I live an unusual life. By day, I am a mild-mannered tax official, doing a job which doesn't exactly stretch me. But away from the office, my life is... complex. I switch from the (relatively) intellectual slow lane to a life of high drama, low politics and intrigue, albeit some of it vicariously. You can see my problem, perhaps. Or perhaps not. You see, I quite enjoy having a low-octane job in that sense, as it comes as something of a relaxant, a relatively straightforward task which, without false modesty, I'm pretty good at. I can apply some intellectual rigour, ...
When the incident happened a number of weeks ago, it was quite frankly the most terrifying moment of my life. I never thought that it would happen to me in my own home. I felt safe here and had never ... Continue reading →
Welcome to Broxtowe Enews, brought to you by the Liberal Democrats and edited by David Watts, the leader of Broxtowe Council. First many apologies that there was no edition last week. I've been away on holiday but obviously didn't want to publicise that fact in advance. For the same reason if you've contacted me over the past few days you haven't had a reply, but I'll try and catch up on correspondence over the next few days. 1. Kimberley By Election If you live in Kimberley or Cossall you have the opportunity to vote for a new councillor this coming ...
I have been doing some fascinating research of late into the psychology of bullies. Having been a victim of bullying myself at school, what goes through a bully's mind has always intrigued me. Understanding what goes through the mind of ... Continue reading →
I've been playing with the WordPress theme that this site uses for the last few weeks. Changes have included: Reconfiguring it as a child theme to the standard TwentyTen theme that was introduced with WordPress 3.0. Making it entirely customisable from the WordPress admin pages (of which more later), including: Full control of all text on the page Drag and drop control of the images used in the rotating headers and boxes Control of the Twitter, Flickr, Facebook and YouTube accounts to show on the front page Writing drag-and-drop widgets to show Flickr photographs, social networking icons and the sign-up ...
Yes, the world was here, in Billingham, for the International Folklore Festival. It was, as usual, enjoyable, with lots of colour (I shouldn't single anyone out but those Mexican dresses ...), skill (again not to single anyone out, but the Armenians ....) and sheer energy (again not to single anyone out, but the Russians as aways ....), and really good dancing too from China, Israel, Croatia and...
To the dismay of some of my more 'sensible' readers, today marks the resumption of normal service. Dont know what I mean? Then let me explain. The football season started again in earnest today with the Premier League kicking off ... Continue reading →
Another excellent update on hosted WordPress sites this evening. I spotted an update that says that all posts can now have a 'tweet this' button. Its been long overdue this little feature to nice one WordPress for activating it! Filed ... Continue reading →
I did alude the other day and indeed over the past few weeks on Facebook that things in my live are about to head for a change. Well I tonight I did let slip on Twitter and Facebook that I have just enjoyed an Au Revoir meal with Caron's. Anna was our waitress for the evening, Bob prepared an excellent menu of which we had choices but not for the main which was Aberdeen Angus Beef Fillet Steak in a rich peppercorn sauce, accompanied by rosemary potatoes tossed in parsley and roast garlic and tender, sweet asparagus. We had printed ...
Further to the caravans leaving the Aviva/Norwich Union site at the Technology Park, the council's Rapid Response Team has now largely tidied the mess left behind. The council's Chief Executive has updated me as follows : "There was considerable amount of rubbish to clear, and I am told the vast majority has been cleared away. There is still some rubbish on the site, but this will be cleared as soon as possible. Aviva has been very co-operative and prompt at dealing with the legal action, and we will be charging them for the cost of clearing the rubbish and cleaning ...
We picked this up, among other treasures, at the Doctor Who shop in east London last week; no editorial credit is given, though 16 pages (of 90) are attributed to Justin Richards, 14 to Oli Smith and six to Trevor Baxendale. Most of the book is rehashing of the stories of the 2010 season of Who, with some reference to previous seasons' stories, with a few games, mazes, wordsearch, etc. But I want to say a word in favour of Justin Richards' contribution; my recent reviews of his books have been unenthusiastic, but I think he has three excellent short ...
Following my recent updates about the state of the former nursery site in Perth Road, it was good to note the badly damaged "For Sale" signs replaced during the past week - the new signs are pictured right. Following the actions of the City Council in contacting the owner, it is to be hoped that some trimming of the badly overgrown foliage on the site, particularly at the Perth Road boundary and adjacent to residents' homes at the southern edge, takes place soon.
