Patsy Calton MP has died

Received a shock call today to say Patsy had died (since then the phones not stopped ringing) - don't quite know what to say - it's difficult to express words when it's somebody you know (feel like shouting why she's only 56). She had a long battle with breast cancer and it was hoped after her double mastectomy some years ago she was on the mend. Patsy was so courageous - it was only last week she arrived at Parliament in a wheelchair and was sworn in as the reelected Lib Dem MP for Cheadle.

Just found a report on the BBC news website

Such a lovely lady and an insiration to all women suffering from breast cancer - she will be missed by all those who knew her.

Crazy Frog - it's no 1 in the chart

The phenomenon of the Crazy Frog ringtone seems to have taken UK by storm - that irritating - addictive tune is no 1 in the charts this week. Kids obviously find it cute and cool.

The lyrics
A ding ding ding ding dididing ding bing bing pscht,
Dorhrm
bom bom bedom bem bom bedom bom bum ba ba bom bom,
Bouuuuum bom bom bedahm,
Bom be barbedarm bedabedabedabeda
Bbrrrrrimm bbrrrrramm bbbrrrrrrrrraammmmm
ddddddraammm, Bah bah baah baah ba wheeeeeee-eeeee-eeeee!

Just watch the animated Crazy Frog video to go with it (without all the adverts) - must admit it's quite funny - the advert on all telly channels all the time could make a saint swear...........

Big Ben stops ticking - weather blamed

My best news story of the week has to be about Big Ben - London's famous landmark has grabbed the attention of world media.

The chimes of Big Ben were silenced for more than an hour on Friday, but the cause remains a mystery. The Palace of Westminster's 147-year-old clock, considered to be one of the most reliable in the world, stopped at 10.07pm. The minute hand started to move again slowly but stalled a second time at 10.20pm, where it is reported to have remained for 90 minutes before the hands were reset.

No-ones certain why it happened - Suggested hot weather might have been to blame - It's official, Friday was the hottest May in London since 1953, with a high of 31.8 degrees.

Police always have to make their presence felt

First thing this morning police sirens outside - first thought, god what's happening now. Great van outside and 2 burley policemen knocking on the two doors directly across the road - Camden side. Saw them go in and didn't give it another thought.

Out to buy my cigs 2 hours later (I know it's a bad habit but......... ) - they emerged with a pretty young lady in hand-cuffs. They put her into the van then oblivious to the people around proceeded to shout via radio to an inspector who was presumably at the station - everybody could hear what they were saying and people passing stopped to gork. The van just stayed there for about another hour - neighbours suggested it was crack - but whatever she's done, felt sorry for the woman having to sit in the heat.

I know police have to do their job but why all the drama.

Friday round up

Only recently I learned how to send text from my flash new mobile. I was given one of the small 'latest' models as a present because of my eyes. Age is catching me - the bright colours are wonderful in dim light. I'm supposed to be a computer wiz but for the life of me, except simple words, I couldn't fathom how to send text with all the shortcuts.

Kept receiving long messages which I couldn't answer (how to make the space and full stops eluded me). Humbly ask my daughter-in-law Nats to give me a lesson in the basics - felt chuffed when I finally grasped it. She showed me how to assign photos to phone numbers which is just great in the dark. Now also have my grandson Naim as the wall paper...............

Valerie's leaving do last night - good turn out, a mix of Haringey local party members, London region exec members, family and personal friends. Valerie has been a stanch Lib Dem all her life and it was a warm send off. Seems she's fully booked with promises of cross-channel visitors.
Was a golden opportunity to grab some pictures to add to names - Valerie, Sean, Neil, Lynne and Flick etc now have their mug shots against their telephone nos. on my phone. I'm deeply touched the way Lynne always makes time for such events even if it only means dropping in for a few minutes and she's forever a darling dropping me off near home, something I'm extremely grateful - don't mean to sound like an old fogey but these days I'm not comfortable travelling late at night on my own................

Seeing Flick reminded me of some of the write-ups in Camden local papers about her standing down as the Lib Dem council group leader. They always like to distort the facts and sensationalise everything. The spin is as if she is standing down as a councillor and on her last legs or something - load of cobblers but it's got some of the local residents worried. A local Focus message has had to be sent out confirming that yes she will be standing for re-election next year..............

