Suzanne Fletcher's Blog

Wednesday 31st October 

Each night I've settled down to writing the article, and each night I still keep finding new and interesting information.  I am just amazed, even though I have read parts of the story so many times before, at the courage and integrity of the man.  Challenging Parliament is something some of do all of the time, but not with the thought that we might be sent to the Tower of London.  If we weren't pursuing a cause popular with the people we would have, as happened in Brass Crosby's time "filth from the gutter thrown at us" and our hats knocked off, as happened to Crosby's political opponents by the crowd.

Safe in the knowledge that it was OK to challenge I rang up Parliament to question the facts on their website about the origins of verbatim written records.  They say it was John Wiles, but no, I know it was Brass Crosby who fought for them.  They disagreed, but at least I didn't get sent to the Tower.

Tuesday 30th October 

I was so pleased that as a result of my researches into Brass Crosby and the whereabouts of the famous cup he was given in 1771, I have at last tracked down where it is now, and was rewarded by an e-mailed photo from the Mansion House, via no less than the plate butler.  A magnificent cup with the story of his journey from the Tower and some quotations on it.

I have also found an antiquarian book on line, and original "Memoirs of Brass Crosby".  I've never ordered such a book before so I await it's coming with anticipation.

help! The Deputy Mayor's blog entry for 26th October, http://www.readmyday.co.uk/johnfletcher,  about Taste of Africa, that was here earlier has disappeared fo some reason.  He had put a lot of time into the photos and quite a lot of  links so if anyone could advise how to retrieve, please e-mail one of  us.

Many thanks in advance

I have been planning to write a book about Brass Crosby for a while, since I gave a talk to the Stockton Historical Society, and they suggested it.  For those of you that do not know about Brass Crosby and didn't follow my blog whilst Mayor, have a look at that page to catch up!  Briefly he was a Stockton born man who went on to become Mayor of London.  In that position he changed our history by bravely standing up to Parliament in 1771 defending the right of the press to publish the proceedings of Parliament.  He was sent to the Tower of London for his pains, but on his release that right was never challenged again.  Hence the saying "Bold as Brass"

I have an article I need to finish for the Cleveland Historical Society by the end of October so needs must, out comes the box with large pile of collected papers.  I really enjoyed getting immersed in his life and times, and complain as we do, it does bring home how important our democracy is.  That makes it even more important that we do what we can to stand up and defend those rights.  We can be thankful that we are not likely to get thrown into the Tower for our efforts too!

If you want to vote in the Liberal Democrat leadership election you have only a few days to decide to join!  By now it will be best to do on the Party website as applications have to be in HQ on 31^st October - so if you aren't a member and want to be - hurry!

I really ought to have begun to decide who to vote for by now, I always have in the past, but I cannot decide.  Both Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne are young men with experience of both the European and Westminster Parliaments.  Both are committed to the policies and principles of the Liberal Democrats. Both are enthusiastic.  Both will come over well in the media.  Yet they are different, and I need to find out what matters.  I am very disappointed there is no hustings I can go to, and hope I can cope with the technology of viewing something on-line

The good news is that we are in a "win, win" situation, we are bound to get a good one!

Taste of Africa  Awards dinner tonight.  After a frantic week it was good to be able to be amongst some lovely friendly people, as well as sit down for a meal with no interruption, phone, or papers to read - the first one this week.

The evening was put on to show the positive side of African people.  Also to recognise achievement, not only of black people, but all those who contribute.  There was so much colour, as always, especially when the African women put on their traditional dress.  The men know how to dress too!  I am not putting all of the links in, so if anyone is interested they are on the Deputy Mayor's Blog - and I was there as Deputy Mayoress.

It was exciting that the Africa Sports Embassy was given an award for "Service to Young People".  I am the patron of the organisation, so of course it was special, and Apollo who went up for the award insisted I joined him, along with fellow worker Kath Sainsbury who has put so much into the work.

Best of all though was when Justice First, represented by Kath Sainsbury, won the award for "Support of African Community".  She gave a simple but moving speech.  How it was a privilege to work for Justice First, and how she loves working with such courageous, resilient, and wonderful people.  It could be a roller coaster, going from anger to heartbreak, suffering and fear.  However the organisation was able to give support to the isolated, and let those they dealt with know that people do care.  The organisation is small and fragile, but is such a great tower of strength to the most vulnerable people in our community, so it was good to see the work recognised.