...Gleefully pointed out by my offspring in St Ives, Cornwall today.
Tom Ford, the Lib Dem candidate in the upcoming Camborne Town Council by election, has called for pride in Camborne to be the main focus of his campaign. "People are often quick to criticise Camborne, but I enjoy living here, it's a nice place and I aim to promote the many positives of this town through my campaign," said Tom, aged 25. Tom lives in the Roskear area of Camborne, and has worked in catering and retail since leaving school in 2001. He enjoys following sport and watching the Cornish Pirates in his spare time. His father is a popular ...
It's 25 years since I left Earl's Court but I still retain a lot of affection for SW5. It's no longer Kangaroo Valley — the haunt of transient Australians — or even that much of a gay village any more. And whereas it was considered very down-market when I lived there, it has become as chic ...
First up today, a lovely reminder of a perfect moment from Kate. Stephen wonders if he's a must-read in the Oval Office. Lallands Peat Worrier has been looking at the reasons for women being less likely to vote for the SNP than men. On the issue of gender balance as a female Liberal Democrat I look quite jealously at the SNP benches which have a much healthier balance of men and women than ours at Holyrood, but the SNP membership is only a third women and the proportion of women with confidence in the Scottish Government has fallen since 2007. ...
In a rare moment of self gratification, I have updated and added some new pages to the menu listing the wonderful comments that people have said about the site along with a new page for some of the nominations and ... Continue reading →
Jamaica Day 2010 for Greater Manchester - Sat 21st Aug Jamaica Day is a family event, hosted for all communities in Greater Manchester. It seeks to strengthen cultural and intergenerational bonds, and promote personal and community development to contribute to safe, happy and prosperous communities across Greater Manchester. For more details go to:- http://www.jamaicaday.co.uk/
Those who know me well know of my passion for photography. With that in mind many thanks to pavlovscat who has dug out these stunning in colour pictures from 1940s America. You can view them here WOW!!
Only the one by-election this week, a gain for the Conservatives: Conservative 617 (44.6; +5.6) Labour 544 (39.4; -0.7) LibDem (Garry Harrison) 104 (7.5; -0.6) Green 45 (3.3; +3.3) BNP 39 (2.8; +2.8) English Democrats 33 (2.4; n/a) Majority 73 Turnout 25.3% Con gain from Lab (There were two parties standing last time who didn't stand this time.)
Long time readers will know a little about my love of "alternative" religions (some call them weird, but I think ALL religion is weird and thus don't approach any with a particular prejudice). Well I'm back on my Latter-Day Saints trip right now and think you should watch the following awesome PBS documentaries. Absolutely fascinating overview of Mormon history. and If you feel benevolent and particularly generous, this writer always appreciates things bought for him from his wishlist
I'm not normally a fan of Porsches, but this is no ordinary Porsche. I'm ambivalent about Hybrids, but this is no ordinary Hybrid. The 918 Spyder can do 0-62mph in just 3.2 seconds but can also achieve at least 78mpg (although I've also seen the figure of 94.1!) Andrew
West Hampstead Spotlight Blog: Three Camden schools get go-ahead: "Artist's impression of the new academy Great news for Camden parents and children today, both in the north and the south of the borough. ..." This is the story posted by Keith Moffitt on our "sister" Spotlight blog" which contains the welcome news that local children will have the opportunity of going to a great new school in Swiss Cottage from - if all goes well - September 2011. The plans have received planning permission and contractors had already been appointed just waiting for the green light from the new coalition ...
How close in distance are you to a homeless person? Have you noticed the increase in the numbers of them? Last year in London alone there were 3, 673 people sleeping on the streets. The road to becoming homeless is decreasing in size and it could happen to anybody. Have you ever spoken to a homeless person to understand their situation? Years ago my family were lucky enough to be able to help a homeless man. His name was Andy and he used to work as a builder. He fell down a ladder and broke his leg. He couldn't work ...
The Guardian today has an interview with Shirley Williams, who at 80, continues to work full-time and is active in questioning the coalition government's stance on academies, health and Trident: If you give up what you most care about you start dying. It doesn't matter what age. Debate within the coalition on the key issues is a positive thing, insists Williams: What we have to do is get as much as one possibly can of what Lib Dems believe into the coalition programme. It's no good simply saying our role is to say no to everything. Williams admits her surprise ...
