Sunday, 29 June 2008
Jackie and I spent another lovely day in our garden, followed by a visit to North Mymms Park for an open day in honour of the Red Cross.
Saturday, 28 June 2008
Jackie and I did some gardening and were visited by friends and family.
Today I read Harold Bayley’s classic The Lost Language of Symbolism: An Inquiry into the Origin of Certain Letters, Words, Names, Fairy Tales, Folklore, and Mythologies. Or at least I read the second volume in its original 1936 clothbound edition. Harold Bayley’s theories were eccentric bordering on dangerous: that the human race (or sometimes the Aryan race) originated in Atlantis and then spread across the world with a shared language and culture. If his theories were eccentric, his "scientific method" was hilarious: simply asserting that some sounds have common meanings across all the world’s languages regardless of any and all evidence to the contrary. I think I strained Jackie’s patience reading aloud the funny bits.
Today I read Harold Bayley’s classic The Lost Language of Symbolism: An Inquiry into the Origin of Certain Letters, Words, Names, Fairy Tales, Folklore, and Mythologies. Or at least I read the second volume in its original 1936 clothbound edition. Harold Bayley’s theories were eccentric bordering on dangerous: that the human race (or sometimes the Aryan race) originated in Atlantis and then spread across the world with a shared language and culture. If his theories were eccentric, his "scientific method" was hilarious: simply asserting that some sounds have common meanings across all the world’s languages regardless of any and all evidence to the contrary. I think I strained Jackie’s patience reading aloud the funny bits.
Friday, 27 June 2008
Today was another precious day free of meetings so I could try and catch up on correspondence and all those little jobs that are still cluttering up my focus. I organised the upgrade to MS Office 2007, helped Maria with come accounting queries, sorted out our IT licences, made plans for next week’s CRM training, did some more testing on our developing web services, sorted out the speakers to invite to our next networking lunch, discussed arrangements for other meetings, advised a local group looking for accommodation, sent out a programme of future events for the Watford One World forum, and sent out invitations re: the new Watford Community Fund. Not a bad day’s work, but I still feel as if I am barely making any impact on the backlog of work here: I still have 119 items in Outlook bearing little red flags and I have one more week before I go on leave.
Reading
This evening I finished reading The Big Show by Pierre Closterman – a member of the Free French Air Force who flew for the RAF from the surrender of France until the surrender of Germany. He had 33 confirmed "air victories" and was only just 24 when the war ended. The final paragraph of his book is very appropriately for Veterans Day:
The Circus is over. The public was satisfied. The menu was rich and not so bad, except that the lions have torn apart the tamer. We'll remember them again later and even when all will be forgotten, the music, the fireworks and their nice costumes, at the centre of the square the trace of the big tent will remain, until the following rain shall erase it for ever. My friends that survived the Big Circus have, luckily, not realised it - me neither for that matter- and that will be our final reward.
Reading
This evening I finished reading The Big Show by Pierre Closterman – a member of the Free French Air Force who flew for the RAF from the surrender of France until the surrender of Germany. He had 33 confirmed "air victories" and was only just 24 when the war ended. The final paragraph of his book is very appropriately for Veterans Day:
The Circus is over. The public was satisfied. The menu was rich and not so bad, except that the lions have torn apart the tamer. We'll remember them again later and even when all will be forgotten, the music, the fireworks and their nice costumes, at the centre of the square the trace of the big tent will remain, until the following rain shall erase it for ever. My friends that survived the Big Circus have, luckily, not realised it - me neither for that matter- and that will be our final reward.
Thursday, 26 June 2008
I had arranged that Vanessa Levy (our Development and Training Officer) would attend today’s meeting of the Watford Learning Partnership in my stead as I was to have taught a course on PQASSO. But the course attracted insufficient interest to make it viable so instead I had a day to catch up on things – and I really needed this to finish off a few projects that have been lingering for weeks and (in some cases) months.
I amended the minutes of the last Herts Compact meeting, responded to some audit queries, finalised our draft trustees report (building on work done by our treasurer, John Casstles), and did some initial work on our bid for the LINks contract.
I amended the minutes of the last Herts Compact meeting, responded to some audit queries, finalised our draft trustees report (building on work done by our treasurer, John Casstles), and did some initial work on our bid for the LINks contract.
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
There is so much going on at WCVS that several people here have expressed to me a concern that they aren’t “up to speed” on things. I sympathise entirely; so today we had one of our occasional staff meetings.
Later I drove out to visit the CEO one of our member organisations who I had heard was under great stress. Today’s visit served to emphasise that the CEO is indeed under stress - and that at this time there is nothing I can do to help. The lesson is that sometimes we are most effective somewhere other than at the point of greatest need.
Later I drove out to visit the CEO one of our member organisations who I had heard was under great stress. Today’s visit served to emphasise that the CEO is indeed under stress - and that at this time there is nothing I can do to help. The lesson is that sometimes we are most effective somewhere other than at the point of greatest need.
