Dear Elector

Chipping Norton is a great place to live and work and that is why I am putting myself forward for election to the Town Council – to ensure we build on our excellent heritage and make the most of opportunities that lie ahead.

The article, Independant seeks basics by Eric Kontos, appeared in The Liverpool City Champion on the 25th June 2008. I want to take the opportunity here to re-enforce my comments made in that article and reiterate why I have chosen to run as an independant candidate for Liverpool City Council.

As Eric wrote in the article, "SIGNE WESTERBERG, who is running for council in September, wants the world to know that she lives in Liverpool by choice. The independant candidate says she wants to emphasis this point because there are too many negative people." And I do.

1. The truth is that there are not that many problems in Liverpool. We have a fabulous city and a wonderful community full of potential for the future!

2. The new council will just need to focus on the basics; roads, rates and rubbish.

3. My family and I live in Liverpool by choice; we choose to live and work here.

4. I'm a passionate Liverpudlian. I am willing to work to raise the image and facilities of this Fabulous City.

5. I believe if we need something done I WILL do the work necessary to make it happen.

6. I'm not shy, I can be outspoken, especially if it is important or involves inequality."

I have been out and about in Liverpool, walking about our fair city and talking to people every week. From Bringelly to Chipping Norton and everywhere in between...

 And we have a fabulous city and a wonderful community full of potential for the future!

“I look forward to being posted to many of the northern RAAF bases at the end of next year.”

..............................

Q&A - RAAF Officer Cadet Bianca May is in her second year of a Business degree. A Chipping Norton resident and Hurlstone Agricultural High School graduate, her dreams are big and possibilities even greater. The 19 year-old tells of her decision to turn down an offer studying law at ANU, instead opting for the vibrancy and challenge of service life. With a legal career in her sights it's little wonder community service is this young local's driving passion.

What are you studying at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)?

Bachelor of Business

What are your favourite subjects?

Business Law and Politics

Do you feel local youth are disconnected with the law?

Growing up in the western suburbs it was apparent in certain suburbs the youth were against the law. Students at my high school were commonly ‘rolled’ on the train, some local youth would even wait outside with poles to hit certain students. It was an “us verse them” situation because they mistakenly believed that Hurlstone was a posh/private school. Even if they were wrong, it demonstrated a scant disregard for law. They obviously felt disadvantaged by their circumstances and were looking somewhere to vent this frustration.

I think violence and drugs are the biggest concerns to local youth. The growth of cultural tension in and around Sydney makes going out at night an unnecessarily unpleasant experience. Also, the popularisation of party drugs is alarming. Ecstasy and speed are household terms and I’ve heard stories about teenagers as young as 13 experimenting with drugs.

What do you enjoy most about your university experience?

It is unique. Every time I go home my family and friends can’t get enough of the stories I tell them about even everyday occurrences. There are so many benefits involved with being a student at ADFA. I get paid to study, (I choose to) play sport five out of seven days a week, live with my best friends, all my medical and dental are covered and I have a guaranteed job when I graduate next year.

Why Air Force?

I chose the RAAF primarily for the lifestyle. I don’t have to go to sea or out field for prolonged periods of time. When I signed up I chose my job which differs from the Army who allocate personnel to a corps after RMC. The RAAF has a lot to offer in terms of further training and also jobs that are easily converted into the civilian world (in my case logistics). I also look forward to being posted to many of the northern RAAF bases at the end of next year.

Where do see your career in five years time?

There are always rumours of Defence people being ‘poached’ by unimaginable civilian contracts once their ROSO is up, and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I’m hoping I am one of those people. With a Business/Law degree I’m confident I’ll have a few options at least. But all this being said I might even want to stay in Defence, it is a long way in the future.

What factors influenced your decision not to take up Law at ANU? Do you have any regrets?

