Royal Wedding Celebrations, our Kate; the Modern Princess for the British People

Today was a new beginning to Britishness and the modern monarchy, Kate, the people princess was born. I loved every magical moment, brought live from all the media channels, our policing was highly effective too, more importantly the people celebrating the spectacular day was a further sparkle to Kate's Alexander McQueen wedding gown by Sarah Burton. The day, a memorable one, with a team of organised wedding planning; the ceremony along with state figures went promptly with perfection and pleasing to the crowd.

As Kate the princess with her new found title the Duchess Of Cambridge, she will remarkably hold her ground to the world stage, she brought the world to capture British traditions, our British Monarchy and the importance to enjoy and celebrate Britishness, we should not be ashamed to remember it, after all we cannot say we did not unite today from the world of social media, the people live at Hyde Park and beyond, those directly involved; the staff, the Royal Family, celebratory figures, Westminster Abbey, the Church and institution,  and our semi state affair was shown to billions. Call it patriotic, we certainly should not shy from it. The diversity of the crowd from all over the world cultures came together for this special wedding. Even Kate looked overwhelmed from the balcony of Buckingham Palace. I was fascinated with the efforts people made to be visible and share the moment in history.

For now, let us bless the new bride Kate and Prince William a happy marriage, and not hijack the day with political point scoring; for the Majesty the Queen it was also a special day and for the British people too, may the monarchy exist for years to come, making us proud to be British once again. Kate you are already my modern day people princess.

My daughter valued it too, do take a look at her picture book telling the story through her eyes, called Lucky Kate, available on line http://goo.gl/xLrB8

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Here Comes the Bride

As Kate Middleton prepares to take her vows amongst millions of spectators, I want to capture what modern  marriage means to women. Kate has her work cut out for her with additional pressures; privately, family, royal and state affairs; the prestigious Monarchy and part of the institution, suffocatingly bounded by governing rules.

However for many women life begins with a partner for many reasons, perhaps financial stability, beyond love, bonds and family relationships. Others who are career driven and independent writing their standard pre-nuptial agreements.

As politicians debate how reforms can be delivered to ensure Kate's future daughter can be queen, revisiting a historical  somewhat, outdated institution. I'm bringing what marriage is truly about for me personally; affection, love, mutual respect, trust, chemistry and devotion to one another with formal recognition of stability and understanding. Couples begin to share dreams and explore a new meaning to family, their home, health and well being to each other which are all equally important. Religious rituals are carried out who have strong beliefs, others simply write their own vows and have a small wedding ceremony and affair.

Women and those who choose to have civil partnerships in same sex relationships are too committing to each other, their love and these new agreements are socially creating a space to demonstrate their love to the world. Modern marriage varies across society, new forms of acceptance to marriage and life long relationships are being built with common purpose to individuals. I'm pleased through here comes the bride Kate, the marriage as an institution is much talked about once again; to remember and appreciate bonds, vows and obligations, for those ready to enter a modern marriage, let's celebrate its value whilst we admire the bride tomorrow on this auspicious occasion.

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BUILDING A BETTER WORLD FOR BANGLADESHI WOMEN, THE GLOBAL CHALLENGES

I am so pleased to hear the UK Government budget is planning to double Aid in Bangladesh, announced as part of its overall development programme by 2014. It means a great deal for the people in Bangladesh and the country I love, for this aid will build a better future for Bangladeshi women. Strategically targeting aid to developing countries in greatest need will build sustainable infrastructures, stability and development; both economically and socially. Whilst I appreciate it is difficult to make progressive change impact the most affected by poverty, I’m pleased the programme outlined, highlighted income generation, equipping skills and a base for women and men, reviewing and developing access to health services, hygiene and water, and addressing pollution. The plan to assist children in education and learning, improving maternal health and prevention of maternal deaths for women are all challenging and ambitious programmes for Bangladesh and the UK, however it’s encouraging that we are initiating them. The start is the notion of change, planning and sustaining these are equally valid and vital; Andrew Mitchell having sound words and the courage to do so. As with all programmes, it requires political will and change to take place for this type of global participation to take place on the scale of the problem.