There's a report in this weeks' Islington Gazette that the Lib Dem councillors have rejected the idea of broadcasting council meetings via webcam. Had to be Labour councillors that proposed such an idea. It's claimed that other London boroughs have already set up the system (they never specify). Personally I'm not fussed one way or another because I wouldn't have the time to watch. We live to see how this one plays out...............

A friend just called to say her son has been excluded from school and needs my help............

A local resident rushed to ask for the emergency tel. no for Islington out of hours repair line. Was quicker to contact them myself and sort it there and then............

Today has been so hot - claimed the hottest day in May for 50 years. I'm not sure that's correct but for most people it's pretty uncomfortable..............

From the other side of the world

Catching up on a backlog of emails............

Delighted to see one from Mark (London Region sec) not Mark (slave driver) - on his travels. 'If it's Thursday, this must be Auckland'... He's moved on from USA and is now in New Zealand

Fancy he's on the other side of the world and he's reading my blog!

"Susanne, Babel Fish? Interesting...Kia ora (welcome) to New Zealand. I got in about 90 minutes ago but my luggage is still in Melbourne (probably wanted to catch an Aussie Rules game...).The trip is going well so far, managed some shopping, a brewery tour (how Australian is that?) and a close encounter with a wombat (just about the only Australian animal that isn't poisonous or plain vicious as far as I can tell). So much more to do though, so little time... Keep up the blog though, it's a great way for me to keep in touch with the world. Mark"

How exciting and he wants news from London. Today of all days there's nothing on the News except football. Liverpool seems to be at a standstill. Sad state of affairs that all the UK news channels have nothing better to report on, hour by hour - but I suppose it has been 20 years since they last won (not something I knew but I've just been told). Good for all the Liverpool football supporters - not my cup of tea (I hate football) but as they say 'different strokes for different folks'.

Most ridiculous that some kind of stupid rule means that Liverpool can't defend the title next year. I'll bet my bottom dollar that somehow the rules will be changed or somebody will come up with something.............

Off to Valerie's (London Reg. President) leaving do. She's moving to France - it's really a leaving UK leaving do. A marvellous idea and as she says it's so easy now to cross the channel so nothing really changes.

An impulse moment

I'm one of those people who work better when jobs are impromptu or unexpected - organised chaos under pressure.........

Back home this evening my 50m heavy duty extention cable had arrived. On impulse - must be the glorious weather - I decided to clear the dense bush growing in the back garden (it's been like that for years). Part is fenced off but looking out from the window at the far end was an eye saw.
Don't know what possessed me but dressed up in thick joggers and my steel toe-cap boots (from my former job on a building-site - dusty but still useful) I marched down there carrying an electric hedge-cutter and other garden tools.

The area full of stinging nettles over 4 ft, over grown spreading rose bushes and tree sprouts twice my height, where to start was the problem. Not deterred I waded in lashing out with the hedge cutter. Don't where I suddenly got the energy. Suddenly found myself standing in a circle of clear ground and from that point nothing stopped me. Chopping, hacking, dragging and mashing the ground with my heavy boots. Even the overhanging tree branches and roses didn't escape. Snails, bees and frogs came out - momentarily felt sorry for them but nothing was going to stop me.

Suddenly shouts erupted from many open windows - then a few minutes later another louder outburst filled the air(completely forgot the European Championship on the telly). Realized Liverpool must have scored two goals. When the 3rd goal came the air was wild with jubilation.

My work continued and after nearly 5 hours I finished - everything piled in the middle (will need a fire to get rid of it all). Saying finished, there's still the digging up of all the roots to do but that has to wait until weekend. Good exercise but god was I tired and my body was so sore.

Not until later I noticed nettle sting marks on my hands and some scratches on my legs.

The news was all about Liverpools win - the passion football arouses.

Roll on tomorrow............

Astroturfing - what a word

Blair, Campbell and 'astroturfing'

Guardian - How Labour used its election troops to fake popular support:

America call it 'astroturfing' (what a word): 'the faking of grassroots support for a politician or a product whose popularity is on the slide'.