I didn’t take up law at ANU because I didn’t have the support of my family, who wanted me to study law at UTS or USYD or not at all. Financially I wasn’t in a position to move away from home. Initially I had second thoughts about this decision for first session but it subsided. I’ve since learnt that after leaving ADFA I can apply to study law via distance, funded by the RAAF. As I’m already in Defence my chances of transferring to become Legal Officer are quite promising. I can’t say I have any regrets because I know I’ll have the opportunity to study whatever I like in the future. For the meantime I’m enjoying my business degree and am looking forward to the doors it alone opens.

Inside www.oxfordprospect.co.uk now!

(must be read with a New York accent)

The grass has riz

I wonder where dem burdies iz?

The birdies iz on da wing

But ain't that absoid

Da wing is on da boid.

Well it is Spring in the Cotswolds and the Bluebells are out in force.  With the coming of Spring my thoughts also turn to my favorite place to spend a warm summer afternoon, Blenheim Palace.  What a wonderful place, and Spring at the Palace is something really special.  Blenheim is one of those places where you can spend days shooting details.  With gardens created by Capability Brown, there is no end to wonderful sights and unlimited great photographs.  

I shot the Bluebell this morning.  Used a D3 with a 18-55 F2.8 lens.  I love how sharp the Nikkor is.  My only complaint is that the DX format does not allow me to take advantage of the D3's FX.

The rape fields are almost in full bloom, it does not get much better than this for landscape photographers who want colour in the shot.  If the sun is out don't forget the polariser.  It is one of the few filters that really can't be reproduced in Photoshop and adds so much to a sunlit scene especially if there is cloud.

If you are ever out this direction and need photography supplies, I just found Morris Photography.  Great shop with an unbelievable inventory.  Friendly knowledgeable staff as well.  They also sell over the internet.

Enjoy the weekend.  Suspect it will be a very busy one for the shopkeepers of Chipping Campden! 

Louise T Blouin Institute Lecture  & Event  Series

Tuesday 15^th April 2008, 18.30, £5

The Logic of Life

Uncovering the New Economics of Everything

A talk by the author Tim Harford

Eye-opening and accessible, The Logic of Life sets out to prove that nearly everything in life – even when we least suspect it – has its basis in rational decision-making. By weaving together engaging stories, Tim Harford will convince you that life is surprisingly logical: everything from the most intimate decisions – to have sex, to take drugs, to lead an honest life – to the logic of neighbourhoods, large corporations, cities themselves, and even history. This is the economics of everything you never thought was economics, and will show you the world in a new way. 

Tim Harford is the author of the Sunday Times Bestseller The Undercover Economist. He is a member of the Financial Times editorial board and writes a regular column for the FT magazine.

Tuesday 29^th April 2008, 19.00 – 22.00, £5

The Nothing and the Nothingness

A happening

Organised by Matthew Lee Knowles

All kinds of performers come together for an evening of exploration into nothingness at the Louise T Blouin institute in Notting Hill. They will present to visitors a wide range of aural and visual impressions about the subject of nothingness in art, music, philosophy and literature.

Performers include -
Jeremy Beardmore & The Tropical Noir, John Callaghan, Shyma Persaud, Halal Kebab Hut – algorithmic junkestra, Simon Katan, Catalina Niculescu, Neil Luck, John Lely, Tim Parkinson, Adam Delacour, Rowyda Amin, Lily Barson, Shola Reynolds, Peter Cave, Jon Clay, Vanessa Lanch, Geoff Davies, Claudia Molitor, Jo Thomas, Giorgio Sadotti, Mica and the shapes, Blood Moon, Richard Thomas, Colin Alexander, Daniel Davies, Cecilia Wee, Rupert Cross, Luis Federico Pascarella and Michelle Byrne

Come and see nothing happening and experience nothingness for yourself.

