Jamie Wake

The latest edition of Kennet Island Update is out:

Kennet Island Update January 2012

Until recently, I had the misfortune of commuting daily to London from Reading and I have read with continued interest of the bad service and fare hikes still being experienced by commuters who like me have had no option but to accept such poor service as the norm.

I actually enjoyed my job in central London and even though I have spinabifida, I got used to the back pain encountered of never having a seat, getting bruised by train staff desperate to get bowls of rolls to First Class Passengers and regularly being trapped on the train outside Twyford with no explanation and then having to pay £10 to get a taxi home as the train never quite managed to meet up with the bus times!  Thankfully, those days are now gone following an accident where I sustained a Compound Fracture, reserved seats were never reserved and most times I was unable to get through the overcrowding in my sling to get to my seat.  The turning point was when I fell and bashed my fracture against a wall.  My complaint fell on deaf ears and I decided that I would have to leave my beloved job and take a pay cut and work closer to home – even though it took double the time to get there (it involved a mile and a half walk from the station to the office) the small benefit was the seat on the train!

I’d obviously tried blocking those years of agony from my mind but came across a number of news articles over the last few days that brought it all back to me! The Reading to Paddington line is labelled Britain’s worst train service and from today fare hikes see an extra £256 going on top of the annual season ticket – no doubt much more than that will be going on top of the train lines salaries!  Many, like me, see little comfort in extra planned carriages coming in soon on a train which on average is already at times more than 300 people over capacity.  If First Great Western know that this line is over capacity and I must say at times very unsafe, surely a better solution should be found?  For example, a Fast shuttle train between Reading and Paddington would alleviate the pressure.

I found this article on a website which I believe got it from the Guardian – its seems I’m not alone in my views.  Plus looking at the traffic coming to my blog from search terms such as ”First great western tender” it seems others are hoping that a new train company comes in and dramatically improves the service.  well we can hope, can’t we?

Well it seems that I can now use that popular excuse that I have been too busy to write on my blog recently and having scanned my previous entries, I see that I last wrote an artical in November!

For those of you that either follow me on Twitter, Facebook or know me in the flesh outside of cyberspace, you’ll know that December was a relatively busy month for me and I have used the month to reflect on the choices I have made during 2011 as well as put some thought into decisions that I need to make in 2012.

As it happens, I used the month of December to take some time out to decide what would be the right direction for me with regards to the community campaigning that I do in Whitley and for the LGBT Community in Reading.  Since my accident I have spent a lot of time with my thoughts though I’m never sure if that’s a good thing or not!

As many of you know, when I originally made the decision to be more active in community politics, I found all of the political parties to be much of a muchness.   I could have joined any of them as they all seemed to engage in playground antics so I chose to join the party that appeared to do more for LGBT equality that the others – I ended up choosing the Lib Dems and stood in 2011 as the Candidate in Whitley where I encountered homophobia and scaremongering.  Thankfully, I used this experience to launch the OK 2B Gay Campaign and started to make some noise about LGBT Equality which was starting to be heard by most of the local branches political parties – even the party that I had joined.  As part of the OK2bGAY Campaign, I shared Tory MP Rob Wilson’s poor voting record on LGBT Equality and the fact that it took him a number of months for him to write back to me.  I also felt the need to remind the newly appointed Labour LGBT Officer of some of his partys failings which was followed by Duncan Bruce labelling me as acting as the only gay in the village on his blog.  (I love comedy catchphrases as much as the next man – though I’m sure I recall Reading Labour pulling up Reading Lib Dems on a members use of an Ali G Catchphrase.)  That aside, I wish the Richard the very best in his role and I hope at some point that all of the LGBT officers in Reading’s political parties band together to tackle discrimination, in-equality and make a difference for the LGBT Community.

I also took some stick from a few Lib Dems in Cyberspace when I shared my views of the in-equality on the gay marriage consultation and the so called end of the blood ban.  I fail to see the need for a consultation on Gay Marriage and if we’re a country that promotes equality for all, then it should just be passed as law.

