Mind how you handle your Panga

This is really a sad sign of the times. A front page local newspaper report.
Armed police swoop after 'sword' scare. I purchased one recently from a local hardware shop (quite surprised it was so easy to get hold of) - carried it home carefully wrapped up and have been using it in the front garden where people passing on the main road could clearly see me. From experience it's the easiest and quickest way to clear thick overgrowth or long grass. One of the locals passing stopped to help me with the heavy hacking and a cheeky chap joked could I come and chop down the overgrown bushes in his garden. Had a few curious stares but nobody called the police. Why should they?

Not the same for poor Victor Tanice who lives not far from me - the police received an anonymous call and swooped. The report states:
When officers got to the scene they realized he was holding a panga - a tool commonly used in Africa for cutting long grass.

Victor Tanice in his front garden with the panga ­ a bladed African tool ­ that led to armed police

Mr Tanice said.

"In the morning I did a bit of gardening then went back into the house. I then decided to walk to the shops but when I walked out of the house armed policemen were pointing guns at me".

Why paranoid people called the Islington police for Victor is obvious he's black.To my mind there can be no other explanation.

I owe my son an apology because when I asked him to buy it for me he was reluctant. His response was that should he be stopped by the police for any reason it would be difficult to explain what he was doing with it in his car. I just thought he was being difficult.

Livingston fever & every mothers' worst nightmare

Funny how issues jam or people sometimes suddenly come to mind when you get an email. Have been following Stephen Glenn's blog about the selection of our candidate for the expected Livingston by-election.

Just recieved an email from party HQ commenting on the expected campaign and the website link . My first thought was Oh! Stephen Glenn. Don't recall ever having met him but he must be in the recesses of my mind because of his association with the area.

Roll on Thursday 25th August, by Friday we'll all know - excitement is certainly brewing.

My foster son Shehu also just mentioned he passes Livingston everyday on the train from Dundee. A big hint, am I going to come up to help the Lib Dem campaign.

Until he mentioned it, never gave it a thought as to where Livingston is actually located, so it was a map job....

Found it! The next thing is when is the election going to be called?

The other horrific news coming out of Livingston in the last few days is the murder of 11 year old Rory Blackhall who went missing from school on Thursday. I hope they get the 'bxxxd'. There are no words that can express what his family must be feeling at this moment. It's every mothers' worst nightmare.

LibDem blogs are the spice of life

Such cooling rain. A big change from the humid heat. Gave me a chance to catch up and read some of the other Lib Dem blogs - it's always food for thought what others write about.

Noticed Martin Young's posting Liberal spice

A step along the way seems to be the labeling of types of LibDems, or factions maybe, depending on how aggressive the writer is feeling.

I'm just wondering in which category he puts my blog? Have to agree some of the writers are aggressive and out for a fight - they need to take a chill pill. The styles of writing vary from the fighters, the formal, the politically correct, the artistic, story teller, happy go lucky, the downright funny and sadly some I just don't understand.

I received an email about mine which made me laugh.

I've been dipping in and out of your blog from time to time (the entertainment value is always high...).

Back to other blogs - Chris Ward posting Cowabunga! is a continuation of what seems to be a long-standing war of words with Dennis Paul. Apart from Dennis Paul being a Conservative I'm curious as to what started the war.

Mary Reid posting about video blogs. I couldn't access it from her link and after listening to it from the website thought it was worth posting again (it's a bit long). Councillors video blog created by the Local e-Democracy National Project. Might encourage a few more elected members and public figures to start their own blogs.

I always enjoy reading Peter Black's blog - He takes the serious approach but I like his style of writing - it has a natural flow but is clear and straight to the point - very interesting if you want to keep up with what's going on in Wales. His report from Dublin and his visit to Kilmainham Jail (held the ringleaders of the Easter 1916 uprising) is interesting. The before (Kilmainham Jail) and after pictures (St. Stephen's Shopping Centre in Dublin) are for lovers of history absolutely fascinating.

Dave Smithson seems to have more of a pictorial blog. The best picture of the summer has to be his wonderful photo from Best ever Flower Show?

Sandra Gidley's tribute to Mo Mowlam I have to whole-heartedly agree with.

