chorltonparklabour

AND THE WINNER IS.....................

2008-05-06T14:29:00.003Z

........not me unfortunately but thanks to everyone who supported me.

We did make some progress and I appreciate the support that people gave me.

The result here

Chorlton Park Ward
Electorate: 10394 Turnout: 30.5

BROWNBRIDGE Kathryn Mary
Green Party
359

Christopher James
Conservative Party
358

HACKING John
The Labour and Co-Operative Party Candidate
763

RYAN Bernie
Liberal Democrats
1693

TIME FOR A CHANGE!! VOTE JOHN HACKING ON MAY 1st

2008-04-30T15:09:00.003Z

No more blogging now for a couple of days. It's game on!

M.E.N PROMOTES ME TO COUNCILLOR!!

2008-04-30T13:24:00.002Z

David Ottewell , the Manchester Evening News' Chief Political Correspondent has done a review of blogs. here

In his listing he refers to me as a councillor, which I am not of course but I am standing for election tomorrow.

Simon Ashley, the leader of the Liberal Democrats in Manchester in one of the comments attached to David Ottewell's posting rather jumps the gun and decides that I won't win.

He might turn out to be right but I still think that it is up to the voters of Chorlton Park to decide that, not some bloke from Gorton.

KINNOCK SUITS ME

2008-04-27T19:07:00.004Z

Friday night and it's a fundraising dinner with Neil Kinnock at the excellent Saffron restaurant in Cheetham. Hundreds there. Great speech from Kinnock. Just what was needed 5 days out from election day.

Kinnock is a great orator. He uses words magnificently and speaks with passion as well as knowledge. There aren't many around now who can enthuse a crowd like him.

The pic shows me with him. He's obviously miffed that I had a better suit than him 'cos he trying to make it lose it's shape with his hand behind my back. Only kidding Neil! Great night though and plenty cash raised.

ADDRESSING THE ISSUES

2008-04-24T00:29:00.006Z

In elections candidates put out a leaflet which is known as the "election address".

It's about the candidate, what they believe in and stand for, and who they are.

I am putting mine out at the moment.

I don't want to be a stickler for tradition but not one of my opponents, Lib Dem, Tory or Green appears to be bothering to do the same. I'm sure they'll get round to it!!

Anyway, you''ll get yours from the Labour Candidate (me!!) soon. Can't vouch for the others!

If you don't get one for whatever reason, let me know and I'll bring one round myself.

HAPPY ST GEORGE'S DAY

2008-04-23T00:04:00.001Z

Happy St. George's Day.

Vote Labour on 1st May.

VOTE LABOUR MAY 1st

2008-04-23T00:02:00.001Z

BUSY,BUSY,BUSY

2008-04-17T23:39:00.002Z

Sorry about the lack of posts.

Busy campaigning all over the place. Mostly in Chorlton Park but helping out others as well.

And working full time!!

Remember if you want a change to the Lib Dems in Chorlton Park vote for me on May 1st.

CO-OPS ARE A WINNER

2008-04-06T23:50:00.003Z

As regular readers of this blog will know I am a big supporter of co-ops and co-operative initiatives.

In fact, again this year I am proud to be a Labour and Co-operative Candidate in the local elections on May 1st.

It is with this in mind that I am really delighted that one of our local co-ops, the Unicorn Grocery, has got national recognition by winning the Observer Food Awards "Best Shop In Britain" prize.

There is more about this here at Lorenzo's Co-op blog.

Well done and well deserved.

Pic courtesy of Observer and scan courtesy of Lorenzo.

I'M IN!

2008-04-05T12:47:00.002Z

Got confirmation of my nomination as candidate today from the Town Hall.

So that's it. I will be on the ballot paper.

So VOTE JOHN HACKING - LABOUR ON MAY 1st.

Been all over town this week. Leafletting and canvassing in Chorlton Park obviously.

A couple of hours in Northenden during the week. Looking good there.

