christmas is coming

• Sorry I’ve been a bit silent, sometimes it’s a choice between doing things, and writing about doing things, and for the last month I’ve been meeting people, working for Lutonians, and formulating ideas about particular challenges. That’s why the blog has suffered, you could call it being blogged down, (sorry again), here’s a summary of some of the past events.
• Terrific news for one Lutonian. Dave Lee came to see me because he had been driven to despair by the Child Support Agency who were trying to claim £7,000 from him for periods of time when he was unemployed, (he had worked for Vauxhall for 23 years and his children are now almost adult). I went with him to the County Court, where Dave broke down, realizing there was nothing more he could do because the judge more in sorrow than in anger said he had no choice but to allow the CSA to put a charge on Dave’s home. Then the CSA immediately sent a threatening letter saying they would force a sale. Which would have been a complete disaster. I suggested one more possibility. Maybe publicity would force the CSA to re-examine their records. Dave agreed. So we alerted the local media, (front page story in the Luton paper, two features on 3 Counties RAdio), and lo and behold! the CSA took another look and realized they were wrong. So they’ve just written to Dave to say there will be no threat to his home now. He sent me a gorgeous bunch of roses. Thank you Dave.
• I attended a fabulous Hindu service, crowded hall, wonderful music, delicious food, and best of all, families celebrating happily together. A real community, and so welcoming. Really moving and impressive, I was so grateful for the invitation. But they told me they desperately need a hall of their own, they can only hold their services at the moment thanks to the Catholic community renting them their hall. It’s so rare to see such religious and cultural commitment, come on Luton Council, find somewhere for them!
• Many school visits, three or four a week, touring classrooms, meeting staff and children and speaking at assemblies. Two results for me, firstly, I could discover the issues facing schools and families in Luton. Secondly, I could spread the message that ChildLine 0800 1111 is free, confidential, for any child with any problem. I didn’t expect to see such contrasts. In some schools, teachers are struggling valiantly with an appalling lack of resources. (One head teacher pointed out the insanity of insisting that all schools have two family workers, even when some don’t need them, and others need a minimum of six). Even in the schools where it was clear the children are being very successfully educated, head teachers told me it’s difficult to attract teachers to Luton. (I’m still mystified by this perceived stigma, I love Luton!). After weeks of school visits, I am struck yet again by the crucial factor in determining children’s future, which is not glamorous school buildings, not money, but motivated loving parents. It’s when children don’t have those role models that we depend on schools to provide them. It’s so crucial for children, especially the ones growing up in violent unloving backgrounds, if we don’t improve schools and pastoral care, how else can we break the cycle of neglect and abuse?
• A new, very difficult problem brought to me in my “surgery” in the Indoor Market, a story of abuse, and incompetent child protection. Unravelling the reasons and the solution will take time and sensitivity, so as not to hurt the child at the centre. Alas, one mistake has had terrible consequences.
• Age Concern visit, very impressed by the services they offer, a brilliant use of dedicated volunteers running their friendship helpline, and other innovative services, like life-coaching for the newly bereaved, a supply of home helps, and reliable handy-men. Having met the staff I now hope to meet some of the members of their lunch-time group.
• Heartening visit to Hibbert Street Alms Houses, where Mick told me fabulous tale of the local publican who looked after her when she had a hip operation, and clearly deserves a Heart of Gold Award, mind you, so does she for treating her neighbours to a terrific Christmas lunch in the Cross Keys. Christmas is the time for children, but lovely to see old people enjoying themselves, and being so generous with so little. Isn’t that always the way!
• This weekend, acting as the presenter of a carol concert in High Town was the high spot of my Christmas so far. Pasque Harmony (ladies in fabulous blue sparkly dresses) were giving a concert with the Priory Choir from Dunstable (angelic in long red gowns) in aid of the Keech Hospice. The Methodist Church in High Town was full, the congregation sang lustily and tunefully, and nobody minded at all they were missing the semi-finals of Strictly and X Factor. Pasque Harmony presented a cheque for £20,000 to Keech, brilliant! Having opened the new unit at Keech, met their staff and patients and their families, I know how precious and valuable that donation is. Most people, I think, don’t realize that nearly all hospices depend entirely on donations to keep going.
• Tonight I’ll continue with my Luton Christmas, celebrating the Christmas Tree Festival in Caddington, and then accepting a cheque on behalf of Marie Curie from the Vauxhall Recreation Club. A perfect way to prepare for the ordeal of next week’s shopping and card sending, which I must get down to, my kitchen table is strewn with unaddressed envelopes and tinsel wrapping.
• What pizza did Good King Wenceslas order? The usual, deep pan, crisp and even. Just thought you’d like to know.