On A Rant Again... (Yes a political one ~ but it isn't a bad one!!!)

Firstly, I’d like to wholehearted congratulate Chris Lofts and  Lisa Samiotis; our new County Council Councillors for Towcester. What a great result and in my opinion, something that we all needed… Well done to all; especially Jane Hollis & Scott Collins, for all the hard work that went into such a great end result.

Now can we in the Northampton part of the party all look towards the future and the NCC (Northamptonshire County Council) election?

What happened to our party at the Borough election was horrible, as a party member who had helped out & worked her butt off; as well as a human being who saw many a good person (yes even you Mister Woods) lose their seats ~ it hurt like crap. We are all (including me) licking our wounds, yes still. To be so soundly defeated may have been what many thought we deserved, I am not here to question that.

What I do want to bring up is the fact that we seemed to have just stalled and come to a halt when it comes to Borough matters. I can understand why, and can see that with only four councillors (one of whom is Deputy Mayor) it is very hard to be an effective opposition when it comes to council matters. However, my big fear is that those good people that we had with us; will just give up and essentially let “them” win. Such a huge amount of experience and passion will be lost to this town, and that can never be a good thing!

There is an old saying, which I feel is most apt here… “When you fall, you don’t give up. You pick yourself up; dust yourself off and start again…”

I can see why many feel that this is not an option open to them. Pride (or ego, you call it whatever you like) is one of those things that; once it takes a beating, it takes a hell of a lot to make things better. Some may feel too old or past it, I get that feeling too. Believe me, I totally understand why many have the feelings they do; I cannot say that I would not feel the same if it was me.

But here is where I think I might differ slightly, and I am not preaching or anything at people that are better than me! If it was me, sure I would be devastated; but I hope that sooner rather than later I would pick myself up again. I am sure that someone; probably my parents, would kick me up the butt and tell me to pull myself together and get on with it. And they would be completely right to do that, after all that is what political life is partly about isn’t it?

I know that I am not a Councillor, and have not been in politics that long; I admit I do not know all the ins and outs of the local political world. However, what I do know it that s*it happens! One minute you are the best thing since sliced bread, the next you can be clinging on by your fingernails. That is just the way things are, you are damned if you do; and damned if you don’t… in short; when you enter into the political field, you must understand and except that you are not always going to get things right ~ and you are not always going to be liked by everyone! Again this old saying seems to fit; “you can please some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time!”

I am sure than many councillors (and not just in my party) understand this, I understand this; and should I take that step to try become a councillor I’d like to think I would never forget that either. It must be so hard to continue to fight with passion and fire as strong as it was when something like this happens; when you lose so heavily, I imagine that it makes you question everything… up to and including the belief that those who vote must hate you so much that what is the point in fighting again.

But my point to end is that you simply must keep going. I know that it is hard, and I am sure that I underestimate just how hard it would be. But I feel that you just cannot let “them” win, you cannot just give up and let whatever party it is sell the people of your ward and town down the river. People can be fickle, (I am no different) we sometimes vote without thinking things through fully. We as voters want the best we can for ourselves and family, we want the best for our town. We use blind faith sometimes in the hope that those courting for our vote really do care, and really will do their best for us and our town/community. Sometimes the vote will not go our way as politicians, but that does not mean we should give up on the fight or wanting to do our best for the town or its people…

At the end of the day, we are all voters too. We all belong to this town and we all want our best for our families and our town don’t we?

Time Will Tell...

I have held back from commenting on the recent local elections purely because I was hoping that with time, things will seem clearer and that way I can be objective; they do say time heals and all that...

First off, I never saw the results coming. I thought it might be bad, but certainly not that bad. I am not going to comment as to why I think it happened, I am sure everyone has talked it to death. What I will say, is that politically it hurts me deeply to see people I care about and had grown to know; lose their seats.  Even those in “opposition” would not (and did not) expect this result, and even the harshest of critics would be hard pushed to be glad at many a good hard working councillor losing their seats.

Even though I was more than happy to help my party this election, I clearly found things difficult to deal with when it came to what I believed and who I am as a person. It has already been gone over more than once, so I shall save you all going over it again.

Everyone knows I am friends with pretty much anyone, and you all know I am happy to talk to most people. And maybe this has been my downfall, I certainly get that impression. I can understand it, certainly see people’s points. But I cannot see how (or why for that matter) I cannot be me AND do what I wish politically... is that not the point of freedom of speech? Is that not the point of being able to choose for myself my own path in life ~ politically and otherwise?

Are we that shallow and petty that we are only willing to be friends with those like us? Is that what all politicians do? If you do not have the same view as me, fine; I accept that. If I do not have the same view as you, please accept that. And there is no reason why we cannot talk about our beliefs politically or otherwise, we can even agree to disagree; it does not make us any less important than anyone else.

I am of course talking in a general sense, nothing is aimed at anyone. But I have to admit I have done that in the past, even I am not infallible; even I can get it wrong sometimes! I would like to apologise wholeheartedly to those I may have offended by things I may have said in the past, with everything that was going on; I allowed myself to act before thinking things through. I allowed “it” to get to and tear me in different directions, it certainly was not me; nor will it ever be me.

I guess what I am trying to say is, why can I not be me and believe what I do politically, why does it all have to be the same? I do believe in many of the core basic values and beliefs that many Liberals believe in, the fact that others believe in being free, open and fair works for me. Life should be about wanting the best for our fellow human beings, not about making people all the same; not everyone is the same... is it wrong to want liberty, equality and to believe in community? Is it wrong to want to be free from poverty? Or to make people aware of the facts so they can be free?

