Ian Cawsey's MySpace Blog | Ian Cawsey - the blog that's not a slog

MySpace

MySpace.com | rss | sign in

Ian Cawsey MP

Ian Cawsey

Last Updated: 3/17/2009

Send Message
Instant Message
Email to a Friend
Subscribe

Gender: Male
Status: Married
Age: 49
Sign: Aries

City: Winterton - Brigg & Goole
State: North Lincolnshire/ East Riding of Yorkshire
Country: UK
Signup Date: 6/15/2007

Blog Archive

[Older Newer]

/ /

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Blogs - the past, the present or the future?
Current mood:

curious
Category: News and Politics

I've really dropped off in terms of frequent blogging. Not because I've gone off the idea but the fact that I've really replaced it with both Twitter & Facebook where I post regularly - indeed several times most days.

I suppose it's about time really and I accept you can say more here than you can in a tweet.

But the blog still gets a lot of hits so maybe I should do more again?

Well you're reading this - what do you think - what do you want?

If you're a myspace user leave a comment or email me at cawseyi@parliament.uk your advice/ideas will be welcome!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Friday, September 25, 2009

That was the week that was!
Current mood:

busy
Category: News and Politics

Memorable moments of this week for me were:

Going to the opening of the new Car Care Centre at North Lindsey College

Meeting the leadership of North Lincolnshire Council

Taking part in the North Lincolnshire Multi-Faith Partnership's International Peace Day Event

Meeting Snaith & Cowick Town Council and listening to their description of various police officers and councillors (it was a private meeting).

Having a drink in London with Greg Knight MP at the brilliantly named pub - The Elusive Camel

Taking a delegation from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council & Hull City Council to meet Hilary Benn at DEFRA

Attending the annual Holocaust Educational Trust Appeal Dinner and listening to John Hurt being interviewed by Angela Rippon

Cutting the first sod in Brigg for the new Bridges Project providing education & training for adults with learning needs

Watching the Bridlington Classic Pop Singers perform for the Mayor of Goole's Charity Appeal

Meeting RES Ltd to explain how it is possible to transport their wind farm construction materials without annoying everyone

Meeting Head of Highways at North Lincolnshire Council to discuss the above and other issues

Visiting the wonderful 1000 year old St Mary's Church in Barnetby with the Church Trust

Learning that not only did North Lincolnshire Council pass a resolution on wind farms that said they would always put the interests of local people and the local environment in front of those seeking monetary gain but that the Tories voted against this!

Getting a cheap laugh at the Bridges sod cutting when the Head of the Vale of Ancholme School/College was introduced as both a Head and a Principal and I said she would always be a Head to me because as a politician I couldn't recognise a principle if I wanted to (this is better said than in writing!).

And for the weekend I have:

Surgeries in Crowle & Epworth

Grimsby v Darlington

Charity Fundraising Doo in Snaith

Then to Brighton for the Labour Party Conference.

It's all go!!!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Busy, Bashes & Beatles
Current mood:

quixotic
Category: News and Politics

Had a real mix of work & pleasure things to go to over the weekend. Friday started in Goole with a surgery and then the AGM of the Goole Renaissance Board. A good turnout of board members and lots of guests. There is a real air of optimism as we've now got the backing of Yorkshire Forward (Government Regional Development Agency) and both myself and my excellent Vice-Chair, Carolyn Burgess were re-elected for another year. One of our speakers at the AGM displayed a quote about Renaissance from John Prescott that called the process one of establishing "lifestyles of choice, not fate", which I commented was an excellent phrase but so good I couldn't imagine John ever saying it!

Anyway straight from there to Scunthorpe to the HQ of the Magic Moments charity that does so much good work with autistic children. They had won a Queen's Award for Voluntary Work to be presented by the Lord Lieutenant who turned up in white gloves and a uniform so I thought he was a snooker referee - but then I saw his sword, which he used to cut the cake! But well done to Pat & Alison and all the gang, including Jayne who opened the champagne in a manner more associated with Formula One drivers! Take the opportunity of being in town to go to Gamestation to get the new Beatles Rock Band game - no doubt hours of fun will follow!

