Unless our conception of patriotism is progressive, it cannot hope to embody the real affection and the real interest of the nation.
Jane Addams
When I selected a group of quotes for future use, I had no particular thought of using them in a topical way at all, and it is purely co-incidence that this one was next on the list so quickly after H M The Queen`s Diamond Jubilee.
By the same token, I had no intention of adding any comment of my own, but planned to let them stand alone for others to interpret as they see fit.
On this one occasion, I`m going to make an exception to that rule. It`s no secret that the Queen wanted the recent jubilee to be used to promote the Commonwealth (The Commonwealth of Nations), of which she is the Head.
Slightly belatedly, I`m going to make my own contribution to that by highlighting the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
As the name implies, the CWGC commemorates the 1,700,000 men and women of the Commonwealth forces who fell during the two world wars.
I think it`s perfectly proper that they should be commemorated, but the point I`d like to make is that, certainly for World War Two, there was no conscription in the Commonwealth, all the Commonwealth forces were volunteers.
Anyway, I like to keep these things short so without more ado, I shall just point out that the CWGC can be found at ;
www.cwgc.org
Footnote
I have previously posted items concerned with the Commonwealth both on this blog and at the Webdub blog. As it`s turned out, the ones posted on this blog have not been widely read whereas the others have done OK, so in future I`ll be confining any Commonwealth material to the other blog, which can be found at http://webdub.blogspot.com .
Showing posts with label public services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label public services. Show all posts
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Save the Women`s Library
Founded in 1926 as the Fawcett Library, the Women`s Library at London Metropolitan University houses artefacts charting the Women`s Movement from it`s earliest days, with a wealth of material on the Suffragette movement but much more than that, including the archive of the National Women`s Register and, bizarrely, a book of Recipes for Lovers by Barbara Cartland !
Now the LMU is seeking "a new home, owner or sponsor" for the library and in the interim is looking to cut opening hours, allegedly from five days a week to one. The decision has provoked an outcry and a spirited campaign to save the collection is underway, endorsed by Sandi Toksvig and others.
Sadly this interesting campaign obliges me to draw attention to two things I particularly dislike in life, one being The Guardian newspaper and the other being campaigns which feature celebrity endorsements !
It has to be said that the campaign itself assumes it is preaching to the converted and therefore makes little attempt to detail the contents of the collection. Whether I like it or not, the best source I can find for this is Caroline Davies` article Women`s Library Campaign Boosted by Celebrity Support, Monday 30 April 2012 at www.guardian.co.uk.
There are numerous other sources of info online. Here are just a few ;
Alan Gibbons - Importance of Women`s Archive - 5 May 2012 at http://alangibbons.net
Alan Gibbons - Campaign and Petition : The Women`s Library - 6 May 2012 at http://alangibbons.net
National Women`s Register - www.nwr.org.uk .
Unison - www.londonmetunison.org.uk
Save the Women`s Library - http://savethewomenslibrary.blogspot.com
I understand that the LMU is also looking to dispose of the TUC Library but as yet I can find no equivalent campaign in respect of that - all I can suggest there is to use the Unison branch link provided above.
Clearly, the LMU is looking to either dispose of the collection or get some sort of sponsorship to help with the cost of mantaining it. There is no particular reason why it has to be in London as far as I can see. The chief issues here would seem to be preservation of the collection, sensible arrangements for public access and the future of the staff. I must be remembered that the collection`s assets are not only documents and artefacts but also the staff, some of whom have years of experience in dealing with the collection and building up familiarity with the stock.
The future, as they say, is unwritten.
Now the LMU is seeking "a new home, owner or sponsor" for the library and in the interim is looking to cut opening hours, allegedly from five days a week to one. The decision has provoked an outcry and a spirited campaign to save the collection is underway, endorsed by Sandi Toksvig and others.
Sadly this interesting campaign obliges me to draw attention to two things I particularly dislike in life, one being The Guardian newspaper and the other being campaigns which feature celebrity endorsements !
It has to be said that the campaign itself assumes it is preaching to the converted and therefore makes little attempt to detail the contents of the collection. Whether I like it or not, the best source I can find for this is Caroline Davies` article Women`s Library Campaign Boosted by Celebrity Support, Monday 30 April 2012 at www.guardian.co.uk.
There are numerous other sources of info online. Here are just a few ;
Alan Gibbons - Importance of Women`s Archive - 5 May 2012 at http://alangibbons.net
Alan Gibbons - Campaign and Petition : The Women`s Library - 6 May 2012 at http://alangibbons.net
National Women`s Register - www.nwr.org.uk .
Unison - www.londonmetunison.org.uk
Save the Women`s Library - http://savethewomenslibrary.blogspot.com
I understand that the LMU is also looking to dispose of the TUC Library but as yet I can find no equivalent campaign in respect of that - all I can suggest there is to use the Unison branch link provided above.
