Monday 14th,  0900 Meet with KP Fencing ref the erection of fencing at Charlesworth Court

                          1000 Playscheme Meeting

                          1415 Meeting of Discipline Panel of which I am a member, at Manor School

Tuesday 15th, 0915 Further meeting at Manor School

                          1225 Mansfield in Bloom at Peafield Park

                          1600  Select Commission 1

Wednesday & Thursday - Council Offices closed

Thursday 17th 1800 Police Surgery at Litton Road 

Monday 21st,   1000 Hosting  Friends of Greenwood Forum at Ludborough Walk

                          1700 Planning Committee

Tuesday 22nd 1030 Meeting with Mrs Joashi for changeover of Chairman of Navi Saheli

                           1215 Personal Development  Interview

Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th,  Holiday 

Friday 25th    1800 Meeting of Navi Saheli

Sunday, 27th,  1700 Walk Talk march

Monday 28th  1000 Friends of Peafield Park meeting

                          1400 Playscheme meeting

Tuesday 29th, 1200 Navi Saheli Luncheon Club

                          1700 Liberal Democrat Group meeting

                          1800 Full Council Meeting

Wednesday 30th, William Kaye Hall Inspection

Thursday 31st- Holiday

In addition I have been dealing with the new street signs and constituents problems, which I am unable to document here on the grounds of confidentiality.

I have also been making waves about the amount of weeds around the ward and trying to get some action to spray them.

blah, blah, blah….just a test page. Normal service is resumed…..Hooray! Support your local LibDem Councillor

..………..by a gritty young woman who survived the London bombings on 7th July, 2005. Gill Hicks lost both legs in the blast and for some time looked as though she wouldn’t live through the trauma.

The idea behind the walk is to encourage thoughts for our fellow men and is about engaging  with people, regardless of race, creed or colour, talking to people you might otherwise never meet or talk to.  She and her supporters are walking the walk and stopping off along the way to take refreshments with ordinary townsfolk, chatting en route with anyone who cares enough to join the walk for a time, whether for 10 minutes, an hour or for the whole of the walk. I joined at the Civic Centre, where Councillor Christine Smith and I put together a Mansfield District Council posy of roses, picked by Christine from the Civic Centre rose bed and wrapped in the silver foil from my pack of mints! We walked to the Stanhope Centre on Bridge Street and after speeches by Mayor, Tony Egginton and Gill, we went outside to launch balloons with our hopes and aspirations written on attached cards. My admiration for Gill knows no bounds. What a lady!

….you probably didn’t notice my absence!

The majority of Lib Dem Councillor websites have been ‘down’ since Thursday, due to a problem at the server end of the line. I have had so much to tell you, but it seems to have become lost in the mire of my brain. This heat is very exhausting; drains the power from my circuitry!!!

I do though, have news about the street signs in the Leeming Ward. We ordered the signs some months ago and at last they are putting in an appearance. They have been paid for by your three Leeming Councillors from our ward allowance. There are more signs being replaced and these new ones are made of a strong plastic, making them less prone to vandalism and theft.

….This is scarey stuff!!

Commenting on today’s publication of the Government’s siting assessment for new nuclear power stations, which says that they could be built in areas at risk from flooding, tsunami and erosion, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Steve Webb said:

“The Government appears to have abandoned common sense when it comes to new nuclear power.

“Ministers are so desperate to get new nuclear plants going, they are willing to look at sites at risk of falling into the sea.

“This irresponsible approach has all the hallmarks of a Government in a hurry.

“They are sweeping aside any local accountability in the planning system, and now they are willing to consider nuclear plants even in areas at risk of storm surge, tsunami and coastal erosion.”

….Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.

Today, I had a constructive meeting with Kathey Bailey, a personal development trainer, courtesy of MDC, to discuss my Personal Development Plan, designed to empower me in my role as Councillor. I received advice on how to make the most of my strengths and how to lessen my weaknesses. (Modesty forbids me to boast about my lack of weaknesses!! - Could my ‘modesty’ be a weakness?)

It was a chance to take stock and evaluate just how far I have progressed since my election and  an opportunity to plan the harnessing of my abilities to make the most of myself. It was an enjoyable journey of nostalgia through the past 14 months and a look forward to the next 3 years.

