Kennedy vs Campbell

Charles Kennedy is in the news again. The media are having a field day speculating about a comeback and a possible challenge to Ming's leadership of the party.
Kennedy set to stage a comeback - Kennedy revival rattles Campbell - Kennedy denies leadership reports. Even today the national news is reporting on an article in the News of the World, 'Kennedy plot to oust Ming'. (can't find any online version to link to)

The BBC have also picked up on Peter Black's posting Time for Ming to shape up - have to agree with his opinion about Ming. When I hear him speak on the box he comes across as dull as dish water. A safe pair of hands he may be. That's all good and well if he was heading a business but in politics there has to be something special that attracts people to want to hear what a person has to say. He's a perfect gent from the old school but he just lacks the charisma to excite people. He has no oomph about him. It has nothing to do with age but the personality of the man himself. This is bound to have a knock-on effect on the party and it's beginning to reflect in the opinion polls.

Charles Kennedy dubbed Chatshow Charlie is now to host a 30 minute political show, Channel4 at 7.30pm next Friday.

Not sure at the moment if it's a series or a one off but I'll definitely be watching (video to the ready). He appeared on BBC1's Question Time last month - The other panelists and audience were captivated by his voice and response to the questions - noticed he tactfully skirted around the question about whether he might one day reclaim the party leadership. All this has done is to add fuel to the speculation.

It great to see he is moving back into the limelight and being well received. About time, seems he's at long last ending the self-imposed silence since his resignation.

At the coming Lib Dem conference at Brighton in September, Charles is billed to make an outgoing leader's speech. Expect the hall will be packed. His traditional choice of leadership introductory music, together with his mesmerising tone followed by his slow walk and meet the delegates handshake will surely live in the memories for a long time. Don't expect they'll play any music this time around but definitely many delegates will be anxious to hear him speak even for the sake of sentiment.

In contrast Ming Campbell's Conference speech at the the Spring Conference in Harrogate was just plain dry. His choice of introductory music was flat. He received polite clapping but didn't get the standing ovation attributed to the Kennedy style. Disappointingly he also left the hall rather abruptly after shaking hands with just a few people. Lets hope he does better at Brighton.

Simon Hughes was spot on when he said that Ming had until the end of the Conference season to prove himself.

Islington: For once really exciting news

Blogger's been giving me stress this week. Downloading very slowly and it wouldn't allow me to download pictures either. Just love pics - they liven up otherwise boring text. In frustration emailed them to complain - no official feedback of what the problem was but it's seems to be working fine now. Just tested it out and added some pics to It's madness really - what a difference it's made. I know many bloggers will suggest other blogging platforms. I've experimented with some of them. Several others have facilites which would be useful but think I'll stick with my tried and trusted friend at least for now.

The really exciting news this week has been a circular from Islington council Street Management department, hand delivered along the street and stuck on all the parked vehicles. Remember my postings Islington: Brecknock Road is the news, it seems somethings actually about to happen. There was a 1st August verbal committment but nothing in writing. Also appreciating that in relative terms £180,000 is not a lot of money so wasn't quite sure where they would start or how the money would be spent. Part of the circular reads:

I am pleased to inform you of improvements to Brecknock Road planned for this summer. It is anticipated work will start on 1st August 2006.

The Improvements:

• We are laying new payments along the footways between Lady Margaret Road and Tufnell Park Road
• at the same time we are replacing the litterbins to encourage their use and to improve the street's appearnce, also:
• we will reduce the street clutter by removing any redundant bollards, signpost etc.

Seems they are starting at my end of the section and by next weekend they will do the area outside the Tube and across the road outside the shops - Camden side. Impressed it's being so well organised because the Tube is closed each weekend for the forseeable future (repairs to a section of the Northern Line) so less people around.

Locally many people are pleased with the planned improvement - it's been a long time coming. Personally I'm so relieved that the works are being done at long last - it's so gratifying that for once this lone voice was heard without all the dramatics. Camden's Lib Dem Councillor Philip Thompson (he lives across the road) reminded me to take some pics of the work being done - that goes without saying. Got to find one to add to this post later

Watch this space......

