tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84713432011-08-17T03:09:15.232ZSandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comBlogger5121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-42517158485937611232009-07-09T12:45:00.002Z2009-07-09T12:52:32.020Z

Following my declaration of the strawberries I must complete the record by stating that I received the following reply from the registrarThe Registrar advises that the charity event does not come into the category of employment. You might only have to register this if anyone sponsored you for more than £650 to take part in the event. I assume this was not the case but please let me know if I am

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-84676083051783009842009-07-07T20:33:00.002Z2009-07-07T20:36:44.623Z

Under the rules introduced on 1st July (aiming to provide greater transparency about "outside" work) we have been told that payment in kind also has to be registered - including for when we make speeches etc in the constituency. Some of us thought that such events were not part of the job and not really outside interests but what it has meant is that today I declared the following.BIzarre!Also am

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-65909329718876553082009-06-19T14:53:00.003Z2009-06-19T15:18:19.619Z

Choosing the next Speaker is always a great responsibility but, in the current climate of hatred and suspicion of MPs, it is particularly important that we get the right person this time.Current favourite, according to the Bookies, is John Bercow and he is the person I am publicly backing. In less tumultuous times I would probably have supported Sir Alan Beith or even Sir George Young as both

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-90752479960987109912007-11-01T23:17:00.000Z2007-11-01T23:31:25.785Z

Public meetings are an occupational hazard and sometimes generate more heat than light - but a politician ignores them at her peril.Was relieved to find that it was standing room only at the public meeting tonight - after all no one wants to be trying to save something that people are completely indifferent about. Much of the credit needs to go to Matt and Nadine (mentioned in an earlier blog)

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-38283089929728495372007-10-31T18:35:00.001Z2007-10-31T20:01:59.797Z

Lord Darzi has been a busy man. In three months he apparently visited and spoke to 1500 NHS staff in 17 organisations (it is not clear whether they had to listen or got to talk to him). Among other achievements he apparently met with 250 stakeholder groups.I decided to table a parliamentary question to ask which groups he met. The answer was fascinating. Unsurprisingly the number of groups listed

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-89058595869789937872007-10-31T18:29:00.000Z2007-10-31T18:36:19.496Z

Gremlins are trying to prevent me from advertising the meeting to discuss the axing of this bus. Apologies if this info appears twice.There is a meeting on Thursday 1st November at the Abbey United Reformed Church Hall - starting at 8 30pm.The campaign has taken on an interesting turn as a regular user of this bus service is Matt O'Connor (of Fathers for Justice fame) when he visits his partner

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-32562578602914113772007-10-17T19:55:00.000Z2007-10-17T19:58:17.599Z

Romsey made the news today!I am still struggling to understand why the Queen has to have a new toilet wherever she goes but even more mind boggling (no pun intended) is the cost of the refurb!I only hope that the Town Council demanded some money for the story in order to restock the town coffers.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-78676170519585473182007-10-16T21:03:00.001Z2007-10-17T19:55:01.042Z

An oasis of calm in the middle of the day; hosted the reception for Pharmaceutucal wholesalers. In the absence of a Minister I was asked to say a few words and I thought it was a good idea if we balanced things out and asked Mark Simmonds (newly appointed to the Conservative Health Team) to say a few words.We all occasionally stumble over our words (it makes us endearingly human) and I was amused

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-91462956706576930862007-10-16T20:55:00.000Z2007-10-17T19:54:40.512Z

I supported Chris Huhne last time and hope that he will stand again. It has been an interesting 24 hours though. I still have to return Steve Webb's pager message and get back to Ed Davey (are they thinking about standing or are they a front for someone else?). John Hemming has e mailed his colleagues and some people have heard from Susan Kramer.Hmmmm. I am left to wonder why I haven't heard from

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-66344031546769268552007-10-16T20:49:00.001Z2007-10-17T19:54:04.448Z

Weightwatchers showed that I have lost two pounds! I am sure all this was worked off today in the constant dashing to and fro between Millbank, Westminster and the Green.The leadership was one cause but two other issues have been high on my agenda. The first is that a number of post offices have been fingered for closure by the media and this is a real concern to communities such as Chilworth,

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-56202660746030773912007-10-16T20:32:00.000Z2007-10-17T19:53:22.744Z

Shock doesn't begin to describe it. The first inkling we all had was at 6:15 yesterday when a pager message told me that there would be a speech by the party president. I'm usually quick to see connections but on this occasion I was not very quick on the uptake and pondered aloud on what this could mean.The penny soon dropped but we could still hardly believe it. The initial reaction was that

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-82014567365851733512007-10-09T14:03:00.000Z2007-10-09T14:08:49.711Z

