Ipswich Labour's Shabby Treatment of one of their own

I was very disappointed to see that one of IBC councillors made the front page of the Star and that Labour have chosen to hang one of their own out to dry in a most dreadful way.

Now as a Tory councillor, I mght've had a little bit of satisfaction from the whole sorry episode if:

1) I'd thought it was just and fair
2) and that it was a Labour councillor that had deserved it.

I know councillor Kirby quite well. I am also on the licensing committee, which I enjoy and find very satisfying. Councillor Kirby is a decent man, who was probably speaking the truth anyway, using data he'd seen.

I also respect and like Councillor Fern - and I was shocked that he was behind the original complaint.

There is no doubt that immigration is causing a rise in under 5's at a rate that will affect this town and how we provide services for them.

Let me ask the residents this.

If we can't talk openly about these things in an Overview and Scrutiny committee, where the decisions of the council are reviewed and audited, then where can we?

If councillor Ellesmere was so outraged at such a passing remark, albeit slightly misplaced, then how are they going to plan for the provision of such things as school places, welfare, NHS, housing etc.

What else can we not talk about? It wasn't racist in any shape or form.

I can't help but wonder if there is an alternative motive to hanging out a decent councillor to dry, when there are other issues even more important, like Councillor T. Grant not declaring a prejudicial interest, at another O and S meeting, when questioning Tim Passmore, the Suffolk PCC,  about jobs (when she is employed by him until 1st April and so was also looking after her own interests).

That would've at least fulfilled numbers 1 and 2 above.

I feel that councillor Kirby has been harshly treated. He did not need to give up his chairmanship from the licensing committee, an apology was enough - or perhaps someone else had their eye on that job. After all it does give you extra allowance.

I don't know. What I do know is that he has my support. Some things are worth more than the divide of a different party and fairness alongside justice are two of them.

Access All Arts returns to Ipswich Town Hall

Access All Arts returns to Ipswich Town Hall on Sunday 6th April, bringing together fun, creativity and free activities under one roof.

Next month’s event will see the return of the ever popular Craft and Vintage Market. This unique handmade and timeless market run by I Make Fun Stuff offers something for everybody with an eclectic mix of homeware, jewellery, artwork and clothes you can’t buy on the high street. More than 40 stalls will be there on the day selling a range of limited vintage and craft items.

Also returning is local children’s music tuition group Muzikidz, which will be running interactive workshops with children five to 15 years, offering them the chance to learn to play a range of instruments and perform in bands. Muzikidz runs weekly sessions both during term time and in the school holidays. This activity is suitable for children of all ages and musical abilities. To sign up or find out more information go to http://www.muzikidz.com/

No booking is required for any of the activities.

Children’s writing workshops will also be running from 10.30am – 12.30pm for children seven and over and as always the Town Hall Tea Room will be open throughout the day serving refreshments.

So, don't forget to get along to the Town Hall on Sunday 6th April from 10am to 4pm to join in. Activity schedules are available fromwww.ipswich.gov.uk/AAA and should you require further information about any of the activities please contact Olivia Grant on 01473 433521.

Calling all Stall Holders - Summer Fayre

Always happy to advertise events for SW Ipswich on this blog. This one is actually in my ward Stoke Park and for a very good cause - I'll be attending:

Summer Fayre at Pauls Sports and Social Club 

  

We are planning to hold the event on Sunday 3rd August (12-4) in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice. 

  

Spaces will be inside and charged at £10 per stallholder - a donation to the raffle would also be appreciated.  Spaces will be offered on a ‘first come first served’ basis, and to avoid duplication we will limit the number of stall selling similar items as we know this is frustrating for stall holders and customers alike (for example only one Avon/ one Pampered Chef representative, and only two handmade jewellery). 

  

If stall holders would be interested in having a stall at this event please contact paulsclubipswich@gmail.com 

  

Pauls Sports and Social Club is a Family friendly sports and social club, based on Salmet Close in Ipswich. We have a number of affiliated sports clubs, sky sports, regular poker and bingo nights, and hold special events and entertainment evenings. 

  

Website: http://paulssportclub.co.uk/ 

Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulsclubipswich 

Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/paulsclubips