Newham Council AGM 2013

Last night (Thursday 16 May) was the Annual General Meeting of Newham Council, held in the main hall of the historic Old Town Hall in Stratford, Newham.

This is an important formal civic meeting. The Chair and Deputy Chair of Council is elected, Committee and Executive arrangements are announced while the Overview & Scrutiny and Audit reports are published.

At the beginning pupils from Selwyn Primary school had entertained guests with music (who had learnt to play under the Council "Every Child A Musician" programme"). 

The Newham Mayor, Sir Robins Wales then thanked the retiring Council head of regeneration, Clive Dutton and the 2012 Newham Young Mayor, Abraham Male.

Robin in his speech attacked the savage government cuts  that have affected our residents far more than the wealthy parts of London. The bedroom tax targets the poorest members of our society.

While millionaires nationally get a tax cut, government policies will see £13 million taken out of Newham people’s pockets in this financial year against the backdrop of a cut of a third of the Council’s budget over the last three years.

Robin believes that we must build resilience amongst Newham Residents not only to off set the cuts but to build a local society that is self reliant and more resilient. Check out his speech to the AGM here.

After the meeting there was a reception in the former West Ham Council chamber on the ground floor of the old Town Hall.

London 2012 Olympics - visit to Park for Hockey

Yesterday evening I finally went into the Olympic Park during Games to watch the Men's Hockey quarter final, GB verses Spain. I went with fellow Newham Councillors and members of the Newham Youth

Council (and the current Young Mayor Abraham Male).

We came in via Eton Manor Gate at 5pm. I bumped into some current and former UNISON staff coming the opposite way from the Swimming. The first impression of the Park is how beautiful and spacious it all is - the flowers, the greenery and the waterways. The volunteers and staff were still cheery and helpful despite this being the second week. Everything seemed to be well organised and moving smoothly.  There was clear signage and was relatively uncrowded. Lots of things to stop and stare at. Drinks and food were expensive (£8 for fish and chips!) but I believe you can bring food in (not liquids). It all reminded me (favourably) of a Walt Disney theme park.

The Hockey match itself was fast and furious and at times a little fractious. The support for the GB team was pretty overwhelming and I felt a little sorry for the Spanish players and their drowned out supporters. During a break in play the stadium PA would ask the crowd "to give a cheer for the Spanish team". Which would result in a small cheer. Then he would ask for a "cheer for the GB team" which would result in a completely deafening and massive cheer followed up by a 4 man band playing "land of hope and glory". The weather was pretty cool and there was the occasional spot of rain. No one seemed to mind.

It was an exciting finish (even for non sporty me) and the final result was a 1:1 draw which meant that GB went to the next semi-final (Spain had to win to do so) which as you can imagine went down well with spectators.

The journey home went quick and straight forward and I was indoors within an hour. A special evening.