To busy to write...

Haven't posted in the last week or so not because I've nothing to say but because I am too busy!

It's all good stuff, whether following up individual concerns, meeting with a housing association to raise common concerns, working (got to pay the bills!), helping out at a schools event, or straight forward campaigning.

I'll post in more detail if I get a chance, but in the mean time keep an eye on Whitley News which we have a few news stories coming up on!

International women's day

I marked international women's day in two ways thsi year (although neither on the day itself due to work).

Firstly on Saturday I helped organise a street stall with Anneliese Dodds and Trish Thomas that highlighted measures to combat violence against women (from domestic violence to forced marriage) that that the Labour government has brought in and also to ask shoppers and passersby what other measures they would like to see.  It was cold but got an interested and positive response.

Secondly yesterday I hosted a quiz that raised money for the Million Mum's campaign of the White Ribbon Alliance which is an umbrella organisation for groups all over the world trying to reduce death in pregnancy and childbirth - which is the leading cause of death for women of child-bearing age in poor countries.  It was a really fun evening, with lots of friendly banter and, a frankly impressive level of general knowledge displayed by the competitors (as well as a competitive spirit in some cases!).  It was also a good mix of ages, genders and Labour and non-Labour people.  We raised £259 and had a great time.

It was good to organise events that highlighted women's issues in both this country and abroad and were positive about what can be done to improve

I haven't been neglecting work in Whitley either - I have taken several pieces of casework to councillors and met with residents on Stockton Road this weekend.

(There is an international men's day in November, and if anyone is interested in organising similar events then let me know!)

Michael Foot

Of course a sad day for Labour and progressive politics in general with the death of Michael Foot.

what a life he had, from the childhood in a family of Llyod George-style Liberals to Oxford to his journalism, political careers and long marriage he was a man who seems to me to have lived life in all it's fullness.

I'm currently reading Kenneth O'Morgan's excellent biography of him and can recommend it (I imagine sales of it will increase after today - don't we always value people after we loose them).

Many tributes are being paid to him - some are collected here.

Teen pregnancy in Reading falls - again

John Ennis has details.

The prospect of becoming a mum is a serious business and many teenage mums do a great job.  However lets be honest I think the vast majority of 17 year olds should be having fun and starting a job or getting an education - not changing nappies!  So it's great that the number is continuing to fall (and let's remember it was never the crazy number that the Conservatives picked out of the air!). 

From what I can gather it's better education, better opportunities and good work by the council and NHS teams that are making the difference!

Community spirit

Gordon Brown has backed Reading's bid for city status and in his comments specifically mentions the area's community spirit.

I second that. Over the last few days I've been fortunate enough to attend 4 different meetings that show the community spirit.

Firstly there was 'governor's day' at my local primary school where, as well as enjoying 2 very lively maths lessons (yes - bit of a change from when I was at school!) governors, the head and deputy discussed the future of our school community and how we could improve further the great community spirit that there is at the school. Latest plans include a celebration of Reading on St Georges day, following on from the very successful international evening held earlier in the year.

I was then priviledged to be invited to attend the Reading branch of the MDC - a passionate and proud group of people who are not just banding together in difficult circumstances but reaching out to the local community and doing what they can to help those back home in Zimbabwe.

Later that same day I saw a presentation by the Whitley Muslim Educational Trust who are keen to expand their work of educating their children about their faith, put on more English classes and develop links with the rest of the community.

Finally last night, along with councillors, I attended an informal gathering of the committee members of the new Kennet Island Resident's Association who are doing all they can to develop a community spirit in their brand new development and are preparing for their first AGM.

So yes - Reading is full of community spirit and it's important to remember that at this time of year which can feel a bit grey and washed out: we live in a great place and we should be proud of it!