Post Office Closures

News of planned Post Office closures in Rugby is predictable in the case of two of the sites selected (Clifton, where an earlier leak had provided an indication and Shilton which moved into the Village Hall several years ago) but less so in the case of Overslade Lane which is in an area of high usage of services and where the immediate environment has been substantially improved with a grant from Rugby Borough Council. I spent yesterday responding to the proposals, putting the case against closure and in favour of allowing Sub Postmasters to develop their businesses by allowing them greater freedom in the services they are able to offer. I ended the day at a public meeting in Clifton Church organised by local Councillor, Leigh Hunt attended by well over 100 people. I was reminded of the last campaign when we met in Churches which was to co-ordinate our campaign against the proposed massive international airport in Rugby 5 years ago. I seems that the Government has an agenda for a set number of closures and so this will be a tough campaign, but one which we owe to the elderly, the infirm and those without a computer who depend on their local Post Office.

Science Matters

Rugby is lucky to have had several national organisations to have made their headquarters here over the years, often infuenced by our location just an hour away from London by train and at the heart of the motorway network. One is IChemE, the Institution of Chemical Engineers which I visited today and where I learnt about their campaign to encourage more youngsters to become involved in their work and take up their subject at University. I well remember a few years ago reading in the national news about Universities withdrawing science courses simply because of insufficient numbers of school leavers applying. Things had got so bad that the only way employers could find the staff with the right qualifications was to recruit oversea. Engineers make things and in doing so provide the basis of our economic activity and wealth. The entire country will be affected if even more manufacturing is allowed to move overseas. IChemE have worked hard to redress this trend of insufficient science graduates with various techniques, one being to encourage volunteers among their members to go into schools to explain about a career in engineering. As a consequence numbers taking up science courses are increasing and the next stage of their campaign is due to start and can be found at http://www.whynotchemeng.com/. Its well worth a look for anyone with an interest in science looking at their career options.

Fund Raising Lunch

We held a superb fundraising lunch a couple of Sundays ago & I couldn't resist including this photo of our President, David Barby, TV personality of "Bargain Hunt" fame, with two of his greastest fans as we all cleared up afterwards.

Henley By-election

Down to Henley yesterday with 3 colleagues from Rugby to help out in the by-election. Not the same buzz as in Crewe & Nantwich as it's always more exciting trying to win a seat from opponents than defending one we hold. Nevertheless we had a good day canvassing in and around Thame, topped off with a walkabout with the retiring MP (not much retiring about Boris) and newly elected Mayor of London.

IT Problems Solved!

I have had a few IT issues over the past week or so as the combination of moving my contact details from my company and the age of my laptop (4 years ) with limited capacity strugged to do everything I want it to. So I decided to treat myself to some new kit, bought and installed with the advice of a friendly IT guru. I have a Dell XPS laptop with a small screen (which arrived within a couple of days) so that it is very mobile backed up with a larger screen to work from when I am at my main base which is now at home. Expect a number of new postings as I familarise myself with my new set up! People who know me well will be surprised that I am able to operate it at all.

New Livestock Market

Over the past few years Rugby livestock market has come to look in a pretty sorry state as a result of uncertainty about its location and tought times for farmers. The old site close to the station was convenient when stock arrive by train but close to the centre of town is inappropriate for today.
After a couple of false starts, a group of farmers, led by my old school friend Richard Heckford have brought together 250 of their colleagues, supported bt other agencies to invest in a brand new site at Stoneleigh. This shows great confidence in their future by those at the sharp end of a difficult business.
Yesterday was the official opening, performed by Lord Plumb, and I was pleased to be invited. As I wandered round and watched an aution of promises to raise money for farmers benenevolent funds, I realised how many farmers I have come to know and what a solid group of people they are. I hope the new market goes from success to success.

Back from holiday

I have just returned from a fabulous half term break in the Corfu sun. It's amazing what some sunshine and a rest can do for you!