Saturday I was off to Pittwood House for 8am for the countdown to the start of the Tour of Britain cycle race. Huge crowd and I pull the leg of Council Leader Mark Kirk that the start gate says Scunthorpe next to a Welcome to Yorkshire sign! At 10:15am they get on their way at a pace that even I'd fancy keeping up with but I'm told they were only warming up.

Then to Blundell Park with Hannah to watch Grimsby take on Hereford with my old mate Rob Atkin running the line! He clearly has not listened to my pleas to help us out in these difficult times but Grimsby squeak a win with a late Danny North goal. So full of relief it was off to the Winterton Rangers Club for the 40th birthday bash of local Winterton butcher & baker, Jason Gray. I ponder on Twitter whether he would do any vegetarian options for his buffet. I got my answer as I arrived as he'd put up a big poster saying "Strictly No Veggies!". Anyway a good doo and Jason was taken on the dance floor by a female police officer who turned out not to be the real thing. Discretion leads me to say little more except I didn't know that's what WPCs wore under their uniform and I hope that's not the same cream Jason uses in his products!

Back home Hannah and her friends and Jake and Lydia are all drumming, guitaring and singing Beatles songs with my new game - proving again the remarkable shelf life of the Fab Four.

Up early for a Sunday to go to Brigg for the first car boot sale in aid of Brigg Fair Game FC, a recent youth group formed in the town. It starts quite slowly but picks up as the morning progress and the hosts (The Ancholme Inn) do great butties! On from there to Swinefleet Gala where I am asked to present a gift to Alex Moffat who is believed to be the village's oldest resident at 92 and opened the event. Linda and I spend a good couple of hours there and go the local church which is part of a Marshlands Heritage Trail weekend. And I fit in a quick home visit to a couple very unhappy with the flood defence work going on in the village who see me at the Gala and ask me to come to see the problem - so I do!

Driving to the event I heard a brilliant bit of local radio. The Round the World Clipper race began in Hull today and as part of the event the Red Arrows are to do a display and they honestly said "you can hear them live on Radio Humberside"!!

Head home and we decide to call for coffee at Mrs B's Teashop in Burton upon Stather. Just over 1 year old now it has become a local favourite and coffee & white chocolate cheesecake are the order of the day. I hope they are around for many years to come!

Home by tea time and Hannah cooks Sunday dinner. A night of telly and playstation I would guess - I can't let my own children beat me on a Beatles game - I'll practice 8 days a week, or get Help!

And by the way - I am the Walrus!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Murky Waters and Mercury Marvels!
Current mood:

artistic
Category: News and Politics

Tuesday began with a meeting between myself, Brigg Town Council, North Lincolnshire Council and the Environment Agency to try to reach an agreement on how to keep the River Ancholme clear of rubbish and free of duckweed. It flows under a bridge right in the centre of Brigg and what should be a major attraction to the town has been an eyesore this year. The Agency explain that duckweed is a problem everywhere and that it is the amount of nutrients farmers put on their crops that gets washed into the river which then fertilises the weed. Some talk of getting volunteers but Town Clerk Jeannette Woollard and I argue that it needs to be professionally done at regular intervals and that will only happen if it is contracted and paid for. Anyway everyone is on board and we will meet again in a couple of months time to monitor progress.

Back to the office for a couple of appointments but then off to London to attend the annual Mercury Albums of the Year Award ceremony. I'm a guest of PRS for Music and thanks to Emma, Gemma and Barney for being such great hosts. 12 acts all winners of Mercury Awards for their albums but fighting for the overall winner. Jools Holland comperes it all in his usual stylish manner and says that all 12 acts will perform live for us but alas that was not to be.....

We began with Kasabian who I saw in Cardiff earlier in the year. They were as good as ever but I sense that they are almost seen as established mainstream now and that is not what Mercury winners are made of. Then we had Friendly Fires who were excellent and told us one of their members (Jack) had come out of hospital to be there - I hope it wasn't swine flu!