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Community centres were once at the heart of each community and were well-used for all manner of community events: wedding receptions, performances, jumble sales, lectures, clubs and societies, cubs and scouts, public meetings and the like. Some centres are still very well used and still provide a focal point for community life; but many community centres across the country have fallen into disuse. This morning, I met with Sarah Pinnock and Any McBean of Watford Borough Council to visit Holywell Community Centre in West Watford to talk over options for using the facility as a focal point for community activity in Watford.
Back at the office, I organised some future meetings, finalised some job advertisements, and looked at funding for the October conference we’re organising on the Compact and Public Law.
On my way home, I dropped by to meet Tina Barnard who gave me a tour of the (extremely nice) new offices of the Watford Community Housing Trust. I also spend some time with Bobbie Graham, WCHT’s Equalities and Diversity officer. Back in WGC I visited Ann Jansz (my counterpart in Stevenage CVS) to talk about the Herts CVS bid to host the LINks contract in Hertfordshire. We had an extremely helpful talk (thanks Ann) and I left about 8:00 extremely hopeful that we can put together an excellent tender.
Back at the office, I organised some future meetings, finalised some job advertisements, and looked at funding for the October conference we’re organising on the Compact and Public Law.
On my way home, I dropped by to meet Tina Barnard who gave me a tour of the (extremely nice) new offices of the Watford Community Housing Trust. I also spend some time with Bobbie Graham, WCHT’s Equalities and Diversity officer. Back in WGC I visited Ann Jansz (my counterpart in Stevenage CVS) to talk about the Herts CVS bid to host the LINks contract in Hertfordshire. We had an extremely helpful talk (thanks Ann) and I left about 8:00 extremely hopeful that we can put together an excellent tender.
Monday, 23 June 2008
I once calculated that each networking lunch costs us at least £1,000. Only a small amount of this is for direct costs on the actual day of the lunch. By far the greater part of the cost is preparation, negotiation and promotion. Today’s event was sponsored by the Watford Community Housing Trust. Off the top of my head I can recall five planning meetings, several telephone conversations, and several mail-shots. And this excludes the work that Maria, Sha-Lee and Kerry have put into preparations for the day.
The format for our lunches is that we have a few speakers each talking for 10-15 minutes, topped and tailed by announcements and questions, and followed by a lunch. This format is tried and trusted and works well. Today’s excellent speakers were Susannah Brunert, Ruddy Jones and Val Maguire (Watford Community Housing Trust), Peg Ford (Watford Senior Citizens Forum), Steve Simms (Fire Brigade), Alec Beech (Royal British Legion) and Terry Godfrey (University of the Third Age). Several of the speakers brought along stands, and we also had information or displays from the PCT, the Safer Watford Partnership, West Herts Against Crime, and HCC’s Adult Care Services.
More than sixty people attended the event: a very respectable turnout although not our best figure. I was especially gratified that attendance included two members of the Local Strategic Partnership: Tina Barnard (WCHT’s CEO) and Peter Wright (of the PCT). At our last meeting we welcomed Mayor Dorothy Thornhill and Peter Wright. Too often, senior people regard networking lunches as unworthy of their attention; I think it says a lot about Watford that its LSP members get along to the community lunches.
Today’s event was overshadowed by the sad news of Len Tomlinson’s death. He has been the key figure within the Watford Senior Citizen’s Forum and I have often heard him speak with passion and eloquence on the needs of older people. In some part, today’s event was originally designed to provide Len with a platform to talk on his chosen specialised subject. I learnt at the lunch that his funeral was this afternoon. I worked frantically to make it to the service, but got delayed at the office and then got caught in traffic and would have been late; and nobody wants to be late at a funeral. I’ll miss you Len.
The format for our lunches is that we have a few speakers each talking for 10-15 minutes, topped and tailed by announcements and questions, and followed by a lunch. This format is tried and trusted and works well. Today’s excellent speakers were Susannah Brunert, Ruddy Jones and Val Maguire (Watford Community Housing Trust), Peg Ford (Watford Senior Citizens Forum), Steve Simms (Fire Brigade), Alec Beech (Royal British Legion) and Terry Godfrey (University of the Third Age). Several of the speakers brought along stands, and we also had information or displays from the PCT, the Safer Watford Partnership, West Herts Against Crime, and HCC’s Adult Care Services.
More than sixty people attended the event: a very respectable turnout although not our best figure. I was especially gratified that attendance included two members of the Local Strategic Partnership: Tina Barnard (WCHT’s CEO) and Peter Wright (of the PCT). At our last meeting we welcomed Mayor Dorothy Thornhill and Peter Wright. Too often, senior people regard networking lunches as unworthy of their attention; I think it says a lot about Watford that its LSP members get along to the community lunches.
Today’s event was overshadowed by the sad news of Len Tomlinson’s death. He has been the key figure within the Watford Senior Citizen’s Forum and I have often heard him speak with passion and eloquence on the needs of older people. In some part, today’s event was originally designed to provide Len with a platform to talk on his chosen specialised subject. I learnt at the lunch that his funeral was this afternoon. I worked frantically to make it to the service, but got delayed at the office and then got caught in traffic and would have been late; and nobody wants to be late at a funeral. I’ll miss you Len.
