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11月29日
In May of this year, the Government announced its intention to press ahead with their plans to shut more than 2,500 post offices - despite the overwhelming public opposition to the proposals.
That announcement was the death knell for many communities across the country. Villages that have already lost their school and shops, elderly residents in the suburbs who risk losing their independence and the poorest in our inner cities all now face a bleak future.
Post offices are the lifeblood of communities in both rural and urban areas, particularly when they are combined with other services, such as the local shop. When the local post office closes other services often follow suit, which can be devastating for the community.
It is vital that the true social value of this network is included as well as its economic value when looking at the long-term future of this valuable network.
Post Offices in rural areas play a particularly crucial role. They have an ‘existence value’ similar to the local school or village pub. They also provide vital face-to-face access to government, postal and commercial services for communities which may not have, for example, a local bank branch.
We the Welsh Rural Community call on Post Office Limited to reconsider its closure programme, and believe that Post offices are an invaluable economic and social resource for our communities.
11月25日
1. Hunting for answers
2. Casting for Recovery - invitation to apply for a 2008 retreat
3. Fighting for our Post Offices
4. Only a week to go.... the Scottish Online Sporting Auction
5. Restaurant magazine Best Dishes Awards
1. Hunting for answers
The Hunting Act was thrown into further confusion today at Portsmouth Magistrates Court on the first day of what was scheduled to be a seven-day trial of the Isle of Wight foxhounds.
Four barristers, two solicitors, four defendants and the District Judge struggled to find a solution to the vexed question of where the burden of evidence of proving "exempt hunting" lies. Eventually, after frantic phonecalls between the court and another District Judge in Bristol, who was scheduled to hear the case against the Devon and Somerset Staghounds next week, no answer was forthcoming and the Isle of Wight trial was adjourned.
It seems that the answer will come not from a Magistrates Court but from the High Court, as both parties in the Devon and Somerset case have agreed to appeal this point of law to a higher court. This will cause a significant delay in all "exempt hunting" cases. The Isle of Wight case has been put back, provisionally, to the beginning of May 2008, and we expect that the Devon and Somerset trial will also be delayed for at least that long.
Meanwhile, we still await the outcome of Exmoor Foxhounds Huntsman Tony Wright's appeal against his conviction, which may come at the end of next week, and also the ruling of the House of Lords in the Human Rights and European Law case, also due in the near future.
Sometimes it is perfectly acceptable to say "I told you so" and we certainly told Parliament that the Hunting Act was going to cause nothing but chaos and confusion. Whilst it is easy to write this off as simply another chapter in the farce that is the Hunting Act, there are serious points which should not be overlooked: decent people are being dragged through the courts facing criminal charges with no idea where or when the process will be complete. Today alone, over two weeks of court times which were booked for criminal trial will stand empty as a result of this ridiculous law.
Another day, another unanswerable argument in the case for repeal
2. Casting for Recovery - invitation to apply for a 2008 retreat
Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland, the unique outdoor-based programme specifically designed for women who have, or have had, breast cancer, has revealed its 2008 programme of retreats, and is inviting patients to apply for a place.
Casting For Recovery provides fly fishing programmes at idyllic retreats around the UK and Ireland. Any woman who has experienced breast cancer is eligible to apply to attend a retreat (with medical clearance from their doctor). Retreats are provided at no cost to the participants due to the financial backing of the Countryside Alliance, and include accommodation, meals, counselling, and professional instruction. Trained medical staff and fly fishing instructors are on hand at all times and the fishing tackle is provided by Orvis.
So far, the retreat schedule for 2008 (with an Irish retreat yet to be announced) is:
· 28-30 March - The Arundell Arms, Lifton, Devon. Applications in by 4th January
· 11-13 April - Caer Beris Manor Hotel, Builth Wells, Powys. Applications in by 15th January
· 15-17 September - Duncton Mill Retreat, Petworth, West Sussex. Applications in by 23rd June
The UK Programme Co-ordinator is Sue Hunter, who recovered from breast cancer to become an international gold medallist and captain of Team England 2007. Sue said: "The first ever UK retreat, at Duncton Mill in September, was a huge success and we are all looking forward to welcoming many other brave ladies in 2008. The courses are open to ladies of all ages who have, or have had, breast cancer and are absolutely free to participants thanks to the Countryside Alliance's generous backing. We are also delighted that Anne Voss-Bark of the Arundell Arms has donated a retreat to the project - the positive impact of Casting for Recovery is already apparent and we are really only getting started!"
Ladies interested in joining a retreat should email Sue Hunter at info@castingforrecovery.org.uk or write to Sue at: Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland, PO Box 3611, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 3BY
3. Fighting for our Post Offices
The Countryside Alliance is working alongside local communities who are fighting to save their local Post Offices. The Post Office is in a rolling consultation programme with a view to closing 2,500 branches across Britain, already local consultations have been and gone in Kent, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Regional lists of earmarked branches are being unveiled on a rolling basis between now and next summer. The Alliance is recommending that those affected not only continue to use and support their branch, but make their views known to the Prime Minister and the National Consultation Team.
