Caroline Kerswell Conservative activist

Supporting Assembly Candidates Naomi Newstead and John Moss with Boris

2012-02-09T04:40:00.000-08:00

London Assembly Candidates Naomi Newstead and John Moss put on a great event to support The North East and City & East Campaign Reception with Boris Johnson.

Good honest politicians.

Tower Hamlets benefit fraud councillor Shelina Akhtar jailed

2012-02-09T04:33:00.000-08:00

The Former Labour Disgraced Tower Hamlets councillor Shelina Akhtar has been jailed after admitting three counts of benefit fraud.

Tower Hamlets needs honest politicians to tackle the problems and issues the people face in the community. It is time to act with a by-election.

http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/tower_hamlets_benefit_fraud_councillor_shelina_akhtar_jailed_1_1200177

Distinction grade for LLM achieved today

2011-08-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Next step publication.

Energy contracts in Iraq: the Legal Minefield

2011-06-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

After 7 months of hard work my hot energy paper had been formulated. Do get in touch for more info and consulting projects.

Energy contracts in Iraq: the Legal Minefield

Contents

1. Introduction: a difficult path: Iraq’s energy question

2. The current strategies in energy contracts:
i. Bringing Iraq back on stream
ii. International oil companies v national oil companies
iii. Contractual regimes
iv. Service contracts: federal protectionism
v. Legality and constitutionalism
vi. Upside for companies

3. Internal division:
i. The Kurdish question
ii. Kurdistan constitutional jurisdiction
iii. Stalemate: constitutional amendments
iv. Production sharing agreements: KRG disparity

4. Stalemate: the Hydrocarbon package:
i. The Oil and Gas Law
ii. Iraq National Oil Company
iii. Federal Oil and Gas Council
iv. Financial Resources Law
v. Hydrocarbon Laws: is reform the answer?

5. Legal Inroads: protecting investment:
i. Arbitration: contractual resolution
ii. Enforcement issue
iii. Arbitrators’ immunity
iv. Inadequate judicial system
v. Building the rule of law
vi. European and international influence

6. Case studies:
i. Kuwait Airways: international pressure for enforcement
ii. Rumaila Fields: champion test case

Conclusion: finding a path through the minefield

Middle Eastern Tour Kurdistan realising potential

2010-11-29T04:28:00.000-08:00

If it bleeds it leads. But what about some positive news, news of creation, news of democracy, news of good will, with pride in a strong identity built upon unity and not on religious, economic and political division. But this does not sell newspapers. Instead the idiosyncrasies that undermine stability with an inflammatory nature to evoke hostility are what we read about.

So I will tell you about my recent trip to the Middle East. When the opportunity arose I was cautious to entertain the possibility to travel to the Kurdistan region in the north of Iraq. I was warned I would get kidnapped, there was instability, both economically and politically and I may come a cropper to such troubles. The reality was in fact far from this, being welcomed into the country so recently engulfed in war and so desperate to gain its feet again the reality was a marvel. To paint the picture of the sites that were seen, the people who were met would be a book alone. To spread the word of the opportunities that the country offer in terms of trade through tactical legal constitutions, progression within religious unity and hope through agricultural and infrastructure projects this is something that must emphasised.

If you would like to hear more we can discuss.

Local farmers wives cultivating the arable with wheat

A sad history

A positive future a boy fishes in a new fish farm

Supporting Conservatives in Spitalfields and Banglatown ward

2010-11-21T17:56:00.000-08:00

Matthew Smith the candidate and his local conservatives were out in in Spitalfields and Banglatown ward for the Byelection on 16 December after the disqualification of Lutfur Rahman on election as Mayor of Tower Hamlets. He had been elected for the Labour Party but was expelled when he stood as an Independent against the Labour candidate for Mayor.

£25,000 Raised for Educational Charity in Quiz night

2010-11-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

Last night the Middle Temple Scholarship appeal committee, which I sit on raised £25,000 for the future students to the Bar.

http://www.middletemple.org.uk/scholars/scholarship-appeal.html

Tower Hamlets Conservative activism reaches the House of Commons

2010-11-02T11:53:00.000-07:00

http://theelectionproject.co.uk/

PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE EXHIBITION

October 5, 2010
Public access to the Election Project exhibition in Portcullis House is by free guided tours offered on a first come first serve basis.

The exhibition runs until 13th December and tour times are every Monday: 10.30am and 11.45am

and Friday: 10.30am, 11.45am, 2pm and 3.15pm

Conservative Party Conference 2010

2010-06-06T13:14:00.001-07:00

Make sure you sign up before the end of June for discounted rates!

Cemetery Park Bringing families together in Mile End

2010-05-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

A great day out for all including my lovely niece that came along! Well done!

Conservatives Double Votes in Mile End east

2010-05-09T06:32:00.000-07:00

Great result for local conservatives and the highest ever voting for Conservatives in this area! Thanks everyone.

Verbal Threats on Polling Day By Labour Councillor Diminish The Spirit of Democratic Polling

2010-05-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

Election day is an opportunity for everyone, regardless of sex, creed and background to express their views on who they think should be making decisions for their community on their behalf. Our ancestors fought hard to ensure that the process of polling day was fair and available to all. Last week, I’m sorry to say, this did not occur. Outside a Bow polling station on Wellington way, Mile End East, at 12.15pm, threats of violence whilst canvassing for my party and practising my legal rights to share my parties policies to the general public were suffered.

Earlier in the day members of the public who had attended the polling station had been chased and harassed whilst trying to enter the premises by party candidates and supporters. There had been accusations by the candidates and supporters that the public entering the polling station were in the wrong catchment area and it had caused a large crush of people. The police were called and gave us directions for public order, reminding candidates and supporters handing out polling cards and information that there must only be one teller by the polling station and everyone else should be a fair distance away. This was to prevent overcrowding and intimidation of voters.

Later during the day I had to remind the Labour Councillor of this warning by police when I noticed two Labour representatives edging closer and closer to the polling station entrance, intimidating and overcrowding voters trying to enter the polling station. I told the councillor that one Labour person must move away. The Councillor responded aggressively, saying ‘you do that again and I will smack you'. I asked the Respect party teller if he heard what had been said and the Councillor continued to speak in Bangladeshi. On asking the Respect party teller what had been said he told me he had allegedly stated, in Bangladeshi, he would hit me in the face and break my teeth. Needless to say I was extremely shocked.

I am appalled that an elected leaders within our very borough would show such disregard to the freedom and rights of voters and threaten violence to opponents and also women. What a sad display. To intimidate a local candidate, running for the first time is disgraceful, not the least as we, the taxpayers of this borough, are funding this salary. The police took statements from witnesses on the day and I’m told an investigation will be made.

If anyone has any further information or experienced similar problems on election day, please get in touch

Election Hustings on Tuesday 4th May at the East London Tabernacle on Burdett Road - 6.45 - 9.00pm

2010-05-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

http://mile-end-residents.co.uk/

Mile End Residents Association (MERA) and Bede Residents Association are organised Local Election Hustings on Tuesday 4th May at the East London Tabernacle on Burdett Road - 6.45 - 9.00pm

Labour turned up said a bit and ran off before being fully questioned, The Liberals didn't show.

Mile End needs Change Labour Cllrs are not doing their job

2010-05-03T14:59:00.001-07:00

The local issues are not being dealt with under a Labour Council especially over election time a few things we've me as a local resident and other residents are upset about.

*Rubbish is piling up as it is not being collected, food bins for recycling are being left to rot and attract rats and maggots! Have the Councillors decided not to work over election time and left the residents with no representation.

*The residents of Mile End has brought to our attention that the roads in front of their doors are very busy and there isn't any adequate traffic measure; therefore an accident is imminent. LBTH roads and highways department need to do something!

* Residents are upset about a large tree over shadowing their property obstructing day and sun light and also shadowing as a nuisance. It is the responsibility of the council to trim this tree where are the Councillors when it comes to this? More spin and not enough hands on Labour!!! I don't think they are representing their ideology producing spin and letting hard working families down.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/property/article-1246126/Home-truths-Kept-dark-overhanging-trees.html

*The Council is wasting more and more of our hard earned money. Locals have scaffolding which has been up for 4 years on their road who knows the rental on that could be nearly a million pounds and what an eyesore!

This is not right lets change the laid back Council that sit on the boards of the Housing Associations and kick their heels back and don't tackle local peoples concerns.

Working Hard on the Streets of Mile End

2010-05-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

People are fed up with the Councillors not representing them at the Council and looking after the interest of "Social Landlords" so they will be voting conservative to get the local issues fixed. Wasted money and spin are not popular in the area. The message is get local Councillors who can do the job, who live locally not miles away, who visit the ward everyday and have the professional and academic qualifications to make a difference.

Mile End will be turning blue and Tower Hamlets will have a proud new resident acting on their behalf.

Boris Johnson came to Tower Hamlets today

2010-04-21T09:10:00.000-07:00

Great occasion great support thank you!!!

