Comments on: George http://georgeclarke.com Architect and TV presenter Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:14:20 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Ryan Simpson http://georgeclarke.com/about-george/comment-page-32/#comment-60602 Ryan Simpson Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:32:25 +0000 http://dev.h2point0.co.uk/georgeclarke/?page_id=11#comment-60602 Hi George What chances has an architecture student from Belfast of gaining a little experience with your practice? If you don't ask you don't get as they say! Hi George

What chances has an architecture student from Belfast of gaining a little experience with your practice?

If you don’t ask you don’t get as they say!

]]> By: Leanne http://georgeclarke.com/about-george/comment-page-32/#comment-59840 Leanne Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:42:56 +0000 http://dev.h2point0.co.uk/georgeclarke/?page_id=11#comment-59840 Hi George, I really hope you get to read this as i am in a situation that is shocking and althought not directly about empty homes it surely is going to link and make this hole issue allot worse! As from April this year the government are bringing in a law to up the age of help they give to single people under the age of 35!? why that age i do not know. I was left very ill after a drug given to me by a ginocologist and with other health problems ai am off work at this time, therefore rely on housing benefit to help me with my rent. As from April myself and properly many others are going to be left homeless or have to find a room in a house becasue the 200 a month will not cover anything, not even a house share. Due to my health issues is not possible for me and without going into all the details of my problems i could not share a house with strangers. I have worked all my life and not out of work due to anything but illness at this time, yet i will be homeless come April and do not get any help with a council house. I also had to give up my degree due to not being able to afford to live alone. All these homes standing empty and yet they are doing this also? They have given me only 20 points and then an extra 2 points for my medical conditions, this will not win any bid for a council place. There is allot more to this and have not included everything, however i am trying to make awareness that there are allot more areas where this whole problem is going to get worse. I have never felt so cheated by my own country. We need to stand together on this! Hi George,

I really hope you get to read this as i am in a situation that is shocking and althought not directly about empty homes it surely is going to link and make this hole issue allot worse!

As from April this year the government are bringing in a law to up the age of help they give to single people under the age of 35!? why that age i do not know.

I was left very ill after a drug given to me by a ginocologist and with other health problems ai am off work at this time, therefore rely on housing benefit to help me with my rent. As from April myself and properly many others are going to be left homeless or have to find a room in a house becasue the 200 a month will not cover anything, not even a house share.

Due to my health issues is not possible for me and without going into all the details of my problems i could not share a house with strangers. I have worked all my life and not out of work due to anything but illness at this time, yet i will be homeless come April and do not get any help with a council house. I also had to give up my degree due to not being able to afford to live alone. All these homes standing empty and yet they are doing this also?

They have given me only 20 points and then an extra 2 points for my medical conditions, this will not win any bid for a council place.

There is allot more to this and have not included everything, however i am trying to make awareness that there are allot more areas where this whole problem is going to get worse. I have never felt so cheated by my own country. We need to stand together on this!

]]> By: Dave Macdonald http://georgeclarke.com/about-george/comment-page-32/#comment-59837 Dave Macdonald Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:37:17 +0000 http://dev.h2point0.co.uk/georgeclarke/?page_id=11#comment-59837 Hi George I'm thoroughly enjoying the first series of Restoration Man, courtesy of BBC Lifestyle Channel available here in South Africa. First met you in the Home Show a year or so back, and really appreciate your sensitivity to the preservation, restoration and refurbishment of the built environment. As one peripherally involved in the world of houses and homes (furniture), and with an abiding interest in all that this involves, it's great to experience and share your empathy with both homeowners and their homes and aspirations. How refreshing to have a presenter who knows when to help and when to stand back and let things go. I always thought Kevin McCloud was king of this realm, so - you're a more than worthy crown prince. Best wishes with the empty homes project, and I hope the old Beeb doesn't hold back on your new RM series for too long before releasing it to this culturally hungry part of the old empire. Regards Dave (South Africa) Hi George
I’m thoroughly enjoying the first series of Restoration Man, courtesy of BBC Lifestyle Channel available here in South Africa. First met you in the Home Show a year or so back, and really appreciate your sensitivity to the preservation, restoration and refurbishment of the built environment. As one peripherally involved in the world of houses and homes (furniture), and with an abiding interest in all that this involves, it’s great to experience and share your empathy with both homeowners and their homes and aspirations. How refreshing to have a presenter who knows when to help and when to stand back and let things go. I always thought Kevin McCloud was king of this realm, so – you’re a more than worthy crown prince. Best wishes with the empty homes project, and I hope the old Beeb doesn’t hold back on your new RM series for too long before releasing it to this culturally hungry part of the old empire.