….is, I am sad to report, on the verge of closure. Wendy Radford, an artist who runs the rescue centre, is unable to carry on her sterling work in raising and freeing wildlife due to a lack of funds.

You may recall that the starling that I raised from a chick was taken in by Wendy for her to continue the care prior to his release. The Cedar Wildlife Centre is kitted out with huge aviaries and the work Wendy and her family have done in rearing bird species as diverse as magpies, sparrows and swans is recognised by the RSPB.

I gave her a donation to help her work, but without further donations from supporters, the wildlife of Ashfield and Mansfield will suffer a sad fate indeed. People such as Wendy are few and far between and the demise of Cedar Wildlife Centre will be detrimental to injured and homeless birds and animals.

If you can, please help to keep this wonderful facility open. The centre is at 25 Cedars Avenue, Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Tel:01623 468112

Thanks.

…………was very satisfying and enjoyable. There were upwards of 30 people from various Friends Groups from across Nottinghamshire and it was great to host the event in this year of the Green Flag for Peafield Park.

The company was good, the groups’ news updates were informative, the lunch was tastey and the walk around Peafield Park was health-giving and rewarding. The sun shone for us,   Ludborough Walk Community Centre was the perfect venue and everyone said they had enjoyed it. 

I must give particular thanks to Councillor Jill Usher who manned the tea-pot and the coffee cups with aplomb and even did all the washing up. Thanks also to the Greenwood Team for their meticulous planning, making the event go smoothly.

…………….Councils get new ’snooping’ powers

Homeowners must let council officials into their homes to check for - among more than a 1000 ‘offences’ - dancing bears, eco-unfriendly refrigerators or weapons of mass destruction. The list includes 430 new powers of entry brought in by Home Office ministers last week, prompting criticism from a number of different organisations including the Conservative Party.

As a member of the Liberal Democrat Party, I too think this is a step too far and am left wondering what will be the next madness perpertrated by this Labour Government.

My house deeds state that I have permission to keep pigs in my garden, but do I? No, of course not.

……When you forgive, you in no way change the past, but  you sure do change the future.

It would be nice to think that the youngsters involved in the Restorative Justice Scheme understand that by working off their debt, they are forgiven and can go on to better things. We all want the best for today’s children and for them to be able to see a good future ahead. 

Realism or Optimism? A bit of both, but let’s hope for realism in this case, with a smidgeon of optimism thrown in to help the mix!!

…….A team of youngsters undertook Restorative Justice yesterday on the park, picking litter in lieu of fines for various offences. In the company of two Neighbourhood Wardens they repaid their fines by way of litter-picking.

A good scheme, which has the added beneficial effect of teaching kids the error of their ways, whether it is under-age drinking, littering or other misdemeanour.

Friends of Peafield Park are hosting the Greenwood Friends Forum tomorrow so this litter pick in the park is well-timed; when we take our walk in the park, it will be good to show off how clean and tidy it is, so ‘thanks’ to the team of workers.

……..to be held on Peafields Estate could well be a sign that there is little crime in this area of Leeming Ward.

Sergeant Lindsay, PC Colley and PCSO Gilbert were available for consultations in the mobile station, which is equipped with tables and seating. A few residents turned up to show their support for our local force and children were thrilled to get the chance to look around the mobile station, but as for complaints, they were thin on the ground.

The date of the next surgery will be announced and if you have problems you wish to discuss you will get a friendly welcome.

….wind farms would be capable of providing up to 15% of the world’s future energy needs.

Once windmills are installed, wind can be converted to electricity inexpensively. But not everyone likes wind farms.  Some feel that the giant blades mar scenic views; they can kill birds and bats, particularly if they are located on a ‘flight path’. To minimise these risks, one solution would be to place wind farms in the ocean rather than merely off-shore. Winds tend to blow more strongly over the ocean than over land.

This could be the perfect answer to the planet’s dwindling resources. There is, after all, a finite amount of natural energy available to mankind and I really don’t like the idea of nuclear power plants springing up all over the world. Apart from the problem of disposing of nuclear waste, we have to beware the threat posed by some powers that have nuclear capabilities.

Wind farms are so pure, don’t you agree? There is something so graceful about the windmills and they cause so little spoiling of nature. Some people argue against them, but if we don’t move forward we shall end up without power.