Postal Voting Fraud in Tower Hamlets Potential Beware

2010-04-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

Below I list the Electoral offences

The main electoral offences as set out in the Representation of the People Act 1983 are set out below. The Act largely consolidated the offences from nineteenth century legislation and defined them as corrupt practices.
3.1 Undue influence

Section 115 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 states that an individual is guilty of undue influence if he directly or indirectly, makes use of or threatens to make use of force, violence or restraint, or inflicts or threatens to inflict injury, damage or harm in order to induce or compel any voter to vote or refrain from voting. A person may also be guilty of undue influence if they impede or prevent the free exercise of the franchise of an elector.

3.2 Personation

Section 60 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 states that a person is guilty of personation if he votes as someone else (whether that person is living, dead or is a fictitious person), either by post or in person at a polling station as an elector or as a proxy. Further, the individual voting can be deemed guilty of personation if they vote as a person they have reasonable grounds for supposing is dead or fictitious, or where they have reasonable grounds for supposing the proxy appointment is no longer in force. Vote – rigging is personation on a larger scale. The basic technique has been described as follows. Vote-riggers consult the marked registers which are available locally after every election and which show who has voted. The vote-rigger notes the names of those who never seem to vote and applies for postal votes in their names. The postal ballot papers do not have to be sent to the voter’s home address so these can be directed to the vote-rigger at another address.

3.3 Bribery

Under Section 113 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 a person is guilty of bribery if he directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf gives any money or procures any office to or for any voter, in order to induce any voter to vote or refrain from voting.

3.4 Treating

Section 114 of the Representation of the People Act 1983 states that a person is guilty of treating if either before, during or after an election, he, directly or indirectly, gives or provides or pays wholly or in part the expense of giving or providing any food, drink, entertainment or provision in order to influence corruptly any voter to vote or refrain from voting. Any elector or his proxy who accept such food, drink, entertainment or provision is also guilty of treating.
The Electoral Administration Act 2006 made provision for new offences of supplying false information to an Electoral Registration Officer and of applying for a postal or proxy vote with the intention of stealing another person’s vote by either personating another elector or by wrongfully redirecting another voter’s postal vote.

At the last election there were several matters raised including proxy votes going to wrong properties and people 'assisting' members of the public to vote. Now this weekend the postal vote final numbers will go out, already there seems to be a rather unproportionate number of Bangladeshi families signed up for postal voting. This is going to investigated and any corruption or fraud will be uncovered, we live in a democracy and our fundamental rights to fair elections should not be deprived.

There were two parlimentary questions after the last election on the subject in relation to the local elections in London regarding postal voting which referred to the allegations in Tower Hamlets.

This year we want a clean election. Lets vote for anti corruption lets vote for Change!

The East End Film Festival runs from April 22-30

2010-04-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

THE East End Film Festival kicks off this week with a whirlwind of new, exciting and different cinema hitting the big screens in and around the borough.
Spearheaded by Tower Hamlets Council, the festival boasts screenings of premieres, documentaries and short programmes, plus film-focussed discussions and a host of live music and street art events at more than 30 venues across the East End.
Kicking off this Thursday, April 22, the festival offers lots of things to do for free - and even the popcorn is free at Spitalfields Market at 8pm on Saturday, April 24, when it hosts the festival's free outdoor screening of the Hitchcock classic, The Lodger.
The 1927 silent thriller will be accompanied by an improvised soundtrack performed live by acclaimed soundscapers Minima. Made at Gainsborough Studios in Shoreditch, it tells the story of a mysterious lodger who is suspected of being a serial killer - making obvious references to the Jack the Ripper legend around Whitechapel and Spitalfields.
Prior to the screening, stylists from east London's award-winning boutique hair salon Hair & Jerome will style your hair for free into a 1940s Hollywood-style Hitchcockian work of art, so you can really get in the mood for the film. No appointment necessary - just pop along to Leon restaurant, Spitalfields Market from 5pm for your free session.
Also Old Spitalfields Market will host a free Give & Take - the latest recession-busting pro-recycling craze to hit the streets. It's a chance for cinephiles, budding artists and bargain hunters to swap unwanted items for free.
Day 1 on Monday, April 26 is film-related memorabilia, such as old film posters, books and magazines, videos, DVDs and soundtrack CDs. Day 2 next Tuesday is art and design, such as unwanted wall art, art prints, and old art and design books. And Day 3 on Wednesday is freestyle.
Take your unwanted items daily from 4-6pm, and then take on a first-come-first-served basis from 6-7pm - it's that easy!
The East End Film Festival runs from April 22-30 - or more details visit www.eastendfilmfestival.com.

St George's Day tea dance & family events in Tower Hamlets

2010-04-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

Friday and Saturday, 23-24 April

For over 50s looking to celebrate St George’s Day, there will be an afternoon Tea Dance at the Brady Arts & Community Centre in Whitechapel from 1.30 until 4.30pm – featuring live music from the fantastic 6 piece band the Sunshine Kings and a scrumptious tea provided by the East End WI on Friday 23 April. Admission is Free, but it is advisable to book in advance.
Good old-fashioned pub games and entertainment – complete with Morris Dancers the Kent Korkers and Pork Scratchin’s complete with a maypole – are among the attractions on offer at a special Family Day staged to celebrate St George’s Day on Saturday 24 April at the Museum of Childhood Bethnal Green – from 12 to 4pm

Also on offer, make your own floral headdress and have the chance to be crowned May Queen, help decorate the May Queen’s throne, or help to create a giant Green Man. For the first lucky 50 people to complete the St Georges Day quiz sheet there’s a free homemade slice or cupcake from the WI!

Also on Saturday 24, St John’s Church will also be hosting workshops targeted at families with small children, featuring May Day style activities, decorating a May Pole, shield decorating, apple pressing, refreshments, and in the evening barn dance with live bands.
For information about the tea dance contact the Brady centre on 020 7364 7916 or email festivalsandevents@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
More information about the family day is available on 020 8983 5200 or 020 7364 7907.

Mile End East see Respect raise its head as the Cat comes to town

2010-04-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

How George Galloway and his party can try and command 'respect' from the Community who knows.

Galloway turned up to a public meeting 1.5 hours late and delivered a speech on the debate over the potential for elected Mayors in Tower Hamlets. Though the debate is fresh for the 6 th May election I just can't see how we can take anything he says to be serious. The party he represents have no history, no future and with a leader who will do anything for publicity it doesn't wash with the local residents.

Terrible Labour Tactics

2010-04-12T05:04:00.001-07:00

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7094308.ece

I am shocked by the tactics of Labour underhand and dreadful. Having lost grandparents to cancer this is terrible form.

Channel S Community awards

2010-04-12T04:47:00.000-07:00

Last night we attended the Annual Channel S awards with Tower Hamlets Conservatives my Mile end team Cllr Ahmed Hussain and Bodril Choudury, plus Poplar and Limehouse PPC Cllr Tim Archer, and PPC for Bethnal Green and Bow Zak Khan. The night celebrated the best successes in the Bangladesh Community in the UK and inspired us all. Well done Channel S.

Another Slap on the face to Residents in Mile End

2010-04-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

So much for consultation!!!!

East End Homes deliver another slap on the face for residents and put their safely from crime at risk. When Labour sold off our estates in East London for £1 to this ‘charitable organisation’ they made promises to residents, to help the blocks be made more secure, more safe as well as doing much needed refurbishments. The majority of these promises have not been fulfilled and security doors have not been put on blocks. Now they are asking residents who have had tenures on their homes for far more than the meagre 5 years to make their homes vulnerable. They are asking residents who have spent their hard earned money to protect themselves to get rid of the security gates they have installed when East End Homes have done nothing to install security doors on the entrance to blocks. Now what are the Labour Councillors doing for residents, they are sitting on the boards of the estates, feasting, with potential expense entitlements but when it comes to actually supporting the residents in taking the Housing associations to account they are ineffectual and complacent. Residents lets tackle this it is not on is it, let’s have a change.

Mile End East Campaigning Come and join us on the streets to win!

2010-04-08T08:03:00.001-07:00

Learning about regeneration in East London with 2012 Olympics and Legacy

2010-04-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

Today I attended the CBI Forum for the 2012 Games this was kindly hosted by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. The session was intorduced by Tim Jones, London Office Managing Partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, chaired by Vincent de Rivaz, chief executive of EDF Energy with speakers Andrew Altman, Chief Executive of the Olympic Park Legacy Company and Roger Taylor, Director, Host Borough Unit at the London Borough of Newham.

