tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40169219969359585202024-03-13T08:36:31.062-07:00AD blogs.... but not that oftenAlan Dobbie is now the Conservative Haringey Councillor for the Noel Park Ward.
Alan was Mayor of Haringey for 2008-09.
Did I mention I'm also a Doctor Who fan!!!Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-55792881047166756252009-07-23T11:10:00.000-07:002009-07-23T11:12:52.467-07:00And finally.....BB newsI am one of the few people in the country who is watching and actually enjoying this year's series of <em>'Big Brother'.</em><br /><br />Not sure who I want to see win this year, but I hope that either one of the new boys is booted out this week, being either Tom or Kenneth.<br /><br />Who goes?... you decide.....Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-42689702232851050222009-07-23T11:08:00.000-07:002009-07-23T11:10:34.306-07:00Not that oftenOne or two people have asked why I do not respond to messages on the blog.<br /><br />One main reason is that I do not blog all day long, or indeed that often. Hence the name of the blogsite <strong><em>"AD blogs.... but not that often"</em></strong>.<br /><br />So, please, I'm not being rude, I just don't blog that oftenAlan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-50320508187094920152009-07-23T11:00:00.000-07:002009-07-23T11:08:18.040-07:00Labour drop animal rights in HaringeyIn a sad move at Haringey's Council Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the ruling Labour members voted in a unanimous vote to end the council's ban on animals performing at circuses in the Borough.<br /><br />Some Labour members, in fairness to them, looked a bit akward at the decision, but still went along with it for "a year's trial". One member saying that he was "looking forward to seeing performing cats". Members were told that pets would be the main animals used....... however given the report indicated horses and donkies being used, I'm not sure how many people in Haringey have horses and donkies as their pets.<br /><br />Alas, I was the only councillor to speak out against this (the Lib Dem councillor had gone home) leaving Labour to overturn a popular ban. I wonder how some of the so-called lefties angry at my departure will support me in October in trying to reverse this decision, or perhaps they will just follow the whip and complain behind closed doors. That didn't achieve much as I know from my time with Labour.<br /><br />As I mentioned at Cabinet, my party politics may have changed, but my support for animal rights hasn't. It's a shame that Labour in Haringey has dropped an excellent policy.Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-77998719495177261592009-07-23T10:53:00.000-07:002009-07-23T11:00:50.959-07:00My first full councilObviously not my very first ever council meeting, but the first sitting as a Conservative councillor on the Opposition staring at my former Labour colleagues.<br /><br />Monday night was always going to be a tough one and with local Tories and local residents in the gallery there to support me, certainly helped. Booed by a couple of Labour supporters and clapped and welcomed by others, I was able to get in and ask a question to Haringey leaseholders and supporting them against Labour's plan to charge them almost £1000 for an arial tax. The tv licence is bad enough, but now Labour Haringey want to impose a new arial tax for leaseholders as part of moving digital - it will be free to council tenants. Come on Labour, where is the equality? By the way, I'm a council tenant, so what's good for me should be good for leaseholders.<br /><br />As I had a drink with others in the pub at the end of the meeting, I was saddened to see one of my former Labour colleagues and once close friend mouth a few unfriendly comments as she walked by....... Still, I've had worse from better!!Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-29830193687443275252009-07-14T11:05:00.000-07:002009-07-14T11:24:08.785-07:00A week with the ToriesIt is almost a week now since I joined the Conservatives..... and what a mixed week.<br /><br />Reaction to my defection from Labour to the Conservatives has, in the most, been warm and welcome by the majority of local residents who have contacted me. There have of course been those who feel hurt and angry and that will stay with them for a long time I'm sure of that.<br /><br />I saw one negative comment about my becoming a Tory saying that I would become anti-gay. Well, obviously that person doesn't know me but is quite happy to make a snide remark. Before I came over I attended a pre-Pride event with David Cameron who welcomed what Labour has done on gay equality and apologised for Section 28. The room was full of mainly Tories and the majority were probably lesbian and gay, but this shows how far that the Conservatives have come. Oh and to answer the guy who thinks I will become "anti-gay"; I don't know you, you don't know me, but I am gay and proud of it. As the Stonewall ad says "Some people are gay.... get over it".