Today the name Michael Brown is haunting me. News and blog reports about the Michael Brown who gave some money to the Liberal Democrats have been prevalent. But here in Look North region, as a relative newcomer to the area, I have just had the dubious pleasure of seeing ex MP Michael Brown interviewed. Described on wikipedia as having 'robust style' I was entertained by his description of Alan Johnson as not just unable to 'wield a knife, but unable to wield a penknife'. Obviously this was in response to the suggestion that Johnson could replace Brown as Labour Leader.
This was one of his vaguely entertaining quotes. For someone who lost an election some 11 years ago now, he seemed remarkably bitter still. Blut he was gloating over the prospects for those who beat him - yes those who beat him - at the next General Election whenever that may be. And gloating Tories are just never that attractive
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Why don't women......
Looking at recent postings on the subject, I can't answer for most women. But I can answer for myself. And usually do ;-)
Why am I not a Parliamentary candidate? Because I didn't become involved in politics actively until I was pregnant with my first child, and looking even at our Parliamentary Party today we see a massive split between our women MPs. Either they've got older family and have done the 'little kids' thing or they don't yet have young family. And any woman knows that quite simply getting a job whilst pregnant is a lot harder than getting a job and becoming pregnant while in it.
It's harder because you're tired, sick, walk like a duck with swollen ankles. It's hard because inevitably employers are less likely to employ you for all kinds of reasons, and proving it can be the hardest thing in the world, but the unspoken questions are there. Even in our Party occasionally people voice their views on parenting and PPCs in a slightly less than positive way. There's an enforced break at the end of it and the whole process is unpredictable. And people's reaction to you is unpredictable as well, even those close by. And whilst being an MP may be on the agenda one day for me it's in my own time.
I am a bureaucrat a la Mark Valladares. I have been in lots of different roles and am currently Regional Chair. However when I was talking to someone about whether to stand for chair, someone pretty senior, I was reminded of a meeting when I was on an executive when I turned up with my fourth child, to a meeting an hour and a half away. Joseph was then 4 weeks old. I had less than three months maternity leave in total, and was still trying to breastfeed. I brought Joseph along, arrived early, fed him quietly outside in the car, went into the meeting, was one of only a tiny handful of people to have reviewed the development plan which was the main item of discussion, and input to that. As a former project manager I asked questions of the business plan put forward for another item - again the only questions asked - and succeeded in getting some essential answers in order to allow a decision to be made. But somehow it wasn't quite the thing apparently - I should have been in confinement still. I should add, unlike his mother, Joseph sat quietly and unobtrusively in his car seat, and several members didn't know he was even there during the meeting. So why don't more women do it - I guess they feel as I do.
And as for blogging why did it take me so long? Frankly I didn't feel that I had anything worth saying - and many readers may well agree! I don't dedicate my entire life to politics, but work for a large youth organisation and have 5 kids as well as being a party volunteer. I would love to write a fantastically cerebral post a la James Graham. But when your thought streams in your spare time are interrupted by Tenor Horn practice, nappy changing, Balamory, today's tub words, the playgroup committee meeting, local Town Council discussions on Christmas lights, the Easter bonnet for next week - oh and the desire to just spend a few hours with your loved ones enjoying a roast dinner - you do wonder if anyone will be interested in reading what's going through your mind!!!
I've got to a point in my life where I am enjoying it. Every rich and varied moment. I have a brain a good degree and a high-flying professional background to boot. I am capable of deep and meaningful communication and thought. But right now PC Plum, Josie Jump, Archie and the mystery of the cow pats, and why my 2 year old has a constant green stream from his left nostril, coupled with a slight concern that it may be because he's poked the crust he didn't like yesterday up there, is taking priority in my spare time. And the day job is just what it says, the day job that takes up the work time.
To paraphrase Emma Thompson in 'Love Actually', 'Today my brothers are blogging to save the free world, and I made a lego dinosaur when I got in from a knackering day at work, whilst answering a party membership query on the phone and making up pints of blackcurrant and apple for the very grubby kids who wanted their paddling pool full, whilst wondering when the weeds in my new flower beds were going to get pulled up, and convincing a three year old that just because her brother had pulled Barbie's leg off, Barbie was still a princess and looking for superglue.' And I loved it.
Does that answer it?