In Labour and the Lib Dems defence,  Labour appointed a LGBT Officer (coincidentally following rumours of homophobic and transphobic Whistleblowing on various blogs) and at the Reading Lib Dem’s AGM, a motion was put forward to create a dedicated team that ensures that LGBT people in Reading have their needs represented – publicly and not hidden behind closed doors, to give LGBT people a voice on the council and to ensure that any local manifesto also includes campaigns that demonstrate a commitment to LGBT equality.

I’m not sure if Reading Tory’s have a dedicated individual for LGBT campaigns though if you believe everything you read in the Reading Newspapers, they appear to have enough problems to contend with at the moment.

I am pleased though that every party voted in favour of a LGBT Support Centre in Reading and it was suprising that even Cllr Rob White (Leader of the Greens) turned up and raised his arm in the air to vote rather than sit on them.  I helped Lorna McArdle write her speech and produced a video for her and I wish all the best with the project which will based at South Street.

I’m not making the statements above to be harsh or score any sort of political points, just to demonstrate that all parties are just as good and as bad as each other.  None of them set out to make bad decisions but they’re all obviously going to be desperate to keep and/or gain seats on the council and the spats between them all are played out each week in our Local Newspapers.

Is that what I signed up for when I wanted to make a difference in my community?  No.  That’s why I have made the decision to not be alligned with any political party and leave the Lib Dems.  I obviously have personal reasons for handing my membership back but those reasons are simply that – personal.  My membership to a political party could also be seen as a conflict of interest when it comes to the LGBT Campaigning that I do as well as the work that I do in my community.  I am now sat back on the Committee of the Kennet Island Residents Association and have just become a Trustee of Reading Pride so I’m sure you can see my difficulty!   I informed the local party in December of my intention.

I do need to add though that there are some really good committed Cllrs accross all of the parties in Reading but then again there are also a few bad ones who do not turn up to Council Meetings and claim credit for other peoples hard work.

That being said, I do intend to stand as an Independent Candidate in this years Local Elections though.  Being independent means that I can continue to demonstrate my commitment to the needs of my local community rather than the needs of a political party.  This gives the community a genuine alternative that represents them and doesn’t waste time on political playground antics which could be better spent on making a difference.  My manifesto will be released shortly which has been devised following feedback from residents here in Whitley.

In the meantime, I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Last night I had the pleasure of celebrating New Years Eve with other Kennet Island residents at the Island Lounge which is a licenced venue on the Central Piazza run by Oliver and Maralyn.

The evening was themed around the 60′s and 70′s and residents came in fancy dress – me included as I arrived as Elvis!

New Years Eve at the Island Lounge

Events like this are important as they bring the community together and you get the opportunity to meet other neighbours in a fun way.  I have always said that developers such as St James only build houses – not homes – so it’s up to Residents Associations such as KIRA and Community Campaigners like myself to try and build a thriving community.  KIRA, for example, puts on a number of Annual Events such as the May Day Celebration and also supports the Monthly Quiz Night.

Yesterday’s announcement to add extra carriages to a number of lines, including Reading, seems rather convenient. Whilst commuters should be overjoyed that next year they wouldn’t have their lives put at risk from the dangerously overcrowded trains, the announcement does very little to alleviate the distress the current capacity problems are causing to rail passengers and appears to only have been announced in readiness for the forthcoming tender – something First Great Western have admitted would benefit the tender application.

As a commuter, I have been subjected to 2 years of standing in a train and when you have spinabifida it leaves you uncomfortable and in pain. This has recently been brought home to me following an accident where I have sustained a compound fracture in my left arm. This has left me off balance to I reserved seats on the trains. Sadly, I have rarely managed to use these reserved seats. The train is usually too overcrowded to get to them – if they have been reserved at all. I have suffered indignity trying to squeeze my way through commuters whilst protecting my arm and then have to beg the person sitting in my reserved seat to allow me to sit. If I had greater mobility problems, I know that this situation would be even more difficult and we have recently seen in the press the treatment a Reading passenger recently experienced whilst travelling in a wheelchair. I recently fell on the train whilst being forced to stand and I’m sure this hasn’t helped the healing process.

I have raised a number of complaints recently and all have been met without resolution. Declassifying first class has not been met enthusiasticly and I am continuously told that they can not afford more carriages – and yet the fat cats above are still receiving their bonuses I’m sure!

