One of the slightly unexpected things about my political activity over thirty-six years is that I have seldom held down what you might describe as a leadership role. Secretary, yes. Treasurer, when there really isn't anyone else, perhaps. Organisational job that means turning up, delivering a defined outcome and leaving again? Over and over again. But being the person in charge of the show? Looks rather desperately for someone else. People do kind of assume that, if you're politically active, you crave the limelight, that you want to lead. And, quite often, that's true. It can help to have that ...
The Leicester Mercury had some good news earlier this week: It might not be the most attractive looking building in Leicester, but a former hydraulic power station in the city has now been recognised as a building of historical significance. The former Hydraulic Power Station on Samuel Street, which dates back to 1874, once supplied hydraulic power to the extensive Midland Railway goods yards and warehouses which once covered the site now occupied by the St George's Retail Park. And while it hasn't been used for its original purpose for years, the building has now been granted Grade II listed ...
Economic support plans made "on the hoof" are failing millions Tracing failures shows Hancock needs to overhaul test and trace Economic support plans made "on the hoof" are failing millions The Liberal Democrats have accused the Chancellor of "making up plans on the hoof" when it comes to financial support for businesses and workers impacted by COVID-19. Responding to the Chancellor's statement in the House of Commons today, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Christine Jardine said: Yet again the Chancellor is taken by surprise by events unfolding exactly as predicted months ago. He has utterly failed to address the gravity of ...
Do you want to watch some Doctor Who? Aliens from the past; wonders from the future; all of time and space. It's the trip of a lifetime... But where to start? Which Doctors? What style? Monsters, villains, scary horror? Wit, weirdness, wild ideas? Adventures in history, alien worlds, a bit of politics? Or sheer fun? What you need is a playlist. [IMG: The thirteen Doctors - fourteen shown here (of many more)] Four Playlists - I've put together four playlists for you to dip in and out of different Doctors and enjoy the show's variety. One skips around the Doctor's ...
Thu 22nd
18:45
Covid Tracker: Shropshire Council wants you to report on whether businesses are complying with rules...
Are you off to the pub tonight or are looking forward to a relaxed meal in your favourite restaurant? Maybe you are doing an evening shop. The weekend is coming and that will be a busy time for going to shops and venues. But is your experience safe? Are the publicans, restaurateurs, shopkeepers obeying and enforcing the rules on social distancing, providing sanitiser and wearing of face coverings. Shropshire Council wants to know. This invitation to shop on the shops may make some people will feel uncomfortable. Shropshire Council has a role alongside the police in enforcing and handing out ...
Current Titus Groan, by Mervyn Peake This Must be the Place, by Maggie O'Farrell Wild Life, by Molly Gloss Last books finished Secret Army Dossier, by John Brason The Tropic of Serpents, by Marie Brennan Ordinary People, by Judith Guest Secret Army: The End of the Line, by John Brason Next books Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values, by Robert M. Pirsig Borderline, by Mishell Baker
Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan will have to apologise to Parliament after being caught misusing Parliamentary resources for political campaigning: On 2 November 2019, Dr Allin-Khan sent 1,624 letters (of which one was received by complainant) using House of Commons headed paper and pre-paid House-provided envelopes. The letter was entitled "Brexit Update"... The Commissioner concluded that Dr Allin-Khan's letter used "public resources to highlight to a group of voters her position and record on an issue that was one of the key themes of the imminent election" and "contained an important personal campaign message, which [ ... ] had the effect ...
We need the current argument between Westminster and Manchester on the best strategy to tackle coronavirus. The issues involved need wider informed debate than has so far been allowed. Both government and science should accept challenge, and refine policy accordingly. We are told that policy is science-led and evidence-based. But extensive use continues to be made of blunt lockdown and furlough measures, without scientific evidence of their efficacy. These are both clearly extremely harmful in themselves. Here is an evidence-based case for the superiority of infection control, testing, and shielding. 1. Infection control works After extensive mortality in March-May, UK ...
Wed, 12:56: Sam McBride: What is happening at Stormont over coronavirus restrictions is inept, but also baffling https://t.co/Am1K8VQ7Ta Strange times. Wed, 13:20: RT @pmdfoster: sausage makers face EU freeze after Brexit - my latest via @FT with @JudithREvans ...a tale that ill... Wed, 13:25: RT @DavidHenigUK: I don't think even the Irish can quite believe how impactful their diplomatic effort has been on the course of Brexit and... Wed, 13:57: Doesn't ring a bell - sounds a bit too literate and witty for CJH to be honest. But boosting signal here in case anyone else recognizes it. https://t.co/Mr70SIQIaE Wed, ...
In my view, literary agents and publishers are very conservative. I don't blame them for that. They must receive thousands of novels each year to be evaluated and considered for publication., many of varying quality. They cannot publish them all. If we add in the decline in the number of people reading books, the costs of marketing, and other expenses, it must be very difficult to make any sort of profit from publishing fiction. I suppose that is why much of the work actually being sent to book shops is by well-known authors with an established following, the J.K. Rowlings, ...
Thu 22nd
10:32
Tory MPs vote down bid to feed children in England receiving free school meals during the pandemic
I read somewhere that if the National Health Service was being formed today, it would be voted down by a conservative majority in the House of Commons. That may be unfair on a number of MPs who can see the value of free health care but the sentiment is correct, it seems that this government and those pouring through the lobbies on its behalf have no social conscience. In Wales, a Welsh Liberal Democrats Education Minister has ensured that those pupils in receipt of free school meals will continue to be fed during lockdown and during school holidays until at ...
Following the issues with our Mayor of London selection and in response to a request from the London Lib Dems...
Thu 22nd
08:30
Whoniversaries 22 October: Derek Jacobi, K9 joins the TARDIS, both Torchwood and Class begin
i) births and deaths 22 October 1938: birth of Sir Derek Jacobi, who has played the Master in both the TV story Utopia (2007) and the webcast Scream of the Shalka (2003) as well as the central character in the Big Finish 'Unbound' audio Deadline (also 2003). ii) broadcast anniversaries Two different spinoff series launched on 22 October, ten years apart! 22 October 1966: broadcast of third episode of The Tenth Planet. The Doctor is taken ill; Cutler decides to launch the Z-Bomb. 22 October 1977: broadcast of fourth episode of The Invisible Enemy. The Doctor manages to kill off ...
Residents will be aware that the so-called "Blether Bus" that replaced the 204 bus service the council axed last year and covers a number of streets in the West End that would otherwise have no bus service - streets like Invergowrie Drive, Newhall Gardens and Glamis Drive - was suspended at the start of the COVID-19 health emergency. The service assists older residents who find it difficult to walk the distances - often uphill - to the main service buses. I recently noticed that Aberdeenshire Council has, with proper safety arrangements including social distancing, announced a restart to its Dial ...
Busy Bodies Childcare Centre is located behind the Ludlow Mascall Centre, alongside Friars Walk. Now run by James Boddey, this long established nursery is by all accounts successful and has a waiting list. To accommodate the growing need, James has applied for planning permission for a new building on the disused car park at the rear of the Ludlow Mascall Centre, close to Friars Walk. The new building will be clad in wood and raised on stilts to limit damage to any archaeological resources. The new nursery area will help children explore nature, growing your own, ecology and the environment. ...
