tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18027220856922484892024-03-18T21:51:31.648-07:00Peter O'Neill's BlogCllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-12271416219840314362012-10-14T16:26:00.000-07:002012-10-14T16:26:26.780-07:00PKWA Cricket Club Celebration Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As always, it was a great pleasure to be at the PKWA this evening, celebrating another successfull year for their cricket club. Seeing them all reminds me what an immense privilege it is to represent along with my ward colleagues, this marvellous community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cricket is a great sport, which people young and old (up to a degree), can participate in and all enjoy. It’s a great way to stay fit and healthy and let off steam without causing any harm, meet different people take part in what amounts to ritual battle with its various aspects but at the end of the match, remain good friends. It’s a sort of conflict where everyone sticks to the rules and no one gets hurt, usually.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cricket has become ingrained into our culture and language. We make fair play and “playing the game” a priority in all we do. If we think something is not fair, we say its just not cricket.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Would it not be great if we could resolve our disputes through a cricket match. Instead of elections, a cross-party cricket tournament would n’t that be more entertaining? I think Labour would be pretty save in Batley! In international conflict, a cricket match instead of war, so in Iraq, a President Bush 11 against Saddam Hussain’s 11 would have saved a lot of blood shed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cricket has become very popular in Afghanistan so why don’t all the political factions have cricket teams instead of armies so that foreign powers would have no excuse to invade. A Taliban cricket team might get a lot of support in a match against a Government 11 even if it was infiltrated by the CIA! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are a long way off using cricket to resolve disputes but it can be used to build bridges and we should continue to use cricket as a way to bring communities closer together. It is good to see its popularity growing locally and our teams continuing to do so well. Many congratulations to the PKWA cricket team for becoming champions this year, we are very proud of you all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On another note, it’s good to see this community centre being used. It is a great asset for the community and needs to be used fully for it to remain viable, so please support it as much as you possibly can. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you.</span></span></div>
Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-50893690309787519042012-10-14T16:03:00.000-07:002012-10-14T16:03:03.249-07:0025th Anniversary Celebration Service for West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was a service to celebrate 25 years of WYEC celebrating Christian Unity, at Batley Methodist Church. The service was introduced by Rev Deborah Wainwright, conducted by Rev Dr Clive Barrett, County Ecumenical Development Officer. Church leaders present included Bishop Steven Platten of Wakefield, Bishop Tony Robinson of Pontefract and His Grace, Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster who gave the sermon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The introductory joyous hymns from the choir and musicians and the wonderful piano player, set the scene for what was to come and the Wesley Singers excelled throughout the service. In the symbols and stories of churches working together, it was humbling to hear of the marvellous work of church groups who go out and give service to the community. These included Dewsbury Care, which offers food and comfort to vulnerable people, the Street Angels in Huddersfield, Batley Care, which provides a drop in facility at Batley Methodist Church as well as a number of other groups.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Archbishop Nichols in his sermon, said that as well as this year being the year to celebrate the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of WYEC, it was also the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Swanwick Declaration which led to the “Churches Together” groups which have since appeared. It’s also the 50<sup> </sup>years since the Second Vatican Council opened, which led to huge change in the Catholic Church which reverberated throughout the Christian Faith. Pope Benedict has said recently, that the emotional tension during Vatican 2 from the need to proclaim Christ afresh in a new age without conceding the spirit of the past. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vatican 2 confirmed the stance to offer society a secular outlook, to science, autonomy, to other religions including other Christian denominations, open relations of respect for each other in an exchange of views and convictions. A shared means to communicate a single story for all to hear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We heard in the Reading from St Paul to the Thessalonians, Be at peace, admonish the idlers, warn the quitters, encourage the faint-hearted to be brave. Help the weak, don’t let them drift away without being noticed, the approached will take up the journey. The three key messages are: Be happy, rejoice! Be full of prayer and always be in the presence of God. Remove self-satisfaction; be thankful for there are always blessings to count.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">John’s gospel said that prayer reaches out beyond the inner circle of disciples, prayers of evangelism. Christ, the first evangelist was sent so that through him we may see the face of God and through him enter God. Christ said the glory you have given me, I have given them so they may be one in the glory of Jesus. We learn three things: the glory of Christ is our suffering, honour and witness; obedience to the Father, not our own will is essential; the relationship with the Father and Holy Spirit. We pray our witness to Christ will be to share his pain and sorrow and to be one in the glory of Christ is to be one in God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was an extremely uplifting occasion and the joy on everyone’s face in the congregation, was evident for all to see as they shook hands with the Archbishop and left the church.</span></div>
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Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-16558741483439235522012-10-13T16:49:00.002-07:002012-10-13T16:51:13.874-07:00Saturday Live Youth Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had an interesting Saturday afternoon at Young Batley at the Saturday Live Youth Club for young people with additional needs Video games and pool were the most popular activities. It was good to see the young people getting on well, doing things together and having fun. I enjoyed the lively atmosphere and the home-made pizza they made. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I then visited the Sportz Factor multi games session for girls 13+ at Batley Baths and that was also hectic, with about 20 girls in attendance. Most were enjoying the arts and crafts activities which included making jewellery, nail decoration and henna type hand decorations. Dance mats were also available and are usually very popular as is the multi-gym and the swimming baths which are all available for only £1. The first session is free and if a friend comes along its half price. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon for girls 13 and over. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just caught the back end of the Youth Futures lab activities class at Batley Cricket Club. This is another fun Saturday afternoon activities session for primary school aged children. It is run by qualified teachers and gives youngsters an insight of science in a fun way, and shows the types of jobs it leads too. This week, chemistry was the topic and the children made lava lamps and carried out<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a chromatography experiment on inks, to find the pen of a crime suspect and gain some understanding of forensic science. The kids were eager to learn but also had a lot of fun.</span></div>
Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-63893271226656795282012-10-06T16:45:00.002-07:002012-10-06T16:45:53.247-07:00Wilton Park Water Cascade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final act of the centenary celebrations for Wilton Park, was the switch on of the the water feature, the cascade at the park lake and I was privileged to be involved and to welcome people to Wilton Park.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a beautiful day, which made it easy to see what a marvellous resource this is for the community in Batley. It’s the most popular, best used park in Kirklees and attracts people from far and wide.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve been a visitor to the park for the 40 years I’ve lived in Batley, I brought my children here when they were young and I now bring my grandchildren. My two year old grandson is on his way to Batley from Cheltenham and he will certainly want to play in the park this weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The park has been a great family attraction this it opened and during the past 12 months, we have been celebrating the centenary of the park and Bagshaw Museum at the top of the hill. There has been a programme of events which we have enjoyed, funded by a lottery grant and run through a partnership of Kirklees Council and a volunteer group in the park, led by Gerry Hird, one of our local heroes and my personal hero. There are some lasting reminders of the centenary, such as the centenary memorial stone outside the museum, the nature trail, the new duck houses, the new planting and the final act is the renewal of the cascade, bringing it back into use in its former glory. All this makes our park an even greater attraction hopefully, for many years to come.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidrPWwUpQRyeWpY0nyClrqUBMbj_sXB847eCkmuWcxUIJTpVTxrDaZCps9gB9sLEiGrzQlr_ZRLUpVlU9qRcmEAyo66yjetpnh9EDouu8e2ty6NbWnBoIt_2Z9C5dbkvUkTI190swDic45/s320/cascade+8.JPG" width="240" /></span></span></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The council will need to work in partnership with community groups increasingly in future and we need a group of volunteers here in the park, if we want it to remain a great family attraction in future so if anyone is interested, please get in touch. Gerry is moving on to pastures new. I’d like to thank him and the Friends of Wilton Park for the good work they have done, particularly over the last couple of years and best of luck for the future Gerry.</span></span></o:p></span></span></div>
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Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-38579582480940192282012-09-26T23:30:00.000-07:002012-09-26T23:30:03.507-07:00National Citizen Service Programme<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was delighted to attend The NCS graduation ceremony for the first Kirklees cohort. Over 30 groups of young people spent three weeks of their summer holiday with the University if the First Age, firstly training, then working out a project and then finally delivering it. The groups gave a brief presentation of their projects and received their certificates and rapturous applause.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some groups spent time in care homes offering support and entertainment to older people, others held events and sold food they had made, to raise money for charity, some very successfully. I bumped into one group at the Pink Picnic’s little picnic. They had made elaborately decorated iced buns which they were selling with cups of tea. I bought half a dozen and my grandson enjoyed <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The NCS programme gave young people the opportunity to get to know other young people from different parts of Kirklees. It was a chance to have fun whilst also learning life skills, transferable skills needed for employment. It was an opportunity for transforming learning which will make them well rounded individuals, bring benefits which will serve them well in the future and also a chance to contribute to society.</span></div>
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Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-63351776607273147232012-09-26T17:49:00.000-07:002012-09-26T17:50:29.774-07:00Health Matters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I attended a health awareness raising event at Batley East Children’s Centre today, which focused on health issues that are significant for communities in our area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wonderful Expert Patient Programme was represented, as was Locala, weight management advice, KNH sow n grow programme to encourage residents to grow their own vegetables, in their own gardens and on community allotments. There was advice on eye health from an optician and Ravensthorpe Community Centre Learning were there to publicise the learning they offer at their own centre and at other locations. The young children were entertained and healthy snacks and fruit were available. Staff and volunteers gave information on local health issues, prevention and identification by health checks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The event was very well attended and much credit is due to Khatija, the Children Centre manager for that. The best way to raise health awareness is to take it out into the community so I welcome this approach.</span></div>
Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-44332720781824997712012-09-22T19:30:00.000-07:002012-09-23T18:08:22.588-07:00Tree Planting in honour of Sir Robert Edwards 22nd September 2012
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Joy and I, in front of the tree planted in her father's honour </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Batley History Group today, honoured one of Batley’s brightest sons, Sir Robert Edwards, by planting a tree in celebration of his outstanding achievements.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sir Robert was born in Batley and spent his early years living in what is now Wilton Estate. It was only fairly recently that the history group found out that Sir Robert, one of the pioneering scientists along with Patrick Steptoe, who developed in-vitro fertilisation, had a Batley connection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was lovely to see one of Sir Robert’s daughters, Jenny Joy, representing her father and speaking about her father’s life as an academic in Cambridge and of his memories of Batley. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was particularly pleased to be at the tree planting, along with the Mayor and our MP yet again. Sir Robert lived in what is now Wilton Estate, whose residents are my constituents; as a member of Friends of Wilton Park, I am very pleased that the tree is being planted in the park, near the museum, in the centenary year. Finally, I have a grandson who is a miracle baby conceived by IVF so I really appreciate the achievements of the great man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The tree is a column copper beech, ideally situated, and though the Mayor joked that it would in years to come, take the tiles off the museum roof, we need not worry. The tree was chosen by our Parks and Open Spaces experts to ensure it was suited to its location and will not damage any part of the museum. Sir Robert’s daughter Jenny agreed, it was a fitting tribute to the great man. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-58441610077260689122012-09-21T22:30:00.000-07:002012-09-23T17:00:48.951-07:00Opening of Whitechapel C E Primary School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I attended the official opening of Whitechapel CE Primary School this afternoon and met up again with the Mayor and our MP, who had both attended the same event as me this morning. The school came into being following the re-organisation of the Whitcliffe Mount pyramid from a 3-tier to a 2-tier system and replaces both St Luke’s and Moorend First Schools.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A lot of effort has gone into refurbishing and extending the old Middle School, to make it suitable as a primary school and the result is a light and airy, magnificent school. The outdoor space is extensive and comfortably meets all the needs of a primary school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was a celebration assembly which included readings and singing from the children, who conducted themselves impeccably. They were a credit to the staff and of course to their parents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There were inspiring speeches from the Chair of Governors, Bishop Steven Platten, the Head teacher, the Vicar of Cleckheaton and also from John Edwards, our Assistant Director for Learning. We were reminded that the decision to discontinue the middle schools, had been made almost exactly four years ago and we were now seeing the outcome. The new school is a great learning environment, it will serve the school community well and I am sure they will respect it, enjoy it and look after it well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The children showed their appreciation of the new school by reading out what they liked about it and in their enthusiastic singing of their hymns, with hand gestures to add depth to the meaning. Their songs were welcoming, enthusiastic and joyful, I felt privileged to be able to share the occasion with them. The oldest child and the youngest child in the school were chosen to unveil the Opening Plaque, an inspired idea from the Head. The final part of the celebration was for the children to release hundreds of green balloons, each with a message attached.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Whitechapel Primary has a very apt school motto, <span style="color: #00b0f0;">Learning</span>, <span style="color: #ffc000;">Caring</span>, <span style="color: #c00000;">Succeeding <span style="color: black;">and this was clearly visible today</span></span>. I would like to thank the Head teacher Mrs Bouabida, her staff and all the children, for inviting me to their celebration and wish them all, every success in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-57355873697567320772012-09-21T18:00:00.000-07:002012-09-23T16:54:15.328-07:00Ravensthorpe Heritage Project 21st September 2012 <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Kunstler Script'; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>Ravensthorpe History Project<o:p></o:p></strong></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was my pleasure and privilege to attend the celebration event of the Ravensthorpe Heritage Project this morning, at the Greenwood Community Centre. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Earlier in the year, youngsters from Old Bank, Castle Hall, Ravensthorpe Junior, Ravenshall, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Westborough and St Paulinus Schools took part in a project to learn about local history. They engaged with some older local community members to uncover the splendid heritage of Ravensthorpe. They took part in an <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>archaeological dig, local history workshops investigating the life of a local mill owner, made clay models and created portfolios of their work, which I found interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The project was a great opportunity to get out of the classroom, meet different people and learn in a different way, in a new environment which brings learning to life. The archaeological dig was fascinating despite the terrible weather this summer. Also it allows young people the opportunity to contribute to the permanent historical record of West Yorkshire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">It is important to get a grasp of history. It allows us to understand that the space that we live in, was once occupied by others in different ways and when we pass on, other people will be here and put this place to other uses. This is a historical pattern which has been in place for thousands of years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">This is a really valuable project. It’s really important to understand the past so that we are better equipped to shape our future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Well done to all who made this project a success. Thanks to the organisers, West Yorkshire Joint Services, The Greenwood Centre, the staff of the schools, who continually do wonderful work and most of all to the young people for their enthusiasm and commitment to this project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-7441731192760940072012-09-21T12:14:00.000-07:002012-09-23T12:16:16.549-07:00International Day of Peace 21st September 2012 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Today is a day to celebrate peace and harmony, even though conflict, hatred and turmoil is evident around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">An offensive, Islamaphobic film, made by a handful of right-wing Christian fundamentalists, supposedly “to show the destructive ideology of Islam”, seemed intent on provoking an explosive reaction from Muslims. </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #121f24; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The vast majority of protests have been peaceful but attacks on US Embassies were orchestrated by extremists such as the Egyptian Salafist party, whose strategy is to seize on opportunities to fan radical anger and demonize ideological opponents. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #121f24; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Most Western and Muslim leaders condemned both the film vilifying Islam and the violent response. </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Mainstream Muslims organisations have called for calm and attacked those using violence. Unfortunately, all too often we non-Muslims do not hear the Muslim voice condemning violence, instead we hear only the extremists who preach violence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">At home also, there is brutality which fills us with revulsion, including the horrific murder of two female police officers in Greater Manchester. Whilst the media’s attention is focused on violence, most people just want to live in peace and get on well with each other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">It is our responsibility to ensure our communities are free of hatred and bigotry. Let’s allow people no matter what race or ethnicity, background or faith, to have a sense of belonging in our society. Let’s continue the Olympic spirit and give everyone respect, in our community of tolerance and shared values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-52229288849646337292011-07-09T23:41:00.000-07:002011-07-09T23:41:00.280-07:00Huddersfield Carnival 2011<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzUR4qEfwGfBJJcrZ_prhlXkTr_GnRpyQg-PU-OIijV3aaImgqK71ZT1AriXM6fb_MMJSpaxAMjiJQOE6Q0pqbPI-uoqN9xsP4CK82b_Q4JINvS83BJ7xKY-wM3NmKpLCtxgvTbVoOHRB/s1600/Peter+and+Mary+carnival2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzUR4qEfwGfBJJcrZ_prhlXkTr_GnRpyQg-PU-OIijV3aaImgqK71ZT1AriXM6fb_MMJSpaxAMjiJQOE6Q0pqbPI-uoqN9xsP4CK82b_Q4JINvS83BJ7xKY-wM3NmKpLCtxgvTbVoOHRB/s320/Peter+and+Mary+carnival2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself and Mary Augustine, Chair of HACCT speaking at last year's carival</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Had a great day in Huddersfield at the Carnival today. I had the immense privilege of leading the procession through the streets of Huddersfield to St George’s Square, along with the Greenhead Ward councillors, Mehboob, Mohan and Judith. The procession was a spectacular explosion of colour and the atmosphere was electric. It was a wonderful celebration of life in our multi-cultural society.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was asked to make a speech at the young people’s arena at St Peter’s Gardens and here it is. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hello everybody. Thank you for inviting me to your carnival. I’ve just had the privilege of leading the carnival procession to St George’s Square! I was with some of the most beautiful people in Huddersfield, wearing the most spectacular costumes. The colours were even more vibrant than last year and the atmosphere was electric. This is going to be an awesome event, a celebration of your identity, heritage and culture. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact a celebration of life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Its really important to be proud of your identity and to celebrate your heritage and culture as we are doing today. You can then reach out to the wider community and let them share it with you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On behalf of the wider community, I would like to thank you all for allowing us to share in this wonderful celebration of life. Today, we can forget our worries and enjoy being part of this marvellous multi-cultural society that we are so proud of in Huddersfield.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In Halifax today, the EDL are trying to provoke hate and division between communities. Here in Huddersfield, we are sending them a very clear message that we are proud of our diverse, multi-cultural community and we reject the EDL’s message of hate.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So lets celebrate life, celebrate multi-culture and celebrate our carnival.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God Bless you all and may you enjoy today!</span></div>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-3465385393438616612011-07-07T17:11:00.000-07:002011-08-10T16:27:21.983-07:00My Place Al-Hikmah Project Celebration Event<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had the pleasure of attending the celebration event for the My Place Al-Hikmah Project which involved 5 primary schools in a local history project. They met children from other backgrounds and learned about the history of Hyrstlands House and the lives of the Oldroyd family who lived there in the 19th century. They also took part in an archaeological dig which gave further clues about life here in the past. As archaeology is a multi-disciplinary study, they also learned other skills such as maths and how to use a "level" to measure ground depth. The work they produced ws on display and a drama was enacted about life in the mill for children in 1875. I had been asked to say a few words at the celebration so I prpared a speech, so as it turned out, the mayor gave a speech and Graham Hepplestone, First Officer at West Yorkshire Joint Services, who ran the project, also spoke and there was not time for me, but this is the speech I prepared.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you Mr Mayor, my good friend Cllr Eric Firth, welcome to our MP Mike Wood, who is also my good friend and our guest, Bradford Deputy Mayor, Cllr Val Slater.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you children for letting me join in your celebration, see the work you have produced and enjoy your drama which was moving, as well as interesting and informative. It gave us all an insight into life for children in the mills, 130 years ago and reminds us that we are lucky to be alive now and not then. I think you all deserve a pat on the back.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This project has run for 4 years and provides a wonderful opportunity for children to come out of the classroom, meet children from other backgrounds, learn about our local history and also have fun.