Gooshays by-election 2013

As Harold Hill-ians go to the polls to vote for a new ward councillor, I will be covering the entire by-election from now until the result is announced.


Gooshays ward

I will be blogging and tweeting the latest developments on this site, including information and publications from ALL the candidates standing to give you a better understanding of who they are and what their parties stand for.

You will also get to read my own political take on each one.

On election night itself (Thursday 21st March), make sure you’re following @HaveringMeh on Twitter from 9.30pm where you will get live updates from the official count at Havering Town Hall.




Havering Town Hall, where I will tweet you the very latest

To get your electoral gonads geared up for a riveting couple of weeks, here is the full list of candidates standing in the 2013 Gooshays ward by-election in alphabetical order:
 

• Mick Braun - British National Party
• Malvin Paul Brown - Residents' Association of London
• Marcus Christian Sebastian Llewellyn-Rothschild - Conservative Party
• Christine Anne McGeary - Labour Party
• Lawrence James Webb - UKIP Local Residents
• Darren Christopher Wise - Harold Wood Hill Park Residents' Association

Ask me any questions or leave your comments either in the sections below or over Twitter.

BTW - I do have my own favourite candidate to win, and although I'm not going to tell you who that is (I wouldn't want you to think I'm biased or anything), please feel free to use the following Twitter hashtag:

#DarrenWise4Gooshays

So first on the list, Mick Braun who is standing for the British National Party...

Updates

1. Entertainment
2. Young Residents speak out
3. Harold Hill election appeal

1. Entertainment

It's been over a month since I posted as I've been dedicating my time to rehearsing for and performing in Havering Music Makers' production of The Mikado (check out the photos here). It was a huge success, and even the Mayor of Havering popped backstage to say well done!

HMM's next production is no other than Oliver! which will be performed at the Queen's Theatre from 11th to 13th July. Get in touch with HMM if you want to be involved!


2. Young Residents speak out

I organised the first meeting of Havering Young Residents and a good handful of people turned up. We had a vibrant and intelligent discussion about the challenges faced by young people, ranging from the reasons why the 2011 Romford riots happened, youth unemployment, building new homes, and protecting the Green Belt.

 

I learned that the idea young people are apathetic (...Meh) about politics is a complete myth. The challenges we face going forward include bridging the gap between the authorities and young residents and creating more opportunities so we can be part of society, as opposed to being on the margins.

3. Harold Hill election appeal

On Thursday 21st March the people of Gooshays ward in Harold Hill will be going to polls to vote in a local by-election. I'm supporting our candidate Darren Wise who will be representing the Harold Wood, Hill, Park Residents Association.

If you believe politicians should reflect the will of the residents as opposed to their individual party ideologies, then let me know if you want to help with the campaign: info@youngresidents.org.uk

Crime in Havering

This month, the 2012 Community Safety Public Survey was released by Havering Community and Police Consultative Group. This survey gaged people's perceptions of crime in Havering.

 

Perceptions of crime

 

Some of the things which stood out: 79.7% had never been a victim of crime in Havering. In the last 12 months, 11.3% had been a victim in their local area while 5.1% had been a victim of crime somewhere in the borough.

 

Residential burglary concerned most people, with street muggings being the largest secondary concern.

 

Regarding perceptions of how 'safe' Havering is, 66.2% felt our borough was just as safe as 1 year ago, with 19.9% feeling we're safer, and 13.9% feeling we're less safe.

 

Survey demographics

 

The largest age group to respond was the 45-55 range. Unfortunately, the survey admits that "those under 25 account for just over 12% which is better than we usually secure but disappointing."

 

Engaging young residents with the police is important for everyone. If our interests aren't represented, we'll become marginalised. If our voices are heard, we'll have a greater role to play in our community.

 

This is why one of my aims for next month's first Havering Young Residents (HYR)'s meeting "Being young in 21st century Havering" (3pm on Saturday 23rd February at Hornchurch Library) is to get together a handful of my generation, listen to their concerns as young residents in our borough, and create a lasting domino effect that will get young people engaged in politics and our community.

 

 

 

Sign up to HYR's event: https://www.facebook.com/events/390668587681594/

 

PARKING: You drive me crazy!

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Residents' Association trims back Harold Wood hedges

Click to enlarge...

Alex's 2013 New Years Message

Christ-Meh-s wishes

Ok, the word play in the title's a bit lame. ^^

I just want to wish all my friends, family, political allies and opponents, and especially all the people who have supported me by viewing my posts and videos on HAVERING ...Meh a very merry Christmas and happy holidays.

Much love and best wishes,

Alex Donald
Havering Young Residents Co-ordinator and Harold Wood Hill Park Residents Association action team member
info@youngresidents.org.uk