Hopes and fears for the New Year

The New Year approaches with a mixture of hope and trepidation. The last 12 months have seen violence abound across the globe. There have been the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, then at home the far right led riots against migrants in the summer months. It must be hoped that peace and reconciliation can be brought to all these situations. At present, the main beneficiaries of the international conflicts are the arms trade. Then there is the growing devastation being caused across the world by climate change. It is difficult to believe there are some people still in denial about what is happening. They take refuge in ignorance and believe crucial decisions can be put off to another day. The longer the world waits, failing to seriously address the problems, the worse things will become. More and more resources will have to be devoted to tackling the problem, with mass forced migrations resulting from homelands being made uninhabitable. It is, though, not all bad news on climate change, measures are being taken to address cause and effects. It is just the slowness of these actions. It is an emergency that merits rapid action. The natural world is not about to wait for human beings to catch up. There have been political changes in the last year, with the Labour Party elected in the UK and Donald Trump returning as president in the US. The Labour government has done some positive things since taking office last July but is not communicating well with the electorate. It is not putting out a narrative as to where it wants to go and how it intends to get there. Simply repeating the word change isn't t going to cut it. There is a good story to tell, the government needs to communicate it. A second Trump presidency fills many with trepidation. The divisive rhetoric and threats of the campaign trail promise to make the world a more dangerous place. Democracy itself seems on the line. On a more optimistic note, President Trump has never been a fan of war, so the prospects for America playing a positive role in bringing some of the bloody conflicts mentioned earlier to an end maybe brighter. What the Democrats in the US and Labour here need to learn is that if they want to retain office, inequality needs to be addressed. America has a successful economy, with 3% growth rates - a level that can only be dreamed of in the UK. Yet, that wealth creation has not flowed to the mass of people. Instead, the relatively few have once again benefited. Only when greater sustainable growth flows to the mass of people and they feel their lives are better will those responsible be rewarded. So entering the New Year, there are hopes and fears. Let's hope things improve on all levels for the mass of humanity and that we draw back from the abyss of destruction. A more unified, less divisive world pulling together for the common good of all has to be the way forward. Have a happy and peaceful New Year.

Christmas is a time to be nice

Christmas is the season of peace and goodwill. A time when people come together to celebrate. Never have such sentiments been more needed. It sometimes seems like we live in a world of aggressive intent. Social media has helped foster these attitudes. People seem to think it is fine just to attack others, often online, who they have usually never met. The anger that flies off the keyboard is amazing to behold. Some seem to just have to get the angst off their chest. It has always been my line as a local councillor to deal with issues if I can, and if they come under the council remit. If they don't, then I will try to direct the individual concerned to those who can help. What we are not here for is to just be shouted at. We are not here to absorb others anger, which they need to let out somewhere. Thankfully, this is something that does not happen that often. There is though growing anger toward those involved in public life. They have become targets of hate, as was tragically seen with the murders of MPs David Amess and Jo Cox in recent years. It now seems incredible that a few years ago there were no gates on Downing Street or elaborate security around the Palace of Westminster. Politicians mixed freely amongst the public. Attitudes only began to change at the end of the 1970s. The changes are the terrible conclusion of a hate filled society, constantly looking for someone to blame. The media does not help in this respect. This always trying to nail someone, get them sacked or removed, individualising every problem, rather than looking to the underlying issues. The behaviour of many in public life, as seen with the expenses scandal a few years ago and the constant stream of those in public office seemingly not coming up to the standards required, has helped fuel the anger. There seems to have been a break down in trust between those in power and those they purport to represent. This will take a long time to repair but it must be fixed. That said, the vast majority of those who serve in public office are decent people doing it for the right reasons. Unfortunately, the few bad apples tend to tarnish everyone. Moving forward, can we all be a little kinder and understanding of others. Join debates and discussions with an open mind, with respect for the other person, no matter how much you may disagree with them. Try a little kindness. On the plus side we do read everyday of incredible acts of kindness and generosity. Christmas is a time to celebrate such things and look to do more positive things toward each other. Let's give it a try? Happy Christmas.

