Rememberance Sunday

Sunday 14th November was a rainy day. Nevertheless I was determined to march with others from Kingsteignton to the cenataph and remember service men and women who had made sacrifices in the first and second world wars to keep our country free from invasion.


To remember also our young men and women who are in the forces fighting for justice and democracy to overcome tyrany in Iraq and Afganistan and other places not given publicity on television or in the papers.


We walked with umbrellas, but this was drowning the person in front or beside us. The pain of arthritis in my ankles and knees were agrivating but I told myself that this was nothing against what soldiers have to put up with.


After the Cenataph we went into Church listened to readings from the dignitaries and the school children from Rydon and St Michaels Primary. The children were so professional and confident.

Reverend Sandra Gill lead a very moving service. We sang hymns 'O Valient Hearts, who to your glory came.

Then another hymn close to our families heart ' For those in Peril on the sea' which always made my cousin cry for her daddy in the Navy also our Grandad who had survived both world wars on Ships HMS Revenge and HMS Furious both of which were bombed and eventually sank. In James Holland book 'Fortress Malta' he recounts how the Furious looked tired with a rusting hulk, but a later account ' what Furious lacked in terms of state of the art facilities it more than made up for with its food- freshly baked bread, real butter and plenty to drink'. At that time Grandad was steward, Petty Officer Stanley George Hearn. The Furious eventually was bombed and sank. Grandad was hit by fallen debris on the chest but he and his men were saved. He lived until I was 10 years old. He was made up to Chief Petty Officer and worked from Keyham,Devonport. Later we were to find out that my Father was with his regiment in Malta. His war was not over though because after he had met my mother in 1945 he was sent to Palestine.



.

Job Innovations

We are in a period of pessimism regarding job-losses and business closures. Parents must be worried about prospects for their sons and daughters.

On Thursday 4th November I attended an 'Intergenerational Event hosted by Senior Council of Devon at the Exeter Conference Centre. Intended for good relations between the younger generation and the older generation and the perception we had of the other.

However on viewing the presentation boards around the centre put together by different organisations attending the event there was one that stood out and seemed to be 'a jolly good idea'. It gave optimism for the future for our young people.

I picked up a leaflet headed 'yess' for Young Entrepreneurs' Support Solution, intended for youngsters :

14 to 19 year old,
Interested in Business
Would like to run their own business
Or be involved in Entrepreneurial Activity

Developing business Ideas into a reality: www.exe-coll.ac.uk/yess

I am a member of the Development Control Committee and wherever possible I vote for applications that plan the building of small industrial units for small businesses. For example the Sainsbury Development at Shutterton, Dawlish proposed for 2012.

So Go For It ...... And Good Luck Young Entrepreneurs...........

Age UK at the Park Homes Event at the Courtenay Centre

The event held on Friday 15th October and attended by the Mayor Carol Bunday and MP Anne Marie Morris.

Also in attendance was the leader of Teignbridge District Council Alan Connett who expressed his concern for the welfare of elderly residents in Teignbridge and particulary those who reside in Park Homes. He said that there were more park homes in Teignbridge than any other district in the South West and they were designed with a quality standard. Teignbridge DC work with Age Uk in the Stay Warm Campaign along with the coalition policy to keep the winter fuel allowance. Alan mentioned the Boiler Scrappage Scheme which TDC gave grants for and there is still money left for people with the right criteria.
Among the organisations attending was the Fire Department, Care and Repair and the Senior Council for Devon.

Age Uk reported that in 2009/2010 there were 36,000+ deaths related to the cold weather conditions and energy poverty. There is still £5 billion unclaimed benefits. It is suggested we look out for neighbours in need and let Age Uk know. Tel 0845 296 7810

www.ageconcerndevon.co.uk

The Big Society

Anna Coote, Head of social policy and the new economics foundation offers an explaination of what is meant by the ' Big Society'.

"The government says it wants to make society stronger by getting more people working together to run their own affairs locally. It aims to put more power and responsibility into the hands of families, groups, networks, neighbourhoods and locally-based communities and to generate more community organisers, neighbourhood groups, volunteers, mutuals, co-operatives, charities, social enterprises and small businesses. The idea is that all of these will take more action at a local level, with more freedom to do things the way they want".
For more on the Big Society: www.urbanforum.org.uk

Ipplepen Bi-election

September was a busy time for campaigners and candidates of the bi-election fighting for the position of District Councillor filling the position that was held by Vic Elliot. Liberal Democrats are so pleased to welcome the successful candidate Alistair Dewhurst. To celebrate, Alistair and his lovely wife Judy hosted a lunchtime barbeque for friends and helpers. The weather was fine and it was held in their garden at Ipplepen. It gave me a chance to chat to residents of that area which allowed me to hear their perspective on subjects including the welfare of children and the elderly.
Our lunch completed a few of us went to visit the Abb-fest at Fermoys, for a taste of local food, craft and Abbotskerswell's culture.

Kingsteignton Garden and Craft Show

On Saturday 11th September at the Rydon Community Hall the Annual Garden and Craft Show will take place and will be opened by the Mayor Cllr. Mrs Beryl Austin. The Show Commences at 2pm .
If you have a garment/craft piece you have made during 2010 and would like to submit it to be judged go to the local post office in Kingsteignton for an entry form and take it to the Council Office at Rydon Community Hall to be submitted.

The same applies for Garden produce, flowers plants or vegetables.

There are so many classes to choose from, I am sure there is one for you. To name a few: Art, photography and cookery.

Look forward to seeing you.

Picking Up the Pieces

Getting into the rhythm of things has been hard for me. A visit to Slovakia was a good start to see how another part of Europe coped with life and the Euro. My family and I flew into Krakow Poland and taken by Land Rover to the village of Zdair a quiet farming community, similar to the village of Stoke-in Teignhead where I grew up sixty years ago.

I came back however to two bereavements. My daughter was unable to keep her Jack Russell Terrier because she couldn't afford to keep it. Although not my dog I had become fond of that warm affectionate little dog.

Then the terrible news of Victor Elliot, Farmer and Councillor for Ipplepen. Victor made it alright to be 'ordinary', to call a spade a shovel! He helped me to relax when I spoke in the chamber. I will miss him along with so many other people who knew him far better than I.

The Opening of the 'Hub' was a happy occasion for Kingscare and people who use Kingsteignton Doctors Surgery. It will be used as a 'community information centre' and coffee shop for weary shoppers. I look forward to calling in and having a chat about anything and everything!.

Two dates for your diary:-
Saturday 7th August at the Lawn, Dawlish from 11am - Lib Dem Summer Fete.
Saturday 28th August at the Den, Teignmouth from 11am Lib Dem Summer Fete.
There will be refreshments in a marquee at both events.

Kingsteignton Twinning hosts visitors from Orbec. This takes place during the third week of August and all twinning members are busy preparing. I am already baking most furiously for my freezer as I intend to spend my time with the french party on excursions and events.