Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
General => General Chat => Topic started by: Spud on April 18, 2011
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I thought the Forest Service fell under DARD rather than DRD? Or are they the same thing? I e-mailed my complaint to the following addresses:
customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
dardhelpline@dardni.gov.uk
I've also copied the contents of my blog post to BBC Newsline, UTV Live and the Mourne Observer to see if any of them are willing to pick up on the story. It's a long shot, but might go someway towards the local authorities taking some notice of this issue.
fair play jon, the squeaky wheel gets the grease as the saying goes! You and vmcc should kick up as much of a stink as possible to highlight what is going on, you certainly have my full support, did you try our local paper the down recorder? See you have the observer done already, could be somethin for the local councillors to get involved in seein as we are comin up to an election?
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I agree with Redspud get onto your local politicans if your from the Down area, with an upcoming election give them hell and make them work for the area, it might also be useful to get onto the Tourist information office, remember its not only local campers use these forests, people come from far and wide to see the Mournes and surrounding areas and pump a lot of cash into the area, first place of call is usually the tourist office.
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Folks, it is with sadness and disgust that I read of the horrendous experiences whilst some of you have been camping out. I have experienced this sort of behaviour whilst caravanning and camping at Tollymore over the years. Irrespective of being in a tent of whatever size or a caravan it's the people inside who can make or break a week-end. Unfortunately I had a similar experience at Meelmore Lodge a year or so ago.
I agree with all that's been said so far and will lend my support to any further action that may be taken to highlight this unwanted behaviour. You also include the District Police Commander of people to receive a copy of your complaint.
On a happier note I caravanned at Castle Ward last week-end. There's room for tents. Quietest week-end I have ever had in 20+ years of caravanning and camping. The gates are locked, warden on site and he take's no s h one t.
Perhaps it's a location that others could consider. Plenty of forest trails, stately home to view if you wish and a 15 minute dander into Strangford village.
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Folks, it is with sadness and disgust that I read of the horrendous experiences whilst some of you have been camping out. I have experienced this sort of behaviour whilst caravanning and camping at Tollymore over the years. Irrespective of being in a tent of whatever size or a caravan it's the people inside who can make or break a week-end. Unfortunately I had a similar experience at Meelmore Lodge a year or so ago.
I agree with all that's been said so far and will lend my support to any further action that may be taken to highlight this unwanted behaviour. You also include the District Police Commander of people to receive a copy of your complaint.
On a happier note I caravanned at Castle Ward last week-end. There's room for tents. Quietest week-end I have ever had in 20+ years of caravanning and camping. The gates are locked, warden on site and he take's no s h one t.
Perhaps it's a location that others could consider. Plenty of forest trails, stately home to view if you wish and a 15 minute dander into Strangford village.
Will be a must what the new cycle trails open...!!
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Sounds great, and Castle Ward has been on the must do list for some time.
Also thinking of joining the Caravan and Camping Club. They only have one site at Delamont but they also have meets all over. My thinking is that if I make friends amongst a regular set of people then there's safety in numbers. Their meets at the National Trust properties also appeal to me, places such as the Argory or Mountstewart. It's about £40 a year but then I'd make the money back by having cheap nightly rates, sometimes as low as a fiver apparently.
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Another site to consider is The Rock. It's in the Mourne area when you drive through Bryansford village past the back/exit gate of Tollymore, on past the Mountain Training Centre, drive past Trassey Road then take next lmain road into Slievenaman Road. GR 316 321. It is small and steep though terraced for both caravans and tents. I've only called in and had a look about. Gate always in closed position anytime I've driven past. Owners live adjacent. There's not a lot there so probably not attractive to the wha wha's.
The link doesn't say much but perhaps worth a recce some day.
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/t/The-Rock-Certificated-Site-Co-Down-9276.htm
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The Rock sounds like a good place to base camp for exploring the Mournes. Will definitly check it out when I'm back up that way.
