Groundhog Day Reminisces in Belsize Park!

Thought of the moment for my local Belsize Park residents. Are you aware that if the proposed route of HS2 goes forward that three large tunnels each the size of a London double decker bus will pass under Fellows Road.

Most concerning is the close proximity of going under the foundations of large 22 storey old 1967 concrete towers with mostly unknown and undocumented foundation features with concrete in a declining state of repair in the lower basement areas.

HS2 Limited assures us that all planning permissions have considered these facts.

Do we trust them!

Illustration by (c) Gail Gibbons. My Daughter has approved this illustration for use here!

#BDA2012 BIG DATA Analytics

Attending Bug Data conference at Hotel Russell today.

Listening to Vestas 'Turning 6Climate into Capital with Big Data'.

Microsoft next, promises to be a good comparative ethos!

At Primrose Hill School now.

Attending a full governing meeting at my local school. Looks like a big agenda ahead.

But the commitment is evident in achievements attained in high standards.


Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

CTPH 23m summer is here at last

Governor meeting tonight at Primrose Hill School.


Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

CCV2012 Cloud for Further and Higher Education

HEFCEs University Modernisation Fund has to date invested £12.5M to develop a Shared Services and Cloud programme.

Managed by JISC, Janet Brokerage.

Google and Microsoft are also making available software tools for students to make use of Cloud collaboration at Universities.


Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

CCV2012 How IT is changing with county councils today

Hearing how David Wilde Chief Information Officer of Essex County Council views information governance and the various cloud models in the ICT market suitable for public sector.


Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Cloud Computing and Virtualization 2012

Attending CCV 2012 at Canary Wharf today.

Representing my business in this core market industry.


Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

Make KONY famous in 2012

 

Help make KONY famous in 2012

Joseph Kony is one of the world's worst war criminals. Join the make him famous worldwide campaign to make him famous.... Help bring him to Justice now. This must be achieved by the end of 2012 that's the deal.

S I M P L E 

What are you waiting for follow this link NOW

CTPH 24m Art Conceptualisation 1

During the long hard campaign to secure victory over the Liberal Democrats I created several iPad paintings or sketches to suggest the political scene in ironic abstract!

iPad painting "Political 1" 2012 produced with Brushes.

CTPH 24m Blog-of-the-week goes to Richard Osley

2nd place Tory: 'Thanks to all those who made this amazing victory possible'

http://richardosley.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/2nd-place-tory-thanks-to-all-those-who-made-this-amazing-victory-possible/

CTPH 24m Thanking local supporters

Out tonight thanking local supporters and activists for all the tireless effort in the past 5 weeks campaign.

The 24 month campaign to 2014 now begins.

Photo taken in Primrose Hill area over looking canal.

CTPH 24m Dinner at 'J'

Perfect place to chill out, what a wonderful campaign and apart from the unseasonably cold weather was a pleasure to meet so many of you and will be planning to visit all of you that had given me case work and support for my local campaign. Made many friends here. NW1 is such a cool place.


Photos

At my local favourite and warm Italian ristorante 'J' and a very cold Alexandra Palace yesterday!

CTPH 24M Liberal Democrats Not Winning Here!

Only 2 years now to the Camden Local Elections. Through my campaigning I have assured that the LibDems are NOT winning here. Having secured a 75 vote margin pushing them right back into third place.

Thanks to all those that helped to make this amazing victory possible. All my family and friends a very special big thank you.

The Libdems applied a massive team presence to attempt to secure the Camden Town with Primrose Hill By-Election. In point of fact they were the only party to have tellers on all four polling stations, when I visited throughout the Election Day.

Leaflets and the infamous "Handwritten Blue Letters" actually scanned and printed, only the envelopes being stuffed and hand addressed by committee room volunteers.

I gave the voters a real alternative with my fresh outlook, I know a very many of you really appreciated my Libertarian views.

Illustration which is designed by myself today on my iPad is a play on the past (c) LD Winning Here logo

CTPH D-0 What an amazing result.

A big thank you to everyone that voted for me yesterday.

I did not win the seat this time to become your next councillor but to have come second place is proof of the inroads that my campaign achieved together with your support at the doorsteps.

This was grass roots community activism in full show.

So as your school governor for Primrose Hill school in this wonderfully vibrant area.