IMPROVING MATERNAL HEALTH TACKLING THE GLOBAL PROBLEM FOR WOMEN

Helping Bangladeshi women in need is vital from being affected by malaria and ensuring safe births; studies from Oxfam and National Federation of Women's Institutes are all involved in ensuring the global battle for maternal health is reviewed and working together, only then will it make a difference. The vital clue is that the UK is the largest bilateral grant donor in Bangladesh.  By 2015, it will increase its aid to Bangladesh to an average of £250 million per year. This can only be good news for Bangladeshi women and children. Let’s not slip this one away from our eyes. Since the Millennium Development Goals Review Summit hosted in September last year, we must remind ourselves once again of the work to be done. 

As campaigning groups lobby to reduce maternal health related deaths globally, lobbying projects are spent adequately, providing long term support, and advice to developing countries like Bangladesh.


As we seek to secure funding for midwives and health nurses, adequate, safer pregnancy & family planning services, including safer abortion processes, we know the statistics are alarming, 1000 women die every day from pregnancy related causes. 


If anything let us gather at the Tea Time for Change, in June 2011 with our MP’s in Westminster to lobby for International Development, for our discussions on poverty, maternal health and the global challenges. Register if you can. I will meet you there, for real intervention and priority to tackle this area of work starts here, at home in the UK.

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Happy Easter

I wish you all a very Happy Easter this Sunday, as many attend traditional Sunday service and celebrate, I want to remind us all there are many faiths and religions also having the opportunity to understand this special day.

We should emphasise the importance and hope to bring together many interfaith work in the coming future. I'd like to  remember the traditional Christian values as part of the wider interfaith work amongst all faith groups and embrace it. Finally we rest, in this peaceful day and appreciate the sun, let us also spend a few moments in remembrance.

Here are a few Churches in my local area in preparation for service. Above is St John's and St Peter's Church,150 years of history, built on March 15th 1854, consecrated by the Bishop of Worcester; Birmingham was not a Diocese without a Bishop until 1905. Below in the heart of Ladywood, for residents to admire and attend by Summerfield Crescent.

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Drawing conclusions on AV the foolish way – No Miserable Little Compromise.

AV Day

I have finally made my mind, I’m swinging to the No2AV camp, I have delivered the leaflets, read the Electoral Reform Society views and those supporting the referendum whilst I appreciate democracy and AV may have some valid reasons to change our current voting system, it seems people still have very little knowledge of the referendum, it’s purpose and what this change could have on democracy. If we are complacent in not making a decision on the big day; yes that's the 5^th May by a low voting turn out. 

AV Seminar

I’m campaigning in this year’s local elections; for local change in Ladywood. I hope you will take time to consider the impact on democracy, why we must at least educate those residents to encourage a positive turn out to vote on both aspects. Whether the current system that I am championing is sustained, it’s the choice of the people that matters the most, the system; First Past The Post (FPTP), or progressively change to AV, the Alternative Vote system both will require an effective turn out in Birmingham. I look forward to the counting the next day where I will report more on the Birmingham outcome, despite sunny weather, canvassing, leafleting and information is being dispersed at a slow place, many residents are not interested in the AV referendum. 


It will be a heavy price to pay on democracy if a few take the view of Nick Clegg, a miserable little compromise whether he was misquoted or not, I want people to have the ultimate choice, there’s no time for compromises, if we are seeking change in electoral reform at least we should respect it, support it and have the opportunity to participate actively. Before we jeopardize our history, legacy and more electoral reforms, review the Fiji’s got it..Australia’s got it leaflet if you have time before the day of judgement, there’s no turning back. 

at AV campaign day CWO

I like to keep things simple, one person one vote, although this AV outcome could make interesting patterns on voting outcomes in different locations like Birmingham. The complex system of AV, finds you ranking candidates if people choose to bother completing the ranking presumingly, it will change immensely on preferences or lucky dip and recounts. 


Let’s not be foolish in having a few make the decision and no reason to complain after, the coverage on media from all angles, Westminster, Hansard Society and political blogs are providing awareness, I mean from both camps, can we seriously take the lottery approach by a few? The foolish way of leaving it to others to decide and see who cares approach? Not really, I’m ready for it but are you?

