, and that his own views and intentions as audit committee chairman were steamrollered by senior officers who didn't buy into his concept of scrutiny or his quest to fully identify the council's internal shortcomings.
In terms much clearer than he expressed in his resignation letter, Mr. Evans claims he was left "totally compromised" in his position, and cites the threatening, heavy-handed actions of the council's chief executive, Bryn Parry-Jones, as well as a decision taken by officers to backtrack on an agreement that had been made to scrutinise the disciplinary process that dealt with an officer who tampered with official council records directly related to the controversial grant applications.
Senior council officers assisting with the audit committee's investigation into the Pembroke Dock grant scheme fraud allegations left Mr. Evans feeling "isolated," and he says that he was "unable to garner support from any quarter" and that "consequently I had no option other than to resign."
Prior to taking up the role in 2012, Mr. Evans had lengthy experience in senior management at a multinational electronics company. He claims that with regard to the grants issue, the conduct of council officers left him "unable to serve in an independent, objective manner," and that under private sector circumstances, the attitude towards him "would have been considered as constructive dismissal."
The shocking letter, which I reproduce in full below, outlines some of the key disagreements Mr. Evans had with officers which led to his decision to resign, including chief executive Bryn Parry-Jones, former head of internal audit and now director of finance Jonathan Haswell, and the head of revenue services and assurance, Kerry MacDermott.
One of them relates to the scandal in which it was revealed that select alterations were made by a senior council officer – whose identity has always been protected by the council – to the minutes of key grant panel meetings which considered – and supposedly scrutinised – applications for the publicly-funded cash grants.
As with the grant scheme fraud allegations, this document-tampering sub-scandal came to light thanks to Cllr. Mike Stoddart. In April he revealed on his website that he had been informed by the council that copies of grant panel minutes he had previously obtained under the Freedom of Information Act had been tampered with in-between the time he submitted his request for them, and the documents being disclosed to him. Cllr. Stoddart was eventually provided with the unadulterated copies and was informed that the officer who altered the minutes had been referred to the Information Commissioner's Office.
Mr. Evans reveals in his letter to Cllr. Adams that he was the person who discovered crucial documents had been tampered with, and suggests that it appeared to him the reason the officer had made the alterations was in response to the rising temperatures at County Hall caused by growing "press speculation" over "suspicion of wrongdoing" in the grant schemes.
The alterations that are publicly known to have been made by the officer include both the addition and removal of information, much of which was designed to coat a more favourable gloss over the amount of scrutiny that had taken place by the CPGS grants panel – which consists entirely of unelected officers – who recommended awards of public cash should be made to restoration projects including those now under suspicion of irregularities.
The Pembrokeshire Herald ran comprehensive coverage of the tampering scandal and highlighted that these documents could be key pieces of evidence in an impending criminal investigation. The Herald dubbed the then unnamed officer the 'minutes meddler' – and featured the scandal in great detail over numerous editions, outlining the extent of the alterations to several documents, and citing statute suggesting the officer's alterations constituted a criminal offence in its own right liable to a maximum £5,000 fine per offence.
In his unrelenting letter to Cllr. Jamie Adams, Mr. Evans explains that on 13th May he was summoned by the chief executive's personal assistant along with a number of senior council officers and two unidentified councillors to an emergency meeting in the chief executive's upstairs office at 8.15am on Friday 16th May.
This early-morning showdown had been arranged by the chief executive in response to the story he had read splashed over the front page of the previous week's Pembrokeshire Herald.
In its May 9th edition under the headline 'MINUTES MEDDLER UNMASKED,' the Herald revealed the identity of the county council officer who had tampered with the grant panel meeting minutes, and also disclosed that the disciplinary process into the officer's actions had resulted in just a written warning – one of the lowest sanctions possible.
Mr. Evans claims that during this encounter, Mr. Parry-Jones "held aloft a copy of the Pembrokeshire Herald and demanded to know who present had disclosed to the newspaper the name of the Officer who had tampered with the CPGS Grant minutes."
He continues: "The Chief Executive stated that the only people to know the identity of the Officer were those present at the meeting bar one who was away on business and this unprecedented situation required immediate resolution."
Mr. Parry-Jones then: "requested that those responsible own up then and there" and after nobody did own up, he "threatened to engage a private investigator to investigate everyone present if no one would admit to the disclosure of the Officer's name."
Mr. Evans claims that this "threat" caused him "great anguish and concern," as he was "uncertain of the extent of the activities that a private investigator would resort," and in his letter to Cllr. Adams he questions whether it could have included "surveillance" and "phone hacking?"
The chief executive then: "instructed all present to issue a signed written statement of discussions or meetings during which the identity of the Officer could have been revealed."
The meeting "ended in a stunned silence" and left Mr. Evans "shocked at the tone, attitude and hostility of the Chief Executive." He claims that the "hostile nature of the encounter" instigated by Mr. Parry-Jones and such "intimidation" had "violated" and "compromised" his independence as the committee's statutory lay member.
The ex-committee chair's no-nonsense letter expresses disappointment that Cllr. Adams failed to contact him following his resignation, and that he felt he was owed a "duty of care." Mr. Evans also told Cllr. Adams that the more appropriate course of action for Mr. Parry-Jones to have taken under the circumstances would have been to arrange a one-to-one meeting, concluding: "Clearly it would appear that such an appropriate manner is below the high office of Chief Executive of Pembrokeshire County Council."
In an interesting twist, Mr. Evans claims that during his inspection of grant scheme documentation, as well as the tampering of minutes he had also uncovered "significant shortcomings of the Grant administration, control and scrutiny."
He says he took the view that "insufficient management supervision and control was the root cause of the potential wrongdoing" that had been uncovered in the grant schemes, and that numerous audits commissioned by "PCC, WEFO and WAO had missed some serious flaws in the Grant delivery process."