I wait to see how last worst western do in the tender process but for the sake of Reading, I hope an alternative rail company succeeds and makes the difference the routes needs.

Leading the Reading Vigil Against Hate Crime

Last night, I had the privilege and pleasure of organising (and obviously attending!) Reading’s Vigil Against Hate Crime which was held in the Oscar Wilde Memorial Walk.

It was a great turn out and it began with a short speech from myself (Transcript below) followed by a candlelit walk, 2 minute silence and a balloon release. Balloons had to be released one by one to abide by Reading Borough Council Regulations (no string either!) but that added to what could only be described as a magical moment. As the balloons were released, they formed a spiral as they headed up into the sky and then formed a star. If that wasn’t magical enough, the precision timing of a huge flock of white birds flying above only added to the magic. It was a poignant moment that I don’t think you could create again if you tried.

Here is the Transcript of my speech:

Tonights vigil is the first in Reading and joins the many others taking place at this very moment in time.

To remind you, tonight is about tackling the issue of hate together – taking a moment to stand with those who have lost loved ones and giving our support to those that need it. Our message is a simple one – it’s one of Hope, Remembrance and Positive Action.

So why are we here? Because people are still being attacked on our streets and extremist propaganda encourages people like David Copeland to try and hurt so many in horrific attacks.

Even this week, we have heard about the horrific murder of Stuart Walker and the hospitalisation of two men in Leicester.

These vigils have been organised for the 17-24-30 campaign. Their name represents the days that the 3 London nail bombs were planted:

17th April – Brixton Market

24th April – Brick Lane

30th April – The Admiral Duncan, Soho

3 people were killed and more than 130 injured during Copelands 3 bomb attacks including a 23 month old baby with a nail in his head.

Please follow me on a candlelit walk to remember those we have lost to hate crime, to put our differences to one side and work together in unity to give Reading a voice to say No to Hate Crime.

Although a symbolic event, I see Reading’s vigil growing each year and perhaps next year we can organise a choir and some speakers to address the crowd. Sadly, only the LGBT Community came to the event including representatives from Reading Pride and SupportU. It was also great to see members of Reading’s Political Parties in attendance including Cllr Daisy Benson, Group Leader of the Reading Lib Dems, Cllr Tim Harris from Reading Conservatives and Richard Wood, LGBT Officer for Reading Labour. Everyone sharing a common cause. I had invited the Reading Council Racial Equality but I don’t think they were able to attend so hopefully next year they’ll be able to attend.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those that did attend.

I am privileged to be coordinating this event:

On Friday 28th October 2011, people in Reading are invited to gather at the Oscar Wilde Memorial Walk to say NO TO HATE CRIME. At 7.45pm, a candlelit walk will take place ending with a 2 minute silence at 8pm to coincide with other vigils taking place in the UK and abroad. This will be followed by a release of balloons to remember those who have been affected by Hate Crime.

This year we are looking at Homophobia, Transphobia, Rasicsm and Disability Hate Crime and addressing the issue of bullying in our schools, workplaces and our communities.

So what is it all about?

It is about tackling the issue of hate crime together, taking a moment to stand with those who have lost their loved ones and giving our support to those who need it. Our message is Hope, Remembrance and Positive action.

At the last two national vigils those who attended said that the event gave them a sense of community, that they felt that they were part of something and that is what we are trying to do. Help people connect with each other but also to ensure that those who have been attacked know that they are not alone. That we are there for them.

It is also about inspiring people especially young people to get involved. Images from the Vigils have been circulated around the world and have been used in various projects. We want to encourage all people to do something positive.

Why?

Because people are still being randomly attacked on the streets of London and other places.

Then there is the organised hate crime, the gay-free zone stickers that have gone up in various places. The recent attempts by EDL to recruit LGBT activists to their cause and organise a gay march through Tower Hamlets. The links that exist between extremist propaganda that helps create some of the tensions between our communities, and encourages people like David Copeland and Anders Behring Breivk to carry out their horrific attacks. We need to be aware of and deter those who seek to stir up these tensions for their own ends.

Conflicting reports say that hate crime is rising again and there is this big debate over whether or not this is because some people are more confident reporting, or whether the problem is actually getting worse. Regardless of this debate, we believe more positive action is required.

