Terrye's Blog

Visit to Royal British Legion HQ in Truro

2009-11-03T12:06:00.001-08:00

Interesting visit. Many ex service people, mostly men, can find themselves homeless. Often down to joining the services because of difficulties at home and then when they come out to civvie street finding it hard to cope. Also the services can make their employees rather dependant and a bit institutionalised. It's then tough to try and cope with life on the outside. Single men are often the ones who become homeless because local councils find it hard to house families and single men are low priority. The RBL try and help these ex veterans with housing.

Super windmills at Carland Cross

2009-02-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

Residents of St Newlyn East and Fiddler's Green are annoyed that no public meeting was held by Carrick District Council to outline the ScottishPower application for super turbines at Carland.

ScottishPower want to take down the 15 49 metres windmills and replace it with 10 100 metre super wind turbines. The site size would also be dramatically increased.

The biggest issue for me on this is that the local authority do not seem to have been prepared to allow local residents to air their views. Surely they have a right to ask councillors to listen to their objections at a public site meeting.

I wrote to Carrick Chairman Councillor John Dyer last week to ask him why no meeting with the public had taken place. A large application like this should, in my view, always have a meeting to allow local residents a voice.

Parking problems at Gloweth

2009-02-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

A packed public meeting at Gloweth outlined the major problems local residents are having in their street. Students at Truro College and staff and visitors at Treliske Hospital are using the roads in residential estates to park their cars all day.

This is causing havoc in these roads making it difficult for residents and also causing real hazards in the event of emergency vehicles being called out. I used to live in College Way so really understand exactly how annoying this nuisance is. Cars are parked on pavements, front gardens being driven over and little thought given to local householders and children who live there.

The new park and ride costs £1 for the entire day. I would have thought this was the best option for those people who bring their cars into Truro every day. It is really unfair to clog up someone else's road.

When planning permission for these homes was given great care was put into making sure there were parking spaces for each house. The roads are the right width to ensure that cars would have enough room to manoeuvre but all of this is lost at present.

The Gloweth residents Association would like restricted parking ie between 11am and 3pm to stop people parking there all day. There certainly needs to be some action and soon!

Elderly couple and insurance claim

2008-07-22T05:09:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely over the moon that I managed to get DAS insurance to write off over 3,500 pounds they were demanding from a couple in their 80's. The gentleman was tearful when I told him the good news. This is what is really important making things happen that really matter to people's quality of life.

I am touched by the letter they wrote to me that said they could now sleep at night because I cared. It really does bring a lump to my throat. I was determined to win this case for them though because I thought of my own Mum and Dad and how worried they would have been.

Post office closures

2008-07-22T04:57:00.001-07:00

The list of the Post offices scheduled for closure has now been out for a week. It has been really busy getting leaflets through the doors of those people most likely to be affected. Of course, as always it will be the elderly and most vulnerable who will lose out.

I have already held public meetings in Flushing and Truro - covering Flushing, Malpas, Uplands and Killigrew Street Post offices. Tonight I have arranged a meeting for Bar Road and Killigrew Street in Falmouth.

The post office has been systematically run down by both Conservative and Labour Governments. Under the Tory government 1992-1997 4 post offices a week were closed. It's interesting to see them campaign now locally to save them. Having been in politics in Cornwall for many years I have a long memory.

In reality it's probably true to say that it is the London centric view that Governments seem to take. Someone sits in a room and draws lines on bits of paper and says shut that. They probably wouldn't know how to get to Flushing so wouldn't realise that for a pensioner to go to Mylor Post office would mean a wait of 3 hours for a bus. And where would you wait in the wind and rain?

I have read up a lot on our policies and agree that in order to get the structure right (or more will be closing in the future) we must look at Royal Mail and sell some of its shares. That funding could then help restructure the post office network and allow some innovative ways of growing the business. Please read on below

