Suz Blog

Britblog Roundup 265 - Easter Edition

2010-04-04T23:56:00.004+01:00

Still a bit light with my blogging. However as it's my turn to host the BBRU roundup don't want to let the team down. Not many nominations this week but it is supposed to be Easter weekend after all.

Thought we might at least see some nominations about Easter or trips out but the general buzz on the blogs is - The general election nearly here at last!

Politics mixed with a slight Easter slant - from Instapunk

The United States is a Christian nation. Western civilization is a by-product of Christian consciousness. The real difference between conservatives and liberals has to do not with morality, per se, but the loss of faith in Christ himself.

Theo Sparks is Thinking of young men

For those following the polls Analysing a survey of policies

How it feels to live in a marginal seat one vote could effect a change. The feelings of many people when asked who they would vote for

"I don't really want to vote for Labour, but I don't really want to vote for the Tories, but then again the Lib Dems have no chance so that'd be pointless. So I don't really know."

The election war on YouTube, the videos are worth a play. I think everybody can relate to the annoyance of rushing to catch a train and finding the ticket machines out of order with the ticket office shut. What does one do but jump on a train and hope for the best.

Defending an important job Baroness Kinnock talks shop

Neil Craig continues his investigation of whether low level nuclear radiation is beneficial rather than dangerous by pointing to the execution in 1964 of a herd of cows irradiated 18 years previously who were due to enter the Guiness book of records for the world's oldest cattle.

Scotland's Chief Science Advisor says global warming will cause an increase in day length in Scotland

From Natalie Bennett: The problem with innovation - what happens if the new version is worse than the old one?

Stroppy Blog is defending the RMT's proposed strike action - Court Bans RMT Strike - It's Nothing To Do With Justice

The court ruling injuncting RMT's strike of Network Rail signallers lays bare Britain's trade union legislation for what it is: a set of laws designed not to ensure justice but to stop workers fighting back against the employers' offensive.

Different schools of thought - Sergeant Smellie has been acquitted of assaulting a protester at the G20 after the key witness failed to show up at the trial. Jim Jay's post was nominated as 'An unsweet acquittal' but he writes The sweet aroma of justice

Ambulance reality Patients' groups expressed horror at the "sick experiment" in which NHS managers have agreed to pay £38 for every casualty that ambulance staff "keep out of Accident and Emergency" (A&E) departments after a 999 call has been made. The tactic is part of an attempt to manage increasing demand for emergency care amid failings in the GP out-of-hours system.

From Charles Crawford as usual, his diplomatic approach to all issues - World's Most Pathetic Islamist Forgery - Ever!

That is all for now. Hope you all enjoy the rest of the Easter break! May the fluffy bunnies deliver basketfuls of chocolate! Just had a call from my grandchildren telling me the have been on an Easter egg hunt - Now that brings back memories. Tuesday it's supposed to be back to normal.

Send your nominations, as ever, to britblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

Partners Anonymous Tip Off Line

2010-03-30T13:42:00.010+01:00

At long last sees the launch of Partners ‘Anonymous Tip Off Line’ - 020 7288 8326.

This now gives residents the opportunity to report problems in confidence without fear of retaliation from others. The Residents Forum had been pressing for this for some time.

One can use this line to report issues such as:
Unauthorised occupation, illegal subletting, anti-social behaviour, harassment, noise, dogs, dumping of rubbish in gardens or any other issue that you would like to make the Housing management team aware of.

Feedback so far - it seems to be a big hit with Partners residents. Though some nervous people forget to leave the address they are calling about. The team hope these callers will call back.

So if you have something to complain about just pick up the phone!

Contacting Partners repairs team via Islington Council

2010-03-29T07:58:00.001+01:00

Good news for Islington Partners' residents who want to contact the repairs team via the council main switch board - Contact Islington 0207527200

The press button option 3 now says Repairs HFI or Partners Repairs. The Partners option directs the caller straight through to the team. This now cuts out what was a completely unnecessary layer of bureaucracy

Residents are always saying they can't remember the repairs line telephone number. Can appreciate that problem myself.

Have been having a running debate with management about the problem. There is presumption that everybody can retain numbers in their head or have numbers to hand when they need them. Countless times residents have had to copy the number from my ID card when I've had to visit them.

The argument has always been that the Partners phone number is free so why would anybody want to go through the council. The arrogance of some officials p... me off at times. They don't appreciate that council residents often don't understand the difference between the various Housing management organisations, all they know is that they are council tenants. They forget that many residents especially the older generation like to use the free phones at the neighbourhood offices. It's a place to go to meet people. They are dismissive of the fact that all hands are not equal and even a freephone call from a mobile phone is not actually free. It costs money holding on going round in circles waiting for somebody to answer them.

Well, I just have to say thank you to the Contact Islington admin team who put the changes in place.

TSA regulations enpowering Tenants

2010-03-20T08:18:00.009Z

Back to school at Trafford Hall.

Towards the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) regulations on Social Housing which comes into effect from April 2010, Partners Residents Forum member Chris Graham & myself attended the Resident - Led Regulation course at Trafford Hall, Chester. The following week we also attended the 3 day Tenants Inspection course 10 - 12 March.

It was organised at very short notice but because of the importance for Islington tenants we were encouraged to take advantage of the available places.

Quoting from the TSA website:
In the biggest shake up of social housing regulation in decades, the six standards, drawn up with tenants and landlords up and down the country, will come into effect from 1 April and cover how landlords need to deal with issues such as tenant involvement and empowerment, repairs and maintenance, rents, quality of accommodation, complaints and anti-social behaviour. In its new framework, the TSA’s six national standards which landlords will need to meet are:

Tenant involvement and empowerment, including customer service, choice and complaints, and understanding and responding to diverse needs

Home, including repairs and maintenance and quality of accommodation

Tenancy, including allocations, rent and tenure

Neighbourhood and community, including neighbourhood management, local area co-operation and anti-social behaviour

Value for money
Governance and financial viability.

What does it mean in reality. Teams of residents working independently but alongside management to scrutinise and inspect literally anything they feel needs addressing in their community. For so long residents have been told what has to happen by officialdom that documents and information are confidential.

Some local authorities and housing management organisations preempting the regulations have gone a long way in setting the wheels in motion. We had several representations and some of the course participants themselves demonstrated what they were doing in their areas. Was impressed with one group who confirmed that they now have 70 Tenant inspectors looking at voids, contracts, standard of works, output specifications, value for money and management issues.

One point that was clearly evident across the country is that Residents felt more comfortable in talking to other residents without officialdom listening to what they say. I was able to confirm this to be fact from my own experience of inspections and residents complaints.

A representative from the audit commission who is also a Tenant inspector in his own area explained how to operate so that Management do not 'cherry pick' which residents they visit.

The good news is that Chris and I were told the Partners residents forum is a good sounding board to start. A flash thought at the time, it would be wonderful if we could get 70 inspectors. What did surprise me is that some of the past suggestions made by forum members which were answered with the response they can't be done for one reason or another, are in fact all part of the new regulations. The old cliche comes to mind 'Put that in your pipe and smoke it'.

What did we gain from the training? It was so intensive but what we learned was invaluable. It is presumed that these courses will have to held locally because besides all the issues surrounding personal safety, signing confidentiality documents and identity cards residents will need to know what is expected of them.

Some groups have started off with looking at voids. The condition when a property is vacated. What can be recycled for use by other residents, the repairs works in progress, standard of workmanship and the final condition before a property is relet.

This has always been one of my gripes. To show high turn around performance ratings there is a tendency in Islington to invite residents to view a property before work is completed. The attitude is that desperate people will accept anything so they have to take it or leave it. This to my way of thinking is just wrong.

Marching to Save our Whittington

2010-02-28T21:42:00.017Z

Can't imagine anybody living locally who is not annoyed at the proposal to close Whittington Hospital 's A & E department.

The campaign against the closure has been going on for weeks.

The heavy rain didn't deter all those who turn out for the public March yesterday.

Quoting from our local papers

THERE were extraordinary scenes this afternoon when close to 5,000 people marched through the streets of Islington with one intention: To 'Save Our Whittington'.

The protest was over plans to cut the Accident and Emergency department at the hospital in Archway. After snaking from Highbury Corner to the hospital, there were speeches from politicians from all the main parties, patient campaigners and health experts. Eyewitnesses said it was the biggest march of its kind in Islington in recent memory.

Lets hope those who made the proposal will stop and think about residents needs....

Home meetings are more friendly

2010-02-26T22:41:00.007Z

The word seems to have gone round that if anybody wants to have a one-to-one meeting with me, my house is the preferable place - it's a more friendly atmosphere. I don't mind who wants to see me to discuss anything but travelling to offices all over the place even if they compensate you for travel expenses is so inconvenient.

Yesterday received two of United House management team. I really appreciated their effort because Swanley, UHL's base to London is not an easy journey - I've done it before. It's also gratifying to know my feedback from visiting residents is considered important enough for officialdom to arrange such meetings. On their part it also gives them the opportunity to look at the property and my flat as one of those refurbished under Islington's PFI program.

Last month the head of Housing management came round to discuss forum matters. He also took the opportunity to have a good look at this property and took some great photos. He's somebody I really like - with problematic residents cases he often visits personally.

He looked at my garden area which is bit sad at the moment. The ground is being contaminated by cleaning chemicals and other muck from the higher level. From my window you can actually see the water flow under the dying grass. The use of biodegradable cleaning stuff would be a start. Was in two minds to abandon the garden completely, will take time but the problem will be sorted. Waiting for an official soil tester, then perhaps the grass will all have to be dug up and turf laid.

There is no age limit for training

2010-02-25T22:21:00.008Z

Partners have an annual training programme budget for Resident forum members and their staff. Today, along with other members, attended a mini course on Housing Law. Was really intensive but so interesting. Loads of questions from everybody - Partners staff themselves all felt it was very useful job wise. Least there is a better understanding all round as to why some procedures as bureaucratic as they might be under current legislation, are implemented a certain way.

One section that was a real eye opener: Most people seem to be under the misconception that residents are either Secure or Assured tenancy. There are actually different types of tenancies ranging from a Starter tenancy to a Demoted tenancy.

The one all the course participants were naturally most interested in was a demoted tenancy. This was introduced by the Anti Social act of 2003 whereby social housing landlords can take away a secure tenancy.

I'm quite sure the next enquiry that is going to come up is how many demoted residencies Islington Borough has on their books.

Can honestly say it kept the old grey brain cells alert. Told by some of the staff afterwards I made them laugh - one has to put a bit of humour into the whole thing to lighten the tense atmosphere in the room.

We are apparently going to receive certificates. To add them to my collection is just to show I've not as yet lost my marbles but for younger people they are good to add to their CV's.

Feedback from other forum members fantastic - can I arrange other courses. Well I don't arrange anything I just make suggestions to management as to the course that members might be interested in.

It has however encouraged me to attend one of the three day courses held at Trafford Hall near Chester - am booked with another member on the next Inspectors course. Have been a bit reluctant in the past to travel so far on my own. Will be interested to to visit somewhere I've not been to for about 40 years - my companion says he doesn't mind trekking round Chester so I can find a fridge magnet. Started a collection some years ago of all the places I've visited in UK. Well he offered - he apparently also thinks I'm a lively soul. Wonder it he will feel the same after a few days in my company.....

Allergies that come & go

2010-02-24T23:09:00.004Z

Had a very excited granddaughter on the phone telling me about her visit to the doctor and him pricking her arm. She can now have chocolate - her treat for being so good all these years - chocolate fingers.

For children born with allergies, it's a nightmare when it comes to food. Both my grandchildren were born lactose intolerant.

They had to go for tests every six months - doctors kept saying they might grow out of it. My grandson was cleared just after his 2nd birthday but my granddaughter's case has dragged on. Now over 3 years to be cleared of her milk allergy is great - she said no more Soya and she can now have some of my friend's Jaffa cakes which are hidden in my cupboard. Funny girl.

Sadly her peanut nut allergy will probably be for life. She loves marzipan on cakes so almonds are obviously not a problem.

Must be honest I have to admire the way they have both coped with it - they have never complained. It is difficult to make young children understand that something they may eat could make them very ill. It's worrying for parents.

By sheer coincidence went to the doctors myself for the results of my own test. Seems I've also got the all clear. I was told I have developed a wheat allergy and since I was 14 anything oily or milky foods have always made me feel sick so I've avoided them as much as possible for most of my life.

What I don't understand is how dangerously high cholesterol levels can drop back to normal without medication. I was given Statins last year but they made me so sick and mentally confused I just refused to take them. Don't think the doctors really believed me when I told them. I don't cook any fried food - there is only olive and sesame seed oil in my cupboard. Nor do I drink dairy milk of any kind. All I have done to change my diet is to drink Soya chocolate milk as a substitute for chocolate sweets and deserts. Then reduced the amount of carbohydrates to try and lose some weight.

As I'm at an age when doctors send you appointments for government approved tests for all sorts, I've given up trying to fight the system because if one doesn't attend the appointments the letters just don't stop - the docs told me that they keep getting reminder letters from authorities if patients don't comply. For now they have my co-operation at least to stop all the useless paper that comes though the letterbox.

A birthday comes but once a year

2010-02-08T14:04:00.006Z

Yesterday was my birthday. Wasn't looking forward to it this year but it turned out to be absolutely amazing.

Was so surprised the number of cards I received even from some of the residents I've been helping. How some people knew it was my birthday god only knows. Flowers are also so cheerful - now I've got a proper place to put them they made the whole flat smell lovely.

My sister Anne-louise travelled up from Plymouth which was great. Don't know where she found them but she gave me some coins in pretty bags from the year I was born together with a Denton china antique dress pin. Probably be worth a bob or two in the future. We even had a friendly chat with our other sister Jean who seems to be mellowing as she gets older. Cousin Richard called us on Skypac - sort or chuffed he remembered that sis was coming down.

In the evening my son Sule & Natasha arranged a special dinner at a Lebanese restaurant in Central London. Tash asked me one day what kind of food I liked best. Sule gave her the answer Lebanese or African - just knew her the selected choice would be Leb food.

It's good to have something one hasn't eaten for some time. My sister was as pleased as I was. Don't think either of us has eaten Lebanese cuisine since relocating back from Africa.

What is it about families taking about old times. When the Arabic dancer started, Sis just had to tell Tash about my winning an Arabic dancing competition when I was younger. God! just thinking about it makes me cringe - my gesticulating the hips with a scarf around the the backside. I've always been able to dance but that day I won with a standing ovation, I was speechless because I was the only non Arabic dancer.

Sunday was also fun. Least Sule came and picked up his brother and took sis to the station. Well another birthday over for this year.

Britblog Roundup 258: The no title edition

2010-01-31T23:20:00.029Z

Very few nominations this week - Not very exciting - Most posts have a political slant. Well a nomination is a nomination after all so here goes....

Saying that is all well and good but about to start my spiel, I've suddenly found on my new computer with the latest version of windows Blogger is not working the way it should. Whatever next. Lets see how we get on. Might have to call the tech guys....

We start with a bit of local news which is guaranteed to run and run. A bit of a shocker last week Tuesday to hear on the national news 'Camden's Lib Dem Mayor arrested over benefit fraud'. It's in all the local newspapers - bloggers as well. Cllr Faruque Ansari has been suspended from the Lib Dem council group but he has refused to resign his seat on the council or as the Mayor.

Political parties are ruthless - not quite the case of 'off with his head' but the old adage innocent until proven guilty certainly hasn't been applied in his case.

It's actually a very serious matter for an elected politician. I'm refraining from any comment because I know him but it's disappointing to say the least.

Ian Parker-Joseph's interesting post is food for thought as they say - Was David Kelly suicided to protect Blair

The news that Lord Hutton had secretly, a year after the end of his enquiry, taken unprecedented action to ensure that the vital evidence surrounding David Kelly’s death remains a state secret for up to 70 years has many people curious as to why. What are they covering up!!!!

From Witterings From Witney, sometimes a few words say a lot - Exactly who is being led by who 'by the nose'?

From Pro-liberia this week- The cycle of liberty/ -

Interesting thought on the Historical sequence of our liberty.

From bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance;
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy;
From apathy to dependence;
From dependence back again into bondage

Governmentitus writes another short but to the point post- Britains New Deal In Europe

What is it about the sight of women in public wearing burkas and face-veils that is so contentious? Do people really care - Tolerance and Approval are quite different. Many people have strong opinions about the issue. If you have something you need to get off your chest add to the comments after the post.

Fair assessment from Stumbling and Mumbling - What Apathy? Many people are disillusioned with the current political climate. For some electorate even the thought of voting is a waste of time.

Mark Pack is a political realist - Social media’s impact on politics, part one: the groups that face extinction

Welcome to a two-part series about the real impact social media (or social networking) is having on politics in Britain. In part one I look at the groups which face extinction, whilst in part two I will look at why pundits searching for the impact of social media on politics in 2010 are looking in the wrong place.

Hope next week we will be able to read part 2. In the meantime can bet my bottom dollar feisty Shami Chakrabarti will be spitting feathers.

There is no need to add anything to Alex Wilcock's post the title says it all.
New Labour’s 4,289 New Laws – Yet Blair Walks Free

From blog On An Overgrown Path - Love life and crimes against humanity. Heavy reading which the intellectuals will enjoy.

From Guido Fawkes' Guys news a video adding a bit of spice to this roundup - he thrives on dishing the dirt.

Many people are of the same opinion - Blair Getting Away With Murder

Blair just said "You would be hard pressed to find anyone who in September 2002 doubted that Saddam had WMD". We all know that turned out to be a big fat lie.

Another food for thought, James Hingham piece - add your comments Behold … the portal to a chance … a tiny chance

The Anger of a quiet man writes Utter failure of new Labour

♫ Things can only get better ♪ That was the song that heralded in the reign of New Labour, the Blairite dream team, the leftist militant tendency consigned to the ashes of history, a brand new day dawning and freedom from the corruption and sleaze of the Major government.