Thursday 1^st May 2008, 18.30, £5

A Portrait of the Brain

A talk by Professor Adam Zeman

Adam Zeman will discuss his book “A Portrait of the Brain” weaving together fascinating case histories, clear accounts of concepts and discoveries in neuroscience, and an intimate view of the suspense, excitement, fun and angst, that colour a neurologists days.  Zeman will examine various neurological disorders, ranging from the familiar such as epilepsy and memory loss to the relatively mysterious narcolepsy and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Join us as Zeman takes us to the very frontiers of current scientific knowledge and elucidates the workings of the brain in astonishing detail.

"Adam Zeman's latest book on the brain is a masterpiece...The human brain is very lucky to have such a human being as its spokesman" - Professor Raymond Tallis,

Adam Zeman is Professor of Cognitive and Behavioural Neurology at Peninsula Medical School, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry.

Friday 16^th  May 2008, 19.00, £5

Musical Recital: Jennifer Pike

An evening with aspiring young violinist Jennifer Pike, Winner of the 2008 South Bank Show / The Times Breakthrough Award.  This award acknowledges the impact that she has made during 2007, both in own field and throughout the arts as a whole.

This event is organised in conjunction with the Richard Meier: Art and Architecture exhibition currently running until the 22^nd 2008 at the

Louise T Blouin Institute.  Jennifer will be accompanied by Daniel Tong on the unique Ibach Grand Piano designed by Richard Meier.

Works to include

SCHUBERT, FRANZ: Violin Sonata in G Minor

MOZART, WOLFGANG AMADEUS: Violin Sonata in E minor K.304

BEETHOVEN, LUDWIG VAN: Violin Sonata No.7 in C minor Op. 30/2

Ticket price will include a free glass of Henriot champagne.

All events are free of charge to Institute Members. We advise booking in advance. 

To order your tickets for forthcoming lectures or events please contact the Louise T Blouin Institute Reception on:020 7985 9600 or email info@ltbfoundation.org

 with your credit card details.

 Phone lines are open between 10.00 and 18.00 daily.

Tickets can be bought on the door depending on availability.

Louise T Blouin Institute

3 Olaf Street

London W11 4BE

The nationwide scheme begins on 1st April and, ahead of that, those in the Oxford city area who already hold a pass or have applied for one can expect their new pass to arrive in the post.

If you are 60 or over, or eligible disabled, you will be able to enjoy free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England from 1 April 2008.

Paul Warters, Service Head of Customer Services at Oxford City Council, says: “We would just like to remind people that if they already have a concessionary bus pass from the current concessionary bus pass scheme, and their details have not changed, they do not have to reapply.

“We have a full list of current pass holders and we will be sending them all a new pass, in the form of a plastic card, in good time for the 1st April start of the new scheme.”

“Anyone who does not currently hold a concessionary pass but would like one to use from April or anyone whose details have changed, should apply to our Customer Services Team for a pass .”

The new national scheme will allow pass holders free off-peak bus travel on local bus services anywhere within England. The scheme will not include long distance services. It also excludes travel in Scotland and Wales.

Off-peak travel times in the Oxford City boundary are 9am – 11pm Monday to Friday and any time on weekends and bank holidays. Off-peak travel times may vary in other parts of the country.

For more information, to check your eligibility for a pass, and to apply, phone our Customer Services Team on 01865 252849 or visit our website: http://www.oxford.gov.uk/transport/national-concessionary-bus-pass.cfm.

You can also visit one of our three Customer Service Centres which can be found on St. Aldate’s in the City Centre, Bullingdon Road in East Oxford and the newly opened centre in Templars Square, Cowley. Phone us on 01865 252849 or 01865 252870 to book an appointment

The Birdgarden shopper a great shopper or beach bag and the most stylish way to say NO to plastic bags!Produced under strict Fair Trade guidelines with IFAT certificate - the global network of Fair Trade Organizations. They have been hand screen printed using only AZO free dyes - AZO dyes and pigments are commonly used to colour textiles and plastics. Some of the by-products, such as chlorinated aromatic amines, are toxic and may be potential carcinogens. Also, AZO dyes and pigments resist biodegradation under aerobic conditions, so they are difficult to remove from an ecosystem. 2% of Casa Copenhagen’s profits go to a girls school in India; it provides an opportunity for girls to get education, independence and a way out of poverty. Each style from the Casa Copenhagen collection is made with a love of colour, luxury qualities and has a special detail where hand-work has been used.

