Give & Taken what a day

The Given & Take event at Acland Burghley school hall earlier today was one of the most interesting community events I've ever taken part in.

Up early, I was out and about the area collecting bags from various people - even some of the local shops contributed and had bags ready for me to collect. One shop sent along one of their staff with a trolley of bags. Surprising what seasonal stuff (non food items) shops don't sell but just keep because they don't have any way of disposing it without trashing it.

Impressive the number of people from all walks of life who turned up with items to dispose of. Books, toys, clothes, baby stuff, TV's, other electronics, bikes, scooters, bags, furniture, plants - you name it and it arrived, loads by vans. By opening time there were so many people milling around it became difficult for the queues of people trying to leave their contribution so we had to open the second door. Because of parking restrictions some people just had to dump the heavy goods on the footpath in front of the school. The shop's trolley made light work of moving it into the hall.

The kindness of people, it was really touching seeing what people brought along - most was in good condition, not jumble sale tack. Seems the event prompted many local people to have a clear out. Most people don't mind giving away their property if somebody else is going to make good use of it. Couldn't believe the amount contributed in such a short time - the hall packed high I was wondering if they would actually get rid of it all in less than 3 hours.

When the people were eventually let in it became a polite orderly free for all. Not as I expected the usual jumble sale fights. As fast as we were putting the stuff out was as fast as it went. There wasn't even time for a cup of tea. One excited little girl collected a pink scooter and pink bag, her face was an absolute picture. She didn't seem to mind the time her mother was taking sorting through the kitchen section. The books counter was a big hit with many elderly men. Had to help a lady retrieve a rug and some stuff for her son at university. Her husband waited in line to collect a TV for him. Thought lucky young man.

The queue for the electronics was amazing. They had to wait for the items to be tested, a legal requirement but everybody patiently queued - no agro from anybody.

All that remained when it was all over were some books and a few clothes. The only thing I brought home were 3 plants. The lady in charge of that section had to hide them for me. They were like gold dust. Sadly one of the helpers lost her coat. Fancy leaving it on the floor behind a table.

Hard work but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Have told the Camden team I don't mind helping out again if there is an event not too far. Seems that Ackland Burghley school may be holding a Give n' Take event for themselves later in the year. If they need me I'll definitely be there.

Britblog Roundup 205 & 206

I'm always a bit slow behind the door when it comes to posting info about the weekly Britblog roundups. Each week it's hosted by a diffent blogger and the team are supposed to notify their readers. With so much going on in my life, I'm always in my usual tiz waz and just forget - other that I've really no excuse.

However this week it's hosted by one of my favourites - Mike Fealty who blogs for the Telegraph news paper.

BritBlog Round Up 206: The politics, freedom and feminist sex edition

Last week, Sunday, January 18, 2009, it was the turn of a new blogger Trixy who pens a lively blog with such an imaginative name Is there more to life than shoes?

Britblog roundup No. 205: fasten your seatbelts

For anybody with same time on their hands both styles of writing make them both an interesting read.

Cannabis is reclassified will it have any effect

Seems the government has finally upgraded Cannabis to a Class B drug. Most people will consider it is a sensible move considering the adverse long-term impact on mental health which the super strength stuff is having on some of our youths.

Reports in the media suggest that teenagers as young as 14 years are starting to smoke cannabis. So freely available, smoking it has become a kind of badge of honour to be part of the in crowd.

BBC today: Cannabis law change 'illogical'- Cannabis is reclassified as a Class B drug but magistrates say fines for possessing small amounts undermine the law.

There are moans from magistrates that planned fines for possessing small amounts undermined the more serious classification.

They said it sent the signal cannabis is not as bad as other Class B drugs.
Plans to introduce a "three strikes" system for cannabis possession start with a warning, then an £80 spot fine for a second offence.
Only when a third offence is committed, will the person be liable to arrest and prosecution.

For younger people it is a sensible approach. One could imagine the scenario of a 14 year old being locked up if caught smoking it. Not only would it scare the hell out of any kid but they would have a conviction record at such a young age. However I can understand their beef when it comes to adults. One thing I can envisage the police will receive many calls from members of the public about individuals who regularly smoke the stuff, who up to now have had to put up with the unpleasant odour and aggressive behaviour from these individuals .

