A special day in a child's life

Today was my darling Naim's 2nd birthday.

Two things he's into at the moment. Anything Bob the Builder and books - his stories as he calls them.

Of all the presents he received he loved the BB phone and the laptop. The fun part was a bicycle with stabilizers from his parents. He knows how to pedal but his legs are not quite long enough yet so he sort of pedals in a lopsided manner. The next thing is to learn how to control the steering but he's getting there.

My other son Marcus and I arrived early before the heavy rain. An excited Naim couldn't wait to demonstrate his riding skills so up and down the pavement it was.

Pity about the rain - the house was full to bursting. The first grandchild from both sides of his family they all turned up armed with bags of presents. I had to leave early - his other grandmother (Natasha's mum) and I didn't have much time to chat. She said that she would see me in a couple of months. Dozy woman I am sometimes. Dawned on me after some seconds she meant when the new baby is born. A Christmas baby is sure to be special.

Islington: It's a done deal

Earlier in the week, attended the final PFI 2 residents forum meeting. The contract signed on 15th Sept will come into effect at the end of this month. From 2nd Oct Islington councils remaining 4100 street properties will be transferred to a consortium organisation Partners. The Refurbishment and Improvement Works to be done (there's some variations to the existing PFI 1 contract).

So pleased that the contract has eventually been signed. It was touch and go for a long time. Islington council have been working hard to make it happen.

Already had most of info sent to me but went along to find out exactly when work on my street is starting and what's the next step. So many people have been asking me for an update. Some of the properties in my immediate area are really shabby and need external works especially the windows.

As usual there's always something funny happening when I'm around. Walked in to be met with huge smiles and 'here comes the blog lady'. Didn't know what to say - could only laugh. Hadn't realised so many people in Islington have been reading it.

Down to the business of the day. Two of Partners reps attended the meeting and brought along the pamphlet Streets Ahead which will be distributed to the residents (tenants and leaseholders concerned). It's easy to understand with maps outlining the stages of the start up programme 2007 - 2011. Before anything else had to look up my street and guess what? it's one of those with an immediate start in Jan 07.

Jane Trethewey - PFI 2 Project Manager has been a joy to work with. She has the patience of a saint with some of the colourful characters attending the meetings and has been a wonderful chair. Some of the demands, questions and technical/financial scrutiny from the forum members over the past two years have been heavy going. She has taken everything on board - a surprising number of the residents small requirements have been incorporated in the final contract.

Another moment of mirth - discussing underpinning of properties, one of the Partners reps had a flashback memory (best not to mention his name) made everybody laugh - he remembered coming to my house some years ago and seeing the famous bath that dropped.
Bathroom nightmare may be coming to an end also Bathroom saga continues and Baths etc.

Not sure in what direction the residents forum is going forward at the moment but I've been invited by Partners to continue with the new set up.

Well the next thing is for the works to start. They all know and expect I'm going to blog about it, promised to keep it objective. Actually thinking of starting a special blog for it. We will see how it develops.

Hi to Richard who I know reads this blog regularly - he's one of the forum members and the champion of the senior citizens. Really sad that Jane's work is done and she won't be involved any further.

Three cheers for Simon Hughes

Been waiting on tenterhooks since the close of nominations to know if Simon Hughes has been re-elected as the party President.

Didn't want to jump the gun until I received the news through official sources but now it's confirmed. He's been elected unopposed for a further two year term.

Personally I'm very pleased - didn't believe the rumours about a possible challenger for one minute.
To be continued...

Update: Official Party statement

Islington Tribune vs Isington Gazette

Reviewing Islington news in the local papers this week I can't help remarking on the different media styles in reporting local news. In my opinion the best read for local residents is the Islington Tribune. It's a free newspaper launched a couple of years ago by the publishers of the famous Camden New Journal (CNJ), Camdens most widely read free newspaper.

What readers want to know is what is happening on the ground and what other residents are saying. Read any Tribune news story - the reporters tell it as it is and as it happens specially at public meetings. They go to great pains to tell the whole story and include statements from the people involved. It gives the public an informative choice whether they want to be involved or not.

It's appreciated that many public officials may not be happy with everything being exposed but open transparency is always the preferred option. Most residents are not really interested in political posturing - it goes completely above their head.

