First half ...
Things relatively normal, attending meetings as usual. Of note was another first for me, as I had put a question to council which was on the agenda - this is where any back bencher can raise an issue with the relevant cabinet member by putting a written question. I even asked a supplementary question so a double whammy!
Second half ...
This is when advice slowly started to trickle through from the government curtailing activity because of coronavirus. As with everything & everyone else, we have had to change the way in which council is run, starting with ceasing moreorless all face to face meetings, site visits, and all other events. There is the possibility that some meetings will reconvene online, and we have all been encouraged to get into using the council's recommended platform to do so. A bit of a steep learning curve for me but at least I can now join arranged meetings when required.
As someone with an underlying health issue I'm gearing myself for at least a 12 week self isolation stint at home. But I'm very lucky - have a nice room I use as an office, can look out at my lovely garden (which fortunately my husband takes care of) which is currently bursting with daffodils & tulips. And I have lots of things to keep myself busy, including any council work I can do from home. So the blog will probably be on hold for now. Back in the summer - I hope.
Strange times, indeed.
Les
Slightly different start to the month when some of the Friends of Mayhill Washing Lake group assembled there to decide where we would have a flag-cum-cctv-pole. We want to fly our Green Flag Community Award flag, and also have a camera to keep an eye on antisocial behaviour, hopefully even act as a bit of a deterrent, but on a positive note to monitor any wildlife. It will be interesting to find out what turns up when we aren't there!
Managed to get to the quarterly FISG meeting - Financial Inclusion Steering Group (what a mouthful!). One of the best aspects of this group is that by getting together all the agencies in the area who are involved in helping those on low incomes, we are able to avoid duplication so that everything we all do is worthwhile. It's also quite a positive arena, as you come away realising that you've been with a lot of likeminded people who are not just concerned about themselves but bother about the wellbeing of others.
Also got to both meetings for the two new Friends of 
groups. Whilst both have experienced issues getting everything in place, both committees are peopled by
those who obviously want to achieve the aims of the
group, and are willing to put the effort in. So for me 
another source of encouragement in a very uncertain
world.
Les
Time goes so fast that another 2 months have flown by so I'll fill you all in on the last couple of months.
So that means there have been 2 of ...
* General Licensing - usual smattering of taxi driver licence application cases to consider
* Litterpick with the Friends of group, at & above the pond, Mayhill - for some reason it's always windy!
* Audit Committee - included some training before December's meeting, quite a heavy going three 3 hours worth in total
* Policy Development Committees - but not the same one! I have been on the Equalities one for a while, looking at all aspects in how to achieve an equal approach in all that the council does, and I'm back on Poverty, which I think fits in very well, as those less well off are often not treated fairly and as a council I feel we need to be doing all we can to change that.
But only one of ...
* Dylan Thomas Community School Governor's meeting then back to St Peter's Church for their Christmas Concert - a good event as always, with the usual very talented pupils showing off their music skills
* Phoenix Centre Lantern Parade - couldn't stay for the parade itself which was
definitely fortuitous as the heavens opened, plus thunder & lightning (must have known!)
* No council December but back in January - sadly the announcements included quite a few past councillors who have passed away recently
* Hill Community Development Trust board meeting - a good meeting, very positive.
Let's hope I'm more on the ball at the end of February and manage to return to a monthly posting!
Les
A rather sombre start to the month, attending two funerals and the Remembrance Service at TOPIC House. Life goes on but sometimes you need to stop and take time to think about those who are no longer with us.
But also early in the month had a very positive meeting at the Washing Pond with an officer from Safer Swansea, to chat about options to deter vandals etc. Hit upon the idea of having a flagpole to fly the flag given for one of community awards the group has been given this year, which not only doubles as a wildlife camera, but of course can also be used to watch out for antisocial behaviour. Triple Whammy!
Same week I went to an interesting workshop-cum-seminar to look at ideas to encourage people from all and any background/s to become a councillor. I did a quick survey of Swansea council before going. Gender ratio not too bad but when it comes to other indicators of diversity such as disability or race we still have a LONG way to go!
As for other events during November ...
- monthly surgery with two takers
- enjoyable evening at the Mansion House celebrating the success of Friends of group, together with Swansea being 50 years old
- a good meeting to discuss Active Travel measures that are being introduced in the ward; these are improvements to pathways and roads to make it easier to get around by bike or walking.