At last, this hectic week, something to celebrate! Just imagine, 100 years ago today there were no women Councillors at all ! what a sorry state for us to be in.  The Women's Local Government Society was having a meeting in Darlington for local women interested in the subject to go along, find out more about the history of women councillors, and share some of their stories.  We had a fascinating description of the lead up to the elections, and I must say I was proud that it was actually a Liberal Government that brought it in.  However the work was done by a cross party group of women, and even today I find that women are willing to work across party divides to support each other, and to work for change.  The Bill had a rough passage through the House of Lords, them being concerned about women being swayed by "feeling not cold reason".  Despite such reservations the first elections when women could stand and be elected and have a vote on their councils were on November 1^st 2007.  Although, of course, lots of progress has been made, there is still a long way to go.  Less than 30% of Councillors are women, and not enough are in positions of responsibility.  A lot of encouraging, support, and change needs to go on.

Before that Julia and I popped in to add our congratulations to Rosedale, a residential care unit in Bishopsgarth.  They were 25 years old, and had a lot of good memories to celebrate.  Most impressive were the wall hangings made by the residents.  I cannot think why I didn't take a photo, but I did of the cake and cards.

Before these 2 pleasant events there was a mad circuit of training on Code of Conduct, a partnership meeting covering Building Schools for the Future, as well as strategies for older people (how can I grow old without a strategy!).  All the time urgent messages need to be sorted out with the blackberry, and walks between places were the only chance to make important phone calls.  I know women are good at multi tasking, but it would be nice to do just one thing at a time sometimes.

I was so pleased to get a message today that the House of Commons has accepted  the Liberal Democrat amendment to leave elected executives for out of the new Bill.  This is excellent news for Councils throughout the Country, that it will not be one of the options presented to them, sounding attractive, but luring them into a scenario that could produce an unworkable cabinet and second class councillors.

Apart from that it was another long and tiring day, out of the house for 12 hours except for 15 minutes to have some soup, in between appointments.  Then work to do when I got home after 9.00 p.m.

However, for once, appointments were well timed, with my pilates straight after a nasty slip on a floor pulling my knee and back.  Hopefully no damage done, and some more exercises to get me more able to both work and enjoy life more.  No, it wasn't a planted banana skin, just something looking like jam!

Councillor's working hours are in the spotlight again.  Labour on Redcar and Cleveland Council are talking about making Councillors fill in time sheets for each day.  Just who do they think they are, we are elected or not by our constituents and it is them we serve, not the Labour Party.  And just when do we find time to do this filling in.  For the last 2 days I've worked pretty solidly for 14 hours on each day.  Not even been shopping or done any more meal preparation other than put something in the microwave.  I thought Chris Abbott made the point well in our local paper.As you can guess, another day of frustrations, work and community centre problems.  Not even any time to make the desk more untidy! 

I hope that the phone connection problems are now sorted, but more than once today I have had a mobile at one ear and a landline at the other.  I hope it doesn't addle the brain.  At least I hope I have ensured that a fire engine and mobile skateboard park are not on the same piece of land tomorrow!

At meeting this evening about Transport Strategies (that strategy word again), people were voicing frustrations about not having the bus service they need.  The Government really does need to tackle this issue head on.

Not a good day.  Before 9.30 a.m. there were 3 big problems to deal with at the Community Centre, so John had to drive to our meeting with the Council leader so I could sort out what I could on the mobile phone.  It got worse.  The lovely play area in Newham Grange Park, where we visited on Friday,  has been vandalised.  When I went to see what was happening, lots of children and people looking after them were enjoying the park, and toddlers were bewildered as to why they could not access some of the equipment.  I spent hours and hours on the phone to a certain phone provider trying to sort out phone problems at the community centre, and was greatly relieved when able to transfer the issue to e-mail!  I don't eat lunch till 3, and the Community Centre problems get worse throughout the day, and other problems pile in.  I cannot believe it is only Monday!  Today was my "almost free day", and the desk is definitely toxed up again, with no time at all to do any other work.

A brighter evening as I have a meeting about publishing a book about Brass Crosby.  Quite daunting, but an exciting and new challenge.