Why am I not a Parliamentary candidate? Because I didn't become involved in politics actively until I was pregnant with my first child, and looking even at our Parliamentary Party today we see a massive split between our women MPs. Either they've got older family and have done the 'little kids' thing or they don't yet have young family. And any woman knows that quite simply getting a job whilst pregnant is a lot harder than getting a job and becoming pregnant while in it.
It's harder because you're tired, sick, walk like a duck with swollen ankles. It's hard because inevitably employers are less likely to employ you for all kinds of reasons, and proving it can be the hardest thing in the world, but the unspoken questions are there. Even in our Party occasionally people voice their views on parenting and PPCs in a slightly less than positive way. There's an enforced break at the end of it and the whole process is unpredictable. And people's reaction to you is unpredictable as well, even those close by. And whilst being an MP may be on the agenda one day for me it's in my own time.
I am a bureaucrat a la Mark Valladares. I have been in lots of different roles and am currently Regional Chair. However when I was talking to someone about whether to stand for chair, someone pretty senior, I was reminded of a meeting when I was on an executive when I turned up with my fourth child, to a meeting an hour and a half away. Joseph was then 4 weeks old. I had less than three months maternity leave in total, and was still trying to breastfeed. I brought Joseph along, arrived early, fed him quietly outside in the car, went into the meeting, was one of only a tiny handful of people to have reviewed the development plan which was the main item of discussion, and input to that. As a former project manager I asked questions of the business plan put forward for another item - again the only questions asked - and succeeded in getting some essential answers in order to allow a decision to be made. But somehow it wasn't quite the thing apparently - I should have been in confinement still. I should add, unlike his mother, Joseph sat quietly and unobtrusively in his car seat, and several members didn't know he was even there during the meeting. So why don't more women do it - I guess they feel as I do.
And as for blogging why did it take me so long? Frankly I didn't feel that I had anything worth saying - and many readers may well agree! I don't dedicate my entire life to politics, but work for a large youth organisation and have 5 kids as well as being a party volunteer. I would love to write a fantastically cerebral post a la James Graham. But when your thought streams in your spare time are interrupted by Tenor Horn practice, nappy changing, Balamory, today's tub words, the playgroup committee meeting, local Town Council discussions on Christmas lights, the Easter bonnet for next week - oh and the desire to just spend a few hours with your loved ones enjoying a roast dinner - you do wonder if anyone will be interested in reading what's going through your mind!!!
I've got to a point in my life where I am enjoying it. Every rich and varied moment. I have a brain a good degree and a high-flying professional background to boot. I am capable of deep and meaningful communication and thought. But right now PC Plum, Josie Jump, Archie and the mystery of the cow pats, and why my 2 year old has a constant green stream from his left nostril, coupled with a slight concern that it may be because he's poked the crust he didn't like yesterday up there, is taking priority in my spare time. And the day job is just what it says, the day job that takes up the work time.
To paraphrase Emma Thompson in 'Love Actually', 'Today my brothers are blogging to save the free world, and I made a lego dinosaur when I got in from a knackering day at work, whilst answering a party membership query on the phone and making up pints of blackcurrant and apple for the very grubby kids who wanted their paddling pool full, whilst wondering when the weeds in my new flower beds were going to get pulled up, and convincing a three year old that just because her brother had pulled Barbie's leg off, Barbie was still a princess and looking for superglue.' And I loved it.
Does that answer it?
Sunday, 27 July 2008
I exist therefore..
I am official. Linked to from Lib Dem blogs - the criteria was it didn't have to be a politics-only blog, but just that I needed to be a member and a blogger! So here I am. But also linked to from my friend, Catherine aka bluecowmoo, a blog which has a focus on knitting. Wonder if that's a first for many Lib Dem readers.
So back from a day in London yesterday at English Council Executive, and a nice meal with baby brother Peter, who's just moved to Chelmsford. A train ride later and the drive took me past the Lincolnshire Showground where several thousand young people from all over the world are enjoying http://www.poacher.org.uk/. Seeing the tents, the floodlit site, and the activities laid out for today made me quite nostalgic. I'd really encourage anyone who has never thought about Scouting for themselves or their kids to have a look at this. Groups have been fundraising for months to make this an affordable adventure for kids from all over the place, coupled with the opportunity to mix with Scouts from all over the world. Scouting is really not about wierd rituals (although occasionally we indulge in gathering logs and a good Beaver Slam - usually at the request of the young people!) but about giving opportunities to mix, try new things and stretch yourself. Regardless of background or age there is a place in Scouting for anyone who wants to have fun - so JOIN THE ADVENTURE! www.scout.org.uk.