Mark Oaten: A scandal that can't be brushed under the carpet

How the mighty fall - So Mark Oaten MP for Winchester has announced he is not standing at the next general election. Is it really such a surprise as some Lib Dem Blogs are claiming? Liberal Action seem to have gone all gushy and sentimental. I made my personal feelings quite clear back in January when the story first hit the headlines.

For the sake of the party, there was a 'general prayer' he wouldn't try and stand again - His local party would have deselected him anyway if he'd been foolish enough to put his name forward as a candidate for one of the two seats (the constituency is due to split into Winchester and the Meon Valley before the next general election). By his actions, he's being diplomatic and bowing out gracefully - it's a personal face saving measure. He really had no choice. Nobody is disputing his dedication to the party and his hard work as an MP but the general public are a very unforgiving lot.

Some of his local party members blame him for their poor result in the recent district council elections. He has tried to endear himself to the public with his recent media stunts but it really hasn't worked - he lacks the charisma to pull it off. His 'rentboy' scandal can't easily be brushed under the carpet - The disgusting connotations it brings to mind everytime his name is mentioned will probably tag him for the rest of his life.

It's madness really

What a day it's been! Just spent the last three hours taking part in a Liberal Democrats Online (LDO) executive online meeting via a mIRC chat link (involves a lot of quick typing). It's madness really. Good thing they're only every two months - it's really exhausting. Keep saying I'm not going to take part again but really there's no choice because it's the only way the organization holds it's exec. meetings. There has to be a better way. Least I'm able to keep an ear on the news and answer my emails all at the same time by switching from screen to screen.

There's a lot of planning for the coming Conference in Sept. LDO plays a vital part in the party's IT / e-campaigning and there's several new developments coming onboard. Not sure my penny worth is considered of any value and it's always thanks to the boys all the time - they love to pat each other on the back.

Least tonight there was some unusual online entertainment - We had a stranger who somehow entered the chat room using the name tntoofa - it's not happened before so it was a bit of a shock. I've never really bothered to study the mIRC chat programme with any seriousness. Clicked on the commands 'WhoisUser' as an experiment and it flashed up a printed message with their url details which all the exec could read - the interloper was obviously a porn person. Well with a nickname like that it was hardly surprising. Others kept hitting the command 'Kick User' and adjusting the settings. For devilment the person kept coming back time and again. Was so irritating - or you could say funny.

Earlier in the evening, I was in the garden as usual, planting a tree and some shrubs in massive pots. I bought them from the local garden centre yesterday. They have an odds and sods corner at discount prices so for a tenner, they were a steal. Almost finished when I heard a voice shout Mum. Looked up and there was my son Sule with an excited Naim looking out from my flat window. It was naturally a dash down to the garden. Poor Natasha with her big belly in this muggy heat following behind - we're expecting a Christmas baby.

Naim's little face was a picture when he spied all the garden bugs - see pictures from my posting Just another week. He rushed around fascinated talking to them all. So pleased I followed the lady's advice and bought them. Amazingly he didn't like the Composter (my personal Dalek) - it's black and unsightly. Have been thinking of painting a face on it or something scenic - My minds now made up, it has to be done. It was fun and games all round - he loved the grass.

My son had a flashback from his childhood when he spied the wheelbarrow. Naim was holding on for his dear life whilst his dad rushed around with him inside. Then it was Nana's turn. Naim thought it ever so funny helping his dad push me around.

Least today's visit was longer than usual and it has been arranged Naim's coming to spend a weekend with me so his parents can have some free time. I'm really looking forward to it.

Must have some kip, it's the dentist early in the morning.

Sorry, we can't find your hospital records they are in India

There's a report in this week's Islington Gazette - Hospital letters sent to India for typing

PATIENT records from The Whittington Hospital are being sent all the way to India to be typed up.

The hospital in Highgate Hill, Highgate, has started using digital dictation - meaning letters from doctors to patients in Islington are transcribed across the world.