And when it comes to following those core principals, I believe that Liberals fit what I believe in. And similarly I can only expect the same from others, and hope that my follow Liberals will believe in the same. I would like to think all Liberals follow those beliefs, I hope they would all want the same; feel the same and treat others in the same way. I know there will be people that say “Liberals (especially in Northampton) do not believe that.” I cannot (and will not) answer for any others, they will be able to answer for themselves. But I am not like others, I am not someone who will say something that is not true ~ maybe I say things too quickly without thinking, but I hope I do think more before I speak ~ I take pride in the fact I am that genuine. That I have no hidden agenda or ulterior motive.

I know many Liberals that lost their seats cared a great deal about the town and those they represented, and I also know many will not believe that. Seeing things politically from all sides, and being on the outside of it all; it certainly does seem a case of you are damned if you do and damned if you don’t... maybe the old saying is true, you can please some of the people some of the time; but not all of the people all of the time?

So what now?

Well, for the Liberals; I do not know. I imagine they are trying to see what went wrong and where they go from here, I imagine it will be the same with the other “independents” and those smaller partiers in Northampton.

Good luck to the Labour party who now have a huge task ahead of them, trying to be an opposition to a blue “stronghold” when the biggest gob (and I say that with affection) is gone; I hope they are up to the task.

Good luck also to the Tories, who need to be aware that they will have a million and one Liberals watching their every move with a keen eye... I hope for my town’s sake that they are successful, I shall be watching you too!

For me? I miss my party first off, but only I can take the blame for that mess. I honestly do not know where my politics lie, I am not sure I ever will to be honest. I guess that is the trouble with having political friends, regardless of if they mean to or not; they (whichever party they belong to ~ or were in) cannot help but be swayed by their own beliefs. A Liberal friend I miss terribly often said, “If you can’t stand the heat in politics...” and she is right. But this is not something I want to give up, I want to help; want to be part of helping things to change...

But maybe, until I can find my own path I need to take a backseat. I have a room I need to clean, more ironing I need to tackle, papers I need to read and sort out; not to mention writing assignments I have to attend to... gosh life does seem to creep up on you doesn’t it?

In closing, I would like to wish ALL those Liberals I met along the way. All of you (regardless of if you know/believe it or not) have had an affect on my life, I count myself lucky to have known all of you... yes even Mr. Woods!

Thank you for reading, and this is Nicky STILL a Liberal Democrat; signing off and saying see you on the backbenches.

Is It Safe To Come Out Now???

Well, now that it is all over and the dust has all but settled; I thought I would begin writing stuff again… plus seeing as they are now only four of my follow Lib Dems in office, I don’t think I shall be getting in too much bother ~ though I could be wrong… I have been before!



Going into the election I knew that being a Lib Dem would not be easy, I knew that many people disliked what they (I still feel weird saying us) have done to the town etc. and I also realised that they had a good chance of losing control of the borough council. For the record, I never saw that result coming either… nor did I ever think Tony Clarke would lose either.


Regardless, I was happy to help “my party.” I wasn’t joining a party to be popular, I still believe in the “pre~amble” they have on their membership cards… however; I do worry that many of the others in the party did not believed the same. It sometimes felt that being a councillor/working for the public, was more about towing the party line than what their core principles are. It sometimes seemed to be a case of “this is far too important to play fair” or “we must win at all costs.”


Not that there is anything wrong with wanting to win or doing as you are told.


I understand the need for rules and that we should, on the whole; follow them.


But, and this has always been one of my “bugbears” as it were; if your boss (in whatever sense of the word) told you to jump off a cliff ~ are you really going to do it without as much as an; “why?” Which all leads me to question, what on earth has happened to make many of us like this?


Someone in the party would constantly tell me that they “needed” to win, and all I could think was; why? Is it really that important to win? When did it change from “because I want to serve my fellow Northamptonians,” to “because I need the money?”


Life and people are far more important than money will ever be, I don’t want my ward councillor telling me I should vote for them; I want to vote for them because they work hard and will do their best for my area… if you are doing it right, I don’t need to be told about it.


I personally believe there are a few main reasons why the Lib Dems lost control of the Borough; one of them is of course because of the nation scene. Supports of both the Tories and Lib Dems seem to be uncomfortable with the coalition, and you cannot blame them really can you? Is it a case of Clegg selling out for a place of power in the government, or simply a case of him seeing the potential? I personally have never liked this coalition, if I had wanted to be close to a Tory; I would have still been one!


Had it been me leading the party, I would have stepped back. Keeping my promises and integrity while allowing the Tories to (if it goes like it) make a balls up of it all… after all, there will be another election along in four~ish years; and that isn’t that long when it comes to politics!


I feel that another reason is that they were adamant that the town centre should come first when it came to planning etc. and I cannot say I completely disagree. Picture the scene if you will… (And this is a tangent, but it works)


In four years’ time, the Saints and Cobblers have an Asda and Ikea on their plots of land. They have developed their grounds etc. and everyone that matters is happy… the parking is a nightmare in St. James and Duston Road, but that doesn’t matter. Tesco’s moves in up by the Saints too, because they always get in upon the act; and Sainsbury’s makes a fuss and has its extension too. Throw in some other shops etc. and you have your very own “Weston Favell” type centre up in St. James/Duston/Upton area…


Now, you get people like my parents and others who don’t like going to the town centre; who now have everything need (or would go to Milton Keynes for) right there on their doorstep… where do you think people will go? I know without even having to ask where my folks will go, trust me I can save every council the consultant fee by telling you; it will be to the out of town shopping centre! I mean, why go town (which is slowly and painfully dying) when you have it all five minutes away? When petrol/diesel is the price it is, and the buses are a nightmare too, why would anyone bother or care about the town centre?


