Bridget Fox campaigning with Tories

What a turn up for the books - In this weeks tribune... a photo of Bridget Fox Lib Dem PPC Islington South and Finsbury helping the conservatives campaign in St. Peters!!!!

Canal bosses threaten to sink the Sandwich Barge

A SINGLE mother’s canalboat café, which brought new life to a neglected stretch of waterway at Angel, has been closed down – an apparent victim of her own success. Lorraine Fox’s narrowboat snack bar, the Sandwich Barge, brightened up the desolate towpath at City Road Basin. Walkers and cyclists enjoyed the friendly service and home-made tea and cakes served in china cups and plates.

Noticed that Bridget didn't even get a mention in the article... on the other hand there is growing local media interest in the activities of Islington Tories.

Antonia Cox, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Islington South and Finsbury, found it difficult to believe that BW would halt a popular canal business in the middle of a recession. “They never mentioned anything about tendering when Lorraine set up,” she said.

Just last week Labour MP Emily Thornberry upset the applecart by claiming a resurgent Tory party is the biggest threat to her seat at the next General Election not the Lib Dems.

Guest blogger from the wilds of Devon

On a rest and relaxation visit to my sister Susanne in London, I have been fascinated by the world of blogging. I must confess I am amazed that so many busy people do have the time to write a blog, whether politics or daily doings- something I don't have time for in Devon. In fact, though the college where I work as a lecturer does have a joint college blog, vainly started a few years ago by some intrepid spirit, no one seems to have the time to add to it. Does that mean we are all more busy in Devon? I don't thinks so. However, I do believe we probably have a less frantic pace of life so maybe get more 'stuff' into our day; therefore we may have no time to blog. Bloggers in Plymouth and the rest of Devon please comment!

Life in Plymouth and the rest of Devon is much easier to deal with than London. In the 70's, for two years, I did live in the depth of Hackney, so I did do my bit of struggling with my small children in rush hours, the tube, crowds and noisy places. That is really what is so different. In the towns in Devon obviously there is some noise (traffic people etc - normal stuff) but just 15 minutes drive away or a very short bus ride away and you are breathing in fresh air and can see cows, sheep, horses, donkeys etc in green fields or can take a walk on the beach with your dog. And there is space! (grammatically incorrect sentence here as you never start a sentence with and except by poetic licence, which I am claiming here - college lecturer's hat on - it's never far away!!)

What was I blogging about? Oh yes the space. Now that doesn't mean that all you guys should pack up your bags and head over my way to Devon. Then it would be too crowded in Devon and London would be so empty that I would have to come down here. However, we do welcome you all as visitors. Then you will be called 'grockles' by the locals.

I do like what my sister Susanne has done with the garden at the back of her flat in London. It is a lovely green space - a normal garden. In fact the view from her kitchen window shows how many of her neighbours value their green space, as most gardens are beautiful with grass and flowers and trees. As a keen gardener myself, (we are from a line of keen gardeners), I always like to look at and admire people's gardens. I believe that a garden tells you much about a family's ethos.

As I live on the edge of Plymouth (yet only ten minutes drive from my big and busy college and from the centre of Plymouth), I have the best of estuary views and a huge corner plot. I grow vegetables and salad stuff- some of which plucked straight from my garden on Monday am, Susanne and I enjoyed in our stir fry last night. Can't get fresher than that! I also grow fruit - apples, pears, damsons, plums, blueberries, gooseberries, raspberries and strawberries. I have a wildlife garden with hedgehogs, slow worms and other wiggly creatures and my darling husband's pride of place, as well as his beloved bamboo on the other side of the garden, is the pond, built on a slope with a waterfall, fish, frogs and newts. In fact the garden does take up quite a lot of my time - hence in truth I cannot ever have the time to become a real blogger.

Other bits of my time are spent with my German shepherd dog called Shadow, who is now almost nine. She's quite a girl and very protective! Bob and I often go to the nearby beach or the local river walks where Shadow loves to dive into the water and then, when she gets out, come and shake all over us. I generally hide behind my Bob, who is over six foot, so he gets the shower.