A reception in the Terrace Marquee - the parliamentary launch of an add on to Naomi House. The Children's Hospice is ten years old and many of their patients are now approaching adulthood. There is a need for a custom built facility for the older children. Excellent idea. I wish them well.George Hollingberry was there - I hadn't realised that he was one of the "finalists" in the Romsey Tory

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-75598841115636102632007-10-09T13:51:00.000Z2007-10-09T14:03:21.000Z

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster.I am one of those who never thought that there would be an election but when all around are losing their heads (or - as some would put it - taking sensible steps should Gordo name the day) it is hard to stay calm and focussed. So, for the last few weeks I have had 2 lists of diary options, 2 campaign plans and have been considering how to produce a

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-25539578245560758802007-09-13T20:39:00.000Z2007-09-13T21:03:42.431Z

One of the rare days in recess spent in London. I had decided to attend the press conference accompanying the launch of the Health Select Committee's Inquiry into the Electronic Patient Record. Nearly didn't make it because of the usual struggle to find a parking space at any of the local stations (one day soon this will become a spectator sport).During the press conference (during which a spat

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-54296361963980106772007-09-10T21:35:00.000Z2007-09-10T21:45:39.132Z

Later this week the Health Select Committee's report into The Electronic Patient Record will be published. I can't say too much about the conclusions of the report but it was a fascinating inquiry and could have been a lot wider.During the course of the inquiry the committee members were keen to see a hospital system being used "in real time" and we had decided to visit Winchester. I won't bore

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-18428388634763344212007-09-10T21:22:00.000Z2007-09-10T21:35:30.132Z

Visited Winchester Hospital today. The visit was prompted by a flurry of letters complaining about a number of aspects of their service. To be fair the hospital has been without a Chief Exec and a Trust Chair for some considerable time so this cannot have been helpful. Also to be fair, some of the problems have been acknowledged and are actively being dealt with.Actually the food was really good

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-17086138042884866932007-08-30T21:01:00.000Z2007-08-30T21:15:50.297Z

Tuesday was not a good day- three deaths and all known to me via the Lib Dems. So today I found myself at the funeral of Christine Harvey, mother of colleague Nick Harvey.Much to my surprise the Romsey by election received a mention. If I tell you that Nick mentioned that his mother had things in common with Hyacinth Bucket this tells you that she could be quite an imposing lady. During the by

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-50250670901433726262007-08-30T20:51:00.000Z2007-08-30T21:00:41.778Z

Most people know that Facebook is a social networking tool used by the young but some of us oldies are getting in on the act.My offspring were deeply suspicious of my foray into Facebook but at least they both agreed to be my "friends".It has been nice to say hi to old friends but I hadn't prepared for the emotional roller coaster.It was great to see that Ros and Mark had become engaged but this

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-53996089564293670002007-08-17T07:35:00.000Z2007-08-17T07:44:21.289Z

Dropped again! This has happened to me the last three times I've been lined up to go on the programme. OK so I know that I am not the Queen Bee and the nation is not hanging on my every word (they don't get a chance!!) and I will concede that when the researcher rang up to ask me on the programme I was surprised that the alcohol stories still had legs - but it is August and news is obviously a

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-33773598549074632202007-08-15T09:59:00.000Z2007-08-15T10:13:17.965Z

The comments of the Chief Constable following the death in Warrington have been attracting a lot of comment.I recently had a 10 minute rule bill slot and used it to moot the idea of an Alcohol(Harm Reduction) Bill. My motivation was the increase in alcohol related antisocial behaviour - combined with concerns about some of the stats on liver disease and alcohol related admissions to A nd E.My

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-11018210080398806182007-08-14T12:26:00.000Z2007-08-14T12:32:50.553Z

Just back from Taiwan and as part of the visit had asked to meet the health minister. Prior to his entrance we were shown a promo video- including clips of some of the things that had been done to try and get over some of the public health messages.They start young in Taiwan and one of the more startling sights was the spectacleof the health Minister dressed in superhero oufit and leaping on to

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-30105157189530743932007-08-14T12:02:00.000Z2007-08-14T12:12:45.214Z

It's over 18 months since I posted a blog. I've missed it but sometimes it is useful to step back and reflect. I had always wanted to start blogging again but the fact is that being a few grand poorer because of legal action makes one cautious. So, as much as my inner liberal wants to allow free debate my wallet cannot risk it. I am happy to stand by anything I say but I am not going to be

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1138741853539353452006-01-31T21:00:00.000Z2006-01-31T21:10:53.590Z

One of the exciting things about this parliament is that a Government defeat is much more likely. Tonight we were voting on the Lords amendments to the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill and a combination of opposition MPs and Labour rebels meant that one of the Government's dafter ideas was held well and truly in check. The second vote was won by a majority of one so it's a good thing that the

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1137372919951038172006-01-16T00:30:00.000Z2006-01-31T20:59:59.256Z

