Bucks Free Press | Charles Mann

There’s a new Mann taking over next week

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:15:08 +0100

I HAVE been penning this column for so long that even I don’t recall when it began. Probably around the time of Crimea, methinks. So that’s why I reckon it’s best I take a break, perhaps temporary, perhaps forever, to recharge my batteries.

Lack of state control has left us in a state

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:39:36 +0100

I HAVE never been one to advocate socialism in any form, but I’m now beginning to think that maybe the state should take more of a grip on things for everyone’s benefit.

We’ll be too scared to eat anything soon

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:41:54 +0100

HAVE you ever heard of Theodor Escherich? Don’t say no, because you have and he’s currently having a big impact on most of your lives, even though he died in Austria exactly 100 years ago.

We don’t want to play the blame game

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 09:43:59 +0100

SO the state of our roads in Bucks is all Labour’s fault is it? That’s what Tory Cllr Martin Tett, new leader of Buckinghamshire County Council said this week, blaming lack of investment from the previous government for our pothole-battered roads.

Pool re-opening will take my breath away

Thu, 26 May 2011 18:36:55 +0100

SO after two years of fighting, campaigning and making a general nuisance of themselves to all the right people, the Holywell Mead pool supporters can feel justly pleased with themselves today.

End night-mayor for the deposed mayors

Fri, 20 May 2011 16:42:24 +0100

I AM a massive fan of the ancient office of the mayoralty in High Wycombe, but sadly the tradition appears to be lost on the electorate. Both the current mayor and the mayor-elect lost their seats on Wycombe District Council in the May 5 elections, plunging the mayoralty into temporary chaos.

Make voters have to pass entrance exams

Fri, 06 May 2011 11:17:39 +0100

I SUSPECT that the turn-out for last night’s local elections was ridiculously low as usual, with masses of people spurning the chance to add their voice to democracy. If I’m right, this will be doubly disappointing given that last night was also the referendum for the Alternative Vote system.

Let's hold elections for the monarchy

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:18:11 +0100

I SHALL of course be exercising my full democratic rights on May 5 when I will vote in Wycombe in the council elections and the AV referendum.

Please don’t cheer on this criminal act

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:48:53 +0100

AS much as I detest the principle of speed cameras, I was sorry to see a yob has wrecked the one on Hamilton Hill in High Wycombe, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

Election fiasco shows system must change

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 10:09:42 +0100

THE fiasco over the lack of candidates at the Wycombe District Council elections proves one thing – that the system is outdated and needs to be urgently changed.