Investing in the Post Office network
4.0.1 The investment fund that would be created from the sale of shares in Royal Mail will give
the Post Office the opportunity to enhance the branch network, open new branches and develop
new business.
4.0.2 The Post Office has already developed a number of commercial products for sale through
its branches, such as telephone services, insurance, travel services, internet access and even the
sale of flowers. These are welcome and since many have been developed in conjunction with
commercial operators, it illustrates the desire by many companies to have a presence in high
streets and town and village centres without having to maintain their own network.
4.0.3 One of the biggest growth areas in the mail and parcel market in coming years will be
the delivery of goods bought over the internet. Outside the Royal Mail Group, the Post Office
will be free to enter business agreements with other businesses in the mail sector. Branches could
act as mini-depots for the collection of parcels which could not be delivered for whatever reason
to the recipient’s home.
4.0.4 We further believe branches should be free to enter into business arrangements with other
firms on a branch by branch basis. This will require some degree of loosening of central control
by Post Office Ltd.
4.0.5 Nevertheless, we wish to see a number of changes introduced to ensure the vitality of the
Post Office network and to make use of the investment fund:
There should be a new statutory obligation on the Government to maintain the
network, recognizing its important social function. A framework for the network
would be set for a specified period of time - perhaps five years - which would set
out the number of outlets and service requirements.
Where there is a gap in the Post Office network, particularly in deprived areas, the
investment fund will be used to open new branches.
A wide range of services should be available in branches throughout the network.
These could include payment of vehicle excise duty, passport checking, bureau de
change, Government information services via computer terminals, banking and
other financial services, developing the police’s trial scheme (currently under way
in Norfolk and Scotland - reception points for reporting crime, anti-social behaviour
etc). Sub post offices could also act as agencies for the sale of tickets for bus and
train travel, theatres, cinemas and concerts and for adult education services. It is
entirely wrong that when the Government is preparing to open 70 new passport
offices across the country, Post Office Ltd, which wanted to bid for the contract, was
blocked from so doing.
Particular emphasis should be given to low income and deprived communities, with
the investment fund being used to support partnership arrangements between the
post office and local authorities and voluntary groups and to help provide
commercial services often denied to these communities. More use could be made of
the network for council and housing association tenants to report faults for repair
and to access other council services. Each branch could be the shop front for the
government and local councils in its community. Not only the police but also health,
social services and other public bodies could make themselves far more accessible
to the public via the post office network.
12 Securing Royal Mail and the Post Office
The investment fund could facilitate the training of existing and new sub
postmasters and postmistresses and the installation of new equipment for the
provision of new services to be rolled out across all branches wishing to provide
them, such as those activities carried out for the government.
The Investment Fund could be used to maximise opportunities that the rapid rise of
internet shopping has created and thereby attract a new group of shoppers to Post
Offices. For instance, an Ebay auction service similar to that in Germany could be
introduced. This would mean that Ebay would be accessible to even those without
computers. Customers will be able to bring objects for sale to the Post Office,
complete a form, and the goods then will be conveyed to a logistics centre for expert
evaluation before being made available on the internet. The customers will be given
progress reports on the sale of the item and, once sold, packaging, payment and
delivery to the buyer will be supervised by Post Office.
It is important to make clear that the investment fund would not be a panacea but it
would create a new pool of money otherwise unavailable to the post office network.
4.1 A one stop shop for public services
4.1.1 In addition to existing Post Office services, we believe the network should have an
additional main function as the shop front or one stop shop for public bodies and a point of call
for information on public services. Councils, police, health services and government
departments could operate government services from Post Office branches. In addition, there are
many quangos which could use the network to raise their profile and give them the opportunity
to have contact with residents, such as learning and skills councils and regional development
agencies. Indeed, the network could be tasked with the job of being the first physical point of call
for such organisations.
4.1.2 Examples of Innovative use of Post Office branches at home and abroad:
Devon County Council are considering Post Offices as locations for the ordering,
collection and return of library books.
In Norfolk, ‘Partners Against Crime’ helps deliver an increased police service to rural
communities by using a local Post Office. Norfolk constabulary has piloted eight joint
police and Post Office services, in both part and full time branches across Norfolk.
Services include: receipt of messages from the public; documentation and registration of
all property handed in; acceptance of payment for speeding and car-parking fines;
checking and recording driving documents; accepting and processing licences (such as
firearms licences); holding and handing out police information leaflets and offering
crime prevention products, such as burglar alarms. A 24-hour freephone kiosk outside the
branch provides a direct link to the police. The police visit the branch once or twice a
week.
The ‘pub as the hub’ initiative with Shepherd and Neame Brewery in north Kent includes
a part-time provision of Post Office services within the pub, offering a full complement
of services.
In Singapore, Post Offices offer a diverse range of services including; insurance services,
drop off and collection points for IBM ThinkPad’s - computers and printers that need
repair, HP Print cartridge recycling programme, money orders, renewal of licences,
payment of fines and bills and gift wrappers for parcels.
Securing Royal Mail and the Post Office 13
Deutsche Post in Germany is to introduce an Ebay auction service in Berlin that will be
accessible to even those without computers. Customers will be able to bring objects for
sale to the Post Office, complete a form, and the goods then will be conveyed to a
logistics centre for expert evaluation before being made available on the internet. The
customers will be given progress reports on the sale of the item and, once sold, Deutsche
Post will supervise packaging, payment and delivery to the buyer.
Without the fund that we wish to create from the sale of shares in Royal Mail, much of the
investment needed for branches to develop new markets and products will not happen.
14

Wet,windy and Wimbledon

2008-07-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

Just finishing watching the amazing match between Federer and Nadal. What fantastic players! The stamina they both have and the mental power they must be using is awe-inspiring.

The weekend has been wet and windy pretty much all the time. Julia Goldsworthy MP and I were both at Truro train station on Friday afternoon. One of the first approved projects for the new Convergence funds are being spent on a Loop system to allow trains to run every 30 minutes between Truro and Falmouth. This is a long overdue development to allow more regular transport between the two towns.

Earlier on Friday Sarah and I went out delivering some leaflets in Penryn until the rain stopped us!

Oh well it is July.

Call centres

2008-06-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

I visited an elderly couple this week. They are having problems getting their insurance company to pay up on a claim. I read through the paperwork and as far as I am concerned the insurance company are well out of order and they are demanding money off them! The gentleman cannot sleep and has already been in hospital for high blood pressure. This couple are in their 80's.

I rang the insurance company but of course the person you want is never around - on a training course. And no-one has bothered to ring back even though they said they would. I expect it will be days before I get through and then they will say I can't deal with it.

Call centres pushing you around from pillar to post. The funny thing is they call it Customer service. I like a real person on the end of the phone who is really trained to be able to answer the questions.

I am determined to help this couple though as it reminds me of my mum and dad and the sorts of problems they had. It's really hard for older people to deal with stuff like this.

Penryn Bowling Club

2008-06-14T08:53:00.000-07:00

Had a chat with Susie at the Bowling club. At last South West Water have come up trumps and put the cap on their sewage works in Penryn. This means that the bowlers can now play without the awful smell they have had to put up with for several years. But it still took time and I had to call them every month to put pressure on to make them do this work.

Anyway must ring and say thanks for getting it all sorted. Result!

Eating croissants at the French breakfast

2008-05-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a successful late morning French breakfast.... croissants, french toast etc. It was even better as we were able to sit in the garden and enjoy the sunshine. Leigh's boys had fun kicking a football around and playing hide and seek around the trees.

Nick Clegg visits Cornwall

2008-05-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

Great day yesterday. Nick Clegg came down and made various visits including one to Playing Place Post office helping with my campaign to save rural post offices. I organised a March from Carnon Downs to Playing Place post office a few weeks ago and wanted his support on this issue. In July we will know which post offices are due to be closed.