So what happens to the Market that is never going to be the same simply because people shop differently nowadays? What happens when the stores that have been in the town for like ever, finally get up and go elsewhere? When will the council start to worry? When places like Sainsbury’s, Church’s China, Debenhams, House of Fraser, or Church’s Shoes? What will be the wakeup call for them I wonder? What happens when we lose the towns venues like the theatres? Will that shock you all into doing something? When the town is a ghost town, what then?


Before you chastise me for spouting political brainwash garbage, I am basing this on firstly my own views but also those of the forgotten few; the silent majority that most politicians forget. People like my parents, who have not voted for ages because they think “you lot” are all the same. Normal people who have far more important things to worry about than which council does what or who runs it, it is these people most of you forget. Because while being a loud mouth (and I say that with affection as it is aimed at some people I know) is all well and good, and does get you so far; but not everyone wants to be that ~ or can be like that for that matter!


Before the election, the local paper (Chron & Echo) held a big debate and got people of the town to ask the candidates what they would do when they were elected. Towards the end of the night, a young lad got up and asked what each would do to inspire him and people like him to not only vote but also take an interest. And in truth that about sums it all up really, most people don’t want to hear that such and such a person left his car in his parking spot; they have more important things to worry about.


They won’t care if such and such a candidate is standing against his former party who kicked him out in such a rough way, the majority of people don’t bother with local politics and rarely care (especially now) about the national scene either… simply put, people are too busy with their lives to bother or care. Yes they want things to be better; yes they want to pay less council tax etc. but in truth they have their lives to get on with!!


But those same people have a voice and a vote, many of whom may have voted; many of whom may have seen you “all to be the same” and sent back a vote of “no confidence" in those that rule us. I guess my point (yes, I think I have one) is that it isn’t the ones with the biggest voice you need to worry about, it is those silent majority that need to be convinced or shown that you are not all the same. Even though I am interested in politics and even though I should know better; sometimes I think you are all the same…


They say the best government is that in opposition, and in some respects this is true; they always tell us voters they will do what the government is not doing... trouble is that every time an opposition says that and gets elected, none seem to hold true to their words!!! And maybe this is my point about everyone being the same, being proved right? Everyone says they will do their best for the voters; they will listen and stick to their promises, which is great… but in four years’ time when they have failed they either blame someone else, be that a previous council/government or just tell us things will get better and they will do it right the next time.


So I really do wish this new administration well, I hope they will not be the same. I hope that they keep their promises; I hope that both the Saints and the Cobblers get what they want. I hope that Fitzy and the Market survives, I hope that MY town does not die… but should the Tories fail to deliver, would the last person to leave Northampton please turn off the lights?


(Rant over, for now…)

If I Only Had One Day Left to Live...

I’d tell it as it really is!!!




Now it might be just me, it may even be my age; but don’t you just hate it when things try you and indeed your patient?



If it isn’t one thing is seems to be another...



Maybe it is the fact I get stressed easier now, or maybe I am just feeling pre menstrual; but everything seems to be out to get me at the moment.



Take the bus I usually get for example... I live in New Duston, as some will know the bus services to this area in the beginning were rubbish but then we got the number 27 service; run by Northampton Transport/First Northampton.




For the most part this service did what it said on the tin, apart from the odd missed journey; they were regular and took about twenty minutes. It serviced the village of Old Duston, went to Sainsbury’s on Weedon Road and then headed into town. It worked for us lot in New Duston, Old Duston and even those in between!




First Northampton then took this service away and replaced it with the number 22, which missed out Old Duston and went through St. Crispins and Upton; before heading to St. James and on to the Town Centre. This journey took around thirty minutes, and angered many residents in both New and Old Duston alike.



Now it wasn’t the time it took, (although that was a pain) it was the fact the village would be missed out; it was all well and good for those in Upton and St. Crispins but not those who needed to get to the village.




As is the way, after most of us had got used to this new service that took longer but just about had the same amount of buses servicing the area; Northampton First decided to change it all again! (Just like flipping supermarkets who go and change their stores around and move everything... trust me I am not going to buy anything I don’t want ~ I shall just get peed off and walk out!!!)




After local pressure, or more likely lack of finances; we seem to have gotten both a 27 and 22 service! Even though neither is run by Northampton First, both take longer; and we now have less buses serving the area of New Duston!! Someone please explain how THAT works!!!




Only in Northampton; could you get a driver who needs to ask the passengers where to go! Only in Northampton could the council or bus companies say they are “thinking of the older folks” only to miss out the retirement village in St. Crispins! Tell me the logic of wanting to provide a service for those in Old Duston to go to Sainsbury’s, only to cause those in St. Crispins retirement village to have the self same problems! It just does not make any sense whatsoever!



To say that the service before I went away (start of Sept) was getting a little slack would be an understatement! With buses being missed out or “delayed;” if you had any type of meeting or appointment to keep, you would be just as well to head out at least two hours before hand.



