Awst / August 2020 Calendar by Welsh Landscape Artist, Kyffin Williams. The National Library of Wales.
As a boy I was fascinated by stories of this Welsh speaking community in modern Argentina. Read more…
VJ Day 2020 – Never forget the sacrifice
“On the day we commemorate #VJDay75 Mayor @rokhsanafiaz
said ‘On behalf of all councillors,the council & residents of Newham, I want to give our thanks to the brave soldiers from the UK & Commonwealth who gave their lives & who we re…Read more…
Test and Trace (& report) to defeat Covid-19
I have been asked to take another test by this NHS/King’s College London self reporting app (despite having no classic symptoms).
Previous one was sent to my home and was negative. Just booked online at local walk through centre for tomorrow. Onl…Read more…
Newham Pension Committee: We have a 111 year old pensioner! No tobacco pledge (and why parents should join the LGPS – and anyone else lucky enough to be eligible)
This evening I took part in the Newham Council Pension Committee, which runs the staff pension fund (under government regulations and guidance). It was our first “public” committee meeting (via zoom) since lock down. It was broadcast live on Facebook (…Read more…
Vote4Christina
“I am seeking branch nominations to stand in the UNISON General Secretary election.
I have the experience, proven track record and vision to lead UNISON in partnership with you.
As UNISON’s Assistant General Secretary for Bargaining, Negotiations and E…Read more…
Newham Reflections – Workers United
Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, me and Newham Council trade union reps reflect on Covid with TUC regional secretary, Sam Gurney.Read more…
Chad Green ASB Walkabout
Today I went on my first post lock down “walkabout” around Chad Green in Plaistow North Ward with local ward Councillor Daniel Lee-Phakoe, Council officers, local Police and Deputy Housing Cabinet member, Cllr Shaban Mohammed.
There has been a number …Read more…
Got abused by an anti-masker
Man drives past cyclist who is wearing a mask & shouts abuse at him.Cyclist shouts abuse back.Man gets out of his car.Watch what happens next….(watch until end)Read more…
#LifeAfterLockdown
I fully support the campaigning Charity Z2K and the launch of #LifeAfterLockdown. In particular their policy demands listed below:-
“In the wake of #Covid19, urgent changes are needed to our social security and private rented housing systems so that e…Read more…
Essex Way: Fairstead to Cressing circular walk
Another lovely 8 mile walk along the Essex Way (and back). We started today at Fairstead Church and went to Cressing along this national path then turned back to self guide back to Fairstead along alternative routes.
Fantastic ancient green lanes and b…Read more…
Support Unison #10billionbailout campaign
From Leader of the LGA Labour Group, Cllr Nick Forbes –
“We’d urge all Labour councillors to get behind Unison’s #10billionbailout campaign, which is calling on the government to fix the current funding shortfall, which is estimated to be £…Read more…
Vote Early 2021 elections: Sadiq for London
Last night was my first pint in a pub, tonight my first online political campaigning post in quite a while!
“Did you know that the Tories were already winning the general election two weeks before polling day because of Early Votes? Registering for an…Read more…
My First Pint in a Pub for a quite a bit (Thank you and all the best Julianne)
Very sad to hear tonight at the first Newham Full Council meeting since the start of Covid19 that our fabulous Cabinet Colleague for Education, Cllr Julianne Marriott, is stepping down from her post.
However, every cloud in life has a silver lining – …Read more…
David Bailey’s August Cover Is His 99th For British Vogue
I have never posted about a Vogue magazine cover before but, British photographer, David Bailey (born nearby in Leytonstone) took this photo taken in Wanstead park published on its front cover. It is apparently a Egyptian Goose according to a local wil…Read more…
“Health inequality and the impact on Newham”
Join the Newham Fabian Society this Saturday for debate and discussion on health inequalities. We’ll be joined by Dr Martin Edobor and Cllr James Beckles who, along with Newham Fabians Vice Chair Cllr Mumtaz Khan, will lead a discussion on health inequ…Read more…
Dave Prentis – A personal message
This morning UNISON NEC members received this email from our General Secretary, Dave Prentis, announcing his retirement.
“Dear Colleague
I’ve been so proud to serve as your General Secretary for 20 years. It has been the honour and privilege of my li…Read more…
A meal out at Aromas (at long last)
Last night Gill and I went for a meal out in our favourite local restaurant. “Aromas” in Forest Gate, (opposite the station). This was our first meal out since lock down. It was a little surreal but the food and service was as usual excellent (we have …Read more…
It is happening…why is this more likely when men are in charge?
#Srebrenica25
Newham Council is flying Remembering Srebrenica flags from its town halls in East Ham and Stratford to mark the 25th anniversary on 11 July of what the United Nations said is the single greatest atrocity on European soil since the Second World War.#Sre…Read more…
SURVEY – COVID-19 and gender-based online violence
“This survey by Glitch and the End Violence Against Women Coalition aims to document the online experiences of women and non-binary people during COVID-19. For safeguarding and ethical purposes, this survey should only be completed by participants…Read more…