As most of my friends have similar gardens etc, this is really life in Plymouth, if you chose it. However, what London does have, that we don't have is all the shops. I am not talking about Oxford Street touristy stuff. I am talking about the local high streets in each area, which are filled with such a diversity of shops; I really love them. Sure we do have shops in Plymouth but most are a bit basic in what they sell, whilst the local out of town ones are very basic and boring. I went into two fantastic 'health' food shops the other day in Kentish town. So big and such a variety. I could have spent hours in each one looking at all the things I had not come across before, enjoying the smells of all the spices and organics. However, Suz was in a hurry as we were on our way somewhere so I couldn't browse as much as I would like!

In terms of shops in Devon, what we do have in some of the villages are little quirky shops with the unexpected. Last week, Suz phoned me and asked me to buy a magnetic notice board for her newly 'refurbed' kitchen. Apparently she couldn't find one in London or the Internet (which is the whole world) that was interesting enough. I was in Kingsbridge, a small South Ham's town in Devon, where Bob and I are soon moving to, and found just the thing in one of the 'quirky' 'Aladdin cave' type shops that exist there. It is tasteful, unusual and was the only one of it's kind there. I have never seen one like it before and the price was right. Excellent! Now in case all you London blog readers don't know, that where the saying comes from 'if you can't get what you want anywhere in the world, you will find it in Kingsbridge' :))

I will be blogging more about Kingsbridge before I go....

However, though I could write a book that might be interesting to me and mine, it probably is not interesting to others.

That brings me to my final comment for now about blogging. The thing that really amazes me about blogging is how people respond to what others write. It appears that 'total strangers' get annoyed, or nasty about what my sister writes- yes very nasty and write really abusive stuff - then monitor her blog to write some more. Susanne showed me how she logs the URL locations of the nasty ones and they do all seem to come from the same sources. My thoughts on this are 1. This is Internet bullying/harassment and 2. If you don't like what a blogger is writing then you must be either a sad or a sadistic person to keep reading the blog. Having read the most disgusting ones sent to my sister, I do have a little trick up my sleeve to deal with them. When I get back to Plymouth, some of my very 'tecky' friends have the software and knowledge to be able to pinpoint the actual street locations of the nasty replies. That will be interesting!!

Honouring those WW1 veterans

With the news that WW1 veteran Harry Patch died this weekend aged 111 and as Henry Allingham, died on 18 July, aged 113 media reports the sole British survivor of World War I is now former seaman Claude Choules, who is aged 108 and lives in Perth, Australia.

It's been announced that there will be a special commemorative service attended by the Queen.

The sacrifices of the World War I generation are to be commemorated in a special national service, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said.

I'm not over gushy about things like that but for once I'm in full support. The thought of living to 113 or even to 100 really freaks me out. One has to really respect these old veterans. Henry Allingham (6 June 1896 - 18 July 2009) is now recorded as the oldest verified man who ever lived. His public funeral with full military honours will take place in Brighton on Thursday 30 July 2009.

Presumably there will be something similar organised for Harry Patch - quite rightly so.

That was the week that was

Start of the week felt so sorry for myself - such a lousy weekend - didn't realise having swine flu would be so energy draining - no wonder they tell you to rest. Couldn't even open a bottle of water and making a cup of tea was boiling the water in a cup microwave job, the kettle was just to heavy to lift. Have been really touched by the telephone calls, emails and Facebook messages from all over the world. Had to deliberately stop some people coming round - caring about me is one thing but they all have small children.

Monday could hardly manage to bath. Would have stayed in bed but quite unexpected the scaffolders arrived to put up the scaffolding in the front supposedly to sort out the guttering. Expecting a knock at the door, wasn't going to have anybody seeing me wrapped in a dressing gown.

Part of me was pleased to see them because with all this heavy rain, the noise of the over- flowing water hitting the front window has been going through my head - thought it would be a quick job and the scaffolding would be struck quickly - no such luck, nothing has happened yet.

My foster mum Maureen tried to cheer me up. At her age she is a marvel, she never rests either. Her good news was that two of her Boxer dogs (Harmaur Pedigree) have qualified to be shown at Crufts next year. Guess I'll be at Birmingham, hope I can take my grandson along this time. He'd love it.

Tuesday - I was counting the days - day time TV becomes boring after a while.

Wednesday the electrician came to sort out the hall lighting - just pressed the buzzer to let him in - thought this time it would be sorted - no need for my checking anything. How wrong I was, he hit the button by the door to put the lights on and unceremoniously left. They have been stuck like that since then.