This was better than the time John had in trying to sort out our own phone lines with the same phone company.

Spin; showing off what you have (even if you haven't!); buildings for pleasure of the few; worship of the idea of eternal beauty; refreshment houses as often as you can get them; a huge financial crisis.

So where have these words come from? Today's Sunday papers ?

No, but they could, couldn't they.  They were some of the things I picked up on a guided tour of Studley Gardens at Foutnains Abbey by the excellent National Trust Guide about some of the doings of C18 Britain. It is sad to see that some things do not change, but at least the legacy is one of beauty that, thanks to the National Trust, all can now enjoy.  Superb in it's autumn colours.

I was taken by the story of John Aislabie, former owner of the gardens in the C18 and how he was Chancellor of the Exchequer when the South Sea Bubble burst, affecting the landed gentry and others with money.  Because the crisis affected those who were already rich and powerful something had to be done!  Aislabie was sacked, the profits he made taken off him, and he was not allowed to stand for public office again, hence the effort he put into the gardens. (The picture shows him before and after).  It made me think of the contrast between how the Northern Rock crisis and Farepak crisis were dealt with.  The former affected those who had savings, and was rescued.  Farepak affected those on lower incomes and not able to save, and they lost everything.  What did the Government offer them ?  Money back ? No.  Other forms of cheap credit ? No.  Extra help in setting up credit unions ? No.  Makes you think doesn't it.

A Fair Trade Extravaganza organised by our Church gave an opportunity to do some shopping, that makes sure that disadvantaged producers in the third world are getting a better deal.  I don't want to gain notoriety amongst bloggers for being the first to mention Christmas, but I do now have a cake, pud ingredients, and some cards.  Lots of choice on all the stalls, have a look on the Fair Trade website to see what there is.

Then the luxury of a walk in Preston Park, which is in my husband's ward.  Lovely autumnal views there too, we are making up for a terrible summer. 

These walks do count towards getting round our wards too!  I see from Maureen Rigg's blog that the North East of England is one of the Lonely Planet's Top 30 "must see" destinations.  No surprise to me, but is it to those of you from elsewhere ?

The yearly treat of Yarm Fair tonight.  Hooray.  It always causes controversy, there are always grumbles, it disrupts normal routines, but isn't that a good thing occasionally ? 

We can let our hair down, go on the dodgems, and enjoy the bright lights for one night.  The downside was the food smells.  I was glad I had a meal in the oven to go back to, given the tons and tons of variously named and coloured fat and sugar being sold.  No wonder people are worried about the growth in obesity, there isn't much choice!

A concert hall for Tees Valley ?  Now there is a thought ! I had met up with some friends and this was being talked about.  Do we have anywhere for a good concert of classical music? or do our exceptionally talented local musicians play in surroundings that do not do them justice, with audiences often sitting uncomfortably ? 

What do you think ?

Runner up in the Coop Bank Mayor of the Year 2006/7 competition !  I still can hardly believe it, but I was presented with the framed certificate from a representative of the Co-op Bank at the beginning of the full Council meeting.  He summarised some of the aims that I had and made reference to the story of the handbags throughout the Mayor's Blog I ran. 

It is a great tribute to all the people you had supported my in my Mayoral Year, ranging from my family, other Councillors, community groups and the splendid team of Council Officers.  The photos I have are not very good, and I hope to replace with a professional one soon.

There were other achievements to celebrate too, tonight.  St Michaels School had won the National Youth Parliament Competition; the Council team had won the Award for Best City in the whole of the UK in the Britain in Bloom competition; Joan Wade, a former Councillor was given the status of Honorary Alderman having served for 24 years on the Council before retiring.  Who says we aren't up to much round here ??

Before that I had accompanied John in my Deputy Mayoress's role to a presentation by Thrive who are part of Church Against Poverty.  There were moving presentations by some local people that Thrive had interviewed and done research with.  Some of the same words came out over and over again in what both the residents and those working with them said.  Stress, isolation, illness in the family, worry about the future, no access to cheap credit, debt, ill health, and back to stress.  Many of their problems are hidden from view from the rest of us, and the phrase that struck me that summed it up was "People are not able to reach their own potential".  There is no doubt that help must be better targeted, and service providers must be involved with the people and their needs in planning for the future.

