Councillor Anne Lonsdale's personal blog
Welcome to my blog†.
My name is Anne Lonsdale, Teignbridge District Councillor and Kingsteignton Town Councillor. I am a Liberal Democrat Member for Kingsteignton West Ward in South Devon, which comprises the Parishes of Kingsteignton West and Teigngrace.
My committee membership within the District Council includes the Overview & Scrutiny and Development Control Committees. I am also a member of the Licensing Act 2003 Committee and a substitute for the Licensing Sub Committees.
My responsibilities within the Parish Council include Recreation & Footpaths and Community Hall & The Fountain.
The purpose of this site is to try and keep you informed about my role and provide you with information about developments in Teignbridge District Council and our local Ward Kingsteignton West.
I will clarify my responsibilities in future blogs...
It is difficult to make time for Christmas being a Councillor. Thanks to my friends I have managed two Christmas Bazaars, The Mayor's Christmas Carol Service and a Carol Service for the Children's Society in St Michaels Church Hall.
The Mayor enthused at his idea for his charity. He will set up a Trust for young people to extend their knowledge through travel. The criteria needed would have to be an educational project which would be beyond the reach of parents to pay for.
Click here for link: www.kingsteignton.gov.uk.
The Children's Society Service was interesting. We sat at tables of six to meet new people. The nativity was acted out starting with Mary and Joseph calling at the door of the Inn, waking a sleeping Inn Keeper. Accompanied by the organist at a keyboard the Choir sang carols with us all joining in. We were then treated to coffee and mince pies.
Pick up a list of Carol Services throughout Christmas from the Library printed for the Combined Churches of Kingsteignton.
On the morning that Vince Cable announced his ideas to make it easier for businesses to take on apprentices Councillors from Kingsteignton West were hosted to a reception at the opening of Imerys new laboratories and offices at Brocks Plantation Teigngrace.
The new plant at Imerys covers 400 square metres. It has six individual laboratories for Research and Development and Quality Control.
One of the employees told me of his experience working at Imerys. He had been an apprentice during the 1970's and has been employed there full time for 25 years. Facilities were certainly not to the standard of the new Laboratories as they were working in huts and prefabricated buildings.
Imerys Ceramics is a world leading supplier of industrial solutions. From quarries and transformation plants Imerys have developed a comprehensive offering for the ceramic industries: raw materials, prepared bodies, glazes and engobes. Imerys has advanced Research and Development facilities in several continents. Among these are the new Eastern European countries which will help to strengthen their economies. This subject was spoken about in one of my earlier blogs by Sir Graham Watson MEP for the South West.
Are you a young person at school, interested in Chemistry and thinking of your options at school . Why not click on www.imerys-ceramics.com and see what they could offer you sometime in the future.
More about Imerys with photos in later blogs.....
On Friday 21st October Teignbridge District Council held a Tourism Conference. I was unable to go but it set me wondering on why should people visit Kingsteignton. Perhaps they wish to see the litter and the dog excrement that is the stigma of the area.
Can anyone tell me who the culprit is who allows his dog to foul our pavements. This week it seems to be in the area of the junction, Broadway Road and Gestridge Road. Help me and the Town Council, Enviroment Department at Teignbridge District Council, the dog warden and our PCSO's to catch the perpetrator and help keep Kingsteignton a nice place to live, work and to Visit. Thank You
Do you want to improve your Health and Well Being, then come along to the Tai Chai Group at Oakford OAP hall, Kingsteignton. Held on Friday Mornings at 10am for an hour of exercise that exhilerates but does it in the slow exact moves taught by a Tai Chi Master Nick Taylor. See all about him at:- http://www.devontaichicentre.com
For more information on health and wellbeing in Kingsteignton click on http://www.kingscare.co.uk
Teignbridge Lib Dems were invited to meet our MEP Graham Watson last Friday 21st October. Congratulations were given on his recent title as he was honoured in the Queens Birthday List.
I had listened to Graham Watson 2 years ago at a Twinning meeting in Exeter and recently I had e-mailed him to see if Citizens Advice Bureaux nationally could apply for some money
from the Eurpean Union. This was a great chance to speak to him personally when we were gathered for a welcome cup of coffee.