Mrs Williams came along on her motorised scooter. It is for people like her that we need to fight to save our post offices as they are so important in our communities. The local Conservative county councillor also came along and was pleased to meet Nick. He thanked him for coming and was impressed that a national leader of a political party gave support to these campaigns.

We then went on to Tremough campus and Nick was excellent in answering a number of questions from the students.

In the evening we all ended up at Porthtowan village hall where Arwen and Annette had organised a full sit down meal of Cornish produce with music from the Cornwall Youth orchestra. Great!

British Telecom surcharge

2008-05-09T02:22:00.000-07:00

Last week I visited a pensioner in Truro who was fed-up that she had to pay extra on her phone bill unless she paid by Direct Debit.

She likes, like many pensioners, to go up to the Post Office to pay her bills. BT don't really want her to do this - they want everyone to pay by direct debit. If you don't you get charged an extra £4.50 a quarter for their additional costs in 'processing' the cheque or cash. This is £18 a year that I am sure a single pensioner could put to better use.

BT say that they are keen to allow customer's choice of payment!

It also tells us a lot about why Post offices are losing business and being forced to close.

I would love to hear from anyone else who feels they have been denied real choice.

Liberal Democrats : Post Office

2008-05-06T04:38:00.000-07:00

Liberal Democrats : Post Office

Vsiting farmers at Allet

2008-04-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

It's hard to think that in April last year we were basking in sunshine. On Friday I visited some dairy farmers at Allet. Although milk prices have gone up over the past year by about 8p a litre this is just about compensating for the huge increases in feed, energy and fertilizer costs. Farming is never easy. From my days down on a dairy farm I know that. The milking starts early meaning that most dairy farmers start at about 5.30am and go on until late sometimes working via tractor headlights in the fields in the evenings. Paper work tends to pile up and get done in odd meal breaks during the day. I think that many also put off doing this task as it's not always the top priority and let's face it not much fun.

I had not seen the paperwork and forms used in recent years. Passports for all the cows, rip out portions if the cow moves anywhere off the farm - even to a neighbouring field. Forms to fill out if they die. Huge colour manuals on what to do in every eventuality from wildlife to goats, pigs, sheep,cows. All of this paperwork is costly and since it is constantly being updated most farmers have filing drawers full of information from the Government.

I was interested to hear that the nitrogen free zones (NFZ's) which prevent farmers from spreading slurry during the wet winter months is causing concern. Many smaller South west farms do not have slurry pits. This means they usually spread slurry every day. With the milder climate and longer growing season this has always been the case. Now some are being faced with building slurry pits at a rough cost of £50,000. There will be no grant aid towards this work. The NFZ's are not in place everywhere so some will lose out and have to borrow heavily to comply. No wonder that last year 3 dairy farmers a year quit!

Meeting with Cllr Doris Ansari Chairman of Cornwall County Council

2008-03-31T02:48:00.000-07:00

I had a very productive meeting with the Chairman of Cornwall County Council Cllr Doris Ansari and David Whalley, Leader last week. I wanted their support to back a One stop shop approach hopefully incorporating some of our post offices. Since we will be getting a new single Council it is a perfect opportunity to use innovative ways of delivering local government services into our communities.
This Tuesday there is a motion going to the full Council to back this proposal from Joyce Mepsted who is also a member of Postwatch.
I am really pleased that this is being looked at in a positive manner

Post Office March from Carnon to Playing Place

2008-03-31T01:36:00.000-07:00

I awoke to pouring rain and gales on Saturday morning. But the planned Post office march I had organised was going ahead whatever the weather. I was delighted to see at least 70 people turn out to brave the weather to show their support for their local Post offices. In July the Post Office Ltd will announce up to 40 Post office closures in Cornwall. No-one yet knows who is on the list. A Conservative government started the closures and it has continued under Labour.
I know that the modern world means new ways of paying benefits and the use of the internet means forms can be downloaded. But why oh why not look at how services can be delivered straight to the community by using these Post offices?
It was great to see children on the March along with grandparents. Cars were hooting and people waving on the buses showing their support for our campaign. The atmosphere was great - like a carnival.
I would also like to thank Ally who was our very helpful police lady.

Chancellor delivers budget today

2008-03-12T02:31:00.000-07:00

Today we will see what Labour are going to do in the budget. I hope that Mr Darling remembers the thousands of pensioners who are struggling to pay their heating bills.
I remember knocking on one door and waiting a long time for an elderly lady to answer the door. When she finally opened the door she said, "I'm so sorry but I thought it was my son". I was a bit concerned thinking she may be being hurt in some way. "So why don't you want to see your son?" I asked. "Oh dear it's just that I have to turn my fire on and make sure the bar is red before I let him in."
She was obviously hiding the fact that she kept her heating off most of the time. Sad to think that our pensioners are frightened of their heating bills while the energy companies are coining in massive profits.
This generation of people were taught to pay their bills before anything else.

Nick Clegg speaking at Liverpool

2008-03-12T02:13:00.001-07:00

Nick made an excellent speech at conference. I think the thing that did it for me was his sincerity. It made me feel proud that I was in the Liberal Democrats. Politicians are clever with their words. But here was a man who truly believed in what he was saying about social justice. His ability to roam the stage with no podium or notes for fifty minutes was pretty impressive too.

Considering the vote on the Treaty of Lisbon problems of last week Nick was completely upbeat. He has the ability to keep moving forward despite adversity. I like that. What really annoys me is that the press seem to forget that the Liberal Democrats were the only party wanting a Referendum on the European constitution - do you want in or out? But the Speaker would not allow that debate. It's a nonsense because neither the Labour party or the Tories want to come out of Europe in any way. It's just window dressing and a sop to their followers - particularly in the Conservative party. This nonsense about the Treaty of Lisbon vote is just not the issue at all. But the public are only given the 30 second sound bites. It is about time this country really understood the issues involved once and for all. The silly comments people make to me about Europe. I even had one man saying that its all a huge German plot and our gold bullion was being shipped to Germany!