Sunday, 22 June 2008
A fantastic day: sunny, cloudy, blustery; really invigorating. Jackie and I worked for a good eight hours in the garden. This was splendid exercise: very rewarding and very, very exhausting.
Saturday, 21 June 2008
I enjoyed a lovely day of rest and relaxation with family and friends. Jackie is knitting something that needs five knitting needles.
Recent reading
The Watch on the Heath by Keith Thomson is a pretty thorough account of the scientific and theological debate about evolution that climaxed with the great 1860 showdown at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. Gammon and Espionage by Nicolas Bentley (who later illustrated Auberon Waugh's Private Eye column) is a comic spy thriller from 1938 that bridges the gap between PG Wodehouse and the Goons - not a gap that I previously thought needed bridging. In between I browsed again through Pilgrim’s Progress and was reminded of someone’s (Samuel Johnson?) observation that it is a book that “once put down, is very hard to pick up again”.
Recent reading
The Watch on the Heath by Keith Thomson is a pretty thorough account of the scientific and theological debate about evolution that climaxed with the great 1860 showdown at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. Gammon and Espionage by Nicolas Bentley (who later illustrated Auberon Waugh's Private Eye column) is a comic spy thriller from 1938 that bridges the gap between PG Wodehouse and the Goons - not a gap that I previously thought needed bridging. In between I browsed again through Pilgrim’s Progress and was reminded of someone’s (Samuel Johnson?) observation that it is a book that “once put down, is very hard to pick up again”.
Friday, 20 June 2008
Today I worked at home, taking a machete to some bunnies (don’t panic animal-lovers: this is a simple metaphor for my own diversion, not a real rabbit massacre). I did pretty well: I reached the next stage of our Job Evaluation exercise, wrote up notes of my PCT meeting, completed several other papers, and spent time catching up with Ann Jansz, my counterpart at Stevenage CVS (we had a good discussion about possible scenarios for the HCC Links contract).
Thursday, 19 June 2008
I began my day at the PCT discussing options for benchmarking their community engagement strategy as part of their drive to achieve “world class commissioning”.
In the afternoon (and for the second day running) I spoke with a consultant doing research into the Compact. I rarely talk with anyone who is paid to listen to me and pretend to be interested. I am afraid vanity took over and I rather took advantage of the situation. Still, it helped me hone my ideas on the future of Compact. Next, I will talk them over with WCVS members and with colleagues from Watford Borough Council.
My evening meeting of the Herts BME Advisory Panel was cancelled, so I took the opportunity to write up the minutes of Monday’s CEO meeting.
In the afternoon (and for the second day running) I spoke with a consultant doing research into the Compact. I rarely talk with anyone who is paid to listen to me and pretend to be interested. I am afraid vanity took over and I rather took advantage of the situation. Still, it helped me hone my ideas on the future of Compact. Next, I will talk them over with WCVS members and with colleagues from Watford Borough Council.
My evening meeting of the Herts BME Advisory Panel was cancelled, so I took the opportunity to write up the minutes of Monday’s CEO meeting.
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
I started my day meeting Sylvia Harvey, Rosemary Dodgson and Andrew Waite. Our discussions touched on several major Watford projects, each involving two or more of the three people around the table with me. It was a useful reminder of how much the voluntary sector relies on the dedication and commitment of a relatively small number of people.
In the afternoon, I attended a meeting of the Watford and Three Rivers Health Partnership Board and later still I talked to a lady from the Compact Commission who was researching the relationship between PCTs and Hospices. Very interesting.
In the afternoon, I attended a meeting of the Watford and Three Rivers Health Partnership Board and later still I talked to a lady from the Compact Commission who was researching the relationship between PCTs and Hospices. Very interesting.
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
This morning I visited Everton Blake, my counterpart at Voluntary Action Luton. We had a very interesting discussion. On the edge of Luton’s pedestrianised town centre, VAL occupy a large-ish building that serves as a sort of community resource centre. I am sure this is the best way forward for CVSs: operating resource centres that serve as real focal points for independent community activity. But of course the model can only succeed if there is security of tenure with no crippling rental charges or debts. This is something that VAL (and Watford CVS) are exploring. I hope one of us cracks it.
Back at the office, I met with several members of staff to discuss changes and developments.
At present, work is increasing exponentially. I have set rather too many hares running and they’ve bred like rabbits; now I must take a machete to a vast Malthusian bunny tidal wave. I need to conclude some projects quickly - or do some serious and bloody culling. Sorry bunnies. And sorry too for this appalling garbled metaphor.
Back at the office, I met with several members of staff to discuss changes and developments.
At present, work is increasing exponentially. I have set rather too many hares running and they’ve bred like rabbits; now I must take a machete to a vast Malthusian bunny tidal wave. I need to conclude some projects quickly - or do some serious and bloody culling. Sorry bunnies. And sorry too for this appalling garbled metaphor.
Monday, 16 June 2008
This morning we welcomed a new member of staff, Kerry Assell, who will take charge of reception between 10:00 and 4:00. She seems very capable and cheerful: what more could we ask?
