On May 12th I wrote: "Whilst we crammed 200 people into Isleworth Public Hall last year to discuss the possible imposition of Controlled Parking Zones in and around South Street and St. John's Road, we are still capable of drawing in less than twenty on a bad day".
Well, last night we didn't have less than twenty at the ICG's Public Meeting at the Isleworth Working Men's Club - thanks to our trusty club steward who came and sat with us between pouring the pints!
All the same, and modest turnout aside, this first in what will be a whole series of Friday night public meetings was a superb exercise, with our team of councillors giving an extremely good account of themselves and several members of the public engaging us with their issues.
Caroline Andrews chaired the meeting with humour and with confidence. Jon Hardy provided a fascinating analysis of local health issues and the work of the Scrutiny committee and panels aided by the imaginative use of stage props. Genevieve Hibbs - Madam Mayor to some - was enthusiastically received as she talked the meeting through some of the work and duties of the community councillor in a coalition administration, and ran us through some of her themes and ideas for the year ahead. And last but not least, new Executive member Paul Fisher left those present with a tantalising insight of how we see the Empowerment agenda unfolding during the last two years of the present council. All that was left for Yours Truly to do was to keep the beers coming.
The small attendance included representatives from Charlton House, Brent Lea, Ivybridge, Worton and the South Street traders, and hopefully residents and businesses in these areas will be furnished with an account of the work we are doing and the efforts we are making to engage with the communities we serve.
Ideas are already being developed with a view to increasing participation at future events, including "themed" meetings and the targeting of special interest groups. In the meantime, I believe we were all enthused and encouraged by the way in which the diverse group of people who did come along engaged with us and with each other. There were no passengers.
Mysteriously, the lights went out on the IWMC shortly after midnight, but the community councillors who represent the wards of Isleworth and Syon have no intention of leaving our constituents in the dark.
2 comments:
The attendance issue is not as important as whether these meetings are going to be regular. It would be great if you could have them every 3-6 months and build them up steadily.
West London RETI Sceptre HSE 75-81 Stains Road Hounslow TW3 3HW
Tel: 0208 5694822 Fax: 02085694759 E-mail: westlondon@reti.org.uk
11th Jun 2008.
Dear Phil
Thank you very much for your support and as well as attending RETI AGM on 29th May and comments on your block.
For the last fifteen years this is first time for meet elected executive councillor and discuss their issue concern them despite reti has invited many occasions, thanks for your encouragement and your vision to wards social inclusions and community cohesion.
RETI Provide
Ø Employment advice and guidance for Immigrant communities
Ø Advice for Somali women for welfare and housing refugee women Covent way and Ivy bridge in Hounslow.
Ø Youth and children activities funded by Extended schools, youth
service and Hounslow council this activities include after school
clubs, youth activities such as football, team building, workshops
and-integrations-schemes.
Achievement: RETI has successfully delivered two years programmes of employment support for Kosovan/ Albanian community in Hounslow working with career development group CDG in Hounslow.
Model of work: RETI use referral clients to adult education
for Basic skills training and work related ESOL Skills for
Life”, Participants who are finished Essol courses will be
encouraged to seek jobs or further training and will be
referred to job-brokers, employment agencies, Jobcentre Plus etc.
On the other hand as you aware that RETI has undersigned petition Hounslow Council for more support and better treatment of the Somali community on areas education, health, housing and community development and we are still waiting councillor’s response.
Conclusion: RETI is willing to positively collaborate with council administration and seeking the solution all other outstanding issue including lack of support, lack consultation and barriers access LAA and LSP programmes.
RETI and its leadership are ready to lead community cohesion issue from immigrants’ communities in Hounslow and committed to support council strategic vision.
Thank you very much
Hassan Isse Manager RETI 07912380796
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