I was aware of the change before I went away; I knew that by the time I got home it would have changed. But I did think that some type of normality would have been achieved by the time I got back, after all Stagecoach were taking it over; they had been going for years ~ if anyone could they could surely?




Well, you tell me... for a single to town with Northampton First I would pay £1.80 and would get a journey that would last around thirty minutes, while having three buses run that route an hour. (If you were lucky and they had not been cancelled or delayed)



I now have to pay £1.95 for a single to town, and for that I get two buses an hour; out of two services that are meant to travel my route ~ I have only ever seen one... which is also often late or does not turn up!!!



So here I sit on a bus that has cost me 15 pence more for the pleasure of taking up even more of my time travelling or waiting to get to town, as you can imagine I am slightly annoyed ~ I mean am I wrong to be annoyed by this? Someone seems to be taking the you know what if you ask me!




It makes things difficult to say the least, not only do you have to leave like two hours before appointments and meetings “just to be on the safe side;” but many of us just have to “accept” it because this is our only means of transport.




I cannot drive or afford to learn, many places I could not walk to (in enough time) especially given some of the stuff I have to lug around with me; for duties and the such like. Alternatively, as is sometimes the case; I need to be at certain places in the evenings for a certain time ~ St. John meetings and duties are the obvious. Regardless of if I like it or not, I need the bus and this is how the council/bus companies whomever; get you... and we, the Joe Public have to pay for it all.



If I have a duty in the afternoon, say at 2pm; I now have to leave my house at midday to make sure the bus turns up and gets me there on time... if I am unlucky I am left rushing around like a blue ass fly trying to eat and get there on time, if I am lucky; I am left hanging around in uniform ~ in town ~ which my Boss hates!




And don’t even get me started on what would happen if I actually managed to get a job!! All this recent Tory rubbish about it “always being worthwhile working,” all just seems like another “annoy Nicky off” line if you ask me!!! Have they taken my ruddy bus lately? Do you MP’s and Councillors actually live in the real world? Come on, get real; you all have cars and drivers to look after you. You have two damn jobs (at least) for Christ’s sake, how in the blue hell would you know what my buses are like?




Even with those weekly/monthly bus saving tickets, I am still going to be paying out more than I can afford.



Now don’t get me wrong, I am all for working and getting people back into work. (Those who are able of course) But our politicians need to think this through more carefully, I just cannot see it working as they wish it too.




Myself? I got bad grades; I left school way before I should have done and therefore have no trade, skills, career or proper education. I had to “make do” with retail work, which was then (and I am sure still is) mainly part time/weekend work. Great for students and older folks or married mothers with children at school, and I can assure you I am none of the above!



So I would look for other lines of work, and the sad truth is that you need either experience or good grades to do many other jobs; neither of which I have. There seems to be agency work or unskilled work, but only if you are Eastern European... and please don’t think I am “Euro Bashing” there, I can assure you I am not. But it is just how I have seen things, how I have been treated and dealt with.




Even when I have asked, almost begged for retraining and help with funding for it; I am sent from pillar to post. This person sends me to that person, who then sends me to these other people who cannot help me; no one actually seems willing to stand up and say yes or no!!!




Yes it is great to know I can get help to start my own business up, but without training in said business; do you really think I am going to start it up in the first place? And please, next time I go and ask for help in the place I am sent to; don’t tell me I cannot get the help I need if I do not have an addiction! That will just pee me off even more ~ Working Links take note!!!




Is it really that hard for someone, anyone in the job centre or the council or the government; to say yes I can get the funding I need to retrain or no I cannot? Come on David, Nick and Ed; tell me... will I get the funding I need to do that plumbing course? If so, let me apply for it and not worry that I will have debts (on top of the debts I already have) BEFORE I start to get back on my feet and back working!!!

Fill Your Paper With The Breathings Of Your Heart...

A hat box with red roses on, is beige and pink in colour; somehow it just seems to match and go together ~ bit like me really I guess...


The box itself makes me think of my Mum and how much she'd love the chance to use this; and of course the beautiful hat which surely was inside at some point, now of course it is just a box...


But that isn't strictly true, is has become something more than just a "empty box." It has been filled with all manner of things; each has its own story to it, each a reminder of a past I shall never forget.


There is a thimble that leads me to my Aunt in New Zealand, Sandra. She loves collecting them, and has loads. Her son is getting married next year; (2011) gosh how we would all like to be there to see that. I am sure my folks will manage to go, as to me? Well, who knows!


There are, of course the obvious pictures of faces from my past (and my present) and the newspaper clippings I just cannot part with, things that remind me of happier times; and some sad ones too... still now, it hurts to see the clippings about his funeral; losing Mr. Northampton has scared me deeply.


There are train tickets from those lovely days spent in London with that guy who shall remain nameless; which is a rather long name by the way! Now all I need to go with said train tickets are those tickets for them shows he kept promising me we'd go see!


There's a little stick on furry penguin, a reminder of those Raflatac stickers my folks used to use at their previous company; a penguin was the logo... made a great talking point. Especially when I was able to use them on that little enterprise I had going on, what was it called now? Oh yeah; SMART Merchandise... Gosh how daft? But the idea was good, paper/stationary packs and smelly packs... 


A gift box; well, basket of toiletries ~ all wrapped and presented with a Raflatac sticker on the top. And the paper packs were cool, even if I do say so myself... but they were nothing compared to the paperweights! Now they WERE class!! I must get round to doing some more of them!!!