Camden - Given and Take event

Camden council one of the front runners for all things recycling are having a Give and Take event at the local Acland Burghley school next Saturday.

Sometimes wonder at times where people get my name from but I received an email asking if I'd be interested in helping out. Hadn't a clue what it was all about but the concept of taking bits and bobs, clothes, pots and pans, furniture and electronics to a venue then later in the afternoon taking away anything I might find useful all free has fired the imagination. Of course I accepted the challenge after all the school's less than 5 minutes up the road.

Told helpers get a tee-shirt. Those tee-shirts always make me laugh - they are not very flattering. I've collected a few from various organisations over the years.

There's a notice in this week's CNJ . A good opportunity for locals to have a clear out. I've already started to fill a huge bag. Have a couple of other friends who are also contributing. I'm told that anything not collected on the day is not thrown away but either taken to the next venue or given a home somewhere.

A first of it's kind event for me, it will be interesting to see how many people respond. The local media are also taking an interest so we can expect a report in the CNJ the following week.

My Shop licensing application goes to Hearing

Further to my post, Locals fighting against another Alcohol License, as expected, received the offical Notice of Hearing on 9th February for My shop Food & Wine's, opposite Acland Burghley school, proposed licensing application. Pleased that the school has also raised objection. I should think so too. Never attended a hearing before but even the butterflies in my stomach won't keep me away.

In Islington a similar situation has arisen with another shop opening opposite Hugh Myddelton Primary School, in Myddelton Street, Finsbury - School chiefs' protest over off-licence plans

Teachers and governors... were horrified to see a notice about proposals to open Angel's Supermarket opposite the school.Town hall chiefs will decide on Monday whether to give the go-ahead to the new alcohol and food store - but they are set to face a storm of protest if they do agree.

It is so infuriating that landlords and councils don't consider what shopkeepers are proposing to sell and the impact it may have on the local community especially when it comes to children and schools. Free market economy is one thing but not at the expense of children's welfare.

Locals fighting against another Alcohol License

In this area nearly all the shops have alcohol licenses. Many open until the early morning hours and one is open 24/7. That's apart from Sainsburys local, the pubs and the Dome nightclub.

On the Camden side of the road most of the residential and commercial properties are owned by one landlord. The rents are so exorbitant. Every year as the rents rise many shops have to close and the premises remain empty for a long time. There are several like that on the main Fortess Road. One such property is on the corner of Burghley Road opposite the entrance to the Acland Burghley school.

When the shop fitters moved in there was great expectation as to what kind of retail outlet was going to open. The owners are Turkish so it was presumed we might get a variety of European foods only currently available in Kentish Town. Then the sign went up 'My Shop Food and Wine'. On the front shutter is a public notice for an extended hours alcohol licenses, 8am - 1am, (Ref: APP\PREMISES-NEW\000754). The shop is due to open 19th Jan the day they expect the license permission to be granted.

Many locals are up in arms. What kind of irresponsible landlord would let out a shop to sell alcohol directly opposite a school and in a residential area. Letters of objection have been sent to Camden's Licensing Team by residents, local councilors, local shop-keepers naturally fighting for business and the Kentish Town police.

Apparently the applicant has set out some basic steps they propose to take under the protection of children from harm objective. However, there have been problems with groups of students from the school at break times and after school hours. Groups of them congregate around many of the existing shops in Fortess Road, Brecknock Road and the supermarket on the corner of Tufnell Park Road by the Tube station.

The Safer Neighbourhoods Team and school liaison officers have been working on these sorts of issues for a while. There are going to be concerns about older pupils buying for underage pupils and challenges around effectively implementing an ID check system.

It's also been suggested that the address of the application is misleading. It reads 173 Fortess Road which to anybody who is not familiar with the area would naturally think it's another shop on the main road. It seems that because of a historical quirk the bottom section of Dartmouth Park Hill to Burghley Road on the left hand side has a postal address as Fortess Road. Purely speculation but the new owners when they submitted their application, may be banking on the fact that the licensing team members are ignorant of the shops actual location.