Regards
Dave (South Africa)

]]> By: PAUL DIMITRIS KYRIOU http://georgeclarke.com/about-george/comment-page-31/#comment-58166 PAUL DIMITRIS KYRIOU Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:05:40 +0000 http://dev.h2point0.co.uk/georgeclarke/?page_id=11#comment-58166 Hi George, We met briefly back in May last year at the Ideal Home Show on the Glasgow leg of the tour. My name is Paul Kyriou and I am in the 3rd year of architecture school studying at The Mackintosh School of Architecture, Glasgow School of Art and will be receiving my BA this year - so I am currently searching for internship and/or experience opportunities. I asked you if there would be an opportunity to gain work experience of any kind with yourself and you advised me to email you my details which I have done a few times over the months, however, have had no correspondence - which to be honest is absolutely fine I understand you are an extremely busy person especially with your television work of which I am addicted to ha ha. I am very keen to know if there would be any chance of gaining experience under your wing. It was a real pleasure to meet you back in May last year. It was quite surreal and wonderful. Thanks for signing my copy of your home bible it has been very useful this year for my design work. I patiently await your reply. Thank you very much for your time and consideration in advance. Kindest regards, Paul Dimitris Kyriou Hi George,

We met briefly back in May last year at the Ideal Home Show on the Glasgow leg of the tour.
My name is Paul Kyriou and I am in the 3rd year of architecture school studying at The Mackintosh School of Architecture, Glasgow School of Art and will be receiving my BA this year – so I am currently searching for internship and/or experience opportunities.

I asked you if there would be an opportunity to gain work experience of any kind with yourself and you advised me to email you my details which I have done a few times over the months, however, have had no correspondence – which to be honest is absolutely fine I understand you are an extremely busy person especially with your television work of which I am addicted to ha ha. I am very keen to know if there would be any chance of gaining experience under your wing.

It was a real pleasure to meet you back in May last year. It was quite surreal and wonderful.
Thanks for signing my copy of your home bible it has been very useful this year for my design work.

I patiently await your reply. Thank you very much for your time and consideration in advance.

Kindest regards,
Paul Dimitris Kyriou

]]> By: Caroline E http://georgeclarke.com/about-george/comment-page-31/#comment-57266 Caroline E Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:33:44 +0000 http://dev.h2point0.co.uk/georgeclarke/?page_id=11#comment-57266 Hi George, Your shows have inspired me. Now I have a dream to find a old building and resore to its original beauty. Just will not be for now until i develop the funds to make this a reality. Thank you and all those people who have shared their dreams with us. Hi George,

Your shows have inspired me. Now I have a dream to find a old building
and resore to its original beauty. Just will not be for now until i develop the funds to make this a reality.

Thank you and all those people who have shared their dreams with us.