The fan that reminds me of my travels to Spain, certainly a much more carefree time. The black sand a reminder of the time in one of the Islands, the pebble from a beach somewhere in Portugal; the small tile from my time in Italy... gosh, so many memories, I just could not fit them all in!


There is that Danish flag, to remind me of what I lost and my time in wonderful Denmark, an old badge in silver from St. John Ambulance; when we still had the zoo on there!! Dang, I even had that silly mic cover from the council chamber in here; best not tell Paul about that one!


Of course my little Knight makes it into my box, how could he not? Maybe it is purely the St. John thing, or maybe it is that I wish I had a Knight in shining armour; but he has to be there! 


And the last thing to go in there will be a bit of string with a noose on the end of it... Of course I know what it means, and what it could tell anyone that looks at the contents on my "Keep Sake Box." But I need to keep it in here, I need to have that reminder; so I will never forget nearly losing everything... 


After all; until we know where we've been how can we know where we are going?

Pride of Northampton.... (There's a First)

I was all geared up to write a couple of blog about my town and its councillors after seeing the latest play at the Royal called “Town,” I was ready to moan and ask what in the blue hell is happening to my town… I still might, but right now I want to lay some praise on someone.

The first time I went on duty to this “Town” play was Thursday 26th June, which coincided with the date our “pride of lions” were unveiled around town. I knew they were coming, but much like the recent performances by England’s overpaid prima~donnas; I was not prepared for them!

Heading up past Castle Station (notice I won’t use “Northampton Station” ~ it’s always been Castle Station, never mind what the sign says! As with Jimmy’s End ~ St. James and of course MK “City” ~ but the less said about that the better!) and over St. Peter’s roundabout I noticed three lions kindly guarding (or watching, you choose) over John Dickie’s home…

Having said that I was not prepared to see lions (real or otherwise) in Northampton was not an understatement, after the initial swear word and “there’s three lions!” I could not stop smiling to myself; fancy that ~ I was actually smiling for once!

Wandering around town now seems more fun, I actually find myself looking up more. Even nights out seem much more fun, and yes I have the pictures to prove that ~ and no, I did not break the one outside the Guildhall… and I was gentle getting on that one in the picture!

Conversations with friends are filled with “have you seen the lions?” and “where’s that one?” People seem to be stuck with something between curiosity and amazement that something good could come from this town, which is a worry! Having seen and heard all the views (including my own!) over what is wrong with this town, it seems to shock people that something good can happen.

People know my views on the things our Lib Dem (is it now a coalition too?) run NBC have and have not done, the site at Edmunds Hospital, Marina and Market Square say it all. But; and here is the thing, they are all done with the view that “hopefully” people will want to come to the town and maybe invest/stay.

I know that many people will say “but that is not enough!” and to be fair I do slightly agree. However, look at the lions for an example. People do like them, they look cool and get people talking… is that not the point? People love to see the Elephants in London, we spot them (or try) every time we go down to City; the lions seem to be having the same effect here.

Which is a very good thing in my view, and should surely be encouraged? How about this for an idea: more arty type stuff, more plays from local people about local things? Let us get a little crazy here, how about this too: get more things going like those wonderful Heritage Weeks? This town has so much going for it, to let that die would surely be a crime?

There are people willing to show those of us willing to learn around, I know this from first hand experience. Case and point, most people reading this blog will know Councillor Trini Crake; some will know her husband John is something of a town historian. All reading this blog will know that I am a member of my local St. John division too, and have been for a while.

Digressing for a moment, our meeting nights at St. John often consist of training, training and more training! Occasionally we have a few guest speaker nights thrown in among the training and the courses we have to do, and a few nights a year we have social evenings. Rarely do we leave the safe confines of our building, if we do it is either to attend our HQ for more training or exams; but it has not always been like this!

We have gone out to the pub! (Yes I know, admittedly we had to walk there; but it was fun!) If I am right in thinking, we have gone out to the hospital for a sort of “outside” guest speaker. The point I am trying to make is, visiting places is good fun, and it gets us out and about… which as many people will tell you, is a good thing!

Anyways, back to the plot… after bumping into John Crake going past the Guildhall, we stopped to have a little chat; during which he told me about the mark on a block outside the Guildhall which meant Northampton was so many feet (sorry I can’t remember how many now) above sea level. I never had a clue the mark was there let alone what it meant, which made me think; “what else don’t I know about my town?”

Having been around the Guildhall once (and totally enjoying it) I thought I would ask if John would show my division around too, after all many of them aren’t from Northampton (and even those that were) so they might not know about its history… of course John kindly agreed, but when I rose the subject at the meeting that night; to say it was met with the “damp squid” effect would be an understatement.

(See, there’s my rant. A slight tangent, but the usual rant I am sure you would all miss if I left it out…)

Anyways; to end, how about this for an idea: Fred and Doris, (work with me on this!) have lived here all their lives, but there is still so much they have never seen; yet they have seen it all. Both have watched a million and one different councils try their best to “make this town better,” but all that happens is the town quiets seems to die a cold death. However, this week they have been seeing more and more Meerkats (just for Alderman Dickie there) painted weird and wonderful colours; popping up around the town.

It looks so good and has everyone talking about it, so much so that Fred and Doris’s children have heard about it all; and their grandchildren! Moreover, that is not all they have heard about either! Imagine this; there are local plays at the local theatres. There are local bands playing in the local pubs and clubs, there is local art in the local art museums and a whole host of other things too boot.