Not long now before 19th and the outcome of the Licensing Teams decision. Personally I'm incensed about the whole thing and have submitted my own objection. The owners of the shop however, in anticipation of their application being successful have already started to stock up the shop.

Update: The school has also put in an objection to the application. With so many objection submitted we are expecting a Notice of Hearing duting the next couple of weeks. Good the shop stays shut for the time being.

Archway Woolworths to be reopened as Iceland

With three local Woolies now closed down, folks are wondering who is going to take over the properties. On a bus, it's so eerie passing the empty shops - they all have draw down security shutters but because of the lattice design and the frontage of the shops themselves being glass, you can view the whole empty shells. Sad really

It been widely reported that Iceland has acquired 51 of the vacant units and will convert them into Iceland Food stores. The good news is that the recently closed Woolies in Junction Road, Archway is to be one of them.

Some shop owners in the area naturally won't be happy at the competition. However there isn't another store in the area that sells the same variety of frozen goods or two for one offers.

Personally I can't wait. I'm lazy about carrying heavy shopping and frozen stuff for the freezer is an unnecessary weight even with a bag on wheels. Having an Iceland almost on the doorstep will be great.

When a problem tree has a hair cut.

The due date for trimming of the tree in the front of our property was yesterday. The parking bays all suspended from early morning in preparation but by lunchtime disappointingly nothing had happened. Thought maybe because of the rain they would hold off until today. Not so, late afternoon some kids rushed over to me with the news, the tree surgeons had arrived. Elated I couldn't resist dashing home to see what was going on.

Work was in progress when I arrived. I was so impressed that the specifications of the job order were as I initially requested, to remove the lower branches and trim back those near the property - seems Islington's tree surveyor who authorised the work agreed with me. Didn't have to say much, it was fantastic the way they went about the task. The operatives even took great care not to damage the plants and area around the tree base.

Had to go out again but returned just after 4pm as they were finishing. What a wonderful sight to behold - didn't know how to express my gratitude. Already getting dark and with the branch grinding vehicle and caution signs sort of blocking the traffic flow they were rushing to complete their work before the rush hour. I told them not to worry about the mess of the chippings on the ground, that was the least I could do to help. So off they went.

Even in the dim light of the evening it was an amazing sight to behold - see photo. Felt a bit of a twinge that the birds nests had all gone but at least we won't get dive-bombed with poo next year when walking through the front gateway.

Throughout months of my nagging and dogged persistence, Partners the company who manage this property have followed the process through to the end. They don't get many thank you calls but they certainly received a thank you email from me last night.

This morning in the light of day, what a difference the tree with it's new hair cut has made to the light coming into my flat. Who cares about clearing up the mess on the ground. Now spic and span the property looks more alive.

Britblog roundup 204: the not so chirpy edition

When it's your turn to host the roundup then it's your turn, there's no excuse. Woke up this morning with a painful earache and a thumping head. I'm not my usual chirpy self. It's still freezing outside. With the central heating on full blast, sitting here wearing my long Janes, I'm feeling quite sorry for myself. Well that's my moan over and done with so it's on with the roundup.

The international news of the week is the worsening situation in the Gaza Strip - With deep feelings so enflamed, it's difficult not to take sides but....

Read reports and photos from bloggers many of whom took part in Saturday's demos in London and Edinburgh
Over 50,000 protest in London against Israel's murderous cynicism, Cat, Fridge Magnet and Jimjay who also has another collection of blog links at the end of his post. More on Israel vs Hamas - A happy ending, I don't think so.

Are you one of those contributors to Wikipedia who feels so infuriated when somebody comes along and chops and changes all your long carefully thought out words, the end result might be better than you think claims one of the writers.

Book reviews this week - From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience: The Transition Handbook . Several bloggers are promoting online sales of Craig Murray's book The Catholic Orangemen of Togo. If like myself you are wondering what's so special about the book, you just have to buy it to find out.

A new concept to me, thoughts from a Buddhist who is also a political activist - definitely a unique lifestyle.

Next we have powerful words from two female bloggers which most of us women will wholeheartedly agree with.

Pennyred is hopping mad- Vatican releases official statement saying that women's wee is unholy. What a plonker, could suggest of a few choice words myself.