Wednesday also according to the medical experts was the day I was supposed to feel better. Admittedly the fever had gone and the headache reduced but I still felt like shit. Motivated by a telephone call with the news that early Thursday the new sofa was being delivered. Was quite determined to finish the painting in my flat. Took me hours, bit by bit, resting in between but I did it.

Thursday also saw the last remaining radiator put back. The young plumber had been off work for a week with flu. He however was full of beans while I am still forcing myself to be active - must be an age thing.

Friday still feeling drained - the heavy rain didn't help much. Been successfully downsizing via Freecycle so had another go. In a matter of a few hours everything was snapped up. Out went some of the dust covers, painting tools and at long last the faithful garden lounging chair that has been my only sort of comfortable seat until the sofa arrived. Sad to see it go but felt more sorry for the young German student who came to collect it in the pouring rain. She thought it great so at least it has gone to a good home.

My flat all madeover now looks good even if I say it myself. Now it's a matter of sorting papers and clearing up. My sister arrives Monday - It's almost like I've lost a week in my life.

Partners residents forum 2009/2010

This evening attended the first meeting of Partners Residents Forum's new term. Grateful one of the members came to my flat to accompany me. Still feeling wonky with the tail end of the flu, was thankful for the company - an important meeting but probably wouldn't have attended if he hadn't turned up. Turned out to be one of the most interesting meetings with some new faces on board.

The first issue on the agenda was to decide whether to co-opt those who failed to submit their nomination before the date and time cut off deadline. A ridiculous idea as far as I was concerned - whoever heard of co-opting anybody before a committee has been formally constituted with a chair in place. Why does everything have to have a political twist - Partners have always been very cagey about who these people were, obviously trying to include them through the backdoor - now we know why, it affected our former chair and the vice chair.

The forum doesn't want to lose anybody but rules are rules. In the interest of open transparency, sanity prevailed - with a unanimous vote it was agreed that the forum should follow formal election protocols and co-option of anybody regardless of who they are just has to wait.

The formal election of the chair for a 2 year term was deferred until the next meeting in September. Wasn't in the mood to even debate the issue. We have a young man Michael who is willing to take on the job so it probably won't be a contested election anyway - he was elected chair for the meeting.

The interesting part of the meeting was the new plans for enforcing tenancy condition for those living in social housing. The forum was asked to decide which should take priority. That was easy, unreasonable noise and dogs. It is not just dangerous dogs but the number some people have as pets. Living in close proximity to others, it's not easy for residents when one dog after another can be heard barking at all hours.

Another matter that is near to my heart is what to do about unkempt gardens. Most London street properties have long back gardens. Many residents don't have an interest or can't physically look after them. One housing association has a service charge option and another local borough has a scheme to handover gardens to outside individuals in place of allotments. Something has to be done because many have become just a space for dumping rubbish.

The bureaucracy and red tape that is involved to implement decisions seems to take forever. Sometimes I've wondered if the forum has any real teeth. Not so, it's just takes time to set wheels in motion. One explosive debate last year was the insulation of lofts according to current legislation. There are several members of the forum who are knowledgeable and keep up with all legislation to do with housing. The HFI independent inspections and feedback has now resulted in all properties being rechecked before the winter sets in. The annoying aspect of it all is why did the contractors United House cut corners and not do the work properly in the first place and more important who signed off the properties.

Well the forum has just started it's work so more as it progresses.

Swine flu got me

Why me? I asked myself - Seems I've got swine flu - least that's what the doctors told me anyway. Wednesday night woke up sweating cobs, coughing like mad, having a raging thirst with my body aching all over - couldn't get off the loo.

Took some Beechams hot lemon and stuck a bag of frozen peas on my head. Didn't sleep much so had a hot bath. Later Thursday afternoon forced myself to walk to Archway - just couldn't stop coughing. With all the wet weather just thought I was starting a cold so thought a walk in the fresh air would make me feel better. Had to give way and take a bus back just didn't have the energy to walk - actually thought I was going to faint - could only drag myself back to bed.

Feeling like death warmed up - Friday morning contacted the doctors and was told that as I didn't have a running nose and with all the other symptoms it was swine flu - gosh was completely blown away. Swine flu the dreaded word - who wouldn't be, it was a total shock.

