tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-292546422011-09-10T10:49:20.924ZAndrew is one of the Lib Dem Councillors for Sedgley in PrestwichCllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.comBlogger271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1162145936743059632006-10-29T18:07:00.000Z2007-04-06T22:05:36.976Z

Very busy weekend, yesterday we attended the Liberal Democrats North West Conference at the Jans Centre in Blackburn, excellent venue and good to meet so many fellow Lib Dems from across the North West. As Chair of Campaigns for the N W it was my responsibility to arrange for the fringe training events - which were all well attended and successful - a big thank you to all the training providers

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1161599391678763102006-10-23T09:25:00.000Z2006-10-23T10:33:31.586Z

I had a very interesting tour of Channel M on Friday afternnon, the tour included being sat in the studio while they broadcast (live) the 5pm News. It was very satisfying being in the studio when they did a piece on our victory in Gorton South! - I would have liked to stay for the 9pm news when George Osbourne was due to be interviewed to explain why the tories came 5th!I wonder how he spun that

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1161595536269721332006-10-23T09:12:00.000Z2006-10-23T09:25:36.276Z

I have been extremely remiss not keeping this blog up to date - my only excuse is that I have been rushed off my feet since I came back from the Lib Dem Conference in Brighton!

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1158933590619235992006-09-22T12:43:00.000Z2007-03-26T06:54:37.383Z

"WE ARE THE PARTY OF SUBSTANCE, NOT SPIN"Well what a fantastic week! The media got none of the 'drama' they were expecting and we got everything we could wish for. I have to say this was by far the best and most up-beat conference I have been to.The supposed close call on the tax debate, and a fantastic debate it was too, turned out not to be close at all and the policy was approved unamended by

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1158485424948490502006-09-17T09:14:00.000Z2006-09-17T11:09:45.186Z

I should be packing now instead of typing - but depending on the queues to use the computers at the Lib Dem Conference in Brighton, this could be my last blog for a few days - I have just watched Ming Campbell's interview with Andrew Marr and it was one of his best performances for a while and earlier this morning Julia Goldsworthy MP gave an excellent interview as well. This is one of the few

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1158447303115420842006-09-16T22:49:00.000Z2007-02-09T12:32:47.160Z

Friday evening I met up with Ann and our friend Gill at the Corner House in Manchester to see one of the most powerful films I have ever seen. An Inconvenient Truth is basically a gripping lecture by ex Vice President of the USA, Al Gore. I can't recommend it highly enough, you must go and see it - it makes you realise how important it is that we do something about climate change now before it

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1158446855531443312006-09-16T22:32:00.000Z2006-09-17T09:10:52.710Z

Well it's official my good friend Cllr Vic D'Albert has been selected to contest the next General Election for Bury South - This caused quite a stir in the labour group as apparently they were convinced another fellow Councillor was the candidate! Which explains the unwarrented attacks leveled at him at the Council meeting on Wednesday.Thursday was difficult - my father and I took my eldest son

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1158145122933970712006-09-13T10:53:00.000Z2006-09-13T11:02:02.020Z

What a fantastic result in Warrington last thursday - we won a crucial by-election with a massive 850 majority over labour! A big thank you to everyone who came to help - getting up at 4am to deliver leaflets! I was at the count and it was a great sight to behold – Lib Dem votes pouring out of ballot boxes!

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1157322012485318432006-09-03T21:42:00.000Z2006-09-03T22:56:33.496Z

Saturday morning and the post arrived - huge envelope from the Lib Dem Conference Office enclosing the Conference Agenda, Training Programme and Fringe Events for the Lib Dem Party Conference in Brighton.Sad person that I am I spent 2 hours (in bed) figuring out how I was going to spend 4 days at conference. I realised that I wasn't going to eat for the first 2 days as I had no free time! Anyway

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1156755855079459972006-08-28T08:22:00.000Z2007-01-18T01:49:12.783Z

Summer, what summer - we decided on the day not to risk the weather and the Summer BBQ became a curry night.Despite that a good time was had by all - some local lib dem members who hadn't been to our events before braved the evening. Sajjad Karim MEP came and brought some new members / prospective members to meet us and a fellow Lib Dem Councillor from Bedfordshire made this a 'Party' wide event

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1156439654874702522006-08-24T17:10:00.000Z2006-08-24T17:32:19.103Z

Attended a very productive meeting at Cowley Street, Ed Davey MP brought us up to date with some of the latest news from the Parliamentary Party including some very good developments for party members and campaigners.

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1156265657452253272006-08-22T16:50:00.000Z2006-08-24T17:09:17.896Z

I spent most of Friday afternoon in Terminal 1 of Manchester Airport!I had arranged to Meet Helen, Paul Rowen MP's assistant, for a tour of the house of commons but instead spent the time at gate 18 of Terminal 1 at Manchester airport!Eventually got to our hotel at 6pm having left home at 10am! Must remember to take the train next time.

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1155479516386543802006-08-13T14:03:00.000Z2006-08-13T14:31:56.393Z

Not as bad as it sounds - I was delivering Focus Leaflets on Bannerman Avenue, when the local police officer asked me to look at something on a neighbouring street.It was good to see so many of you out in the garden while we were delivering - don't forget if you have any issues that need dealing with - don't hesitate to contact me.