Lisa Hannigan performed and had the husky quality of Janis Joplin and she apologised in advance for her "inevitable drunkeness" later on. Next was Florence + the Machine who was tipped by many to win. She's like a flame haired Kate Bush and was very good, certainly she would have been up there if it was down to audience reaction.

Led Bib played uptempo modern funk/jazz which I think fell into the Marmite "love it or hate it" category - didn't do much for me I'm afraid! Sweet Billy Pilgrim gave an excellent performance and reminded us that many of these acts are just breaking through when they announced one of them had to be back at work in the morning!

Now what happened next??? It was to be Glasvegas, their kit was on stage, some of the band members walked on but no front man and eventually we were shown a video of them instead - was there an artistic row backstage? Who knows but I think that ended any chance they had of winning!

Speech Debelle was next and whilst I thought she was good I really didn't think I was watching the soon to be winner. Indeed I was more distracted by the fact her drummer looked like to layabout boyfriend in Jack Dee's sit-com Lead Balloon!

In fact I thought I might have been watching the winner when Bat for Lashes came on. They were very impressive and got an audience response that suggested they might get the top prize. Hairdoo of the night went to La Roux with a quiff that was a cross between Davina's hair on the Big Brother Final and Billy Whizz from The Beano. Someone told me she is the daughter of the actor who plays June in The Bill - I've no idea if this is right!

Next on were The Invisible who sounded like a modern day Level 42 though without the flair of Mark King's bass playing. Last on were The Horrors who I really liked. I thought the singer looked like a cross between Ian McCulloch (Echo & the Bunnymen) and Ian Brodie (Lightning Seeds) - someone else thought he sounded like Ian Curtis (Joy Division) so I hope he was called Ian!

Anyway we then had dinner whilst the judges decided and then broadcast live to nation Jools Holland announced that Speech Debelle was the winner much to the surprise of everyone I spoke to though we all had different views on who the winner should have been.

Later I got chatting to Dave Rowntree who drums in Blur and is standing for Labour at the General Election. Some talk of a Labour band being formed for a one off fundraiser in London - we were keen on the night - let's see what happens - we might win next years Mercury!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Monday, September 07, 2009

Scotland, Shows, Seamen & Superintendents
Current mood:

focused
Category: News and Politics

Had a bit of a break last week in Bonnie Scotland near to Edinburgh. But there is too much going on locally for it to be a full week away.

Going back to Friday (28th Aug) this was the usual sweep up of as much work as poss before heading away. In the evening I opened the Brigg Live Art Exhibition of local paintings in the Angel Ballroom. There was some splendid items and as most of the artists were present I felt a bit uneasy as I had to choose a favourite which then was to have a sign stating this for the 3 days the exhibition ran for. I took a lot of advice before choosing.

During my opening speech a woman right in front of me dropped her catalogue, I got a cheap laugh by saying I was more used to woman throwing their underwear at me! As one of my female constituents posted on my Facebook - "In your dreams!!".

So Saturday the Cawsey car was packed with everything but the kitchen sink (which was on the roof rack!) and Linda, Lydia and myself head off. Hannah has gone to the Leeds Fest and will join us later, Jake's football commitments mean sadly he has to miss out but shows his dedication to the game!

We arrive about 4 o'clock, it's a lovely place we're renting which cheers me slightly as the news of another Grimsby defeat (and 2 red cards) and then another Scunny defeat filter through - even my Scottish team (Morton) lose 5-0 - this could be a long season! We have various friends joining us for parts of the week and it is good Sat and Sun.

However, by mid afternoon on the Sunday Lydia and I are heading back as it is the Epworth Show on Bank Holiday Monday. So on Monday morn the Roving Surgery Caravan heads to the Epworth Showground where trade stands manager, Stan Boor is true to his word as he gives us a cracking corner pitch facing both the food area and the ice cream van meaning that it was almost impossible to go to the show and not see our stand. Consequently by quite some way we have the busiest show of the summer and a very enjoyable day out.

At about 4:30pm Lydia and I hit the road and head back to the rest of the family now assembled in Scotland.

The rest of the week was very enjoyable, though we did have a lot of rain! Still kept the midges away!