Was informed it is so common round here they have stopped testing people - got to take Paracetamol to reduce the fever and to keep the temperature down however if I have real difficult breathing then and only then it's time to call an ambulance. In the mean time somebody healthy has to go and collect a document entitling me to antiviral medication. Have been advised rest, keep at home as much as possible and avoid close contact with small children.

Well that has put the cybosh on visiting the grandchildren this weekend - was hoping to have a look at their new house now they have moved in. They can't visit me either.

Last night had to wrap myself up in the duvet because I was shivering so much then the fever started again.

Woke up early this morning found the sheets soaking wet AGAIN - thinking of the washing when this is all over. However noticed this irritating cough is not so painful - the headache has eased - body doesn't hurt so much - still don't feel like eating though. and my voice sounds so gruff it's an effort to speak. Brain has not switched back into gear - even typing this is taking me ages - good thing for the save now button

Was thinking how many people around have this flu and don't realise it. Have noticed many people coughing. Not a lover of visiting the doctors - if it wasn't for the high fever I probably wouldn't have bothered contacting them. Seems now I'm listed on their table of swine flu statistics.

Well I'm back to bed...

Britblog Roundup 229

For those who are following the weekly round ups this weeks,

Britblog Roundup 229: The Bumper Office Moving Edition has just been published.

Missed any - you can catch up on other weeks on Britblog Roundup Central

Nominations for any post please send them in to britblog AT gmail DOTcom

She died all alone

From the Tribune this week - Another sad case of somebody dying and not been found for weeks.

Pensioner lay dead for weeks - A RETIRED secretary who was estranged from her children could have lain dead in the living room of her Islington... > more

Everytime I hear or read story like this it really disturbs me. It is not the actual death but the chilling thought of somebody being so isolated and dying on their own with their body not being discovered for weeks, months sometimes years is just horrible.

There have been a couple of cases round here over the past few months. Even now everytime I go near the two properties I can't help but think about them.

Scaffolding is to be put back!

A scaffolding tower is to be erected in the front of this property again - that's official. What a nightmare!

The heavy rain over the past week may be a welcome relief to some people after all the heat and gardeners will appreciate the weather. From my flat all I can say it's like living under a heavy waterfall.

When the scaffolding was up and the roof was being retiled cement poured down and hit my left hand front window. Was told they would clean the guttering and the window before they took the scaffolding down. Who am I to argue about something so logical.

The lower level guttering over the bay window also, listing the wrong way from the drainage down pipe so somebody in their wisdom propped it up with a loose brick.

Windows cleaned, scaffolding struck (down) everybody cheered. No sign of rain until we had a tropical storm and hailstones a few hours after my carpets were laid. Windows slightly open, a waterfall from the gutter above directly over the front room window hit the window box resulting in mud and water coming into my flat. What a mess - I was just furious - who wouldn't be - my lovely new carpet. 7.30 pm on a Saturday night to be washing muddy curtains just 2 hours after putting them back is absurd.

The following Monday the external supervisor shrugged it off with the glib answer that the guttering couldn't take excess water. Hate to be taken as a fool but his response didn't make sense. Water overflowing from a gutter would normally follow the incline of a building and overflow from one side of a building of another not from a bend in the guttering in the front of the building. Just knew he was talking from his backside but to prove it had to wait for more rain. It was obvious what was disturbing him - access to sort out the problem needs a scaffolding tower to be erected again which will delay the final signing off of the works in this property. After he left somebody removed the brick at the lower level but didn't clip the scaffolding. Don't know if the person who instructed it to be done thought the problem would go away. Sorry not on my watch.

I was hopping mad he hadn't taken it seriously - just knew what would happen when the rain started again.

Rain day after day - just heavy showers but the overflow has not stopped. Now everybody has seen the problem. The water pouring from the top guttering and the now second smaller fall from the lower level guttering. My window is caked with mud. What is the solution - Obviously a scaffolding tower. It's so infuriating it is not a case of a tower quickly being erected work done then the scaffolding taken down. The company has so much work on there is a queue of bookings.