Last night at a fundraiser for local election campaigns in Cheetham and Crumpsall. Good quiz (done by me!!).Loads of people and plenty of cash raised. Members are very generous at this time of year, especially when they see the nonsense coming through the door from the Lib Dems.

On that subject is it just me or do the Lib Dems appear to be trying to destroy a rainforest all on their own. I have never seen so many glossy leaflets put through doors. Must be costing a small fortune as well. So much for their claims to be green!

WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH!!

2008-03-29T15:16:00.002Z

Out and about on Nell Lane estate this morning. A local resident drew my attention to this pile of rubbish near Ploughbank Drive. I'll get the council to come and clear it away. Gave the resident the number of the Environment on Call (which is 954 9000 by the way) so he can report it himself if any other stuff appears.

Not sure why the local councillors haven't taken action. Perhaps they are too busy.

LEGAL EAGLES PLEASE NOTE

2008-03-28T19:12:00.004Z

As I intend to be a candidate in Chorlton Park in the upcoming council elections the law requires me to do certain things. One of these is to record the following statement here.
All entries on this blog are made in a strictly personal capacity. However, during election periods, where a post relates to campaigning, please consider the following "imprint".
This post is promoted by John Hacking on behalf of Chorlton Park Labour Party, c/o 2 Castleford Walk, Chorlton, Manchester M21 7UL

RAIN STOPS PLAY

2008-03-28T18:41:00.002Z

Did a bit of door knocking in Merseybank this evening.

Rain stopped play though.

Last year I ran a series on the blog called "Ballots and the Rain". I was hoping this campaign season we might get a bit of dry weather. Doesn't look like that's going to happen.

Got a load of leafletting to do tomorrow. Hope the weather holds out for that!

WHAT! ANOTHER LEAFLET?

2008-03-24T12:53:00.003Z

One thing that I like to do is keep people informed about what Labour is doing in the area and what we stand for.

There are lots of ways to do that I know but leaflets are a traditional method and a new one will be hitting the mats of Chorlton Park residents in the next few days.

Got to go. Need to put my leafletting boots on!

WITCH WAY TO THE TOP

2008-03-23T13:50:00.002Z

Day off from campaigning Friday.

Went up Pendle Hill.

Bit blowy.

Good though.

Blew the cobwebs away.

SOUTH TO NORTHENDEN

2008-03-16T13:43:00.005Z

It's the time of year when Labour candidates across the city help each other out with a bit of leafletting and door knocking. I think it's a good idea.

Get's you out and about and lets you see whats going on outside your own area.

Yesterday I was down in Northenden doing a bit for Cllr Mike Kane the excellent Labour councillor in Northenden. The Lib Dems are putting up a bit of a show but their campaign is looking increasingly dispirited and their candidate is looking a bit of a 'billy no mates.'

We had a couple of teams out yesterday in the Benchill bit of the ward.

The pic shows me with Councillor Mike Kane (in the high viz jacket) Councillor Sandra Bracegirdle and the excellent Councillor Mike Amesbury, from Fallowfield.

Big campaign being run with the support of Mike Kane to get improvements to a local boxing club. It's already been extended and they want to build some training rooms and learning facicitly or local youngsters.

Whatever you think of boxing this local facility run by local people is certainly having a positive impact on some young peoples lives in the area.

LEECHY NO MATES 3

2008-03-11T13:15:00.003Z

Good Lord!! Leechy seems to be on a mission to upset everyone in the world, in order.

"MP and students in rape letter row
A row has erupted between a student union representative and MP John Leech over a letter sent following the rape of a young woman in Withington."

Its like he's working down a list of people to annoy.

This story here in the South Manchester Reporter tells of his latest failed charm offensive.

http://www.southmanchesterreporter.co.uk/news/s/1039661_mp_and_students_in_rape_letter_row

LEECHY NO MATES 2

2008-03-11T13:08:00.004Z

Oh dear.... Things are going from bad to worse for the boy wonder.

Hot on the heels of his lonely Early Day Motion (see previous entry) he has now incurred the wrath of his leader for voting with the Tories in the House of Commons last week.