What if we had refused to acknowledge and embrace the internal combustion engine? ……. OK, I have to agree that horse-drawn loads are so much more pleasing to the eye then the endless trains of heavy haulage vehicles on our roads. (The waste product was also rather more useful than nuclear waste!)

There must be a solution to the world’s eternal need for power supplies and until a better answer is found, I will go with the wind farm.

……..Liberal Democrats in Mansfield have welcomed the launch of the Liberal Democrats’ vision for Britain by Party Leader Nick Clegg MP. Called ‘Make it Happen’, the paper will be debated at the party’s conference in Bournemouth in September.

In ‘Make it Happen’ the Liberal Democrats say:

• They will cut taxes for ordinary families
• If your local hospital can’t see you on time, they will pay for treatment elsewhere
• They will switch taxes from people to pollution - so it pays to go green
• To improve standards in education, they will fund extra help for those who need it most
• They will put Britain at the heart of Europe to make us a force for good in the world
• They will stop ID cards so we can keep control of our privacy
• They will change the voting system so everyone’s voice counts
• They will bring communities together with local people in charge
• They will give communities a say in how offenders pay for their crimes

No resident of Mansfield has escaped the rising cost of food and fuel. The credit crunch is biting hard and local people are feeling the pinch.

Nick Clegg has set out how we Liberal Democrats can help ordinary people through cutting the taxes of those on low and middle incomes. Thousands of people in Mansfield would benefit from this.

I am delighted to be able to back ‘Make it Happen’. It sets out how the Liberal Democrats will run Britain.

If you would like to join the Liberal Democrats, please see the column on the left of page or call me, for details.

….Peafield Park has been successful in its bid for the prestigious Green Flag. All the hard work and dedication by Friends of Peafield Park and local Councillors has paid off and we intend to celebrate!!!!! We missed out last year, but with the guidance of Kathryn, MDC’s Parks Development Officer, we managed it at our second attempt.

The Green Flag for parks is the equivalent of the Blue Flag awarded to beaches which  reach a level of excellence in their category. We are all so thrilled to have done it, but we have to keep up the good work - 2009 is just around the corner!

……….is what I say to the government. If they want to  have  a look-see at my telephone and internet activity, they should have to get my permission first! There is far too much of this government wanting access to everyones’ private dealings. I have nothing to hide; I merely value my privacy, along with the majority of the country’s population I shouldn’t wonder. They can have all the info’ they want, but if they lose it like they have done in the past, then they should not be immune to prosecution! It makes my blood boil - we have Freedomn of Information and Data Protection Acts, but the government seem to believe that neither of these acts are applicable to them. They play fast and loose with people’s information, leading to Lord knows what amount of distress.

Deep breath…..aaah, that’s better. I like to have at least one rant a week, although sometimes it is difficult to ration myself to only ONE. 

Commenting on the  Information Commissioner’s criticisms of the proposed Government-run telephone and internet communications database, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Affairs Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

“Richard Thomas is right, this database would be an Orwellian step too far. Ministers have shown time and time again that they cannot be trusted with sensitive data. There is no reason to think they will be any less slapdash with our phone and internet records.”

Well said, Chris.

 ….and ain’t that the truth! We don’t need a European survey to inform us that our quality of life is getting worse by the day. Price rises,  working long hours for so little recompense - which in turn generates huge debt, rise in crime and the perception of crime, all add to feelings of resentment and dissatisfaction.

Commenting on today’s [Wednesday] U-Switch survey which finds that the UK is bottom in a European quality of life survey, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said:

“It is depressing but unsurprising that while so many families struggle to make ends meet, we have one of the lowest qualities of life in Europe.”

Is it time for a change of direction? Turn to the left of this column and see how to join the LibDems….or call me. I can help.

…….are moving at a terrific rate. We now have a clear idea of what will be happening on  - 23rd August. Thanks to funding from various agencies we are able to provide an array of free activities for local children and their families

ALL THESE ACTIVITIES ARE FREE!!!!! FREE!!!!!!FREE!!!FREE!!!!

Farm animals from White Post Farm,

2 Bouncy Castles,

Punch & Judy Show,

Story-telling with Puppetry,

Fairground ride,

Play tents,

Native American  Teepee,

Army vehicles (and Soldiers),

Fire Engine (& Firemen) ,

Police Car (and Officers),

Climbing Wall,

Taekwondo Display,

Nature Walks with a Forest Ranger and craft tent.

