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Out and About
15 APR 2010
14/4: Medsin hustings at the hospital
Great audience for the Medsin hustings. Lots of interest in Conservative plans for the NHS.
15 APR 2010
14/4: visit to artists by the beach
With Ed Vaizey, Shadow Arts Minister in tow, we visited a group of wonderful artists by the beach. Great variety of incredibly talented people.
15 APR 2010
14/4: Visit to B&H Business Show with Ed Vaizey, Shadow Arts Minister
Great to see so many local businesses in one place. Bumped into loads of people and great excitement about the weeks ahead.
15 APR 2010
13/4: Transport hustings in The Triangle
Some differences of opinion at the transport hustings - mostly about whether people should be 'allowed' to drive cars!
15 APR 2010
13/4: Visit to Terence Higgins Trust
Very interesting to hear about the work they do in Brighton & Hove and across the UK.
15 APR 2010
12/4: Canvassing in Denton Drive
Met some great people on Denton Drive - lots of 'oh it's you!' so the message is getting out.
Not a single Green voter!
15 APR 2010
10/4: Tea on the roof with LGBT in Kemptown
All three Brighton & Hove Conservative PPCs were joined by local people from LGBT community for tea in Kemptown.
15 APR 2010
10/4: Brighton Community Composting Centre
BCCC is a good example of regulations gone mad under a Labour Government. They have been told to prove that they are NOT causing leachate into water supplies rather than someone proving that they are. They are surrounded by woodland!
15 APR 2010
10/4: NHS street stall on London Road
I like our message about the NHS - it is clear that residents want to keep the focus on getting a better service from what we have.
[And we were up before the Socialists - they complained with good humour that we had 'nicked their spot'!]
15 APR 2010
10/4: Delivering - with Channel 4 in tow
Ramping up the delivering now - I have a dedicated band of local volunteers and my heartfelt thanks to them!
15 APR 2010
9/4: Launch of Impact Initiatives new HQ
Conservatives are proud to have been able to help this excellent local charity get its new HQ ready for use. It is good to see some action sometimes rather than talk.
15 APR 2010
9/4: Visit to One Brighton with Greg Clark
One Brighton is a truly amazing building - a real beacon in building design and build.
07 APR 2010
6/4: Street stall on Preston Road
Great start to the campaign as we waved at cars and buses and talked to and leafteted passers by on Preston Road
07 APR 2010
6/4: Lunch with the boss
Chicken and mushroom pie at The Coach House with the Federation chairman - just checking all is in place for the weeks ahead.
02 APR 2010
1/4: RIBA hustings about Build Environment
So much to talk about with regards the built environment and not enough time. Enjoyed the hustings and hope to learn more over the coming weeks. it is a critical issue for Brighton and Hove.
02 APR 2010
1/4: Coffee with Arthur Law of Spectrum at Birdcage Walk
Could have talked for ages - but we didn't have ages. Interesting insight into a wide range of LGBT and other issues. Nice guy.
02 APR 2010
31/3: Hustings with Older People's Council
Very enjoyable hustings which covered a huge range of topics.
02 APR 2010
28/3: Launch of Climate Connections
... at Jubilee Library - a wonderful building depite, I hear, a problem with the shelves...
02 APR 2010
27/3: Hollingbury canvassing
Blustery but very welcoming morning canvassing in Hollingbury
02 APR 2010
26/3: Pre-election meeting with the people from Sky
It will be a busy night for us all so they just wanted to have a coffee to put names to faces before it all kicks off!
02 APR 2010
26/3: HIV testing
Talking to the person leading a very important local trial which will try to find a means for identifying those with HIV but are as yet undiagnosed. Will be getting tested myself in due course - watch this space...
02 APR 2010
25/3: Make Education Count speed dating
This was probably the hustings event that I have enjoyed the most so far - speed dating - just five minutes with each person and the odd camera and microphone thrust upon you. Good range of people though and some interesting views.
02 APR 2010
25/3: Getting ready for the election with ITV Meridian
Pouring with rain, but we did the interview nonetheless! Sometimes the media has a bit of a narrative in their heads about Brighton Pavilion - and then I ruin it - oh well!
02 APR 2010
25/3: Chris Grayling at BHT Rehab Centre
I returned to BHT rehab centre with Chris Grayling so that he could hear first hand the stories of those that benefit from such a wonderful facility. Hopefully we will see funding for many more to allow those in the grips of drugs to break free.
02 APR 2010
25/3: Chris Grayling at Hollingbury Detention Centre
Took Chris Grayling to Hollingbury Detention Centre - it was a very sobering place - even though modern and state of the art I came away with the feeling that I did not EVER want to be arrested.