And now off to Winterton Showground to the Steam Rally. Poor little Joseph has been watching pictures of steam engines going up round the village for weeks and going to the Post Office takes three times as long as we have to gaze and liken them to the all-time King of steam engines, Thomas and his Friends. Unfortunately yesterday I upset him greatly - I went on a modern impostor. To quote him 'Naughty Diesel'....
So back from a day in London yesterday at English Council Executive, and a nice meal with baby brother Peter, who's just moved to Chelmsford. A train ride later and the drive took me past the Lincolnshire Showground where several thousand young people from all over the world are enjoying http://www.poacher.org.uk/. Seeing the tents, the floodlit site, and the activities laid out for today made me quite nostalgic. I'd really encourage anyone who has never thought about Scouting for themselves or their kids to have a look at this. Groups have been fundraising for months to make this an affordable adventure for kids from all over the place, coupled with the opportunity to mix with Scouts from all over the world. Scouting is really not about wierd rituals (although occasionally we indulge in gathering logs and a good Beaver Slam - usually at the request of the young people!) but about giving opportunities to mix, try new things and stretch yourself. Regardless of background or age there is a place in Scouting for anyone who wants to have fun - so JOIN THE ADVENTURE! www.scout.org.uk.
And now off to Winterton Showground to the Steam Rally. Poor little Joseph has been watching pictures of steam engines going up round the village for weeks and going to the Post Office takes three times as long as we have to gaze and liken them to the all-time King of steam engines, Thomas and his Friends. Unfortunately yesterday I upset him greatly - I went on a modern impostor. To quote him 'Naughty Diesel'....
Friday, 25 July 2008
'It's OK, Gordon Brown understands'
Oh well. That's alright then. He understands that yet again today it cost me £40 to fill up my tiny 4 seater, 900cc car. He understands how much it costs me and my friends to go and shop for our kids to eat healthy good food. He understands that this week I got a letter from my gas and electric company putting up my bills. Again.
I'm soooooooooo glad he understands. As he fills in his John Lewis list return, getting his subsidised bills in London with his chauffeur driven cars. When did Mr Brown last fill up a car at the pump? When did he last visit his local greengrocer desperately trying to support local business. When did he last pay a milkman at the door trying to support local milk suppliers, but worrying that at some point it is going to become too expensive?
Understand - I'd be surprised if he could spell the word.
I'm soooooooooo glad he understands. As he fills in his John Lewis list return, getting his subsidised bills in London with his chauffeur driven cars. When did Mr Brown last fill up a car at the pump? When did he last visit his local greengrocer desperately trying to support local business. When did he last pay a milkman at the door trying to support local milk suppliers, but worrying that at some point it is going to become too expensive?
Understand - I'd be surprised if he could spell the word.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
10p tax cuts hit home
The real effect of the 10p tax cuts hit home in a stark way recently. As Chair of a local playgroup committee I was startled when a member of staff who had undertaken two weeks of cover for the manageress, at a higher rate than her normal rate, asked to meet with me in a distressed state. The additional reponsibility she undertook was a challenge, one which she performed magnificently. As an employer we're really keen to encourage and support self-development and opportunity, and we recognise that additional responsibility should be recognised financially as well.
I was presented with a pay chitty in which practically all of the extra that she had earnt had gone in tax, and her tax bill had doubled. We are talking about a dedicated child carer who works around her family, and who earns more than the minimum wage, but nonetheless who is still not earning a full-time salary. Someone who is not relying on benefits, but has found a way of working around young family, to input financially as well as being there when kids come home from school.
I looked at the chitty and frankly thought a mistake had been made, and then it hit home. Her tax had more than doubled. She wasn't funny - she understood that as employers we weren't responsible for the government's strange decision to take away the best thing that it did for those on low incomes, and par-time sessional workers have been hit harder than most. For two years our committee has tried incredibly hard to put our wages on a competitive footing, and to make our package attractive and fair. We felt we had succeeded, even supporting training with an allowance, but when the government make a decision like this which disadvantages the very people the 10p tax rate was there to encourage and support, I wonder why people bother implementing good practice when the government can render it all meaningless with a single act.