IF YOU WANT TO SPEND MONEY, there are stalls of all kinds and  food, ice creams and refreshments for sale.

 Official opening at 1pm by the Chairman of Mansfield District Council, Alan Fell and closes at 5pm.

………….‘One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.‘

We Liberal Democrats are full of optimism and if you are of a similar mind  with a ready smile, sometimes in the face of adversity, perhaps you would like to join us. See left of page for details of how to join, or give me a call.

Tuesday, 1st - Navi Saheli AGM

Wednesday, 2nd - Meeting to discuss forward plan for Navi Saheli, with Co-ordinator Jyoti Ravat

                                   - Launch of Mansfield Interfaith Network at Mansfield CVS, in the company of the  Bishop of Sherwood, the Chaplain of Kings Mill Hospital, Chandra Joashi and other members of the varied faith groups of Mansfield, to promote Faith, Food and Friendship.

Thursday, 3rd     - Meeting of Manor School Board of Governors.

                                  - Peafields Community Association meeting.

Sunday 6th          - Warsop Carnival helping with a stand for Navi Saheli

Monday 7th         - Peafields Playscheme meeting to discuss plans for the  Carnival

                                 - MDC Area Partnership Members’ Reference Group

Tuesday 8th       - Navi Saheli

Wednesday 9th - MDC Planning Training

Thursday 10th  - Greenwoood Community Forest Board Meeting.

In addition to these meetings and events, I was busy with constituents who asked for help with issues of concern, which I am unable to report here on the grounds of confidentiality.

‘GULLS SWOOP ON RESIDENTS’  (story from the Guardian newspaper)
‘Residents in South Shields in Tyne and Wear are increasingly coming under attack from seagulls stealing their food. A spokesperson for the council said that they had put up signs and netting to prevent birds nesting in the area.’

Are the gulls in South Shields the latest thing in literate birds? Can they read? Surely the world’s press will descend on South Shields to investigate this phenomenon!

……..checked by the Criminal Records Bureau and all passed the strict checks that were made to ensure the safety of children who use the Playscheme. The news that some people have been incorrectly labelled as criminals, due to mismanagement, is scarey and commenting on this news  Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said: “This sensitive information must be 100% accurate.” I should say so!

We Playscheme members have now undergone 3 consecutive years of checks and none of us have been found to have any criminal record and the thought that we might be erroneously mis-labelled is horrifying.

I wonder how much these public servants are paid to do a job conscientiously and correctly - a dashed sight more than the volunteers on our scheme, who all give time freely for the benefit of local children!

…….Friendship is not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, then you really haven’t learned anything.

The Gurkhas have been friends of UK for many years and it is high time that friendship was recognised.

….moves a step closer; the following story from LD website tells the story -

A Bill to give former Gurkhas indefinite leave to remain in Britain moved a step closer to becoming law after it received cross-party support in the House of Lords today.

The Immigration (Discharged Gurkhas) Bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson Lord (John) Lee, received its Second Reading today.

Commenting, Lord Lee said:

“Former Gurkhas, all of whom have laid their lives on the line for this country, deserve the right to live here in Britain after the end of their service.

“The backing this Bill received today from across the House means that we have moved one step closer to giving them that right.

“The Government must now recognise that there is support for the Gurkhas across the country and get behind the campaign to let them stay.”

……..but having arrived at 10.30 am to help set up the Navi Saheli stand, I thought it would be a non-starter. It was so cold and dreary, but the indomitable spirit of the locals rose to the challenge and the streets of Warsop were lined with people to watch the parade, led by Chairman of MDC, Alan Fell, wearing his chain of office.

On our stand we had a delicious array of Indian food and beautiful jewellery, displayed upon colourful saris. We are encouraging all ethnic groups, whether minority or majority to come and join us - we have a first class Luncheon Club on Tuesdays at Quakers Meeting House, Rosemary Street. 12.30 to 1.30. A 4 course vegetarian meal for £2.50, freshly cooked on the premises by Indian cooks.

……some very happy faces.

There is a young sapling on Litton Road on the approach to Peafield School which has been stripped of all its bark, right up to its  lowest branches. (Double-click on the pic to enlarge it) If you saw who did this to this piece of Mother Nature’s art, contact me or the Police. This beautiful tree will now die and I think it is such a shame; I love trees with a passion (in fact on the quiet I am a bit of a tree-hugger!) and find it   difficult to sit on MDC’s Planning Committee and pass judgment on planning applications which involve the felling of trees. However, as a responsible member of the Committee I have to apply the planning considerations by which we are bound by law and bear in mind the rules set out by Central Government.