I made a New Years resolution to resume the blog but to be honest the beginning of the year was depressing. I just couldn't bring myself to comment daily on the unfolding story of Charles Kennedy.Some of you may now be sniggering into your cornflakes recalling that I publicly called for Charles to go and was one of the signatories on the various letters that were sent to Charles. All I am going

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1130779875364506972005-10-31T17:25:00.000Z2005-10-31T17:31:15.366Z

Some of you will have noticed that I have been rather quiet lately. Some of you may like it that way but I have been having a re think about what I want to do with the blog and what I should spend my time writing about.I have not looked at the blog since the last time I posted a message. I have been horrified by some of the totally inappropriate comments that have been made about third parties

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1128031288023068382005-09-29T21:56:00.000Z2005-10-31T17:21:00.686Z

This was presented to the Primary Care Trust by Desmond Swayne and I (Julian Lewis was in the USA and couldn't make it) and we were delighted, when everything was totted up, to find that there were over 40,000 signatures.Final day for comments is tomorrow and it seems that a decision will be made before the end of October. My gut reaction is to prepare for the long haul.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1128030780368032882005-09-29T21:35:00.000Z2005-10-31T17:22:59.456Z

It was probably a good job that I couldn't blog from Blackpool as my first impressions were far from favourable. Leave aside for one moment the fact that the town is badly signed, conference venues are miles from each other, the IT provision in the WInter Gardens is antiquated and bits of the town look like a war zone. The whole place is run down and was not the family venue I had anticipated. It

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1128029738086433982005-09-29T21:25:00.000Z2005-10-31T17:22:19.956Z

Glad to see people have been amusing themselves whilst I have been absent from blogging. Have a new resolve not to comment on the third party postings even if they wildly misrepresent Lib Dem policy - as many do.Had fully intended to blog from conference but a combination of trying to overcome IT problems and limited time meant that everything conspired against me. Hopefully normal service will

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1126823669470066252005-09-15T22:30:00.001Z2005-10-31T17:23:54.736Z

Could I be the only person in the world who is getting really bored with this subject? The media time and inches devoted to this subject are out of all proportion to its relevance or importance.Having said that, something in me wants to read everything there is on the subject and I found the article in today's Times of particular interest. Read it for yourself by following the link but I really

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1126651979783223162005-09-13T22:49:00.000Z2005-09-13T22:52:59.783Z

Spent most of the day in London. For once, during recess, a number of London engagements had coincided so it was a worthwhile day.Latter part of the day was spent doing TV interviews in Victoria Gardens, opposite the Millbank studios. Latter interview was constantly interrupted by mini convoys of police minibuses, sirens blaring heading off down the embankment.That's the sort of thing that makes

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1126651733723783412005-09-13T22:28:00.000Z2005-09-13T22:48:53.746Z

Went well.The planned march from the Fenwick Hospital to Boltons Bench had to be limited in numbe to 200. This was because of the constraints of the historic town of Lyndhurst - narrow streets and a fiendish one way system to boot.Romsey League of Friends had pulled out of officially taking part in the march. This was because of the plan to carry five coffins - representing the death of the five

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1126477813049917422005-09-11T22:22:00.000Z2005-09-11T22:30:13.050Z

And this is not a bad thing at all.Tomorrow is the date for the "Save our Community Hospitals" rally at Lyndhurst. Hopefully there will be a good turn out of people from all the localities who are affected by the proposed closures.The closure threat is dressed up under a "consultation" on the future of services for older people but we still have not been given a clear picture of what proposed

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1126476974230112642005-09-11T22:09:00.000Z2005-09-11T22:16:14.230Z

This is now Taipei 101. An ambitious project by what I can only regard as an ambitious country. The lift was state of the art - from ground to viewing floor in 36 (or was it 37) seconds. So we have the technology but we also have Feng Shui principles influencing the overall design ina fascinating mix of the traditional and the modern.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1126476448677360362005-09-11T21:56:00.000Z2005-09-11T22:07:28.683Z

Well, for the last week I have been part of the first all-female parliamentary delegation to Taiwan. The other members of the delgation were all baronesses and we attracted a fair bit of interest.I was completely bowled over by the country. The people were great and nothing was too much trouble - for the cynics amongst you I will say that this was even amongst those who had no idea we were

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1126475768475380502005-09-11T21:54:00.000Z2005-09-11T21:56:08.486Z

Haven't posted for the lastcouple of weeks. Returned to find a high number of completely unconstructive comments and am considering banning comments completely.Lighten up boys --- and yes it is all boys!