I talked with the staff member about tax credits. It transpired that she had been ineligible previously and with her oldest now finished in full-time education, chances of being eligible were slim. Tax credits are calculated on number of children and household income, and for her she won't benefit from changes in the tax credit. For her it was simply a massive increase in tax, and a reduction of income, at a time when cost of living is raised massively. And ironically in a month where she should have seen the reward of self-improvement, she saw quite the opposite.
So Mr Brown. I set you a challenge. Not that I suppose you really care. Come and join me when I do the staff pay review, at a time when you and Mr Darling are asking for restraint, and help me explain to 6 women, all part-time workers around young families, why your MPs get a pay rise, and my staff have effctively had a pay cut?
I was presented with a pay chitty in which practically all of the extra that she had earnt had gone in tax, and her tax bill had doubled. We are talking about a dedicated child carer who works around her family, and who earns more than the minimum wage, but nonetheless who is still not earning a full-time salary. Someone who is not relying on benefits, but has found a way of working around young family, to input financially as well as being there when kids come home from school.
I looked at the chitty and frankly thought a mistake had been made, and then it hit home. Her tax had more than doubled. She wasn't funny - she understood that as employers we weren't responsible for the government's strange decision to take away the best thing that it did for those on low incomes, and par-time sessional workers have been hit harder than most. For two years our committee has tried incredibly hard to put our wages on a competitive footing, and to make our package attractive and fair. We felt we had succeeded, even supporting training with an allowance, but when the government make a decision like this which disadvantages the very people the 10p tax rate was there to encourage and support, I wonder why people bother implementing good practice when the government can render it all meaningless with a single act.
I talked with the staff member about tax credits. It transpired that she had been ineligible previously and with her oldest now finished in full-time education, chances of being eligible were slim. Tax credits are calculated on number of children and household income, and for her she won't benefit from changes in the tax credit. For her it was simply a massive increase in tax, and a reduction of income, at a time when cost of living is raised massively. And ironically in a month where she should have seen the reward of self-improvement, she saw quite the opposite.
So Mr Brown. I set you a challenge. Not that I suppose you really care. Come and join me when I do the staff pay review, at a time when you and Mr Darling are asking for restraint, and help me explain to 6 women, all part-time workers around young families, why your MPs get a pay rise, and my staff have effctively had a pay cut?
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Freshers fairs and fish
Ok so tonight we've got a Network meeting - going from strength to strength in Humberside under Mike Connor's watch. Network is the 18-25 years old section Scouting and is a great opportunity for those who are unable for any reason to take on a leadership role in Scouting for
friendship and the chance to try new and (often) adventurous activities as well as having a laugh. We've got booked into Freshers Fairs aaround the county with a view to offering the chance to join, and so we're ordering appropriate resources.
This years top ten freebies counting down are:
10. 'Child orbiter' - mainly for school visits - boomerang-type things made of card - cheap cheerful and fun.
9. Wristbands - still collectable for all ages, available thick, thin, embossed, over-printed, Oh the choice.
8. Frisbees - a new one for us, and whether or not at Freshers Fairs it turns into a weapon of choice is yet to be seen.
7. Beermats - obviously aimed at the over 18s and in particular colleges, again cheap and cheerful and a bit different.
6. Baked bean cans labelled with Network details - some genius invented this one a few years ago, when the bean wars had beans at 1p a can - yes I remember it and no it wasn't Old Pence! A must for all Student Unions.
5. Keyrings - old favourite for adult focussed recruitment, but gaining popularity for school visits for young people to put on their bookbags.
4. Bottle openers - more for the Freshers Fairs but we're combining four and five above to get a super-duper all in one - look after your keys and never be short of a sharp object to open your cans or bottles.
3. Postcards - the Scout Association have a variety for different age groups and occasions including thank yous. Have a stock handy if you do recruitment of development in your case or car and you'll never be short of the right card for the right occasion. Can be over-printed with a hand-written font to personalise.
2. A hard decision but it came down to novelty factor for the top spot. So my own personal favourite goes into 2nd - THE BUG. Yes I have sourced bugs in all colours but wearing a very cute Scout hat. I can also source wolves and beavers but they do come at a slightly higher cost. Kids love them, adults pretend not to but can't help from picking them up, and believe it or not, there are collectors out there too!