What we actually got was this. .....read on

A change of tempo - Charles Crawford 's apt choice of words to describe Craig Murray's, noisy misrepresentation of a former colleague. Craig Murray: drama queen

Craig Murray's vanity knows no bounds. His 'story' is soon to be dramatised on the BBC! If I can bear to listen I'll do so and give you a full and fair review.

To round off this blog Jonathan Calder diverts from politics with more on his visits to places around the country. This week it's Kibworth Harcourt and the Jarrow march. Some of his writings would make an interesting tour guide.

Well that's all for this week. Next weeks host will be Charles Crawford
Send your nominations, as ever, to britblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

Tory Campaigning in Islington

2010-01-29T00:27:00.002Z

My friend Richard making a big splash in the Tribune this week.

‘It’s not where you’re from, it’s where you’re going,’ says Tory Richard Bunting

Well it is all about election strategy these days.

We share the same birthday so must remember to contact him next week.

Like a snail I'm slowing coming back

2010-01-24T06:54:00.014Z

Had a break from blogging for some time. For the past few months life's been a bit chaotic - the extreme cold weather has also been affecting these arthritic old bones - have to accept age is catching me. Decided to reduce some of my community activities to reduce stress levels. I'm not standing for reelection as a Governor of the Camden and Islington Foundation Mental Health Trust. There are just not enough hours in day to take on all the committee work load as well of the Resident Forum. Even helping in the shop across the road is now only the odd hour - Need also to be available to look after the grandchildren the odd days and especially in the school hols. Easier for me to go to their house even if the journey takes me nearly two hours.

Just before Christmas I accompanied the independent inspector to some of Partners residents properties. What an eye opener. That together with some of the Residents case loads taken on by the forum really got to me - it's difficult to be hard faced when people need help in trying to resolve a problem when they feel officialdom is not listening to them. A hard slog at times but just to see the smiles on people faces and the thank you cards is enough to make it worthwhile. Keep saying I won't take on more cases but as soon the next one come ups I know I'll find myself unable to refuse.

Now that the meetings are held at the Town Hall so many residents are turning up with their problems. Makes the meetings a bit more lively, though for the last two I've had to jig the agenda around so they can have their say.

Never thought there would come a time when I would avoid shopping - find it so much easier to shop online. To add complications to my life my computer 'old friend' finally packed up. Meant I had to go out and purchase one off the shelf in hurry. Had to bite my tongue when looking at the various model specifications, young sales assistance tried to tell me what I should have completely ignoring my requirements. The look on their face when I started to ask them technical stuff was priceless. Management intervened , I ordered what I needed and they offered to deliver free of charge. Meant an additional weeks delay but it was that or looking for a taxi to lug all the boxes home.

Back up and running with one of those video cameras, early last Sunday I automatically reacted to the online bell ringing. I'm sitting in my dressing gown looking like something the cat dragged in and my cousin Richard in Aus appeared om the screen sitting in the brilliant sunshine with his swimming pool behind him and a great boxer dog jumping around. What a laugh. Took me ages to work out how to just have the voice and not the visual online screen image. Sure won't make that mistake again.

Richard bless him was concerned not having heard from me for some time - my cousin buddy who is researching his part of the family tree on the other side of the globe. The family all over the world are so excited that I finally solved the 120 year old mystery as to who was the real father of my grandfather Claud and his brother Wallace. With London Baptism records now online was able to work out who he was with the strange combination of names. So odd to think that all the Wooldridges in the family should really be Hambers. After seeing the two properties in Islington where great gran Blanche lived after her first husband died wondered how she could have afforded them. Now we know a family of Military Officers and Gentlemen going back generations - so odd these days to see profession lively on 'own means'.

Found one of the relations who confirmed all the facts - George made me laugh by saying he was doing the Hamber tree before he himself becomes an Ancestor. In his mid 80's he is wonder with facts and records.

Was supposed to my turn to write the British Blog roundup this weekend - I completely forgot. A quick swop so now I'll have to compose myself for next weekend.

Partners, You can now email the Chair of the Residents Forum

2009-10-06T23:40:00.009+01:00

It's all go since I became Chair of the Residents forum. Today was a bit of glamour. Partners are now promoting their image and as Chair that means me as well. Had to pen a message to be included in the next Gazette. There is always a cut off deadline in all publications so as usual was done in rush. The next problem was photos of me.

Doesn't look good to have the same tired old photo used over and over again. They need some for the media and their website as well. I'm good at taking photos of others but I don't have any suitable current ones.

With a variety of outfits ready, Tom from HQ turned up this afternoon with his camera. Luck was in - the rain stopped just as he arrived. What a laugh - kept changing my clothes as he took photos all over my flat and around the property. In keeping with Islington recycling drive had some shots taken around and looking into the new Green 250 litre wheelie bin - will be interesting to see how they turn out. Least Tuesday is our collection day so it was easy to move all the empty bins and containers around.

More photos taken in the garden - I'm always chuffed after all my effort when officialdom say something nice about the garden. Partners have a planned series of themes for each Gazette - one in the pipeline is on the subject of maintaining gardens and the cleanliness of property frontages. After all the refurbishment works the whole property looks great. Office bound, it's probably the first time Tom has actually seen one of the properties made-over- he was impressed. An example of what can be done with a little care this property will most likely be photographed a lot during the next couple of years.

Partners are keeping up with modern technology - there will be no more traipsing back and forth, to sign letters - what a relief. They have also now created a separate email address for the Forum chair as well so that will be interesting to see what people write in about.

Islington Partners Residents forum: Introducing the new chair.

2009-09-17T22:37:00.008+01:00

Busy, busy, busy - After the summer break Sept is always full of meetings - this year is no exception. Tonight was Islington's 'Partners' Residents forum meeting.

First up on the agenda, the election of Chair for a two year term. Feel very proud that yours truly was elected by the members with a wide majority. Richard Best was elected vice-chair. Other residents were co-opted after the election so we now have a good team in place.

Being the Chair for two years is a real commitment but everybody including officialdom seems to feel I'm up to the task. They are all used to my making waves so to speak but its all for the long term good of Islington residents anyway.

The Summer edition of the Partners Gazette has since been distributed to the 5000 plus residents living in properties managed by Partners. Good to see some of the concerns of residents were included in the publication - gives members of the forum encouragement that their voice is being heard. The Autumn edition is already being planned. Other issues of concern or interest will be in the next one - Including something about visitors to properties(family & friends) and their behaviour.
Seems now I'm going to have to write something to be included in each edition of the Gazette. Not a problem with so much going on around.

The forum members had already been informed about the new recycling developments and it is hoped an article will be included in the next edition as well. I'm pleased that wheelie bins were distributed to some of the residents in this area and all the old green boxes collected. So far everybody who has received one are very pleased - less mess and easy to manage. For this property we did get two delivered to share - should think do to, what good would one wheelie bin be.

As the meetings are open to the public, our new venue at the Town Hall means easy access for most residents and plenty of space for people to sit - so welcome all.

End of the summer

2009-09-13T08:32:00.007+01:00

Seems we are at the end of the lovely hot weather. All week it has been chop and change between extremes in weather conditions. Tuesday was able to get the pool out for my grandson - he actually managed to get me in it up to knee level. It was either that or get sprayed - least it was fun. He has started his new school but for the first week they close for half the day. Having attended nursery since the year dot he's full of confidence but some of the other children have never been away from their mothers before so find it very distressing. He just said at the moment school is boring but at least he's been able to spend time with his nans'.

They live so far a way now I have to meet him half way at London Bridge. Not a stress, he knows the way on the Northern line down all those long passages without batting an eye lid. God he's so sensible I'm just amazed the way he thinks - like a little old man giving me instructions not to go near the yellow line and making sure I touch in and out with my oyster card. At times he seems to be looking after me not the other way round. So pleased he has now learnt where I live and knows what to do in an emergency - such a relief.

Thursday again the weather wasn't so good - indoor activities. Imagine him telling me to go quietly up the stairs so as not to disturb the neighbours.

Saturday was another scorcher. My foster mum was showing two of her Champion boxer dogs at the Richmond dog show. If she can travel all the way from Wales at her age then who am I to say anything about travelling from North London to Guildford Surrey so off I went. The train journeys weren't so bad but at the other end just couldn't be bothered looking up buses so jumped in a taxi. A wise choice - it was miles - would have taken forever on a bus. Habits die hard - Get told off as if I'm still a child so didn't dare be late when I promised I'd be there.

Arrived in time to see the young Alice strut her stuff and win another prize. The two dogs have won so many prizes this year they more than qualify for Crufts. Guess who will be going to Birmingham again next year.

Islington: Wheelie Bins for recycling

2009-09-09T11:09:00.006+01:00

Islington recycling will soon announce more plastic items that can be included in the weekly collection - such as plastic containers, Tetrapack, drinks carton and plastic bags.

Where resident should put all the stuff has also been considered - the sensible news is wheelie bins for recycling are being introduced. They are not being rolled out around the borough but an opt in arrangement is being organised as a trial.

One can only say thank heavens for that. Already in the property where I live there are 9 green boxes and most weeks this is not enough. Then with the wind, the boxes at time are a nightmare to keep closed and recycling rubbish is blown about sometimes in the street.

Sounding out opinions of adjacent neighbours and other local residents in the area most I've spoken to welcome the idea as long as they retrieve the old garden boxes and not create another problem with redundant green boxes and nowhere to keep them. Even the route collectors say it would make their collection much easier - there is apparently a high rate of recycling in this area.

Well I've included this property on the list. As a multi-occupancy property one wheelie bin won't be enough so I'm hoping they will give us two for the trials - least that's on the cards for now.

Waiting for more official information about the scheme so watch this space...

Britblog roundup 238: The end of the Summer hols version

2009-09-07T07:28:00.005+01:00

It's the end of the summer hols - children are back to school - the nightmare begins - heavy London traffic. Why can't the little darlings just walk to school or get a bus and save the environment.

Checking this weeks nominations, seems like many bloggers are still getting back into the swing of things except of course the political bloggers who have always got something gobby to say.

Last week was extremely traumatic for me - it's continued this week with calls and impromptu visits which have really disrupted my whole weekend - not that I mind because people who are distressed need somebody to talk to. By sheer coincidence Lynne Featherstone MP penned about her hospice visit North London Hospice - she wrote,I have always been shocked - that end of life care (dying basically) is often left to charities rather than being part of the NHS and properly funded by them.

A news item that's really pissed me off - the demise of the 100watt condensate bulb has likewise irked many people - the energy saving bulbs supposed 100watt equivalent is useless if one needs bright light. Unmitigated England's witty gist Black Out says it all,

We've seen some jaw-dropping dictates from them for some time, but this one beggars belief. So, from yesterday apparently, it's 'ban all those perfectly serviceable lightbulbs.....

To calm the mood - see photo above. English Buildings always has interesting facts about historical buildings. This week he's writing about a lighthouse in Burham on Sea, Somerset.

But in the end, buffeted and battered, I made it to the Low Light, Burnham’s sea-shore lighthouse on poles. This unusual structure was built in 1832.

Just wonder how he finds the time to visit all the buildings he writes about.

Pro Liberi's on his soap box - Milking the consumer - About corporations holding back on replacing technology to get the most out of their investment and screwing the consumer.

Interesting post - Stumbling and Mumbling on X Factor politics - Seems the X Factor has become the show that every politician must watch

Remember the Jersey scandal. A good, straight cop responds to the Jersey establishment's lies -Lenny Harpers guest posting on Senator Stuart Syvret's Blog

Ben, a convicted murderer, asks if he, as a prisoner should be allowed to blog.

The F-word reviews the book Bluestockings, The Remarkable Story of the First Women to fight for an Education, by Jane Robinson

England’s first college accepting female undergraduates was established in 1869. In 1948, Cambridge became the last university in the country to grant degrees to its female students. Alexandra Roumbas Goldstein reviews a book which charts the years in between....

Mark Reckons recently interviewed Douglas Carswell about his book the Plan which he co-wrote with Daniel Hanman

Chicken Yogurt writes, When is a nuclear submarine not a nuclear submarine - Take for example, the recently launched Indian nuclear submarine, the INS Arihant (Destroyer of Enemies). Just how many enemies the Arihant could be the destroyer of right now is debatable,for you see...

Clairwil shouts All Hail Lubna 'whip me if you dare' Hussian

Bishop Crammer is really put out that the NHS is advertising for Faith and Spirituality Coordinators. What a waste of money.

Liberal Conspiracy feels Feminists aren't letting down Muslim women - just hate it when men are opinionated about women matters when they know nothing.

Jonathon Calder writes Russell Howard and Mock the week - an interesting post.

A well reasoned commentary - Bulger to Edington - small kids killing other smaller kids for sadistic pleasure - stuff that nightmares are made of.

The adventures of Juliette ponders why factual crime is always so much more banal, depressing and predictable than the fictional version?

Penny Red most vocal as usual - Reproductive freedom and racial paranoia

It goes without saying - Why journalism still beats blogging.

A modern day fagan - Just looking at his photo, all I can say is Yuk.

This a special request not a blog post. Our Soldier boy Matt after a serious head operation a year ago is trying to raise money for the Army's Headley Court rehabitation centre which is largely funded by donations. Now disabled but still in the Army he is taking part in sporting competitions on behalf of the Army's disabled soldiers. If you can help even with a fiver, please donate to Just Giving so he reaches his target of £2000.

That's all for this week. Sorry it's not my usual witty post but one has to be in the mood to crack jokes.

Next weeks round up will be hosted by Natalie Bennett who pens Philobiblon

Missed any BBRU posts - you can catch up on other weeks on Britblog Roundup Central
Nominations for any post please send them in to britblog AT gmail DOTcom

End of life care!!!

2009-08-31T08:56:00.011+01:00

Spent a traumatic week at the Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead, North London around the bedside of somebody I love - she died late Friday night. Not something easy to talk about but her 'foster granddaughter' summed up my feelings on Saturday when she wrote on Facebook.

Have u ever cried, till u can cry no more and realised that ur body is still sobbing but thee is nothing u can o to stop?

Tears wouldn't stop - had to sit in the garden - the only place I could go away from all sound so the neighbours wouldn't hear my painful raking crying. Phone didn't stop ringing - people asking if I'm Ok - all were appreciated even if I couldn't say much through the tears.

The concept of being referred to a Hospice to die is something I've not had any experience of before - a real shock to the system. Located not far from where I live but going every day with the feeling of dread, just couldn't handle public transport - the local taxi company were marvelous - seems their services are used frequently by others in the same situation going to the same hospice.

To be honest it is a much more friendly atmosphere and much nicer than a hospital but to be sent there after being told there is no hope and you are going to die is mind blowing - end of life care they call it. It's not actually dying with dignity - many people linger on for weeks and that is what I can't get my head round - it's unnerving. The time between the coma state and actual death - is agonising to witness. The staff though are just marvelous but they have to be special to work in that kind of environment. They even extend their support to visitors - much appreciated when people are distressed.

Checking some of the blog, by sheer coincidence Lynne Featherstone MP penned about her hospice visit North London Hospice - she wrote,

I have always been shocked - that end of life care (dying basically) is often left to charities rather than being part of the NHS and properly funded by them.

She has hit the nail on the head - I was more than surprised to learn that the hospice is funded by donations and not the NHS. Doesn't seem right somehow - there should be at least some contribution. I fully support the motion about this.

Still struggling to get myself back on track - back to unpacking my few remaining boxes. Grandchildren came round yesterday completely lifting my mood. After jumping all over me, such polite little beings (shoes off in nana's house), first question, where were their slippers for my house - where were all their toys. Full of beans they inspected the new layout of my flat and of course it was down in the garden......

Escape from the maddening crowd

2009-08-18T13:55:00.013+01:00

Had an amazing time at my cousin Julie's. A lot's happened since my - Real family 'Fathers for justice' story. Julie, her hubby and sister Alice went to Cyprus to see their dad.

Then by a real stroke of luck found their eldest missing half brother Mick - another emotional journey especially for Mick who is almost my age. He and his wife have now also booked a holiday to Cyprus as well.

Through all of it, Julie has been a star - found we really get on and have been in touch ever since. She is my kind of person, somebody you don't have to mind your P's & Q's with. Kept promising I would go and visit but after my bout of flu took the bull by the horns.

Saturday up with the larks dashed out to catch the tube - was completely taken back when not only the Victoria Line was closed for engineering works but most of the other lines as well. Always say I'm a silly mare at times - should have checked before travelling. Thinking about the time of the train from Victoria, dashed over the road to borrow twenty quid from my friends shop and jumped in a taxi. Actually missed my train but because of road works around Victoria they allowed passengers on the next train without paying any penalty

Journey took less than two hours - got off and there was Julie smiling away. It was like we had known each other for years. What a marvelous place she lives in. The beach nearby and Arundel Castle the principal home of the Duke of Norfolk was just a short drive away. Just love old worldly places - Arundel was a real picture book place - some real posh shops and expensive houses.

Spent several hours touring the castle - except for Buck Palace haven't been inside one that's actually lived in. The old part was as expected, we climbed up and down all the towers. The stair wells are so narrow, can't imagine how anybody a bit over weight can manage the winding stairs. Something I'd never given a thought to before - some boys were having a good laugh at the open historic tube toilet in the top of the tower walls - bit cold for 'bums' in the winter and where did the crap all drop on to.

Over at the main part of the castle where the family live, by some fluke the guest bedrooms were open. What an eye opener - wondered how anybody nowadays can manage in those historical bathrooms. The height of the beds, even I would would have to jump to get on them - no wonder they made some special steps for Queen Victoria when she visited the castle.

As we were leaving just had to go to the loo. Cubical doors were the wooden barn type. Was in fits laughing when two elderly ladies commented with relief that at least the visitors toilets were modern.

From the Castle it was tea in an old fashioned tea/coffee shop - just the basics none of the modern Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte or Mocha stuff. Reminded me of the Agatha Christie films. Being with Julie was a laugh a minute - no point wearing my eye makeup, it kept coming of with laughter tears.

From there was a quick stroll along the sea front then back to Julie's house. Her hubby cook up some lovely nosh for us - ate until I was stuffed. With her two sons still living at home what a fun house.

