Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th March, 2023.

16th March, 2023.

It’s officially official: I’ve got some stuff I need to do in town … that I really could’ve done on Tuesday.

Which was busy: at least, for me!

At any rate?

I’ve got to go into town to pick up some medications: including a new batch of Semaglutide.

And … ?

And pick up some paperwork.

I’m really not in the mood.

Lord knows why.

But … ?

I do know the weather’s looking gruesome, out there.

~≈Â≈~

You’ve possibly realised — if you’ve been reading Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar for a while — that I live in Brentwood: and like the idea of having a cinema in town.

I’ve written a few posts about it, over the years.

Well … 

Brentwood Council have approved plans for development of the Bay Tree Centre: in the middle of Brentwood High Street.

I — notionally — support the idea.

But notice that the plans are, according to the article, for a four screen cinema.

Much as I’d love to see a cinema here in Brentwood?

From the little I understand, a four screen venue won’t be financially viable: it would need to be at least six screens.

I think the plans as presented … are duds.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 4-12-2015: The Dandy

Right … 

I managed to picked up the Brentwood Gazette, yesterday: a day later than usual.

And … ?   It seems there’s more problems with any potential plans to build a cinema in town.

Apparently?

A supermarket that’s looking at taking out a tenancy on the site is kicking off about the lack — or excess — of parking!

On top of that … ?

The patch of ground around the corner from me — that I’ve always spoken against, as I feel further development would impede emergency vehicle access — has no had planning permissions given: for more flats.

The fact the flat opposite mine was raided by the police, last night … ?

Is practically incidental.

~≈¥≈~

The Daily Teaser — 8-1-2015: The Mona Lisa

Hmmm … 

Looks like the good folk at the Gazette haven’t managed to post up the front page to their website.

Yet.

At any rate … ?   Going by that, it seems Brentwood Council’s in discussion with the independent chain, Genesis Cinema, to build a cinema.

With at least one screen.

Unfortunately, the way the article reads, it seems to imply that’s ALL we’d be getting: although on closer reading?   On closer reading it looks like the Council want’s to use the five screen Genesis owned — on the Mile End Road — as the model for a cinema in Brentwood.

Hmmm … 

Personally, I think a five screen venues could be a touch too small: and that Genesis could well be charging premium prices that would make it unaffordable for many.

If, as the Council says, building does start by November?

We’ll see.

~≈Œ≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 7-1-2015: Lucky Number Seven …

Hmmm … 

I have to admit, I’ve just seen this week’s Brentwood Gazette.

The front page … ?

Tells us that Brentwood Council’s impressed with one potential candidate for a cinema in William Hunter Way.

Put forward by a chap who runs an independent cinema in Mile End.

A luxury one screener seems to have forty seats!

It’s not a cinema, from what I can see: it’s a wide screen TV in someone’s front room!

~≈∑≈~

About That Cinema …

Brentwood Gazette Article
12th November, 2014

My Letter Part 1

You know, it’s an ongoing thing … 

That’s possibly a phrase that’s got you wondering, hasn’t it?

But what I’m talking about … ?

Is Brentwood’s Cinema.

Or rather …

The cinema we haven’t got: and haven’t had for some time.

~≈fi≈~

The Daily Teaser — 17-2-2014

You know, I actually managed to see a movie, yesterday: at a cinema.

My sister, Ruth and I took my nephew, Jude, to see Turbo, at the Basildon Empire: one of the nearer cinemas to town.

Fun film, I think: although I don’t know if Jude was completely impressed, for all that he liked the sweeties … 

Either way, I have to admit to a certain amount of disappointment.

We went to Basildon to see that film.   As any one who bought last week’s Gazette will know, I sent in a letter that expressed my sadness about the proposed cinema in William Hunter Way being cancelled.

I grew up in a Brentwood that had a cinema.

Why should my three year old nephew be any different?

~≈Â≈~

At any rate, let’s get a move on, shall we?

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi* putting in her answers: and, along with letting us know about Maryland’s weather, also scoring five out of five.

Let’s see how she — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we?

Here they are, along with the How To, License and video … 

Q1) 17th February, 2011, saw the start of civil war: in which North African country … ?

