REPLY

Hi Olivia,
Thank you for taking the trouble to contact me and invite me to your school. There is a lot of mis-information in what you have written about me, but not to worry. I am sure this is just simple misunderstandings. I had no idea that the school had a sponsor who is in the Green Party, but that makes no odds to me either. The Green Party is a broad church, if you will excuse the pun. I do know of a local Green Party member who has done some work at the school and speaks highly of some aspects of what happens there.
I do not know who Mrs James is either, so I am not sure how she finds me to be ‘nasty, mean and argumentative’. I was a secondary school teacher for 20 years and I still work in education, specialising in working with adults with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. I suspect Mrs James has been jumping to conclusions a little bit. I would not be remotely intimidated by visting any school – what could I be intimidated by? The fact of the matter is that I gave up waiting for an invitation to be offered to me.

I would love to vist the school and to continue this conversation. I will happily answer any questions you might have. I will try to arrange this as soon as possible as it is not long to the long summer holiday. I look forward to meeting you soon.

Warm regards,

Andy Chyba
Chair Bridgend Green Party

PS – I have copied this to the school email address you gave me in the hope that someone will contact me to arrange a visit.
I am contactable by email or my mobile 078 1066 3241 most of the time, but if I do not answer immediately, just leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

ORIGINAL MESSAGE

Hi I am Olivia Bassett

I am dyslexic and nearly 15 years old. I am participating in the ACE curriculum and have found it to be helpful in my learning(I struggled with learning in my previous state school) and I attend Bridgend Christian School. I find what you say extremely offensive. The ACE curriculum, I agree that some of it is outdated, but if you were to go to a normal state school and look in to one of their text books you will see that some of their data is out dated as well. The ACE curriculum was made to specifically help children with learning difficulties, as the education in state schools can be very challenging for children with difficulties reading, writing and or math equations. My school has personally asked you to come in for the day and review how we work, but you became quite aggressive when you apparently discovered one of our sponsors was a member of the Green Party and you hesitated, after a while our sponsor agreed for you to come in and review the school, but only if you went for a coffee with, a person we would class as teacher and friend to the whole school, Mr Sheils, but you hesitated again and backed out completely. I am not sure why you did, I’m guessing you felt very intimidated. In the end our teacher, Mrs James, was glad you had backed out as she didn’t feel like she wanted someone as nasty, mean and argumentative as you to be let loose on the children, but I am quite sure that if you would like to have a nice, calm chat with our teacher, I am sure she would welcome you with open arms. The other issue of you implying I and or the other students, or my friends at the school are brain washed and spoon fed the education of Christianity and the bible is I think a little outrageous, I am quite sure I am not being mind controlled, if you would like to visit our school, I would love to continue our conversation, please contact us at 01656 768028, or you can email us, if you would prefer not to speak over the phone, at bridgenchristianschool. I would hope you contact soon because we would love to ask you a few questions as well.

Regards,

Olivia Bassett aged 14yrs

Keith Ross has requested I put together a synopsis/review of Saturday’s training event, so here goes!The day was essentially split into two parts:

1. The practicalities of setting up a Community Protection Camp
2. The legal ramifications of direct action and the possibility of arrest and its consequences.

There were approximately 20 delegates representing groups from:

• Swansea
• Llantrisant
• Llantrithyd and the Vale
• Llanelli
• Bristol
• Cardiff
• Bridgend
• Newport
• Gloucestershire

The morning session was run by Liz and Rachel who have extensive experience of setting up and living in protest camps, including Balcombe and Barton Moss.
The topics covered included:

• Why have a camp at all?

• Media attention and PR
• Impacts on the drilling companies

The practicalities of setting up a camp

• Toilet options and hygiene
• Kitchen requirements and considerations
• Living space – individual and group spaces

Site selection issues

• Landowners and relations with them
• Holding space and getting people there

Cultural structures

• Establishing ground rules
• Meetings
• Safer spaces policies

Dealing with problems

• Alchohol/smoking/drugs/noise

Behind the scenes considerations

• Communications with the outside world

• Maintain a blog diary
• Pictures
• Camp contact phone

Engaging people

• Meet and greet vistors
• Putting on events – Solidarity Sundays
• Educational workshops
• Provisions for kids

Relationships with the local community

• Consideration of inconvenience being caused
• Establishing levels of support – surveys
• Dissemination of information (DVDs and literature)

Skills bank – who can we call on for support and help?