<br /><br />There have been a few calls for me to resign as a Councillor and thereby have a by-election. With 10months to go before the full council elections, I'm sure that the thousands of pounds that the by-election would cost is better spent on other council services. I would also remind those that there are currently two Labour councillors who defected from the Lib Dems and there were no by-elections. Indeed, throughout the country there are numerous defections and no by-elections. As I say, the people of Noel Park will speak in 10months time along with the rest of London and if the people of Noel Park want me as a Tory councillor or not, we'll know then and we'll all know how people really feel.<br /><br />In the meantime after last Wednesday, I have spent time doing my surgery and going around Noel Park ward talking to local residents, continuing to hear what they've got to say about Labour, the Council and my defection. Along with this, I was pleased to take part in the Conservative street stall on Wood Green High Road on Saturday morning - I can't remember when Labour and the Lib Dems did this in Wood Green and on Sunday joining the Fortis Green Conservatives for their garden party. How refined an event and then last night to City Hall for a London Conservative reception with London Mayor, Boris Johnson, and being publicly welcomed by Boris to the Conservatives and meeting some of the movers and shakers of Tory politics in London.<br /><br />A real mixed week and one that was very active for me and I'm still doing my bit at the gym........<br /><br />Finally, a chance to say a huge thank-you to everyone who has text, rung or e-mailed me with their thoughts on my defection and offering their friendship and support, which I appreciate so much.Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-61639800098985541622009-07-09T11:27:00.000-07:002009-07-09T11:44:04.301-07:00I've joined the Tories..... and a gymAfter a great deal of soul-searching, I've taken one of the hardest political decisions in my life. One that will probably see friends decide no longer to be friends and possibly making new friends.<br /><br />I have joined the Conservative Party. It was a difficult decision and I know will hurt, anger and upset many. After 27 years of unbroken membership of the Labour Party, I really did not feel at home with Labour any more. It has been on the cards for many months and as I say, a great deal of soul-searching. It also means that I have become the lone Haringey Conservative Councillor facing 31 Labour and 25 Lib Dems at council meetings. What fun lays ahead for me. I have made clear however that at council meetings, I will vote against Labour where I feel it is right and vote for them when also correct. I will not be an Opposition councillor just for the sake of opposing, for Labour has done many good things over the years as well as ones that I have not been happy with.<br /><br />I moved to the Tories yesterday in a photo-shoot with Party chairman, Eric Pickles. Some of the remarks on some websites have been nasty and cruel, but interesting is that most people who have said nasty things have hidden away their real name. Attack me if you will for my decision, but to my face please. So, yesterday afternoon and last night I was out in Noel Park delivering letters to local residents letting them know of my decision to defect. But the main thing I want to say is that I hope to continue working hard for the people who voted for me, to show even more than the trust they put in me three years is deserved. The reaction was very mixed, as I expected and interesting to hear people saying things like "I'll remain your friend, but will not vote for you" to "I have always voted for you for your standing up for Noel Park and will continue to do so".<br /><br />Finally, I reiterate, I am sorry to any one who feels hurt and betrayed. Time will tell whether Noel Park residents accept this apology and it is to them that I will listen to and work for.<br /><br />In the meantime, I have finally had my first hour and a half in the gym at the Tottenham Court Road YMCA. I won the membership of this in an auction last year, so I hope to burn off a few calories and perhaps start to eat a bit more healthy.<br /><br />A whole new start...... though I am shattered!!!!Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-6547136978329178742009-06-29T09:22:00.000-07:002009-06-29T09:31:09.574-07:00Keep changing<span style="font-family:arial;">For some reason, I do seem to enjoy changing the settings on the blogs.<br /><br />I suppose one looks at it and thinks, a change is needed and nothing is good as a change (sometimes), but sometimes change is just what the doctor ordered.