Six Town Housing, the arms length housing provider for Bury Council is about to comment a number of internal improvements to many properties in the Prestwich area. The work, being undertaken byThe Casey Group includes replacing kitchens and bathrooms, heating works to include replacing boilers, re-wiring kitchens & bathrooms. (Please note work will vary in each property dependant on meeting the decent homes criteria.) Properties to be included include houses on: Bury Old Road, Langley Avenue, Langley Crescent, Langley Gardens, Langley Grange, Langley Grove, Langley Hall Road, Polefield Approach, Polefield Grange, Polefield Hall Road Heys Road, Holyrood Court, Parrenthorn Road ...
I'm a feminist. But I might not be their kind of feminist. Or your kind of feminist. Or his kind of feminist. Or her kind of feminist. Unfortunately (and fortunately!) there are many kinds of feminism. It makes it a rich academic field, it makes it a potent political force (or did), and it makes it a hugely important area of thought to consider. Unfortunately, feminism as a concept is in danger. Had I said that, decades ago, we might have blamed the silent majority complicit in male oppression. We may have blamed the status quo, or the system, or ...
Here's what the report to conference from the Federal Policy Committee (FPC) says on the matter: The FPC has had a number of discussions on the implications for its role and the Party's policy-making of our new status as a party of government. The FPC is very clear that the Party's complete independence in policy-making shall continue. The Committee will be developing new ways of working both to ensure the maximum Liberal Democrat policy input into the Coalition Government, and also to continue to ensure a separate Liberal Democrat policy identity. In particular the FPC will developing a close working ...
David Cameron has recently supported the move by Manchester councils to impose a minimum price on alcohol. This plays to his support for localism and the Big Society. The proposal is not an example of free market liberalism. There will always be a tension between giving power away and then standing back as the people you give that power to do something that goes against another part of your political philosophy. In this case though, it seems the Prime Minister rather likes the policy. Iain Roberts discusses all this on Lib Dem Voice. Reading the comments it appears that the ...
Under the category libertarian there is a long list of bloggers. Not all say they are libertarians. Some say they are market anarchists, some are classical liberals and others are mutualists. I also have Jock Coats listed under Liberal Democrat because he is a party member despite being a market-anarchist. Libertarian is an easy way of describing them all but is it accurate? And if it isn't how many categories do I need to adequately describe them all? Suggestions welcome.
Following my post the other week about losing 26 years of my life and returning to 1984, the local news has reminded me it was 26 years since so many West Midland teams were in the top flight of English football.
... well that is what Peter Bingle thinks. In four blog posts this week, Peter has set why he thinks the Conservative party, and the Lib Dems, will fall away after the 2015 general election. He speculates that an informal electoral pact will pave the way for a new centre party to emerge. I have repeatedly argued on this blog that a liberal consensus is emerging that cuts across all three political parties. If I am right then perhaps its expression will be a party that embraces Whig liberalism and mutualism. You can read Peter's musings by clicking on these ...
Earlier in the week we went to Troopers HIll - it is a lovely nature reserve by Crews Hole and St George. With chimneys harking back to an industrial past. I particularly enjoyed the pink heathers and see so many different fruits on the hedges. A woodpecker balsted by overhead at one point. I bumped into Julian the parkie who was covered from head to toe with grass cuttings. Glad to see the green sapce being cared for. I will go back. It was my first visit but thoroughly enjoyable it was!
In light of an anti terror advert from ACPO being banned for "causing serious offence" some wag has produced the following........ :-) H/T lookingforavoice
Despite heavy rain, the new event taking place today and tomorrow around Ramsgate Harbour seems well attended. Not quite sure what it's all about but there is plenty to occupy visitors with entertainment stalls and fairground rides. Also pleasing to see was Ramsgate Mayor David Green and county councillor Elizabeth Green involving themselves in the clearing up operations from the recent heavy rains, I also spotted Michael Child thanet online rushing past me, no doubt with some photos of the event.
