Today the weather forecast was pretty dire (rain showers all day) but Gill and I decided to take a risk and go for a local walk in Epping Forest. We started off near to the Queen Elizabeth hunting lodge (currently closed). There are usually …Read more…
#HappyBirthdayHardie
“August 15th marks the anniversary of the birth of James Keir Hardie. Every year the Keir Hardie Society celebrate with an online #HappyBirthdayHardie campaign – calling on supporters of the society to send pictures showing the legacy that belongs…Read more…
Labour Dialogue telecanvass tomorrow Sat 7/8/21 at 11am to 1pm
Many apologies for late notice but I am running a telecanvass session tomorrow morning 11am-1pm.
If any local Labour Party member in Newham wants to join then email me John.Gray2012@icloud.com for zoom invite.
Training given if you have no…Read more…
The Three Johns (& crispy tripe)
Just back from a lovely catch up and meal with my two West Ham Labour comrades, John Saunders and John Whitworth, at 012 Bar & Grill in Stratford.
While putting Newham and the local Labour Party to rights, over some beers and lovely Ne…Read more…
Labour doorstep app canvass in Olympic E20, Brilliant William Morris quote & young people queuing up for Covid vaccine.
On Saturday I joined Labour Party colleagues to take part in a physical canvass of the Stratford E20 area (the site of the former 2012 London Olympic village). For the first time I was asked (or rather pushed) into leading a canvass team using t…Read more…
“This monstrous glowing orb makes a mockery of east London’s Olympic legacy” Lyn Brown MP
When London bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, we were driven not just by sporting desire, but by a vision for a regenerated east London after decades of deindustrialisation and deprivation. We were promised not just new infrastructur…Read more…
Fancy being an independent member of Newham Overview & Scrutiny Committee?
“We are looking to add further independence, skills and knowledge to Newham’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee by seeking 3 independent co-optee members.
For further information please visit https://orlo.uk/CommitteeVacancies_zZsiaClosing date 8 Augus…Read more…
London Labour Party AGM 2021 (& call for Co-operative Commission for London)
Last weekend was the Greater London Labour Party virtual AGM. I missed the Saturday due to some technical difficulties. I was able to join the second day on the Sunday as a UNISON political fund delegate (due to being Chair of the GLR Labour Link).&nbs…Read more…
Newcastle Emlyn and Cenarth Pathfinder Walk
Off message but last week Gill and I spent a wonderful week in a static caravan, located in an isolated small holding in mid Wales. The weather was marvellous and we managed to go on a number of lovely walks locally (despite a many blocked right …Read more…
Double Rainbow over Newham Dockside (Is there really a pot of gold buried in East Wing?)
This evening I came out of Newham Dockside after a “in person/blended” Pension Committee meeting and was stunned to see a double rainbow across the skyline.
I have seen double rainbows in the past but I have never seen the rainbow being re…Read more…
Meeting up with Stroppy Bird & Dave
It was great to meet up this evening with Yvonne and Dave at the Evin Restaurant in Dalston. It has been at least 2 years since we last met up (due to you know what). I had forgotten where the Overground platform was at Stratford station.
Yvonn…Read more…
Newham Coop Summer Social – 7pm-9pm, Thursday 29 July
I will hopefully be there but have another late night clash…
We’re hiring a Campaign Organiser – Newham Labour
Role: Newham Labour Group Campaign Organiser
Working For: Newham Labour Group
Salary range: £36,108.99 – £40,000 per annum subject to experience (gross and inclusive of London Weighting. Full-time and based on national Labour Party pay scale rang…Read more…
Blog: Six months into our new era | General secretary’s blog | News | UNISON National
Blog: Six months into our new era | General secretary’s blog | News | UNISON National: It’s been an incredibly busy but productive and fulfilling first half year as your general secretary – with many achievements across our great unionRead more…
Stratford Park walkabout (aka as West Ham Rec)
Picture college from last weeks evening walkabout around our marvellous park. We had a large number of council officers, Councillors (only the 3 West Ham Ward Cllrs) and Police. This park is such a wonderful asset and has just a great potential. Watch …Read more…
Greater London Black Members & Labour Link: Be A Councillor Course
Pleased as Chair of UNISON Greater London Labour Link to be jointly hosting this course with our Black members/Labour Local Government.
Read more…
Kitchener’s Last Volunteer
Just started to read. My maternal Grandfather, Fredrick Matthews MC, a South Wales Steel Worker, volunteered in 1915 and fought in the trenches (Gallipoli, France, Belgian) for the rest of the war.
Knockholt Pound & Chevening House walk
Off message but went on lovely 5 mile circular walk last Sunday with Gill in North Downs, Kent. Great views marred a bit by road noise from M25 for part of the route. Not a tough walk at all for such marvellous prospectives.
Check out the …Read more…
Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival 2021 goes online
Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival 2021 goes online
“With Covid restrictions still uncertain for large events, together with our unions and sponsors, we are organising yet another packed agenda online.
From Friday 16 to Sunday 18 July 2021, we wil…Read more…
East Ham High Street North Councillor ASB scrutiny walkabout
After many months of being a Covid “Stay at home” keyboard warrior today, I actually went on two outdoor “walkabouts”.
First one was early morning with members of Newham Council ASB Scrutiny Commission and officers from our Community Safet…Read more…