A new direction for Bury South

Last night I went along last night to the Many Hands Campaign Event held at Manchester Town Hall.  ‘Many Hands’ raises money for the new Manchester Children’s Hospital based just south of the City Centre.  The campaign’s aim is to raise £20m by September and so far is £1.8m short of this target - a magnificent achievement.  The money has been raised through innovative ideas and there were four finalists presenting last night in front of a panel of judges which include Theo Paphitis from Dragons Den.  The winners were, I am delighted to say, two residents from not only Bury South but also my Ward.  So well done to Nigel Woolfstein and Sheldon Bean who organised a 24 hour tennis marathon to raise the much needed funds for this mangificent cause.  Everyone who has raised money for this event needs to be equally congratulated and I look forward to having the opportunity in the not too distant future to taking a tour of the new hospital.

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!

Tomorrow is the Jewish festival of Pentecost - the harvest season in Israel - and also when we celebrate the giving of the ten commandments.  It is customary to eat dairy produce at this time and I have already consumed my first piece of cheese cake  and then made the mistake of looking how many calories are in it!  Sunday will see the final countdown to the Radcliffe West by election and the European elections on Thursday, 4 June.  Lots of opportunity to burn the calories off then when out campaigning.  Sunday also brings the official opening by The Mayor of Bury of the Radcliffe Swimming baths and fitness centre following the Council’s £300K revamp.  More good news for Radcliffe residents - hope to see you all there.

I was delighted to welcome Baroness Sayeeda Warsi,  Shadow Minister for Community Cohesion and Social Action, to Radcliffe this morning where she spent time talking to Radcliffe shop owners and market traders.  We were joined by Cllr Bob Bibby, Leader of Bury Council.  Baroness Warsi was very impressed with the work being done in Radcliffe Town Centre to improve the area and to bring more trade to the town.  She was excited to learn of our plans to develop the town centre further and to help traders and residents alike.  More information about this will be available shortly - keep reading …………

I think that summer finally arrived this weekend after a relaxing day on Saturday I spent some time on Sunday at the Manchester Limmud Conference where I spoke about my life as a Councillor and just general issues that affect people day to day such as crime, education and parenting.  In the early evening I went along to a meeting at the home of Yvonne Moore, Chairperson of the Old Hall Residents Association, to discuss the planning application for the proposed new school on the green belt land off Copper Lane in Whitefield.  The rest of the evening was spent relaxing at home.

Yesterday I went out with my husband to the Albert Dock in Liverpool where we visited the Beatles Museum and browsed round the shops.  The evening was spent having a pre-birthday meal with my family (yes today is my birthday!).