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Birmingham Jewellery Quarter

The campaign trail is progressing well without giving too much away, I do prefer to keep the local residents informed and listen to their local issues. I campaigned this week in the evening, whilst there were many residents returning from work, others voiced their concern on the lack of facility available to vote in the election last year in the Jewellery Quarter. There will be an extra polling station this year so that's a positive; all the better to make that vital decision on the Alternative Referendum and local election on the 5th May.

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Parveen Hassan's Blog: CAMPAIGN FLYING FOR THE CONSERVATIVES

Parveen Hassan's Blog: CAMPAIGN FLYING FOR THE CONSERVATIVES: "Parveen Hassan - Working for Ladywood It is a great pleasure for me to announce my candidacy as the Ladywood prospective candidate for the..."

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'KEEP ME ALIVE' POPPY PROJECT

Human Trafficking is the cause of many destructive lives for women suffering the abuse, Poppy Project the life line of new hope for these group of women is undergoing public scrutiny, to close due to yet more funding cuts.

I'm passionate of the progress Poppy has made and difference to many women. They too have provided stories and accounts on how Poppy was their foundation and support to living independently in the UK.

Margot James MP 

The Poppy project provides valuable lessons and educational learning to women in need, empowering them  on survival techniques and provides basic skills in accessing employment. The service is trying to build confidence for women affected by the sex trade, trafficking and abuse. I'm alarmed that more women are not coming forward to challenge this project being abolished. The project goes deeper than referral managements and criminal prevention to supporting survivors, counselling and resettlement needs for women and some children. 

The organisation established in 2003, I know some of the workers; what they have successfully achieved, so I am disheartened with the loss of income to support services to this dedicated, special charity. I clearly remember their presentation at the Regional Womens Issues Group for new migrant women, refugees and asylum seekers, and the subsequent conference they supported in Coventry; the work from London to Birmingham as an area which interests traffickers. 

Theresa May Home Secretary and I 

The London quarters needs you to keep them alive, let us not fail these women anymore. The unique organisation pioneered service provision for survivors in the UK affected by Human Trafficking, there is nothing like it. I'm fully behind Professor Liz Kelly actions to campaign, I've seen the project outcomes, so please do consider supporting by donations; the Big Society plays in differing ways, contact Eaves via the website directly for any assistance you can provide. Please also contact Theresa May, Home Secretary and  Minister For Equalities and Women. Alternatively Margot James MP, chair of the Government's Anti Trafficking Network.

If we are really taking violence against women seriously to prevent harm,  then we must prioritize stabilizing projects that succeed in delivery; Poppy we must KEEP ALIVE.

 

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The Royal Couple a new found excuse for Britishness?

Are Kate and William the answer to defining Britishness? As the country revitalizes to prepare for a royal wedding, many in the shadows are seeking answers on public mood and reaction to the day.

Street parties, a much rewarded day off work for spectators to cast their eyes on the royal ceremony, will it bring communities together to flourish the monarchy, the state and its people?

British identity once again becomes a focus, the opportunist needs to sense the mood of the country, there will be those financially rewarded as the direct outcome of the royal wedding; merchandise, sales, catering to decorations from the elite, yet the ordinary people, it brings hope and prosperity through a moment they can embrace, enjoy and share the dream of this remarkable staged, presence.

Public mourning

Kate, a figurehead already to some women, brings further aspirations to those seeking happiness through a blissful marriage. I only remember the mourning of Diana how the country was brought to a halt. The sadness portrayed, this was the moment in history where unity, community spirit across all religions, creed, gender, sexuality and age came together; this was Britishness for weeks, it remained in our hearts and minds, a way of looking for new hope to mourn and reflect her death.

I wish to remember the day for the right reasons, to celebrate and collectively see the possession  in the old fashion British way of living, let us not see demonstrations, protests and transport strikes by union actions but simply enjoy the couple being formally married.

Kate and William our a British pride and joy, if any action is taken negatively, this is not what Diana would have wanted, so the public may wish to consider this on reflection to mourning her death, to see her son, William marrying with the supportive community in unity and the world to capture.

Britshness comes first and foremost, to retaining values, customs and practices, in a humane fashion, avoiding any dampen situations and reminding the world, Britishness is not about vandalism, street hooliganism and shouting marches. British democracy has a time and place. The royal wedding is for Kate, William and the people. I will be celebrating the wedding  in the quiet old fashion way at home, I certainly wish to respect the traditions, I'm sure we all do.