Claimed a tactic invented by US pharmaceutical firms to promote drugs - adopted by the Republicans to shore up George Bush after 9/11 - imported to Britain to help get Tony Blair re-elected.

Tonight Channel 4 screened a documentary, filmed by an undercover journalist who got a job in Labour's war room (campaign HQ), reveals how party members and supporters were systematically used to create the impression of 'real people' passionately backing the government. (nothing particularly new, but the extent of the 'dirty tactics' were a surprise).

Fascinating stuff - I was at conference and witnessed the pickets. At the time didn't think of Labour imports. Did however see the bus in front of the conference venue with a supposed Lib Dem flyer (negative campaign) pasted on the side. At the time the conservatives were blamed.

Call me naive but the Lib dems haven't involved themselves with such dirty tactics - hope it never happens.

Broke my own rule with Babel Fish

Not one for gimmicks on blogs - broke my own rule. Noticed the Babel Fish translator on some others so just thought to give it a go to see what happens. (It's one of those HTML add-ons that you have to cut and paste a code then tweak it).

It says click on the flags presuming you know which flag belongs to which country - not like me who cannot remember anything like that off head. It's a bit limited only 6 languages but who cares for now.

Well it works and so do all the links - looks funny. I wonder how it translates some of the abbreviations and slangs. Thinking of who to ask to have a fun run.

Mark on hols sunny San Francisco, if he's reading this today should know some of the languages - can be sure he will make some comments.

Needed something to uplift my mood.

Lets cut the crap!

Woke up this morning with a heavy head (hardly surprised with only 5 hours sleep) - was up late last night until the early hours of this morning taking part in an unproductive online chat exec meeting. Sincerely the worse meeting I have ever attended. Feel I wasted my time and energy. Honestly I don't even know how to describe it - maybe, verbal fisty-cuffs with all gloves off. The spite and venom from one member who does nothing but try and command the show and put down others trying to score points. How can one person cause so much disorder - even to the extent of telling the chair what to do - it's unheard of. Others pedantic to the extreme quoting from rules which are non-existent trying to appease the situation. What for I just fail to understand. It's certainly not the way to engage others. I'd feel embarrassed to ask others to join future meetings even as observers.

This is a real wake-up call. Moving forward is not possible and I suspect unless we 'cut the crap' we will be hard pressed to have an exec next year.

Anybody reading this will probably not have a clue of what or who I am writing about. Doesn't matter but at least it's made me feel better inside.

Kids! elect Charles Kennedy as Prime Minister

Very interesting that young people voted for Lib Dems - personally I'm not surprised going on the local response - around here the children call Charleys Kennedy that cheeky chappie - I'm the local Lib Dem lady they know and joke with.

The Hansard Society organised the 2005 Y Vote Mock Elections to encourage pupils to learn about politics in a fun way- it was a landslide for the Liberal Democrats.
http://www.mockelections.co.uk/sections/england/teachers/The%20Result!.asp

349 constituencies took part with a total of 5,000 schools holding mock elections up and down the country the results are:
Liberal Democrats: 42% vote share winning 145 seats (41.55% of the seats)
Conservatives: 24% vote share winning 83 seats (23.78% of the seats)
Labour: 17% vote share winning 61 seats (17.48% of the seats)
Others: 17% vote share winning 60 seats (17.19% of the seats)

The Others split:

Greens 45 seats
United Kingdom Independence Party 5 seats
Scottish National Party, Respect - The Unity Coalition, Scottish Socialist Party and Monster Raving Loony Party 2 seats
Plaid Cymru and Democratic Unionist Party 1 seat

Why blog - the question

Just been asked if anybody reads my blog - presume so because some people tell me they do, others email comments (usually loads of encouraging support but some moans and a couple down right nasty) - seem they are all Lib Dems or local people which is fine with me.

Funnily I received several emails this week from far flung places.
From Mark on holiday in USA (as I mentioned before I seem to be surrounded with Marks') 'Read your blog this morning (it's still conclusively morning here in San Francisco)..........the blog is fascinating'.

From Fran on hols in France 'Your breast experience - Ouch'

From a local activist presently nursing a bruised ego '...........' (words unrepeatable)

Compliments boosts self-esteem but like everything in politics one has to take the rough with the smooth. It's water off a ducks back - shouldn't be so but politics is a dirty game.