The other high point of the day was the first meeting of a CEO network for Watford. There was a turnout of just eight CEOs. But of Watford’s 400+ community groups, only about 75 have any paid staff at all and of these only about twenty or so will employ someone who would think of themselves as a “Chief Officer”. So eight CEOs on a Monday afternoon is actually pretty good. And this was always about quality rather than quantity; a key aim is to help clarify roles and make it easier for people to think of themselves as a “Chief Officer”. The discussions were pretty good, and I think this group could become an important feature of Watford’s voluntary landscape.
Later in the day, I had further meetings on the Watford Learning Partnership and on next week’s networking lunch on Watford’s older people.
I missed the last course meeting of my Leadership and Management course. I now just have four short essays to write and it’s all over.
For the second morning running, our starlings failed to appear today. A few days ago, we could count on at least 20 starlings feeding on our lawn each morning. I learned that at a certain time each summer, starlings gather in bigger and bigger flocks to go off feeding. I’m not sure what this teaches about leadership and management.
The other high point of the day was the first meeting of a CEO network for Watford. There was a turnout of just eight CEOs. But of Watford’s 400+ community groups, only about 75 have any paid staff at all and of these only about twenty or so will employ someone who would think of themselves as a “Chief Officer”. So eight CEOs on a Monday afternoon is actually pretty good. And this was always about quality rather than quantity; a key aim is to help clarify roles and make it easier for people to think of themselves as a “Chief Officer”. The discussions were pretty good, and I think this group could become an important feature of Watford’s voluntary landscape.
Later in the day, I had further meetings on the Watford Learning Partnership and on next week’s networking lunch on Watford’s older people.
I missed the last course meeting of my Leadership and Management course. I now just have four short essays to write and it’s all over.
For the second morning running, our starlings failed to appear today. A few days ago, we could count on at least 20 starlings feeding on our lawn each morning. I learned that at a certain time each summer, starlings gather in bigger and bigger flocks to go off feeding. I’m not sure what this teaches about leadership and management.
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Jackie and I spent some time in the garden and some time reading - and I spent some time finalising recruitment plans for Watford CVS's two vacant posts.
Saturday, 14 June 2008
Depressing news this morning from Zimbabwe where Robert Mugabe seems determined to cling to power. I fear nothing will be done: spineless Thabo Mbeki merely fawns to Robert Mugabe and Zimbabwe has no natural resources to attract attention or interest from further afield. Poor Africa.
Friday, 13 June 2008
I had expected to be in Ipswich for a Trustees Together meeting. But so many people had other urgent business that Jonathan Moore and I agreed to cancel the meeting. Instead I spent the morning at home finalising a draft of the QA framework for Watford’s voluntary sector. Very productive.
In the afternoon I took the opportunity to visit Ian Richardson and see the new offices of the Broxbourne and East Herts CVS in Ware. Ware is a beautiful town and the CVS offices are just about perfect - clean and tidy, welcoming and with no wasted space. Ian and I talked about the future of HIC, Basis 2, Links, and so on.
After, I heard the news that Ireland had voted against adopting the Lisbon Treaty. My experience of “the European Project” has been that it is fundamentally elitist, unaccountable and anti-democratic - seasoned with a fair amount of arrogance and a hint of totalitarianism. The whole thing strikes me as a Rum Deal so I am pleased that the Irish have voted to cold shoulder the Treaty. But I am sure our political masters will find some way to by-pass democratic processes - in Ireland as elsewhere - because at heart they have no interest in democracy.
In the afternoon I took the opportunity to visit Ian Richardson and see the new offices of the Broxbourne and East Herts CVS in Ware. Ware is a beautiful town and the CVS offices are just about perfect - clean and tidy, welcoming and with no wasted space. Ian and I talked about the future of HIC, Basis 2, Links, and so on.
After, I heard the news that Ireland had voted against adopting the Lisbon Treaty. My experience of “the European Project” has been that it is fundamentally elitist, unaccountable and anti-democratic - seasoned with a fair amount of arrogance and a hint of totalitarianism. The whole thing strikes me as a Rum Deal so I am pleased that the Irish have voted to cold shoulder the Treaty. But I am sure our political masters will find some way to by-pass democratic processes - in Ireland as elsewhere - because at heart they have no interest in democracy.
Thursday, 12 June 2008
This morning on the radio, I heard Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber quoted as saying that his biggest mistake was “pulling off cats”. I am sure we've all heard occasional whispers about Sir Andrew - but this?! What a horrible ghastly image. I nearly spat out my cornflakes. As if poor Aged Ken doesn’t have enough to worry about.
Once I had recovered, a headed off to Letchworth for a meeting of the Hertfordshire Compact Working Group. We have plans for a county-wide meeting of voluntary and statutory sector people in October - tied to the LAA (National Indicator 7), Public Law, and the tenth anniversary of Compact. I do hope this conference is a success as the group otherwise struggles to keep momentum going.
Once I had recovered, a headed off to Letchworth for a meeting of the Hertfordshire Compact Working Group. We have plans for a county-wide meeting of voluntary and statutory sector people in October - tied to the LAA (National Indicator 7), Public Law, and the tenth anniversary of Compact. I do hope this conference is a success as the group otherwise struggles to keep momentum going.
