The Secret Millionaire

Comments

1. Could you advise the name of the drug rehab centre that Kevin assisted in Barnstaple - for young men in our area (Bideford / Barnstaple) - he assisted with their computer facilities so that they could type up CV's etc. I wouold like to make a small donation but cannot locate the charity. Many thsnks Susan

   Posted by Susan Guttridge on 25/11/2009 10:28:48

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2. Kevin, you have a big heart, almost as big as those 3 charities you donated to. It is refreshing for Secret Millionaire to feature in a rural area, especially one in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and whilst thriving, like many towns N. Devon has pockets of deprivation and poverty often more hidden in rural areas. It should be noted that if it were not for the charities and volunteers that work for their local communities, they would not thrive as much as they do, filling the gaps by the decrease in public spending and cutbacks on statutory services, more detrimental to those living in rural areas. Keep up the good work all. well done.

   Posted by Devonian on 30/09/2009 19:29:24

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3. I want to earn a living out of playing the piano I can play the piano to a very high standard with minimum effort. from Elton John to Beethoven PIano Sonata Pathetique No8. I have a WHITE HOT DESIRE FOR IT. But I would like to know where I can start.

   Posted by Dhirendra on 29/09/2009 23:46:05

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4. We wish to say congratulations to Kevin on his very entertaining program which went out Wed 23 sept 2009. Can you forward this message to Kevin as my sister Mairead O'Dolan wishes to ask him to send a return message. Thanking you. Yours sincerly Olivia O'Dolan in Ireland.

   Posted by Olivia O'Dolan on 25/09/2009 21:44:12

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5. I thought the show was amazing. I would love to know how Kevin has built up his fortune - who he has learnt from and what lessons he could pass on. Would be amazing to hear and inspiring from a person who clearly gave alot of himself - not just his money on the show.

   Posted by entrepreneur on 25/09/2009 19:31:13

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6. I watched the show for the first time wednesday night and was amazed at the generosity of the secret millionaire Kevin. It had me in tears by the end of the show. It really restores my faith in humanity to know that there are people like Kevin out there willing to help others as he has.

   Posted by simon cartwright on 25/09/2009 16:32:37

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7. What an amazing journey you have been on Kevin and so great to see a man in your position giving back to those less fortunate. I was deeply touched by the show and realise that success is definately the journey, not the destination. You have a big heart and a kind soul. Thank you so much. S.

   Posted by Silas J. Lees on 25/09/2009 14:45:06

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8. I was born in Barnstaple and spent an idyllic childhood in this area. I left to go to university and returned 20 years later, as I wanted my children to be brought up with the same wonderful memories as myself - being able to run free in lovely surroundings. We still enjoy all the pleasures that money can't buy - as we are still surrounded by picturesque beaches and open moorland, and as you see in the programme, I believe we have some of the biggest hearted and most selfless people in the country among our population. When I was a child people here, on the whole, were able to enjoy a better standard of living, although few were rich. If you live in Barnstaple now it is impossible to get a well paid job, because basically there are no jobs for people with higher qualifications. I have two degrees and use my skills to work with children with special needs for ?7,000 a year. It is a very rewarding job and I am fortunate that I can afford to do it, as I own my house. Utility bills are disproportionately expensive, so are a struggle, and most people are paid below ?15,000 a year, if they have a job, but it is worth it to be out of the rat race and living among people, who care about others and have values other than making their pile at other people's expense! Yes, life is not easy here, but it was a different story before Margaret Thatcher encouraged rampant selfishness and individualism to become a way of life in this country. I am pleased that our wonderful local representatives in the film have taught at least one 'Thatcher's child' to think differently and rediscover the best part of himself.