We also popped to see my mum in Greenock and I was amused when in their Morrison's store and there were two displays of BBQ charcoal. The boxes of one brand stated "English Charcoal" and this pile of boxes remains resolutely untouched! Perhaps not the best bit of marketing I've seen!

Anyway soon enough we are heading home, listening in the car to another Grimsby defeat, another sending off - it's the first weekend of September and already Grimsby have 7 first teamers out injured and now 3 suspended, unbelievable!

Sunday it's back to business. I go to Goole for the annual Seamen's Memorial Service which is always a poignant occasion. Town Mayor, John Frost makes a good speech and I have a lovely floral wreath thanks to Mollie's Flowers but have to try to keep still through the service as it attracts a large number of wasps! It nearly was an inappropriate wreath as when we booked a wreath for the Mariner's Association one of the women in the shop thought it was for Grimsby Town FC! I nearly has a black and white striped wreath to lay at the memorial!

Anyway back to the Mariner's Club for a drink and chat with the members then across the road to the Methodist Church for the service to welcome our new Superintendent, Linda Day. She's actually been with us for a while so it seems an odd thing to be welcoming her but the fact is her appointment has just been confirmed.

A few of us are asked to formally welcome her to the packed congregation. I say both she and her motorbike are welcomed to the area. Leading John Frost to ask if she was one of the hairy bikers - which Linda most certainly is not!

Cup of tea and a chat with them all before heading home - Hannah had cooked a lovely Sunday dinner, Jake had won at footie and had gone to bed to sleep it off, Lydia was busy planning her school week. A nice family end to the weekend. Now on my way to London - work calls and there's plenty to do!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Perfect Day
Current mood:

good
Category: News and Politics

Oh what a perfect day as Lou Reed famously sung.

But yesterday kind of felt like one and not just the lovely sunshine.

It began early with a 7am interview with Radio Humberside about a wind farm application at Flixborough Grange on the edge of the village of Burton upon Stather. It's not a location I could support as it is on much lower land than the residents' houses and they would face the actual rotors if it was approved. We all want green energy (well most do) but not at any cost.

Anyway interview done I do my emails et al before I go off for a meeting with the Education Minister, Diana Johnson in Hull. There are a number of issues in both the North Lincs and East Riding bits of the constituency and she diligently takes all the notes and I feel like progress will happen as a result.

Whilst I'm in her office I get two calls. The first tells me that the council has turned down the wind farm application and the second is our regional news (Look North) saying it's a long shot but could I come to their Hull studio to do an interview about it. I say I'm sat in an office about 200 yards away! So in glorious sunshine I do a bit for their programme in Queen's Garden.

Meanwhile my loyal team is busy posting newsletters to the good people of Burton and I join them when I get back from Hull to the inevitable comments that I have arrived as they are just finishing off!

But I do a couple of streets and it is leaflet war because as we finish the Tories begin - so well done to my gang for their Usain Bolt performance!

At one house a woman is so pleased that we've got this result and that I've personally delivered her leaflet she invites me to sit in the garden with her partner and have a celebratory gin & tonic - I say that my team are already ribbing me about turning up at the end without stopping for a drinks break!

Anyway back to Winterton - the kids are all either away or out so Linda and I go to the Butcher's Arms for something to eat and drink and a cold beer in the still glorious sunshine with good friendly folk is a great way to end a perfect day - and I got to watch Match of the Day as well! So not such a good day for Hull fans...... ouch!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Toils, Tolls & Tents
Current mood:

good
Category: News and Politics

Recess means more time in the constituency and whilst the work still goes on it's an opportunity to do local engagements and go home every night!

Friday we have the announcement that the Government has refused to allow the Humber Bridge Board to raise the toll to £2.90 a crossing - the first time any Government has taken such action. So good news and lots of requests for media interviews.

Look North want me live on their lunchtime news at 1.30pm - which is good but very inconvenient!

So in the morning I go to the Epworth Bells office to say farewell to Assistant Editor, Eddie Mardell who is retiring. Then to Goole to the Neurological Rehabilitation Centre to highlight their new gardens - thanks to generous donations.