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I dropped by during the project and joined in some of the activities. I noticed the enthusiasm and curiosity of the children who were exploring the old house as they used their imagination to work out what each room was used for and who used them. There were lots of other activities to fire the imagination such as looking at historical photos, examining old maps, working out the Oldroyd family tree, learning about life in the mills and of course, dressing up in period costumes, which was a lot of fun. This all brings history to life and makes learning real. The archaeological dig provided further clues about life here in the past and allowed you to learn other skills and also contribute to the permanent historical record of our area, which is very valuable work. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has all given you a good understanding of our local heritage, as I could see from the drama you enacted and displays we all looked at. It was also an opportunity to learn how to think for yourself, investigate and work things out, which will be useful for you all your life.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has once again, been a very successful project and I would like to thank the Musa Kasi and IMWS for allowing us to use this marvellous historical facility. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">West Yorkshire Joint Services, particularly Amanda, Linda and Stewart for running the project once more; Louise from Archaeological Services for facilitating the dig; Blah Blah Theatre for making possible the lovely performance we have just seen. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The school staff – the head teachers, teaching and support staff for bringing the children and supporting the project - also for your good work, day in day out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kirklees Council really appreciates the wonderful work you do for the children of our community. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also thank you to parents for coming along and supporting your children. The support, guidance and love that parents give their children, is I think, the most important factor that determines educational attainment so please keep up your support.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of all, I would like to thank the children for their good behaviour, their enthusiasm for learning. and for getting on well together. The project allowed children to share experiences and develop mutual understanding and respect and, which I found delightful </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You children are the future of our community and In order to shape our future, it is important to have an understanding of the history of our community and its impact on our lives today. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeing the faces of these children today, I am filled with optimism for out future. Thank you very much.</span></div>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-90511111348931782622011-05-27T21:11:00.000-07:002011-05-30T17:27:48.197-07:00Mary Halloran RIP<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMNS089a3mCz2O5OvmBmnEBU31Z__O-llHnCEwuiyEOnuNQYbNsmJW5vpUcbuKn5Wg05Qbc64AwLuH_TW0UkKKckPcY2_twtFJczxJxNdd70twsPlRkC_PLOO9RH-Dz-vaPIhvw2e9K3P/s1600/Mary+Halloran.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMNS089a3mCz2O5OvmBmnEBU31Z__O-llHnCEwuiyEOnuNQYbNsmJW5vpUcbuKn5Wg05Qbc64AwLuH_TW0UkKKckPcY2_twtFJczxJxNdd70twsPlRkC_PLOO9RH-Dz-vaPIhvw2e9K3P/s320/Mary+Halloran.jpg" t8="true" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was my privilege to deliver the eulogy at Mary's funeral today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Eulogy</strong></span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary Halloran was one of the first people we met when we arrived in Batley in 1972. She was our neighbour and for me, epitomised the philosophy “love your neighbour”. She is amongst the kindest, most generous hearted, loveliest ladies I have ever known.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary set a wonderful example to everyone on our street. She was a selfless person who always put her family first and herself last. She was a loving wife to her beloved husband Peter, a wonderful mother to Bernadette, David and Catherine and later a wonderful grandmother and great grandmother. She was a shining example of her faith and her neighbours would remark that every Sunday, whatever the weather she always walked her family to church. She certainly inspired me.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary had many talents. She was a great seamstress. Her sewing skills were always available for the benefit of friends and neighbours. She would not hesitate to shorten trousers, fix zips and buttons and even make children’s clothes. Children’s anoraks were one of her specialities and she made for our daughter, not only her first anorak, but also her first body-warmer. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On child care matters, she had a fount of knowledge which she readily shared. She would look after our children at any time; she treated our family as her own and many others too.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She shared our worries and was overjoyed by our successes. She made us feel that we were her family. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we moved away from her street in Healey, we remained just as close and enjoyed holidays together a time or two and she often spoke about how much she enjoyed her holiday in Budapest with Gillian, Dawn and Marielle. She came to all our family celebrations, to us she was part of our family and also many others too.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here in Batley, there is a marvellous sense of community, which I think is due to the caring attitude of the womenfolk. There are many women in Batley whom I see as sort of folk heroines because of the selfless way that they care for our community and first amongst these, is Mary. She and women like her have created this marvellous community that I love and where I always want to live. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mary was the Godmother of our children. She was a wonderful lady, a true friend. She is the nearest person to a saint that I have ever known.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There will always be a very special place in our hearts for her.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">God Bless you Mary.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Peter O'Neill</span>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-72262270367636269842011-05-06T23:06:00.000-07:002011-05-30T17:05:32.039-07:00Election Triumph<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpA1LMjrU5CL12b_RWD69eMWPM3peABYWEs1jgUoq7JXExaP5WIaqfzrQ8A7IXonRi6e6fKaR1emLeYa32aIgZ4ItwiQ7hXGl_AEi9Krp4BTi1ja6zj61bLcazCBHUAAKHoEgzYBtFJg9/s1600/election2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpA1LMjrU5CL12b_RWD69eMWPM3peABYWEs1jgUoq7JXExaP5WIaqfzrQ8A7IXonRi6e6fKaR1emLeYa32aIgZ4ItwiQ7hXGl_AEi9Krp4BTi1ja6zj61bLcazCBHUAAKHoEgzYBtFJg9/s200/election2.jpg" t8="true" width="198" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIw03FivYheych_LMaAMz7YCL30UuZskHRg_bDeH83FYLv171oyLGsX4Fda1rQhBsX2ZjPlAg47Fv97cpnfLlZHk1lPmGcBTCnTUbwvs7GVBaPuN3JCevWm2_GPxR8mVHhfTL2kZOe9CU/s1600/Amanda+election.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIw03FivYheych_LMaAMz7YCL30UuZskHRg_bDeH83FYLv171oyLGsX4Fda1rQhBsX2ZjPlAg47Fv97cpnfLlZHk1lPmGcBTCnTUbwvs7GVBaPuN3JCevWm2_GPxR8mVHhfTL2kZOe9CU/s320/Amanda+election.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-9690681850377103342011-04-13T22:54:00.000-07:002011-04-13T22:54:00.457-07:00Playing for Success Children's University Celebration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9D9X8KcqBfpwbsgX0QzBVnRK8p8GghDF6esgbeqyklY3Ea127qjIEka6ZFo5gwkFXsjgPzWCOcfRgGMk_S5zLU7OTrvFSmG58DlhpBdAu_1xpzeoajoqiFWKhNkcNd9szZSVFSH4Tehj/s1600/BGHS+P4S13-4-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9D9X8KcqBfpwbsgX0QzBVnRK8p8GghDF6esgbeqyklY3Ea127qjIEka6ZFo5gwkFXsjgPzWCOcfRgGMk_S5zLU7OTrvFSmG58DlhpBdAu_1xpzeoajoqiFWKhNkcNd9szZSVFSH4Tehj/s320/BGHS+P4S13-4-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls from BGHS whom I presented certificates to at the Children's University Graduation</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was the graduation event for the Playing for Success scheme which runs at the five sports clubs' study centres in Kirklees. These are the three professional rugby clubs, the Giants, the Rams and the Bulldogs, Huddersfield Town Football Club and The LongbridgeTennis Centre.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The study centres work with children who are referred because they lack motivation at school and are low-achievers in the usual learning environment. However they do work well in the sports club environment, close to their sporting heroes and the evidence is clear that attainment and aspiration is significantly raised.