He spoke on the how the coalition came about in 2010 through the breakdown of talks with Labour. Nick Clegg, Vince Cable and Chris Hulme among the team on the Coalition Parliament. The National Debt at the time was £400m per day. £10m so far has been paid back.
On Education he spoke on some of the issues brought up by a few of my constituents, that of cut backs on student fees and Education Maintenance Allowance. He would take this issue back to Nick Clegg with a hope of a possible re-think similar to what has been done to the NHS. In the meantime his message to constituents in Kingsteignton who are low income families is to keep applying.
One question asked was should the Euro be devalued. Sir Graham suggested that Trade would suffer. Farmers in South West England who through diversification would suffer when trading their yogurt with Belgian.
On Agriculture he also explained how EU were building up Eastern European countries so that they were better able to trade with each other.
EU on World development. Helping countries such as Africa to become self sufficient and to be able to trade within their own country.
Time ran out because Sir Graham was visiting Candy Tiles in Chudleigh taking a question from one of my constituents: Should Candy Tiles promote their product to local developers.
See Link:
http://grahamwatsonmep.org/More to come plus photos....
A group of the Association consisting of residents from Kingsteignton including school children with their parents or grandparents enjoyed 5 days and 4 nights in Orbec. We were hosted very congenially by the residents of Orbec and received very enthusiastically by the local shops and businesses.
I enclose the itinary but I will give special attention to the Memory game devised by Giselle Motio, a teacher at Orbec school and organiser of Orbec Twinning.
We were given places to visit and to mark the name of street they were in. Some of us walked but soon took the option to go by car. Not easy driving in the very narrow streets of Orbec.
A reception took place as soon as we returned to the Place de Mairie where the Mayor of Orbec and Mayor of La Vespiere were on hand to welcome us. KOTA was represented by our President Veronica Chambers. A letter was read out in apology from our Mayor. Also an apology from our Chairman who was also not able to attend.
A visit to France Miniature was planned on Sunday. It is the largest miniature park in Europe situated at Elancourt near Paris. 2011 is the 20th Anniversary of France Miniature funded and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Rural Affairs ( if I have interpreted that correctly).
It is advertised as “A chance to visit all of France in less than a day”.
It was a very hot day, minus ‘mon chapeau’ I bought a baseball cap and wondered around the imposing figure of the Eifel Tower inaugurated 1889 for the Universal Exhibition The real Eifel Tower now has a television antenna on it. Also came across the le Mont St Michel and had my photo taken with my host Michel named after the Saint.
The monestry was founded in 966 by the Benedictine monks. A tape could be heard of monks chanting. It was also a prison during the French Revolution.
There was a fantastic model of The Chateau of Versaille built by Louis X111 but characterised by his son Louis X1V the Sun King. The model takes 200 sq metres and took over 12 months to build.
Every now and again a passing TJV train would come through the countryside on the French Rail Network.
Another sound alerted us was a rocket being launched to remind us of the Launch Pad in French Guiana. It was the rocket Ariane 5 at Karou Space Centre. The model was designed by Sculptor William Glachant and took 1,500 hrs to complete.
Anne Lonsdale
Well that is what I was told. Personally I was working well up to last two weeks when I made a firm stand and said 'No more'. My annual holiday was much needed. I had worked solidly for 13 months (having put off three attempts to have a holiday) and was looking forward to a five day break in Orbec Normandy. I had joined the Twinning Organisation at the beginning of my retirement 5 years ago with the intention of improving my school french. I had never been to France until joining twinning and this visit would be my third time and I was relieved to be staying in La Vespiere with my hosts Maud and Michel.
Taking a coach to Portsmouth we set sail for the port of Ouistreham We arrived late at night around 11pm so it was a tired group who set out the next day to meet the Mayor of Orbec and the Mayor of La Vespiere.
Orbec Twinning inspired by teacher Giselle Motio had arranged a tour of Orbec which included a quiz to find which places of interest was in which street.