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I e-mailed my complaint to the following addresses:
customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
dardhelpline@dardni.gov.uk
I've also copied the contents of my blog post to BBC Newsline, UTV Live and the Mourne Observer to see if any of them are willing to pick up on the story. It's a long shot, but might go someway towards the local authorities taking some notice of this issue.
Hi folks, just to let you know that following sending the blog post to the local media, U105 have asked me to have a chat with them on the Frank Mitchell Show tomorrow. Haven't all that many details, other than I can expect a call around 9.15am tomorrow morning and I assume it will be broadcast live. Not really sure what the format will be, but it would be great if other people could show their support by contacting the show and sharing their experiences. Thanks!
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Suspectmonkey, don't forget to smile :)
On a serious note I am trying to log onto the U105 website to send a short email in supporting the disgust at the antics at Castlewellen last week and indeed other similar experiences. I'd love to listen in but I'm a driving instructor and have a lesson at that time so cannot have the wireless on.
Maybe catch it on i-player later.
Best of luck.
Surfnscenic
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Thanks Surf, I think the show is usually put up on the internet afterwards so will post a link if I find one.
Suspectmonkey, don't forget to smile :)
It's funny, when I mentioned it to someone in work they said "it's as well you're only on the radio"... must be trying to tell me I have a face for the radio ;D
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Nice one. Give them hell!
I e-mailed my complaint to the following addresses:
customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
dardhelpline@dardni.gov.uk
I've also copied the contents of my blog post to BBC Newsline, UTV Live and the Mourne Observer to see if any of them are willing to pick up on the story. It's a long shot, but might go someway towards the local authorities taking some notice of this issue.
Hi folks, just to let you know that following sending the blog post to the local media, U105 have asked me to have a chat with them on the Frank Mitchell Show tomorrow. Haven't all that many details, other than I can expect a call around 9.15am tomorrow morning and I assume it will be broadcast live. Not really sure what the format will be, but it would be great if other people could show their support by contacting the show and sharing their experiences. Thanks!
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around 9.15am
you mean i have to get up early on my day off >:(
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I e-mailed my complaint to the following addresses:
customer.forestservice@dardni.gov.uk
dardhelpline@dardni.gov.uk
I've also copied the contents of my blog post to BBC Newsline, UTV Live and the Mourne Observer to see if any of them are willing to pick up on the story. It's a long shot, but might go someway towards the local authorities taking some notice of this issue.
Hi folks, just to let you know that following sending the blog post to the local media, U105 have asked me to have a chat with them on the Frank Mitchell Show tomorrow. Haven't all that many details, other than I can expect a call around 9.15am tomorrow morning and I assume it will be broadcast live. Not really sure what the format will be, but it would be great if other people could show their support by contacting the show and sharing their experiences. Thanks!
that's great Suspect - I'll be listening.
One of my caravanning and camping members got a knock on the door from a local politician canvassing. She must come from the Down area, but she let the guy read some of my posts about events this weekend and the was disgusted. So it might be seen on someones political agenda soon. I didn't ask who it was, or what party, it wouldn't be appropriate.
The email I sent to Dard I accidentally sent to DRD, which is a different department. I got an email back from DRD today saying that they'd forwarded my email on the to correct recipient, and also suggesting I forward the email to the Northen Irish Tourist Board. Good idea, I thought...so that is done now, what difference it'll make I don't know.
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U105 now open on the puter awaiting the Frank & Jon show, good luck will be listening :)
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you spoke very well john, fair play, hopefully this will be the start of some action regarding this! I meant to ask before, did you contact Nolan?
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I'm listening now, is Jonny still on? They're talking about camping / Castlewellan now.
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I'm listening now, is Jonny still on? They're talking about camping / Castlewellan now.
he was on at the start red, think u missed him? Shoyuld try the uplayer might get it on there?
