Hi Swantv Viewer

 Spent the previous week resting after second pacemaker operation. It has been a difficult few weeks and held up film production at SwanTV. But we are now back in the harness and ready to get started again.

Busy 7 days! last week I went to the Cardiff Millenium Centre to see the Peaky Blinder stage production. This was contemporary dance opening in the trenches of Flanders, a personal story unfolds in post-war industrial Birmingham as the Shelby family navigate the decisions that determine their fate and Tommy is intoxicated by a mysterious newcomer, Grace. Written and adapted for the stage by Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight, with choreography and direction from Rambert’s Artistic Director Benoit Swan Pouffer, this captivating show matches dazzling, athletic dance and stunning dramatisation from the full Rambert company with a live band, specially commissioned music by Roman GianArthur and iconic Peaky tracks. 

With incredible dance routines from the large cast of dancers, a selection of music, some from the original TV series and some new together with the voiceover of poet  Benjamin Zephaniah: “You young men of the tunnelling brigade, you are all dead … condemned to a life without a soul.” And we’re off into the heavy chains and falling sparks of the industrial landscape of the Black Country, dominated by a grotesque factory foreman and women whose sharp elbows and quick marching steps demonstrate how invaluable they’ve been to the country while the men are gone. and the opening scene was off to a flying start, not in speed or grace but as tunnellers emerging dazed and defeated.

The wonderful dancers, supple bodies contrasting as they dance then in such precise unison that you had to look again. Costumes and sets ranging from depression to shimmering beads and a chase by dogs in brown leather, the dancers movements stretching our imaginations.

All in all this was a spectacular dancing show but I felt the storyline moved away from my expectations. Was Steven Knight's script badly interpreted by the choreographer? I lost the plot after a while and just enjoyed the spectacular of amazing dancers, beautiful costuming and fast changing sets. The live band on stage added a dynamic dimension that I really enjoyed. I would highly recommend this show.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Then I saw the Glen Miller & Big Band Show at the Grand Theatre in Swansea with Kevin Cunningham and his  Moonlight Serenade Orchestra. This was a time to reminisce. And the right place to think about past times, this magnificent theatre  was opened on the 26th July 1897, by Opera Diva Madame Adelina Patti. It was designed by the architect William Hope of Newcastle and built by D. Jenkins, erected on the site of the former Drill Hall, Singleton Street. With just over 1000 seats in the main auditorium it is a theatre with a wonderful history and one wonders just how many famous actors have appeared there over the years and whether any have returned as ghosts feeling this was their home from home.

The theatre was fairly packed with not just those of us who remember this music but a younge raudience too. music from the  30's, 40's and a few from the 50's. Moonlight Serenade, Little Brown Jug, Pennsylvania 6-5000 and String of Pearls are just a few of the numbers that shot band leader Glenn Miller to world stardom. Pieces from other band leaders including Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and Count Basie not to mention songs made famous by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin were featured in this 2 hour show which took us down Memory Lane and started our feet tapping.

If you have not seen any performance at the Grand Theatre then I would highly recommend a visit. There is such a wide variety of shows covering every type of live show imaginable. Being at a live performance is as inspiring and emotional as attending any sports match.

And if you, like me appreciate music from byegone days then Kevin Cunningham assured us he will be returning to the Grand Theatre next year. 

Lets keep Theatre alive. 

Keep watching SwanTV too

 

Mike Leahy  SwanTV

Busy Recording Week

 Hi Swantv Viewer

It has been a very busy week here at SwanTV. 

Sunday saw us at the rehearsals for Kipps, the Musical Theatre production that will be live at the Taliensin Theatre on the Swansea University, Singleton campus. This is being produced by the Cockett Amateur Operatic Society and is a far cry from the original Gilbert & Sullivan productions that they first produced. It was a vibrant lively morning with a very enthusiastic cast and we filmed some song and dance clips and short interviews. Live theatre died over the COVID pandemic when we all isolated and probably watched too much TV. 

It's time to get back into live theatre. It will support the theatres remaining open, it will support full-time actors, writers directors and producers, costume and set makers and all of those wonderfully talented people amateurs who want to perform on stage to make you laugh, cry and experience a full range of emotions. If you've not been to a live theatre show then I would highly recommend you give it a try. It can't be compared to a TV production of a show, like you can't really compare watching a sports match on TV or at the stadium, you don't quite get the excitement and thrill sitting on a sofa watching a screen.

