Suzanne Fletcher's Blog

Trying to juggle budgets is never easy, and my maths ability is not great when the figures are on a spread sheet.  However, the list of improvements that our residents are asking for in the ward comes to at least £230,000.  All of them are good suggestions, and some have been waiting 30 years and more to be done.  Most should have been done when the houses were built, and indeed some were promised by the Council to be done.  However as Councillors we have £13,000 to spend in this financial year on our "Small Environmental Improvement Budget".  You don't have to be very good at sums to work out that it will take a VERY long time to work through the list!

I am contacted by a resident of a new estate that has only become part of our ward in the last few years.  He is complaining about cars being parked all over the estate on roads and pavements making it difficult and dangerous drive as people cannot see well.  Added to that there are lots of children playing on the streets, and there is no green or open area on that estate.  Nightmare, and I don't know the solution.  I'll ask and I'll think of course but it won't be easy.

The estate was planned not to have any open space in it, and instead a new play area was being developed at Newham Grange Park, which I have just measured as being 1130 metres (nearly ¾ of a mile) away.  It was also planned to have few places to park to encourage residents to have fewer cars and use public transport.  It sounds good, doesn't it, till you see the reality of it.  To be fair our local planners are having to follow Government guidelines.  Over to you ..... if you are listening.

During the day I met a grandfather who was trying to raise support for helmets for children with flat heads, as these helmets correct the problem.  They cost around £2,000 each and are not available on the NHS so he is petitioning for them to be so.  I've signed the petition - why don't you ?

I didn't finish writing about the Mandela 46664 concert last night, I was just glued to the TV for once.  It was brilliant.  Also good to see so many people there supporting the event on the day that our party of government came 5^th in the Henley by election behind the BNP. It seems so unlikely that a man about to be 90 can so inspire tens of thousands of people there on the night as well as throughout the world, but he has, and he does.  It is easy to get caught up in the emotion and the excitement of an event like that and not follow through the spirit of it.  As well as following his example of peace and forgiveness, I hope people will support the 46664 charity too, and if you didn't spend a lot of money going to London and buying a ticket you can donate via the web to help children living in desperate situations in South Africa.  The spirit of generosity certainly got to me - I thought Gordon Brown looked and sounded really good, and the most relaxed I have ever seen.

Tonight we had the treat of Cleveland Philarmonic Choir singing Haydn's Creation for their 40^th anniversary.  Not as many people as last night, but a full hall with people very enthusiastically clapping.  Deservedly so too.

I will leave commentary on the Henley by election to the many others rushing to blog on it, but I just want to comment on one thing.  The number of people turning out to vote.  The turnout was relatively high at just over 50%.  However in this Country we do have true democracy, not just opposition parties, but those we strongly disagree with like the far right, and those who appear to be in the election just for fun are all allowed to campaign.  They can leaflet, they can canvass, stand in public places, and be given all the information they need from electoral officers.  There is one word for it.  Deomcracy.  Do people appreciate this.  No.  Just contrast with Zimabwe.

For the third consecutive day we were taken to the City of Durham - this morning for a meeting of the Summer Congregation of Durham University.  Although this is a secular ceremony, it is held in the majestic interior of Durham Cathedral.  Cameras are not allowed in the Cathedral so I couldn't capture the colour of the pageantry and all of those magnificent robes.  However nothing could capture the essence of the ceremony, and these words are a poor imitation I'm afraid.

In a way the degrees could just be e-mailed out in this new age of ours, but there is a time and place for everything.  As the Vice Chancellor said, today is a gateway and a celebration of university life.  It is a rite of passage to the world of work, and he encouraged those graduating to continue to learn, it is a never ending process.  Today was, of course, also a chance for parents and all who have supported the students a chance to be proud - they deserve it.  I can recall going to our son's graduation day around 20 years ago, and how proud we were.  He also gave the message - do what you really want to do, go for it, take risks, make mistakes if you have to, but go for it.  What a far cry from local government where we are pushed all the time into going for what government and inspectors want us to do.

Bill Bryson was, as always witty and to the point.  His key messages were "just look around you - and wow! Aren't we lucky to be part of our world!"  he also urged us not to be afraid to make changes where needed, and whatever we wanted to do - do it!

Professor Hungin gave the citation for Sir Nicholas Wright to receive an Honary Doctorate.  After outlining the great work he did in stem cell research in tackling disease he talked about Sir Nicholas's drive.  He was determined to achieve, and he did it.

It is Nelson Mandela's 90^th birthday concert as I write, and I've just seen those with the 46664 t shirts and the slogan "it's in our hands".  Africa is a long way off, but there is aid and support we can give.  Nelson Mandela knew what he wanted to do.  He had to wait.  An excruciatingly long wait.  But he knew what he wanted to do.  It isn't finished yet by any means.  But - HE DID IT.