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1125244825507410682005-08-28T15:20:00.000Z2005-08-28T16:00:25.556Z

Interesting article in the Indy and an apparent admission that Govt had not handled the issue of 24 hour drinking very well.Years ago, having spent some of my formative years living in Europe, I was convinced that a major realxation of the drinking laws would inevitably be a good thing.That was before the massive increase in levels of alcohol consumption and the development of the binge drinking

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1125242395578137392005-08-28T14:03:00.000Z2005-08-28T15:19:55.620Z

According to the Times politicians are to be first in line to receive bird flu pills. Not clear whether this is to be restricted to Cabinet Ministers or distributed more widely.Can't say that I agree with this at all and would far rather given to people with a greater need or in poorer general health

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1125095398548673032005-08-26T22:04:00.000Z2005-08-26T22:29:58.580Z

For once retail has hit the headlines and everyone appears to be exercised by the ban on cheap clothing from China. Couldn't help feeling that there was an element of locking the stable door after the horse had bolted (do we still have a thriving mass market textile industry in UK? - I think not!) and went upstairs to check labels on recent clothing purchases.Initial intention was to check

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1124917649887309652005-08-24T20:35:00.000Z2005-08-24T21:07:29.933Z

Well, that is the mantra - and I write this on the eve of the GCSE results. A week ago we had the A level results and the media response was absolutely and boringly predictable.1. Lots of pictures of succesful students (predominately female and wearing skimpy tops)2. Best ever results3. This must mean that exams are getting easier4. Predictable outcry from the many students who have worked their

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1124752333954872462005-08-22T22:53:00.000Z2005-08-22T23:19:26.170Z

Can't remember being asked to contribute to this survey which highlights favoured reading of MPs and Peers.There is always a dilemma in answering these things. Should I try and hint at my intellectual side or highlight the common touch? Hence the lists of preferred reading range from the politically predictable to something everyone will have heard of (ie Harry Potter).Whatever happened to

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1124751052439555622005-08-22T22:42:00.000Z2005-08-22T22:50:52.450Z

There are some people I miss - but I wrote to all of my ex colleagues shortly after the election. Nicest - and most balanced - response was from David Rendel who had lost in Newbury. He was always a most considerate and gentle soul and he always turned up to help at local (and not so local) council by elections. When I wrote to him I expressed the hope that this help had been reciprocated during

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1124644880752969122005-08-21T17:18:00.000Z2005-08-21T17:21:20.753Z

Listened to the coverage from the cenotaph. Nice touch that Lord Romsey was able to lay a wreath but I thought Tony might have thought it worth coming back for - just how long has he been on holiday for?Having said that I heard no mention of opposition politicians of any party - where they invited? If not this seems to be something of a scandal - If the reality was that all of the party leaders

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1124644701919625502005-08-21T17:14:00.000Z2005-08-21T17:18:21.926Z

Was really sorry to hear the news of her death - many people have expressed the same from all parts of the political spectrum.It is one of my regrets that I did not know her in her earlier political career. What I did observe was a very warm and funny woman with a strong streak of humanity. Call it the common touch, call her a people's politician - call it what you will but the bottom line is

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1124228102936824732005-08-16T21:33:00.000Z2005-08-16T21:35:02.943Z

Michael Buerk appears to be having a bit of a crisis and resenting the so-called dominance of women. See this link for an interesting (to me!) comment on his little strop in this week's press.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1124141264506884182005-08-15T21:19:00.000Z2005-08-15T21:27:44.513Z

These were sadly lacking in Hampshire as the County had decided to amalgamate VE and VJ celebrations - as per Government wisdom. It was a different matter in Southampton and yesterday there was a special service (held outside the Civic Centre) in honour of VJ day and to award the Freedom of the City to Burma Star Association and the Normandy Veterans.The service was graced by the presence of

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1123708588916668622005-08-10T21:07:00.000Z2005-08-10T21:16:28.923Z

Those readers who access a number of blog sites may have noticed a bit of a theme today as a number of us have committed to making some comment on the reform of the House of Lords.I can't understand why this is so controversial. The Labour party made an early commitment to dealing with this issue but ended up dealing with the problem in a half hearted way by reducing the number of hereditary

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1123615546612092372005-08-09T19:21:00.000Z2005-08-09T19:25:46.613Z

A colleague sent me a link to thisEnjoy!

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1123615265554813382005-08-09T19:16:00.000Z2005-08-09T19:21:05.556Z

I am a girl (give or take a few decades)I like gadgetsSo, perhaps it's a by product of having a little more time on my hands during the recess butI have become addicted to the shiny shiny website. Having said that I am not at all sure just who would want to buy a baby gro for their i-pod.But a chocolate fountain is another matter entirely.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1123614991148412452005-08-09T19:13:00.000Z2005-08-09T19:16:31.156Z

For all those who were alarmed by my account of arriving at Waterloo in the middle of an "incident" I think I should provide an update.Follow up has revealed that by the time the train reached the station the panic was over but there is a pecking order for notifying people. SW trains personnel are top of the list so that normal service is resumed as soon as possible and humble passengers are at