We would like to hear from you if you feel your local branch access report is not a true reflection of the services offered, if the closure criteria and processes are not being applied fairly and any other general comments you have about the consultation process in your area.
Please email sarah-lee@countryside-alliance.org with your concerns and comments about the consultation process.
4. Only a week to go.... the Scottish Online Sporting Auction
The Scottish Online Sporting Auction closes on 30th November, so grab your last chance to win some fantastic lots - wonderful holidays, shooting, hunting, fishing, art and lots more - there is something for everyone in this year's Scottish Sporting Auction.
Starting prices are an absolute bargain, so you really can't afford to miss out!
For more information log on to www.scottishcountrysidealliance.org/auction or email info@scottishcountrysidealliance.org
5. Restaurant magazine Best Dishes Awards
Boisdale of Bishopsgate has been declared the victor in the Best Game category at this year's Restaurant Magazine Best Dishes Awards. The category was sponsored by Game-to-Eat, the Countryside Alliance's successful campaign dedicated to raising awareness and increasing enjoyment of game. Head Chef Neil Churchill was delighted to pick up his award from Game-to-Eat's Jill Grieve at the awards ceremony in London last week.
The game category was hotly contested, with competition from Stanneylands Hotel, Wilmslow, and The Reef, Argyll, but Boisdale of Bishopsgate proved its position at the forefront of the market in the preparation of quality game.
The chefs at Boisdale of Bishopsgate are a great example of the diversity and range of dishes that are possible using game. Their expertise and knowledge are unrivalled and they are deserved winners of this esteemed award. Boisdales' success is a shining example of the growing popularity and reputation of game and the shooting industry as a whole. 11月23日
Lib Dem by-elections bounce blow for Tories
Liberal Democrats are celebrating a by-election bounce during their leadership battle after taking two council seats from Tories.
Their candidate Timothy Huggan won at Manor, Forest Heath District, Suffolk, where Conservatives were unopposed in May.
The second gain came at Rhiw, Conwy County Borough, north Wales, where Trevor Stott triumphed in the ward’s third by-election in less than four years.
Liberal Democrats also scored a landslide victory to defend a previously knife-edge marginal at Norfolk County Council’s Aylsham division where the previous contest was on the same day as the last general election.
The Lib Dem revival, after their gloom leading up to the resignation of Sir Menzies Campbell as leader, is bad news for the Tories’ David Cameron in what was otherwise a good week for him.
His hopes of making it to Downing Street depend crucially on making progress against Liberal Democrats as well as Labour.
There were too few comparable contests to indicate how Labour support has stood up in the face of crises over Northern Rock and the data loss debacle and England’s exit from Euro 2008.
RESULTS:
Carmarthenshire County – Llandybie: Ind 496, Lab 337, Plaid Cymru 310, C 52, Ind 49. (May 2007 – Two seats Ind 881, Lab 747, Plaid Cymru 584, 516). Ind hold. Swing 3.4% Lab to Plaid Cymru.
Conwy County Borough – Rhiw: Lib Dem 548, C 513, Ind 80, BNP 61, Green 36. (June 2004 – Three seats C 1003, Plaid Cymru 760, C 751, 739, Ind 502, Lab 344, Ind 337; August 2005 by-election – C 658, Lib Dem 209, Plaid Cymru 147; March 2006 by-election – C 716, Lib Dem 479). Lib Dem gain from C.
Forest Heath – Manor: Lib Dem 281, C 211, Ukip 32. (May 2007 – C unopposed). Lib Dem gain from C.
Norfolk County – Aylesham: Lib Dem 1696, C 854, Lab 177, Ukip 71. (May 2005 - Lib Dem 1862, C 1833, Lab 1279). Lib Dem hold. Swing 14.8% C to Lib Dem.
Rossendale Borough – Hareholme: Lab 591, C 520. (May 2007 – Two seats Lab 713, 693, C 626, 560, Lib Dem 206). Lab hold. Swing 0.4% Lab to C.
Wellingborough Borough – West: C 363, Lib Dem 149, Lab 38. (May 2007 – C 426, Ind 206, Green 106). C hold.
Winchester City – Wickham: Lib Dem 630, C 349, Ukip 40, Lab 15. (May 2007 – Lib Dem 809, C 484, Lab 31). Lib Dem hold. Swing 1.3% C to Lib Dem.
Result
in Rhiw Ward of Conwy County Borough Council
Margaret Bruhin ( conservative ) 512
Brian Greenaway ( Independent ) 82
Joe Llywelyn Griffith Blakesley ( green ) 36
John Oddy (BNP) 60
Trevor Stott ( Welsh Liberal Democrat ) 548
Lib Dem Gain from Tory
Thanks to everyone who came to help with the Campaign. especially those
from wrexham and beyond. A fantastic result.