 Available in gorgeous shades of Aqua/Chocolate – Chocolate/Aqua and Red/Pink – Pink/Red.  To view the full range by Casa Copenhagen and read more about their ethical production, please visit www.casacopenhagen.com  Dimensions: height 14”, width 18” with pocket inside Price: £29.50

 Company/Stockist information:Casa Copenhagenwww.casacopenhagen.com 07815 770394

People who would like to use the new text service should save this number to their mobile phone: 07797 805 390. You will be charged at your usual rate for any texts you send. Replies are free.

1.      For further details about Epilepsy Action, please contact Keeley Eastwood in the press office on 0113 210 8870, or email pressofficer@epilepsy.org.uk.

2.      Epilepsy is the UK’s most common serious neurological condition affecting an estimated 456,000 people. Epilepsy Action is a registered charity. As well as campaigning to improve epilepsy services and raise awareness of the condition, we offer assistance to local people in a number of ways including a national network of branches, accredited volunteers, regular regional conferences, an Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050, and an award-winning website - www.epilepsy.org.uk – which features a new online advice and information service.

The new entitlement will open up many opportunities for local people by making it easier to visit shops and services just outside Oxfordshire's boundaries. The one card will be recognised across the country and entitle pass holders to the same free travel anywhere in England that they enjoy locally.

For more general information about the national concession, log on to http://www.direct.gov.uk/buspass.

"Introducing the Elonex ‘ONE’ laptop, the UK’s first sub £100 laptop. Aimed at the Education Sector, the ONE is an ultra-portable laptop that gives wireless access to internet, eMail, word processing and spreadsheets. These functions are the fundamental building blocks which form the foundation of a child’s computing skills which can then be developed throughout their education. The ONE is designed to engage and motivate children and will open up a wide range of new and innovative teaching methods."

Eurostar, the high-speed train operator that links the UK to the Continent, today launched a series of expansion works at Paris Gare du Nord which will improve the station’s Eurostar check-in area - delivering faster and easier access to the departure lounge for Eurostar travellers.

The continued success of High Speed 1, which opened on 14 November last year cutting Eurostar journey times, has seen a significant increase in the numbers of Eurostar travellers using the station. These works will improve the layout at check-in to make the flow of travellers smoother by introducing new check-in gates and increasing capacity through border controls. These changes, combined with an additional x-ray machine, will reduce queues at peak times.

The new check-in gates will accept bar-code ticketing which Eurostar will trial later this year.

The majority of the improvements will be carried out at night to minimise disruption to travellers and the project will be complete by the summer. Trains will continue to depart on time but as some short-term disruption may occur, Eurostar is asking travellers to allow 5-10 minutes more to check-in for their train, especially at peak times.

Simon Montague, Director of Communications, Eurostar, said, “With record numbers of travellers now using Eurostar these improvements are vital. Once they are completed, travelling with Eurostar will be even easier for millions of people each year.”

1. Eurostar is the high-speed train service linking St Pancras International, Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris, Avignon and the French Alps. 

2. Ebbsfleet International is a few minutes’ drive from junction 2 of the M25 and has 2,500 parking spaces, taxi and Avis car hire facilities. Eurostar travellers using public transport enjoy free travel on connecting Southeastern train services and Fastrack buses.

3. Travellers in southern England also have the choice of Ashford International station, which provides three services a day to Paris, a daily service to Disneyland Resort Paris and seasonal weekly services to the French Alps and Avignon.