The disappointing aspect about the Tribune is that they no longer have an online version of their paper. For many busy people their source of news is what they read via the web. Other people, myself included look for web references - like links for my blog. With the Tribune at the moment the only alternative is to type it all out. Who has really got the time for all that? Not me.

It was brought home to me more last week - my posting Islington Archway residents revolt. I've already mention that it was as if the Gazette reporter and I were not in the same room. The Tribune on the other hand reported the event more in line with my posting but in greater detail. Sadly there is now no online version so other than those who read the dead-tree version, many residents are completely in the dark about what actually happened.

In stark contrast to the Tribune is the established Islington Gazette - not free. Ironically it celebrated it's 150th birthday last Thursday and is now north London's oldest surviving weekly newspaper.

Apparently the first edition was published on September 20, 1856 - when Queen Victoria was still on the throne. It was launched from an office above a pie shop in Islington High Street. It was a modest four-page weekly which sold for a halfpenny. It later became a daily covering national as well as local news, then a bi-weekly and eventually reverted to being a weekly.

To commemorate the occasion, a special colour supplement was included in this weeks paper with pictures of it's highlights over the years. It's absolutely fascinating. Many of the old photos are of Archway and the surrounding area. Amazing how things have changed.

For so long it's been the only local newpaper around for local news. It was a real must in my house until the Tribune became known. The problem is the paper generally reports stories as if it's writing notes. It leaves out most of the nitty gritty which is the real appeal to the local readers. Can envisage that it will gradually lose sales to the Tribune as the CJN has taken over in Camden from the Camden Gazette.

Well done to the Islington Tribune from one regular reader.

Waiting for the launch of 18 Doughty Street

The most exciting new developement is the soon to be launched web-TV channel 18DoughtyStreet. I've been following it's progress since Iain Dale first mentioned it.

Channel 4 News are getting jittery - pointing out that as internet TV is unregulated at present, 18DoughtyStreet will not have to be politically balanced. >>Watch their report here

So good to see a forum where the intention is that people can speak their mind without being slapped on the wrist by one party or another.

I was asked yesterday if I intend to continue with my blog. Thought what a strange question - of course nothing is going to stop it. Think I've been remarkable constraint compared to some other LibDems blogs. The time may come soon when it will be a case of no holds barred.

The Rumourmill how far should it go?

I have been reviewing the Liberal Democrat Voice. Love the site layout and the colours. Have been listening to the podcasts and watching the videos. Great stuff from all the contributors. Very impressed with Alex Foster's podcasts. I particularly like his interview with Iain Dale

But why oh why do the individuals photos have to be published after each of their postings. It looks tacky and certainly smacks of Narcissism. Perhaps a better idea would be to list the contributors with their photos as a side column link.


Noticed Mark Pack is a major contributor. As he's staff at party head quarters, there must have been some approval given for some of the subject matters on the site. Mark is a very cautious bod who wouldn't put his name to anything without first getting clearance.


I was therefore very surprised to see on this site, a poll offering a choice of names for as possible Presidential contenders. We all know Stephen Tall first came up with the idea and published his own list - the anti Simon Hughes brigade cheered. Nothing wrong with that - freedom of speech and all that. But on this site what's going on?

is thought provoking and slightly mischievous. All good stuff if there is any genuine gossip with some evidence no matter how small. I was however slightly perplexed by the first posting August 27, 2006 - Hughes certain to be challenged for party Presidency

It said - Word reaches the Voice that weeks before the position had been advertised in Lib Dem News, party officials in Cowley Street received a call requesting a copy of the nomination papers for party President - the caller was not acting on behalf of Simon Hughes.

I am curious - is this a genuine rumour, just speculation or worse wishful thinking. Maybe the intention being to encourage a possible challenger.

Those familiar with the structure of party HQ know that anybody seeking a nomination paper would contact the returning officer directly and not go through anybody else. Any serious contender wouldn't discuss their intention in case it leaked out.