You all have my name contact cards, so do not hesitate to contact if you wish any advice or help on the various issues affecting us in Camden today.

As I pledged to you on my campaign website and personally to you in the streets or at your homes.

Win or Lose I am here to serve you as a community campaigner.

CTPH D-0 2nd Place for Rumble

Results

Lazzaro Pietragnoli
Labour 1847

Nigel Rumble
Conservative 823

Chris Richards
Liberal Democrats 748

Peter Lyons
Green 450

Joe Gardner
Independent 98

Turnout 44.6%

Photo at close of poll showing from front to back Cllr Gio Spinella and left to right, Richard Osley and Lazzaro Petragnoli

CTPH D-0 What a Day!

I walked the whole circumference of the ward two days running, never felt fitter. Those walking trainers that my sports shop in Camden Town recommended to me were simply the best ever and helped me do amazing things I had not thought possible.

Thus symbolising the campaign achievement. What a journey, this will stay with me for a long time. I made so very many friends here.

"Thank you" to all the residents of Camden Town with Primrose Hill ward, to all my friends, family and all my colleagues in Holburn and St. Pancras and Hampstead and Kilburn Conservative Associations.

Photo tonight with members of Holburn and St. Pancras team out to late dinner after close of poll. Fantastic job and well done.

CTPH D-0 On Walk About in the ward

Having a wonderful Cafe Latte at Costa whilst on a tour around whole ward meeting people on this dump cool day.

All polling stations well organised and sign posted.

My team will be out to see many of you throughout the day.

Now where did that Blue GWIZ go?!

Photo of Polling station in Carol Street, Camden Town

CTPH D-0 Election Day

May be cold and dump weather but turnout is great so far. Done early morning delivery and meeting as many of you as possible throughout this Election Day.

It was great fun having Ed Fordham appearing to follow me in his cute electric GWIZ up and down Regents Park Road at 8am today. Nothing like having my own security watch by the LibDebs!

Guess I have the LibDems worried and yes guys you should be worried as "Rumble in the Jungle" as my Daughter jokes is in town and has been here for 50+ years in this wonderful area. Am School Governor for Primrose Hill for more than three years, met many of my colleagues and teachers out this morning.

Haven't seen Labour I guess they are elsewhere? And I know where!

Having a wonderful brunch breakfast at my local 'J's in Primrose Hill. Fantastic 'house music' to chill out, top spot. And wonderful food. Thanks for all your hospitality to me for the campaign and may it long continue after the elections.

Now visiting all the Polling Stations on my Wiz tour of whole ward.

"Make it Happen"

Vote for a fairer Camden, Vote for Nigel Rumble

CTPH D-1 Not George Clooney!

Out tonight after all day campaigning in Camden Town to Cadogan Hall to hear Rachel Kolly D'Alba the famous Swiss violinist and the ever delightful OperaBabes tonight at a special performance of their newest work.

Highlight of the evening was someone during the interval asking "are you George Clooney" I know I was dressed smart but even so!

But remember tomorrow to vote for Nigel Rumble as your next councillor and not George Clooney!

CTPH D-1 Camden Day

Cold day but warm people, I just love the vibrancy and buzz in Camden Town.

Primrose Hill is the Village and feels cosy and quaint. But the remaining two thirds of the ward in Camden Town is the most diverse and very close to my roots.

CTPH D-1 perfect end to a perfect day

The response and engagement on the doorstep is truly amazing. Had a team of 8 out tonight. Well done to all volunteers.

But the real thanks goes to the residents of Camden Town with Primrose Hill.

The support for Boris and indeed myself is overwhelming.

But no time for complacency. It is close, very close, every vote is crucial.

Vote Nigel Rumble for a fairer Camden and represented Camden Town with Primrose Hill ward.

I will be out all day tomorrow and look forward to meet you and answer any questions you have about the elections.

Photo taken from Primrose Hill this evening.

CTPH D-2 Boris at Finchley Road, NW3

Boris campaigning in the Swiss Cottage area starting out from Waitrose.

The photos show in a line Boris, Richard Osley (Political Editor of the CNJ and still available for that exclusive interview!) and a very sad Brian Coleman.

