Friday Night at the Express Tavern, Kew Bridge

I couldn't resist when some of my colleagues asked me to go to a Burns night at the Express Tavern at Kew Bridge! Even although I was born in London and have lived longer in London than anywhere else, with a name like Macleod, I cannot deny my Scottish roots.

It was a full house and Cllr Paul Lynch (pictured here) did a superb job of addressing the haggis and of reciting Tam O'Shanter.

Well done to the Express Tavern. They showed that no matter who you are or where you come from... London is a city for all and we enjoy celebrating diversity and different cultures.

Heathrow Community meeting in Isleworth

I am organising a public community meeting on the Government’s plans for expansion at Heathrow on:
Thursday, 21 February 2007 at 7.30pm, Isleworth Working Men’s Club, St. John’s Road (near Twickenham Road junction).

The government is currently consulting with local residents on plans for massive expansion at Heathrow Airport by building a third runway, a sixth terminal and ending runway alternation. Aircraft noise will be worse than ever as flight numbers will increase by more than 50% and you will lose the current half day's relief from aircraft flying over your homes and schools.

This meeting is a chance for you to make your views heard before the consultation period ends on 27th February. Do tell friends and neighbours to come along and hear the real facts.

Speakers: John Stewart, Chairman of HACAN, Cllr Barbara Reid, Hounslow Council’s lead member for aviation
Chaired by: Mary Macleod, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, Brentford & Isleworth

Ann Keen MP, Lord Soley (Future Heathrow) and Mark Bullock (BAA) have also been invited to attend and speak.

Linking Brentford with Rwanda

This week I returned from a few days in Rwanda. The aim of the visit was to twin Brentford School for Girls with Kayonza Modern Secondary School. We had an amazing time and got a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the school. It was definitely the start of a long and special relationship.

Rwanda is one of Africa's poorest countries, which in the past descended into unimaginable barbarism during the genocide in 1994. 1 million people were massacred in 90 days - a faster killing rate than in the Holocaust.

Now, 14 years later, the Rwandan people are inspiring. The optimism, courage and resourcefulness of the people will never leave me. Against the odds, they are creating a new community after one of the most tragic episodes in history. They have learned how to survive and how to hope again. Out of the pain and despair, has come a future of forgiveness and unity. They talked to us about how they work together, share responsibility, trust and support each other in their communities. Here, in a small, remote country in Africa, is the perfect example of what we need to achieve here in Britain. This is what I believe Conservatism is about.

Hounslow says 'NO' to expansion at Heathrow

There was a resounding 'no' to expansion at Heathrow, at the Civic Centre meeting in Hounslow this week. All speakers at the meeting gave superb speeches - with facts and information about the impact of expansion on local residents.

Expansion will completely affect the qualilty of lives of those who live under or near the flight path. We all need to speak with a loud voice against this - not because we are against businesses expanding - but because we believe in making Heathrow better not bigger.

Lets keep up the momentum on this fight in the months ahead. It is important we are heard...we need to be listened to and our views taking into account. Isn't that what democracy is about?

Chiswick residents lead the fight against Heathrow expansion

Last night I went to the Chiswick meeting which HACAN had organised on the Government's Heathrow expansion plans. Crowds of residents turned out to the meeting so a larger venue had to be found at the last minute! This in itself was a clear demonstration of how important everyone feels this issue is to their quality of life.

John Stewart, Cllr Barbara Reid and the other speakers spoke very passionately against the Government's expansion plans and very clearly explained the impact of these plans to those who live near the flight path.

The 500 people present all put up their hands to show that they will say 'NO' to expansion at Heathrow. As Barbara said in the meeting, "we need to make Heathrow better, not bigger".

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you all!

I am not sure what 2008 will bring...hopefully a General Election...but I suspect not. That may not be for some time yet. My hope for 2008 is that you, your friends and your family will have a happy, healthy and successful year. Also, it would be great for me if you could read any leaflets I put through your door!
Anyone who believes it is time for change locally, please do come and join my campaign team. Just email me on mary@marymacleod.com and it would make my year even better!