A day of frustration & memorial

Back home lunch time, noticed our usual regular recycling collectors had only emptied 2 green boxes and left 4 others untouched. This kind of sloppy attitude by people supposed to be doing a job is so damn irritating. What's the point of sorting out the recycling into boxes when they don't bother to empty them - there's just no tenable excuse. So furious, was on the phone to the council department pronto. As expected they were full of apologies. Gave me a reference number saying they would call tomorrow before 2pm and collect it. Well we will see what happens. They'll certainly get a piece of my mind if they don't.

My experience with Virgin trains this week hasn't been much better either. Trying to book a train ticket took eight tries over two days. The telephone booking service is voice activated and a flaming long process. Each time a booking agent eventually came on the line they claimed the booking website was not working properly. Out of frustration tried the website myself - it gave me stress by not downloading properly. Had to open and close the site several times instead of following the usual links. Spent a good hour faffing about but eventually I got my ticket. The easy bit was the post - amazed but it actually arrived today.

Again been trying to follow up a commitment with Partners - PFI stuff. All week their phones, even the free phone were not working until yesterday afternoon. Talk about bottling up fury, imagine a whole company with no phone contact for about 3 days. This is supposed to be the age of technology.

Well that's my moan over for the day - calmed down with a cuppa to watch part of Diana's 10th anniversary memorial service. Couldn't take the whole chapel bit but the choice of music was powerful and the emotional tribute from Prince Harry touched a chord in the heart of the nation. What struck me was the outpouring of emotion after all this time by the people listening outside. So many smaller memorials in different parts of the country and in France.

She captured the heart of the nation while she was alive. Most people can remember where they were the day she died. She was a global celebrity. One of those special people whose spirit will live in the hearts and minds of many for generations. The princes may want to draw a line over her death but the reality is its not going to happen.

A day recycling clutter

A job I've been putting off for ages, decluttering my flat. With my grandchildren's things accumulating as they grow, more space is needed.

Spent the whole day sorting through some cupboards and the store under the stairs. Hate to throw anything away that can be used by somebody else. I'm like a squirrel hoarding things that may come in useful one day but never do. Have many redundant items or have more than I need. God knows why I've got 4 spare tyres for my bike - a bike I hardly use. Advertised the lot on Freecycle via the Camden, Kentish Town and Islington North lists - see icon link in the right column.

Most of my things are in good condition but some are just old. Absolutely amazing, everything has been snapped up and most collected - just two lots left for tomorrow evening. Even an old Polaroid camera and some deep-sea diving flippers were surprisingly collected. Slight correction, the political stuff nobody wanted. Books yes but not Burying Caesar, Churchill, Chamberlain and the battle for the Tory party by Graham Stewart. There's an omen in there somewhere at least in this area.

Haven't used Freecycle much myself - have most things I need but still keep a beady eye on what's being offered. Did however collect a brand new pressure cooker. One of those pricey odd cooking pots only used at Christmas.

Well that's all for today - it's been fun. Will have another go when I've got some free time.

Where's the Jam pump? Fill up my tank please

The funniest email I've received for a long time pointed to a story in The Daily Mash suggesting that activists send a letter to local papers informing them of the plan to turn fruits into vehicle fuel.

They are supposedly quoting the party's Environment spokesman Chris Huhne - Jam, the fuel of TOMORROW say the LibDems

THE Liberal Democrats have unveiled radical plans to reduce Britain's carbon emissions, including a new generation of cars that unleash the remarkable power of jam.

The party, popular with academics and mental patients, has declared war on petrol and vowed to hunt down and destroy the last drop of the world's favourite fuel by 2020.

The world is made up with the weird and the wacky but this is a complete wind up - satire at it's best.

So all I can say is Raspberries to you too!!!

Nelson Mandela, a befitting honour

It's been a long time coming - an honour indeed. After a 5 year battle to find a suitable location, Nelson Mandela's statue, a 9 foot bronze, was finally unveiled today in Parliament Square London. It's standing alongside statues of other great leaders, Winston Churchill, Benjamin Disraeli and Abraham Lincoln opposite the Houses of Parliament.

Touching that he's still alive to witness the event. A befitting tribute to the worlds greatest modern day statesman - an inspiration to all.