A hospital source said: "What this means is that the doctors at The Whittington will dictate patient notes and letters in the usual way but instead of having them typed up confidentially in the hospital they are going to be sent electronically to India for transcription and then sent back for signature - no doubt full of errors that the doctors will not have time to check."

The mind boggles - Got to find out more about this and how it's supposed to work. As a cost saving measure, it's just ridiculous. Not withstanding e-technology that makes this possible, wonder what patients will feel about their most intimate details being sent across the world and back without their consent? It's really going to upset a lot of people.

It's difficult enough having to deal with call centres based in India at the best of times. As much as I try, I can never understand what they are trying to explain - some of their accents are so pronounced. They rabbit on at the rate of knots making one feel a right Charlie for even making the call. Woe betide anybody asking anything out of the ordinary that deviates from their script, you are just stuffed.

It's not a laughing matter - Wonder how accurately they'll transcribe some of the doctors notes with all their squiggles, abreviations and anecdotes. The confidentiality and accuracy of the records is also a real cause for concern. As the Whittington's my local hospital, I'm very uncomfortable about the whole thing.

One can imagine the scenario when information about a patient goes missing - Sorry, we can't find your hospital records they are in India.

Have to admit I chickened out.

Hot, hot, hot! It sure is. Headlines in the Evening Standard tonight, 52C(126F) on the buses and 47C(117F) on the Tubes from readings which combine heat and humidity. That's twice the limit for transporting cattle. According to European Union guidelines - cattle should not be transported above 27C(81F).

At this moment couldn't care less about cattle but I am sure thinking about the people. If care's not taken we are likely to see deaths from this heatwave. Wonder how long it will be before we see air-conditioning in the tube network - surely it's got to be done before the 2020 Olympics.

Told that at some stations, Transport for London(TFL) staff were giving out water. I didn't see anything like that. The only thing I noticed was the intense heat from travelling on the Northern Line and people exiting soaked to the skin in perspiration having been all packed together like sardines in a tin.

Had a London Region meeting tonight at Party HQ - dressed and ready to go but on getting to the station, the strain on commuters faces as they exited the Station said it all. Stood there like a lemon on the platform for some time contemplaiting what to do. My branch of the tube arrived packed to bursting. Couldn't make my legs move - just couldn't face it again - I chickened out.

Crossed over the road to get my cigs. The new large drinks coolers had just been installed in the shop. They were faffing around trying to work out how to fit the shelves to maximise product line space. Ended up spending the next couple of hours sorting it all out. Not a job I ever envisaged I'd land myself with but as I was actually sat inside the coolers to set all the clips in line, it was just great - like being in an air-conditioned room. Went home feeling so refreshed.

Will send in my belated apology for missing the meeting but to the Chair, sorry Sean, for letting the team down but there just are times like that.

EMLD: Meral Ece elected Chair

Today was so hot, it took all the energy I could muster to get myself to Walthamstow for the Ethnic Minority Lib Dems (EMLD) AGM. With parts of the Northern Line closed from my neck of the woods and the Victoria Line section to Tottenham Hale closed for weekend repairs it was a matter of several buses and the tube from TH to Walthamstow Central. It was a nightmare journey - surprisingly for a Sunday, the buses were packed and none of them seemed to have their air-conditioning working. Took me almost two hours - I was sweating cobs. The last leg, walking to the venue from the station I nearly gave up.

Turned the corner and there was Simon Hughes bright yellow taxi. That really cheered me up. He's not only the party president but EMLD's president - he's passionate about ethnic diversity within the party and is making a lot of waves at the moment as the party president.

Was a bit late and Simon had already had the floor. Not to worry, nearly everybody I knew and get on with was present so there was just smiles when I entered with no frosty glares.

A lot of what Simon talked about, I am already familiar with being a member of the existing Ethnic Minority Election Task Force (EMETF) and the London Region exec who started the ball rolling with their Diversity motion to the Federal conference in Harrogate. He outlined the latest plans and brought everything up to speed. Actually despite some of the sarcastic comments from the die-hards and party bureaucrats who don't want change, his plans are very forward thinking and make a lot of sense. Have to admire his tenacity and drive to ensure they are implemented. I know there are some people who feel their noses have been pushed out of joint because they haven't personally been invited to be part of the consultation process but that's just tough as things are moving forward full speed ahead.