The medical centre , the post office and the police station were very close to La Place de Mairie in Orbec's market square....... Catch up later with photographs!
Kingsteignton Local Services and Information Fair was held at Rydon Community hall on Saturday 23 July. It was a valiant effort that was presented by Local Small businesses to promote their services.
Advertising their services were:-
Susan's decorating Services contact number:- 07887 575304
Glad Rags, Ladies Designerwear Rental contact glad.rags4rent@sky.com
FTB Networking IT support and repair: steveharris@ftbnetworking.co.uk
LockeRite 24 hour locksmiths contact: g.mcnae@lockrite.org
Kingscare League of Friends contact: kingscare.L83004@nhs.net
Trophy Pet Foods, " A One Stop Shop for any pet at competitive prices" contact:
http://www.trophypetfoods.co.uk/
Supa Clean Ovens, Washing Machines, Dishwashers and a lot more contact: richard@supacleanovens.co.uk
Rotary International looking for voluntary workers contact: http://www.ribi.org/
Bluebird Care caring visits at home contact: http://www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/
Nationwide Wills, Home visits to make a will. Inheritance tax Also Nursing Home Fees,
contact: roland@nationwidewills.org
Further news of this promotional day to follow later, with career news from Bluebird.
Events taking Place July/August in and around Kingsteignton:-
Saturday 16th July - St. Michaels Church Hall, Chudleigh Road. - Consultation on the Future of Kingsteignton. This is most important as the findings will go towards the Vision for Teignbridge in the Local Development Framework.
Saturday 23 July - Community Hall Rydon Road - Local Businesses Information Day. A chance for the local residents to know what businesses are in the area that can be called upon. Keep contractors local.
Saturday/Sunday 20/21 August - Stover Canal Society Open Days Entrance at Exeter Road,Newton Abbot near Teign Bridge. Walk along the cleared canal and meet the people who have helped restore this important part of local history. Sign up to be part of a working pary.
On Friday 1st July, a sunny day welcomed Important Officials at Clipper Quay for the opening of the £8.3m flood defence scheme.
One hundred guests and visitors assembled at the sea wall to see the Environment Agency chairman Lord Chris Smith unveil a plaque to mark the occasion. The scheme will reduce the risk of of tidal flooding to 453 homes in Shaldon and Ringmore. One resident told me she was pleased with the way the consultation was undertaken, listening to her fear of upheavel during the building of the sea wall.
Pictured above Planning Officer Nick Davies and Principal Planner (Heritage) Maureen Pearce ) with Mayor of Teignmouth David Cox and Chairman Shaldon Parish Council Peter Williams.
Devon County and Teignbridge District Councillor Chris Clarance spoke on what constitutes the defence system which includes ten flood gates, 25 flood windows and doors together with steps and ramps in specific locations.
Shaldon Parish Council Chairman Peter Williams told of the time in 2008 where he was organising sandbags because of sea water coming right up to the Clipper Cafe. The floodgates will be operated through the Parish Council. 
Funding was obtained from the Department For Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Picured the children and teachers entertaining guests with folksongs.
As a representative for the Teign Estuary Forum for Kingsteignton Town Council I went along unofficially, taking photos and ready to report back to our council. What happens at the mouth of the River Teign affects Hackney Marshes and Reeds where swans build their nests. Where also is seen heron and egret. Egrets have only been seen back at Hackney over the past few years. Birdwatchers are often seen at this part of the estuary, which is handy for the Passage House Pub/Resturant together with the Hotel and Conference Centre who rely on a vibrant Estuary for tourism and trade.
The Teign Estuary. A Boat with straw sailors. Look out for news of the Shaldon Regatta. See Link www.shaldon-devon.co.uk
Teignbridge District Council are extending a scheme to the Over 75's, who are home owners or who are private tenants. In return for their old boiler they could receive £400 towards a new efficient one. Please see Link: www.teignbridge.gov.uk/boilerscrappage ,to see if you meet the right criteria.