I also met people who were working for Christians against Poverty and running debt counselling locally for local people.  See what they have to say on their website.

We had the first meeting of the Fairtrade Steering Group since we had celebrated becoming a Fairtrade Town in the summer.  I was delighted to see some new members of the group, and plans are afoot for more events to continue to promote the Fairtrade message, which is not just about buying Fairtrade goods, but a greater awareness of the issues, and links with the producers and their communities.

A partnership meeting followed with lots of plans, visons, and strategies to endorse.  This included a presentation (with pictures!) of  plans for the future, starting with a film clip of only about 30 years ago, showing how far Stockton Borough has moved.  It is quite striking and the presentation is available to any local group that would like to see it.

it was quite a contrast moving on to a Church meeting.  A vision is in preparation there too, for how we work for the future in the Parish, and I must say it is good not to have restrictions from above dictating the shape of this vision.  We just need to stick to our basic principles!

The whole of the Lib Dem world appears to have been blogging about Ming, it was world bloggers day, and what was I doing ?  Not worrying about the leadership of the party, just getting on with doing things.  There are people that need helping, issues that need tackling, a ward to represent and it all goes on, contrary to what some people may think, regardless of what is happening in the hierarchy of the party.  Although I must admit that a mobile phone call to one of our Councillors in the middle of our group meeting telling us that Ming was going to resign did stop us in our tracks.

I did have a meeting about promoting the Women's Local Government Society "share a story" day in Darlington on October 25th.  The WLGS was formed in 1907 to campaign for the right of women to stand for election to local Councils, and won that right with a Liberal Government.  They don't have a website yet, so i cannot point people to it, but will gladly send information to anyone interested.

It is always good to meet up with friends and colleagues, and hear some good speakers too, so I was glad that we were able to Gateshead for the Northern Regional Liberal Democrats for the last time.  Next time the name will have very sensibly changed to North East Region Liberal Democrats.

I was delighted to hear what Baroness Maddock had to tell us.  The House of Lords Liberal Democrats had led the move to kick the ill fated "elected executive" idea that Stockton Council are so keen on, into touch.  Even Margaret Thatcher had followed them into the lobby!  The misconceived elected executives would have done nothing to promote democracy, nothing to bring local government closer to people, and just elected political slates.  It remains to be seen whether the House of Commons will accept this vote, or ping pong it back to the Lords.  Let us hope that common sense will prevail.

Later we heard from Alan Beith MP.  He spoke of the importance of Northern Rock to our North Eastern Region for both the jobs it created and the crucial work that the Northern Rock Foundation does for the local community here.  Whatever happens in the future, we need the bank to remain here.

A fascinating viewpoint of "votes for women" via fashion.  I was with a friend at Kiplin Hall for an evening put on by The History Wardrobe.  We were shown in a most entertaining and interesting way how fashions of the day had been part of the campaigns by the suffragettes.  We started off with the shoes, the 1903 walking shoes even looked suitable for tramping around the doorsteps and delivering Focus, but that couldn't be said of the dresses!  I was horrified to see how the dresses of the day were built up, starting with some very severe uncomfortable looking corsets, which actually bent the body into the right shape.  Pilates obviously hadn't caught on and as my friend pointed out - poor whales, having been killed to stiffen the corsets.  Layer after layer went on, all frothy and frilly, as women in the early 20^th Century were, with a weight ten times that of modern clothing.  Mrs Pankhurst had said, we were told, that the campaigning women had to look feminine to be listened to, and needed to look acceptable to be able to get into the political meetings where they needed to be.  The "Votes for Women" sash cried out the cause for those that were not allowed to speak.  Some fascinating accessories included a delicate looking handbag with a heavy chain stuffed into it and an umbrella with a strong pointy end, now there's a thought.  This was in huge contrast to the clothing they were put into when thrown into prison, where they were given bulky uncomfortable clothes.

Women had a long and difficult fight to be able to have the vote, finally granted by a Liberal Government, and it cannot have been helped by fashions of the day.  When polling day comes along - remember it only takes a minute to toss on some clothes and pop to the polling station !

