Tuesday 27th March

Just two meetings today.  the first was the Teesside Emergency Relief Fund, where there was another round of applications of people in need.  Then one to plan for the Council meeting.

The blog on the Council website stopped at 2.00 a.m.  It won't continue there before May 8th, becaue of the rules around elections.

Sunday 25^th March

It has turned out to be a lovely spring day, once we have all got over losing an hours sleep.  We were being taken to Kirleatham Chapel to hear a concert by Platform, launched last year to sustain the long term development of classical music in the Tees Valley (Thursday 16^th November).  It was a wonderful treat.  There were Tees Valley Voices, a choir of young people aged from 8, upwards who sang so beautifully.  Then there was Vox, a choir of young people aged from about 20 upwards, conducted by John Forsyth.  I hope that the youngest will feed into the Tees Valley Youth Choir, and those that stay or return to the area after going to University will continue their great singing into other choirs too.  There is such enormous talent of young people in music in our area, I am delighted that it is being nurtured.  In addition Marylin de Blieck, the Director of Platform, sang.  Vox members also conducted the young people, so it made it a lovely occasion with everyone joining in and taking part (except, thankfully, the Mayor and Consort!)

 Some of the young singers with Marylin de Blieck

Platform - some of the young singers

Platform - Vox

Saturday 24^th March

Thankfully feeling better for a busy day.  The penalty for shopping late at night on the internet is that they get delivered whilst you are out, so a trip to the sorting office has to happen regularly.  However the swim suit fits, and the eco balls to replace washing powder are working.

It was then a visit to a fund raising event for a Church in the ward, followed by a whiz round the supermarket.  Then to a wedding anniversary party for good friends.  A lovely happy occasion.  I am now used to being asked “to say a few words” at events, but wasn’t expecting it when “off duty”, but that is what people expect now!  It was lovely to relax with friends though, and a great luch of veggie food and a chance to buy some Fair Trade goods not available in shops yet.

I am afraid I wasn’t on time for the opening of the African Women’s event, but not to worry – they weren’t ready either!  A great buzz as they were streaming in with interesting looking dishes, fabulous dresses, and lots of people were around.  There was time to move round and meet lots of the people there, who were from many different countries, as well, of course, as local people.  I met those who are becoming  old friends who I have “played” football with, played the drums with or been at other events with, was so delighted to meet William Meli again, and hopefully made new friends.

Many of the Africans have had a traumatic past, and have huge worries for the future, but it is just amazing how they could be happily preparing for an event to welcome everyone else to with great generosity and genuinely open arms.  It did occur to me that we should maybe have been preparing an event for them.

I had to leave before the delicious aromas of the food were fully released, to get home in time to change for the evening event.

Stockton Sixth Form College were holding an inaugural dinner for “Friends of the College”.  This splendid idea was being  hosted by Dr Bannerjee in memory of his son, Arijit Bannerjee.  We had a great evening with Indian food, and everyone looked as though they were enjoying it, and I do hope that support will continue for a College that has put so much into links with the community, as well as achieved so much for and with it’s pupils.  And they serve Fair Trade in the café and staffrooms! In my speech I talked about the value of friends, and the depth and importance of friendship.  It made me realise as I thought what to say how much I valued the friendship of so many, and how I could do so little without them.

Stockton 6th Form College Friends Dinner

Whilst I had been busy all day friends had been working at setting up a website so that past blog entries can be seen easily.  I will let you know the address when I have it fully sorted out.

Friday 23^rd March

 I woke feeling pretty awful, with a bad head.  However it was the Shrievalty awards at Durham Castle, organised by Durham Agency against crime, to give awards to young people who may have made a contribution to their community, overcome personal hardship or disability or performed an act of courage.  I just couldn’t let them down, so slept in the car all the way there (and back!) to make the effort.