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
I had a morning meeting about the Sunflower project’s website. Then I drove to St Albans to attend a meeting of the Herts BME Partnership to discuss whether the Partnership could deliver a CRE-type legal service. Most people present thought the Partnership should stick to its mission of capacity building. I wonder if a combined equalities service would be more effective.
After this, I stayed for my last meeting as Chair of the Hertfordshire Infrastructure Consortium. I handed over without much ceremony to my successor Ian Richardson whose first meeting was thrown into some small disarray by Jacquie Hime’s absence due to local work pressures in North Herts. This is increasingly the dilemma we all face: balancing immediate tangible local needs against the long-term strategic benefits of working together at county and regional level.
We managed to reach some semblance of consensus on the projects to be funded in Hertfordshire under the Capacitybuilders Modernisation programme and under the Big Lottery’s Basis 2 programme.
Plaudits today were reserved for Steph Gallagher who was attending her last meeting as Development Worker for the Consortium. Steph has done a sterling job and will be sorely missed.
After this, I stayed for my last meeting as Chair of the Hertfordshire Infrastructure Consortium. I handed over without much ceremony to my successor Ian Richardson whose first meeting was thrown into some small disarray by Jacquie Hime’s absence due to local work pressures in North Herts. This is increasingly the dilemma we all face: balancing immediate tangible local needs against the long-term strategic benefits of working together at county and regional level.
We managed to reach some semblance of consensus on the projects to be funded in Hertfordshire under the Capacitybuilders Modernisation programme and under the Big Lottery’s Basis 2 programme.
Plaudits today were reserved for Steph Gallagher who was attending her last meeting as Development Worker for the Consortium. Steph has done a sterling job and will be sorely missed.
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
I spent today in Ely discussing the East of England regional plan for voluntary sector infrastructure services. There were some interesting discussions and some surprisingly good insights into what is distinctive about the region.
At lunchtime we were joined by Catherine Johnstone the new / acting CEO of Capacitybuilders who is working to hold things together there.
Before the meeting, again at lunchtime and again at the end of the day, I strolled 100 yards up the road to visit the magnificent Ely Cathedral. The octagonal tower is stunningly beautiful and the Lady Chapel has history written on its every stone. I enjoyed Evensong for half hour or so with a choir of about 25. The cathedral could comfortably accommodate 1,200 but there were only eight of us - and at least one of those an atheist. I expect they do rather better on Sundays.
At lunchtime we were joined by Catherine Johnstone the new / acting CEO of Capacitybuilders who is working to hold things together there.
Before the meeting, again at lunchtime and again at the end of the day, I strolled 100 yards up the road to visit the magnificent Ely Cathedral. The octagonal tower is stunningly beautiful and the Lady Chapel has history written on its every stone. I enjoyed Evensong for half hour or so with a choir of about 25. The cathedral could comfortably accommodate 1,200 but there were only eight of us - and at least one of those an atheist. I expect they do rather better on Sundays.
Monday, 9 June 2008
After her latest visit to Poland, Maria returned to work this morning and we spent the first couple of hours interviewing for the new part-time receptionist post. Fortunately we soon agreed on a good candidate.
So many WCVS staff are visiting the annual Charity Fair over the next few days that I had to make some arrangements to secure cover at the office. I also had to catch up on some urgent correspondence before leaving at 1:00 for the latest round of my ReaLM course in Cambridge. The weather had stayed fine after yesterday, and the journey was hot and unpleasant. When I arrived in Cambridge I found the class already underway, and a stone’s throw from the window there were some huge construction vehicles making an infernal racket. I endured this politely for more than half an hour and then said that unless we changed to a room the other side of the building I was going to leave. We moved to classroom the other end of the college that was at least five times better than the awful airless suntrap we’ve been occupying for the past two months. And once the background noise was removed, I actually quite enjoyed myself for once. Perhaps it’s the knowledge that this is my last class meeting. Anyway, I will miss Wendy our lovely tutor.
So many WCVS staff are visiting the annual Charity Fair over the next few days that I had to make some arrangements to secure cover at the office. I also had to catch up on some urgent correspondence before leaving at 1:00 for the latest round of my ReaLM course in Cambridge. The weather had stayed fine after yesterday, and the journey was hot and unpleasant. When I arrived in Cambridge I found the class already underway, and a stone’s throw from the window there were some huge construction vehicles making an infernal racket. I endured this politely for more than half an hour and then said that unless we changed to a room the other side of the building I was going to leave. We moved to classroom the other end of the college that was at least five times better than the awful airless suntrap we’ve been occupying for the past two months. And once the background noise was removed, I actually quite enjoyed myself for once. Perhaps it’s the knowledge that this is my last class meeting. Anyway, I will miss Wendy our lovely tutor.
Sunday 8 June 2008
The bright sun soon burnt off this morning’s low cloud and we had a beautifully hot day. Jackie and I went straight out to the garden as we had chosen today to build our chicken run. It was hot work. But at the end of the day we have a fully functioning chicken run measuring 2m by 1.2m and 60 cms high - luxury for two little chickens I should think.
We finished in time to enjoy a great meal together as the sun went down.