Clearly, the LMU is looking to either dispose of the collection or get some sort of sponsorship to help with the cost of mantaining it. There is no particular reason why it has to be in London as far as I can see. The chief issues here would seem to be preservation of the collection, sensible arrangements for public access and the future of the staff. I must be remembered that the collection`s assets are not only documents and artefacts but also the staff, some of whom have years of experience in dealing with the collection and building up familiarity with the stock.
The future, as they say, is unwritten.
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Meanwhile, Back in the States #4
Fight Crime, Invest in Kids (California) is one of the more unusual campaiging groups I have come across (and I`ve encountered a few oddities in my time !).
Made up of an association of Police Chiefs, District Attorneys and survivors of violent crimes, the group opposes cuts to California`s education budget, particularly with respect to pre-schools.
While it may seem far-fetched, they draw on what appears to be very impressive body of research to support their case, that pre-school education leads to higher levels of achievement and lower levels of criminality in later life.
To learn more about them, see Katy Murphy - Oakland Police Chief : Early Education Key to Crime Prevention, posted 27 March 2012 (updated 28 March 2012) at www.contracostatimes.com . Ms Murphy`s article also appeared in the Oakland Tribune.
The group`s website is at www.fightcrime.org .
Made up of an association of Police Chiefs, District Attorneys and survivors of violent crimes, the group opposes cuts to California`s education budget, particularly with respect to pre-schools.
While it may seem far-fetched, they draw on what appears to be very impressive body of research to support their case, that pre-school education leads to higher levels of achievement and lower levels of criminality in later life.
To learn more about them, see Katy Murphy - Oakland Police Chief : Early Education Key to Crime Prevention, posted 27 March 2012 (updated 28 March 2012) at www.contracostatimes.com . Ms Murphy`s article also appeared in the Oakland Tribune.
The group`s website is at www.fightcrime.org .
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Fields in Trust
Parks-and-playing-fields charity Fields in Trust has issued it`s response to the selling-off of publicly owned recreational land in the London area.
In a statement provided to the BBC, the FIT commented ;
"There is finite provision of outdoor recreational space in this country, particularly in cities, with London a prime example. Given these statistics*, it is vital that the future of the precious remaining spaces are assured for community use. The potential quick monetary fix which a disposal might provide should be resisted because these places have a value far higher than the price they command at sale, today or any day."
To learn more about the FIT and it`s proposals to safeguard public spaces, click here ;
www.fieldsintrust.org
*The organisation was asked to comment on news that "parks, playing fields and allotments equivalent to the size of 67 football pitches have been sold by London councils over the last three years."
In a statement provided to the BBC, the FIT commented ;
"There is finite provision of outdoor recreational space in this country, particularly in cities, with London a prime example. Given these statistics*, it is vital that the future of the precious remaining spaces are assured for community use. The potential quick monetary fix which a disposal might provide should be resisted because these places have a value far higher than the price they command at sale, today or any day."
To learn more about the FIT and it`s proposals to safeguard public spaces, click here ;
www.fieldsintrust.org
*The organisation was asked to comment on news that "parks, playing fields and allotments equivalent to the size of 67 football pitches have been sold by London councils over the last three years."
Monday, 5 March 2012
Humanists Revisited
The British Humanist Association has welcomed the launch of an All Party Parliamentary Group which aims to ensure that "every young person experiences a personally inspiring and academically rigorous education in religious and non-religious worldviews."
Humanists subscribe to a non-religious worldview, but the BHA supports in the project in the interests of giving youngsters the chance to make an informed choice, and as an initiative that may tend to counter religious extremism.
The BHA is a member of the Religious Education Council of England and Wales, which also supports the new group, and has informal links with the All Party Parliamentary Humanist Group.
The BHA can be contacted at www.humanism.org.uk .
Humanists subscribe to a non-religious worldview, but the BHA supports in the project in the interests of giving youngsters the chance to make an informed choice, and as an initiative that may tend to counter religious extremism.
The BHA is a member of the Religious Education Council of England and Wales, which also supports the new group, and has informal links with the All Party Parliamentary Humanist Group.
The BHA can be contacted at www.humanism.org.uk .
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
More Voices for Libraries
Saturday 4 February 2012 will be National Libraries Day.
Targeted at library staff, library users, library support groups etc, the campaign calls for those involved to organise an event, or simply visit their library on 4 Feb or during the week leading up to it.
For further info, visit http://www.nationallibrariesday.org.uk .
Tuesday 13 March 2012 is the date set for a lobby of Parliament by a variety of groups calling on politicians to protect vital library services.
Those involved in calling the lobby include UNISON, The National Federation of Women`s Institutes, Voices for the Library, The Library Campaign, Campaign for the Book and the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. Further details can be obtained from those organisations.
The rather stylish illustrations accompanying this post are by Phil Bradley, and are free for interested parties to use to publicise National Libraries Day. Phil can be contacted at www.philbradley.typepad.com . I for one am grateful to Phil for his generosity and talent.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Hospital Happenings
As we enter 2012, hospitals are very much in the news.