At this point I have to zip to the Humber Bridge for the interview and then back again to chair the Goole Renaissance Board Meeting. Then it's off to Epworth to look at potential plans for the area before back to the Humber Bridge again!

Saturday is calmer. I go to Brigg to open the latest shop to come to the town. A new fabrics outlet called Curtain Couture - it's another addition to the splendid array of independent retailers in the town.

In the afternoon Hannah and I go to Winterton Rangers for their pre-season warm up against Grimsby. I watched one of Alan Buckley's last games as Grimsby's manager at Winterton last year and a lucky 1-1 draw showed how much they were struggling.

Anyway a 12-1 win for Grimsby should put them in good heart for the season when it begins on Saturday.

Sunday, Linda and I go to the Eastoft Fayre and arrive at 10:15 in time for the proposed 10:30 Harvest Festival service. But the tents et al have been blown away overnight so they are way behind and we find ourselves helping to erect gazebos and other assorted structures to get the show on the road and by 11:30 it is all ready.

Monday I'm in the Brigg office getting through the post and various matters. As I leave someone asks (in a perfectly friendly way) am I enjoying my holiday!

In the evening I go to Goole to present an Xbox to the local youth drop in centre. We pose for photos but really they just want to set it up and as soon as the cameras are put away that is what they do.

Home at 8:30pm - to London today (Tuesday) it feels like I've never been away!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Monday, July 27, 2009

A new beginning!
Current mood:

busy
Category: News and Politics

Went to Hatfield Main on Saturday to watch Jake make his debut for Barton Town FC. I'd been in Goole in the morning for a local party meeting to discuss future policy ideas and it was interesting to listen to what people were saying - not that there was consensus on everything!

But people made different points on issues such as law & order, employment, education, ID cards, Trident and social policy in a respectful way. When I first joined the Labour Party it would have ended in a fist fight at the very least!

After it finished I went to a local shop to get a bite to eat and was greeted in a friendly manner by a couple who said they nearly didn't recognise me in jeans and a t-shirt! I said it sometimes feels like I'm in suit and tie 90% of the time!

Anyway back to Jake's footie - he's just turned 16 and Barton seem keen on him but it's a big jump from the youth footie he's played so far.

He starts on the bench and comes on at half-time with Barton edging a close first 45mins - 2-1.

Within seconds of the restart and with his first touch he scores! The floodgates open and ten minutes later it's 1-7 and finishes 2-8!

Of course he will say it was an inspired substitution - be interesting to see how he develops over the season!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Memories!
Current mood:

nostalgic
Category: News and Politics

Linda and I are celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary today and we were married on a Wednesday as well at St Lawrence's Church in Scunthorpe, followed by a reception at the Queen's Hotel.

We chose Wednesday because I was a professional musician at the time and Wednesday was most likely to be a gigless day!

The night before I played at Butlin's in Skegness and didn't get home till nearly 4am! I was woken by my Best Man - Fully - frantically knocking the door trying to get me out of bed! Luckily it was an afternoon wedding.

In the evening Lee and Ian from the band The Piggies set their gear up and played for us all, refusing to take a fee. Here came the real benefit of having so many musical friends as all evening they went up on stage and did a turn.

I seem to remember being forced up and singing Sharp Dressed Man for those of you who remember ZZ Top!

Great memories - it will be a quieter affair today - I have an engagement in Goole and then we will go for a private dinner.

22 years - I wonder if Lee and Ian can do the Silver Wedding!

(Add Comment) |

1 Kudos

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Homeward Bound
Current mood:

tired
Category: News and Politics

A combination of a loss of wi-fi and the Myspace site being down stopped me posting last week and yesterday - was starting to think this blog is jinxed!

Anyway last couple of days in parliament before recess and there's real tension as there are Bills the Government want passing. So Monday we sit late till about midnight whilst we debate with their Lordships.

I only got down late due to the funeral of Mick Godfrey, a good friend who I got to know when he ran the Nunsthorpe Tavern with Mary and I played for the pub's football and cricket teams - both called Athletico - which was very glamorous in Grimsby!

He also got me to run a Sunday night disco, get the band to play, help out behind the bar and wash the glasses - it was a brilliant time!

