Out & About

Student Liaison felt a bit deja vuish – these meetings are not that frequent so I suppose it’s understandable that they go over the same ground to a certain extent.  And it’s quite a big group so not easy to make practical decisions, so I found it heartening that we formed a subgroup to do just that.  I am sure this is the best way forward.
 
Went to a very successful community event in Paradise Park – Teddy Bear’s Picnic – with lots of helpful & interesting stands & activities aimed at families.  Without a doubt one of the highlights was a police car where kids could have a go at activating the siren – the PCSO must have been deaf by the end of the day!  I was there particularly to support the anti-food waste stand, which was doing a great job handing out loads of kitchen waste boxes.  

They were also promoting the Real Nappy campaign 
where families can get £100 worth for free.  (Do get in touch if you want to know more – e-mail me at lesley.walton@swansea.gov.uk.)  Gone are the days when you had to boil them, now you can just put them in the wash with everything else!  Not only that, they no longer just come in white but all colours and designs.  And no, I’m not being paid to say this!!

Equalities Wednesday and what could have been the driest meeting of all which was actually quite interesting – an overview of the 2011 census data.  Makes you realise just how much councils up & down the country must depend on this information in order to use their resources as effectively as possible.

Unfortunately later that same evening Jeff & I were mugged which put a slight dampener on things.  However we think ourselves every lucky that we weren’t badly hurt, and they didn’t get away with my handbag – it always amazes me how instinctively stubborn (possibly foolish as well) I can be, but there was no way they were having it!

Most of this week I have been following up casework with just the one meeting – another scrutiny panel that I’m relatively new to, basically looking at the effectiveness of various council services, something which I feel is going to be increasingly important in the years to come.

Les