While pubs close around the UK, in Wanstead, the George has been saved

The George & Dragon pub, formerly the George, will be opening in January. The £1.5 million refurbishment of the pub by new owners Urban Pubs & Bars (UPB) will bring a new experience for the people of Wanstead. The saving of the pub is something to be celebrated. Pubs are going down across the country, with the cost of living crisis accelerating this process. It is rare to save or open a new one. The continuation of the George legacy, which goes back to the 18th century, is very welcome. The campaign to save the George played no small part in this achievement. It showed how much local people care for this iconic pub. A petition signed by 3,589 people, showed the appetite for a place where people can eat and drink together but is also a community space. In a world where people seem to be becoming increasing disconnected and isolated, this important function of pubs and other hospitality premises should not be under estimated. The appetite for good, reasonably priced beer was again emphasised in October with the great turn out for the Wanstead Beer Festival. Attended by more than 700 people, the festival was almost drunk dry but not quite. Next year the organisers intend to try to go one better, another step towards making Wanstead a beer capital. So now, we wait for the George & Dragon to open. UPB have been impressed with the local support that was shown for the old pub. It shows people really value and care for the place. UPB have been keen to engage, meeting recently with Leyton & Wanstead MP Calvin Bailey and myself to explain their plans. It all looks exciting with the new owners keen to become an active part of the Wanstead community. They have a particular commitment to sourcing locally, which fits well with the bigger vision for sustainable living. It is great that many of the staff from the George are being kept on, others have been redeployed by previous owners Wetherspoons. UPB expect to take on more staff, as their plans progress The new owners won't be providing the cheap prices of Wetherspoons but they do recognise the need for variety and that not everyone can afford £6 plus pints. But for now it is a case of wait and see. The future looks bright. What shouldn't be forgotten is the effort of so many to save the pub. Whilst Wetherspoons refused to listen, the new owners have. The Wanstead community has once again come together and been heard. Now, just looking forward to that first pint in the George & Dragon.

Otters, kingfishers & pollution - the story of the River Roding

The River Roding really is one of the hidden jewels in the biodiversity crown around these parts. The river begins out in the wilds of Essex, meandering it's way through Redbridge to reach Barking and eventually the Thames. The parts I enjoy regularly walking are between Charlie Browns roundabout and Ilford Hill. Most of the route is either the Roding Valley Park (owned by Redbridge) or Wanstead Park (owned by the City of London Corporation). The river is always changing. Kingfishers often fly down river, that flash of bright emerald blue. Or if your lucky a stationery bird perched on a branch, a fish in its beak. The imperious herons are also a regular sight, waiting motionless to strike, skewering a fish or vole. The elusive water rail also tracks the banks. Above, the adjacent Ilford Golf course, buzzards can be seen drifting on the thermals, looking for prey below. Along the Roding Valley stretch is a community orchard on the Redbridge Lane East side. All sorts of varieties of apples and pears in the summer. The blackberries also abound along the banks at this time. Later, in the autumn, hops can be seen growing on the rivers edge. A recent exciting addition on the Roding has been otters. There have been some spotted along the Wanstead Park stretch of the river. A fortunate few, mainly birders, have been lucky enough to see an otter. These elusive creatures have also been picked up by police helicopters, as they swim downstream. They may have been attracted by an increase in fish life in the river - due partly to the work of Thames 21, which has put obstacles in the river, so encouraging the water to meander more slowly creating pools, where fish dwell. The River Roding,though, does suffer from pollution, often from private landowners, adjacent to the waterway. The River Roding Trust has done much to highlight the pollution. It has also done great clear up work, with voluntary groups conducting litter picks along the banks.. The river is another area that acts as a receptacle for human detritus. Then there is the pollution in the water.Environmental activist and lawyer, Paul Powesland has highlighted the pollution in the river and those responsible. In 2021, he revealed heavy pollution at the Aldersbrook tributary, which flows into the river. This came from a sewage spill from a pipe owned by Thames Water. The Environment Agency has yet to press charges. The Roding is a precious haven for nature and humanity. A tranquil place to walk and watch wildlife.But it is also a river under threat from a variety of polluting sources. More people need to take an interest and become custodians of the river. The River Roding Trust (riverrodingtrust.org.uk) is a good place to start, if you want to help protect and save this precious waterway.