Asked what makes a good blog - not sure because it depends on readers opinions - as they say up north 'there's nought as queer as folk'.

I don't have time to read many but those I personally find interesting are all written by women. It's not a sexist thing, they just write from the heart on issues people can relate to - style of writing is friendly (human touch).
Many political blogs especially those written by men are so dry and formal (politically correct to the extreme) - real turn offs.

Asked why do I do it - well its a fun way of keeping a sort of thought diary about real issues.

Asked if I'm scared of getting it wrong - not really it's all a matter of confidence.
Have somebody keeping a beady eye on the text (legal issues) - had a few slaps on the wrist but so far so good. Have somebody else checking my spelling and grammar (dyslexic writing sometimes comes out in a jumble and not as intended) - I'm used to being hurled over the coals by some local Lib Dem Masters Degree holders who can think and write in verbatim - wish I could do it would make life easier. On the other hand I'm in politics to support the community and it's good that local people are not afraid to approach me for help - they seem to think I'm smart and can at least put them on the right track.

Asked if my blog is connected to any Lib Dem blog rings - seems to be because I see some of my words appearing in other master blogs. Have also noticed some other Lib Dem bloggers have added my blog in their special list of interesting blogs - show others are following my ramblings...............

Crazy Frog!

Mobile phone personal ring-tones are getting worse.
I haven't got one just because it's not entered my head - the ones supplied when I bought my phone is enough for me. (obviously I'm not part of the modern trend)
The various Crazy Frog's adverts on the telly really 'do my head in' because the stupid tunes stick in my brain. Obviously the advert is having some impact and boosting sales because everywhere I go these days I hear Crazy Frogs - feel like screaming 'turn it off'.

Just yesterday one of my neighbour's phone rang in a shop - guess what- Crazy Frog. Her three children and others small kids starting dancing and wiggling their bottoms in the air. Caused quite a stir. Jackie completely oblivious to the commotion around just carried on talking.............

Don't like to tell my daughter-in-law either that Naim crying (her ring tone) is very embarrassing in public. Everybody turns to stare............

Breast cancer - a woman's greatest nightmare

My own day of dread.................

Singer Kylie Minogue has been diagnosed with breast cancer - so sad it should have happened to such a beautiful young woman. More annoying that it takes a celebrity to bring the issue into the public domain.

Breast cancer is a woman's greatest nightmare. Campaigners has been pressing for years to have screening available for younger woman - shameful that it's not readily available on the NHS for all women. It's always a cost consideration that's the real deciding factor - money is always available in the public coffers for war but not for saving lives.

I've been having regular screening for several years. A doctor made the decision for me some years ago and I've been on the register ever since.

Even so the process is old fashioned, painful and not foolproof. Seems we are a long way from having the alternative MIR screening now commonly used in USA and other countries.
I've often wonder who designed the screening contraption - such a ridiculous design - must have been a man - so unsuitable for the shape of women. I have a fuller figure but the twisting, prodding and squeezing is so uncomfortable and for me actually painful - what about the women who are not so well endowed or a little frail - how do they manage. The whole process is a real turn off.

18 months ago I was reluctant go and face it again - changed the appointment twice. That was the year I got a shock. I received a referral letter to a consultant for further tests. I was so scared - had visions of no bust and loosing my long hair - just blanked it from my mind during the three weeks wait. What choice did I have - either that or drive myself mad by worrying.

The dreaded day arrived - more tests and the consultant told me to wait. Wait I did for over 2 hours - my heart was pounding. Somebody came to offer me some counselling. Sorry but she got a short swift response. I know she was just being kind but I'm not good with sympathy, I just want to know what's what.

After what seemed eternity, the consultant and another doctor came to collect me - two of them; my heart was full of dread. Smiling they showed me the xrays but my mind couldn't take in properly what they were saying - something about detecting lumps which were cysts and most likely not malignant but for some unexplained reason they had started to grow. Apparently they must have been there for years and nobody had told me - that really did annoy me - years! my brain screamed.