On May 28th, the day before he tendered his resignation, Mr. Evans attended a meeting with Mr. Haswell and Mr. MacDermott. During this meeting he said he was "extremely disappointed" to learn that senior officers had backtracked on two of the resolutions that audit committee members – of which I am one – had made during their most recent regular committee meeting held on 24th April.
The two resolutions he claims officers had reneged on were that the committee agreed to be presented with a report at its next meeting by the authority's head of human resources into the internal disciplinary process of the 'minutes meddler,' and that a management review be conducted into the concerns relating solely to 29 Dimond Street over which many allegations of fraud linger.
During the meeting Mr. Evans was told that despite the committee's democratic resolutions weeks earlier, officers had overruled it and decided that committee members would not be presented with a report into the minutes meddler's disciplinary, and that the promised management review would instead be taking the form of an "internal audit."
Mr. Evans explains to Cllr. Adams that the latter moved the goalposts and was not in the best interests of openness and transparency because it conferred a benefit on senior officers as: "the Directorate responsible for administering the [Pembroke Dock grant schemes] would be afforded the opportunity to respond to possible errors within their department before the Members of the Audit Committee were allowed to even see the Audit report."
Concluding his letter to the leader, Mr. Evans expresses his fear that despite legislation that's been put in place to aid accountability in public authorities, "true openness, transparency governance and probity will not be delivered" if the council remains without an "appetite to change" and "improve."
At the last council meeting held on 17th July, Cllr. Mike Stoddart tabled a written question directly related to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Evans' resignation, to be answered by leader, Cllr. Jamie Adams. It is worth publishing the full wording of Cllr. Stodddart's question:
"In his letter of resignation, Mr John Evans MBE the former lay member of the audit committee stated: "It is now clear to me that the vision I held, when I was appointed Lay member, is no longer aligned to the appetite for change by the authority."
Mr Evans appears to have reached this conclusion following a meeting with Mr Kerry McDermott and Jonathan Haswell to discuss the scope of the Audit Committee's investigation of the commercial property grants scheme.
Can the Leader give some indication of the areas of disagreement between Mr Evans and the finance department that led to his decision to resign?"
In response, the leader told council:
"In the meeting between Mr. Evans and the officers, the ongoing internal audit investigation into the CPGS [Commercial Property Grant Scheme] was discussed, including how this would be reported to the reconvened extraordinary meeting of the Audit Committee.
In addition to this, Mr. Evans made enquiries about the disciplinary process and its relationship to the remit of the audit committee.
Even though there is no such direct relationship, the meeting concluded without obvious disagreement."
Cllr. Adams wasn't present at the private meeting between Mr. Evans, Mr. Haswell and Mr. MacDermott. I've checked the council's webcast library and it doesn't appear on there either, so any recollection he gave to council could only have been hearsay at best.
Mr. Evans sent his letter to the leader two weeks before the July full council meeting, so Cllr. Adams had in his possession full knowledge of Mr. Evans' views of the encounter with Messrs Haswell and MacDermott, but you'd never guess that from the pre-scripted account he read out to council. No doubt you've already come up with your own reasons for this omission.
Luckily for you, Pembrokeshire is well-served by bloggers and media outlets who are only too keen to pick up the leader's dropped baton and run with it.
In fact I even hear Cllr. Simon Hancock is getting in on the councillor-blogger action with his own brand new website, which means there's now three of us at it.
If Cllr. Hancock's rise in the blogosphere is anywhere near as steep as his dizzying rise to the county council's cabinet, it won't be too long before Old Grumpy's relegated to the third most influential Pembrokeshire politics blog.
Every blog has its day!
THE LETTER:
Posted on: Saturday, 9th August, 2014.
66 Comments...
Timetraveller
◆ Saturday, 9th August, 2014 at 10:01 PM
The unions warn to beware of the "eyes on the second floor". I am so scared.
Shoot the b******s…
Wow! Explosive stuff for a Saturday evening. This definitely has the feel of the beginning of the end…
Nev Andrews
I wonder why the independent chair did not behave in an independent way and advise the CEO to mind his manners?
This surely is the beginning of the end for several people?
The extent of the cover up and hypocrisy is exposed for all to see.
Of course, it is nice to discover that the Herald is where Bryn finds out what is going on!
And on here (as well as that other website) of course, Jacob!
Tony Wilcox
◆ Sunday, 10th August, 2014 at 1:11 AM
Wow! Bryn waving a copy of the Herald. That might be construed as showing emotion!
Perhaps Rob Lewis is giving lessons in paper waving?
The grants inquiry must have touched a nerve. Who knew the chief executive had such strong ties to anything (or anyone?) in Pembroke Dock?!
Goldingsboy
The police have to act now, if only to restore our faith in local democracy, accountability and, crucially, them!
Welshman 23
Fantastic Jacob, I wonder who bought the paper?
To treat the people like this is shocking, they are council employees and should have made a complaint to HR about bullying.
Councillor Adams, all the support you have given to your master, I think you should consider your position, the net is tightening and you could be blamed. I would suggest you all resign and let the public choose again.
Famous line from a song:
And now the end is near…and so I face the final curtain…
Did you go to the demonstration on Friday Jacob?
There was me thinking our ELECTED representatives controlled the public employees we fund. A lot of thought come election time.
Mike Stoddart
It is interesting to consider the discrepancies between what Mr Evans told the Leader, Cllr Jamie Adams, in his letter of 3 July and the Leader's answer to my question at the council meeting two weeks later on 17 July.
Being charitable, could I suggest that the Leader was being somewhat economical with the truth?
This follows a pattern established in his speech to council on December 12 when he claimed to have visited the roofspace at Coronation School Pembroke Dock and "seen for himself" that the whole of the roof had been reslated on new felt and battens.
As we now know, it is not possible to inspect the whole of the inside of the roof from the two open access points available. I understand this was explained to an IPPG group meeting by Cllr Brian Hall who told members of the ruling group that inspection of the whole of the roof would require holes to be cut in the ceiling at great expense.