All credit to Bob Barton who kept us at it, telling and knocking up
until 10pm. Without his drive we could have packed up at 9 like the
Tories and then lost.
our thanks to Mike Edwards, Carole O Toole, Mike German, Eleanor
Burnham, Malcolm Bullock, Gwyn Hughes, Max Eames-Hughes, Mike Rowlands,
Christine Humphreys, Brian Cossey, Joyce Hughes, Brenda Taylor, Dave
Meredith, Andrew Morris, Bruce Roberts, Sylvia Owen, Sylvia Lavender,
Valerie Smith, Alice Robinson, Jenny and Trevor's family , and anybody
else I have omitted as I'm a bit tired after 19 hours on my feet.
Congratulations Councillor Stott.
Kind Regards
Simon Croft
Assembly Candidate 2007,
Chairman - Clwyd West
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+++ Watch the leadership candidates +++
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Dear Members,
Ballot papers in the post
Just to let you know that the ballot papers for the leadership election are now in the post to everyone who was a party member as of October 31st. They should arrive in the next few days and will be accompanied by manifestos from both candidates.
If you are receiving this mailing - I hope that you will choose who to support and also help our new Leader by being as generous as you can in the appeal. Please make sure that you post your ballot paper back in time to arrive by December 15th. If you don't reply immediately, or want to help reduce our costs, you may want to put your own stamp on the reply envelope.
See the candidates in action
Yesterday, Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne took part in a special webcast hustings meeting as part of our leadership election campaign.
The session was filmed at the University of Westminster and chaired by the party's former Director of Communications Olly Grender. The questions chosen were all taken from those sent in by party members. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to ask a question.
You can watch the hustings on the Liberal Democrat website.
Best wishes
Chris Rennard
Chief Executive, Liberal Democrats
PS If you would like to film yourself asking a question and submit it for the forthcoming YouTube hustings, there is still time to do this if you post your video clip by Sunday. It's all explained in the clip from myself on YouTube. | 11月21日
As I travel in Denbighshire to meet the local community, there's one issue, though, which keeps coming up.
Wherever we are in Denbighshire, local people are interested in what my vision is for Education. We have been hugely successful at proving to voters that we are strong on the environment and a moral foreign policy, but we need to have a clearer and stronger message on issues like schools .
We need radical ideas. If you look at education our children are amongst the most tested in the world yet, tragically, some are still leaving primary school unable to read adequately. As every parent and teacher knows, a child who cannot read by the age of seven or eight is likely to fall drastically behind in all their work. They then slip all too easily into a spiral of underachievement and total disillusion with school. Reading really is the key to education. We should scrap SATS and instead introduce a standardised reading assessment at the end of year 4, when children are eight. For those children who need it there should be a radically revised curriculum with the emphasis primarily upon intensive reading tuition - until they reach the necessary level. We condemn children to lifelong failure if we don't teach them to read.
And we need to look at the whole question of education funding. Money isn't the answer to everything - but lack of money is certainly an enormous blight.
We should aim to match spending per pupil in state schools to the average level in independent schools within two Parliaments. I can't pretend that this would be easy but at 2% of GDP it is manageable if we really decide where our priorities lie. I want state schools to match independent schools not just in terms of the commitment and dedication of their staff - but in terms of class size, facilities and the resources they can offer. And I want the biggest increase to go to those children most in need.
11月20日
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+++ Northern Rock petition launched+++
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Dear All,
Following yesterday's debate in Parliament about Northern Rock I am launching a petition calling on the Government to come clean about Northern Rock [sign here].
I don’t know whether this Chancellor has been singing in the bath but he has much in common with the Conservative ex-Chancellor, Norman Lamont, who also presided over a financial disaster on Black Monday.
£900 per taxpayer at stake
As we stand at present, every taxpayer in Britain has something approaching £900 of their money at stake in this small mortgage bank following the £24 billion loan (which excludes the less controversial £18 billion in deposit guarantees).
When Tony Blair was Prime Minister he was widely and rightly criticised for squandering £800 million on the Millennium Dome. This Prime Minister and this Chancellor have invested the equivalent of 30 Millennium Domes in this bank and we don’t even have a few pop concerts to show for it.
Questions for Labour
There are some key questions for the Government to answer:
Will the Government’s loan will be paid back in full, with interest, in this Parliament?
Is it true that Mr. Adam Applegarth, who led the bank into its current disaster, can expect a £2 million pension pot and generous bonuses, all underwritten by the taxpayer? How did the Government get into a position of entrusting vast sums of taxpayers' money to a man who showed his own faith in the company by selling his own shares to invest in a country mansion and a Ferrari?
What is the true total figure? We know about £24 billion from media reports, but the Government has not come clean: it has refused to give a figure, refused to confirm the media reports and refused to say whether there are even more loans than those the media discovered.