<br /><br />Looking at some of my past blogs, it seems that I have talked a lot about <span style="font-family:verdana;"><em><strong>Doctor </strong></em><em><strong>Who</strong></em></span> and that will continue in future blogs as well.<br /><br />I've mentioned in previous blogs about forthcoming DVDs and there are so many due, one such release scheduled for 6th July is called the Black Guardian triology from 1983 and one of the stories includes a four-parter entitled <em><span style="font-family:verdana;">'Mawdryn Undead'</span></em> featuring the return of local Haringey resident, Nicholas Courtney, who I was with only a week ago. More on that soon.<br /><br />There is so much to say about changing and as the good Doctor would say "I'll tell you later"......</span>Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-73122447087697630932009-06-26T04:09:00.000-07:002009-06-26T04:19:50.132-07:00Not the Mayor any more!!It's interesting to think that my last blogging was almost a year ago and yet I hardly blogged.<br /><br />Apologies for that, it was a fun and exciting year and one day I'll probably go into more detail. In the meantime, and hopefully a lot sooner I'll delete the name of this blogsite to something much more different.<br /><br />Look out for that and for many more exciting days and months ahead.....Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-86372190706956566152008-10-20T17:25:00.000-07:002008-10-20T17:25:00.926-07:00New title for blogsIt is quite obvious that I have blogged for a while, so I am now relaunching the blog site from Alan's blogs to..... The Mayor blogs in Haringey.<br /><br />I will try and be as non-Party political as possible and talk rather about my duties as Mayor.<br /><br />I hope that you will find interesting what I am getting up to with my Consort and Chaplain as well as raising awareness for my Mayoral charity, 'Different Strokes' - supporting younger stroke survivors in Haringey.Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-36613584923568507622008-06-07T11:00:00.000-07:002008-06-07T11:00:00.412-07:00Thanks Hillary, good luck Obama and the fear of raceI was one of those hoping that Hillary Clinton would be the Democrat candidate for the White House on 4th November.<br /><br />However, a week is a long time in politics and 5 months a life-time in US politics. Whatever was going to happen with the Democrats history was in the making, either the first woman to have a serious run for President or a black person. And it's Barack Obama who has the chance to make history. And how the world wants him, but let's face it, the world wants anyone who is not a Republican.<br /><br />But not all Democrats it would seem. Some of Hillary Clinton's supporters seem more intent on John McCain becoming President rather than Obama, you'd never think they were in the same party and it poses two questions? First, all those who buried their heads in the sands in 2000 and voted Green/Ralph Nader rather than Al Gore, do they really want to be like Guardian readers who think that they know better than anyone else and if they don't have it their way they will be the party-poopers? Second, and far more worrying. Is it race?<br /><br />We have heard a lot about how the black vote has come out for Obama, yet I fear that some Democrats will use any excuse, other than openly mentioning the race issue, not to support Obama. And this is where Obama and the Democrats may have a problem. Remember Tenneessee when Harold Ford Jnr ran for the Senate two years ago? The Democrats had major House and Senate gains, some in tight contests (Virginia springs to mind giving the Democrats their Senate win) and Harold Ford lost.... just and he is black. The race question was not mentioned aloud, but you worry and you fear.<br /><br />I hope Obama will not be a Harold Ford on a national stage.<br /><br />So, thank you Hillary for your campaign. You would have made, I believe, an excellent, President and let us hope it is not long before we have a woman President. But in the meantime, good luck to Obama and here's hoping that the hype balloon does not burst.Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-45060428895862732122008-05-31T10:20:00.000-07:002008-05-31T10:20:00.530-07:00Back as the Mayor!!Having thought that my blogging was going to come to an end, it was a short end.<br /><br />For the coming year I have the pleasure and honour to be the Mayor of Haringey. And what an honour. I have held the post before in 1995-96 when I was Haringey's and Britain's youngest Mayor at 29. Now, I am slightly older and there are two Mayors who are younger than me in London, Hammersmith & Fulham's Andrew Johnson is 28 and Merton's Martin Whelton is 33. This really is excellent news, for as I said in my acceptance that age should not be a barrier to public office. I wish both Andrew and Martin well for their year, as well of course as all the other Mayors in the London Boroughs. And to the Boroughs who have elected Mayors, I also wish well to the Speaker of Hackney, Chairman of Lewisham and Civic Ambassador of Newham.