In Newark, Nottinghamshire, the group formerly known as Save Newark Hospital, which we`ve looked at before, has re-invented itself as Say Yes to Newark Hospital, "a non-party political group providing a voice for the population of Newark and District."
The new group plans a relaunch this month and it`s aims and activities are already being reported in the local newspaper at www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk . The group`s new web address is www.synh.org.uk .
Somewhat further south of the Trent. we find an interesting campaign developing in Teddington, Surrey.
Teddington Memorial Hospital is currently run by Hounslow and Richmond Healthcare NHS Trust. This body is currently applying for Foundation status with effect from 2013, and the proposal is for ownership of the Hospital to pass to the new body.
It must be stressed that there is no immediate threat to the hospital. However, local doctors and community groups fear that such a proposal will diminish local accountability. "We are fighting to make sure that it stays as a local hospital serving local needs" comment the Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital, a community group mainly given over to fundraising and voluntary work, but which also has an impressive record of campaigning assertively (though very politely) when the need arises.
Other concerns are that the Hospital and grounds, currently valued at over £12m, could be sold or used as collateral for a loan in the future. There is particular concern that the proposed Foundation Trust might be too small to be viable and might merge with another similar body, thus further diluting local accountability and exacerbating current concerns over possible disposal of the Hospital and it`s site.
I`m sure the various interested parties can express themselves without further help from me, so I shall point you towards a document headed Community Briefing 2012 at www.friends-tmh.org.uk and similar postings at in the www.hamptonwick.org.uk and http://hamptonpn.ning.com .
In Newark, Nottinghamshire, the group formerly known as Save Newark Hospital, which we`ve looked at before, has re-invented itself as Say Yes to Newark Hospital, "a non-party political group providing a voice for the population of Newark and District."
The new group plans a relaunch this month and it`s aims and activities are already being reported in the local newspaper at www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk . The group`s new web address is www.synh.org.uk .
Somewhat further south of the Trent. we find an interesting campaign developing in Teddington, Surrey.
Teddington Memorial Hospital is currently run by Hounslow and Richmond Healthcare NHS Trust. This body is currently applying for Foundation status with effect from 2013, and the proposal is for ownership of the Hospital to pass to the new body.
It must be stressed that there is no immediate threat to the hospital. However, local doctors and community groups fear that such a proposal will diminish local accountability. "We are fighting to make sure that it stays as a local hospital serving local needs" comment the Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital, a community group mainly given over to fundraising and voluntary work, but which also has an impressive record of campaigning assertively (though very politely) when the need arises.
Other concerns are that the Hospital and grounds, currently valued at over £12m, could be sold or used as collateral for a loan in the future. There is particular concern that the proposed Foundation Trust might be too small to be viable and might merge with another similar body, thus further diluting local accountability and exacerbating current concerns over possible disposal of the Hospital and it`s site.
I`m sure the various interested parties can express themselves without further help from me, so I shall point you towards a document headed Community Briefing 2012 at www.friends-tmh.org.uk and similar postings at in the www.hamptonwick.org.uk and http://hamptonpn.ning.com .
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Hedgehog Finds Fame
More observant visitors to this blog may have noticed that many of our forays into topicality are embellished with likenesses of a young and possibly wayward hedgehog, Reggie.
As previously explained (See `Welcome to Angel Pavement`, this blog, 19 June 2010), the original Reggie was rehabilitated and returned to the wild some time ago, like a small, spiky version of the lioness Elsa in `Born Free`.
His likeness appears in this blog principally to stop us taking ourselves too seriously and also to add a touch of cheer when it`s needed, such as after my most recent post.
Although Reggie himself is, I like to think, roaming the wilds of Bournmouth, he will be present in spirit only at Woodbridge Library (Suffolk) during August , when library helper Jeannie has asked to use his picture to illustrate some stories of hers which she will be reading at two Stories for Children events there.
Although no actual hedgehogs will be present on the day(s), the Stories for Children events will take place on Aug 2 at 3.00 and Aug 30 at 11.00 at Woodbridge Library, New St, IP12 1DT.
"Let`s keep our libraries alive, open and different !" says Jeannie, which is as good a rallying call as you could hope for.
Thursday, 16 June 2011
Meanwhile, Back in the States ... #2
Young American Channing Kennedy has attracted attention among the doughty denizens of the online world with two recent articles about libraries.
To find out more, see my article `Mr Kennedy goes to the Library` (13 June 2011) at http://webdub.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
More Coastguards
The coastguards campaign (see past articles) has turned unexpectedly acrimonious, as this article illustrates ;
Sam Lister - Coastguards `Were not Gagged`, 25 May 2011 at www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk .
Sam Lister - Coastguards `Were not Gagged`, 25 May 2011 at www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk .
Bolton Libraries Camaign
Without wanting to spend too much time on the same few issues, here`s an interesting article ;
Unsigned - 15,00 Join fight to Save Libraries, 21 May 2011 at www.theboltonnews.co.uk .
Unsigned - 15,00 Join fight to Save Libraries, 21 May 2011 at www.theboltonnews.co.uk .
Monday, 23 May 2011
Regional Round-Up and Miscellaneous Updates
Demands on my time and energy are getting to be a bit much at present, so please excuse the brevity of these postings. In an ideal world I would present your enraptured gaze with a collection of gleaming literary pearls, complete with the effective use of bathos, pathos and irony. Sadly, I`m much too busy for that, so these entries are fairly minimalist ;
NORTH YORKS - Save North Yorks Libraries
Joe Willis - Public Outcry Forces North Yorkshire County Council to Reconsider Library Plans, 5 May 2011 at www.thenorthernecho.co.uk .
This news has met with an understandably cautious response from the campaign group. Further comment can be found on their website.
NORTH YORKS - North Yorks Waste Action Group
This group are currently waiting for the company Amey Cespa to submit a planning application before taking any further action. In the meantime, they are asking those who`ve not already done so to visit their site and sign the petition.
NORTH YORKS - Save North Yorks Libraries
Joe Willis - Public Outcry Forces North Yorkshire County Council to Reconsider Library Plans, 5 May 2011 at www.thenorthernecho.co.uk .
This news has met with an understandably cautious response from the campaign group. Further comment can be found on their website.
NORTH YORKS - North Yorks Waste Action Group
This group are currently waiting for the company Amey Cespa to submit a planning application before taking any further action. In the meantime, they are asking those who`ve not already done so to visit their site and sign the petition.
AMBER VALLEY - Amber Valley Against Incinerators
Unsigned - Campaigners Fuming as Waste Plant Gets Permit, 13 April 2011 at www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk .
AMBER VALLEY - Lodge House/Smalley Action group
Chris Mallett - Stud Manager`s Fury as UK Coal Tells Her to Buy Farm or Move, 14 March 2011 at www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk .
Chris Mallett - Concerns Over Noise Lead to Objection About Coal-Mining Plan, 22 April 2011 at www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk .
The latter article follows a decision by Amber Valley Borough Council planning committee to object to the proposed extension of Lodge House mine after hearing submissions from Nigel Mills MP and Cllr Kevin Parkinson, both of whom oppose UK Coal`s plans.
SPONDON AND SINFIN - Spondon and Sinfin Against Incineration and others
Chris Mallett - Now Gasification Firm Heads for Court to Fight City Planning Rejection, 5 May 2011 at www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE - Emergency Services Campaigns
Fire Service ; Dom Howell - Stations to Stay Open for a Year Says Authority Member, 2 March 2011 at www.thisisnottingham.co.uk .
Police Service ; Unsigned - Police Station Closure Fears After Front Counters Shut, 28 April 2011 at www.eastwoodadvertiser.co.uk .
That`s all for now !
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Update - Save Newark Hospital
Well, it`s a short time since the UK elections/referendum. Commentators have commented, analysts have analysed, pundits have punditted and bloggers have blogged. No doubt their scintillating wit and insight has enriched the lives of many.
Back in the real world, I`m a bit pushed for time, so I`ll confine my own efforts to a series of short updates on matters we`ve touched on in the past, with the odd new arrival thrown in for good measure.
First up, Save Newark Hospital.
This campaign, as I`ve mentioned before, has brought together Conservative MP Patrick Mercer with a campaign group which features many prominent local Labour activists.
The latest development can be found here ;
Unsigned - Campaign Joy as Committee Calls for Hospital Review, 4 April 2011 at www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk .
A link to the campaign group`s web site is on this blog already and carries a link to their Facebook page, which is the main vehicle for news from them.
Back in the real world, I`m a bit pushed for time, so I`ll confine my own efforts to a series of short updates on matters we`ve touched on in the past, with the odd new arrival thrown in for good measure.
First up, Save Newark Hospital.
This campaign, as I`ve mentioned before, has brought together Conservative MP Patrick Mercer with a campaign group which features many prominent local Labour activists.
The latest development can be found here ;
Unsigned - Campaign Joy as Committee Calls for Hospital Review, 4 April 2011 at www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk .
A link to the campaign group`s web site is on this blog already and carries a link to their Facebook page, which is the main vehicle for news from them.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Bentham Library - Protest Walk From Bentham to Settle - 7 May 2011
Save North Yorkshire Libraries is a campaign which aims to keep open all local libraries in the N. Yorks area.
Campaigners accept that some changes may have to be made, but are urging the North Yorks County Council to find ways to deliver library services throughout the county. They are at pains to stress that they do not wish to see one library saved at the expense of another.
At present, they are working with Andrew Jones MP, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough to promote petitions in support of two libraries in his constituency, Bilton and Starbeck.