Conflicts of interest
There are even more fundamental conflicts of interest. The Government entrusted its money and, now, the sale process to managers and directors (or those that are left) whose first responsibility is to the company not the taxpayer. Without the Government loan the shares would be worthless. Yet Government money has been used to prop up the company and encourage spivs and sharks to profit from the company's misfortune.
Where do we go from here? It would be ideal if a private investor would now take over the bank as a going concern, keeping the jobs and the Northern Rock Foundation intact and servicing the government loan in full. But, this week's announcement of the bids made it clear that this is simply the stuff of fantasy.
The truth is that there are only two practical solutions. One is administration: to close Northern Rock down. This would be devastating for the North East and, in present conditions, the Government would probably lose billions.
The other is for the Government temporarily to take control: the least worst option. This would eliminate the conflict of interest in the company and give time to stabilise it. The Chancellor has already had a Clause 4 moment at Railtrack so he knows that this is not straightforward. But can he confirm that the Treasury is at least evaluating this option, which has of course been used elsewhere, with the National Mortgage Bank under the Tories and Continental Illinois in the US.
Sign our petition
The Chancellor has taken to calling my comments "unwise". I wonder what words posterity will use to describe a Chancellor and a Prime Minister who entrusted billions in taxpayers' money that was only partly secured and was managed by discredited executives, feathering their own nest.
You can help ensure they are both held to account by signing our petition now.
Yours sincerely
Vince Cable
Acting Leader, Liberal Democrats | 11月18日
1. New advice for shooting community and Police
2. Cheltenham Countryside Raceday
3. Experiences of Animal Health
4. Help for Heroes
5. The Bart and the Bounder book
1. New advice for shooting community and Police
Recently, the Association of Chief Police Officers issued new best practice guidance on the renewal of shotgun and firearm certificates, which should lead to fewer delays and complications for the shooting community.
The guidance will encourage police forces to issue temporary permits to shooters whose certificate renewal has been delayed through no fault of their own, resulting in a fairer system for both the police and the shooter.
The Countryside Alliance has worked hard alongside other members of the British Shooting Sports Council to secure a reaonable balance between fair play for the shooter awaiting renewal and the firearms licensing manager dealing with the request. Full details of the advice can be found here
This is a very positive step forward for ACPO and praise must be given where due; this advice will benefit the shooting community and should help to ensure that delays in certificate renewals are kept to an absolute minimum. The introduction of the temporary permit should mean that no one misses any days shooting, and will hopefully enable police forces to process renewals as quickly as possible.
Following the publication of the advice, we are now urging all police forces to adopt this best practice to maintain good working relations between the shooting community and the police.
2. Cheltenham Countryside Raceday
Cheltenham Countryside Raceday marks its 20th anniversary on Friday November 16th with a celebration of all that's best about the countryside, and some displays by members of the British team headed for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. To book tickets, visit http://www.cheltenham.co.uk/ or ring 01242 226226.
With a six race card featuring the twists and turns of the memorable Cross Country Steeplechase, and the prospect of a sixth victory by Irish course specialist, Spot Thedifference, together with a retail village crowded by Christmas ideas and gift solutions, this is a "must have" for Alliance enthusiasts. Click here for more on the Raceday's history.
3. Experiences of Animal Health
With the East of England gripped by another outbreak of Avian Flu, the Countryside Alliance is asking farmers to let us know how you feel the Government is handling the issue of animal diseases generally, particularly how Animal Health (formerly the State Veterinary Service) is coping.
If you have any first hand accounts of using the service, please let us know about your experiences, in confidence on info@countryside-alliance.org
4. Help for Heroes
The Countryside Alliance is proud to support the Help for Heroes initiative: The concept of Guns and Beaters working together is not a new one. As we know, some collaborations in the field are more successful than others!! Help for Heroes is one outstanding collaboration between Gun and Beater. Bryn Parry a famous countryside cartoonist and Gun and Mark Elliott founder of NOBs, part time marathon runner/fundraiser and Beater!
Bryn, with the help of Emma his wife, came up with the idea of raising money for our injured servicemen and phoned around some friends to help. Mark, like many others was only too delighted to assist.
Both Bryn and Mark had served in the British Army, although they will both quickly tell you "not in the same Regiment" and so the chance to help was something very close to their hearts.
H4H was launched at the start of the pheasant season and has raised over £1million in the first five weeks but has a very long way to go to reach its target of £8million. H4H's first task is to help build a swimming pool and gymnasium at the Joint Services Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court near Dorking. It is here that our injured servicemen and women go for rehabilitation having sustained horrific injuries in Afghanistan and Iraq. Many have lost arms, legs, recovering from gunshot wounds or loss of sight.
Help for heroes (http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/) has had an incredible beginning but it's just a start we need everyone to dig deep to raise this money to help our Heroes NOW! Those on Facebook can also join the H4H group here
Please contact Mark or Bryn at Help for Heroes to see what you can do on your shoot, your part of the countryside to help a hero, today.
Many thanks and have a wonderful season!