And other meetings in the month included Policy Development, Licensing, 
Council and HCDT. The latter, HCDT, is the trust which runs the Phoenix Centre, and has been looking at improving it's marketing, in particular through rebranding and more effective use of social media. If ever you are in the neighbourhood in the morning do call in and get a really tasty breakfast at a very reasonable price!
Les
I have continued to support the setting up of both the two new Friends of groups, and progress has been really positive. Friends of Mayhill Park had a very successful Halloween Disco to promote the group, and another meeting of the Paradise Park volunteers has already resulted in a Facebook Page.
As I am now on the Policy committee for Equalities & Future Generations it was interesting to take part in a small subcommittee discussion on reviewing the aims for the council's Strategic Equality Plan which is currently being updated for 2020-2024. On the face of it maybe a rather dry subject, but I feel it is extremely important that as a council we do all we can to level the playing field for all, such as from race to religion, colour to creed, those with a disability, and sexual orientation to what sex you choose to identify as,
And for something 'completely different', along with my ward 
colleagues I went to a very inspiring meeting looking at the new cycle routes which are going to be introduced both in Townhill Ward itself and also leading into it, from other areas. In the past I haven't been keen on cycling, but just might be tempted by an electric bike!
Les
I now have three Friends of groups that I am involved in. As you will know Mayhill Washing 'Lake' & Community Food Garden is doing very well, having won two awards this year. But two new Friends of groups are being formed, one being for Mayhill Park, which is the green space next to the new Health Centre. This has already had two meetings, elected the Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, and another meeting is planned for October. The other group is for Paradise Park, which will soon have its second meeting to get it going. I may well have mentioned this before but for me these have a double positive whammy in that they involve and empower people in the community, and is gradually getting across the message that the council not only doesn't do everything but indeed doesn't NEED to be doing everything.
Ever since the inception of Policy Development Committees (PDC) I have been involved with the one looking at Poverty but have now changed tack, having joined the one on Equalities & Transformation. But I'm sure that tackling poverty will still be an element in the work that we do.
Amongst other meetings, we had an interesting Audit meeting which included a session looking at the effectiveness of the committee itself. The feedback will be collated and we will get the results at a session before October's meeting, so watch this space!
And the month's full council meeting had one of those rare performances by yours truly, which if you are interested (or desperate enough!) can be watched on the webcast at
http://civico.net/swansea/swansea/7484, in Item 11.
Les
Summer is always a bit strange as council doesn't actually stop as such, but on the other hand it can mean less meetings. Interestingly I still had quite a few including 3 hours slog of Audit training followed by the actual meeting - worthwhile but quite tiring! - and a number of other council related events.
I managed to attend the quarterly Financial Inclusion meeting. Outside of the formal mandatory ones this is one I aim to get to, as I have always been concerned for the welfare of those who struggle through not having much money. There are many who are quite rightly able to claim benefits but for whatever reason don't - maybe they aren't aware of them, have difficulty in filling in forms, not computer savvy, or even have access to a computer etc etc. I feel that this group tries to do 'what it says on the tin' in looking for practical help & support so people are 'financially included'.
All three of us councillors met with the relevant officer to assess an traffic issue along the residential part at the bottom end of a street. The problem was that vehicles would speed past the houses to get to businesses and the sports club further up the road. Some of these ward issues can take a long time to find the right solution - this one is in fact still ongoing - but better that than a quick fix that doesn't work.
It was also definitely the month for Friends of Groups. First there was a public meeting to see if people living around the Phoenix Centre wanted to take on the kids play area, and maybe more of the surrounding area - very positive with many showing an interest in getting involved. Then we celebrated getting the 
Green Flag Community Award at Mayhill pond, with press release and video (fame at last!) Finally we had another open meeting to kick start a group to rejuvenate Mayhill Park, the green space remaining which is next to the new health centre on Mayhill Road. It has been the aim of all three of us to use a chunk of our community budget to pay towards new play equipment. This group taking off could finally see this happen as they would be able to apply for grants to help pay for it. Should be positive times ahead, so watch this space!
Les
As someone with an underlying health issue I'm gearing myself for at least a 12 week self isolation stint at home. But I'm very lucky - have a nice room I use as an office, can look out at my lovely garden (which fortunately my husband takes care of) which is currently bursting with daffodils & tulips. And I have lots of things to keep myself busy, including any council work I can do from home. So the blog will probably be on hold for now. Back in the summer - I hope. 