Car parking charges at Treliske

2008-03-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

In November last year I visited the hospital regularly to visit my sick mother.

Every time it cost £1.70 for 2 hours duration. Sometimes I just wanted to nip in quickly to see Mum and drop something off. No-one at any time told me that there were any special rates available. I understand that there is a slight discount if you pay for a month's parking. One lady I spoke to while out collecting my petition told me that she had paid for the month's parking. Her husband had died after 10 days but no refund was given. I think this is unacceptable.

I am currently collecting a petition to allow people to park for 30 mins for 50p and 1 hours for £1. I think this is a reasonable request for those people who do not wish to pay for the whole 2 hrs session. Please let me know of any problems you have had. Thank you. Terrye

Cornwall's fire service

2008-02-25T07:57:00.000-08:00

The full time night fire cover in Falmouth has been retained. This follows some additional funding which means that £1.1 million has been put into the fire service in Cornwall.

Throughout Cornwall all the fire stations except those at Falmouth and Camborne, are run using retained firemen. The Chief Fire Officer is undertaking a complete review of the current situation. According to the Audit Commission death and injuries from fire are at their lowest level in England since the 1950's. House fires have

shown a steady decline since 1985.

Terrye Teverson & Julia Goldsworthy on march

Two thirds of all fire stations in the country are staffed by retained firemen.

The fireservice role has changed to focus more on prevention and protection work in local communities. This has resulted in a falling level of fires generally. I understand that firemen in Cornwall are increasingly being called out to deal with Road Traffic Accidents.

Conference at Bodmin

2008-01-22T04:11:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed going to the Cornwall conference at Bodmin at the weekend. With a new unitary council scheduled it is important to start looking at Cornwall's future and priorities.

We had some very stimulating debates on environment, housing, and the structure of delivering services in Cornwall. The latter item doesn't sound very inspiring but unless the structures are right we won't get the delivery.

I chaired a meeting on affordable housing. Kate Tregunna from Cornwall needs Affordable housing was also on the panel. I liked her comment that really the words 'second home' are wrong. A second home is really an accessory. Like a 4x4. She works full-time at Treliske doing an essential job but cannot even register for 'affordable housing' as she doesn't earn enough!

Shock statistics

2008-01-17T07:10:00.001-08:00

A recent housing report shows that 19,000 families are on council house waiting lists in Cornwall today.

Not surprising when house prices rose a whopping 274% between 1996 and 2006 in Cornwal and the average house price in Cornwall in Sept 2007 topped £231,400. To get a mortgage on the average house in Cornwall an individual would need to be earning over £66,000 – way above the average local wage of - £19,290.
With too few affordable homes to buy or rent, households on waiting lists for homes in Dec 2006 hit 19,728, a 128.7% increase in number of households on waiting lists since 2001.
Just 1030 affordable homes to rent were built across Cornwall between 2003 and 2006, whilst 600 were sold under Right to Buy. Over 10,000 affordable homes have been sold off under RTB since it was introduced in 1980.

The number of second homes in the County is 14,427. There was a 56% increase in second home ownership between 2000 – 2006, and many local communities are suffering as a result of under-use of local services due to second home ownership. Parishes said the official figures underestimate the numbers of second homes, and that as prices rise second home buyers are now turning to new builds and non-coastal locations.

Happy New Year

2008-01-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year. I am glad to have got through some of the dismal days of last year and am looking forward to 2008. Two of my daughters came home for Christmas with family and that was great. My youngest daughter is touring Patagonia in a camper van! OK for some.

On the campaign front the Save our Post office petition will be arriving on the doorsteps during January. Successive Governments fail to recognise the unpaid work done by sub postmasters. Time is money and yet many of the staff in these post offices do hours of unpaid social work filling in forms and helping people out. The fact is they provide a real link for many people, mostly elderly, in our communities.

I hope you will back our campaign.

New Year New Leader

2007-12-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

I am delighted that we have a new leader - Nick Clegg.

But I want to pay a real tribute to Vince Cable. Didn't he do well? Standing against the Saudi's, making real news on Northern Rock and delivering a killer blow 'Mr Bean' comment about Gordon Brown. I think a lot of members were thinking why didn't he stand?

I saw Nick on Newsnight last night with Jeremy Paxman giving him a real grilling. He stood up well on the onslaught. Bear in mind he probably has had little sleep and travelled thousands of miles over the last few weeks - plus his celebratory party - he was excellent.

I look forward to driving up membership in Truro and Falmouth with our new, vibrant leader.

Difficult decisions

2007-12-19T09:07:00.000-08:00

Mum didn't make it sadly. The consultant said that since she could not swallow it would be unlikely she would ever have any quality of life. She was unable to take food or water. It was hard to see your mum ebb away especially since she was denied food and water due to her inability to take it.

The staff at Botallack ward were fantastic not only to Mum but also to us, the family. Very compassionate, calm and understanding. We tend to only think of hospital staff as dealing with sick people but they also deal with emotional families during stressful times too. I was really impressed with this side of the medical profession and would like to thank them all for their care.

Ironically Mum was on a local TV network as part of Treliske's response to dignity of vulnerable patients. Because she could not eat or swallow she had a blue wristband on her arm. This alerted all staff to the fact she could not speak and needed special care.

Anyway this year has been one that has orphaned me - my Dad died in February.

My parents were lucky in that both my brother and I were around to help them. What about all those elderly people with little or no real family support.

Treliske hospital

2007-11-08T06:30:00.000-08:00

Mum is still fighting - she has an iron will. Unfortunately it is not doing her any favours at the moment. My brother and I are visiting constantly.

