The wonderful thing about riding a bike is that it is so easy to stop and look at something interesting! On Saturday 7th November I was cycling through Standish on my way for the Re-cycling Against Incineration Day when I saw lots of people with cameras waiting for something to come along the train line. Little did I know that I was about to witness an icredible spectacle of the most beautiful steam train I have ever seen.
I am sure you have all seen the wonderful pictures in the paper and read the reviews about it. For me it brought back memories of train spotting as a child, the smell of steam, the exictement of spotting a train not previously recorded in the little black book!
The Tornado is significant as it is a new steam train, taking about 18 years to build, based on an original steam train design but with built with and containing new technology.
On Sunday we shall be making an act of Remembrance; I shall be attending three Remembrance Services in the Constituency and laying wreaths at 11.00am in Stroud, 12.00pm in Stonehouse and 3.00pm in Dursley.
As a nation we first made an act of remembrance in 1921 and since then we have remembered those lost on Remembrance Day; the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month with a two minute silence introduced by a bugle player playing the Last Post. The playing of the Last Post always marked the end of the day and a final farewell.
We remember the lost with the poem
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
Fourth stanza of 'For the Fallen' by Laurence Binyon (1869 - 1943)
We owe a great debt to those who sacrificed their lives so that we have lived with freedom and democracy.
I know fireworks can be a worry for many people especially in the run up to Guy Fawkes Night and controlling fireworks matters. We need to make sure that fireworks are enjoyed safely and that the majority of people are protected from the small minority who misuse fireworks around this time of year.
Watching a firework display whether a community organised event or a family gathering in the garden can be absolutely brilliant for those involved. But fireworks can make the elderly feel trapped and young children threatened as well as the stress caused to our pets.
Stay on the right side of the law - fireworks must not be sold to anyone who is under 18 by law. The Government has introduced powers for the police to fine those who cause disturbance late at night, let off fireworks in the street and fine youngsters who carry fireworks in public. The law is clear on anti social behaviour: It’s simply against the law to possess fireworks in public if you're under 18 and it’s against the law to throw or set off fireworks in the street. Violation of these laws hit people directly in their pockets with on the spot fines of £80 for disorder.
Bonfire night is a time families enjoy. But unfortunately accidents can and do happen. Even if you think you know how to handle fireworks look again at the Fireworks Code to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and happy time on bonfire night.
Remember the firework code:
Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.
Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
Keep fireworks in a closed box.
Follow the instructions on each firework.
Light at arm's length, using a taper.
Stand well back.
Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
Always supervise children around fireworks.
Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
Never give sparklers to a child under five.
Keep pets indoors.
As a general guide:
There are laws about when fireworks can be sold, and to who, as well as the times fireworks can be set off.
If you are under 18, you can’t:
Buy the types of fireworks which can be sold only to adults
Have fireworks in public places
If you do, the police can give you an on-the-spot fine of £80.
Use fireworks legally
It is against the law to:
Set off or throw fireworks in the street or other public place
Set off fireworks between 11.00 pm and 7.00 am – except during certain celebrations
If found guilty by the courts, you could be fined up to £5,000 and can be imprisoned for up to six months. You may be liable for an on-the-spot fine of £80.
When you can use fireworks during celebrations
You can let off fireworks:
Until midnight on Bonfire Night
Until 1.00 am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year
Last week I attended an event at the House of Commons ‘To mark Advice Week (12-18th October 2009)’, it was a national week dedicated to raising public awareness on the free advice sector.
Photographed with me are national representatives from advice agencies, and I discussed with them work that is going on national and locally. I was especially interested to hear how the are helping those struggling as a result of the recession. It is vital that such agencies are available to help people swiftly once they have sought that help.
I regularly work with locally agencies including the Citizens Advice, Gloucester Law Centre, Mothers Union Money Advice Centre. I am also a long-standing member of Age Concern/Help the Aged as well as being a trustee for both Care and Repair and Gloucestershire Association for Disability.
I enormously value the work they do and it was very good to meet with national representatives so that I could pass on my thanks to them.
I am photographed with David Harker (Citizens Advice), Julie Bishop (Law Centres Federation), Richard Jenner (Advice Services Alliance), Barbara Raymet (Youth Access) and Helena Herklots (Age Concern and Help the Aged).