<br /><br />Much of the blogs for the year ahead now will be about my year as Mayor and my charity work for Different Strokes, working for younger stroke survivors.<br /><br />For all those who have sent their good wishes, thank you. I am so looking forward to the remaining 50 weeks in office.<br /><br />It has been a light start so far, but nevertheless, enjoyable. My first official function was to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester to the Lea Valley Primary School for the opening of their new music centre. Added to that I have been able to do my first Citizenship Ceremony as Haringey welcomes those who wish to become British citizenships. And on Thursday just gone was attending the Haringey Business Awards which was a fantastic evening, on which more I will blog shortly. Congratulations to all the winners though!<br /><br />Just some of the events in the coming week include that of a Service at St. Paul's Cathedral hosted by the Lord Mayor of London followed by a reception at the Mansion House. I will also be thanking local volunteers for their services to volunteering in Haringey. Over 70 certificates I have signed amounting to 1,000s of volunteer hours. Added to that will be the Better Haringey Awards, the Haringey & District Scouts AGM, the Better Haringey Green Fair, the Haringey LGBT Network annual meeting, a garden party at Capel Manor and attending the Barnet Civic Service.<br /><br />For a number of these engagements I will be joined by my good friend who is my Consort for the year ahead, Lance Chinnian, and my Parish Priest, Fr. Simon Clark of St. Mark's Church. Yes, Haringey's Mayor has a Chaplain for the first time in over 30 years. For those who know me will know that I care a lot about tradition.<br /><br />So onward to more for the year!!Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-39422435851671130702007-11-14T20:30:00.000-08:002007-11-14T12:38:13.716-08:00Not a fashion parade.... butI was interested in Hunter and Shooter's blog about events at the Tottenham Remembrance Service on Sunday gone to share my views about the Wood Green service.<br /><br />Once again, and I am really sorry to say, we did not have the service in St. Michael's Church, which is a real shame, but hey they want to be political correct I guess, but it leaves a sad feeling especially for members of the Royal British Legion. By the way, I was Christened at St. Michael's and have gone there for services on a number of occasions in recent years.<br /><br />However, moving on and of course it was nice to see a couple of hundred people turn up, the cadets, different associations from the forces and voluntary and community groups and of course, we politicians were there. For the record, I have been attending the Wood Green service since around the age of 12 when my Nan first took me. Nuff moving away, what I was taken aback over, and I know that this is not a fashion parade, was the decision of our MP to wear as short a dress, or was it a skirt, possible, with high-heel shoes and what can only be described as a tea cosy on her head! A number of people, and not all Labour or politicians made comments about this.<br /><br />It just seemed as if the MP was going to a private function afterwards and didn't want to change. I'm sorry if this seems a personal attack and it really isn't meant to be, but it did not look respectful and I hope that next year she'll think about what she is wearing and where she is wearing it.Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-67652525962424990452007-11-02T19:25:00.000-07:002007-11-14T12:43:10.792-08:00Now the attacks beginInteresting that not long after writing that so far the Lib Dems have not got nasty about the defection to Labour of Councillor Catherine Harris and now we have negative comments about her.<br /><br />All to be expected, especially from a party that dumped two leaders because of drink and age.<br /><br />However, I'm waiting to see what Lynne Featherstone has to say. Usually quick to blog, she is somewhat slow here, probably because she seems to busy being nasty about Nick Clegg.<br /><br />Still, we wait for more....<br /><br /><br />HOWEVER...... Lynne has finally mentioned something on her blog, an almost in passing blog remark, but left the spiteful remarks to one of the Lib Dem councillors with his letter in the Journal. But that is the trouble with the Lib Dems, no policies, but nasty attacks. It's what they're good at.Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-20063894777428428842007-11-02T18:20:00.000-07:002007-11-02T11:39:21.124-07:00No to ID Cards - at allActually not my comments, but that of Nick Clegg who aspires to be the next leader of the Liberal Democrats at Westminster.<br /><br />It seems that whilst Nick Clegg does not want ID cards he is also calling on Lib Dem Councils "to ensure that no local public services require an identity card".