A full and frank discussion followed. With pent up feelings and so many questions, Simon took the trouble to answer everybody. He usually does, that's his style. There are many of us who are disappointed at the lack of progress in more representation and particpation from BME communities in the Party.

After Simon left then the elections. Pleased as punch that for the first time the Chair is a women - Meral Ece from Islington. Several of the other key positions are also women from various ethnic groups. What a refreshing change. I know many people in the party will be as pleased as I am. It's a heavy responsibility but Meral is a tough cookie and respected by most of the key party people across the cultural divide. To be honest though I expect one or two people in Islington will probably not be happy to see Meral take on such a high profile role.

Could write a lot but as it will be in the Lib Dem news, all the bloggers will have to wait for the official statement.

A very successful AGM - Well with it over and several members from Islington there, getting a lift near to my house was easy. So pleased I didn't have to go through that horrendous journey again. Ta Keith, you are a real sweetheart.

Just another week

Can't believe a week has gone by without my blogging anything. Life's complicated at the moment and it's so damn hot in the evening, it's difficult to sit down and concentrate. Got many stories in my head to write about but where's the time.

Got woken up at 7am by a delivery man today - the famous composter arrived - the one they are selling via the councils at discount. I'd almost forgotten about it. Did receive a letter some time back saying due to the high demand there would be a delay but after so long it was a complete surprise. They must be delivering in areas because he was dropping them off at various other properties along the street. The thing is massive much larger than expected and stuck outside the front door looking like a huge dalek from Dr Who. I had to move it quick.

My garden area is not that big and the space I'd reserved for it wasn't large enough. Had to dig up some of my lillies. Found a good home for them - Ann next door took them over the fence, dug a hole and planted them there and then. Well the composter's now set up looking like a guard in the corner. Thinking about painting a face on it to make it look a bit different and to match the bugs (see pictures). Hope it works. Least there's somewhere to put all the grass cuttings and the leaves when they drop in the Autumn - around here now they fall and carpet everywhere. It saves me having to bag them all and carry them up the stairs for the recycling service.

Some time ago bought some little bugs from Woolies (see pics). I'm not really the gnome in the garden type, always considered them rather naff but whilst browsing, a women with a posh accent told me she has been collecting them together with the traditional gnomes for her garden and plays a game, spot the diffence with her grandson when he visits. Apparently he loves it. Thought about Naim so bought a couple to see what they'd look like. They are actually quite cute, Robert bless him has been bring them round one by one so now there's six - He'll do anything for Naim. Must admit they add a bit of charm to the area. (Click on the pic of the grass to enlarge the image and see four of them).

Monday, the property officer from the council came round to inspect the building. I reported a rubbish problem - a situation getting out of hand and I don't want another mouthful of insults from the neighbours. She was flabbergasted by the garden. Can't say it's male chauvenism this time because she expressed surprised that I'd done all the heavy work myself including the laying of the flagstones. She walked around in her beautiful long white dress inspecting it all - why do women where white dresses for work?

Wednesday, caught my neighbour Tom peeping over the fence late evening to look at it all. Why he can't be up front and come round like his wife and others. It's the grass that's got everybody - all green and smooth. Was told grass in London was difficult to grow. Well I followed advice and layed the specialised top-soil on top of the London clay and voila! it looks good. Tom is one of life's real pessimists - didn't think I could do it so he's had to eat humble pie. He actually said he like the lights which lighten up the dark area at night.

Thursday, was my sister Anne-Louise's birthday. I'm absolutely hopeless at remembering things like that. It was my diary of meetings on the wall that somehow subconsciously reminded me. Coming back from the London Region exec. meeting Wednesday (that's another story which has made me so annoyed), suddenly remembered I'd forgotten to post her card - posted it anyway but expected it to arrive late. Flash thought e-cards. Remember some time back researching for LDO what was in the public domain. I'm a big fan of e-cards. Usually it's the thought that counts not the actual can and they save on paper. Funny, cute and musical cards take my fancy - found just what I wanted in my favourites list . Delighted she loved it. Had a right laugh, opened my mail next day, saw a musical thank you card from her.