So, not only was Cllr Adams' account of his visit to the roofspace untrue, but all those members of the IPPG present at this private meeting know it was untrue. And yet they continue to offer him their unswerving support!
Also, at the meeting on July 17, in answer to a question from Cllr Paul Miller, Cllr Adams gave a less than honest account of the correspondence between Sue Thomas (the whistleblower in the Mik Smith affair) and the Chief Executive back in 2005 when Smith was given a verbal warning over his inappropriate behaviour (grooming) towards children in his care.
Malcolm Calver
Several years ago, I think it was Mike Stoddart, who produced a photograph with the caption "what makes Bryn grin" surely this grin is fading now and perhaps someone can produce a more up to date caption.
John Evans' remark that Bryn Parry-Jones had a hostile attitude seems out of context with his appearance of being such a mild mannered man when photographed regarding his role as CEO or on election duties.
I note your remarks, Tony, regarding any strong ties Mr Parry-Jones may have with anything or anyone in Pembroke Dock, you could contact your ex-Labour colleagues especially Cllr Perkins who may have some inside information, now she is a member of the ruling IPPG cabal.
There is mention of two unnamed councillors who attended the meeting on the 13th July and I wonder has any declaration of any interest being declared by any councillors in relation to this affair.
I am afraid Mr Parry-Jones' tentacles spread very widely in Pembrokeshire.
Teifion
There's no point in complaining to PCC Human Resources – I've previously asked them about their SOPs (standard operating procedures) relating to when one of their employees is being investigated by the police.
It appears that each case is judged on its "merits", I'm guessing (unfairly, I'm sure) that means there is no standard practice as it always depends on who it is, you get the idea.
I've posted the answer I was provided below:
"Thank you for your enquiry which has been passed to me for a response. Any cases involving a Police investigation would be assessed with the nature of the alleged offence in mind.
In that respect, each case will always be judged on its own merit with the decision to suspend or invoke 'garden leave' as an option would be based on an assessment of any potential risk involved.
That is standard practice within the Authority. I trust that this clarifies the matter."
Lyn Thomas
◆ Sunday, 10th August, 2014 at 10:45 AM
I wonder why we bother to have chief executives at all, surely the political leadership should come from the elected council leader and the officers should report to that person, it seems to me that the chief executive is:
1. Too powerful.
2. Superfluous.
3. In danger of usurping the democratic role of the leader.
Perhaps we would be better off with the heads of departments answering directly to the leader and thus save ourselves some money. The returning officer role can easily be given to some other officer.
The situation in Pembrokeshire is dire but I think the best cure is the disinfectant of sunlight reaching parts that were previously in the shadows.
It is clear to me that we would all be totally ignorant of the "goings on" were it not for Old Grumpy and latterly Jacob.
Crucially a good free local press in the form of the Pembrokeshire Herald has been instrumental in unlocking information. I love the fact that we have a paper not afraid of anybody and certainly not afraid of the council and its Chief Executive. I wonder what the circulation is compared to the Western Telegraph?
Personally I think the next big scandal will be when the police decide not to conduct a formal investigation into the grants or pensions issue. They will say something like 'nobody has been a victim, no money is lost and the council are not making a complaint.'
If this happens we really do have problems as the next council elections are years away.
Andrew Lye
◆ Sunday, 10th August, 2014 at 12:08 PM
The iron dome seems to have been breached and time has come for Jamie to consider the Chief Executive's position following actions of his which have brought the Council and even Pembrokeshire into disrepute.
This cannot go on. This has to be the final piece of evidence over a few months now.
I hope over the course of today, that action will belatedly be taken and tomorrow will see the start of restoring sanity and openness at the Council. Then Jamie and his cohorts need to consider their positions.
As I type this, I expect the knives are out, behind the scenes.
Keanjo
I served under several Chief Executives in England and Wales and although I was asked to attend meetings with them I was never 'required' to do so.
Lyn Thomas is perfectly correct in the comment above. The system whereby each department had a Director answerable to a Chairman who was directly answerable to the Council Leader was far superior.
Chief Executives were introduced following the 1972 Baines report into local governance arrangements, which suggested a Chief Executive without his own department to head the executive. Without a department! Have a look at the Pembrokeshire establishment.
I watched with interest the BBC Wales news item about the demonstration on Friday at Haverfordwest. Is it not time for the rest of us to stand up and demonstrate our anger about BPJ and the rest of the ruling party?
Galf
◆ Sunday, 10th August, 2014 at 1:42 PM
By coincidence, I've just finished reading 'The Last Days of Hitler' by Hugh Trevor-Roper.
Accusations of betrayal, screaming and shouting at subordinates, witch hunts of people he thought were helping the enemy, once loyal part members deserting his cause…Hitler faced similar problems.
…and we all know what happened to Blondi.
I have just spoken to Jacob re the future administration of the council and he indicated that if he comes out on top and becomes leader, he might well appoint Mike Stoddart to serve as one of his two deputies.
As for the second deputy leadership, I understand several members including Kilmister, Splinters and Owen James are sitting by their phones in anticipation. I have requested counselling from the Samaritans, but they informed me that they are far too busy dealing with IPPG members.
If Adams and his cronies go, who will inherit their legacy? I must try the Samaritans again.
So two of our elected representatives were present at the meeting on May 16. I wonder who they were, and what their "take" on the meeting is?
Robin, I only know one of the two councillors present at the showdown in the chief executive's office and that was David Simpson, the cabinet member with responsibility for the grant schemes. As for the other councillor you would have thought the most likely candidate was Cllr. Tom Richards who is the audit committee's vice chairman, or perhaps the leader, Jamie Adams.
In answer to Welshman 23 – no I didn't attend the protest on Friday outside County Hall.
And Michael, I'm sure you'll find much more solace in a pint or six during happy hour at the Hope and Anchor. The wind can howl through those narrow Tenby streets in gusty weather like this so take care of yourself on the walk back home – I've got you pencilled in as my representative on the fire authority and I'd hate to see you incapacitated before your official appointment is made.