]]> By: j k http://georgeclarke.com/about-george/comment-page-31/#comment-57007 j k Thu, 05 Jan 2012 23:00:18 +0000 http://dev.h2point0.co.uk/georgeclarke/?page_id=11#comment-57007 Hi George, I have often watched your programs with interest and like the insight you give and your passion for your work but watching Restoration Man this evening was something else altogether. Very rarely do i watch tv and come away feeling the way i feel now. The story of the building and delving into its history was fascinating in itself but put alongside the drive of the family in devastating circumstances, just incredible. I'm sure i wasn't alone praying Nikki would make it through to see her dream home, which just happened to be the most spectacular transformation i have seen. An amazing building put into the shade by a truly amazing woman. Hi George,
I have often watched your programs with interest and like the insight you give and your passion for your work but watching Restoration Man this evening was something else altogether. Very rarely do i watch tv and come away feeling the way i feel now. The story of the building and delving into its history was fascinating in itself but put alongside the drive of the family in devastating circumstances, just incredible. I’m sure i wasn’t alone praying Nikki would make it through to see her dream home, which just happened to be the most spectacular transformation i have seen. An amazing building put into the shade by a truly amazing woman.

]]> By: Barb C http://georgeclarke.com/about-george/comment-page-31/#comment-51251 Barb C Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:36:58 +0000 http://dev.h2point0.co.uk/georgeclarke/?page_id=11#comment-51251 Hiya, I've seen a couple of the Property Scandal show's. Good work. The Empty Property Fund is a great idea. What's the story on Credit Unions over there now? (I've lived in Ireland for 8 years) I know they have them in Scotland. They offer affordable loans based on how much you have saved. It could be another way forward. I also think that rental properties need stricter regulations. That dump that that poor woman in Manchester had to live in should prove that. Keep up the pressure :) and I'll certainly share info to my friends on FB. Hiya,

I’ve seen a couple of the Property Scandal show’s. Good work. The Empty Property Fund is a great idea. What’s the story on Credit Unions over there now? (I’ve lived in Ireland for 8 years) I know they have them in Scotland. They offer affordable loans based on how much you have saved. It could be another way forward. I also think that rental properties need stricter regulations. That dump that that poor woman in Manchester had to live in should prove that. Keep up the pressure :) and I’ll certainly share info to my friends on FB.

]]> By: Dionne http://georgeclarke.com/about-george/comment-page-31/#comment-50966 Dionne Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:19:10 +0000 http://dev.h2point0.co.uk/georgeclarke/?page_id=11#comment-50966 Hi George really enjoyed The Great British Property Scandel its about time something was done about this, has you stated it is a waste a big waste in fact. I would like to know how and who these house will go to. Has me and my family would really gain from this. Thank you. Hi George really enjoyed The Great British Property Scandel its about time something was done about this, has you stated it is a waste a big waste in fact. I would like to know how and who these house will go to. Has me and my family would really gain from this. Thank you.

]]> By: Rowena Ross http://georgeclarke.com/about-george/comment-page-31/#comment-50544 Rowena Ross Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:14:04 +0000 http://dev.h2point0.co.uk/georgeclarke/?page_id=11#comment-50544 Hi George, Thought the programmes were fantastic and inspiational. I want to point out that I have read many comments on many websites and am a bit concerned about the negative feedback concerning the family that was rehoused. Unfortunately it was not stressed enough that you are not responsible for this as you re working for the council and in doing so trying to show the councils that it works. I think people need to wake up to the scandalous way some councils work, for instance, does the council want it to work? If not how good it would be if they could get everyone angry against the programme!!! How to do this? Cause race hate!!!!!?? I urge people to see the bigger picture of what you are trying to do and give their support and not react to one incident which was outwith your control. Good Luck Hi George,
Thought the programmes were fantastic and inspiational.
I want to point out that I have read many comments on many websites and am a bit concerned about the negative feedback concerning the family that was rehoused. Unfortunately it was not stressed enough that you are not responsible for this as you re working for the council and in doing so trying to show the councils that it works. I think people need to wake up to the scandalous way some councils work, for instance, does the council want it to work? If not how good it would be if they could get everyone angry against the programme!!! How to do this? Cause race hate!!!!!??
I urge people to see the bigger picture of what you are trying to do and give their support and not react to one incident which was outwith your control.
Good Luck