<br /><br />Erm, no identity cards, at all? Does that mean that council staff in Lib Dem councils are no longer wearing ID cards? I guess any Lib Dem councillor visiting a school, a children's centre, a home, are not going to wear ID cards, that council workers calling on the elderly to do repairs will not be wearing or producing ID cards? And of course, I presume at the Lib Dem gatherings that their members at the conferences will no longer be wanting to wear ID badges?<br /><br />And this idea of a people's veto and referendums? How two-faced can you get?<br /><br />Both Clegg and Chris Hulme have come out against a referendum on Europe. And, much as we may agree on areas of civil liberties, given some of the views of people after 9/11 and the London Transport bombings, the Lib Dems will find themselves having to enact policies that some of them would find hard to accept. And how about a referendum on the reintroduction of the death penalty and leaving Europe, both of which the Lib Dem, because if there were referendums we'd have hanging back and be out of Europe.<br /><br />This shows why the Lib Dems cannot be trusted to be in power and why they will not win power. You can't have it both ways, well unless you're a Lib Dem I suppose...Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-36843807411973517532007-10-13T09:00:00.000-07:002007-10-13T05:08:49.581-07:00Bring back.... Into the Labyrinth on DVD!!As some of you know, I like some of the golden oldies telly.<br /><br />Thanks to our wonderful friends at NetworkDVD, BBC Worldwide and 2|Entertain, we have been able to see again many classic tv shows digitally remastered (and all that stuff). As a Dr Who fan (didn't you know...?) it's been a great pleasure to see again so many classic episodes.<br /><br />However, some programmes still await their DVD and one such programme which was shown by ITV in 1981 and 1982 was a children's programme called Into the Labyrinth, made by HTV (the Welsh ITV channel - oh for the days of Thames Television, but that's another story and blog...)<br /><br />The programme ran for three series and starred Ron Moody for the first two series as Rothgo, the lovely Pamela Salem as the evil witch Belor, Simon Beal as Phil and Chris Harris in the third series as Lazlo. Even the tv tie-in magazine "Look-In" did an Into the Labyrinth story or two. The search fot the Nidus went through time and space and was a jolly 30 minutes for each episode. Sadness has to tell you that I have the final four episodes on video from the first series and the book of the first series. However, it has not come out to DVD yet. <br /><br />A couple of years ago I was fortunate to meet Ron Moody at a function at Alexandra Palace and he bemoaned how he always seemed to play parts of evil or bad men. I reminded him of his time as the kindly Rothgo, and just like the show, his eye twinkled as he said "Rothgo!? Yes, I was Rothgo!" A magical moment.<br /><br />So may the campaign begin and deny us the Nidus no more. Bring back Into the Labyrinth.Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-61685216005049350102007-08-24T18:55:00.000-07:002007-08-24T10:56:39.306-07:00And the weather forecast is....I shall be doing my surgery tomorrow then catching the train to head up to Manchester for the weekend for their Pride Weekend.<br /><br />My main hope is that the weather stays good and it doesn't rain. Hopefully the sun will shine (finally) and I shall do my best not to do a repeat of Brighton Pride a few weeks back and go as red as a lobster.<br /><br />Which has got me thinking...... I seem to recall from some of those involved in climate change issues warning of one of the hottest summers. Excuse me, but where would this be, certainly not North London. Thankfully some of those spreading doom and gloom about climate change and the weather weren't around during the Ice Age, no planes to blame there me thinks, indeed one wonders who would have been to blame for the ice melting... Perhaps this is the reason why I've never held the climate change and environment portfolio, I'd be asking questions all round.<br /><br />Anyhow, whatever you're doing, here's hoping you have a good Bank Holiday weekend!!Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-25495511486350537752007-08-24T18:45:00.000-07:002007-08-24T10:58:53.716-07:00BIG BROTHER AXED!!Right, well that has caught your attention!<br /><br />It's been announced that the (so-called) celebrity Big Brother for 2008 has been axed by Channel 4 "in the wake of the race row which engulfed the show's last run".<br /><br />Obviously, C4 are wanting good points for that. It's just a shame that the current series of Big Brother wasn't axed.... not so much for the race reasons, but because it has been awfully dire this year.