From the Council: Stockport Council is urging borough based voluntary groups and charities to submit bids for funding from the Mayor of Stockport's Charity Fund. The Mayor of Stockport's Charity Fund is registered with the Charities Commission and the money from the fund is distributed throughout the year. To submit a bid for money from the Mayor of Stockport's Charity Fund people need to complete an application form which can be found at www.stockport.gov.uk/mayor or contact the Mayor's Office on 0161 474 3300.
[IMG: Trees on King Arthurs Way] For some months now I have been in discussions with Hampshire Highways regarding the overgrown trees on King Arthur's Way to the rear of Tintagel Close. Regular readers may remember I queried the double yellow lines extending into the parking bay here back in April. Local residents have been trying to get these trees cut back or removed since early 2008. They are far too big for the location. The roots are making the footpath unsafe and are damaging garden walls and gates. The trees also overshadow gardens, the house windows and street lights. ...
Despite the honeymoon reporting in some quarters of the local press the man from Kent who came to be the Labour candidate in Sefton Central does seem a tad accident prone. Just thought you might be interested to know that Labour lost Esterson's council seat at Medway Council in a by-election held yesterday. Mr Esterson has been reported canvassing in Kent. I hope he went to the correct constituency! 617 Con 544 Labour 104 Lib Dem 45 Green 39 BNP 33 English Democrats Not only does he not appear to know who runs Sefton council there is legitimate concern over ...
Sat 14th
13:18
Miss SB's Very Prestigious and Entirely Serious Blog Awards - Category Eight: Best Non-Human Blogger
[IMG: [livejournal.com profile] ] diggerdydumBest Feminist Blog - Just over 10 hours left to vote! The poll will be closed at midnight. Hathor Legacy is currently leading FEMINIST HULK by 3 votes.Wittiest Blog - 1 day left to votePrettiest blog - 2 days left to voteSexiest Blogger - 3 days left to voteBest Beardy Blogger - 4 Days left to vote.
Whilst certainly not wanting to tempt fate by considering AV as being in the bag, as it were, I believe that our support as a party is intrinsically linked to the policy goals, or 'destinations', that we uniquely define as being our own, and rather less than those compromised 'steps' towards such that we take in coalition. So AV gives us a preference based voting system that surmises the ability of the electorate to count, rather than to make a 'mark' and at least ensuring the constituency's elected representative commands a majority support. For some that might be a 'destination' ...
That is right; dog fouling. It is therefore with great pleasure that I am able to report a new initiative in Southport. The Park Ranger Service's Dog Fouling Strategy which is designed to both publicise the Service's recently acquired powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for Dog-Fouling, and to serve to further educate Southport's park users/dog-walkers on the problems associated with allowing dogs to foul our parks and greenspaces. From August 16th-20th the Park Ranger Service will undertake an 'Operation Collar' exercise in conjunction with our colleagues from Environmental Protection. We will be asking dog-walkers if they are carrying poop-scoop ...
It's no secret that I am moving house in a couple of weeks. Neither is a secret that I am incredibly excited and pleased to be leaving this area and starting a new life elsewhere after everything that i have ... Continue reading →
This is the view from Swallow Cottage which sits slightly above Munlochy Bay, on the Black Isle just north of Inverness. It was taken at around 7.30 am on Friday 6th August and as you can see, at high tide, the surface of the bay is like glass. We spent a week of our holidays there and I'm probably mad giving you the link, because we want to go back. The visitors' book is full of people who have returned time and time again to take advantage of the spectacular scenery. In fact, I was quite concerned when, having read ...
I have long neglected my Amazon reading wish list but today decided to update it and clear out some of the clutter that i had actually either already acquired or decided that i no longer wanted. So here for your ... Continue reading →
[IMG: 18 bus on Bathwick Hill] [IMG: Pulteney Bridge restrictions] B&NES council is proposing to close Pulteney Bridge (consultation sheet as picture above, not otherwise available on-line) to all traffic, including buses. The 18 and 418 service (among many) cross Pulteney Bridge, so First Buses are making plans to divert. From 5th September they propose that the orange buses use the same route as the blue buses; ie along Pulteney Road and North Parade. This will entirely cut out Great Pulteney Street and Edward Street. While the official residents' association group for the Pulteney Estate has been campaigning to get ...