But the day had a sting in the tail. Yesterday, I started reading The Tulip by Anna Pavord and today (on about page 35 or so) I was ambushed by a whole page written in French with no translation offered whatsoever. Obviously in the author’s world, it is impossible to understand English without also understanding French. For myself, I lost all trust in the book: how can I trust her not to insert a chapter written in classical Greek? or Serbo-Croat? or that strange whistling language spoken by the Clangers? Interested as I am in the history of the Tulip, it is a risk I can’t take. My interest in The Tulip has evaporated and I feel betrayed and used. Thanks Anna.
We finished in time to enjoy a great meal together as the sun went down.
But the day had a sting in the tail. Yesterday, I started reading The Tulip by Anna Pavord and today (on about page 35 or so) I was ambushed by a whole page written in French with no translation offered whatsoever. Obviously in the author’s world, it is impossible to understand English without also understanding French. For myself, I lost all trust in the book: how can I trust her not to insert a chapter written in classical Greek? or Serbo-Croat? or that strange whistling language spoken by the Clangers? Interested as I am in the history of the Tulip, it is a risk I can’t take. My interest in The Tulip has evaporated and I feel betrayed and used. Thanks Anna.
Saturday, 7 June 2008
I collected my new glasses, bought some books, defrosted the freezer, saw family, read and watched Dr Who.
A tour of the garden was very satisfactory with Snapdragons, Lupins, Foxgloves, Nasturtiums, Poppies and Pansies all blooming beautifully. But unfortunately we have Clematis Wilt.
A tour of the garden was very satisfactory with Snapdragons, Lupins, Foxgloves, Nasturtiums, Poppies and Pansies all blooming beautifully. But unfortunately we have Clematis Wilt.
Friday, 6 June 2008
After meeting with Louise Jones about our Connexions contract, I went to the Town Hall to meet with WBC CEO Alastair Robertson. We talked over options for the future of the Holywell Community Centre and I agreed to visit the site including as a possible new home for WCVS. The Centre accommodates a range of activities and it could provide a home for us, although there are also many problems and issues. But I will visit the site with a fresh and clear mind.
At lunchtime, I met with our Funding Advisor Anne to finalise our annual funding return to WBC and then I spent some time with Helen talking about the future of Watford Volunteer Centre.
At lunchtime, I met with our Funding Advisor Anne to finalise our annual funding return to WBC and then I spent some time with Helen talking about the future of Watford Volunteer Centre.
Thursday, 5 June 2008
This morning I drove to County Hall to see presentations from members of HEVEC, the Hertfordshire Voluntary Emergency Committee. There were presentations from the Red Cross, WRVS, Cruse, Victim Support, St John Ambulance, St Albans Diocese, Hertfordshire Community Foundation and myself raising questions on behalf of the Herts CVSs, Volunteer Centres and the Hertfordshire Infrastructure Consortium.
In the afternoon I was in Hatfield for a briefing on new arrangements within Hertfordshire’s Integrated Youth Support Services. There were some good (and bad) presentations - but nothing they couldn’t have communicated in a medium length e-mail.
In the afternoon I was in Hatfield for a briefing on new arrangements within Hertfordshire’s Integrated Youth Support Services. There were some good (and bad) presentations - but nothing they couldn’t have communicated in a medium length e-mail.
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Leaving work late last night, I (unusually) left all my papers spread across my desk expecting an early start this morning. But my plans were ruined by car trouble as my normally reliable Skoda Felicia refused to move. I don’t like cars. I borrowed Jackie’s Suzuki WagonR to drive to Watford and collect papers so at least I could work at home. Meanwhile, Vanessa met alone with West Herts College to discuss whether she can deliver accredited PTLLs training to the voluntary sector under their auspices.
After a swift trip to Watford I returned home at lunchtime to get my car fixed. Kind brother Jez (of Welwyn Hatfield CVS’s Furniture Scheme) popped over in his lunch break and fixed the car in about five minutes. He did explain what had gone wrong and I made a fair fist of pretending to understand.
I spent the rest of the day at home drafting a QA framework for Watford’s VCS.
After a swift trip to Watford I returned home at lunchtime to get my car fixed. Kind brother Jez (of Welwyn Hatfield CVS’s Furniture Scheme) popped over in his lunch break and fixed the car in about five minutes. He did explain what had gone wrong and I made a fair fist of pretending to understand.
I spent the rest of the day at home drafting a QA framework for Watford’s VCS.
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
We have our fingers crossed waiting for confirmation that the Herefordshire Community Foundation has been awarded the contract for Grassroots Grants in Hertfordshire. When this is confirmed (I daren't contemplate If...) WCVS will advise on local distribution of £30k pa. We will do this through a new Watford Community Fund panel comprising ourselves and others from Watford’s voluntary, public and private sectors.
The One Watford LSP met this morning and discussed our proposals for co-ordinating this new Watford Community Fund through the LSP. One Watford also agreed a draft timetable for “refreshing” the Local Strategic Plan. The LSP also discussed options for using any LAA1 reward monies that come to Watford (expected to be in the region of £750k - £1m) and I am delighted that they agreed to explore options for putting some part of this into endowment with the Watford Community Fund. This could really build some serious capacity for Watford’s future. Well Done One Watford!