I was glad that I did.  The citations were read out for the young people from Stockton as well as elsewhere and I was immensely proud of them.  They had made such efforts, and made a big contribution to helping other people, they deserved all the applause and plaudits that there were.  Durham Castle is a magnificent setting for such an event, The High Sherriff, presenting the awards looked splendid in her “uniform”, The Chief Constables of both Durham and Cleveland were there, as were many Mayors.  It is so good to be able to celebrate the achievements of our wonderful young people.  I think we can have a round of applause for those that work with them too.  On this occasion they were Stockton Parent Support and the Community Campus Youth Project, but there are many more out there.

young person from Community Campus

another young person from Community Campus

community campus workers and young winners

group from Stockton Parent Support Group with Jenny Lumley

young people from Stockton parent Support Group

However when I got home I had to hit the pillow, and there were shades of that bug the other week at work.  I was sorry that I had  to miss the Chair of North Tyneside’s Dinner, but just could not have made that journey.  Sadly, Mayors are  only human.

Thursday, March 22nd

I have sent a 25^th wedding anniversary card to a friend using Oxfamunwrapped, and was pleased to be able to send a nice card with my own words, 25 trees to be planted in a developing country, and an e-mail, all for £8.00, and it could be done at midnight!2 

I was welcoming emergency services to the Town Hall tonight, to be able to thank them for the vital work that they do.  It was good, as always, to meet them and show them round along with offering hospitality.  Someone told me exactly where she had stood when the queen came in 1956.  They had a rehearsal as they were Girl Guides, and were told by the policeman on duty to remember exactly where they were standing for the next day – outside Blacketts!

I enjoyed meeting people from the “Crucial Crew” event again too, and I was remembering some of the key messages I learnt from the event last year, put on so that children from right across the Borough had the opportunity to learn in a fun way about community safety issues.  Do you know where your water stop cock and gas tap are ? do children you know understand what the smoke alarm noise is ?  I am also reminded that I don’t want to go to prison – being shown some rather stained, but washed underpants, and told you have to wear other people’s in prison was the biggest put off for being in prison I have ever seen – the children’s face was a picture.

Talking with the fire fighters reminds me that they are putting so much energy, quite rightly, into fire prevention.  They have the ”Ban the Pan” campaign, and click here for information on free fire safety checks and free smoke alarms if necessary.

We’ll have a round of “e” applause for the good work they all do.

Emergency Services Reception

Wednesday, March 21st

It was going to be a busy day, and I went out to my car with armfuls of bags, with biscuits for the TEA afternoon; papers for the meeting; and folder with speech and welcome cards for the Citizenship Ceremony. I write each card separately, and because of arthritis can only write a few at a time and spend several days doing a few at a time. Disaster struck. I was already running late and then the folder slipped and all the cards fell on the wet path. ************ Every single one had some mud on, if only a tiny bit.

I had to make a quick call to the Mayor's Office to get them to send some fresh ones over to the Town Hall. I was sorry that instead of spending time greeting and chatting with all the prospective new citizens, I had to apologise for this. I was very thankful that The Mayor's Consort came to the rescue, and people seemed to think it was alright that he wrote the cards (in much nicer writing than mine, I must say!) and I signed them. Phew!

It was the largest number of people to become citizens ever, I think, including a number of children who behaved impeccably. People had come from all corners of the globe, including someone from Germany who had lived here all his life except for the first three months and had a very authentic Teesside accent, to The Philippines, Belarus, Bulgaria, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Iraq and even Nicaragua. Some had lived here for very many years, and many were working in the health service, but I did enjoy meeting them all, and hope they forgive me for a chaotic beginning.