Prescott will have to go

Reviewing some of the news this weekend, two issues gave me food for thought.

All the hoo-ha about John Prescott, I just don't understand why he's not been sacked before now. I can't really see him staying in power for much longer - he's really becoming a public embarrassment. Doubt he can last another week - it's getting ridiculous.

The Independent article Calamity John: A trip to a ranch may mean that Blair's deputy bites the dust sums it up.

Sex in the office, policy blunders, perks, and punch-ups. And now Casinogate. The inside story of another accident-prone Prescott week.

Personally I hate kiss and tell sex stories - appreciate muck sells newspapers and these women make a lot of money out of telling their stories. Wonder sometimes if some of them just do it as an insurance policy for the future. Or do they get some kind of special thrill because the men are political powerbrokers. Honestly John Prescott, silly old duffer, hasn't got any obvious sexual appeal I can see. He's crude, vulgar and his bulldog features are enough to turn anybody off.

One has to respect his long suffering wife Pauline for her dignified silence - at her age she probably doesn't care very much as long as he keeps his shennanigans away from the public spotlight.

With the media digging for every bit of dirt they can find, surely Prescott himself must realise that they will bury him. Quoting from another Independant article the Prime Minister looks like he does not care about the standard of ministerial behaviour.

Turning to the case of the three Nat West Bank official's being extradited to USA, I haven't seen any evidence as to why. I'm not against the plan if the illegal transactions happened in the USA but not for dealings originating in this country. How on earth are they going to collect evidence as a defence from over there? Hadn't realised that under the present legislation that just because the USA request they will be put on a plane to face their accusers.

Surely that can't be right - Had presumed that any extradition request would at least be backed up with some supporting evidence to buttress the claim. Noticed that Peers to back rebel amendments to protect Britons facing trial in the US

The Lords amendments would require the US to produce prima facie evidence of wrongdoing before seeking extradition, more stringent than the current requirement to show probable cause - roughly the standard of proof needed for UK police to make an initial arrest.

I'm watching how this one plays out because the current status of play is quite scary.

Islington: Archway Station will not be closed for 3 years

The regeneration of the Archway area is a long held dream of both local residents and Islington Council. It's been an on-going plan for years. This time around, Islington Council are determined it will finally be a reality - Archway.

The Council's consultants Building Design Partnership (BDP) has come up with four "scenarios" to transform the Archway landscape - and now they want to know which ones residents and traders prefer. In addition, the consultants have also investigated the potential of changing the road layout around Archway close and the possible changes that can happen to the Archway Gyratory.

All brilliant stuff for those who are familiar with the hideous Archway tower (totally under utilised), the whistling wind, the dirty dismal, now a bit scary, closed area underneath the tower leading to Archway Station which is not shopper friendly so most shops have closed down. The shopping island in the middle of the gyratory which is of no use or ornamental value to anybody because crossing is difficult and the buses a nightmare.

There always has to be somebody who will try and put a spanner in the works when any kind of major local developement is being considered in an area.

I was furious last week to read in local papers and many others across London that a local resident (Camden side) Amy Silverston (chairwoman of Tufnell Park Parents Support Group) has been spouting off with doom and gloom predictions about the possible closure of Archway station (In some papers it mentions three years) and the effect it will have on Tufnell Park station and local buses. Told also that some negative campaign leaflets have been distributed to local residents - haven't seen them myself. The only online version of her tirade I can find is from the Camden New Journal - Ignore Archway plans at your peril’ warning.

