It has been a very busy week. I had been looking forward to a relatively quiet week until my phone rang on Friday, asking me if I would be willing to be the Returning Officer for South Cambridgeshire. I wasn't keen - I'm already dealing with two selections, but it was explained that this was urgent, and would need to be done quickly, as a by-election was potentially in the offing. And so, an expedited selection took place. I probably can't tell you how it works - the details are available on request but not otherwise available, but what I ...
#90774622 / gettyimages.com On Wednesday I travelled on the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway. As I blogged then, the line is now operated by enthusiasts but was operated by British Railways until its original closure in 1956. This photograph shows a freight train in British Railways days (1950). By then there were no passenger services - they ended as early as 1931.
Sun 8th
22:38
Sebastian Kindersley chosen as Lib Dem candidate in possible South Cambridgeshire by-election
With speculation that Andrew Lansley will be made Britain's next European commissioner and thus cause a by-election in his South Cambridgeshire constituency growing, the local Liberal Democrats have chosen their candidate. According to Aidan Van de Weyer on Twitter, than candidate is Sebastian Kindersley. Later. Read more about the selection on The View from Creeting St Peter.
Welcome to Broxtowe Enews, brought to you by the Liberal Democrats and edited by David Watts, the leader of the Lib-Dems on Broxtowe Borough Council. May I give a special welcome to the new readers that we have this week. 1. Newark By ElectionAs regular readers will know I was the Lib-Dem candidate for the Newark by election. The result was very disappointing but we were probably outspent a thousand times over by the Conservatives. My small team did all that we could be a lot of our supporters voted Conservative to stop UKIP winning. I enjoyed the campaign but ...
His political career over, Chris Huhne has (among other things) returned to his first profession as a journalist and become a substantial political commentator through his weekly Guardian column. In tomorrow's paper he looks at what the row over Muslim schools tells us about the balance of power in the Conservative Party: Cameron will have been dismayed that polling has already begun about his successor, and will have noted both Gove and May in the frame as potential successors. However, the most dangerous rival is clearly May. Gove is a Cameron courtier who is still trying to build a base ...
An interesting piece of information came my way today. Following the results of the local elections in Gateshead, the Labour Leader of Gateshead Council, Mick Henry, appears to have been able to hold back the tide of those on his own side who wish to see their own promotion and the retirement of Mick and his mates. And the instrument of his success? Well, for most of us the secret ballot is
In between visiting constituents today about bee colonies, I went to the Baltic Art Gallery on the Gateshead Quays for Fiona Hall's retirement party. Fiona was elected very much against the odds in 2004 as the Lib Dem MEP for the North East and just as equally against the odds was re-elected in 2009. After 10 years in the post she decided to step down from the role at the European elections
If (and it is a big "if") the Trojan Horse letter was faked, then who faked it, and why? If it's not a fake, then it's not a fake, but if - if - it is a fake, then was it faked by Islamophobes? Jews have our own memories of forged documents that falsely accuse us of malign conspiracies (most notoriously The Protocols of the Elders of Zion) and while I don't wish to sound melodramatic, if someone - and who? - has forged a document that 'proves' that radical Islamists are taking over some schools in Birmingham, then such ...
Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 378th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere ... Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (1-7 June 2014), together with a hand-picked quintet, you might otherwise have missed. Don't forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging. As ever, let's start with the most popular post, and work our way down: 1. Would you have voted Tory in Newark? ...
The situation with Oldknow Academy is different in the detail to that with Golden Hillock. There remains, however, the more general problem of tarring everyone (particularly Muslims) with the same brush. It is not unusual for there to be a falling out between the Head of a school and the Chair of Governors. This has happened in Oldknow Academy. Also there have been things that have gone on
It was great to see such a huge turnout on Magdalen Green this afternoon at WestFest's Big Sunday - and we had a great laugh whilst staffing the Friends of Magdalen Green/Roseangle Playpark Campaign stall! Here's a few photos and videos from the day: With Peter Menzies! Community consultation on the Roseangle playpark proposals Lots of cup cakes on the playpark/Friends of Magdalen Green stall! Frances and Sylvia on the Friends of the Botanic Garden stall! But no Big Sunday would be complete without Mary Devlin - Superstar! :
Just over three years ago I received from my mother's estate one of my most treasured possessions. It has no financial value at all but is a letter that my father write to my mother over the run up to ... Continue reading →
[IMG: Bishop_James-003] There seems to be an awful lot of housing news and comment circulating just at the moment. And it isn't just more of the same. The arguments for a change of gear on housing policy seem to be growing louder and more frequent. The housing sector, it's argued, needs to come out fighting. Some of this is no doubt about manoeuvring for position in the run up to the next election. But I don't think it is only that. Concerns about the consequences of current policy directions are growing. There's a lively debate going on about the significance ...
The planning application is for: Proposed erection of residual waste facility including a materials recovery facility, anaerobic digestion plant, reception building, weighbridge, outdoor storage areas and other ancillary development. (Outline application with access to be determined all other matters reserved) Reference:14/00839/EMINW Link if you want to comment http://
A good example too of how even the most serious of organisations can use a light touch successfully on social media: We can neither confirm nor deny that this is our first tweet. — CIA (@CIA) June 6, 2014
Sun 8th
14:26
Time for go slow in Chipping Sodbury? Have your say on 20 mph speed limit, waiting restrictions and ...