Today was the day that the PCT were making the decision on going ahead with the Clarence Street Surgery.  We had put in detailed comments on issues that needed to be addressed, but had concerns that some of these were not properly addressed in the report, and were not at all pleased when we were told that we could not speak at the meeting.  It was a very uncomfortable experience to sit there on a side seat and not be able to correct what was said, expand on any point made, or answer any questions raised.  We are elected by the people of Bishopsgarth and Elm Tree to represent them and put their case for them, but were "members of the public" and were allowed to be seen and not heard.  Quite a number of the points we had been making had been taken on board, such as the need for a pedestrian crossing on the Durham by pass ready for the first patient.  However it will be difficult and expensive for people using public transport from both Bishopsgarth and Elm Tree to get there.  Both Julia and myself and very disappointed this issue is not being addressed.

As we were leaving the room we heard it being said that the next item was about the excellent working relationship with Stockton Council and good news.  Having just been "seen and not heard" as representatives of the said Council we went back in to hear what change of heart.  However it was about how the "JAR" ( an inspection of Social and Health Services) had been successful and the Inspectors had been impressed.  We are, of course, pleased that staff who work hard have been acknowledged and earned accolades.  Also that services delivered have been marked as very good for service users.  However, is it really a partnership if representatives are not allowed to be heard, and is it good that a mother taking a child to the doctor has to use 2 buses and pay £6.00.  or even £8.00 if 2 children.

It was a busy day, with a Partnership Board meeting next.  Plans for the Christmas Market and future of the High Street were being discussed, and if you have ideas about these do please get in touch with myself or Council officers.  They have said they will listen and I am sure they will.

Then a presentation on Momentum, pathways to healthcare by the PCT (yes we all listened!)  I have a lot to say about that, but another time.  In the meantime have a look at the website and try to fill in the questionnaire.  Tell me after 2014 if you were listened to!

A very busy day, I am next on the windswept and wet Elm Tree shopping parade, along with Julia, Police and Council Officers.  We are looking at solutions to the problems of people driving onto the paved area as it is not only a danger to people walking across, but it cracks the paving and manhole covers not built for traffic, so causing even more hazards for people walking.  There are no easy solutions, but at least some ideas to work on.  We then move on to the Mile House Traffic lights to look at problems from pedestrians crossing and motorists waiting at the junction.  Also problems caused by pavement parking near the shop there making it inaccessible for people walking along.  Again there are no easy solutions, but ideas for us all to work on.  That is what I call real partnership working. 

After hearing the problems from our constituents, getting out there, listening to each other and hearing what each had to say.

Back to the Municipal Buildings to try to look presentable after the wind and rain to accompany John to meet the Customer 1^st Centre and thank the hard working staff for what they do.  Council Tax, Benefits and Care For Your Area are all in this Contact Centre taking calls and in a very well organised way dealing with the issues.

Customers might not be seen - but they were heard, listened to and helped.

Wowee! Half an hour to try to catch up on some e-mails and phone calls before going to Durham.

Evensong at Durham Cathedral for choral evensong.  What a wonderful experience after a long and difficult day.  This building was aptly described by Bill Bryson as "the best cathedral on Planet Earth".  With its vast Norman arcades, set on top of an incised meander of the River Wear, it never ceases to impress me within and without.  It is a haven, and sanctuary, and to use modern jargon, an icon in our region.  It is the Anglican cathedral for two-thirds of our Borough and a great symbol of North-east England, part of a World Heritage Site.  After the service there was a presentation by the Dean (the Very Rev. Michael Sadgrove) and other speakers to launch the Cathedral's 5-year Development Programme for "the jewel in the region's crown". 

Planned are Heritage & Conservation (the buildings and the woodland and river banks, which would involve taking on an apprentice stonemason, preserving old skills), development of Worship & Music (including replacement of the nave pews with seating "to preserve skeletons in much the same shape as your Creator imparted to them"), Learning & Discovery (including an improved visitor offer - the Cathedral attracts 600,000 p.a., a big factor in our regional tourist trade) and Engagement & Outreach with the community.  A lot of money needs to be raised to achieve this vision, and today was the beginning.  Have a look at the website to find out more and think about anything you might be able to do, and pass it on.  We had a chance to visit the Treasury, which displays the 7^th-Century pectoral cross and coffin of St Cuthbert.  A memorable visit, however many times we've seen it before!  It is a Cathedral for the people, and not just a collection of old and interesting things, or where distant religious ceremonies take place.  We met one former vicar who told us how he goes there once a week, to help and to be there to listen.  Thank you to Robert Cooper whose photos I am showing here.

People can be seen and heard there.

Wednesday 25th June

A day of utter frustration with bureaucracy dominating over the needs of people.  At my voluntary work I was at a meeting with some new people and we were asked to introduce ourselves with our name and what we liked to eat.  Without thinking I said "bureaucrats for breakfast"

Things didn't get better as I got an e-mail from the PCT saying that as members of the public we were not allowed to speak at the meeting tomorrow.  Members of the public - we were wanting to speak on behalf of the residents of our ward.  What we are there for, to speak up for them.