Michael, it's nice to know that opposition members are planning the revolution, bring it on…
What is the process to call an extraordinary council meeting to discuss the latest disaster, and can the electorate do anything to help?
Surely there needs to be action.
Anoldman
So! What's new?
http://pembrokeshire-herald.com/8007/kilmister-grand-alliance-overthrow-discredited-administration/
Cllr Kilmister wants to make up a grand alliance with all the members that are not IPPG, a little late I think. What you need to do is forget the name of the party, but take some sort of action:
– Emergency Meeting.
– Vote of no confidence in Adams and BPJ.
– Disciplinary investigations on all people involved in the grants fiasco.
– Contact Dyfed-Powys and Gloucestershire police forces for an update on their investigations into the grant schemes and the pensions scandal.
– Letter to the Audit Office calling for a full investigation into PCC.
– Ask for help from the Wales Audit Office.
Talk is cheap, councillors get some fire in your bellies and sort this mess out NOWWWWWW!
If the Leader was one of the summoned, why would John Evans write to him about it? Anyway it does clarify who wears the trousers. Jamie Adams running the council without a CX? Who will work the strings?
This authority operates within a dead space between the police, Ombudsman and Auditor. None will extend their remits to cover the situation holistically. The Police don't want to take on the role of policing local authorities, likely to be a growth industry. The Auditor sees problems, but has no remit to investigate, hence passing it on to the police. The Ombudsman is trying to stay out of politics.
The elected body can assert its authority tomorrow, but that could mean things over the years that were never meant to see light of day may rattle out. Political suicide for those implicated.
Clive Davies
Your inclusiveness impresses me, Jacob.
Surely there would be a place for Jamie in your own council administration – tea-boy, perhaps?
I agree, Timetraveller. I don't believe it was the leader as it's unlikely Mr. Evans would have written to him about the encounter in such descriptive terms had they both been present, though I haven't overlooked the possibility that two councillors were invited but only one – Cllr. Simpson – attended.
However, since my previous comment I've become almost certain that the other councillor was Tom Richards, and as Robin Wilson said in an earlier comment, it would be very interesting to hear these two councillors' opinions on the 'hostile' encounter.
I know that I am being an idealist when I say what I am going to say, but I really feel that I have to put this in simple language.
It is high time that the people of Pembrokeshire were served by an administration devoid of Apparatchiks and Commissars; and by senior members that really understand the needs of the people.
Senior members who understand business, and let's not forget that PCC is basically a business, and who put the needs of that business and the population in the forefront of their focus.
Senior members who know how to motivate a team of people, lead from the front, and who are willing to forego the trappings of the office to ensure that the needs of the people are served.
Senior members who actually talk to their staff colleagues, and engage with them, and lead.
Let's have a body of elected Councillors who are not interested in the trappings too…who set the tone and the direction; and who truly represent the people.
I am heartily sick and tired of the endless machinations of the IPPG and PCC, the latest iterations which have been highlighted by the excellent Councillors, Messrs Williams and Stoddart.
PD Boy in Suffolk
◆ Monday, 11th August, 2014 at 1:22 AM
A side show in comparison to the machinations described above, but the disposal of heritage assets by PCC, at least some by "delegation", and little engagement with the local population, reflects the almost dictatorial approach to consultation by PCC.
I have sent a copy of the letter to MP Mr Stephen Crabb, the First Minister and the head of the Wales Audit Office demanding action and have had acknowledgement of my communication.
Also the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, I have written to him for updates on the police investigation. Hopefully this will push the fiasco at PCC to a conclusion.
Timetraveller queries: "If the Leader was one of the summoned, why would John Evans write to him about it?"
The answer, surely, is to get his version of the tone and fundamental nature of the meeting into the public record. So, don't exclude the leader on those grounds.
I share Robin Wilson's despair over the way this Council is run, both by senior professional officers and the Cabinet, appointed by the Leader, backed by the IPG Membership.
This Council is supposed to be run within the terms of legislation handed down through parliament and rules issued by the Welsh Assembly. Legal authority is given to Councillors to direct officers. Councillors should be advised how to carry out their policies by professional officers, this is not, in my view an ideal situation, but the norm backed by law.
Somehow in PCC, things have been allowed to get out of shape so much so that IPG councillors, for whatever reasons, are content to let officers dictate policy and then provide the necessary public front and unquestioning support for the officers' party.
◆ Monday, 11th August, 2014 at 10:43 AM
A colleague of mine at the Mercury had it about right when he described the, then, IPG as "the political wing of the Chief Officers' Management Board (COMB)".
The same colleague said that, if there was an Olympic event for synchronised voting, the IPG would win it hands up.
Casual Obsever
The CEO waving a copy of the Herald? Is it not a criminal offence to wave an offensive weapon? Certainly a sword which one might fall on would be so categorised!
I noted in an earlier comment someone suggested a complaint to HR over bullying.
My experience of HR in such circumstances is that:
1. It will do nothing.
2. It will delay replying to letters/points raised. That puts added stress on the person complaining.
3. It ignores the fact that HR comes under the CEO. They are no more independent of him than any other department.
4. In my experience HR will not produce minutes of any meeting to do with bullying.
5. If you make your own minutes HR will neither agree or disagree with them.
6. It is well established that if bullies are in charge of an organisation – and I have no view on whether the CEO or other senior officers are – then bullying spreads down the organisation.
The world is full of "playground bullies" from the school playground to, in the extreme, "National Socialism", so do not depend on HR to be your salvation. Some of us felt mauled, rather than helped by them. Anyone need moral support and advice based on experience…let me know.
◆ Monday, 11th August, 2014 at 12:56 PM
Casual Observer, I think you are correct however, In my experience, there is a code of conduct that they must abide by and sweeping under the carpet is not accepted.
What should happen is that the Head of HR should look into this and say that such behaviour will not be tolerated by any person in PCC irrespective of what role they have.
PS I wonder if Jamie claimed his expenses for July.
