| ECHO NEWS | |  | | | | | | | | FEATURES | | | | SOUTHEND UNITED | | | | HEALTH | | | | | | | COMING UP IN YOUR ECHO | |
|
|
|
Zach wraps up his blog from Dale Farm
A CONTROVERSIAL human rights activist who spent months living with travellers at Dale Farm has left.
Zach Scott, 26, a human rights volunteer for the Washington-based Advocacy Project, chronicled his 12-week stay with on an internet blog.
This described alleged discrimination in the village shop and how Crays Hill residents believe they will never be evicted.
Mr Scott claimed there was a strong community at Dale Farm, with nightly Catholic prayer meetings, called Rosaries, and parties most weekends, often connected to weddings or christenings.
The American student, who has now returned home to the United States, even joined a convoy of 15 caravans to an antiques fair at Newark, Nottinghamshire.
He wrote in the blog: "Many trade in antique furniture. They are price savvy and extremely knowledgeable.
"What they lack in formal education, they more than make up for in business acumen."
He said many prospective customers looked aghast at the high cost of their antiques, but would return to begrudgingly hand over the money.
He added: "It seemed to me the travellers were acting as reasonable businessmen."
The antiques fair convoy was led by Crays Hill spokesman and prominent traveller Richard Sheridan, who Mr Scott described as his "personal benefactor".
The American also described a visit to Hemmings Store, London Road, Crays Hill, with three young men, when they were allegedly asked to go in one at a time.
He wrote: "A short, pear-shaped man grabbed my shoulder and stated bluntly, wait outside'. You heard the woman."
He added when the woman realised he was not a traveller her attitude "softened".
Mr Scott wrote "You'll have to forgive me. I just assumed that you were one of them', she said, spitting out the last word as if it was a sharp piece of glass cutting the inside of her mouth.
"You can never be too careful with those Pikey children."
The shop has been shown the blog and chose not to comment, other than to say unaccompanied traveller children have to go in one at a time because of previous problems.
He also told of the travellers' joy, after they learnt through the Echo the council would not evict them in July.
He said: "Now this hurdle has been crossed, people living at Dale Farm sincerely believe that they will remain here indefinitely."
Baron hits back at parting shot
US STUDENT Zach Scott launched a stinging parting shot at Billericay MP John Baron.
Mr Scott claimed the Tory MP was a hypocrite for campaigning to remove travellers from the green belt site, despite living in a house built on former green belt land, in Bramble Tye, Noak Bridge.
The civil rights activist made the claim in a note sent to the Echo, just before he returned to America.
He wrote: "You currently reside in an opulent home built on what was previously green belt."
Mr Scott also accused Mr Baron of not representing any travellers.
He said: "You portray yourself as an MP working for your entire constituency. Your past actions against travellers prove otherwise.
"To be a real leader, Mr Baron, you must learn to stand with the people, not above them. The public includes all members of the constituency, even travellers." Mr Baron dismissed the attack as being from "another interfering outsider".
He said: "The difference is there was planning permission in place before Noak Bridge was built."
Mr Scott, a human rights volunteer for the Washington-based Advocacy Project, arrived at the site in May.
He left to finish a masters degree in eastern European studies at George Town Washington.
4:30pm Wednesday 22nd August 2007
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: Buzzboy, Southend on Sea on 8:58am Wed 22 Aug 07
Most corner/local shops only allow one or two children in at a time now, they have signs on the doors to say so, I've seen them myself.
It's not just traveller children that this happens to, it's all kids.
It's a shame, because the kids that are honest, get tarred with the same brush and those who steal, but that's the way of the world with everything these days.
Most corner/local shops only allow one or two children in at a time now, they have signs on the doors to say so, I've seen them myself.
It's not just traveller children that this happens to, it's all kids.
It's a shame, because the kids that are honest, get tarred with the same brush and those who steal, but that's the way of the world with everything these days.
