Ofsteded
I’ve just had some informal feedback on the Ofsted inspection that Knights Academy (part of the Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation that I’m a governor of) has just been through and it seems very positive indeed.
Hatcham follows next week.
When the reports are published I’ll reflect on this more fully.
In the meantime my congratulations to staff and pupils at Knights.
Graffiti in East London
I’ve never been a big fan of graffiti, probably one reason I was such an active advocate of Love Lewisham as a councillor, but I did always recognise there was often differences in the intent of those doing the deed.
That’s been brought into sharp relief by a couple of pieces of stenciling I’ve seen on my way to and from work over the last few days.
When we said New Routemaster…
You didn’t take us seriously did you?
It’s enough to give a politician a bad name…
(Via The Tory Troll)
links for 2008-05-15
-
three dates in May
-
there’s going to be some scrutiny into what’s going on
-
In the end what they spend
is no reflection
on the wholesome two point twosome who fill their
trolleys across Lewisham. -
what it did, what it’s about, and what it will do
-
The Mayor battles on, Caford girl with good hair and guerrilla gardening, Henry packs it all in in his usual economical way
-
the opening of the St Matthew Academy’s new library
-
A Green’s perspective of their vote in Lewisham
-
Martin can’t hide his happiness
-
24Gold Radio have a podcast, including an interview with Sue who manages to use the word “modal”
-
Socialist Unity gives a Respect view saying that Chris Flood’s vote (in Telegraph Hill) was “creditable, but hardly a good indicator that the advantage of incumbency as a councillor on its own helped left candidates”
-
seems he (Dr Chilton) used to be a planner in our fair borough
-
The Bugle is understandably impressed
-
Kate is being bounced between categories
-
The Geezer is sceptical about Boris’s plans for trees, although he notes that we’ve got a lovely Dutch Elm
-
Inveresk Street Ingrate has fun at Chris Flood’s expense
-
prettying up the “bin farm”
-
Max wonders if they’re holding Council meetings anymore
The Blackheath Bugle
Don’t know how I’ve missed The Blackheath Bugle but obviously that needs to be rectified. The About page says:
Think of this as Blackheath’s local paper… If you’ve ever received a local paper in Blackheath, you’ll know that it tends not to be very local. This Blackheath blog, whilst generally not being on paper, will be local.
Anyway expect to see links to posts from the blog in the round up of Lewisham bloggery from now on.
Mayor and Cabinet 14 May 2008
Not much of an agenda as you’ll see, and it’s probably one of those meetings that are scheduled just in case the Overview & Scrutiny Business Panel take issue with any of the items that went before the Mayor and Cabinet last time.
A rare event in my day, but possibly more frequent now.
-
To report back on any matters raised by the Overview & Scrutiny Business Panel following their consideration of the decisions made by the Mayor and Cabinet on 30 April 2008.
Another Stir Fry
Can you go wrong with a stir fry?
This one is tofu marinaded in soy sauce, garlic and fresh ginger, which you shallow fry in the wok and then remove.
Then fry the onion, orange pepper, chili and greens, adding more soy and sesame oil to taste.
Return the tofu to the wok and serve over noodles.
Taser Discharges
You’ll perhaps remember me wondering whether one of our Green councillors was truly serious in worrying about Tasers being used on children.
So I’m interested in the Home Office’s figures:
The latest Taser statistics published today include figures from the first half of the Taser trial which was launched on 1 September 2007. The number of Taser usages for the period between 1 September 2007 and 29 February 2008 was 252 (236 of which were in last three months). Tasers were actually only discharged in 31 situations (of which 25 discharges were in the last three months) indicating that drawing or aiming the Taser is enough of a deterrent in most situations.
These figures are across 10 police forces and unfortunately there’s no breakdown to the Lewisham level (the Met account for 7 of the 31) or on the ages of those who have been the unhappy recipients of the shock.
But ACPO’s spokesman gives a clear view of who they think are likely to find themselves on the wrong end of this weapon:
Taser provides officers with an additional tool to defuse high risk situations involving extreme violence or the threat of such violence, protecting the public and officers from serious harm. In certain circumstances, its use can be more appropriate than conventional firearms in resolving dangerous situations safely and without injury to any person.
For other reasons I’ve also been reminded over the last week of this video of Richard Brunstrom being tasered.
links for 2008-05-13
-
Brockley Nick argues the council should take responsibility
-
on 7th and 8th June at the Devonshire Road nature reserve
-
Keep the gate open at Forest Hill Station
-
Kate believes it to be the worst council department
-
Paul B says Lewisham’s Children & Young Persons Librarian wants your input
-
A Second Thought says it wasn’t her
-
Pentangle Schools notes the notice
-
Red Menace argues for a red in tooth an claw Labour Party, while disparaging those outside our tent (including poor old Chris Flood)
Brian Paddick’s Diary
Like everyone else in politics Brian Paddick has sold his diary to The Mail on Sunday. The difference is that his are funny:
Find myself broadcasting on Deptford Pensioners Radio station in East London. Wonder, not for first time, who exactly my Press officer is working for.
