Christmas could be cancelled in Southend (From Echo)
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Christmas could be cancelled in Southend
8:47am Thursday 2nd September 2010 in
TRADITIONAL festive celebrations in Southend High Street could be scrapped this year due to a lack of funding.
Thousands of visitors flock to the High Street to enjoy free Christmas events provided by the Town Centre Partnership, which include the Christmas Spectacular, the Festive Fun Day and Carols for Christmas.
However, these and other events could be scrapped because of a £5,000 shortfall in the funding required to stage them.
*FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S ECHO.
Comments(54)
Mandingo
says...
10:07am Thu 2 Sep 10
gitreal
says...
10:19am Thu 2 Sep 10
TheEssexGooner
says...
10:25am Thu 2 Sep 10
Mandingo wrote:I feel there maybe sarcasim in this comment gitreal, lol
good news as the celebrations will offend the Muslim community in Southend.
TheEssexGooner
says...
10:27am Thu 2 Sep 10
TheEssexGooner wrote:sorry, I meant sarcasm, lol
Mandingo wrote: good news as the celebrations will offend the Muslim community in Southend.I feel there maybe sarcasim in this comment gitreal, lol
reptile
says...
11:01am Thu 2 Sep 10
gitreal
says...
11:17am Thu 2 Sep 10
village of the damned
says...
12:59pm Thu 2 Sep 10
emcee
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1:06pm Thu 2 Sep 10
And one more thing, I agree it is a, amateur and tacky headline.
Mandingo
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1:23pm Thu 2 Sep 10
gitreal
says...
1:38pm Thu 2 Sep 10
Martin McNeill
says...
1:57pm Thu 2 Sep 10
ShoeburyBlue
says...
1:58pm Thu 2 Sep 10
gitreal
says...
2:13pm Thu 2 Sep 10
essex beaufighter
says...
2:16pm Thu 2 Sep 10
Alice in Her Own Land :P
says...
2:58pm Thu 2 Sep 10
PJR
says...
3:10pm Thu 2 Sep 10
gitreal wrote:That makes two of us!
Martin McNeill - I'm not buying the paper tomorrow, can you put the story online please? LOL
...
PJR - READER
Marshwalker
says...
3:20pm Thu 2 Sep 10
Alice in Her Own Land :P wrote:That hit the nail on the head, Alice.
What's the betting that if Christmas was a Muslim event and not a Christian event, every effort would be made to make sure it goes ahead, with no expense spared.
No funding for the christmas lights? Did they do a feasbility study about this? Oh! My, thats where the £5,000 went then!
essex beaufighter
says...
3:50pm Thu 2 Sep 10
Alice in Her Own Land :P wrote:It would be money no object and no expense spared that's for sure.
What's the betting that if Christmas was a Muslim event and not a Christian event, every effort would be made to make sure it goes ahead, with no expense spared.
Stupid council officials too spineless to allow christmas celebrations and too weak and cowardly to give the real reasons. Wimps!
yayyay
says...
4:04pm Thu 2 Sep 10
Mark D
says...
4:34pm Thu 2 Sep 10
Mandingo wrote:Of course Christmas was originally a Pagan festival, it was the Christians who hijacked it for their own ends.
Gitreal - Im sure you have never prayed on Xmas day so you should not celebrate either!
essex beaufighter
says...
4:45pm Thu 2 Sep 10
maureen
says...
4:54pm Thu 2 Sep 10
yayyay wrote:yes but tj hughes comes close to keddies. SOS is Southend On Sea council
It's never been the same since Keddies shut down!
Yes or No?
torridpiper
says...
5:05pm Thu 2 Sep 10
See-the-real
says...
5:17pm Thu 2 Sep 10
essex beaufighter wrote:I agree that religion causes poverty and wars. You only have to look at Stalins russia to see that................
I don't subscribe to any of the religions as in my opinion it causes too many wars, poverty and trouble. However, this is a christian country and so should be able to continue with any celebration or event in the name of that religion.
.........oh, wait...........That all happened because there was no religion.
.
Well at least pol pot and the Khmer Rouge could use the excuse that it was religion that caused all the war and poverty and trouble there........
.....oh wait...............t
hat all happened because there was no religion.
SARFENDMAN
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5:48pm Thu 2 Sep 10
sos1234
says...
6:00pm Thu 2 Sep 10
Alice in Her Own Land :P wrote:Don't be so ridiculous, and ever so slightly racist in a typical Southend way. It might surprise you to know that celebrations of Christmas don't offend 99.9% of muslims; those living here are generally more accepting of other cultures than your white middle classes.
What's the betting that if Christmas was a Muslim event and not a Christian event, every effort would be made to make sure it goes ahead, with no expense spared.
yayyay
says...
6:32pm Thu 2 Sep 10
maureen wrote:It's nothing like Keddies!! A lot of the stuff you can get anywhere.. including the £shop, where it's cheaper!
yayyay wrote: It's never been the same since Keddies shut down!yes but tj hughes comes close to keddies. SOS is Southend On Sea council Yes or No?
Southendman
says...
6:55pm Thu 2 Sep 10
essex beaufighter
says...