However away from Stockton we had a great evening at Durham and enjoyed looking round the Botanical Gardens - have a look if you can.  I've not photographed the usual sights of lovely trees and flowers (well, I have but not for the blog).   It is always good to meet people from the University where thinking is more than allowed, even, obviously, encouraged.  A far cry from the straight jacket of local government.  Some random not very deep thoughts on the pictures.  How fitting the recycling bins looked in that environment.  Was the piece of art on the seat someone in a pacamac who had been left waiting for a bus that never turned up ? 

what amazing giant lilies that are grown from seed every spring and reach 6 feet diameter. 

The excitement of seeing how the Frosterley limestone (as used in the pillars of Durham Cathedral) was polished with diamonds to the beautiful black sheen by Keith Murray; the sculptures we had seen earlier almost miraculously coming from his skills with the plain rock; the excitement of seeing rock cut and seeing the fossils for the first time for 3 million years.  In other words : mundane street furniture can blend wonderfully with the environment; art can be fun; from tiny seeds great things can grow and with polish and determination as well as skill wonderful things can be made.  Let's think outside the box and see what we can do outside that straighjacket.

Another meeting free day.  Surely I could start on the filing.  Sadly, no.  Even more issues left in the balance, needing to chase up.  I know we are an excellent Council, but ..... I am a ward Councillor though and it is my job to chase up these issues that may not mean much in the greater scheme of things, but do to individuals - and they matter.

Relaxation in the evening as I accompany John to receive the Senior Common Room of John Snow College at Queens Campus at our Town Hall.  All part of bringing together "Town and Gown".  Also an opportunity to say Thank You to the college principal, Martyn Evans, as John made a presentation.  Also an opportunity to update people on the progress of Brass Crosby research.

No meetings all day.  Hooray, chance to catch up and do some filing.  Or so I thought, but most of the day was spent chasing matters that had been "in hand" and no progress.  Some time was spent on writing to the PCT about the Clarence Street proposal for a new surgery so that we were not just turning up at the PCT meeting on Thursday and them not knowing what we were going to say.  Quite a lot of facts were missing out of their report.

Then - escape.  No meetings, so no reason why we couldn't go to the sheepwash above Osmotherly and enjoy a walk.  In a few minutes we could see no road, no cars, no people.  No computers or phones.  Just the moors, hills and pewit.  Bliss.

You do sometimes wonder if donations to organisations really make a difference.  Do news stories about breakthroughs in treatments for cancer ever come to reality ? Well now I know they do.  I was at a luncheon (splendid!) for Cancer Research, and met the man who developed carboplatin, the chemotherapy drug that I was given over 10 years ago when I had ovarian cancer.  How can words express what that means.

He had been working for Cancer Research North East for 30 years, all of that time sustained by funding, half of which was from Cancer Research Charity, 20% from Leukaemia research, and the rest from other charitable sources.  I was taken aback to find that there is no Government funding there.  So next time you are asked, do donate, do so generously, and if a taxpayer make sure you gift aid it so that the charity to does get some money from the Government!

When I got home there was, of course, calls and e-mails about flying debris and fallen trees to deal with.  With a bit of luck some of the illegal signs and buildings might come down, but I doubt it!

I'm just cutting and pasting from the Mayor's Blog about the morning event, and quoting him, but you have to look on that (after Monday) for the pictures.

In Ropner Park the Council's Asylum Support Team had organised Celebrating Cultures for Refugee Week.  The aim was to show how refugees and asylum seekers had brought their rich and varied talents and cultures and by them had enriched this Borough.  In opening the event I spoke briefly of the many great people worldwide who had been refuges, such as Jesus Christ, Mohammed, the Dalai Lama, Albert Einstein, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Archbishop of York.  It occurred to me afterwards that only two days ago I had been at my college, which had brought Einstein over from Germany when Hitler was cracking down on Jewish intellectuals.  There followed entertainment on stage, including the Tees Valley Drummers, belly dancing and music. Stallholders were having to battle with the wind, but their displays were so interesting that I left late for my next function.  Stalls included Tristar Homes, Sure Start, Cleveland Police, Cleveland Fire Brigade, the Friends of Ropner Park (who had helped to organise the event), North of England Refugee Service (where I received the new Myth Buster card and we bought the new Justice First cookery book), Teesside National Childbirth Trust with a baby change facility in the tent, New Directions and Everyday Language Solutions.  For Connexions I tried to defeat the young goalkeeper, but he had the edge on me.    Chinese people raising funds for the earthquake fund were offering to write your name in Chinese, so I now have "Stockton Mayor" in Chinese.  Weather permitting, this would be an enjoyable (free!) day for all attending.

Some time helping John prepare for his sponsored walk event along the River Tees in our Borough, and please think of having a go.  It can be done in one or more stages if you want, and the final stage, along the riverside in Stockton can be done by anyone in wheelchair, pushchair, mobility scooter or anyone wanting an easy stroll.  If you cannot go along at all please do think of sponsoring him.  The link to the poster won't work today - I'll try again on Monday!