William Rees
◆ Monday, 11th August, 2014 at 2:38 PM
I really feel we are starting to come towards the 'end game'. Surely a referral of John Evans' letter to Jamie Adams to the Wales Government might prompt them to re-intervene.
If we are, hopefully, going to see the end of IPPG control then the last thing we want is undignified scenes of groups trying to grab power.
South Pembrokeshire and Preseli District Councils ran effectively without controlling groups. Wouldn't it be novel for the council to elect a leader who formed a cabinet based on ability and competence and that policy was decided after full debate in the chamber?
It's called democracy and is laborious but it is the only way.
PD Girl
I have worked in local government (not in Pembrokeshire!) for most of my working life, some 30+ Years. I have worked at senior levels and like others here have been in meetings with a chief executive and a leader of the ruling group. I have never been 'required' to attend a meeting and have never been treated in such a way.
This chief executive should go and the leader needs to seriously consider his position…the council has an unacceptable management style!
The issues surrounding alleged fraud should be made open and transparent, not covered up and council resolutions ignored and changed by senior officers.
One can only hope that these issues will see the overdue changes to the management of PCC and that if any culture of fear and intimidation exists, it should be stopped. I am astonished and horrified by the content of the letter, even though I should not be surprised.
Do not worry, the Leader of the Council, and the IPG, assures us that things are improving. What were things like before this latest revelation? Are we to believe anything he says?
Welshman, the reason why no one will challenge a bully in higher authority is the fear of retribution. Retribution can take many forms. Is it happening in PCC? I know not.
"Required" is the term used in Lotus Notes email meaning "invited". My guess is it is written that way to get more attention as it's harder to ignore a "required" than an "invitation". The recipient has the option to "Decline", "Defer" to a new time or "Delegate" (with or without comments.)
John Heartfelt
I am getting confused. Would anybody like to compile a list of the issues that have haunted PCC over say the last six years?
I would be pleased if you could tell me what the issues are/were, who were the players and what were the outcomes or explanations for these events.
I feel that some of the important events of the near past may have been buried under the ever deepening layers of…well, call it what you like but seems to be getting thicker by the week.
Bullet points would be fine.
From personal experience no one working in PCC should rely on the HR department to help them out with bullying.
John Williams,
The really regrettable thing is, I suggest, that people, especially girls, go into HR to help people and then find themselves involved in following courses of action which they do not wish to follow.
In my case, I believe a senior member of staff hid behind a more junior member of staff. Telling a junior member of staff to do something which they feel they ought not to is…bullying.
People typically bullied are often hard working or good at their job or well liked or against corruption etc. – attributes which the bully is jealous of.
Section 28 (Authorisation of directed surveillance) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 is very clear on how it can be used.
The use of surveillance to threaten people is not lawful.
◆ Tuesday, 12th August, 2014 at 12:10 AM
I see Tom Richards most mornings having a pint in the Castle Hotel on the square, I'll get the low down on what went on at that meeting and fill you in later. He'll give me a scoop in return for a chaser.
Jacob/Mike,
What's your feelings on this latest story? Even as shocking as it is, Bryn's legal advisers will no doubt be assuring him that he's done nothing wrong in law and he'll be able to take the council's money (ours) for X number of thousands if he was sacked. Can he even be sacked? Are there such procedures in place? Who can sack him? Who does he answer to?
And I'd like to personally pay tribute to Mr Evans for having the balls to go the whole hog and put his feelings into writing on at least two occasions and create his own version of 'meeting minutes' for the meeting with Bryn.
I find the image in my mind of Bryn being angry at the leak and holding a copy of the Herald in his hand very VERY satisfying. Thank God for free press.
◆ Tuesday, 12th August, 2014 at 12:11 PM
I note your comment regarding how SPDC and PDC ran effectively without controlling groups William but I can remember some of the dodgy deals that went on at SPDC.
It is only due to the determination of Mike, Jacob and the editor of the Herald that has brought to light the goings on at Pembrokeshire County Council.
I must be missing something but who would have had to authorise the employment of private investigators and more importantly from a ratepayers point of view "who would be paying"?
◆ Tuesday, 12th August, 2014 at 3:25 PM
An "open" letter to the Wales Audit Office:-
Request for a Report in the Public Interest into the Corporate Governance arrangements of Pembrokeshire County Council.
I understand that you are required to report on these "arrangements" as part of your audit process and that you are able to:-
• Conduct a special inspection and publish a report and make recommendations and
• Recommend to Ministers of the Welsh Government that they intervene in some way.
I note from your latest Annual Improvement Report on PCC issued in July, that you have concluded, inter-alia, that the Council is improving its governance arrangements and encouraging greater member involvement and challenge. However you do identify some specific governance issues the Council needs to consider.
I need not rehearse the failings of this council over recent years and months, (some under continuing investigation) but it does seem time for a definitive comprehensive review into the continuing ongoing ethos of this Council and its corporate governance arrangements.
Since your report was published there have been three issues that have caused great concern to some councillors and many citizens of Pembrokeshire, to the extent that any remaining confidence in the council's ability to put its house in order may have been lost:-
1. The revelations about the Mik Smith "case" and implied administrative shortcomings and
2. The public reported resignation of the Lay member and appointed chairman of the Council's Audit Committee over undue officer influence on the former Chairman causing him to resign, and
3. The subsequent reported actions of the Chief Executive Officer at a meeting.
The Council's political leadership seem to be incapable of even recognising that things have gone seriously wrong, and presumably drawing comfort from your reports, continues to try and assure us that things are improving.
It has to be said, that I suspect many of us do not believe this. Will you please, under the powers available to you, undertake appropriate action that you consider necessary.
Is there an official minute of the meeting that can be published and agreed by those present?
I have received a response from the Welsh Office, let's all send them a copy of the Mr Evans' letter, the more the better.