Not that half the world cares about the former, and even less care about the latter. There hasn't been enough downtime between seasons: there were two weekends off between the World Cup final (11 July) and the Emirates cup (31st July), and a glance at Arsenal's fixture list shows they were playing matches against Barnet and had their two games in Austria in that time. Too much footy for me. Am I getting old? Anyway time for the usual preseason optimism, and a few predictions. First, my optimism doesn't extend to an Arsenal league win. It does tell me that ...
Its a bit late this week as I have been caught up in house move drama's and dealing with unscrupulous Estate Agents who quite frankly should be hung, drawn and quartered. But never one to let down the masses, here ... Continue reading →
David Mellor, the former Culture Minister doesnt like Sign Language or to be more precise, doesnt like signed performances of the arts. In his review in the Mail on Sunday of the Sondheim at 80 Prom, (part of the Proms ... Continue reading →
In London one of the most exciting developments this year has been the long awaited launch of the bike hire scheme. Despite its launch being associated with quite a number of problems – including a highly complex registration process, and a number of cyclists being overcharged – no one can deny that the scheme is proving incredibly popular. And let's be realistic, no major scheme ever starts without at least some minor teething problems. Of course I will be chasing hard until these glitches are resolved, and they certainly must be, but the bottom line is that the bike hire ...
The issue of a proposed Mosque two blocks from Ground Zero has been rumbling on for a few months in the States. Palin and Gingrich, two front-runners in the Republican 2012 race, have condemned the plans. I expected Obama to stay silent on the matter. After all, with the mid-terms coming up, support for the plan could horrify flag-waving Americans. So I greatly admire Obama for coming out and supporting the plan, and doing so with great eloquence, firmly placing the issue at the heart of the founding principle of religious freedom in the USA. In doing so, he is ...
The furore and 'debate' (see yelling) that is going on in America over the decision to build a Muslim centre and mosque near the site of ground zero in New York only goes to show just how far America has ... Continue reading →
Honestly, I am out of the classroom for five minutes and look what happens: Leicester's Phoenix Square needs a £250,000 council bail-out, less than a year after the film and digital media centre opened.Vandals cause chaos for thousands of passengers after starting a fire that destroyed signal cabling between Market Harborough and Leicester.A Conservative county councillor and cabinet member has been charged with assault.On a more positive note, Leicester is considering a bicycle hire scheme along the lines of the one just introduced in London.
PM Cameron's heavyweight government plus business trip to India went swimmingly, so we are to believe, despite that diplomatic faux pas about Pakistani support for terrorism and Indian discontent about proposed immigration quotas. One fortunate outcome for Mr Cameron was that both issues diverted attention from a highly contentious arms deal involving arms giant BAE. Under the deal, 57 Hawk jets will be manufactured under licence in India with BAE's Indian partner, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with technical support from BAE. Roll-Royce also gets a slice of the deal as its jet engines will be used in production. The deal ...
Western Mail Chief Reporter, Martin Shipton has a column in this morning's paper in which he highlights the fact that the NHS in England faces a total bill of £65bn for new hospitals built under the private finance initiative (PFI). It seems that some NHS trusts have been left with annual "mortgage" repayments accounting for more than 10% of their turnover: Under PFI, private companies win contracts to build and maintain new hospitals and mental The 103 schemes were valued at a total of £11.3bn when they were built. But when rising fees and additional costs such as maintenance, cleaning ...
This morning's Independent reports that Nick Clegg will return from his Spanish holiday tomorrow to take charge of Britain for the next fortnight. David Cameron will remain in overall control during his family break in Cornwall, but officials have been told only to bother him on the most pressing issues, leaving the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for the daily business of government for two weeks - the first time a Liberal has run the country since David Lloyd George in 1922: Mr Clegg will follow the Prime Minister's lead in holding a series of meet-the-people events in which he sets ...
It is hard to keep up with the news and with blogging while on holiday, but I should record that I was sorry to see that plans to build hundreds of playgrounds have been shelved as part of government spending cuts. But more than that, I was astounded to see that playgrounds are funded by national government. What exactly do local councils do nowadays? A new playground should be within the competency and funding ability of a parish council, let alone a district or county. It is a mark of what a centralised society Britain has become. I should not ...