8:18pm Thu 2 Sep 10
sos1234 wrote:99.9%? Are you sure and what are you basing this on. Fact or through rose tinted glasses maybe. Tell, me where I may purchase a pair of said glasses as they have magical powers of making everything seem just so..............well
Alice in Her Own Land :P wrote: What's the betting that if Christmas was a Muslim event and not a Christian event, every effort would be made to make sure it goes ahead, with no expense spared.Don't be so ridiculous, and ever so slightly racist in a typical Southend way. It might surprise you to know that celebrations of Christmas don't offend 99.9% of muslims; those living here are generally more accepting of other cultures than your white middle classes.
, rosy!
ukman
says...
8:54pm Thu 2 Sep 10
Bosniavet
says...
9:24pm Thu 2 Sep 10
Personally, if I want to celebrate Christmas, I can do it without the council or local shopkeepers organising it for me. I am sure that the salvation Army, Church Choirs & numerous charitable organistaions will provide music & carols etc for those who want to brave the crowds & require "entertainment" whilst doing so.
Yes, I dare say the £5000 shortfall was spent spent on a consultation exercise.
Let's hope the council don't call off the Remembrance Sunday Service too!
maureen
says...
9:39pm Thu 2 Sep 10
Bosniavet
says...
9:58pm Thu 2 Sep 10
maureen wrote:Maureen - I sincerely hope you can substantiate this allegation........
the money not spent for christmas for southend people and visitors will be spent on christmas/new year parties for staff and councillors, also the cars to take them to the venue and home again
maureen
says...
9:59pm Thu 2 Sep 10
sos1234
says...
10:57pm Thu 2 Sep 10
essex beaufighter wrote:Yes, I'm sure. I'm basing it on the fact that I have 1000 Muslim friends and 999 of them are not offended by Christmas. The one that is is offended by the over consumerism of it rather than by any contentious religious reasons.
sos1234 wrote:99.9%? Are you sure and what are you basing this on. Fact or through rose tinted glasses maybe. Tell, me where I may purchase a pair of said glasses as they have magical powers of making everything seem just so..............well
Alice in Her Own Land :P wrote: What's the betting that if Christmas was a Muslim event and not a Christian event, every effort would be made to make sure it goes ahead, with no expense spared.Don't be so ridiculous, and ever so slightly racist in a typical Southend way. It might surprise you to know that celebrations of Christmas don't offend 99.9% of muslims; those living here are generally more accepting of other cultures than your white middle classes.
, rosy!
Un PC
says...
11:18pm Thu 2 Sep 10
sos1234 wrote:I'm surprised you even have time to comment, it must take you all your time counting your 1000 muslim friends and surveying them!!
essex beaufighter wrote:Yes, I'm sure. I'm basing it on the fact that I have 1000 Muslim friends and 999 of them are not offended by Christmas. The one that is is offended by the over consumerism of it rather than by any contentious religious reasons.sos1234 wrote:99.9%? Are you sure and what are you basing this on. Fact or through rose tinted glasses maybe. Tell, me where I may purchase a pair of said glasses as they have magical powers of making everything seem just so..............well , rosy!Alice in Her Own Land :P wrote: What's the betting that if Christmas was a Muslim event and not a Christian event, every effort would be made to make sure it goes ahead, with no expense spared.Don't be so ridiculous, and ever so slightly racist in a typical Southend way. It might surprise you to know that celebrations of Christmas don't offend 99.9% of muslims; those living here are generally more accepting of other cultures than your white middle classes.
See-the-real
says...
11:45pm Thu 2 Sep 10
kittylitter
says...
11:51pm Thu 2 Sep 10
I know this will come as huge disappointment to many of you who love an opportunity to have a go at Southend Council, but I am afraid I can tell you for a fact - and as the above story very clearly states - this is a Town Centre Partnership event.
Mark D
says...
12:01am Fri 3 Sep 10
gitreal wrote:I actually think it's a good slightly tongue-in-cheek headline, one of their better ones in fact.
What a misleading and shabby headline....
Alice in Her Own Land :P
says...
6:26am Fri 3 Sep 10
kittylitter wrote:And this bunch are probably underthe council, or are a branch of the council, just under another name. Christmas is the only time when the miserable high street comes to life and has a nice atmosphere. Hopefully this has all been a wind up and Carol singing and goodwill will make a welcome return this Winter.
Can I just point out that the Southend High Street Christmas events - like the majority of the other town centre events (Chinese New Year etc) - are organised by the Southend Town Centre Partnership and are in fact not anything to do with Southend Council. I know this will come as huge disappointment to many of you who love an opportunity to have a go at Southend Council, but I am afraid I can tell you for a fact - and as the above story very clearly states - this is a Town Centre Partnership event.
buttonbaggins
says...
9:42am Fri 3 Sep 10
put CHRIST back into CHRISTMAS!
village of the damned
says...
9:54am Fri 3 Sep 10
InTheKnowOk
says...
11:07am Fri 3 Sep 10
I would also like to see the demise of the hanging baskets down the town centre and surrounding areas that are a drain of rate payers money, also down by the cliffs where in summer months the water hoses are on constantly, again more waste.