It only seemed a few minutes before the last one left and the first people arrived for the EVE appeal (Ovarian Cancer) TEA afternoon. We started off with time to chat, and the first people to arrive were related to former Mayor, Eric Wiseman, and they enjoyed finding his name on the Mayor's chain (pictured). However I didn't find any more time to take pictures! I was pleased to see lots of people come in, and enjoy the tour of the Town Hall, which was non-stop all afternoon. Kevin worked hard not only talking about our heritage and history but answering many questions; Susan looked after all sorts of things, and the tea ladies, Pat and Mary did non stop teas, coffees, and washing up, as well as helping people with the lift. Also the mayor's consort braved the cold wind taking money at the door along with another Councillor friend. We found out more bits of history too. A lady aged 102 told us how she had made the bouquet when the Queen came to visit in 1953, and found the photo in the album of the flowers. Others remembered where they had stood when the Queen came. We heard of links with past Mayors and past Freemen of the Borough. Someone said that the song "On Mother Kelly's doorstep, by paradise row" originated from Stockton because of the link with Kelly's Ferry over the Tees. One lady had a document showing her family had lived at "Borough Hall" in Stockton, but we didn't have time to explore that. Our oldest visitor recalled the bombardment of the Hartlepools in the First World War, and also stories of Mrs Bott. Mrs Helen Bott was a Freeman of our Borough, and was well known for her charitable work. Apparently she used to go to the market towards the end of the day and pick up unsold fruit and vegetables that she then took round on her bike to needy families. She was married to the vicar of St John's Church, which I have found on google as having been on Alma Street before being replaced by the new Church on Durham Road.

So lots of memories, we made around £150 and those Fair Trade chocolate biscuits were very nice too!

The last person had hardly left before the people started arriving for the meeting of the Africa Sport Embassy, of which I am the patron. A football match is being arranged for Sunday August 5th to raise funds for a charity (exact details not arranged yet) and to be part of "kick out racism". There are still a lot of details to be confirmed, but it is going to be a good day with lots of colour, sound as fun as well as the football.

I realised that I had spent all day in the Town Hall, which was a place that I was never comfortable in whilst a councillor and not Mayor. Now I felt it was a place alive with friendship, interest, and I have a real appreciation of its place in our town.

Tuesday 20^th March

After a meeting with an officer we were on the way to Durham, thankfully without the snow.  We were going to Durham Castle, and what a splendid place that is!  It was a luncheon in honour of Sir Kenneth Calman, Vice Chancellor of the University, because of his retirement very soon.  A splendid occasion, even if tinged with some sadness at his leaving.  It is amazing what a great lunch can be served from Tudor (1499) kitchens!

There were speeches from Sir Paul Nicholson, The Lord Lieutenant; the Vice Chancellor of Newcastle University; The Centre for Life; Regional Development Agency; and Ray Hudson from the Wolfson Institute on Queen’s Campus.

Between them they paid tribute to and described the work of Sir Kenneth. 

Hard work; improving standards; promoting the University in this country and abroad; working with Newcastle University in partnership; former work in training junior doctors and improving cancer services; bridge building between Durham and Stockton; playing a key role in the development of Netpark; positively promoting the North East and it’s role in academia and research; and ensuring that the results of research directly influenced policy and people’s lives in the North East.

A man that we can be proud to have known, and he and  his wife Ann will be very much missed.

Monday 19^th March

The equivalent of a techy bad hair day.  The flap on my camera to hold the card and battery snapped off last night, and the shop can only send it off for repair, and that could be up to six weeks, which is no good at all for this blog, so I am just hoping a temporary repair will last.  Add to that the fridge controls going funny, the washing machine making odd noises, and a new piece of software on my own computer just not doing what it should, and I am not happy in this modern world.

Also it is proving impossible to buy Fair Trade Easter eggs.  Blank looks everywhere, including a neighbouring large town that has just become a Fair Trade town.  I did find one in Woolworths.  If you have chance go into shops and ask, they will get the message soon.  I hope.

Tonight I had a reception for some representatives of Parish Councils within the Stockton Borough.  Parish Councils do an important and not often recognised job in working at the grass roots of our communities, and are usually very much in touch with what is happening on the ground.  I wanted to be able to thank them for the valuable work that they do.

