|
p11
Why would anyone want to be a Hackney Councillor? I have been
asking myself this recently as I approach the first anniversary of my Stoke Newington
by-election. Reeling from the culture shock of an organisation that is considered
peculiar, even by local government standards, my head is still spinning from
three-inch-thick agenda papers and endless four-hour Committee meetings.
Hackney Council is, almost predictably, a set of contradictions. Fanatically dedicated
staff coupled with occasional astonishing mismanagement. Incredible innovation, alongside
black-hole finances. Bureaucracy run wild, in bed with a commitment to accessible
services. I would be foolish if I said that I understood entirely why this is so.
The motto in all dealings with the Borough is 'expect the unexpected'. Since I joined the
Council nine months ago, the Chief Executive has resigned, the finances have collapsed,
the schools have been slated and then saved, the dustmen have gone on strike and then gone
back to work, and (some) Councillors have been arrested. I cannot believe that this is a
typical municipal year in your average local authority.
What does make it all worthwhile is, well, the people that live in N16 themselves (and a
few other postcodes). Knocking on doors in the middle of January is a chastening
experience, because you see the breadth of our community firsthand. Here in Stoke
Newington, you're never quite certain if the door is going to be answered by a Kurdish
political refugee or a recognisable TV actress. Both of them have something to say. In
fact, most people in N16 have something to say.
Part of the excitement of representing Stokey is the vibrant involvement that everyone has
with the community, and with one another (in the nicest possible way.) I expected to be
debating traffic policy and urban regeneration in the Fox. I was not expecting to debate
it in the fishmonger, the hardware store, and the florist as well, or even for that matter
on the top storey of Lister Court. More fool me. I keep on going to Hackney Town Hall
because we all need this link between our local Council and our local High Street. Why did
I stand? Why to change the Council, of course. And if I do bump into you on Church Street,
don't feel shy about letting me know how it should be changing.
Jamie Carswell is a senior manager in health administration at Bart's hospital. He
represents North Defoe Ward for the Labour Party.
Aloe Vera 'Allo Who?
With its stemless and pointed leaves, aloe vera is a sub-tropical plant of
the lily family. Known as the 'natural healer' or 'medicine plant', aloe vera is centuries
old. The soldiers of Alexander the Great used it to restore strength and to heal wounds.
Cleopatra understood the benefits of the plant for keeping her skin looking young and
beautiful. There are many species of aloe, but the one most commonly used is aloe
barbadensis miller aloe vera or 'true aloe'.
Forever Living Products (FLP) is the world's largest grower and distributor of aloe vera
products, with annual worldwide sales of over $1.25 billion from over 65 countries. FLP
Aloe Vera products have all their natural strength and nutritional properties preserved.
They bear the 'Seal of Approval' of the International Aloe Science Council.
FLP Aloe Vera Gel has a distinctive taste and pale yellow appearance. Once the leaf is
harvested the gel begins to lose its effectiveness, so within hours FLP uses its patented
process to stabilise the gel, enabling it to be bottled and stored ready for transport.
Independent tests have declared FLP stabilised gel to be 'essentially identical' to that
scooped straight out of a fresh leaf. Furthermore, unlike whole-leaf aloe vera, the gel
does not have to be filtered to remove the indigestible rind. That means that none of the
beneficial ingredients are lost or reduced and the natural balance is maintained.
It provides relief for many ailments including psoriasis, eczema, irritable bowel
syndrome, ME, arthritis, nappy rash, kidney complaints, acne and sports injuries.
Amita Tiwari-Macha has lived in Stoke Newington for eight years and is a local independent
distributor of the FLP range of products. She has been involved with the company for over
a year and has managed to combine her busy schedule as a mother with that of running her
business. Amita says that 'the beauty of the venture is that you can do it entirely at
your own pace and in your own time'. She believes it would be ideal for other 'full-time'
mothers who may be looking for a way of earning some extra money and meeting lots of
interesting and varied people.
For further information contact Amita Tiwari-Macha on 020 7502 9814 |
. |
