This morning I took part in a virtual meeting with the new Shadow Housing Secretary, Thangam Debbonaire MP, chaired by Cllr Darren Rodwell (Leader of Barking & Dagenham Council). The Leader of Labour Local Government, Cllr Nick Forbes, also present…Read more…
Remember COVID-19 dead this International Workers’ Memorial Day
“Tuesday 28 April is International Workers’ Memorial Day, when we remember all those who have died because of their work – and renew our pledge to fight for the living.In the year of coronavirus, this day of commemoration has never been more important….Read more…
The “Spanish” flu epidemic & a Canadian Bolshevik Revolt in Wales
For the reasons given in my post from 2008 (see below) I have been conscious of the impact of viral pandemics from an early age.
There are some 80 graves of Canadian soldiers at the Marble Church in Bodelwyddan, North Wales.
Up to 76 of them may ha…Read more…
Hey guys!!! it’s Dettol o’clock!!!
The latest idiocy from the “leader” of the free world. The BBC reports that disinfectant firms have had to issue public warnings that people should not inject or drink their products to treat Covid-19.
Hat tip my UNISON comrade, Eddie Brand, who as th…Read more…
Newham Reflections – Ramadan
Happy St George’s Day
Stratford and East Ham town hall were flying the flag. Read more…
#HelpNewham – delivering support to residents who are most in need.
#HelpNewham
The Council has launched #HelpNewham – a way of delivering support to residents who are most in need. If you are in one of the priority groups listed below or want to refer someone who is in need of support, please complete the form be…Read more…
Workers Memorial Day – Tuesday 28 April 2020 Theme: Coronavirus
For a number of years my trade union branch (UNISON Greater London Housing Associations) and West Ham Labour Party have supported Workers Memorial Day with a ceremony at the “Clasping Hands” statute in Stratford.
Workers Memorial Day is an internation…Read more…
Queen Elizabeth Park Walk – Sunday 19 April
This picture college is from yesterday when Gill and I went for our daily exercise by walking around Queen Elizabeth Park in Stratford. This is the former Olympic 2012 Park which I think I have not walked around the park for walking sake since 2012!
My COVD19 experience: Mark Fisher
Mark is a friend, a UNISON comrade and fellow Labour Party activist. He is a similar age to me and of course, a fellow taff. It was shocking that such a larger than life, fit and active person should become so ill. A lesson to all of us to keep se…Read more…
There for all our members in the time of coronavirus
A call to arms: how your branch can help There for You help members hit by crisis and loss of money
There for You is there for UNISON members who experience hard times. In the current coronavirus crisis, that’s pretty much everyone.
As our welfare cha…Read more…
How Newham has deployed an army of volunteers to support residents
Hat tip Labour List by Rokhsana Fiaz, Executive Mayor of Newham.
“Two weeks ago, there was nothing. Some ideas, lots of questions and a whole bunch of challenges to overcome. How can we get food, medicine, essential household items and support to…Read more…
You Clap for Me Now: the coronavirus poem on racism and immigration in B…
Fantastic video. We must not forget.Read more…
“Statement from GMB Labour Party staff branch in response to leaked internal report”
I must admit to being very shocked at reading about this issue and fully support the decision by Keir and Angela to launch an urgent independent investigation into the “dossier”.
I note this briefing from the trade union branch that represents L…Read more…
Before and after: What could possibly go wrong?
Off message but many thanks to Gill for cutting my hair this afternoon with my redundant beard trimmer!
I have always disliked having long hair.
In the scheme of things this is all very unimportant but I thought it may offer folk some light relief.
West Ham Park, International Brigade memorial, Willow Lodge, Greenway & Gandhi
For our daily exercise Gill and I walked from Forest Gate to West Ham Park via the lovely art works in Earlham Grove (bottom left of collage). The park today was looking magnificent in the spring sunshine and “safe” following the closure on Easter Frid…Read more…
Newham Reflections – Easter Sunday 2020
UPDATE ABOUT CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19):
REFLECTIONS ON EASTER SUNDAY DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS
AS THOSE INFECTED WITH THE VIRUS IN NEWHAM RISES TO 702 CASES
FROM MAYOR ROKHSANA FIAZ
11th April 2020Dear Newham Resident,Tomorrow, Easter Sunday, is the most…Read more…
Bluebells in Chalet Wood, Wanstead Park
For our hour’s exercise yesterday, Gill and I went for a walk in Wanstead Park to see the bluebells in Chalet Wood. They are simply magnificent this year and appear to be at or near their peak.
The park was not crowded at all and the the pathways in t…Read more…
“Bloody foreigners, coming over here, saving our lives”
Hat tip my UNISON Police staff comrade Tony Green for this brilliant photo from 2018 reminding us that so many of our front line NHS (& Social Care) heroes were not born in the UK. Read more…
Bwthyn Unig / Lone Cottage by Kyffin Williams: Ebrill April 2020
Another lovely painting from this 2020 calendar by Welsh artist Kyffin Williams. Read more…