The Welsh Government expects local authorities to take complaints seriously and to have proper procedures in place for dealing with them. If you have not already done so, may I suggest you bring your complaint, to the attention of Pembrokeshire County Council and ask for it to be addressed under their internal complaints procedures. Pembrokeshire County Council provide advice on how to do this on their website, here:
http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/content.asp?id=6362&nav=101,1039&parent_directory_id=646
If you remain dissatisfied after the Council has responded to any formal complaint you have made, then it is open to you to approach the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. The Ombudsman is an independent person empowered to consider complaints about public bodies in Wales including local authorities.
Thank you for also including a copy of the letter that Mr John Evans MBE has sent to Councillor James Adams. I will bring it to the attention of the Minister for Local Government Business.
Malcolm, your old business partner might have been willing to do the dirty deed for mates' rates. Plus expenses of course.
Harfat Girl
Has Bryn ever made threats relating to the use of private investigators before? It would be interesting to know. From Mr Evans' account of events it seems P-J felt it was an acceptable idea. Would it be worth asking at the next meeting of full council if PCC has ever used private investigators and if so in what circumstances?
◆ Wednesday, 13th August, 2014 at 9:31 AM
Your readers may like to visit the sage's Old Grumpy website of 9 July 2001 Fools and our Money for a bit of light amusement in these troubled times.
◆ Wednesday, 13th August, 2014 at 2:12 PM
John Hudson has, by his trawl of Old Grumpy's archive, found this little nugget concerning the inexorable rise of BPJ's golden pay packet:
Chairman Peter Stock opined that "The only way Pembrokeshire will ever become the Premier County again is through this man," and the vice chairman Bryan Phillips intoned: "He is our insurance policy and we must keep paying the premiums."
Yet one more example of mis-selling overlooked by our financial regulators?
John, many a true word is said in jest.
Re 'Fools and our money'. It was well known in those days the way in which pay rises were arranged. I don't think much has changed.
◆ Thursday, 14th August, 2014 at 10:14 AM
Some of you might remember the judicial review into the fees the council set for care home placement fees some years ago. This failed twice.
In the first one, (cost I think £400,000) the High Court Judge found that the council could not provide evidence of its decision making trail as no minutes of meetings were available to be produced.
In addition the Council had "overlooked" the requirements of a Statutory Instrument that applied, or could not evidence the reasons why specific requirements had been considered but were not applicable. There was also the small matter of incorrect calculations, by the council's consultant.
The council was required to review the setting of fee rates. Because a second judicial review had been applied for, senior officers blocked investigation by the Older Persons' Scrutiny Committee as it might prejudice the council's case.
This was at a time when councillors had been informed of the administrative arrangement between the council's CEO and the health board CEO for the council's Director of Social Services and one other member of council staff to be shared on a 50/50 time and money basis. I have been informed that the council did not supplement staffing for the loss of staff input at this high level.
What effect, if any, this arrangement had on the council's ability to administer its social services at this level, has never been considered. I understand that this arrangement is no longer in place and that children's and social service senior management has been reorganised.
Senior officers have never apparently addressed the High Court's findings concerning the council's highlighted administrative shortcomings in not being able to evidence its reasons for decisions in the light of all relevant considerations. Such an internal administrative exercise or review would not have impinged upon the second judicial review in my view.
We have subsequently been through the farce of senior pension arrangements, since rescinded at, as yet, undisclosed wasted costs, where not only were the minutes found to be inadequate but the report submitted by officers (who had a financial interest, as well as officers in attendance at the meeting) did not apparently give consideration to all relevant factors. We need not mention Pembroke Dock grant scheme internal issues including the alteration of minutes, or misleading internal audit assurances.
Going back to the "overlooked" Statutory Instrument, the council's consideration of this was approved by cabinet on the eve of the second judicial review. Going to court without evidence that this had been considered, would have course been incompetence beyond even this council's senior management. Cabinet did however refer the matter to O&S for review; this involved a commissioning plan for older persons' services.
I took the trouble to go through this and wrote to my councillor, (David Bryan, the then IPG Chairman of the O&S Committee) and my Older Person's Champion and the then Cabinet member for Adult Services, David Wildman, with a series of questions that I thought relevant to the O&S committee's review.
Do not forget this plan had already been approved by cabinet, and although founded on the need to contain expenditure in the face of increasing demand, the plan did not mention or detail any financial effects, but then reports rarely if ever do. I would have thought this aspect was very much relevant.
I received a detailed response from an officer of the council, to which I responded with more questions arising from that response. I made it quite clear that I did not expect a response from officers but rather hoped that my concerns would be addressed by the in depth scrutiny to be undertaken by the O&S committee. Such misplaced faith.
(The external auditor has subsequently found that most members lack the 'motivation' and 'capacity' to challenge and that officers do not properly inform members of all relevant considerations). I understand that the council's view is that relevant consideration are those considered by officers to be relevant.
I subsequently received a letter from the Monitoring Officer listing the number of times that I had submitted FoI requests to Council and advising me that by writing to officers, I was taking up their time from service delivery. It was pointed out that exercising rights carried responsibility.
My original letter had been referred to officers by a councillor. I also received a letter from cabinet member Wildman that any correspondence he sent me, was considered confidential.
Given the state that this wretched council is in, when senior officers also baulk at allowing councillors access to documents, it seems that the only way we, the paying public, can influence matters is by engaging with the council formally and directly.
We have a right to Freedom of Information, which the council must supply if it holds it, and we also have the right to submit our views and concerns to the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Such committees must consider our views and let us know the outcome. I have availed my self of this opportunity twice, with no obvious effect and the committee did not even consider my views which were addressed (dismissed?) in passing, at the meeting by an officer.
I understand my views had been handed round to members just before the meeting. So much for the public engagement that the council advertises.
The Monitoring Officer also advised that councillors were not obliged to respond to their constituents.
◆ Thursday, 14th August, 2014 at 7:34 PM
Hi John Hudson,
You were correct but could you put together a letter we could put our names to and forward, not knowing you I feel that you have a wealth of experience.
My reply from the Ombudsman is this:
Thank you for your email. From the information you have provided I can only give you a general response at this time.