Call it the common touch, call her a people's politician - call it what you will but the bottom line is that she was one of those rare people who are able to engage with others on a number of other levels.

I have never spoken to Mo and only met her briefly on the way to party HQ. I was so shocked by her loss of her hair. A woman's crowning glory.

My respect for her during her illness was to read in some newspapers that she'd signed a Living Will. I've told my doctor, all my family and friends the same thing, should anything happen to me, let nature take it's course. I appreciate how upsetting death is for everybody but I can't imagine living a life where there's no hope. Leaving aside the natural sentiment, signing a Living Will takes away the moral obligation from others.

Stephen Glenn's blog I enjoy reading. Have to agree with his posting - Quick off the block I was wondering myself where the Guardian got the info from. At the time the notice to approved candidates hadn't gone out. Realized they must have read the party website and found the page - Charles Dundas

I suppose there was a presumption in the reporter's mind because he was the PPC for Livingston during the GE and a tribute to Robin Cook was added almost immediately after his death under Charles's biog which must have added fuel to the fire.

Will Howells's blog No geek is an island does my head in with all his cut-outs and overlaps - it affects my eyes. Seems very popular from the write-ups I've seen so must be a generational thing. (I do read it from time to time). His posting kissing-cousins is however very interesting.

In many countries it's not so uncommon. It brought back memories of one Lebanese family I knew - the Rhoda's. They all married their cousins so they all had the same (only two) great grandparent and grandparents. Two of the brothers were expecting their own children would marry their cousins. I used to think about it a lot. Not the marriage issue but genetically. They were all a good looking family and quite brainy. There didn't seem anything wrong with them all but I often wondered how far down the line they could go before something strange happened.

I have to admit I do tend to read LibDem Blogs - Aggregated postings because of the page news feeds. Noticed the Independant news feed link still doesn't work after all these weeks. Keep forgetting the web back-link doesn't work with error pages. It's so annoying and such a hassle to start over. Ryan when are you going to fix it?

Very occasionally I check out the other blogs listed - accessible via the LibDem button - seems such a shame they can't somehow be tied up.

The blogs I definitely don't read are those that have a black background. They're just a nono. Not good for the eyes.

When the stars are out

Saw an interesting news report that Haringey Council are planning to regenerate the old Hornsey Town Hall and hand it over to a Community Partnership to support and encourage the arts. Have to agree that it's a lovely idea.

Hornsey Town Hall is an important 1930s Grade Two (star) listed building in the heart of Crouch End, owned by Haringey Council.
The Council will be relocating staff from the town hall to its central offices in Wood Green, and is moving forward with plans to keep the Town Hall open for the benefit of the community.

What made me smile was the comment that the area is the home base for many well known TV and movie stars. It's an everyday occurrence to bump into 'stars' when out and about. I have to agree the same happens in my area which is just on the boundary - sometimes you can meet them in the most unexpected places.

We often forget they are just people and do normal everyday things. Couldn't stop laughing one night watching Marc Bannerman (ex Eastenders and Time Gentlemen Please) quarrelling with a local Pizza delivery man outside the shop. Cathy Tyson, I first met at the dentists with her very reluctant son (at the time I had no idea who she was). Islington is home to Arsenal and it's not uncommon to see the footballers in their flash cars. The list is endless.

It's such a shame that some of them change when they become public figures and ignore where they came from. Naomi (Miss Dynamite) used to be classmates with one of the girls in the flat below and was forever hanging around. She wouldn't give them the time of day now - she hasn't been round since she became famous. It was such a let-down when she declined an invite to sing at Ackland Burley, her old school. The kids were so disappointed.

I just love to see excitement on the faces on the children when they see somebody 'famous' they recognize. Shows age is catching me because usually I haven't got a clue who they are talking about.

Going for the jugular

The August 2005 issue of the Liberator is out - just received my copy. Had a quick glance - no time to read it now but it's a cup of tea moment I'll enjoy - I've got a mischievous sense of humour. The writers of some articles certainly go for the jugular. I can feel the squirming of several party movers and shakers. Not sure if washing dirty linen in public is the right approach but the Mag's certainly popular amongst party members

Checked which tit-bits are published online - Radical Bulletin 304 (my favourite ) - CHEADLE SAVES CHARLIE, rehashes the issue of Charles Kennedy's leadership of the party and the leaks to the press.