Posted by: im spot on!!, basildump on 10:40am Wed 22 Aug 07
good ridence tree hugger ....DONT COME BACK IN A HURRY!!!
good ridence tree hugger ....DONT COME BACK IN A HURRY!!!
Posted by: Mike Paterson, Bowers Gifford on 10:46am Wed 22 Aug 07
You can readthe blog and make your comments at http://advocacynet.o
rg/blogs/index.php?b
log=82&blog=82&title
=parting_thoughts&pa
ge=1&more=1&c=1&tb=1
&pb=1&disp=single#c7
863
You can readthe blog and make your comments at http://advocacynet.o
rg/blogs/index.php?b
log=82&blog=82&title
=parting_thoughts&pa
ge=1&more=1&c=1&tb=1
&pb=1&disp=single#c7
863
Posted by: Peter, Southend-on-Sea on 11:14am Wed 22 Aug 07
Did anyone notice the dozen or so travellers that set up illegal camp in the grazing field on the corner of Eastwoodbury Lane and Nestuda Way near Tesco's along the A127?
They only stayed for the weekend but did you see the amount of rubbish that hey left strewn all over the field? And there was also an increase of reports to the police of car crime around the local industrial areas too. Absolutely disgusting, and they wonder why they have a bad reputation.
Did anyone notice the dozen or so travellers that set up illegal camp in the grazing field on the corner of Eastwoodbury Lane and Nestuda Way near Tesco's along the A127?
They only stayed for the weekend but did you see the amount of rubbish that hey left strewn all over the field? And there was also an increase of reports to the police of car crime around the local industrial areas too. Absolutely disgusting, and they wonder why they have a bad reputation.
Posted by: Basildon Billy on 1:03pm Wed 22 Aug 07
Is this guy thick or what??
[quote]He wrote: "You currently reside in an opulent home built on what was previously green belt."[/quote] its not the fact its green belt, its the fact HE HAS PLANNING PERMISSION!
Is this guy thick or what??
He wrote: "You currently reside in an opulent home built on what was previously green belt."
its not the fact its green belt, its the fact HE HAS PLANNING PERMISSION!
Posted by: Mark, Southend on 1:12pm Wed 22 Aug 07
I'll take no advice from an American in our affairs. Look at their interference the Middle East! And Africa and South America - great track record eh! It's very simply Yank - Britishe people do not like thieving, squatting foreigners imposing themselves on our communities - and this includes Americans.
I'll take no advice from an American in our affairs. Look at their interference the Middle East! And Africa and South America - great track record eh! It's very simply Yank - Britishe people do not like thieving, squatting foreigners imposing themselves on our communities - and this includes Americans.
Posted by: G Public, Southend on 3:22pm Wed 22 Aug 07
Please don't come back!!! Go and do something more constructive in your own country and leave us to deal with our own affairs....hmmm that seems to apply for the USA as a whole doesn't it
Please don't come back!!! Go and do something more constructive in your own country and leave us to deal with our own affairs....hmmm that seems to apply for the USA as a whole doesn't it
Posted by: madam c through on 3:28pm Wed 22 Aug 07
"What they lack in formal education, they more than make up for in business acumen."
Yeah cos they are robbing gits and pester people till they get what they want !!
He said many prospective customers looked aghast at the high cost of their antiques, but would return to begrudgingly hand over the money.
WHY WHY WHY would anyone buy something begrudgingly unless they have been talked into it by these robbing gits.
"What they lack in formal education, they more than make up for in business acumen."
Yeah cos they are robbing gits and pester people till they get what they want !!
He said many prospective customers looked aghast at the high cost of their antiques, but would return to begrudgingly hand over the money.
WHY WHY WHY would anyone buy something begrudgingly unless they have been talked into it by these robbing gits.
Posted by: Marge, UK on 4:10pm Wed 22 Aug 07
Way to go Zach! You know people don't realize that sometimes the dregs of society get mixed in with Travellers. Then the Travellers get blamed for everything. But really it could be any dregs sleeping out in fields.