Some have their own websites that I can give links to – Egglescliffe, and Stillington do.

As Kevin did his talk about the history and  heritage of our area (note – a chance for people to come and hear it on Wednesday afternoon at the TEA afternoon, details on top left of blog!), one guest had something to add whilst we were describing Dr McGonigle.  His wife’s aunt had been Medical Officer for Health in Billingham at around the time of Dr McGonigle, called Doctor Benham.  She had worked with families in Haverton Hill who were living in very bad housing conditions and the children suffered bad health.   They were moved to new housing in Billingham near to ICI, but matters got worse as there were double new problems.  As in the Dr McGonigle story, the rents of the new houses were too high so there was not enough money left for proper food, but also the pollution from ICI caused even more illnesses.  If  anyone has any further information on this do please write in.

Sunday 18^th March

Mothering Sunday.  I had the great privilege of no engagements, a lovely service at Church, chance to catch up with friends there.  My son and his family were at home to greet me afterwards.  The meal was all ready on the table.  How nice, how wonderful, and what a pleasant day.

I did do some reminder for the TEA afternoon on Wednesday for Ovarian Cancer research (details on the side of the blog), if you live nearby do come and encourage others to do so too, please.

Saturday 17^th March.

The Family Fun Day at Queen’s Campus started in the morning.  I was only going to go for a while, after having a quick look at what was happening.  However it was so interesting that I stayed till the afternoon.  I found the photos of the history of the Campus site very interesting, as well as other items of historical interest.  The medicine department had interesting enactments of medicine as it was practiced in 1832 and could be in 2032, as well as showing new methods of learning – hence the painted body parts.  I had an interesting chat with the anatomy department about how, even with advanced technology today, medical students do need to work on cadavers, but there is a great shortage of them nowadays, and they do need more people to leave their bodies to medical research.  I need to check my will, but I think that I have.  Everything is dealt with scrupulously and  ethically.

New ways of learning now, for primary school children looked so interesting, and I am not so sure of the memories brought back by a look at an old fashioned school room.

I met many interesting people running the stalls.  I have learnt that there are a lot of international students that stay on the campus over the summer, and it does make me wonder what extra links we can build there.  The charity organisation, DUCK (Durham University Charity Kommittee),  has just started to have a greater presence on the Stockton Campus to involve students here more.  At least I escaped being part of the nude fund raising calendar that the Mayor of Durham was part of ( with his Mayoral robes on I must add).  DUCKS was keen to be involved in fund raising locally for local charities and have an  incredible programme including walking the Great Wall of China.  Also they have buckets and collecting tins they are happy to lend to local charities and will label them and give advice.  What a resource in our midst.  There is so much more that we can do to work together.

I spent quite a bit of time preparing my speech for the evening, it being a formal one, rather than “would you like to say a few words” as often happens.  I was amazed when I looked back how much involvement there had been over the last year.  The blog is proving quite useful in being able to look things up!

Once at the dinner to celebrate the end of the 175 years celebrations at Queen’s campus, I was interested to meet Sir Fred Holliday and his wife.  It was Sir Fred that we had to thank for the inspiration behind founding the University on the Thornaby site, and becoming such a great asset to our area.  I think it was the best positive contribution to our area in the latter half of the 20^th Century.  He had some interesting stories to tell, and no doubt there are more to come.

The wind was getting noisier and noisier around the marquee we were eating in, and it was beginning to billow somewhat.  We were reassured that there were lots of sandbags holding it down, although news was filtering in just before I spoke that they were beginning to split.  However I enjoyed a splendid meal with great company.  Then for the speech, based on the links of “Town and Gown”. 

The wind howled louder, the billowing was more frantic, and a chandelier crashed, but I had prepared my speech, and after all, I had spent 25 years speaking against rather a lot of barracking, so what was a gale force wind.

They did evacuate the marquee straight after the speech, now they never did that at the Town Hall!  So the rest of the speeches were delivered in the rotunda with more peaceful surroundings.

