It is written in the stars

The request was successful.

Dear Chums,

Following on from Sherry Eastpond's marvellous and inquisitive FoI request pertaining to county flags proudly flying above Eland House, I found myself purusing the press release for the launch of this wonderful initiative:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/newsstorie...

As usual there are the wise words from Uncle Eric, covering tradition, ceremony and pride. Speaking from personal experience, every morning when I pass the flagpole I feel a stirring. When I bound up to my desk I am inspired, I am ready to go the extra mile, to give my all, to give 110% as our PM has shown is possible (gowd knows what would have happened if he had reduced his output to more human 100% at the recent World Cup bid?).

Anyhow, further down the press release I came across this:
Celebrity astrologer and historian Russell Grant said:

"Our counties are over a thousand years old and are steeped in history. They give us a sense of identity, of community, and great pride in where we live. I am delighted that they are being recognised in this way."

Seriously did DCLG really ask cuddly celebrity astrologer Russell Grant for his view?

I know recently the current administration has done away with boring stuffy stuff like unnecessary research and evidence, but this really takes the chocolate biscuit that you are consulting with a mystic? Whatever next, will Mystic Meg be bought in to help with forecasting the local government settlement, will Hilda Ogden be contracted to read Uncle Eric's tea leaves to help with the housing strategy?

Can you please answers to the following questions:

1) Who contacted Russell Grant (for his wonderfully insightful opinion)?
2) How much was Russell Grant paid for his troubles?
3) Provide any evidence you have that "our counties are over 1000 years old"?
3) and finally, why the heck is a celebrity astrologer described as an historian?

Seriously, I am almost speechless for once, but thankfully I can just about bash this out.

Beware Uranus is ascendant in Aries, there could be trouble ahead...

Derek

http://derektickles.blogspot.com/

Tom Foxton,

1 Attachment

Derek Tickles

Please find attached our response to your FOI request submitted on 23
December 2010.

Regards
Tom Foxton
Department for Communities and Local Government

<<FOI-FLAGS-20-Jan-2011.doc>>

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Hey Tom

In the words of Bonnie Tyler:

"I need a hero
I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night
He's gotta be strong
And he's gotta be fast
And he's gotta be fresh from the fight"

..excuse the potential unintended homo-eroticism but you have become my hero.

What-a-reply!!!!

It was clear, to the point and well researched. Obviously your ability to source evidence and present it objectively are wasted at DCLG; especially now that evidence based policy has gone out of fashion quicker than Uncle Eric's tired suits. I hope you soon get a job at a proper department such as The Treasury or DEFRA (er.. that's a joke)

Lovin' yer work blud,

Derek