However, the best thing about it all is the beautiful buildings and scenery with the amazing history. And guess what? It is something all the family can go and see, they can all experience the history (first hand maybe?) and the stunning scenery! Not only is it on Fred and Doris’s doorstep, but much of it is free! Gosh, how about that; a week where all members of a family can get something out of... who’da thunk it hey?  

Is this all a dream? I dunno, maybe; but I certainly hope not.

The Trevor Eve Appreciation Party... My Manifesto.

(for my wonderful Trevor Eve/Waking the Dead fans; and maybe a little gentle friendly dig at my political friends too...)

We here at the Trevor Eve Appreciation Party believe in free Trevor for all, we want to change the rising trend of younger actors being drooled over; while allowing the older (better in most cases) actors passed over “just because.

Our members and supporters believe that true talent comes from age and experience, taking nothing away from the younger actors; but youth and good looks count for little when you are talented AND hot as hell.

Trevor Eve is without doubt one of the best actors around, at over 50 years old; he is also one of the hottest around. Should we be elected, our party would implement the follow...

• Free DVD’s of Trevor’s past shows. Up to and including Children... Naked Trevor is good Trevor! (Well, nearly naked anyways)

• Waking the Dead as a weekly episodic programme. We believe this is ~ without doubt ~ one of his best works, if elected WtD would run and run. If scripts became a problem the shows producers would tap into the great world of “fan fiction” out there, allowing people to “write” their own scripts.


• A group of cinemas specially dedicated to showing all of Trevor’s work.

• Trevor Eve Appreciation Day. A day dedicated to Trevor and everything about him, held on his birthday; where people could celebrate all things Trevor. The highlight of which would be a huge party in the park type of event, with the man himself as the main guest of honour.


• On education, children of school age would be taught Trevor Lessons. Ranging from showing his previous works to helping out youngsters learn from the master himself.

• On National Health, we here at the TEA Party believe that a little bit of hotness will help you to recover and get better. We would make all doctors look as hot as Trevor and make his works available to patients, visits by the man himself would be a given.


• On the economy, we believe that the more Trevor you have the more money will be generated into this Country.

• On Defence & Crime... we believe that the characters (especially DSI Peter Boyd) that Trevor plays are good strong characters, and our Policemen/women should be more like those he plays. Tough and strong but honest and fair. With regard to Defence, our armed forces shall be given acting lessons and will be reformed into lean mean Trevor Eve machines.


So, in short; a vote for the TEA Party is a vote for more Trevor Eve!!!

Miracle Worker or Councillor? Damned if you do, Damned if you don’t!

While I am in this writing mood, I shall explain my views; politically and otherwise... I have touched on the market square already, so I shall try to avoid that subject.

Week after week all I seem to be reading is how bad of a job the Lib Dem run NBC, (and sometimes the get that wrong ~ remember we have TWO councils here!) how everything they have achieved has been crap.

It seems that everyone and anyone from Fitzy to my friend Tony Clarke is ready to stick the knife in as it were and complain about anything and everything. It seems that the current administration are damned if they do and damned if they don’t, which leads me to one of my questions; why would anyone in their right mind want to be a Councillor?

Not only do you have to balance the budget and books, not only do you have to seemingly please all of the people all of the time; but you also have to actually work miracles and do the impossible!

In my view, (other than with regard to opposition Councillors) I see all these “wannabe Councillors” moaning about how bad things are; but unwilling (or unable) to do anything about it. It is a little like football fans spouting off saying they could do a better job of managing their football team than the actual manager; however, if given the chance to do so ~ they all suddenly shut up! In other words, if you think you can do a better job or know better than those who run things; why are you not doing it?

If it was me, and I was so impassioned about what happened to my town; I would do all I could to become a Councillor and everything I could to change things. Yes it is true that one of the reasons I joined a party was because I wanted to become a Councillor and change things for the better, and yes I have the chance to do that; but in truth I am not sure it is worth the hassle.

Even though I don’t know what goes on “behind the scenes” as it were, I know things are not easy for any local (or national for that matter) government to make things work. But I also know that things in this town are not good either, and to be honest things will not get better over night...

Before this current administration, we had the Tories in power who didn’t do much. Then we had Labour in power who did loads, just not all of it good; they apparently got Northampton put into special measure ~ which I think basically means the national government had to take control of our spending and stuff ~ someone in the council will be better placed to explain that bit.

Now seeing as I was either too young or not as involved as I am now, I cannot comment on how good or bad things were before; but surely it cannot of been that good if things are as bad as they are now? Not ALL of the towns problems (and there do seem to be many of them) can be blamed on the current administration, these problems did NOT happen over night; the town has been in decline for far too long now and what worries me is that no one is listening!

While I have a huge amount of time for ALL Councillors, and would like to think I have friends on all sides of the chamber; I do worry that many of them are trying too hard to make things like a mini Houses of Commons... far too often I see those Councillors (and you know who you are!) on the opposite side of the chamber doing what can only be described as “childish taunting” and point scoring; when what they should be doing is putting the needs of my town first.

Members of that chamber have been voted in to make a difference and look after their ward residents, now don’t get me wrong many ~ if not all ~ of our Councillors do work extremely hard for those said residents. And if my ward Councillor was (and he is) one sitting on the opposition side, I too would want them to make as much noise as they could to get me the best deal for me and other as they could... but, and here are my concerns; far too many of them seem to forget about the “working together for the good of the town” part and seem to be more interested in acting like children!