I sometimes wonder if Councillors are sane, as I drive home past a few things I wanted to check up on in darkness on the way home from a party at midnight!  Just as well though, as I have found that a whole tranch of lighting in from on the Elm Tree Centre is out.

18 months ago a Council Committee considered a request from me to commemorate Brass Crosby, born in Stockton in 1725 who changed the way our Parliament worked.  After much shuffling around they decided this morning to set up a panel to consider such requests.  They are suggesting a panel of 5 with no Liberal Democrat on it.  Now there is a surprise.

In the meantime I will just get on with researching for the book I am writing on BRASS_CROSBY.DOC and planning the trip to London to find out more.  I found this gem the other day as a quote from the common-council in London in 1771

" Resolved that the thanks of this court be given to Brass Crosby esq, late Lord Mayor of this City, for his diligent and impartial administration of justice during the whole time of his holding that high and important office; for his readiness to convene common halls and common councils; for having always presided with great candour and ability; for having as chief magistrate supported with spirit and dignity the privileges and immunities of this city; for having refused to back press warrants, issued in violation of the rights of the subject; for having discharged a printer and fellow-citizen taken into custody by an illegal warrant of the Speaker of the House of Commons; for having committed the messenger of that House for the assault in violation of the laws; for having returned to a court of justice a recognisance taken before him, not withstanding the minute thereof was expunged by order of the House of Commons, and that House ordered that no other prosecution, suit, or proceeding, be commenced or carried on, for, or on account of, the said pretended assault or false imprisonment; for having maintained in parliament the rights of the nation, as well as the chartered privileges of this metropolis; and for having preserved, through an imprisonment in the Tower the same tenour of upright conduct with unshaken integrity firmness, and fortitude".

He was then presented with a silver cup worth £200 by the Councillors.  The common council was the "ordinary" councillors rather than the aldermen, in other words - just like us!  It is interesting that the above citation does not actually spell out fact that Brass Crosby made sure that the proceedings of parliament were to be recorded.

Well things are different nowadays, for sure.  Pity there were no blogs to read back and hear what people thought!

The meeting also talked about how Councillors engaged with the community more, and there are proposals around for us to do more on the Council website.  I am going to have a page on the Council website, but definitely not giving up blogging as well.  After all who controls what goes on the website ?  What would Brass have thought of that ?

A visit to Holme House Prison really opened my eyes to what they were doing.  It was their "greening and energy management" exhibition in their training centre.  I was most impressed by both their commitment to energy and water saving, as well as commitment to getting prisoners off to a good start when they leave.

There were a lot of stands from many different companies and organisations working with the prison with very good and workable ideas.  Some of the products on offer had had a payback period of only 5 months so were already paying for themselves as well as contributing to the environment.

It wasn't just about saving money and the environment though.  Speaking with the Governor it was clear that there was a real commitment to training for prisoners so they had a real chance of meaningful employment in what is a growth industry when they were discharged.

Also greater environmental awareness amongst prisoners not only meant more people that had that, but, very importantly for the prisoners, they would have information on saving on fuel bills when in a home of their own.

On opening the event the Governor spoke of the moral duty to look to the next generation and his commitment to doing everything they could to ensure that prisoners were not going to re-offend.  Also of the willingness to work with local organisations and businesses in the process.  The way that prisons have been run has been getting a bad press recently, I hope this blog entry redresses the balance.

With justice in mind I am not at all pleased to see that builders are still getting away with it.  Unauthorised boards on your property are still there 6 months after being reported, and being continually re-reported.  Something will have to be done and I'm thinking hard.  It will be legal though!

I am even less pleased to find via a press release that the proposed new secondary school to replace Grangefield School and Our Lady and St Bede is not going ahead.  Even less pleased to find that the Governors of one of the schools had only found things out last night at a meeting.  We have communication strategies and consultation strategies, and it comes to this.  I await a reply.

Some good news though.  Most of the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group looking at the Voluntary and Community Sector were accepted by Cabinet after months of hard work.  AND I have won a prize on my premium bond.  Only £50, but a win is a win!

A mixed day. I was near to tears when I was t a Citizenship ceremony where 2 people who had fled from Zimbabwe were granted Citizenship.  After the morning's news I am so glad they are safe, and they, along with others, so gladly promised to stick to the rights and obligations of being a British Citizen.  It is an obligation to vote, but what a joy it will be for them to choose who to vote for.

Sadly I was not even surprised to read that the NE Ambulance Trust had decided to take out a lease on premises to run the North East Ambulance Service from - before the consultation began.

There is a lot of spin about how well we do with the Government giving lots of money for local services, but when in comes down to it, how much is there for repairing pavements in the Bishopsgarth and Elm Tree Ward ?  just one pavement in Dale Close.  I am glad for those residents, it is much needed, but other pavements are in a bad state too.  It isn't easy to tell constituents that this is the rate of progress for their areas!