<br /><br />I must admit I am a bit of a BB fan, yet other than the first series which I hardly watched, this year after Day One when all the women went into the House I'm afraid it was not so much Big Brother, but Big Turnoff.Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-25714337051626150752007-08-11T11:55:00.000-07:002007-08-11T03:54:15.295-07:00HelloWhat can I talk about?<br /><br />Is it really that long since I last blogged? And so much has taken place!!<br /><br />Elections and polls..... Lots of talk about whether there will be an early general election, depending on what happens during the remainder of August, my money is still on for Thursday 25th October. Recent by-elections, both Parliamentary and Council have been mixed, however the Ealing Southall by-election which saw Labour win by 5,000 votes is a massive boost, especially when you think about the Lib Dems pulling off by-elections wins, so well done to the Comrades there, however anyone looking at Joan Ryan's face at the Count would have thought we'd lost our deposit! <br /><br />I have spent some time over in Tower Hamlets for the Council by-election in Shadwell ward followingn the resignation of a Respect Councillor. Unfortunately, Labour failed to regain the seat by 97 votes despite a 6% swing to us. Interesting is that since the Council elections last year, another Respect Councillor has defected to Labour, whilst other Respect Councillors seem more concerned about getting their allowances and how much the Leader of the Opposition gets.<br /><br />Was down in Brighton last Saturday for the Brighton Pride, just a tad hot for me and I had a head like a tomato by the end of play, nuff said there me thinks......<br /><br />Meanwhile, back at the Ranch, just finished my surgery. Was pleased to attend a couple of local events in Noel Park recently, firstly our Residents' Association held a really good Summer Social, nice to see so many neighbours turning out and meet one another - the whole aim of the event. Also attended the Sky City Health and Community Day - being the flats above Shopping City. All good fun!<br /><br />Finally, last Friday night having been down to Vauxhall for a party with friends, had to dash back to go out with Haringey Enforcement Officers and visit the night clubs and bars on Wood Green High Road. Only when I saw the Officers wearing their protection stuff did I suddenly relise how dangerous their job can be.... and there's me in a tee-shirt not wanting to look too formal, ooops.<br /><br />So much that I want to say, and promise that I will try and blog just a little bit more!<br /><br />And the sun is shining!!!!Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-58746176291800245602007-06-22T05:23:00.000-07:002007-06-22T05:39:29.742-07:00It's all go!Well, Rhodes was fun, Turkey was interesting, be quite happy to go back there.<br /><br />Since returning, had a couple of days back home, did an extra surgery to make up for postponing one whilst I was away. Attended Hornsey & Wood Green's Labour selection meeting last Sunday where UNISON's head of health, <strong><em>Karen Jennings</em></strong>, was selected on the first ballot to be our candidate to fight the sitting Lib Dem MP. Karen lives in Muswell Hill, so it will be good to have another local candidate fighting for the seat.<br /><br />After that I headed straight down to Bournemouth for the Amicus Policy Conference. Some may know that we are merging with the Transport & General Workers Union (TGWU) to become Unite. Very interesting debates took place, I was able to speak on equality for young people with the national minimum wage, highlighting what I believe to be one of Labour's proudest achievements since being elected in 1997, however falling short by the fact that younger workers get a lower minimum wage than older workers. I also spoke in the debate on the BNP, reminding colleagues how the BNP had come within 5,000 votes of winning a seat on the London Assembly and the very risk of them winning a seat next year.<br /><br />Let's be clear, the BNP do not only hate black and gay people, they hate the unions as well. It is all too easy to fall under the BNP spell if people are unhappy with job losses, but a swing to the far right is not the answer.<br /><br />We also heard from Gordon Brown, PM-in-waiting and some of us who work in the health service were able to have a private meeting with him after his speech. Around 8 of us met Gordon and I had the chance to tackle him about how admin work from the North Middlesex Hospital is being sent to India, leading to job losses.<br /><br />Attended the Noel Park Residents Association meeting last night, where my colleague, <strong><em>Cllr. Brian Haley, Cabinet Member for the Environment</em></strong> was able to discuss local residents concerns about buses in Gladstone Avenue (a long story) and the CPZ.<br /><br />Off to Manchester tomorrow for Labour's Leadership Conference on Sunday (more on Monday).