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1123190081373567212005-08-04T21:08:00.000Z2005-08-04T21:14:41.380Z

Perhaps I am becoming slightly obsessed but I had the following experience when I travelled to London by train earlier this week.Got off train as usual and strolled on to the concourse. Noticed that it looked a little quiet but popped straight into one of the shops to make a purchase. As I came out I noticed that there were rather more police than members of the public but I was still not unduly

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1122827198241193802005-07-31T16:22:00.000Z2005-07-31T16:26:38.250Z

To the Albert Hall last night with various people from Southampton City Council. Cause for celebration was that about 20 young people from the SOuthampton City Orchestra were participating in the event. Some were playing alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra during Respighi's Pines of Rome and others were playing a piece they had developed themselves with the help of a group of musicians called

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1122681531171680502005-07-29T23:38:00.000Z2005-07-29T23:58:51.180Z

Have just finished the latest (it has been difficult to find the time but it's not exactly challenging) and was left wondering if the world was one big Hogwarts who would be in which house.GriffindorTony Blair (but just like HP it's a close call between this and Slytherin)Ming CampbellEsther RantzenSlytherinDerek from Big BrotherQuentin Letts (with very little help he could be Snape)Michael

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1122680225631323542005-07-29T23:30:00.000Z2005-07-29T23:37:05.633Z

Happily most of my constituents are more engaged - here is a conversation I had this morning"Hi, X, How are you? I expect I'll see you at the Hospital meeting later""Er, no, er well, probably not.""Really, I thought you would have bound to have been there""Well, there'll be plenty of other people there without me""Don't leave it to everyone else. If everyone took that attitude there'd be nobody

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1122679799032328222005-07-29T22:33:00.000Z2005-07-29T23:29:59.093Z

Full document is available on the Trust's web site.I am urging everyone not to complete the standard consultation form (which many of us believe will give meaningless answers). Instead of this the best thing to do is write a letter with your genuine concerns to this address:The MountChurch RoadBishopstokeEastleighSO50 6ZBTel: 023 8067 3673 Fax: 023 8067 3674But - here are some of the points I

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1122676288230644472005-07-29T22:01:00.000Z2005-07-29T22:31:28.280Z

No excuses - it has dominated the week.A quick recap for those not familiar with the situation.The local Primary Care Trust (Eastleigh and Test Valley South working in alliance mode with the New Forest) is consulting on "Community Services for Older People". You may well think that this is a laudable aim but the sub plot is that apparently a whole host of wonderful home based services mean that

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1122425902566408602005-07-27T00:53:00.000Z2005-07-27T00:58:22.573Z

Have spent a lot of time on this this week (in between preparing for a speech on domestic violence at Netley) and was frustrated to learn that the Primary Care Trust have changed the venue for the public meeting on Friday.A meeting was originally planned for the Town Hall (rumour has it that they had only booked the Court Room which holds a max of 70 people................) but this has (wisely

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1121953269073882352005-07-21T13:35:00.000Z2005-07-21T13:41:09.080Z

Was describing my concerns re the Westminster kiosk at lunch to be assured by the Chief Whip that I shouldn't be too concerned as Portcullis House could withstand most things - probably including a 747 knocking into it. I don't advise any one to road test this theory.He then casually mentioned that there were more bombs so we have all decamped to a nearby tv monitor. This latest event appears to

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1121856520612710382005-07-20T10:39:00.000Z2005-07-20T10:48:40.620Z

It is far from reassuring to see security being ramped up at this place. The latest addition is the black snakes of painted steel that have appeared in various locations around the parliamentary estate and we have been told that more precautions will be in place after the recess.All of this but no one seems bothered by something I had noticed recently. On the Tuesday after the bombings I walked

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1121787408963696212005-07-19T15:34:00.000Z2005-07-19T15:36:48.963Z

A little bemused to be on the mailing list for this worthy publication (not all MPs are - I checked) but was even more surprised to find our beloved leader gracing its pages. His picture stood out but I hasten to add that that was because he was one of the few people in it who was fully clothed...

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1121787268987525482005-07-19T15:29:00.000Z2005-07-19T15:34:28.990Z

The debate after the "End of Life Care" debate was initiated by Evan Harris on time scales for abortion. This is another difficult issue and I ended up staying to listen and make a few interventions. Complex issue and there was universal support for Evan's suggestion of a Committee of both Houses to look at the problem - apart from the Minister that is. I think that she is wrong. Subjects like

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1121786825413416642005-07-19T15:21:00.000Z2005-07-19T15:29:10.346Z

I had been asked to sum up on behalf of the Liberal Democrats on a debate called "End of Life Care" initiated by Frank Field. It was a difficult debate to prepare for as I was not sure whether it would deal with palliative care or some of the thornier issues around physician assisted death.It was actually deeper and more philosophical than that and I was interested to note that Frank Field had