Couldn't get over how quiet it was in the evening - quite unnerving for those of us who live in London.

Sunday we went to see her sister, my cousin Alison - she was so pleased to see me. Can't get over how much she resembles my own sisters. Then out of respect we called on her mum. The rest of the time flew past. Bit sad to have to leave. Got home almost midnight. Not unusual in it's self but the complicated journey because of the tube network's downtime made it very tiring.

Will I go again - hope so - that's if they want me.

BritBlog Roundup 235 BBRU 235: Midsummer Fat Panic Edition

2009-08-17T23:55:00.000+01:00

Like a knight in shining armour Charles Crawford stepped into the breach and swapped with me - this weeks BritBlog Roundup - BBRU 235: Midsummer Fat Panic Edition is now on his blog.

Big relief - a great load off my head. He's such a witty writer well worth a read. My turn will now be 6th Sept.

Stress - I live here too!!!

2009-08-14T07:54:00.013+01:00

Another week nearly ended - was supposed to be my quiet week - no chance to rest - unreasonable noise on a daily basis is doing my head in - feel like screaming out the window at times, I live here too.

Didn't receive any post for 3 days - not sure when the London postal strikes are planned but they seem to be ongoing - so irritating when one is expecting important mail.

Last weekend booked a mini break away - was told as it was an advance rail ticket they have a special deal - £10 return. Was flabbergasted - instead of the £27 single - who wouldn't take such a deal. Expected the tickets Monday but they only arrived this afternoon and a late post at that. Was getting myself unnecessarily stressed that they wouldn't arrive in time.

Tuesday one of my impulse buys arrived by courier delivery - a garden vac cum shredder. The trees at the back look lovely but I'm getting too old to keep raking up the thousand of falling Autumn leaves. Wasn't cheap and not easy to put together either - was also sceptical it would work the way advertised. Just had to try it out so it was a day in the garden. The gizmo is marvelous - it gobbled up all the dried grass cuttings (even with a mover that's supposed to collect the grass there are always some lumps left behind), the paper, leaves and other rubbish.

Was able also do a bit more pressure hose washing down - can only use it gradually nowadays the vibration hurts my hands. Bit surprised at the detergents suds and yucky smell which formed in the water hitting the brick step - had to scoop up the water rather than let it drain away so it wouldn't kill the grass. The whole back is on a slope and any water drainage seeps into the garden section - some days it floods. Now the pathway doesn't smell and looks lovely with all the green stuff gone - won't be slippy in the winter.

Seem to be spending a fortune on snail and slug killer. If they didn't eat the plants wouldn't bother but they seem to be out in force this year. Likewise bug killer spray - Many of the shrubs and mini tree are being infected by the two small apple trees that have been left to grow all straggly not pruned or sprayed. The owner won't listen to me but it's so sad to see them going brown with the leaves all holely - no lush fruit only a few struggling apples on one tree that just fall off all brown and yucky. Any that fall on my side - more food for the worms in the composter.

Still have to cut the overhanging branches - a job for next week. I know legally I don't have to ask but it's called being polite. Have nice neighbours on both sides of the property. The creeper growing along the left wall they don't want cutting. It has completely covered their side - they say it covers up the ugly wall and the squirrels don't like running along it. On the other side the lady says I can cut anything back that is overhanging so there is light on my own plants, same for the residents living in the properties at the bottom of the garden. Why can't everybody be just a nice.

Wednesday my stuff in storage finally arrived. Been a bit of a stress getting it back - people who organise it have been away. Least my flat looks better with the rest of the furniture in it - have a table to eat on not - not easy managing with trays. My mini office cupboard also - at long last somewhere to put all the files and papers. Didn't realise how many boxes the packers used. Stuck high in the hallway have only managed to unpack 12 so far. Finding so many things I don't really need anymore - the answer the local Freecycle - everything goes. Specially the brown boxes and white packing paper there is a queue of people waiting for them. Loads of stuff went today.

Wednesday also went outside to collect my recycle food box - I'd forgotten about the collect on Tuesday. As usual - only 4 boxes were very neatly stacked with the others 5 just left scattered as the collectors had left them. How that's for spite - being territorial about green boxes - it absolutely ludicrous - I always sort them out for everybody if I've got time. Who cares about what goes in the boxes or whose they are. In a nice world they should be just filled up one by one. Not this is my box and that is yours, it's all so petty. The same on collection night I put everything together. If I forget my green stuff and food box is just left behind - so very sad that adults can behave in this way.

Thursday more unpacking - seems never ending - my brain briefly evaporated - was so tired fell asleep on the sofa.

Friday was just a nothing day was quite determined I wasn't going to stress myself by unpacking anymore boxes - They'll have to wait until next week. To relax is working on my family tree. Post arrived with 2 more death certs and 1 marriage - working on the Penny/Lamb family 1700-1800's - direct ancestors. So difficult to get it right when names are common - was so chuffed when they turned out to be correct. There are over 20 family trees on the web with some of the same names but nobody has the details on the certs I received - am chuffed with my investigative skills. Also a whole batch on London records have been put on the web - found 3 of my grandfather half brothers marriages. I'm one of those that like to know what happened to people.

Brtiblog roundup 234

2009-08-12T11:55:00.000+01:00

This weeks Britblog roundup 234 has been posted by Jonathan Calder - The one that breaks the rules. He's slapping the wrist of everybody so I suppose that includes me - I'm guilty of forgetting to post the roundup each week.

Just realised that I'm supposed to be the one producing next weekends - Unfortunately that's not going to be possible so I hope I can get one of the syndicate to change with me.

Rarely seen photos 1800s

2009-08-07T08:28:00.004+01:00

Hat tip - Bridget Fox who is into all things good about Islington when she is not slagging off her Labour opponent Emily Thornberry.

For history buffs - The Daily Mail has an article with some interesting old photos of 1800s London and beyond.

One that caught my eye - London's famous landmark Nelson's Column under construction in April 1844 - have a look.

Apparently the British Library holds 350,000 historic pictures in its vaults, and for the first time ever it is running an exhibition of these rarely seen pictures, which will open in Oct this year - as it not far from here would be fascinating to see some more of the collection.

From the beyond my choice is the 1846 photo of the Colosseum in Rome - can't help remembering taking my sons there when they were young. While I was more interested in the history of the place they were fearlessly running about in the centre pretending to be lions and Roman gladiators - as we at were that time visiting from Africa I was so surprised that they even knew what gladiators were.

A day of surprises

2009-08-06T21:21:00.008+01:00

Received a surprise letter today confirming my appointment as an associate Director on the Homes for Islington (HFI) Performance Management Committee on behalf of Partners.

It's all about performance, best practice and value for HFI services - serious stuff. Having been recommended for the post, went along to a meeting Monday - loads of reading - a packed agenda. Most of the other Directors and Associates I've met before so it wasn't like going into a room full of strangers.

Known to be somebody who says it as it is, calling a spade a spade - added my quota to the meeting. Seems somebody liked my approach.

Not much to actually report back to Partners - a little about PFI leaseholder issues but what made me smile was the matter of enforcing tenancy conditions with dogs as the priority. Tenants are allowed one dog, two with permission but in the past the regulations haven't been enforced with the result some residents have several and others even illegally breeding them. Two of the councillors were most vocal about the situation which is considered now getting out of hand. How they are going to implement the regulations uniform across the borough is yet to be confirmed - bureaucracy and red tape not withstanding eventually there will be an action plan.

Another issue that has resurfaced this week - the back left side boundary adjoining wall which is gradually falling apart and listing dangerously towards this property - after every rain more cracks appear - the middle section has completely separated from the two end wall sections. From next door the wall can been seen to be bending over in a kind of curve. In March 2007 suits came to inspect it then the matter went dead.

2009 one of new tenants next door is concerned as well - the company which owns that property has agreed to go halves with the cost of pulling it down and rebuilding. Now another survey appointment has been made. Was told that with so many walls in the queue it is turn by turn. Though if everything is agreed could be just 6 weeks after inspection before the work starts.

We live to see - the wall obviously dangerous something has to be done about it. I'm more concerned how they will go about it and the garden.

Green Energy & Oyster cards you are never to old to learn

2009-08-04T23:01:00.005+01:00

Today is Barack Obama's birthday - today is also my son Sule's and his partner Natasha's birthday. I often wonder what are the odds of other couples being born not only on the same day but the same year - grandchildren have got their head round the strange situation by singing happy birthday to mummy and daddy.

What to buy for presents - just has to be for their new house. Went to see it last week with my sister. Excited children showing me every cupboard in every room. A house is a house but what has fascinated me about it is, as a new build it has many green energy saving features I've heard about but never seen in use before. Specially the solar panels on the roof, have to admit I'm still not sure in practical terms how they actually work.

Set back from the main road, one impressive feature about the whole building complex is the unusual shaped layout. There is even a closed off fully equipped children's playground visual to all residents so small children can play safely.

Learned another valuable lesson today about the use of the Oyster card. Unless one has a weekly or monthly payment on a card with the pay-as-you-go type, no matter how much money is on the card you have to buy a separate ticket to travel on the overland trains. As a visitor to London got my sister a pay-as-you-go. Loads of money on the card but when we rushed to catch the train we were blocked by the barrier. Had to queue up for a ticket - all so frustrating especially when the trains are only every half hour and it's getting to past children's bedtime. Which child is going to willingly go to bed when nana is expected and they are excitedly waiting to show off their new bedrooms!!!!

A week with my sister from Plymouth

2009-08-03T09:20:00.017+01:00

An interesting week having my sister Anne-louise around - no kids, other family or dogs - been years since we have spent time together like that. Didn't manage all the things we had planned but..

Unpacking her bags - yes I mean bags (vegetables from her greenhouse all the way from Plymouth) - first up was her photos. Looking at the pictures of my daughter Jaycee who died wasn't a bad as I expected - sort of mentally tuned myself so I didn't get upset. Then the photos of us when we were growing up brought back so many memories. Our mother had written the dates on them all, without I wouldn't have guessed our ages. One of us, myself, Anne-louise and Jean all dressed up for our ballet classes - couldn't stop laughing. Can still remember the etiquette lessons and those classes - the 5 basic positions, first position, second position and all that - arabesques, plies, learning to stand on the blocks and the pointe work - toes hurt for days. Another - Rose Queen day, what a plonker I looked with the crown thing stuck on my head - can still remember dancing round the May pole.

Two unexpected photos of me on my first birthday - don't know why Anne-louise had them. Wouldn't have recognised myself - the only identifiable marking is they say Kensington on the back so they have to be me. They called it being chubby back then, I call it just plain fat.

One thing I have to say about our mother be we were all impeccably dressed. She knitted and sewed everything. I was about 5 when I got my first sewing machine - all my dolls were dressed in mini copies of what we wore. Learning to knit was easy - knit one purl one and drop stitch etc - must admit I haven't knitted a thing since 1973 though I've always had a sewing machine and more recently an over-locker.

Tuesday the scaffolding in this property came down - Anne-louise was a bit taken back by seeing men walking passed the window while she was half dressed. Her first reaction when they had gone was to look at the sad looking front window flower boxes.

Tuesday also was a visit to our cousin's son Rod from Australia who lives not far from here - the one who works in the TV industry ( photo above). Had a fantastic time - not all relations one takes to but he is an exception - such a witty young man - surprisingly he seemed to enjoy the visit as much as we did - well when you are young, to have two oldies around for hours can be tiresome. All the family tree stuff he finds as fascinating as well. Asked how out of all the places in London he ended up in Islington he just said when he arrive it felt like home - thinks it's so odd that his great grandfather Claude Wooldridge was born just down the road from where he lives (Liverpool Road) 1891 and his great, great, gran Blanche Young1866 walked the same streets. Suppose the same thing applies to me I can't really explain how from Africa I ended up in Islington either.

As expected he has a huge collection of photos on his high tech computer system. Found so many old family photos - was difficult to decide which ones we wanted. He has since zapped the whole lot over to me - isn't technology marvelous.

From his house of course Anne-louise wanted to see the house grandfather was born and the family church. Coming out of the church on the Holloway Road side noticed Ronalds Road where grandfathers brother was born - we just had to have a look. Have to agree with her when you think of the area back then it was horse-drawn carriages and tram lines not busy roads full of cars. On the return journey showed her the pillars which used to be the entrance to the old Tufnell Park estate. The manor (now demolished) stood on the site of the Holloway Odeon.

All that walking we were shattered so Wednesday after a rainy night we decided to cut the front hedge and tidy up the flower area. Usually takes me ages - the cutting is simple but the clearing up is so tiring - need to rest more these days as I'm doing it so takes me much longer than it used to. With two people it was so much quicker. She is more experienced than me in knowing what is what, which plants should grow where and how to treat them.

Almost finished when the visitors to the flat downstairs arrived with their children. I've never told her anything about the problems I have with them. It is so difficult to explain - it's so meaningless and she is a worrier. The smallest thing can trigger off a verbal onslaught - I'm so used to it now I just mentally switch off - goes in one ear and out the other. She couldn't get over what she called their aggressive behaviour as if other people don't have small children - she was quite put out by it all.

Don't know how we managed it but later we went to Kentish Town - she can't handle the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. A family with all kind of allergies she found what she was looking for at the orgnanic shop. Couldn't get her out of the Garden Centre - thought I was bad enough - least we bought some pansies for the window boxes and a proper fancy tall pot for the indoor plants now on the stairs. Back home before she even had a cup of tea the window boxes were sorted and the two indoor plants were professionally repotted.

Thursday was just chilling - I had an appointment. She spent time scanning all the photos for me. Evening was a visit to my son Sule - a long journey now they have moved into their new house - spent hours just chin wagging. He sent us home in a taxi becasue we brought back some of their empty packing boxes for her to take back to Plymouth - would never have thought about it myself but they cost a bomb and she hates waste so everybody obliged.

Friday it was a day in the garden - she was quite determined to sort it out. Least I have all the correct soil for each type of plant and plant food. She had me dizzy the way she set about refreshing all the pots and cutting back the shrubs that have disease on them. Had my hand on my heart with way she cut them back so small. She gave me some pointers so the tree bushes don't grow so big.

Saturday she was off in a taxi - was going to go with her but the tube line was down for weekend maintence. Several hours later she phoned - back home safe boxes and all.

Bridget Fox campaigning with Tories

2009-07-31T23:33:00.008+01:00

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

2009-07-30T07:23:00.004+01:00

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

2009-07-25T23:38:00.002+01:00

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

2009-07-24T23:04:00.002+01:00

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

2009-07-23T22:35:00.004+01:00

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

2009-07-18T07:16:00.002+01:00

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

2009-07-15T12:40:00.004+01:00

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

2009-07-10T23:01:00.000+01:00

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!

2009-07-08T23:08:00.002+01:00

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

2009-07-06T15:11:00.009+01:00

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

2009-07-05T05:10:00.015+01:00

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

2009-07-03T22:24:00.006+01:00

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

2009-07-02T23:29:00.004+01:00

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....

Swine flue case at local school

2009-06-23T22:51:00.000+01:00

There are reports in the local news that pupils from several schools in Camden have been struck down with swine flue. Monday kids from the local Acland Burghley School, in Burghley Road, were talking about one of their pupils who has tested positive for H1N1 strain of the virus and is currently recovering at home.

With the end of the year exams in process the school hasn't yet been closed down. However Tuesday several students could be seen carrying small bottles of disinfectant hand gel.

Bit unnerving - will certainly try to avoid anybody sneezing around me over the next few weeks.

Nearing the end of PFI in this property

2009-06-19T23:53:00.003+01:00

Wonderful! today the scaffolding was finally removed from around this property. The scaffolders arrived early morning - in panic mode thought they had forgotten about fitting the special external hooks so the extension cable from my flat can be lowered to ground level and hooked away from the flat below. A special size drill bit was needed for the job. A race against time but like a knight in shining amour the snagging supervisor and another worker arrived with the bit and fixed the hooks. Was chuffed to bits - Now officially approved there should be no more aggro over my using the extension cable to cut the grass or the pressure hose to clean up the place.

With no scaffolding what a difference it has made to the whole place. Sparkling windows the light coming in through is a welcome relief. Least now I can see clearly to continue painting the sitting room.

Can't even think of the stress I've been though the past few weeks. Couldn't even get to my computer - stuck under white protection sheeting while the painting has been going on it was impossible to do anything. So many people phoning from all over asking what happened to me - no blog posts, face book posts or emails. Well I'm back now.

Have to give the contractors credit for the personal consideration - Tuesday by special arrangement my flat and the external building finally was signed off by officialdom at the same time. After explaining a sudden personal emergency situation the contractors bent over backwards to coordinated it all the same day. Had to smile when the external inspector said the blown front wall had to come down and be rebuilt. The site supervisor said they would try and do it the next day. Thought he was being a bit optimistic - Didn't think it was possible to be organised so quickly, there are costing consideration with extra works but yours truly in the evening rushed to cut the over grown hedge in preparation and phoned early Wednesday to let them know it had been done.

Tuesday also a rep from Renubath Services turned up. During all the moving about of my 'white goods' and work on the bathroom window the enamel on my bath and washing machine got chipped. Was so put out thinking the bath would have to be replaced again. Was reassured after the touch up I wouldn't noticed a thing - before then, hadn't know such specialist companies existed. Definitely a skill for somebody with an artistic background - so interesting watching him match up the white from the white pots range and mix the special enamel paint. Using the finest of brushes you now can't see a mark even at close up.

BT also came to sort out the telephone and Internet connection. The installation must have been over 20 years ago and most of the wiring hidden under the floor boards was shot, taped together in damaged places.

What remains to be done now is the just the ground level work - obviously the wall and some of the damaged paving stones are on the list. Then there's the external security lighting, including touching up the hallway - so many bods coming and going they are are some marks on the wall. Looks lovely with the dark grey heavy duty carpet and brush matting by the door - cost a bomb but well worth it.

Finally will be the drain. The down flow from the flats above ground level especially from the bath takes forever. Sometimes the washing machine doesn't empty properly either. Hope one of the other residents will book the appointment.