Kipps is a re-write of the musical Half a Sixpence, which was on the London West End Stage in the early sixties. I guess younger viewers may not even know Tommy Steele but I remember seeing the show at the Cambridge theatre. And that musical was based on the book Kipps by H. G. Wells 150 years ago. He wrote War of the Worlds and The Time Machine, both which have been made into films and on TV. 

Monday evening we were at Matthew House in the High Street, the Church opposite the railways station to record the choir. The choir is a real mix of singers from all backgrounds who enjoy being together socially and also singing as a group. If you would like to try a session or join up then drop by the church where there will be someone to give you details and welcome you. 

Tuesday came around, St Valentine's Day and we met Capt Beany from Port Talbot in his colourful orange suit, tie and shoes. He shouted his way along the railway station platform and into town where he greeted people and presented them with orange roses. He certainly brightened up the day for some shoppers. Watch out for Capt Beany in future as he becomes a regular on SwanTV.

After a busy morning following Capt Beany it was time to walk to the Golden Bridge over Oystermouth Road where I met Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council. We went into the Arena and had a conversation in the auditorium about the regeneration of the city and the new projects recently completed or currently being build. The interview will be on the SwanTV website very soon. Watch out for it. And any comments will be welcome. I do think that Swansea has dramatically changed for the better in recent years and is a good place to live. You can be on the beach or in the countryside within 10 minutes from the city centre.

Wednesday started early preparing the studio where we were recording our first chat show. Our line up included Paul Evans the Safety Co-oprdination Officer for Swansea Council talking about how safe the city is now, in fact one of the safest cities in the UK. He spoke about the Purple Flag that Swansea achieved in previous years and which is up for re-assessment later this month. Later on Wednesday we filmed in Wind Street as you will read later.

Also on the show we had Capt Beany talking about his Valentine Day esacapade which will be included in the programme. He told us about the Eccentric Club in London and his award. He certainly is eccentric and this has probably helped him as he has constantly raised money for different charities around the area. 

And Finally we had cast members and the Assistant Director and Choreographer, Julie Hemmings, from Kipps the musical who talked anout their experiences and how the show is being prepared. We were fortunate in having Ashton Williams who plays Kipps, Natalie Edwards who plays Ann Pornick and Suzy Hambridge playing Helen Walsingham.   

I feel the show was a success and we are now editing it ready to be on the website in a day or two. This is our pilot show and I expected there to be some clitches but I feel you will find it a most enjoyable programme. We are looking for a name for the show that connects Swansea and a chat show. If you have an idea please send to ask@swantv.com.

Wendnesday Evening saw s in Wind Street talking to representatives of various agencies and groups who are concerned in making the night economy welcoming and safe, including doormen, taxi marshalls, the police, St Johns Ambulance, Bid, the landlords forum, rangers and the CCTV operators. All explaining what they do to make an evening in Swansea enjoyable and trouble free. Watch out for this film, soon on our SwanTV site.

And that rounds up the filming we have done. There were several hours work and now the editing is being carried out, and this is time consuming. So please bear with us for all of these programmes to be aired.

Thanks for reading this post. Keep watch SwnTV and do tell your friends. The app is available and is "swantv" one word. THis gives you the best smartphone experience and it is free.

 Regards

 

Mike Leahy, Direcor Swantv

NHS Experiences

 Hi SwanTV Viewer

I told you about my 3 NHS appointments I had last week. So at the weekend I wore a heart monitor to see if I still neded a heart pacemaker. I returned it about 9.30 on Monday and within an hour a hospital doctor called me and asked me to come to hospital immediately and check in a A&E which I did. There were three ambulances outside with patients inside., I booked into the reception annd explained I had been called by the Cardiac Dept. I had bloods taken within about 20 minutes and then waited an hour before being taken into a side room where an ECG was carried out. The nurse explained that they were waiting for a bed but within 30 minutes I was pushed in a chair the the CCU Department and allocated a bed. 

Nurses checked me and I was given several more tests. THe Department was busy with pacemaker fittings and each day they said they would try and fit me in. I was still waiting on Friday but they had me on the list for this afternoon. The blow fell! My temperature had risen more and I had a chest infection, so no pacemaker. And of course, being Friday no surgery until Monday. I just hoped I recover sufficiently by then. I wasn't clear of this infection despite a course of antibiotics until Wednesday. I had a light lunch, expecting to be called the next day but luck was on my side and I was wheeled into the lab during the afternoon. The small operation was successful and I was kept in overnight and checked out by the doctor next day. Now I am home and apart from having to take it easy for a week, not drive for a month and not do any violent activities for 6 weeks (Oh no! I was planning bungy jumping this week!!) I hope I shall be super fit again.