There's a light at the end of the tunnel

After all the rain it's so good to be out in the warm sun again. It's been so depressing in this building since the death of the young man from the flat upstairs. With the attached property next door completely empty since the fire and the people on the other side away again it's so eerie. Every little sound echoes much louder than before.

Keep opening the front communal door and seeing something flash by me like a shadow and go straight through the wall at the end of the hall. Seen that kind of phenomena before after somebody dies - doesn't disturb me. It becomes a bit cold and leaves a strange smell. Don't think I've washed the hallway with floral cleaner so much in all these years. Have to admit I'm a bit more cautious when on my own coming down the stairs to go out. Some people will say it's a load of old twaddle - that's their problem not mine. Had to smile when one my family suggested I pray to release the spirit. Gives her the willies even thinking about it. Had several people asking how I can continue to stay here under such circumstances - Dead but will not be forgotten.

Back to earth - there's been a lot of talk in the news about GCSE exam results. Some locals have done very well. Out in Kentish Town, met one of the most troublesome children I've ever know out with his gang. He's just left Acland Burghley school. Surprised he's grown so tall in the past few weeks - he's actually taller than me. More surprising he was so polite offering to carry my bags home. Didn't expect that.

Asked about his results - he responded that I should know the answer. Enquired what he was going to do now. Bit taken aback when he said that he's going back to school to do retakes. Apparently his father told him he wasn't going to let him sit on his bum and do nothing. It was either school or a job, even sweeping the road was more dignified than lazing around. His dad and mum weren't going to work their backsides off to feed him - made joke about his mum warning him she wasn't going to parenting classes because of his trouble.

Another of the gang is a regular newspaper deliverer and he's continued during the hols. Two of the others have got into college and one has a job and plans day release at college. Couldn't be more pleased.

It's sad to see youngsters leave school and just drift around in gangs or sitting at home aimlessly doing nothing. Some for years. When I remember some of the crap jobs I did during the school hols and when at college I cringe when thinking about it. Nobody told me to, it was just my being independent. It was a disgrace in those days to depend on one's parents.

There are now dispersal orders on both the Camden side and Islington (this ward). Don't know if it will make much difference at night but at least during the hols there haven't been so many of the older ones, some with their dogs congregating on the corner outside the shops.

Putting spin on a cookery book

I know it's summer, the so called silly session - there's not much to shout about either. Parliament is on recess and all the spin merchants are on hols too. Labour MP Tom Watson this morning had me in stitches laughing at his warped sense of humour.

How can you put a political spin on a cookery book, well he has.

I've said it before and I'll say it again Camden LibDems ladies, the Stork cookery services 'Art of Home Cooking' generation, always put on a delicious spread when it comes to social events. Louise Malin the editor of the book is one of them.

It's hard to resist all the mouth watering home cooking - some of their deserts are truly scrumptious. Those on a diet beware.

Now they have collated recipes adding a fun element with additional contributions by some of the LibDems more famous names from the Lords, Commons, MEP's. MSP's, GLA and Welsh Assembly and published a book. Even Robin Young a Camden member has added his contribution as a wine connoisseur. Thought the project a brilliant idea - a good way to raise some cash as well. It's now advertised on their website - some libdem bloggers have also picked up on it.

The promotion says “Enjoy Charles Kennedy’s recipe for a breakfast smoothie. Discover the festive secret Lord Navnit Dholakia has not told his friends to this day. Read an old family recipe contributed by Lord Bill Rodgers, never before written down. Find out what Lembit Opik MP likes to nibble while watching Question Time”.

Go on buy it just for fun and see for yourself.

Later: Found another one joining in the fun. Wondering if any Tory posts about it will come out of the woodwork.

Later2: Whoops here's another. Might of guessed who'd start the Tory ball rolling.

Service of thanksgiving for the life of Tim Garden

Not being a particularly religious person there are only a few times in my life when I've taken part in a church service or a blessing. There are however times when love or respect for a person makes it necessary. Today was one of those days - attended the special thanks giving service for the life of Lord (Tim) Garden who died last week.