• Providing energy e.g. solar (avoiding gas!)
• Building stoves
• Providing water
• Dealing with toilet waste and other refuse
• Entertainers

All of this was covered in just a couple of hours, with much of it not much more than a superficial ‘think about this’.
More time and detail was spent on considering toilet and kitchen options, along with how to initiate a camp and get to hold the space.
This latter point was a good lead into the afternoon ‘legal’ session.

The afternoon session was entitled “KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS” and was run by Katherine from ‘Seeds for Change’ organisation (not ‘Seeds of Change), with valuable additional insight from Val of the ‘Green & Black Cross’ organisation.
See: www.seedsforchange.org.uk and www.greenandblackcross.org and activistslegalproject.org.uk

The topics covered included:

• What could you be arrested for?

• Most likely offences and their penalties (if found guilty)

Arrest procedures

• What to expect
• Advice on what to say and do when
• Health issues
• Getting legal help/support
• Avoiding duty solicitors

Possible outcomes and their ramifications

• Being held in custody
• Being bailed
• Being charged
• Being cautioned (admitting guilt)
• Being released without charge

Legal observers

• Their role
• What the should and should not do
• Getting trained (through the Green & Black Cross)
• Advice on use of cameras/video

This session generated a lot of questions and debate. After all, those present, for the most part, are people that are passionately committed to doing whatever they can to oppose the frackers, but in most cases have limited or no experience of direct action that can have legal consequences. Even the experienced ‘old hands’ got valuable information on how things have changed since, in some cases, activism of decades ago.

Everyone present therefore found the whole day immensely valuable and thought provoking. It may make a few think twice about just how involved they want to get in terms of direct action, but for most it was an invaluable heads up on what to expect and how best to avoid consequences that could prove personally difficult. Forewarned is forearmed!!

For many, it is now a case of “BRING IT ON”!!!!

You are invited to attend a presentation on

C L I M A T E   C H A N G E

and take part in a conversation about

what we can do to encourage action

within our local community.

The presentation will take place at Coity Higher

Community Centre, Litchard Cross, Bridgend,

on Monday, 16^th June, at 6.30 pm.

The speaker will be SIMON DAWES, B.Sc, MIFST, C.Sci, a Climate Leader recruited by the Climate Reality Project and a lecturer at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

He is one of a number of people throughout the world who have been trained by Al Gore, to educate people about climate change and build local networks of climate activists.

Refreshments will be available.

8pm start.

Reserve a seat at www.talkfracking.org

CHAIR: Keith Ross – Safe Energy Wales (https://www.facebook.com/FrackedSwansea)

SPEAKERS:
Liz Arnold – US Anti-Fracking Campaigner (http://loudfastphilly.com/interviews/elizabeth-arnold)

Tina Louise Rothery – Residents Action on Fylde Fracking (http://stopfyldefracking.org.uk)

Paul Mobbs – Environmental Consultant (http://www.fraw.org.uk/mei/index.shtml)

Tom Barlow – Reclaim The Power (http://www.nodashforgas.org.uk)

Andy Chyba – Frack-Free Wales (http://www.frackfreewales.org)

Numerous invitations to national and local pro-fracking interests have been put out – but none have accepted the invitation to date.

This is a critical moment for Britain. The government’s plans to introduce fracking will change the UK forever.

There are several issues surrounding this technology that we need to talk about. Can fracking cause a real threat to our water supply ? Will fracking bring a genuine jobs boom? Will fracking help us tackle climate change, or will it make it worse?