Way to go Zach! You know people don't realize that sometimes the dregs of society get mixed in with Travellers. Then the Travellers get blamed for everything. But really it could be any dregs sleeping out in fields.
Posted by: Vernon, Basildon on 5:00pm Wed 22 Aug 07
Zach, before you jet off back to your 'opulent' home in America, can you give us all an insight into their income tax payments?
Zach, before you jet off back to your 'opulent' home in America, can you give us all an insight into their income tax payments?
Posted by: Gary, Basildon on 5:03pm Wed 22 Aug 07
Good to see they have some good antiques to sell. Doesn't say how they came into their possession though. Do they attend antique fairs much?
Good to see they have some good antiques to sell. Doesn't say how they came into their possession though. Do they attend antique fairs much?
Posted by: minx, Basildon on 8:30pm Wed 22 Aug 07
AT LEAST HE CAN LEAVE THE AREA...........
AT LEAST HE CAN LEAVE THE AREA...........
Posted by: Lisa Jensen on 9:10pm Wed 22 Aug 07
[quote][bold]Basildon Billy[/bold] wrote:
Is this guy thick or what?? [quote]He wrote: "You currently reside in an opulent home built on what was previously green belt."[/quote] its not the fact its green belt, its the fact HE HAS PLANNING PERMISSION! [/quote] how did he manage to get planning permission then on green belt land? Oh hold on, must be because he isnt a traveller.
Basildon Billy wrote:
Is this guy thick or what?? He wrote: "You currently reside in an opulent home built on what was previously green belt."
its not the fact its green belt, its the fact HE HAS PLANNING PERMISSION!
how did he manage to get planning permission then on green belt land? Oh hold on, must be because he isnt a traveller.
Posted by: Naive Lisa, still in fairyland on 9:28pm Wed 22 Aug 07
[quote][bold]Lisa Jensen[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Basildon Billy[/bold] wrote: Is this guy thick or what?? [quote]He wrote: "You currently reside in an opulent home built on what was previously green belt."[/quote] its not the fact its green belt, its the fact HE HAS PLANNING PERMISSION! [/quote] how did he manage to get planning permission then on green belt land? Oh hold on, must be because he isnt a traveller.[/quote] Try reading it again.
The house was built on 'former' green belt land.
Also please don't offend me by using your racist anti Anglo Saxon sloganeeringAny thoughts on your 'mate' at Sadlers Park cheating the benefits system whilst having £172,000 in the bank?
Lisa Jensen wrote:
Basildon Billy wrote: Is this guy thick or what?? He wrote: "You currently reside in an opulent home built on what was previously green belt."
its not the fact its green belt, its the fact HE HAS PLANNING PERMISSION!
how did he manage to get planning permission then on green belt land? Oh hold on, must be because he isnt a traveller.
Try reading it again.
The house was built on 'former' green belt land.
Also please don't offend me by using your racist anti Anglo Saxon sloganeeringAny thoughts on your 'mate' at Sadlers Park cheating the benefits system whilst having £172,000 in the bank?
Posted by: walby on 10:38pm Wed 22 Aug 07
He wrote in the blog: "Many trade in antique furniture. They are price savvy and extremely knowledgeable.
advertisement"What they lack in formal education, they more than make up for in business acumen."
He said many prospective customers looked aghast at the high cost of their antiques, but would return to begrudgingly hand over the money.
please remind me if im wrong but arent these people claiming legal aid in their legal action over dale farm.
if i am correct in thinking that it looks as though the prat from america has shot himself in the foot by putting that into print.
also lisa bramble tye where john baron lives is an estate made up of private and rental accomodation which is all part of the noak bridge estate , it was built by a major builder not john baron himself.
and it was built with all the planning laws adhered to.so i would'nt be to smug thinking you have scored some sort of point , try getting the facts before you print rubbish.
He wrote in the blog: "Many trade in antique furniture. They are price savvy and extremely knowledgeable.
advertisement"What they lack in formal education, they more than make up for in business acumen."