Yes it is good theatre (I’ve seen some sights in council meetings!) and yes each Councillor should fight for their residents, as well as holding the administration to account for everything they do; but at the end of the day can you not have your “moment” and then work together?

Life is about compromises, we all have to make them! You cannot always get everything your own way, that is just not how life works... I mean I want to be a supermodel with one of them super hot hunks on my arm; still I have to settle for being super nice and having no one draped upon my arm ~ it happens! I would have thought the key (or one of the keys) to being a good Councillor, was being able to compromise?

My personal view is that while much needs to be done, ALL Councillors should quit with the fun and games and start getting down to the business of saving my town and getting it going in the right direction!

New Complaints Department...

Because the election is hot underway, and because I know many people would like to do this; I have made a complaints department....

It is run by a wonderful woman called Ms. H. Weight.

It was set up for those people who would like to complain about, well anything really; but especially for some of my politically friends.

1. If there are times when I have:
   
2. Pissed you off with my constant "can't make up her mind" attitude.
   
3. Annoyed you because I don't do as much or help as much as you would like.
   
4. Acted (said or done something) dumb around you that makes you worry about me.
   
5. Or just generally gave you cause for sleepless nights etc; then this is the place to come...
   

Helen, will address all complaints fairly and quickly; of course she will also deal with them fully and to the highest standards.

So, with that being said;

"If you have a problem with me, my attitude, intelligence; or lack thereof...

Please go to Helen Weight!!!

Thank you kindly xxx

Need to “get it off my chest...” rant.

Although there are times when it must seem like I am always awake, I sometimes do try to sleep at normal times. On the whole this is successful, however on occasions I tend to find myself lying awake with a million and one thoughts running through my head and watching the clock tick slowly by. Maybe it is because I have an overactive imagination or just way too much on my mind, whatever the case I find that on many occasions I am left sat there trying to pass the time by without disturbing others or making a nuisance of myself.

So then, on a day when I seemingly want to sleep but nothing will let me; I find myself sat writing this blog at half four in the morning. In my head I know I need to get all this off my chest and say what I should have done long before now, however my heart is telling me that at nearly five in the morning it could be a bad time to do this! Of course I know my heart is correct, but my head knows this will not stop me! Sorry in advance for any misunderstandings or spelling errors etc. I am normally rubbish at spelling anyways!

Firstly I must explain that this blog is aimed towards my Councillor friends/acquaintances whatever, especially Councillor Clarke, Councillor Woods and Alderman Dickie. It might be a little boring reading for my other friends, but I suggest reading if only to see me finally speak up or; which is more likely the case screw up! And in case anyone asks why I could not speak to them face to face, I have tried on more than one occasion.

Of course this is all over what the press have dubbed “Astragate” and the hearing I spent eight hours sat through on Tuesday. Most people will know I am a card carrying Lib Dem member, having said that I have time for all members of the council. I know Councillor Clarke through the football, and John Dickie through him; I hope I can class both gentlemen as friends. Throughout all my time going to council meetings and what have you, I have tried to keep my friendships and politics separate. As with all my life, I try to see everyone’s point of view and not be swayed by friendships or emotions.

The first time I had any dealings with Councillor Woods, was the public meeting held in The Great Hall of our Guildhall. It was called by the supports trust (of the football club) and others, if I am right in thinking it was the market stallholders association and the fish market arts council. Councillor Woods and his colleagues chose not to officially attend the meeting, which he was within his right as a leader of the council to do. I am not about to be drawn into if that was the right choice or not, but of course I have my own view.

Like I say, I try very hard not to pass judgement on people until I have met them and can make my own mind up for myself. But of course not everyone thinks the same way as I do, there was (and is) clearly more than a few people who are more than willing to pass judgement over Mr. Woods and their feelings towards him; not only as a Councillor or leader of the NBC but also as a person too.

I am sure he has heard it all before and it is probably something he has had to learn how to deal with, although I am not too sure after Tuesday’s meeting! I am not sure if it bothers him or not, I have heard from some of his colleagues that it does. If it does not, then Mr. Woods; it should. You should have been worried about it, and in all honesty you should still be worried about it. Had I listened to what other people said, I would not have joined the party; and I would never have spoken to Mr. Woods.

I am glad I joined the party, for me it was the right choice to make; at that time! I have met some interesting people and some I hope I can class as friends too... in my humble opinion I think that much of the work the council have done has been good, and I believe they are trying to take this town in the right direction. Many of their Councillors work extremely hard, and do not always get the praise they should.

When all this “kicked off” I had not been with the party long, and none of it had or has anything to do with me being a member. I was quiet happy to just let everyone in fight and attack everyone else, had it stayed a political matter then I dare say I would not have cared so much. But of course it could never have stayed that, when in reality politics and personality are seemingly now always linked.

It seems to be that any little thing someone can find to attack you with, anyone and everyone will do so; sometimes for little or no political gain. If this is how it is now, why would anyone want to actually become a Councillor? Why would anyone put themselves willingly through all that? Why can it not be about if a person can actually do the job they are given/asked to do?

Does it really matter if someone has tattoos and has gotten in with the “wrong crowd” when they were a young lad? Surely if they have learnt their lessons and paid their debt to society, they can have a hugely positive and influential input into life and council? Does everyone have to be the same to do a good job? Each of us are human beings, we all have flaws and none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes and get things wrong; surely being human (in whatever way we feel comfortable) is not a bad thing to be in politics?