Q2) The rebels were fighting the country’s now dead dictator: who was he … ?

Q3) Moving on … 17th February, 1949, saw Chaim Weizmann elected as President of which Middle Eastern country … ?

Q4) 17th February, 1933, saw the Blaine Act passed in the USA.   Famously, this ended the prohibition of what, in the USA … ?

Q5) 17th February, 1959, saw the launch of the Vanguard 2 weather satellite.   It launched to measure what aspect of the weather: rainfall, cloud cover or the amount of reflected sunlight?

Q6) Finally … 17th February, 1945, saw the birth of Irish actress, Brenda Fricker.   For which film was she the first Irish winner of the Best Supporting Actress Oscar … ?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1) The world’s first computerized BBS opened: on 16th February, 1978.   In which US city … ?

A1) Chicago.

Q2) In which US state is that city … ?

A2) Illinois.

Q3) What does BBS stand for … ?

A3) Bulletin Board System.

Q4) The first BBS to be set up in the UK was called Forum … what: 80, 90 or 1000?

A4) 80.

Q5) Finally … the BBS system’s creators made the software: whilst snowed in during the Great what of 1978 … ?

A5) Blizzard.

I’ll leave you with this tune from the Triffids … 

And this thought from the late Andre Norton …

“There’s no night without stars.”

Andre Norton  February 17, 1912 – March 17, 2005

Have a good day.

*         Bloody HELL, but that sounds familiar, Debbi!   (Oh … I woke up to frost, today, so you know: this was after sunshine, all day yesterday!)

The Daily Teaser — 16-2-2014: BBS

Ooh, that sound’s exciting … !

Bless her, my sister, Ruth, has decided to take her son, Jude, to see a movie.

In a cinema.

In Basildon, wouldn’t you know: there’s possibly a sarcastic comment that I can aim at Brentwood Council, there.   After all, I grew up in a Brentwood with a cinema, I don’t see why my three year old nephew shouldn’t.

At ANY rate … Ruth’s decided Jude really needs to go and see Turbo with his uncle.

Which looks like it could be fun … !

At any rate … ?   Let’s get a move on.

~≈†≈~

Yesterday’s teaser saw Debbi* putting in her answers: along with telling us a cocoa would go down VERY well, she also scored five out of five.

Let’s see how she — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we?

Here they are, along with the How To, License and video … 

Q1) The world’s first computerized BBS opened: on 16th February, 1978.   In which US city … ?

Q2) In which US state is that city … ?

Q3) What does BBS stand for … ?

Q4) The first BBS to be set up in the UK was called Forum … what: 80, 90 or 1000?

Q5) Finally … the BBS system’s creators made the software: whilst snowed in during the Great what of 1978 … ?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1) 15th February, 1971, saw Britain decimalize its currency.   In pre-decimal currency, 2 shillings and sixpence was also known as half a … what … ?

A1) Crown.

Q2) 15th February, 1946, saw the world’s first general purpose computer dedicated: in Philadelphia.   What was it called?

A2) ENIAC: which was short for Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer, so you know.

Q3) 15th February, 2001, saw Nature magazine publish the first complete draft of the human what … ?

A3) Genome.

Q4) 15th February, 1989, saw the Red Army pull out of Afghanistan: following whose decision to reduce the army’s size?

A4) Mikhail Gorbachev.

Q5) Finally … 15th February, 2013, saw a meteor explode over Chelyabinsk.   In which country is Chelyabinsk?

A5) Russia.

I’ll leave you with this tune … 

And this thought.

“That program became the singly most modified program in computing history due to the many hardware environments in which it had to operate (no standards - no "IBM" to say where serial ports should be addressed, etc).”

Ward Christensen, author of the CBBS software.

Enjoy your day.

*        Wouldn’t you know, it Debbi?   We’ve got sunshine, right now!   The UK’s weather is … inconsistent, let’s put it that way!

The William Hunter Way Development: or CINEMA … !

I have to admit, I have something of an opinion.

Several of them, actually.

I think a penny saved is a penny earned: that recycling’s a good thing to do: that every one has good and bad in them.

Oh, and that Macs  are superior to PCs.