Heard a voice saying the larger ones should be removed immediately as a consent form was handed to me for my signature - like a zombie I signed. I thought they meant later in the day but no they insisted there and then whilst they were both available. Didn't dare argue and the sight of the huge needles and syringes made me wince so I closed my eyes. Presumed they would give me a local anaesthetic but no they held me whilst in turn they stuck the whopping great needles into my breasts.

God! the pain was excruciating. I was too shocked to even shout out - felt sick and faint. Having finished, the nurse was called to give me a cup of tea.

I was dismissed and handed a perscription for high dosage Evening Primrose oil and a leaflet explaining the benefit. First time I have ever known alternative medicine prescribed by a doctor.

The whole thing over, I didn't know what to do with myself so in a daze I went back to work. Thought it a better option than sitting at home thinking about it all day. It took me days to get over the experience and it still makes me cringe just thinking about it but at least I should consider myself as one of the lucky ones.

Had to go for more tests a few weeks later. Seems the medicine worked and everything has stabilized. It really was a scary experience - this years screening, to my greatest relief I got the all clear

My heart goes out to any women who has breast cancer.

Yet more peers

The way they are creating working Peers these days. Wonder where they're all supposed to sit. Bods are already squashed up like sardines.

Labour will now be largest single party in the Lords for the first time in the upper chamber's 800 -year history. It's obvious that it's Labour’s intention to clip the wings of the House of Lords with the aim of ensuring some of their controversial bills scale through.

The dissolution honours saw five Liberal Democrat MPs earn working peerages. They are:

• David Chidgey, former MP for Eastleigh


• Nigel Jones, former MP for Cheltenham


• Sir Archy Kirkwood, former MP for Roxburgh and Berwickshire


• Jenny Tonge, former MP for Richmond Park


• Paul Tyler, former MP for North Cornwall.
  
• Full list of Peers

It is quite apparent that the time is ripe for a radical shake up and have an fully elected House of Lords truely representative of the will of the people.

The Lib Dem names are Charles's personal choice from the retiring MP's (dissolution honours are different to the normal honours list) rather than selecting names from any elected list. Probably get a slap on my wrist from somebody but personally I feel that is how it should be. He's our elected leader.

Baths, politics and the Royal Mail

Quite amazing how days turn out.
Early in the morning without an appointment a surveyor turned up review my bath situation. My famous bath that continues to drop and move about.
Ironically it was the same surveyor who came 4 years ago about the same problem. He was a bit taken back to see it in a worse state.

He took some photo's and reconfirmed it was extremely dangerous and was recommending the floor boards be replaced with a completely new bath installed together with frame etc. Sounds good but it was the same as he recommended all those years ago and all that happened was repeated patched up jobs. We live in hope that this time some action will finally be taken.

It has been suggested I take the council to court. Bit difficult as my party are running the council. Might end up being my only option if nothing is done. My biggest fear is that it will eventually fall though the floor to the flat below and either I will get injured or the children below.

It's been said more than once that I manage to sort out other residents problems but leave my own. It's not for want of trying but when one continually hits a brick-wall - what to do?

Switched on the telly which opened on the Parliament channel. There was Charles Kennedy responding to the Queen's speech - Lib Dems perspective. All our MP's were seated - many new faces. There was Lynne and Susan listening attentively. It gives me a warm feeling to see them both there. Must remember to ask about the pecking order - who sits where. I've never given it a thought until today.

Downloaded my emails and spent nearly an hour answering and filling up my diary with meetings and events. I thought it was too quiet to last. It's the printing of the docs that takes the time.
Received another load of emails from individuals with their interpretation of election results. Everybody is so quick to criticize and make rash judgments.

I feel deeply for some of Islingtons activists after all the hard work. Some comments coming through are a bit strong. Don't know how to express myself to them in a way that will not be interpreted as rubbing salt into wounds. Best leave the critical analysis to the party's HQ campaign stratagists.

Good to hear some PPC's are overcoming bruised egos and already planning towards the next GE. So many are eager to be known as a PPC but do not realize just how much work and personal commitment is involved. It's a hard slog...........

On my way out I met a new postman. They're forever changing - it's most irritating. Where do all the good ones go. The post in this area is at the best of times a bit hit and miss with the continual turn around of agency staff. So much mail and parcels go astray. Felt like screaming yesterday when the Royal Mail declared a huge profit. Whatever cost saving measures they may have put in place to generate such profits they've certainly got it wrong in this area...........