Elsewhere in the region, they are planning a protest walk on 7 May 2011, which will involve participants walking from Betham Library to it`s equivalent in Settle. The route will be along a mixture of roads and local footpaths, which sounds thoroughly enjoyable.
Further information can be found at http://benthamlibrary.blogspot.com/ and http://ny-libraries.org/ .
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Coastguards Update
Further to my earlier article (Coastguard Kerfuffle, this blog, 22 Feb 2011), there have been new developments as regards the proposed cuts to the coastguard service.
The MCA have announced a 6 week extension to their public consultation, which will now end 5 May 2011. Most observers have taken this as a sign that the government is having second thoughts. Additionally, the Transport Select Committee have announced an inquiry into the proposals.
Coastguards representatives are taking the line that reform and modernisation of the service is to be welcomed, but that these particular proposals would be damaging. Their campaign, and those of a number of local newspapers, have attracted cross-party support.
In a fairly changeable situation, it`s almost impossible to provide an up-to-date guide to media coverage as new articles appear frequently. Here`s a quick overview ;
The Western Telegraph has printed a number of spirited articles in support of the campaign to save Milford Haven Coastguard Station. These can be viewed at www.westerntelegraph.co.uk .
Coverage of the campaigns to save both Milford Haven and Holyhead Coastguard Stations can be found at www.theonlinemail.co.uk , an umbrella site for two newspapers which together cover the Bangor, Holyhead and Anglesey areas.
The Milford Mercury is running a Save our Coastguard Station campaign in respect of Milford Haven and their site provides a number of useful links - www.milfordmercury.co.uk .
The Hexham Express has been running a similar campaign in respect of Brixham, with details appearing at www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk .
My earlier article provided links to the coastguards` websites, Facebook pages and petitions and also contact details for the Transport Select Committee and a link to the MCA site for anyone wishing to read/respond to the consultation document. These are still current.
It seems unlikely now that the cuts will go ahead in their original form, but at the same time it`s not a good time to get complacent. This is a second opportunity for interested parties to inform themselves and make their voices heard. Make the most of it.
The MCA have announced a 6 week extension to their public consultation, which will now end 5 May 2011. Most observers have taken this as a sign that the government is having second thoughts. Additionally, the Transport Select Committee have announced an inquiry into the proposals.
Coastguards representatives are taking the line that reform and modernisation of the service is to be welcomed, but that these particular proposals would be damaging. Their campaign, and those of a number of local newspapers, have attracted cross-party support.
In a fairly changeable situation, it`s almost impossible to provide an up-to-date guide to media coverage as new articles appear frequently. Here`s a quick overview ;
The Western Telegraph has printed a number of spirited articles in support of the campaign to save Milford Haven Coastguard Station. These can be viewed at www.westerntelegraph.co.uk .
Coverage of the campaigns to save both Milford Haven and Holyhead Coastguard Stations can be found at www.theonlinemail.co.uk , an umbrella site for two newspapers which together cover the Bangor, Holyhead and Anglesey areas.
The Milford Mercury is running a Save our Coastguard Station campaign in respect of Milford Haven and their site provides a number of useful links - www.milfordmercury.co.uk .
The Hexham Express has been running a similar campaign in respect of Brixham, with details appearing at www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk .
My earlier article provided links to the coastguards` websites, Facebook pages and petitions and also contact details for the Transport Select Committee and a link to the MCA site for anyone wishing to read/respond to the consultation document. These are still current.
It seems unlikely now that the cuts will go ahead in their original form, but at the same time it`s not a good time to get complacent. This is a second opportunity for interested parties to inform themselves and make their voices heard. Make the most of it.
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Coastguard Kerfuffle
This week the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (part of the Department of Transport*) begins a series of public meetings across the UK to discuss government proposals to cut the coastguard service.
The cuts currently being considered are a reduction in the number of stations from 18 to 8, with five of the surviving stations providing a reduced service. Particularly sensitive is the fact that, under the government`s plans as they stand, only three stations will operate a 24 hour service.
Other changes being considered are proposals to `remove` the Agency`s emergency towing vessels and `delete` the offshore fire fighting and chemical spill response service.
Unsurprisingly, these suggestions have met with something akin to anger, particularly in the communities most directly affected ;
`UK Coastguards Unite Against Closure` said the Shetland News (22 Feb 2011 at http://www.shetland-news.co.uk/)
`Coastguards Angry with MCA Director` reported H J Marter of Shetland Marine News (6 Jan 2011 at http://www.shetlandmarine.com/ )
`Now it`s the Coastguard that Need to be Rescued` commented the Western Telegraph (19 Jan 2011 at http://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/ )
Inevitably, there has been a response from MPs and Councillors ; `MPs Unite in Battle to Save Coastguard` reported News Letter ( 15 Feb 2011 at http://www.newsletter.co.uk/)
The public have not been slow to show their feelings (Campaign to Save Holyhead Coastguard Backed by Public` stated The Bangor and Anglesey Mail`s Elgan Hearn (9 Feb 2011 at http://www.theonlinemail.co.uk/ ).