Then there are misunderstandings.  A comment in the local paper about the wicked Council charging pensioners to cut the grass when they used to have this done free.  Anyone reading that would understandably think that was bad of the Council.  However it is Tristar Homes now having to charge tenants that used to be eligible for a free cut, such as pensioners, but now have to do things differently because of a government rule.  I'd like to see a Government representative slogging round the streets explaining what they have done to people affected.

I'm trying to think of some good news.  There are more names of the water rates petition.  Sign up if you haven't already.

Meeting a number of people from our judiciary today made me realise how fortunate we are in having the judicial system that we have in this Country.  Archaic it may seem with dress, wigs and quaint titles and protocols, but it is so important that we have a judicial process making decisions that are not influenced by Government or anyone else.  We must keep it.

I do reflect though that not all organisations and bodies in the Country have the same way of working through making judgements.  I will say no more.

A regional seminar on partnership working and the role of a ward councillor made me see that there are other Councils with completely different ways of supporting Councillors in their role, and I want to find out more.

A meeting at Church tonight touched on how difficult it is for Churches that are now being charged the full amount for water rates and they are no longer being treated as a charity.  This is appalling.  A Thornaby vicar has put a petition on the Prime Minister's website, do have a look and if you agree sign it.  There were 13,428 signatures when I signed tonight - if you all pass on to other people it should be up to 15,000 by the end of the week.

All sorts of  casework issues in between meetings from lack of funding for renewing worn out footpaths, to Community Centre issues, and how do people on mobility scooters get along the cycleway.  However I was given a rare 90 minute slot with nothing to do but wait for the Mayor to finish a meeting in the Town Hall, so I had the luxury of being able to catch up on BRASS_CROSBY.DOC research.  The footnotes in the very old book I have that is a Memoir, published in the early part of the 19^th Century are difficult to read by fascinating details as to how his work impacted on not just our Country, but the Commonwealth as it was then.  There is even the story of how an impending war was stopped by the speech of an opposition MP, Sheridan, was part of preventing an invasion.  This is something I know nothing of and will need to dig around to find out.  Any historians out there ?

It makes a change from battling here to get to the bottom of some issues, but good to remember that it was a Stockton man who made sure that democratic institutions had proceedings recorded.  Hooray  for him, and let us not forget it.

Father's Day,  We hear how a 15 year old boy was in his house and heard the door broken down, men charging in, and his father shouting and screaming for mercy.  The boy trembled in his bedroom, frozen with fear and not knowing what to do.  Then there was a shot and the screams stopped.  His father was dead.  The boy ran from the house and was butted with a rifle as he ran, wounding him.  Others soldiers tried to shoot, but missed and the boy ran and ran till he collapsed exhausted in a forest area.  He stayed in the forest for 2 weeks, hiding, frightened and trying to hold his wound with his T shirt.  He then emerged and came to a town where he spent a year trying to keep alive on the streets.

At the time of the shooting his mother and sister had been away at a friends funeral, so had escaped the attack.  Eventually the boy found them, was re-united, and he described this as the happiest day of his life.  However it only lasted for a short time, as one day when he was out he was told on his return that his mother and sister had been kidnapped and taken away.  He fled again, this time managing to reach the UK from his own Country of Uganda.  A few years later he found from the Red Cross that his mother and sister had been killed too.

It was 15 years ago that he arrived here, and since then has been going through the judicial process trying to get permission to stay here.  He has not been believed as he has no "evidence", despite being diagnosed and treated for serious post traumatic shock because of his ordeal.  He is waiting now for a letter that will tell him whether he was going to be deported or not.

Whilst he lives in constant fear of deportation back to a Country where he fears for his life, has absolutely no family, no friends and no contact, he has not been idle.  He has studied and gained a host of qualifications, has done, and still is doing valuable voluntary work.  People in this Country, and particularly his Church, are his family now and this is his the only way of life he has known as an adult.

He was speaking as our guest at our Church Service at the beginning of Refugee Week about his past and how life is for him now.  He spoke of the constant fear of being arrested and deported, the inability, even after 15 years, to make any plans for his life, to have any aspirations, to be able to live as others do.  Whilst many of the Africans we see are full of smiles and laughter, they weep in their hearts, and only asked that we understood what they were going through, and gave them continued friendship and support.

I am sure we can do this, although we want to do so much more.  Justice First works with and for people like him, and they need our support too.  I'm glad that John has chosen them as one of his mayoral charities.

Four hours to catch up on some of the issues of the week - who would have thought that four hours work was a treat?  However I could relax in the evening with a visit to "Windows on the World" at the Al Qasimi Building in Durham.  A very interesting as well as well executed exhibition, looking out onto the world from many different windows, particularly inspired to many visits to the East.  The artist, Janie Bickersteff, was particularly inspired by the reed houses of the Marsh Arabs.  The building is open for visitors to go between 9 and 5.