I contacted the Chief Executive of Treliske to ask him to make sure the notices at the entrance to the hospital were more clearly displayed. This is to get everyone to use the hand gel when they enter the hospital. It's really important for those vulnerable patients who could pick up an infection. I think they should put large notices on the floor to say 'STOP clean your hands, NOW'. I will keep pressing them on this.

I am also concerned about the £1.70 for 2 hours parking charges. Why can't they also have a 30minute break for 60p. This would allow family to just pop in to see their relatives on a more frequent basis. The car park was supposed to be changed to a pay on exit system this October but this does not seem to have happened.

Very difficult times

2007-10-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

While I was in Singapore my mother was rushed into Treliske hospital having suffered a stroke. Fortunately my brother and sister in law were staying with her. The last two weeks have been a round of visits and updates from the medical staff.

Unfortunately today we have had to come to terms with the fact that mum just isn't going to make it. She just barely responds and only to us - the family. The future would be bleak for her and she was a very independent lady.

What a difficult decision to come to terms with - a bedridden future at best or being allowed to slip away with dignity.

The staff have been fantastic and Mr Battle, my Mum's consultant, has shown great compassion. There may be all sorts of financial trauma surrounding the hospital but the front line staff have all demonstrated warmth, humanity and commitment. Thank you very much.

End of another era in the Liberal Democrats

2007-10-16T02:07:00.000-07:00

I heard very early in the morning indeed, while visiting my daughter in Singapore, that Ming had resigned. This timing will give his successor a reasonable run up to a General Election and for this we must be thankful.

The good news is that our party has abundant talent who can take on this challenge and move the Liberal Democrats to the forefront of new thinking in the country. Most people are generally not interested in politics and are apathetic. Is this down to the politicians or media reporting? Who knows? But politics is about the art of engaging people with new ideas. Our party can, in my view, afford to be risk takers and innovative. In fact, we must be. We cannot be seen as bland, grey and boring. I want our party to become colourful again.

I look forward to the contest.

Gordon Brown pulls back General Election

2007-10-10T08:01:00.001-07:00

It's Saturday afternoon and instead of forging ahead with a general election it has been called off for the Autumn. So who knows when it will be now? Trouble is the adrenalin is running and we really thought he would go for it.

He really should have made his mind up. I don't think playing these games is a good and we ought to have fixed term parliaments. This would give all political parties the same level playing field. I think many of his own MP's are fed up about it as well.

2007-10-10T08:00:00.003-07:00

2007-10-10T08:00:00.001-07:00

Mylor grand opening of community hall

2007-10-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

Julia Goldsworthy and I visited Mylor on Friday on her travelling surgery. Mylor has a really strong community and this was borne out by the refurbishment of the old village school into a community centre. The whole building is looking great.

The next day, Saturday, I went to the official opening where a time capsule was being hidden in the rafters. The next time any refurbishments are undertaken the children then will see pictures of today's school children and various items that have been enclosed in the box. I hope there are still CD players around in 100 years time or so though.

Saturday with the Police in Truro

2007-10-02T03:25:00.000-07:00

I met up with Sergeant Gavin Barnes at 9pm on Saturday night. The incidents all come in via the computer and various police officers are sent off to attend in order of priority. Clearly this screening of calls is vital. Who knows if a domestic incident could turn into a violent assault or worse?

The police had been busy earlier in the evening due to a fight on Platform 3 at Truro train station. This involved various football supporters from Bath. I hope its not something that will blight us in the future.

I went out with Sergeant Barnes in a police car and we toured around Truro and the outlying area. There was a large congregation of young people at the Matalan car park at Threemilestone. A couple of drivers were pulled over for safety reasons - one a 16 year old on a motorbike with no rear lights.

Following this there was a domestic call out - I accompanied the police to Newquay station where the holding cells are based. The prisoner was held over night due to drunken behavious and assault on a member of his family. Surprisingly, this is very common in Truro.

Truro is a very safe place to live. Most of the incidents stem from too much alcohol. I am saddened by the amount of domestic violence though.

Housing problems in Carrick highlighted at Brighton

2007-09-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

Back from the Liberal Democrat conference at Brighton - exhausted but really enjoyable. Everyone was in good heart and Ming's speech yesterday came over really well.

I was pleased to be called in the Poverty debate. I was able to highlight the fact that Carrick is the least affordable place in the country for housing. According to the Halifax building society it takes 16 times average incomes in Carrick to buy a house. In the rest of the country the average is 8 times average income. So we have double the problem here in our own district!

Most people just don't recognise the significant problems we have in Cornwall. They think of us as pretty cottages with roses trailing over them. Rural poverty is a real issue and largely unrecognised.

Delegates were shocked when I said that many fishermen now have to commute to their boats in the morning. It sounds odd doesn't it but it is a fact of life down here.

Truro Police station

2007-09-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to visit Inspector Mark Richards at Truro Police Station. It was really encouraging to see that there had been an overall decrease in the number of all crimes in his patch.

The biggest problem is that of anti social behaviour usually fuelled by alcohol. This seems to be a major problem throughout the UK. Mark Richards told me that they had put more community police officers out in teams across the his patch to counter these issues. It's obviously a bit of an uphill battle.

I want to tell older people that they can certainly sleep safe in their beds in Cornwall. Domestic burglaries are very very low. The reality is that no-one wants to buy old TV's or electrical equipment. But best keep your credit cards safe!

Carrick housing problem highlighted

2007-09-03T02:58:00.000-07:00

The Campaign for Affordable Homes Cornwall (CAHC) are calling on Carrick District Council to pull out all the stops to deliver more affordable homes in the district after the Halifax revealed that Carrick is the least affordable rural area in the country.

With over 2500 people on the waiting list for homes in the district and far too few vacancies arising in social housing each year to house even those in priority need, CAHC are seeking reassurance from the council that every new development in Carrick will feature the percentage of affordable units as specified by the council, at the very least.