Tim wasn't a believer so his cremation was held privately earlier in the day. The service held at the beautiful Hampstead Parish church at the request of his wife Sue was to mark his distinguished life . What an incredible life he had (Air Marshal Professor The Lord Garden, KCB, MA, MPhil, FRAeS, FRUSI, FCGI). A man of great dignity and integrity

The church was packed to capacity with a mixture of people from his diverse life, Royal Air Force, politicians, academicians, friends and the media. Sue and their two daughters, Antonia and Alex, gave moving tributes intermixing amusing family anecdotes.

As expected many of the Libdems Lords attended along with some MP's including Ming Cambell, Vince Cable and of course as expected Lynne Featherstone who like many of us has been greatly saddened by his death. Her words last week Tim Garden summed up many peoples feelings

Rather an unusual type of upbeat ceremony. The choir singing Gounod-Bach's Ave Maria was moving to the soul. The collection box at the door was for the RAF Benevolent Fund - don't think anybody minded offering their donations for such a worthy cause.

The surprising nice touch was a glass of white wine offered to everybody outside in the churchyard afterwards.

Update 22/08: More about the man from Lord Tom McNally

The road renovations: Part 2

Today they finished the resurfacing of the segment of the road in front of my flat. Peace at last. It looks amazing with all the fresh white road markings. (pic from my flat window).

For two days the noise has been excruciating even shaking the buildings. My pictures on the wall and the windows in the back rooms shook with the vibrations. Couldn't avoid the headache tablets, thought my brain was going to explode.

They started early 8am yesterday morning in the pouring rain. Yes on Sunday, everybody was woken up with the horrendous sound of digging and the rumbling of heavy duty vehicles going up and down non-stop. So much for my prediction they'd start on Monday. Had to laugh at my neighbour next door who has been away on hols and was quite put out by the Sunday works. He was out in the rain perambulating up and down protesting to the workers. So furious, he even went to the trouble of finding out if the Sunday work had been authorised.

Quite fascinating watching the process at close up from the window. They even dug up the old curb edging stones and tarred the road to the edge. It was our side first and the opposite side later. Being a Sunday there was less traffic. Suppose that was take into account in the planning because the segment worked on between two side road junctions was much longer than the bits they have worked on so far. By late afternoon they had completed the base layer.

This morning just as early they were back to lay the top coating. The scary bit was the open flame tarring vehicle. Don't know why everything happens in front of our gate but the vehicle was parked out front during their break with the open flames heating away. Good thing the weather is damp I'd have been a mad a hell if my beautifully trim hedge had been singed.

Now its all done complete with the fresh road markings what a difference it has made to the sound of the traffic going by. Have to admit the inconvenience of the past few days has been worth it.

The downside of the day was the normal rubbish collection was not possible. That however has turned out to be blessing in disguise - a story to be told in a future post.

When love is in the air

Been so hard to keep the secret but now its official, Marks in love. I'm so pleased for him - it couldn't have happened to a nicer person. He's really gone through the ringer with his long dragged out acrimonious divorce. Very brave of him to write such intimate feelings on his blog but he is happy that's the main thing. Least now since his proposal of marriage to Ros Scott has been accepted he's become a new man.

The real Bob the Builders at work

There's great excitement in the air...




At long last the main road outside is FINALLY being resurfaced. It has to be done and residents welcome it but what a hell of a din. The smell of the hot tar is permeating the air. Apparently it's more than 20 years since it was last done and with all the roadworks over the years the old segments look like a patchwork quilt.

Naim has been with me the for the past couple of days. He's an avid student of Bob the builder, an excited little man who authoritatively told me what each of the big vehicles are used for. He was fascinated by them and on close inspection could actually name some of the parts. I was so impressed.

Walked along to look at the section of the road they have already completed, it's pretty amazing watching the work in progress. They are actually removing the old top layer before relaying the fresh tar. It looks cool. When finished it should help to reduce the traffic noise from outside.

With a convoy of vehicles parked across the road for the night we took the photo shots. Seems like tomorrow or Monday they are actually going to start the segment in front of my house. Hip, hip hooray.

Anybody voting for me?

Have you voted - Less than less than 24 hours to vote for the Top 100 UK Political Blogs.

Had a swift kick up the bum this morning reminding me I haven't as yet submitted my own votes. Hold my hands up and admit I just forgot.

Master blogger Iain Dale is asking bloggers and readers to select their favourite political bloggers for inclusion in his 2007 Guide to Political Blogging in the UK. He's requesting a list of 1-20, a tall order for many readers. Don't be put off - even if your choice is for only 1 blog, every vote counts.