   Posted by Margaret on 25/09/2009 09:22:29

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9. ive lived in barnstaple my whole life, and i know its not the best of places, but its not as bad as he made it seem. its a beautiful area and yea we may not be what is considered well off, but we are not deprived either. Im very touched by his kind donations which i thought were wonderful and he gave to really worth while causes. But im worried for the tourism as he bad mouthed the area to such an extent it could be damaged and most of our businesses thrive off that. Other than that he was ok.

   Posted by mhmmm on 24/09/2009 22:25:55

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10. "one of the most deprived areas in rural England" obviously hasn't visited ilfracombe or east the water.

    Posted by The legend on 24/09/2009 20:10:49

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11. I live in the centre of Barnstaple and watching that programme last night it was as if you were talking about somewhere else. I think Barnstaple is a lovely place to live. It has its bad elements but no more than most and much less than some. You've come to our town and painted a really bad picture thats not deserved. If people are honest and willing to work than Barnstaple has much to offer.

    Posted by Amanda on 24/09/2009 18:14:38

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12. I loved loved loved this episode. Thanks Kevin - i only wish i could get involved myself and help homeless people around the valleys - but its being safe that worries me........there are lots of homeless people needing help but they are reliant on drugs and that worries me.

    Posted by sarah on 24/09/2009 17:56:26

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13. hi, does anyone know if this new series is being repeated on more 4 or any other channeks , i have missed the first 2 shows, stuart

    Posted by stuart on 24/09/2009 16:04:31

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14. loved the show i was a part of it living in amber it was fun with the the hole lot was and i would like to say thank you 4 all the work you put in

    Posted by darren on 24/09/2009 13:20:19

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15. People like Kevin & the others involved with the various projects restore my faith in human nature. Thank you for caring. I'm also pleased that Kevin himself seems to have benefited emotionally from the experience.Well done.

    Posted by Katie on 24/09/2009 13:18:38

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16. Hi Kevin dont know if you read this,just like to say well done you have come a long way since the B.I.S course in Wales and since i last saw you at the Nuffieldreunion in Barnstaple in 2002 i think it was you fell off the radar then now i know what you were doing The projects you gave to are very deserving itmust have been fullfilling to do so if you are in the area again please contact i would very much like to catch up mike Gilbert Little Marland Fm

    Posted by mike gilbert on 24/09/2009 11:06:02

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17. Just wanted to say to Kevin, a big well done for all your hard work and generosity. We have a disabled child and we have taken him to swim with Dolphins, we noticed last night that the little Girl did swim with Dolphins in Florida, but the better place is in Key Largo which specialises with disable kids, the place is island dolphin care. org. a fantastic place.

    Posted by Tony on 24/09/2009 09:38:41

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18. Maybe Mr Green should have complete control of the governments social housing and build an empire with taxpayers money for the benefit of the entire country and not his retirement pot.

    Posted by claire75 on 23/09/2009 23:19:05

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19. Well done Kevin, you' ve done a wonderful thing and wow weren't you brave. I cried my eyes out watching you but was very proud of you seeing things differently. Best of luck for the future.

    Posted by Kate on 23/09/2009 22:54:02

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20. Kevin Green, what an amazing, kind and soulfulman. A brilliant business brain with integrity and great communication skills. He loves a trier! I empathise with him to a degree. What a joy and inspiration to watch,listen and learn. Well done Channel 4 for selecting Kevin and your sensitive commentary. My Mum always taught me that if you have the way with all, spread a little happiness.

    Posted by Caroline J Fox on 23/09/2009 22:39:21

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21. I've lived in barnstpale my whole life, and its not the best place in the country, but its a great place to grow up, they have shown the worst of barnstaple but every town has places like this, they havent shown what this town is really about, There are many places much more "deprived" than barnstaple.

    Posted by White on 23/09/2009 22:37:14

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22. But , no matter where the place is, Obviously Kevin is a Good Person and has affiliation with the area! I wish he would come to my area :) Kevin, sorry to hear about your Sister ! Greetings from Ireland, Kevin!

