Gardeners delight

We had a great afternoon judging the Frankley Garden Competition sponsored by New Frankley in Birmingham Parish Council and the Frankley Housing Liaison Board.
The standard was so high it was very difficult to make a decision and there was some robust discussions before the verdict was reached. It is amazing to see the effort that some people put in and the pride they take in the results. Lets hope a lot more people take the opportunity to enter next year.
The winners will be announced next Monday so mums the word for now.
We went over to Brandwood this evening to deliver leaflets in Druids Heath. Again it is always surprising to see how some people look after their homes while others couldn't care less.

We're back

After our tour of the west of Scotland we are back and raring to go. We had to come back for today as we are judging a Garden Competition at Frankley. We started this last year and it was good to see the effort people put in. Mind you, looking at our back garden at the moment we wonder if we qualify as judges. The grass is about 2 feet high.
With the Brandwood bye-election in full swing we will be taking supporters over regularly to help out there. It is vital we hold the seat so its all hands to the pumps.

Over the sea to Skye

We are presently touring the West of Scotland in our campervan so normal service will be suspended for a while.

Over the sea to Skye

We are presently touring Western Scotland in our campervan so normal service will suspended for a while.

Litter picking

Last night was a great success. A load of people turned up and the buffet was excellent. We use the Cock Inn on Rubery Lane. Its a great pub and the customers are really down to earth people who don't let us get away with anything. Martin and Lena, the previous owners did a marvellous job and now Damien and his partner have taken it over. Since the smoking ban they have started doing a lot more food, its good pub grub, excellent portions and real value for money. Give it a try sometime.
Today we've been litter-picking on Frankley. We had an "all out day". The police and Housing Officers were knocking on doors with home security packs and asking if residents had any concerns. The feedback was really positive with most people saying how much better things are these days. Most concerns were with low level nuisance and these are always hard to pin down. But it can and will be sorted. The Council may work a bit slowly at times but can be very effective given enough evidence.

Last night we were at the Northfield Constituency Committee. There was a last minute hitch as Cllr Margaret & Cllr Geoff Sutton couldn't make it due to a family emergency so Keith had to stand in as chairman.
The Labour group, both of them plus the MP, decided to attack efficiency savings that are being proposed in the budget. They try every which way to make out that they are cuts in front line services when they are in fact reductions in back room expenditure. Its a bit ironic as we are forced to make these savings due to the Labour Government insistence on Gershon Savings.
I suppose cynicism and hypocrisy are the only shot left in the locker when they are in the state they are.
Tonight we are hosting a party for some of the people who helped out during the election. We are hoping only about 20 people turn up as the food won't go much further. It should be a good night if last year is anything to go by.