I had applied for a transfer here 18 months ago when I first got my C cat. I was informed that due to my parole review, all transfer requests had been cancelled.
I am still awaiting that review but at least I am in the right place to get a progressive move to a D cat.
I know about a dozen people in here from Swaleside and that has helped in my settling in.
I will not go into the grim details of the move and my induction, but I am now on the lifer wing and very comfy. I even have my own ensuite equipped with a shower unit ... and my own cell key.
The word is that this prison is very pro-active in helping you through your sentence plan.
There is a lifer clerk stationed on the wing, who you can talk to face to face. After only one day she has been able to tell me that my review will probably be heard in March.
It's not the news I wanted but at least I have been told something, unlike the wall of silence I faced at Swaleside.
Helen has been in contact with two national newspaper reporters, who are interested in my case, both have a good track record of discrediting Essex police.
I have a lot to do now. I need to copy and edit 110 pages of witness statements which will keep me busy.
I now have a solicitor who is dealing with my parole matters, which will leave me some freedom to concentrate on the appeal work.
I am also waiting for a decision from the law students at Leeds University. I keep my fingers crossed that they support my claims.
I have applied for a job as library orderly. Armed with a blinding reference from the library at Swaleside, I introduced myself to the librarian who was very keen to have me join the team. But he warns that security may want to assess me themselves, rather than rely on my good reports from Swaleside and that could take 2-3 months.
I will not be eligible for town visits as the rules now say that in C category you have to have been away for 10 years. The should give the parole board good reason to recommend the D as that is the only place that I will be entitled to town visits within my tariff.
Let's hope they see sense - though commonsense and the prison system don't normally run on the same track.
I am sparked into believing that this move is the best one I have made and feel really positive about being established in open conditions this time next year.
The family are all fine. Gaye's dementia has got no worse and Alec continues to care for her and Andrew. James is still relying on Agency work, sometimes getting 2 or 3 days work, sometimes nothing at all.
Helen still keeps herself busy with the voluntary work and church, but she was able to visit me before Christmas with brother Paul. It was very good to see them both as I hadn't seen them since Dad's funeral.
Here's my new address -
Roger Gordon HP8675
HMP The Mount
Molyneaux Avenue
Bovingdon
Hemel Hempstead
Herts HP3 0NZ
Roger Gordon
