When I last added a blog entry we had just submitted the Kickstarter campaign for review. Following the feedback we are making some adjustments, and now (fingers crossed) hope to be live at the beginning of July. We are required to show more evidence, and this also needs to be captured on film and edited, which all takes a little more time. But surely worth it in the end.
In the meantime we have had a meeting with a fitness guru who wants some working prototypes, and if they respond in the way we anticipate, and subject to him testing the data, he would want our product to support a very comprehensive fitness app he has developed for an early January launch. Also we entered StingRay into the Top Pitch competition and made the final but not the final five. TopShop were running the competition in search of some innovative technology to work with, and we were delighted to be considered worthy of a final place.
And on a another exciting and newsworthy note, my planning appeal has been submitted and accepted by the national Inspectorate and is now underway. A daunting prospect but one I need to see through. All planning paperwork has to be with the inspector by 26th July to enable him to make a decision.
Working as a self-employed consultant is also proving to be rewarding, exciting, variable and most importantly thoroughly enjoyable. Hurray to taking the step, and it all working out.
This year certainly had its moments, some of which I haven't recorded as I just didn't have the energy but i am pleased that writing this in June, half way through the year, it feels as positive change is taking place, and new and hopeful opportunities lie ahead.
Sunday, 12 June 2016
Monday, 9 May 2016
Are we on the thin edge of change?
After two years of development, creative design and thousands of pounds of investment, last night Andrew pressed SEND on his project to be submitted to Kickstarter for approval.
In the next few days we will hear if it meets with their criteria and then we can go live with the funding campaign, which if successful, will enable the prototype StingRay to go into production.
It has been a tense, exciting and emotional few weeks getting to this point. But I think we're ready now. The website is done, social media sites ready and press release nearly complete; all in readiness for the big launch.
The Kickstarter campaign will last 30 gruelling days, during which time we will either be a BETAMAX or VHS. Of course we want to be VHS, and by thinking positively it is then almost impossible at night to sleep without imagining about what might happen if it does get the support we seek and Andrew deserves.
As I was walking home tonight from my Metafit class I couldn't help wondering if this is will soon be the end of our sedate life in Faversham. Instead will we be flooded with enquiries, telephone calls and pledge promises that make our hearts pound and take us on a journey we have only dreamed of. Or will we watch the campaign just trickle with interest but never quite take off, and disappointment will fill our hearts and minds. Life will just resume as normal after a little flutter with the thought that change maybe about to happen.
So as I write this and we wait to hear back from Kickstarter, I wonder are we balancing on the thin edge of change?
I certainly feel as if Andrew and Dominic absolutely deserve some recognition for their clever microchip that will be encased in a beautiful silicone moulded design.
Time will tell. Watch this space.......
In the next few days we will hear if it meets with their criteria and then we can go live with the funding campaign, which if successful, will enable the prototype StingRay to go into production.
It has been a tense, exciting and emotional few weeks getting to this point. But I think we're ready now. The website is done, social media sites ready and press release nearly complete; all in readiness for the big launch.
The Kickstarter campaign will last 30 gruelling days, during which time we will either be a BETAMAX or VHS. Of course we want to be VHS, and by thinking positively it is then almost impossible at night to sleep without imagining about what might happen if it does get the support we seek and Andrew deserves.
As I was walking home tonight from my Metafit class I couldn't help wondering if this is will soon be the end of our sedate life in Faversham. Instead will we be flooded with enquiries, telephone calls and pledge promises that make our hearts pound and take us on a journey we have only dreamed of. Or will we watch the campaign just trickle with interest but never quite take off, and disappointment will fill our hearts and minds. Life will just resume as normal after a little flutter with the thought that change maybe about to happen.
So as I write this and we wait to hear back from Kickstarter, I wonder are we balancing on the thin edge of change?
I certainly feel as if Andrew and Dominic absolutely deserve some recognition for their clever microchip that will be encased in a beautiful silicone moulded design.
Time will tell. Watch this space.......
