Busy Summer!!!

I am guilty of neglecting my blog and can only blame the summer which seemed to be packed with activities......but I tend to mend my ways!

So am going to recount some to he things we have been involved in starting more or less at the end of the period.
We came back from our main holiday on 1st Oct and had to have a quick turnaround before departing for Manchester on the 3rd Oct.  You can imagine the amount of washing to be done after 3 weeks away in hot climes and then having to sort out suitable clothing for the North and cooler temperatures.
There is something quite therapeutic and of course necessary about tackling washing and somehow I rested a little easier knowing this task had been done before we departed for Manchester.
The purpose of the trip was twofold...
1. going to Man City/Newcastle Match at the Etihad.  My husband has been a lifelong supporter and this was his birthday present from me
2. attending Conservative Conference from Sunday until Weds.

The match was particularly rewarding as Man City won impressively 6-1.  As it was a special occasion I organised "Citizens Hospitality"  so we had a good (padded) seat and a meal!.. I can't say I am a natural supporter but having a brother and husband who are fanatical about it you have no choice but to get involved.  I almost enjoy it now particularly attending a match.  There is something about the roar of the crowd, the banter, the colour, the scale......

We stayed at the Piccadilly Hotel as it is central and convenient. We checked in around 6pm and settled down in our room.  Very soon after unpacking the noise started.  Protesters who seemed to anti everything had congregated in the Park opposite the hotel.  They had loudhailers and "music" which constituted drums and heavy thumping.  Despite numerous complaints nothing seemed to be done to stop it.  We had very little sleep.  The following day (Sunday) we made our way to the Conference Centre. Even though a security wall was erected around the Centre we still had run the gauntlet and tried hard not to make eye contact as the  jeering and finger jabbing mob hurled insults at us.  In my opinion they were allowed to be too close to us and should have been pushed back so not to obstruct. We really can't understand the policing policy on this.. We were luckier than some who were pushed and spat upon.  We have never experienced anything as ugly as this.  Whatever happened to free speech and decorum.

Despite the daily hassle we still enjoyed the Conference particularly the second half. Some wonderful inspirational speeches on prison reform and measures already taken to stop reoffenders and the support that is now available. One man who spoke was a serial criminal who after having finally experienced a traumatic event started to respond to those trying to help and embraced support to become usefully employed.  He now mentors others.

One of the stands at the Conference apparently this was the actual Carling Cup.......

The key speeches, Osborne, Boris and David Cameron were impressive and Im sure you have read at length the variety of impressions of the content. The speakers from Scotland, Ireland and Wales were also emotional and impressive.  You can't help but be impressed with politicians who are on top of their game and show such commitment, stamina and vision. These roles are 24/7 and not for the faint hearted.

 

Well we left feeling quite uplifted but very tired - in addition to the noise already mentioned on another night we were wakened by the fire alarm and the hotel was evacuated.  There we all were standing on the cold pavement in quite an array of clothing - some with bare feet....at 4am.  We were told a guest had decided to smoke in his room.......

It was so good to get home and sleep our own bed again......

Back from Birmingham!!

Well it has been a fascinating few days.  We arrived in Birmingham on Saturday ready for the Conservative Conference start the following day.  It has been a few years since I have been to the centre of Birmingham and it certainly has seen some changes.  Now mainly pedestrianised and much easier to get around.

However we were amazed at the number of shoppers and preachers!  
There were many people representing at least 4 religions - using different forms of communication including loudhailers, leaflets, engaging in conversation, selling books. Running the gauntlet seemed quite incongruous and a contrast to the swell of customers thronging into the main Bull Ring shopping centre intent on buying the latest fashion item.  We walked around Selfridges and we were fascinated by the serious buying that was being conducted ....particularly in the shoe department.  I enviously saw a couple of pairs of Louboutins flying off the shelves.  We are not talking small money here and it was encouraging that there seemed to be considerable disposable income which was being ploughed back into the economy and can only help in sustaining our economic recovery.

my husband relishing the lobster!!! ....at La Galleria

A disappointment we did find that there was a dearth of individual restaurants - plenty of franchises but they are so formulaic.  It was only by chance that we came across an Italian restaurant  last Monday night which had only just opened.

www.lagalleria-birmingham.co.uk
01216435933


La Galleria is a family business and had an extensive menu which was not exclusively Italian (although that would not have been a problem). We indulged in their wonderful speciality fish courses as it was a very special birthday for my husband.  We had a lovely evening - the food and service were exceptional.

So we had four and a half days combining the Conference and a City Break ...more to follow.....

What a Week!

Well we now have had the Labour Conference which has not been a success ....not only my view but even those from then far left reflect adversely about the gaffes and lack lustre feel. We can exchange opinions on this over and over again but when the left wing press are unsupportive you have a problem.....
Ed Miliband ...even if you are his mother ...might say ...do you need this son?    ......is this the right job for you?.....