Election call today official candidates FOR MILE END EAST

2010-04-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

http://www.conservatives.com/

Election call today official candidates:

May 6th 2010

Please cast your 3 votes on the following boxes

x HUSSAIN Ahmed

X KERSWELL Caroline

X CHOUDHURY Bodrul Islam

WIN MILE END

+Fair deal for leaseholders
+Youth service provisions
+Tackling crime
+Dignity in healthcare
+Better GP surgeries
+ Promoting community cohesion & facilities
+ Voicing your concerns at the council

Email: MEE.conservative@gmail.com
Post: Tower Hamlets Conservatives, C/O 13 Plymouth Wharf , London E14 3EL

Promoted by Adrian Thompson on behalf of Tower Hamlets Conservative Party both of Docklands Business Centre 10 -16 Tiller Road London E14 8PX and printed by Ahmed Hussain of 11 Havannah Street, London E14 8NA

Our QT meeting 23 March 2010 Holy Trinity C of E Church 6pm please spread the word with locals

2010-03-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

Quiz the candidates at
“The Question Time Meeting”
Please do no forget to attend the Question Time Meeting organized by the
Mile End East Conservatives:
Special Half Hour Session for Overseas and Local Students
Date : 23th March 2010, Tuesday
Time : 6 pm till 8 pm
Venue: The Holy Trinity C of E Church
1 Merchant Street, London E3 4LY
Free entry refreshments provided
Chaired by: Bilal Ahmed, Chief Editor, Weekly Surma
Please send in your question prior to the event to:
E-mail: MEE.Conservatives@gmail.com; MEE.Conservatives@Googlemail.com
Address: MEE Conservatives, C/O 13 Plymouth Wharf, London E14 3EL
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Budget Meeting Shocking Public Servants

2010-03-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

As a member of the audience in the public gallery at the Tower Hamlets Budget Meeting held on Wednesday 3 March at Town hall I am shocked and appalled by the Labour Councillors reaction to sensible and poignant proposed amendments to the Budget from the Conservative party. This includes many ways to tackle the growing deficit by reducing allowances, reducing spin and reducing consultants. I am not sure what make me angrier the rudeness of the Labour councillors or their need to personally attack Council members on the other side of the bench. Do they not have any policy worthy of debate or are they just so narrow minded they think the leviathan of guttural laughter from their over expensed over advertised mouths will content the public. I am sorry no. You’ve had your time – OUT!

Crime on the Rise in Mile End East

2010-03-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

It seems the Council have not listened to the questions on crime and things keep getting worse!

As a cyclist that cycles down the tow path on a daily basis I am shocked and appalled that these frequent canal side attacks keep happening and what shocks me more is that the Council have not done more to ensure innocent peoples safety.

I raised the issue of the dangers in the area in the Council meeting on the 9 December last year. However all I got in return were condescending remarks (attached document). Councillor Abdal Ulalh told me I had recently moved into a safe area!!!! I am sad to say he was wrong, first on the point that I had recently moved and second on the point that the area is safe.

More money needs to be used to target crime and perhaps open the Bow road police stations round the clock so the police have the resources to show a stronger presence and combat crimes before they happen. Can we not made Mile End a police action zone. I want local people to feel safe and we need to work on this.

History of East London at the Cemetery tonight

2010-03-15T11:11:00.001-07:00

Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
Patron: Professor David Bellamy OBE
Monday 15th March at 7pm
Followed by a FREE talk -
‘East London's growth illustrated by Coins and Tokens’
By Philip Mernick of The East London History Society @ 7.30pm
East London’s growth from Roman times to modern, and the coins people used. Also, how local people coped with the fact that there was rarely enough small change even though the majority of English coins were made locally (in The Tower of London).
The Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park would like to invite you to this very interesting and enjoyable talk that will follow our EGM.
THCP is one of London's Magnificent Seven Cemeteries and Tower Hamlets first Local Nature Reserve. Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is a little bit of the countryside in amongst the tower blocks and old Victorian streets in East London. The Cemetery Park is a unique sanctuary for people, education and wildlife.
There is an interesting history of the park from the opening of the Cemetery in 1841, to when it was closed for burials in 1966. To tie in with its special place at the heart of Bow, this year we have invited Rev. Peet to deliver his very popular talk all about the lives of seven parishioners of Bow, one for each century from 14th century to 20th century. Highly recommended to us as a talk not to be missed.

BGB Host a great event well done!!!

2010-03-09T02:42:00.000-08:00

Last night Jeremy Hunt MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport spoke at the BGB social event. Zakir Khan the Parliamentary Candidate for BGB, who was selected by Open Primary on Sunday introduced himself to everyone. It was hosted at the home of Julian Smith, who is the PPC for Skipton and Ripon. We were joined by Cllr Tim Archer who is PPC for our neighbouring constituency Poplar and Limehouse. So we had a potential of 4 MPs in room!!!

Achieving Equality in Parliament

2010-03-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

Achieving Equality in Parliament

On International Women’s Day, 8th March 2010 ,in the House of Lords I will be supporting WAFE.

Tonight An evening with Jeremy Hunt MP and celebration of Zakirs success

2010-03-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

An evening with Jeremy Hunt MP
(Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport)
He is the MP tipped as “a man to watch” by the political pundits and seen by many as a leader of the future. He has transformed his post into a high-profile, agenda-setting platform. He has set the BBC’s teeth gnashing and has heralded a revolution in broadband technology. Come and hear one of the biggest shapers of modern Conservatism talk about his vision of the future, weeks ahead of a General Election.

Zakir Khan wins the BGB opening Primary

2010-03-08T09:21:00.000-08:00

Zakir Khan with Mile End Council Candidates Cllr Ahmed Hussain, Caroline Kerswell

Zakir Khan Cllr Ahmed Hussain interviewing on his success

Open Primary ... Results

Zakir Khan with a community backgroud of 20 years wins the BGB opening Primary
...if you, can get involved in the campaign. Join him for campaigning in Bow lets turn BGB blue!

Tonight supporting Cllr Peter Golds

2010-03-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

Following this weeks Dispatches the Labour group on the council may be seeking to suspend one of our members at tonight's council budget meeting. Please see link below: - http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/content/towerhamlets/advertiser/news/story.aspx?brand=ELAOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsela&itemid=WeED02%20Mar%202010%2023%3A05%3A49%3A440

Tonight I will be supporting Cllr Peter Gold at Town Hall Mullberry Place this evening in the public gallery.

Fantastic Night at the Mile End East fundraiser

2010-03-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

Mile End East Ward IN CONJUNCTION WITH POPLAR & LIMEHOUSE ASSOCIATION
Thank you for Attending a Fantastic Night at the Mile End East fundraiser, which had a great attendance from across Tower Hamlets conservatives and local residents. We raised lots of money to support the party and our objectives.

Please come out canvassing this weekend.

Annual Fundraising Dinner Monday 1 March 2010. In attendance we thank everyone especially:

* Dr Mukim Ahmed (owner of Naz Cafe)

*Andrew Boff (AM) East London Assembly Member

* Cllr Tim Archer PPC for P&L

* P&L Association chair Adrian Thompson

*BG&B Association Deputy chair Dinah Glover

* Cllr Peter Golds

**Richard Barnes (AM), Deputy Mayor of London**

*Cllr Anwara Ali

*Claire Palmer

The Mile End East fundraiser, had a great attendance from across Tower Hamlets conservatives and local residents. The message was Conservative councillors work hard, challenge the Council and hold this Labour administration to account. This follows the highly successful public meeting last month where myself and Ahmed met with local residents and gave residents a chance to quiz our policies and their priorities.

Please contact:

Cllr Ahmed Hussain Contact number: 07903-834-953 Caroline Kerswell Contact number: 0207-427-0803

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S WEEK

2010-02-26T03:29:00.000-08:00

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S WEEK
Events in Tower Hamlets 6-14 March 2010
Supported by Tower Hamlets Council and Tower Hamlets Partnership

This week we will be celebrating womens week, a lot of the events are during office hours but do try and go along. As a fighter to support women in politics I hope as many people as possible can get engaged.

VOICE – Votes for Women – looking at the past and to the future

During International Women’s Week in Tower Hamlets a diverse range of community and women’s groups across the borough will be focusing their celebrations on Women and the Vot320e. Events will explore the history of women’s involvement in politics – from the struggle for emancipation to 2010 – and a look at what the future holds. The underlying aim of the events will be to inspire those unheard women’s voices in our communities to be heard and encourage women to use their vote.

SATURDAY 6 MARCH

WOMEN’S APPRECIATION DAY
ELM Women’s Link, Muslimaat UK, Rainbow House Children’s Centre London Muslim Centre, 46-92 Whitechapel Road E1 1JX
10.30am-3pm FREE 020 7650 3000/3022

Exhibition about Women in Politics throughout history focusing on key women of achievement, the Suffragette movement, recent women Prime Ministers, and emerging figures. Invited guest speakers will discuss issues affecting local women and how they have made changes happen, stalls with information providing support and advice, and refreshments.

MONDAY 8 MARCH

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY TEA PARTY
The Teasmith
6 Lamb Street, Spitalfields E1 6EA
2pm-4pm FREE 020 7247 1333

Come and enjoy a wide range of teas with special tea tasting sessions and cakes to celebrate International Women’s Day. www.teasmith.co.uk

‘Fragments’ exhibition of drawings by Juliette Vivier www.juliettevivier.com
Open 6 March – 4 April 11am-6pm each day.