The writer of the Rumourmill wants readers to believe he has inside information. If that is really true than the returning officer must have discussed the enquiry with other staffers - a frightening thought that such a confidence could be leaked in this way. Is there any skullduggery afoot to get rid of Simon? He may have his foibles - you either love him or hate him but historically party presidents have completed their full three terms before finally standing down. It costs the party time and money to finance any elections. Most contenders would be well aware of the fact and would be very unwise to commit the party to such a financial obligation at this time.

Personally I feel that anybody considering or being coerced to stand against Simon at this time is feeding the media fire. The timing is wrong, the dust of the leadership issue is only now beginning to settle.

NB: the beautiful graphics used for this post I just couldn't resist - they are designed by whiz Rob Fenwick for his site.

Robin Young's day to shine

Up early today today to help at the Holborn Group art sale. It's the first Lib Dem fund-raising event of it's kind I've been involved with.

All very impressive - quite surprised at the amount of paintings and quite valuable pieces of china/ pottery people gave away as donations. Very impressive pieces - Some by well known artists. With limited edition prints, bone china of assessable worth and so on.

We had a few Americian tourists who paid full whack for the paintings and one lady bought a very quaint old fashioned china teapot.

Had great fun with the bubble wrap and sticky tape especially with the teapot going to America.

Some of the remaining items are to be sold on eBay - Will be interesting to see how much is raised.

Robin Young is always thinking up and planning fund-raising ideas. He enjoys reading my blog and today is his day to shine. He is posing in front of some of the artworks. Well done Robin, a day to remember.

Putting a Zing in Ming

Ming's had a lot of stick recently but things are looking up. A stroke of genius, the party's radical new tax policy sending out a clear message on the environment. Least now people are looking at the Lib Dems with renewed respect. His closing conference speech earlier today can at best be described as solid.

Whoever wrote his speech, wish they had left out the bit about Coronation Street and the Arctic Monkeys - that's no way to convince people he's in touch with younger generations. A new catch phrase putting a Zing in Ming - that is not the right way to go about it. Of course he's going to make a gaff. Let Ming talk about what he knows and not what he's expected to know. I haven't got the slightest clue who the Arctic Monkeys are myself - don't really care who knows it either.

Feel extremely disappointed the way the media are continually putting the boot in about his age - don't really find the cartoons in the dead tree versions the least bit funny either. He's a lot more sprightly than many people his age. Why is it in Britain we have this obsession about politicians ages? I can think of many reknowned world leaders and statesmen who are much older than Ming and greatly revered.

I'm afraid that the continual comparison between the personalities of Charles Kennedy vs Ming Campbell is not going to go away - the difference in the two is so glaring. Charles is a natural showman and Ming is well just Ming, a perfect gent from the old school.

Notwithstanding, the LibDem family have now closed ranks behind Ming as our leader - we have to give him time to find his feet. One thing's for sure, the party is moving forward in a positive direction and is definitely perceived as a heavyweight player in the political arena.

Back home this evening my favourite programme Question Time was back on air. By coincidence or design, Charles Kennedy was one of the panelists along with Labour's Harriet Harman, Ann Widdecombe for the Conservatives, the writer and broadcaster Tariq Ali and former UK Ambassador to Washington Sir Christopher Meyer.

Took my breath away to hear an audience question: What does the future hold for a political party when the ex-leader outshines the present leader at party conference? Personally I thought it was an insensitive question and very unfair to put Charles on the spot like that.

Seems most of the panelists and many of the audience watched Charles speech but weren't so complimentary about Ming. Harriet Harman said she had more interesting things to do than listen to Ming's speech today. Whatever opinion she might have about Ming surely by virtue of her position she should have made the effort to listen.

Ann Widdecombe in her usual blunt way said 'this man' meaning Charles 'is fun and Ming is dull'.

Could see Charles face going redder and redder out of embarrassment. Anybody would in that kind of situation. Thought he handled the whole thing very tactfully - Certainly made a very worthwhile contribution to the programme.

We can expect to see more of Charles on the box. He's a natural and the ordinary folk love him. People empathise with him - You could see that emanating from the audience.

The Charles we all love

Tried several times to post something about conference. Got half way through a couple of postings but with no time just left them as drafts.