So what do you want people to do?

We want people to be calmly vigilant, to be safe, to be aware of the dangers and to make sure that they flag things up when they see things that cause concern. This could be directly to the police using the new non-emergency number 101, or via the various other organisations that exist to help like Stop Hate Uk 0800-138-1625.

We also want people to be aware that these services need our backing, especially in the current financial climate. There is so much we can do to help signpost and support them and at the same time strengthen our own communities.

And we want to encourage people to talk, to connect with each other and build more positive relationships so we can accept or set aside our differences and work together to resolve some of the issues that lead to tensions between us.

How can people find out more?

People can take a look at our website www.17-24-30.com for more information. This year we have set up two WordPress sites 172430notohatecrime and hatecrimevigils and it is also possible to follow us on Facebook 17-24-30 and Twitter #HateCrimeVigils.

Note to Editors

The Hate Vigil in Reading is being coordinated by community campaigner, Jamie Wake, for 17-24-30.

17-24-30 represents the dates that the three London nail bombs were planted, 17th April – Brixton Market, Brixton, 24th April – Brick Lane and the 30th April – the Admiral Duncan, Soho.

In April 1999 David Copeland set out to attack the Black, Asian and Gay communities of Brixton, Brick Lane and Soho hoping that it would create a climate of fear which would eventually lead to the election of the BNP. Over the course of three weeks he planted three nail bombs which killed three people and injured many more.

Luckily he was caught and his plan failed, but his acts of hatred remind us that there will always be those out there who seek to attack and harm us so we need to remain vigilant and work together to protect and strengthen our communities.

17-24-30 believes that it is important to bring people together.

The gatherings are important to those of us who have been affected by the attacks, they bring our local communities together, and provide us, our families and friends – with the support and opportunity to gather and remember our loved ones. They also enable us to engage with old friends and newcomers as well, drawing comfort from each other and being able to exchange our experiences, thoughts and feelings.

They also provide an opportunity for our communities to raise awareness and reflect upon what has happened, so we can educate the next generation and ensure that we reduce the chances of this happening again.

17-24-30 believes that it is important to remember those we’ve lost, and those still with us.

Three people were killed and more than 130 injured during Copeland’s three bomb attacks, however the impact of these horrific events rippled across our communities affecting many people who lived, worked or socialised in these areas, those who were connected to those caught up in the attacks, and those who saw the aftermath of these events in the media.

At least 48 people were injured when the first device exploded in the crowded Brixton Market. Among those taken to hospital was a 23-month-old baby with a nail in his head.

A week later, 13 people were injured when the second bomb exploded in Brick Lane.

The most serious attack took place in Soho. A pipe bomb containing 1,500 nails exploded in the crowded Admiral Duncan pub. Three friends Andrea Dykes 27, John Light 32 and Nick Moore, 31 died in the blast and more than 70 were injured.

Please help us publicise this event so Reading can add its voice to the campaign and say NO TO HATE CRIME.

I am privileged to be coordinating this event:

On Friday 28th October 2011, people in Reading are invited to gather at the Oscar Wilde Memorial Walk to say NO TO HATE CRIME. At 7.45pm, a candlelit walk will take place ending with a 2 minute silence at 8pm to coincide with other vigils taking place in the UK and abroad. This will be followed by a release of balloons to remember those who have been affected by Hate Crime.

This year we are looking at Homophobia, Transphobia, Rasicsm and Disability Hate Crime and addressing the issue of bullying in our schools, workplaces and our communities.

So what is it all about?

It is about tackling the issue of hate crime together, taking a moment to stand with those who have lost their loved ones and giving our support to those who need it. Our message is Hope, Remembrance and Positive action.

At the last two national vigils those who attended said that the event gave them a sense of community, that they felt that they were part of something and that is what we are trying to do. Help people connect with each other but also to ensure that those who have been attacked know that they are not alone. That we are there for them.

It is also about inspiring people especially young people to get involved. Images from the Vigils have been circulated around the world and have been used in various projects. We want to encourage all people to do something positive.

Why?

Because people are still being randomly attacked on the streets of London and other places.