The other photo shows my young Daughter with her school friend and her Father in the lower foreground all wanting to shake hands with Boris amongst the crowd huddle. Kids will be kids and that goes for my Daughter also!

CTPH D-2 HS2 is rated by MPA as Amber Red

House of Commons oral evidence given at the Public Accounts Committee on Sale of High Speed 1 Wednesday 18th April 2012 gave us a very interesting perspective on HS2.

After the recess Steve Gooding, Director General, Domestic Group, DfT gave evidence.

He explained about the gateway process with the Major Projects Authority on HS2.

He was then asked by the chair Margaret Hodge of the Public Accounts Committee of the MPA rating "And what have you got? Red?Amber? Green?"

Steve Gooding went on to explain that HS2 was "Amber Red for a variety of reasons...."

The chair stated that "Amber Red is not good enough".

Steve Gooding stated that "Amber Red is not something we aspire to stay in; it is something we aspire to get ourselves out of".

The MPA colour rating refers in simple terms to economic value for money.
With green (good), green amber, amber, amber red and red (poor).

The meeting then went on to discuss regeneration, but I will leave that for another fuller treatment.

The main point that I wished to raise is reference by the MPA rating HS2 as Amber Red.

This represents a massive milestone moment for HS2.

The government set up the MPA as a flag ship example to independently monitor large projects of this kind. HS2 Limited had better be prepared for the inevitable conclusions that may get drawn sooner rather than later.

Photo of Dumpton Place located off Gloucester Avenue.

CTPH D-2 The Village

'The Village' as it is known affectionately by Primrose Hill folks is a wonderful place to be and full of vibrancy that resonates ever so loudly on sunny days such as yesterday. And only slightly less so on this rainy day!

I was out talking to some traders last week and in connection with local book shops of how tough it can be to compete with the giant corporates.

Amazon and especially Kindle has really sucked up the market.

I my self have two Kindle's one for UK and the other for US books.

All of which means I buy fewer 'paper' books, journals, newspapers and magazines.

So returning to the local bookshop in Primrose Hill. I was talking about this conundrum. Whereupon, I came up with an idea. About Amazon offering local exclusive offers to the small book resellers to promote new books in parallel with paper book of same title and buy in the shop the Kindle edition by purchasing a special token card.

The Kindle price for the book could be similar to Amazon direct and a small percentage worked to be resale margin to the local shop.

With my consultancy company I will take my ideas and develop more fully to take Amazon and Apple.

Image (c) Amazon Kindle

CTPH D-3 ASB on St. Marks Crescent NW1

As your prospective councillor I would get this dealt with fast.

Don't delay, this draws in more graffiti artists.

CTPH D-3 Near miss!

Whilst talking to opposition Labour candidate Lazzaro Pietragnoli, with Liberal Democrat Ed Fordham walking on the opposite of Fitzroy Road part of the roofing had fallen only minutes before. It could have wiped out two thirds of the Camden Town with Primrose Hill by-election candidates and ex failed PPC LibDeb candidate for H&K at a stroke.

But we are safe. Having shaken hands with the Labour candidate and we went on our respective ways humbled by the experience.

CTPH D-3 Election week.

Out to meet some of my helpers and other volunteers yesterday help to get the vital messages out to you this week.

Vote Nigel Rumble as you local prospective councillor and candidate here in Camden Town with Primrose Hill.

Working for you already in Camden.

Photo of newly installed duck pond in Primrose Hill, for the children it is anyway!

CTPH D-4 Spring Rain Sunday

As a leading campaigner and co-opted member to Camden Council Housing and Adult Social Care scrutiny committee spending many years on helping residents on all matters of housing issues.

This weekend members of my own family were badly affected by the adverse weather with flooding rain water.

Awaiting a surveyor to review problems from roof.

The problems with water damage of this kind usually manifest fully when drying out and if not treated properly will create a dump mold serious Health and Safety risk.

Never delay dump treatment.

CTPH D-5 Family Action Day Part 2!

Bigger Action Day! Organising and helping with my Daughters Birthday party for 20 children from her Primary class at a Pizza making special!

A perfect day!

CTPH D-5 Family Action Day Part 1 Thank you

To my cousin Carol and her family Amy, Bob and Katie, what fantastic volunteers you all were and a BIG thank you.

