Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'

Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum'
[ Norman Dunn's 'Hebburn and our Neighbours Forum' ]

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Forum content

Posted by Paul on 22/5/2025, 3:31 pm

As a starting point I would like to thank Norman and the administrators for all they do to facilitate this Forum. Clearly without them nothing would happen and we couldn’t connect in the way that we do.

Having read, and occasionally contributed to, the Forum for a number of years I have recently found myself reflecting on how it has evolved.

In the last week or so there have been some great examples of what is good about the Forum. The contributions of Peter Cook with his photos, John White’s poetry and Stan Wears historical research on St Paul’s church, each provide interesting insights. These were added to with Jackie and Margaret working with Norman on the mystery Reyrolle’s man. There were the posts on Ship models (connecting Tony and Irene), Clegwell teachers and Aston Villa footballers (by the way Tommy Dodds’ first and last first team game was that of Johnny Dixon’s debut). In their own way these posts each provided information, historical perspective and a connection for those born in Hebburn or nearby.

However this type of content is now increasingly overshadowed by people’s personal opinions on wider UK or world events and not all of those views are substantiated by credible evidence or facts. I have no issue with people having their own views but I do wonder whether there is a need to have such posts here. Some people are simply confirming and broadcasting their personal views which in some cases have become very repetitive.

There are clearly many issues in today’s world which are far from ideal. The political system and institutions are no longer fit for purpose. Immigration is a huge problem, as it is in numerous developed countries, and the NHS can’t cope with the wider demands now, rightly or wrongly, placed upon it. None of us can do anything about these things.

Towards the end of 2024 Norman pointed out that he felt that the Forum wasn’t being used for its intended purpose. However he didn’t clarify what he meant by his comment. I think it would be useful if we did consider the aim of the Forum and whether personal views on topics such as party politics and current affairs add any value.

There is undoubtedly a lot of truly awful events and issues which we could comment on but they are often far more complex and nuanced than how they are covered in the media. There is also a vast amount of misinformation and irresponsible reporting out there with much of it found in unregulated online sources. Producing material which shocks and causes outrage is an immensely profitable business but is this Forum the place to replicate, amplify or repost this type of content?

It’s not for me to decide what should or shouldn’t be posted here. However I’d prefer to see the Forum focus on the positive aspects of our local history, continuing to make the valuable connections through our shared past and providing help to each other when we can.

Re: Forum content

Posted by Mac Cummings on 22/5/2025, 3:45 pm, in reply to "Forum content "
Edited by administrator Admin2 23/5/2025, 10:44 am

I would be very disappointed if the Forum became just a discussion group for local history (a subject which I am most interested in by the way!)
Most posts reflect how folk are thinking about the things which affect them in their everyday life, yes often opinions, but nevertheless feelings!!
As a barometer for the issues going on around us I find the site very useful, generally containing respectable contributions. Some I agree with others not, but keep it as it is is my opinion.!!

Re: Forum content - Paul

Posted by Liz Dance on 22/5/2025, 3:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Forum content "

Paul you don’t have to read anything that doesn’t interest you just ignore it, if there is anything that Norman or the other Admins feel is not appropriate for the Forum it is within their remit to remove the post.

To my mind I find most of the contributions to be of great interest, some posts don’t interest me but, the person posting must feel it is of interest to them and would like to share the information.

Lots of posts are read but never commented on but, at least the heading and contend must have held an interest to have been read.

Norman and the Admins devote quite a lot of time to this Forum if they didn’t feel the content was of interest they just wouldn’t bother.

Re: Forum content

Posted by Anne on 22/5/2025, 3:59 pm, in reply to "Forum content "

Paul, your posting is perfect thank you so much, I and several others have often expressed how fed up we are having to read and re-read all they have to say, mostly political also concerning immigrants, every country today is struggling with these problems, and we have to deal with them on a daily basis, the whole world is a mess and is getting worse, but there are also better things for us to dwell on, to help with, maybe even make Forum a better place to visit.

Re: Forum content

Posted by Bill Wallace on 22/5/2025, 5:36 pm, in reply to "Re: Forum content "

Anne and Paul, you do not have to read those posts. Here in the USA, I find them quite interesting as I see the UK going down a big rabbit hole. You all need a President Trump type person to be in charge to straighten things out. Can't wait to hear comments from the TDS crowd.

Re: Forum content

Posted by Norman Dunn on 22/5/2025, 6:08 pm, in reply to "Re: Forum content "

I understand & respect what you say Paul, but I agree with my admin Mac Cummings.
I dont think the posts are bad enough to change our little Forum.
Starmer's terrible Government has caused a lot of people to post and you dont want to see that stopped. If they make mistakes Governing, surely we can criticise them?
When we see thousands of 'Invaders' with no identification flooding into the country are we supposed to just sit back and say nothing?.
I might be the worst offender for criticising Starmer & his bunch of amateur Ministers because
there isnt a good one amongst the lot of them.
I'm sure we run this Forum farrrrrrrrrrrr better than large Social Media sites.

Re: Forum content

Posted by Sheila on 22/5/2025, 6:24 pm, in reply to "Re: Forum content "

Got to agree with you Norman.

Re: Forum content

Posted by Sheila on 22/5/2025, 6:22 pm, in reply to "Re: Forum content "

Bill, you have answered Paul and Anne perfectly. We all like and dislike certain posts , but we don’t have to read them. What might interest some would bore others. I wouldn’t dream of suggesting change because I don’t like it.

I’m interested what happens in the USA and we certainly need a change of leader.

Re: Forum content

Posted by Malcolm on 22/5/2025, 10:52 pm, in reply to "Forum content "

So I have read, and re-read this thread, over the course of the day, and there are many valid points put forward..
Of course, Paul is correct, inasmuch as, I recall that one of the Rules (although Paul didn't specify it) was "No Politics"
So Norman has allowed this change in the ruling, and we have had many & varied discussions, and opinions voiced.
But if the Forum was purely about 'Historic Hebburn' (And I LOVE that part of it) I think it would be a poorer place, as their has to be variety.
As the old saying goes: Variety is the spice of life.
But there has to be an even balance, with a bias, maybe towards HEBBURN and out Neighbours!

After all, that IS the name of the site, and the reason we visit, some times too often than is healthy!!

And, of course, as someone pointed out, if you see a thread that is of no interest, then don't read it....as long as there's not TOO many of them.

And So, I endeth the sermon of the day!!

Stay healthy & happy, everyone!

Re: Forum content

Posted by Linda in NZ on 23/5/2025, 9:19 pm, in reply to "Re: Forum content "

Good morning,

I noticed the use of the forum changed during the lockdowns when people were isolated and needed connection. I am sure this forum helped a lot of people in that way. Things do evolve based on needs.

I run a subject specific page in NZ, it is a place free of all the other stuff and opinions that affect us all. Our thoughts are that it is refreshing to have a place to get away from it all.

The original rule of no politics seems to have been removed. Maybe we need an update of the current rules so everyone is on the same page.

Respect to admins, it is a lot of work, thank you.

Re: Forum content

Posted by Sheila on 24/5/2025, 8:44 am, in reply to "Re: Forum content "

I think the old saying “ you can please some people some of the time , but not all people, all of the time” or words to that effect. I think Norman, the site owner and his Admin 2, have explained what their thoughts are at the moment. I’m sure the will let us all know if changes to the rules are needed.

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