Then today Nigel Farage....what a confident flamboyant showman .....(not my politics I stress) he has the habit of capturing the mood....he actually listens and comes up with  sound objectives which although difficult to counter are not likely to be feasible.  He in my eyes has shaken up the establishment and says we know u want this but.....we know u don't  want to say so!  Parties should be very afraid.....

Goodness knows how things will pan out....

Conservatives next which I will attend!  Will keep u posted!  If u r interested in politics you will enjoy  conference  no matter which party.  Its not all about politics but about inspirational speakers on a range of topics which makes u think and also most importantly may change your direction....

My children think I am probably a sad case but these topical issues are important and also go to share and debate to be a valuable member of society....refrain from word "community" seems fragmented to me.....we are all as one.....er "community"

Manchester Images............

continued from previous post ..................

I was absolutely amazed at the number of cameras aimed at the speakers ....and which annoyingly kept clicking non stop hoping for the special pic. It makes you realise the the smallest face or wardrobe malfunction can be interpreted in a thousand ways and recorded for posterity - enough to make you a quivering wreck.

So nothing was off limits on the image front.  The men got off pretty lightly with the hairstyles having the most coverage..... Boris of course with his unmanageable thatch and George Osborne's newly combed forward coiffure.........

Weight was also mentioned but concentrated on the cost of the Spa getaway to achieve this....Michael Gove seemed unperturbed by the scrutiny.  Certainly he had benefitted from the experience as he showcased his svelte physique.

The women came in for more detailed criticism.  Instead of championing those who had made an effort, looking groomed and smart and doing their bit for the fashion industry - we instead  had unjustified derogatory remarks - some very personal and hurtful.  You certainly need to have rhino hide to be in the public eye. Here is a bright woman holding down one of the most important jobs in the country and all that features heavily is her appearance.

Theresa May had the camera turned on her mercilessly commenting on her tartan Vivienne Westwood suit and comparing her unfavourably to the model who wore the outfit on the catwalk. Ms May also had the audacity to wear a little glitter on her Russell and Bromley shoes.  She can't win.  I give her 10/10 for pursuing her love of fashion and for being her own person.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2439731/Home-Secretary-Theresa-May-takes-tips-Cara-Delevingne-Vivienne-Westwood-suit.html

Then there was Karen Brady of "The Apprentice"  and also the newly appointed Government's Small Business Ambassador.  She addressed the audience in a slightly nervous but authoritative way -  she has a a proven track record and is a very capable business woman.  So was this reported ?......well yes but what will stick out most in the write ups was that her dress was from BHS and cost around £38.  They then compared this unfavourably with a similar dress worn by Ffion Hague which was more expensive.  This snap only shows a side view of Ms Brady (difficult to take anything with swirling arms and cameras) but she looked pretty good to me.  

The press can't make their minds up whether a woman should wear expensive or cheap, high street or designer, flamboyant or safe.............this was clearly illustrated by Samantha Cameron's outfit which was smart and charming. The dress and shoes were inexpensive but someone found out that the belt cost £150.  Anyone would think this was a hanging matter.  Ironic really when some of the female  commentators outfits cost a great deal more than the PM's wife which came in at under £300! 

Confidence is something women always seem to have a problem with.......putting on a brave exterior and believing in yourself does not come easy. Finding the right outfit to fit the occasion is a challenge but helps in the image and confidence stakes,  however it doesn't take much to destroy this.  This is why I feel for women in the public eye as they seem to be fair game for a variety of comments often unrelated to the work they do.  Its bad enough not being in the public eye....... 

So thinking about the sisterhood.....next time you think about saying something bad about another woman and her style and taste............don't!  :)

Manchester Magic!

Its been a while since my husband and I have been to Manchester.  It is a really vibrant city and has so much to offer in the centre including shops, restaurants, architecture, food festivals......and of course football! Bad weekend for both teams as they lost - my husband, who was born in Manchester, supports City so not best pleased!

http://www.visitmanchester.com

So why were we here?  We attended the Conservative Conference which started Sunday and finished Wednesday. We have always considered attending but work commitments have never allowed the time. We didn't really know what to expect and were pleasantly surprised just how enjoyable the experience has been.  

Of course the thrust of the event was about politics but there were other speakers who provided different perspectives about life and some were truly inspirational.  One of these was Lindsay Johns, a bright articulate man who gave a lot of time to youngsters in Peckham in helping them to achieve their dreams.  He spoke at length and had the audience mesmerised.  The link below gives a flavour but such a pity the whole speech cannot be heard.  At the end of his talk he was given a standing ovation and there were many teary eyes.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/tobyyoung/100239595/the-best-speech-at-the-conservative-party-conference/

The evenings were also full of activity - on one of the nights we were invited by one of the delegates to the "Friends of Bangladesh" to attend a gathering at a restaurant.  We had a wonderful time, the food and company were exceptional.  Many there had started their own businesses and were really motivated to succeed.  This included their support for their own children and their education.

One of the things which impressed me at the conference was the number of women of all ages and from different walks of life who had achieved in their own right.  More of this tomorrow!  .......including the barriers to women which society unfortunately present.