This property is now in the queue - the tower is to be erected by the communal front door and lower level front bay window - but when it is to happen is the question? It is raining everyday and the water fall is constant. All the appologies in the world at the moment have completely gone over my head. It shouldn't have happened the new guttering and old downpipes should have been checked for blockage before the scaffolding came down - now to face all this hassle is just so infuriating.

Wednesday: Islington Conservatives open evening

Islington Conservatives have been advertising for people in the local papers. A novel way of making the local electorate aware that they are now active in the borough specially in the South. They are certainly making waves and people are noticing their activities.

I'm touched to have been invited by a local Tory friend - will be going to see what it is all about. Have been told that many people have made contact expressing interest. I'm curious as well to see how many other party moles will turn up as well.

PFI - It's coming to an end in this property

Such lovely hot weather - found I'm losing weight without even trying just because I don't feel like eating much. Not a fan of stodge - chips, baked beans, meat, bread or sugary soft drinks at the best of times - no oil for frying in my flat. Found it less stressful in the heat to buy the pots of fruit & salad in bags they now sell everywhere - prefer black tea to water or juice anytime. Mind you found diet Red Bull a quick pick me up - tastes good when cold.

Still struggling to finish the painting in between normal life - on the last room now. Amazing what you find behind radiators. Had to have them removed and drained to decorate behind because they are not the same size as the original ones. Wondering how old is the hideous flower wallpaper in the photo. No choice but the strip it all off.

Carpets came last Saturday for the rooms done - bit pricey but looks classy. Had to wait until Monday to have the door removed and shaved - wouldn't close. Bit spooky leaving one's flat door open for two days but it's really quite safe up so high. At the same time they fixed the new door threshold I'd purchased - looks good. No stress for them now having to look for a new one.

Still waiting for the new sofa - 25 days delivery time. My fault should have ordered it earlier. On impulse bought myself a new computer chair. The good ones are not cheap but a modern style one on sale at half price I couldn't resist. That was delivered in two days so I've somewhere comfortable to sit for a while

All the damaged bits that need to be replaced in my flat I managed to find locally. Couldn't be bothered waiting anymore. There's an old fashioned Aladdin's cave kind of shop for everything DIY and household in Kentish Town. The toilet seat I found half price at Homebase so that was sorted. Mind you the bathroom sink plug and chain has been jinxed. How do workers managed to break a chain for the third time. Was quite determined to find a strong one. Took the plug along with me to a proper plumbing suppliers. What a sweetheart - the young man who served me not only found a strong chain but fitted it to a new plug without charging me for the plug. Must have been my story and the builders in the queue making jokes about it - have to admit it's not everyday you see a granny carrying a plug into a wholesalers.

Told you can claim the money back but honestly it's not worth the hassle - the workers have done so many nice bits in my flat it seems a bit of a cheek on my part.

The final signing off for the works on this property is expected this week. Will be sure glad when it is over. Must be honest have been a bit of a nag making sure the bits get finished - I'm the one with the key to the communal front door and to keep waiting in all the time is irritating. Least the workers know where to find me parts of the day - makes me laugh when they come across the road to collect me for the key.

What I'm waiting for now is for the hall lights to be sorted out before then. The electrician came to rewire the communal lights and switches - asked them to leave the modern switches but somehow he didn't do the connections correctly so now only the one by the door in the hall works. Ok when it is light but at night it's a bit hairy up and down the stairs. One of the only two workers who really annoyed me - an electrician with attitude - well he or somebody has to sort it out.

Pleased the famous front boundary wall didn't have to come down and be rebuilt. The brickies came to cement some of the ground back and front - looks great. They fixed the wall with some special adhesive - was told it should last another 15 years even in it's bent shape. Least it's not wobbling anymore - demo kicks convinced me.

The assets inspector gave me a nice compliment. Said there has been minimal snagging on this property because I'm on the case as works are being done so many things have been picked up on the way making the over all effect look impressive. Should think so to - was told there is another lady like me in one of the properties somewhere in Highbury. Would love to meet her. Was very surprised to be told many residents just leave workers to get on with it and when things are not done correctly or go wrong they moan afterwards. What does it cost to pick up a phone and report a problem so it can be rectified quickly - less stress all round.