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City living at the Heart of Birmingham Entertainment District

I have been meeting more residents and canvassing across Attwood Green, Jewellery Quarter, Ladywood, Edgbaston Reservoir and city living areas; Broad Street, City Centre, Brindley Place known as the entertainment district in the heart of the city also contains residents who require their space and living to be safe and clean without anti social behavior and protests. Here my residents are fully entitled to effective emergency and health services. I hope to support all residents whether professionals or the unemployed, families and children, we are a living community!

Residents at the neighborhood forum bring added value and contributions to the way they live and are part of the city. I am meeting local communities every day, they are all proud to live in Ladywood including businesses determined to thrive during the climate. I hope to remind the Council of their needs too.

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Abandoned Refugees in the Ivory Coast

This evening my mind has drifted thousand's of miles to the Ivory Coast; the refugees, particularly women and small children as they are desperately fighting for survival. The number of refugees are on the increase, I am not interested in stirring up a debate on immigration, my concern is what the UK can do to assist the needy, in terms of supplies to maintain the health and well being of women and children affected from fleeing civil war.

The psychological, physical trauma women feel during these difficult times, as our Foreign Secretary bids to support and ensure human abuse, loss of lives are tackled, I am confident Hague and his team will take action. I have faith, for those who are crying out for help, I am thinking of you and Ivory Coast, Liberia is housing many refugees, as they seek haven and shelter, look for warmth, stability and security. I pray it comes soon for the women involved by no fault of their own. 

The rapes and perpetrators are arrested and accounted for their brutality. Incoming President Alassane, has a uprising struggle to protect civilization of the people but credibility from allegations of his loyalists supporters involved in genocide. 

The United Nations no doubt will be overlooking these aspects. The charity workers from Red Cross to Caritas, have voiced and logged incident's of the dead from the previous regime. As the capital of Abidjan gets to grips of the atrocity, we seek diplomacy, and only then can we see the true damage to the Ivory Coast and its people. 

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Female vote apathy on AV?

Can I honestly admit women have no apathy to vote in the coming local elections and on the Alternative Vote? Despite publicity campaigns from both camps, the AV referendum outcomes will make a significant difference on voting turn outs; these results will certainly have an impact if women fail to vote and exert their democratic rights.

Women and AV

As I campaign on the door, many women are complacent about the local elections, yet do they understand the nature of the Electoral Reform that will change the way in which politics is maintained and a shift in power in the future?

The first- past- the- post system has been historical, yet we seek change through this particular referendum. I am enjoying the challenges on the door step, discussion at meetings how the future is to be determined on the AV. The literature is arriving at everyone's door step, there is no excuse not to read the main headlines.

Before you throw any leaflet that assists you making the vital local decision, remember the effort taken to ensure the referendum takes place, expenditure, costs and the campaigners, I am not talking about the celebratory backers but the grass root ordinary people. Learn more if you have time, contact the Electoral Reform Society.

Do have some empathy on the 5th to vote and no apathy!

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CAMPAIGN BLUE LADYWOOD

The leaflets arrived, boxes in thousands for the coverage, to ensure residents are informed of the progress and introduction of Ladywood Conservative campaign and my role within it. I have vast area; Attwood Green, Broad Street, City Centre, Edgbaston Reservoir, Jewellery Quarter and Ladywood.

I remember the bundles and feel very pleased when reduced after canvassing. It gives all communities the opportunity to listen and learn on the conservative local campaign, my actions and priorities and what I hope to achieve from health, education services and safety matters during the run up to the big day 5th May 2011.

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DRIVE CONSERVATIVE BLUE- MEET AND GREET

Meeting residents and communities in Ladywood, at St Chads Sanctuary which provides support to refugees in the area and homelessness. I enjoyed spending time with the volunteers, listening to the tasks they undertake to help those in need. Please do provide any help with Sister Margaret and her team at the Sanctuary where possible, all donations welcome.

What we need in Ladywood is action, here are some of the facts what the
Conservatives are doing,

Housing - since 2004 when we had taken from Labour in Birmingham we have spent £1bn on bringing public housing to Decent Homes, raising the number of homes meeting the standard from 35% to 98%.

