Suzanne Fletcher's Blog

"Come rain come shine" was the title of the show we went to at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in York.  Some of the cast of The Archers were there, splendidly acting out some poetry and prose in a compfortable theatre with good atmosphere.  All in a good cause for the York Minster Fund.  And we had a good laugh as well as general enjoyment of a good old fashioned performance.  So a nice break from politics, but I did realise that the success of the theatre was down to a lot of voluntary and community effort.  Makes a difference.

from today's discussions with residents it is clear that people are very concerned about buses.  How often they come, whether they are early, if a double decker comes they cannot get on, and where they wait for them. 

In contrast you can see from John Hemming MP's blog that the Prime Minister is only sarcastic when the issue of bus problems is raised.

Back home all the complaints are put into an e-mail and we will see what Stagecoach have to say about the number 59 buses.  I've taken it all seriously, unlike the PM - but I didn't add the request from some that a settee with fire would be nice in the bus shelter, and then they thought of a drinks machine! 

Today's events make me think what price do we put on things.  It isn't logical!

Going to James Cook Hospital on the bus (worried nowhere to park adn I don't know the streets round there )  - Free both ways from Middlesbrough

Consultant listening, looking properly, going through test results and discussing future management and actuially caring about long standing skin problems - priceless

New kettle from Argos - less than £12 and a Which good buy"

car parking fee _ £4.50 (what a lot!)

Hairdressers - rather a lot, but what a difference

Hearing about Northern Ireland Peace process - wonderful.

Hearing about possiblity of David Ford as future Justice Minsiter - I was beyond words and very emotional when I heard this.  Stupendous.  He will be brilliant.  Priceless beyond words.

Mayor's Ball - rather a lot of money, but all going to a good cause !

Coming home to our own home after a night with freinds - priceless again

A morning with fog and icy puddles isn't one to tempt you out, but we had a mini estate walkabout planned for the Council estate in the ward to meet our new Tristar patch manager.  Once we got going it was enjoyable, meeting people, listening to and looking at their problems, as well as getting to know each other.

A visit to the Community Centre to sort a few things out and I realise no time to go home for lunch so a sandwich and a little treat of time to go to the Farm Shop on Yarm Back Lane.  If you haven't been do go, lovely fresh veg and fruit and you wouldn't think you were 2 mnutes away from the urban area.  Half an hour for casework picked up throughout the morning.

Then the CCTV centre for a visit with Friends of Newham Grange Park to sort a few issues out.  Very useful for us all.  I hadn't realised that the public could ring in direct to the CCTV (528989) centre if there was a problem in an area covered by CCTV as well as contacting the Police or ASB team so they coujld point the camera straight there.

Away from communty issues to Council one's (isn't life as a councillor varied!).  Presentations on regeneration (re-run of Tuesday's with a bit of a difference, but still very positive), followed by various "Plans for planning issues" but with longer names.  A sense of frustration as there are lots of issues I have wanted to be able to insist on for planning applications over the years that are now going to come into force - but most not for another 6 years.  Seems the Government is giving developers time to sort themselves out - pity we don't get the same consideration in local government!  The a worrying presentatin on "Personal Care at Home".  Seems the Governemnt has made announcements on how wonderful it is in making this available to people, but where is the money coming from that wil pay for it ?  sounds to me like another strain on local government budgets.

Then a lovely evening with no politics - photos and music by Robert Cooper.  For a nice calm experience have a look at his website.

It is not every day a vision becomes a reality - and it is plus what you wanted!  Today it was though.  For many years Stockton has had no volunteer bureau for reasons not to be gone into on a happy day, and I have been determined that we would get one back - one day.  It took some doing but I did get it into one of the recommendaitons of the Select Committee group that I chaired 2 years ago that we would have one.  Nobody knew where the money or any other vital part would come from - but without the stated aim and the vision what does happen ?  By being able, by a sub group that I am on, to put some of the money from the Communities Fund to tackle worklessness into an embryo of Viva, it was able to be born and launched today. 

Viva is no ordinary volunteer bureau, it is breaking new ground in working across the board with volunteers, organisations and local businesses.  You really need to look at the website to get the full picture.   So for me it was an exciting launch, for many, many local people it is going to give opportunities to not only give time, but gain confidence and skills.  I have volunteered in numerous ways throughout all of my adult life and gained enormously by it.  I am sure that VIVA is going to be able to make a difference.  We were told to go away and tell one person about it - well I'm telling all of you!