The Strange Death Of David Kelly - written by coalition government minister, our own freedom warrior, Norman Baker MP. Baker resigned from the Lib Dem shadow front-bench in 2006 to pursue his quest for truth about the 2003 death of Kelly who was a biological warfare expert employed by the MoD and a former United Nations weapons inspector in Iraq. It was Kelly's discussion with BBC journalist Andrew Gilligan - casting doubt on the government's dossier on WMD in Iraq that inadvertently caused a major political scandal at the time. Kelly was found dead only days after appearing before the ...
A piscatory One you may have missed from November 17th 2007 Original title: Tie the pollock line to the rowlock Sales of the humble pollock are up 44% this year, the Times reports. It's being bought as an alternative to cod. It tastes like cod and, hopefully, these increased sales of pollock will ease the problems with overfishing of cod. Dave Audley, president of the National Federation of Fish Friers said to the Times: The name of the fish raises a laugh and keeps everyone cheered up Indeed. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is helping the upward trend of pollock by extolling its ...
I'm not sure if PoTUS* reads my humble little blog. I did get a number of hits from Washington yesterday so you never know. However, I do know we are on the same wavelength over what I posted yesterday. Speaking after a Muslim Iftar dinner, breaking the daily Ramadan fast, last night at the White House he said: "We must all recognise and respect the sensitivities surrounding the development of lower Manhattan, Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground. But let me be clear, as a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their ...
Sat 14th
09:27
County council struggles to paint yellow lines at junction of Waverley Road and Palfrey Close
The county council has yet to paint the agreed yellow lines on the corner of Waverley Road and Palfrey Close due to the continuous presence of parked cars - the same parked cars which are causing a hazard. Notices have been sent round and cones have been put out - but to no avail. The notices have had no effect (presumably because these are not cars owned by local residents) and the cones are simply moved. Herts Highways has now asked the police for help in clearing the corners so as to allow the lines to be painted.
Long term readers may recall my concerns over how the approach the Independent Safeguarding Authority was taking to the Vetting and Baring scheme, and in particular the way its guidance suggested that it didn't really treat being found innocent in a court as counting as being innocent. The ISA passed the issue on to the Home Office, and – as I previously reported – then there was silence, despite prompts from me. Silence too reigned when I contacted my Labour MP, Jeremy Corbyn, three times about the matter. Between them they didn't even reply the once. The ISA had the ...
Quick, send in the comms and marketing troops: there's a big project which has clearly escaped the modern branding and presentational needs which drive the names of products and give them names with evoke the senses, move emotions and, er..., don't tell you what they're actually about. How else to explain the very prosaic name of "The Very Large Telescope Project"?
Of course, JFK died some 17 months before I was born and yet, as for so many, he became an iconic image of hope for a better world - undiminished by whether or not it would have been delivered in his two possible terms, although he undoubtedly changed many outcomes for the better including the Cuban Missile Crises and on Civil Rights. I find it strangely compelling to listen to his recorded speeches on the JFK Library & Museum website (some also free on iTunes). His strong charismatic voice, and resounding articulate delivery and humour make easy listening. Rightly or ...
The afternoon of Thursday 12th August saw a week's rain fall in an hour across south Manchester. In some places the drains simply couldn't cope with that volume of rain falling in such a small period, and we saw some flooding and road closures in that afternoon. The road passing under the railway bridge in Bramhall, which was under a metre of water at one point. Station Road, by Cheadle Hulme station, was also under several inches of water. Plenty of people had all sorts of problems getting home on the Thursday evening, some telling me a 10 minute journey ...
Best wishes to everyone with links to Pakistan on their Independence Day!
births and deaths 14th August 1970: birth of Alexander Armstrong, who is the voice of Mr Smith in The Sarah Jane Adventures (since 2007) and also in The Stolen Earth / Journey's End (Doctor Who, 2008). (If you were wondering what happened yesterday, I really couldn't find much - H.G. Wells died on 13 August 1946 but that is stretching the concept of Whoniversaries just too far for me.)
Tony Benn was on Any Questions yesterday. He has been appearing on any Question since 1951 and is still going well. One of the things he said in answer to a question about the retention of Trident was that if you keep people frightened thay are easier to control. I am sure he is right. If you have confidence you will act and if you are fearful you will comply. Earlier in the day I was taking money from a cash machine and there were two other machines nearby. One was broken and I commented to someone who was in ...