I have to agree with the paragraph

But the mere fact that someone in Westminster saw fit to brief against him and that someone else, out of misplaced loyalty, told the papers that he had laid down the law to his colleagues about damaging briefings (a conversation no MP spoken to by Liberator can recall) shows the whole thing is unlikely to go away. Whose the culprit Mark Oaten or Simon Hughes.

The whodunnit gossip is rife but I know who I'd put my money on.

Waiting for the Blackpool conference in September and what's expected to happen is like waiting for the calm before the storm. There's also so much speculation about motions. I've read a couple of the controversial ones which will definitely create waves - we can presume several last minute amendments will be rushed through when the official paperwork drops in reps letter boxes. Not long now - they'll soon be in the public domain.

August the lazy month

Feeling very lazy about updating this blog - still in holiday mode. August is always a quiet month. I always think of it as the 'go slow' month with so many people away on holiday. The best thing is very few emails and phone calls. It's a good time to get on with the jobs that keep being left because of normal time constraints.

Just filling out an application form (not sure if I'm going to submit it). Found a very strange question. Have you ever......... or supported a non-Lib Dem candidate while a member of the Liberal Democrats? If so, please give details. To my way of thinking it's just inconceivable that any genuine Lib Dem activist would support another party. My mind is screaming a vulgar response but words on paper have to be written so as not to cause offence.

I've been delivering a survey in my ward - 6 streets so far. The questions are appropriate for this area. We need positive feedback but I'm wondering how many residents will bother to fill it out and send it back. People coming back from holiday have so much mail to go thorough and I'm concerned the survey may go to the bottom of a pile of mail to be dealt with later and eventually be forgotten.........

Just spent 3 days in the back garden. After clearing all the rubbish a couple of weeks ago, I left it to see where the main cluster of weeds and old flowers were growing. I decided after the brief rain to turn over the soil and level the area completely. I'm at my best in the heat but not sure where I got the energy or strength from. Digging down, spreading bramble roots, tubers and more roots were removed. I've now got a massive pile to get rid of. Must have been a rose garden once upon a time.

In one spot I hit a hard base. At about three feet, I uncovered a footpath. Being a curious soul I followed the trail and found an old sloping Victorian circular footpath with fancy edging which had sunken at the far end (about four feet down). It seemed a shame to cover it up again but as there's nowhere to put the displaced soil I had no choice. I tried to imagine the garden in the days before the property conversion into flats and the garden was divided up.

Uncovered another flower bed which I am planning to plant bulbs to give some colour to part of the garden. Now the main area is flat and looks impressive. Will have to leave it fallow for some time but have plans to turf the area. My neighbour's response 'it's wicked'. She says she will persuade her husband to angle-grind the four remaining old iron demarcation posts below ground level. I do hope he'll agree because the one I have removed was cemented in two sections nine foot down. It was so heavy to lift out (had to get help). Something has to be done about them because they could cause a nasty accident.

I've thorn scratches and stinging nettle marks on my arms and legs (they managed to get through thick joggers and long sleeved shirts) and my body is stiff in places. Who cares, I'm pleased with myself. The best thing is that over the past month I've lost over half a stone in weight (5 kilos). It's too hot to eat and all the exercise seems to have had a positive effect. The birds on the other hand have been enjoying a feast of worms and snails. It's fascinating to watch them.

Got a few more days left to finish off then away for a week to see my niece Ayida. Hope it remains hot because she lives near the sea.

Quite surprised to speak to her brother Matthew who's also going to visit her this weekend. Not spoken to him for years. Nothing wrong, it's just he's in the army and his squad's location is always secret. His specialist work means he's sent around the world to 'hot spots'.

I'm very proud of him and I know my father would have been if he'd still been alive - he died when I was a child. My father was a career officer and was finally demobbed after the 2nd World War. Looking back I never realized how old he was. He was just my father. I used to love to play with his medals and listen to his stories about Spain, India and Burma. All the recent news reports about Commemoration ceremonies has brought back lots of memories.