He said many prospective customers looked aghast at the high cost of their antiques, but would return to begrudgingly hand over the money.
please remind me if im wrong but arent these people claiming legal aid in their legal action over dale farm.
if i am correct in thinking that it looks as though the prat from america has shot himself in the foot by putting that into print.
also lisa bramble tye where john baron lives is an estate made up of private and rental accomodation which is all part of the noak bridge estate , it was built by a major builder not john baron himself.
and it was built with all the planning laws adhered to.so i would'nt be to smug thinking you have scored some sort of point , try getting the facts before you print rubbish.
Posted by: Oi b one the Paddy, Southend on 11:12pm Wed 22 Aug 07
Isn't dealing at fairs all cash in hand? I'm sure the tax inspectors and social security will be making a visit soon to dole farm...not! It's only us mug taxpayers that they try and squeeze every last penny from. If enough people withheld council tax and/or demonstrated the government would be forced to act. After all they rely on people being divided to enforce their will.
Isn't dealing at fairs all cash in hand? I'm sure the tax inspectors and social security will be making a visit soon to dole farm...not! It's only us mug taxpayers that they try and squeeze every last penny from. If enough people withheld council tax and/or demonstrated the government would be forced to act. After all they rely on people being divided to enforce their will.
Posted by: Captain Birdseye, At Sea on 12:08am Thu 23 Aug 07
Well isn't boot sales all cash in hand?, there are plenty of people (not travellers) dealing at them.
Well isn't boot sales all cash in hand?, there are plenty of people (not travellers) dealing at them.
Posted by: Basildon Billy on 1:26am Thu 23 Aug 07
[quote][bold]Lisa Jensen[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Basildon Billy[/bold] wrote:
Is this guy thick or what?? [quote]He wrote: "You currently reside in an opulent home built on what was previously green belt."[/quote] its not the fact its green belt, its the fact HE HAS PLANNING PERMISSION! [/quote] how did he manage to get planning permission then on green belt land? Oh hold on, must be because he isnt a traveller.[/quote] Because every now & then they do get granted permission, if they are lucky, 9 times out of ten they dont though.
But Im sure if he had bought it, then built 150 homes on it before permission was granted he would have been made to knock them down, and the residents of Basildon would have been furious if he wasnt....
Lisa Jensen wrote:
Basildon Billy wrote:
Is this guy thick or what?? He wrote: "You currently reside in an opulent home built on what was previously green belt."
its not the fact its green belt, its the fact HE HAS PLANNING PERMISSION!
how did he manage to get planning permission then on green belt land? Oh hold on, must be because he isnt a traveller.
Because every now & then they do get granted permission, if they are lucky, 9 times out of ten they dont though.
But Im sure if he had bought it, then built 150 homes on it before permission was granted he would have been made to knock them down, and the residents of Basildon would have been furious if he wasnt....
Posted by: Col, Pitsea on 4:05pm Thu 23 Aug 07
[quote][bold]Captain Birdseye[/bold] wrote:
Well isn't boot sales all cash in hand?, there are plenty of people (not travellers) dealing at them.[/quote] Your quite right, but for most people, boot sales are not their main income.How many 'travellers' have jobs at Tesco's? or in a bank?etc
NONE!
They don't pay income tax
Captain Birdseye wrote:
Well isn't boot sales all cash in hand?, there are plenty of people (not travellers) dealing at them.
Your quite right, but for most people, boot sales are not their main income.How many 'travellers' have jobs at Tesco's? or in a bank?etc
NONE!
They don't pay income tax
Posted by: Noddy, Wickford on 1:55pm Thu 30 Aug 07
Fantastic, it’s all ok after all!!! And there was me thinking it was getting out of control. The septic has come over here, patted us all on the head as if to say its all ok. Rather than being outraged that the children are only allowed in the shops on there own which I also believe to be the same with many “hoodie” local children in various small shops why does he not understand the reason behind this action.