Targeting the community hub. At the Birmingham Deaf Cultural Centre, Ladywood and apartments at Ladywood Community Boards.

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IN TOUCH LOCAL CONSERVATIVES MY COMMUNITY

There has been much debate about AV and the referendum, whilst I have been busy on the local election campaign trail, I am aware of people concerns, the lack of understanding on the AV.

I am yet to fully capture the community issues in the city during evenings and weekends, I work with my small team to cover the homes and communities.

There is very little time, as I gather momentum to ensure Ladywood turns blue, please do watch out for the campaign trail in your locality.

I will be hosting key surgeries to meet and greet members and residents, please get in touch with Ladywood Conservatives.

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CAMPAIGN FLYING FOR THE CONSERVATIVES

Parveen Hassan - Working for Ladywood

It is a great pleasure for me to announce my candidacy as the Ladywood prospective candidate for the Conservative Party for May 2011.

It's been a challenging time to campaign in the heart of the city, as I prepare every day until the run up of the local election how the community is effectively engaged, to listen and learn from their experiences and concerns.

My priorities for the campaign for Ladywood Conservatives has been to stay practical, focussed and determined.

As I canvass at the door, listen to women and their needs, tired of the deprivation in the ward, I wish to improve the quality of education services for the children and families. I want them to have access to improved health services, address local issues and ensure there are cleaner and safer streets within all parts of Ladywood.

I have worked in the ward for over 12 years. I know the local community and voluntary sector, communities and businesses, I want to make a difference. The city is undergoing major regeneration changes, the new city plans and the library.

I want to bring a wealth of enterprise in the heart of Birmingham. I know I have a challenge ahead to stand with the Leader of the Opposition and key player.

For me personally, meeting residents, communities and businesses has been an exciting and rewarding experience. Mastering a map of the detail outline of the coverage of Ladywood from apartments, houses, tower blocks, steep high has given me strength.

I will be blogging my activities, so do follow the Ladywood Conservative Campaign trail.

If you wish to assist, please contact me directly at Ladywood Conservatives. I would love to hear from you whether friends of the conservatives or non members and residents.

I look forward to meeting you all.

Thank you.

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FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION - CUSTOMARY CULTURAL DILEMMAS?

There are so many cultural gaps and sensitivity on the practice of FGM, BSWA delivered the FGM research highlighting findings of the peer study from Options UK with women from the Horn of African Countries. Deeply pro-founding is the work that health providers know very little of without addressing the factors of the historical, cultural practice. We fail these women in society when we find it difficult to help them after their suffering, in terms of mishap procedures and prevention opportunities. We are now beginning to realize the global problem and their experiences, assuming too soon it's normal customary practice.

A PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE HIDDEN?

Somalian women led the project to provide qualitative data for practitioners on the cultural sensitivity around FGM, definitions and practice from the Horn of African Countries. Since working with Somalian women in projects from FGM and Violence against Women, there's a need to ensure NHS and support providers understand issues from socio-cultural dynamics, related to their fundamental health problems and counselling care.

Women have expectations too, these were portrayed  in the study; to be provided a premium service of ultimate health care for those who have suffered as a result of the so-called customary practice. It is no longer deemed acceptable, women should be cared for by all health providers regardless of funding constraints.

The are barriers to educational support when young women are taken from school. These are also missed to capture what is happening whilst attending short trips for the practice to take place by family and village members.

The problem of female circumcision is the lack of understanding from the women to accept the abuse which is happening to them. Some procedural after affects are coming to the attention to health providers slowly such as physical trauma, sexual displeasure, urine infections, bleeding, problems with period pains.

I have participated in many working groups on FGM and as an executive member of the BVAW Board, this too is a priority for the safety of women and young girls' from the Horn of Africa Countries. The physical complications of procedures, women from the early age of four- to pre-marriage are affected. It is practiced in 28 African countries amongst different religious groups.

The report was significant to the perceptions and myths relating to female circumcision.

I hope the lessons learnt are far greater in providing training modules and guidance to practitioners to ensure women are safe, more thought on the schools project on preventative measures amongst health school nurses and teachers, I'm afraid, there is more work yet to be done.