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1154156683086699612006-07-29T06:48:00.000Z2006-07-30T15:34:03.210Z

After a fantastic week when the proposal to close both Broad Oak and Prestwich Arts College was rejected by the Schools Organisation Committee we headed off for a long overdue break.Ann and I went to a 'Parliamentary Circle' Dinner in Kendal. The evening was hosted by Paul Rowen MP (Rochdale) and the guest speaker was Alistair Carmichael MP (Orkney and Shetland), the transport spokesperson for

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1152951160676740172006-07-15T08:02:00.000Z2006-07-15T08:12:40.686Z

Last night Ann and I attended the 70th anniversary Dinner for Prestwich Arts College, along with other colleagues. I must say a big thank you to the Governors and Staff for organising such a wonderful event and an extra special well done and thank you to the very talented students of PAC for some fantastic entertainment.The fight goes on good luck on Tuesday!

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1152389329096111352006-07-08T19:55:00.000Z2006-07-08T20:14:32.463Z

Very successful protest march around Bury town Centre in support of Prestwich Arts College.Very frustrating few days in preparation for the Schools Organisation Committee meeting on 17th / 18th July but lets keep campaigning to save this very special full and successful school that is vital for our community.Pictured is Cllr Ann Garner with Geoff Barlow the Head Teacher

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1152355618890578852006-07-08T10:36:00.000Z2006-07-08T10:46:58.903Z

Had my first meeting of the Licensing Panel - This is a Quasi Judicial body that approves various licenses for Taxi Drivers, Alcohol Licenses for pubs, clubs, shops etc.I can't discuss individual cases as it is obviously confidential but it was a completely new experience for me and one that I have to say I enjoyed immensely - you get a definite sense of actually doing something useful for a

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1152354818887880252006-07-08T10:20:00.000Z2006-07-08T10:36:05.886Z

I met with businesses and residents on Whittaker Lane to discuss the Councils proposal to impose parking restrictions. This will have a devastating effect on the businesses along that stretch of road. It is only a few years ago that half these shops were empty. The area has been transformed into a thriving part of Prestwich and it doesn't deserve to be penalised in this way.We should be working

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1151833406365898082006-07-02T09:32:00.000Z2006-07-02T09:43:26.380Z

Very quiet week both our sons were away, I went to a meeting of the Voluntary Organisations Committee and helped decide on some funding applications for voluntary organisations.Spent Saturday on a Lib Dem training course before returning home to watch Andy Murray win his match at Wimbledon! (Shame about the football).Saturday evening we went to Loreto College's Ball which is held in the

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1151099347027839122006-06-23T21:17:00.000Z2006-07-02T09:44:24.840Z

I sent out a press release from Cllr Vic D'Albert welcoming Labours U-Turn on the make up of the Schools Organisation Committe (this is the committee that will decide the future of Prestwich Arts College and Broad Oak)! - Did the papers quote us? No .If you would like to read this press release go to www.prestwichfocus.net .Perhaps one day the press will actually cover what all three main parties

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1150656720624814852006-06-18T18:35:00.000Z2006-06-18T18:53:35.946Z

The Lib Dem Executive meeting on Saturday in Stavely in the Lake District was well attended and it was good to catch up with Paul Rowen, MP for Rochdale, Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Andrew Stunell, MP for Hazel Grove as well as many Councillors and activists from accross the North West.It was really heartening to see so many people at Prestwich Carnival today, despite the weather

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1150322881618078662006-06-14T21:50:00.000Z2006-06-18T18:34:00.866Z

Went to a meeting of Lib Dem NW Regional Officers in Nelson the other night, then yesterday had a meeting of the Strategic Grants Panel where we went through all the applications for funding from Voluntary Organisations in the Borough, printed more Focus leaflets tonight, another meeting in Bury tomorrow followed by NW Regional Exec on Saturday in the Lake District and Prestwich Carnival and a

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1150127299021870112006-06-12T15:40:00.000Z2006-06-14T22:16:20.436Z

Ann and I escaped for the weekend to the Peak District for some R and R. We visited Speedwell Cavern, Hathersage, Bakewell and Eyam. The last time I went down Speedwell Cavern I was with my son when he was 2 and he cried for the whole trip! He is now 18 and I feel realy old, where did the last 16 years go, it only seems like yesterday!

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1149801918158407212006-06-08T21:17:00.000Z2006-06-08T21:25:18.173Z

Had my photo taken for an article in the 'Advertiser' yesterday lunch time then in the evening Ann and I went to the AGM of Heaton Park Trust. I must apologise to Heaton Park Action Group memebers, but for some reason the Advertiser couldn't open the picture we took of the whole group so I ended up being the 'reserve picture', which I notice they have used tonight in the paper.To find out more

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1149792376495391062006-06-08T18:45:00.001Z2006-06-08T19:50:08.266Z

Monday night saw the first meeting of Bury Lib Dems Executive since the Local Elections - It was a pleasure to Chair the meeting as everyone was still on a 'high' after our election success! I think I may have jinxed the World Cup though. I have drawn Poland in our local party sweepstake and in the regional party sweepstake - Do I have a chance of winning!

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1149625332462038102006-06-06T18:18:00.001Z2006-06-06T20:44:21.393Z

Attended my first meeting of the 'Resource and Performance Scrutiny Panel' for this municipal year the other day.This is the committee that keeps an eye on what the Council spends and how it is performing against set targets. (sounds boring, but can be quite illuminating at times!)As it was the first meeting we discussed what we should have on the work programme for the year. I supported

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29254642.post-1149436260316316032006-06-04T15:48:00.000Z2006-06-05T17:06:19.786Z

Out today delivering our latest 'Focus' newsletter which says a big thank you to you all for re-electing me as one of your Local Lib Dem Councillors. It was particularly gratifying to meet so many friendly faces as we delivered.

Cllr. Andrew Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15404201871652835167noreply@blogger.com0