To vote: post a comment on his blog HERE, or if you prefer secrecy email him HERE. Easy peasy. The deadline is tomorrow 15th August.

Never one to hide under a bushel, I'm not to shy to ask anybody who reads this blog please vote for me. Not many women's political blogs around or so I'm told.

My personal choice has been difficult - decided I'm not going to make my list public. Don't want to upset other bloggers or get slagged of by the army of anonymous spiteful commentors whose comments I admit I don't allow through.

Some blogs are heavy going and quite frankly just boring. For a quick read I tend to peep at local blogs from all parties even if they are a bit cheesy. Most are fun and their personal lives are fascinating. The passion they evoke against political opponents is at times better than a boxing match. When something's in the news I turn to the heavyweights and trawl through. I'm also fascinated by blogs that link to mine - I do add a reciprocal link when I notice them. Honest. Then of course I read women's blogs who write a mix of life and not just politics.

They tried to keep her down but Suz blog is still going. Please VOTE for me.

Go Gordon go and let the fun begin

For several weeks now there's been a great deal of speculation in the media and on the political blogs when or if Gordon Brown will call a 'snap' general election in October. Seems the latest polls this weekend have Labour on a high of 42%. It's obvious the so called Brown bounce is still gaining momentum.

It's known that the PM is a master strategist who keep things very close to his chest. The fact that he has ordered all Labour constituency parties to have PPCs in place by the time of Labour's autumn conference will undoubtedly lend fuel to the speculation.

Anybody keeping tabs on the political scene knows that if he bottles it he may live to regret it. At the moment it's difficult to fault him - the public seem to respect his leadership style and the decisions he's making. Seems he's on a roll but we all know his bounce won't last forever. The rallying cry should be 'Go Gordon go and let the fun begin'.

Dead but will not be forgotten

When people die who one knows it affects a person differently from the death of an anonymous face.

Felt so sad to learn of the untimely death of Lord Tim Garden on August 9th at the age of 63. Knew he'd been ill but nevertheless his death came as a bit of a shock. He and his wife Sue were very close and my heart sincerely goes out to her. Undoubtedly there will be tributes in the media in the coming days. He was a lovely person and highly respected by all who knew him. Update 13th August: There’s an obituary in today’s Telegraph

Nearer home a real painful tragedy which has affected me greatly - Wednesday night the resident living in the flat above me collapsed into unconsciousness. A friend with him called the paramedics. Somebody who drank 24/7, who sustained many serious injuries over the years, it had happened several times over the years so I just kept quiet not wanting to part of the gawping crowd. Should have used the little grey cells - with the number of people running up and down the stairs should have realised it was more serious than usual.

When the police arrived the horror of the situation really kicked in. Did everything they asked of me but when the paramedics started to pump his chest I just had run outside. There's no privacy in these London street properties, one can hear everything that is going on and being said from below and above - just couldn't stand the sound. Everybody relaying the updates via their handheld radios compounded the issue. It seemed to go on for ages and completely unnerved me.

Was obliged to help clear things out of the way. They carried him down stairs on a stretcher. carefully maneuvering down three floors round a twisting staircase - it was heart rendering to watch.

With the police it's questions and more questions. Felt I had to oblige. Few hours later they returned and declared it a crime scene which meant a round the clock police watch. My heart sank understanding what they meant but not daring to ask. Took all my composure not to burst into tears.
Was one of my weirdest experiences, having police in shifts sitting outside the flat door with their radio's on all night and a police car positioned outside the gate until the early hours.

Afternoon the following day, expecting the finger print mob, couldn't take anymore so went out to stay of the way whilst they did their stuff. Later the all clear came. Friday his friends confirmed what my brain had refused to accept that he'd died.

Had a sleepless nights last couple of days hearing footsteps and voices above which common sense told me were not real.

Since then I've not been a happy bunny. Spent most of the day on my own in the garden. Couldn't really talk to anybody. Kept thinking about his daughter - Don't know what I'll say when I see her or her mum. Feel so angry, he was only 36 - what a waste of a life.

Have experience of death so many times in my life but this one has hit me hard. In a alcoholic stupor he and some of his friends were a nightmare but when he was sober he was such a lovely gentle young man who'd talk about anything. In all these years couldn't really take offence by his behaviour because he's always quietly knock on the door later full of apologies and occasionally left small presents for me.