My speech has been posted separately down the side of the blog, as a number of people asked for it to be done.  Also separated are photos, too many for one day, so the Saturday evening photos are posted with Sunday’s news.

I felt it was very well done to everyone for the way the week had been organised.  It had gone really well and another step forward to greater links with the community, and talk of  some of the events being repeated next year.

Friday 16^th March

Today should have been clear for all  sorts of work, but a last minute meeting put paid for that.  However I did enjoy a Fair Trade meeting.

Then to decide what to wear.  What is suitable for doing a sponsored stroll and litter pick for Red nose day, followed immediately by a social fund raising evening?

I turned up in a very warm coat in Thornaby to set off the litter pickers, organised by the Village Park Residents Association.  I have got used to cutting ribbons but this time it was tearing off the bags for putting litter in!  I must say that if people who dropped cigarette ends had any idea how difficult it is to pick them up they wouldn’t do it any more.  However it was good to be able to help and publicise the work being done by a voluntary group that cares about the local environment and is doing it’s bit to make it pleasanter.

Then on to Hartlepool for the fund raising evening for their Chairman’s charity.  As usual there were many Mayors from throughout the area there to support the evening, and raise funds as well as local people.  We had a quiz that I am afraid the Stockton Mayoral team did not excel in.  One interesting question that I don’t think anyone got the answer to though – what is there over 50 of in West Hartlepool, and none of on The Headland ?  I’ll tell you another day.

Thursday 15^th March

It has been a day of meetings and a partnership meeting again, and with two of the presentations being heard for the second time.  However discussion on each was different each time.  A highlight in the middle of the day was opening the Taj Mahal restaurant on Yarm Lane at lunch time.  This was  reopening with the third generation  of the family now running it, and apparently it is the oldest Indian Restaurant in Stockton having been there well over 30 years.  I was greeted with some lovely red and white flowers before I cut the ribbon, and they perfectly matched the table settings!  We had a lovely lunch, with all of the dishes explained, and we were made to feel very welcome.  It was a very nice change to sit down for lunch and I hope that it is a success.

There was something of a panic when Kevin called to pick me up for my evening engagements, and my handbag was nowhere to be found.  We tried ringing my mobile phone, but it had been on silent, having been in meetings all day.  I couldn’t ring the blackberry as the number is stored on the mobile (reminder to myself – I must write the number down somewhere).  I went out feeling rather naked with no handbag and no blackberry.  We called at a garage I had called in on the way home, but it wasn’t there.

However I enjoyed meeting the First Egglescliffe Cubs. They came into the Town Hall so quietly I had to be told they had arrived!  All groups who have visited have been good but these young boys were exceptionally well behaved.  They asked a lot of interesting questions, and it did make all the work disappear in my mind when one young boy whispered to me that he was really enjoying his visit.  They were working towards their local knowledge badge, and had an interesting set of matters to learn about.  I hope they gain the badge to add to the many that some of them had already.  I was sad to hear that they may have to close down as it is getting so difficult to get leaders for the Scout groups, and cubs can only be taken on if there is another group to move onto.  If you know of anyone that might be able to help I am sure they would love to hear from them.

I then went along to another group meeting in the Georgian Theatre.  This group had produced a DVD of BMX Biking of local young people.  It was an excellent film, I don’t know how they captured the movement, and in contrast to the previous engagement it was accompanied by very loud music!  There were many skills displayed in the film, and some funny episodes, but my heart was in my mouth quite a bit as they did manoeuvres I don’t like to recall.  It was sad to see such enthusiasm and skill with only the steps and walls in our town to practice on, compared to facilities elsewhere.

When we got home the first thing was for Kevin to ring the blackberry – and as he predicted it was “somewhere in my car”, under the passenger seat! Well how was I to see that.