DISCOVER LONDON
Lincoln Area Regeneration Group
The Linc Centre, 70 Fern Street, Bow E3 3PR
10am-3.30pm Tkts £1.00 020 7538 2553
In collaboration with Belton Way Children’s Centre, Taakulo Somali Organisation, Bow Common Bangladeshi Cultural Association.

Coach Trip to the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street to take a look at the past, present and future electoral journey of women against the back-drop of some of London’s historical and present houses of power. There will be a special tour guide and translators. Event open to all. Tickets allocated on a first come first served basis.

TUESDAY 9 MARCH

CULTURE KITCHEN
Women’s Environmental Network (WEN), Zacchaeus Project,
Walter Newby Centre, Bethnal Green Methodist Church,
Approach Road, E2 9JP
10.30am-3.30pm FREE 020 7481 9004

Event highlighting the need to give women a voice about climate change. Workshops and activities will offer women the opportunity to learn more about the issues and how to express themselves creatively about their own experiences in relation to climate change. The event will be fun with positive, practical ideas of what women can do around food and food growing and provide a showcase for what has already been achieved. The aim is to raise awareness of gender and climate change issues. Includes tour of community garden and refreshments.

TRAINING WORKSHOPS FOR CHINESE WOMEN
East London Chinese Community Centre
Trussler Hall, 78 Grundy Street E14 6DF
1pm-3pm FREE 020 7538 5528

Training workshops on 9, 10 and 11 March for women in the Chinese Community to discuss the nature of democracy and provide a basic understanding of political ideologies and voting rights. The workshops are aimed at Chinese women in Tower Hamlets to encourage them to vote and understand British government and will be conducted in Chinese so that participants may discuss & debate political issues.

VISIT & TOUR THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
Heba Women’s Project
164 Brick Lane E1 6RU
9.30am-2pm FREE 07960 124262

There will be two group visits to the Houses of Parliament on 9 and 10 March with a guided tour focusing on the history of women in politics. There are 20 places available on each visit open to Heba beneficiaries and women from the general public. At Heba during International Women’s Week they will also be discussing the struggle of the Suffragettes and looking at different electoral systems around the world.

WOMEN AND POLITICS
Neighbours in Poplar and SPLASH Politics
St Vincent’s Portacabin, Gill Street, Poplar E14 0EH (9 March)
Will Crooks Community Centre, 1-3 Wigram House, Wades Place E14 0DB (10 March) 12pm-2.30pm FREE 020 7515 8362

Two events on 9 & 10 March in local Community Centres with music and stalls and local Councillors sharing their journey into politics. These events will be focusing particularly but not exclusively on Somali and Bengali women who will be asked about issues on which they would like to have a voice.

ACHIEVING VISION & CHANGE
Pritchard Road Day Centre
Marian Place, off Pritchard Road, Bethnal Green E2 9AX
11am-3pm FREE 020 7364 1032

A fun, interactive day with entertainment and an exhibition looking at why women accessing mental health services are less likely to use their right to vote and how to encourage them. An opportunity to share experiences and participate in a survey about future voting processes. Raffle & Refreshments.

WOMEN…VOTE!
St Hilda’s East Community Centre
18 Club Row, E2 7EY
11am-2.30pm FREE 020 7739 8066
In partnership with Friends of Arnold Circus, Bishopsgate Institute, The Women’s Library and Bethnal Green Collaboration Project.

This event will creatively express the importance of women’s right to vote and include an exhibition ‘Women…Vote!’ exploring the historical context of women’s fight for the right to vote, a poster making workshop using the theme of the exhibition, and guest speakers. The event will also seek to find out how women perceive women leaders of today as compared to those of the past. A mock election will enable women to vote on which female role model would be best to rule the UK today.

WOMEN’S MULTICULTURAL DANCE DAY
St Nicks Lunch Club, Neighbours in Poplar, Poplar HARCA
Aberfeldy Centre, Aberfeldy Street E14 ONE ( 9 March)
Burcham St Centre, 96 Burcham Street E14 0SH (12 March)
11.30am-2pm FREE 07947 798685

Events for older women. Come along for an afternoon of dancing delights, learn some Bollywood, ballroom or even line dancing, have a free light lunch and find out about women in politics.

WEDNESDAY 10 MARCH

WOMEN AND DEMOCRACY
Jagonari WERC and Wapping Women’s Centre
183-185 Whitechapel Road E1 1DW
10am-1pm FREE 020 7375 0520

Two seminars will be run on 10 & 11 March, one in English, one in Bengali, about Women and Democracy. These events are targeted at women and young girls in the Bangladeshi community. Guest speakers will include local women Councillors and there will be workshops on democracy and the role of women in a democratic society with an emphasis on equality and voting.

A WOMEN’S DAY
Kollun, 55 Ben Jonson Road, E1 4SA
9.30am-3.30pm FREE 020 7790 0010

Local women Councillors and the Prospective Parliamentary Candidates have been invited to be on a panel to discuss local issues of concern to women and the importance of voting. Power point presentations and posters about women in politics, with refreshments.

ENTERPRISING WOMEN OF TOWER HAMLETS
Stitches in Time, Limehouse Project
Dora Hall, Dora Street E14
11am-4pm FREE 020 7987 6163

Celebrating local women and the vote past and present with textile workshops, guest speakers, a display of inspirational work and a healthy lunch. Participants will be able to create their own fabric badge, sewn and decorated, about voting in order to encourage women to vote in the forthcoming elections. A textile screen will also be created with the image of Sylvia Pankhurst.

WISEWORDS POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT with Apples & Snakes
Vibe Live @ the Vibe Bar, Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane E1 6QL
7.30pm Adm £3 on door (£2 for those doing floor spots) 020 7247 3479

Get your VOICE heard at the all-female open mic night. If you fancy yourself as the next big thing on the poetry scene, jive on down to Vibe Live at the Vibe Bar and take the proverbial mic (but arrive in good time to ensure a slot). Fronted by the buoyant LIZ BENTLEY (‘A female Ivor Cutler’ – The Scotsman), and featuring guest artists LUCY LEAGRAVE and DEANNA RODGER, this is another hot product from top poetry promoters Apples & Snakes http://www.applesandsnakes.org/ 020 8465 6154

TRANING WORKSHOPS FOR CHINESE WOMEN (see Tuesday)

VISIT & TOUR THE HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT (see Tuesday)

WOMEN AND POLITICS (see Tuesday)

THURSDAY 11 MARCH

PRINT YOUR SLOGAN
Prick Your Finger
260 Globe Road, E2 0JD
4pm-7pm FREE 020 8981 2560

Prick Your Finger are working with local groups who wish to voice the concerns of isolated women in Tower Hamlets, and hand printing their slogans in big bold letters, in any language, on to bags or T-Shirts. Stencil prints will be made by PYF and participants will choose the colours, sign their slogans and customise their items with embroidery or drawing. The prints will form a window display at the Prick Your Finger shop during International Women’s Week and a Preview with all the groups will be held on Thursday 11 March 4pm-7pm. All welcome.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN
John Scurr Community Centre
1a Bekesbourne Street, Limehouse E14 7JQ
10am-2pm FREE 020 7790 3113

Exhibition of photography by local women about Julia Scurr, Sylvia Pankhurst and the Suffragettes and a video about the major historical events that took place locally – ‘Poplar Rates Rebellion’ 1921, ‘Battle of Cable Street’ 1936 – and made positive changes.

TRAINING WORKSHOPS FOR CHINESE WOMEN (see Tuesday)

WOMEN & DEMOCRACY (see Wednesday)

FRIDAY 12 MARCH

WOMEN VOTE NOW!
Poplar Harca, LARG, Indymedia 3, Ocean Somali Community Association
Burdett Centre, Masjid Lane, off Walwood Street E14 7BW
11am-3pm FREE 020 7538 2553

Celebration and Open Day with presentation and performance about the Suffragette movement by young women from local youth group and a mock polling station. Officers from the Electoral Reform Services will give advice and guidance on voting, the importance of registering and using your vote. Guest of honour Sarah Castro MBE will open the proceedings and speak about her experience of women’s voting rights in Cuba and her personal struggle and the importance of exercising your right to vote. There will also be stalls, refreshments, exercise demonstrations, dancing and a crèche.

WOMEN’S CELEBRATION DAY
Somali Women’s Development Project
Tredegar Community Centre, 333 Morville Street E3 2DD
12 noon-4pm FREE 020 8980 9935

A celebration with the local Somali Women’s Community and Bangladeshi Women’s Group for all local residents and their families with cultural activities and local Councillors.

WISEWORDS BOOKFEST 12 & 13 March
The Women’s Library, Old Castle Street E1 7NT
2pm-10pm each day www.thewomenslibrary.ac.uk
Tickets: £12 per day/£20 for 2 days or £4/£3 concs per talk before 5pm,
£6/£5 concs per talk after 5pm.
Available in advance and on the door 020 7320 2222 moreinfo@thewomenslibrary.ac.uk

The Wisewords Bookfest celebrates women’s writing presenting authors with their new and recently published books. Come along and spend an enjoyable day meeting writers reading and discussing their work. Each session lasts one hour with a half hour break in between for refreshments and the opportunity to buy books.

