Random Thoughts for July 2013: Social Liberal Forum conference, Pratap Chitnis & Boney M
In this edition we have some posts inspired by the Social Liberal Forum conference, some history, and a couple of (contrasting) music videos.
My last post was a catch up of Random Thoughts for June. This post brings us up to the middle of July. This is the latest in my series of Random Thoughts posts with links, things found on the web and other stuff that has occurred to me between 1st July 2013 and 16th July 2013:
Bloggers comment on the SLF Conference | Social Liberal Forum
While I had attended their previous ones (reports here and here), I didn’t go to this year’s Social Liberal Forum conference. But I was interested to see what came out of it.
birkdale focus: Social Liberal Forum, Radical Reform Group : 60 years apart yet one common mission?
The conference inspired this wonderful post looking at a part of the history of the Liberal Party that it is very useful to be reminded of in the light of current debates. Although it also explains partly why I often find these “social liberal versus economic liberal” debates so sterile. A part of me is saying “didn’t we already sort out all of this a long time ago?”. Those who don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it (he says pompously).
Opinion: Reflections on the Social Liberal Forum conference
Although I was encouraged by SLF co-chair Gareth Epps report back on the conference for LDV. Particularly this bit;
“We were also – rightly – challenged by Norman Lamb when thinking about public services, that the best outcome may well not be the status quo, citing the role played by employees (for example) in experimental organisational structures such as mutuals, giving as an example the NHS. The Forum will engage with this agenda under Norman’s leadership.”
If the Forum really is going to do some work with Norman Lamb on different organisational structures in public services then it will get an enthusiastic welcome from me.
I was aware of Pratap Chitnis, partly because of his wonderful name, and also because of his role in the Orpington by-election. I also knew he was a pioneer of Liberal Party organisation. But until reading these two pieces I hadn’t realised how influential he was. I think Chitnis’ career is a shining example of the importance of the role of those who concern themselves with organisational matters. I also I suspect that his association with the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust is of as much, or maybe more, significance than his work for the Liberal Party.
It’s slightly bizarre to find that a founder member of Boney M lives just around the corner from you. However, it does (just) give an excuse for this:
ALDC – Next Generation 8: 2013-14 Call for Participants
One of the best things I have ever done is take part in the Next Generation course for local councillors. I was in the first cohort – the organisers are now looking for participants for year eight. If you are a reasonably recently elected Liberal Democrat councillor and are ready to take your skills and understanding up to the next level I recommend you think about applying. You have until 2 August.
Long disappointed at donor rule change block (The Alliance Party of Northern Ireland)
Naomi Long MP was behind moves in the House of Commons to speed up bringing the funding of political parties in Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK. The attempt was blocked by the Government. While obviously there are sensitivities in Northern Ireland that don’t apply elsewhere – instinctively my feeling is that Alliance are right and the Government are wrong.
Magna Carta copies to be united to mark 800th anniversary
In 2015 it will 800 years since the Magna Carta was signed and to mark the event the British Library is planning on bring all four of the surviving copies together for a celebratory exhibition. For me this is exciting news. I think I’ve seen one of the two British Library copies and the Salisbury Cathedral copy — but not the other two. This will be a chance to collect the whole set!
Little Boots – All For You (Acoustic)
I am such a fan of Little Boots. Not only can she make the most gorgeous lavish electronic dance and pop tunes – all synth and beats – she can also strip all down and produce acoustic loveliness such as this.
This content was originally posted on my old Strange Thoughts blog.