Then there is the organised hate crime, the gay-free zone stickers that have gone up in various places. The recent attempts by EDL to recruit LGBT activists to their cause and organise a gay march through Tower Hamlets. The links that exist between extremist propaganda that helps create some of the tensions between our communities, and encourages people like David Copeland and Anders Behring Breivk to carry out their horrific attacks. We need to be aware of and deter those who seek to stir up these tensions for their own ends.

Conflicting reports say that hate crime is rising again and there is this big debate over whether or not this is because some people are more confident reporting, or whether the problem is actually getting worse. Regardless of this debate, we believe more positive action is required.

So what do you want people to do?

We want people to be calmly vigilant, to be safe, to be aware of the dangers and to make sure that they flag things up when they see things that cause concern. This could be directly to the police using the new non-emergency number 101, or via the various other organisations that exist to help like Stop Hate Uk 0800-138-1625.

We also want people to be aware that these services need our backing, especially in the current financial climate. There is so much we can do to help signpost and support them and at the same time strengthen our own communities.

And we want to encourage people to talk, to connect with each other and build more positive relationships so we can accept or set aside our differences and work together to resolve some of the issues that lead to tensions between us.

How can people find out more?

People can take a look at our website www.17-24-30.com for more information. This year we have set up two WordPress sites 172430notohatecrime and hatecrimevigils and it is also possible to follow us on Facebook 17-24-30 and Twitter #HateCrimeVigils.

Note to Editors

The Hate Vigil in Reading is being coordinated by community campaigner, Jamie Wake, for 17-24-30.

17-24-30 represents the dates that the three London nail bombs were planted, 17th April – Brixton Market, Brixton, 24th April – Brick Lane and the 30th April – the Admiral Duncan, Soho.

In April 1999 David Copeland set out to attack the Black, Asian and Gay communities of Brixton, Brick Lane and Soho hoping that it would create a climate of fear which would eventually lead to the election of the BNP. Over the course of three weeks he planted three nail bombs which killed three people and injured many more.

Luckily he was caught and his plan failed, but his acts of hatred remind us that there will always be those out there who seek to attack and harm us so we need to remain vigilant and work together to protect and strengthen our communities.

17-24-30 believes that it is important to bring people together.

The gatherings are important to those of us who have been affected by the attacks, they bring our local communities together, and provide us, our families and friends – with the support and opportunity to gather and remember our loved ones. They also enable us to engage with old friends and newcomers as well, drawing comfort from each other and being able to exchange our experiences, thoughts and feelings.

They also provide an opportunity for our communities to raise awareness and reflect upon what has happened, so we can educate the next generation and ensure that we reduce the chances of this happening again.

17-24-30 believes that it is important to remember those we’ve lost, and those still with us.

Three people were killed and more than 130 injured during Copeland’s three bomb attacks, however the impact of these horrific events rippled across our communities affecting many people who lived, worked or socialised in these areas, those who were connected to those caught up in the attacks, and those who saw the aftermath of these events in the media.

At least 48 people were injured when the first device exploded in the crowded Brixton Market. Among those taken to hospital was a 23-month-old baby with a nail in his head.

A week later, 13 people were injured when the second bomb exploded in Brick Lane.

The most serious attack took place in Soho. A pipe bomb containing 1,500 nails exploded in the crowded Admiral Duncan pub. Three friends Andrea Dykes 27, John Light 32 and Nick Moore, 31 died in the blast and more than 70 were injured.

Please help us publicise this event so Reading can add its voice to the campaign and say NO TO HATE CRIME.

Today I met with the Area Team Leader for the Youth Engagement Service Reading Borough Council, South and East Reading to discuss how we can provide a service for the young people that live on Kennet Island.

Whilst the development is being built, there are very few facilities for children on the island leaving them no option but to play in the roads or on piazza which pose risks to the children. A play park was installed for young children but with the absence of green space or a park (the two green areas are too small for older children to plan in) until the next phase is completed, the alternative is to utilise areas away from the island.

When I was chair of the Kennet Island Residents Association, we envisaged this being a problem. Since then, a number of parents have approached me to share their concerns.