Sunday, 1 May 2016
What to do
Strangely as a vocal outspoken person who believes in being upfront, honest and open I am really struggling with this dilemna. Now it has to be said I have given my opinion for what's its worth but really can't believe she is not getting how bad this is or listening to my opinion if I'm honest.
Or am I so far off radar I need someone to sit me down and say "Lucy you are way off here?"
Ok here it is, all of it. You decide, what do you think?
A friend, she will be called Poppy for the sake of this blog, recently recognised after many agonising years her marriage was over. Sadly the parting of the ways was slow and in the end Poppy decided she would move out of the family home, and live in a home she owned some 10 miles away as the tenants had just vacated. Poppy moved one weekend and over time we visited and noted the home was not near public transport and enquired what were the arrangements regarding the children (16 and 18) who schooled near the family home. Now it won't surprise you to learn the children didn't really want the upheaval from their family home, away from friends and school although I am sure they missed their mother Poppy. The reason it never shocked me that the children would rather stay where they were as I myself have children the same age, and love and convenience are two different things. Convenience and ease are much more important to mature teenagers, and change is not popular especially if it involves some effort.
Over time Poppy realised the move had been good in separating her from the trauma of being unhappy within the family home with her estranged husband but now a new unhappiness was filling her, she missed her children dreadfully. They just weren't visiting and the husband wasn't exactly encouraging the situation to change either. We (a few friends) did suggest that she should move back to her home town, live nearer the children, an easy walk away where they could easily visit, hang out and get to school. It seemed so logical.
Meanwhile Poppy's husband offered to help too! He coincidently had a bungalow to rent on his books - he runs an estate agents. This bungalow was slightly out of town but Poppy convinced herself it was the solution she needed. We told her otherwise, this bungalow was not the solution she needed, it wasn't close enough, sounded grim and was doing her husband a favour.
Poppy didn't listen and moved in with our help. The day I stepped inside the three bedroom 1970's throw back bungalow with patterned wallpaper, carpets and a peach bathroom I could have wept! It was depression personified. The bastard I thought, as I imagined Poppy's husband counting his money every month and feeling pleased with himself that he had shifted this revolting bungalow from his books!
Six months on, and the children still don't visit much. They hate Poppy's home, and who can blame them. And whilst it is walkable it is a healthy walk away and lets face it how many teenagers do you know that like to walk? Yes Poppy collects them, and drops them off but this still isn't somewhere they want to call home. This home says "I'm a victim".
A by chance text communication a few days ago revealed more of the story. Poppy is now off work with depression, probably exacerbated by swirling shaggy carpets and peach loo roll.
Now I'm not at all surprised by the revelation, and I felt so sad. A loving mother has left the family home because her marriage was totally shit, and together with her husband never planned the exit, the schedule with the children and life beyond. She still contributes financially to the family home, and pays her rent too ( to her husbands company!) and she has nothing.
In her desperation she is now considering moving back to the family home to be near the children she misses so much. But this is the bit that gets me, no one is talking and Poppy told me she is proposing to live in the garden office!
"What!" I said "You are going to live in the garden and trapse up the garden path and use the bathroom and live like some third class citizen in your family home. Have some respect for yourself and your worth. Has your husband offered to sleep in the office, or has there been a discussion about moving stuff around to make room for you in the actual house?" No there has not.
But who is to blame for this mess? Poppy is so low she can't think straight and doesn't want to spend anymore money on rental and who can blame her. But this is the bit that gets me, her husband has always made her feel stupid, irrational and worthless and he is doing it again.
Here is the Rob and Helen scenario from The Archers being played out; the controlling husband who appears to be calm and helpful but playing his wife and vulnerability like a violin, the absolute bastard. And the children, well they've been brainwashed too, and the whole thing is just dire. I have told Poppy she should only move back if she has a proper bedroom, but in truth she shouldn't go back at all. I think they should sit down and talk about the finances, the children and the future and she should no longer contribute towards the family house if she is renting. But what I really want is for him to move out and let her live in the home with their children.