Something most of my friends are possibly trued of hearing me pontificate about.

Something else I believe … ?

Is that the closure of my home town’s two screen cinema, many years ago, was a bad thing.

Certainly for me: at the time, it was a cheap night out for someone who’d been in and out of part time work, so having to travel to see a film added an extra cost.

An extra cost I, for one, resented.

Then and now.

So the fact that Brentwood Borough Council approved a development for a cinema, an associated carpark and set of retail units, was something I welcomed.

Unfortunately … ?

Unfortunately, that development has now been cancelled.

And going by the reports in the Brentwood Gazette, cancelled because the Council and developers couldn’t agree on the rent: and whether it should be linked to the Retail Prices Index.

And I must admit to a certain amount of sadness about the whole thing.

~≈†≈~

You know, maybe sadness is the wrong word, here.

Maybe I should focus, instead, on anger.

At both the Council: and the developers, Stocklands.

From what I can recall from the Gazette reports at the time, Stocklands were seriously hit by the recession: and put the William Hunter Way development on hold, while assorted things were done at the company’s HQ in Australia.   And while the UK branch renegotiated the rent deal.

I also have to admit, I’m also angry at Brentwood Council.

Both the Conservative administration, who seem to have badly botched the deal in the first place: not least by letting the whole thing drag on for some eight to nine years longer than it needed to be.

My feelings, there, are that this could have been concluded a lot sooner than it has been.   With Brentwood having a cinema built by Stocklands: OR by someone else, if they felt they couldn’t afford to.

I feel the Tories have badly let us down.

I’m ALSO annoyed at local Liberal Democrats: something I know will sadden Councillor Chilvers, who, to her credit, has stood by her belief that the plans — as they stood — weren’t a good thing for town.

I feel that the Lib-dem members on the council have not made their case strongly enough: OR publicly enough.

They may well have had alternatives to the Stocklands deal: but none they ever made public, as far as I could see, and that — in my opinion — they should have done.

I personally believe that had these plans gone ahead, they would have been a net benefit to the town.

~≈†≈~

Personally … ?

Personally, I’m very aware that talk started in 2005, about a potential new cinema in Brentwood.   Something I have both welcomed, dreamed of and written about for a long time.

I seriously believed, back in 2005, that Brentwood could benefit from a multi-screen cinema*: and the associated retail and hospitality jobs.

I still do.

The fact they have been cancelled … ?

Is no loss to Stocklands.

Or to some at Brentwood Council.

But to us: the people of Brentwood, who would have benefitted from this.

*        The little I understand of the economics of the situation — something I’ve discussed with friends more familiar with the industry than I — confirms my personal belief that a venue with four to six screens — at the minimum — is the minimum affordable option that most chains would consider.

Again With The Cinema

You know, I’ve got to admit, I’ve bought this week’s Brentwood Gazette.

After all, the amount of times I’ve cropped up on the letters page … ?

Well …

You’d be surprised if I didn’t, wouldn’t you … ?

At any rate, I know that my whole habit of mailing Brentwood’s local paper all started because I’d sent them a note or two in support of the development where it is: even going as far as writing to the various local development authorities, and (then) government ministers in charge of such things.

Isn’t local politics a wonderful thing … ?

Hard bloody work, though … !!

At any rate, the Gazette’s once more announced some interesting news: this time, about the developers who are building the proposed cinema, flats, shops, and what-ever-else will be put there.

It seems that, although the UK branch of Stocklands — in charge of the development — have given a commitment that it will be built as soon as everything is properly organised, the Australian parent company is keen — for the moment — to pull out of its UK commitments.

Hmmm …

You can imagine what MY response was, can’t you … ?

Here’s what I sent to the Gazette, and to Paul Ainsworth, the reporter that did this article.

Dear Editor,

I’ve got to admit, I’m definitely disappointed.

Well. Less disappointed, than worried.

I read in this week’s Gazette, about Stockland’s apparent commitment to the cinema development in Brentwood, and I’m happy to admit that seeing that it’s possibly now in doubt is a worry.

After all, I’ve gone quite publicly on record — in the Gazette, and on my blog — as saying that it will bring more jobs, and chances for entertainment to our town.

