Iain’s Blog

Well I have now had two balls, not as big a ball up (or something like that) than the Prosecution got up to or Euro 2008 but there is still time!

Last nights Fundraising Ball at Pinewood Studio was fantastic and all down to the work of Debbie and the Fundraising Team. It was nice to see so many old (worn, haggard, sagging etc etc etc) faces as well as so many new ones.

It was also nice to share the evening with 4 birthday ‘boys and girls’, including a certain someone’s 50th. If I had known I would have asked for Jelly & Ice cream for desert! With maybe the odd Jammy dodger thrown in!

The place looked fantastic, and what with the Dance Floor and DJ or the Gaming tables, or just at the bar or chilling outside with friends.

The staff looked smart in their Care for Keran T-shirts and hopefully everyone had fun whilst fundraising. Its obviously important to raise funds as we are getting more cases coming forward and others come in the press with alarming regulatory at the mo. It seems like there is a back log in these cases, that we were one of the first after the suspension of Prof Meadows and Southall.

Anyway Keran got to speak to everyone as we had recorded a message on my mobile for her to say a huge thank you to all those that attended. We had thought about doing a ‘live’ version, but thought that might be hard for all concerned. Mind you we would have no doubt lost the ’signal’ at the crucial bits!

Heatherden Hall looked so familiar to me and no wonder as you look along the walls there are pictures telling you about the films shot there including many Carry Ons, which celebrate their 50th anniversary this year…takes you back doesn’t it! I am surprised not to have seen them all on TV but then I haven’t been watching too much of late…But seeing all the films gave me an idea for another event to use for fundraising for Carers or other village good causes. Watch this space…

The whole evening flew by for me and the boys who had stayed at home with an aunt and some other children had a great time camped out in the garden, they are still out there now 4 days later! It was nice to see them enjoying themselves and seeing family and friends. Keran of course just wanted to be here in the thick of it all!

I had a bit of running around into the wee small hours but it was all good, watching the sun come up on another day. The day that would see us all go and see Keran. It was a real upbeat visit my Mum & Dads first and the boys were very animated. It was nice to see her looking so well and to see some of the other people we now know well!

A massive thank you to all that came and gave their support. I have since spoke to others who had missed out on going…well we will just have to work on having another! Only joking! The team reading this will no doubt still be sleeping after all their hard work. But keep your eyes open there will be other events coming up throughout the year.

Keep your families close and don’t under estimate the power of friendship.

Iain

p.s.

I have just heard another British Soldier lost their life today in Afghanistan 13th in a month. My thoughts go out to the families of them all. I can’t believe that with the number of youngsters killed on the streets of the UK, we don’t send those who like to carry weapons out to Afghanistan and see how tough they really are? Just a thought!

Another thought is why was the recent Veterans Day kept so quiet and held during the week? Why not always have it on a weekend so those that want to can go to the events. Reminds me of Trafalgar Day 200, some of the big events were held midweek…WHY??

Everyone is at work or school…….can’t be that the Government don’t think much of the services, the ‘can do’ attitude of the military, is so refreshing nowadays in our repressed world. Prove me wrong and bring back the Royal Tournament, we could have had loads for the amount that huge tent in Greenwich cost…did we get the money back for that?

I also heard recently of the Ghurkha not allowed treatment in the UK, he had won the VC, the bravest of the brave winning the highest honour. I do wonder what the hell is going on in this country law and order is in disorder, the military is overworked, to many of our leaders and their ‘lackies’ have little backbone and look to make the most of what they have or can get and tell us we have to have a bowl of Credit Crunch for breakfast, lunch and dinner…to the Ghurkhas I apologise for the Leaders in ‘my’ country being prats!

Why do we listen to all the gloom? It’s like they want a recession! But I have heard of those who have made millions giving it all up to help others around the world. There is a generous spirit in the world! Anyone got a few bob as I think we should all join the Spanish and party! Viva Espania

Right must get of my high horse, health and safety say its too high….and I haven’t risk assessed it……..WHATEVER………

God bless (especially to our friends up in Norfolk, you know who you are, keep strong and get well soon).