Thank you Mindgrade

Sometimes I'm quite surprised by the emails I receive. Didn't think anybody would be really interested in my bathroom saga but seems somebody is. Yes, my bathroom has finally been renovated after all these years - it's just great. What a difference it's made. With new floorboards it's so wonderful to have fittings that don't keep wobbling.

It's the first time I can actually praise the councils sub-contractors. Mindgrade's carpenter and plumber were an amazing team. They are from the old school - taking pride in their work. I can't fault their workmanship in any way. They took special care with the items I bought. It's the first time I've ever seen workmen carrying their own brush and pan as part of their kit and cleaning up every step of the way. Apparently their main work is fitting disabled showers for the elderly where extra care is needed.

The floor-layer came and instead of tiles he offered me some flash non-slip flooring. I accepted because it's easy to keep clean and colour matched perfectly. It looks great.

The job took two and a half days to complete - who cares when the standard of work is so professional. Non-stop cup's of tea but I didn't care. The carpenter was so kind by even fixing my coat-rack which was coming away from the wall, just before he left. Took him all of two minutes - would have taken me much longer.

I'm one of the key members of the PFI2 residents forum. There are almost 5000 flats to be brought up to standard - not sure when the contract will actually start at the moment. The panel asked me to make a report on the company's performance with some photos. This is one I'll enjoy writing.

DisabledGo comes to Islington

It's just been announced by Islington Council that DisabledGo has come to Islington.

Ten million disabled people from across the UK, including thousands of disabled people here in Islington, can now use the internet to check access to hundreds of shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions throughout the borough.

Sponsorship is by local authorities and Marks & Spencer - the free internet service DisabledGo is now available at the click of a mouse.

DisabledGo was founded by wheelchair user Gregory Burke, who became frustrated never knowing which public venues would be accessible.

The site is certainly worth a visit - one good feature - there's a page displaying a Key to the
16 DISABLEDGO SYMBOLS and what they mean.....

Islington council are brilliant in promoting these initiatives but some of the contractors down the line put their own interpretation on the plans and mess it up - especially the building trade.

Local campaigners have succeed in getting Tufnell Park Road resurfaced after more than 20 years. The council worked hard to secure funding for the project. Now the Council Highways department are repaving the pavements (all part of a long-term plan for the borough). It all looks very impressive - the noise from the traffic has greatly reduced. Unfortunately because the curb edge is now higher than before, all the bus-stops that were built by Transport for London (TFL) a couple of years ago now also have to to be repaved.

Just had a call from an annoyed resident that the bus stop by the station now has a channel running through it so it's no longer flat and is difficult to push prams on the bus. Had to look myself - what a mess.

Spent the morning ringing around to find who is responsible. Had a call back from the team leader who tried to blind me with science about road depths, measurements and drainage, to keep me sweet. He met his match with me. I do know what he's on about and he's wrong, it has to be changed - doesn't match up to disability access standards.

We'll see what happens in the next few days before they waste more public money....

There's useful information and diagrams for people with mobilty difficulties on the Department for Transport's (DFT) website
Access for Disabled People
There's also an excellent guide for Local authorities planning improvements to streets and other local access, on page: Footways, Footpaths and Pedestrian Areas It states:

The distinction between a footway and a footpath is that a footway (usually called the pavement) is the part of a highway adjacent to, or contiguous with, the carriageway on which there is a public right of way on foot. A footpath has no contiguous carriageway.

Other news - BBC report yesterday Disabled work 'barriers' must end The head of a charity that helps disabled people find work says attitudes must change to get people into jobs and off benefits.

Africa - from another life

A very disturbing news report from my home in another life.
Mentally sick man beheads 5 year old brother

Bamaina in Jigawa State, Nigeria, is the home base of the Lamido family (ruling family). Most of the villagers are intermarried so are relations of one another. Another news report

Mohammed used to come to my office in Kano - some 3 hours drive by road and as part of the extended family, I gave him money to survive and his guardian money for his medication. He used to tell people he was going to see the angel because of my blonde hair. My staff used to be nervous of his strange behaviour but he was young and harmless then.

One day Mohammed just stopped coming to see me and nobody could tell me what happened to him. Over the years I've often thought about him.