]]> By: stephen http://georgeclarke.com/about-george/comment-page-31/#comment-50453 stephen Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:53:50 +0000 http://dev.h2point0.co.uk/georgeclarke/?page_id=11#comment-50453 George, I watched the 'Property Scandal' show on channel 4. A very worthwhile cause but I would also question the RICS. The RICS has been unrealistically hiking rents and property prices for years and should be redressed for this. RICS valuers ALWAYS base their valuations on local property prices and if well decorated hike the price more to give the seller an unrealistic 'feel good factor'. This in turn sets a chain reaction with the market and hey presto - prices go up! Then mix this with a clutch of financial 'professionals' (I use the word loosely) who lend money to individuals who never have a hope of servicing the debt and there you have it a property crash!! As 2007/08. The RICS should be made to realise they have a moral professional duty to correctly advise the public rather than fleecing them for all they can get. I am not convinced of your proposals for a loan guarantee scheme as the 'tenants' may not be able to afford the rents until they 'get on their feet'. Prior to that I assume benefits will pay for rents? I can't yet see how such a proposal can be sustainable? The way to solve this problem is to have 'professional' bodies that are exactly that - professional; and encourage the professionals to have good morals that fit with honesty and integrity. I'm not convinced this will ever happen as everybody needs to earn a crust but some want substantially more than they need so they can buy the best car on the road and have the best image etc. I would encourage CPD events for professional institutions (CIOB, RIBA, RICS etc) where good morals, integrity and honesty are debated and also encourage financial and construction sustainability. Only when this is achieved will the property market start an upturn. I have been lobbying John Prescott for years concerning his proposal of 'the pathfinder' scheme and a good organisation on this trail is 'SAVE'; but governments look for votes and very seldom look for common sense. I have stated many many times these terraced housed should be given a little TLC; new roofs, kitchens and bathrooms and perhaps redesign of layout etc. John Prescott (sorry LORD Prescott) is as blind today concerning this issue as he was when he started on this road. Sorry for going on but good Social Housing delivery is a passion of mine. George, I watched the ‘Property Scandal’ show on channel 4. A very worthwhile cause but I would also question the RICS. The RICS has been unrealistically hiking rents and property prices for years and should be redressed for this. RICS valuers ALWAYS base their valuations on local property prices and if well decorated hike the price more to give the seller an unrealistic ‘feel good factor’. This in turn sets a chain reaction with the market and hey presto – prices go up! Then mix this with a clutch of financial ‘professionals’ (I use the word loosely) who lend money to individuals who never have a hope of servicing the debt and there you have it a property crash!! As 2007/08. The RICS should be made to realise they have a moral professional duty to correctly advise the public rather than fleecing them for all they can get.
I am not convinced of your proposals for a loan guarantee scheme as the ‘tenants’ may not be able to afford the rents until they ‘get on their feet’. Prior to that I assume benefits will pay for rents? I can’t yet see how such a proposal can be sustainable? The way to solve this problem is to have ‘professional’ bodies that are exactly that – professional; and encourage the professionals to have good morals that fit with honesty and integrity. I’m not convinced this will ever happen as everybody needs to earn a crust but some want substantially more than they need so they can buy the best car on the road and have the best image etc. I would encourage CPD events for professional institutions (CIOB, RIBA, RICS etc) where good morals, integrity and honesty are debated and also encourage financial and construction sustainability. Only when this is achieved will the property market start an upturn. I have been lobbying John Prescott for years concerning his proposal of ‘the pathfinder’ scheme and a good organisation on this trail is ‘SAVE’; but governments look for votes and very seldom look for common sense. I have stated many many times these terraced housed should be given a little TLC; new roofs, kitchens and bathrooms and perhaps redesign of layout etc. John Prescott (sorry LORD Prescott) is as blind today concerning this issue as he was when he started on this road. Sorry for going on but good Social Housing delivery is a passion of mine.

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