Ms Silverston has also hit out at Camden Council for not alerting residents to what was going on just across the border, including the possible Archway station closure. Ms Silverston, from Dartmouth Park, added: “This will mean most of the 22,000 people per weekday that go in and out of Archway Tube station, a total of 6.757 million per year, will try to use Tufnell Park Tube station. “It will not be the usual problem of struggling to get on crowded trains, just getting into the station could be difficult. “Using buses to go down to Kentish Town Tube may not be an option as these will be full of people coming down from Archway.”

My immediate reaction was and so what. I live by the station and near the 390 bus stops on both sides of the road. The 134 stops enroute to Kentish Town - Camden and return back to Archway are a couple of minutes away. Any development at Archway will naturally have an impact on the Station, Brecknock Road and the buses. But in the long term does that really matter. Archway regeneration is far more important for the long term than anybody's personal inconvenience whilst the work is being done.

Thinking about it, I'm completely baffled as to where Amy Silverston got this info from. I've been following the progress of the consultation since the inception and all along TfL have stated that closing Archway station for any long period of time is just not an option. After all they have been working on the Channel Tunnel extention at Kings Cross for a couple of years now and the station has remained open so they expect to be able to work round a much smaller station. She doesn't seem to have done her homework properly - just created a rumour for rumours sake with the intention to scupper the plans before it's even started.

Was fascinated at the Northern area committee meeting to see the interactive display of the four scenarios (why don't they just call it options) put together in jig-saw fashion - piece by piece each step of the development as the construction is proposed. Archway. Whichever option is finally selected by residents, it will be wonderful. Most people were impressed at how far plans have finally progressed.

The issue of the possible closure of the station was uppermost in peoples minds and it was again reiterated at the meeting that there's no intention to close the Station.

Islington: Brecknock Road is the news

The repaving of Brecknock Road and clearance of the street drains is to commence 1st August. That's official. It was confirmed by Martin Holland, Islington council's head of Highway Services at the Northern Area Committee meeting last night (Residents from Hillrise, Tollington, Junction and St georges ward attend these meetings to find out about issues concerning their locality) .

Seems miracles do happen. Shortly after my posting Islington: Round one sorted now starting round two info about the meeting arrived in the post. Noticed the agenda had a presentation on the Archway development (not to be missed - hot topic at the moment) and the usual segment for residents questions.

A flash thought - with all St Georges ward councillors expected to be present it seemed the logical forum to find out what's going on with Brecknock Road. July 6th was duly marked in big bold letters on my wall calendar. Following protocol, submitted my questions to the clerk in advance of the meeting - it still didn't stop my constant nagging of the council for info. Had no replies so wasn't sure what to expect.

Haven't attended an Northern Area meeting for ages. I got so fed up with the banter and sometimes hostility between the Lib Dems & Labour councillors - each trying to score points in front of the residents just wasting time (Residents are not interested in polical rhetoric at these meetings) - with not much listening to what residents had to say. Got fed up with the patronizing attitude of some ex-councillors towards residents questions.

What a difference this time around, under the chair of Lib Dem Cllr Fiona Dunlop (Hillrise Ward) the two parties were almost like friends - almost being the operative word. They got round to residents questions in no time - I was second in line, ready to fire bullets

My questions were simple.

Resurfacing of the Road (supposed to be a priority road) - what is the schedule?
When is Brecknock Road going to be repaved?
Why is there no schedule for maintenance of the street drains and when is it going to happen?

Of course my local stories (all true) and my struggle in getting the one drain unblocked added a bit of spice to the matter.

Thought I get a load of waffle and it would be deferred for a report. Obviously somebody has been working in the background. Was so surprised that the Head of Highway Services was there ready and waiting with the answers off pat.

Apparently Brecknock Road/York Way has always been a priority road but in the bidding process Transport for London (TFL) in their budget decided to take the councils 3rd priority and fund Junction Road (Tufnell Park to Archway) instead.

Cllr George Allan representing the executive confirmed the maintenance of the street drains has been neglected. (won't bother to go through the reasons - would take to much writing). From survey feedback it seems for a free flow of water, some drains need the actual pipes repairing not just the surface grids cleaning.

After all the doom and gloom, the news that we have all been waiting for - Because of the delay in the resurfacing works, Islingtons Highways department have found approximately £180,000 and work will start on the paving as well as the drains next month.