    Posted by supermum53 on 23/09/2009 22:34:17

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23. I think Kevin touched on some very good points that would be associated with many towns and cities around the country. The point that touched me the most was the hospic, i can relate to everything that Kevin did and said there. I lost my son 3 years ago at 20 months old the support that they gave to me and my other son who was only 6 at the time was fantastic i would not have made it through the worst time in my life without the care that they gave to me and my son. Hospices should not have to rely on charitable donations the goverment needs to do more in the way of funding hospices they are so important to sick children and their families.

    Posted by Debbie on 23/09/2009 22:15:45

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24. Wonderful giving really is a great feeling. Well done Kevin.

    Posted by Patricia on 23/09/2009 22:04:40

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25. Jason, you are right to identify affordable housing as real issue in Northern Devon. However, the Forches and Whiddon ward is one of the most deprived in the country. The problems of affordable homes is linked to the area having one the smallest social housing sector in the country, empty homes (approx 1400 in North devon alone), second homes and one of the highest salary to house price ratios in the country.

    Posted by 39 Steps on 23/09/2009 07:57:52

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26. i lived in barstaple for nearly thirty years its far from deprived, sure its got a few problems but which small town doesn't. the main problem for the town is lack of affordable housing thanks to millionare city folk buying themselves nice little holiday homes.

    Posted by jason kinnear on 22/09/2009 21:20:19

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27. its an expensive place to live more like!! having some of the highest water rates in the country so everyone else from other parts can come down and pollute our bathing areas!! agree with above comment on having no affordable housing cos the council keeps running out of money!! (yeah right, heard that old tale so many times) Appledore must only have about ten full time residents! ok slight exageration there but most of the houses there are second homes being rented out at extortionate prices. He lives in a grotty bedsit I see for the duration of the program but bedsits are few and far between in Barnstaple. Most of the flats are for elderly folk whove paid a fortune for them as they keep springing up rather than homes for families. There are far worse places to live than North Devon and the only scavvy people are the druggies who choose to waste their dole money getting their fix, I wouldnt give them any help so Im hoping he doesnt give to them!!

    Posted by sara on 22/09/2009 17:24:17

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28. Yes - Barnstaple has some of the most deprived areas - areas such as Forches and parts of St Marys which is in Central Ward. You see people always see what they want to see. Yes like most towns and cities there are good areas and the bad ones. It will be good to see that help is at hand to some local charities and organisations that help those less fortunate than most. Well done Mr Green. NOTE to channel 4 - its spelt Barnstaple and not Barnstable. please change if you get this post. Barumite

    Posted by Barum on 21/09/2009 21:17:20

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29. Bunty, don't like to spoil your arguement with inconvenient facts, but Barnstaple, Ilfracombe and Bideford have wards that are among the most deprived in the UK. Check out deprivation indices on DCC/NDC/NOMIS sites. You might find that you don't know the area as well as you think. Presumably you are all right Jack!

    Posted by 39 Steps on 21/09/2009 08:36:20

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30. I used to live in Barnstaple and whilst being a pretty ex- market town, it has much to be desired in terms of stable work, oppotunities for the young and finally affordable housing. It's an area impoverished with low level crime that given the sheer number of local constabulary shouldn't be an issue for a town so sized. Should prove an interesting show! I hope the gentlemen concerned helps Barnstaple's populace with some philantrapy!

    Posted by Robert on 19/09/2009 15:52:47

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31. It's not deprived, its not pretty and its spelt with a P (Barnstaple)!!!!!

    Posted by Mo on 17/09/2009 14:15:18

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32. I live in Barnstaple and I have to say that Barnstaple is far from "most deprived areas in rural England" yes we have a few areas around Barnstaple that are a little worst for wear but by no mean "most deprived"! Maybe if people from the cities stopped buying holiday homes down here it would stop bumping up the price of properties around the area and we deprived folk would be able to afford homes in our towns?!

    Posted by Bunty on 17/09/2009 08:12:34

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