Local newspapers have also not been slow to join the fray ;
`Save our Station` implored the Milford and West Wales Mercury (17 Feb 2011 at http://www.milfordmercury.co.uk/ ), while the Hexham Express launched a similarly-themed SOS (Save our Station) campaign in respect of Brixham station, quickly attracting cross-party support (details at http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/ ).
Is this the beginning of another Save our Forests ? Well, maybe. "There are very few coastguards that are not calling for change or modernisation", a representative told the Shetland News, but pointed out that "not one has said these are the right plans", a point apparently conceded by MCA Chief Exec Sir Alan Massey.
The point to remember here is that we live in a plural democracy. There are reasons why even elected governments cannot just impose their will on the people without consultation. The most important point may not be what position you take on a particular issue, but that you get the chance to express that view.
Fortunately, opportunities to do so present themselves all too readily in this instance.
Firstly, there are the public meetings mentioned above. I`m pretty sure we don`t make much use of coastguards here in the Midlands, but the meetings will provide important opportunities for the relevant communities to put their concerns.
Secondly, the MCA consultation document appears online for anyone to read and comment - visit http://www.mcga.gov.uk/ to do so.
Additionally the Transport Select Committe is also looking into the issues, and submissions can be sent to them at transev@parliament.uk (closing date 26 April 2011).
If you wish to sign one of the many petitions that are being circulated, or familiarise yourself with the case against the cuts, here are some useful links ;
www.petitiononline.com/ukcghq
www.shetlandcoastguard.info/petitions
http://www.saveshetlandcoastguard.com/
www.saveshetlandcoastguard.com/links.html
Should you want to know my opinion, I think the cuts go way too far and are badly thought-out and impractical, though some changes may well be necessary. My suspicion is that the government fully intends to reduce the level of cuts (to this particular service) and that the current proposals are purely a starting point for negotiations and to test the level of public reaction. In that context, the phrase `be careful what you wish for` springs to mind !
*For a bit of background reading, you might like to see my posting `Transports of Delight` (this blog, 1 Sep 2010), with partic reference to the section headed trade unions.
The cuts currently being considered are a reduction in the number of stations from 18 to 8, with five of the surviving stations providing a reduced service. Particularly sensitive is the fact that, under the government`s plans as they stand, only three stations will operate a 24 hour service.
Other changes being considered are proposals to `remove` the Agency`s emergency towing vessels and `delete` the offshore fire fighting and chemical spill response service.
Unsurprisingly, these suggestions have met with something akin to anger, particularly in the communities most directly affected ;
`UK Coastguards Unite Against Closure` said the Shetland News (22 Feb 2011 at http://www.shetland-news.co.uk/)
`Coastguards Angry with MCA Director` reported H J Marter of Shetland Marine News (6 Jan 2011 at http://www.shetlandmarine.com/ )
`Now it`s the Coastguard that Need to be Rescued` commented the Western Telegraph (19 Jan 2011 at http://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/ )
Inevitably, there has been a response from MPs and Councillors ; `MPs Unite in Battle to Save Coastguard` reported News Letter ( 15 Feb 2011 at http://www.newsletter.co.uk/)
The public have not been slow to show their feelings (Campaign to Save Holyhead Coastguard Backed by Public` stated The Bangor and Anglesey Mail`s Elgan Hearn (9 Feb 2011 at http://www.theonlinemail.co.uk/ ).
Local newspapers have also not been slow to join the fray ;
`Save our Station` implored the Milford and West Wales Mercury (17 Feb 2011 at http://www.milfordmercury.co.uk/ ), while the Hexham Express launched a similarly-themed SOS (Save our Station) campaign in respect of Brixham station, quickly attracting cross-party support (details at http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/ ).
Is this the beginning of another Save our Forests ? Well, maybe. "There are very few coastguards that are not calling for change or modernisation", a representative told the Shetland News, but pointed out that "not one has said these are the right plans", a point apparently conceded by MCA Chief Exec Sir Alan Massey.
The point to remember here is that we live in a plural democracy. There are reasons why even elected governments cannot just impose their will on the people without consultation. The most important point may not be what position you take on a particular issue, but that you get the chance to express that view.
Fortunately, opportunities to do so present themselves all too readily in this instance.
Firstly, there are the public meetings mentioned above. I`m pretty sure we don`t make much use of coastguards here in the Midlands, but the meetings will provide important opportunities for the relevant communities to put their concerns.
Secondly, the MCA consultation document appears online for anyone to read and comment - visit http://www.mcga.gov.uk/ to do so.
Additionally the Transport Select Committe is also looking into the issues, and submissions can be sent to them at transev@parliament.uk (closing date 26 April 2011).