After a few frantic hours paperwork, at 6:30 pm I hosted a second meeting of the Watford Community Arts Network. The first meeting attracted only about half the invited people. This meeting also attracted more apologies than attendances. But nevertheless I learnt more about One Voice, Inspiral Arts and the delightfully named I Can’t Believe We’re Not Better theatre company. Each of these groups does sterling work in Watford and I hope at some point they can be resourced to collaborate on a major community event. But things will start slowly.
The One Watford LSP met this morning and discussed our proposals for co-ordinating this new Watford Community Fund through the LSP. One Watford also agreed a draft timetable for “refreshing” the Local Strategic Plan. The LSP also discussed options for using any LAA1 reward monies that come to Watford (expected to be in the region of £750k - £1m) and I am delighted that they agreed to explore options for putting some part of this into endowment with the Watford Community Fund. This could really build some serious capacity for Watford’s future. Well Done One Watford!
After a few frantic hours paperwork, at 6:30 pm I hosted a second meeting of the Watford Community Arts Network. The first meeting attracted only about half the invited people. This meeting also attracted more apologies than attendances. But nevertheless I learnt more about One Voice, Inspiral Arts and the delightfully named I Can’t Believe We’re Not Better theatre company. Each of these groups does sterling work in Watford and I hope at some point they can be resourced to collaborate on a major community event. But things will start slowly.
Monday, 2 June 2008
My morning began with a trip to North Herts CVS to discuss projects that the Hertfordshire Infrastructure Consortium might get funded through the Capacitybuilders modernisation programme. We were strongly aware of our responsibility to shore up HIC’s role as a lead partner in the delivery of LAA ambition target NI7: creating an environment for a healthy third sector. The difficulty is to develop activities that bring direct benefits to front line organisations and do not treat the voluntary sector merely as a deliverer of public services.
In the afternoon and evening, I attended my penultimate class meeting for the ReaLM course at Cambridge Regional College. I have previously jested that the course materials have sometimes been reminiscent of a TV game show. Today we spent the entire class carrying out a group exercise based on The Apprentice. This taught me nothing except that some of my fellow students have some rather disturbing character traits. I know people are doing their best and I am genuinely fond of our two tutors but this course has been painfully bad and I yearn for it to be over.
In the afternoon and evening, I attended my penultimate class meeting for the ReaLM course at Cambridge Regional College. I have previously jested that the course materials have sometimes been reminiscent of a TV game show. Today we spent the entire class carrying out a group exercise based on The Apprentice. This taught me nothing except that some of my fellow students have some rather disturbing character traits. I know people are doing their best and I am genuinely fond of our two tutors but this course has been painfully bad and I yearn for it to be over.
Sunday, 1 June 2008
I mostly stayed home reading the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Among other interests and achievements, he monitored his adherence to thirteen Virtues he defined as:
1. Temperance - eat not to dullness, drink not to elevation;
2. Silence - speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation;
3. Order - let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time;
4. Resolution - resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve;
5. Frugality - make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: waste nothing;
6. Industry - lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions;
7. Sincerity - use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly and speak accordingly;
8. Justice - wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty;
9. Moderation - avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries;
10. Cleanliness - tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation;
11. Tranquillity - be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable;
12. Chastity - use venery never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation;
13. Humility - imitate Jesus and Socrates.
1. Temperance - eat not to dullness, drink not to elevation;
2. Silence - speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation;
3. Order - let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time;
4. Resolution - resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve;
5. Frugality - make no expense but to do good to others or yourself: waste nothing;
6. Industry - lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions;
7. Sincerity - use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly and speak accordingly;
8. Justice - wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty;
9. Moderation - avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries;
10. Cleanliness - tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes or habitation;
11. Tranquillity - be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable;
12. Chastity - use venery never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation;
13. Humility - imitate Jesus and Socrates.
Saturday, 31 May 2008
Aged Ken, our decrepit white cat, woke us this morning bravely fighting off another cat at the back door. Poor old Ken was quite exhausted by his efforts and his little heart was beating so quickly: it was a superfeline effort which won him much praise.
After an early breakfast I popped into town for an eye test and then popped into a charity shop where I bought a history of the Tulip, a biography of Penguin Books founder Allen Lane and a first edition of Noel Coward’s Present Indicative; all for £8:00. I was very pleased.
I spent the rest of the day in the garden, and in other people’s gardens. In the evening, carried forward from last weekend, we had our first barbecue of the year.
After an early breakfast I popped into town for an eye test and then popped into a charity shop where I bought a history of the Tulip, a biography of Penguin Books founder Allen Lane and a first edition of Noel Coward’s Present Indicative; all for £8:00. I was very pleased.
I spent the rest of the day in the garden, and in other people’s gardens. In the evening, carried forward from last weekend, we had our first barbecue of the year.
Friday, 30 May 2008
At 10:00 this morning I welcomed my chair of trustees Pam Handley for my monthly supervision meeting. In the hurly-burly of everyday things it is sometimes possible to lose direction a little and I greatly appreciate Pam’s calm focus on the big things and her easy commonsense advice. On this occasion I also got some expert technical input to our draft disciplinary and grievance procedures.
