First, a big thank you for the incredible support given to me by so many people during (and after) the recent election. Â The level of support was astonishing and humbling – the personal support, along with all the hours spent delivering, canvassing, writing and stuffing envelopes, printing, sticking up posters etc. Â It was something to behold and I am intensely grateful.
Last Sunday, I went up to Milestones in Basingstoke to take part in the BBC South edition of the Politics Show.
If you missed it, it’s still available on the iPlayer.
The relevant section starts here.
It’s not available on the iPlayer anymore, but I have finally managed to upload it here.
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News from the University of Glasgow (as passed on to me by their University Rector over dinner this evening):
Preserving the fabric of the nation’s treasures for future generations, a new textile conservation centre is to be established at the University of Glasgow.
The Textile Conservation Centre Foundation (TCCF) and the University of Glasgow have agreed to found the new teaching and research facility – the only resource of its kind in the UK – in the University’s Robertson Building.
Peter Longman, Deputy Chairman of the Textile Conservation Centre Foundation said: “There was such concern over the closure of the Textile Conservation Centre in Winchester that over the last 18 months we have been approached by several institutions anxious to work with us to continue aspects of its work. We have considered a number of options, but the combination of Glasgow with its world class University and History of Art Department and the unrivalled collections in and around the City proved an irresistible location.
A happy ending, although still a loss for Winchester.
You can read Glasgow University’s press release here and read previous posts about the TCC closure here.
Last Wednesday, Martin Tod used a wheelchair to accompany local wheelchair user, Andy Cadle-Mills around town to try and understand what it’s like to use a wheelchair in Winchester.
“I was surprised how tough it was” commented Mr Tod after the session was over. “Winchester has a lot of steep curbs, pavements with sharp cambers and uneven surfaces – and that’s before you even consider how steep it is to get from the bottom to the top of town.”
This was the latest of a series of visits that Mr Tod has done alongside people with with disabilities to try and understand how we can make Winchester more disability friendly.
Mr Tod added “After an hour I was worn out. Winchester is hilly, the surfaces are uneven, and it’s not always possible for blue-badge holders to get to a convenient place to get out of their car. It’s been said that Winchester is the worst place in Hampshire for wheelchair users. I can’t judge whether that’s true, but it’s clear we need to do more.”
Ideas for action that Mr Tod discussed with Mr Cadle-Mills included:
Liberal Democrat Prospective MP, Martin Tod, has backed residents of Danemark Court wanting action on heating.
During the cold period, elderly residents suffered as the boiler at the city council-run Danemark Court sheltered housing complex couldn’t keep up with the job of keeping people warm. Elderly tenants in their 80s and 90s were forced to use electric heaters running up extra bills of hundreds of pounds.  Some were unable to have hot baths or showers.
The council has now said that the boilers will be replaced.
Mr Tod met Mrs Esme Lipsham, 89, who has been organising the campaign to get better heating.
After meeting Mrs Lipsham, Mr Tod commented:
“The residents of Danemark Court are owed an apology. Â I’m shocked at how they have been treated. Â The City Council has let people down.”
“Since the new communal boilers were installed, central heating for the building just hasn’t been good enough, especially for people whose flats which are furthest from the boiler. Despite what has been said by councillors defending what has happened, switching on the immersion heater isn’t enough to keep the flats warm.”
“Some people have run up extra electricity bills of hundreds of pounds to keep extra electric heaters on so that they stay warm. Â The council has promised to pay back the difference, but it’s still very worrying for people with small pensions.”
“One thing that rightly annoys the tenants is that they’ve still not seen councillors or senior council management come along to apologise and explain what’s going to happen. Â It’s time for them to stop hiding in their offices and go along to face the music.”