The moment this all began to turn into an attack on Councillor Woods personality, was the moment I decided to make a stand and speak up. I do not know Mr. Woods well, we have spoken rarely and I would not class us as friends. (Nor do I think we ever will be) The times we have spoken he has been a gentleman and polite, and on the one occasion we have sat together having a drink (which I paid for, before anyone starts on me for costing the tax payer anything!) after a meeting, he was funny, kind and easier to talk to than I imagined.

The general public opinion is that he is an arrogant, stubborn, self centred, cold and unemotional bully. While I admit that he is incredibly hard to approach and talk to, I am not sure he deserves such a stream of abusive labels; even after his reaction to the hearing Tuesday. In my opinion (and from speaking to other Lib Dem Councillors) there does seem more to Mr. Woods than meets the eye, maybe he just does not feel comfortable enough with others to show that side of him... one Councillor (who shall not be named, but sat with me for much of Tuesday’s meeting) commented that not everyone wears their heart on their sleeves.

And I do have to agree, not everyone can be emotionally open. Not everyone can walk into a room and comfortably “work the room” as it were, I am not sure even I could do that; and most people will know I am comfortable with my emotional openness. Now some people will say that if this is the case, then maybe Mr. Woods should not be in office. And I can understand that, if you are in a public position; surely you should be willing and open to being approached.

However, it goes back to my earlier comments doesn’t it; does it matter that someone is shy if they are actually good at the job? And like I said, in my own opinion he is a good leader and has been doing an alright job. When my two friends, Councillor Clarke and John Dickie began to attack Councillor Woods personality; I felt I had to defend Mr. Woods. I am sure he is able to do so himself, but I wanted to make a point.

One of Councillor Woods’s problems was that Alderman Dickie was making the matter more political than needed to be; and in all honesty I do agree. I hope John knows I mean no offence but surely he can see the points raised by Mr. Woods? If it was not for both John and Ian Watts complaints; this matter would not have been thrown into the spotlight as it were and would (more than likely) have been sorted out... with little or no financial cost to the tax payer.

Does anyone know just how much this all has cost us taxpayers? When, in truth it all could have been dealt with “in house” as it were. In my opinion, it is a waste of money that could have been spent elsewhere; as well as a waste of time on something a trivia as a bloody car! To make my point, I will direct Mr. Dickie and Councillor Clarke to their blogs and indeed the facebook page I made a few months back... Free The Castle Ward Two! Surely they both can, and must understand what it means to waste the time and money of us taxpayers?

In my life there are far greater things for me to worry about than why and how long Councillor Woods parked his car, which was in his own space and in a car park not accessible to the general public! And to be honest, I could not care less if he is open and easy to approach; as long as he is doing the job he was asked to do (which; like I have said I think he is) and does not go around killing babies etc. I personally, am more worried about if my Mum’s arm will be alright; Dad’s hands will be fixed soon and if my Nan will be any more gar gar by the time I next go down to visit her! And unlike most people; I cannot blame Tony Woods for any of that... unless he can fix it, then he is more than welcome to try!

Again in my opinion, while he was silly to have left his car for so long; there are much more important things in life to worry about. Yes, it was daft; yes, he was stubborn to not take action sooner. I understand (from the Councillor who sat with me) that there were underlying facts to this, that Mr. Woods himself did not want made public. I can understand this, but regardless of the facts it was just a flipping car! Yes he probably should have moved it sooner, and yes he probably should have apologised sooner. It would have been fixed sooner and easier, and without the expense to the taxpayer!

I think Mr. Woods is and was foolish to leave the car for as long as he did, I think Mr. Dickie and Mr. Watts should have spoken to Mr. Woods directly or left well alone; it clearly made matters much worse. However, now that we have had this hearing and Mr. Woods received his punishment; I feel that Mr. Woods was again foolish to have reacted the way he did. Maybe he still feels like he has done nothing wrong and I am in no position to question that. What I do question however is Councillor Woods’s reaction to the verdict, which in fairness could have been much worse!

As all this played out I was convinced Mr. Woods would receive a harsher sanction than he actually did, as did most people who have been watching this all unfold. I know more people than not who wanted his head on a plate, and would not settle until they got him hanging from the nearest lamppost. To be asked to write a letter of apology was, in my view a very light punishment. In my view, Mr. Woods should have accepted this fate and moved on, had he have done so; in my view his resignation would not have been called for and he would have been safe for a little while.

Again, in my view; for Mr. Woods to storm out after the meeting was political suicide and in my view gave his opponents all the ammunition they needed to stick the knife in! Now they have seemingly what they wanted and Mr. Woods has said he will go at the end of the month, whatever his reasons and whatever he thinks of me personally; I do genuinely wish him well. The man I sat having a drink with was interesting, funny and someone I would have loved to got to know better; he is also the only man that could have helped me with my German!

Whoever takes Mr. Woods place, will no doubt have their work cut out for them. If they can turn things around or not, only time will tell. Only time will if the administration as a whole can turn the fortunes of this town around, I hope they get the chance to try; though with everything as it has been I am not sure this will happen. As for me, I am clinging on with one fingernail to something I am no longer sure of. I always said I would give my membership a year, I have yet to count the months or days until I can cancel it... give it time though!!