4. Independent research has shown that a Eurostar journey between London and Paris / Brussels generates one-tenth of the carbon dioxide produced by an equivalent flight. Under its ‘Tread Lightly’ initiative, Eurostar has set a target of further reducing its CO2 emissions by 25% per traveller journey by 2012. Eurostar is the world’s first train operator to make all journeys carbon neutral.

5. Eurostar and Friends of the Earth are official partners in Britain, and collaborate on the development of Eurostar’s ‘Tread Lightly’ initiative, and Friends of the Earth’s ‘The Big Ask’ campaign.

6. Eurostar is a founder member of Railteam, a partnership between Europe’s leading high-speed train operators that is developing simpler ways to book and travel on the fast-expanding, European high-speed rail network.

7. Eurostar and Eurotunnel are entirely separate companies.  Eurostar operates high-speed passenger trains, while Eurotunnel operates a vehicle shuttle service and the Channel tunnel itself.  Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s biggest customer.

8. To book tickets for Eurostar, or to find out more information, go to www.eurostar.com, call 08705 186 186 or contact your travel agent.

21 Feb 2008
Oxfordshire County Council has granted planning permission to enable an Oxford school to fulfil its potential to teach 420 pupils each year in its classrooms - made possible only because of the success of a school travel plan.

starting point www.shelteredhousinguk.com

An Injunction will prohibit a violent or abusive partner or ex-partner (called a respondent) from using or threatening violence against you, or from pestering, intimidating or harrasing you.  It is a now a criminal offence to breach a non-molestation order, allowing the Police to arrest the respondent immediately.

Feedback from people who have obtained injunctions is very positive indeed, with most noticing an immediate change (for the better) in the respondent's behaviour. It is also often said that by obtaining the injunction, the power has shifted from the abuser to the victim, and that the applicant suddenly feels empowered and at last in control of the situtaion.

For us to help you obtain an injunction, we will need to take a brief statement from you, outlining any history of abuse or violence and in particular any recent incidents or behaviour.  We will also need to include in the statement  details of any children living at the property and your relationship with the respondent.  Once a statement has been taken we will try and arrange a court date and time as soon as possible.  If you are eligible for public funding, we will allocate a solicitor to you who will meet you at Court.  If you are not eligible for public funding we will offer you assistance at Court (called a  "McKenzie Friend") , who can accompany you and sit with you through the Court process.  There is no charge for this service.
http://www.ncdv2007.moonfruit.com/#

To contact the NCDV, call 08709 220704

or 08009 702070.

The list now includes: Bath, Bristol, Bristol Parkway, Oldfield Park, Keynsham, Yate, Yatton, Burnham and Highbridge, Frome, Trowbridge, Warminster, and Bradford on Avon. On Sunday 27th January it was announced that the fare srtrike had spread to Plymouth and penznce and also to Severn Tunnel Junction in Wales.
Travellers at Cardiff and Swansea have also expressed an interest to join the fare strike.

"First PLC needs to take heed, listen to its passengers, reverse the recent fare increases, and invest their burgeoning profits in more rolling stock and staff "said a spokesperson from MTLS. "Punctuallity figures just released by FGW on their website show that the proportion of trains arriving late has worsened in the last month, climbing to an astonishing 35% on the Oxford- London line. It is hardly surprising with figures like this, old trains, overcrowded trains, cancelled trains and rocketing fares that most passengers and many staff now want the government to act and remove the franchise from First."

http://www.moretrainlessstrain.co.uk/

NICHOLAS NEWMAN   Thursday, 10 January 2008

 Dr. Bjorn Lomborg aged 42, heads the Copenhagen Consensus Centre, is adjunct professor at Copenhagen Business School, and author of the best selling books ‘The Skeptical Environmentalist’ and ‘Cool It’. Bjorn was named one of the "50 people who could save the planet" by the Guardian newspaper in 2008. 

Lomborg has been described as one of Europe’s leading scientific and political realists, who has brought courage to those that wish to discuss and debate environmental issues in a scientific rational, compassionate and logical manner.  

