Liberal Democrats Meet Their Distinquished Guest

Friday 22nd January was a busy and exciting day for me and fellow Liberal Democrats anticipating a visit from Lord Paddy Ashdown. District councillors had received an e-mail from our Lib Dem Chairman Wally Protheroe that Lord Ashdown had requested a meeting with us at Old Forde House.

Our business meeting with Lord Ashdown was at 4pm.
Lord Paddy arrived late but we didn't mind. We all sat around the table in the dining room and thrashed out the issues that were uppermost in our mind.Faciltated by our Leader Alan Connett the meeting was attended by Anne Fry Bradley Ward, Sally Morgan Bovey Tracy myself from Kingsteignton West Ward, Gordon Hook and David Corney Walker from Buckland and Milber,Sheila Cook from Kingskerswell Keith Smith from Newton Abbot Town Council and others from Teignmouth.
When it was my turn I think my heart nearly stopped but his lordships' encouraging smile and I ventured forth with my question on Health and Social Care. Mainly the shortage of money for caring for the elderly in their own homes and the quality of care. Overworked Care Assistants and not enough care assistants for the visits needed for each patient sometimes up to four times a day. All these things Lord Paddy noted.

He told us a little of his work with the military, Ireland and Afganistan. My second question was about the aftercare of Service Personnel and their dealings with SSAFA and the British Legion, which I had experienced lately and noted ,were not altogether satisfactory. This has led me to write a letter to MP Richard Younger Ross. Lord Paddy has stated he will get involved if necessary.

Our successful meeting with Lord Ashdown lasted about an hour and we disbanded whilst he had a further meeting with business people of the district.

Note to my Lady readers:-I chose to wear a trouser suit to be in keeping with the 'lads' albeit with champagne coloured silky blouse.

A few of us were already attending a Dinner in his honour that evening and it was unlikely I would be on top table. Therefore I was ecstatic about a face to face meeting with M'lord.... Sorry Guys, please indulge me. .... So ladies what is a girl to do?....

First a visit to the hairdresser. I would like a feminine, business like hairstyle please. My Hairdresser Pam at Minx Newton Abbot obliged. Next off to Matalan, Kingsteignton for an outfit under £50 please. There I was 'kitted 'out with a Grey and Yellow dress £25 from the SOON range, A grey shrug cardi from 'et vous' £12 and shoes to match £12. For my handbag I found exactly what I needed in Brantano next door to Matalan.

Happy New Year

A cold start to 2010 but nevertheless I wish my readers a 'successful' New Year. Ice and snow in Kingsteignton has been a worry. Should I clear the path or leave it as it is? Crunchy snow seemed better for a grip when walking. Salt seemed to work but I was only able to get one dispenser of table salt but soon the supermarket was out of it.



I have written to our new Leader of the County Council Councillor John Hart to have more grit boxes for our side roads. I noticed our Doctors' Surgery had a supply of grit but not on the pavements of Whiteway Road. I also notice that my milkman is able to get milk to my doorstep. I have my radio on listening to the weather reports but my advice is to stay at home, keep warm and have plenty of hot drinks. I will be in touch with more news soon....