Anyway I am sure he is now happily back home, living with his parents reminiscing on what a real difference he has made. :)
Fantastic, it’s all ok after all!!! And there was me thinking it was getting out of control. The septic has come over here, patted us all on the head as if to say its all ok. Rather than being outraged that the children are only allowed in the shops on there own which I also believe to be the same with many “hoodie” local children in various small shops why does he not understand the reason behind this action.
Anyway I am sure he is now happily back home, living with his parents reminiscing on what a real difference he has made. :)
Posted by: andy, wickford, wickford on 1:59pm Thu 30 Aug 07
why bother mentioning the wall of flamethrowers barricading access to a part of our home town, when children are being made to *gasp* go into a sweet shop one at a time (i mean, who ever heard of that?). they're not even being refused entry, they just have to go in one at a time! what a plum!
why bother mentioning the wall of flamethrowers barricading access to a part of our home town, when children are being made to *gasp* go into a sweet shop one at a time (i mean, who ever heard of that?). they're not even being refused entry, they just have to go in one at a time! what a plum!
Posted by: dave, home on 10:51am Fri 31 Aug 07
once again snobbery blinds people to the truth
once again snobbery blinds people to the truth
Posted by: Sang Mittra, Basildon on 9:58pm Wed 6 Feb 08
Some individual said something about all foreigners being theieving gits! It's thanks to foreigners this country is running. Just imagine foreign countries stoped trading tea, petrol,TV's,Coffee,s
pices and much more. Where would the English be without, their 'cup of tea and slice of cake'?. If all foreigners went back to their countries, Would Britain survive, is the question? Maybe the English folk should start working out, what British cuture is? Does it include Drugs alcohol, teenage pregancy, unmarried mothers with multiple children, from multiple relationships, strieving for their council flats and benifits. Ummh It must be great to be British! Sharing Caring and all that... Good luck to the Travellors I say. In the meantime Bristish Individuals who hate foreigners should start working out what British Culture is ? rather then spending quality time, hateing foreigners, who are keeping the West Rich...
Some individual said something about all foreigners being theieving gits! It's thanks to foreigners this country is running. Just imagine foreign countries stoped trading tea, petrol,TV's,Coffee,s
pices and much more. Where would the English be without, their 'cup of tea and slice of cake'?. If all foreigners went back to their countries, Would Britain survive, is the question? Maybe the English folk should start working out, what British cuture is? Does it include Drugs alcohol, teenage pregancy, unmarried mothers with multiple children, from multiple relationships, strieving for their council flats and benifits. Ummh It must be great to be British! Sharing Caring and all that... Good luck to the Travellors I say. In the meantime Bristish Individuals who hate foreigners should start working out what British Culture is ? rather then spending quality time, hateing foreigners, who are keeping the West Rich...
Posted by: ria, kent on 7:50pm Wed 20 Feb 08
For crying out loud, the shop has to make money, and all gypsies should understand that, as theyre very good business people! They wouldnt have imposed this rule if the gypsy kids didnt steal all the time! WHY OH WHY will the travellers not blame the kids? They must know they aren't angels!! Discipline thekids,dont blame the shopkeeper!!
For crying out loud, the shop has to make money, and all gypsies should understand that, as theyre very good business people! They wouldnt have imposed this rule if the gypsy kids didnt steal all the time! WHY OH WHY will the travellers not blame the kids? They must know they aren't angels!! Discipline thekids,dont blame the shopkeeper!!
Posted by: rebekah, warks on 7:56pm Wed 20 Feb 08
Irish 'travellers' give genuine Romany folk a bad name. My family were Romany, never stole a thing, and actually bought a cinema in Newport,Wales, that was closing and DONATED it to the community. True Romanies werent like the diddies and tinkers we see now.
Irish 'travellers' give genuine Romany folk a bad name. My family were Romany, never stole a thing, and actually bought a cinema in Newport,Wales, that was closing and DONATED it to the community. True Romanies werent like the diddies and tinkers we see now.
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
