Harry Leslie Smith on defending the NHS

91 year old Harry Leslie Smith remembers the time before the NHS when his sister suffered from TB and had to go into the workhouse hospital to die.

Democracy Day: "Have you voted yet? Nah... There's gonna be a Peoples' Revolution any minute..."

Today is "Democracy Day" the 750 anniversary of the first ever Parliament in Westminster. There was a fascinating debate on Radio 4 "Today" this morning which resulted in sparks between young and old about feelings of disenfranchisement with politics and accusations of laziness. It was noted that neither side really understood each other.

Check out Kitty Jones thoughts on Non Voters. She is not one to pull her punches.

Which side are you on...

    A moving union song by the late and great Pete Seeger... "Will you be a lousy scab or will you be a man". 

Update: check the origins of the song

Enfield Chase Walk (and where a Nazi Monster admitted his Shame)

Today I went for my first country walk of 2015. Trent County Park in Enfield Chase, North London is a remnant of an ancient Royal hunting ground.

This pathfinder walk was only 4 miles (but we got lost and added another couple of miles I think). It was cold but the winter sunshine and shadows was lovely.

The country mansion Trent House,  which  you can see across the lake in the photo was during the 2nd World War a prisoner of war camp for senior German officers including 84 Generals. The British "bugged" the camp and recorded  many conversations between prisoners. Some of secret recordings let to the RAF bombing previously unknown German rocket research sites.

What struck me most was the recording of General Dietrich von Choltitz who was quoted as saying in October 1944: "We all share the guilt. We went along with everything, and we half-took the Nazis seriously, instead of saying "to hell with you and your stupid nonsense". I misled my soldiers into believing this rubbish. I feel utterly ashamed of myself. Perhaps we bear even more guilt than these uneducated animals."

This was a man who refused orders by Hitler to destroy Paris in the second world war but who ordered the murder of thousands of Jewish civilians in Russia.

The walk is a history feast with its Water Gardens, monuments and medieval Camlet moat. Only 30 minutes from Forest Gate. Well recommended.

Update: further photos from walk on Facebook here

It's My Party And I'll Cry if I Want to...

Wonderful song..

Election of CIH London Regional Board 2015

I have just voted on-line for a new Chartered Institute of Housing Regional Board for London. I had to support my former Tower Hamlets colleague Jan Taranzuk. The only Chief officer I have ever known who use to work in Housing and at the same time live in an inner city estate.

The closing date for receipt of ballots is Wednesday 21 January 2015 at 6pm

Don't let the Tories Kill the Health Service: Vote Labour on May 7th

This has not been commissioned by the Labour Party but by The Independent who invited ad agency companies to think up posters for all political parties. Actually, I hope the Party uses it!

The Guv's common sense message to the UK

Well, I never - Pub Landlord Al Murray standing against UKIP and Farage as Parliamentary candidate for FUKP in South Thanet.

Personal Injuries, Workers Memorial Day & Bite Sized Intro to Health and Safety at Work

The picture is from a course I helped run last year for my UNISON branch on Health and Safety. It was organised by our Outreach Worker, Andy Robinson and the guest speaker was Personal Injury lawyer from Thompsons solicitors, Shamoona Sheikh (right of photo).

Shamoona spoke about the free legal help and support that Thompsons give UNISON members. This includes personal injuries and accidents inside and outside of work. Unlike other law firms they will not take part of any damages awarded and they - not you - will pay for medical reports and any costs.

Thompsons also provides employment law advice to UNISON on unfair dismissal, discrimination, TUPE etc as well as as 24 hour criminal law helpline. They also give out free wills, advice on Criminal injuries compensation claims and run a conveyancing service. If you are an UNISON member you can get a free 30 minute telephone advice session on practically any legal matter.

I gave a talk about carrying out union workplace safety inspections then took people around on a "walkabout" inspection. I recommended that activists should try and hold a workplace safety inspection during the forthcoming "Workers Memorial Day" on 28 April 2015. This is not only a day to remember those who have been killed at work or died of industrial injuries but is also a campaigning day for health and safety. So it would be fitting to try and do something practical regarding health and safety on or about Tuesday 28 April 2015.

(black and white picture because the yellow fluorescence safety vest I was wearing made me look somewhat radio active!)

Stand Up for Labour: Theatre Royal, Stratford, 9 March 2015

Reserve the evening of 9 March in your diary. It was agreed at tonights West Ham Labour Party Executive to go ahead with a fund raising event at the historic Theatre Royal, Stratford East, West Ham, East London.

Lyn Brown MP is helping to organise the event and proceeds will be shared with our West Ham Labour Party "Twin" (and Labour target seat) Ilford North to help them get Wes Streeting elected as their MP in May. 

"Stand up for Labour" have arranged for 3 very special comedians to perform (including one secret star appearance).

Booking details to follow. Watch this space.