Such a well coordinated team of five amazing people out getting totally drenched on the campaign to get Boris re-elected as Mayor and my self elected as next Councillor for Camden Town with Primrose Hill. I couldn't have done it without all your help.

And we are now all to be featured in that amazingly cool photo exhibition at the Castlehaven Road Art Project, in connection with Jason Wilde. It was great to reminisce down memory lane to our old house in Grafton Road also. How times have changed but places remain mostly the same.

Still available for that exclusive interview!

CTPH D-5 Saturday Family Day

Members of my family will be visiting many of you this morning on this very Spring rainy day!

Looking forward to say hello and if we are all drenched you will know why!

Message for Richard Osley, it was great to bump into you yesterday twice! No pun intended but picked up some case work about speed bumps!

If you fancy a "Rumble" exclusive interview this morning you will find me campaigning on the doorsteps.

So in good journalistic tradition, just follow the photograph!

CTPH D-6 End of week Spring reprise...

...The week that was!

Hose pipe ban and then rain, rain and more rain. Perhaps the hose pipe ban restriction announcement is as good an indicator as the UK Weather Bureau's supercomputers!

Despite the gloomy weather I still managed to see so many of you in the far reaches of the most vibrant ward in Camden.

Issues this week ranging from my most challenging in trying to arrange a letter from her Majesty the Queen to a very special resident who will share 3rd June 2012 Anniversary to the outrageous parking restrictions affecting families reuniting together with Grandparents over the weekend and if the visiting families park in neighbouring roads must now pay 58% more to do so.

Housing issues galore, a few Health and Safety related but many are to do with affordability issues. But one good news is that property security has been greatly improved by Camden over the years.

HS2 and Hawleys' Wharf as always hot topic for discussion. Concerns over planning permission is another hot topic too.

On the roads front the new traffic restrictions and narrowing in Camden Town concerns many.

Olympic Games preparations in Camden Town another topic of discussion.

Many people are also increasingly concerned about the recession announced this week. They worry about the future.

Given the high accolade yesterday from renowned political blogger Richard Osley, political editor of CNJ to me for writing the Blog of the Day!



Photo illustrating an example of good estate security at Juniper Crescent, Chalk Farm.

CTPH D-7 Camden New Journal is Biased!

CNJ 26th April 2012

Camden New Journal has today reaffirmed what Camden residents have long suspected of supporting and promoting only left wing political parties!

In this weeks copy it describes the campaign for Camden Town with Primrose Hill as being a 2-way by-election, even though this is very much a 3-way marginal seat. With very strong support for the Conservatives.

I fully support an independent press and know Richard Osley very well when he spent time with myself and my colleagues at Conservatives Conference in Manchester last year and in 2009. We had much in common to talk about.

But come on Richard you have got to be kidding by not presenting an equal opportunity in your article, as a very active Conservative Candidate tackling many of the key local issues such as Education, Housing, HS2, Policing and indeed being the local school governor for Primrose Hill Primary for more than three years in Camden Town with Primrose Hill, in today's edition of CNJ.

I also note the CNJ has not published any of my letters for the past three weeks, despite being a candidate standing in your local ward right on your doorstep!

Remind me to drop my leaflets through CNJ's letterbox!

Since the CNJ and the Labour candidate did not attend the HS2 Community Forum meeting at Swiss Cottage some weeks ago. However, CNJ did publish my "Groundhog Day Talks" (about the HS2 meeting) letter on 5th April, the last letter in fact that CNJ published!

But I was very much there and asking very pertinent questions on HS2 to the Community Forum HS2 consultation team.

So to bring you up to speed on this vital issue concerning Camden today I would be very happy to extend to you an exclusive interview for my opinions on the vital matter of HS2 to Camden so Richard I am waiting by my phone for you!

As the candidate for a major party in a 3-way by-election to be given just a cursory swift mention at article end, draws one to suspect that the CNJ is biased perhaps, no surely not, that could not be true could it Richard?

On a day that Mr Murdoch of the News International is up for very serious questions today on the Leveson Inquiry. One could have reasonably have thought that a free local newspaper such as the Camden New Journal would have demonstrated greater impartiality. But as I said you can extend to me an exclusive interview for the Election Day CNJ special you have planned!