My job now is to finish painting the sitting room so the new carpet can be laid and the sofa can be delivered next week. Another race against time because my sister is coming to stay for a week. My granddaughter bless her asked me yesterday if the new sofa will be big enough for her to sleep on. Both grandchildren are keen to see what has been done to nana's flat as well.

Need to get some photos taken - just found my camera under the white protection sheets.
to be continued....

Brtitblog roundup 224: End of Half Term version

2009-05-31T20:37:00.000+01:00

Typing a roundup squashed in a chair surrounded by boxes and builders junk is a real endurance test. It's so damn hot and the windows have stuck - painters eh!

Still another couple of weeks to go before the refurb in my flat and the building is completed - the stress is doing my head in. The smell of the paint is like the smell of bleach - not doing my allergies any good.

End of half term - school starts Monday ending the peace n' quiet around here. The European elections are Thursday - Just sent off my postal vote. With many people disillusioned with the three main political parties and voters looking for alternative choices, the possibility of a BNP candidate being elected to represent the UK in Brussels is a sickening concept - Real stomach churning their Billy Brit’ videos.

According to Natalie Bennett the obvious voting alternative - Why are people voting Green?

Labours Penny Red is certainly not a David Cameron fan - Shiny Dave and the Lightweight's Cant.

Still on the European Elections, Ranting Stan says, If not UKIP then who? The latest polls look grim for Brown - with one suggesting that they are likely to come third behind UKIP with just 16% of the vote - but the same polls are not exactly inspiring for the Tories as they are expected to collect a mere 30%.

Seems the good weather is bring out the adventurous spirit in some bloggers. Jonathan on his latest trip - I find home for well behaved orphans

The Langtons - Church Langton, Thorpe Langton, Tur Langton, East Langton and (though it is only a few houses) West Langton - are a group of villages in Leicestershire, a few miles north of Market Harborough. Like so much of the eastern side of this county, they are beautiful but hardly known.

Diamond Geezer's been walking in EppingForest - So, walking boots laced and map in hand, I took the train out to Epping and set off from there on a ten mile stroll. And blimey, why did I wait so long? Crikey a ten miles stroll! - couldn't get me to do it for all the tea in China

Again Roy Booth - On an impulse, cycling past on an unaccustomed route back from work, I stopped at the church at Winkfield, a couple of miles south-west of Windsor, and was rewarded by seeing this brass plaque to Thomas Montague 1630 A real yeoman of the guard... the plaque says he had lived almost 92 yeares - wonders! thought they had a short lifespan back then. What a strange way they spelt the words years as well.

Back to politics - Alan Johnson's suggestion that the voting system be changed so the results will more accurately reflect the voting intentions of the electorate has certainly hit home - make votes count.

From Cabalamat - Since everyone seems to be giving politicians advice regarding the constitutional crisis, I thought I’d have a go, in an open letter to Alan Johnson, the Secretary of State for Health, who recently called for a referendum on proportional representation.

Another post about Alan Johnson's bold move. The system proposed, Jenkins' AV+, is certainly an improvement on the existing model, although less clear and less democratic than STV.

Me-wonders how many voters actually understand the different voting system.

Crammer in his usual style has really touched a raw nerve. It's political correctness gone bonkers. Why on earth are the BBC cow towing to the Muslim Council of Britain - BBC offers apology and £30,000. As a regular viewer of Question Time can't see what all the fuss is about.

The Parliamentary 'Expenses Scandal' continues to hit the head lines - who is next we ask? The big question now. What about union expenses? Why Are Union Leaders So Quiet?

What a strange comparison - Caterpillars or people Whichever way you look at it, it's still an invasion costing the government money.

Local politics - Literally across the road from me, Kentish Town ward - JimJay writes Fear not, you haven't seen the last of Georgia Gould

Georgia Gould, 23, whose father is former New Labour pollster Lord Gould and whose mother is the publishing supremo Gail Rebuck, was picked on Tuesday night to fight Kentish Town ward at May’s council elections

Tip for all those gardeners out there - how to sharpen your garden shears. Sorry folks but there are millions like me who can't be bothered with the hassle - give me an electric hedge cutter anytime. I know the in word - Green, green, green but sometime being green is just too inconvenient.

Adding a bit of colour to this post is a photo of my garden - that's all I can contribute this week - hope you like it?

A wrenching story of pain, Jake talks through her family’s reactions to learning she was sexually abused by her father a so called good person- I am an incest survivor

My family narrative is also that I am just wrong, my sexuality, my theology, my politics, that I am manipulative, a drama queen, crazy, so the conclusion was drawn, not that I am crazy in part because he raped me, but that I accused him of rape because I am crazy.

Cruella writes the truth about antenatal classes and birth.

The f-word blogs is very popular this week with a rash of nominations - An advertising gimmick to make money Gendering food & Beauty Pageants. Don't know why feminists bang on about Pageants - All that glits and glamour - millions love them including many women.

Another feminist post but this time spot on - Humourless feminazi *2: why it's not about you. Men need to stop interpreting every mutter of the word 'misogyny' as a personal attack: it isn't, not even for those feminists who DO see men as oppressors. It might come as a shock to some of you, but most feminists do not spend their time plotting ways to undermine men.

On the subject of Stonewall

Gay equality campaigning is about to change direction. This month marks two decades since Stonewall was first founded – and heralds a new era in the recent history of rapid advances towards lesbian, gay and bisexual equality. So Stonewall's focus shifts from changing the law to changing social attitudes.

Another subject that gets right up people's nose - Atheist Bashing. Just wish Atheists would keep their opinions to themselves though.

Nanny state gone mad - Ken Frost's Prat of the Week award - the danger of Fish and Chips

Lakenfields is a sheltered housing complex for elderly people. It has a good community spirit, whereby each week George Pretty (72) would do a fish and chip shop run and bring back fish and chips for his 18 fellow residents who were not able to get out. Can you guess what happened next children? Yes, that's right, the health and safety gestapo decreed that there may be a health and safety risk wrt the ambient temperature of the fish and chips.

Finally a very witty post - hard to keep ones lips buttoned

Heathrow staff are on the whole, incredibly rude. They practically invite abuse. Especially in the security areas. Now airport security is AN IMPORTANT AND SERIOUS THING, but it seems to be that with every person you meet along the way, the rudeness builds accumulating to tolerance bursting levels in the average traveler. If Jesus Christ were to be trying to catch a flight from Heathrow to Jerusalem (Easyjet for sure. He likes to be with "the people"...) even he'd end up taking a paddy somewhere along the line. He may even use his own name in vain.

Well that's all for this week

Next week's Roundup will be in the care of Mick Fealty over at Brassneck. He's such a brilliant writer will nodoubt be an interesting read. Send your nominations, as ever, to britblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

IslintonNow magazine is now on line

2009-05-23T22:55:00.008+01:00

Always on the ball when it comes to modern technological innovations, Islington Council have now started to publish an online version of the residents monthly magazine - IslingtonNow May 2009. It says About IslingtonNow

Our residents' magazine, IslingtonNow, is delivered to your door every month. It keeps you up to date with what’s going on in the borough. If you don't get a copy through your door, you can pop into Islington Town Hall, Contact Islington at 222 Upper Street, or one of Islington's libraries. You can also download the latest issue at the bottom of this page...

Not sure I'd want to bother downloading a copy but I would like to know what happened to deliveries this side of the borough. Haven't received one for the past two months - thought it was because of all the cost saving measures after reading some moans about the production and distribution costs. Have already sent my own email moan asking what happened before noticing the online version - Out of all the bumph that the council send out it's the only literature I actually find useful.

Homes for Islington have posted their latest press releases. Seems they are keen to inform residents they are taking anitisocial behaviour and harrasment seriously with another Injunction for antisocial behaviour

Homes for Islington has obtained a 12 month injunction against Michael Wheatley, of Partridge Court EC1 for antisocial behaviour. Under the terms of the injunction Mr Wheatley is banned from:

Playing loud music that can be heard outside the property
Banging at a volume that can be heard outside the property
Shouting at a volume that can be heard outside the property

Failure to follow this injunction could see Mr Wheatley taken back to court and prosecuted.

Factual statement from Doug Goldring, HFI’s Director of Operations: “Noise nuisance can be very disrupting to the lives of residents and over a period of time very distressing. All residents deserve to live free from this kind of stress and disruption".

Couldn't have worded it better myself - specially the point "Shouting at a volume that can be heard outside the property". Pleased to read it is an issue that can now be reported and is taken seriously. Some people don't care a hoot about people living around them and shouting out of windows at the top of their voice they think is acceptable behaviour.

Partners Residents Form - Ending term of office

2009-05-21T23:00:00.005+01:00

In the midst of all the chaos of the on going building works in my flat, took me ages this evening to fish out some suitable clothes for the last meeting of the current Residents Forum - term of office expires 1st June.

The meeting's agenda was the strangest I've ever seen - hardly any content other than the Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct. Somebody in their wisdom at Partners office decided we would need half an hour to ratify the documents. Having already questioned the rationale behind setting such timing got a glib rather patronising response that forum members will need to go through it properly. The implication being that members don't communicate between meetings.

Really felt like swearing - we've already had a special meeting spending nearly 3 hours going through it line by line. Many telephone calls later - the docs having been emailed around for any last minute changes - as far as we were concerned it was a done deal. What was obviously behind it - one of Partners staff didn't like some of the stipulations and thought he could influence the members to change or omit some of the content.

Well members were having none of it - the chair was more than adamant. A lot of work has gone into the wording of the documents - apart from one word change, grammar issue, both docs were ratified by a unanimous vote.

Then we had the issue of late nominations. Having included formal elections procedures in the TOR, members had agreed before hand that any late nominations, regardless of who they might be, had to wait until the Forums new term of office. What was the point of residents rushing to meet the nomination deadline otherwise. It's appreciated by everybody that we need to encourage resident participation - late nominees who are still interested and attended Forum meetings as observers can be seconded later.

Again somebody at Partners office thought that we would just agree to second them there and then. Wasn't even a discussion - again a unanimous vote against the idea. Should think so too - how can rules and regulations be ratified one minute and a minute later broken.

Had to bite my tongue at this point - felt like telling the Partners staff I told you so. Perhaps next time he will listen when informed of members consensus of opinion over issues before formal meetings so we can save time and not keep rehashing what has been decided in advance.

Feeling in a buoyant mood the way and manner in which the meeting had gone - pleased that all these weeks working on the docs they were now done and dusted. Back home before 9 pm - shock horror what did I find but another water leak in my kitchen - was absolutely speechless....

Islington: Andrew Cornwall continues to triumph

2009-05-15T22:40:00.003+01:00

Would have liked to have attended last night's the full council meeting but just couldn't add more stress to my already chaotic week. Have a Tory friend who promised he'd email the result and any juicy tit bits.

What's the excitement - Who would be the new leader of Islington Council. There was a presumption that the vote would be in favour of Lib Dems Terry Stacy but internal plotting around the Cllr Andrew Cornwall factor was the real interest. Labour were determined they were going to be part of the key administration.

Got the bullet points as expected by email but one can trust the Islington Tribune to explain the nitty gritty - Chain of command: New mayor as Labour move in

Town Hall meeting was overshadowed by the latest actions of rebel Lib Dem former finance chief Councillor Andrew Cornwell, who teamed up with opposition Labour councillors to oust Lib Dem councillor Meral Ece from her role as chairwoman of the council’s overview committee.

With Cllr Cornwell at the helm of the overview committee and membership being raised from eight to nine, the most important and controversial decisions will now rest on a consensus between Labour and Lib Dem councillors and will rely on Cllr Cornwell’s casting vote.Key positions on the Islington Strategic Partnership, Cripplegate Foundation and the Angel Town Centre Forum also went to Labour councillors.

The other news I'd completely forgotten about is the change of Mayor. This time it is justly deserved Anna Berant. Felt so angry some years ago when she was totally overlooked - real ageism. Rather than kick up a fuss she has quietly bided her time. Last year outgoing Mayor Stefan Kasprzyk appointed her his Depty Mayor and on Thursday using his casting vote ensured she was elected Mayor 2009/2010.

Just hate the way some news papers make a big issue about age as if she is on her last legs or something. Anna becomes Islington's oldest Mayor. However considering her age, whether she will stand again is uncertain but what a crowning end to her service to the community.

PFI: water overflow sorted

2009-05-13T22:06:00.011+01:00

Back to more mundane matters - the water pouring out from this property. Just this evening it's finally been fixed.

Early Monday morning the electricial team arrived to install the new cables. What a marvelous job - gone are all the historic boxed wires. The two pin socket in the bathroom looks brilliant. Considering the £25 cost of it, one can understand why it's a case of buy your own if you want one fitted. The repositioning of the bathroom light as I requested and the extra sockets in the sitting room eliminating the need for so many extension cables was the icing on the cake. More great gaping holes in the ceilings but that can be sorted later.

Had completely forgotten that some of the key staff site were attending a 4 day First Aid course, a legal requirement every couple of years so was mid morning before I was able to get hold of anybody to report the water gushing from the overflow pipe. Give credit where credit is due, the heating engineer came rushing round to see what had happened. Lots of umming and arring, it was decided an emergency pressure valve part had to be ordered - couldn't put on the central heating in case the boiler blew and flooded everywhere - couldn't have the washing machine temporarily plumbed in either. Had to give the emergency electrical heater back to the owner so a replacement was organised.

Tuesday no sign of the part and to cap it all the the cheapo heater didn't work - the cold and damp from the rain was really affecting these old bones. Another replacement was dropped off which later in the night didn't really help much - it kept cutting out.

Very early Wednesday the pressure valve gave way completely - water literally poured out of the property like a tap turned on to the max. Didn't know what to do at this point - with the suddenly drop in the weather, I was more concerned about keeping warm. Couldn't even finish typing my reports my fingers were so stiff - the whole situation was really getting me down..

Lunch time, for once somebody else reported the problem and bods turned up en masse to access the situation. No solution at this point but lots of suggestions - the obvious option was to turn off my water completely but that was a definite no no. After health and safety electrical checks in my flat and the flat below, they left. Around 3 pm got a call from the heating engineer to say the part had arrived and they would fix it Thursday - nobody was immediately available to sort it out even as an emergency repair. Wasn't a happy bunny but what could I do.

Another one of those strange miracles of life - back home at 4.30 got another call from the heating engineer to say that somebody had offered to fix it on his way home from work. The old adage if you are nice to people the benefit's come back to you in spades - well I seem to be getting my full share lately.

He arrived like a knight in shining amour - the part fitted, the pouring water stopped. He took great care to check the boiler and carefully linked up the earth wire. Waited patiently while the remaining radiators heated up and connected up my washing machine. After 6 days of misery the warm enveloping my flat took away all the stress. Just before 6 pm he was off - he'd didn't even want to have a cuppa for his effort. Sat down and had mine - not even the mountain of washing could put a damper on my mood - was just so nice to feel warm again.

Thankfully nothing is supposed to happen again now until next week.

Chris Rennard, Who's been a naughty boy then?

2009-05-11T06:56:00.015+01:00

Been watching the news as the latest revelations on MP expenses rolls on and on. It is quite breath-taking at times. There seems to be a strange fascination with toilet seats. Now it's the turn of the Tories - will be interesting to see what will come out of the woodwork.

No doubt we will see revelations about the Lib Dems later in the week.

With the Daily Telegraph on the case of MP's in the Commons and daily more scandal bursting out from all sides, was wondering when they would get round to the Peers. First up Liberal Democrat Lord Chris Rennard courtesy of the News of the World

Peer pockets £41k expenses on holiday home Saturday, May 9
LIB DEM campaign guru Lord Chris Rennard

For peers to claim for second homes, their main residence has to be outside London. But we can reveal that he spends almost all his time in a house just TWO MILES from Westminster.
Lord Rennard—said to earn £90,000 a year as his party’s Chief Executive—claimed the £41,678 cash [relating to a flat in Eastbourne] over six years from 2001/02.

The reference to him holding lavish parties at his home is fact - I've been invited several times in the past - regular events especially at the end of the year. Puts on a good spread. Until now, don't think invitees actually gave a thought to the cost of it all and who actually bears all the expenses. Peers don't have a salary like the MP's but collect a mega sitting allowance - House of Lords Members' Reimbursement Allowance Scheme General Guide - General Guide Eighth Edition April 2009

Some have high profile jobs and collect fees from being on various boards but Rennards party salary is not to be sneezed at

When it comes to the remuneration for MP's the reality of the situation is that their salary has been pegged for years around £66,000. If you consider the current market rates for most high profile managerial posts, so they have milked the system to claim on expenses. However it's what they have been claiming for even if it is covered under the current rules that is angering the electorate.

More annoying and bordering on the criminal in some cases, it is the out and out fraud .
The electorate don't expect their MP to be seen to be stealing which in reality is what some are doing. Lesser mortals would be charged by the police and brought to book via the courts. The cheating on mortgage payments and non payment of capital gains tax on the sale of second homes is just not acceptable under any circumstances.

To understand more about 'flipping' to minimise capital gains tax read this post by Mark Lee on his Tax Advice Network blog.

We will no doubt see explanations be turned into a mistake - with apologies and some payback from those who can afford it. With the mood of the populous at this time, many people out of work and having to struggle just to exist, a more radical approach has to be taken. Would like to see if the Party leaders have the 'balls' to sack, deselect or even expel some of their MP's regardless of who they are.

Meral Ece and my family tree

2009-05-10T07:36:00.012+01:00

Quick review of some of the blogs this morning - Islington Councillor Meral Ece bemoans the fact that her cousin - can't work out the lineage when it's a child of one's great grandparents - is being, Tracey Emin wooed by the Tories?

One of those strange coincidences in life - quite recently while working on my family tree found my own cousin is a Lib Dem whose partner is a district councillor and will be standing as an MP at the next General Election.

Thought at the time - all those years of going to conferences not knowing a direct relation is walking around somewhere in the midst of the crowd - beggars belief.