On Friday 12 March the authors will be Tamsin Bradley & Emma Tomalin / ‘Dowry’, Kavita Ramdya / ‘Bollywood Weddings’, Dreda Say Mitchell and Claire Seeber on Crime writing, Clare Mulley / ‘The Woman Who Saved The Children’, and Kat Banyard launches her new book ‘The Equality Illusion’.

On Saturday 13 March the authors are Joy Howard and six poets from the Grey Hen Press with their new anthology ‘Cracking On’, Kia Abdullah new writer with Laura Longrigg, Cathi Unsworth / ‘Bad Penny Blues’ and Elizabeth Wilson / ‘War Damage’ on writing thrillers, Maggie Gee / ‘My Animal Life’ with Yasmin Alibhai-Brown / ‘The Settler’s Cookbook’. And to round it all off a wonderfully funny session with well known comic and writer ‘Shazia Mirza’.’Columnist of the Year’.

The Wisewords Bookfest is produced by Alternative Arts with The Women’s Library.

WOMEN’S MULTICULTURAL DANCE DAY (see Tuesday)

SATURDAY 13 MARCH

MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Account 3, LEC
3 Birkbeck Street E2 6JY
2.30pm-4.30pm FREE 020 7739 7720

Seminar for local women on practical local politics, showing how most non-career politicians have entered politics through a burning passion for a political issue, and how to make a difference and have a say locally; with representatives from local RSLs, the PCT and local authority to demonstrate the range of ways you can have your say. Exhibition and activities for young people on ‘Women in Politics’ followed by a workshop looking at issues of exclusion and making a difference. Please book your places in advance. Crèche available.

SOMALI WOMEN and POLITICS
Somali Integration Team
Bancroft TMC, 12 Wickford Street E1 5QN
12noon-4pm FREE 020 7790 2650

Event to motivate and support women and their understanding of politics with young Somali poet and stories about how women in Britain fought for the right to vote and the challenges and barriers that they faced. Dancing, Singing & Refreshments. All women welcome.

WISEWORDS BOOKFEST (see Friday)

SUNDAY 14 MARCH

BANGLADESHI WOMEN’S STORIES
Bishwo Shahitto Kendro
1 Woodham Gardens, Vallance Road E1 5BN
2pm-4pm FREE 07984427989

Come and tell us your story about the day you first voted. A group of Bangladeshi women will share their experiences and focus on the barriers they faced to voting. The Suffragette movement of East London based at 198 Bow Road and lead by Sylvia Pankhurst and Zolie Emerson will be discussed and Victoria sponge cake and tea will be served in their honour.

Please note that this programme of events in Tower Hamlets for International Women’s Week may be subject to alteration and it is advisable to ring and check beforehand. All venues are accessible to wheelchair users.
To receive this information in large print please contact: info@alternativearts.co.uk.
The International Women’s Week programme is co-ordinated for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets by Alternative Arts. www.alternativearts.co.uk

Cllr Dr. Anwara Ali has today left Labour and joined the Conservative Group on Tower Hamlets Council.

2010-02-23T11:44:00.001-08:00

Cllr Dr. Anwara Ali has today left Labour and joined the Conservative Group on Tower Hamlets Council. Cllr. Ali was the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing on Tower Hamelts Council and represents the Bow West ward. Leader of the group Cllr. Peter Golds is delighted that Cllr. Ali has joined the Conservative group and looks forward to working with her. Cllr. Ali issued the following statement: - “I have been a lifelong Labour supporter, but I believe the country cannot afford five more years of Gordon Brown.“As a GP working on the frontline in the largest practice in the East End, I have become increasingly disillusioned with Labour's failure to reform the NHS. The past decade has seen this Government waste millions of pounds on bureaucracy in hospitals.“Gordon Brown's obsession with top down targets and a tick box culture has ruined the morale and goodwill of the national health staff. Ill health and early death in the East End is a direct result of Labour's failure to bring real reform to the NHS.”"I feel I cannot continue to serve the people of Tower Hamlets whilst I am part of a Labour party in the borough that is racked by divisions and splits unable to deliver services to the most needy people.” The Conservative group now numbers 9 members and remains the official opposition on the council.

Local info

2010-02-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

http://mytowerhamlets.co.uk/

2010 ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER

2010-02-10T10:39:00.000-08:00

GUEST SPEAKER: Richard Barnes (AM) Deputy Mayor of London

Mile End East Ward in Conjunction with

POPLAR & LIMEHOUSE CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION

2010 ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DINNER

Monday 1 March 2010, 7.30 PM FOR 8 PM

Naz Café Restaurant, 46-48 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RF
TICKET INCLUDES A Three COURSE Indian BANQUET AND DRINK ON ARRIVAL
DINNER TICKETS : £30 PER TICKET FOR MEMBERS AND £40 PER TICKET FOR NON MEMBERS

GRAND RAFFLE WILL BE HELD TICKETS £10 PER STRIP FURTHER DONATIONS ACCEPTED

RSVP: FREEPOST RLZJ-JRKU-GHSC POPLAR & LIMEHOUSE CONSERVATIVES, 13 PLYMOUTH WHARF, LONDON, E14 3EL
I WOULD LIKE ____ TICKETS FOR THE ANNUAL DINNER ___TICKETS FOR RAFFLE (RAFFLE TICKETS AVAILABLE IN ABSENSE)
I ENCLOSE A CHEQUE FOR £ _____ MADE PAYABLE TO Conservative Party or contact for bacs payments

PLEASE PROVIDE NAMES OF ATTENDEES AND ANY DIETARY REQUIREMENTS.

ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: EMAIL MEE.Conservatives@gmail.com

Cllr Ahmed Hussain ON 07903-834-953, Caroline Kerswell on 02074270803

Special Guest

http://www.magnusthemasseur.co.uk/

Magnus Agugu
I have agreed to be the after-dinner masseur. And will be donating to the Raffle.

Save the Date 1 March 2010 Fundraiser

2010-02-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

GUEST SPEAKER: Richard Barnes (AM) Deputy Mayor of London Mile End East Ward in Conjunction with POPLAR & LIMEHOUSE CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION2010 ANNUAL DINNER1 March 2010 January 2010, 7.30 PM FOR 8 PMNaz Café Restaurant, 46-48 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RFTICKET INCLUDES A Three COURSE Indian BANQUET AND DRINK ON ARRIVALTICKETS : £30 PER TICKET FOR MEMBERS AND £40 PER TICKET FOR NON MEMBERSRSVP: FREEPOST RLZJ-JRKU-GHSC POPLAR & LIMEHOUSE CONSERVATIVES , 13 P LYMOUTH WHARF , L ONDON , E14 3ELANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT:Cllr Ahmed Hussain ON 07903-834-953, Caroline Kerswell on 02074270803 EMAIL MEE.Conservatives@gmail.com

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park & Ackroyd Drive Green Local Nature Reserve Annual woodland craft and funday May 2nd 2010 between 11am and 4pm

2010-02-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

On May 2nd 2010 between 11am and 4pm Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park & Ackroyd Drive Green Local Nature Reserve will be running this very popular event for the 5th Year. The Friends pay for this event entirely from their own resources and it costs over £3000. They run the event to enage people in the Park and provide an exciting way for visitors to explore and get to know to the Park. This is not a money making venture for the Friends. Apart from small charges for things like facepainting and the bouncy castle all the activities are FREE! This year the Friends resources are more limited when compared to previous years. At this stage we're unable to be as extravagant as we have been in previous years. They are looking for the following: Musicians/band (acoustic)Craft and activity stalls - please suggest/offerFace painters + Henna tattooistsStewardsCake makersVolunteers to 'man' stalls i.e. tea and registration, etc Any offer of help would be very much appreciated, even if it's only for part of the day.

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park & Ackroyd Drive Green Local Nature Reserve
To get involved email: thcemeterypark@yahoo.co.uk
Web: www.towerhamletscemetery.org
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is truly the historic green heart of Tower Hamlets. 33 acres of Broad leaf woodland in a disused 19th century cemetery, surrounded by tower blocks and estates, where 1000s of people live. The Cemetery Park has an outstanding variety of wild plants and animals as well as plants which give clues to its history.

Invitation to Olympic Park by Hugh Robertson MP with Cllr Tim Archer

2010-02-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

Visit to the Olympic park I went on a tour of the Olympic Park this month thanks to Hugh Robertson MP(Shadow Sports & Olympics Minister). Two things strike you as you go round; firstly how it’s really taking shape and secondly how it’s nearer (geographically) than you think to Tower Hamlets and this constituency. When you drive past the entrance on the A12 towards Walthamstow, it feels like it’s near but a few miles away. When you visit the site and leave by the exit nearest to Canary Wharf, you realise that it’s nearest point to us is just meters away from the Town Hall. So it’s all the more disappointing that just 3% of the workforce on the site is actually from Tower Hamlets.Even though we have the highest rate of unemployment of anywhere in England we are losing out to other host boroughs when it comes to local residents getting jobs there. Unemployment locally is more than just a passing thing due to the recession – it’s more structural than that. Locally, more needs to be done to give local unemployed people the skills, the attributes and the incentives to get local jobs when they become available.