Yesterday was Charles Kennedy's greatly anticipated speech to conference - his classic fanfare style marked his arrival on stage. The hall was packed to standing to capacity - everybody wanted to hear what he was going to say. As I expected, he received a standing ovation on coming and going. Hearing him speak brought lump to my throat - that hypnotic voice. He was really on form, the Charles we all love. A good speech - the media must have been very disappointed there were no digs at anybody.

The television kept zooming in to Ming sitting next to Chris Rennard. Presumably they were hoping to pick up some reaction to what he was saying. For most part the pair of them sat there listening like lemons not a bit of emotion on their faces.

Had hope to see Ming get up and shake his hand at the end of it. Probably to much to expect but it would have gone a long way to scotch the rumours that there is any animosity between the two of them.

Personally I would you like to see Charles Kennedy back on the LibDem front bench as soon as possible. I just wish him best of luck....

Update: Sunday being a lazy day have been searching the web for a videocast of Charles's speech - found it. Good old BBC, should have used my nous and checked on their site before now. Also found a suitable pic to liven up the post.

Ming Campbell - Launches Special Fund

Sir Menzies announced today a £200,000 fund, financed by the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, today to help more women and ethnic minority MPs to be elected by giving more training and support in seats where such candidates are selected. He will say that he wants the diversity of the party’s representation in Parliament to be as high a priority as proportional representation.

This was a commitment he made as a leadership candidate. Lets hope we see positive action and it's not just a load of waffle.

Iain Dale making waves in the political blogosphere

I'm tickled pink that Ian Dale has rated my humble blog as 16 on his top 100 LibDem blogs Definitely given me the boost to continue. I believe in saying it as it is and not writing just to please others.

Am amazed at the amount of work Iain has put in to compile the 4 lists of blogs. Never knew half of them existed.

Wonder if he's actually reviewed all the blogs he's listed one by one? What a mammoth task in such a short time. Then to be able to produce hot off the press the first ever Guide to Political Blogging in time for the party conferences is astounding . Clearly a lot of work has gone into the production - It's already making waves right across the political spectrum. Probably turn out to be a political best seller - its certainly opened up political blogging. Everybody is going to get in on the act.

Iain says in one of his postings "I want to emphasise that this Top 100 and the rankings are my opinion and obviously opinions are subjective. But the list should at least generate a debate. I marked each blog out of ten on the following 10 areas: design; frequency of posting; writing ability; personality; comment; humour; range; interaction; popularity; independence of thought. This generated a mark out of 100" . That maybe but his opinion is taken very seriously by political pundits.

Had to smile earlier in the week, to be banned from the LibDem Blogging Fringe Meeting and unbanned in the space of a few days is another first. Had visions of Mark Pack high on the 3rd floor of party HQ being inundated with telephone calls and CEO Chris Rennard flapping around like a headless chicken not sure what to do about the situation. Noticed Mark's usual tactful comments after Iain's postings. They didn't really have any choice in the end - it's a case of avoiding negative publicity at all costs.

With so many bloggers keen to climb the greasy pole would suggest Iain goes with his own body guards. I fear he will be the most sought out person at conference - the weird, the wacky and wonderful will be trying to make an impression.

All good fun - hope he enjoys it. Blogosphere will be waiting with abated breath what he's going to write.

Update: Iain Dale's Guide to UK Political Blogging - Includes Top 100 UK Blogs has listed my blog overall as number 78. How cool it that? It may be low down on the list but at least it's there in the top 100. Many other LibDem blogs don't get a peep so anybody who wants to moan about my blog again can put it in their pipe and smoke it.

Guido Fawkes blog: the blog politicians love to hate

Spent an hour chatting to a political friend about the Lib Dem bloggers nominations and those shortlisted. (congrats from me no hard feelings)

He said that the party hates Guido Fawkes blog and the fact that he mentioned my blog on his site has not done me any favours in the eyes of some party stalwarts. It's a kind of backhanded compliment to me. Of course I knew that no matter how many nominations I received I would never be in the running to win. My blog is tagged controvercial, not nerdy or politically correct enough - I know the vetters who presented the list to the panelists.

I took the whole nomination exercise as a bit of fun - rather exciting. The aim is really to encourage blogging as a medium for promoting the party. Would have been nice if the individual nomination tallies of the Lib Dem blogs had been made public or even sent privately to those nominated. Turns out the whole thing really was a bit of a farce, when I asked how many nominations I received just for my personal interest, the reply came back.