Meawhile I cannot sing the praises of the staff loud enough. On the first ward there were 4 nurses to 8 patients, high dependancy but I moved on Wednesday to a regular ward and there were two nurses on duty on each shift. They were so willing and nothing is too much trouble. During the whole two weeks the nurses are constantly cheerful and working. I didn't realise, or

had forgotten just how much they do during a shift. There were several student nurses on the ward and they were all given responsibilities under watchful eyes of the nurses and instructed on the practical work managing patients. 

I was particularly impressed by 3 events. One nurse in particular spent extra time and patience with the students explaining not just how by why procedures were carried out: secondly by a doctor who also spend at least an hour on the ward just talking to undergraduate doctors, explaining and answering questions, despite obviously being on a busy schedule: and thirdly a student nurse who had been on the ward the previous day but was in a different area. She went out of here way to come into the ward and talked to each patient for at least a couple of minutes in a really personal way, showing real interest in each of us. I saw it was going the extra mile that makes a good nurse or doctor. 

Time now for the Welsh Assembly to sort out the pay disputes and a plan to make the NHS work again. Nursing was just a vocation, now it's a profession, not charity workers.

I watched The Apprentice a couple of times and feel this is sadly dated and repetitive. Same Wannabys, just more exotic destinations. But I don't think that cuts it. Same cringing

comments by the fired candidate as they leave. Same projects. Same format during the final choice of which of the three to fire. And all the candidates look like they came from the same mould. And finally we see the early morning call "The cars will be outside in 20 minutes" and they all appear impeccably dressed, hair and make-up a shade to perfect. If these are selected as the best of the bunch I hate to think what the rest are like. Time for a shake-up? What do you think?

If you want to present your own show on SwanTV let us know your idea and we'll see if it fits in with our plans. We are interested in crafts, gardening, cooking, comedy, music, sport.

Meanwhile good viewing

regards

Mike Leahy

 

 

Positive thinking, polish up your profile, staying safer and the NHS - again. (5 minute read)

 Hi Swantv Viewer          

Be Positive    Kiwi Shoe Polish   Safer Swansea Neighbourhood Watch   NHS                                                                                                                             

 All I read about in the papers and see on the news is negative. So how does that make you feel? Particularly at the moment? Christmas, the happiness of being with your family, good food, not working was an uplifting time. Now January is here, cold, windy and wet, so no wonder we are all feeling low and wondering how the future will pan out.

Well it is time to be positive.  And here are 5 ways to make yourself have postive thoughts:

• Every morning over coffee write down 3 things that you are grateful for, and these could be quite simple. For example the sun is shining, you are going to enjoy a happy evening with your partner or family, someone smiled at you, you achieved something no matter how small.
  
• Go for a brisk 10 minute walk or do some exercises that make you breathless. This will increase your heart rate and will make you feel good about yourself. Do this every day.
• When you are dressing look in the mirror, smile and think how good you look. You could write "Super Star" on the mirror so you see it when you look at yourself!
• Stop watching the news or reading depressing newspapers. They make their money through sensational articles and bad news. 
• Try to do a simple Act of Kindness every day, if possible. Simple things like help an elderly or blind person across the road, talk to someone maybe at a bus stop or when you are queueing in a shop - just smile and comment on the weather or something that has happened and add "How are you today". There are a lot of lonely and unhappy people everywhere today. When you fo an Act of KIndness you cheer the other person and you will feel better too.

I see the shoe polish company Kiwi will stop selling in the UK because demand has dropped. Kiwi was originally an Australian company and the name was decided as the native flightless bird of New Zealand where the owner's wife came from. The polish was favourite with the

Australian and British armies, whose soldiers always presented in perfect uniforms and highly polished boots, and still do today.. 

As a lad I remember having to polish my fathers, my two sisters and my own shoes every evening ready for the next day. My grandfather had a green apron he wore just for polishing  his shoes. Now most people wear trainers and leather shoes are only worn on formal occasions by a minority. I guess they are more comfortable! I recall going into Clarke shoe shops and standing on an x-ray machine so the shop assistant could decide on the correct size and width. It was said that this helped feet to grow well and not be deformed. Trainers have soft coverings so this is not so relevant.

Polished shoes were associated with dressing smartly. My shirts were always ironed as were my trousers with a straight crease down front and rear. I wore a suit, shirt and tie for almost all my working life and still do on special occasions. I till feel that it is important to start my day with a shower and shave, dressing appropriately for what I am doing. It is strange for me to hear of some home workers staying in pyjamas and dressing gown for the morning, or even whole day. Call me old fashioned but I still feel that I am more efficient when dressed. 