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some children at each centre, work on achieving a qualification from the University of Huddersfield and this was their big celebration. </span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could see the children's parents and families were proud of them. There was a group from Batley Girls' High School and I felt proud that young people from my community had achieved so much.</span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is important that they recognize their progress and take pride in their accomplishments. My advice is s</span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hare your achievements with others. Why not brag about it! </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I hope that the recognition and support of their families will spur them on to greater things and that</span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> this will be the first step in a long journey to even more success.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well done everyone and well done to Playing for Success!</span></span></span></div>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-27763700587554329362011-04-11T18:43:00.000-07:002011-04-13T15:53:51.976-07:00Faith Forum Cheque Presentation to disabled athletes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GfTl4VxmO3bM0MrGnE5wo6zB8Q9vGKYUO_dXxjx-PiGRvWoKMUjm88RDDUy3s0oUIyUY0XKRphg8Xt8rxErYBDfHyg_Np-1g82sEGttrZgBo-alBaMRGjtNA7fy04E03c1iOsAQN0dfO/s1600/IMG_1911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GfTl4VxmO3bM0MrGnE5wo6zB8Q9vGKYUO_dXxjx-PiGRvWoKMUjm88RDDUy3s0oUIyUY0XKRphg8Xt8rxErYBDfHyg_Np-1g82sEGttrZgBo-alBaMRGjtNA7fy04E03c1iOsAQN0dfO/s320/IMG_1911.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">Today I had the pleasure of meeting some talented sportsmen who have disabilities and see them being presented with cheques. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a special presentation event at Huddersfield Town Hall, hosted by the Mayor and attended by the Bishop of Pontefract, Bishop Tony, representatives of Kirklees Faith Forum and the parents and friends of the recipients.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 3.75pt 7.5pt 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">The money came from funds raised by The Faith Forum from their “Pledge a Pound” appeal during Inter Faith Fortnight. The lucky sportspeople were twins Barry and Steven, from Meltham, who are successful bowlers; Table tennis star Howard, who is in the Great Britain Table Tennis Squad and Joanne who is a world championship swimmer. She was unable to attend but her mother was there to receive her cheque. They shared £1700 which will help towards the cost of training and travel around the world to enter competitions. They were very appreciative.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 3.75pt 7.5pt 0cm;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">The three sportsmen, who all have a learning disability, were a delight to meet and talk to and they do not let their disability hold them back. They love playing sport and competing and the twins in particular, were extremely knowledgeable about all sports.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">Faith Forum Co-ordinator Fakhara Rehman emphasised that the Faith Forum is all inclusive and welcomes people from every group in society, especially people with disabilities.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">We all wish them well and hope the cash boost will help them to enjoy their sporting endeavours and be even more successful.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-I7lTskxcaLFWcJryuoaOafHD1H0WvZMvpc082qa2QApHda-gWPfy27kX7XkbTOpBPO9kBBq68zEsQW5A_4isP8wXcf0OyU-uu4hmus8cQ_EPYsWPN6ZsggNla9hlr2Ka4z-67xBcy3Qe/s1600/IMG_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-I7lTskxcaLFWcJryuoaOafHD1H0WvZMvpc082qa2QApHda-gWPfy27kX7XkbTOpBPO9kBBq68zEsQW5A_4isP8wXcf0OyU-uu4hmus8cQ_EPYsWPN6ZsggNla9hlr2Ka4z-67xBcy3Qe/s320/IMG_1915.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-11092086430562245812011-04-01T23:31:00.000-07:002011-04-03T10:39:05.973-07:00Children First<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H42M8AXj_svHIR8uXXs9aFQu7XOztamAiC_yJRaStZEWeTzRrwGRVuD3FGcevKQ6K1XOjizUjJzV8g-kcBU7D3jD5xyoHwYHCcpBQp2hTn2M1DXbaXIVVjdTSjs6YndyB58p2n820YP0/s1600/ChildrenFirst+c1-4-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8H42M8AXj_svHIR8uXXs9aFQu7XOztamAiC_yJRaStZEWeTzRrwGRVuD3FGcevKQ6K1XOjizUjJzV8g-kcBU7D3jD5xyoHwYHCcpBQp2hTn2M1DXbaXIVVjdTSjs6YndyB58p2n820YP0/s320/ChildrenFirst+c1-4-11.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cllr Shabir Pandor and myself with Mubashar Nabi and Children First colleague</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype><shape id="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 81pt; margin-left: -29.5pt; margin-top: 56.4pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: margin; mso-position-vertical-relative: margin; position: absolute; width: 109.75pt; z-index: 251660288;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="ChildrenFirst c1-4-11" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\PETERO~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata><wrap anchorx="margin" anchory="margin" type="square"></wrap></shape><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I attended the presentation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at PKWA, given by Mubashar Nabi, Chief Executive of the Pakistan children’s charity, Children First. My ward colleague Shabir Pandor also attended, as did several other councillors. It was an informative and enjoyable evening. The scale of their operation was astounding. In addition to their work in general, to improve the lives of children, they initiated an emergency response programme in the aftermath of the flash floods in Muzzaffarabad. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They explained what they have achieved in the last year, which is awe-inspiring. Their vision is a society where children and their best interests come first.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Their mission:</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Protecting children from neglect, abuse and exploitation;</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Increasing access and quality of education</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Expanding livelihood opportunities for the poor;</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Improving community physical infrastructure;</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Developing institutional capacities for disaster risk reduction and response to emergencies.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They are funded by ten organisations including the UN, the British High Commission and the British Council. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2010 was a challenging year for children in Pakistan and many were pushed into the labour market in order to survive. Children First remained committed to working with children to inspire dramatic change in their situation. They continue to increase their work in education, health and child protection and have a specific focus on child survival and maternal health. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Children First’s core values include child protection, gender equality and non-discrimination. They reached 170,000 children last year and in the coming year, aim to expand work in community participation and support for women.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">They collaborate with local partners, government departments and international partners so that by working together, we can bring lasting change to the lives of children and help them realise their dreams. They would like to expand their work to Britain and are keen to set up exchange visits between young people in diaspora regions of the UK and Pakistan.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Omar Farooq, Chair of Children First, said Children First must ensure that the cause of the child never wavers for it is our children that carry our hopes for a better world.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The presentation and the conversation afterwards, left me in no doubt that this is an organisation which does invaluable work to improve the lives of children in Pakistan. Communities like ours, which include a significant proportion of the Pakistani diaspora, should do all we can to support them.</span></div>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-37750675838164324052011-03-30T22:40:00.000-07:002011-04-03T15:20:24.556-07:00Celebrating Young People’s Achievement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemnamAYH9G7r4QWpbNIytSZbmRerezEg-KekSC8fwNquv5_7xyZAUpAH_ZCo54ZPO8boCXk_WDDinXASNtF4zpH_WY8198Qb5Myg9p-4YyaN-QkVIGjyMB23TtrU9rbV4RzaDoBFJ8kzc/s1600/YP130-3-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemnamAYH9G7r4QWpbNIytSZbmRerezEg-KekSC8fwNquv5_7xyZAUpAH_ZCo54ZPO8boCXk_WDDinXASNtF4zpH_WY8198Qb5Myg9p-4YyaN-QkVIGjyMB23TtrU9rbV4RzaDoBFJ8kzc/s320/YP130-3-11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I attended the annual presentation evening for Kirklees Young People’s Service at Batley Town Hall this evening. The title <b>‘Celebrating Young People’s Achievement’</b> was chosen because the aim was for young people to not only be presented with accreditation and certificates for their success but also to give them the opportunity to present, perform and showcase their talents and achievement.