02 APR 2010
24/3: Talking about empty shops and buildings
Met up with a local architect and we had a wander round talking about empty shops and buildings. Best coffee ever at Taylor Street cafe!
02 APR 2010
23/3: Fun evening with Rory Bremner
Great fun evening with Rory Bremner - until I had to take the stage of course when I had to be a little more serious. I hope his tour goes well.
02 APR 2010
20/3: Wateraid: photo taken with a lady dressed as a loo
Good fun lining up and queuing for the loo in Bart's Sq.
02 APR 2010
20/3: Clean up of Coldean Woods
Less talk more action: Conservatives cleaning up Coldean Woods - what an amazing morning and the weather hold off too. I think we made a difference and I think others did too.
02 APR 2010
19/3: Up early for Juice FM Business Networking event
Really good to meet so many local business people in one place - and such a diverse group of people. Excellent breakfast at Myhotel.
02 APR 2010
18/3: Cup of tea with Johnny and Pitbull
Talking local LGBT and other issues with Johnny and Pitbull. Who'd have thought there is a cafe in C&H Fabrics!
02 APR 2010
17/3: Meet up with Brighton Farm
Time to talk freelancing with the freelancers at The Florist pub - great opportunity for a well-earned glass of wine....
02 APR 2010
17/3: Hustings organised by Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce
A chance to talk about business and the economy with Ben Duncan, Simon Burgess at al. Some very good questions from the audience and certainly some clear air between the party's policies - the Argus didn't see it that way though.
02 APR 2010
17/3: Hustings at Patcham High
The usual suspects debate the environment at Patcham High. Was surprised by remarkably strong showing for Conservatives amongst the students!
02 APR 2010
17/3: Meeting with local entrepreneur
A rather depressing meeting with a local entrepreneur who despite a lifetime's experience in the industry could not get credit from a local bank.
02 APR 2010
15/3: Hustings on Innovation, Sustainability and Development
Enjoyed a lively panel with Ben Duncan and others chaired by the very amusing Prof Bob Allison from University of Sussex.
10 MAR 2010
Fundraiser at the Pub du Vin
9/3: My birthday! And a fundraiser at the Pub du Vin - wonderful room with a wine glass chandelier. John Penrose MP was a good speaker....
10 MAR 2010
Meeting with Julian Boast at Theatre Royal
8/3: a wander round the beautiful old lady that is the Theatre Royal....
10 MAR 2010
Meeting with Colin Chalmers at Community Base
7/3: Very engaging meeting with Colin Chalmers from Community Base - I don't know if he intended it, but much of what we talked about resonated very strongly with Conservative philosophy! It was good to have a look round such a wonderful resource and to meet some more of the tenants - thanks for the CD Carousel!
10 MAR 2010
Painting at Impact Initiatives
8/3 Joined the Tory team in Queens Road helping out at Impact Initiatives - the new HQ needs a paint...
07 MAR 2010
National Student Pride with Nick Herbert MP
First time in Oceana - it's enormous! Great Student Pride event.
07 MAR 2010
London Road Street Stall
6/3: In the afternoon this time.... bit quieter than the morning.
07 MAR 2010
NUT hustings
5/3: It was useful going to the NUT hustings although I am a little disappointed that we didn't talk more about children and their education.
07 MAR 2010
Meeting with local resident in Preston Park Tavern
5/3: So wanted to stay for food, but sadly had to move on. Interesting discussion around education in Brighton.
07 MAR 2010
Visit to Grosvenor Casino
5/3: Have had the odd flutter myself once or twice and it was interesting to see the revamp going on at Grosvenor Casino. They employ over 100 local people and shifts work out very well for the city's students....
07 MAR 2010
Delivering in Coventry Stree
5/3: A sign on one door said 'Rough Collie inside!' - they weren't kidding. I still have all my fingers though!
07 MAR 2010
Recording Politics Show
5/3: Brief discussion about women in politics - we all agreed that we need more!
07 MAR 2010
Policing in Brighton and Hove
3/3: Fascinating discussion with Graham Bartlett, top policeman in Brighton and Hove. We discussed particular issues in Brighton and how he uses his resources to police them. Great guy.
07 MAR 2010
Interview with The Badger
3/3: Interview with The Badger - it was a pleasure to meet a rather sickly Charles Whitehouse for an interview for The Badger. Charles, I hope you are better now!
03 MAR 2010
Carers' Centre at Community Base
2/3: I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Lau, an absolute inspiration. We discussed how we can make the lives of carers better and the role in government in helping challenged families.
03 MAR 2010
Meeting the Politics Society at Varndean College
2/3: What an interesting 45 mins - some very challenging questions and different views on life!
03 MAR 2010
Interview on URF radio with Kit Bradshaw
1/3: First in a series covering all the major parties....