Letter Published in East London Advertiser 28 January 2010

2010-02-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

I am amazed to read that Jim Fitzpatrick MP is blasting Boris over housing. If I were a Labour MP housing would be one of the many things I would not want to talk about - giving their appalling record on it.

What Jim Fitzpatrick fails to mention is that this Labour government has built fewer social homes year after year than were ever built under the last Conservative government. Their record on housing is appalling. We have 23,000 people on the housing waiting list in Tower Hamlets, 14,000 of whom are living in over-crowded conditions thanks to Labour. Whats more the state of repair is shocking, blocks due to be demolished 3 years ago are still standing with only reinforcement pins holding on balconys and death trap corridors with wires exposed and fire escapes blocked.

Perhaps Jim should look for other issues to thrown stones about. That is after all whether or not he is still standing as the Labour candidate in Poplar. The last leaflet he was dishing out failed to mention this or Gordon Brown. Strange that isn't it?

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&pnum=&refresh=kR078oQ1z03M&EID=94b131d2-c6e8-4560-bcd8-0a1fd16d56f4&skip=true page 18

Building Bridges in Tower Hamlets for Women

2010-02-09T11:03:00.000-08:00

Today I met with an organisation to pursue an opportunity for women to connect and learn about each other, the idea would be that women should learn about each others’ cultures primarily from each other. Ideas inculde finding local women who would be prepared to talk about some aspect of their lives or work – e.g. faith, history, food, fashion. Asking women involved with existing projects in Tower Hamlets to come and tell everyone else about them enabling discussions on various topics of interest in small groups. Finding women who are able to perform musically, or bring their favourite music on CD perhaps If necessary, bringing in one ‘inspirational speaker’ per event and/ musicians from outside.

These projects are just what we need in Tower Hamlets to bring forward society and help bridge the gap of poverty and culture.

In Court with Honourable Jackie Glass

2010-02-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

Sometimes opportunities come up and you have to grab them. This inspirational experience came to me in Las Vegas, Nevada. I was invited to join Honourable Jackie Glass (Of OJ Simpson Trial fame) in Court for the morning.

With stark contrast to the UK, the action, the efficiency and the agility was pronounced. I really think I took away a lot which will help me with my Masters in International Law.

I thank the kindness which allowed me to be involved that morning.

Testing the hot seat.

Gap between the rich and poor, we need aspiration not deprivation

2010-02-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

You have to stop and ask yourself why at the end of 13 years of Labour government is the gap between rich and poor wider than at anytime since the Second World War?

Government reports on poverty in the UK show that the children of the poor are destined to live much harder and shorter lives than those of the wealthy. The poorest parts of the country are included in Tower Hamlets, no where more so than the area I hope to represent - Mile End East.

Residents there have been abandoned by Labour and want change. I hear it on the doorstep constantly. The truth is that the Labour party has an interest in keeping people's aspiration limited, this should not be he case, if you work hard it is possible to achieve anything, coming from one of 8 children I want people to know this.

Labour cannot for any longer claim to be the party of aspiration when its failure to tackle the causes of poverty has blighted so many lives. Here in Tower Hamlets we are only too aware on this. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1246333/Gulf-rich-poor-grown-Labour-widest-WWII.html

Many thanks

Caroline Kerswell
Conservative Candidate for Mile End East

Visit to LA and Vegas

2010-01-28T00:28:00.000-08:00

I will be attending to political business in the USA from 29 th Jan until 8 Feb, please contact me via email if you would like to meet on my trip.

Save the Date 1 March 2010 Fundraiser

2010-01-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

GUEST SPEAKER: Richard Barnes (AM) Deputy Mayor of London
Mile End East Ward in Conjunction with
POPLAR & LIMEHOUSE CONSERVATIVE ASSOCIATION
2010 ANNUAL DINNER
1 March 2010 January 2010, 7.30 PM FOR 8 PM
Naz Café Restaurant, 46-48 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RF
TICKET INCLUDES A Three COURSE Indian BANQUET AND DRINK ON ARRIVAL
TICKETS : £30 PER TICKET FOR MEMBERS AND £40 PER TICKET FOR NON MEMBERS
RSVP: FREEPOST RLZJ-JRKU-GHSC POPLAR & LIMEHOUSE CONSERVATIVES , 13 P LYMOUTH WHARF , L ONDON , E14 3EL
ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT:
Cllr Ahmed Hussain ON 07903-834-953, Caroline Kerswell on 02074270803 OR EMAIL MEE.Conservatives@gmail.com

Meet and Question Your Conservative Candidates 25th January 2010, Monday 6 pm till 8 Burdett Neighbourhood Centre, Masjid Lane, Off Wallwood Street,

2010-01-19T08:01:00.000-08:00

Meet and Question Your Conservative Candidates

Cllr Ahmed Hussain
Contact number: 07903-834-953
Caroline Kerswell
Contact number: 0207-427-0803

Cllr Tim Archer
MP Candidate for Poplar and Limehouse

Quiz the candidates at
The Question Time Meeting
Please do not forget to attend the Question Time Meeting organized by the Mile End East Conservatives:

Date: 25th January 2010, Monday
Time: 6 pm till 8 pm
Venue: Burdett Neighbourhood Centre, Masjid Lane, Off Wallwood Street, London E14 7BW

Please send in your question prior to the event to:
E-mail: MEE.Conservatives@gmail.com
Address: MEE Conservatives, C/O 13 Plymouth Wharf, London E14 3EL

- - - - - - - - -Tear Off Here and Post it Asap- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Name: ___________________________ Contact Number: _____________________

Address:_____________________________________________________________

E-mail Address: _______________________________________________________

Your Question: _____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

We will secure a seat with your name to ask the above question to the panel
Please post this to: MEE Conservatives, C/O 13 Plymouth Wharf, London E14 3EL

Mile End History

2009-12-15T03:51:00.001-08:00

http://exploringeastlondon.co.uk/Mileend/Mileend.htm

Bangladesh-British Chamber of Commerce supported by local Conservatives

2009-12-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

Local Conservatives supported the Bangladesh-British Chamber of Commerce and met with ministers to question and highlight the issues faced by businesses in Mile End East.
Mile End East means business Candidates Jewel Islam, Caroline Kerswell and Ahmed Hussain

Jewel Islam, Caroline Kerswell, Faruk Khan (Commerce Minister of Bangladesh Government) and Ahmed Hussain

Ahmed Hussain, Anisul Haque, Jewel Islam, Caroline Kerswell

Caroline Kerswell and Ahmed Hussain

The Bangladesh-British Chamber of Commerce (BBCC) is an organisation aiming to support the British - Bangladeshi Community, to encourage their trade and investment and to motivate them to develop their business skills. The BBCC also promotes investment, joint ventures and networking amongst traders and investors in Bangladesh and the UK.

Questioning the Council of Crime

2009-12-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

Today I will be questioning the Council at the meeting:
Following the recent horrendous attack along the canal in Mile End, what is the council doing to ensure our safety?

I must congratulate the police on the work done to charge 2 people in connection with the canal side attack however crime rates are on the rise. There was a serious stabbing also in the early hours of the morning on Maplin Street round the corner of Mile end station the weekend before last with blood covering the pavement and the forensics team closing off the streets.

Does this not illustrate more money needs to be used to target crime and perhaps open the Bow road police stations round the clock so the police have the resources to show a stronger presence and combat crimes before they happen.

Bethnal Green & Bow Conservative Association Christmas Fundraiser

2009-12-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

Last nights evening at the Standard Balti, was a great initiative. Hugh Robertson MP (Shadow Sports and Olympics Spokesman) joined us and gave a speech and then took everyones questions.

http://bethnalgreenandbowconservatives.com/

Compassionate conservative policy time for change

2009-12-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

In the run up to the local and national election I have been speaking to PPC's to foster relations and keep in touch. I was very lucky to get a meeting with Jesse a great inspiration and I look forward to putting his dynamic suggestions into action. Time for change in Mile End here we come!

http://www.jesse4hereford.com/

London Regional Conservative Conference

2009-11-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

With Boris Johnson lead speaker at the event

Attending the conference today was a great chance to meet other candidates and old friends and learn about serving the community. A fantastic day lets hope many more to come.

Dr Charles Tannock MEP for London Region and I

Eid mubarek!

2009-11-27T03:49:00.001-08:00

The streets are alive with celebrations today round East London. Have a wonderful time and bring together families, friends, the old, the young in harmony.

