by Cagerattler

It doesn’t seem too long since the last Valley Voice of  2013 but suddenly here we go again.  Like I do every year, can I just remind those who read the Voice that Cagerattler is a chance to touch on many and varied subjects. I never claim to ALWAYS do tons of research on a subject but the main object in the past decade or so is to get people talking about mostly local, but occasionally wider range subjects.

If you disagree with what I write  and you see it totally differently  then please write a reply – that’s the whole idea. I make a point of not personally attacking anyone by mentioning actions, decisions or impending decisions that affect us all. Also the opinions of this column are not necessarily those of the Valley Voice.

A few weeks ago a stupid, selfish person or persons  decided to break into the Woodcraft Guild/Men’s Shed and take much of their hard earned, integral tools and equipment and didn’t even leave a tiny amount of petty cash for day to day incidentals behind – as small an amount as it was.

If you are local and you read this you should be totally ashamed of yourself. It is reprehensible to take things from any volunteer/community group, not least one which does great hands-on repairs and work for many who can’t do it themselves. If you get caught (and we all hope you do) you’ll need to think long and hard how you might make some sort of compensation to the marvelous group of dedicated  people who  provide this service. And if you are local and you want to begin the road back either own up to it or at the very least anonymously  return some or all of the stolen goods. If the thieves are not local…we hope they never darken our doorsteps ever again because you’re lower than a snake’s belly and waste of good oxygen.

The Guild have now upgraded security further, and it’s hoped that the insurance might begin to replace some of the gear but the real damage is goodwill. These sort of stupid acts, and I really do mean stupid and greedy, erode one’s faith in human nature. What helps retain that faith though is the actual people who were robbed and who are the exact opposite of the thieves.

The Guild will be once again holding the Open Day in a couple of months time and we trust that as many of us as possible will do what we can to support that function, but also gain from  these amazing contributors in this local community who give far more than they receive.

They didn’t need or deserve this and it leaves a bad taste in everybody’s mouth.

TO THE THIEVES IF YOU READ THIS…  Grow a conscience and do something about it please. You never know, they might even forgive you one day if you do…

What do you think?  Rod McGiveron.