South Glos Council is consulting on proposals for a new traffic management scheme in Chipping Sodbury. The plans include introducing a new 20mph speed limit around the centre of Chipping Sodbury and enhancing the existing pedestrian crossing facilities at the junction of High Street with Wickwar Road and Broad Street. There would also be a new traffic calming feature on Hounds Road near St John's School and there are plans to introduce waiting restrictions around Chipping Sodbury. For further information please visit www.southglos.gov.uk/chippingsodburytraffic - the deadline for comments is Friday 27th June. A public exhibition will also be held upstairs ...
Proposal: Odd Down App Ref: 14/02396/TEL Expiry Date: 17th July 2014Mast Corston View Bloomfield Bath BA2 2PJThe removal of the 6no. existing O2 only antennae on the existing 15m mast with 9no. antennae and 2X 0.3m dishes for the shared use of O2 and Vodafone. Replacement of 3no. existing cabinets with 3no. new cabinets within the existing compound. Applicant Telefonica O2 Limited 260 Bath
Neptune's Brood by Charles Stross — I didn't reread this for the Hugos, as I read it when it came out last year, so my memory is not as fresh as it could be. Nominally a sequel to Saturn's Children (though thankfully without the rapiness in that one) this is a hard-SF novel about far future [...]
The officer has considered all of the information and has decided to recommend approval for the plans. The decision will now be made by the development control committee, probably on 2nd July. As a reminder this is how it used to look.
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Research published on Wednesday entitled 'Barriers faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in accessing domestic abuse, stalking and harassment, and sexual violence services', found that LGBT victims of violence and abuse face specific barriers when accessing services. As well as the "individual barriers" people may face, due to the service providers knowledge and perceptions of LGBT people, there are "structural and cultural barriers" as existing services have been designed to meet the needs of heterosexual women. It is saddening that anyone experiences the terrible pain and suffering caused by domestic abuse, stalking and harassment, and sexual violence. ...
In the Guardian, Nick Clegg begins the fightback by asserting that the Liberal Democrats will not join another coalition "at any cost". The paper says that after disastrous results in local and European elections, and a confidence-sapping sixth place in last week's Newark by-election, the Liberal Democrats leader will concede that his party has failed to convey clearly enough why it wants to be in power, allowing critics to claim it has lost its soul in government. They add that Nick Clegg will also warn the Conservatives that he will not allow them to rewrite history or "airbrush out our ...
My latest email newsletter to residents of the Whickham area was sent out on Friday evening. It contained reports on the local election results (2 holds for us in Whickham and a near gain from Labour), the Chase Park Fayre, Beamish Museum, the Derwent Valley Land of Oak and Iron project and other issues. You can see the newsletter on this link.
Or "Which episode of Doctor Who by Steven Moffat will win this year?" Of the six nominees in this category, four are Doctor Who or Doctor Who-related. This is simply ridiculous. Even as a Doctor Who fan (albeit not much of a fan of the post-2005 series) the way it dominates the discourse around SF [...]
Ever since I rescued three feral honey bee colonies from Sun Hill, the aged person's unit in Sunniside which is being demolished (the new building next door is now occupied by the Sun Hill residents), I have had calls from residents wanting to buy honey and asking for advice on bumble bee colonies in their gardens. Today, for example, I am visiting three different houses in the Whickham/
I've just been on the Sunday Politics talking in a piece about the History of the Liberal Democrats in Sheffield, with Liz Roberts and Cllr Colin Ross (new Group Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Sheffield). Obviously being a student, I got asked about tuition fees and why students should vote for Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats next year. [IMG: Lib Dem Manifesto 2010 Cover] The answer is simple: On the front of our manifesto, we had four key areas: Fair Taxes that put money back in your pocket; a Fair Chance for every child; a Fair Future creating ...
Whickham Chase Park Fayre went ahead yesterday in the hope that the rain would hold off until after the event was over. Alas, it was not to be. As the opening announcement was made at midday, so the clouds opened up. It started as a light drizzle but then stopped for a bit. At about 2pm, the clouds decided to let rip. It was tipping down and there was no way the fayre could continue, despite
Recent changes made by National Express West Midlands to their bus routes in Acocks Green have caused a large number of complaints by local residents. The most controversial change was the complete amalgamation of the 1 and 31 routes through the Gospel Estate. This meant that instead of going up Gospel Lane to Olton Boulevard East and then to Shirley Road, the 31 now runs with the 1, turning off Gospel Lane at Pollard Road, then left into Pool Farm Road to Shirley Road and then up to the Village. Residents were very unhappy that they were not consulted adequately ...