Huge turn out at the church and the crematorium - we'll all miss him and his wicked sense of humour.

He also introduced me to Linda, my wife of 22 years tomorrow - as I say he had a wicked sense of humour!

But life goes on - we had a follow up meeting to the Steel Summit held earlier in the year and an MP4 meeting to sort out our timetable for the rest of the year. We get a lot of kind invites but it's difficult to fit things in. Priority is to get our charity album out and Peter Jamieson who is kindly helping us agrees to take that on board.

Tuesday is a mixture of answering emails and letters, making sure I have the right papers for things I'll need at home over summer and keeping an eye on the business to see if we'll finish in time to travel home.

It looks like another late night but suddenly at about 6ish we're told that's it. So off to King's Cross.

Today has been one of the Royal Garden parties and I know some local people who have gone. At the station many are awaiting trains home - you can tell by the ladies' hats and mens' morning coats. The concourse at King's Cross looks like a scene from the March of the Penguins but having visited a penguin colony a few years ago on the Falkland Islands, I'm pleased to say they don't smell like them!

Anyway - homeward bound!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Monday, July 06, 2009

School, Surgery & Show
Current mood:

thankful
Category: News and Politics

My busy weekend began on Friday with a visit to Kingsway School in Goole to do a question & answer session with their Year 6. Good fun and some interesting questions as well!

Then my Goole surgery followed by the latest of my meetings with the users and carers group on mental health services in the town. We are meeting with the Trust who have changed their service to more home treatment but with the loss of beds in Barts House. The Trust argue beds will not be as needed due to better support.

Anyway we agreed at the last meeting to send out feedback forms and the Trust have had a lot back from those who have used the new service and all bar 2 say it is an improvement so let's hope that continues to be the case.

Onto a meeting with the steel unions over job cuts at Corus. We agree various joint initiatives we can work together on and the need to work with the steel sector nationally to stress the importance of this industry to the UK.

Back home to see Andy Murray lose which is probably good for the organisers of the Winterton Show who may have had a very poor Sunday crowd if he's got to the final!

So Saturday it's just down the road to the showground to set up my mobile surgery caravan and the start of two wonderful days. Saturday was possibly the better, the weather was unremittingly hot & sunny and floats brought in lots of local families and it was a busy day chatting away, getting new cases and watching them drink my wine!

Sunday the weather was a bit more mixed though still good for most of the day. Linda is now the Mayor of Winterton and presented prizes and talked to stallholders et al. I wore my Mayor's Consort chain and walked ten paces behind like Prince Philip, but with more diplomatic comments (I hope!).

Suddenly it was 6pm and we were packing up and leaving the showground - a wonderful show, not just my opinion but most people I spoke to - an evening BBQ and a couple of cold beers - but that was yesterday - back to London today!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Some Like It Hot!
Current mood:

hot
Category: News and Politics

I've been seriously rubbish with this blog - you deserve better! I's just soooooo busy - managed to Tweet and Facebook a bit but I accept this needs more attention.

Perhaps the answer is to blog more often but in shorter posts. Any advice or views very welcome.

On my way home on the train - National Express but now the People's Train as another Tory privatisation runs into the rails - no pun intended. Anyway seems to have made Peter Mandelson think twice about part-privatisation of the Post Office - though the Tories seem to want to completely privatise it.

Another odd week in the House. We spend most of the time discussing the Parliamentary Standards Bill - which seems to be going down like a lead balloon with everyone. It'll be interesting to see what the Lords do to it.

At least one good bit of the week was rehearsing with MP4 as we have a gig next week to launch some new charity that involves the music industry and the Premier League. Even though it's in the evening it's still hot and in a small practice room it's terrible.

When we finished we look hot and sweaty (not a pretty sight) and the manager says - "We've got air conditioning in that room you should have asked!".

Back to the House - never has a lager been more gratefully received and I don't even normally drink the stuff!

Oh well - another show weekend beckons - so no doubt the glorious weather will change!!

