Putting the Kart first
Saturday 29th May 2010, 3:01PM BST.
From Freda Ruderham.
REFERENCE the proposed extinguishment of the loop road at Ronez. What will it take to get through to the self-centred minority who believe that the world revolves around them?
I am outraged at the idea that a small minority can bring this about, with total disregard to the other people who use it. Appalling. It matters not to them.
The peace and tranquillity of gazing across the water from the north coast is a wonderful experience.
I am a regular user of the area. I practice health giving Tai Chi and Qigong there and blend with nature. People drive up there and just gaze out across the blue water. With the sun shining on it, they find themselves.
To no longer have the opportunity to do this, because a club wants to race fast little cars around the circle; my sense of justice is crying, enough! Yet government officials decree that the road could be extinguished, so they can do just that? Are those officials mad?
I missed the article in the Post, which is unusual for me, for I tend to keep a wary eye on that which concerns our beautiful island. However, I am aware now, and I will not let it pass without making my protest against the constant and vicious assault on the land of our birth.
Constant vigilance is a must, otherwise we could wake up one day to find ourselves surrounded by concrete. Politicians et al would call it ‘progress’. Pah!
I am incensed by the idea that this area will become inaccessible to anyone but members of the kart club. This club has been going for years and they have always whinged about having nowhere of their own to race their karts. Nor have the JMC&LCC – yet.
I don’t ever recall hearing them constantly whinging that they have nowhere of their own to race. They race down the Five Mile Road, sometimes on the sand. The road is closed for a time, which we all accept, then when finished all is back to normal, the peace and tranquility returned.
What will those same politicians and civil servants do when the JMC&LCC ask for the Five Mile Road to be extinguished so they can have somewhere of their own to race?
Remember this, you politicians, et al, when you create such a precedent as you propose doing with the extinguishment of that loop road, which is also used by the public. You open up a Pandora’s box. Do this at your peril.
Incidentally, I have no connection with the JMC&LCC. My sole concern is to preserve and fight for our heritage; for all, not just a privileged few.
I say to the politicians: ‘You are there to serve we the public, so serve us. Pay attention.’
One incensed lady.
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What a selfish and arrogant attitude. Just because you do not enjoy kart racing you think that it should not be available to anyone else. Just suppose that was applied to your own interests. I am sure that you would see it differently.
I have no wish to race karts myself but I am very happy that there is now a chance for those who do want to. They used to have their own track in St. Brelade that also attracted visitors.
Jersey is a small island and some things are just not practical but that is one hobby that is suitable here and should be encouraged.
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I think you need an extra session of Tai Chi to calm you down if you are that incensed !!!
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You Quote,they find themselves,why are they lost,and if so,they wont get lost again,,,will they,,,,
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Shut up your moaning and get your facts straight, do som ti tea to calm yourself down!!
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A very sad attitude, I am afraid to say.
Karting is a very family orientated activity, but then modern Jersey does not encourage stable family life. The withdrawal of States Loan starter homes and other assitance has virtually ruled out the family, hence the social problems that the island now faces.
While there are thouse who wish to preserve the island as a kind of museum, sometimes you have to move forward and to progress to preserve what you have, that being a stable society where everyone has an opportunity.
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I don’t mind you having a kart track – just mind having to pay for it. If there are so many of you wanting a track my recommendation is that you all throw some money into a pot and buy some land of your own. In my view more of a monstrosity than a neccesity.
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“People drive out there and gaze..”
Probably at you !!
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I here that Tai che is very unhealthy for us adrenalin junkies so should be banned along with gazing out to sea and other such unhealthy pastimes. What is the island coming too when such abnormal practices are thrust apon us as the only answer to our happyness and wellbeing.
In short typical of the tree hugger brigade, totally intollerant of any point of view but their own
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Excellent letter, Freda.
The loop road is the wrong place for a full time track. I don’t mind some give and take losing it now and then with temporary road closure, but to lose one of our best viewpoints to a minority would be absurd. There HAS to be a better place for a track! I’d love to see them settled with a brilliant track somewhere, but NOT at Ronez Point – PLEASE!
Aren’t there any playing fields with enough space around the edge of the pitch? A kart track doesn’t need a vast space, surely it can fit in somewhere inland without spoiling our valuable coastline?!
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#9 ‘A kart track doesn’t need a vast space, surely it can fit in somewhere inland without spoiling our valuable coastline?!’
How about in the bottom of Ronez Quarry at weekends?
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Oh my god….. this is a classic case of listening to gossip and moaning before you get your facts right…
I read the article about the kart club wanting to turn the loop into a perminant circuit… though would still be open to the public during the weekdays! Which unless im mistaken… is the case just now!
I am sorry but that was a very selfish comment to say.
As you can guess from my name, I am a teenager and this is the kind of stuff that Jersey needs to give us something to do!
Of course if we cannot do anything… then I would presume you will be moaning again in 3 months time that teenagers are being “annoying” and “claim” they are bored.
I shall admit I enjoy going to quiet areas to relax…. maybe not to do Ti Chi and whatever else floats your boat… but my god there are so many more places to go to!