Today I had a talk with Paul Evans of Safer Swansea, whose responsibility is to promote safety in Swansea and combat crime. One of the things we discussed was Neighbourhood Watch, something I am very interested in. Around 1987 I formed a group in Watford  and eventually signed up more than 80% of the residents on the Tudor Estate where I lived. I remember producing a monthly printed newsletter (the internet was in it's infancy then) and we had monthly meetings in the local pub where the landlord gave us free use of the first floor

meeting room. He did that because many members bought beers in the bar to drink during the meeting. 

The interesting thing is that we did watch out for anything suspicious but we also informed the neighbours of any area problems, a fallen tree, accident that closed a road and so on. We also knew which neighbours were vulnerable because they lived alone, were elderly or disabled and were able to 

 We had no mobile phones but a regular system where one person called 5 people who in turn called another 5 each and these call more so that information was passed quickly. An interesting additional benefit is that you will often be able to reduce your home insurance premiums if you can show there is an active group in your street by as much as 10%.

The days of knowing all your neighbours in the street have sadly passed in most places, especially large towns and cities, but that shouldn't stop you from wanting to keep yourselves and others safe. It's never been a question of nosy neighbours but just being alert. Neighbourhood Watch is not peering out through the curtains to see what is happening but merely being alert. Let's make Swansea safer than it already is, let's deter criminals and ensure everyone  You can see that I am passionate about Neighbourhood Watch and believe it is good for everyone in the community and we will be promoting this during 2023 on SwanTV. 

And back to the NHS. I've been so very lucky. 3 letters arrived on Thursday with appointments for various tests and scans that my hospital consultant has arranged for me. And I hear of
people waiting longer than ever, long ambulance queues waiting to discharge patients into A & E, and then long delays whilst waiting to be seen by a doctor and treated, patients fit and able to be discharged from wards being detained because there is no care plan in place either whenthey are sent home or in a care home, care homes being unable to take more residents because of staff shortages.And a high percentage of doctors and nurses leaving the NHS whilst replacements are not coming forward to be trained. It is pretty obvious that governments have failed miserably over the years in training, offering decent salaries and building sufficient new hospitals or updating existing buildings and equipment.  Promises have been made by governments over and over by both Tory and Labour and now it is time for action.

In Wales Mark Drakeford and his merry men should now take action and use the powers they asked for and received from Westminster, one of which is the power to increase taxes. Yes life is tough but if the NHS declines further then life will be yet still tougher with longer waiting for operations, the exudus of more staff, no-one wanting to train as a doctor or nurse, and possibly the only solution then being to use private health facilities. Lack of investment now will be a heavy burden on many and in fact will mean that they won't be able to afford treatment at all for their ailments. In Australia it cost up to £580 to call out an emergency ambulance, imagine that charge here plus hospital care charges. We have to be realistic and, despite the cost-of-living crisis we should realise that the NHS is the backbone of our way of living. We have dropped from offering the best health care to way down the line. Nursing now is not just a calling but a profession that should be treated as such. Remember clapping outside our doors? Does that mean nothing now? The next person needing an emergency ambulance or hospital care might be someone close to you, a family member, close friend. How will this crisis affect them . . . and you?

SwanTV is your local TV station and we want to hear your views. Want to come to our studio and have your say? Record yourself on your smartphone and send us a copy but use it landscape and not portrait please. 

Keep watching

Director Swantv Community Interest Company Ltd

Swansea in 2023

 Hi SwanTV Viewer

Wishing you a very happy, successful and healthy year ahead in whatever you do. Let's put last year to bed and move on . . . the only way is onwards and upwards.

The old tradition of New Year Resolutions is not so popular now as it was when I was a kid. Then everyone made them but like today they were quickly dropped. And it is estimated that about 80% are dropped by mid February at the latest. I believe it is better to make resolutions any time of the year, be specific but don't be too ambitious and track how you are doing So good luck if you make New Year resolutions to get fit, lose weight or give up smoking.

We all want a better future and here is my wish list for our local Swansea community. Will we see any of them mature this year? What do you think? Do you have anything to add to my personal list? These are some ideas I have been thinking about in recent weeks that might make a difference to us all in the coming year.