Wednesday 14^th March

First of all it was a morning session of the voluntary work I do, with yet another early finish so that I could get to the Town Centre for the opening of the Fun Day in the High Street for the Durham University 175 Birthday celebrations.  It was quite fun walking through the market with the Durham Divas, the cheerleaders from the University.  They tell me they practice three times a week, which is quite something.  I was opening the Fun Day in the High Street where there was a succession on performances from the Divas to street dancers, bands and belly dancers.  I was hoping to encourage people to go to the Family Fun day at Queen’s Campus on Saturday.  There will be Dragon Boats on the river, Go-Row, student societies including chocalatiers, choir and orchestra.  A chance to take part in interactive exhibitions and displays.  I am looking forward to it, and do go along if you live locally and take family, friends and children. It sounds like a good opportunity to see what happens over there and have some fun.  We are a University Town and we welcome seeing the students over in the High Street, so a good idea to have a look at them!

There was then a window to fit in casework and ward work.  I called in on an old friend to ask for some heIp on something, and was asked to turn on his water fountain – (the things friends ask you to do whist Mayor! not, I hasten to add, with any chains on!) I was hoping to get home to change for the evening, but only just made it to the market traders meeting in the Town Hall, with no time to change.  There was only just time to get over to Arc for the evening event for the 175 celebrations, with a quick splash of the tea ladies perfume before I went to “freshen up”.

Poet Laureate Andrew Motion was “in conversation” with the professor of English, Mike O’Neil.  What a real privilege to hear Andrew Motion speak of something of his life and experiences, and read some of his poetry and prose.  What a talent to be able to put ideas and views into such a simple language, but with great depth.  Another huge advantage of our links with the University to have such an event in our midst.  The event was part of Literary Café at the Arc.  “The Point” at Arc is a superb location for events like tonight and last night, with an informal friendly setting that allows everyone to see, hear and take part in the discussions.

It was getting late, but time to eat, and a number of us went for a meal.  How nice to relax with such good company.  Andrew Motion told me not to try to write the blog when I got home – but he hasn’t seen the diary for later on today (Thursday now!).

Tuesday March 13^th

Te day started off with lots of bubbly joy from Radio Cleveland presenters, reliving the success of the night before.

 A day of “partnership” meetings with a brief interlude for the hairdressers and some casework packed into a time that was really going to be going home and back to tidy some papers.

I only had an hour, including 30 minutes travelling time, to get home, change, have a meal and be atThe Arc just two streets away from the last meeting for the next 175 year celebrations of Durham University.  Tonight it was Café Scientifique.  Lord Walton of Detchant was leading on “From Basic Science to Bedside”

What a wonderful evening, as he told us of his important role in the House of Lords, and  work he had done with crucial insights into some of the critical decisions and ethics around many of the issues.  He had a wonderful gift of being able to put quite complicated medical explanations into expressions we could understand, and clearly had  a clear grasp of all the issues around birth, death, and the NHS.

What a joy it was, for someone normally so constrained by Council meetings, for there to be the opportunity to listen to new ideas, debate, and explore the issues.  there are just not the opportunities normally.  We will be going to Café Scientifique again – details are on their website.

After all the talk around medical issues, a convenient chance to remind local readers of the blog to come along and support the EVE appeal TEA afternoon next week on March 21^st,  details are on the left hand side of the blog.

Monday March 12^th

A busy day with ward work and meetings, so I enjoyed being taken to Durham University at Queen’s Campus for the first of this week’s celebrations of 175 years since the foundation of Durham University, and Queen’s Campus celebrating “Stockton, a University Town”.  There are lots of events this week in particular, and it is worth looking at the website for details.

University Challenge was the event tonight, with competing teams from the University Colleges, local schools, Stockton Council, the RSA, Darlington and Stockton Times and Radio Cleveland.

What a good night we had, with lots of good atmosphere, supporters to cheer them on in the audience, and all very professionally run, and of course, chaired by the vice chancellor, Sir Kenneth Calman when it was announced that Durham had won that evening.