Some people might say it's superstitious bunkum but what has really got the wind up me is that is the second time it's happened since I've lived here. The tenant before him seven years ago sadly committed suicide. Now this. With tormented souls around the place it'll take a brave person to willingly move into the flat.

The Amazing Rose Hacker

All the local newspapers have stories about the remarkable Rose Hacker. Who is she you might ask. Well at 101 years old She is reputed to be the world’s oldest correspondent with her fortnightly column in the Camden New Journal. Not only that but as a lifelong peace activist she is still out and about as sprightly as ever. It's mind boggling considering her age.

Her last weeks column, We've ignored lessons of Hiroshima

This week she's in the news attending the commemoration ceremony in memory of victims of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945 - Peace campaigner Rose, 101, says: we must not lose hope and Peace campaigner’s message of hope.

Pretty amazing lady. It's an incredible sight to see her speaking with a microphone in her hand. An inspiration to all of us who are getting older.

When birthdays and roadworks collide

Had these irritating road signs along both sides of our road for the past 3 weeks - one right outside the gate. Nothing actually happening.

We know the roadworks are being done further up and eventually they get to us but Islington's roadworks management is just lousy - no proper co-ordination. It has meant that for all this time the parking bays have been empty. Visitors and residents alike have had nowhere to park their cars.

Hasn't really affected me much until yesterday - the roads been very quiet as if it's a Sunday everyday.

One of those life's coincidences, my son Sule and partner Natasha were born on the same day. As a special treat decided to see if my old baking skills were up to scratch. A passed down family skill - for years when the children were small I baked a variety of cakes every week. Sule had one he particularly loved - my variation of a cream chocolate gateau. Actually surprised myself because it came out great.

The size and delicacy meant it had to be collected by car. It was so maddening, with two small children in the back they had to drive round and round looking for a space . Didn't want to risk parking out front because there's one warden who seems to appear when you don't expect him.

Naim jumped out on seeing me and rushed upstairs to help me put the finishing bits on top of the cake while they continued their search. So much excitement. He insisted on putting the bits on top with the shaker and placing the candles by himself. He could hardly contain himself. Kept telling me he could do it on his own because he is taller now - funny little chap. Least his dad appreciated it and Niam scoffed as much as any adult. Felt so sorry for little Aalia not being able to have any.

Well that was yesterday. Today the peace has been broken with a vengeance. There's now a traffic light outside the gate - the noise from the traffic and digger a little up the road is deafening. We have already got the constant banging from next door even at the weekend. The house that caught fire, Eight teas and one coffee please, is being refurbrished. With two other property outside works nearby. That's been just about tolerable

Now, can see myself avoiding my house during the day over the next few weeks. It'll do my head in.

Well that's my moan over and done with. Feel much better for writing it down.

Sera Kentman resigns

Lewisham aren't having much luck are they. Remember the story of Sera Kentman the undischarged bankrupt who become a LibDem councillor in Lewisham. Was expelled from the party and is under police investigation. She remained on the books as an independent councillor but since the scandal broke in March this year hasn't attended any meetings.

News coming in she has now resigned her council seat and a by election is being called today.

Update: Lewisham LBC, Whitefoot ward 20th Sept 2007: Party defending seat: LD. Cause: Disqualification. Lib Dem candidate Pete Pattisson.

Considering the circumstance surrounding this by-election should be a very interesting campaign. Can expect loads of mud slinging. A must is keeping a beady eye on local newspapers.

Islington: Flowers and more flowers

Islington has become renowned for it's beautiful flower displays. Towers, boxes on top of the road barriers and hanging baskets. It certainly lifts up one's mood when out and about. They are particularly noticeable along the central road barrier railings on Holloway road. Was wondering who looks after the impressive displays. Takes me all my spare time to maintain the small garden at the back of the property.

Now we know - trust the Islington Tribune, Steve Long, the florist who drives 200 miles to work every day .

At 1am every morning Steve Long drives nearly 200 miles from his home in Matlock, Derbyshire, to care for Islington’s acclaimed hanging baskets. Floral supremo Steve, 33, has been chosen to care for the 500 floral baskets and 11 tower displays.