Local NHS. We are all complaining but that doesn't fix anything. What can we do to help ease the strain on doctors, hospitals, nurses and ambulances? I feel we should all take more responsibility for our own health, safety and wellbeing. So eating a healthy diet will keep your body working well and may stave off building up extra fats. Taking some regular exercise: they say 10 minutes getting your heart beating harder and faster, even fast walking,  3 or 4 times a day will make a noticeable improveent if you've not been exercising at all. And you can do that anytime, no need for changing into special clothing or visiting a gym.

Don't call the 999 Emergency Services unless you have a life threatening or serious injury. There is plenty of help for minor injuries and medical problems. Try dialling 111 where trained staff can help and advise you (incidentally for emergencies dialling 112 is the same as 999 but can be used from a mobile phone too). Did you know pharmacists are highly trained and can give you advice and in some cases can now prescribe drugs, so ask at your local chemist.

And of course, if non-emergency then you should try your doctor first. I understand that many surgeries arrange a phone call appointment first where the doctor might want you to visit the surgery immediately after speaking with you. Some surgeries are booking doctor appointments 2-3 weeks ahead which is obviously not good if you are really suffering, and that has to change. Unfortunately that delay can result in the patient deteriorating and suffering stress and anxiety. The difficulty in speaking to a doctor or having to wait is causing some patients to either call an ambulance or visit A & E. And this means longer waiting times for all.

And finally we need more First Responders across the city and county. First Responders are volunteers who are trained by the ambulance service and who can handle mainly minor injuries. When a 999 call is made the operator can decide if the call warrants an ambulance and if not will call a local First Responder who will immediately visit the patient, administer first aid or decide an ambulance is required. With sufficient trained volunteers the call on ambulances coud be drastically cut. An added bonus is that having a trained first aider in the family or workplace can deal with emergencies without even a 999 call being made. Qualified First Responders must be capable and car owners, they should be paid which might increase numbers. A network throughout Swansea would be a real community asset and take some strain off the NHS.

We all clapped the NHS and nurses during the pandemic. Now they need our support for more money, although the high rate they are seeking should be less. Higher salaries might encourage more new nurses. Mark Drakeford is blaming Westminster for not providing extra money to pay these increases but he asked for and has been given authority to raise extra taxes in Wales. He is refusing to do this despite a high percentage of the population saying they would willingly pay a little more if the NHS was improved. What do you think? A small increase from everyone wold make a big difference.

Wellbeing of All. When I was young something that was never mentioned . . . wellbeing and mental health. How things have changed for the better. Our wellbeing is the fountain of life. If you feel that people around you at home and work care then you will feel good in yourself.. Wellbeing centres around connecting with others, too many people are isolated or lonely and that isn't just people living alone. You can be part of a family or in a busy workplace and feel lonely. Connecting with others means talking to those around you, being interested in them (for if you are interested then they will surely be interested in you). Listening properly when having a conversation. It was said that the best conversationalists are listeners. Your wellbeing can be improved if you are active, not just physically active, walking, swimming, the gym: but active in the community, getting involved and not standing on the sideline. I mentioned listening, well taking notice improves wellbeing, taking notice of what is happening around you, the changein the seasons, the colour of leaves on the trees, the waves lapping against the shoreline. 

The poem line "What is this life if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare" is very relevant today. We are all in too much of a hurry but how much of our busy, busy life is important.  Be alert to what is happening and how the people around you are reacting. I was eating out with my family a couple of weeks ago and looking around noticed many diners on other tables were looking at and typing into their mobiles, not actively taking part in the table conversation. They might as well be eating alone!! 

And keep learning. Once jobs were for life but now we change jobs regularly and new work skills become necessary. Likewise we should keep learning new social skills: take up a hobby, widen your interests. There are people in their seventies and eighties starting degree courses, opening new businesses, travelling and meeting new people. And finally, giving improves our wellbeing. It makes us feel better. And giving has a ripple effect. You give to someone and they will give something different to another person. Do small acts of kindness  . . help that blind person across the road, carry that bag for the older frail person, pay for an extra coffee in a cafe that has a sharing table where peolpe can find someone to talk to if they feel lonely or sad. Not you? Come on give it a try and you'll see and feel the difference. And if you see someone in trouble don't look the other way or cross over, go and help. It might be you next time.

Equalling up . . .  getting around in the city. I'd like to see a land-train travelling from the railways station, down Orchard Street, across towards Castle Gardens and along Oxford Street, turn down by Wilko and stop at the entrance to the Quadrant Shopping Centre before turning round and retracing the route back to the railway station. This would greatly help older and disabled people get around the city easier and make access to the new Community Hub and Library so much easier when it opens, and justifies the £15m estimated cost. It would also improve access to the Train station where I see many people struggling along the HIgh Street with cases and large bags.