5. The Bart and the Bounder book
A new book has been published to accompany the hugely successful "Bart and Bounder", initiall broadcasted as a one-off on BBC in February 2006. To find out more information, the latest news and download video clips, please click here
Just one of the many reviews online:
"Like a pair of disreputable Victorian villains, the Bart and the Bounder have confessed their sins in a wonderful book, titled "Endangered Species". What makes the tales in their book such a treat is that the pair not only ransacked their long memories and old game books for anecdotes but actually went out on the road together for 3 months last year, travelling Britain, ferreting out old acquaintances - gamekeepers, gypsies, coal miners - and quizzing them about their secrets of the countryside"- Sandy Mitchell, Daily Telegraph 11月13日
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Brian Paddick took early retirement from the force in May | Former Met deputy assistant commissioner Brian Paddick has been named as the Liberal Democrat candidate for London mayor.
Mr Paddick was selected after winning a ballot of the party's London members.
He said "less crime, better transport, cleaner air and fewer Londoners living in poverty" was crucial for the city.
Mr Paddick, who resigned from the Met earlier this year, beat competition from Chamali Fernando and Fiyaz Mughal for the Lib Dem candidacy.
He won 73% of the first preference votes during the Lib Dem contest and described himself as "firing on all cylinders".
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 Ken's a nice guy but he's been in power too long and we need a change 
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He stands in next year's contest against Labour's sitting mayor Ken Livingstone and the Conservatives' Boris Johnson.
But he dismissed the idea that he suffered from a lower profile compared to his two main rivals.
"Of course the Lib Dems have a chance," he said. "I think quite a lot of people have heard of Brian Paddick actually and I think I'm the only serious alternative to Ken.
"He's a nice guy and I know him well but he's been in power for too long, he's lost touch and we need a change."
Mr Paddick conceded that Mr Livingstone's tenure had brought some positive change to London but insisted he could improve on the mayor's record.
'Lot of waste'
"There are a number of things that Ken has done reasonably well.
"But putting up the mayoral precept of the council tax by 100% in four years sounds a bit extravagant.
"There's a lot of waste and I think I can do better, so what I'm offering people is 'Ken-plus' if you like - not getting rid of everything Ken has done and starting again."
As a former police officer, he said he was determined to revitalise the relationship between Londoners and police officers and bring about trust and confidence in the police service.
"If you can get all Londoners on the same side as the police working together against crime and disorder, then I think there's going to be a transformation in London and that's what I'm going to be working on."
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Kirsty Williams is appealing to the party to return to its Liberal roots | A leading Welsh Liberal Democrat is to call for the party to reclaim the radical traditions of liberalism.
In a speech in Aberystwyth, Assembly Member Kirsty Williams will attack what she calls the "gloopy grey consensus" of the "Cardiff Bay bubble".
It is seen as a bid to regain momentum for the party following the collapse of the "rainbow coalition" this summer.
The Brecon and Radnorshire AM is seen as the most likely contender to follow Mike German as Welsh Lib Dem leader.
Ms Williams, her party's assembly spokesperson for enterprise, transport and education, will deliver her rallying call in a speech to the Institute of Welsh Politics in Aberystwyth later.
The Liberal Democrats held talks with other opposition parties about forming a coalition after May's Welsh assembly election.
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A closed system where the same people meet in the same rooms to discuss the same ideas
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Labour and Plaid Cymru agreed their own partnership for power based around the One Wales document.
The Lib Dems won six seats in the last three assembly elections.
Ms Williams is expected to hit out at the "rugby club blazer" culture, attack the Labour Party's "patrician smugness" and say Welsh politics has lost the excitement and drama generated by devolution.
Ms Williams will warn in her speech that people are "frustrated by the gloopy grey consensus that Welsh politics has become".
She will criticise "a closed system where the same people meet in the same rooms to discuss the same ideas - a system which doesn't embrace the radical or the alternative".
She will go on to appeal for the Lib Dems to become the "radical, cutting edge of Welsh politics".
She will also urge the party to become one of "principle with practical policies to improve life for the Welsh people - all based on Liberal ideals".
| 11月11日
1. Game-to-eat campaign scores a one-and-two
2. Affordable housing is Government priority
3. Exmoor appeal
4. 2008 photographic competition
5. Hunting in Ireland
1. Game-to-eat campaign scores a one-and-two
The Countryside Alliance's Game-to-Eat campaign is enjoying soaring success this autumn: a game dish made from one of its recipes is on the cover of Hello magazine's "Winter Entertaining" supplement (now on sale) with a four page recipe spread contained inside the supplement. Added to this boost for game is the fact that the campaign's newly revamped website www.gametoeat.co.uk has been named "website of the month" by respected industry title Meat Trades Journal.
This is not only good news for the promotion of local, seasonal and delicious food, it is a huge public "thumbs up" for shooting. According to an independent report we commissioned earlier this year, the sale of venison, pheasant and grouse has increased 46 percent over the last two years to a value of £57 million. That demand for produce is on an upward trajectory - the report predicts that sales could increase a further 47 percent and be worth £84 million by 2011.