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We enjoyed dance, music, presentations and drama from a sample of YPS projects. It was great to celebrate and be proud of our young people, the vast majority of whom do </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFj3b7qIYTdWf1mnTqCr37HEgnlyoi0GtqT7Vx0ytWdPavOc1dcnnTPaSrTLThLB53j_yXEI9RJC19iNv2cPimlOQw7oXWpH3PgxKPy0m5i_2JK6kryEzO6tYHq83SvwxybvXTHGHHXYw/s1600/YP4-30-3-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFj3b7qIYTdWf1mnTqCr37HEgnlyoi0GtqT7Vx0ytWdPavOc1dcnnTPaSrTLThLB53j_yXEI9RJC19iNv2cPimlOQw7oXWpH3PgxKPy0m5i_2JK6kryEzO6tYHq83SvwxybvXTHGHHXYw/s320/YP4-30-3-11.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">many good things which are scarcely recognised. The media always seem ready to highlight the bad behaviour of a tiny majority as if it is typical of all young people.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The high point of the evening for me was a drama by the Yorkshire Mixtures (LGBT) young people’s group. They depicted how homophobic bullying drove a boy to attempt suicide. It was a moving and thought provoking drama.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was also great to meet a sporting legend, Robbie Paul, the rugby league legend. He spoke about his time in Batley, coaching boys from Wilton and Fieldhead not knowing they were rival estates. Both groups got on extremely well. He also told us what he thinks are the four important qualities that are required to excel in any field. The first letter of each spell CRAP.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqygrzmFpg-A75isqeZ-o4J1gwl4X6WdFP2CdUy8xiz57_7Tsnx-aM8Wpp_uu9zrXxig8RP3QkFa9g6vUv5zbpwQ15egj6nmVpcUzoSaFzGUrOz_qD6HGTsK7BZ81nTSaaEPcV14hvkr_u/s1600/BW+-+Robbie+Paul30-3-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqygrzmFpg-A75isqeZ-o4J1gwl4X6WdFP2CdUy8xiz57_7Tsnx-aM8Wpp_uu9zrXxig8RP3QkFa9g6vUv5zbpwQ15egj6nmVpcUzoSaFzGUrOz_qD6HGTsK7BZ81nTSaaEPcV14hvkr_u/s320/BW+-+Robbie+Paul30-3-11.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rugby legend Robbie Paul with the Batley West councillors</td></tr>
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</div>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-87330595187435867462011-03-26T22:03:00.000-07:002011-04-14T01:56:30.546-07:00Sudden Illness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwT7v_yj7gyHTDBXq4Kq-ActnbiSuZLuk4vgmbosvfFx_FLlu7_bh7VtTfn56ZfT9zZhQoh_SmHoLArqEaZa2eRhOkmU9dNU9tX164Xu9wjdVD24KdbMNNRa7QA-qdvOsCZSzfAK_4Y2P_/s1600/peter4-30-3-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwT7v_yj7gyHTDBXq4Kq-ActnbiSuZLuk4vgmbosvfFx_FLlu7_bh7VtTfn56ZfT9zZhQoh_SmHoLArqEaZa2eRhOkmU9dNU9tX164Xu9wjdVD24KdbMNNRa7QA-qdvOsCZSzfAK_4Y2P_/s320/peter4-30-3-11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">Unfortunately, a week ago, on Saturday evening, 19<sup>th</sup> March, I suffered a stroke. I lost all feeling and movement in my left arm and leg and the left side of my face went numb. I knew immediately I was suffering a stroke and thought to myself, my career is finished! However I was lucky, it was a transient stroke, a transient ischaemia attack (TIA) to give it its medical term. It was caused by a blockage to a blood vessel, stopping the flow of blood to the brain. This eventual disperses and normal function is restored. The more serious type is a burst blood vessel which does not repair itself easily so is more permanent.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">The ambulance arrived after 4 minutes I am told, and the paramedics took good care of me, got me to Pinderfields hospital very quickly and I soon came round whilst in the ambulance. I am indebted <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to the paramedics for their swift response and care!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">Unfortunately, whilst in A & E I suffered another stroke. This happened while I was on a trolley, not fully dressed, with electronic contacts all over my body, being monitored and feeling fragile. I was scarcely able to speak, I just wanted to be left in peace, and allow the professionals to do what was necessary. However my wife needed someone to comfort her and was delighted when her sister arrived, she brought her into the cubicle to see me but it was the last thing I needed and caused <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>me to have another stroke. Luckily it was short-lived. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">I was kept in hospital for 48 hours and was seen by a consultant, who said I could be discharged, subject to all the tests being positive. I had an ultra-sound scan on my neck to check for blocked arteries which showed none were blocked but narrowing had occurred. The physiotherapist and occupational therapist gave me the OK and I was given a list of exercises to strengthen my left arm and leg. I received my medications and discharge letter that evening and was happy to go home after thanking the nursing staff for the wonderful care I received.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">My relatives and friends had been notified that I had suffered a stroke and feared the worst. Unfortunately they had not been told it was a mini stroke and I had recovered, which is a great shame because it caused them unnecessary alarm and upset. I would have preferred them not to have been told.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif";">I am now well on the way to a full recovery as can be seen by this recent photo, and I am looking forward to my election campaign. When I am re-elected I will re-assess my situation.</span></div>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-46126559195715694902011-03-19T16:02:00.000-07:002011-04-01T04:11:40.210-07:00Wilton TRA's Grow Your Own Event<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOANnqDIQqs8caFufouyAKiXC0FYWRjsf4ToRWccxudWB6oqDKeqGsso9yTrPAPikCd6fsAKc60srdBNB9l-Ux7WbYLirLIUaoQcwimWbD-4kGLZ8evkAmqtUod7Hvni3iydfrpHoZ4oiG/s1600/gro+your+own2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOANnqDIQqs8caFufouyAKiXC0FYWRjsf4ToRWccxudWB6oqDKeqGsso9yTrPAPikCd6fsAKc60srdBNB9l-Ux7WbYLirLIUaoQcwimWbD-4kGLZ8evkAmqtUod7Hvni3iydfrpHoZ4oiG/s320/gro+your+own2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was a lively atmosphere at Bleak House for the KNH Grow Your Own Event on Saturday (19<sup>th</sup> March). 40 children from Wilton Estate came along to plant sunflower seeds in a competition to see who could grow the tallest sunflower. Cash prizes will be awarded in July, to the three winners. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was also a clown who made funny shapes out of balloons, face-painting, party food and a free raffle. Cllr Peter O’Neill drew<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the winning tickets for three lucky children who each got an Easter egg. Everyone had a great time! </span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJIfKRsKxEwVk1a5MTd3rKc0JONlN4CNvk3LgSt5pxq30CGe-pnkq4-eUE8hV8P0fclaexfY5l48_1TsIPO5BB4ys0CWlc9a3jA-yN2zsxXsqlL22cKNcfHXX9IllDyFucQIxZfWlAJSs/s1600/gro+your+own1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJIfKRsKxEwVk1a5MTd3rKc0JONlN4CNvk3LgSt5pxq30CGe-pnkq4-eUE8hV8P0fclaexfY5l48_1TsIPO5BB4ys0CWlc9a3jA-yN2zsxXsqlL22cKNcfHXX9IllDyFucQIxZfWlAJSs/s320/gro+your+own1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-50667638712351437252011-03-17T22:23:00.000-07:002011-04-09T05:17:37.110-07:00Kirklees Women’s Alliance International Women’s Day Conference<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMsWXVeVGgBfJX9n620mWBzpJxc_42X8LQQUu3ijq7xzZ0IJS7LWviJJAPkXIXiilzEFmoSlXTPSUO6v1JVh89n3WWCdBxeLRRCrpZOed_ZcZtHerD41OK-DP1nTpv_yUVoqj7HDdLtCr/s1600/Dewsbury+Reporter+2049+-+International+Women%2527s+Day+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMsWXVeVGgBfJX9n620mWBzpJxc_42X8LQQUu3ijq7xzZ0IJS7LWviJJAPkXIXiilzEFmoSlXTPSUO6v1JVh89n3WWCdBxeLRRCrpZOed_ZcZtHerD41OK-DP1nTpv_yUVoqj7HDdLtCr/s320/Dewsbury+Reporter+2049+-+International+Women%2527s+Day+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This year’s conference celebrating International Women’s Day, was held at Dewsbury Town Hall on St Patrick’s Day. It focused on the inequalities that still exist despite women’s participation and immense contribution to the political, social and economic landscape of this country.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubvuNUrt9LKpaJMAFj7dJVftDHZPMJISEOH6wkwIQrxUPiti8v-XIcZaHpG8c2EV3CNSuL4Q7SEzPf42eg_cPSQJXphpLesKJi0nPM3939Z8MwRUYcQWIC19rwpqn6_f1rJWhL45v8W-Z/s1600/Dewsbury+Reporter+2049+-+International+Women%2527s+Day+164BB+P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubvuNUrt9LKpaJMAFj7dJVftDHZPMJISEOH6wkwIQrxUPiti8v-XIcZaHpG8c2EV3CNSuL4Q7SEzPf42eg_cPSQJXphpLesKJi0nPM3939Z8MwRUYcQWIC19rwpqn6_f1rJWhL45v8W-Z/s200/Dewsbury+Reporter+2049+-+International+Women%2527s+Day+164BB+P.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> The speakers: representatives of the Southall Black Sisters who serve the needs of black women, Karen Moore of the London Resource Centre which supports Million Women Rise and Beatrice Botomani of the Bradford Refugee Forum whom I met last year at the Why Refugee Women Charter in Leeds. </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Also the Mayor was present and gave his speech which came after my speech to the conference. I felt it was a great honour to be asked to address the conference, I enjoyed the experience and was humbled by the warmth of the reception from the audience. I had the opportunity to read my poem which encapsulates much of how I feel about women, “Women have strengths that amaze”. It was received rapturously!