If you want the Ombudsman to consider any of your concerns about Pembrokeshire County Council, you will have to make a specific complaint to us detailing your concerns.
If your complaint concerns the maladministration or service failure of the Council as a public body, you can complete our Public Body complaint form, available on our website at http://www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk/en/Making%20a%20complaint.aspx
However please note that the Ombudsman can only consider complaints that have been through the formal complaints procedure of the relevant body. You would therefore have to make a formal complaint, and receive a final response, from the Council before having recourse to the Ombudsman.
If you wish to make a complaint about an individual Councillor, you can do this by completing our Code of Conduct form, available on our website via the link above.
Please note, however, that there are some restrictions governing what the Ombudsman can and cannot investigate, for example matters relating to pay and staff discipline. You may wish to look at our website for more information.
I hope this information is useful to you.
Complaints Advice Team
Public Services Ombudsman for Wales
Jacob, what's the record for the number of comments on one of your blog posts?
◆ Friday, 15th August, 2014 at 12:03 AM
Coincidently, both this article from January along with this one from April have attracted 89 comments so far, the most of any on my site, so far!
This morning's revelations in the Pembrokeshire Herald, regarding the chief executive's "expletive-laden" tirade, directed at two of the IPPG members who dared to vote the wrong way over the pension business, put even this "molehunt" in the shade.
◆ Saturday, 16th August, 2014 at 9:00 AM
Jacob and Old Grumpy you are 5 star people. I would like to thank Paul Miller and the unions who had the courage to organise last week's demonstration.
If someone is going to take over on a temporary basis in BPJ's absence, god forbid if this person is selected by the IPPG members. I hear next Monday's IPPG meeting is a guarded secret and the members will be told only hours before were it's being held.
I hope BPJ has had his keys for the Kremlin taken back and he is suffering for the way he has treated his staff and Pembrokeshire people. Sue Thomas was a whistle blower and ended up being sacked by the council, I hope someone has the courage to reopen her case and either apologise in public or reinstate her. I wonder how many other council employes have been bullied and eventually forced to leave PCC.
To all IPPG councillors, I hope yesterday's news will pull you to your senses and make you do the job you are paid for, that is representing your constituents, and not follow your leader like sheep. I hope some common sense will prevail.
Final point, I know Mark Edwards and I ask the question if you had treated one of your staff like BPJ treated you then I am sure you would have been taken for bullying, why oh why did you leave this so long?
Have your say...
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- current account holder based on Al-Hassan(good) loan and secured pay.
-Investment account holder he is a money lord.
- Depositor and savor thus he/she is a lender and a creditor or a borrower an a debtor all based on interest.
-prohibited from exercising commerce and industry.
-prohibited from buying real-estate other than what is needed for exercising his business.
-permissible for him to buy for his own other commercial companies stocks within fixed percentages from his own funds or in prior Central Bank approval.
Investment account on the basis of absolute speculation or restricted speculation.
And agencies in investment absolute or restricted.
The Majority of funds will be financed on the basis of Islamic financing formats of selling and partnerships and speculations and others.
The majority of funds is used in lending with interest.
Speculator in absolute speculations considering all depositors are money lords.
And the money lord and business owners(investors) are speculator in exercising his activities.
Basically and normally accepts deposits and offer loans for others based on interest.
Saving is post ponding urgent spending to a later time thus it's a behavioral process that is why the Islamic bank seeks funds with all individuals rich and poor and cares about in the development of savings awareness for all for their own motives.
The relative importance of the client personality is more.
Attention to the productive capacity and the nature of its work and activities carried out by the mechanism in practice more.
The relative importance of the collaterals is more.
Attention to the capital and the production capacity is less.


In order to develop and consolidate democracy in Africa which re-emerged in the continent in 1990's, ECOWAS, and later the African Union formulated constitutional and democratic principles through the use of two specific legal instruments; namely the Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance adopted in 2001 and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance in January 2007. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and Partners organised a one day media advocacy and launch of Platforms in the Republics of Niger, Benin and now in Nigeria for the Popularization, Ratification and Implementation of the two instruments held at Denis Hotel, Abuja, June 29, 2011.
The main objective of the media sensitization/advocacy and the Nigerian Platform meeting was to achieve the ratification of the Charter in Nigeria. Other objectives are to popularize the two instruments and to constitute an Observatory for their respect and application in Nigeria and West Africa.
5. Appreciate however, the huge turnout at the Nigerian Platform meeting with prime national media managers attending all sessions; this is seen as a good sign for positive change in favour of the struggle for the ratification and popularization of the instruments in Nigeria.


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Rubella (German measles) is a worldwide, mild, exanthematous and highly infectious viral disease of children in unvaccinated populations. Its prominence and the rational for immunising against rubella is the high risk of congenital malformations associated with rubella infection during pregnancy, something first observed by Dr Norman McAlister Gregg during the rubella epidemic in Australia 1940-41. Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) is characterised by a constellation of ophthalmologic, neurologic, cardiac and auditory anomalies. Immunisation with the safe and highly effective attenuated live vaccine started in Europe in 1970s and has had a profound impact on the epidemiology of rubella and CRS.Elimination of rubella requires sustained overall immunisation coverage of more than 95% and maintenance of low levels of susceptibility across all subgroups of a population.
The rubella virus is a RNA virus and belongs to the genus Rubivirus and the family Togaviridae. It is of a single serotype divided into two clades and within these two clades there are at least seven genotypes. The genetic variation does not translate into antigenic differences. Humans are the sole reservoir of rubella virus.
Rubella is typically a mild disease with few complications, and infections go unrecognised or are asymptomatic. Children usually have few or no constitutional symptoms but adults may experience a 1–5 days prodrome of fever, malaise, headache and arthralgia. The typical presentation of rubella is a transient, erythematous maculo-papular rash that starts in the face, becomes generalised over 24 hours and lasts for about three days. Enlarged post-auricular and sub-occipital lymph nodes, which precede the rash, are characteristic of rubella and last for 5–8 days.