Bjorn’s work has brought a breath of fresh air to the debate for he has challenged many of the almost dogmatic claims about global warming, overpopulation, energy resources, deforestation, species loss and water shortages using scientific methods of evidence, analysis and assessment.  

It is not generally realised that Bjorn Lomborg does not dispute the existence of climate change, but questions the priority given to specific solutions, in particular, co2 emissions, put forward by the likes of the former American Vice President Al Gore. In so doing Lomborg is providing Europe’s politicians, like Chancellor Merkel and President Sarkozy with the public policy toolkit on which to determine government priorities to tackle the problems Europe faces.  

To read more http://www.oxfordprospect.co.uk/Lomborg.htm

Your new bus pass will allow you free off peak local bus travel anywhere in England.
To find out more see

http://www.oxfordprospect.co.uk/OxfordEvents.htm#National_concessionary_travel_pass

I see Keith Mitchell Oxfordshire Council Leader, has allocated £100,000 to fund such welcomes for returning service personnel and supporting their dependents to read more http://oxfordprospect.wordpress.com/2007/12/04/heroes-return/
so Oxford City Council can't make the excuse there is no money available.

I see Keith Mitchell Oxfordshire Council Leader, has allocated £100,000 to fund such welcomes for returning service personnel and supporting their dependents to read more http://oxfordprospect.wordpress.com/2007/12/04/heroes-return/
so Oxford City Council can't make the excuse there is no money available.

 On 10th September it became a legal requirement that all properties with three or more

bedrooms, which were coming onto the market for the first time, had to have a Home Information Pack (HIP).  This requirement is expected to be rolled out to smaller properties in the next month or so.

 more http://www.oxfordprospect.co.uk/Homeinformationpacks.htm

Discussion notes – Rob Evans – CNLP Branch Meeting 20.11.07

1. Youth – should we be bovvered?

It’s far too easy for society to say ‘Adolescent rebellious youth is just a natural part of growing up’; ‘ we just got on with it and made our own entertainment when we were young’; ‘you can spend a lot of money on one facility and five years later they want something else because youth fashion has moved on!’ BUT - we all know that investing in youth is investing in all our futures - we would have loved better facilities and opportunities when we were young!AND - as a community we are strongly committed to improving youth facilities as a key priority from the 2003 Town Appraisal and current plans and activities of Town Council and Town Partnership.

2. Educational context – do we have community schools?

• ACE Centre - focus on families and learning from earliest age; Childrens Centre – Labour is first govt to co-ordinate universal nursery education
• Primaries – St Mary’s and Holy Trinity have experienced greater funding, new building, stronger parental involvement, improved results
• Secondary CN School – best results ever 2007 in SAT’s,GCSEs and A levels
• Perf. Arts specialism links Theatre, Penhurst, community closer with school Extended schs prog – schools now open 8am to 6pm for youth activities Community Sports Leaders programme with Leisure Centre and primaries
• Raft of opportunities now within schools and improved results. But there is need to create variety of skilled and manual jobs post Parker Knoll, affordable housing and attractive facilities so that young people can expect to work, live and socialise in the town rather fly the nest and then have their children here
• We are compact enough town to organise a town wide school travel plan to encourage more walking to school with focus on safety and fitness and cuts in car travel, congestion and pollution.