Kate Tregunna CAHC:

“We want Carrick to promise that they will make it crystal clear to all developers that building new affordable homes is not a requirement they can escape from. It’s time that the council put us first. We are in crisis, we desperately need more affordable homes and it’s time Carrick acted this way”.

Penryn branch

2007-09-02T10:37:00.001-07:00

Pictured here from left to right: Terrye Teverson, Cait Hutchings (Penryn County Councillor) and Bev Hulme (deputy mayor Penryn).

We are working together to get an active team of people working for Penryn. If you are interested in helping contact me on terrye@teverson.net. You can come along to an informal meeting with refreshments with us at Miss Peabods Kitchen Cafe, Jubilee Wharf at 7pm on Friday 28 September.

Combined University of Cornwall

2007-09-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I visited Tremough Campus. I still remember the old Tremough convent school for girls.

The Combined University of course, covers a variety of sites, including University College Falmouth and Truro College in our constituency of Truro and Falmouth.

The new European Convergence funds will be looking to upskill the workforce in Cornwall. I believe this is really important. Many people in the workplace have not had the opportunity of further education. The task is to be able to provide working people with easy access to upskilling via work-based learning without major disruption to their day to day work. I will be supporting this intiative. I also like the bite-sized courses idea of very short, university level programmes to allow people to try out higher education without committing to a long course. It means that workers get the change to gain specific knowledge quickly.

Perranporth

2007-09-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have found a great way to save money at the gym. Just deliver leaflets in Perranporth. You don't need step exercise and the views are stunning.

The hang-gliding looks fun too!

The author Winston Graham lived in Perranporth for many years and his famous Poldark novels, which were televised, starring Robin Ellis and Angharad Rees as Ross and Demelza, are based on the history of the area and its local families. "Hendrawna Sands" in the novels is Perranporth beach. This was one of the 'must watch' serials when it was shown - everyone loved Ross Poldark!

If anyone wishes to help out there please let me know.

SOS for the NHS

2007-08-26T02:40:00.000-07:00

On Friday a group of us were on Lemon Quay to get people to sign our petition against cuts in the NHS.

Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrats’ Shadow Health Secretary, has launched a nationwide survey into people’s views on the NHS.

We, the undersigned, back the Liberal Democrat campaign to stop the cuts, cut the waste and give local people more say over our NHS.

You can sign on line at http://www.nhssos.com/

Day at the Docks in Falmouth

2007-08-26T02:23:00.000-07:00

I met up with Peter Childs, Chief Executive of A&P Docks in Falmouth. The good news was it was one of the best days weatherwise this year.

There are exciting developments at the Docks. Projects to enable larger passenger ships to dock alongside will provide additional wealth to the town. There are also major plans to build a marina where some of the old pontoons are currently being taken down.

The docks employs and provides skills to many people in this area. It is without doubt the lifeblood of Falmouth and the surrounding area.

I spent a lot of time around various docks in the world when I was sailing around in the 1970's. There is always a feeling of excitement and travel - and of course, the smell of the sea!

Pirates ahoy

2007-08-19T03:26:00.000-07:00

Had a great time at the Maritime museum. Julia Goldsworthy and I went down for a working breakfast. The museum has had a really good summer - due, of course, to all the rain. The children are being entertained by making pirates hats. Of course, Julia and I and the Mayor of Falmouth all had a go!

The picture sitting on a cannon says it all.

We followed this by going to see the famed Skipper in the Packet offices. Seemed the fun thing to do wearing our hats. Ahoy there.

Inside H.M Prison Dartmoor

2007-08-19T03:12:00.000-07:00

Terrye & prion office Ian Harris outside Darmoor Prison

Last Monday I went with Tim Jones from the Devon & Cornwall Business Council to HMP Dartmoor. Tim and I have been consulting on setting up a print room there.

The prison officers showed us around and some suitable space for teaching prisoners skills in the print industry.

'C' wing was in need of complete refurbishment. This wing would provide 125 cells. The prison, following repeated requests, have not heard whether this refurbishment will take place so the wing just languishes.

Meanwhile in the South west alone 110 prisoners are being held in police station cells.

Liberal Democrat Team for Cornwall

2007-07-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

It's great to be back in the Team for Cornwall.

Left to right:
Steve Gilbert (just selected for St Austell/Newquay new seat)
Dan Rogerson MP for North Cornwall
Julia Goldsworthy MP for Falmouth/Camborne
Matthew Taylor MP for Truro/St Austell
Terrye Teverson (just selected for Truro/Falmouth new seat)
Andrew George MP for St Ives.

Our joint campaigning on issues that affect Cornwall have been really successful in getting Cornwall the recognition it deserves.

New Candidate for Truro/Falmouth constituency

2007-07-30T07:06:00.000-07:00

All the canvassing of members is now finished and we have had the hustings. I was absolutely delighted to be selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the new constituency of Truro and Falmouth.

All our candidates were absolutely superb and I was up against a strong team. This is excellent for the future of the Liberal Democrats. It bodes well for our future as a party.

David Cameron is coming under pressure. Being in Rwanda in the sunshine when your own constituency is flooded never makes good press headlines. They say that events is the thing to fear in politics. Events have certainly not done Dave any favours.

Gordon Brown has pushed forward on the housing agenda. I am pleased about this but will he really go far enough. The Labour government have not overseen the building of enough houses over the ten years they have been in power.

I am currently reading their latest Homes for the Future green paper. Quite a lot of Lib Dem ideas in the bits I have read.

On the campaign Trail

2007-06-29T04:14:00.000-07:00

At the moment I am busy trying to meet as many local members as possible. I am really enjoying doing this. I think it is something that needs to be built into the membership diary ie visit members particularly those who many not be able to make it to any meetings or social events.

I have listened to the views expressed. And will reflect a number of these in my hustings speeches on Friday 20th July and Saturday 21st July.