Come along to hear these questions and many more debated. The debate starts at 8pm. Doors open from 7. Tickets are free. You just have to sign up at talkfracking.org.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/ukip-mep-nathan-gill–7211633#.U48atxETLbo.facebook

“Wales’ newly-elected Ukip MEP says he sees no inconsistency between his party’s stance on immigration and the fact that he employed “dozens” of eastern European and Filipino workers in a care company.
It has emerged that Mr Gill, who lives in Anglesey, was a director of a number of family businesses that owned property and provided care services on contract to Hull City Council in Yorkshire.
He yesterday confirmed he had employed “dozens” of immigrants from new EU countries like Poland and others from the Philippines. He also said he had provided “bunkhouse” accommodation for employees and others who had migrated from eastern Europe.
One of Ukip’s major campaign policies at the recent election was its opposition to unlimited migration from other EU countries.”

This just confirms my suspicion that all UKIP’s scapegoating tactics are just a cover to sneak uber-Tory policies past people’s noses (i.e. dismantling the NHS, ending rights to sick/holiday/maternity pay, tax rises on the poorest 88%, education cuts to pay for aircraft carriers etc.) A.C.

Opportunity for Wales to develop its own transformation in community-owned energy:

Energiewende: could it work in Wales?
2nd of July 2014

at the Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff.
We hope to bring together a range of views on the inspiration offered by the German Energiewende and the opportunity for Wales to develop its own transformation in community-owned energy.

Keynote

Alan Simpson will deliver a keynote speech on the German experience and its relevance to Wales, alongside Alun Davies AM (tbc), Minister for Natural Resources in Wales.

Practitioners, financers and politicians will discuss the issues in a panel debate chaired by Rita Singh, Cynnal Cymru, with questions to follow.

Energy and ownership

A session on energy and ownership will follow this keynote. To secure a renewable future for Wales will require a much broader range of ownership models – the transition to a renewable and decentralised energy system will be delivered in many different ways.

Planning for community energy

Getting projects approved is key to the scale of the transformation that would see so many more people owning locally generated energy. Planners, councillors and researchers will discuss the issues in a panel debate, chaired by WLGA with questions to follow.

Connecting community energy

How should the grid work in Wales? Is it possible for the grid to become a not for dividend model, focussed on reducing demand and structured around a decentralised energy system? Issues of supply and storage also discussed. Panel presentations chaired by the Alun Ffred Jones AM (tbc), with questions to follow.

Question time

Ownership and the energy transition to renewables is a key issue for Wales. In Germany and Denmark there is political consensus about the destination – the only discussion is about how to get there. Politicians and the audience to discuss the issues with Alan Simpson.

Details:


The meeting will begin at 10am in Chapter. Tea and coffee will be provided during breaks, but own arrangements will need to be made for lunch – the Café in Chapter serves food, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

RSVP:

Please email or call Gareth Sims at gareth.sims / 078822 18732 to reserve your place.

Dear All

Just a quick update.

21 June national demonstration: http://www.thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/national_demo_21_june

We are now going to run a coach from Aberdare – Pontypridd – London. We will be looking for trade unions to help out a bit with some donations and will charge those who can afford it £10. The full details will be available by Monday. We would like to thank Tower Colliery for their £100 donation which has enabled us to book a coach.

We have 500 leaflets supporting the demonstration and if you wish to help distribute them, please let me know.

Our next People’s Assembly RCT/Bridgend meeting will be in the Unison offices Wednesday 11 June at 19.30. Obviously the demonstration will be most important but local campaigns such as the ongoing cuts in RCT and Bridgend will be on the agenda. I will be sending out a full invitation to the meeting next week so please let me know what you wish to have added.

All the best

Len Arthur – convenor

CHARITABLE CHAPLAINCY CAMPAIGN Send letters to: Your local NHS Trust – patient.experience and complaints; MPs, Assembly Members, local papers etc.May I ask you to take just a few moments to consider this question:

What does the Hospital Chaplaincy Service have that the following do not?

The Wales Air Ambulance Service
The Macmillan Cancer Care nursing service
The Cardiff Childrens Hospital

The answer is 100% funding from the Wales NHS budget.