He has controlled her for too long, we have all watched it over the years, and she is too weak now that she can't see it. When someone makes you think you're useless, you become that person.
I want Poppy to be strong, fight for her rights but how can I make her?
Like I said at the beginning, maybe I'm wrong and off the radar but somehow I don't think so.
Or am I so far off radar I need someone to sit me down and say "Lucy you are way off here?"
Ok here it is, all of it. You decide, what do you think?
A friend, she will be called Poppy for the sake of this blog, recently recognised after many agonising years her marriage was over. Sadly the parting of the ways was slow and in the end Poppy decided she would move out of the family home, and live in a home she owned some 10 miles away as the tenants had just vacated. Poppy moved one weekend and over time we visited and noted the home was not near public transport and enquired what were the arrangements regarding the children (16 and 18) who schooled near the family home. Now it won't surprise you to learn the children didn't really want the upheaval from their family home, away from friends and school although I am sure they missed their mother Poppy. The reason it never shocked me that the children would rather stay where they were as I myself have children the same age, and love and convenience are two different things. Convenience and ease are much more important to mature teenagers, and change is not popular especially if it involves some effort.
Over time Poppy realised the move had been good in separating her from the trauma of being unhappy within the family home with her estranged husband but now a new unhappiness was filling her, she missed her children dreadfully. They just weren't visiting and the husband wasn't exactly encouraging the situation to change either. We (a few friends) did suggest that she should move back to her home town, live nearer the children, an easy walk away where they could easily visit, hang out and get to school. It seemed so logical.
Meanwhile Poppy's husband offered to help too! He coincidently had a bungalow to rent on his books - he runs an estate agents. This bungalow was slightly out of town but Poppy convinced herself it was the solution she needed. We told her otherwise, this bungalow was not the solution she needed, it wasn't close enough, sounded grim and was doing her husband a favour.
Poppy didn't listen and moved in with our help. The day I stepped inside the three bedroom 1970's throw back bungalow with patterned wallpaper, carpets and a peach bathroom I could have wept! It was depression personified. The bastard I thought, as I imagined Poppy's husband counting his money every month and feeling pleased with himself that he had shifted this revolting bungalow from his books!
Six months on, and the children still don't visit much. They hate Poppy's home, and who can blame them. And whilst it is walkable it is a healthy walk away and lets face it how many teenagers do you know that like to walk? Yes Poppy collects them, and drops them off but this still isn't somewhere they want to call home. This home says "I'm a victim".
A by chance text communication a few days ago revealed more of the story. Poppy is now off work with depression, probably exacerbated by swirling shaggy carpets and peach loo roll.
Now I'm not at all surprised by the revelation, and I felt so sad. A loving mother has left the family home because her marriage was totally shit, and together with her husband never planned the exit, the schedule with the children and life beyond. She still contributes financially to the family home, and pays her rent too ( to her husbands company!) and she has nothing.
In her desperation she is now considering moving back to the family home to be near the children she misses so much. But this is the bit that gets me, no one is talking and Poppy told me she is proposing to live in the garden office!
"What!" I said "You are going to live in the garden and trapse up the garden path and use the bathroom and live like some third class citizen in your family home. Have some respect for yourself and your worth. Has your husband offered to sleep in the office, or has there been a discussion about moving stuff around to make room for you in the actual house?" No there has not.
But who is to blame for this mess? Poppy is so low she can't think straight and doesn't want to spend anymore money on rental and who can blame her. But this is the bit that gets me, her husband has always made her feel stupid, irrational and worthless and he is doing it again.
Here is the Rob and Helen scenario from The Archers being played out; the controlling husband who appears to be calm and helpful but playing his wife and vulnerability like a violin, the absolute bastard. And the children, well they've been brainwashed too, and the whole thing is just dire. I have told Poppy she should only move back if she has a proper bedroom, but in truth she shouldn't go back at all. I think they should sit down and talk about the finances, the children and the future and she should no longer contribute towards the family house if she is renting. But what I really want is for him to move out and let her live in the home with their children.