I met a very interesting couple who spent time in Sweden, and hearing about how people got around there.  I was told there was a hierarchy of importance starting with pedestrians, then cyclists, then public transport and finally the motorist.  I asked if it made a difference, the answer was "yes" and it showed!  I heard of interesting trips where bus and boats co-ordinated, and it was affordable.  I was fascinated by the view that Zimmer frames are of huge benefit to people getting around, especially those with wheels.  They come with colours and patterns so you can have a pink one with roses.  What a brilliant thought, we tend to think of them as something that blends in with a sanitised hospital ward and is a sign of decrepitude.  Something that is bright and colourful that is the catalyst for getting out and about and enjoying life is another image altogether.  We can learn from Sweden.

Four hours to catch up on some of the issues of the week - who would have thought that four hours work was a treat?  However I could relax in the evening with a visit to "Windows on the World" at the Al Qasimi Building in Durham.  A very interesting as well as well executed exhibition, looking out onto the world from many different windows, particularly inspired to many visits to the East.  The artist, Janie Bickersteff, was particularly inspired by the reed houses of the Marsh Arabs.  The building is open for visitors to go between 9 and 5.

I met a very interesting couple who spent time in Sweden, and hearing about how people got around there.  I was told there was a hierarchy of importance starting with pedestrians, then cyclists, then public transport and finally the motorist.  I asked if it made a difference, the answer was "yes" and it showed!  I heard of interesting trips where bus and boats co-ordinated, and it was affordable.  I was fascinated by the view that Zimmer frames are of huge benefit to people getting around, especially those with wheels.  They come with colours and patterns so you can have a pink one with roses.  What a brilliant thought, we tend to think of them as something that blends in with a sanitised hospital ward and is a sign of decrepitude.  Something that is bright and colourful that is the catalyst for getting out and about and enjoying life is another image altogether.  We can learn from Sweden.

Tuesday to Thursday

A difficult few days that have been non stop and no time for blogging!  I've been working through breakfast and until midnight for 3 days.  Some has been a pleasure, others not!  Oh to be a Councillor, and married to the Mayor too.

Add to that all my e-mails on my cix account from 2002 to June 8^th  having their messages stripped by an over enthusiastic virus checker.   Words to describe would not be allowed in a public forum.

The Scrutiny Report of the Voluntary and Community Sector is having a rough ride on its way to Cabinet next week, with criticisms from people who set down the process that I hadn't done more than they said I had to in the timescale they laid down.  Stockton has a detailed procedure to go through, and whilst I don't necessarily agree with all of it, I've played the game according to rules laid by the other Councillors.  I am sure that honesty and integrity will show through, even if it takes some time.  I have tremendous respect and admiration for people in the Voluntary Sector and I do hope they benefit from our work in the long run.  Watch out for Thursday's blog next week.

Then there has been an avalanche of ward work.  Grass cutting not taking place (by developers who built the estate, sold the houses and left  (what did I say a week or so ago about corporate ASBOs for behaviour of developers that annoys the public?  Let us remember that when we complain about children hiding in the long grass); children playing in the building depot of another depot (and what about corporate ASBOs for developers that leave their compound in a state that children can get in with no security ?  Let us remember that when criticising the youngsters for getting in there); consulting on the position on a goal post (trying to get a facility for the young people, but will older youths with nothing for them spoil it and annoy the neighbours ?) indecent graffiti on street furniture; inconsiderate parking on bends and footpaths; parking in front of other people's property to annoy them.   There are so many complaints about the young people of today, but do adults actually show any consideration to each other ?  Many do of course, but a lot of others leave much to be desired. Are we over zealous in criticising some easy targets and allowing others to continue with misdeeds ?

Various bits of voluntary work have been more rewarding, and I am pleased we just about have a date for the John Owen Trophy, I have written before about this match to bring together people from different cultures through the medium of football, and we hope the date will be August 3^rd at Billingham Synthonia Ground - more details later.

Then accompanying the Mayor.  What wonderful people we have met.  Children from a local school who were so well behaved and asked a lot of good questions when shown round the Town Hall.  A party of Japanese people and their hosts from the Cleveland Friendship Force who were so interested in our history and democracy.  Interesting and lively people at the University where we have been 3 times in 3 days, once for the launch of the Photographic Society at Stephenson College on Queen's Campus - open to anyone who wants to look at any time.  I did admire the new bridge over the Tees having its next installment put in.  maybe there should be some more bridges built in our lives.

Talented children from another primary school gave a wonderful performance.  It was a show letting us all see the lovely skills they had in singing and dancing, but the theme interested me too. It was about tribes with lots of rules, the singers couldn't dance, and dancers couldn't sing, they weren't allowed!  When the rules were broken - what fun!  I must say I liked the idea of that.  Are we sometimes overzealous in making unecessary rules ?

We met two students at the University who were wonderful company, and taught me a lot about their respective faiths, Muslim and Hindu.  One important matter I picked up was that there was often a big difference between culture, emanating from the Country someone came from, and religion.  I can see how the tangling of the two can lead to many a misunderstanding that is misinterpreted by people here.