Keep getting emails and calls asking me how I am getting on with the family tree - still plodding away but time is a little against me at the moment - too many meetings. Have been collecting more certificates. As I've mentioned before they are not cheap so have a list of strategic names to prove lineage along the family lines and have been sending for them gradually. Now have my first civil partnership cert in my collection. Hadn't seen one before so when I found out about it my cousin sent me a copy of his - absolutely fascinating.

Just yesterday received the death cert of Angus Alexander, the same one married to Ruth Riddle mentioned in a previous post. There are so many family trees online claiming him as a distant relation with only one son Archibald - somehow just knew the dates were all wrong.

Proving lineage prior to Sept 1837 is very difficult and more than time consuming going through parish records. The Mormon, free Family Search website has some records pre1837 but it's not complete and you have to know what you are looking for because it doesn't sort records like a spreadsheet. As a direct descendant I was quite determined to find out what happened to Angus and his wife Ruth. With neither of the names on any of the early census records from 1841 or later living with their son as happened back then when parents were too old to look after themselves. It is therefore presumed they died before 1841.

Found two possible deaths for them, both at the same time in 1837, living in the correct area - took pot luck and sent for Angus's cert. Was wondering what could have happened that they could have died around the same time and so young.

When the cert arrived, at first I thought I'd made a mistake because the informant was a son John. Suddenly dawned on me that as their known about son Archibald Alexander born illegitimate 1814 and was only baptised 1818 after his parents married, they may have had another child. Quick check on the Mormon site and found him, John Alexander born 1818 to parents Angus and Ruth Alexander baptised in the same church as his brother.

Angus's death cert says he was 56 years old when he died which makes his date of birth much earlier than presumed 1781-1837. How did he die - from Typhoid - a now treatable disease still prevalent in Africa and other parts of the world caused by drinking contaminated water.

Have now sent for Ruth's death cert presuming she died from the same thing.

Other news about the tree is minimal except for my mums cousin Joan - her first cousin Nelson Smallbone who she is keen to find out more about, killed in action in WW11 is featured on the Commando Veterans Association website as being buried with military honours in Italy - aged 25 Sgt Nelson Arthur Michael Smallbone 6764594 Royal Fusilers It says A very long time after the Lake Comacchio battle had gone into history as a ‘Battle Honour’ for the Commandos, this author must make the names of No. 2 Commando ‘fallen’ part of the Commando history. Reading about what those young men went through is stomach churning.

Keep being asked if I can post one of the old certs on my blog - haven't had to time to work out yet how to scan a doc so it opens up large on line when clicked on. Will do soon.

PFI not going as smoothly as planned

2009-05-09T22:05:00.009+01:00

Continuing my blog report on the refurb in this property...

Already stuck to the inside of my flat front door in a smart plastic folder are the diagrams, tech stuff, certs, notes about the various small changes and info about the bits I've purchased myself, schedule of works and emergency numbers etc .

According to plan, strip out day Thursday, organised like a military operation was absolutely amazing. Just after 8am the first press of the door buzzer - The supervisor arrived with two hunky Lithuanian guys. He pointed out to them all the things that were to be covered in the bathroom plus the fittings to be removed and kept aside - most I had already taken off the walls myself but the toolbox got buried under a mountain of bags so I had to leave the rest for them to deal with

They then set about covering my internal hall carpet and partially covered the sitting room floor. Usually they cover everywhere but as it is being changed I told them there was no point.

Fittings removed, they proceeded to transfer the cooker, fridge/freezer, washing machine and microwave into the designated area in the sitting room. Was difficult to disconnect the cooker because it was wedged into a small space and connected with a short flexible gas tube - no problem the adjacent unit nearest the door was literally yanked off the wall - takes a fit man to do that without any tools.

Next job, to move the tall fridge-freezer. Thought because of the size, it's fractionally smaller than a standard doorway, I'd have to remove the food items from the fridge section - at least those in class jars. A quick look inside I was told there was no need- kept my mouth shout and watched.

They rolled and twist up a thick wad of their protection material - put it underneath and hoisted it upright. Held my breath as they lowered it almost to floor level as they moved it through the kitchen doorway and again through the sitting room doorway. When in place I opened it and was amazed that nothing had moved inside.

That done, using the same type of cloth, for protection against the dust they then draped/taped up the doors leading into the bedroom and sitting room - going from room to room it was like walking into an Arabian styled tent.

Demolition - With one man working in the bathroom and one in the kitchen, strip out was quick and everything was taken outside. This time most of it was stacked against the street wall - bit embarrassing but space wise it was the only solution, see photo below. Learned the quick way to remove wallpaper a bucket of Fairy washing up liquid - even the wall lining paper came off easily without scraping. Can't imagine how long since the grotty wall in the photo above have seen the light of day. Worse are some of the discoloured floorboards which must be part of original building.

The RLO Chris was back and to with various other bods coming in and out. With the bath panels removed and wrapped the first job was to check for possible leakage underneath the bath. As I expected dry as a bone - obviuosly the leak downstairs is probably to do with the external down pipes - proving until now wasn't possible.

The window repair surveyor came to check and mark which window sills and frames are to be replaced including those in the flat upstairs. The electrician came to mark out the electrical points.

Later the RLO came around with and NVQ assessor. She said that along with my blog and Residents forum feedback report she would appreciate as well an independent customer service report. My overall response to her was that I was impressed with the way everything was being explained down to the last detail - no query was to much trouble. For people like myself who understand building works questions are mainly technical but my thoughts are always with those who haven't a clue what things are being done the way they are and the elderly/vulnerable residents for who the whole process was extremely traumatic.

She commented on the draped protection cloth over the doorways - saying she hadn't seen that done before. Showed her there wasn't any dust in the two rooms and told her it had completely muffled the noise - even the sound of the horrible grinding machine was barely audible.

The workers knew the time I was going out so it was arranged they would finish off in my flat and proceed with the strip out of the internal flights of stairs and the hallway. Was so impressed that within that short time they completed the whole job - will look good when it is carpeted throughout. More surprised that because of the extended time it took to complete that assignment the internal cutout work in my kitchen originally planned for Friday had also been squeezed in - saving a day of more noise.

The plumber and RLO came back just before 5 pm to connect the temporary sink and set up the mini two ring cooker. Nothing now will happen until next week - least that's what I though until later in the night.

Dashed out to to buy a new dust bin do some shopping and - arriving home found the whole place was absolutely freezing. Had expected a drop in the temperature because of the open floor boards but not the extreme cold. It was actually warmer outside than inside my flat. Even the echo and the voices coming from flats around which usually amuse me weren't so funny at the time.

Turned on the water to have a hot bath and water boiler wouldn't work - I was hopping mad - had to put on a winter coat just to keep warm. Don't understand how my head works at times but one of the few things I didn't pack away was my folder of manuals - good thing I didn't - was able to fish out the boiler manual. From the instruction found the the emergency start button and pressed. It didn't last for long - kept having to climb up and press the stupid thing over and over again but then noticed was a slight smell of burning of rubber so had to switch the whole boiler off - shivering in the cold getting rather irate was thinking what to do next.

Suddenly noticed the water pressure was down to zero which shouldn't be like that - realised that because they had removed some of the radiators the plumber had turned the pressure gauge down and not turned it back up again. To late to call the emergency number had to sit down and read the technical section of damn manual to make sure I didn't turn it up to high.

Finally I adjusted it back to the correct pressure and everything is back to normal - fell asleep absolutely shattered. Woke up early morning to the sound of water gushing outside. Felt to cold to go outside to even look. Had to wait until shop opening times - with two coats on feeling rather awkward going out without bathing, rushed along to my friends shop to collect an electric heater to warm up the place. Well that has temporary solved that problem.

Refreshed and a change of clothes went outside to have a look at where the water was gushing from. Couldn't see much with the scaffolding planks in the way and as the water seems to be draining away it can stay like that until Monday.

Had to go out to collect some paint charts - not having the yucky colours chosen by the contractors hoped it would lift my mood. Back home later, making something to eat found the grill pan for the cooking missing - had to improvise but that's not the point. Somebody is definitely going to get the sharp end of my tongue on Monday.

I'm quite a resilient person - having experienced managing basic living in strange circumstances across the globe when I was younger but this is England with certain expectations. Can understand why so many people living in small flat get decamped, some in hotels, while the work is being done.

Results: Partners Residents Forum election

2009-05-07T06:31:00.002+01:00

The results of the Residents' forum election are in. Seems the number of residents who submitted a nomination fell short of number of seats available so that means all those that applied automatically become members by default.

The required number is 30 representatives, made up of 20 tenants and 10 leaseholders.

Bit sad really that of the 6500 residents living in properties managed by Partners more people didn't come forward to help - would have been fun having a Partners residents-wide election.

The good news is that there are some new faces this time around with more people from PFI2 than PFI1. The full list of names will be published in the June issue of the Partners Gazette and will be available on the website.

The current term of office of the Forum ends this month with the final meeting 21st May.

We are still looking for members who are interested in joining the team. There are some late nominations and I have a local banker friend who will be joining us as an observer at the next meeting. These residents will probably be seconded on the forum when the new forum takes office.

Freecycling while packing.

2009-05-05T00:07:00.016+01:00

Continuing my diary of the refurb events in this property - What a weekend I had packing - boxes everywhere.

Found so many things I hardly use - some were just stuck in the cupboards taking up space. I hate to waste or throw any things useful away so quite impromptu, as I found them I offered everything one by one on Freecycle - the give it away free or collect what you need for free, website. Seems many people stayed at home this bank holiday - I was so surprised that everything went on Sunday/Monday, just hours after posting.

Courtesy of an elderly community helper living down the road, even my old cottage style 3 piece suite was taken by an elderly lady from Highgate. Put the chairs outside Sunday and they came to view - perfect was the response. How to move them - they wouldn't fit in his car. Had no choice but to carry the chairs down the road to his house. What a laugh - even the shopkeepers were waving - though they are not surprised at anything I do anymore.

Seats gone, had to go and retrieve my old padded garden chair from the shed to sit on - getting a bit to old to sit on the floor.

Monday finished packing what I could manage - most of my everyday kitchen stuff was carried to the shed. Wasn't an easy task because the space between the scaffolding poles restricted the size of the boxes that could be taken down the stairs to the garden.

My grandson seeing all his toys in large plastic crates in the hallway was really worried that I was going to give them away. In the shed I explained what was happening so he proudly wrote his name on the box containing the children's plates and cake things. As he and his sister were slowly walking down the stairs to go home, he looked up and asked the inevitable question - Why was there a big hole in the wall. Couldn't stop laughing - anybody seeing it for the first time would ask the same question never mind the curiosity of a child's enquiring mind.

This morning bright and early the packer arrived to complete the rest. He made it seem all so simple - box after box was filled. As he was working, the supervisor in charge of the scaffolding and hallway works called unexpectedly. My kitchen stripout day is booked for Thursday morning so he's arranged the stripout of the flights of stairs and hallway in the afternoon the same day. Makes logical sense to get it over and done with in one day but what a nightmare it is going to be. The packer as good as gold packed up all collective personal items as well to clear the way from the front door to the top level.

Lunchtime, the removal van arrived and out it all went. Impressed the way they manoeuvred the furniture down the curved stairs. One couldn't help worrying in case they damaged them.

Just before 3pm they drove away. Gosh my flat looks so empty - dozens of Morrison/ Sainsburys strong reusable shopping bags everywhere - ever so handy in keeping things off the floor.

One touching moment of the day - Back home later this evening found a bunch of roses and a thank you card from another neighbour down the road. Haven't got a vase left to put them in, a glass bottle will have to do but they just made my day. Small things like that make my helping people in the local community all so worthwhile.

Britblog Roundup 220

2009-05-04T22:15:00.003+01:00

This weeks roundup can be read over at mreugenides blog - he say. Where there is discord, may Britblog Roundup 220 bring harmony...

Rota details and a complete archive may be found at the Britblog Central website. As ever, nominations should be sent as usual to britblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

Euro Elections next month

2009-05-02T17:44:00.012+01:00

Vote cards have started dropping through letter boxes - mine arrived Friday. Just realised the European Parliament elections will be held Thursday 4th June this year.

The existing the 9 London Euro seats will be reduced to 8 this time around - means each party will produce a list of 8 candidates. With just one vote for each person the seats are then allocated in proportion to the number of votes cast for each party. Euro candidates

Haven't seen anything to interest me about this election - not even sure if I'm going to bother to vote this time.

It goes on - another week of building works

2009-05-02T08:25:00.027+01:00

Another week of building works has gone by - what a week it has been. A kind of organised chaos is a polite way to describe it all. The noise all around has been absolutely deafening - with one drama after another the only choice is to grin and bare it.

The roof wasn't finished according to the works schedule because the flashings for the Velux window didn't arrive with the window frame - of course with all the heavy rain last weekend the water leaked down onto the freshly laid flooring in the loft and through to the ceiling in the flat above me.

Monday the plumbers arrived. As there was no access to one of the water tanks in the flat below, the site manager came and collected me from the shop asking politely if I would mind them breaking the wall in the hallway so they could have a look at it from the other side. What choice did I have - I don't have a spiteful bone in my body so naturally I was there to help. Least the workers were good about helping to carefully shift all my personal stuff.

When they smashed up the plasterboard and cut the support beams - what a mess - all mixed up with the junk that had been wedged up behind the tank against the wall which fell out. Only God knows how long it has been there. So weird having a hole into somebody else's flat. Will be boarded up next week after they have checked for the source of the leaks in the hallway.

Earlier the same morning, the plumbers turned off the water without telling anybody and I forgot about the young lady upstairs. They are supposed to give you advance notice - tempers at pitch level, they had to sent for some bottled water while it was sorted out.

Last week the special radiator for my bathroom arrived. Sad the neighbours couldn't have just been nice and just collected it for me. I was only in the garden out back to get away from the all the noise. Redelivery Tuesday the builders did the good deed so it is ready and waiting for the refurb in my flat.

The theory of the works schedule is that each gang is supposed to clear up their mess each day and take away their equipment, there's a rubbish skip in the side road, For some unexplained reason the builders left their cement mixer, sand and everything else behind. It's been there for over a week. The result being that the plumbers, roofers, and carpenters had nowhere to put all their stuff - the front looked like a real junk yard. Ended up with a carpenters workshop out in the street. Could hardly get in the gate with all the wood and planks positioned against the wall in the street - so embarrassing.

I've actually been looking forward to the carpenters doing the works downstairs because while the kitchen has been stripped down to the bare stone walls, everything going on below was like being a fly on the wall. Worse was while in the bath or having a private moment on the loo with voices all around.

Pat the site manager has been marvelous in sorting out the problems - he keeps saying if things are not going to plan phone him. He's been up and down like a yoyo. He finally agreed to help sort out a hot water problem that has been going on for the past couple of years.

He went mad on Thursday when after the roofers finished, swept down the scaffolding and took away their rubbish I phoned to tell him the builders stuff was still there. Coming back home met a young man on a bike asking where the skip was - said his boss was so angry and he had been sent to clear everything.

Such a sweet heart - not the most macho of men, he struggled a bit but everything except the sand was eventually shifted. Felt so sorry for him - told him not to worry about the sweeping up - it was the least I could do.

Thankfully it's all quiet now - my turn next week after the hols. Got to get on with the packing - with loft now dry some of it is going up there. The bulk items are going into storage so I can decorate the sitting room before the new carpet arrives.

Of all the things I am looking forward to is seeing what is under the floorboards in the sitting room - you never know what you may find down there. They are going to replace or reset some of them to hopefully stop the annoying squeaking when anybody walks on parts of the floor.

Will also be an absolute blast to hear what conversations will be heard coming from my flat when upstairs after they strip out the kitchen. Well next week is just around the corner.....

In memory of Nala

2009-04-30T03:54:00.007+01:00

My close friend Alex is absolutely heartbroken that over the Easter Holidays she had to have her dog Nala put down.

Dog lovers will know it is not an easy decision to have to make but it is the only humane thing to do when there is no hope.

A Rhodesian Ridgeback - Reared from a pup, she was such an affectionate pet. Alex and her were inseparable. When they used to live in Islington she used to play at Cantelows Park on Camden Road - such a loveable dog.

When Nala started to be ill those mournful eyes touched the heart of all those close to her. It was a shock when 6 months ago after an an emergency operation to remove her spleen and further tests, the vets eventually found out she had Histiocytosis Sarcoma - a rare cancer, normally occurring in large breed older dogs that carries a death sentence once diagnosed - she was given only 2 months to live at the time.

Unable to part with her 'friend' Alex continued to look after her but when Nala picked up an infection and due to her condition, became lethargic, anemic and could not eat, was losing weight and unable to go out there was no choice but to end her suffering.

Alex wrote: She passed away on the 17 April at 12.45pm in my home where the vet and nurse attended. She was only 3.5 years old, a very young dog to die from such a horrible condition. She will be missed. I had her cremated and made a little section in my garden for her in her memory and sprinkled some of her ashes there.

I am having to come to terms with it, and doubt I will invest in another dog as the heartache is too much. She was an adorable creature and loved people and other dogs. She was a very lovable and affectionate kind hearted dog. She will always remain in my heart and truly missed.

She said that I should write about it on my blog so other dog lovers can be made more aware of the condition Histiocytosis Sarcoma and to express her sincere appreciation to the vet, his nurses and carers at the vets who all supported her throughout her traumatic experience.

Gurkhas triumph today

2009-04-29T22:41:00.004+01:00

Couldn't help but feel a real sense of elation today at Brown's defeat over Gurkha rules.

MPs decided by 267 to 246 to back a Lib Dem motion offering all retired Gurkhas an equal right of residence in the UK, with the Tories and 27 Labour rebels backing it.

Have always felt ashamed the way the various British Governments have treated the Gurkas in the past - they fought and died for this country for Gods sake.

The fight for their right to be treated like any other British soldier has taken years - the lukewarm change in the law in 1987 still denied some 36,000 former Gurkhas who served in the British Army before 1997 UK residency.