3. What is there to do? Are young people bored?

• Around 65 voluntary organisns/clubs in town or area specific to youth or with junior membership – eg sports clubs, Norts, Churches, Scouts, Guides, ATC [some took part in Feb 06 Freshers’ Fair Leisure Centre]
• Lido – youth specific activities and encouragement
• Youth Theatre – 200 members and Music Theatre – 40
• Youth Centre at CNS – and some key villages – Over Norton
• Extended Schs prog at CNS – 83 clubs operating and Family Focus
• Emma’s Trust – Live Music Festival and events but
  • Do enough young people know the variety of what is on offer?
  • Do enough leave their computers and their rooms? Is info online?
  • There are always the non participants in anything organised – TH steps – determined adolescent minority – negative image to all
  • Youth Service needs more funding to offer more evenings

4. What more do young people need? Can new facilities be achieved?

• Facilities in centre of town – more to do in the evenings
• MUGA [Multi Use Games Area] and Shelter – WODC and Lottery Funds secured for facility to be established on Common
• Hailcorns Association fund raising for play equipment on Cornish/Hailey play area
• Enigma – Discos in Town Hall – hoped to revive
• Weekly after school ‘Chill Out’ session in Lower Town Hall – Youth Forum and Town Council currently under discussion
• Better transport and inexpensive – get to other places and events
• Theatre wants new space for expanding Youth and Music Theatre [expressed interest to OCC in current Library building if it moves].
• New Youth Centre in town centre [coincides with CNS needing current facility for its extended 6^th form]. Town Council has recently proposed current Hospital building when vacated in 2009 – could it be adapted and work with Youth Theatre, Emma’s Trust, sharing building and possibly other inter generational facilities also [eg new Library, space for Clubs]? How achieved ?
  • Young people in driving seat – need to have ownership of anything new - Town Meeting 2006, Youth Forum
  • Difficulty of getting all youth groups together– no uniform voice – identifying right location for new facilities
  • Key player is Town Council – seeking ways of using Town Hall for youth and bringing together all key players OCC, WODC, PCT and others to create and fund a new Youth Centre
  • Complicated land ownership and management deals needed through careful negotiation to create multi complex centre

5. What can the Labour Party do? How can we attract young members?

• Research govt policy and initiatives and chase funding opportunities
• Work creatively and co-operatively with others on the initiatives
• Investigate co operative/social enterprise solutions for new centres/ facilities
• Approach schools and youth centres offering speakers, question and answer, presentations on our local activities and ideas
• Create blog /website accessible/attractive to young people
• Organise event/s predominantly aimed at youth?

R.Ll.E 20/11/07.

We began the branch meeting with a general discussion which touched on both party morale and the prospect of a general election campaign in Witney. Was it useful to attend Party conferences when a Labour government seemed to be paying even less attention to the membership?  Rob suggested that it could be a morale raiser to meet like-minded people and network with them: another view was that the real priority was to identify like-minded people locally. (This led to some discussion about reviving the practice of sending out birth card cards to teenagers about to come of voting age, also on how to make contact with the new migrant community, and the need to identify their voting entitlement/) 

There seemed little doubt that the party has lost that sense of enthusiasm which it had ten years ago with which people on the doorstep could be asked to identify. This was partly to due to the passage of time but also to the recent series of disasters. How would we, as a Labour campaign, be able to make a credible pitch on the doorstep when it came to an election with David Cameron as the high-profile opponent?  Some doubt was expressed as to whether the media really would focus on Witney when Cameron will be getting most publicity as he travels around the country, not here. But it was still important to find a Labour candidate who could make the most of the opportunity. Should we follow up the Tribune advertisement by a letter from our constituency officers inviting people to apply to “take on a Tory toff”?It was suggested that a Labour campaign in Witney could only credibly tackle Cameron if it did not feel obliged to defend every government policy. Indeed, it might be more attractive and newsworthy if a Labour candidate freely acknowledged, for example, his/her opposition to the Iraq war -- and then attacked Cameron for Tory hypocrisy in first backing the war and then backing away from it. John Gitttings

SUPPORT FOR  ARMY

 Keith Mitchell Oxfordshire Council Leader, announces £100,000 fund to welcome returning service personnel and supporting their dependents. Keith has been in talks with Brigadier Wade who is the Regional Co-ordinator for Welfare Matters for the Ministry of Defense on how the money should be spent. In February next year Bicester Town Council will provide a welcome for the local Garrison stationed there.