If you wish to sign one of the many petitions that are being circulated, or familiarise yourself with the case against the cuts, here are some useful links ;
www.petitiononline.com/ukcghq
www.shetlandcoastguard.info/petitions
http://www.saveshetlandcoastguard.com/
www.saveshetlandcoastguard.com/links.html
Should you want to know my opinion, I think the cuts go way too far and are badly thought-out and impractical, though some changes may well be necessary. My suspicion is that the government fully intends to reduce the level of cuts (to this particular service) and that the current proposals are purely a starting point for negotiations and to test the level of public reaction. In that context, the phrase `be careful what you wish for` springs to mind !
*For a bit of background reading, you might like to see my posting `Transports of Delight` (this blog, 1 Sep 2010), with partic reference to the section headed trade unions.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Voices for Libraries # 3 : 5 February is Save Our Libraries Day
I had hoped to write at greater length on the subject of the various campaigns against cuts to the library service, but work and family commitments leave me with relatively little time to spend on researching these things, and I`m conscious that others do it better in any case.
One such individual is the writer Alan Gibbons, who has been waging an epic one-man war on library cuts. Another is Benedicte Page, who has written repeatedly on the subject at http://www.thebookseller.com/. Somerset man Steve Ross has been campaigning for a public debate on the subject and, while the Minister initially appeared to refuse this, he has now granted a debate to Wigan MP Lisa Nandy, whose constituency has seen a 17% increase in visits to libraries, in contrast to a national trend showing declining use.
Without further ado, I shall draw your attention to the proposed Save Our Libraries day being promoted by Mr Gibbons. Details are to be found in his articles ;
`February 5th : A Carnival of Resistance to Closure` (25 January 2011) and `Support Swells for Save our Libraries Day` (25 January 2011), both at http://alangibbons.net/ .
For more on libraries, including links etc, see these ;
Voices for Libraries ( this blog, 29 Sep 2010 ) and Voices for Libraries #2 ( this blog, 9 Dec 2010 ) and Long Eaton Library and a Local Historian`s Legacy ( 16 Jan 2011 ) at http://bookshelvesandbrownale.blogspot.com/ .
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Voices For Libraries #2
Anyone interested in my earlier article Voices For Libraries (this blog, 29 September 2010) might like to know that a number of articles on the subject have appeared on The Bookseller web site.
In addition to updates on developments in the Wirral, Dorset and Lewisham, there have been a number of articles reflecting a national perspective.
Here are a few that may be of particular interest ;
Benedicte Page - Plan for Industry-Wide Message on Libraries (7 October 2010)
Benedicte Page - Massive Cutbacks to Library Services Begin (29 November 2010)
Kate Mosse - Library Matters (9 December 2010)
These three can be found at http://www.thebookseller.com/ and www.thebookseller.com/blogs.html .
The links provided in my earlier piece should still be relevant in most cases. It`s worth re-iterating that the writer Alan Gibbons continues to perform a heroic one-man crusade on the issue at http://alangibbons.net .
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Friends of Bramwell
Staying in Nottinghamshire for the moment, we turn next to Friends of Bramwell.
F of B is a campaign group opposed to the proposed sale of the council-owned Bramwell Care Home in Nottinghamshire.
Supporters claim the home is unique because of the range of services provided and the challenging nature of the work it undertakes. It is currently registered to provide care in four categories ; Older People, Dementia Sufferers, Mental Disorder and Physical Disability. A number of other services operate from the site, which also includes a day centre. It is involved in giving respite for carers and has a philosophy of helping those who want to stay in their own homes.
The Conservative-led County Council aims to sell of all 13 of the care homes it owns, against Labour opposition. However, the Friends have attracted cross-party support, with Anna Soubry MP (Con), Cllr Stan Heptinstall MBE (Lib Dem) and former MP Dr Nick Palmer (Labour) all taking part.
Advocates of the sale point out that any future owner would be obliged to run the centre as a care home for a minimum of three years, but the friends believe that it would be sold at the end of that period. There are also concerns that the private sector woud not be able to match the service currently provided.
The Friends of Bramwell can be found at http://www.friendsofbramwell.co.uk/ . numerous articles and reader`s letters on the subject can be found at http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/ .
F of B is a campaign group opposed to the proposed sale of the council-owned Bramwell Care Home in Nottinghamshire.
Supporters claim the home is unique because of the range of services provided and the challenging nature of the work it undertakes. It is currently registered to provide care in four categories ; Older People, Dementia Sufferers, Mental Disorder and Physical Disability. A number of other services operate from the site, which also includes a day centre. It is involved in giving respite for carers and has a philosophy of helping those who want to stay in their own homes.
The Conservative-led County Council aims to sell of all 13 of the care homes it owns, against Labour opposition. However, the Friends have attracted cross-party support, with Anna Soubry MP (Con), Cllr Stan Heptinstall MBE (Lib Dem) and former MP Dr Nick Palmer (Labour) all taking part.