The big problem in such countries is that they don't have proper psychiatric hospitals (the medical fees of the few privately owned ones are so exhorbitant) or money to pay for the expensive drugs - most drugs are not available to buy even if you have the money. Free medical treatment is very basic and not available to millions in the villages. They generally control people with any form of mental illness very crudely (herbal & spiritual concoctions mixed by native doctors or spiritual malams) and most are inhumanely treated until they die.

Nobody wants to take on the responsibility of the mentally afflicted - even members of their own family (they believe a person is invaded by demons or they've had a spell cast upon them by an enemy). The extended family system means the more powerful or influential you become there are more people to feed and children to school. Money spent on mental illness is generally considered a waste. Many people also only do things that will give them prestige and not for the sake of their communities so looking after a mentally ill person is often frowned upon (doesn't make a good news story).

The story of Mohammed sounds very shocking from a western perspective but as he was obviously schizophrenic and left without medical treatment, what's happened is not so surprising. I know some of the key figures from the area will not care about him and view the story in the newspapers as a minor irritation.

I used to help the village because of the family. Over the years, I arranged the connection of the electricity supply to the main link on the main road - the building and maintainance of a borehole for water - supplying the diesel for the water-pump and generator - the building of the road running into the village and the culvert (small bridge) over the stream. The old Lamido (my sons' grandfather) who has since died, awarded me a title which is something not traditionally given to Fulani women.

During the days of emergency medical aid (epidemic control) organized through Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) /Doctors Without Borders - co-ordinated and distributed by my company, Lamido out of respect for me, lined up all the villagers (a directive from the district ruler, they couldn't ignore) so they could receive their injections first - proving none would die and those sick would recover. He then sent out his messengers to some 130 village chiefs up to the Niger border to get their people prepared. He organized an area as a local distribution base for the French & Swiss doctors. As the news travelled like wildfire that Lamido's son's Batureya (white woman) was sending the 'white' doctors, welcoming receptions developed along the route at each village we travelled to.

The district head Yakubu Mai-Ungwa mentioned in the report is a cousin to my sons. In those days he used to be concerned about Mohammed and what would become of him. Yakubu was one of those who Lamido sent to spread the word out on my behalf.

I'll probably hear something about it even if it's not in the news though I expect the worse for Mohammed. It's so long ago but it certainly brings back memories.

Other memories - The nearest town to Bamaina is Burnin Kudu - about 40 minutes by road. Any time I used to make the journey, I'd stop there and visit the facinating Rock paintings.
Dutsen Habude is a cave containing Neolithic paintings of cattle, antelope and rock gongs -believed to be more than 2,000 years old. The cave is very small (the people who painted them must have been much smaller in stature) and many of the pictures are fading. Unfortunately there are no photos of the paintings and they have largely been left in their natural state which is a shame because it's wonderful to see them. I used to imagine the people who lived there and painted them so long ago. I understand there are now plans underway to preserve them.

Another spectacular sight is the Durbar in Kano - traditionally held in February. Nowadays there are two Durbar celebrations (the main and the lesser Dubar). They're a culmination of the two Muslim festivals Id el Fitri and Id el Kabir.

The original Durbar dates back hundreds of years to the time when the Emirate (state) in the north used horses in warfare. During this period, each town, district, and nobility household was expected to contribute a regiment to the defense of the Emirate. Once or twice a year, the Emirate military chiefs invited the var­ious regiments for a Durbar (military parade) before the Emir of Kano and his chiefs.

During the parade, regiments would showcase their horsemanship, their preparedness for war, and their loyalty to the Emirate.

These days the day begins with prayers out­side town, followed by processions of horsemen to the public square in front of the Emir’s palace, where each village group, district, and noble house take their assigned place. Last to arrive is the Emir and his splendid retinue; they take up their place in front of the palace to receive the jahi, or homage, of their subjects.

The festival begins with each group racing across the square at full gallop, swords glinting in the sun. They pass just few feet away from the Emir, then stop abruptly to salute him with raised swords. It can be scary watching them charging forward with their spears but somehow they manage to stop. The last and most fierce riders are the Emir’s household and reg­imental guards, the Dogari. The Emir then heads a procession of the ruling families (there's a pecking order and each family have their own recognizable clothing and historic regalia) around Kano town and back to the Old city to his palace. The fanfare is intensified by drumming, dancing and singing, with small bands of Fulanis performing Shadi.