[IMG: 7 ver 4 full] Many thanks to the 14,400 visitors who dropped by Lib Dem Voice this week. Here's our 7 most-read posts... Newark by-election: Tories win well, UKIP falls short, Labour dips, Lib Dems collapse (210 comments) by Stephen Tall Lib Dems need to take every opportunity to get our message out there (94 comments) by Nick Thornsby Newark by-election: what I told the BBC's Daily Politics (80 comments) by Stephen Tall John Pugh MP writes..Liberals must tackle rising social inequality and improve social cohesion (55 comments) by John Pugh MP Opinion: Back in the front line: both ...
Jenny Willott names & shames (and fines) employers who fail to pay the minimum wage (tags: ) [IMG: comment count unavailable] comments
To celebrate my latest visit to Shropshire I looked for something from The Polly Bolton Band's Loveliest of Trees, but none of those Housman settings is to be be found on Youtube. So instead, here is Polly Bolton singing with the Ashley Hutchings All Stars on their 1988 album As You Like It. This song is known under several titles, with "The Trees They Grow So High" being perhaps the best known. Another of them is "The Bonny Boy" and that may be what the song should be called here, as "My Bonny Boy" is the title of another song ...
Here's some of the articles that have caught my attention in the past couple of days... Liberal England: Six of the Best 441 In case you thought apart was a modern thing: "Left, Right & Centre: the 50s film exposes farce of the by-election" http://bit.ly/1hGXrPH Room eBook: Emma Donoghue: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store Just finished reading Emma Donoghue's 'Room'. Utterly gorgeous book, Jack & Ma totally captivating http://amzn.to/1olMVO1 Tories win Newark byelection with 7,403 majority – reaction: Politics live blog | Politics | theguardian.com How very reassuring from @andrewsparrow... "The Lib Dem result – Terrible, but not quite the worst ever" ...
I said not long ago that I would post about this station, so here goes. By the way a previous posting of mine from 29th July 2013 is worth referring back to:- Meols Cop is the first station reached when a Southport – Wigan/Manchester train leaves Southport's Chapel Street Station indeed it is well within Southport. A visit there immediately draws attention to the challenges of this station. Firstly, it has no car park or seemingly any land close by that could become a car park. This is a major disadvantage as it is used by folk who live ...
In conjunction with Bike Bath on Saturday 28 June, First will be running a safety awareness programme on the Recreation Ground from 09:30 to 15:00 as part of its commitment to improving safety on the roads. There will be the opportunity to swap places with our drivers and see what it's like to sit in the cab of a bus. Our drivers will also be using the space to cycle around the bus and understand the difficulties cyclists face, There will be the opportunity to talk to our drivers about any concerns you might have as well as sharing ideas. ...
From the Curator of Museum Services at the University of Dundee:Tomorrow - Monday 9th June - at 5.30pm sees the latest Artist's Talk - Ellen K Levy: Interactions - at the D'Arcy Thompson Lecture Theatre, Tower Building, University of Dundee. Ellen K Levy is an American visual artist whose work explores biological science through mixed-media installations, forums, curatorial projects and writing. During June, she will be undertaking a residency in the D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum, and in this free public talk to mark Universities Week she will reflect on the profound influence of D'Arcy Thompson's work on her and other ...
Sun 8th
08:25
A Local Coalition in Essex as the Brentwood Accord is Signed to Run the Council in Place of the Tori...
[IMG: BrentwoodLibDemLeaderBarryAspinellSignsAccord] Coalition politics came to Essex on Saturday 24th May at Brentwood Town Hall when this historic document was signed , giving the Liberal Democrats, Brentwood First, Labour and the Independent member the opportunity to form a new administration after the Conservatives failed to win a majority in the 2014 borough elections. The agreed principles are outlined below: The Brentwood Accord The paramount objective of the Accord is to restore the reputation of the Council and regain the respect, trust and faith of residents and business. This will be reflected in all policies. • The four political groups will ...
[IMG: Jeremy Browne - Minister for Crime Prevention] Former Lib Dem minister, Jeremy Browne, fresh from publishing a book calling for the party to return to 'authentic liberalism', has issued a further plea in The Spectator for Lib Dems to get distinctive ahead of the 2015 election. Here's an excerpt: The Liberal Democrats will struggle to command support in this marketplace without having a sharp definition. The appeal of cautious centrism is limited. ... Where is the demand for a tepid Milibandism or a watered-down Cameronism? Why buy the low calorie version when the full-flavour option is also in the ...
Michael Gove says that parents who fail to ensure their children turn up to school "ready to learn and showing respect for their teacher" will be punished through measures such as the docking of child benefit payments from parents of habitual truants. The Daily Telegraph, Page: 12-13 The Independent, Page: 4 Independent I, Page: 8 Daily Mail, Page: 10 Daily Mirror, Page: 19 Yorkshire Post, Page: 10 The principle has some merit because parents should suffer the consequences of their children's behaviour. Oddly, the day before reading this news item from the LGiU I had been discussing such issues with ...
This is to remind you that the A14 consultation closes on 15 June 2014. The Highways Agency is keen for all those who use the A14 and who live or work nearby to have their say on the scheme before the consultation closes. To find out more please visit the schemes web chat page. To find out more about this scheme and comment on the consultation please visit the project homepage. Please note that roadwork information it is not updated in real time. Please check Traffic England for the latest information and current traffic conditions.