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1121786471925140832005-07-19T15:18:00.000Z2005-07-19T15:21:11.926Z

On Sunday afternoon there was a special church service to celebrate 150 years of the school. The school choir were the star turn but it always makes me feel slightly old when I don't know the hymns because they were written after I was born. Event was followed by a "Victorian Tea" on the school playing field but it was really a chance to chat to people and soak up some of the sunshine.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1121786296905220882005-07-19T15:13:00.000Z2005-07-19T15:18:16.906Z

This is a big issue in Mottisfont - where a large number of properties are owned by the National Trust. Tenants have received shock demands for increases ranging from 20-65%. I will admit that it has been a couple of years since the last rent rise but the most peculiar aspect of all this is that some people have improved the properties at their own expense and these people have been faced with

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1121785954819148122005-07-19T15:11:00.000Z2005-07-19T15:12:34.826Z

Well, we won and that is all there is to say on the subject really.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1121283215201075592005-07-13T19:25:00.000Z2005-07-13T19:33:35.210Z

Learnt a new word this evening. I was a last minute substitute to speak at a Hansard society meeting on blogging. The main focus was on the impact of blogs, such as Jamies Blog, on the political process.Some of the discussion ranged around comments and I had asked whether Jamies Blog attracted very many negative comments and mentioned that political blogs attracted comment from the main

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1121199394643352762005-07-12T19:54:00.000Z2005-07-12T20:16:34.653Z

Have often said that politics is my "roller coaster ride" but those who know me will know that the "Big Max" is not my thing. Unfortunately, I feel as though I have been throught the parliamentary equivalent of the Big Max.Last Wednesday life seemed good. There was a real buzz about the place when the news spread of London's success in the bid to host the Olympics in 2012. No sooner was I out of

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1120062312684842582005-06-29T16:18:00.000Z2005-06-29T16:25:12.686Z

Was intrigued by a conversation I couldn't help overhearing last night during the vote. Justine Greening was talking to one of the new Tory men (doesn't matter who but he was clearly young and ambitious)."So how come you're on Question Time on Thursday? " sez Tory Boy in sulky toneMy ears pricked up and I was half hoping she might say something like, "Well, I have obviously impressed them in some

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1120061879163197142005-06-29T16:13:00.000Z2005-06-29T16:17:59.170Z

The arguments for and against these are well rehearsed and I have received quite a large volume of mail on the subject - I don't need to go into all of it here.Best bit was when Diane Abbott's opening remarks were interrupted by an almighty clap of thunder. As one of the diary columnists remarked today - it was about the only time in living history that anything has stopped her talking.The much

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119964089725455602005-06-28T13:05:00.000Z2005-06-28T13:08:09.726Z

For the first time ever I was challenged by a Member of Security who asked to see my pass and then made a record of my name. Thought that I would probably have my wrists slapped by the Serjeant at Arms but then realised that today is the day we will debate ID cards.Conspiracy theorists could have a field day.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119963931644900152005-06-28T13:02:00.000Z2005-06-28T13:05:31.650Z

This was the name of the report by a number of agencies, discussing what should be done about the fact that people with severe mental health problems are likely to die 10 - 15 years earlier than their other peers and there are often significant health needs which are unmet.Hosted the breakfast meeting which launched the report.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119907975187390842005-06-27T21:28:00.000Z2005-06-27T21:32:55.186Z

This took place at a meeting of the Federal Executive. There was a proposal to "rationalise" the position of the Gender Balance Task Force and incorporate the post in to our Candidates Office. Although I am no longer Chair of the group I could not help but feel that this was a retrograde step now that we have begun to find out what works and what doesn't. We won the argument and the status quo

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119907703732723062005-06-27T21:25:00.000Z2005-06-27T21:28:23.740Z

Visited a local nursing home this morning - main problem was the incongruous situation whereby local councils appear to be happy to keep people in hospital (for the cost of an extra £700 a week) rather than pay an extra tenner a week to the nursing home.Am taking this up but we also discussed problems around staffing and the impact of any bed closures at local hospitals on the nursing home

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119822921791295172005-06-26T21:47:00.000Z2005-06-26T21:55:22.746Z

Meeting yesterday to discuss recent meeting with Minister (Stephen Timms - I was not involved as there was only one member from each party and Chris Huhne represented the Lib Dems). When we met Malcolm Wicks earlier this year he was sympathetic to the APW workers but led us all to believe that the Government could not provide compensation for the lost pension schems because it "would set a

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119653968072713102005-06-24T22:56:00.000Z2005-06-24T22:59:28.073Z

Managed to get in on business questions with this and got a more helpful response than expected from Geoff Hoon. Had already done some work on this but it might be worth taking him up on his offer of help. What is clear is that residents are sick and fed up and the place will need a significant clean up.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119653772604253842005-06-24T22:49:00.000Z2005-06-24T22:56:12.623Z