Advocates of the sale point out that any future owner would be obliged to run the centre as a care home for a minimum of three years, but the friends believe that it would be sold at the end of that period. There are also concerns that the private sector woud not be able to match the service currently provided.
The Friends of Bramwell can be found at http://www.friendsofbramwell.co.uk/ . numerous articles and reader`s letters on the subject can be found at http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/ .
Sunday, 3 October 2010
Bragg Nature Centre, Baltimore, USA
Time for another of our looks at life in the USA.
The Bragg Nature Centre is to be found adjacent to Patapsco State Park, Baltimore. Originally a home for wayward youngsters run by the Episcopalian Church (the US equivalent of the Church of England, I believe), the building was donated by them to Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) when they no longer had a use for it ( in the US, a `public` school is a state school, like our comprehensives, not like an English public school, which is, of course, a private school. We`re so logical ! ).
Until roughly ten years ago, the centre, which has extensive grounds including a wood, meadows and a pond, was used to teach children about nature. However, as is so often the case, money became an issue and classes there came to an end. A caretaker and his family remained, pluckily chasing away vandals and fighting the ravages of time and the elements, but the buildings became increasingly neglected and the only area in productive use seems to have been a section called Plant Side, where pointsettias etc were grown for use in festive Xmas displays in schools.
A sad story, like many you may have heard from time to time. Fortunately, this one has a happy ending. A man named Tony Geraci became Director of Food Services for BCPS and had ideas about improving the diet of the area`s schoolkids. The land, he reasoned, would be ideal for growing organic vegetables.
Turning his thoughts into deeds, a staff of young farmers, assisted by a small army of volunteers, turned the centre into a productive venture providing fresh, organic vegetables for local schoolkids. Soon they were joined by a flock of free-range chickens and a herd of goats.
This summer, a federal stimulus package saw teams of builders descend on the site to renovate the various buildings. The caretaker and his family are moving out, but the future of this very positive intiative seems assured.
I tell this story just because it`s a positive one and we can all use a few happy endings now and then. Campaigning left-wing journalist Tim Wheeler is the father of the caretaker at the centre and pretty much all the details here come from his article Saving Bragg Nature Center : Another Obama Success Story (29 September 2010). As you`ll guess from the subtitle, his article is not confined to the story of the centre itself, but also looks at the impact of stimulus packages on the US construction industry, with quotes from representatives of an American building trade organisation, the Association of General Contractors. I personally don`t have strong feelings about Obama one way or the other, to me the most admirable characters in the story are Mr Geraci and possibly the resourceful young caretaker Nick Wheeler, but it does seem to me that a project like this that is positive in it`s own right and also boosts construction in the area, must be a good thing. Maybe our UK politicians should take note !
The Bragg Nature Centre is to be found adjacent to Patapsco State Park, Baltimore. Originally a home for wayward youngsters run by the Episcopalian Church (the US equivalent of the Church of England, I believe), the building was donated by them to Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) when they no longer had a use for it ( in the US, a `public` school is a state school, like our comprehensives, not like an English public school, which is, of course, a private school. We`re so logical ! ).
Until roughly ten years ago, the centre, which has extensive grounds including a wood, meadows and a pond, was used to teach children about nature. However, as is so often the case, money became an issue and classes there came to an end. A caretaker and his family remained, pluckily chasing away vandals and fighting the ravages of time and the elements, but the buildings became increasingly neglected and the only area in productive use seems to have been a section called Plant Side, where pointsettias etc were grown for use in festive Xmas displays in schools.
A sad story, like many you may have heard from time to time. Fortunately, this one has a happy ending. A man named Tony Geraci became Director of Food Services for BCPS and had ideas about improving the diet of the area`s schoolkids. The land, he reasoned, would be ideal for growing organic vegetables.
Turning his thoughts into deeds, a staff of young farmers, assisted by a small army of volunteers, turned the centre into a productive venture providing fresh, organic vegetables for local schoolkids. Soon they were joined by a flock of free-range chickens and a herd of goats.
This summer, a federal stimulus package saw teams of builders descend on the site to renovate the various buildings. The caretaker and his family are moving out, but the future of this very positive intiative seems assured.
I tell this story just because it`s a positive one and we can all use a few happy endings now and then. Campaigning left-wing journalist Tim Wheeler is the father of the caretaker at the centre and pretty much all the details here come from his article Saving Bragg Nature Center : Another Obama Success Story (29 September 2010). As you`ll guess from the subtitle, his article is not confined to the story of the centre itself, but also looks at the impact of stimulus packages on the US construction industry, with quotes from representatives of an American building trade organisation, the Association of General Contractors. I personally don`t have strong feelings about Obama one way or the other, to me the most admirable characters in the story are Mr Geraci and possibly the resourceful young caretaker Nick Wheeler, but it does seem to me that a project like this that is positive in it`s own right and also boosts construction in the area, must be a good thing. Maybe our UK politicians should take note !
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