Shooting is worth £1.6billion a year and half a million participants shoot game alone; an impressive set of figures that are set to grow thanks to initiatives such as the Alliance-run, Government-backed National Shooting Week which will run again next May and introduce thousands of newcomers to shooting sports all across the country.
We have always said that rural life is a tapestry of interwoven threads, and shooting is a prime example of that - from participation to end product it is a huge success story, and Game-to-Eat is proving to be the best possible shop window through which to promote it.
Chief Executive
2. Affordable housing is Government priority
The Countryside Alliance has welcomed the Housing and Regeneration Bill, which was included in this week's Queen's speech. We have, however, warned that the solutions to the problem of affordable housing will not be solved by bureaucracy.
The Bill will create a new "homes agency" tasked with delivering the necessary supply of new homes, and will also bring increased investment for social housing.
The lack of affordable housing is without doubt one of the greatest threats to the future of the countryside, and enabling rural people to get onto the housing ladder is to be welcomed. It is encouraging that the Government has identified the problem and given it clear priority by including it in the Queen's speech.
What concerns us is that problems are generally not solved by increasing bureaucracy - do we actually need a homes agency? Surely by strengthening existing Regional Development Agencies and giving local authorities more power we can have a devolved and community-minded approach to the issue involving local people, local needs and not Westminster diktats.
3. Exmoor appeal
Exmoor Foxhounds Huntsman Tony Wright's appeal against his conviction under the Hunting Act began on Monday and will draw to a close tomorrow in Exeter Crown Court. The case is being heard by Judge Cottle and two lay magistrates.
The prosecution case is that Mr Wright was not fulfilling all the conditions of the 'flushing exemption'. The magistrates court agreed with them in August last year but since then there has been a helpful judgment on this exemption in the Quantock Staghounds case, which gives some cause for optimism.
The appeal hearing will finish at the end of the week. We expect a reserved judgment at a later date and will keep you posted on the verdict.
4. 2008 photographic competition
Following this year's success, the Countryside Alliance photographic competition is back for a second year and once again takes rural Britain as its theme.
Last year there were more than 300 entries and the winning photographs are featured in our 2008 calendar, which can be bought from our online shop. The 13 winning photographs from our 2008 competition will be featured in the 2009 Countryside Alliance calendar.
The 2008 competition has four categories:
· British wildlife
· The British Countryside
· Rural life and country sports
· Seasons
The winning photographers will each receive a pair of tickets to the CLA Game Fair for Saturday 26th July 2008 and ten complimentary copies of the calendar.
Click here for full details of how to enter and the competition rules as well as advice on taking photographs.
Send your entries to: Countryside Alliance Photo Competition 2008, PO Box 313, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 2AA. The closing date for entries is Friday 18th April 2008.
5. Hunting in Ireland
An auction to raise funds for the South Tipperary Autism Support Group brings the opportunity to bid for some phenomenal hunting in the Republic of Ireland. Marie Byrne, who is running the auction, is offering to the highest bidders several days of hunting for 2 people per day. Bidding is now live and will continue until Friday 16th November. For further information or to place a bid contact Marie Byrne at trixfoley@eircom.net
Successful bidders will be notified and should organise hirelings direct with the hunt, whose details will be provided when a bid is secured. Offered for auction are days with:
1. Kilkenny Hunt, Co. Kilkenny: two vouchers, one day's hunting for two people
2. West Waterford, Co. Cork/ Co. Waterford: two vouchers, one day's hunting for two people
3. Laois Hunt, Co. Laois: two vouchers, one day's hunting for two people
4. Bree, Co. Wexford: two vouchers, one day's hunting for two people
5. Wexford Hunt, Co. Wexford: two vouchers, one day's hunting for two people
6. Kilinicks Harriers, Co. Wexford: two vouchers, one day's hunting for two people
7. Limerick Harriers, Co. Limerick: two vouchers, one day's hunting for two people
8. North Tipperary Foxhounds, Co. Tipperary: one day's hunting for two people
9. North Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny: one day's hunting for two people
10. East Galway, Co. Galway: one day's hunting for two people
11. Scarteen Hunt, Co. Limerick: one day's hunting for two people
12. Kilmoganny, Co. Kilkenny: two vouchers, one day's hunting for two people 11月9日
Dear Friend,
You may have heard that we have both decided to endorse and vote for Nick Clegg in the election for the next Leader of the Liberal Democrats, and we wanted to take this opportunity to explain why.
We have got to know Nick well over recent years - hearing him speak in ublic, watching him work well with colleagues both in Westminster and beyond and listening to his views and ideas. For us, it’s Nick’s passion, intellect and plain-speaking that makes him the best leader for our party, and for our country too.