It was inevitable when the question on pay differential appeared on the order paper that people would want to comment on the fact that Meg Munn appeared to have been forgotten in the reshuffle (or at least the post for Women and Equality had been forgotten) and ended up agreeing to take on the post for no pay.I had a little line ready prepared but a number of colleagues gently referred to before

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119476931767173102005-06-22T22:44:00.000Z2005-06-22T21:48:51.766Z

This problem has been occupying some of my time this week. The frustrating aspect is that everyone claims that nothing can be done since Hampshire County Council closed down the dedicated site so there is now nowhere to move the travellers on to. Following up in a number of ways bit am particularly interested in the steps they have taken in Ireland to reduce this problem. There is some dissent

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119476641613695262005-06-22T21:39:00.000Z2005-06-22T21:44:01.613Z

Received a letter from the organisers for the competition to find the Westminster Dog of the Year. Was rather concerned to learn that the award had been won by Vera Baird. It could have been better put - surely it was her dog that won the award?

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119476280513094842005-06-22T21:33:00.000Z2005-06-22T21:38:00.520Z

Disappointing that there were few rebels and the vote was a healthy majority for the Government. There may yet be some voteable changes during future stages of the Bill to provide better ways of tackling the identified problems.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119381312422321392005-06-21T19:06:00.000Z2005-06-21T19:15:12.423Z

Managed half an hour in the Westminster office before I had to head off for a lunch with the International AIDS vaccine Institute.Then had to catch up with the Chief Whip (How's it going, what are your plans? etc) followed by a meeting with someone from the British Association of Shooting and Conservation. We covered the use of snares, Lib Dem shooting policy and Driven Game Shooting. Very

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119380775407930842005-06-21T19:03:00.000Z2005-06-21T19:06:15.406Z

Following advice (not least received in the early days of this blog) I started the quest for a station car parking space some time after 9:30. Winchester did prove succesful on the first attempt but only after two circuits of both car parks. All success to the planning application at Parkway.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119380609060923132005-06-21T18:59:00.000Z2005-06-21T19:03:29.066Z

Being a night owl I have never really understood the attraction of breakfast meetings. Was up at 6 in order to pack my bag for the week and be in Stockbridge for 7:30 for a meeting with local business people.Seemed to go OK but was struck by how many people were offering services rather than products (Eddie - who invited me being one of the exceptions). Chatting afterwards one chap charmingly

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119299618834618412005-06-20T20:25:00.000Z2005-06-20T20:33:38.843Z

Had a meeting with the local Primary Care Trust about the future of community hospitals. There has been a lot of speculation about this in the local press following the publication of a draft consultation document which advocated reducing the number of community beds over a wider area.The final consultation paper will be with us in July (if things go according to plan) - it is pointless to

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119134079885878582005-06-18T22:25:00.000Z2005-06-18T22:34:39.886Z

We won - despite the most negative opposition campaign I have seen in years which did not mention a single, positive fact about the Conservative candidate.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119133466177854332005-06-18T22:08:00.000Z2005-06-18T22:24:26.186Z

Before flyng off on holiday I sent a universal text reminding everyone that I did not want to be disturbed unless it was unavoidable.On Moday I was upset to learn that Bob Waller had died. He was only 52. He had played a significant role in the election campaign organising poster sites and his wife, Jane, had organised the delivery network.Sometimes you realise that you don't know everything

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119132478018019072005-06-18T22:01:00.000Z2005-06-18T22:07:58.020Z

First election was for Chair of the Parliamentary Party. This was interesting because this position is always announced by the Leader - with a footnote to say that the position is ratified by the parliamentary party. To date this has never been challenged and past Chairs have been Malcolm Bruce, Mark Oaten and Matthew Taylor. each have fulfilled this role in very different ways.Before my holiday

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119132102100919082005-06-18T21:49:00.000Z2005-06-18T22:01:42.106Z

The other advantage of going away is that I was absent from Westminster when the staff had to pack up everything for our move from Norman Shaw North (the old Scotland Yard building) to Portcullis House (PCH). All I can say is that if the offices in PCH really cost a million pounds each then someone, somewhere, is having a laugh. I can't quite see it...Staff are very nice but are being very

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119131349634807252005-06-18T21:40:00.000Z2005-06-18T21:49:09.636Z

had a last minute holiday as was feeling completely wrecked after months of solid campaigning. SO insisted so we went to Andalucia and the idea was that we had 5 days walking in the Sierra Nevada and a day visiting Granada - I was keen to visit the Alhambra. Went mostly according to plan but twisted my knee on the first day when I slipped on some scree so took the second day off.This was hard (!

