Suzanne Fletcher's Blog

This morning it was the monthly Citizenship Ceremony in our Town Hall when there was the usual nice atmosphere of expectant people, and I always sense the relief of anyone from Zimbabwe who is making the final last and important step to be able to stay here in safety.  Another batch of good future citizens I am sure from Countries around the world from Zimbabwe and Togo, to India, Thailand and Brazil.

At the Age Concern Carol concert in the afternoon we were entertained by a lovely children's choir from Lockwood School, and the Abingdon Primary School steel band which was terrific.  Apparently there are children from 35 countries at that school - and a very melodious sound they made too!

Tonight I have been with our local Justice and Peace Group writing Christmas Cards to people we are asked to do so by Amnesty International to give the people vital help and support.  Reading the supposed crimes of some and the atrocities they are suffering is difficult but we each play our part in trying to make a difference to them, and cards have gone off to places ranging from Guatanamo Bay, Nigeria, Kenya, Laos and Moldovia. 

In the middle of all of this I find out more about the next steps in the campaign for stopping the NHS from using 084 numbers, costing patients more money than it should.  The consultation document the Government has launched is on the website so please do take a look, make sure that other interested people know about it, and make representations, make a fuss, and let the Government know what you think about the issue.  I have had a call today from one person who had read my blog yesterday, so do get in touch and let us pool ideas.