Regional GE election scrutiny

I hate rain when it's not expected.
Rushed off last night to attend the London Region Exec meeting. Kings Cross tube station is not far but leaving the station there was a sudden rush of strong wind. Felt a right 'Charley' when my umbrella blew inside out and fell apart. It was like one of those comedy shows battling with the wind and rain whilst trying to keep my hair dry. Oh the vanity of women - not a problem for most men.

One of the best meeting I have attended. Received several congrats for all the work I put in - Lynne's successful campaign - good to feel appreciated as long as it's not over done.

The confidential matters over there was a general discussion about the General Election results and moving forward. Everybody voiced their opinions freely. The Chair, Sean Hooker tries to engage everybody - a welcome change from the former chair.

It was accepted that Hornsey & Wood Green had to be considered a home grown win. Mark Pack was the *key* to it's success. Wasn't going to allow anybody else to take the credit for this. I had already voiced my opinion about this by email after certain credits had started to circulate. One thing that always 'gets my goat' is others trying to the take undue credit for things to promote their own worth - very common in politics - ok against the opposition but not within a party that believes in open transparency.

Lynne's exit strategy from the GLA was explained. She mentioned to me some time ago that Ken Livingstone was keen she win so he could get rid of her from the GLA. Thought it was a joke but her co-worker confirmed that he had expressed the sentiment publicly several times. Apparently he's fed up with her constant questions.

The up and coming seats seem to be Camden - that's obvious from the results.

There was a critical analysis of Orpington and Islington South. It was clear to everybody that Islington local party had been over confident and spread their resources too thinly by trying to win both constituencies at the same time. Somebody commented that to take on Jeremy Corbyn in Islington North is a tall order. He has a popularity vote which is difficult to overcome.

It was suggested that Islington power brokers hadn't been sincere to the party in their expectations nor realistic enough to consider local issues could have any impact on the General Election results. It's all well and good by referring to swings but it's the final result that count.
I didn't get the joke at first when it was mentioned that 484 will be tattooed on the head of somebody forever............

The other main concern was the election address (free post). It seemed to have been handled better than other elections but there were still complaints of missed posting and mail not arriving..........

No rest for activists - several London by-elections are in the pipeline..........

Meeting over everybody convened to the pub. Must have been the rain but there weren't many punters so the atmosphere was pleasant for a change. Long time since I've stayed on after last call.

The regional sec - Mark (seem to be surround with Marks' at the moment) is off on world travels - it sounds so exciting...........

Just an ordinary day

A strange day - no phone calls or emails to answer.

Wonderful weather I just love the heat. Don't get much time for shopping so went out for some retail therapy. The Sunday market in Holloway Road was packed. I've found some interesting items there in the past. I enjoy rummaging - you can sometimes be surprised what you find.

Found some expensive educational toys dirt cheap for my grandson. Not second-hand or anything wrong - just no boxes. Who cares about boxes I am sure it won't bother Naim.

Went for a coffee in James Selby's and actually found something I liked and fitted. Wonders that does not happen often.

Islington Lib Dems putting on a brave face

From the Islington Gazette -

"New MP Emily Thornberry held on to Isington South and Finsbury for Labour by a whisker after a storming performance by Liberal Democrat Bridget Fox. Just 484 votes seperated the two after a night of tension at the General Election Count..........There was a 12% swing from Labour to Lib Dems."

This seat was once one of Labours safest seats in the country has now turned around to be one of the most marginal.

This may be a triumph for Labour but roll on the 2009 - Lib Dems will take this seat. There's a determined team who's aim is a full slate of Lib dem councillors by next year and 2 MP's in Islington. That day will surely come - watch this space...................

Camden Lib Dems planning to turn the Town Hall yellow

As expected all the Islington & Camden local papers are full of election results and the he said, she said write ups.

From editorials in the Camden New Journal - good to see that 2 Labour rebels Glenda Jackson & Frank Dobson both admitting that the Lib Dems ate into their votes. Frank Dobson was returned as MP for Holborn & St Pancras but Jill Frazer's amazing result -11% swing - has turned his once solid Labour seat into a marginal.