03 MAR 2010
Spring Forum at the Metropole
27/2: A huge weekend which reaffirmed my belief that we have to win all three seats in Brighton & Hove. Opened the conference, then accompanied David Cameron into George Osborne's speech. It was a very busy weekend!
03 MAR 2010
Helping BHT with Baroness Warsi
27/2: A huge thank you to everyone that turned up to help paint the dining room at Regency House. And of course to Baroness Warsi and Eric Pickles for coming along to support our work.
03 MAR 2010
Showing Eric Pickles MP one of many empty buildings
I took Eric Pickles MP around the constituency to show him that effect of 13 years of a Labour government - empty shops, empty buildings and high unemployment.
03 MAR 2010
Dignity Day at the New Larchwood
25/2: Fascinating seminar for those needing care at home. I was astonished at the range of wonderful services that are available.
03 MAR 2010
Interview with Ralph Miller at pub du vin
24/2: Interesting interview with Ralph Miller about women in politics ... 10 mins turned into nearly an hour!
03 MAR 2010
Withdean Action Day (and lunch) at the Sportsman
24/2: And thank you to everyone that turned up - in the rain - again!
03 MAR 2010
Getting NHS survey out in H&EG
23/2: Spits and spots of rain, but we were not to be deterred .... loads delivered....
03 MAR 2010
Meeting with Withdean activists
22/2: After an exhausting day, we rounded it off with a late trip to meet Withdean activists. Definitely ready for an early night!
03 MAR 2010
Tea at the Metropole with the BBC
Introduced Katie Inman, new BBC politics reporter for the region to the delights of tea at the Metropole (the Grand was rammed!)
03 MAR 2010
Pouring, pouring rain ...
22/2: So delivery of gummed leaflets attempted but called off! Next time....
03 MAR 2010
Qs and As with Mike Weatherley
The two of us doing a double act - he called me 'Caroline' once, which provoked an uproar and great laughter!
03 MAR 2010
It has been a while! Sorry!
OK - back to updating 'Out and About'!
10/2: Canvassing in Preston Park - and we had a drink in the marvellous Park View pub for afters....
10 FEB 2010
Snow more! I have had enough
Wow, it was cold in east Patcham this morning - swirling snow which only eventually turned to sunshine. Beautiful views though.
09 FEB 2010
Good to be back out again...
Canvassing in Preston Park. Very interesting area and some good conversations on the doorstep.
05 FEB 2010
Institute of Development Studies
I went to the Institute of Development Studies this evening with my fellow Brighton & Hove PPCs, Simon Kirby and Mike Weatherley. I am looking forward to the three of us being the 'Brighton & Hove' team in Westminster and know that I need to win in Pavilion to do that. The team and trustees of the Institute were incredible at explaining the importance of what they do - International Development is one of those areas that all too often passes under the radar of most people and it should not - it is a critical indicator of our humanity. Each of us learnt from everyone there, and I will be keeping in touch with them in the future.
05 FEB 2010
Preston Park - canvassing
I went out with the team today to talk to the residents of Preston Park. A good afternoon - inevitable gripes about parking, but far more gripes about Gordon Brown and the economy. I think it shows that we need change, and we need change now!
05 FEB 2010
Wild Park Clean Up - Not!
Sadly, despite being kitted out in jeans and boots, with gloves at the ready, the Wild Park Clean Up didn't happen! I am struck by the amount of litter around in the park though and I am hoping that we can do something about it. Small things like picking up litter, can have a big impact on an area.
05 FEB 2010
One of those meeting which takes your breath away
Wednesday evening, I had my most powerful engagement yet as a PPC, supper with the Service Users at Brighton Housing Trust. I was and still am so humbled by their openness and honestly and strength and courage. I wish each and every one of them success in their endeavours. If, by becoming a politician, I can make available more facilities like this, I will be very, very pleased indeed.
05 FEB 2010
Amaze are amazing
I met Rachel Travers at Amaze and we talked about the needs of parent carers of disabled children. It was a wonderful meeting and it was so good to hear about the work they do. My sister has a disabled son and I will be comparing notes with her ...
05 FEB 2010
Public meeting in Patcham
Good meeting in Patcham Methodist Church. Many issues raised and I will be writing to the Highways Agency about the rubbish on A27.
05 FEB 2010
Phoenix Brighton and its facelift
Disappointed to see that I have lapsed in my map posting ... must try harder! Certainly a very interesting chat with David Litchfield at Phoenix Brighton is not up yet and that was on Wednesday. I really hope that it goes well for him. A wonderful space that just needs a bit of a facelift....