Friday this week, the weather slightly cooler, was able to test out the cable hooks and cut the grass - works brilliantly. The young plumber also adjusted the garden tap connection so when it is turned on the pipe from my flat does not make that awful rattling sound. Was able to wash down the place a bit. Garden has been a bit neglected of late but you can't do everything. Will have to try and fit it in somehow because it's the first thing my sister will want to see when she comes to stay this month. She's one of those who like tea and eating outside in the garden.

Have to wait and see what happens this week but for now it's back to the painting.

Beware of strangers at the door

There are reports this week in our local paper of bogus window cleaners conning their way into people flats and stealing money. It is so irritating reading these stories...

Bogus window cleaners raiding homes
POLICE are warning residents of burglars posing as window cleaners after a recent spate of thefts.... »

Sadly people are so trusting. Can't imagine letting two strange men into my flat without first checking their ID cards or knowing where they are from. I'm also very surprised in this day and age of cards how much money people do leave lying around.

Just this week had to spend some time with my small grandchildren. A man turned up with a big bag of tools saying he had come to check the gas installation and meter. As my son and family are moving soon thought it had something to do with that. However as I am not familiar with the area and didn't know the company I insisted he show me his ID and some documentation to prove he was genuine. Sure wasn't going to let him in without.

He very obligingly went to his van, clearly marked with the company logo and tel numbers, to collect it. Took him some time to fish out the paperwork - he apologised for the delay explaining that it is rare he's ever asked for an ID so keeps everything in his van for safe keeping. Only after inspecting it all did I let him in.

His statement really got me thinking - people are far too trusting. There is so much information out there about being safe in your home but obviously many people don't take any notice believing it will never happen to them.

More family stuff

Bit of disappointing news, cousin Ron and his wife Tini can't travel to UK for the summer - they were due to arrive at LHR this evening.

His daughters Julie and Alison together with Julie's husband went out to Cyprus to see him last month - real tear-jerking stories but they loved it.

Tini must of over exerted herself making the trip so memorable for them - meeting their dad again after so many wasted years. She fell somehow in the early hours and has really injured herself. Was touch and go at first but now she is at least in the land of the living but is to have an operation to pin her shoulder together. Poor Ron has been in bits - can't imagine how he's been feeling after all these years together. Least he's a dab hand at email so he has been keeping everybody informed almost on a daily basis. Their son Nick posted photos of her injury on Facebook - the bruising is horrific.

Everybody is so furious with BA because there is no refund or change of date on their Business Class tickets - something to do with rules about buying tickets online. Honestly would have thought they could have done something when it comes to special circumstances like that especially when it concerns elderly people.

Well my sister Anne-louise is still coming to London but will have to telephone around those that have been expecting to see him. Hope he can make it next year - you never know what life will bring - not sure if I'll be able to take my trip out there either now.

One good thing I'd completely forgot about. My fathers war medals arrived. Didn't know surviving next of kin could collect parents medals free of charge. Had to fill out a long form and sign some docs as the eldest surviving child. What a strange pecking order of inheritance they have. They warn you that the search process can take weeks but it has been several months now. Suddenly they arrived unexpectedly by special delivery. All in little boxes making one feel so proud just looking at them - especially the one for bravery. Haven't really had chance to investigate what they are for yet - there is no explanation how or when he received them - have them tucked away for when sis arrives - she'll probably call our family soldier, her son Matthew.

She is also soon moving from Plymouth. Seems sad they should leave that lovely house after so much work they have put in it. She was looking though family photos and found a batch of my daughter Jaycee (Jasmina) who died. All these years, I've really struggled mentally when dealing with small girls - nobody knows what it feels like to lose a child unless it happens to them - the pain never goes. I've only got one small photo of her. However have to accept that it is something I've got to try and get over somehow. Having a granddaughter has helped a lot but as her middle name is after Jaycee, when she gets older she's bound to ask me about her - she can already say her full name.

Anne-louise's brother-in-law, a photographer is making a framed wall collage with the photos. Still don't know how I'm going to handle it but I will put it up on the wall hoping one day I won't burst in tears every time I think about her.

My sisters interest is the tree and all the certificates I've collected. Am looking forward to the summer break to do some more work on it. Have many distant relations on hold at the moment - one relation I found sent me a load of certs via email saving me a lot of money and I've got the ones he needs. It is the scanning that takes the time.

More on all that for another post....