1. The top spot this year has to go to the simple, cheap and cheerful, ever-useful loo roll. How many of us remember the day we arrived at college complete with saucepan, 2 plates, toothbrush and cranky bike, to discover that the loos in halls or houses had that dodgy scratchy medicated loo roll in it. Or marginally worse nothing at all. So a loo roll a day etc ...
And now to the fish. Jessie the cat has discovered the fish. But she has not yet tried to eat it. Impressive. She is simply lapping the water from the bowl rather than her bowl. I s'pose it combines two interests. The fish seems to not be bovvered. If she can remember once she's swam round a few times.
friendship and the chance to try new and (often) adventurous activities as well as having a laugh. We've got booked into Freshers Fairs aaround the county with a view to offering the chance to join, and so we're ordering appropriate resources.
This years top ten freebies counting down are:
10. 'Child orbiter' - mainly for school visits - boomerang-type things made of card - cheap cheerful and fun.
9. Wristbands - still collectable for all ages, available thick, thin, embossed, over-printed, Oh the choice.
8. Frisbees - a new one for us, and whether or not at Freshers Fairs it turns into a weapon of choice is yet to be seen.
7. Beermats - obviously aimed at the over 18s and in particular colleges, again cheap and cheerful and a bit different.
6. Baked bean cans labelled with Network details - some genius invented this one a few years ago, when the bean wars had beans at 1p a can - yes I remember it and no it wasn't Old Pence! A must for all Student Unions.
5. Keyrings - old favourite for adult focussed recruitment, but gaining popularity for school visits for young people to put on their bookbags.
4. Bottle openers - more for the Freshers Fairs but we're combining four and five above to get a super-duper all in one - look after your keys and never be short of a sharp object to open your cans or bottles.
3. Postcards - the Scout Association have a variety for different age groups and occasions including thank yous. Have a stock handy if you do recruitment of development in your case or car and you'll never be short of the right card for the right occasion. Can be over-printed with a hand-written font to personalise.
2. A hard decision but it came down to novelty factor for the top spot. So my own personal favourite goes into 2nd - THE BUG. Yes I have sourced bugs in all colours but wearing a very cute Scout hat. I can also source wolves and beavers but they do come at a slightly higher cost. Kids love them, adults pretend not to but can't help from picking them up, and believe it or not, there are collectors out there too!
1. The top spot this year has to go to the simple, cheap and cheerful, ever-useful loo roll. How many of us remember the day we arrived at college complete with saucepan, 2 plates, toothbrush and cranky bike, to discover that the loos in halls or houses had that dodgy scratchy medicated loo roll in it. Or marginally worse nothing at all. So a loo roll a day etc ...
And now to the fish. Jessie the cat has discovered the fish. But she has not yet tried to eat it. Impressive. She is simply lapping the water from the bowl rather than her bowl. I s'pose it combines two interests. The fish seems to not be bovvered. If she can remember once she's swam round a few times.
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
New kids on the block
Had the pleasure last week of meeting two new colleagues, Andrew and John from the newly revamped RDS. The Regional Development Services has replaced the Field Development Service, and some of the responsibility lines have changed. For example there is now a dedicated Safeguarding Team to look after Child Protection and other Safeguarding issues, contactabl 24 hours through Gilwell.
The focus for the new Regional Development Officers is going to be more developmental than in the past, including DC induction and support to District and GSL Level, mirroring the approach taken by the Association to focus on grass-roots Scouting, and support volunteers where they are! This should complement the Local Development Officers, where they exist, really well, and we had a great couple of days, sharing ideas, comparing notes, and reviewing projects to date in Humberside.
So welcome John and Andrew, and also Peter who has just joined the Team in the North-East. The only downfall is that I'm (with the obvious exception of the boss-man) by far the oldest. The Matriarch as someone put it.... Not sure if this is a compliment.
The focus for the new Regional Development Officers is going to be more developmental than in the past, including DC induction and support to District and GSL Level, mirroring the approach taken by the Association to focus on grass-roots Scouting, and support volunteers where they are! This should complement the Local Development Officers, where they exist, really well, and we had a great couple of days, sharing ideas, comparing notes, and reviewing projects to date in Humberside.
So welcome John and Andrew, and also Peter who has just joined the Team in the North-East. The only downfall is that I'm (with the obvious exception of the boss-man) by far the oldest. The Matriarch as someone put it.... Not sure if this is a compliment.
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