"It wasn't a "vote for a blog" type thing so the number of nominations isn't relevant (e.g. someone may have thought of nominating a blog and then seen someone else say they'd nominated it already)" Well that put me in my place.

Thought the word hate to decribe the Party's feeling towards Guido's blog was a bit strong - would have thought paranoid would have been a better choice of a word. Paranoid that he may pick up a potential scandal and embarrass the party.

In the world of politics, Guido blog is unique. An irresistible read though most people pretend they don't. He certainly digs deep for his stories - often wonder where he gets the info from. To be honest he doesn't seem to get much dirt about the Lib Dems, no breaking news items. Only ever seen a few of postings. Can't really believe that he has any co-conspirators who are party members anyway - might be considered as me being naive by some.

However without Guido blog keeping everybody on their toes, most political blogs would be very dull indeed. For him to even give my humble blog a mention made my day - tough if others didn't like it.

Back to the Lib Dem final five shortlisted
Andy Mayer: http://andymayer.blogspot.com
Apollo Blog: http://www.liberalreview.com/blogs/apollo
Jonathan Calder: http://liberalengland.blogspot.com
Millennium Elephant: http://millenniumelephant.blogspot.com
Peter Black: http://peterblack.blogspot.com
Stephen Tall: http://oxfordliberal.blogspot.com

My money is on Peter Black.

As to my blog it will continue - of course in one way or another. Found it a very useful tool for expressing myself, relaxing and great fun.

Update: Well I got that a bit wrong - the winner is Stephen Tall. My warmest congrats to Stephen. Have to admit his blog is one I do read on a regular basis.

I'm so annoyed with myself

Ever done something so daft you could kick yourself? With my mind on other things rushing back in the heavy rain, I tripped on the rubble in the road. My own stupid fault for going the wrong way round the paviours road barriers. Hurt my foot which is going to put me out of action for the next few days - it's all swollen. Apart from that, I suffered the indignation of being picked up dripping wet, all covered in muck and red sand by some kind souls passing by.

Well clothes can go in the washing machine but to have to sit still indoors and not go anywhere is a mental nightmare. It's certainly put the cybosh on all my plans for the next few days. Ordered by express delivery, one of those long handle gadgets for picking up things - It will probably have a use in the garden when I'm back on my feet.

Don't know whether to laugh or cry at the moment I'm so annoyed with myself. Will try and get a photo taken as a reminder to myself not to be in so much of a hurry all the time. If it looks good I may add it to my posting later.

Islington Archway residents revolt

Trotted along to Islington's Northern Area Committee meeting last night keen to hear the latest on the Archway development and the preferred option selected - refer to my previous post. Islington: Archway Station will not be closed for 3 years

The info received seemed to indicate that it was all done and dusted and only a formal vote by the councillors representing Islington's northern wards was required.

Was a bit late due to another meeting not finishing until 8pm. Crept in quietly only to find the room was packed - local residents were there en masse, babies and all, to find out what's going on. Had no choice but to park myself at the back. Turned out to be the best seat in the house where all the action happened.

Often wonder why the important issues of the day are listed late on in the agenda. It took ages to go through all the other stuff. The room was tense, everybody just wishing they would just get on with it so we could hear what most of us came to hear.

It was so disappointing, nothing new was said - just a talk about the design drawings backed up with words like viability and sustainability without mentioning any facts or figure. It was claimed by the council's consultants Building Design Partnership (BDP) that feedback from residents consultations had changed the selection to the renovation option to keep the horrible Archway Tower after the story about the possible closure of Archway Station for 3 years had appeared in the media. Was so surprised, found myself sitting next to Amy Silverston, the lady who had alerted the public to the situation. She was spitting feathers - she had obviously done her homework about the issue and was spoiling for a verbal spat.

I was sitting there making notes, muttering out loud to anybody who could hear me, "this is nonsense - how can councillors make a decision and vote. What about projected costs, sources of possible funding, time-frame - when it is expected to start and be completed, partners, property and landowners".