The foundation for women's health, research and  development (FORWARD) is an international non-Govt org that works to advance & protect the sexual & reproductive health & Human rights of African girls & women, do contact them directly to learn more on FGM based in London.

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ATTIRE DRESSING FOR WOMEN IN SUNNIER DAYS

The weather is changing which brings a host of problems for some women dressing in professions, we have a cadre of power dressed women in suits; from solicitors, bankers and executive directors in private enterprises, telecommunications and media who face the same bickering encounters from idle office gossip.


So why do male eyes glare? There is nothing wrong wearing professional, smart clothing which is light and comfortable. Dress codes are days of the past, women who are their own directors, self employed can lead a boardroom, they can dress appropriately from rigid suits and formal court shoes. Yet there is a tendency to judge women in their exterior. I too dress smart but with bold colours, your conscious and confidence should not deter you form exploring garments that make a statement and boost your style and persona.


I never have a problem when men do not wear a tie with their shirt and suit, naturally why should they have a say in my dress wear? Although they look smarter with one, it's a matter of choice for them.


There are always a range of clothing that suit all women and whilst I prepare to tuck away my winter warmers, shirts and trousers, roll on spring, I say with a smile, for the beige pencil skirts and pastel, chiffon blouses become my daily wear. I enjoy matching my handbag routinely with my kitten heels. As the fashion label industry caters for all our needs, we shall enjoy the options available to us. There's nothing more than having others raise their eye brows on your style. Puffed sleeves are worn, in the fashion world, they can allow women to feel free whilst working and with the meetings I attend, freshness too, in the baking sun! 


So women fear not what the boss says or male peers, brush them aside and match that wardrobe to your heart desires, we should wear our preferred style at work.

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THE WAR OF THE VEILS - BURQA BAN - A FRENCH REVOLUTION

Brace yourselves once again, from the 11th April 2011, we will see France ban the niqab; the full coverage of the face of many Muslim women, the veil. The burqa, niqab debate are on the tip of tongues of many men, women, strong feminists, politicians, the academics and scholars, all trying to make sense of the issue and their valid view points.

Yes, the debate is already on the uptake. Libertarians amongst us wish to see the right to choose and fair choice for all, however allowing France to ban will cause uprise and controversial challenges in freedom of choice for some women. 

Many who wish to oppose the veil, face hostility too from their own sisterhood; these Muslim women against the opposition debate highly to retain the niqab on Muslim women in the current form. The balance of choice is killed with the notion of dithering between all on this topic, the clothing garment builds a picture of many further debates from religion, faith, culture, modernity, dress and artistic forms of how women, particularly Muslim women should portray themselves in society to what is deemed acceptable in France. Well at least France as a country made a decision, right or wrong because the country felt Muslim women are oppressed but there are other women who shape a differing view; they simply wish to demonstrate their modesty in the garment.

PURDAH LIKE NO OTHER

Religious scholars, leaders and advocates string in a line to provide their expertise and historical knowledge as if it's a disease to be unrevealed. Do not cloud your own judgment too soon, it's been here for decades. I would like us to stop having shallow view points and address the debate with a common sense approach, the ban is already here, now work on some effective solutions to ensure women are not affected negatively if they choose to wear it, refusing to comply the law or support those women who wish to distance themselves from wearing it.

It's important to ensure the debate does not become political point scoring from France to the UK. I see this more of a healthy debate around human rights and freedom, to window dress it, covering many complicated issues of community cohesion, integration, assimilation, employment and access to the word I refuse; the T word to say diplomatically, security and state matters is beyond belief.

Well let us wait and see what the future holds for these Muslim women who are affected by the change in France post April 11th. The war of the veils is yet to begin.

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DREAM STEALER'S

Throughout your life journey there will be a point you will face a major challenge, I'm not posting this as a self help, motivational uplift but to make you aware it happens unexpectedly to the best of us. Perhaps undeserving you may be punished harshly for actions by a brief horrific encounter or an opportunist who prowls on your career aspirations, goals and success.

I call them many names from barriers to success, dream stealer's or a mystery companion will take great lengths to tarnish your reputation in various parts of your life; promotional career, employment paths, attempts to remove your wealth and influence, which show their true colours.