I hope to be able to get to the launch of "Rebel Girls", the story of women from the North of England to get the vote.  One of them is in Middlesbrough Central Library on Thursday 29^th November at 6.00 p.m.

The detox desk isn't working nearly as well as it should, I'm afraid.  I think that things are just breeding on there, and jumping back when I'm not looking.  The pile on the dining table to keep the desk clear isn't looking very good either.  However I was thrilled to find some missing bits of paper, right out of sight behind the printer - the notes from the Fairtrade conference that have been missing for weeks.

I've cracked it why my desk needs detoxing.  It isn't me that is untidy, it is other people that don't return phone calls!   I have a large plan opened out, a pile of other correspondence, more files, and paper with notes on, scattered around, not just on my desk.  Why ? because I am waiting for people to return phone calls and answer e-mails.  Not just Council officers I hasten to add, it also includes a solicitor, and some public organisations.  The result is lots of paper, just waiting for the return call.

Far worse though is the situation I found out about in DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo).  Money is needed to build a school for 100 orphans who have been either raped, child soldiers, tortured or slaves.  It is beyond our comprehension to imagine such a situation, but the person who asked me to visit them showed me photos of the condition the building is now in, and how the children have to sleep.  If it was happening here to one child there would be an outpouring of public sympathy, but raising over £25,000 for a country far away is going to be a huge task.

One of those rare days when no meetings, so no excuse not to detox the desk.  All sorts of interesting things emerged, to say nothing of the dross that isn't needed any more as out of date by now.  Thanks goodness it is recycling day tomorrow.  The "to do" pile and "to read" pile, no longer near the desk top look pretty horrendous though.  I don't think anyone who is not a Councillor has any idea how many documents we are supposed to read, digest, and file for future reference.  It is easy to decide they are not a priority, not relevant to your work, then some time later find that a vital nugget of information relevant to your ward is hidden in the midst of pages of Government - speak, and you will be told - "but you had the information".  If only it was a game of hide and seek, and not trying to organise life and serving the people well.

"It's high time, in my view, that the decision about a general election is not part of the discretion of the prime minister."

Ming Campbell MP

BBC News 24 - 7 October

Says it all really, doesn't it.

So, on with the rest of life.  There was an article in The Guardian about detoxifying your desk.   I read it with horror - someone has been sneaking a look in my office and writing about it!  There were 10 easy steps to "detox the desk", pity you cannot use that phrase in scrabble, it would nicely sort the x and the k.  We have a big emphasis on training for Councillors, but not had one on this yet.

Our heritage in this area really is "something to write home about", or in this case blog about.  We were on a trip down the River Tees on the Teesside Princess with the Friends of Tees Heritage Park.  There was some lovely scenery and it was a perfect day for seeing it.  The river boat give views that cannot be seen from other places and it is well worth making the trip if you live locally.  Many people were making the comment that people in other parts of the country had no idea what lovely places we had, so I cannot resist posting some photos.

One thing we did see was not at all pleasing though.  A housing estate is being built next to a nature reserve, in an area with no amenities, and quite isolated.   It had been allowed because the TDC (Teesside Development Corporation, now disappeared) had removed topsoil from arable land, so it became a "brownfield site" thus making planning permission inevitable.  I call it eco vandalism.

I didn't get round to writing about my "health day" yesterday, so called as it involved separate visits to the Butterwick Hospice, University of North Tees Hospital for my own purposes, which is best not written about, and then my GP.  John had been invited to the Hospice for a "Breakfast meeting with corporate sponsors".  Everyone was made very welcome and it was an opportunity to meet people working in different aspects of the hospice, as well as other organisations.  Fund raising is obviously an issue for them, as they spend £3 and half million each year on crucial services to people, including children, who need it so much.  They deliver it so well, but it is horrifying to hear that they only get 17% of the income needed from Government sources.  All of the rest has to be raised from the public locally, a difficult task for the fund  raising team.  I am concerned that it will be more difficult next year when the tax rate drops, so they will get less income from Giftaid.  I am glad I made the Outreach Service one of my charities whilst I was Mayor. 

So it now "off".  Meaning an early General Election.  Gordon Brown having caused mayhem has now decided it will be more politically expedient for him and his party to delay the election they were planning in great detail to have.  Not better for the Country, but better for him and his Party.  Only a written constitution with a fixed term parliament, as they have in Scotland, is going to stop this happening again, and the only way he can come out of the mess he has caused with any dignity and respect at all.