Sex clinics in schools equals good news. A realistic approach to modern day living. Contrary to belief in some quarters most girls don't tell their mothers everything.

Over to the ambulance emergency services who do a wonderful job trying to save lives. Ever gave a thought to this - Getting High On Someone Else's Supply

A worrying sign of the times - reports of people being stopped, searched and even arrested under the terror legislation for suspicious activity - taking photos in public. Is My MP a Terrorist?. Read the MP's reply to the blogger about EDM 155, concerning photography in public places. Seems we in the UK are not alone in suffering such indignities - Then in France they came for the hippies...

It can't be a roundup without the political bloggers having their say
Lib Dem's, Jonathan Fryer writes - Tony Blair is a disaster as Middle East envoy

Tory, Iain Dale informs the world that Derek Draper has launched a new Labour list blog. Labour, Bob Piper has added his pennyworth. A more aggressive approach from Rouse Media.
Guido Fawke's post has attracted the usual gloves off comments. Some of their language is a bit blue but reading comments on Guido's blog is good for a laugh at any time. Jon Worth has added his own contribution to the debate. Good fodder for the political pundits we'll undoubtedly see more in the coming weeks as the blog develops. With Derek Draper's first rapid rebuttal, there's already a promise from The Wardman Wire

Lib Dem's Jonathon Calder is speculating as to why the TV sports channels are reluctant to relay Kettering Town football matches. He's spot on - the teams t-shirts sponsor is an international charity distributing aid in the Palestinian territories. Lets face it, regardless of any explanation, anybody seeing the word Palestine boldly written on a teams t-shirt during a match would be taken aback with shock. It's bound to lead to claims of conspiracy and who wants that kind of hassle given the current political tension.

This week, English buildings has an interesting story with a photo about an old Saxon church in Deerhurst Gloucester.
Whilst all things Woolwich - Promoting DLR's new rail link to Woolwich and the extra special tourist guide. Very interesting, sound like a good day out.

With the news also this past week that the production of 100watt incandescent bulbs will cease from Sept this year, quite surprised there's only one lone post nomination - I really expected to see more blogger reactions.

As all the major supermarkets have now stopped selling incandescents in favour of the funny shaped, so called energy saving bulbs, most folk seem to have resigned themselves to the inevitable changeover. I've said it before and I'll say it again, a plus point in favour of the new bulbs is they last a long time but the real down side is they are dimmer than the old equivalent. Many people need bright lights to read they really do. Trying to thread a sewing needle under the new lights is a hit and miss operation at the moment. Somebody somewhere mentioned this week on the TV that the new generation of energy saving bulbs, currently only available on the internet will solve this problem when they eventually hit the shops. Well we live to see.

Over to another interesting read - The Atheist Bus is like Dunkin Donuts

Finally the latest headline news that's bound to continue making waves this coming week. Seems general army banter in a private video has landed Prince Harry is in trouble again for opening his big mouth. Already Trixy, Witney, and Cranmer, have started the ball rolling ... I'm more concerned how his personal video made in 2006 came into the possession of the News of the World news paper. Obviously another slimeball out to make a quick buck. As for Prince Harry he's obviously following his linage. How many times has his father Charles and his grandfather Philip's spouting off from the hip remarks landed them in hot water and caused a public outcry. Must be a family trait.
Well that's all for this week. The rest of the day for me will be a duvet day.

Next week the roundup will be hosted on More to life than shoes. If you’d like to nominate a post (and please do), email britblog AT gmail DOT com

Meral Ece OBE & trees

Just checking up on all the things I'm committed to doing this month - diaries getting full already. Lots of local issues coming on board, will certainly keep this blog busy.

One of my proudest moments recently was to learn that a close political friend Meral Ece was awarded the OBE in the New Years honours list. Haven't a clue how local people get selected for such awards but Meral is one who sincerely deserves it. A councillor and dedicated community activist she pens on her blog - The OBE - a huge honour. Can't help smiling thinking of some of her colleagues who will be green with envy.

