Jacqui's leaving Do: 29 Years as Tower Hamlets UNISON Admin Officer

 

On Friday evening I went to the London Hospital Tavern in Whitechapel for the "leaving do" for Jacqui (in blue on right). Jacqui had been a key support officer for Tower Hamlets UNISON Local Government Branch for 29 years. I used to be the Assistant Branch Secretary (for local government AP&T grades - which I was never that sure what that meant?) for many years before I was TUPEd out (with an absolute Pension promise, which is another story).

Jacqui and her colleague Bernie (see left of picture in blue Jeans) where the bedrock of the branch (alongside other colleagues) for all the time I was there. They were both competent, friendly, helpful, cheerful and reliable. What more can you ask for in a hugely busy office which has, what can I say, very "demanding" members and Branch officers. 

There were a number of long standing activists (Shaz) there as well as the previous 3 branch secretaries John Mac, Jean G and even Derek R, as well as former admin officer Kath. 

I had to leave early to go to another commitment but best of luck to Jacqui with her new career move and thanks to current Tower Hamlets Branch Secretary, Kerri-Anne for a wonderful goodbye speech.

Colin Parsons RIP

I learnt yesterday from Montrose Matty of the death of Colin (see on left of picture with stripped tee-shirt during the Tower Hamlets Housing Strike of 1999) .

Monty and I worked with Colin in  Bow, East London for a number of years.

It is really sad to hear that he has gone. My condolences to his family and friends.

A former meat delivery driver, East End Publican, Self taught IT expert, Tower Hamlets Housing officer and the self-deprecating purveyor of some of the worse jokes and puns known to man. Colin will be missed.

Jim Fitzpatrick MP: West Ham Labour Guest Speaker

Last night Jim was the guest speaker at our monthly West Ham Labour Party General Committee meeting. The Former fire-fighter and trade union activist will be the Labour Party Parliamentary candidate for the new seat of Poplar and Limehouse in our sister borough of Tower Hamlets. Due to boundary changes and gentrification Jim is facing a very strong challenge from a Tory Merchant Banker and of course the loathsome opportunist Gorgeous “George Galloway”

Jim came over really well. Despite the enormous pressure he must be under he was relaxed, articulate and self confident.

He explained clearly what are the political problems he and the local Party are facing, why this has come about and what he is doing about it.

Our GC delegates of Bangladeshi origin were the first to congratulate Jim on his speech and to support him and his comments about those who try their best to divide our communities and whip up hate and mistrust.

I thought he went down really well and in the post GC analysis in the pub - some West Ham GC delegates - who have let us say not always been amongst his greatest fans in the past were impressed with his speech and have offered to help him and his CLP out in the forthcoming election.

By co-incidence last week after the House of Commons UNISON Labour Link Housing Association meeting with Minister John Healy MP we bumped into Jim on the way out in the central Lobby. One of the UNISON members with me was a constituent of Jim, who despite being a little bit shy, made me stop everyone so I can introduce her to him so she could thank him personally for the work he had done as her MP to help out her local organisation.

Good bloke. Nuf said.

Must lobby him personally on the "Campaign for Dignity and Respect" for workers in Notting Hill Housing Trust.

I will be helping out Tower Hamlets TULO with organising local Labour Party supporting trade union canvass and leafleting teams in Limehouse & Poplar as well as Bethnal Green & Bow.

(Picture of Jim supporting UNISON Workers Memorial Day ceremony outside Tower Hamlets Town Hall)