The weather has been generally appalling but I am dashing through the rain to knock on members' doors. Thank you to all those I have met and for the warm, friendly welcome. It's great meeting people with similar political views!

Cameron has just fallen flat on his face with the defection of a Tory MP to Labour. Gordon must have a big smile on his face. But the important thing is that it points up the whole issue with the Conservatives being style over substance. I am sure Labour will make this their theme over the coming months.

It's got to help us here in Truro/Falmouth.

The Slave Trade in Bristol

2007-06-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

When I was in Bristol I visited the exhibition 'Breaking the Chains' commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade.

Between 1450 and 1850 over 10 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic Ocean – with another 10 million perishing in the process of capture.

• British ships carried over 3 million Africans to slavery in the Americas between 1662 and 1807.
• Over 2000 slave voyages left Bristol alone between 1698 and 1807, by which time over 60% of the city’s trade was directly related to slavery.
• Britain’s official involvement in the transatlantic slave trade was ended in 1807 after years of protest by the Abolitionist movement.

This is an exhibition well worth visiting and its on for the next 2 years.

Kate Hoey at the Zimbabwe rally

2007-06-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

A large banner saying ‘Supporting the People of Zimbabwe’ was the backdrop to a rally in Bristol last week.

Held in the centre of town, the area was alive with the sounds of drumming and singing. The Anti-Apartheid Movement together with the Bristol Zimbabwe Association orgnaised the event.

Kate Hoey MP spoke about her involvement in the struggle to get international condemnation of Mugabe and praised the Australian prime minister in his clear decision recently to ban the Australian cricket team from going to Zimbabwe. She compared this with the shilly shallying of our own government and the England Cricket Board in 2003 in refusing to act on the same issue, being unsure of what they should do lest they lose votes and money. She pointed out that sport was an area with a lot of clout and that boycotting international sporting events against Zimbabwe would draw worldwide attention to the tyranny of Mugabe’s regime.

Kate Hoey was followed by the Red Notes Socialist Choir who performed a fine repetoire of South African songs. White balloons were handed to the assembled crowd with messages demanding Mugabe’s departure and free and fair elections.

Cornwall Business Leader of the Year Awards 2007

2007-05-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

Well I am really pleased. Following my journey back from Cambridge yesterday I ended up at the Cornwall Business Awards dinner at St Mellion. Gordon, my Business development Director, came with me.

I was nominated in the Business Leader of the Year category. And was delighted to be voted one of the top two business leaders in Cornwall and the top woman!

The award for the Business Leader of the Year was sponsored by NatWest
This award is made to the outstanding individual who in the last year has best demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision. The judges are looking for evidence of how the organisation has significantly improved performance for its employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders,and how the entrant has contributed to that success. Specific qualities that the judges considered include the performance of the current business including sales and profit growth, and a vision for the future.

The award was given to leaders who had been able to drive their businesses through difficult change and still demonstrate growth.

Entries were judged by a panel of high-profile business figures, including Eden Project Chief Executive Tim Smit; former Bank of England governor Lord George; John Smith, CEO of BBC Worldwide and Sir John Banham, Chairman of Johnson Matthey PLC and former Chair of Whitbread.

Around the country

2007-05-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

Caroline and I at the Print Industry Conference

Both of us are keen to get women into high profile positions in print

Mad couple of days rushing around. I left home at 5am on Wednesday morning to get to a Print conference near Rugby. I am a committee member of the Independent Print Industries association which is an organisation that allows manufacturers and print management companies to meet and exchange views.

The conference was excellent covering aspects of environmental issues for the paper industry through to the latest technology using web pages. There are some truly excellent innovations in web page development.

It also means that I get to catch up with a number of customers in one place rather than various journeys around the UK.

Following the conference I stayed at Cambridge so I would be able to visit some customers in the area. There is no substitute for getting out of the office and actually seeing your customers. Email and the phone cannot replicate actually sitting and chatting through customers needs face to face.

Election results

2007-05-07T08:30:00.000-07:00

The council elections are over! When John Major went on to win the 1992 General Election he had 46% of the vote - Cameron needs to do better.

In Cornwall the battle is on - a clear two horse race between us and the Tories.

The BBC estimated share of the national vote for Liberal Democrats in the local elections is 26%. The final calculations on estimated national vote share for the Liberal Democrats between 1994 and 2006 are all in a range of 23% - 27%.

This year's estimate for the Liberal Democrats is therefore towards the very top of the range of estimated vote share in the last 13 years. It is just 1% below the record high level achieved by the party in last year's local elections (27%).

The estimated share of the vote for Labour in the first local elections with Tony Blair as Leader was 47%. Labour appears to have lost 20% of this vote share in the 13 years since Tony Blair became Leader.

The highest estimated national vote share for the Tories in recent times was the 46% achieved under John Major in 1992 which was also the last year in which the Conservatives won a General Election. The BBC estimate for the Tories this year is 40%.

The end is nigh

2007-04-26T03:06:00.000-07:00

The finishing line for the District elections is now in sight. I have canvassed pretty much all over the Carrick District council area. It feels pretty good for us.

Tonight I am out in Truro again. There is always an excellent response to the Liberal Democrats. Every vote always counts and we cannot afford to take anything for granted.

I am running a petition about Pat Ely who is being forced to retire as a Guider due to her age. I am waiting for the National Guide Association Human resource department to get back to me with their current policy. Sounds like they may be struggling! We'll see.

Meantime Robin has also put in a written question to the Minister. I will be interested to see their response too.

Volunteer guider forced to retire at 65

2007-04-23T04:29:00.000-07:00

Pat, St Agnes Guider, with Terrye Teverson

Well I have stumbled across a very interesting case while out canvassing in St Agnes. A local lady who has run the Guides in the village for the past 22 years has been told that she cannot continue past her 65th birthday in May.