Blog soon - honest!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Friday, June 05, 2009

Departures, Scratches & Silly Walks!
Current mood:

fascinated
Category: News and Politics

Quite a week one way or the other. I was in Westminster till Wednesday and watched all the Jacqui Smith/Hazel Blears to go stuff though neither was really a surprise.

On Wednesday my MP4 band mate, Greg Knight offers me a lift home and picks me up outside the MPs cloakroom. Parked next to him is the PMs large security vehicle and as I open Greg's door it bangs into it and leaves a bad scratch! Menancing man with security wires and no doubt all kinds of weapons gets out the car but lets me off!

Anyway Thursday brings the Euro elections and I vote before heading off to Goole. Business Day in Goole is held at the college and it's great. The girls in the hairdressing training salon get to cut my hair and a good job they did too!

Big shock later is the resignation of James Purnell, I saw him the day before and he never told me!

Friday we start to see the election results and they are not pretty reading and then reshuffles and more resignations, it's hard to keep up.

Anyway I decide best just to get on with it. I've already agreed to attend the Yorkshire Business Convention in Bridlington and it's an enjoyable day both in terms of the people I met and the quality of the speakers.

John Cleese was the last speaker and was very good. Given all the changes perhaps we could bring back the Ministry of Silly Walks! If you can't remember it doesn't matter but I bet you can see it on You Tube!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Monday, June 01, 2009

Whit Week, Work & Westminster!
Current mood:

tired
Category: News and Politics

Back to Westminster after the Whit Recess and after a very busy weekend - Friday & Saturday long surgeries in Brigg and in Goole and a large number of home visits - all in glorious sunshine.

I split my recess week so I have a couple of free days in the middle to do something with the family and we have a couple of days together. On one we go to Pickering and go on the North Yorks Moors Railway through to Whitby.

A huge tourist success for the area this allows you to travel at a sedate pace on a steam train in old fashioned carriages. Lydia (who is 12) and her friend Laura think it is wonderful as they think they are on the Hogwart's Express from Harry Potter!

Last part of the advert - we got a family rover ticket which allowed us to go on on and off the trains all day stopping at villages such as Goathland where they film Heartbeat and this covers 2 adults and 4 children for £45! It was really busy and a great family day.

The other result of spending time with the kids was being drawn more and more into Britain's Got Talent - did we need a programme to prove that - great entertainment though.

Back to reality though - surgery brought the usual mixed bag but in a greater number than normal and much of today has been spent taking all those cases up. Better get on with it then.....

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Cluedo, Clued Up and Clueless!
Current mood:

blessed
Category: News and Politics

Shorter week in parliament as Monday was Bank Holiday (with traditional grotty weather). Jake & Hannah were away so there was just Linda and Lydia at home. Usual wet day options - we went to Mrs B's teashop for lunch, then played Simpsons Cluedo (it was Lisa in the Kwik-e-mart with the Slingshot!) and then watched a film - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! Actually we all enjoyed the day!

Tuesday off to London as I am hosting a parliamentary reception for Jessies Fund a charity that provides musical therapy for seriously ill and disabled children. I act as host and introduce the founder, Lesley Schatzberger (who tells me she is a reader of this blog - so hello Lesley!) and their Patron, Victoria Wood.

Victoria used to go to school with Lesley and makes a very funny 5 minute speech about their schooldays, which she says were in the days when teachers dressed in suits that looked like they were weaved from the fur of their pets! But she also makes strong points about what music can do to help children with such difficult conditions. It was a great reception.

There is more about this event and a link to the Jessies Fund website on my site at www.iancawsey.co.uk

Wednesday was just busy. Select Committee, PMQs, meetings with the Dogs Trust, Macmillan Cancer Care and discussions on wind farms and local banking services. Actually I really like days like this when you move from one subject to another and learn quite a lot in a short period of time.

In the evening the Tories try to filibuster the Finance Bill, I'm not sure why but the Blues run out of steam and the result goes the other way - or am I mixing them up with Chelsea!

Thursday and it's Jake's birthday - 16 today! So a big Happy Birthday to him and I'm hoping to get away from Westminster in time to have a birthday dinner with him and the rest of the family later on!

(Add Comment) |

0 Kudos

Older Posts