He has controlled her for too long, we have all watched it over the years, and she is too weak now that she can't see it. When someone makes you think you're useless, you become that person.
I want Poppy to be strong, fight for her rights but how can I make her?
Like I said at the beginning, maybe I'm wrong and off the radar but somehow I don't think so.
Tuesday, 26 April 2016
Menopause
Hot sweats, low moods, mood swings, tiredness; is this menopause or just the fact I now own a puppy?
After all I do feel like I have a baby again with endless demands, needs and restrictions once more. I did say to someone the other day the early stages of owning a puppy pre-innoculations you do feel like you are suffering with post puppy natal. Being house bound, unable to cope, weary and aware you are now responsible for another life, is enough to turn anyone into a gibbering mess.
Ah but you couldn't walk your baby along the ridges of Harty Ferry, through bluebell woods, along the beach and by the creek, which is exhilarating rewarding and makes the poo, tiredness and mood swings evaporate and seem worthwhile for a little time at least.
After all I do feel like I have a baby again with endless demands, needs and restrictions once more. I did say to someone the other day the early stages of owning a puppy pre-innoculations you do feel like you are suffering with post puppy natal. Being house bound, unable to cope, weary and aware you are now responsible for another life, is enough to turn anyone into a gibbering mess.
Ah but you couldn't walk your baby along the ridges of Harty Ferry, through bluebell woods, along the beach and by the creek, which is exhilarating rewarding and makes the poo, tiredness and mood swings evaporate and seem worthwhile for a little time at least.
Thursday, 21 April 2016
Embrace the day
Tankerton Slopes is one of my favourite places to visit, walk and enjoy. Having a puppy is opening up the new opportunity of planning walks with new companions at chosen destinations, and with the brighter light, blue skies and warmth returning what could be better.
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
Todays ponders
This whole blog is self indulgent drivel about ME but it's saving me a fortune on counselling, I recommend it!
Todays revelations:
1. I hate Facebook, it can rock your world in an instant.
When you see a post and think " why wasn't I invited, I thought I was their friend!'
2. Working for yourself and from home is wonderful. You can suit yourself, enjoy planning your day around you and be flexible. Wrong. It's lonely, you constantly think you're not working enough, being productive and start to feel depressed (at least I do!) I need company, conversations and a team. But it is also made worse if No1. happens and you think I could have been there, I'm flexible.
3. Everyone sees you differently than you see yourself. I drag myself around and smile as much as I can but inside my stomach churns and I feel so low, my emotions are like a YoYo. Today has been mediocre, yesterday was good, who knows about tomorrow.
But everyone thinks I'm so happy but I'm not. Everyone thinks I can conquer everything but I am full of self doubt. But if you say that stuff people just float away because they don't know what to do with you or how to respond.
4. Fitness matters but when you're low you can't be bothered. Every time I don't go to a class I feel so cross afterwards but I can't always face the smiling people, although of course I smile too and try to look so happy. Then of course there is this fitness obsessed posse with their fitness goals and I'm not as fit as I want to be so I then hate myself a little bit more and wish I could get my act together.
Wow I'm a delight at the moment. Told you, self indulgent writing this.
5. You are never as badly off as you think. In Morrison's this afternoon I received just the tonic as I stood with my food items on the conveyor belt. As I waited in line for the cashier to finish serving the elderly gentleman in front, who was slow in paying, he then turned to me to offer me a voucher, which I was also unable to use. But I loved the interaction, the smiles and generosity of spirit. Behind me an elderly lady was placing her items on the belt, and I offered to move my items along to make more space. She said "Don't worry I have plenty of time, after all I leave here and go back to an empty home." We then proceeded to chat a little, laugh and smile about the weather and the fact I was wearing my sunglasses as the dog had chewed my other glasses! But the whole time I was struck by the idea she probably felt lonely a lot and emotionally low more than I do and actually my worries are manageable I just need to get my shit together.