Saturday 18th June saw parents governors and friends of Rydon School go along in procession to the summer fayre. The sun forgot to shine but the rain kept away. There were plenty of fundraising stalls, bottle stall and prizes to be won in the raffle.
We were welcomed by the sound of Country Dance music and were entertained by the pupils performing the Ribbon Dance. Once again the teachers worked hard in planning this event and rehearsing the children to make the day successful. Also the Parents Association gave their time to set up and run the stalls.
Thursday 26th May Teign School hosted a multicultural event. Head Teacher Vyv Game welcomed parents and friends of the School to what he described as a ' Commonwealth of Schools'. As a town Councillor I went along to support the event which was a colourful musical evening of rythyms of the World. Presentation boards were on display to show each schools achievements in understanding other countries. Doddiscombsleign Primary School gave a presentation on Ghana explaining to us the difficulties of teaching 500 eager pupils with only fourteen teachers to each school. They stay in touch with their twinned school through Skype
Rydon School presented an Aboriginal Dance which incorporated standing still on one leg as aboriginies are seen to do in the remote areas of Australia.
St Michaels School entertained us with a Costa Rican dance display and we swayed and tapped our feet to the rythyms of Latin America.
Dunsford Primary School also displayed a Brazilian Dance, the children each having a mask decorated as a colourful bird of paradise.
There was much more to entertain us thanks to the dedication given by all the Teignbridge teachers to make each school individual in their displays. Afterwards there was a chance to try the different foods from India, China and the Mediterranean.
A big 'Thank You' to all those who voted for me and the Liberal Democrats in the May 5th 2011 election.
At Kingsteignton Town Council I look forward to the completion of the Community Plan. Residents look out for an invitation to an 'Open Evening' at the Community Hall, Rydon Road where they will be able to contribute their ideas for the plan before it is submitted to Teignbridge District Council for the bigger picture of the Future of Teignbridge.
At Teignbridge District Council I will follow with interest the Green Infrastructure Strategy that if made policy will help towards Kingsteignton's urban problems and can contribute funding to 'Green Projects' that will make Kingsteignton a healthy place for people to live and work in.
During my working week I often have to attend meetings and last week I attended one at Seale Hayne. I was lucky enough to see an old friend who was on their trustee board who could show me to the restaurant afterwards. It was tastefully decorated with Seale Hayne memorabilia from its days as Agricultural College.
It was a Nursing Home during the 1914-18 war for injured soldiers. Set in the countryside with unbelievable views of Ashburton it must have been a haven to the men.
Dame Hannah Rogers started a special boarding school for disabled children. There is now a special school/children's home/Respite centre in Ivybridge: See link for more information:
www.hannahssealehayne.com.
Keeping my ear close to the ground I pick up pieces of information. One such piece was a lack of staff caring for the mentally ill. It seemed to me that this could be a one career that would be for a working life time.
Government is putting money into Mental Health Services which is tragically understaffed.
Cuts are being made to other areas but a young person looking for a career and have a caring, kind and empathic nature could be looking at a rosy future.
"There are 6,ooo business in Teignbridge, all of which contribute to our local economy. With the business forum, the council aims to create an environment where businesses can share their issues....."
The forum will launch with two sessions on Tuesday 1st February 6.00pm and Wednesday 2 February at 8.00am at the Teignbridge Councils Forde House Headquarters, Brunel Road Newton Abbot. RSVP 01626 215563 or e-mail: economyandtourism@teignbridge.gov.uk
Too Late to attend Locate Teignbridge Council's Business page at: teignbridge.gov.uk/recessionsupport.
Also www.tinyurl/businessforumsurvey
For those thinking of starting a new business look up Devon Work Hubs. The idea is to provide individuals and small businesses with office-type services like broadband, IT support and meeting rooms only renting space when you need it. For more information: http://www.devonworkhubs.co.uk/
Lib Dems have started their Voting Campaign. Knocking on Doors is not my favourite past-time but I do like keeping my blog up to date. So I thought I would start my personal campaign with telling you about my day in the life of a Councillor.
From time to time I do get asked what is it like being a Councillor. What does my work entail? So I will re-tell a particularly happy sunny day during October. The sunshine does a lot for my well-being and fuels imagination and inspiration.