Safety of all residents is paramount and I believe a bigger Neighbourhood Watch presence would make a substancial difference to actual and perceived safety. There are groups within Swansea but many areas are not covered. The benefits are high including reduced home

insurance costs and knowing that a scheme will deter thieves and give you some peace of mind. 

The biggest reason people cite for not wanting to be involved is that they associate Neighbourhood Watch with nosey neighbours spying on them but nothing is further from the truth. SwanTV will be looking at some successful local schemes and helping anyone who wants to be involved. It's all voluntary and you don't need to give up any of your time, just be alert, aware of strangers in your area, and things that look amiss. Keep watching SwanTV for more information.

Swansea is alive with creative people. There is a thriving artist community. We should be nurturing this and looking to make another bid as the City of Culture based on the local creatives. Some years ago I was ready to set up an artist quarter on Sundays similar to

Bayswater Road in London where dozens of artists display their work. I talked to the Council Leader at this time and it was going to be around the Little Theatre and Pumphouse area. Could this be a future possibility? We also discussed a live busker area such as found in
Covent Garden where quality acts could perform. This could be at the small amphitheatre next to the LC Leisure Centre. This hasn't been used since the eighties to my knowledge but it is a perfect setting and with webcams set up sreaming live this could be a world-wide internet attraction. Covent Garden used to have regular Monday morning auditions so that the quality of performers was to an acceptable standard, acts where given a particular time slot and it was smooth running. This would bring in acts from outside Swansea as well as local ones. I guess it runs the same now.  

So those are a few of my thoughts on making Swansea even better in 2023. Some are minor and others larger projects but all will have an impact on our community. We shall be following these up through the year. There is no point in talking without action. If you have any comments please write below or contact us direct at ask@swantv.com giving your name and contact number. Help us make SwanTV the local online TV channel.

Have a successful 2023 in everything you do, stay safe and keep healthy. And don't forget to download the Swantv app.

Mike Leahy SwanTV

 

 

Changes in voting at polling stations (5 minute read)

 Hi Swantv Viewer

Watch out! Big changes coming with voting. You will need photo ID when you vote at your local polling station and the local elections are in May so be prepared. We all have a right to vote here in Wales and every one of us should go to the polling station and tick the boxes of the candidates you support. If you don't vote you don't really have the right to complain if the government bring in laws that we disagree with. If you vote for candidates that are not elected then you can complain because you took action. 

Showing ID to vote may be overkill. In the Uk there were 595 cases of fraud reported by the Electoral Commision. All these were investigated and only 6 were proven to be fraudulent. Matt Hancock said that this was 6 too many cases and everything should be done to reduce this. But the additional cost of preventing any fraud must surely be totally excessive.   

ID trials took place in both May 2018 and May 2019, which required voters to present personal identification when visiting the polling station - fifteen English local authorities took part over the two trials. The government said that pilot schemes would help to see what the impact would be for voters and electoral administrators, and would help them to decide how to design a scheme that could be used for UK Parliament elections and local elections in England.      

 Compared with allegations and verified cases of personation, the number of people turned away in both pilot years is material. The 2018 voter ID pilots saw more than 1,000 voters being turned away for not having the correct form of ID. Of these, around 350 voters did not return to vote. In 2019, round 2,000 people were initially refused a ballot paper, of whom roughly 750 did not return with ID and therefore did not take part in the election. In total, across both sets of pilots, over 1,000 voters did not return to vote after being refused a ballot because they did not have ID.

One of the key pieces of evidence used to support the need for the government’s voter ID pilots was discredited by the UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) in the run-up to the 2018 vote. The government claimed that in-person voter fraud more than doubled between 2014 and 2016. While the statistic is technically accurate – there was a rise from 21 cases in 2014 to 44 in 2016 – the Cabinet Office failed to mention that the number of cases then fell by more than a third in 2017, to 28. There was a 0.01% prosecuted fraud on election voting in the last elections. Is this enough to change the law?? Hardly worth thinking about, and certainly not worth the expenses involved across the UK.

It was discovered that MPs may have been misled to believe that the evidence showed no disproportionate impact on any particular demographic group. The Electoral Commission has since admitted it that in fact, it had no way of measuring the effect of voter ID on minority ethnic communities’ votes. Having to present your ID may have an impact on anyone who does not drive or have a passport or hold one of the other acceptable credentials. Is this a way to tip the poll reslts in favour of the Conservative party as the largest groups without acceptable ID are presumed to be labour supporters.