Now I realise that this commitment comes from Stockland’s UK arm.

But, since its Australian corporate HQ seems to be struggling … ?

Well.

Maybe it’s time for them to sell the development on to Taylor Wimpey.

After all, with the amount of people who’ve objected to Taylor Wimpey plans for the Rollason Way site, myself included, they’re bound to want to try something else.

For want of something to do.

Yours,

There …

And, just so you can send him some mail, as well, I’ve linked his email address to his name.

‹‹‹•›››

Lets move on, shall we … ?

Yes, lets … !

Now, you’ve probably worked out, by now, that I’m a Mac fan, haven’t you … ?

You hadn’t … ?

Pay attention … !

I’ve got to admit, Movie Night Adrian’s been crowing — only slightly — about the spec on the laptop he has to use for his volunteer work.

Well …

Look’s like HP aren’t the only ones to include the new i3, i5 and i7 processors.

It seems Apple have just upped the spec on their latest range of iMacs.

After all, where else do you want to put an iProcessor … ?

But I’ll be honest, the one thing that did catch my eye … ?

Was Apple’s decision include — and separately market — their new Magic Trackpad.

Which saves them money.

And means you don’t spend stupid money on thousands of pounds worth of touch-screen computer, only to have it covered in greasy fingermarks.

Oh, and one last thing about that trackpad … ?

I WANT one!

‹‹‹•›››

The Cinema Rears its Head … !

You know, I thought the cinema would be an on-going story.

Didn’t I tell you it would, Adrian?

Adrian?

He’s gone shy, again!

But, bless him, Adrian did come up with an alternative place to put the much written about cinema.

He — with that ever-so puckish grin of his — suggested we demolish Blackmore, and put it there …

I think he was kidding.

Possibly …

At any rate, while I’ve got the Frankie Say compilation playing in the background — yeah, another Christmas pressie — I’ve got to admit I got hold of the Gazette, today …

And guess what hit the front page … ?

I’ll give you three guesses …

It was Brentwood’s much planned cinema.

The story so far is that the planned cinema has been given the needed planning approval, for the car park area, ’round the back of the High Street.

But it seems the developers are having trouble actually finding tenants for the development.

They need something like 60% of the planned floorspace to be already spoken for by the time it’s built, in order for it to be economically viable.

Which it sounds like they’ve not got.

Which means more delays …

Now, I’ve got to admit, I’m not surprised by this development.

I’m realist enough to admit that in these tough times, companies are wary of expanding.

Mostly because they don’t want to be the next Threshers, Borders or Woolworths.

Having been a survivor of the Great Threshers Debácle, I can appreciate that.

But it is disappointing to read.

And — almost by reflex — got me sending off an email.

Here …

Dear Editor,

I’ve got to confess that — as the cinema rears its much-delayed head, again — I’m very much tempted to swear. I really am.

Now, for a long time, I’ve been a very *public* supporter of having the cinema here. In part because I personally like the idea of having a local cinema that those of us who don’t drive — or rely on public transport — can get to, in our area.

And also in the belief that something of this scale will bring much needed jobs to Brentwood and the surrounding area.

I’m one of the people who lost their only source of income when First Quench Retail — otherwise known as the Warley and Pilgrims Hatch branches of Threshers, and the Shenfield branch of Wine Rack — went into administration. So to me and at least fifteen other people in town, those jobs are *vital*.

But, knowing from direct, and very personal, experience of how the recession can affect people, I’m not surprised that the developers are having trouble finding tenants for the site.

I’m just surprised that neither they, nor Brentwood Council, had any alternative option’s in place.

•••••

Actually, talking of Threshers …

Which we weren’t, I’ll admit, but I did mention them …!

I actually had an interesting exchange of emails, which I won’t re-produce, here, asking about the one thing I’d’ve expected to get, but haven’t.

A P45.

Just so you know, in case you’re reading, Andrea, that’s the final bit of tax paperwork anyone in the UK is given, when they finish working for someone. It’s basically a tax summary you give to your next employers, or the Benefits Office.

And I’ve got to admit, I was a touch annoyed I got my last wage slip, but not the p45, itself.

The benefits people are getting a touch snotty about it.