Can remember as a child, my father an officer in the India Army telling me his memories about his men (Gurkhas) fighting the Japanese in WW11. Bit graphic some of the stories but in those days they didn't think of the sensitivity of children - nevertheless he always gave them the highest regard - tough little characters he used to say.

The Gurkhas memorial which stands at Whitehall between the Embankment and Horse Guards parade had no real meaning except today.

Bluebells in abundance

2009-04-24T10:35:00.001+01:00

What a lovely picture - it's been reported in the media that this years bluebell session has produced a bumper crop.

The Mail online has some breathtaking photos.

What makes it so special they are native to Britain bluebells.

Hadn't given a thought to the various species until I was give some of the native variety by Islington Greenspace. Planted in back garden, around the tree in the front and along the hedge edges they have come up a treat. Even the builders have been taking care not to damage them.

Self propagating, next year they should be in abundance - Well that the hope anyway. Least have some photos to show them.

St George's Day

2009-04-23T17:45:00.009+01:00

Today is St George's Day - what does it mean to most English people? Not much except a date on a calender. Haven't got a clue about it myself except having vague memories about a childhood story of St George slaying the dragon.

The English Patron Saint of England, every year there is the usual debate as to why we don't celebrate the date. Good old web looked up info about him Royal Society of St George

Quite surprised to learn he wasn't even English. He was probably born in Cappadocia, which is in present day Turkey, to Christian parents, a Roman father and a Palestinian mother.

St George was apparently imprisoned and tortured for his faith in Christ. Having defended his faith was beheaded at Nicomedia near Lyddia in Palestine on the 23rd of April in the year 303 AD.

An act of Christian martyrdom - more surprised to learn he's the patron saint of several other countries as well as England - including Palestine, Lithuania, Greece as well as Istanbul and Moscow.

He was probably martyred because of his protests against Rome's persecution of the Christians. The story about the dragon seems to be a metaphorical reference to the the might of Rome.

There are many fictional stories about his slaying the dragon to defend the princess - many children's books as well.

Dadabhai Naoroji - commemorative plaque

2009-04-22T09:18:00.004+01:00

An interesting snipit of local news. Next month, 8 May, Islington Council will be unveiling a commemorative plaque to honour Dadabhai Naoroji MP(1825-1917), who was elected to Parliament representing Finsbury Central in 1892.

He has long been regarded by Islington as the first ever Asian MP. In 1993, Islington Council put up a plaque at Finsbury Town Hall saying: “The first Asian elected to the commons was Dadabhai Naoroji. He represented Central Finsbury for the Liberal Party from 1892-1895.”

The plaque will be placed outside Clerkenwell Parochial School in Naoroji Street.

Google images - found his old election poster - bit different from what we get shoved through our letter boxes these days.

A week with the builders

2009-04-17T22:57:00.006+01:00

This week with the builders doing a strip out in the flat below was a real experience. Almost like living in a building site. Cement mixer outside the front door was a shock. The noise from below was incredible. The grinding sound of cutting the pipes grated on my teeth. With the banging on the roof at the same time could hardly hear myself think - callers from Cyprus and Nigeria could hear the noise as they were talking to me, it was so loud. Least the works teams cleaned up each day.

The rain the last couple of days stopped work and even the roofers were held up. The missing bit of the roof window has just arrived so that should enable the roofers to finish this coming week.

Can't fault the workers in anyway - even today, was so surprised when a scaffold inspector with his identity card rang the bell to inform me he was going up on the scaffolding.

Also today sent in my nomination form for the Residents Forum in the nick of time. All the 'shilly shallying' about, just couldn't make up my mind. Felt very proud when people kept reminding me and two locals asked me if I was standing again. Just shows people do read the Partners Gazette otherwise they wouldn't have known there is an election looming.

My decision was finally made because of an act of kindness from the Partners works team. I need an outside tap for the garden. A hosepipe dangling out of a first floor window is not ideal and I'm getting too old to handle the unreasonable stress from other residents - health and safety is another consideration. Thought I was going to have to buy all the extra bits for them to install it for me. Feel chuffed to bits, the site manager confirmed Thursday they were going to put one in the back for general use but positioned so as not to inconvenience anybody. Should be available before they need water for the cement for my flat.

Just hope we get enough people coming forward for the Forum. If there are more than the required number of nominations an all Partners residents vote will be necessay - that would be far more interesting.

Britain's Got Talent 2009 Susan Boyle Sings Les Miserables

2009-04-15T15:44:00.007+01:00

The story of 48 year old Susan Boyle and her singing has captured the imagination of the world.

Like millions of others, I watched the Britain's got Talent 2009 programme on Saturday night and like most of the sceptical audience and the judges was stunned by her incredible voice singing I Dreamed a Dream by Les Miserables.

She said she was going to rock the audience and by jove she did just that!

Since then the story of her simple life, living in her childhood home, singing in her local church and caring for her mother until she died has touched so many hearts. Having received several email You Tube links about her, looked up more about what people are saying.

Amazing it is all over the world, reported in different languages with one commentator in USA claiming over 50,000,000 people have looked at the various You Tube video's of the show since the weekend.

She has become an instant star. Whatever the outcome of the show she will no doubt have a dramatic change in her lifestyle from now on....

Kicking Gas Safety to the curb!

2009-04-14T23:13:00.004+01:00

Annual Gas safety checks are a necessary irritant - a legal requirement. This years usual round of letters to make appointments have been sent out. As the flats in this property are being refurbished and the dates confirmed I've ignored mine - fresh certificates will be issued when the works are completed.

Received a Red Letter 2nd reminder this weekend so out of courtesy phone them up to explain the situation. The flat downstairs is starting tomorrow and mine immediately after. Thought that would close the matter.

Couldn't believe the rigmarole I went through - the young man on the end other phone insisting there has to be record for the current reference so I should go ahead to book the appointment and my being trying to be as polite as I could telling him to cancel it.

A frustrating wait on the phone while he said he had to check with a supervisor - almost put down the phone in annoyance. Eventually he came back with the same statement like he was reading from a script and saying if I didn't agree to an appointment the letters would continue coming with possible consequences.

Told him point blank I wasn't going to agree - a legal requirement or not, there are enough gangs of workers all around the place at the moment don't want any unnecessary people wasting my time - he said he would make a note and the call ended.

Gosh I was fuming - will wait and see if after all that they do send me another letter. If so, I won't let it rest - it's harassment nothing more and nothing less. If Partners are co-ordinating the refurbishment programme they should automatically send a schedule of the dates work is commencing on each property to the Gas Safety department. The whole thing is just ridiculous - I'm going to find out why it is not being done in the first place.

Guido's collecting scalps

2009-04-13T02:48:00.002+01:00

The hot topic at the moment the is the email scandal and resignation of Damian McBride over the affair. In his resignation statement he blames his downfall on Paul Staines's Guido Fawkes' blog expose.

Everybody loves the buzz of a scandal - since 2004 Guido is renowned for picking up insider-tips around the Westminster village and writing about them, adding his own brand of wit and humour in the mix.

There have always been claims that the blog has the backing of the Tories - Paul has always claimed his blog exists "purely to make mischief at the expense of politicians" and for his own "gratification". - regardless of any political party affiliation.

The furore over McBride has now made Guido Fawkes' blog. a national must read - With one scalp under his belt and top stories like this and this developing, those in the corridors of power will be nervous about who is next on his hit list.

What has made me smile about the whole issue is the hypocrisy of some of the power brokers and the media who claim they don't read his blog when it's obvious they do otherwise who would have known what was going on - it's like those who buy the Guardian and hide the News of the World inside.

Well after this, Guido's bound to receive loads of hot stuff from the Westminster minions whilst those who may have something to lose by a Guidos expose will nervously be reading every post hoping they're not the next target. Will be interesting to read what comes out of the woodwork....

Real family 'Fathers for justice' story

2009-04-12T20:37:00.009+01:00

This weekend gives me a chance to write about progress with my family tree.

Loads of emails asking can I find out about bits of their family - have been quite successful so far. Now well into family research networking groups, finding records has become relatively easy especially as more and more stuff is coming online. When it is distant or in-law relations one can stay impartial but I never expected to become involved with a close to home story that made me burst into tears after it was all over - was all so intense and very traumatic.

Readers of this blog will know about my mum's cousin Joan. I found all her very personal stuff which gave her peace of mind and info about her own father's family the Smallbones, going back to mid 1700's.

What a laugh we have, two generations with names like Bonaparte, Nelson, Inkerman with many of the men working for generations on the railways and others in the military - some of the war records now online about them are fascinating.

Least some of Joan's father's decendants have the historic family names as second names. However, somehow along the way the spelling of Bonaparte has been changed to Buonaparte. It's mind blowing to think of a child going to school these days with a name like that even if it is a second name.

Have printed off so many records for her the envelope is getting fatter and fatter.

Even with all the exciting stuff she still wanted me to see if I could find out what happened to cousin Ronald Blandford - she doesn't know why thoughts of him were constantly popping into her head. Kept going over my notes with her on the phone as she remembered more stuff. Joan and her memories - no dates but many stories. Then comparing my age, her sons age, great grans death plus when other family and finally my mother all went to Australia made approximate dating of events a little easier. One day she suddenly mentioned having met Ron's wife who she said was Greek.

What happened next is one of the strangest catalogue of bizarre coincidences and events I don't know how to explain it all except there had to be some divine intervention somewhere along the way. Only took me less than 10 days from start to finish all by email - just have to accept it was meant to be.

Somehow just knew the key to it all was to find the death cert of my mother & her aunt Lizzy (the one I've mentioned before who couldn't speak because of contacting diphtheria as a child). Within a few minutes of that thought, I suddenly found her death record - then Ron's birth cert and marriage cert references one after another - took me completely by surprise.

When great aunt Lizzy's cert arrived within 3 days not the usual 7 days wait, I was more shocked. Reading it - there it was, Ron's name as the informant living as I expected in Brighton and the address where Lizzy had been living.

The electoral register researchers who do look ups for that period, within an hour of my request for info about the two addresses emailed me the names of my family including Rons wife - hadn't expected a response from them for at least a week. I put the names immediately on my GU family tree. As it's online contacts flashed up - was so shocked to see a flash beside Rons and his wife's name.

Turned out it was one of his daughters Julie a few years younger than myself who has been looking for him for years. What an emotional journey it was for both of us - with emails and phone calls. My sister Anne-louise and Joan kept propping me up because the stress was really getting to me - kept wondering what would happen if I did find him. Joan bless her kept repeating her catchphase "it's better than any detective story on the TV" giving me encouragement.

Julie sent me a photo of Ron's marriage to his current wife, her half brother Nick's details which she had also found researching and amazingly an old photo of our great aunt Lizzy, the sister of her gran Edith, Ron's mum. Just couldn't imagine her keeping them safe since she was a little girl together with a letter from Ron and his wife when they were going overseas.

Having her brothers name I found all the same names on the electoral registers 2003 - 2008. Took pot luck on an address which for some reason kept jumping out at me and wrote a brief letter. Within 48 hours I got an email from him confirming I'd got the correct person and his parents were retired living abroad asking why I was looking for them. Where would they be - I suddenly thought of my friend Alex a British Greek who'd probably know by the family name of Ron's wife - she usually calls at night for long chats. Was completely blown away when a few minutes later she called from work - easy she told me - Cyprus. She couldn't explain what prompted her to call me either. Still in a bit of a daze, I rushed off a long explanatory email to Ron's son not even thinking he might not know much about his dads former life and dashed out.

What a caring son he is - back home a few hours later, before I could catch my breath found an email from an excited Ron himself living where Alex had suggested saying he would take time to write a summary of his life which I could pass on to anybody who was looking for him - It was just mind blowing the speed everything was falling into place hour by hour.

All this time Julie was living a roller coaster of emotion following what was going on unable to keep the story from her work colleagues who apparently were all excited for her - she was constantly in my thoughts. Just told her I couldn't explain the heck of what was going on but my head just told me everything would be OK.

The email from Ron came the following day - just amazing he's the same age as Joan but the history of his life from his memories was incredible - after a rough start in life wasn't anything like being the bad guy he presumed we expected especially his military life after WW11 which explained a lot. I sent him Joans, Julies and my phone numbers and just waited - just knew in my heart that the situation was out of my control. I didn't even have the bottle to tell him he had two grown up grandsons as well.

Well it's good news all round Ron took the bull by the horns and contacted Julie. Just knew who it was when I got my call - he's just as chatty and open as Joan - he told me loads of stuff about my mother and gran which helped me fill in some of the family history blanks. Since then he's contacted Joan and everybody who is still alive like my aunts in Australia - says he's got a lot of catching up to do after all the wasted years.

What made me cry - Ron's wife thanking me for making her husband a very happy man and Ron saying that since his son sent him the news after my contact he has been praying that God would help Lou's daughter, me, to answer his prayers. I'm not into religion but the feeling of warmth just overwelmed me. Then again later the same day a huge bunch of hand delivered flowers from Julie was the final straw - I just couldn't stop crying.

Everything has worked out to a positive happy result but on reflection the whole story is a real longtime Fathers for Justice story. Never thought about it before but parents should think about what they tell their children when parents split up. Now with the freedom of information act it is easy to find people and information.

Since then Ron is in regular contact, has even taken to reading my blog. His wife says from my photos she can see the resemblance. My sister Anne-louise said Ron as as young man also resembles our mother which now I've had chance to look at all the photos have to agree with her.

Like so many other family members his interest in my work on the family tree has been roused after I sent him some of my stuff from the archives.

Just by chance I came across the actual marriage reference for Ruth Bibble & Angus Alexander 1817 who were my maternal great grandmother's great grandfathers parents. I've already sent it to him and so we continue....

Britain's Homecare Scandal - a national disgrace

2009-04-11T19:54:00.009+01:00

This week Panorama's investigative programme - Britain's Homecare Scandal

Supposed to be care in the community so elderly people can remain in their homes surrounded by their personal possessions. Couldn't believe what I was seeing - how dare they treat elderly people in such a degrading way.

Panorama reveals that homecare contracts in England and Scotland are being handed to the lowest bidder

Research conducted for the BBC found that some private companies are delivering care for £12 an hour, £10 less than what it costs local councils.
The so-called 'reverse e-auctions' involve firms bidding against rivals over the internet for the lowest price.

Never heard of anything so ridiculous, cutting care just to save the councils money - its a case of maximising profit never minding what happens to the elderly people being looked after by these companies. Edinburgh, York, South Lanarkshire and Harrow in London are some of the councils that were investigated,

I felt so angry at the degrading inhumane way some older people are being treated by the carers employed by the the care companies. The care plans of individuals just dumped inside vehicles.The injuries of one lady after being hit by a hoist are horrific. Another left to sit in her own excrement.

Have to give 78 year old Andrew Wilson my full respect for allowing himself to be filmed during the investigation. The local care company, Domiciliary Care, were supposed to provide four 30-minute visits a day but some visits only lasted 4 minutes. The humiliation he endured is all on film.

The programme will undoubtedly put fear and dread in the minds of many people who will need the help of the care services in the coming months and years. What is going to be done about all this - millions are waiting to see. It's not an issue that can be brushed under the carpet hoping it will be forgotten. The council can't abdicate their responsibility in all this by blaming the private care companies. I'd like to see some legal action against not only the companies but the councils involved with the scandal.

Remember 4d in old money

2009-04-10T22:22:00.010+01:00

Part of the front wall has to be rebuilt. The cement has blown and it's wobbling dangerously. Decided to remove all the dead hedge branches and rubbish from behind that section.

For as long as I've lived here, behind one part there has been a chunk of I don't know what - difficult to access but quite determined, decided to sit on the ground and poke away with a stick to clear it once and for all. All the muck cleared had to continue digging down with the stick as it was the only way I could access the spot - out came two bottles covered with thick black mud and other gunge.

Could have knocked me down with a feather - What a surprise! The larger one was obviously an old pinta size milk bottle from back in the days of home deliveries - took it inside to wash.

Absolutely fascinating. Can't date it but the writing moulded in the glass on one side under a Star of David Logo, reads Golden Seal contents 1 PT. On the other side THIS BOTTLE COSTS 4d PLEASE RINSE AND RETURN.

That got me thinking about learning tables at school chanting, 4 farthings = 1 penny, 12 pence = 1 shilling, 20 shillings = 1£ and 240 pennies = £1 etc... Many things used to cost 4 pence - called a groat in some areas.

For the life of me can't work out the the equivalent in today's decimal money. Also as the bottle is made of clear glass - still fathoming out how to take a photo of it so the embossing is readable

Sadly can't find any info on the internet except there was a Golden Seal Dairy in London 1916 -1944 and another in USA which were both started from a farm in Ireland. How long the one in London existed can't find any info whatsoever. To be continued....

Building works in progress

2009-04-09T18:14:00.007+01:00

The pointing of the external walls and replacement of the roof has been going on for nearly a week now.

Different gangs for different work. The pointers were all Polish - least I think so from the language they were shouting to one another over the noise. Ever so polite and respectful to us residents. Took them just three days to go round the property - what a racket with all their banging. Mind you it was a bit dodgy going out the front and down to the garden - Great dollops of cement and stones kept falling.

Least they cleaned up everything at the end of each day.

The roofers striped the roof putting the old slates and wood in bags. With the pointers gone they lowered everything in red bags using an empty dust bin. Couple of times there was a loud crash when the down load fell outside the front door. The photo is of one of the workers picking up the remaining bits of broken slates. A chirpy young man who didn't mind having his photo taken one bit.

As expected, the front looks like a builders yard with slates stacked up everywhere. Up to now can't fault their work in anyway.

I've never seen a roof off and covered with a kind of white insulating sheeting before. Told they'd be working all Easter in between the showers of rain. Bit of a stress but the faster they work the faster they finish - it's actually quite impressive the speed they are working. Not very sensible having small children around at the moment so there will be no grandchildren visits this hols.

Sainsbury's - has this happened to anybody else?

2009-04-06T19:24:00.003+01:00

Sainsbury's have really pissed me off. Occasionally you can buy foodstuff anywhere which are a little off. Usually I can't be bothered with the hassle of taking it back to the store so it ends up in the food recycling box.