I was shocked into silence for a few minutes - wasn't sure I'd heard him correctly - 1st August. What no arguments, no debate, no referrals, no blogging pictures needed to buttress the case, just everything tied up ready to go. I was absolutely ecstatic and from the look on of the faces of St Georges ward councillors they were as pleased as I am. Cllr Wally Burgess (Labour) was grinning like Cheshire cat (he's a funny man with his wisecrack comments). Next to him, Cllr Andrew Cornwall (Lib Dem) was smiling away (he's so politically correct, he needs to lighten up a bit) and Cllr Tracey Ismail (Lib Dem) was most vocal in her delighted reaction. In fact everybody in the room was so surprised. Couldn't suppress my noisy response (Actually felt like punching the air with a YES but with so many people in the room who know me didn't want them think I'd flipped my lid completely).

The money issue opened up a can of worms with other Ward's councillors and residents mentioning their roads. Only on a blog can you say sorry to everybody, this time around you have to stand in the queue. Was told in a quiet moment this blog has a lot to answer for.

About Archway development to be continued next post....

Save-a-flush: Whatever next?

Today showers of rain have dramatically cooled down the temperature. Good for the flowers. It was fun dashing home in the rain after the heatwave of the past five days. Open the door in haste to avoid getting any wetter and stood on something squashy - yuk, it make me jump back. On the floor was just one envelope. Picked it up wondering what the heck it was. It was an energy saving literature pack - full of energy saving info (most of it already known). An A5 squidgy bag was included.

Apparently it's something to put in the toilet cistern so that everytime you flush it reduces the amount of water released.

Being a curious soul, look on the website - Save-a-Flush. It's full of interesting gismos including the diagram on how to use it













Always keen to help the environment - Will give it a try but I'm not optimistic it will work. We don't have strong water pressure.

I expect many of our Green Liberal Democrats will already be up to speed with this innovation . For others like me it's something new but worth a trial.

3-Jobs Bob: Scotland Yard to Investigate

Bromley and Chislehurst, it's not over yet - Stephen Glenn been sniffing around for info (he's good at that) - read all about it. Certainly saved me a lot of writing.

It appears that both John Hemming-Clark the independent candidate from the by-election and UKIP has contacted Scotland Yard regarding the election of Bob Neill the Conservative candidate last week.

The investigation may take some weeks while the Boys in Blue contact Bob Neill, John Hemming-Clark, members of UKIP (who have prepared a legal opinion) and the Returning Officer for Bromley Council, among others.

This could get messy - it probably won't amount to much. At this late stage disqualification doesn't seem likely. It will probably require a legal challenge in court to have a by-election re-run which will cost money, something the Tories have plenty of.

Curiously not heard anything from the Lib Dem powerbrokers about this matter - can bet Chris Rennard is looking at the situation behind the scenes.

Phwoo! What a Scorcher

Noticed a comment from London's Mayor, Ken Livingstone saying something to the effect that during this heat wave, there could be dire consequences if there was a problem on the tube and passengers were stuck in one of the tunnels for any length of time. Not often I agree with Ken but the thought has occured to me.

One trip on the Northern Line in this heat was enough for me. It stopped in the tunnel at Camden Town and during those few minutes it was stifling. I was sweating cobs with my makeup running down my face. Hard to look dignified in that kind of situation. So many sweating bods, what a stink.

The Northern Line is one of the worst lines for breaking down or long stops between tunnels. Made a conscious decison that during the next few days I'm taking the bus.

Under normal circumstances, I love the heat. Having spent most of my life in Africa it doesn't really bother me. It is at night when it's difficult to sleep that's the problem. We don't traditionally have air conditioning in our houses and cars. If this climate change is going to get worse over the coming years as the so called experts are predicting then we have to be better prepared.

The picture of me up the ladder cutting the hedge (yet again) early Sunday morning is only because I was up so early and it seemed a sensible thing to do.