A message left on the answering machine from the Islington tree people just before the hols. Knew it had something to do with the tree outside the frontage which the neighbours in the adjacent property and myself have been struggling to have trimmed down for a few years now. Was told early last year it was officially on the Councils trimming list - with the wheels in slow motion it became a matter of wait and see. Came home New Years eve and noticed a parking bay suspension sign for tree works scheduled for 12th on the lamp post outside this property and another a couple of properties away. Figures crossed - will be replying to the message at least to find out what is going on later this morning. Will certainly be around with my camera when they start.

New Year, back to the daily grind

All good things have to come to an end and it's back to the daily routine of life. This Christmas period and new year extended break has for me just been magical. So many unexpected surprises have given me a renewed burst of energy. Just before Christmas a lot of rushing up and down to get my friend's daughter Katherine who regards me as the aunty she never had, off to the Seychelles to get married. I promised her I'd make it to the airport to see her off as well. Such an emotional departure.

On Facebook people have found me or I've found nearly everybody in life I've been thinking of all over the world and never ever expected to hear from again. Both my life long best friends Roxane and Sonia have been in touch from USA as well. Even managed to get into the online chat thingy - just spent sometime today speaking to another friend who is now living in UAE. What a change in her life style but after so many years of misery she deserves it.

My ears have been buzzing with calls from family and friends especially the long unexpected catchup on news, international telephone calls. One after another. It must be an age thing but my ears actually hurt talking for a long time on the digital hand set. The funniest was with my cousin Richard in Australia - there I was sitting here in my small flat with the frost outside while he was chatting away outside in the sun, lounging in his huge grounds having a beer while waiting for the food to cook on the barbecue.

Took me a while to get my head in tune with the time zones. Australia 10 hours ahead, America 6 hours behind, UAE, Russia, Jamaica, Seychelles and Nigeria all in between.

Thanks to the internet Christmas presents this year were not a stress. Was so surprised how many arrived the day after ordering. Then the Woolies closing down sale was a real boost to the pocket for children's toys. My friend Robert kept dropping off more on his way to work almost every day. At one point the sitting room floor looked like a shop - hardly a space to move about. Couldn't even have the grandchildren over pre-Christmas because there was nowhere to hide them all. Took me hours to wrap them. Well worth it - they were ecstatic opening them all.

This year the presents I received myself were absolutely amazing and everything I really wanted. Something I've been putting off buying because of the cost, my friend Robert bought me the latest family tree programme so now I can transcribe everything from Genesunited to my computer and produce all the charts so many family members are waiting patiently for.

Spent boxing day in Oxford street - sales. Shoes are my passion. I'm an odd size and because of allergies I can only wear the ones that don't have man-made linings but they cost an arm and a leg. My lucky stars seemed to be shining at the moment, without much hassle actually found two pairs of boots and one pair of shoes all at half price - still not cheap but I just couldn't resist buying them all. Least this year I'll be able to tell my foster mother Maureen, I spent her Christmas box money on something for myself.

New years eve my foster son Shehu unexpectedly breezed into UK from Nigeria with his family for some meetings this coming week. This time instead of in my flat, had a lovely exotic lunch in one of those high class hotels in Park Lane, London where he was staying for a few days. His children who regard me as their grandmother were so excited to see me again - more hugs and kisses, I almost fell over in their race to see who would get to me first.

The most emotional moment for me this hols is finding my mother's cousin Joan. She is my oldest close blood relation living in England. I last saw her 20 years ago but since her husband Bill died I knew she'd moved, still in the Clapham London area but I lost the details. Given her advancing years, I've been worrying how to find her. I always say if you are nice to people the rewards will come back to you in spades. Somebody unexpectedly did a trace for me and gave me her telephone number. I was so nervous, wondering what she would say to me after all this time and considering her age how she was living. No worries, she was as choked as I was in speaking to me again. So surprised that despite her age she is still actively involved with local community issues and helping those around her who are not so mobile - she seems to get the same buzz I do out of helping people. Told her about my family tree - she said I should bring a note book and she will get out her box of memories for me. Feel like a child again, next week is a long time to wait for the meet up.

Well it's a new year and snowing outside as I'm writing this. Wonder what other personal good things 2009 will bring. Happy New Year to everyone!