Easter Weekend

Its been a hot weekend, I have been out in the sun abit and have caught the sun on my head.....note to self must wear a hat when canvassing and processing.

Although it is a bank holiday weekend we were still out campaigning. On my part the weekend has consisted of canvassing, work, some family time and some time with the members of the local Newtown churches, Wycliffe, my church, and St John's in Orts Road celebrating Good Friday.

It has been a tradition, well at least in the last 3-4 years that the Newtown churches take part in a procession of witness through Newtown, meeting the residents, singing hymns and offering passers by hot cross buns. It is a great way to meet the community with so many Wycliffe and St John's members coming from Newtown and there are always lots of people on the street to talk to, especially when you are giving away hot cross buns.

We processed from the Abbot Cook pub, who kindly provided coffee. We walked along the London Road, down Chomeley Road to School Terrace. Then down to Kennetside and then back to Orts Road via the Fisherman's COttage. It was great in the sun to sing hymns and offer passer s by Hot Cross buns.

The whole procession ended with more Hot Cross buns at St John's and then a church service.

These are my pictures and I hope I have captured the spirit of the event and Newtown in the sunshine. While I am trying to improve my photography, I am particularly happy with the last picture. I saw the poster in someone's window and really liked the sentiment.

Another bad week for the liberal democrats

Its been a very very busy week, hence the time between posts. The news has been busy too, a fantastic win in Barnsley while the Liberal Democrats coming 6th and the Conservatives trailing after UKIP. In Reading Liberal Democrat councillor Gareth Epps has decided not to fight for his seat, perhaps bowing to the inevitable? On a national level the Coalition skillfully announced their desire for a no fly zone over Libya while advising of huge cuts in the RAF.

In my own life the week has also been busy, a lot of canvassing, talking to residents and attending meetings of Alfred Sutton's Parents' Forum, where I am Vice Chair.

Canvassing was interesting, apart from it being very very wet and cold. I was talking to a resident in Newtown she was very worried about the cuts that the towns Conservatives and their Liberal Democrat allies are forcing through. She was so worried she said to  me" Richard, the only way that the Council can change is for Labour to win in May, to win in Park Ward, and in all the other Wards in the town" I completly agreed and would do my best to see this happen in Park.

A Campaigning Weekend

Been a campaigning weekend. I was lucky enough to meet Ed Milliband on Friday and spent Sunday with colleagues canvassing in Newtown.

The Newtown canvass was part of a programme that is taking me across Park Ward knocking on residents' doors and listening to their concerns.

We picked up a lot of concerns in Newtown and will be following them up over the next few weeks. It was really enjoyable, apart from being blooming cold, knocking on doors. It was especially fun doing it with a group of dedicated Co Workers from Park and elsewhere.

We are knocking on doors throughout the ward so look out for us in your road. I always enjoy hearing residents' views and discussing with them how we can make Park Ward a better place to live.

Does RBC want to price the motorist off the road?

Having my breakfast munchies infront of the BBC news and was surprised to see that local councils have approached the Condem govt to raise their parking fines to the same level as Londons.

This reminided me that RBC has installed new parking meters in parts of the centre of the town, where parking was previously free. The parking meters are massively expensive and now make a quick trip in to town a very very expensive pastime. I've used the meters in South St and was shocked to see how much you pay  for a 1/4 of an hour.

It is also interesting that RBC seems to be ordering its Parking Attendants to fine Newtown residents for parking near their homes. For anyone who lives in the area the Parking Attendants' attitude is difficult to understand. Residents have to park on corners, double yellows and on the curb, because there is no where else to park if you come home from work after about 8pm. If the attendants came round at 10am, well perhaps fair enough but they are coming round and ticketing early, and I mean early, in the morning, say at 6am or late and I mean late in the evening, say at 10pm or later.

So it seems to me that our Condem RBC hates the motorist, it likes to fine them at home, and price them off the streets in town.

I like my car, however in Reading I think I will stick to my bike

A Resumption Of the Requisite Number of Legs

The legs seem to be back in nearly working order. Inorder to break them in I have been canvassing with colleagues around the Ward. The reaction has been very positive. We were invited in by a number of residents and I was able to discuss the issues that they were worried about. This is the part of politics that I really enjoy, rather than the fun filled evening I have spent in various committee meetings.

So with a resumption of leg function I shall be out and about round the Ward more and more. I am hoping to get on my bike again and put somemore miles under the saddle. If you see me wobbling around the Ward you will know that the anesthetic hasn't quite worn off yet.

If you see me in the street, please feel free to stop me and chat through your concerns, I will be happy to chat.

Saw some members of another political party, one of a Blue variety, wandering around Newtown. They looked a little lost as if they were off their natural patch...

Snow, Snow, Snow

No post yesterday, as I spent the day being distracted by the snow.  The picture shows the snow first thing infront of my house.

First hour or so was spent digging cars out of the snow with residents from Crescent Rd and then knocking on the door of older residents to see if they are ok. Had an impromptu discussion with some of my neighbours about cleaning the pavements.

What has impressed me is how people seem to be talking to each other. I have a big Russian fur hat which I have been wearing in the cold and lots of passers by have been stopping to talk to me about it. I have also been cycling about the streets as it is quicker to get about than by foot and this has caused a few conversations. I was pleased to be able to get up the slope by Newtown School to 2 wheels. Will have to take a break from cycling as I have broken the bike....

The members of the Neighbourhood Watch received the following message from the Police which I share here for you.

Message from TVP


This is a Message from Reading LPA Commander A/Supt Jim Weems please could we encourage you to look out for any of your neighbours who may be elderly or vulnerable, particularly so during these adverse weather conditions. Some people who are elderly or infirm are unable to leave their properties when snow and ice are on the ground and may need help to purchase essentials. We would ask if you could look out for anyone in your Neighbourhood Watch Scheme who may need some help during this time and as a community consider whether you need to call in extra help. Thank you for your help.

Motorists are being urged to be responsible and only travel if it is absolutely essential to do so.

A lot of schools are closed tomorrow Friday, including Alfred Sutton, I attach a link to Heartfmwho have a full list of closures.

Link to HeartFM Website

An Evening Spent with Rahim Shah

Spent an evening with Park Ward's Pakistani Community a couple of weeks ago.

I was at a fundraiser for KORT, Kashmir Orphans Relief Trust. They were raising funds for an orphanage that they were building in Kashmir for children orphaned by the terrible earthquake in October 2005. They are doing great work and are on their way to building a home for over 1,000 children. I recommend their website.

As well as having the chance to listen to residents' concerns and show my support to this good cause. The trust had a star at the event in the shape of Rahim Shah, the famous singer from Pakistan. I was so bowled over by his singing I took some shaky footage on my phone, which I've uploaded for you to enjoy too.



I don't think that the images and quality do him justice, but perhaps give you a flavour of the evening.