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...
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/
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