By: Bernard Hare

Bernard Hare — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:54:10 +0000

Harsh, but Mac is a professional so I understand. I’ve just read this review and Mac’s response for the first time, as I was trying to put a few interesting links on my website. It’s undoubtedly the most intelligent review of my book that I’ve ever read. I’ve never once replied to any of them and I do so here only to plead guilty to most of the failings I’m accused of. I did the 4 year CQSW and degree course at Hatfield Poly 1977-81. My mother died during my final placement and I had hated every second of the course up to that point, so it wasn’t a happy time for me, nevertheless I worked in some pretty vicious assessment centres (are we still allowed to mention them?) in London till the mid-80s. The professionals weren’t really getting anywhere with the kids so I decided to try something different. I suppose you’d have to call it long term commitment. Naturally, I was drummed out of the profession because of it. “Urban” - a real person - has just served 2 1/2 year of a 5 year sentence and I consider myself 3/4 to blame for it. He’s out now and this Bank Holiday weekend we’re away to the Lakes, just the lads. Me, him, his 3 year old son, and a 9 year old boy, no relation to either of us, his partner’s child by a previous relationship if you must know. The childrens’ mother feels we can be trusted near water. “Urban” doesn’t drink or smoke and his 3 year old keeps telling me I’m going to die unless I do the same, no doubt at his instigation. I had my problems just as “Urban” had his. Working through them is a process that can take years or even decades - and any good professional should be aware of that.

By: Mac

Mac — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 13:16:43 +0000

It certainly gave an honest and vivid account of some young people’s life. It left me wanting to talk to someone else who read it (but then I have a vested interest) but I feel annoyed that he calls himself a sort of social worker and don’t believe for a minute he actually ever worked as a professional. I totally agree that he is more of an anthropologist. It gave an interesting insight but also left me wanting to hold him to account for how he failed Urban and the rest of the crew. These kids did deserve better. I don’t suppose there are too many Choppers out there but by his own account I reckon he did as much damage as he done good!

Comments on: Bernard Hare : Urban Grimshaw and the Shed Crew

By: Bernard Hare

By: Mac