Not a great lover of meat anyway but at times it's good to have a change. This weekend I couldn't believe it when a packaged British lamb joint from my freezer turned out to be beef. In a hurry to go out didn't look properly - took the joint out of the wrapper and bunged it in the oven.

To be honest as it's a Sainsbury's product, couldn't believe what I was seeing when it was cooked and cut up - had to double check the packaging. It reads 'Traditional reared British Lamb joint - boneless butterfly leg -100% British - £7.24. Thought as this is packaged as part of a production line with a batch number how many others must have complained.

This morning feeling concerned did telephone them - was told from their computer records there had been no reports of any other incidents. Find it very hard to believe unless everybody else just ignored it. The customer services rep seemed more interested in which store it had been purchased from, like that makes a hoot of difference. Was told to go to a local main store customer services which is in Camden and take the wrapper with the meat. Take the meat what a laugh!

Normally wouldn't bother but as it's school hols I'm going tomorrow just to see what they are going to say. Under the circumstances their logo, Sainsbury's Try something new today , is rather ironic.

Update: Wednesday - Took the packaging along to Sainsbury's Camden branch. They gave me a refund and a £5 gift vouture. The money is not an issue - I'm waiting to see what they eventually write and tell me after their investigation.

Islington council Leader James Kempton is going!

2009-04-04T06:36:00.018+01:00

Emails galore this evening - Islington, Lib Dem James Kempton has announced he is stepping down as the council leader. His decision will take effect on 14 May 2009 when the council holds its annual meeting. He will however remain a back bench councillor for St Mary's ward until the 2010 May elections.

Hardly a surprise since February's crushing budget vote defeat in favour of the Progressive Budget - free school meals for primary school children and £100 council tax rebate for pensioners - speculation has been rife. Deputy Leader Terry Stacy has even publicly claimed he wouldn't challenge James to a leadership contest but now he's the obvious choice.

LGC has all the glowing stuff about James - Cllr James Kempton has been the leader since 2006, was deputy leader 2000-2006 and has served on the council since 1994 etc,etc..... The news however hasn't as yet been reported by the local rags. They will definitely put a different spin on the whole issue.

Regardless of what may be reported in the local media it's an obvious knock on effect of our local ward councillor Andrew Cornwall's decision to stand down from the cabinet in protest over the councils monetary wastage and remains as an independent Lib Dem. His ideas for cost saving measures are being effected across the council. The reduction in some of the councillors' allowances became effective on the 1st of this month saving the council over £100,000.00

Labour, the main opposition on the council will probably be crowing, claiming that it's a result of their success with the Progressive Budget that pushed James into making his decision. They are taking full credit for the whole plan when actually it was Andrew's idea in the first place.

One thing that is for sure, Terry Stacy, a real East End Londoner, if he does take over as leader, there will be a dramatic change in the leadership style. Terry is an interesting character - can be most vocal at times - the kind of person that feeds the media.

Update: Seems the bets are on - email from Richard a Tory local activist on his hols in Africa - Will be back in Islington at the end of the month. Will be interesting who ends up with the poisonned challace. My money's on ece or watt. - Lucy Watt or Meral Ece that would be interesting, but I don't think so somehow.

Obama-Mania came to Islington

2009-04-03T20:04:00.003+01:00

Like millions of people I've been caught up in the excitement of President Barack Obama's visit to Britain and following all the financial stuff -Barack Obama's G20 visit casts warm glow over 10 Downing Street.

However a more touching aspect of the visit for local residents - Obama-Mania came to Islington. Yesterday his wife, Michelle Obama paid a surprise visit to the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Language College for girls.

How exciting for the students - Michelle Obama to them, ‘You can be what you want’

The local Tribune reports -

Screaming children – who had performed a special concert that, according to teachers, drew tears of happiness from Mrs Obama – poured out into the playground jumping up and-down and swapping stories of their big day.“I told her she was hot stuff – and she said ‘you know you’re all hot stuff!’” said Kimmoy Harris, 15....

Wish they had sent along a female reporter to write more about the feelings of the children. Have to laugh sometimes the way some media reporters put out the news - Tom Foot, probably as excited as anybody would be, comes across as if it's just an everyday event.

Partners Gazette Easter 2009 & more

2009-04-02T23:12:00.004+01:00

Partners residents newsletters have been dropping on household mats this week.

The key issues are the coming Residents forum elections and the planned garden competition in June. I just hope that this time around more residents will come forward - we need some fresh blood. Some of the existing members of the forum have worked hard for years putting strategies in place up to where we are today but it's time consuming and often a thankless task.

Helping people and the local community is most rewarding - at times it's stressful but to see a successful result and smiles on peoples faces afterwards no words can express feelings.

I've been in two minds about submitting my nomination this time around after about 7 years pre contract and the current forum. Not very good at blowing my own trumpet on election nomination forms and some snidey spiteful remarks as I'm passing from some locals, at my age I can do without.

The garden competion on the otherhand is right up my street - Partners are trying to encourage as many residents as they can to try and improve their surroundings. The back of this property has been visited on numerous occassions with some snapshots taken much to my great pride.

This evening went along to the an extraordinary meeting of the forum to vote on the amendment to the Terms of Reference and the Code of conduct. Couldn't help but feel a little nervous about the outcome. Going through it line by line, to my great delight except for a few minor changes, wording and the order set, the bulk of it was accepted by members as it was and even my preferred options were the ones decided upon when it came to a vote. The formal adoption of the document will take place at the next General meeting in May, the final meeting of the current term of office.

Working on such a document with all the legalities and confirming references under current legislation is not easy - tedious at it's best. The overall outcome of the member votes certainly boosted my self esteem making it all worthwhile.

Who's a silly plonker then?

2009-04-01T23:46:00.008+01:00

At times I'm completely lost for words. After all these weeks of waiting since the scaffolding was erected around this property the roofers arrived to start work. Expected full steam ahead but... they couldn't start much to their frustration. The scaffolders, silly plonkers, forgot to set up the pulley on the top level.

All they could do is to offload their planks of timber in the front of the building. They were very careful not to damage the plants and growing bulbs - a most unusual act for building contractors - but made my day.

Seems the roofing slates are being delivered Monday. Looks like all the recycling boxes are going to have to find a temporary home over the next few weeks because where they are presently is the only place building deliveries can go and rubbish can be put.

Will be interesting to see how they dispose of all the rubbish. Since the main road was refurbished Islington council does not allow skips to be positioned outside properties. Contractors have to find a space in one of the smaller side roads. It's the logistics of moving all the heavy bags of old slates and other junk down the road once they are lowered to ground level I'm thinking of. Hope they have something sensible like a trolley.

Going to have to keep the windows shut when they really get going. Found a small piece of sharp slate on my kitchen windowsill which must have slipped through the scaffolding planks when they were doing the testing. As careful as they might be it can't be helped but a zap on the head could do one an injury.

Late this evening heard some noise and noticed somebody had put up the missing pulley in the front - looks like a sore thumb sticking out over the whole building.

Suns out so will be able to take some photos. We'll see what happens tomorrow...

Britblog round up 215

2009-03-30T15:57:00.000+01:00

This weeks round up by Trixy can be read on her blog -Is there more to life than shoes?. Since joining the roundup team I've been reading her blog - a witty style of writing, some of her posts are just hilarious. Her approach to the roundup this week is just as funny.

For those who don't take life to seriously have a read.

Next week it will be the turn of Charles Crawford who is knowledgeable about all things EEC. He is the newest member of the team and it will be his first.

Nominations as usual to britblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

Lynne Featherstone & another brave lady write...

2009-03-29T06:40:00.015+01:00

Having a quick review of some blogs this morning - so many out there in blogospere one could spend hours trawling but whose really got the time to waste? Two posts I picked up worth more than just a glance.

On Crazy like Us? came across this post Crisis and Recovery. It's a real eyeopener for anybody interested in mental health issues - have to really admire the lady for having the bottle to write her feelings down.

Lynne Featherstone MP on the antics of the squirrels in her garden. Outside the formal political arena, Lynne has a 'wicked' sense of humour. They seem to have really wound her up - 2 posts in one week. Well if she can call them bloody squirrels then I'll repeat it - bloody squirrels.

Nicked the Youtube video from her post. It's just so funny.

Watching them in the garden at the back of this property, I'm intrigued the way every year they follow the same route over and over again . Some little blighters are so brazen they don't even run away when they see you - they sit there rubbing their paws together with their ears cocked just looking at you.

Don't mind them until they start digging up the bulbs and plants - least that was until I was introduced to the chilli powder solution which seems to keep them at bay. They do however help to prune the long gangling branches of one of the weak looking trees out back that doesn't get a hair cut to encourage fresh strong growth - How to prune fruit trees. Not funny though when you get zapped on the head when they jump and branches snap.

Just an after thought - my friend Robert gave me some binoculars he received as an Excellance Service Award from his workplace. The idea was to look at the birds nests in the trees - my grandson will love it. Wonder if they are powerful enough to follow the squirrels when they grab the birds' food and run off with it.

PFI in my flat has arrived

2009-03-25T23:04:00.002Z

The scaffolding has been up for 3 weeks now and nothing has happened. Residents in both adjacent properties have asked how long it will remain up. Had to bluff my way out of that one, knowing that some of the time depends on completing some of the mandatory internal works in my flat which needs scaffolding access to dress the external walls - works I'm not looking forward to.

By appointment the contractors works team turned up earlier today to run thorough the programme. Quite prepared for a verbal fight after having to help some residents sort out problems in their flats whilst their work was being done - determined I am not going to put up with the same mess. They took me completely by surprised - for once the team handling this property were not the expected patronising 'I'm telling you what we are doing and you have no choice' attitude.

The site manager listened to everything while taking down extensive notes. A simple thing like my bathroom. At first the bath replaced a few years ago because it dropped 6 inches due to problems with the listing of the building external walls and weak floor boards, wasn't going to be changed. Now it has to be done again because the problem seems to have reoccurred. I know logically it will also be easier for them to access the old water pipes if everything is cleared but.... There are many fixtures and fittings which I bought and fixed myself- not the bog standard cheapos they put in the flats - the bath itself is deeper than the ones they are now fitting. The existing bath was ordered specially so I don't have to bend over so far- don't want the situation of back-lock again. My grandson when he was younger thought it ever so funny trying to help grandma up when she got stuck. Now it has been agreed they will take it apart carefully and wrap everything until they have finished putting it all back at it was.

My allergic reaction to strong chemicals and some powerful odours might be a joke to some neighbours. However it's not funny when ones eyes burn, you can't breath properly and skin blisters red. The doctors say if need be they would write the company a letter. Easy solution, they are ordering odourless paint

The location of my flat and access to water for the back garden has even been considered. Just small things like that made all the difference. I've signed and the date has been fixed.

I know it won't be easy in this small flat but if they do everything as planned there will be no trouble from me. I am looking forward to have the kitchen sink repositioned by the window and to be able to replace some of the carpets and furniture which have been on hold pending the works.

Mystery Shopping again

2009-03-24T23:23:00.002Z

Received a telephone this morning asking if I would be one of Partners' Mystery Shoppers. Of course I'll do it, I like things like that - the response I got back was good, we knew you would - what can you say to a comment like that!

Seems every organisation is recruiting Mystery Shoppers these days. They use it to check on their staff, contractors, residents, retail outlets and the police are using it for sting operations, you name it and there seems to be a group looking into everything. Similarly there are the service websites who throw up a form and ask you for a feedback.

Have taken part before - never got any feedback though. This time around as it's Partners it should be different. Now just waiting for the envelope with instructions to see what assignment they have given me but... Hope it is not going to involve somebody I know - I couldn't keep a straight face.

Taking about Mystery Shopping with friends after recent widely publicised local police sting over the sale of alcoholic drinks to under 18s- a remark made in jest. 'Lord, it's like having an army of snooper poopers all over the place'.

My concern over some of these initiatives - it is all good and well if they use the information towards making improvement or catching illegal acts but if the feedback just sits on somebody's table somewhere collecting dust and nothing happens, it's a waste of time and energy.

For all mums on Mother's day

2009-03-22T20:29:00.005Z

Britblog roundup 214 - Mothers Day edition

2009-03-22T04:45:00.031Z

Mothers day is supposed to be a day when mothers put their feet up. Fat chance for me at the moment if I don't hurry up with this weeks BBRU. Up with the larks at an unearthly hour to complete it in time. As I'm writing, sad news has just flashed up that Jade Goody died at 3.55 this morning - has sort of put the damper on my mood. Seems almost surreal that she should die on Mothering Sunday.

A weird collection of nominations this week, my friend suggests they are nerdy - at the best some of them are heavy reads but here goes...

One of my favourite blogs, all things British Heritage - English Buildings has written about the beautiful photo, the old Church lych gate in Long Compton in Warwickshire.

Liberal England pens, When the US army came to Ditton Priors

Reflections from an oldie - the then and now of Piccadilly Circus since the Statue of Eros was relocated near The Criterion Theatre.

Tom Watson MP as vocal as usual - The 25 years since the Miners Strike Week has replayed a lot of 1984 memories.

Not everybody's cup of tea but.....
Epic Abandoned Substations and Power Plants is a review with interesting photos of abandoned premises in various parts of the world.

Norfolk Blogger obviously an Eastenders soap fan asks
Why do the BBC and Eastenders get politics so wrong so consistently ? he writes, In fact, on every social issue the BBC and Eastenders make great efforts to be as correct on the issue as possible and avoid sensationalist and factual errors. There is in Eastenders at the moment a by-election in Walford East again. Peggy Mitchell is the candidate. The by-election is in three weeks time (2nd April). And that brings up the first error. Why is it on a Monday ?

He has pointed out some valid points which are glaringly obvious to political campaigners. For a start elections are traditionally held on a Thursday. It a disgrace to the BBC that they couldn't take the trouble to properly research into Election campaigning before writing the storyline.

A post that's stomach churning even to read about, every woman's nightmare - The story of the ghastly township violence in South Africa against real or suspected lesbians - 'corrective rape' - has drawn a lot of attention.

Like many women, Laura Woodhouse a contributor to the Fword is in full support of the

EU guidelines on gender neutral language - she says,

The Daily Mail may call it political correctness gone mad, but I think the EU’s decision to issue politicians with guidelines on the use of gender neutral language is a really positive step.

There is no name indicating the Daily Mail reporter's gender but I can guess it's a man giving his opinion on what he thinks women feel about the issue.

Another man who gets up my nose - We all know the Pope does not support the use of condoms but many people would wish he would just keep his mouth shut. The Daily Maybe asks, Does the Pope shit on the poor? on the other hand Heresy Corner is Speaking up for the Pope

The Office of Government Commerce, an Agency of Her Majesty's Treasury, has finally published the two Stage Zero Gateway Reviews of the ID Cards programme. Spy blog gives his opinion on the long awaited report.

Again a debate on a topic that's wearing out the carpet - Met’s propaganda poster lies about terrorism and CCTV

Now, a cup of tea moment - Yum, yum I like Tunnock's Teacakes and Tunnock's Caramel Wafers.

The Ministry of Truth writes, Purnell’s Lie Detector - How it actually ‘works’ and Purnell’s Lie Detector - Indecent Disclosures

Something definitely for the men - Sir Liam Donaldson On Passive Masturbation.

Arr!! Penny Red a woman after my own heart, a kind of thing I'd end up doing - Tales from Turnpike Lane station 4: Sandra and Jodie.

Trixy part of the BBRU team is calling on readers to sign a petition to Save our Pubs. I'd like to suggest that all the women boozers out there raise a glass to Jade Goody whose death at just 27 brought the awareness of cervical cancer to the world.

Whoops! I almost forgot - Googling up your street - have a look at what was happening the day they photographed your house.

That's all for now - I'm off to B & Q

Next week’s Roundup will be hosted by Trixy. Rota details and a complete archive may be found at the Britblog Central website. As ever, nominations should be sent to britblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

Googling up your street

2009-03-21T05:47:00.009Z

The launch of Google Street View UK service this week which allows members of the public to pick a spot on a map and ‘zoom’ in to see photos of the area got the better of my curiosity. Just had to see what all the fuss was about. First up was the property where I live.

The way it's being reported on the news, as if you can just type in an address and the property comes up immediately is just not accurate. Its not actually that easy to identify individual properties unless you're familiar with the premises. The interactive maps do however open up in the street you want near the address you are looking for and all I can say is wow. It's like simulated driving up and down roads - absolutely fascinating.

Took me some time to work out how to manipulate the controls, move down the roads and then to line it up various addresses so there's a clear visual of the frontage of the buildings. Seeing the front of this property up close like that, with the windows open in my flat and the big front windows open in the flat below brought on merths of laughter and a fit of giggles which has lasted for hours. The zoom control doesn't allow you to nose into a residence which safeguards individual privacy but nevertheless it's sort of gives one a creepy feeling like being a fly on a wall.

Did the same for my son Sule's house south of the River Thames. Spent a fun few minutes moving round the square in Kensington where I was born and looking up close friends. What I have observed is the cleanliness of the streets and the absence of black rubbish bags. Somebody has obviously worked hard air bushing the images.

Still chuckling away to myself, had a mind flash to look up some of the address of my ancestors on my family tree who were born and lived in London. Considering the redevelopment over the past 200 hundred years and the bombing of London during WW11, I was surprised so many still exist. It's quite exciting imagining the area back then and seeing it now.

Haven't had time to look up other parts of the country they have completed but one can obviously see the fun element in it. Know my grandson will be thrilled to bits to be able to drive up and down his area at home on the PC.

Can also foresee it becoming an additional security aid in the fight against crime.

Personally I feel Google are on to a winner with this very useful tool.

Update: 25 Towns have so far been completed - Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Coventry, Derby, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Oxford, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Scunthorpe, Sheffield, Southampton, Swansea & York.

Partners Residents Forum members get tough

2009-03-20T05:51:00.016Z

The venue of future Partners residents forum meetings will now be at the Town Hall. At last nights meeting members unanimously voted for the change.