That's real dedication for you. He deserves a civic award or some public recognition.

Just been reminded about the PFI street property garden competition. I can't take part, it wouldn't be ethical. They do however need a pic as an example for the residents newsletter. The competition won't be in the issue about to be dispatched but the following one.

Took over a dozen pics of my small area. Must be one amongst the lot they can use. Least it saves on the cost of sending a professional round to take the shots.

My favourite is the one of the path leading down to the area. It looks like a garden centre. Suppose that's what I intended.This heavy rain has made the whole garden into a Paradise. There are even little frogs jumping around much to my grandson's amusement.

Have received some emails from PFI residents with issues. Using this post to let people know they are being looked into by Partners.

Brian Paddick, the secrets out

The Times this morning is running with the news Drugs pioneer of the law aims to be London Mayor - Brian Paddick to be the LibDem Mayoral candidate for London. Least he has submitted his application, that's the party rules. We all know it's a mere formality.

The times has it spot on - Advertisements will be placed in papers in a week. The party will then draw up a shortlist that will be released a fortnight before next month’s party conference, during which hustings will take place. Then, everyone who has been a London member of the party for more than a year will be invited to vote. It is hoped to have a candidate in place by mid-November.

Well that's the official process but we all know that behind closed doors the selection panel will find a way of screening out those they don't want if anybody else dares apply. In the interest of so called transparency it will probably end up with Brian and one or two ordinary Joe soaps as candidates so it doesn't look like a coronation. We already have Lynne Featherstone MP publicly supporting Brian's candidacy and writing all nice gushy things about him. Lynne is a shrewd cookie and wouldn't back him unless unless it was more or less fait accompli.

Known as the police officer who instigated the "softly-softly" approach to cannabis use. Arguably Brian has a high a profile but he's not in the same league as Ken or Boris. The Libdems need somebody who the London public are familiar with and if there's nobody else he'll have to do. Well my opinion doesn't really count - I've already said my piece but who is listening anyway.

Libdems searching for a 'Star' candidate

Rumours are running rife as to who will be the LibDem mayoral candidate for London. Political betting's speculative blog post has some interesting comments after it. Bit naughty of him to tease the media but this morning Ed Davey added fuel to the fire. My dream ticket is Ken vs Boris vs Lembit - would certainly stir public interest adding an hysterically funny entertainment factor. Both Boris and Lembit are media stars in their own right. Competing against each other would be a class act.

We can all dream but unfortunately it's not going to happen. Whilst Lembit may fit the bill it's an absurd idea. As his home base is Wales it's not really feasible for him to stand as a London Mayoral candidate. If he was a London based MP that would be another story.

Again all the talk of Boris. Yes, admittedly he's the favourite son but the Tories London membership haven't actually selected him yet. There are three other candidates who hardly get any media attention. Until their Sept conference it's really all speculation at the moment. In all probability he will win the members vote but it's still wait and see. Least Ken vs Boris will be media grabbing but Ken vs a nobody would be an exercise in futility for the Tories.

Where does that leave the Libdems. Ken vs Boris vs WHO? Except for Lembit the Libdems haven't got any other political superstar. Characters like Boris and Lembit are a rare breed - the party doesn't encourage colourful people to rise within the party ranks so now they are stuffed.

Some months ago four members put their names forward as possible candidates. Had to laugh at their gall. Three of them I know. They are the usual dipsticks on an ego trip - hardly household names. One's a real wet lettuce. Not surprising they were rejected. Now the party has it's MP's head-hunting outside the party membership. Brian Paddick's name has come into the frame as the secret weapon. Wonder who'd vote for him - an ex policeman for god's sake, they have to be kidding. Compared with Ken and Boris he wouldn't light anybody's spark.

Have been reliably informed a notice will go out in the LibDem News this week. Even if they have a candidate in mind, LibDems like to be seen to be keeping to rules so they'll invite members to come forward as possible candidates. Dread to think who will come out of the woodwork.

Unless they come up with a 'STAR' candidate don't expect the Lib Dems will get anything out of this election. Could end up with egg on their face.

Later: Good choice of words from JC - This afternoon Lembit flattened the idea as thoroughly as if it had been struck by a rogue meteorite. Also from BBC News 24. That puts an end to the Lembit Öpik will he won't he saga.