I can confirm that today’s meeting was very successful and we can have access to a Youth Worker on Monday Evenings providing we can source volunteers to support the running of a service. We also envisage an after school club on a Wednesday. I will be providing further details shortly. Volunteers will receive full training and can work towards an NVQ 2 but will require an Enhanced CRB which Reading Borough Council will fund. Please contact me if you would like to volunteer.

Understandably, a Youth Club needs a venue and I have approached ST James for access to the meeting room.

I hope to be able to provide more detailed information shortly.

Last night saw a full council meeting of Reading Borough Council where Director of SupportU, Lorna Mcardle, delivered a petition for a LGBT support centre in Reading.

I helped Lorna prepare her speech which was as follows:

As you’ll know, I am Lorna McArdle and I have been the Chair of the Reading Pride Charity for 6 years, an organisation that celebrates diversity in our town and aims to educate and eliminate discrimination against LGBT people in Reading. Pride has paved the way for LGBT acceptance in Reading and it was identified that whilst Reading is starting to accept that it is ok to be gay, there is little support for those who identify themselves as LGBT and the few services that do exist are difficult to find or have very little resource to be able to provide a service to all the people that need them. This is why we need a support centre in Reading.

Im sure many of you will be wondering why we need one.

I do not need to tell you about the inequality faced by LGBT people.

I also do not need to tell you about the prejudice that still exists.

And I also do not need to remind you of the lack of representation and advocacy for the LGBT community of Reading.

Even with the power of the Internet, vulnerable members of Readings’ LGBT community have nowhere to turn in times of crisis or need. This must change.

Let me share with you some of the experiences that members of the LGBT community have shared with us when we assessed the need for a centre in Reading.

Let me tell you about Sally. A school pupil that is being physically bullied at school just because her mum is a lesbian. Schools can only help the pupil. A support Centre can provide a safe environment for loving families like Sally’s to meet other People in similar circumstances.

Then there’s Bill. A vulnerable older person who happens to be gay that has housing issues brought on by depression. Embarrassed to ask for help because of his sexuality. Older people don’t all feel comfortable going to gay bars to be socially included and Day centres can often make them feel even more isolated. We can Support them and others by providing social activities for people like Bill who do not have children or family to help them.

The last experience that I will share with you is a phone call that I recieved from a couple in sheltered accomodation who are being intimidated by other residents because of their sexuality. SupportU, with it’s Open Door Policy could work with wardens and housing officers to ensure the wellbeing of this couple.

This support centre will provide a home for all of the LGBT services in Reading to ensure that those people that need to access them, can.

As the current chair of Reading Pride, I am privileged every year to escort Reading’ Mayor around the festival and introduce them to the different groups and organisations exhibiting on site. This year I had the great pleasure of showing Debbie Edwards around the site who even recorded a video message for the OK 2B GAY Campaign. Wouldn’t it be great if all if those groups and organisations were together and accessible by the Reading LGBT community when they needed them?

So which groups would benefit from SupportU?

There’s BeYou which is a very successful helpline for LGBT issues but they only have a cupboard to use once a week to work from. This could be expanded for them with more resources for no extra cost.

You all know Reading Pride – probably one of the most successful community festivals thats held in Reading. Unlike other council funded equality charites, it’s run by unpaid volunteers. Like other LGBT groups it could do with a home to have somewhere for simple things like recieve post.

It’s time to accept there is a need and always has been, to help the LGBT community here in Reading and show that this town, NO, THIS CITY, does actually mean it when we say when it we are diverse. I therefore ask Council to consider this petition and support us at SupportU to support the LGBT members of our community

Lorna received a round of applause for her speech and a reply given by Bette Tickner confirming Reading Borough Councils commitment to LGBT equality and reminding the council that similar projects have been supported by RBC.

The motion presented by Cllr Tim Harris was brought forward and support was received by all parties in attendance. Lib Dem Leader, Cllr Daisy Benson said:

“ I would like to thank Lorna Mcardle Chair of Reading Pride for the work she and others including have done behind the scenes on taking these ideas forward
“We in Reading value our diversity. It is therefore important that we value diversity in all its forms and make everyone feel they are welcome in Reading.”

As a LGBT campaigner, I feel passionate about equality and I was where pleased to see unanimous support for the SupportU project. I look forward to seeing this centres progress.