It was all so frustrating. Very few questions were permitted - the chair was hurrying everybody to close the discussion. Gave up the intention of asking my questions. One man in front of me was desperately trying to attract attention so he could speak. Turned out he was Andy Ruhan, the Chairman of Bridgehouse Capital, one of the major landowners of the area. He had come to the meeting having heard of it only an hour earlier and dropped everything to have his say. He was very annoyed because apparently nobody had consulted him about anything. He'd been kept completely in the dark as to what was going on.

The mood of the audience was becoming quite hostile, Amy got up and shouted to the Chair that the landowner should be allowed to speak. She was totally ignored - the Chair declared the report on Archway closed. What followed can only be described as complete mayhem - many residents stood up and walked out, others surrounded Mr Ruhan wanting to hear what he had to say.

Press were there with their cameras recording the chaos. To calm the situation, the Chair had no choice but to allow him to address the remaining residents. Mr Ruhan stated that he'd come to the meeting to state his case because nobody had invited him to share in the decision regarding the design plans. He threatened that nothing would happen unless he was brought into the picture. Looks like we are a long way from anything actually going to happen.

I felt so disappointed the way the whole meeting had been conducted - to be honest I felt embarrassed for the councillors who lost control of the meeting. Can completely empathize with the residents revolt - I'm a local resident. 10.30pm and feelings were high as residents left the venue. Expect the whole charade will be played out in the local papers this week and will continue for weeks after.

Update Friday: from the Islington Gazette - Residents vote to keep 'hated' Archway Tower. Strange there's no mention of Mr Ruhan or maybe the reporter had left the venue before the commotion erupted.

Islington trying a new innovation

Another unique experience - Yesterday attended the Who wants to be a Millionaire styled residents forum (trial run).

What an innovative idea - residents were asked to vote on set questions then discuss the outcome. The makeup of the participants naturally involved a great range of people. The vibration from the room - everybody found it exciting. As confidence grew, several people, especially the elderly who under normal circumstances might not have stood up and spoke actually developed confidence to speak.

Many usual faces (noise-makers) but the chair didn't allow them to hog the event. That's an acomplished skill. Good to see ex Lib Dem councillor Joe Trotter. He's a councillor of the old school who is cares about the residents in his locality especially the senior citizens.



Click the pic to view the questions and response after a vote.

The outome of the forum - nothing new except the need to improve the practical performance of Homes for Islington services. Most of the moans were the same as mine and general across the board. Did I speak - of cause I'm always most vocal with issues affecting my community and was able to back up statements with specific experience.

Think the management were a little surprised at the outcome of the votes and comments compared to the returns of a similar paper surveys.

During the break they had a video room where participants were encouraged to speak and get things off their chest. Had a go thinking about Videocasting and video-diary plans in the future. It totally threw me seeing myself on a screen. Took me time to get going. My moans - dogs and household rubbish. Think I'll have to practise it at home on my webcam before I do it again

A successful forum - Very impressive. Expect they will use the 'toy' at other meetings. Once the word goes around, can envisage more people will be encouraged to take part.

Stop the world I want to get off

Have you nominated your choice - best Lib bem Blog - today is the last day. Almost forgot to send in my choice - a tel call from a libby buddy in the early hours of the morning jogged my memory. I found it very hard to choose. There are a great variety of blogs that attract different categories of readership. Many of the ones I really like haven't been up and running for a year yet so don't qualify.

Rather taken to reading The Dissenter's Voice by Charles Anglin lately. Like his straightforward, clear-cut approach in analysing issues. He's one of the few ethnic members to take up blogging. Have to admire his bottle for writing about his private life which sadly has been brandished about in various media.

It's been a manic few days with one thing after another. Feels like my brain has frozen - body seems to be working on auto-pilot at the moment. Got a whole pile of mail not opened and emails galore filtering into little folders completely overwelming me - they will all have to wait until the weekend - there are only so many hours in a day.

Yesterday was just utter chaos. Woke feeling like death warmed up - hardly had any sleep because the door to my flat just wouldn't close even with the mortice lock and with the communal door downstairs also a bit dodgy, my mind wouldn't let me sleep. It's an eerie feeling being alone with doors open to the world - this is London after all.