This means that a new leader has had to be found for the Brownies and Guides but the Rainbow group (5-7 year olds) have no leader and the group is shutting.

This is appalling news. The national Guides Association are saying that the legislation only covers paid workers not volunteers. I think that is cynical manipulation of the wording of the bill by them.

The fact is that Pat (that is the Guider's name) has given her time and efforts free of charge and now they want to say 'you're past it'. How dare a national organisation dedicated to encouraging young people to grow up with good values make that judgement based only on a birth date.

Over the weekend I have been getting the legislation checked with a specialist employment firm to see what they make of this interpretation. The Department of Trade & Industry website clearly states that employed people cannot be discriminated against but is there a loophole here?

I have also heard of another case where a volunteer has been asked to stand down because of her age.

I have just had a phone call to say there is no protection under the new legislation for volunteers. However, certain unpaid office holders such as magistrates are protected.

Do you know of any if you do please get in touch on 07836752647.

Listening to people on the door

2007-04-19T02:34:00.000-07:00

Looking at the City Hospital site housing scheme in Truro

The great thing about canvassing is that you get to hear first hand the issues that really bother people.

The key issues in the district elections of affordable housing and environmental concerns are certainly striking a chord on the doorstep.

Trying to find a home is getting increasingly difficult. This is not just people trying to buy a home but also those trying to find affordable rented accommodation.

One lady told me this week that she is now in her late 40's and is still not in a position to afford anything. Both she and her husband are in full-time employment in academic-type jobs. They are currently renting a property in Truro. We got onto the subject of the cost of homes in Cornwall. In the papers the lowest price home 1/2 bed maisonette was around £150,000. In Kent a larger property would cost about £112,000.

From my experience the prices in London are not much different to those you find in Truro and Falmouth. If you have a sea view there is an extra premium. Yet wages are nearly a third less than those in London.

I am visiting Shelter in Redruth shortly to listen to more of the issues about homelessness in Cornwall. I am a member of Shelter. I think that the first priority for politicians is to get a decent roof over people's heads. Somewhere they can feel safe and secure and at home.

Most people are really pleased to think that Carrick District Council is the best performing council for recyling household waste (32%) in Cornwall. And the aim is to increase this over the next council cycle.

Please support your local Liberal Democrat councillor so that they can help increase the 540 tonnes of recycling materials and 360 tonnes of garden waste they currently collect each year.

If you are a councillor in the Carrick area please ring me for some help canvassing.

Best wishes

May elections are around the corner

2007-04-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

Terraced housing in Falmouth

Clear blue skies, warm sun and primroses in the hedges. Cornwall at its best over the Easter weekend. This weather is set to continue for the rest of the week - it's even predicted to get warmer.

I will be out canvassing in Truro, Falmouth, Penryn, St Agnes and various other villages over the rest of this week. It is important that we get a good result on Carrick district council. The Liberal Democrat group have done a good job in getting £20 million under the Decent Home Scheme which upgrades homes ie bathrooms etc in local authority properties.

The issues of affordable homes for young families will be one of the top issues on the political agenda. Most homes in Truro are around the £200,000 mark. Even if two people are working and bringing home £20,000 each this would only equate to a mortgage of £120,000 under the old 3x's earnings rules. The mortgage lenders are now extending the number of years of the mortgage and up to 5x's earnings. It just means that young families are even more in debt for a longer period.

Who is really winning?

If any councillors would like me to help them with some canvassing please let me know. I will be glad to help you.

Why doesn't the USA do something?

2007-04-05T04:26:00.000-07:00

It is sobering listening to the news from Brussels today where the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) are meeting to discuss the latest projections on climate change.

The USA and Australia both need to alter their stance on climate change and do something to help. Bear in mind that since 1990, the baseline year for the most important gases dealt with by the Kyoto treaty, US greenhouse gas output has risen by about 20%

Terrye outside the environmental cafe in

Penryn

while emissions for the pre-expansion EU have declined by about 2%.

This shows some progress in Europe completely wiped out by the USA cavalier attitude.

You would think that their recent experiences in New Orleans would make more impact on the President and his men.

More than one billion people who receive fresh water from glaciers in mountain ranges including the Himalayas, Alps, Andes and Rockies will see supplies dwindle.

It is difficult because I am as guilty as everyone of not doing enough. But I do think that the UK and the rest of Europe have taken a pretty good lead on these issues.

If America will not start to engage how can we persuade the future powerhouses such as China and India to cut back.

Light at the end of the tunnel

2007-04-04T08:12:00.001-07:00

What a fantastic day - the weather is glorious. Not that I need to be reminded but this is why I love Cornwall and find it such a great place to live and work.

The last few weeks have been a bit hectic. My Dad died on February 27th and two of my daughters returned from abroad: Singapore and Moscow. My brother also returned from Milan in Italy. My mother was also diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat following Dad's death so she has been in Treliske for 8 days. She had excellent care and as a past night sister herself really enjoyed the experience and seeing all the new ways of doing things in hospital. She was particularly taken with the latest thermometers (not like the ones she had to sterilise!).

Mum has been staying with me in Tregony while recouperating with her cat, India. She is a lot better now and has gone over with my brother to her home near Helston today.

Last night Robin and I drove to Heathrow Airport and back to take Tor and Zac to get their flight to Singapore. Our home will be quiet for the first time in weeks.

On top of all the above the kitchen is still ripped out awaiting further building works. Robin, on his Easter recess from London, is now painting the ceiling so that at least is moving things on.

Today is the first day I have been able to give attention to my business in Launceston. It is a little bit quieter as the Easter holidays mean quite a few people are away from work.

Over the next few weeks I want to get out and help get some good District council results. As a past Chairman of Kerrier District council I am keen to see a good Lib Dem result.

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2007-04-03T02:47:00.001-07:00

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