Rottweilers do have the right to roam and the community does nothing

2009-11-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

Following the attack from a Rottweiler dog I've followed up with one of the four dog wardens from Tower Hamlets to find out why nothing is being done to protect the community. The conclusions were alarming and I feel less safe than ever. According to the warden there is in fact no protection against Rottweiler and they do not have to be muzzled or even kept on leashes. And it does not matter how big they are. The only protection is once the dog has already bitten you and shown itself to be aggressive, only a few can then find the owner may they be prosecuted. By then it is a bit late I think! The only place where you are safe is if you are by the highway, on the side of the road then a dog must be on a leash. However under this rule anywhere which is thought to be leisure for example the park, the riverside walk or communal areas in estates are just not safe! Also there seems like extrajudicial areas are not even covered by the community's power and in the area where I was attacked in King Edward's Memorial Park this is a legal black hole where it is not even patrolled, dogs can do what they want and owners will not be pursued. Apparently it's a legal minefield for the dog wardens and even they admit there is not enough protection, so they remain toothless tigers.
So what do the dog wardens actually do? Their main role is to pursue those dogs which have fouled, but that's foul play considering only four people have been fined!

Funding available for community projects

2009-11-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

http://www.onetowerhamlets.net/healthy_borough.aspx

Healthy borough programme

The Tower Hamlets Healthy Borough Programme is piloting environmental approaches to make it easier for children and families to be more physically active and eat more healthily wherever they live, work, travel, play or learn.
The long-term goal is to help everyone to maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives which will reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The Programme is based in the Tower Hamlets Partnership and brings together NHS Tower Hamlets, the local authority, voluntary and community organisations, the private sector and local people.
Tower Hamlets is the only London borough to be awarded ‘healthy town’ status and there are eight other ‘healthy towns’ nationally. It is part of the Government’s national Change 4 Life initiative.
The Healthy Borough Programme is funded until March 2011 to actively promote:
Active Travel
Active Lives
Healthy Food
More information
For more information on the Healthy Borough Programme contact Keith Williams, Head of the Healthy Borough Programme on 020 7364 4532.
We are based in Tower Hamlets Partnership, 6th Floor, Anchorage House,2 Clove Crescent, London E14 1BY telephone: 020 7364 4528.

Community Led Project Grants
Tower Hamlet’s Healthy Borough Programme is making grants available to help our local communities to take forward ideas that will help Tower Hamlets to become a healthier place.
There are three types of grant and these are Community Led Small Grants, Community Led Project Grants and Can Do Community Grants.
About Community Led Projects
What are the aims of the Community Led Projects?
The key aim of the projects is to make it easier for children, families and the wider community to be more physically active, eat well and maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives. All projects address one or more of the Healthy Borough Programme’s cross-cutting strands:
Healthy Food
Active Lives
Active Travel
They are also a means of testing out different methods of reaching out to local communities, helping to find innovative ways to involve as many people as possible.
Who runs the Community Led Projects?
The Projects are led by local people, residents groups, community groups and voluntary sector organisations. They are led from within the community as a means of finding a wide range of locally-based activities that get people energised and active in promoting key messages around active lives and healthy food choices.
How long are the Projects running for?
Most projects are of either one or two years’ duration, up until March 2010 or March 2011. However there may be some variation, particularly with the Can Do Projects.
How can I find out more?
There are three different kinds of grant available:
Project grants
Small grants
Can Do grants
The closing dates for applications for project grants and small grants have already passed. Follow the link for information on how to apply for a Can Do grant.
To find out more about projects that are running and how you can participate, follow the links below:
Project Grants are for larger projects and are supported by grants of between £5,000 and £15,000. These projects aim to make more sustainable change in relation to the Healthy Borough Programme priorities.
Small grants are for projects which, as the name suggests, deliver on a smaller scale. These projects are supported by grants of between £1,000 and £5,000.
Can Do grants of up to £500 are available to individual community members or informal community groups. The Can Do programme is supported by community development workers based in each of the four paired LAP areas across the borough.
Paired LAP areas
The borough is divided into eight Local Area Partnership areas (LAPs), based on local wards. Each one of the LAPs provides a platform for local residents to have their say on improvements in their area, and to influence how change is carried out. The eight LAPs are:
LAP 1
Bethnal Green North, Mile End and Globe Town, Weavers
LAP 2
Spitalfields and Banglatown, Bethnal Green South
LAP 3
St Dunstans and Stepney Green, Whitechapel
LAP 4
St Katherines and Wapping, Shadwell
LAP 5
Bow East, Bow West
LAP 6
Bromley by Bow, Mile End East
LAP 7
Limehouse, East India and Lansbury
LAP 8
Milwall, Blackwall and Cubitt Town
For more information follow the link to Your Local Area Partnership.
Can Do grants are awarded across paired LAP areas, where adjacent LAPs are linked together i.e. LAPs 1 & 2 / LAPs 3 & 4 / LAPs 5 & 6 / LAPs 7 & 8.
How can I apply for a Can Do grant?
The Healthy Borough Programme is working in partnership with four locally based voluntary organisations to run this programme. The organisations supporting each paired LAP area are listed below, along with contact details for applications:
LAPs 1 & 2
The Osmani Trust
cando@osmanitrust.org
0207 247 8080
LAPs 3 & 4
The Stifford Centre
cando@stifford.org.uk
0207 790 3632
LAPs 5 & 6
Bromley By Bow
cando@bbbc.org.uk
0208 983 7987
LAPs 7 & 8
Island House
cando@island-house.org
07507 261 652
Each organisation has a half-time community development worker to support the programme and to support you with your project ideas.
Applications are processed quarterly by an assessment panel. The remaining closing dates for applications within the current financial year are:
· 11th December 2009· 5th February 2010

Annual dinner with chairman of the party Eric Pickles tonight

2009-11-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

With Eric Pickles

With Tim Archer, Simon Paul Rouse and Priscilla Fell

With David Fell and wife Priscilla

With Subrina Hossain Council Candidate for Bromley-by-Bow

With PPC for Barking Simon Marcus

The Annual dinner with chairman of the party Eric Pickles as our guest was held in Wapping. It was a great success raising money for the future. It was an exciting and memorable occasion.

It looks like Traditional values are returning to the East End. Last night the Local Conservative Association was out in force for their Annual Dinner. Numerous local celebrities, councillors and supporters showed their true colour. This is a time for change and the commitment and dedication showed by the party is infectious. Watch this space Tower Hamlets!

Well done Janet for organising it!

High life for Tower Hamlets

2009-11-16T07:06:00.000-08:00

http://www.bahighlife.com/UK/London-Tower-Hamlets.html

This recent Tower Hamlets and London Eastside feature from the latest edition of British Airways in-flight ‘High Life’ magazine is great publicity for our area. The seven-page article covers various aspects about the area including shopping, dining out, leisure activities and hotel accommodation, and has already resulted in travellers visiting the area.

This is excellent exposure for our diverse and colourful area and will hopefully inspire people to plan a visit!!!!

Rottweiler’s need to be licensed and controlled more effectively- the council must do something about dangerous dogs

2009-11-16T04:06:00.000-08:00

Normally I am a dog lover and I used to own one. However this morning I was the victim of a horrible attack by a big dangerous dog. I was on my bike on my way to work as normal cycling through Wapping by the river in King Edwards Memorial Park when I saw a loose Rottweiler. It looked at me and suddenly started running towards me barking and showing its teeth. It ran and knocked me off my bike and I was so scared I nearly jumped in the river. There was no owner around at all or anybody's to help me. It damaged my right foot boot and I have bruises where I came off my bike. Luckily the dog ran away soon after I came off my bike. But I am still really shaken up and upset.

I always thought there were laws against dangerous dogs. Owners should muzzle them and keep them on leashes. I really think the local authorities should do more to license and restrict owners who do not have enough responsibility to keep these animals under control. I phoned up the police and reported the attack which I hope will be investigated as this Rottweiler may perhaps attack someone more vulnerable in the future; a child or someone elderly who may not be able up to get up from a fall. This kind of attack should not happen and if the owner was around I would have given him a piece of my mind.

I want to know what the council are doing about dangerous dogs. There only four animal wardens in the area and they did not issue a single fine for the dog fouling last year. I think it may be time they re-examine this policy and put further budget aside.

Remembering Courage

2009-11-13T08:49:00.000-08:00

Please check out the letters page in the East London Advertiser, where my letter is published.

MILE END RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

2009-11-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

http://meracouk.blogspot.com/2009/11/alarming-tower-hamlets-council-offices.html

Meeting last night at East London Tabernacle Hall 6.30pm of Mile End residents

Local conservatives attend Remeberence Sunday in Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

2009-11-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

Today I remembered my family who fought and did amazing things for our country during the war sadly not with us today. I remember my Grandfather Priestley who was a rescue worker during the Blitz. I remember my Great Grandfather Vincent who fought for our Country in both 1st and 2nd WW. I remember great Uncle Reg who was captured by the Germans, tortured and survived after a special parachutte mission and I remember Uncle ted who worked in the Legal department for the Army.

http://www.towerhamletscemetery.org/

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park (known locally as Bow Cemetery) is a historic Cemetery located in London's East End. The nearest tube station is Mile End (see maps and travel).
The Cemetery opened in 1841 by an Act of Parliament and is one of London's Magnificent Seven Cemeteries. The Cemetery closed to burials in 1966. It became Tower Hamlets first Local Nature Reserve in 2001. Near-by land was added in the mid-nineties, known as "Scrapyard Meadow" and Ackroyd Drive Green Link. Today it is 33 acres of "managed" mature, broadleaved woodland and meadow. It is also a educational resource to 7000+ school children every academic year who use the Park as an outdoor classroom.

The Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park was set up in 1990. Who have a Constitution whose main objectives are to encourage greater use of this inner urban green space as a sanctuary for people, a place of biodiversity, while protecting and preserving the historic content.

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is owned by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH). The 'Friends' manage the Cemetery Park via a Service Level Agreement with LBTH Parks. They are responsible for the daily maintenance and litter duties for the Park, much of this work is carried out by volunteers through practical conservation events.

"Great Balls of Fire", the Council's annual acclaimed fireworks display this Saturday

2009-11-06T07:14:00.000-08:00

Local Conservatives and Councillors at the Fireworks

"Great Balls of Fire", the Council's annual acclaimed fireworks display this Saturday 7th November.

Great Balls of Fire - Fireworks display
7.30pm - 8.15pm
FREE
, Grove Road, E3

Named the best fireworks display in London by Capital FM, Tower Hamlets pyrotechnic extravaganza is set to illuminate the skies above the East End, on Saturday 7 November.The critically-acclaimed annual display takes place in Victoria Park, Tower Hamlets.Organised by Tower Hamlets Council’s Arts and Events Team, the breath-taking fireworks display is set to be one of the best in the country.Councillor Rofique U Ahmed, Lead Member for Culture at Tower Hamlets Council said: “Tower Hamlets is renowned for its stellar fireworks displays, and this year it’s set to explode into the stratosphere.”The fireworks display takes place between 7.30 and 8.15pm. The entrance is via Grove Road, and people are encouraged to travel by public transport. Limited disabled parking is available.For more information about Tower Hamlets fireworks display contact Tower Hamlets Council’s Arts and Events Team on 020 7364 7900 or email festivalsandevents@towerhamlets.gov.ukHow to get thereTo get there by bus take the 277 – Victoria Park, 339, 8 and D6 – get off at Grove Road junction with Roman Road, 338 get off at Grove Road junction with Victoria Park Road, 25 get off at Mile End stationThe entrance is via Grove Road and the nearest tube station is Mile End. There is no parking at the event however there will be limited disabled parking in the Grove Road car park. There is also a wheel chair accessible viewing area.

http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/whats_on/great_balls_of_fire.aspx

Front Page Story in East London Advertiser

2009-11-05T06:51:00.000-08:00

http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/e-edition/

Today we hit the front page of the East London Advertiser with the dreadful crime that happened on Monday Morning along the canal path.

Looks like its time to question the Council on the issue of Crime along the Canal.

Putting Housing on the agenda with Tim Archer

2009-11-02T05:35:00.000-08:00

Tim is the Conservative Councillor for Blackwall and Cubitt Town ward of Tower Hamlets and Conservative PPC for Poplar and Limehouse

Reservoir dogs style assault in Mile End

2009-11-02T04:24:00.000-08:00

No CCTV and No Street Lighting Now this happens

A man lays critically ill in hospital on what looks like an attempted murder at 2.30am on Monday morning.

Fright night it was indeed in Mile End. The community is shocked and terrified that something so gruesome could happen along the pleasant canal path in an area which is meant to be improving and developing. As I have found out cycling on my way to work today, police tape and crime scene investigation staff are scrutinising the scene of what looks like a Tarantino style hit.

The area it happened in is right next to mile end park which at the weekend hosted the annual Park after dark Halloween Scooby-Doo, scary tours for children and their families. However this tour may have been slightly put to an abrupt halt had they known that on Monday the community would be really attempting to solve a bloodcurdling mystery within metres of the event.

As I was speaking to a constable near the crime scene this morning he told me that Mile End has a huge problem with assaults, however this is one of the worst he had seen in recent times. The gruesome details will all come out shortly.

This really demonstrates that more action needs to be taken by the police and the community working in partnership. We need police on the streets especially at the weekends and areas of hotspots for crime need to be tackled. Where this assault occurred there is no CCTV or street lights and it seems to be a hub of crime. As a Conservative counsellor candidate for Mile End East May 2010 election and local residents I intend to put crime on the top of my agenda. I do not want to walk on the streets and have to fear what could be happening just around the corner.

Caroline Kerswell Selected to Stand in Mile End East

2009-10-21T08:34:00.001-07:00

I am pleased to tell you by an unanimous vote from the local association I have been chosen to stand in the next Council Election May 2010. In E3 postal code Mile End East!

Your support will be appreciated over the forthcoming coming months to help win popular support and help tackle all the local issues I see on a daily basis.

Prince William a Bencher at My Inns of Court Middle Temple

2009-07-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

Prince William has been made an honorary barrister - but promised not to practise, "except for the odd speeding ticket".
In a ceremony at London's Middle Temple he was also called to the Bench, the ancient Inns of Court's governing body.
His "proud grandmother", the Queen, who could not attend because of another engagement, sent her good wishes.
In accordance with tradition, William, 27, described his hobbies and passions in a speech to nearly 300 guests.
"I play football, rugby and water polo, not very well, but particularly pride myself in being a quite magnificent armchair centre-back at football and flanker at rugby... and now you have made me a barrister - I promise not to practise, except for the odd speeding ticket," the trainee RAF helicopter pilot said on Monday.
The second-in-line to the throne is the sixth member of the Royal Family to be made a Royal Bencher, following in the footsteps of the Queen Mother, and his mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

Campaigning in Tower Hamlets

2009-07-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

The streets will be alive with the sounds of Questionnaires tonight and Saturday morning in Tower Hamlets

There has already been have had a fantastic response so far on the doorstep, and it is a great way to pick up casework, and also to just have a chat with people to find out the key issues, and to reassure them a conservative vote for in 2010 is really worth it!

http://conservativehome.blogs.com/localgovernment/2009/03/tower-hamlets-a.html

Bethnal Green and Bow Summer Party

2009-07-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

This event is tookplace on Wednesday 1st July near Spitalfields / Brick Lane. We celebrated the great work in the Euro elections, and met fellow members, activists and supporters

Youngest supporter picks the raffle prize

Campaigning in Tower Hamlets

2009-07-02T05:05:00.000-07:00

How to make a difference..........

On the streets of Mile End East and Bow

Tower Hamlets Local info

2009-07-02T05:04:00.000-07:00

Tower Hamlets for more info on our lovely borough http://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/ and find out where our taxes are spent!

History of the Match Girls

2009-07-02T04:41:00.000-07:00

The London match-girls strike of 1888 was a strike of the women and teenage girls working at the Bryant and May Factory in Bow, London. The strike was sparked by the poor working conditions in the match factory, including fourteen-hour work days, poor pay, excessive fines, and the severe health complications of working with yellow (or white) phosphorus such as phossy jaw.
Led by Socialist activist Annie Besant, with the support of Herbert Burrows, the strike began in June 1888. Three weeks later, the factory owners agreed to rehire the strikers and end the fine system.

Bow Quarter and Conservation by Conservatism

2009-07-02T04:18:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends and residents,

I have just started my blogg about the local issues in my area and a bit about myself for you to follow. I hope you enjoy!

I live in the fairfield conservation area the http://www.thebowquarter.co.uk/

Please read about the amazing history of our Grade ll listed buildings

canvassing with Cllr Phil Briscow

History of the Bow Quarter

The Bow Quarter was from the mid 19th century to more than three-quarters of the way through the 20th the site of the famous Bryant and May match-making operation. At one point at the turn of the two centuries it was London's largest factory.
The site acquired by William Bryant and Francis May in 1861 had once been used for the manufacture of candles, crinoline and rope but had fallen into disrepair.
The factory saw many famous historical events: the Match Girls' Strike of 1888 started here, for example, culminating in the establishment of the first British trade union for women. A blue plaque outside the entrance commemorates the role of social pioneer and feminist Annie Besant in leading the demands for better pay and conditions.
Bryant & May were influential in fighting against the dreadful disease known as "phossy jaw", caused by the phosphorus used in the manufacture of matches. Some of the first welfare institutions in Britain for industrial workers began on this site.
The factory was only finally closed in 1979, when it still employed 275 people. At its height more than 3,000 women and girls worked here.
Once again the site fell into disrepair until in 1988 developers embarked upon one of East London's first urban renewal projects.
The majority of the apartments today are housed in former factory and office buildings. Arlington for example was built as offices in 1874; Lexington and Manhattan date from the factory site redevelopment in 1911. The Victorian cottages near the entrance provided accommodation for the company directors whilst Staten was built as extra office accommodation in the late '50s. Park Central was added in the mid 1990s.

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