Hi,

I talk of course of last nights Ferret racing fundraiser for Carers; I didn’t win once and suspect the trap door was never opened on my ferrets track!
Either that or my ferrets had been nobbled before the race!

All today I suffered a stinking headache due I believe down to the little critters, as the smell they gave off was worse than CS Gas mixed with the bad smell connected to Keran’s case.

Anyway the event was great fun a big thanks to Mike and his Ferrets, and Duncan and his crew for organising it. It was great watching the kids lying down to watch the ferrets come out the end of the tubes and cheering wildly! Especially when a Ferret would chomp the end of the child’s nose next to them…its okay we had Risked Assessed it and found the Ferrets wouldn’t catch anything!

It seemed to go down so well we may have to have another! Thanks to all those that turned out, sponsored races, ran the raffle, etc.

I think we should have Ferret racing at the 2012 Olympics…maybe if we invent a new sport Britain may actually win for a couple of years until the rest of the world become better at it…..surely that would never happen. Speaking of which is anyone watching the Euro Finals? APPARENTLY THEY ARE ON?

I thought it was a continuation of the Eurovision and was disappointed not to see much singing, so turned off!

Onto more serious stuff I was surprised to see the story finally broke of the Chinooks that don’t work ordered years ago and sat around waiting for the Government to sort it out. Personally I reckon the Politicians found out the price of fuel and thought best ground them as we won’t be able to afford the fuel, or due to congestion charging (due to the amount of choppers in the air - not).

The sad news came in today of the 100th death of our servicemen out in Afghanistan. I wonder if the continued lack of helicopters out there would have helped the situation. Another Senior Officer (ex SAS) has also decided enough is enough and is leaving.

Hope it has nothing to do with the Part Time Defence Chiefs comments about Squaddies not being ’suitable’ for civvies posts and their respective wage…..

Hmmm

Des Brown come on down…..and I am more than willing to show you Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Coast Guard etc that are all ex Servicemen and women who do a bloody good job and bring many special skills to their respective new careers.

And like their time in the forces get little thanks and have to fight for pay rises, ask the Police Fed, the Healthcare Unions, Fire fighters, Coast Guard and even the Prison Officers who are currently looking after Keran for me.

Maybe a few more Servicemen & women should run for Parliament as they seem to have a damn sight more integrity than some currently there. For example I still await a reply from one of Des Brown’s fellow colleagues at the Ministry of Justice, but still no reply from her and the others that have been involved in Keran’s case at other departments.

Lets hope that when Keran is released that hopefully there will be bit of a shake up with the likes of the Witch Doctors, Legal Eagles, Persecutors, maybe we can stick in ‘em a Chinook and send them well you decide…..maybe we could make it a competition. Maybe they could go to Venezuela were fuel is about 2.5p a litre and bring some back?

I was watching Tony Robinson tonight about British Justice and the Magna Carta, etc. One bit I found very ironic was the first use of a Jury was in the case of ‘Alice’ I think it was who had been caught out, so blamed five innocent men of her crime. The jury found four guilty and one innocent and the four died.

It seems juries didn’t get off to a great start, and they still have issues with cases like ours and Fraud cases as was mentioned in the show. There were some good examples of what the Magna Carta would allow people to do and not to do. Including not having to build a bridge or river crossing where one didn’t exist (s23).

Maybe we should follow the American example when the Constitution says you have the right to bear arms. If the Government say declare that we have the right to no arms (as in the thing attached to your hands) kids couldn’t carry knifes, Fathers for Justice couldn’t climb on Harriet’s (Harman’s) House (wasn’t that a TV show Harriet’s House) and I couldn’t type things that no doubt annoy certain people on this keyboard!

Keran has seen article in the Fabulous Magazine (Sundays News of the World) as one of the ladies in there gets it weekly. Liked my Pink Jumper, which was kindly loaned by the Photographer as my white shirt was too Daz white!

On the back of the Fabulous article there has been some interest in continuing highlighting cases like Keran’s and hopefully the others down to just expert ‘evidence’ on TV shows more of that when we get the details.

