Dog Fouling

This persistent problem is most difficult to rectify. At the December meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee it was discussed in depth and suggested that the Enforcement Department would be asked to attend and to make this problem a Teignbridge Wide Issue. Since then the Dog Warden has told me that the problem in Kingsteignton is under control and perpetrators are being tracked down.

Maybe the answer will be to bring lisences back. Therefore only responsible dog owners will be able to own and look after their pets.

More news on this subject later.

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....

Compliments of the Season

Merry Christmas to all my 'Blog' Readers. December has ascended in a rush with many organisations arranging fund raising events. Saturday 5th December was exceedingly busy. I helped at Rydon Community Hall where we were fundraising for the Swimming Pool which needs a new boiler. I called into the URC church hall where they were setting up for their Christmas Fayre. My next visit was a fundraising event for Kingsteignton/Orbec Twinning Association.

On Wednesday 2nd December I attended the Victorian Evening at Newton Abbot. It was well attended even though the rain persisted. It was good to see such a community event where all ages could take part. The children dressed up in victorian clothes had smiles and eager faces in anticipation. I took a break to listen to the Newton Abbot Ukelele Band. Lastly the Mayor David Howe and Deputy Mayoress Carol Bunday ( who is a personal friend) gave a tour of the stalls.

Much more news throughout December.....Keep in touch

Nordic Walking

I have found a new exercise helping me lose weight and also a great way to destress. I set out this week, with new found friend Cilla. We had met early september on the course previously arranged by Dartmoor National Park with Ranger Elaine Sylvester at Two Bridges. We set out this week, and chose to walk to the granite railway at Haytor this time. This was easier walking so that we could practice our walking with nordic poles properly using our correct muscles. The walking poles give balance and confidence and aid walking in a faster, rythmic system. We stopped along the way to view the beautiful scenery of the moor. It was an ideal day for walking, a cool breeze, a little warm sunshine at intervals. People were out walking their dogs, people seeking out the moorland letter boxes, others climbing Haytor Rock. We came across the lake near the quarry at Haytor. We met a professor with his geological students. They were from Bridgewater College and enjoying their studies looking at the structure of the granite rocks. On the way back we passed moorland cows with their calves. We called in at the newly built Moorland Information Centre and viewed the countryside we had enjoyed on the VDU film. The centre is much better than the caravan it had replaced. Outside we enjoyed a cup of coffee on the new decking area seated on a bench given by Dartmoor National Park and Ilsington Parish Council. We listened to the birdsong and looked for wild life in the nearby copse. Watch out for our November walk which will be around Princetown.

Two Bridges, Dartmoor National Park

Saturday 10th October saw me at Two Bridges on Dartmoor on a course learning to walk with Nordic Poles. I am retired and not the most agile but I thought walking with poles would give me better balance. I met our trainer and Dartmoor Guide Elaine Sylvester. We started with exercises to stretch our muscles and then through the gates and off up a hill. I was terribly out of condition but Elaine encouraged me and I was able to go at my own speed, stopping occasionally to get my breath. This was a good excuse to take in the scenery. We saw Wistan Woods and the Tors, two huntsmen exercising their dogs and various parties of people taking in good fresh air of the moors. The poles Elaine explained were to help us walk faster. Moor/More News next time....

Lib Dems are 'Green'

Just to say that the Liberal Democrat Party had 'green' policies before any other party. Teignbridge District Council encourage recycling and have a record 57% success rate for 2008/2009. This is a rise from the low 13% when we joined with Independent colleagues to run Teignbridge in 2003. Nationally Teignbridge is 6th for its recycling and second for the low amount of waste we throw away.
Teignbridge also took part in the national 'No Car day'. My Teignbridge colleague and Devon County Councillor Gordon Hook (instigator of Composting , recycling of tin and introducing the kitchen caddy programme) is champion for Liberal Democrat Green Issues. So before voting for another party click here and see just what the Liberal Democrats stand for.