That leads me to the national background of this week.  I think I've had a difficult few days, what about Parliament.  Enough has been said elsewhere, but for the record I am anti 42 days detention without trial; think Brown was completely wrong about buying in his votes and that David Davis has really lost it.  However, looking behind the headlines, how much of our problems are caused by just not listening and understanding ?  The whole thing brings me back to the over zealous virus checker.

I've been well and truly cheered  by an e-mail from Becki Fox, the Member of Youth Parliament for Stockton.  A lovely message of encouragement, and thanking me for signing the video petition.  I am reproducing what she writes below as I couldn't put it better myself .  Please do have a look at the video petition and if you agree with the "FaresFair" campaign have a go at signing it, so as many people as possible do so.  Also watch the debate via the ukyp website, you can see Becki herself speaking via the ukyp website, and the debate afterwards is worth watching too. I could even say that the standard of debate is better than certain other places, where people are somewhat older!  If she can go to the House of Lords and speak like that - you can click on some buttons!

Becki says :

The video petition is actually a national thing; it's UK Youth

Parliament's business. nevertheless, I have filmed every Youth Assembly

member possible for it, so I believe it's fair to say that the Youth

Assembly supports the campaign.

If you could advertise the petition, please do so!!! A few links with

extra info are below:

http://www.ukyp.org.uk/  (the campaign called 'FaresFair' is the transport

campaign) - clicking on the link at the top with the campaign logo on

will bring up more info about the campaign.

http://www.chargetv.co.uk/  is the website in which the video petition is on;

click on the 'petitions' tab at the top, which will bring up details of

the UKYP campaign, including full details of how to sign the petition,

and to upload them, etc. I have just uploaded yours and John's

signatures, so they will appear tomorrow. (Just to brag, I have filmed

56 signatures so far, and planning to get more, but it's not easy armed

with just my mobile, which has limited battery and memory)

Please feel free to browse the UKYP website; there is some interesting

stuff on there. in particular, could I bring your attention to the House

of Lords link on the UKYP homepage - if you click on the 'view' link

near the top of the page, and check out the 'National public transport

concession card for young people under age of 18' video coverage, about

2 minutes into the video is me, speaking in the House of Lords to around

300 other MYP's, Lords, others in the public gallery, and of course the

general public (this was broadcast on BBC Parliament a few weeks ago).

Today has been so busy with four different events it is difficult to know how to write about it!  Mayor's Sunday (wonderful), followed by the Environmental Road Show (very interesting) at Preston Park, followed by the Stillington Village Road show (full of community spirit) ; 40 minutes at home and then off to the confirmation of a friend and colleague at Hartlepool (very moving and what a friendly Church).  I'm going to take the easy way out and signpost to John's Blog for a full write up of the first 3 that will be published soon, but say more about the environmental one.  There are lots of photos on and to come on John's blog so have a look if you are interested. 

One thing that struck me at the Service was how the men just about outshone the women in their attire!  What came over from the whole day was what a strong community there is in our area.  We met some people 3 times during the day, many twice and ever such a lot once.  People were interested, committed to what they were doing and chatty.  We made lots of new contacts and got to know other people better, sorting out a number of problems and issues on the way!

I reproduce what John has written about the afternoon - there is no way I am going to reproduce all of those links!  As this blog is not censored I can put in the photo of the FairTrade stall, as it has on two Councillors, Julia and Maureen, that would not be allowed on the Council website.  They did sterling work along with a lot of other volunteers, selling goods, and very importantly giving out information on schools, businesses, and dealing with many queries.

We did try to talk to as many of the renewable energy stall as we could, determined to be able to have some renewable energy in the home.  Unfortunately the house was built the wrong way round and most solutions don't fit.   There may be a possibility of air source heat pumps - however it would cost around £4.500 to install, and Government grants are not available.  Just what are the Government thinking about in not doing everything they can to encourage people to use more renewable energy, why are there not grants ?  Are you listening Government ??  I would only "watch this space" if you are very bored indeed!

Now my plagiarisation of part of John's blog. :

Stands included Council officers promoting Unload the Road (pedal power, Shank's pony, car sharing, public transport), recycling, real nappies, safe cycling and road safety (I picked up booklets for the family), Walking the School Run, Connect2 (foot- and cycle-bridges and routes between Ingleby Barwick, Eaglescliffe, Preston Park, Thornaby & Yarm), healthy living, Planning & Building Control aspects of renewable energy and an officer asking us which style of ‘bus map we found easiest to read.  There were stands for organisations such as the Fair Trade Steering Group, manned by volunteers (we are a Fair Trade Borough), the Tees Valley Green Business Network, E-ON SOURCE, Energy Saving Trust and GoWarm.   Commercial stands included a number of alternative-fuel vehicles, various forms of wind turbines, solar & thermal and ground- & air-source heating (including Solarwall Ltd, Sustainable Energy Engineering, Chilli Heating, AAG Swepco Ltd, Solar & Wind Applications Ltd and Monodraught Ltd) and Activ Property Sales  (estate agents who make a donation for every house sold to Daisy Chain, one of my mayoral charities).  Arriva had brought along their latest single-decker ‘bus, longer than those in service where we live, with modern features such as a ramp for wheelchairs at the entrance.