Clinically, rubella is indistinguishable from febrile rash illnesses caused by measles, parvovirus B19, human herpes virus 6 (HHV6), Coxsackie virus, ECHO virus, adenovirus and dengue virus, and laboratory confirmation is required for diagnosis unless there is an epidemiological link to a confirmed case. There are three standard tests for laboratory confirmation of a suspect rubella case: (1) isolation of rubella virus from a clinical specimen; (2) detection of rubella virus nucleic acid in a clinical specimen; or (3) rubella virus specific IgG antibody response in serum or saliva. A specific IgM antibody response indicates a probable acute infection1.
Complications of acute rubella are rare, with the exception of rubella infection during pregnancy (see below). Encephalitis occurs in 1 out of 5000–6000 cases of rubella -the presentation can be dramatic but fatalities are rare and most patients recover completely without sequelae-; thrombocytopenia develops in 1 out of 3000 cases; transient polyarthralgia and polyarthritis are common complications in adolescents and adults, but rare in children.
The clinical presentation of acute rubella in pregnancy is identical to that in non-pregnant women and adults, and asymptomatic and undiagnosed infections are common. Infection during pregnancy carries a considerable risk of the constellation of foetal malformations referred to as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), foetal death and abortion. Women who plan to become pregnant should be tested for rubella and immunised if found to be susceptible. Pregnant women should have rubella immunity tested early in pregnancy. The EU case definitions for rubella and for CRS (2002/253/EC) for the purpose of reporting communicable diseases to the community network can be found here.
Rubella was endemic in Europe before widespread immunisation, with the exception of small and isolated populations, and there were regular epidemics at 6–9 year intervals on top of background transmission. The transmission pattern of rubella is similar to that of measles and rubella was a childhood disease in the pre-vaccine era, with the highest incidence in the 4–9 years age group. Routine immunisation has dramatically changed the epidemiology of rubella in Europe. The vaccine is highly effective, with seroconversion rates of 95–100% and the induced immunity is likely to be lifelong in most recipients. Rubella is a notifiable disease and European surveillance data indicate that the overall incidence of rubella has fallen from about 35 per 100 000 in 2000 to <10 per 100 000 population in 2008.
The 27 EU/EEA countries reported 38 847 rubella cases in 2013; Poland accounted for 99% of all reported rubella cases. In 2012, Romania had the most cases of Rubella in the EU, and notably, Italy had a large outbreak of Rubella in 2008. In 14 countries the rubella notification rate was rate less than one case per million population. Annual updates on rubella incidence are published in ECDC's Annual epidemiological report on communicable diseases in Europe. The 2013 report is available here.
• Cervical, suboccipital or post-auricular lympadenopathy or arthralgia/arthritis.
• A significant rise in rubella IgG antibody in paired sera.
Surveillance guidelines for measles, rubella and CRS can be found here.
Rubella is transmitted by direct contact or droplet spread similar to the transmission of measles. Humans are the only known hosts and children born with CRS, who may be infectious for several years, are the only reservoir. The risk of transmission is 10–30%, but varies with the immunisation rate of the population, and infectivity is high in those susceptible. The period of infectivity is seven days before to six days after the onset of rash and the incubation period is 13–20 days.
There is no specific treatment for rubella. Treatment should be symptomatic. Suspected rubella infection among contacts of a pregnant woman should be laboratory confirmed as a matter of urgency wherever possible. If a pregnant woman who has been in contact with a confirmed rubella case has had two documented doses of rubella containing vaccine, at least two previous positive rubella antibody screening tests, or one dose of vaccine followed by a documented positive rubella antibody test, then she should be reassured that the likelihood of her developing rubella is remote. Investigation is not required but she should return if a rash develops. Decisions on the management of a susceptible woman developing a non-vesicular rash or rubella in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy should be taken in partnership with a specialist foetal medicine unit and laboratory services.
Anderson S. Experimental rubella in human volunteers. J Immunol 1949; 62(1):29-40. Best JM. Rubella. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2007; 12(3):182-192.
(EU Commission. European Union Commission Decision of 28/04/08 - Case definitions for infectious diseases. Official Journal of the European Union 2008; 159:46-90.
Green RH, Balsamo MR, Giles JP, Krugman S, Mirick GS. Studies of the natural history and prevention of rubella. Am J Dis Child 1965; 110(4):348-365.
Grillner L, Forsgren M, Barr B, Bottiger M, Danielsson L, de Verdier C. Outcome of rubella during pregnancy with special reference to the 17th-24th weeks of gestation. Scand J Infect Dis 1983; 15(4):321-325.
Hattis RP, Halstead SB, Herrmann KL, Witte JJ. Rubella in an immunized island population. JAMA 1973; 223(9):1019-1021.
Miller E, Cradock-Watson JE, Pollock TM. Consequences of confirmed maternal rubella at successive stages of pregnancy. Lancet 1982; 2(8302):781-784.
Nardone A, Tischer A, Andrews N, Backhouse J, Theeten H, Gatcheva N et al. Comparison of rubella seroepidemiology in 17 countries: progress towards international disease control targets. Bull World Health Organ 2008; 86(2):118-125.
Peckham C. Congenital rubella in the United Kingdom before 1970: the prevaccine era. Rev Infect Dis 1985; 7 Suppl 1:S11-S16.
Plotkin SA, Orenstein W, Offit P. Rubella vaccine. Vaccines. fifth edition ed. Saunders; 2008. 735-771.
Richardson M, Elliman D, Maguire H, Simpson J, Nicoll A. Evidence base of incubation periods, periods of infectiousness and exclusion policies for the control of communicable diseases in schools and preschools. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2001; 20(4):380-391.
Salisbury D, Ramsay M, Noakes K. Rubella. In: Salisbury D, Ramsay M, Noakes K, editors. Immunisation against infectious disease. third ed. Stationary Office Department Of Health; 2006. 343-364.