02 FEB 2010
Quaker Tapestry Exhibition at the Friend's Meeting House
On the suggestion of the Mayor, I visited the Quaker Tapestry Exhibition and what a surprise - a very well put together exhibition and absolutely fascinating. I would urge everyone to visit - it is open for the month of February.
02 FEB 2010
Nacro at the Jubilee Library
A very warm welcome from the youngsters at the Nacro Art Exhibition. Amazing talent on display and it was as interesting to read what each artist had written about themselves - real insight.
02 FEB 2010
Fascinating insight to homelessness at YMCA's Gareth Stacey House
A huge thank you to David Standing and his colleague Paul at Gareth Stacey House who gave up their valuable time to tell us about homelessness in young people. It is so good to see that these facilities are available and that they are run by such committed and talented individuals. I really will do the Sleep Easy one day - I promise - just not when it is minus 6!
02 FEB 2010
It was spitting at the station....
Early morning rain did not deter Patrick Lowe and I as we handed out surveys to early morning commuters.
01 FEB 2010
Radio Reverb with Paul Stone....
A good debate with Nancy Platts, the Labour candidate, and Nigel Carter, the UKIP candidate. Sadly, a no-show from the Greens and LibDems, but actually I think it was better that way. Nancy is a nice lady - we just don't agree on politics!
01 FEB 2010
Up in Patcham
And bumped into Brian Pidgeon, Patcham councillor. He will be at the public meeting tomorrow night I hope so can deal with council-related questions.....
30 JAN 2010
Public meeting deliveries yesterday
Delivering and talking to residents in Patcham - I hope a few will venture out on a chilly Tuesday night next week to come and meet me at Patcham Methodist Church, 7.30pm.
30 JAN 2010
London Road Street Stall
Good turn out for the London Road Street Stall and a warm reception from the shoppers. Hearing again and again that people have decided that it is OK to vote Conservative - I am glad to hear it!
30 JAN 2010
Decided to take the Guardian to Withdean and Patcham
.... and I think they appreciated it. Brighton Pavilion is a diverse constituency and I wanted to show them that! Great cup of tea at Re-fuel on Ladies Mile Road hence the blob on the map.
28 JAN 2010
A lively debate at University of Sussex
Very good turn out for Qs&As at University of Sussex and many thanks to Fil Pollara for organising.
26 JAN 2010
Refreshers Fair at Sussex Uni
Really good trip to University of Sussex with Conservative Association at Refreshers Fair - it took me back a few years!
25 JAN 2010
A quick 30 mins in Hanover
On our way to Upper Lewes Road, we decided to deliver a few leaflets in Hanover - and how well we did. Had a wonderful conversation with a lovely lady in Lincoln Road who is desperate to get rid of Labour. We know, we know...
22 JAN 2010
Open and wide ranging conversation with Andy Chiles from the Argus
It was good to see Andy Chiles from The Argus again - it had been a while?! We had a good conversation and I talked about my plans for a better Brighton and a better Britain.
22 JAN 2010
Coffee with concerned pensioners in Laburnum Grove
A canvassing session turned into a lovely chat with concerned residents of Laburnum Grove. I have promised to revert to them on Conservative plans for pensions and may well blog about it. It was so nice to be out of the rain!
19 JAN 2010
Incredibly interesting meeting with Brighton Housing Trust about addiction, mental health and homelessness
Spent two hours with Andy Winter who has dedicated nearly three decades to helping homeless and vulnerable in Brighton. It was a truly affirming meeting.
19 JAN 2010
Delivering at the Bates Estate
Good to get out and about on the Bates Estate - delivered the whole estate, with the help of the team of course.
19 JAN 2010
Talking trains, part 3, the 7am one!
An early start this morning as we headed to Brighton Station to catch the commuters and hand out our trains survey. So much interest and the feedback emails are starting to come through - brilliant! I will start chasing for the meeting time with the bosses soon.
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Well done Charlotte, as you may well know Transport is my favoured pet at the moment as i used to be a manager on the Railways pre-privatisation and i see it becoming confusing and the staff even more disillusioned than previously. Passenger numbers are up but quality and information is well down. I think this is one area we can beatr the LibDems in their own back yard.. and also have you noticed Baker by his absence from Brighton since you arrived in Town? He used to be the King of the Castle now hes been scared off.. by us. Passenger safety needs to be top of the agenda and they cut corners to save money by cancelling important services ar short notice. Also Toilets dont work correctly and are not repaired, the rolling stock is not luggage friendly and theres no room for Bikes for commuters - this has to be rectified. Also the rail users council is a good tool to use and they have an awful lot to say including overcrowded unsafe trains at busy periods with all the alleys blocked up with luggage. Hope when we get in Theresa Villiers will come down and give us an up to date briefing on where were at nationally.
- David Finestone