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1119130717030626632005-06-18T21:06:00.000Z2005-06-18T21:38:37.050Z

I apologise for those who have been logging in expecting an update but IT problems have frustrated me. In recess week I generally rely on blogging from home (trying to do so in the office crashes the case work system) and the system was unbelievably slow. I do not know what was happening but everything was failing due to a time out. Someone pointed out that NTL are trying to flog a superior

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1117402167233244742005-05-29T21:13:00.000Z2005-05-29T21:29:27.243Z

Very upset this afternoon to be paged with the news that Patsy Calton had died. In my heart of hearts the news was unsurprising but none of us ever wants to believe the worst. Prior to this week's swearing in I had not seen Patsy since the "new intake" dinner in December 2004 (I am an honorary member of the 2001 intake). Patsy was a feisty lady. She was energetic and principled but above

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1117223857721178842005-05-27T19:55:00.000Z2005-05-27T19:57:37.720Z

Matters relating to this part of the constituency were on the agenda when I met with the Chief Exec of Eastleigh Borough Council and Andy Milner (neighbourhood co-ordinator) this afternoon.As well as discussing some local initiatives and planning applications we chatted about the admin of the elections, the Beatrice Royal Gallery and facilities for older people.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1117223701843491772005-05-27T19:50:00.000Z2005-05-27T19:55:01.843Z

Local initiative to encourage older people to use the internet so went along to see how it was going.Was surprised to find a predominately female group and most had been prompted to come along because "the family have a spare computer". Good initiative and nearly everyone I spoke to said that they had really enjoyed themsleves and wanted to take things further.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1117223432600995962005-05-27T19:45:00.000Z2005-05-27T19:50:32.606Z

Nice morning at Mottisfont Abbey yesterday - so nice it didn't feel like work. They had decided to invite some "stakeholders" along to talk about what they are doing plus give a quick tour of house and gardens.Learnt a lot but would advise people to visit in a couple of weeks time when the stunning shrub roses will be at their best.Also learnt that it is not from to "mention the G word". G stands

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1117034478536896702005-05-25T15:15:00.000Z2005-05-25T15:21:18.536Z

It wasn't that boring - it was predictable but there was the usual rash of light-hearted and silly moments. e.g Michael Howard really shouldn't have asked if an idea was "a goer" because this was the cue for lots of Labour MPs to start waving "bye bye" at him.My eye was caught by a new Labour female MP who was dozing off..... Dozing off during the budget is understandable (almost acceptable) but

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1117034137597604712005-05-25T14:50:00.000Z2005-05-25T15:15:37.606Z

I miss the comments so I will allow them again - but I am going to introduce some rules. Personal comments directed against anybody (even me) will be removed as soon as I see them but comments on policy etc or points of information are more than welcome.I don't like censorship but I will try and be as relaxed as possible....

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1117032649590457412005-05-25T14:47:00.000Z2005-05-25T14:50:49.603Z

This happened yesterday and only one of them was male! But let's not get too excited because the subjects being debated were health and education. I will get excited when I see the same line up and the subjects under discussion are treasury and the DTI.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1116968278524396522005-05-24T20:50:00.000Z2005-05-24T20:57:58.526Z

We were paged to be told that Patsy Calton was swearing in at 3:30. Went along as also wanted to sit on on the early speeches in the Health and Education debate.I knew that Pats had been ill and I knew what the problem was and in my heart of hearts I knew that she would probably, physically, be showing the effects of that illness. Theory is one thing but the reality was heartbreaking and a number

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1116967804660470782005-05-24T20:48:00.000Z2005-05-24T20:50:04.666Z

David Laws has started off by arranging team meetings for 8:30 in the morning which is practically unheard of. He has a point though as there are unlikely to be many diary clashes.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1116883449009893722005-05-23T21:21:00.000Z2005-05-23T21:24:09.016Z

First meeting of the new parliament was on the subject of ageing and fascinating it was too. Unfortunately I was too late to make the AGM but apparently Evan Harris took along his wooden spoon and asked why none of the speakers over the past year had been female! Discuss.The after discussion dinner was also very lively and it is clear that not enough time or energy is being given to understanding

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1116804171061098232005-05-22T23:15:00.000Z2005-05-22T23:22:51.063Z

Had been contacted by Dave Hartley during the election (father of the four boys and husband to Allison) and invited to go along. Told him that I would attend "whatever the outcome"The 4 mile walk was at Broadlands and Sally Taylor had agreed to go along and take part. Pleasant atmosphere and the weather held. Wish I had worn my pedometer to find out how many steps 4 miles is but had decided to

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8471343.post-1116803705457426572005-05-22T23:13:00.000Z2005-05-22T23:15:05.463Z

This time for some local deliverers and arranged by the co-ordinators. Not the greatest percentage turnout but nice to have a chat with those who turned up.

Sandra Gidleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881661515587244950noreply@blogger.com