Until then stay safe and cherish those around you.

Iain

It’s late on in the evening the day of our first visit to the Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ) in London. What a day. Yet another part of the longest rollercoaster ride I have ever been on highs and lows in equal measure, sometimes you feel sick others elated.

I hadn’t been to the Royal Courts for a while, I actually saw some of the people I had worked with which was nice and I had a bit of time to appreciate the building. It’s a fantastic piece of Victorian craftsmanship (rather than crafty individuals - more of them later). Watching people walking around they didn’t seem to take it all in, I guess you don’t if your there on a regular basis. But from the War Memorial, still with its poppies on, to the windows controlled by cord and the hidden courtyards the detail is fantastic.

We just don’t do that sort of workmanship nowadays, mind you we don’t make much in this country now, but that’s another story.

Back to the Rollercoaster of injustice. It actually was a good day today; firstly the judges didn’t throw the case out so there must be some concern. They also allowed us to get in a QC (Queens Counsel) and to get Medical experts to counter the CPS gaggle from the trial.

We also announced that an expert has come forward and donated his services free as they feel there was another cause of Maeve’s untimely death.

It is funny that certain experts are now looking to stand down from these sorts of cases…but if you believe that what you are talking about is fact why step down. Maybe it’s because they will be knocked down from their pedestals? Who knows?

It was interesting to hear the CPS say that they covered everything, not quite how the ‘team’ here remembered it, I give up on the truth, whole truth and nothing but…I really do. It’s just whatever they can get away with.

I was also interested in the desire of the CPS not to waste public money on getting too many experts HA! After the seeming admission from the Persecution that they had doubled up first time round (yes really worried about the public purse - the purse strings should tighten on these rogues and witch hunters as they try and pilfer).

I can’t believe the CPS and Thames Valley Police Major Investigation Team are continuing the abuse of my family, especially the damage done to my boys. I am truly not sure how they can live with it, its no doubt because they don’t think about it…just a job…just doing my job…NOT good enough folks. You seem to be taking it too personally, not wanting to lose face, lose your ‘case.’ You’re wrong, I know some of you know your wrong stand up and say it! Otherwise you will have to live with it.

I did detect and I maybe wrong that there seems to be a desire form the Court of Appeal to end these cases as there was another case in there with some similar issues they wanted to deal with at the same time. So along with Canada and parts of the USA, the UK is starting to look seriously at the ‘World is flat brigade.’

These experts strike me as being the sort who would say a ship is unsinkable … but when you look down from an aircraft flying over the sea lanes of the world, you will often see ships ploughing their way across the sea and even though they are made of steel against the sheer size of the sea they (the ships) are mere blips on its surface, and some blips disappear off the radar. They can sink and do sink.

The GMC could have quite a few cases to deal with from our case alone. But that can come later.

Right, time for audience participation.

This came up in court today, what is a short fall?

Now think about it, as apparently according to the Prosecution a short fall is apparently from a higher height…..hmmm…….its that me or is that possibly wrong? But hey what do I know!

Anyway ….onwards. I know we have a short sentence but we found out we won’t be back to the Royal Courts until November just under a year from when Keran was sentenced. Again I appreciate we have actually got here very quickly in legal terms, a sprint you could argue. As there are many who wait to get into court AFTER being released from Prison. They truly have my empathy; I admire the way they keep going.

I had to tell the boys it looks like it will be another Christmas without their Mum. It’s not easy trying to keep family life going but 6 months gone we will get through with all the fantastic support. It was so nice Keran got to speak to members of the committee and the fund-raising teams last week to physically say thank you. We really do appreciate all their hours of hard work and all of you who keep in touch.