Later I issued a short WCVS e-bulletin offering our members free office furniture, free carpentry tools and a bargain PA system. Sometimes the practical things matter most.
Later I issued a short WCVS e-bulletin offering our members free office furniture, free carpentry tools and a bargain PA system. Sometimes the practical things matter most.
Thursday, 29 May 2008
The local PCT has a total of £20k in the current year to support community-based health initiatives in Watford and Three Rivers.
Rather than designing a grants application system and have groups bid competitively, I suggested that we try to run workshops where interested groups could themselves help assess different options and decide on projects. I am pleased that the PCT responded very positively to this suggestion and today we met to consider how this scheme might actually work.
We considered the Participatory Budgeting models put forward by the Department for Communities and Local Government and these were rather daunting and for such small amounts (initially at least) we wanted something more streamlined and eventually we reached agreement on a simple workshop model - hopefully there will be more on this later!
In the afternoon, I met with our Treasurer John Casstles to talk through our trustee report and at the end I promised to e-mail a draft report to John later in the day. But then I received a call from one of our member organisations facing a funding crisis of sorts and I spent the rest of the day and early evening working with them to see what might help overcome their difficulties.
Rather than designing a grants application system and have groups bid competitively, I suggested that we try to run workshops where interested groups could themselves help assess different options and decide on projects. I am pleased that the PCT responded very positively to this suggestion and today we met to consider how this scheme might actually work.
We considered the Participatory Budgeting models put forward by the Department for Communities and Local Government and these were rather daunting and for such small amounts (initially at least) we wanted something more streamlined and eventually we reached agreement on a simple workshop model - hopefully there will be more on this later!
In the afternoon, I met with our Treasurer John Casstles to talk through our trustee report and at the end I promised to e-mail a draft report to John later in the day. But then I received a call from one of our member organisations facing a funding crisis of sorts and I spent the rest of the day and early evening working with them to see what might help overcome their difficulties.
Wednesday, 28 May 2008
I have received an e-mail back from Social Enterprise East of England declining our membership application as a social enterprise. I was rather taken aback by this. Surely we’re a social enterprise! Aren’t we? Apparently not.
Recent reading (I know you’re interested)
I read E O Wilson’s Consilience: the Unity of Knowledge - a fascinating history and review of the gradual convergence of scientific knowledge. Then F Spencer Chapman’s Memoirs of a Mountaineer comprising Helvellyn to Himalaya and Lhasa: The Holy City – an account of Britain’s 1937 mission to Tibet. I then read a collection of poetry to confirm that in this field my tastes are distinctly “low brow” - Shakespeare, Blake and Matthew Arnold are a bit of a struggle but I love Kipling, Edward Lear and WS Gilbert.
Springwatch
Jackie discussed BBC's Springwatch at work and one of her colleagues observed: “I know about Ospreys: my friend had a field of cows and replaced them all with a flock of Ospreys.” We think she meant Ostriches.
Recent reading (I know you’re interested)
I read E O Wilson’s Consilience: the Unity of Knowledge - a fascinating history and review of the gradual convergence of scientific knowledge. Then F Spencer Chapman’s Memoirs of a Mountaineer comprising Helvellyn to Himalaya and Lhasa: The Holy City – an account of Britain’s 1937 mission to Tibet. I then read a collection of poetry to confirm that in this field my tastes are distinctly “low brow” - Shakespeare, Blake and Matthew Arnold are a bit of a struggle but I love Kipling, Edward Lear and WS Gilbert.
Springwatch
Jackie discussed BBC's Springwatch at work and one of her colleagues observed: “I know about Ospreys: my friend had a field of cows and replaced them all with a flock of Ospreys.” We think she meant Ostriches.
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
My first meeting this morning was with Kate Belinis at CDA for Herts. I wanted to catch up on a few things and to discuss what expectations CDA for Herts has over the Links contract for which HCC are now inviting expressions of interest. I left having agreed that we would both seek to pass the PQQ stage and then review partnership options.
I then drove back to WGC to collect two helpers to shift and store all the office furniture we had gathered on Saturday.
After our arrival in Watford, the helpers got to work and I spent the rest of the day with Angelo (our IT chap) discussing our mywatford IT project. I am very impressed with progress to date and now we need to start rolling out the project. This is dependent first on us completing some initial data entry and data checking, and Sha-Lee is making steady progress on this using Microsoft CRM but we still need a few days more work. We also need a few more software licences so I put together an order for the excellent Charity Technology Exchange.
I then drove back to WGC to collect two helpers to shift and store all the office furniture we had gathered on Saturday.
After our arrival in Watford, the helpers got to work and I spent the rest of the day with Angelo (our IT chap) discussing our mywatford IT project. I am very impressed with progress to date and now we need to start rolling out the project. This is dependent first on us completing some initial data entry and data checking, and Sha-Lee is making steady progress on this using Microsoft CRM but we still need a few days more work. We also need a few more software licences so I put together an order for the excellent Charity Technology Exchange.
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