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Jonny was brilliant really got his points across well, the forestry people are coming on shortly to have their say apparently
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Forest guy coming on in a minute
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I missed the start but listening now and looks like there has been a result as forestry guy has just mentioned there will be a 24hr presence there by a private firm.
edit: they'll be there 8pm to 4am
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Private security firm on from this weekend from 8pm until 4am I wonder if the security will be split between the two forests, or will it be static on each site ?
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Great Programme, gutted that I missed the beginning due to travelling into work. I'll catch up with it later. Anyway - thanks Jon - RESULT! All I wanted to see was some night time security.
Do you think it's a mistake to announce that security goes off site at 4am?
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So am I right in thinking that Jons highlighting his blog post to U105 and agreeing to go on the radio to talk about it has directly resulted in the Forest Service putting some security onsite? If so that's nothing short of awesome. Well done Jonny!
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So am I right in thinking that Jons highlighting his blog post to U105 and agreeing to go on the radio to talk about it has directly resulted in the Forest Service putting some security onsite? If so that's nothing short of awesome. Well done Jonny!
Totally agree with Redleader many thanks to Jon, thats what is so great about this forum....No messing about with the boys :)
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Jonny for a Knight Hood
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Great Programme, gutted that I missed the beginning due to travelling into work. I'll catch up with it later. Anyway - thanks Jon - RESULT! All I wanted to see was some night time security.
Do you think it's a mistake to announce that security goes off site at 4am?
I dont think the drinkers could wait until 4am for their first drink Vicky, they may move on :-X
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At the end of the day no matter who is responsible for looking after the park they have a duty off care by law to all paying patrons. Its a pity it had to come to this though for them to realise just how dangerous these parks can be without proper security. Again well done to Jonny.
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Great outcome Jonny!
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Happy days!!!!
Havent listened but will try to get it on computer when the boss aint around!!! ;D
Well done
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Oh and a big well done to U105 for airing the problem so quickly, many thanks Frank :)
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Phew, that was nerve wracking :) I think U105 did a great job picking up the story so quickly and I think Frank gave a very balanced view of the situation. Also great to hear Forest Service coming on, admitting there was a problem and proposing a solution by agreeing to supply a night time warden. Hopefully they will provide this service for the foreseeable future and it will help alleviate some of the problems.
Thanks for all the comments and support!
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Phew, that was nerve wracking :) I think U105 did a great job picking up the story so quickly and I think Frank gave a very balanced view of the situation. Also great to hear Forest Service coming on, admitting there was a problem and proposing a solution by agreeing to supply a night time warden. Hopefully they will provide this service for the foreseeable future and it will help alleviate some of the problems.
Thanks for all the comments and support!
Fame comes at a price lol, but it will be easier the next time you go on air ;D
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Well done buddy you spoke really well.
So am I right in thinking that Jons highlighting his blog post to U105 and agreeing to go on the radio to talk about it has directly resulted in the Forest Service putting some security onsite? If so that's nothing short of awesome. Well done Jonny!
From talking to the warden in Tollymore, they have security during high season which starts this weekend. If this conversation and jonnys comments ensures an all year round presence then all all the better.
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Well done everybody, especially Jonny. ;)
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Damn I should have taken that free night now....
Oh well - Brilliant job Jon - you are a star!
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Just noticed this in the Mourne Observer
http://www.mourneobserver.com/160408news.html
Seems like they have picked up Jons blog (but not actually credited him!).
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Good Job Jon.
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Well done Jon. Great piece hope they paid you for it!
Joking aside, a piece I got published was credited to a mystery reporter and it was something to do with their union.
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Well done Jon. Great piece hope they paid you for it!
I'll be honest, I wouldn't have known a thing about it if RedLeader hadn't of pointed it out! I managed to pick up a printed copy in Ards, one for the scrap book :D
I put the audio feed of the interview up on the blog along with a follow up post if anyone missed it and wants to have a listen in. Will try and get the Forest Service response etc. put up as well at some stage.
http://www.jonpatterson.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/interview_u105.mp3