When times are hard people have to make cut backs and concentrate on things that need improvements, xmas decorations, lights, flowers etc are not a necessity and make no difference whether they are there or not.
essex beaufighter
says...
2:19pm Fri 3 Sep 10
buttonbaggins wrote:That's the trouble with christmas. There is always someone who wants to bring religion into it! I'm off to Disney land this year for a proper christmas.
I'd rather any money be spent on helping our local homeless and needy, thats what's Jesus is all about not fancy lights and selling more things in shops! put CHRIST back into CHRISTMAS!
essex beaufighter
says...
2:27pm Fri 3 Sep 10
sos1234 wrote:A 1000 eh, and you surveyed them all. Are any of them in business where they are likely to benefit financially from seasonal trade? Well, I have also carried out a survey of my one muslim friend. He is not a fan of christmas so in my survey, it shows 100% against.
essex beaufighter wrote:Yes, I'm sure. I'm basing it on the fact that I have 1000 Muslim friends and 999 of them are not offended by Christmas. The one that is is offended by the over consumerism of it rather than by any contentious religious reasons.sos1234 wrote:99.9%? Are you sure and what are you basing this on. Fact or through rose tinted glasses maybe. Tell, me where I may purchase a pair of said glasses as they have magical powers of making everything seem just so..............well , rosy!Alice in Her Own Land :P wrote: What's the betting that if Christmas was a Muslim event and not a Christian event, every effort would be made to make sure it goes ahead, with no expense spared.Don't be so ridiculous, and ever so slightly racist in a typical Southend way. It might surprise you to know that celebrations of Christmas don't offend 99.9% of muslims; those living here are generally more accepting of other cultures than your white middle classes.
Alice in Her Own Land :P
says...
3:00pm Fri 3 Sep 10
buttonbaggins wrote:I couldn't agree more. Well said.
I'd rather any money be spent on helping our local homeless and needy, thats what's Jesus is all about not fancy lights and selling more things in shops! put CHRIST back into CHRISTMAS!
jayman
says...
5:55pm Fri 3 Sep 10
Alice in Her Own Land :P wrote:hm.. i used to in god and all that, then i discovered science and reasonable explanations for our existence. so if you believe in a big man who lives in the clouds who will send you to the bowels of hell, who has filled this world up with pleasure and insists that you endure pain, who sits back and works in his own way and chooses not to intervene as children die........but remember.. he loves you.. out law all religion as a harmful fairytale we have grown up from. also Christmas is about the family. Christians stole the festival from the pagans. the pagans have just stole it back..
buttonbaggins wrote:I couldn't agree more. Well said.
I'd rather any money be spent on helping our local homeless and needy, thats what's Jesus is all about not fancy lights and selling more things in shops! put CHRIST back into CHRISTMAS!
Alice in Her Own Land :P
says...
6:13pm Fri 3 Sep 10
jayman
says...
6:30pm Fri 3 Sep 10
Alice in Her Own Land :P wrote:well, i did say the festival. i only used the term Christmas as a reference to winter festival but its all make believe anyway.
No pagan can steal Christmas. The clue is in the title CHRISTmas.
Mark D
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10:36pm Fri 3 Sep 10
Saarfend Lass
says...
10:39pm Fri 3 Sep 10
Oh No, not for one second could it actually be the council's fault for not budgeting well or for being stupidly PC, but the MUSLIMS...
idoits.
Alice in Her Own Land :P
says...
8:06am Sat 4 Sep 10
Saarfend Lass wrote:No, not idiots, but generally people who are hacked off with all the international people being more accommodated and catered for than us ENGLISH people. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and I am expected to be branded a racist on here. Maybe I am but its not a crime to be. Murder is a crime, racism is an opinion.
I love the small minded(ness) of some people that, if the council cant afford to 'do' Christmas or change it's name, its automatically the MUSLIMS fault! Oh No, not for one second could it actually be the council's fault for not budgeting well or for being stupidly PC, but the MUSLIMS... idoits.
x2k
says...
1:15pm Sat 4 Sep 10
Alice in Her Own Land :P wrote:What a stupid comment!
Saarfend Lass wrote:No, not idiots, but generally people who are hacked off with all the international people being more accommodated and catered for than us ENGLISH people. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and I am expected to be branded a racist on here. Maybe I am but its not a crime to be. Murder is a crime, racism is an opinion.
I love the small minded(ness) of some people that, if the council cant afford to 'do' Christmas or change it's name, its automatically the MUSLIMS fault! Oh No, not for one second could it actually be the council's fault for not budgeting well or for being stupidly PC, but the MUSLIMS... idoits.
--
Because someone is Muslim doesn't mean they are not English.
--
You seem to be taking this discussion deliberately off topic into a crusade.
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The fact is this one event is potentially going to get scrapped to save money, not because any other religious festival has taken precedence.
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I'm personally indifferent about the events as the High Street gets ridiculously heaving around Christmas, so I prefer to shop online for presents.
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The only thing I'd miss is the Xmas market, but that will probably go ahead as it makes money, rather than costing it.
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gitreal says...
8:59am Thu 2 Sep 10