But Richard, we know each other very well after nearly 6 years on the circuit so I shall let my favourite quote end this piece.

"The Moving Finger writes, and having writ, Moves on; nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line" by Omar Khayyam, Author of The Rubaiyat

CTPH D-7 Commitment and trust

 Commitment and trust

For the past months I have only encountered Liberal Democrats whilst out campaigning in Camden Town with Primrose Hill, Apart from the Labour candidate I have yet to meet Labour activist, which I am surprised as they had previously done well here in past elections.

If this by-election was occurring on any day other than the Mayoral and London Assembly and GLA elections I guess it would be a more traditional election with large teams out delivering, canvassing and knocking up all the 9000 voters in the ward.

In many ways I am rather pleased that this is the case, as it creates for me a more one to one and private meeting with reseidents as I campaign and canvas. Large teams of canvassers may look impressive but seldom impress the voter!

Honesty, integrity, sincerity and proven commitment to the local community in helping make a real difference, is what counts with the electorate. For example, my solid commitment for more than three years as your local school Governor to Primrose Hill Primary (OFSTED Outstanding) school, Vice Chair and member of a local SNT Police panel since 2009. Active member of the "School Places" working group for several years. The bulge class created to hold additional children unplaced are now accommodated in Primrose Hill Primary and comfortably into there second year. Co-Opted member to Camden council Housing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny committee for two years and therefore, helping to improve the Housing conditions for all the Council Tenants in Camden Housing. Co-Opted member to a large TRA part of a very large estate of over 2000+ residents. I frequently go on walk abouts around large housing estates noting areas for improvements.

Why should Council tenants trust me as a Conservative I hear some of my Labour critics ask? Simple because I have been asked by residents and tenants to represent them for the past six years even before I ever become involved as a political candidate. I have earned that trust by delivering the results that the residents deserve.

I have been told by the tenants that know me over the years that they would vote for me regardless of which party I may represent, because they know I would always put them first. It is this reason and this reason alone that I continue in the knowledge that I am doing the right things for my local community.

 At 55 years of age I believe that I have maturity, proven local goverence experience to serve you well for this 2 year term upto 2014 and again to 2018.

CTPH D-8 HS2 Groundhog Day Talks

As I reported several weeks ago after attending a HS2 Primrose Hill to Kilburn route consultation HS2 Community Forum on 28th March at Swiss Cottage Library. I made several points.

Which the HS2 meeting chair / facilitator agreed with me;

1. Consultation is not making progress and learning in what has previously been gained from previous consultations.

2. The route has endless "wriggle room" possibilities with no real drive to create an effective and minimal impacting route.

3. Engineering uncertainties skewing route on risks based on "Deep Piles" and "Boggy Pockets" along the route, creating much uncertainty for the residents Gloucester Avenue and King Henrys Road, Primrose Hill.

A few days ago circulated to all meeting participants, I received a draft "Primrose Hill to Kilburn Notes" by email.

Where I was compelled to make this reply:

-----
"Dear HS2 Community Forum Chair HS2 Ltd.

If this is an example of a quality document (I am taking draft edition into consideration when I say this) capturing the views and opinions expressed at this highly activated and mobilised meeting then I am now compelled to revisit all my copious notes from the said meeting.

What has been attempted here is a distillation of thoughts and real concerns into a bubble diagram of key tag words.

'Boggy Pockets', 'Deep Piles' and numerous other concerns are there but statements from representatives on the almost unanimous consensual view that no one felt that this consultation process came anywhere close to being a meaningful actual consultation process is notable by its exclusion.

Please also note you have me listed as representing a Co-Op Housing Association at Camden Council!

I am a co-opted member of Camden Council Housing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee.

Clearly, it appears that there is a cohesive luck of focus with attention to details on all HS2 Limited consultation processes this far. Which let me remind is essential to the of 'Duty of Care' and Due Diligence of HS2 consultation as stipulated in legal framework of consultative law.

Regards

Nigel Rumble
Co-Opted member of
Camden Council Housing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee."
-----

I received this statement from the HS2 Community Forum secretariat by email.

"I have amended the notes to cover members’ scepticism around the overall forums process."

So I have achieved a victory of sorts as I have managed to get recorded that there was members scepticism at the HS2 consultation meeting!