The plan is now on to get more Lib Dem councillors elected at next years council elections. Putting the wheels in motion, Cllr Flick Rea on Wednesday stood down for Cllr Keith Moffitt as Camden's Lib Dem council group leader after 18 years at the helm.

Dear Flick is involved with so many other activitities within the party it seems a sensible decison locally.

*Question Time* with a difference

Question Time last night was a real laugh.
Lynne Featherstone was a guest and what a difference it made having somebody who actual smiles.

All the talk about 'hoodies'. My first thought - what about me? I wear hooded clothes to keep the wind from blowing my long hair. Would Bluewater security stop me from entering the shopping complex. Might give it a try just for a laugh and to see what happens.

The star of the show had to be Boris Johnson. Political differences aside the audience loved him. What a 'twit'. He seems oblivious to the way he behaves and how he comes across on the TV like a stuttering fool with a posh voice.
He doesn't seem to care. Probably doesn't matter to him anyway if he's always been like that.

Celebrations - life goes on

Still trying to catch up on all the emails left pending for weeks.
In the meantime another flood - meetings, meetings and more meetings. Well life goes on.

Susan Kramer sent a kind email. I felt a bit guilty not being able to help with her campaign but at least she won. She is another people person and as she commented 'it's good to have 3 Lib Dem women MP's in London'.

Last night was Lynne's campaign team get-to-gether. Of course at the pub below the HQ.
Nice to have a chance to dress up a little. I'm not really comfortable in pubs. The noise and smell. I suppose it is a result of living overseas with Muslims. I'm too old to change now but members are used to me so when I sit quietly on my own nobody take offence.

Used the opportunity to clear some of the office and collect my bits. Waste not, want not - I took the loo rolls. Well there is no point in throwing them away. What a laugh from others. Bit strange to have blue paper in my peach and lilac bathroom but I can live with it whilst they last.

Lynne arrived to the cheers of everybody. She's not one to make a fuss prefering to quietly circulate and personally thank everybody.

Good to see Meral Ece, one of the councillors from Islington turn up. Nice to have a chat with a friendly soul about Islington and a lift home. They are putting on a brave face about Bridget Fox (Islington South) not winning after all the expectations.........

There's the Lib Dem lady

Had to laugh today when a group of children across the road shouted 'there's the Lib Dem lady'.
Around here they refer to me in so many ways - several hats. Funny how people associate individuals but whichever 'hat' at least those with problems know where to find me.

Got a frantic call from the shop owner across the road saying there was trouble with the kids and could I come quick. The children from Acland Burghley School are always causing problems. Most of it is high spirits but in groups they terrorise him. He is a gentle spoken Asian and when he is on his own the kids try to act tough and wind him up. He wonders at the way I seem to be able to handle them.

Had to invite the deputy head last week when another group nicked things from the shop.
It was all on video and surprising my friend's son was involved. A quick call to his mother and she rushed from work. I was so annoyed with him and his mother went ballistic. He claimed it was only a bit of fun and to give him his due, he did come in later to apologise.

It's the clothes they wear that intimidates. The hoods and trousers round their backside showing their underwear. I wonder how they walk. They say it is the 'rude boys' style culled from a prison in America where the imates are not allowed belts so their trousers drop down.

London 2005 election update

The good news in London is that we now have 8 Liberal Democrat MPs.

• Sarah Teather (Brent East)
• Tom Brake (Carshalton)
• Lynne Featherstone (Hornsey and Wood Green)
• Ed Davey (Kingston and Surbiton)
• Susan Kramer (Richmond Park)
• Simon Hughes (Southwark and Bermondsey)
• Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam)
• Vince Cable (Twickenham)

We've held on to the 6 seats we won at the last General Election: Twickenham, Kingston and Surbiton, Sutton and Cheam, Carshalton, Southwark and Bermondsey and Richmond Park.

So pleased that Susan Kramer succeeded in taking over the Richmond seat following Jenny Tonge's retirement.

Delighted that Sarah Teather has won a much deserved full-term in office. A great deal of work has been put in since September 2003's by-election in Brent East.