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There were various workshops which considered how women are affected by poverty, domestic violence, homelessness, offending behaviour, substance misuse and healing through creativity. I and all the other delegates thoroughly enjoyed the day and I for one, am already looking forward to next year’s conference.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0sFDwTHUg5HWQtXubX9A8D6gnHu7t8aivG2nUHwf8h3AG0vMbIBKjx0DpfSLLwn4jq_AKMgErvPw5IH05EZz4rIHoDN5eglsQdphvancDr4hlJ15X4EdFeX0Gj2bQIshx2POAxrqeEmx/s1600/Dewsbury+Reporter+2049+-+International+Women%2527s+Day+172APF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0sFDwTHUg5HWQtXubX9A8D6gnHu7t8aivG2nUHwf8h3AG0vMbIBKjx0DpfSLLwn4jq_AKMgErvPw5IH05EZz4rIHoDN5eglsQdphvancDr4hlJ15X4EdFeX0Gj2bQIshx2POAxrqeEmx/s200/Dewsbury+Reporter+2049+-+International+Women%2527s+Day+172APF.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anayat, myself and Fakhara</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Congratulations and thanks are owed to Supriya, Habi and Fakhara for their inspiration, dedication and hard work which made the conference the success it was and also for their continuing commitment to KWA. </span></div>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-37570074645643790682011-03-14T19:30:00.000-07:002011-03-15T18:51:30.865-07:00Diabetes Expert Patients' Programme Final Session<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkjgCUEctdTB-CMWAIy0ILjopjVqO4-yuoDhsyIVw-A1uzbD4jrPdbcACa2kPmoFdcBWQI1nBNqugwoGTPXXxnKV7Hurp4Z17SUjNFCBZvloRXihIrh7KKuliFICSMmQ0dysUNDRuac0a/s1600/IMG_1842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkjgCUEctdTB-CMWAIy0ILjopjVqO4-yuoDhsyIVw-A1uzbD4jrPdbcACa2kPmoFdcBWQI1nBNqugwoGTPXXxnKV7Hurp4Z17SUjNFCBZvloRXihIrh7KKuliFICSMmQ0dysUNDRuac0a/s320/IMG_1842.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I dropped in to see the final group on the final session of the Diabetes Expert Patients Programme today. I wanted to say hello and well done for having the resilience to stick it out to the end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think it is a very valuable programme, well worth the investmenty that Batley councillors made last year. Its the fourth programme run in Batley since last summer. There has been excellent feedback, so we know it works.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It supports people to manage their condition allowing them to enjoy a good quality of life. It allows people to stay in control of the condition, instead of it being in control of the the person. It allows us to learn from and support each other and realise we are not alone.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The value of the programme is demonstrated by the volunteers who come back to help out. In this case, we have three volunteers, Jamilia, Dennis and Jim who have actually delivered the programme!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It sad that this is the last session as everyone has made friends with each other but there is no reason why they should not stay in touch. Hopefully they will join the self-support group of people from the previous programmes, who meet monthly to have a coffee and a chat. This would allow them to update each other on what they are doing, if they are reaching their weekly achievable targets and if not, to receive the encouragement to succeed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">In the current economic climate, prevention is the only sensible direction for the NHS to move in. Prevention is vital for the survival of the health and social care services.</span>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-53278966637205202542011-03-12T18:18:00.000-08:002011-03-12T18:26:58.096-08:00Sport in Bradford Open Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cGQnW5ns2zYha_iPp_gLTEe0BmV3aq9tecFTa_uHSeX1ahh26D9E2zj1tMPuRQomeROO7we4wJnI82COHPPjQAS9IhKUWAA3FXwIExmcIXVKNqQldRmTI73oFzllFW5YwSyaWcrCAjoh/s1600/IMG_1839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I attended this Sporting Heroes event at Odsal Stadium today, at the invitation of the West Yorkshire Archive Service. There was memorabilia from the Bulls, City and Park Avenue and some interesting archive material.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cGQnW5ns2zYha_iPp_gLTEe0BmV3aq9tecFTa_uHSeX1ahh26D9E2zj1tMPuRQomeROO7we4wJnI82COHPPjQAS9IhKUWAA3FXwIExmcIXVKNqQldRmTI73oFzllFW5YwSyaWcrCAjoh/s320/IMG_1839.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">John Mason of the Bulls Foundation, who leads The Past Times Project, holds the Cup along with me.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sporting heritage is an area which surprisingly, is rarely given sufficient attention, even though sport has a massive impact on the lives of most people, either as participants or spectators. Sport brings great pleasure to families with a family member who takes part, as was the case with our family. Our son Sean had a 10 year career in junior football including 4 years as a Bradford City junior player at the centre of excellence and the family rarely missed a match. At university, he chose to play rugby union. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our past sporting heroes are great role models and inspire young people to be active and keep fit and to live responsible lives.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was very interesting seeing a DVD showing all the sporting events that use to take place at Odsal such as speedway motor cycle racing and stock car races. The stadium was used for tennis tournaments in the1930s and Bradford City played their home matches there, following the fire in1984. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was interesting to hear about the heritage project that the Bulls are undertaking, which includes capturing the memories of players and fans. Also, great to get the chance to pose with the Rugby League Cup, even though it was a replica.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The most interesting part of the exhibition was the display dedicated to lieutenant Donald Bell, a Bradford Park Avenue player who died in the battle of the Somme in 1916 and was awarded the Victoria Cross for valour. He is the only professional footballer to be awarded the Victoria Cross and the FA have bought it so it can be publicly displayed.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sdDvLN54uJi1DvcWQeaQgKB_1vaYXkT3fhd3KVIQBtaWAs8FzmqT6bvZeOQ-90ffLqBQYQxGIY0npt6pbmynnzmPcfNM8brpVxReKEHwbHhHPmxLbtD6-VTMr5cEwrcVHrjSs7b8VELv/s1600/IMG_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sdDvLN54uJi1DvcWQeaQgKB_1vaYXkT3fhd3KVIQBtaWAs8FzmqT6bvZeOQ-90ffLqBQYQxGIY0npt6pbmynnzmPcfNM8brpVxReKEHwbHhHPmxLbtD6-VTMr5cEwrcVHrjSs7b8VELv/s320/IMG_1840.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"> <stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope sport fans in Bradford, take the opportunity to visit the exhibition.</span></div></shapetype><shape id="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 220.5pt; width: 294pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="IMG_1839" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\PETERO~1\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata></shape></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"> </div>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-43441578309415768322011-03-10T22:50:00.000-08:002011-03-13T15:25:55.804-07:00Visit to Holmfirth Fairtraders’ Co-operative<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib-WrEYz2dntwaQKMg6xWbCSOyKaYMf8hDWdH57s4mJvbieZr5Sof9n-fc1h_iCPcDKJKC_0W4x804ofHGpke_JNrxq_X8AWKpZZFvxlwe74nNP1WPBqYMGPLot_YdwmugsTJpQVrxWVc/s1600/IMG_1837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiib-WrEYz2dntwaQKMg6xWbCSOyKaYMf8hDWdH57s4mJvbieZr5Sof9n-fc1h_iCPcDKJKC_0W4x804ofHGpke_JNrxq_X8AWKpZZFvxlwe74nNP1WPBqYMGPLot_YdwmugsTJpQVrxWVc/s320/IMG_1837.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veronica, myself,Carol, Helen and John at the Holmfirth Fairtraders' Co-operative</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I visited the Fairtraders’ Co-operative at 32 – 34 Huddersfield Road Holmfirth, for the first time today. I went to meet Veronica Pasteur, Head of Campaigns at the Fairtrade Foundation. She was visiting Holmfirth during Fairtrade Fortnight and the previous evening she spoke on “The Great Cotton Stitch-up”. She wanted to see the Fairtraders’ Co-operative and was also keen to connect with Kirklees Council in view of our successful bid for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fairtrade town</i> status for Huddersfield. In recognition of the outstanding bid, the steering group submitted, fair-trade status was also awarded to the whole of Kirklees. Veronica was full of praise and admiration for this as well as for the co-operative.