I will not pass judgement here of the response but just go back to my opening line "Groundhog Day Talks" you may have seen the movie, imagine every day starting again over and over. That's HS2 Consultation.

I was going to use the Möbius Loop as another metaphor, but settled on "Groundhog Day" due to its more closely fitting the point I was articulating.

Illustration by (c) Gail Gibbons. My Daughter has approved this illustration for use here!

CTPH D-8 what people are saying...

... in Camden Town with Primrose Hill really do not like or trust political parties in the traditional sense. I sense a sweeping sea of support for Libertarianism here in my now well over 150km trekking around the whole ward day in and day out.

Again may I express my thanks to my local sport shop in Camden Town for advising me so well for all my campaign survival gear!

There is almost unanimous support for an independent free thinking councillor not saddled up with with a big political machine with whips at every difficult turn.

Naturally, I encounter the dire hard party loyalists and supporters that would never deviate from their normal party voting patterns regardless of the quality and character of the candidates. They usually always apologies to me and preface that with 'we realise you may be a great guy and do tremendous work for your community, but am sorry we can't vote for you'

In a strong sense I think this is a historic reflection of the political machine in process. The brand is as important as the statement and commitment to deliver. I would venture further and say that the brand appears even more vital to many voters. Just like some folks would never wear any trainers unless Nike. I don't wear Nike, I wear what is comfortable and at the right price!

Which helps explains why an Independent candidate standing alone usually do very poorly in local elections as they even though invariably have tremendous community credentials do not posses a brand that people can latch on to. Unless they can spend years promoting there name brand. Now it is possible that if a very well known individual were to enter as a local candidate as an independent they could do very well as they have brand name association, which is why American actors often become politicians and indeed Presidents!

I am convinced that most elections would have similar outcomes in many areas with no campaigning apart from three letters sent out by post from the regional council overseeing the election to invite people to vote and list all candidates. The first letter to announce election and list candidates with introduction statements of 100 words, the second to state the mid election messages from all candidates in no more than 200 words each and third the final letter with a summary statements from each candidates in 150 words.

Cheap, effective local politics with equal opportunity for all regardless of wealth or party wealth.

It would dismantle the election machines of all parties in one stroke. .

Many countries in Europe do similar things and have a completely consensual form of politics. It is proven to work well. It also creates more trust in politicians as they are no longer seen as being door-to-door sales people selling and promoting themselves and the party lines to an ever more sceptical public.

(c) Image illustrating the brand association emotional logic and many thanks to David Armano for allowing its use here - http://davidarmano.com/

CTPH D-8 The Splendour and vibrance of Chalcot Square

A wonderful place to be with the multitudes of the rainbow colour schemes. A real favourite of mine whilst I walk to my local school of Primrose Hill School as governor.

Photo highlighting the vibrance and kaleidoscopic colour facades.

CTPH D-9 A great day on the campaign.

Such a warm response. Many thanks for all your support whilst out campaigning today.
And especially the warm reception at The Albert in Princess Road for dinner and drinks tonight.

Photo of Cllr Jonny Bucknell's GWIZ electric Vehicle supporting Boris.

CTPH D-9 The week ahead 'over to you'..

... Campaigning, visiting and discussing with residents my new 'Camden Town' leaflet 'By-election special! Edition two' delivered over the weekend by local team of volunteers to Camden Town with Primrose Hill.

If you should have any questions for me on what I represent to you and the local area and my reasons for leaving the Liberal Democrats to position myself aligning with the Conservatives, now is your opportunity to ask me.

As an independent and free thinking Libertarian, my views are always my own and never spoon fed!

Photo was taken by one of my friends who helped me campaign over the Easter Weekend outside my local Primrose Hill school where I am governor for more than three years. A truly amazing school that is a shinning beacon of what can be achieved with vision.

CTPH D-10 Happy St. George's Day...

... and World Book and Copyright Day

Poster (c) UNESCO, UN

CTPH D-11 Rainy end to a perfect Action Weekend

Another big thank you to all the residents that I met this weekend and it was good to meet Cllr Chris Naylor too today. Together with Cllr Pat Callaghan and my self as your third councillor what an experienced and rounded team we would all make. Truly would be the most democratic ward in Camden, all views represented and self scrutinising.

