… Today more than ever we need creative minds to address the issues of the age and the most urgent is: how can humanity know so much, achieve so much, yet fail so many people so badly.

The Liberal Democrat Party is constantly striving to make changes to benefit all people. If you would like to help us in this battle, do please contact me or click on the link at left of this column ‘Join the Liberal Democrats’

..getting old is a fascinating thing; the older you get, the older you want to get.

This is oh, so true. Today is my birthday and it says on so many of my cards, ‘ MANY HAPPY RETURNS’. I am hoping for many happy returns; there is still so much for me to do before I shuffle off this mortal coil!  I have a book of things to do before I’m old and boring and I have achieved quite a good number, but I am stuck on the one where I have to teach my grandparents something new ( I lost my last grandparent in ‘85) and the one where I have to learn to play a musical instrument (does a comb and paper count, do you think, or the tambourine?)

The Liberal Democrat Party is very old, having been formed as the Whigs  during the reign of Charles II (1630-1685) and after some changes over the years has evolved, to become the Liberal Democrats.

We see change as a necessity for survival and we are hoping soon to see a change in the Labour Party, from being the party that rules, to the party that sits in opposition and to see the Liberal Democrats change from being a party in opposition to the party that rules!

If you would like to join us and help us become the ‘Party that Rules’ there are many ways to become a member and these are clearly shown around this site, both to the left and right of this column. Hope to hear from you soon.

………………….By perseverance, the snail reached the Ark.

My school motto was ‘Persevere’ and the stubborn nature of my childhood has evolved into perseverance and a will to succeed. 

We Libdems have learned a lot about perseverance over the years; we don’t give up easily. If you would like to join us, there are a number of ways to do so: you can contact me by way of the details at right of site or click on ‘Join the Liberal Democrat Party’ at left of site.

….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.

……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!!

………….‘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.

‘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!

…….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.

…….The darkest places in Hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality during times of moral crisis.

I recently had a  moral crisis, when against my better judgment I ‘went with the flow’, but I have now ’seen the light’ with the help of Dante’s Divina Commedia. In future I shall always go with my conscience.

One of the reasons that I joined the Lib Dems was because I am allowed more opportunity to use my own judgment in decision-making. If you want to make a difference, join the LD Party. Details are left of screen.

…….You are never given a wish without being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however.

The current state of the country is worrying; the Government appears to be lurching from one crisis to another. The powers that be are in disarray. If you wish to see a change, why not join the Libdems?