I am not a pessimist and you could if you wanted to view today’s hearing as like winning tickets for a cruise …….on the Titanic setting off in over 3 1/2 year’s! But I am much more optimistic the wheels are turning slowly but they are turning, it’s just a shame they may not sort out this mess until Keran virtually walks out of prison. An hour longer in prison when you haven’t done anything is just blatantly wrong but we just don’t seem to be able to clear up the mess quickly. So the bad smell lingers…

Just heard on the news that the UN has finally got into Burma, 2 weeks since the cyclone hit. So wrongs can be righted but how much suffering has gone on in the mean time. We are hoping to do a sponsored walk with the Scouts to raise funds for Burma. So if anyone wants to sponsor or help let us know.

As I sit and type another story made my ears pricked up at the words from a Government Minister about experts. But it was the story of the RAF’s Nimrod’s being safe for service. Apparently the Minister has had experts say the plane is safe to fly in…Hmmm.

I wonder if the government would fly into or over combat zones in 37 year old aircraft, whose design dates back approaching 50 years (or so)?

Mind you maybe this Government won’t have to worry about it too long. It looks like people are starting to have had enough. I know I have, I thought the prices on certain petrol stations the other day was the England V New Zealand cricket test scores.

The Attorney General has said she isn’t doing an investigation by the way, maybe they are all waiting till we win and then promise sweeping changes….after the event of course….still not heard back from a certain Junior Minister either. Well not directly anyway.

As I have mentioned before though this is the Government that got rid of 200 Police Officers and Support staff, an entire force and turned some officers into PCSOs. Maybe its time they go, the Government not the PCSOs, we should change them around (the MP’s) more often that way we could keep the people who fit kitchens in business!

Thank God for the Freedom of Information Act!

Finally as I sat with Jonno Ross (he allows me to call him that - we go way back) on TV. I heard a song I hadn’t heard until the other week, the new song ‘Pretty amazing Grace’ from Neil Diamond. I heard it at Sue Belchers funeral, a young woman taken from us far too quickly, who did so much for others. She will be sadly missed by all that knew her. If I got a quarter of the people at my funeral service I would be impressed.

Sadly though it wasn’t the only loss of a 37 year old I heard off recently. A friend recently lost a close relative who had selfishly jumped into a weir to save someone from drowning, thankfully the woman got out, but sadly the rescuer didn’t get out. All our thoughts are with your family at this side time. To risk ones life for others has to be in my book the noblest thing you can do. You should feel some pride as well as your obvious sadness.

It has made me realise (again) today that you should be grateful for what you have and even though we won’t ever get the last few years of our life back we will go on and grow and the more pain we go through just makes me more determined. Thank you all for being there.

Stay safe

Hi,

Not long got back from the Royal Courts of Justice for the Directions hearing.

It was a huge step in the right direction, firstly, as it wasn’t thrown out!

We were granted funding for a QC and we can get nearly half a dozen experts to assist.

The most importantl thing though is that an expert has come forward and volunteered his professional opinion that actually something else may have caused little Maeve’s untimely death.

This is not only good news for our fight to free Keran, but it may also help to find out what really happened to Maeve.

The only down side was we have to wait until November and then into January 2009. Which means Keran will be nearly out having served her sentence!

We will need to tighten our belts again and knuckle down to more work fighting these injustices.

It was nice to be back at the Royal Courts having done some work there and I actually saw some of the staff I had worked with. It is such a lovely building and if you like Victorian architecture it’s worth a visit. I got the feeling though that people working here had got used to it.

Back to the case though, it is upsetting to think of her an innocent woman and our two sons not being together for another Christmas and all the other family events etc., but we will keep fighting. The tunnel team report good progress on Plan B, but the estimated completion date is 2012!! (about ten past eight).

I know it sounds like I whinge that it takes so long, but in reality I am fully aware of how in legal terms how quick it has been for us. Some people are actually out of prison and still waiting to get a directions hearing to start clearing their names!

Every minute she is away is a minute more of shame on ‘experts’ like Risdon, Elsdon, Richards, Stoodley et al. Not that they worry too much I shouldn’t think.

Justice will be done. The judges had a link between us and another case today in the court. So many miscarriages so little court time!

Take care, message soon from Keran on the web site.

Iain

Don’t forget Ferret racing coming up soon! Still a few tickets left for the ball….watch me make an arse of myself I may have a drink!