It is an obligation for all chiefs, district heads and lesser rulers to take part in the event. It takes days for many of them to travel by road to Kano with their families and guards. They don't have horse-boxes (nowadays the older men travel in cars leaving the younger one to bring the horses). Lamido took part in the event well into his 80's. He was about 6'4" and during the parade he was very distinctive because he was seated noticably taller on his horse.

Lamido once showed me the boxes where he kept the traditional regalia for the family and the royal horses. It was one of those awe-inspiring moments to see old gold & bronze footwear, spears and chain-mail garments. They were so heavy. It was like looking at items going back to the Crusades. He had no idea how old they were and was bemused when I mentioned their historical value to museums. Some of my questions were answered in sort of stories - it was difficult to talk to him at the best of times because he spoke Fulfulde in the village so we needed a translator - The people are Fulanis and have their own language.

When my son Sule jnr was small, Lamido stuck him on a horse - I was so afraid he'd fall off as they are the powerful arabic horses. I couldn't challenge Lamido or should I say wouldn't have dared. He used to give me privileges over and above other women. Sule however just took it in his stride and galloped off. He was a natural and Lamido just chuckled the way he always did.

People often ask me about the name Lamido. It's actually a Fulani title like Emir or King. The 'Lamido' is the ruler but it's now been adapted by some of the directed family members as a second name. Traditionally there were no second names but now because convention requires a surname, a child generally takes the father's first name as their second name. (meaning the son of or daughter of). Others use the name of their village or home town as their second name.

The senior Lamido is the Lamido of Adamawa, Dr Aliyu Musdafa who was turbaned as the 11th Lamido of Adamawa on 26th July 1953. Some of that family now also use the title as their surname. It'd fascinating reading the history of the migration of the Fulanis and in some countries the integration into the Hausa tribe and the adoption of the Muslim religion - The ancient Emirate of Adamawa

Traditionally the Fulani lead nomadic lifestyles following their cattle. Their nomadic lifestyle has become increasingly difficult due the establishment of political boundaries across what was once an open desert so there are now the town Fulani and the nomadic Fulani. There however remains deep-rooted cross-border family connections in both Niger and Chad.

Oh well back to reality in London.

Calling 999

Not been feeling well these last few days (cold has caught me - feel like I've got two heads) - no energy to write my blog. Went to a local party meeting yesterday evening - good meeting but I didn't have the strength to socialise afterwards so went straight home.

It's my son Sule's birthday today - not the same since he became a father - he's no longer my baby expecting treats from mother. Naim still only 10 months is picking things up quickly. Sule's all for gizmo's and gadgets - like so many people he's never off the phone and Naim copies him.

Yesterday flashing lights and all that - the police arrived at their flat. They came to find out what had happened after a small child dialed 999. It was Naim who called them- he didn't know what buttons he was pressing but as somebody answered when he put the ear-piece to his ear he just sat listening and making noises at the phone until he dropped it. With the phone off the hook, the police couldn't call back. They traced the number to Sule's flat and sent round a squad car to investigate.

Nobody in the house was aware it had happened - the police were naturally surprised and a little bemused that it was somebody so young who had called. They were all in hysterics laughing.

It's comforting that the police responded so rapidly - call me suspicious but I'm wondering if it wasn't for the high security alert whether they'd have reacted so quickly. Wonder how they are going to log that visit.

When it's time to crow

I'm tickled pink my blog has been listed this weekend on Tim Worstall's britblog round up - received several emails letting me know - seems to have generated some excitement.

Surprised that one of my ramblings could have caught his attention - though Jonathon Calder's Liberal England is up there as one of the big boys (I'm the only woman and way down the pecking order). He's the only person I recognise from Lord Bonkers’ Diary in the Liberator Mag.

But who actually is Tim Worstall? I'm told "He's a particularly prolific blogger though, and one of the best known names on the UK blogging scene (which means he occasionally gets mentioned in national newspapers and such)".

Well! what can I say?- only ta Tim.