Since PFI1 & PF2 residents forums were amalgamated into one forum the meetings have been held at Partners HQ where there is hardly room to swing a cat. It is hot and stuffy with so many people in a room sitting all squashed up like sardines in a tin makes for uncomfortable working conditions. The address is difficult to find if one is not familiar with the area putting off residents who may wish to attend as observers. The worst is the security aspect of having to ring a bell to enter the building and again on each floor level just to enter the lift. During the recent cold spell when members and observers were left out in the cold trying to get into the building for over half an hour was the last straw - something had to be done about it.

Another contentious issue is the agenda. As owners of the forum the Residents through the chair are supposed to to agree on an agenda. It has long been felt that Forum members are being treated like small children with HFI and Partners performance targets taking up time and taking precedence over what really concerns the residents - the standard of the renovation work in their homes, the procedure for complaints, repairs/maintenance, anti-social behaviour and lease holder concerns. Some issues brought up by members have been glossed over and in the end often get forgotten about leading to occassional volatile reactions from some members borne out of the frustration of not it all.

The forum does have a Terms of Reference which is basic in it's wording but when push come to shove this has been used as a reason why things have to be in the order they are set.

Well that is about to change. With a collection of thoughts from several forum members I spent over two weeks in my spare time revamping the whole document step by step. All set in clear different coloured wording identifying changes with options where a vote is required. One never knows the reaction of the majority when undertaking a task like that. However last night couldn't help feeling pleased when the whole document was accepted in principle with a special meeting called in two weeks to tidy up the loose ends before the current term of office expires and fresh elections are called.

The residents forum is getting tough - members are not prepared to accept all the bullshit anymore. They want problems sorted to an amicable conclusion with the decisions implemented for the benefit of all the residents.

Britblog roundup 213

2009-03-16T14:50:00.005Z

Britblog round up this week is hosted by Mike Fealty a regular Telegraph blogger - aptly tagged 'It's enormous' edition, 213

I enjoy Mike's style of writing well that was until I read to the end of his post and got a sharp memory jolt...

Next week’s Roundup will be hosted by Suzanne (last week's came from Jonathan)! Rota details and a complete archive may be found at the Britblog Central website. As ever, nominations should be sent to britblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

It seems BBRU 214 is my turn next weekend - until then when the Mothering Sunday edition will be online.....

Scaffolding D-Day

2009-03-13T06:24:00.002Z

Well the scaffolders arrived Tuesday. Took them over two days to complete the job. Probably would have been quicker if they had done a full days work instead of just 9.30 to 3pm. Rain started later in the morning Tuesday which made their work more difficult but Wednesday it was bright and sunny so I really expected them to finish the job. What a noisy lots they were - continual banter with language a bit blue for my ears.

Arranged last weekend for a delivery of some bags of lawn feed hoping it would arrive before the scaffolding works commenced. Sods law, it arrived as the rain started and as the scaffolders were struggling to set the planks down the side of the building leading into the garden.

Couldn't complain they were most co-operative. To get the bags out of the way, the fit looking young South African delivery man took it upon himself to carry all the bags down the stairs into the garden area while the scaffolders held up the bits to let him pass. There are times in life when saying thank you is just not enough. The best I could do it to make them a cuppa.

As I was going out early afternoon I noticed the scaffolders had left some of their clothing and trainers on the ground by the gate. Told the young apprentice carrying the planks of wood from the lorry to the front stack, to move their personal things inside the gate before passing children on lunch break nick them.

Was gob smacked when I returned an hour later, to learn that within the short space of time of he'd taken to put down the plank he'd been carrying when I'd spoken to him his trainers vanished. He was obviously distressed which was not helped by the ribbing he got from the others about their old ones not being touched. Felt so sorry for him.

Since then they have been back to put up the blue netting and this evening the publicity/health & safety signs were positioned. Now it is the wait for the inspections.

More to come.....

Islington rated a 4 Star council

2009-03-08T23:00:00.001Z

May come as a surprise to many local recidents but the Audit Commission 2008 report has rated Islington as a 4 Star council and that's official.

Extracts from the report

Islington Council is improving strongly. The Council continues to deliver strong improvement in key priority areas such as reducing crime, educational attainment, environment and by helping more older people to live independently. The pace of improvement is higher than the national average with over two-thirds of performance indicators improving last year. The Council has a high proportion of strong performing services. However, challenges remain in terms of recycling and the Council has plans in place to address these. The Council works well with partners to deliver wider community outcomes such as tackling health inequalities and regeneration. The Council provides good value for money, and good financial management continues to deliver significant efficiency savings.

Apparently their weakness is the Council's recycling programme. We'll have to wait and see what plans are afoot to improve the situation

What, £400 for a toilet seat!

2009-03-07T05:22:00.006Z

Bit of local news that caught my eye this week. An amusing read but in reality it's pathetic - £100,000 spent on hospital beds and seats for fat people

ALMOST £100,000 has been spent on reinforced beds and seats for Islington's fattest residents - some of whom are so obese their weight damages normal toilets.

NHS Islington spent the sum over the last three years to ensure its hospitals and surgeries can cope with the borough's largest people. A reinforced toilet seat costs £400.

£400 for a toilet seat! What the heck is it made of?

Feel so annoyed at times watching some of the children around here stuffing their faces everyday with coke, chips, baked beans, pizza, crisps and biscuits. The size of some of them before they leave school is alarming. Two or three years down the line they grow into hefferlumps. Many don't work and spend their days lazing around getting fatter and fatter. I'm speechless at times watching some of them waddling along the road.

Mind you, there are situations that arise when one just has to laugh. One young man I know who left school about 3 years ago arrived on a scooter with some papers from his mum. The ever increasing size of him, I can never keep my mouth shut. He's always making jokes about his weight especially when he's puffing his way up the stairs. As he was leaving he took ages to position himself properly on the seat so he wouldn't fall off - his words not mine.

Islington: more on the LibDems crushing budget vote defeat

2009-03-06T04:52:00.003Z

Never got round to finishing my blog post last Thursday on the outcome of the full council budget vote. It's now local knowledge that the LibDem plan was defeated and the alternative budget won the day - free school meals for primary school children and £100 rebate on council tax for pensioners. It was a long meeting, full of drama, only ending after 11pm when the LibDem administration finally conceded defeat.

This weeks local newspapers are full of various opinions - some for and some against. Even Jamie Oliver had added his pennyworth - TV’S JAMIE: MY FEARS OVER FREE DINNERS.

Most schools seem to welcome the initiative - Primary schools lap up free meals.

Nitsa Sergides, headteacher of Grafton Primary School, in Holloway, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that all children will have the same opportunity to have the same meals, regardless of affordability. For families on pretty low incomes who do not qualify for a free school meal because they are just over the threshold, this will be absolutely fantastic. It will also take away discrimination.”

She added: “This is just at the right time, with all the financial difficulty out there and the credit crunch. At least we can be sure our little ones get one warm meal a day.”

Echoing Ms Sergides's sentiment - this evening I was on the phone to a co-committee member when by sheer coincidence, the topic came up. She's a young lady for whom I have a great deal of respect, a divorcee with three young children who refuses to claim benefits preferring to work. However, with no other income other than her salary it's not easy for her to make ends meet. She told me just how much in monetary terms the saved income will mean to her each week.

We will have to wait and see how the programme will be implemented. It's appreciated that the funding of it all is a real concern but for the sake of the children, roll on September 2009 when it will kick off.

The news of £100 rebate for pensioners has also generally been received with excitement but as expected the pessimists have raised concerns

Pensioners and groups supporting the elderly welcomed the £100 windfall, but feared services might suffer cuts to pay for the rebate.

Age Concern Islington chief executive Deborah Fowler said: “The tax rebate will be welcome to the many pensioners living on low incomes in Islington but it’s important that services for older people are not cut while finding the savings to fund this rebate.”George Durack, chairman of Islington Pensioners Forum, said: “I was delighted that the pensioners are going to get some money and the children are going to get their dinners. It’s marvellous.

The over all political effect is a crushing blow to the Lib Dem administration but the Council Leader James Kempton is defiant - We're still in charge say Lib-Dems after Council Tax defeat. There may be claims the local party is in a buoyant mood but the weakness of the present leadership is beginning to show though the cracks.

Dreading being hemmed in by the scaffolding

2009-03-05T23:15:00.001Z

The expected letter arrived today. Some time next week they say they are coming to erect the scaffolding around our property to start the external works. It's not the scaffolding that disturbs me so much but the blue netting they use to encase it all, health and safety regulation for the workers, which will block out the light. One of my phobia's in life is I don't like to feel hemmed in - the curtains in my flat are hardly ever drawn.

How long it will be up is also an issue. They always claim it will be about two to three months but the reality from experience of other residents it could remain for a lot longer. Once in position nothing will actually happen until the health and safety inspectors are satisfied it's safe. Then the surveyors who will be up and down determining what work is to actually be done. The Easter holiday period will probably extend the time further.

The letter goes on to say that any flower pots on the window sills should be removed. That's all good and well if you live on the ground floor but I can't be lifting them and carrying them down a flight of stairs. Have been told not to worry somebody will come and do it for me. Should think so too.

Regardless of the inconvenience I'm looking forward to the external works. It's long overdue. The beautiful variety of diffent bulbs planted over the years look wonderful this time of the year but leaking down pipes and rotting windows frames makes the overall appeance of the property look tatty.

Have been asked to choose a colour of paint for the communal front door. A limited selection - lets be daring and take the bright red option. It will look striking against the fresh white painted windows. Was going to buy one of those external security lights which flash on and off when somebody enters the gate. Good thing I didn't waste my money because it's included in the works plan and will be positioned over the front door.

What I'm not looking forward to is the internal works - it's giving me sleepless nights just thinking about it. My flat and the one below has been resheduled for imminent start - still waiting for that confirmation letter. I know they will want to get mine out of the way quickly because they have to knock a hole in the external wall to reposition the boiler in the kitchen and in the bathroom to realign the toilet and that will need scaffolding to redress the outside.

Least there will be plenty of opportunities for photos for my other PFI progress blog.
More coming .....

Just another day!

2009-03-02T23:42:00.003Z

Had two bizarre conversations today about what I should or shouldn't write on my blog. Sometimes it's best to keep quiet and just listen when somebody is ranting on for no explicable reason. Sorry folks I'll pen what I want there is no law that says I can't as far as I'm aware. It's just like a reporter writing for a newspaper.

The most ironical thing is one post that seems to have got up the nose of one reader is about Alex one of my closest friends. The gist is about something we have both had a good laugh about but a local has suggested it is referring to her. Just rubbish but shows they must have a guilty conscience or something. Alex's son is a good looking hunk and a real charmer - she's always chuffed to bits when anybody says such things about him.

Imagine being asked why I write it. My choice and something I enjoy, it's about life and what is happening around me. Regretfully I don't have so much time these days to write everyday. Besides not much is happening locally that is newsworthy.

Some people who read it regularly find it fascinating - least that's what I'm told anyway. What interests many readers is my family tree research work. Have started to help family find branches of their own tree - my investigative brain seems to be able to find people forgotten or not even known about. Loads of secrets and scandals that come out is fascinating. My sister has suggested I start a research business of my own. Something to think about later. My mum's cousin Joan gets so excited when I fish out information. She was at first shocked and then saddened when I found a brother who died young who neither her or her sister Iris were ever told about. She says it's like unravelling one of those detective stories you see on television. The more names and addresses I come up with, the more her memories come alive.

Well it's now back to the grindstone.....

Pondering Nature vs Nuture and DNA

2009-02-20T13:51:00.013Z

Yesterday having a free day went to visit my mother's cousin Joan whom I haven't seen for about 30 years. Just lost her address when I went to Africa but found her recently via family since I started on the family tree - I've mentioned it before on my blog.

We have been chatting on the phone and it's almost like the years in between just didn't happen.

She grew up with my mother so I wasn't surprised that she sounded like her on the phone. Hard to believe she is 80 next week the way we have been talking - her mind is a clear as a bell.

The tube journey was easy but the buses to her house really got me flummoxed. Was so surprised when I eventually got on the correct bus there was an elderly lady who actually knew my mum's cousin and who when we got off carefully walking with two sticks took me to her front gate. Seems locally Joan is everybody's friend when it's needed so the lady insisted even though walking was difficult for her. Naturally I couldn't leave her there so slowing walked with her back to her own gate then rushed back.

I was wondering what kind of person I'd meet that would evoke such a response from a total stranger. When she opened the door and went in I was in total shock. She didn't look anywhere near her age. Bizarrely it was like looking at an older me - not facially but her style of dressing, her makeup, the way she speaks, mannerisms, her house, furnishing, colours themes and bits and bobs were almost the same even down to her interaction with the local community. The only difference being she is fastidiously tidy while I live in organised chaos with papers everywhere. Other than that we were mentally in tune with each other in a way I don't even have with my own sisters. Both of us were completely taken by surprise especially as she has lived in the same area in London nearly all her life and I've lived all over the world. The one other odd thing is she has a collection of Teddy bears and so does my sister Anne-louise.

I've long wondered about the issue of nature vs nurture because I have a similar relationship with one of my sister's daughters. We have often said over the years it is so weird that she is not my own daughter. Recently I've been thinking about DNA as well. Especially after following the branches of some of my family members and finding out that many of the descendants of just one (maternal) male relation, the 2nd & 3rd generations all now living in America, Australia, England, France and other countries who don't even know about each other are all following artisan professions. Likewise I found similar traits in family's other lines on both sides of the tree.

Gosh what memories she has. The school she went to, the evacuation from London during the war. Her pictures and snippets of documents. Just love the 1930's one above of my great aunt Ethel and her youngest daughter Iris. Her lovingly preserved docs of one male cousin Nelson who was shot in Italy while on active war duty. All very emotional she's has asked me if I could trace records of some family very special to her I didn't know existed.

Well I'm going to see what I can do.....

Mental Health trust, off with the old and on with the new

2009-02-20T12:51:00.010Z

Attended the Camden and Islington Foundation Trust governors' meeting on Tuesday. Two meetings following each other from 4.30 to supposed 7.30pm was heavy going - piles of docs and some of their medical jargon, enough said.

The incumbent Chair, Richard Arthur, former Labour leader of Camden Council, who takes charge of the Mental health service at the end of March, from David Taylor, attended as an observer - photo.

Noticed there was a reported from the CNJ at the table - was curious to know what aspect of the whole meeting he would pick up on. Now we know - It’s over to you: New mental health boss takes over amid fears for hospital

Recently there was petition raised over the closure of the acute wards at St Luke's Hospital which is at Muswell Hill in Haringey. Quite surprised at the sentimentality of some people who want to keep it open and later have it refurbished. Several of the governors expressed strong emotions about the issue.

I couldn't support them. Having had to visit that hospital on several occasions I found the dilapidated old Victoria style sprawling layout so depressing. In such a lovely location with plenty of grounds for expansion, I for one would support the option of demolishing part of it and rebuilding a modern facility. There hasn't been any final decision made as yet but it's obviously the most cost effective plan.

Watch out for the kissing police at Warrington Station

2009-02-18T18:50:00.010Z

Only this week my friend was translating a Hindu news report from India where a couple are in trouble for having a kiss after their wedding ceremony. She said that in India kissing in public is not allowed. Couldn't help but make some sarcastic remarks, the story sounded so archaic - it couldn't happen in Britain or could it

The last laugh is certainly is on me - Must be the daftest sign in England. No kissing signs have been put up at Warrington Quay Station in Cheshire. My first thought was it must be some kind of windup. Seems it's true - you have to listen to the video to make sense of it all.

Media reports say, No-kissing signs have appeared in the taxi rank at Warrington Bank Quay Station forcing lovers to use designated areas only.

The signs were erected after concerns that passionate embraces were causing delays for commuters with more passengers being attracted there.

Wonder which silly plonkers in the Chamber of Commerce came up with the idea. Seems so ridiculous, what a waste of public money. Who is really going to take it seriously and how on earth are station staff going to legally enforce it.

Bizarrely they have actually put up signs in designated zones where kissing is allowed.

Sure the station is going to become a tourist attraction - If I was travelling on that route I'd probably be one to get off the train just to have a look at it.

Islington - James Kempton needs to be told people are not so gullible

2009-02-15T11:17:00.019Z

This week the Tribune has an article about Islington Council's budget proposal and their plans for council tax.

It’s your choice (but will they listen to what you say?

The council leader James Kempton is asking people to write in or email their thoughts about Council Tax - should it be frozen or increased. At first glance most people given the choice would say freeze the council tax. This is the option the LibDem administration are hoping will get the majority support.

The carefully calculated alternative Islington budget worked out by by all the other councillors is to slightly raise council tax for a specific purpose - free school meals for primary school children and a £100 rebate for pensioners. In these austere times, what a wonderful proposal for the children and pensioners in Islington. I can't imagine any council tax payer objecting to an increase if the additional income is set aside specifically for the purpose intended.

Free school meals would save families money: as well as being beneficial in itself in terms of assisting learning, healthier eating and children learning good habits of sitting down for a meal in primary school.

Most pensioners are suffering due to rising fuel bills and a drop in savings income. Many don't even have savings and pensioner poverty is fast becoming a national disgrace.

We can all appreciate the cost implications but several millions have already been identified in savings so with the additional source of funding from council tax the plan seems workable. Better to spend the money on something that will have some real benefit to those that need it now.

The article in the Tribune is slightly misleading. It reads as if the LibDem administration have an alternative proposal and are willing to listen to peoples opinions. I doubt it very much. It's obviously a pre-election ploy for the European elections next May - we'll soon start seeing election leaflets boasting about how much savings the Islington council has made and how they have frozen council tax when other councils are raising it.

It's glaringly obvious otherwise why at the full Council meeting on 26 February, the LibDem councillors won't have a free vote over the issue? It's hard to accept that they all plan to vote against the alternative package. Why can't all councillors across party lines for once set aside their political differences and vote YES to the alternative plan for the real benefit of Islington residents who in these tough economic times need all the financial help they can get. Come off it James people are not that gullible, who cares about savings and all that when they need help now!