It’s not an easy task, I might add but it’s one that has to be done, like it or not.

Commenting on reports that biofuels have pushed up world food prices by up to 75%, Liberal Democrat Shadow Transport Secretary, Norman Baker said:

“This is extremely worrying and a clear sign that we must move away from unsustainable biofuels.

“It’s time the Government and the EU closed the loopholes that support corn-based US bioethanol over more sustainable biofuels.

“However, not all biofuels are the same and we should not overreact and abandon the entire project.

“Some biofuels have potential to reduce carbon emissions from transport without having this effect on food production, but stringent sustainability standards are essential.

“We must also be aware that estimates of the effects of biofuels on food prices vary wildly and we should not rush to judgement until a consensus emerges.”

….let you know what I’ve been doing. It has been some time since I detailed my activities, so I will correct that ommission right now. I will write this as a post, rather than a page this time, so bear with me because there will be 8 -9 weeks’ worth of activity within this one post (by the time I finish). If you require any further details on any of these meetings / activities, please feel free to contact me. My attendance at Council-run meetings is currently standing at 95% (as at June 30th)

May 12th  - 09.15 Peafields Playscheme meeting, to discuss plans for the summer Carnival on Peafield Park. 

                       1500  Manor School Governors’ meeting.

May 13th  - 1630  Council AGM, including the decisions regarding the membership of various committees, commissions and outside bodies. I was re-elected to sit on the Board of Greenwood Partnership and remain on the same committees and Select Commission 1

May 14th - 0930 Ludborough Walk Coffee Morning

May 16th - 1000 Meet your local Councillor outside ASDA store.

May 17th - 1130 Attendance at Mansfield Market for the Launch of the Eco bag

May 18th - Wildflower meadow task day with BTCV

May 19th - 1000 Friends of Peafield Park

May 20th - 1430 Neighbourhood Working Group

May 21st - 24th - Holiday

May 27th - 1600 Group Leaders’ Meeting.

                       1700 Planning Committee

May 29th - 1400  Area Partnerships Working Group

                       1830 Area Assembly

May 30th - 1800 Navi Saheli Meeting

June 5th -  0930 Green Flag judging at Peafield park; helped with refreshments and represented MDC at the judging.

                       1545 Council presentation on Area Partnership, by Executive Mayor, Tony Egginton

June 9th -  0915 Peafield Playscheme

June 10th - 1930 - 2130 Olympic & Paralympic Athletes presentation, Civic Centre

June 11th - 1430 Health & Safety Committee

June 12th - 0900 Planning Committee site visits

                        1600 Planning Committe

June 13th - 1000  Audit Committee

June 17th - 1000 Building Better Communities Award Ceremony

                        1400 Finally finished my delivery of Focus Newsletters

June 19th - 1000 Peafield Estate Walkabout with MDC Housing Officer. Litter pick and problem seeking

                         1830 Greenwood Awards Cermony; I presented awards to winning volunteers.

June 23rd - 1000 Friends of Peafield Park & Hornby Plantation monthly meeting

                        1500 Council meeting to discuss budget changes, presented by S151 Officer

                        1700 Planning Committee

June 24th  - 1200Navi Saheli Luncheon Club

June 27th - 1100 Meeting with management of Clearsprings Property Services, to discuss the Bail Hostel rumours

June 30th - 1800 Councill Meeting

….and in attendance were the Chairman of Mansfield District Council, Alan Fell, the manager of Mansfield CVS, Alan Lloyd along with Sarah Clerkson of NCC Grant Aid Fund.

After the meeting, during which I was elected as acting Chairman, there was a wonderful buffet, prepared by the kitchen staff at Navi Saheli, Mrs Joashi and myself, with help from the teacher of special needs at Brunts, Jenny and two of her pupils, John and Stephanie. The next meeting will be held at 6pm on July 25th, at the Quakers Meeting House on Rosemary Street.

Navi Saheli will be at Warsop Carnival on Sunday, with a display and an invitation to join the group or have lunch at the Tuesday luncheon Club, where freshly cooked- on -the -premises Indian vegetarian food is served.