Update: Funny way to apologise - a friend Hussainie really annoyed me (he's a male chauvinists though it's probably a cultural thing with him) . I don't easily bear a grudge and had actually dismissed the matter from my mind. This evening he came by and very shyly (he wasn't sure if he'd get another mouthful from me) gave me a little Transport For London (TFL) booklet which outlines all the repairs being undertaken and the dates the Northern Line in my neck of the woods will be closed.

Couldn't help but laugh. He knows about the fine planning for the wedding on Saturday - my hair appointment and getting to Victoria station with all the bit's and bobs to meet up with the Plymouth mob. Sule's car is full so I've got to travel by train. He noticed that on Saturday, Tufnell Park will be closed and so will all the nearby stations. Gosh! looks like a taxi job - can't manage dragging everything on the bus and then down the road to the station. My turn to eat humble pie because without the booklet would have probably turned up at the station, found it closed then missed the train to Gillingham.

Glad Saturday's over

Removed the flag from my blog out of disgust. The whole world knows England lost against Portugal again so we are now out of the World Cup.

Up really early yesterday to attend the English Council meeting - found out at the last minute it was being held in Birmingham and not in it's usual location in London, it was too late to do anything about it. Such a silly moo - felt so annoyed with myself for not checking the docs earlier. Just haven't had the time recently.

It really disturbed my mind - I take my party responsibilities very seriously - not missed an EC meeting in 4 years. Felt really let down by our usually reliable Regional secretary Mark Valladares who for once didn't even send out a reminder notice to the London reps. He's been away on one of his glamorous overseas trips and is not yet up to speed. Noticed he managed to attend so he must have been aware of the change of venue.

A job I've been putting off - Decided I'd better go out before the football started to look for a lilac hat (family wedding next weekend). Well not actually a hat - I look rather ridiculous in them - one of those modern feather things which for some unknown reason are called a Fascinator. Couldn't decide where to go and look - dreaded the thought of Oxford Street in this heat. Was in a quandry what to do - Stood wishing there was somebody who could accompany me and help me choose.

Talk about intuition - In one of those impromtu impulse moments called Robert's mum, Ann - Not seen her or spoken to her for months - so surprised she was actually on a bus on her way there. What a darling, she was so pleased to hear from me - had no excuse so we arranged to meet-up at Marks & Sparks, Marble Arch.

Came out of the station and noticed no traffic down Oxford street just people. Wow! what a difference it made. Just by Marks the whole area was cordoned off for a kind of carnival. Still not found out what it was all about but some of the floats were pretty amazing. Couldn't face the sun so stood in the shade for a while then found a chair at the entrance so sat down with my book waiting for Ann.

Because of the procession, Oxford Street remained closed to vehicles for the remainder of the afternoon while it was cleaned. It was so easy going from shop to shop. Ann said that she hadn't managed to walk the whole length of Oxford street for years - hardly surprising at her advancing age. What a laugh - many fascinators but no lilac ones except one priced £60. Wasn't going to pay that kind of money just to wear for a couple of hours. Had to give up looking.

Not had so much fun browsing the shops for ages - Ann's a real eccentric case, a laugh a minute - completely forgot the time. Suddenly noticed big televisons appearing everywhere - the football match. Ann got on her bus to Wood Green while I had to continue walking to Tottenham Court road to get my own. Passing the other Marks & Spark noticed that they even had a wide screen set up by the door and an area of the floor cleared. What an odd collection of people sitting down. Many people dressed up from the procession including a group of men wearing nothing but thongs covered in shining oil - a most unusual site for Marks.

It was like the world stopped - getting a bus was easy - the roads were suddenly deserted - along the whole journey hardly any passengers to pick up. Back home in record time. Walking the short distance to my flat - what a din - from every window and every shop voices could be heard following the match.

My hat still on my mind - checked the Ebay shops (some of the shops ocassionally have special one off price deals). They say God works in mysterious ways. Couldn't believe it - there was actually just one special deal and amazingly in lilac due to finish in a couple of hours. Put my bid in and waited. I won - £15.99 was all it cost. Now it's down to the post to get it here before next Saturday.