Today I enjoyed meeting someone that John had worked with as a volunteer 40 years ago !  We were at an event with other Mayors, and the Mayoress of Harrogate had worked with him in the formation of the Harrogate Shelter Group.  It was sad that Shelter is needed today, just as it was 40 years ago.  Some things have got better, but many other issues have arisen with an increase in problems caused by mental health issues and drugs.  Worst of all though, no Government has built the number of houses for social renting that were needed then, and are needed now.  50,000 a year is what is called for.  Progress ?

On the housing theme, I am horrified to find that the very complex subject of public housing finance is still throwing up the same problems as it was when I started campaigning on it 10 years ago.  The outcome is that Stockton tenants in homes owned by the Council and run by Tristar are paying 34% of their rent to the Government, and all of their rent money is not paying for much needed repairs and renovations.  The campaign I have been involved in was called "Daylight Robbery".  There is now a campaign called "Moonlight Robbery".  I will be writing more as I go, but whatever you call the campaign - it is Robbery.

An interesting evening visiting a photographic exhibition.  Nothing new in that you may think, it was by Andy Elliott at the Dorman Museum, both well known.  However the subject was fox hunting in North Yorkshire, and despite some of my family being very much involved in this in the past, being farmers in that area, I have strong views against fox hunting.

However I wanted to support Andy who is a great person for thinking "outside the box" as well as photographer.  After all photography is art, and we view art for reasons other than supporting the subject.  His photos were not just about the subject though, they were about life on the North Yorkshire Moors, and so many shots captured the very essence of life on the moors, fox hunting aside.  That is what good photography is - capturing the moment and the essence, and in this case recording the history of life as it was relatively recently.

I had always said that if foxes were causing problems to stock they should be shot, and this dealt with humanely.  However I heard that far more foxes were being shot than were ever hunted - but also that a large number of these were not actually killed but badly maimed.  I still don't think fox hunting is the answer, but there isn't an easy answer either, and we can only work on this if we ourselves are prepared to get "outside the box" and talk about issues and meet people with other points of view.

So I am glad I went, there were some brilliant pictures, and I am glad I went to the Dorman Museum too, it looks like being worth a visit on its own.

In the meantime I wonder, will the Tories repeal the anti foxhunting laws if they get elected ?  I wonder.

This is National Recycling Week, National Volunteer Week and World Environment Day, so today was an appropriate time for John to open the new shop The Green House, Brunswick Street, Stockton, of FRADE.  This project has been on the go since 1990 - the title is an acronym for Furniture Reclamation & Delivery Enterprise.   I was not only very impressed by this enterprise that does so much to provide furniture for those that cannot afford it, as well as be real "re-use and recycling" and action, but about its origins.  FRADE was started by my now ward colleague, Julia Roberts from her own home.  She did this because of her genuine concern for people who could not afford to buy much needed furniture and invested such a lot of herself into the project.  She worked so hard, and I remember the trials and tribulations she had in getting funding and establishing it as a business.   It was a terrific example of how the voluntary sector worked - someone has an idea and a passion for doing something, and then works immensely hard to put those ideals into action. 

There is a lot more detail about FRADE on The Mayor's Blog.

Before I had gone out to this though, I was having a traumatic time sorting out the recommendations for the scrutiny review of the voluntary and community sector, with the clock ticking.  I did make it, but was sorry I made John late for the event in doing so.  But when was anything to do with the voluntary sector easy ?

I had been invited to Sherwoods Stockton for "Women in the Driving Seat", and it was an extremely useful couple of hours.  We had a demonstration on driving safely from drive safe including what sort of things to have in the car at all times - I've made a list of all the things that need to be either checked ( how old is the drinking water, does the torch battery work  is everything still there in the first aid kit? ), or added (a high visibility jacket), to say nothing of have the AA/RAC number in my mobile phone.  There were other good ideas like a dummy handbag on the front seat so that is what would get snatched.  A lot is commonsense, but we don't either think or check, such as lock the doors when driving through town with traffic lights to keep stopping at, and make sure there is nothing under the drivers seat to slip forwards and stop the brake action. 

Then we saw a demonstration on how to change a tyre, I won't be able to get down to do it, but I could supervise now!  How to check the oil, and do was all check the tyre pressure every other week, do we properly check all the tread depth on the tyres ?  well we will be now.

Then a demonstration on self defence.  All sorts of tips and ideas on how to defend ourselves.  No I'm not telling what they are, they are secret for now!  Here is Cllr Sylvia Walmsley learning how to deal with at attacker - I wouldn't bother even thinking of trying having a go at her now !!!!

A useful evening and thanks for Sherwoods for putting the event on for us.