My flat door began to be problematic after heavy rain a few days ago. Knew what had happened - the property is listing to the left - probably needs underpinning. After it rains there is structural movement - cracks which get bigger. The communal door has been removed and trimmed several times - I've managed to patch it up since the last time it was done but once it affected my flat I just knew it was serious. Had to arrange watchers for my flat whilst I was out - had no choice but it was playing on my mind all morning.

The carpenter took all of fifteen minutes chiseling out the grooves and realigning the catches - the doors had dropped. He estimated the depth of the property movement so it was an easy job - doors didn't have to be removed this time. Learned something new - how to adjust the leverage of a hinge. Least I know now how to repair the gate - that is when I can find the time.

The work on the pavements is progressing but the noise is excruciating. The paviors are Eastern Europeans and they have to shout above the noise and the traffic. You can just about get in the gate - paving slabs galore are stacked in front ready for the next section. The whole section of the road is closed off. Least the men are nice and polite. They helped me carry away my remaining cement which has been stacked in the hall for months. Gave me a heavy sand, cement and gravel mixture in a bucket so I could repair the broken bit of front wall. In the rush to go out, noticed cement stuck under my finger nails.

Added to the mix, there's angle grinding at the back where somebody is building an extension. There's no escape from the noise. Feel sorry for those who stay in all day, they must be suffering in silence. It's my head that's complaining - it's thumping away. Never taken so many Panadol in my life - hate medicine of any kind but have no choice for now.

The make matters worse, had to attend a meeting at Westminster - the infamous Northern Line true to form was held up twice. A man jumped on the tracks at one station and at another, an elderly man was manhandled off the train. Don't know what he had done. Felt so sorry for him because he was obviously just coming from work and was near to tears saying his wife would be worried if he was late home. The journey of twenty minutes took one and a half hours. So used to the Northern line problems have taken to carrying a thick novel with me just to keep me calm.

That's my moan over - probably won't interest anybody but I feel better for writing it all down.........

Contact Islington - one stop shop: Seems to be in full swing at long last

Get so annoyed when I see wilful damage done to public infrastructure. Frustrated at the time it takes for repairs to be done. Disappointed that people just walk past and completely ignore what's going on around them - taking it for granted that any problem will eventually be sorted.

The warning lights (bollards) at bus stops and some side roads is a daft design. The top is lightweight plastic but it's easily removable from the base - one yank and it's off - seen it happen many times. Looks cool when they are setup all new but they are a magnet for the kids and lager louts who are forever spraying them with paint or maliciously destroying them - even going so far as digging up the base and exposing the live electric cables. There are three around here. One at the no 4 bus stop on Tufnell Park Road, another at the no 390 bus stop on Brecknock Road (both by the tube station) and one at the junction of Southcoat Road.

The pics are of the one at the 390 bus stop. It's been like that for weeks. At least somebody recently has moved the plastic top which was originally in the road and wedged it behind a post. Had hoped that during the school hols it would have been repaired.

Yesterday I was so mad when I saw three kids tried to remove the top to play with it - just lost my rag and they scarpered.

Schools are reopening tomorrow and with three around here - the local nightmare begins - doesn't need much intellect to envisage how many kids use the buses especially now that it's free travel in London for all children and teens in full time education - they have all stopped walking and just pile on the buses. It was bad before but now it's definitely a case of avoid the school run especially in the afternoon if you can. Thought I'd better do something about the light before term. Call me a busy body, Mrs do-gooder or anything you like - been called a lot worse in my time but somebody had to do something.

Contact the council, thought here goes - So used to wasting my time having to ring round the various departments to get anything done, made a cuppa to keep me mellow anticipating a long wait. The lady who answered the call actually gave me a reference number there and then. I was very surprised at the efficiency - what no transfering of my call - no hanging in the line for ages.

The new Contact Islington one stop call centre set up by Islington's Lib Dem administration seems to be fully operational at long last. Does it really work, we'll have to wait and see. My name is familiar to some bods in the Street maintenance / Highways department already - they'll probably say "not her again" - who cares, I'm going to monitor how long they actually take to get round to doing the job. Wonder if their maintenance team will notice the one at Southcote Road is also daubed with blue paint and clean it.