<br /><br />Oh and with all that, still had time to pop into work for a couple of times, only to find out that my blood pressure is currently sky-high. But don't expect a by-election in Noel Park on the Labour side and to answer a couple of questions to me; I have been elected to serve as a Labour Councillor in Noel Park for four years and serve as a Labour Councillor I will. End of.<br /><br />Have a good one till later xxAlan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-22297595342583644822007-06-09T09:04:00.000-07:002007-06-09T09:18:13.477-07:00Hello from RhodesI am currently having a few days break being away from everything, but I don't know, one just can't stay away!!<br /><br />Been in very sunny Rhodes since Wednesday and earlier whilst having lunch by the harbour watching the ships and people go by (and not a sailor in sight, let me tell you!), I was taken by how clean things are, despite very few little bins, and one wonders what can we learn back in England?<br /><br />There are some big bins for the locals to dump their rubbish, similar to that seen by Sheila Peacock and myself over the new year in Verona, so perhaps there is something we can learn from our European neighbours in terms of cleansing, who knows?<br /><br />Despite being away, still can't avoid key matters, like watching England beat Estonia 3-0 on Wednesday and checking up on the Big Brother information, now some men have arrived, my interest will have picked up!!<br /><br />Anyway, popped out on the local "train" for a tour around Rhodes Town for 4 Euros earlier which lasted for around an hour and some lovely sights, this was followed by my lunch on the harbour.<br /><br />And as a Religous person, it has also been nice to visit some of the local Churches, indeed, I have just been to Mass where the service was conducted in both Latin and English. Strange to know the English words suddenly become all romantic in Latin.<br /><br />I'm off to visit Turkey on Monday, which is just 12 miles away! Sad fact time, I collect key-rings, so Rhodes and Turkey have now been added to my list, I mean just how sad is that?<br /><br />Anyway, my time on the internet is fast running out, so tet-ta for now. (Oh and yes, I'm missing what looks like a good episode of Dr. Who.........)<br /><br />Now, where's my drink??? xxAlan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-31623130499225876822007-05-31T01:38:00.000-07:002007-05-31T01:42:15.644-07:00Big Brother's Little Sister..... Welcome Ellie!No, this is not a reference to the latest Big Brother news, but I'm delighted to post and announce that Kate, the partner to my eldest nephew, Mark, gave birth at 1.15 this morning to Ellie!!<br /><br />So, welcome Ellie to the family, to your Mum and Dad and big brother, Luke, and this great-Uncle is over happy for them all. Mum and daughter are doing just grand......Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-44517101121385582742007-05-25T05:32:00.000-07:002007-05-25T05:53:06.315-07:00Health Secretary keeps her job.... others in NHS lose theirs or are moved around<span style="font-family:verdana;">Patricia Hewitt survived an effective vote of no confidence the other evening in the House of Commons after a debate brought forward by Tory MPs over her handling of the NHS.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Now, I'm finding this quite difficult, but perhaps if MPs had voted her out <strong>my </strong>Labour Government may finally have woken up to see the mess and chaos that the NHS is in. Staff morale gets lower every day. The wonderful PFI schemes are failing, new wards close almost as quickly as they open. Hopsital Trusts are expected to balance the books and by this force staff to be redeployed in the hope of avoiding paying out redundancy payments and lay off Doctors and Nurses, whilst expecting those that remain in the NHS to work longer hours.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Of course, we now have the disgraceful shambles of patients' details being sent off to India, Pakistan and South Africa and a colleague in the office that I work in found out yesterday that she is being "redeployed" as the majority of her work goes to India, on a personal basis, I'm relieved because if it hadn't been her, it would have been me.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Yet whilst all of this is happening, we have managers galore being appointed and their duties appear to be hold meetings to then arrange meetings to talk about targets, whilst having a sub-group to look into this, make a few lowly people redundant or freeze posts, so another manager can be appointed to sit on a task force, hold a consultation event which creates another committee, shut down a few beds, lay off a nurse or three, appoint a new manager and report that the Trust has just about broke even.