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December 2008

Best wishes for 2009

Wed, 31/12/2008 - 17:08 — David

I would like to wish everyone in Eltham, Kidbrooke, Coldharbour, New Eltham, Shooters Hill, Blackheath Park, Mottingham and surrounding areas a very happy new year in 2009.  Though the predictions are bad, I do hope next year might help us all to rediscover new ways to take pride in our community, to help one another and to see the positive things in life rather than the negative.

If you are out partying tonight, wrap up warm - it's going to be cold!  

 

Happy New Year! 

Hamas must be defeated

Wed, 31/12/2008 - 12:42 — David

I hadn't intended to blog over the festive period but have been so angered by some of the reporting of the crisis in Israel that i felt I had to.  Having visited Sderot last year and seen for myself some of the 20+ rockets that had landed on that village in the previous day I have a better idea than many UK commentators of the fear many Israelis live with.

Since 2000 I understand that more than 6000 rockets have been sent into Israel by Hamas sponsored terrorists.  As President-Elect Obama has said, if rockets were being aimed at his daughters 

while they slept, he would take the same action as the Israelis.  So would I.  And I might have done it rather sooner than the Israelis have done.

I hope and pray for a resolution which can be brought about through peace.  But until the leadersh

ip of Hamas genuinely commits to peace that cannot happen.  And my greatest fear is that they never will.

 

First Woolworths, now MFI - who's next?

Fri, 19/12/2008 - 23:42 — David

It is horrible seeing the 'closing down' posters in the windows of Woolworths.  Now we hear that another 1200 people have lost their jobs at MFI.  Understandably customers are angry their orders may not be completed but most people should get a refund.  I wonder how many ex-employees will get new jobs anytime soon.  As someone who has bought an MFI kitchen before I have to say I was well looked after and got a good kitchen at a very reasonable price.  I for one will miss this once national institution, just as I will miss Woolworths.

Unemployment up 75,700 in a month

Wed, 17/12/2008 - 10:41 — David

A government employment minister is currently on Sky News and says "things are not as bad as some want us to believe" and went on to say there are lots of vacancies available.  Does he live in the same world as the rest of us?  Over 75,000 more people were added to the unemployment list in the last month.  This figure will not include those who have lost their jobs but do not qualify for receiving benefits, so we can be certain the number who lost their jobs is far higher.

The High Street is a bloodbath, companies in all sectors are shedding jobs - some using the recession as justification for a clear out or 'efficiency drive'.  This is a terrible time for millions of people and those who depend on them.  I fear it will be worse come the new year. Will the minister still be saying we're all exagerating the problems?

Hallelujah!

Sun, 14/12/2008 - 10:36 — David

I am so happy that Alexandra won X Factor!  Last year's winner (Leon in case you've forgotten - yes, I had to look it up) has sunk without trace and we were due a worthy winner.  I think it's safe to say we got one.  It has been clear for weeks that she has superstar quality and her duet with Beyonce proved it.  And for the record, I think the song is the best ever from an X Factor winner.  Superb television, and a superb result.

Businesses in Eltham need your help

Sun, 14/12/2008 - 10:21 — David

The Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Philip Hammond MP, visited Eltham on Thursday to meet local business leaders.  The overwhelming message from the men and women who run local businesses seemed to be that it is not the politicians who can save our High Street, it's us - the local community.  Shop locally, support local businesses and services.  If we do, they survive and thrive.  If we do not, we cannot be surprised if more empty units start to appear on our High Street.  Philip and I led by example after the event, starting our Christmas shopping in Eltham High Street.  Let's all make an effort to save our High Street.

Vote for Avery Hill Park

Mon, 08/12/2008 - 16:37 — David

The Mayor of London has made funding available to give 10 London parks a makeover - and we help decide which ones get the cash.  The ten grants of up to £400,000 should make them cleaner, safer, greener, and nicer places to visit.  There are forty seven deserving parks for you to choose from - and one of them is our very own Avery Hill Park.  The winners will be the two parks in each of the five London sub-regions, which get the most votes.

Please vote for Avery Hill Park so much needed funding can be directed at this vital and much loved local amenity space.  Such support will build on the excellent work undertaken by the Friends of Avery Hill who are tireless in their efforts on behalf of us park users.  By voting on-line your vote costs you absolutely nothing - and may help improve our local community for us and future generations.

Small businesses need help - fast

Mon, 08/12/2008 - 16:20 — David

On Thursday I will host an event for local small traders alongside Philip Hammond MP, the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury.  He will be in Eltham to hear from small business owners who are currently trading in the worst economic climate in living memory.Philip Hammond MP

I have seen many independent shops and those owned by national chains disappear from our local high street - and I fear that the new year may bring further casualties.  It goes without saying that the loss of Woolworths is a major blow to our community, as a place to shop but also as a place of employment.

If you run a small business and would like to join us for a light lunch (yes, a free lunch!) and share your experiences with me and Philip, please get in touch.  Email me at David@DavidGold4Eltham.com - I would be very pleased to hear from you.

Stansted protests are selfish and unnecessary

Mon, 08/12/2008 - 16:14 — David

I am disgusted by the protests which have closed Stansted Airport this morning.  Of course I support and defend any person's right to protest and make their point of view, but not when their actions bring a major airport to a standstill.

As well as posing a significant threat to security, these selfish individuals have delayed countless journeys, some of them for business others for pleasure.  But all just as important as the rights of these people to let their voice be heard.

I hope the full force of the law is brought down on these people.  They should not disrupt law abiding passengers, many of whom probably have no alternative but to use Stansted - and some of whom may even support their point of view.