I understand the country has been in turmoil with changes of prime ministers and cabinet members. I know that the cost of living has escalated dramatically and many are having to choose between eating and heating. And the current strike position is terrible. But I hope that the country will settle down, and that we can regain the prestige and position we had in world affairs. We need a government that can lead us to a better place where no-one goes hungry, all children have a bed of their own, wages are sufficient to give everyone a good standard of living, and we never need a food bank again. 

It would be good if all parties laid out an easy to understand manifesto that they do actually stick to, if elected. Election promises have been like the water in a boiling kettle, loud attention bubbles simmering away but turning to steam and vanishing into thin air. We need a party that acts fairly, encouraging free enterprise and entrepreneurs but stopping the legal tax evasion loopholes, ensuring that workers are paid at least a good living wage, that older people, disabled people and marginalised people are offered the best support and treated with the respect they deserve. Illegal immigrants should be processed fast and fairly, and either returned to the country they left or integrated into our society. Those who have a place of responsibility like House of Lords peers and members of parliament should be immediately prosecuted if found to have acted unlawfully, together with anyone who has acted fraudulently and taken public money such as through false furloughing schemes. The pandemic has caused so many changes in our society and it is time to try and wind the clock back a couple of years.

Our democracy is underpinned by free and fair elections and this government has committed to securing the integrity of thoseelections for the future. At the heart of an election is the simple action of a voter casting their ballot. Now the government has decided that there are potential vulnerabilities in our current system. That is why the government will be updating outdated security protections around identity at the polls and  introducing a requirement for voters to prove their identity at the polling station.

If you don't have a driving licence or passport do not worry. There are several other options or you can apply for an Electoral Identity Document, called a free Voter Card, issued by local authorities. free of charge from the beginning of January 2023. Other options include the Blue Badge for disabled people, European Economic Area (EEA) issued national identity cards, biometric immigration documents,  and Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) cards. Other options may be available later.

The information on the Voter Card will be kept to a minimum – it will show the elector’s name and photograph, the local authority that issued the card, and a card number. This is the essential information required for the voting process, and in taking this approach we have deliberately sought to ensure inclusivity (though more information, such as the elector’s address and date of birth, will necessarily be required to apply for and receive a card).

The elector’s date of birth has been intentionally excluded for Great Britain. The government does not intend for this card to be used for demonstrating proof of age. This is consistent with the fact we have always been clear that this policy will not introduce a national identity card by the back door; the Voter Card is solely for the purpose of supporting the democratic process.

Photocopies will not be accepted as they can be altered. Not all work or student cards will be accepted, neither Railcards. So check this out. We should all vote so check this out. Will you have the correct identification? If not sort it with your local authority. Remember! If you don't vote you can't complain when you disagree with the government and your local authority.

 regards

Mike Leahy Swantv           All comments are the views of the writer. Comments

appreciated.

Putting the Last Year behind us

 Hi Swantv Viewer

Christmas has passed and the beginning of 2023 approaches fast. Let's hope that the New Year brings hope and happiness for everyone.

We've had three prime ministers in as many months and the nightmare that has caused. The bank rate has been on a continuous upward trend. The was in Ukraine will soon have it's first year anniversary. Russian has tried to blackmail us over gas prices. Farmers have been battling with drought, lack of staff, bird flu and other disasters. Strikes have crippled the railways and postal services to name just two sectors. And the spiralling cost of living has impacted everyone, many with dire consequences. I think it's fair to say this has probably been the worse year for a generation!

So how can we think anything is going to change? It's true I can't see a magic wand being waved and all these difficulties vanish into thin air. 

The railway and postal strikes seem to be two pronged. These are not just wages disputes but working conditions. Both seem to feel that changes will be detremental to their jobs but if we don't embrace modern technology these industries will suffer. Yes there may be redundancies but streamling wil increase both efficiency and productivity. It would be a disaster if they lingered on without being resolved with the possibility of the same result as when the miners went on strike and within a couple of years the mining industry was dead. 

Postal services could easily be replaced by competitive services which would be bad for some rural areas where new carriers might cherry pick and cut certain services which were not

    profitable. The Royal Mail has certainly fallen down since privitisation, many services already cut, prices dramatically increased and existing services changed where deliveries can be in the afternoon. And now there are possible no future Saturday deliveries, first class stamps hitting £1 and self-employed delivery drivers employed.  I remember when there were two deliveries a day and the first was usually before 9.30 in the morning, where post boxes where empties several times a day postmen were recognised by their uniform, rater than the private cars we see sometimes and the motley selection of clothing worn!.

