Trees 1 year on

It's almost exactly one year since we planted the trees. This time last year it was wet with soft ground which made the planting easy; our current cold snap would have caused us to put it off. The trees did well until the very dry spell in October when it appeared that several had died, with one or two sitting in cracks in the heavy clay unable to find moisture as the roots had barely formed. However, we are hoping that some of the ones I thought might have died will show shoots in the spring and so we have left them in place. I intend to take an anual photo so that we can monitor progress over the years.

Only G20 country still in recession

The Times carries a report here that the UK remains the country still in recession despite Alistair Darling's contention that our economy would be back in growth by the end of the year. So much for us being better prepared to weather the storm. The economy has shrunk by 6% since the recession began in Quarter 2 of 2008. One of the commentors draws attention to the fact that the public sector has not (yet) reduced in size and so therefore the decline in the private sector has been significantly greater. It is sometimes easy to forget that it is the weath created by the private sector which provides the resources for the public sector to provide the services we all need. So it is vital that we get the incentives in place to encourage that sector to thrive once again,and generate income. Increasing National Insurance contributions by both employers and staff (as set out in the pre budget report) wont help with that and is a step in the wrong direction.

Pailton Mulled Wine & Mince Pies

It's Christmas Party season & last weekend Tracy and I joined Pailton branch at their annual Christmas event. I was asked to say the usual few words which were followed by a discussion about our prospects at the coming General Election. As the election gets closer more detail will be available as the manifesto takes shape and this will be eagerly awaited by both our supporters and the country as a whole. The new year will see our campaign hotting up locally and nationally and so I'm looking forward to a few days with our family over the Christmas period.

Vetting & Barring Scheme

A couple of months ago our regular monthly survey was on the Governments Vetting and Barring scheme where we asked local residents their views about the proposals for adults to be vetted before they give lifts to childrens friends or visit a school. A large majority felt that this would be reversing the presumption of innocence and many felt that volunteers would simply stop helping out. It was clear that while we must ensure the safety of our children at all times much of what was proposed was going too far. Now it seems that Ed Balls, Children's Secretary agrees. The Times reports here that he has promised a U turn. I used to be chairman of a local Twinning Association and we arranged for many youngsters over the years to get a taste of family life in France and improve their language skills as well as forming friendships that for many have lasted. I am pleased that these visit will remain as private arrangements and that registration won't be necessary.

Scam Mail

As a candidate I get to learn about issues about which I had previously little knowledge. I recently met a family where an elderly reliative has become a victim of scam mail. Prior to the meeting I had no idea of the extent or seriousness of this where often vulnerable people are tricked into sending off money through the post. The sums involved can amount to tens of thousands of pounds. There is a really useful website at www.thinkjessica.com which gives details of how the scams work, instances of how people have been affected and some useful advice on how to avoid them and support those who have been drawn in. We hear a great deal about internet scams but less about those through the post. Most of us enjoy receiving post and here criminals are preying often on the elderly who live alone and look forward to the contact through letters delivered by the postman.

Ron Ravenhall

I am sad to hear of the death at the weekend of Councillor Ron Ravenhall. Ron and I served together as Councillors in a three member ward with Bill Shields for Dunchurch & Knightlow at Rugby Borough Council between 2002 and 2007. Ron started off his political life as a Conservative and joined the Liberal Democrats in the 1980s. Despite different political allegiances I always found Ron supportive and helpful while I was looking to establish my political career. I recall his contributions on Planning Committee where he spoke with great authority. My fondest memories of our work together revolve around the campaign, led by Gordon Collett, to oppose Government plans for an International Airport at Church Lawford. Ron was keen to ensure that I played a full role and often insisted that I spoke early in the various meetings we held in churches around the affected area. He had a big impact in both the Council Chamber in Rugby and in the community more widely and he will be missed.

More Government Waste

So Gordon Brown has found a further £3 billion of savings to add to the £9 billion already identified, according to The Times here. Who authorised this expenditure in the first place? Stable doors and horses?

Shadow Health Secretary in Rugby

Last week I joined Andrew Lansley on a visit to our local hospital, St Cross. Our commitment to the NHS will be fundamental to our campaign at the coming General Election, and I was keen to ensure that our Health Team are fully aware of the range of facilities and services here in Rugby. We met the trust Chief Executive, Malcom Stamp and were shown over the site by Hospital Manager, Carl Holland, Modern Matron, Judith Lewis and Non-Executive Director, Nick Stokes. Rugby Observer photographer, Jamie Gray, has kindly provided a photo of Judith making a point to Andrew just after we had been shown new and aditional toilets and bathrooms installed to improve patient dignity. Andrew raced off after the visit to get down to the BBC in London in time for the recording of "Question Time" which went out later that evening.