Nick’s instincts and values are Liberal Democrat to the core. That’s why his campaign is uniting the party, winning the support of so many members – from Simon Hughes to Cyril Smith, from LDYS Chair Mark Gettleson to Fife Council Leader Elizabeth Riches. The extent of his grassroots support, his councillor support and his parliamentary support – set out on his website at www.nickclegg.com - has impressed us. We need that strength and unity to win.
Nick has already made a huge contribution to developing our party’s most exciting policies. His commitment to social justice and education are clear in his radical idea to target extra cash for the most disadvantaged children in our schools. His proposal to invest in better mental health facilities and in skills and literacy training instead of yet more prison places shows not just a fresh approach to criminal justice, but also his determination to speak up for the powerless.
His breadth of experience would be a huge asset as leader. As the EU’s negotiator with China and Russia on international trade and as an outstanding MEP, he put his internationalist and European values into practice. Chairing the Commission on “The Third Age” for Charles Kennedy, he showed a real understanding of the needs of a growing elderly population. As Home Affairs Spokesman he has championed the fight for civil liberties and against ID cards.
But having the best policies and instincts is not enough to take the party to a new level of success. Our new leader must be able to communicate his ideas in a way that will win over those millions of people who share our values but do not currently vote Liberal Democrat. It is a widely held view that Nick has an outstanding ability to engage and enthuse people, whether in person or on the TV, that is rare in any generation of politicians. We agree.
Some people say there is little at stake in this leadership election. We disagree. We cannot advance and win unless we have an inspirational leader. That’s why we hope you will vote for Nick Clegg.
And it’s why we hope you’ll do more. Visit Nick’s website. Pledge your support. And offer to help his campaign by emailing his HQ at volunteer@nickclegg.com
Thank you for all you do for our party, and thank you for the support you have given us over the years.
With warm regards,
Paddy Ashdown and Shirley Williams
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11月6日
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Tories and Labour agree on so much
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Dear All,
The Liberal Democrats are now in the throes of a leadership election and from mid-December we shall have an impressive new leader. I am, in the interim, seeking to keep our party's policies and values in the public eye. I am gratified by the big response in the party to the stand that I am took on refusing to participate in a state visit honouring the corrupt, despotic regime in Saudi Arabia with its appalling human rights record.
Is that all there is from Brown?
This afternoon we heard the first Queen's Speech since Gordon Brown became Prime Minister. After a lifetime spent preparing for the top job and a decade of waiting in No. 11, the Prime Minister felt the need to cancel the General Election because he wanted this opportunity to spell out his vision. There was great anticipation, but the anticlimax was deafening. The legislative programme outlined today is firmly rooted in the Blair era. It is now clear that Gordon Brown lacks not only a personal mandate, but also ideas and vision of his own. It leaves us asking one question: is that all there is?
Tories and Labour agree on so much
In replying on behalf of the Liberal Democrats I made the point that across wide swathes of policy his approach is indistinguishable from the Tories'. Taken alongside previous announcements it is clear that Gordon Brown and David Cameron now agree on tax policy, accepting widening inequality, and retaining an unreformed council tax. Both are bidding for the anti-immigrant vote; both are pursuing short-sighted populist policies; both are intent on filling prisons with petty criminals and the mentally ill; both are promoting nuclear power and an unfettered airport expansion regardless of the environmental consequences; both are backing student top-up and tuition fees; and both are in the thrall of the Bush administration – notably on Iraq.
On all of those issues it is the Liberal Democrats who offer a distinctive voice.
We offer a real alternative
The Liberal Democrats alone will fight for improvements to the Climate Change Bill, with annual emissions targets by which to judge government progress. We alone will maintain our opposition to any irrational extension of the period of detention without charge from its current twenty-eight day limit, and we alone will continue to fight the introduction of the unwanted, unnecessary and expensive national identity card scheme.
We will also continue to put pressure on the government to hold a referendum on Britain's future in the European Union. If the government were brave enough to join us in leading the campaign for a "yes" vote in an in-out ballot, we could draw the poison from the debate on Britain’s future in the EU, and end the eurosceptic argument that the British people have no say.
Over the course of this week the content of the Queen's Speech will be debated on the floor of the House of Commons. The Liberal Democrats will take that opportunity to press the government on its legislative plans for the next twelve months. We will support the government where we agree with it, and we will provide robust and principled opposition where we do not.
We alone can fill that role.
Yours faithfully,
Vincent Cable MP
Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats
P.S. The party's free internet toolbar lets you easily keep in touch with the latest news from our party, find the party's main websites and help raise money for the party (by using its Google search box): http://LiberalDemocrats.OurToolbar.com
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With the election of a new leader for Denbighshire C.C we now should wish MR Evans all the best in his new role,that said I hope he is able to shake up the Local LEA and be willing to cross swords with Ian Miller when needed and make sure that the Denbighshire Council becomes more Councillor led rather than officer led which is the case at the moment!
He must make sure that the Heads are on board with the educational Action Plan and that the council works with all stake holders.