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Fairtrade Co-operative was an absolute wonder, packed full of colourful treasures to fire the imagination in a building that has a very special atmosphere and character. It was a mini department store of must have delights. I wondered, is this Holmfirth’s best kept secret? I had never seen or heard of it before but I will spread the good news.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I also met John Drewery of the Fairtrade Co-operative, and Helen, the buyer for the business. She told us of the strict vetting procedure goods are put through before they are considered for sale in the shop. Every aspect is taken into account, including not only manufacture, but also the raw materials, the suppliers and the methods of transport. The provenance of every constituent used in the manufacturing process is checked. A star system of 1 to 5 stars, is used to grade goods according to their level of fairtade and environment friendly status. Very few goods with less than 2 stars, are awarded the fair-trade quality marque allowing them to be stocked in the shop for sale. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Cost is a priority issue. Fairness for producers and consumers has to be considered and also the business has to be profitable or at least break even, which means that the price has to be right. Some producers price their goods out of the market. Also they have to be careful not to compete with the local shops, who are very supportive of the venture.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This project is an inspiration! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All those who helped set it up and those who work hard, day to day as volunteers, to further the cause of trade justice, should be very proud of their endeavours. They are harnessing the essence of human spirit, a belief in fairness and justice, for the creative benefit of our society. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1802722085692248489.post-68341055575812924372011-01-28T22:57:00.000-08:002011-03-13T17:03:33.044-07:00Launch of the West Yorkshire Labour MPs campaign against police cuts - Friday 28th January 2011, outside West Yorkshire Police Head Quarters.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJ1yGlfnCPcF8nu3OGimO1rLpnd6T5P6dK-mEXfLUC56c6IYRhF7T6hMmW-L0x8I0fYCJyvBNeuSe1xylsgSw7C2vWifXGWBAnijwcZEs5FdVeKimBGBflUJN82OAny_KpQx5TBhjAWRC/s1600/policecutskirklees1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJ1yGlfnCPcF8nu3OGimO1rLpnd6T5P6dK-mEXfLUC56c6IYRhF7T6hMmW-L0x8I0fYCJyvBNeuSe1xylsgSw7C2vWifXGWBAnijwcZEs5FdVeKimBGBflUJN82OAny_KpQx5TBhjAWRC/s320/policecutskirklees1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cllr Mary Harkin, myself,Amanda Stubley, Cllr Mehboob Khan, Mike Wood MP</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper launched Labour’s campaign against police cuts in West Yorkshire today. Ed Balls had been leading this campaign which Yvette is now fronting and she said she is keen that Labour continues to challenge the Tory – led government on cuts to frontline police officers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Yvette was joined by Ed, Mary Creagh – (in whose constituency the campaign was launched), and other West Yorkshire colleagues including Hilary Benn, Mike Wood, Gerry Sutcliffe, Fabian Hamilton and also councillors from Kirklees, Wakefield and Calderdale, at the Police Headquarters in Wakefield, to formally launch our West Yorkshire police cuts campaign. </span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Yvette told us that she and Ed had met with Sir Norman Bettison the Chief Constable and Mark Burns-Williamson. She explained that Sir Norman has been put in an impossible position by the government which has asked him to find cuts of more than 20 per cent in central government funding over four years, and front loading those cuts so around 15% needs to be found in just two years.</span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In West Yorkshire, we face losing over 500 officers and 1500 staff in total has been announced so it is time for us to begin campaigning more vigorously to highlight this short-sighted decision which risks the safety of the communities we represent.</span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">West Yorkshire has been particularly hard hit, like Greater Manchester and the West Midlands because a larger percentage of the police force’s budget comes from central government funding unlike low crime Surrey where around half of total funding comes from the local council tax precept. </span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBBTLPdB4k5qeou3Ff1jKyiBSfXdjd2cweNaot3QiNwKXrzXpvHqwZBbWUe-6X8LwcWxKqEzqhGuY_NoCaieYnGBHNFTg-KH8cS69sIL634G6iayvTAo61tvpsUCU9SEZzjd_G47iSdvg/s1600/edballspeteramanda.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBBTLPdB4k5qeou3Ff1jKyiBSfXdjd2cweNaot3QiNwKXrzXpvHqwZBbWUe-6X8LwcWxKqEzqhGuY_NoCaieYnGBHNFTg-KH8cS69sIL634G6iayvTAo61tvpsUCU9SEZzjd_G47iSdvg/s320/edballspeteramanda.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself, Ed Balls MP, Amanda Stubley</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">PLP Brief</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Police numbers</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">The Government has confirmed that Police budgets throughout the country face real terms cuts of 7.5 per cent in 2011/12 and 8.7 per cent in 2012/13 (HOC Library calculations)</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Police funding will be cut by 20 per cent over the next four years, and the government is taking big risks with the public’s safety and undermining the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">When Labour left office there were record numbers of police on the street, nearly 17,000 more than in 1997 in addition to 16,000 new PCSOs</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Helped by the record number of police officers, crime fell by 43 per cent under Labour and the chance of being a victim of crime was at a thirty year low. But the government’s reckless cuts to policing and crime prevention will put all this progress at risk. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">The speed and scale of the government’s cuts have put police forces in an impossible position. A number of forces have already announced plans to lose thousands of police officers, blowing apart the government’s claims that the frontline will be protected.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">The cuts are also ‘frontloaded’ – they will be larger for the first two years of this Parliament making it even harder to make longer-term efficiency savings and putting more pressure on police forces to cut officer numbers</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">The first Police Officer numbers released since the Tory-led Government took office show that around 2,000 full time police officers have already been lost since the General Election</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">This fall in numbers was for the period before the Government’s 20 per cent cut to police funding was announced and we fear they are only the thin end of the wedge</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Policing Minister Nick Herbert said the fall in police numbers was "not surprising”These cuts go way beyond what experts believe can be achieved through efficiency savings and better procurement. As coalition Ministers have regularly quoted, a report from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, Valuing the Police: policing in an age of austerity published in July, said that a “re-design” of the police system could “at best... save 12% of central government funding, while maintaining police availability”. Front-loaded cuts of 20% go significantly beyond that. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">The Home Secretary has abjectly failed to fight the corner of the police in these Spending Review negotiations and it will fall to the Labour Party to stand up for the law-abiding public against these reckless cuts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">Directly elected police and crime commissioners</span></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">At the same time as inflicting savage cuts to police funding that will mean thousands fewer police, the Government is committed to subjecting the police to an unwanted organisational upheaval – replacing police authorities with 42 directly elected police and crime commissioners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">This controversial top-down experiment goes against a 150 year tradition of keeping politics out of day to day policing. It raises the very real prospect of a politician telling a Chief Constable how to do their job.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">People will be rightly angry that at the same time as cutting funding for frontline police, the government wants to spend over £100m – the equivalent of 600 full time police officers - on bringing in directly elected police commissioners. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;">It will risk politicising the police at a huge cost to the taxpayer, yet a single elected police chief for an area as large as the West Midlands, Greater Manchester or North Wales will do little to improve local police accountability.</span></li>
</ul>Cllr Peter O'Neillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10734357177209152741noreply@blogger.com0