Full story in the MEN here

Cleggy who is apparetnly the leader of this rabble says :

"John was expected to follow the line and there will be consequences."

Oooh er!!

Click here for full story

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1040074_cleggs_blast_for_rebel_mp

LEECHY NO MATES

2008-03-11T13:05:00.005Z

Great story here about our hapless MP John Leech who seems to be having a bad run.

Apparently he has sponsored an Early Day motion in the Commons and no-one else has signed it. Almost un-heard of but easy for a man fast running out of friends.

Over at Lorenzo's blog http://withington-cooperative.blogspot.com/2008/03/our-popular-mp.html

VALUING OLDER PEOPLE

2008-03-05T11:52:00.004Z

I get quite a lot of contact from older people in the area and they raise stuff that matters to them. Very varied stuff including the things that affect everyone such as litter, anti-social behaviour and the like. They do raise things that effect older people particularly though.

I took these issues up with Cllr Val Stevens recently. Cllr Stevens, as well as being a Chorlton Labour councillor and Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council is also the councillor with responsibility for older people.

Good meeting. For more info on what the Labour Council is doing for older residents in Manchester, go here.

SOMEBODY IS THINKING OF THE CHILDREN

2008-03-03T11:41:00.003Z

The new childrens centre in Chorlton Park is nearing completion.

The fantastic new centre will have nursery and early years education, family and parenting support, midwifery support, health visitor services, employment advice and opportunities and a range of other services to help parents and families with young children in the area.

I am delighted that the Labour Council working with a Labour government has been able to secure such excellent facilities for the very youngest members of our community and their families.

I think the windows at kids height are terrific!

Picture shows me and Cllr Sue Murphy the Labour councillor responsible for childrens centres outside the new facility.

SHE REALLY IS VERY GOOD YOU KNOW?

2008-02-29T13:30:00.003Z

Labour's Lucy Powell continues her blog in The Guardian this week with interesting comments about the supercasino carry on as well as crime and recycling.

Click here to read it.

In future weeks if you want to read it just click on the link on the side bar at the left of this page.

WOKE UP AND SMELT THE COFFEE

2008-02-28T00:45:00.011Z

Went to the excellent Blue Box Theatre in Chorlton High School tonight to watch Black Gold, a film about the coffee trade and how Ethiopian coffee growers are using co-operation and Fair Trade to improve their lives and those of their families.

The event was organised by the South Manchester Co-op Members Group as part of the Fairtrade Fortnight fun. There were over a 100 people there which is terrific.

The pic shows me with some of the audience who turned up including a smashing woman called Comfort from the Kuapa Kokoo Co-operative in Ghana who is over here for Fairtrade Fortnight.

Great night. Excellent theatre. Good film. Lovely people. Good cause.

What's not to like?

FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS I WILL LEAVE UP THE MOVIE VIDEO TRAILER AT THE TOP LEFT OF THIS BLOG PAGE SO YOU CAN GET A TASTE OF THE FILM

SOUTHWAY REALLY UNDERWAY

2008-02-27T15:36:00.003Z

The major improvements to the areas former council properties, now part of Southway Housing, is under way. The work to homes in Chorlton Park Ward include new kitchens and bathrooms, double glazing, insulation and security doors. The improvements have already started and tenants are receiving details of the proposed programme of work.

The housing stock in Chorlton Park needs investment and these improvements have certainly been welcomed by tenants. I also think that it is excellent news that every tenant is guaranteed one of the major improvements within the first two years. Equally important is that everyone in the area benefits from improvements to the environment whether they are Southway tenants or not."

THE EARTH MOVED

2008-02-27T01:39:00.003Z

Just felt an earth tremor.

Felt them before but this was the biggest.

Epicentre in Hull apparently.

Must be John Prescotts's tectonic plates playing him up again.

Hope everyone is OK.

4.7 on the Richter scale according to BBC.

Dunno about that but certainly woke me up!!