Where I live in Islington, across the road is Camden.
Sad that Bridget Fox (Islington South) despite great efforts, didn't make it this time. She only lost by 484 votes.

Impressed with Jill Frazer's result (Holborn & St Pancras) in the short time since she was selected for the seat. She is another up and coming star. A real people person who's popular locally. Her shop serves the best fish and chips in London.

Lynne wins Hornsey & Wood Green with toddlers endorsement!

Well we did it.
Lynne Featherstone won with 20,512 votes and 43.3 % of the votes cast,
a massive 14.6% swing from LAB to LD.

The day was so exciting.
It was quite strange to note that there were no Labour tellers at any of the H & WG polling stations.
Not sure if it was an act of defeat or arrogance.
The Labour agent kept hovering around and the conservative candidate toured the stations with his glamourous wife putting up a brave face.

With so much happening, it is difficult to know what to write about but my story of the day has to be 'out of the mouths of babes'.....

One polling station was a hall in Jackson's lane Community Centre. It was voting with a difference. Voters walking through the centre while normal activities continued; ballet dancing, Mabel's Monster music session, children everywhere.
A woman arrived with her 3 young children. Outside posted on the wall was all the legal information about the candidates. She patiently explained to them what was going on (an early years lesson in voting). Full of excitement the family accompanied their mother into the polling hall.

Sometime later the family reappeared and as the mother stood chatting to friends some distance away, her young son aged about 4 years seeing me with the yellow Lib Dem rossette come bounding up to me and in a clear loud voice asked did I know Charles Kennedy.
Suddenly the hall went very quiet.
With a smile I replied 'Yes I do'. 'Tell Mr Kennedy, my mummy voted for his lady' was his excited response.
The young boy oblivious to everything else around him shouted back to his mother. 'Mum what's her name?'
'Lynne Featherstone' was her reply. 'Yes that's her, ' he responded. Turning back to me 'You won't forget to tell him' he insisted'. 'No I won't' I promised.

Everybody starting laughing which suddenly made him aware of other people and he became all shy. As others left behind them they all commented in a quieter manner they had also voted for Lynne.

Eve of poll - a hive of activity

So many phone calls asking how I was feeling, it's good to be missed........
Lynne's HQ was a hive of activity. The last minute ring-around from the team to get the help for the last minute deliveries paid off. Checking the visitors register, I was so pleased to see some of those I had called in a favour turned up.

I had to admire some of the 'bods' with bags of leaflets going out time and again. The weather having changed to a cold spell, some helpers were dressed like mountain-climbers. My respect goes out to some of the senior volunteers. Many looked exhausted but nobody was willing to give up.

Our regional chair Sean Hooker and his band of merry men from Barnet were there again not only to delivery the Eve of poll mail but to collect the Good morning leaflets - 5am start.

I feel so annoyed with myself for having this stupid stomach bug.
I felt like a zombie not able to say much. Some funny, good humoured remarks were made about my unusual quietness.
My faced must have shown how ill I have been feeling but not wanting to let the side down after so much work, I collected some Eve of poll deliveries for Crouch End. It took me much longer than normal but I did it. Just didn't have the strength to go back to the HQ for more so took the bus home....

Received several late night concerned phone calls - I am quite determined that I will be part of tomorrow no matter what. It'll be history in the making. Sometimes a person's charisma transends party politics and Lynne is one of those people. I am so confident she will win.

Why do things happen when it's least expected.

I've not had much time to update my blog for the past few days.
To top it all I keep being literally sick with excruciating stomach pains. Not sure if it is something I ate or reaction to some tablets given to me by the doctor. It sort of hit me like a thunderbolt Sunday evening.
It's most annoying. I've not been able to go to Lynne's HQ for two days. They have been wondering what happened. I am usually on call mobilising the troops so others have had to step in.

Will go later today but I have to be fit for tomorrow. There will be much to do.

Negative campaigning

All this negative campaigning by Labour and Conservative's is a bit below the belt. It is a real turn off. I am proud the the Lib Dems have refused to go down this road.

In H & WG the negative factor is actually helping Lynne's campaign. On the doorstep, so many Labour & Conservative voters say they are switching over to the Lib dems.

We'll see on the day..........