There will be women too who support this to happen to ensure life fails you and your aspirations are buried beneath domestic surfaces.

Try taking a different stance to this if you are unfortunate to feel it, leave it behind, progression to differing heights is the positive way forward and forgiveness to those who forcefully drive you away from success.

I call it a personal transition and a lessons learnt point in my diary.

There will be a range of networks that are good for you and others who will attempt to persuade you and hold you back, whether they sincerely are your friends, trust can only take place between mutual parties if the boundaries are clear when deciding what makes you happy first.

Social encounters when mixed with work can also cause you a headache or two, dream stealer's appear in many shapes and forms, in the spare moment of ranting conversations are misinterpreted and you are left to suffer the consequence.

Take time to reflect and enjoy what you do most with a little meditation, only then can you eliminate your negative experiences and dream stealer's are hidden in the closet with their own memories. There will be angels watching over you to ensure you succeed once again, I promise you.

Open your dreams, allow them to be explored and do stay on track when you follow the yellow brick rd!

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British Companion by PH Khanom - From my writing attic- now published.

In my humble surroundings, every night I made time to lock myself away, writing in a world I call my own for escapism. I have written my novel for nearly two years, I write when it is quiet, I can only write in a sleeping house, then tuck it from view and return to it within a few weeks to develop it.  Taking a manuscript through to polished chapters requires stamina, resilience and determination along with cake and refilled cups of tea!


It is not about rushing the flow of words, it is about creating my own voice. All this without an editor whom many are privileged to have through normal publishing industry channels.


Every writer has some aspects of their life experiences built in. British Companion is not a biography or a series of my personal memoirs. It is set in the Colonial British Province of Bengal Presidency. I enjoyed history at college and studied one of my A level's in, naturally  I felt comfort writing fiction, in a historical setting.

From a life career in the Civil Service, I had finally made time to feel those reading and writing encounters once again. I hope you will have some pleasure in reading my first novel, it's an easy rapid read!


British Companion (Kindle Edition) is available on Amazon priced 86p only! So why don't you get it now, here is the link!
http://goo.gl/CAV8m

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The Prison Privatization Uproar. Women in need

Kenneth Clarke MP &  I

Are we really concerned about the privatization of prisons? Is this another myth busting cause for public concern? I'm aware privatization takes place for many services with sub contractual arrangements in many aspects of Government.

However on this occasion women within prisons are also a topic of concern as many groups are debating the outcry.

I have worked with partnerships managing offenders and resettlement services, how will women be affected? There are public services that can be easily diluted but surely at the heart of any contractual changes we must consider to meet the needs of women offenders, their families and children, yes they are all affected by the process, as we swiftly take on rationalization in practice.

I hope we can fully support change, yet we are quickly to learn of fear mongering strikes and army mobilization, it's sincerely alarming. Birmingham Winson Green Prison is one in the eye of policy makers.

I hope the women in prisons, services and courses to resettle them in the community are not diluted in the whole radical, shaping process of this new thinking and change.

It is truly time to reflect for the agencies and those supporting resettlement and the community and voluntary sector who are left to pick up the pieces on this potential new adverse impact. Please do consult and learn from these women.

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POLITICALLY BLIND TO THE CENSUS

Historically, our women, yes I mean the Suffragettes, protested by refusing to complete the Census. Today women are legally bound to fill the questions for future planning on local community needs whilst sipping tea, making snacks and cover work related tasks. Last weekend we all encouraged others to return them to create a community picture, nationally and locally.


The protest for equality and fair treatment came in many ways, one attributed to the historical legacy of our women during the Suffragette Movement. They went far as sleeping away on the night of the Census in 1911.


I enjoyed political history at college and researched these women and stories. Today they are once again being remembered for their victorious achievements as change makers and pioneers; women in history who left a political legacy for us. 


Their hunger strikes, rallies and demonstrations to manipulate the Census data,  miraculously worked to their favour. You cannot help but admire their wisdom, and some today would note as stubbornness. Can we forget they even played hide and seek in broom cupboards!


Pankhurst, Davison and followers did exactly that, promoted and protested by boycotting the Census to create an impact left for generations as an indicator for how much women seek to progress in this cause, it needs to have us all included, so do fill it in!

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