A new direction for Bury South

Yesterday I went to London to join in the 80th birthday celebrations of my mother-in-law.  It was nice to take a ‘day off’ even though my phone did go several times throughout the day (as always!).  The weather was glorious and the food fabulous – and I even met people I know from Bury in the restaurant we went to!  Back into work and along to Macabbi Sports Centre for the opening of the annual art exhibition of the Nicky Alliance Day Centre which was formally opened by The Mayor of Bury my colleague Cllr Sheila Magnall.

This morning I attended the opening of the Job Club in Radcliffe.  After my discussions with the Leader of the Conservative Controlled Bury Council it was agreed that the Council would open up a much needed service for the residents of Radcliffe.  Working side by side with the Council will be partner agencies involved in finding employment for the residents of Radcliffe which will include ADAB and Bury College.  The Job Club was officially opened by Philip Hammond MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury.  Philip spent time talking to those who will be involved with the job club as well as meeting with Richard Dandy Chairman of the Racliffe Traders Association.  Philip then went on a quick tour of Radcliffe Town Centre when I had the opportunity to explain to him the other exciting develoments we have planned.

From there I went on to Manchester City Centre to join in a vigil for captured Israeli soldiers.  It is 3 years today since Gilad Shalit was kidnapped and hundreds of people signed the petitions today for action to be taken to ensure their release.  Over 50 volunteers came along to help to highlight the plight of these soldiers.

Tonight is the AGM at the Nicky Alliance Day Centre where I am the Chief Executive so a busy evening ahead as well as a busy but interesting day.

Yesterday morning I went along to help at the Prestwich Carnival.  I stood at Gate B on Bury New Road with my bucket collecting money for the many worthy charities the carnival raises money for.  The rain shall we say drizzled but the sun did come out for the parade which was amazing – the amount of work that went into the floats and displays was to be greatly congratulated.  The Race for Life was also taking place at Heaton Park at the same time so Prestwich and surrounding area was abuzz with people (oh and traffic jams). 

Tonight I am off to the Governors’ meeting at Higher Lane Primary School cannot believe that another school year is nearly over.

The past 7 days have flown by and it seems that I only get a chance to update my blog once a week at the moment – goodness knows how people have time to twitter as well!  The fall out from the Oasis concerts in Heaton Park continue and many people are still contacting me about the problems that arose from this.  Manchester City Council must not be allowed to hold more concerts at the park and I shall be making representations about this to the Council.  Yesterday I took the day off and went to visit my son in Cambridge – the weather was glorious but a long drive there and back in one day!  Back to work today with lots of emails to answer and the AGM at Heathlands Village tonight.   Still lots of comments about how the BNP won but it is too late now to ask questions – and why oh why do the media give them the press coverage – pure oxygen to them!

Last week was spent campaigning in Radcliffe where we failed to gain Radcliffe West by 9 votes.  Overall it was a successful campaign and gave me the opportunity to meet many Radcliffe residents I had so far not met.  Last night I was in Bury for the count of the European Election results.  A good result for the Conservatives overall but a bad night in that the BNP gained two seats.  An interesting week ahead for all as we wait and see what happens with Gordon Brown’s cabinet reshuffle!

This could apply to the weather over the past few days or the build up to Thursday’s elections!  On Saturday afternoon I walked down to Victoria Park in Whitefield where there was an open day with a range of activities going on from healthy eating awareness (plenty of fresh fruit and salads), juggling and mountain bike riding training.  The weather was glorious and the event was well supported. Thanks to all who helped on the day.

Yesterday morning saw me out in Radciffe delivering leaflets and then I went along to Radcliffe Baths to join The Mayor, Cllr Magnall, on a tour of the £300k refurbished swimming baths and fitness centre.  It was amazing how it has been transformed since my children used to go – the residents of Radcliffe have seen more changes and improvements in the past 18 months than in the last 22 years!