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Mr Evans said he was "delighted" to be elected as leader | The new leader of Denbighshire Council said education was his priority after he was elected unanimously.
Hugh Evans, 46, said he would take over the education portfolio himself, and would reduce the number of councillors in his cabinet to save money.
Mr Evans replaces Rhiannon Hughes, who was ousted as leader following a no confidence vote after damning reports into education services in the county.
He said implementing the education action plan would be "challenging".
Mr Evans, an independent, was the only candidate nominated and was backed by the council's five main political groups.
He said he was "delighted" to be voted leader, adding: "I firmly believe, that by working together, we really can make a difference in Denbighshire and build on the good work that is already going on.
"Our main priority is the implementation of the Estyn action plan and modernising education in Denbighshire, which will be challenging.
"But the council has given its commitment to raising education standards in the county and working with schools to offer a first class education to our children and young people."
Standards of education were criticised by Estyn |
Mr Evans said other issues included affordable housing, the local development plan and waste management.
"By working together as one, improved communication and co-operation, we can provide better services for the residents of Denbighshire and really make a difference."
"Unity"
Installing a new cabinet - which could include members of the old cabinet - will be one of his first duties.
Denbighshire's standards of education were criticised by school inspectors Estyn and a seperate consultative body, and Ms Hughes and her cabinet were removed from office following a council vote on 22 October.
In a statement last week councillors said the decision to back Mr Evans as the sole nominee represented an "unprecedented show of unity by leaders from all five political groups".
Mr Evans, from Llanelidan, was elected to represent the Llanfair DC/Gwyddelwern ward in 2004.
The leader of the independent group, he has also been vice-chair of the lifelong learning committee and chair of the joint advisory committee for the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
At a crisis meeting earlier this month, the council accepted "radical change" was needed to improve education in the county, and said it would "rigorously implement" the Estyn action plan.
A draft report was submitted to the assembly on Monday outlining how the council intends to improve school standards.
| 11月3日
1. Hunting's new season
2. Songs from the Sticks III
1. Hunting's new season
To mark what the media see as the beginning of the hunting season, I started the day on BBC Radio 4's Today programme with Ann Widdecombe MP, discussing her curious views on hunt monitors.
It will come as no surprise that Ms Widdecombe was more ardent than ever using the opportunity to publicise her idea of licensing "monitors". As everyone is aware, hunt "monitors" is often code for animal rights activists and extremists who have been intimidating the hunting community for years. We know one who served a jail term for Grievous Bodily Harm against a policeman and another with a conviction for grave robbing.
Unsurprisingly, Ms Widdecombe's calls to license such people were not met with the welcome she had hoped, with presenter John Humphrys referring to the Hunting Act as a "dog's breakfast". Listen again here and select "07.30 - The hunting season starts today. Are illegal hunts being monitored?"
Hunting also featured in the Telegraph online with readers being asked for comment on the future. Please add your voice here.
The future of hunting is still a hot political issue. We have a commitment to repeal and polling showing increasing public sympathy for the demise of this spiteful piece of legislation. But none of that will happen by accident. As ever it will need patience and guile, and for the 'Case for Repeal' to be repeated loudly and clearly.
The end of the Hunting Act will provide for the safe future of everything else we all feel passionate about protecting.
2. Songs from the Sticks III
On Sunday 11th November, Newcastle City Hall will play host to a special concert to raise funds for the Countryside Alliance. Following the huge success of the first two concerts in previous years, Songs from the Sticks III promises to be the best year yet.
The line-up for this year includes Clan an Drumma, the Scottish Drumming band that will knock the roof off the City Hall and made the March on the Mound in 2001 so memorable. Also on the bill will be comedians Brendan Healy and Ernie Coe and the boy band Razor Sharp. Organiser and performer, Alliance North East Regional Director Richard Dodd, promises that the chorus has some exciting new numbers this year, including the Best of Bond! Tickets on sale now priced £10 or £15 - call 01661 881800 or contact richard-dodd@countryside-alliance.org 11月1日
 The former Llanelli, Wales and Lions hero passed away while on holiday in Spain on Wednesday. He was 56. A former Llanelli captain, Mr Gravell was a key member of the Grand Slam and Triple Crown-winning Welsh teams of the late 1970s. He won 23 caps for his country between 1975 and 1982 and played in all four Tests for the British Lions on their tour of South Africa in 1980. He made his debut for Llanelli in 1970 and played in the historic 9-3 victory over New Zealand two years later. He was captain of the club from 1980 to 1982. On retiring from rugby in 1985, he went on to forge a successful career as an actor and broadcaster. He was a regular on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru and was a key member of the S4C commentary team. Earlier this year he had his right leg amputated below the knee. He underwent the surgery after developing an infection brought on by diabetes. Only weeks before he had two toes amputated. Mr Gravell lived in Mynydd y Garreg near Kidwelly with his wife and two young daughters on a street named after him. RUGBY legend Ray Gravell sadly passed away on 31st October 2007
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