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">But at least Patricia Hewitt is secure in her job. She is failing the health service and has lost the plot and yes, <strong><em>she has lost my confidence</em></strong>. And you know what hurts more than anything, it was Labour that created the NHS, appeared to be saving the NHS in 1997 and now is overseeing it die off, so message to Gordon Brown, fewers managers and start caring about patient care when you become Prime Minister in a few weeks time get rid of Patricia Hewitt and some of the yes-men in the department of health (sic).</span>Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-48108851079792607822007-05-25T04:52:00.000-07:002007-05-25T05:01:47.027-07:00Bank holiday weekend, bound to rainWell, it's that time again, yup the good old English Bank Holiday Weekend and the weather looks like it will pee down, typical.<br /><br />Anyhow, after my surgery tomorrow I shall be popping up to Royston to join family as we celebrate my Nan's <strong>94th</strong> birthday, so Happy Birthday to a very special lady in my life!!! After that will be going all over the houses to get back to Wood Green because of engineering works on the train lines. I'm sorry, but it has to be said, it is all well and good for everyone trying to be environmentally-friendly, but of course people will use cars rather than trains, it really is far more convenient and I believe safer in terms of personal safety. Nuff said, after getting home I will then spend time seeing my friend from Saudi. More than nuff said.<br /><br />Have a good one - oh and I'll be watching Dr Who at some stage thanks to teleport replay and beware of the scarecrows!!!Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-27313388350591573342007-05-22T17:35:00.000-07:002007-05-22T09:53:12.435-07:00When to rest, only if a difficult vote happensIt seems that the Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green has shingles and I wish her a speedy recovery.<br /><br />She has been told to rest, but it seems that the ever hard-working all year round MP will only take some days off, whilst working on others. For example, doing yet ANOTHER radio broadcast, oh ensuring she is seen at an area assembly meeting in Muswell Hill and being at last night's annual council meeting.<br /><br />However, when it matters for her to be in the House of Commons and vote, she pulls a sickie, yes you've guessed it, Lynne was not in the House for last Friday's vote on the Freedom of Information Act exemptions for MPs.<br /><br />Now I am not claiming for one moment that Lynne wasn't well, no actually, it makes you wonder. She has been our MP for two years now and sometimes you have to take tough decisions and this is what neither Lynne or Lib Dems can do, for example they are meant to be against foundation schools, yet a Haringey Lib Dem councillor who tries to pretend he is to the left of Labour sits on the fence, and why? They don't want to make the decisions and upset middle-class voters.<br /><br />It's why for seven years the Lib Dems refused to sit on the Alexandra Palace Board and if truth be told, they are probably secretly delighted at not having won the council last year for the fear of having to make decisions on the Palace and Park and winding up their own supporter(s).<br /><br />Another example, you'll recall how the Liberal Democrat councillors in Haringey spoke and all voted against an increase in members' allowances last November, of course they have taken the money - all 27 of them, not a single one has declined the increase, which they can do if they want.<br /><br />Perhaps a few more might fall ill for key votes, at least then they can claim they were not there when the vote was taken....Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4016921996935958520.post-67406537940300898442007-05-22T17:20:00.000-07:002007-05-22T09:21:46.025-07:00We have a new MayorCongratulations to Tottenham Hale Labour Councillor, Sheik Thompson, who was elected the new Mayor of Haringey by 30 votes to 26 at last night's annual council meeting.<br /><br />The new deputy mayor is Labour councillor for Bruce Grove ward, Councillor Dilek Dogus and our Borough's first Kurdish person in the Mayoral offices, so well done to Dilek.<br /><br />All but one of the Councillors were present last night, former Lib Dem chief whip, Ron Aitken, was not present, either having got lost in coming back from Scotland where he stood in the Scottish Parliament elections (he was a "local" candidate you know) or just miffed that the Liberals have picked a new chief whip. So, Ron is now out of power, who will he defect to next? I mean he's been in almost any party that will have him, except Labour, and times may be slightly hard, but we ain't that desperate!!!<br /><br />But all that aside, good luck to the new Mayoral team as they will do their best to represent the whole of Haringey in the year ahead.Alan's Blogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16891408052375277867noreply@blogger.com0