At the same time I thought I'd take the opportunity to mentioned a young tree planted after they relayed the pavements, near the no 4 bus stop on Tunell Park Road by the tube station . It is sadly growing leaning towards the properties. Because it's positioned in a wind trap, it needs high staking to grow up straight otherwise in a few years it will have to be cut down. Was surprisingly given a job reference number for that as well and was told the tree department would have a look and sort it. Brilliant if they do.

The Contact Islington Call Centre was launched several years ago but it's only recently I noticed with advances in technology that all calls are now handled on the spot, the way it was intended. All I can say is well done Islington council, keep it up but beware I'll be monitoring all my contacts.

Update: the rapid reaction force has been at work - returned tonight and found that sometime today the 390 bus stop light was repaired - just amazing.

Australia mourns their crocodile hunter

A man whose uniqueness transcended politics - News flashed around the world yesterday, Steve Irwin - The world's most well know Australian is dead.

Australia is mourning a man who has done a lot to promote Australia to the rest of the world.

Public grief: Zoo becomes shrine to Aussie star

Grief ... Hundreds of people have left floral tributes and mementos at the entrance to Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo in Queensland.

His crazy antics with crocs and snakes sent a shiver down my spine but Australians loved him - kids the world over were fascinated by his TV shows - Discovery Channel's Animal Planet is very popular. It's ironic that his untimely death was not at the hands of the crocs he promoted so much.

Update: In pictures thousands mourn Steve Irvin's death at his zoo in Australia

At last the Paviours have arrived

It been like living in bedlam this past few weeks as they have been progressing along the road relaying the pavements. Can't complain, I pushed to get it done - Flash back to my postings Islington: For once really exciting news & Islington: Brecknock Road is the news, but sensible souls know to avoid the noise of the drills, when to leave the house and when it's safe to return. They're actually doing a wonderful job. All the paving is level and clean. They stopped last week just before our gate.

This morning there is no escaping them. They are right outside. Stood watching for some time - just fascinating. The picture is of the digger taking away the old slabs and tarmac. Had to perch on the wall to take the shot - the whole gate was blocked for a couple of hours. Two hunky blokes - shirts off in the sun seem to have a system of working - they make light work of what must be a back-breaking job. Those paving stones are huge - pre metric

Was particularly interested in how they were digging up and resetting the curb edge blocks. They have a large hand held kind of tongs which grips them. Looks so easy watching them doing it but they must be so heavy. Will never look at barbecue tongs in the same light again.

Have estimated they should reach the part where the paving dips and the pond appears when it rains - where it floods the whole road. Should be interesting to see how they raise that part

Expect more pics shots later...

Sorry readers, it's all trial and error at the mo

Been faffing around for ages like a total plonker trying to work out how to import a Google Videocast into my blog so readers only have to click on it to watch rather than having a url link.

Never too ashamed to admit defeat, yesterday I sent out a 'help' message on our bloggers e-list. Quick as a flash Ryan Cullen who set up LibDem Blogs - came back with the answer. It's so simple when you know how.

Took the easy download option as my first try - quite pleased with the result. Ming Campbell on the environment is set to continuous play at least for now - it's probably going to irritate some miserable so n' so's but that's tough - it sends out a powerful thought provoking message.

Constructive criticism is always appreciated - Quick chat with Pete Dollimore, London Region's Campaigns Chair this morning (my blog's in his favourites list) - he suggested I change the wording at the top of Ming's videocast. Done it - any late night trawlers revisiting, don't worry, you are definitely not two sheets to the wind, the wording has changed.

Pete's got a wicked laugh (see photo) - he had a good chuckle at my posting Camden: Labour Party HQ up for sale. It's good that so many of the London Region exec take time out to read this blog - no serious political faux pas so far.

We agree videocasting is a useful campaining tool. Martin Tod is looking at the many options to advise party activists. It's a learning curve for many of us. His trial training video for


is impressive - imagery could do with sharpening up a bit though. It will be available as a demo at conference - least that's the idea anyway.

What made me think about Martin all of a sudden. Pete reminded me it's LDO's online exec meeting tomorrow night (another three hours typing in a chat room). Least it's given me a reason to test out the tech way of adding a videocast.

Ming Campbell on the environment

There are times in life when the written word is not necessary. A videocast speaks volumes.

Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell MP explains his policies for the environment.

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