Roads are busier and ever, city parking is expensive and difficult, costs of fuel, insurance and running costs continue to rise. But cars are not the only alternative to trains. Coaches are clean, tidy and efficient with usually good facilities for wifi and a smooth ride so work is posssible And the cost is often less that half the price of a train ticket. Personally I love coach travel an if you are a regula commuter you get to now fellow passengers easier. Ok there can be motorway holdups but my experiences have been very few delays.

Today it emerged that 250 signallers and track engineers earn at least £100,000 annd another 650  earned more than £80,000. And a quarter of track maintenance staff are on £60,000-plus – more than double the £27,055 given to a newly qualified nurse. The average earnings for a signaller were just under £56,000 and £50,000 for track maintenance staff. Most staff have an average wage of £31,000 which is in line with wages/salaries across the UK. They include base salary, overtime, rest day working and allowances for unsociable hours. And now Mr Lynch has rejected a 9 per cent pay offer from Network Rail, a deal that has been accepted by the TSSA union. It is worth double digits over two years for the lowest paid.  Mick Lynch earns £84,000 a year and I bet his salary was paid on every strike day, unlike the strikers who must be seeing a loss of earnings right now. What are you earning in comparison and do you think they deserve the rise the demand? Should they demand no compulsory redundancies when changes might be necessary to give a similar or better service but cut costs to increase efficiencies?

Strike action can be a positive way to wage increases and working practice imrovements but holding the country to ransome is not the answer. Trade unions started in the 1800's when workers were treated unfairly and almost as possessions of the bosses, when health and safety was still 100 years away, and when deaths and injuries were the norm. Workers were treated unfairly and could usually be fired at a whim, when 12 hours a day and six days a week was the normal work pattern. Then trade unions were formed to protect workers conditions and wages.

The nurses strike, in my opinion is different. Wages are low, the hours long and the stress levels of dealing with a whole range of seriously sick or abusive patients are high. The NHS has been the poor relation for too long and badly neglected. Now I hear the prime minister

saying money is available to improvements but not wages. Sounds like Boris's claim to build 40 new hospitals when he meant upgrading existing hospitals, which is not additional. 

So lets hope the railway strikers see sense, accept a reasonable offer, realise that changes are necessary and get back to work early in the new year and lets get back to being able to work. And hope the government can make a reasonable and acceptable offer to the nurses.

Will the war in Ukkraine finish in 2023? I certainly hope so. Putin must realise now that he has already lost and that he has put himself in a precarious place when he could be toppled. I read about escape plans to South America but, when the conflict  finishes, let's see him on trial for Crimes Against Humanity and imprisoned for live, and Russia responsible for re-bulding Ukraine. I find it incredible that governments sidled up to Putin and acted like he was a friend, that when he build up his forces on the Ukraine border for "Military Exercises" they believed him and that the actual attack on Ukraine was met with disbelief.

And finally the cost of living! Ok, so there have been several factors that has affected world prices, the major factor being Russia again. Gas prices have spiralled, although we only use about 4% Russian gas. Prices from other countries have risen as demand has gone up. And, of course, Ukraine is known as the world's breadbox, growing cereals and supplying the world. But Russian has cut off Ukraine from the ports so exports are not possible. 

When Covid struck the the government generously paid out furlough money to millions of workers who were forced to stay at home but because insufficient checks were made, billions went to dishonest businesses that have never been recovered, a sustancial loss for the

government and our pockets. Many started working from home and a high percentage were then able to make considerable saving because commuting costs, morning coffees and lunches unnecessary; whilst the other half found their income slashed.  And of course, the PPI money that appears to have been siphoned off irresponsibly, much on equipment that was not of a satisfactory quality and for which millions are now being paid in storage costs. The government have much to answer for the losses that have now come home to roost in higher taxes etc.

I've thought about this but cannot see a solution. Although there is so much help out there for those in need, food banks and so on, we must think of a time ahead when those become redundant and nobody is living in poverty. Will the government find a way through this quagmire and bring us back to sanity? Maybe we should have a coalition where both major politican parties work together as happened after WW2. Two heads are better than one, and there is strength in teamwork. 

This has been a long post. What is your take on the current situation? If you were in charge of the govenment what would you do? Let me know. Comments below or come and talk with us.

Regards

 

Mike Leahy Director SwanTV

  .