I've taken the next article from Maureen Rigg's Blog.  The message is clear, please do take the time to look at this, sign it, and pass on to other people too.

There's a huge on-line petition to try to get the Chinese government to exercise whatever influence they have over the Burmese dictators to stop the violent oppression and exploitation of that country and its people. The petition reads:
To Chinese President Hu Jintao and the UN Security Council:

We stand alongside the citizens of Burma in their peaceful protests. We urge you to oppose a violent crackdown on the demonstrators, and to support genuine reconciliation and democracy in Burma. We pledge to hold you accountable for any further bloodshed.

We are all shocked and horrified at what is happening, and this is one small way that we can contribute to a way forward. 

(later in the day)

Since I wrote the above I have had a message to say that 600,000 people have signed the petition so far, and they are working for 1 million, so please do sign and pass on.  Also there is an Interenational Call for Action Day, tomorrow, October 6th.  There are a number of venues in our Country (and abroad of course) where these are taking place on the website.

 Also there is the opportunity to show your solidarity by wearing a red ribbon.  the extract from their website expains it best

"Ask people attending your event to share their feelings on this crisis and the need for action, and then tie a red ribbon or piece of cloth around fences or trees to leave a more lasting sign of your support for the Burmese.
The worldwide outcry to save Burma's peaceful monks and protesters is one more sign of how the world is getting closer, feeling increasingly responsible to each other, and for each other as human beings. We're bringing a voice of humanity to this desperate situation, and we must not be silenced. "

The General Election, "will  he won't he", dominates the day though.  It might be a game to some but all the uncertainly is not helping anyone, and all sorts of worries and concerns come to light that are not directly connected to politics.  Also, all Political Parties will be selecting some seats extremely quickly with no democratic input.    Although I hold no brief whatsoever for the Tories, they are a part of our democracy as a legitimate Party.  Their conference should have been about their policies, rather than having everything dominated by talk of a possible election.   It would have given us all the chance to find out just what they were standing for, rather than some soundbites on elections.  Then we could possible have some real debate!

There are times when I do wonder what is happening in the way bureaucracy goes, and increasingly so.  At a meeting with my Ward colleague, Julia, we found what I had suspected that the boundary for "Integrated Service Areas" dividing Stockton North and South went right through the middle of the ward, dividing estates.  These service areas are about bringing together in a seamless way services for children, from what used to be called Social Services, Health Care and youth work.  Brilliant bringing them together, it should be better for children, but I do worry about that boundary line.  We were assured that it wouldn't lead to problems in getting new services up and running.  We sincerely hope not.

On a brighter note, a meeting about what is happening on the ground followed.  The Youth Bus at Bishopsgarth is proving to be a success, and it is very positive to be able to work with them, police and school to tackle some difficult issues.

In the midst of committees and everything else the speculation of an early General Election are rife.  There has never been a better time to press for a written constitution which states the length of time between elections.  It is a nuisance and inconvenience for politicians, but you might say that is there life.  However there is so much dashing around, many constituents won't be getting the representation they need, families are suffering - will they be able to have a break at half term ?  Council Officers needing to make plans, their families affected; halls being booked and unbooked; countless people putting life on hold.  Why.  Because one man is trying to work out how to remain as Prime Minister for as long as possible.  Why ?  Well even that isn't clear - just what vision is there for us ?

A ray of sunshine though, a lovely letter from a constituent I visited last week

" Thanks a million for your timely help.  You came in like a guardian angel".  It was a pleasure to help her (and a welcome break from all those meetings and papers!) so a nice letter like that is icing on the cake.

A nice event tonight, having spent the day catching up, writing Focus, and chasing people.  The Bishopsgarth Association of Residents were having their monthly meeting, but at this one, prizes were being presented to local residents who had gardens worthy of a prize under various categories.  Julia, my ward colleague, and members of the committee had walked round the whole estate to do the judging, and Julia presented the prizes.  One of these was the silver platter I had donated as mayor last year for the bet garden.  It is one of the really nice parts of being a Councillor, to be able to encourage and reward people who are doing their bit to make the community a nicer place to live in.