A Day in the Life of Anne Lonsdale Liberal Democrat Councillor.
I was elected in May 2007 as a new Councillor for the Town of Kingsteignton and District Councillor for the district of Teignbridge South Devon,
My background being Carer for the elderly and with concerns for the mentally ill, a volunteer working for the Citizens Advice Bureau helped along with studies at the Open University in Social Sciences.
Today my day starts with a telephone call to the Planning office about a badly maintained hedge and we don’t know who the owner is. It borders a new development.
My second telephone call is to our local PCSO regarding a tree being used as a tree-house and den by the children of the neighbourhood.
I receive a call from a resident in my ward about wire protection fences which have been erected. Do they need planning permission? They seem to be over 6ft high! Is there to be a development there?
One more call to be made about noisy neighbours to the local housing association on behalf of another resident. Should their son be living in their touring caravan at the back of house?
The mail arrives but I have to leave it this morning. My e-mails will have to wait also until I get back.
I have been asked by our Town Mayor to attend a PACT drop-in event at our seaside town of Teignmouth arranged by the Police and Community Enforcement Team. I want to report the coastal road from Kingsteignton to Teignmouth is being used at night time as a race-track by youths out in their cars for a fun night out. It is dangerous and frightening to drivers who keep to the road traffic codes and mph.
I meet the Town Clerk who explains that the premises in the high street are to be the new control centre for close circuit television. He demonstrates the new CCTV system installed this year by a local firm and we see an offender being apprehended during the past weeks. This was interesting to me as I had been a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Review Committee on Close Circuit Television.
I speak to the Enforcement Officer and relay the problems we have in our area. I am introduced to the Neighbourhood Beat Policeman and have a chat with the Teignbridge Neighbourhood Watch Liaison person. Also in attendance is a member of the Fire Service.
Time for a snack lunch and I head for the Promenade and find a seat. A couple from Cwmbran in South Wales join me and we are soon in conversation about Car Parking charges.
I take the Stagecoach double decker bus home finding a seat upstairs to see the Teign estuary, passing Shaldon, Coombe Cellars and Hackney Marshes in Kingsteignton which continues through to the parish of Teigngrace. This area is of particular interest to me as I have taken on a new responsibility as Town Council representative on the Teign Estuary Forum.
Once home and the kettle is on for that welcome cup of tea and a chat to a family member about a meeting I attended the day before with the Devon Partnership NHS Trust on improving mental health services in particular single room occupancy.
I have to make one more telephone call to the local housing association regarding a resident’s, shower room that had been installed by Social Services.
However that is not the end of my day. It is Wednesday and at 7pm I have to attend the Community Hall/ Fountain committee followed by the Footpaths/leisure committee.
This has been an interesting day but the highlights of my Councillor career was an evening with Vince Cable and a meeting with Lord Ashdown.
For my other activities please view my blog, for older posts.
Anne Lonsdale
Based on a day in October 2009
Photo above;
Community Action Day - Promoting the Senior Council for Devon. Cllr Anne Lonsdale (middle) with Mayor of Newton Abbot Carol Bunday (second left) and Newton Abbot Senior Forum members, then chair Jeana Johnson, Bob Newman and Don Polman.
The Coalition Government has pledged to hold a referendum on whether to introduce the Alternative Vote (AV) for elections to the House of Commons.
For more information Click Here
Yet another year begins and I guess it will be what we make it. A visit to the Job Centre was encouraging with plenty of Jobs advertised and it would seem full time jobs. Councillors are doing their best to promote Tourism for their area which will encourage jobs in hotels, local produce used and enhanced trade.
It will be a challenge to retired people like me. Enterprising women of my age group may feel getting the sewing machine out and following the example of our mothers and grandmothers might be something we could do to economise. Especially now as Kingsteigton hold a Craft and Garden Show every year now. Stitching can be relaxing. Knitting was a craft taken up by young girls last year.
Scams
Teignbridge are once again warning against 'Scams', so please be vigilant both telephone
calls and callers at your door.
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