6. I am so looking forward to my interview on Friday because I think when all said and done, I am so much better busy, really busy with no time to ponder, think or worry about any of the above.
Todays revelations:
1. I hate Facebook, it can rock your world in an instant.
When you see a post and think " why wasn't I invited, I thought I was their friend!'
2. Working for yourself and from home is wonderful. You can suit yourself, enjoy planning your day around you and be flexible. Wrong. It's lonely, you constantly think you're not working enough, being productive and start to feel depressed (at least I do!) I need company, conversations and a team. But it is also made worse if No1. happens and you think I could have been there, I'm flexible.
3. Everyone sees you differently than you see yourself. I drag myself around and smile as much as I can but inside my stomach churns and I feel so low, my emotions are like a YoYo. Today has been mediocre, yesterday was good, who knows about tomorrow.
But everyone thinks I'm so happy but I'm not. Everyone thinks I can conquer everything but I am full of self doubt. But if you say that stuff people just float away because they don't know what to do with you or how to respond.
4. Fitness matters but when you're low you can't be bothered. Every time I don't go to a class I feel so cross afterwards but I can't always face the smiling people, although of course I smile too and try to look so happy. Then of course there is this fitness obsessed posse with their fitness goals and I'm not as fit as I want to be so I then hate myself a little bit more and wish I could get my act together.
Wow I'm a delight at the moment. Told you, self indulgent writing this.
5. You are never as badly off as you think. In Morrison's this afternoon I received just the tonic as I stood with my food items on the conveyor belt. As I waited in line for the cashier to finish serving the elderly gentleman in front, who was slow in paying, he then turned to me to offer me a voucher, which I was also unable to use. But I loved the interaction, the smiles and generosity of spirit. Behind me an elderly lady was placing her items on the belt, and I offered to move my items along to make more space. She said "Don't worry I have plenty of time, after all I leave here and go back to an empty home." We then proceeded to chat a little, laugh and smile about the weather and the fact I was wearing my sunglasses as the dog had chewed my other glasses! But the whole time I was struck by the idea she probably felt lonely a lot and emotionally low more than I do and actually my worries are manageable I just need to get my shit together.
6. I am so looking forward to my interview on Friday because I think when all said and done, I am so much better busy, really busy with no time to ponder, think or worry about any of the above.
Monday, 18 April 2016
Hey chick what's happening!
What is happening indeed
The last time I wrote on my blog it was January and the public consultation for my proposed house build was about to close.
OMG - that so didn't happen. The public consultation period was extended twice eventually closing 20th February!
Last count 91 on-line comments and only a few in my favour.
A proposal for a modest three bedroom house absolutely rocked the Faversham public, the neighbours and swimming pool users; in their droves they have submitted comment and objection.
Comments are to be expected however I hadn't anticipated my friend who is a neighbour to join the tirade and even attend a meeting to listen and actively be part of the anti campaigners! I also hadn't realised there would be a poster campaign against the plan, Facebook posts and two stories in the local press. Either I am extremely naive, really unpopular or my plans are that controversial. I am unsure which but my confidence and self esteem have taken nose dive!
Perry Court, a local proposed development of 330 houses only received 200 comments so by proportion by application has received unprecedented response.
If you read the National Planning Framework, and believe me I have read it. Only valid planning comments should be taken into consideration not public outcry just because they don't want it.
Just to recap:
For two years I worked with Swale at pre-plan re-designing the house with their input until they were happy with the proposal.
In December 2015 Faversham Town Council agreed the plans at the council meeting, recording no objection in the minutes.
In February the Faversham Town Council invited the planning application back but they couldn't change their original decision as no material change had taken place. However this meeting was well-attended by locals and neighbours who were extremely vociferous and the council allowed their concerns to be heard. Coincidently shortly after this Swale informed us they would not be supporting the planning application after all.