But so am I, and one or two of my former fellow workers.

Granted — and as pointed out by Carolyn Thompson, the KPMG manager who answered me — Atos, First Quenchs’ payroll division, sent out the wageslips last week, on out final payroll day.

And sent out the p45’s at the same time.

Which were apparently delayed by the amount of time it took to both check and process them.

Hmmm …

OK …

Well …

Fair enough.

But I can’t see why on earth these weren’t prepared a day or two in advance, and actually handed on to staff and managers on the final day for each branch.

It still strikes me as incredibly badly done.

Oh, well …

At least I can be grateful that I managed to earn a level 2 NVQ in customer service, and the £500 bonus, for that mystery shopper visit.

But the P45 situation?

That does tend to stick in the craw: mine, at least.

Another Teaser Poster …

You know I’m actually rather pleased.

For the first time in a few weeks, I’ve actually managed to put together both a new poster, AND a ten question Daily Teaser!

That’s a very well deserved phew!!

A very well deserved Phew!!

So, without ut further ado, here’s today’s questions …

Q1) The worlds first recorded battle took place on May 9th,1457 BC, between Thutmose 3rd of Egypt, and the people of Canaan; in which Biblical town; Jerusalem, Megiddo, or Damascus?

Q2) Today in 1726 saw a raid on Mother Clap’s Molly House; what is a Molly House?

Q3) May 9th, 1671, saw Colonel Thomas Blood steal what famous English items?

Q4) May 9th 1877 saw the first horse drawn bus go into service; in which Indian city?

Q5) May 9th, 1887 saw the opening of who’s Wild West Show; Buffalo Bill’s, Wild Bill Hickok’s, or Calamity Jane’s?

Q6) Today in 1976 saw the death of Ulrike Meinhof, a founder of the terrorist group, the RAF; what did RAF stand for?

Q7) May 9th is also Liberation Day on which part of the British Isle?

Q8) In another famous first, May 9th, 1960 saw the approval of which famous pill?

Q9) May 9th saw the publication of “Dianenetics”, by L. Ron Hubbard; which new religious movement is this credited with kick-starting?

Q10) And finally, the USA’s 6th most popular rock star turns 60, today; who is is he?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers.

Q1) Today is VE Day; what does ‘VE’ stand for?

A1) Victory in Europe.

Q2) On what date in August is Victory in Japan Day?

A2) August 16th.

Q3) On the subject of wars; Today saw the Battle of Gravia, part of the Greek War of independence; which English poet fought for the Greeks, during this war?

A3) Lord Byron.

Q4) Today,during the American Civil War, saw which city named as the capital of the Confederate Sates of the US; Virginia, Alabama, or Houston?

A4) Virginia.

Q5) Today also saw the death of the author of “Starship Troopers”.   What was his name; Theodore Sturgeon, Robert A. Heinlein, or Arthur C. Clarke?

A5) Robert A. Heinlein.

Enjoy!!

•••••

Right, moving on, I’ve also had an email back from the Council, about the cinema — again! — and I thought I’d pass it around.

Do you remember, a little while ago, that I’d found out who to email in support of the development, in case the various ‘Anti’ groups complained about the planning procedure to the Local Government Ombudsman?

I got advised by them to send an email in support, to the relevant person at Brentwood Council; something that would be taken into consideration, when and if a complaint went through.

Which the Enquiries desk at Brentwood Council initially told me was a chap called Steve Boyle.

And even if he wasn’t the right chap, he’d be able to forward the email to the right person.

Which it seems he did.

I got the reply back, yesterday; it’s only now I’ve had a chance to post it here.

Either way, here’s the reply I got from Keith Holmes; 

“Dear Mr Downie,

 

Thank you for your email expressing your support for the recently approved William Hunter Way development.

 

I have placed a copy of your email on the application file, and have noted your comments about Swan Paddock Residents Association and the Save Brentwood Action Group.

 

Regards,

 

Keith Holmes

Interim Planning Manager”

Now, you can read the email I sent, here; – if this is something you support yourself, I’d suggest you copy and paste it into a new email message, and send it to Keith Holmes, on keith.holmes@brentwood.gov.uk

Here’s hoping it works!