Tag Archives: Places

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History Matters

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The architects of the oxymoron alternative facts aim to present information by taking history, stripping out any salient data and then repackage through a narrow dogma. It does not seek to educate. It is deliberately designed to feed fear in a world of increased insecurity. A world in which grown men are afraid of women dressed in a burka. A world where the impulse fuse between receiving information, feeling resentment and reacting is now incredibly short. Yet history should be inescapable. It connects us all (for good or worse) through the study and legacies of our past it should inform the present and shape our future. Yet memories are short term in a world, which can tolerate wickedness, be it cruel observations on social media or the physical violence on the streets of Damascus or Mosul. We are entering a period where the first-hand living memory of war on the UK mainland will be gone forever. Their stories will be for others to interpret and tell. History belongs to us all, and we should never forget this because we both make history by our actions and it is also made by others in our name.

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People, Places, and Spaces Conference Bristol

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Enjoyed speaking to so many energised people at the ‘People, Places and Spaces conference’ in Bristol, which was organised by Locality. Sharing mistakes, successes and applying knowledge to new challenges is always refreshing. Good feedback too my assessment that we need a rethink of the role, powers and functions of local government now. We need to stop tinkering around the edges and stop continuously managing the crisis as this only leads to managing decline. We should never forget that regardless of the cuts local government will remain an important resource holder and when at its best it can be a great agent for change in local communities, but sadly for many, the behaviours sitting behind their experiences when engaging with local government leaves a lot to be desired.

A peaceful place, a place of reflection, where the past and the future often cross paths. The Lake District, Cumbria, for me, is a place of tranquility and where time moves a little less quickly allowing the mind to think, inhale and take stock.