Egypt? Gronez? Le’Taq (or however it is spelt!)
Oh how I get so annoyed by people who start throwing the toys out the pram before knowing all the facts…
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Jersey Teenager, what facts do you think we’re missing? I’ve read the plans on the kart club website, and the loop road WOULD be lost to vehicular traffic forever. The viewpoint there IS the best in the island.
Therefore, the proposals would rob us of the best in-car viewpoint. Simple facts. So, what are we missing?
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@9 &12 No way
In my humble opnion there is a better view of France from the small gravel car park before the loop road and you dont have to look at the quarry either ! how many viewpoints do you need ?
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The race course has plenty of space in the middle for a tarmac or dirt track and this then can be converted back for race days….
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@14 Mark G
Been there tried that got told to go elsewhere !!! many moons ago as well
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I used to live at La Rue Carre, on the border between St. Brelade and St. Peter. This was just a short distance from the Belle Vue Go Kart Track.
My peace and quiet was often spoilt by what sounded like angry bees whizzing around the circuit.
For those of you who have taken the wee wee out of Freda Ruderham’s comments, I wonder how you’d feel having them near your homes and having your peace disturbed, by the noise of go karts every week end, when all you want is a bit of peace and quiet.
What about global warming and the pollution to the air?
Best place for the go karts is the Ecréhous.
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I’ll second that – there’s lots of room in the middle of the horse racing circuit, I was just thinking that at the weekend! If they can tarmac a runway for the model aircraft a bit farther down Les Landes, surely they can allow a bit more where no-one usually goes. If the neighbours can put up with those whiney model aircraft, a few quiet karts now and then shouldn’t be a problem.
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The simple solution is to introduce the required changes to the loop – which would add a few corners to the infield section – whilst allowing the main loop road to be utilised during non-race days.
I have seen the Kart Club’s proposals and I believe that this proposal would be perfectly viable. This would even be possible if they had to construct a small infield structure with a pit lane, boxes,timing booth, etc.
The local kart club people deserve a permanent fixture for their meetings (circa 20 odd a year), but it would be foolish to completely close off such a beautiful spot during non-meet days.
Many Islanders – myself included – are still fuming over the closure of the Belle Vue track; having a permanent circuit would be a form of redemption.
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The facts are simple ..the Kart club have already been enjoying the priviledge of enjoying that spot…just because they can’t be bothered to put away the paraphernalia…unlike the Jersey Motor Cycle and light car Club who hold race meetings ,hill climbs,beach racing and sprints…then just tidy up and go home afterwards…the public should not be expected to give up this area for what amounts to lack of gratitude and plain laziness.
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The bottom line is this. The club has no entitlement to take over the area, whatever its members might think. It also enjoys a particular concession at the moment. A very generous concession. The present situation has been brought about by the club, which now wants to end that concession and replace it with something else.
I like motor sports. I also believe that those who wish to prevent despoilation of the area and creeping devlopment should be allowed to speak without being shouted down. Given the level of opposition, perhaps it would be sensible if the club were to put this plan on hold and to enter into a full consultation. That has not occurred, despite what the club sets out now. I had never heard of this proposition, neither has anybody else to whom I have spoken.
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@16 Hugh Janus ( i had to read that twice ! )
Rue Carre , is’nt
that near the airport ?
thought so
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Grasshopper # 21. The sound of the old aircraft, i.e. de Havilland DH.114 Herons and Douglas DC3 Dakotas was much nicer than the sound two stroke engines.
What is wrong with my name being associated with the lower part of a person’s anatomy…..it is a pretty good pseudonym even if I say so myself.
If you google it, it appears there are actually folk with that name. A bit like Edna Cloud and Ivor Arthur Brain
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I live rather near to the track at Ronez. I don’t have a problem with it at all, Its different, something for kids and adults to get involved in. has no one bothered to realise that Ronez is a blasting site. Has no one heard the air raid sirens screaming to warn of an explosion.
Couple on holiday!
look down there whats that Dorris! oh a quarry Derek isn’t it beutiful, and the smell of the sea air is so refreshing Derek! sniff sniff isnt that plastic explosives burning dorris. thats a funny place to do Thi Chi.
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nice one helen , see the truth is out there!
what would happen if Ronez wanted to take the extra land ? it is not the only place in jersey where you can park your car and look at france, there are no foot paths for walkers there because of the quarry and there are many bbq sites all over the island. as for the green party worried about pollution do you drive there or go on your bike ?
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i to love going up there, with the blue water green meadows, rainbows, talikng animals and children with gum drop smiles. What a hippie! the north coast is what, 12 miles long, go to any of the other 11.5 miles of it. let at least some people in this island have fun, even if its a few days a week.
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The problem lies, among other things, with the prosepct of future development, the precedent will be set. No-one seems to have noticed that there is no suggestion of the club remaining there. What is opposed is the idea of handing this public, prime, site to the club. It is the club which wishes to end the present generous arrangement. let’s remember that before we shout down those who wish to preserve the site for generations to come.
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