On Thursday 10th March as we headed to the Swale Planning Committee meeting we were met in the gallery by lots of neighbours opposing the plans. With no support from Swale the plans received very little air time except from each representative permitted to have an allocated three minute speaking time either in support or against the scheme. Nigel Kay St Ann's Faversham ward councillor, who is also the town Mayor strangely commented the scheme had not had town councils support, the minutes show otherwise! The Chairman of Planning Committee (also a Faversham councillor) summarised, very briefly, to say Swale did not support this scheme.
How did we get this far, to receive no feedback? Where did the support suddenly go? Why are people encouraged to submit pre-plan designs to then receive no support at the last hurdle?
So many questions.
That concludes the planning nightmare for now, and it has been a total disaster of gigantic proportions. Emotionally it has been on a par with divorce, and as costly. It has left me so wrecked emotionally that I now live in the walls of my home wondering when I step outside whether I will meet a neighbour and dreading the thought.
Yes, I know. You can't expect to not receive comment but when they are personal, irrelevant and from people you thought were friends its difficult to compute.
Genuinely I can't see what all the fuss is about. It's a house proposal in an urban town, get over it!
It's about change. Anyone with my garden would do exactly the same but maybe no one wants it to be me. They all like looking out over the green, but that's my garden not a public park.
The last time I wrote on my blog it was January and the public consultation for my proposed house build was about to close.
OMG - that so didn't happen. The public consultation period was extended twice eventually closing 20th February!
Last count 91 on-line comments and only a few in my favour.
A proposal for a modest three bedroom house absolutely rocked the Faversham public, the neighbours and swimming pool users; in their droves they have submitted comment and objection.
Comments are to be expected however I hadn't anticipated my friend who is a neighbour to join the tirade and even attend a meeting to listen and actively be part of the anti campaigners! I also hadn't realised there would be a poster campaign against the plan, Facebook posts and two stories in the local press. Either I am extremely naive, really unpopular or my plans are that controversial. I am unsure which but my confidence and self esteem have taken nose dive!
Perry Court, a local proposed development of 330 houses only received 200 comments so by proportion by application has received unprecedented response.
If you read the National Planning Framework, and believe me I have read it. Only valid planning comments should be taken into consideration not public outcry just because they don't want it.
Just to recap:
For two years I worked with Swale at pre-plan re-designing the house with their input until they were happy with the proposal.
In December 2015 Faversham Town Council agreed the plans at the council meeting, recording no objection in the minutes.
In February the Faversham Town Council invited the planning application back but they couldn't change their original decision as no material change had taken place. However this meeting was well-attended by locals and neighbours who were extremely vociferous and the council allowed their concerns to be heard. Coincidently shortly after this Swale informed us they would not be supporting the planning application after all.
On Thursday 10th March as we headed to the Swale Planning Committee meeting we were met in the gallery by lots of neighbours opposing the plans. With no support from Swale the plans received very little air time except from each representative permitted to have an allocated three minute speaking time either in support or against the scheme. Nigel Kay St Ann's Faversham ward councillor, who is also the town Mayor strangely commented the scheme had not had town councils support, the minutes show otherwise! The Chairman of Planning Committee (also a Faversham councillor) summarised, very briefly, to say Swale did not support this scheme.
How did we get this far, to receive no feedback? Where did the support suddenly go? Why are people encouraged to submit pre-plan designs to then receive no support at the last hurdle?
So many questions.
That concludes the planning nightmare for now, and it has been a total disaster of gigantic proportions. Emotionally it has been on a par with divorce, and as costly. It has left me so wrecked emotionally that I now live in the walls of my home wondering when I step outside whether I will meet a neighbour and dreading the thought.
Yes, I know. You can't expect to not receive comment but when they are personal, irrelevant and from people you thought were friends its difficult to compute.
Genuinely I can't see what all the fuss is about. It's a house proposal in an urban town, get over it!
It's about change. Anyone with my garden would do exactly the same but maybe no one wants it to be me. They all like looking out over the green, but that's my garden not a public park.
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