How can this be justified in these times of cutbacks to services?

In excess of £1.3 million has been spent on chaplaincy services in Wales in each of the last FOUR financial years; over £40m a year across the whole NHS.

NO CUTS HERE THEN!!!

The provision of a hospital chaplaincy service is not a statutory obligation for the NHS (although, bizarrely, it is a statutory obligation for the prison service and the armed forces). It is probably best described as a traditional provision by the NHS. But what is an organisation based on science doing wasting money on services that peddle superstition and delusion?

£1.3 million each and every year into the future may be seen as a small contribution but only by obtaining many such small contributions may these increasing demands be met.

£814.3 million: is the latest official figure for ‘real terms’ cuts to the NHS budget by the Welsh government, over 5 years. (That means the money you have cut from health spending over 5 years).

This figure was provided by the Members Research Service at the National Assembly and is based on official Welsh Government spending projections.

£500 million: is the figure for ‘real terms’ cuts to the NHS budget by the Welsh government, over 3 years. It was, until recently, the most up to date figure for YOUR cuts to the NHS in Wales. (That means the money you have cut from health spending over 3 years).

This figure was also provided by the Members Research Service at the National Assembly.

It really is that simple; over 3 years or over 5. Either way, thats at least half a billion pounds in cuts to the Welsh NHS and a record to be ashamed of.

The creation of a Hospital Chaplaincy Fund to cover the cost of religious care by hospital chaplains would relieve this drain on NHS resources.The proposed charity would need to raise about £1.5 million per year to maintain the present service. This is ought to be entirely achievable for a supposedly valued service. While the present fiscal arrangements are in place, a portion of this amount would be met by gift aid tax which is returned by the Treasury. The Welsh Air Ambulance charity raises £5 million per year.

In Wales the largest single faith community is the Anglican Church in Wales. Alan Rogers , of the Charitable Chaplaincy Campaign, has written to the Bishops and Archbishop of the Church in Wales suggesting that they might be the natural leaders in this enterprise. The reaction has been, the NHS has taken responsibility for religious care, so the Church need not act. Regrettably there appears to be a lack of leadership from the Church in this matter.

As a consequence, a strong lead from elsewhere is required. The CCC suggest that this should perhaps amount to a declaration of a time period for the transition to charitable funding. Anyone want to second this motion?

If you feel that it cannot be justified join the Charitable Chaplaincy Campaign.
Details can be obtained from Alan Rogers – just email him at rogers.a

Dear Andy ,

We now have the data from FOI Act requests giving expenditure in financial year 2013/2014 by the NHS Wales on religious care in hospitals.

COST /Avg WTE
Betsi Cadwaladr NHS Trust £ 263,882 4.79 / £ 55,090

Velindre NHS Trust £ 29,887 1.00 / £ 29,887
Cwm Taf NHS Trust £ 138,731 3.20 / £ 43,353
Abertawe bro Morgannwg £ 185,241 3.92 / £ 47,255
Hywel Dda NHS Trust £ 172,958 4.86 / £ 35,588
Aneurin Bevan NHS Trust £ 245,108 5.78 / £ 42,406
Cardiff & Vale NHS Trust £ 251,806 6.73 / £ 37,415
Powys Local Health Trust £ 25,460 0.84 / £ 30,309
TOTAL £1,313,073 31.12

This expenditure provided over 31 Whole Time Equivalent posts at an average cost of £42,193 per WTE per year.
There is a wide range of cost per chaplain WTE with the Betsi Cadwaladr UHB figure being significantly higher than other Health Boards. If you live in the Betsi Cadwaladr UHB area you may wish to ask the Acting Chief Executive Geoff Lang why this is so.

The Chief Executive Mary Burrows has been absent since January 2014 following a Joint Review undertaken by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and the Wales Audit Office. http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/861/page/67701

Mr. Geoff Lang does not publish his email address on-line. A message for him may be sent to:- ConcernsTeam.bcu

Regards,

Alan Rogers 1st June 2014