Photo taken in Inverness Street shortly before April showers!

CTPH D-12 The highlight of campaigning day...

...Was meeting Dr Jonathan Miller CBE at his home this afternoon. Although, we may have a different perspective on the political scene. This was without question a privilege to meet and discuss with such an intellectual creative radical thinker today.

Dr Jonathan Miller CBE is renowned for his unique style of presentation from review comedy 'Beyond the Fringe' to BBC documentaries such as 'The Body in Question' in 1979 and then becoming a world leading opera director, despite not initially reading music.

His most recent opera production Mozart's 'Cosi fan tutte' in Washington DC, USA earlier earlier this year.

We are so lucky to have such a wonderful community of people in Camden Town with Primrose Hill.

Photo is Copyright © 2009 TheBluegrassSpecial.com

CTPH D-12 Team Action Day and blessed with sun!

Now in Oval Road where I have just canvassed one of my fellow teachers at Primrose Hill school where I have been Governor for more than three years.

My school which achieved OFSTED 'outstanding' has announced last week the wonderful plans to associate with a theatre company that puts on productions for the younger audience.

This is naturally also the school where our London Mayor Boris Johnson went to in his young years.

CTPH D-13 The Doughnut campaign!

End of the week thought. It strikes me that the campaign started with doughnuts in the chambers of Camden Town Hall before finally moving to Washington DC, where only the best doughnuts are to be had in traditional paper bags passed around as gestures of political appeasement in the house!

Then we come to Cllr Theo Blackwell Labour Cabinet member for Finance article in CNJ this week 19th April making a far more serious and somber use of the doughnut as a metaphor for the squeeze on middle Camden in relation to people in receipt of Housing Benefit cap changes.

I plan to write a full analytical piece on this so called 'Doughnut' effect, which essentially states that migration out of Camden could occur in the transition upper end layer of the HB range due to the new HB Caps being phased in.

However, this is clearly not a subject for now during what is a highly charged and contested by-election. But I do feel it is important to state my deep concerns if such a situation were to occur here in Camden.

As co-opted member of Housing and Adult Social Care committee for the past two years. The new Housing Benefit caps has come up for discussion and indeed I have also attended a Housing Conference on Housing at Arlington Road in 2010. Where I joined a breakout group to try and give suggestions and solutions to help mitigate any such migration out of Camden by families living in private sector and Housing Associations that may become affected by the HB caps.

The clear message is that I care about the people of Camden and as your prospective councillor would endeavour to work to insure a fairer Camden for all.

Photo (c) KrispyKreme and I receive no sponsorship for the free plug here of my favourite brand too!

CTPH D-13 The weekend ahead and Nigel's Q&As

Again I plan to be visiting as many residents as is humanly possible this weekend.

In talking to you during the past weeks I am often asked, why do politicians only ever come round before elections and then when the elections are over they are never seen again?

Good question and I agree 'why should politicians only ever knock on our doors when they want something like our vote'.

This is why I have striven to be different and have been working here for you all for a decade in this local area. Not as a politician or political activist but more as a community campaigner addressing the 'Big Issues' locally.

People ask me 'yes but you must be a politician or political activist or you would not be standing for high office as a prospective councillor'? Again an excellent question right to the heart of the matter.

My answer is that I am true to my beliefs as a community campaigner in an area that is my Birthplace, my home, my workplace, my community, my Daughters community. What affects me affects all of us here in CTPH.

If HS2 were to proceed through Camden. It would affect all of us. As we all live in the same area.

The shortage of primary school places continues with no end in sight.

My own Daughter was one of the 130+ children without a place back in 2009 and 2010. After much searching and worries she eventually was offered a place.

There are career or professional politicians. That we know. It is essentially like any other job, a captain of industry if you will.

So to complete and answer that second question.

I am a local campaigner and wish to help make a difference locally as your prospective councillor. If that means that I am considered a politician too, possibly it does. Because that is how the system works.

But I would just have to work that bit harder to insure that my actions and convictions remains true to my beliefs within the context of being your prospective councillor.

Thanks to all those who asked me such thought provoking and challenging questions.

The photo shows my Daughter and yes and me attempting to ski over Primrose Hill several winters ago, when we did have the right kind of snow!