After The Storm: Vince Cable at Durham Book Festival 2015

Image: Liberal Democrats via Flickr.

The Conservative Party’s origin story of the financial crisis has always been that the Labour Party had a significant role to play. Speaking with Chris Mullin at the Durham Book Festival sell-out event at Durham Town Hall on Saturday, Vince Cable was quick to dispute this myth. “It is not true that the Labour Party grossly mismanaged finances up to the crisis of 2008,” he claims. Rather, the Conservatives’ claim was swept up by the right-wing media and soon became the “established story” of the crisis.

The event was organised to discuss Dr Cable’s new book, ‘After The Storm’, which looks back at the financial crisis seven years on. In discussing the crisis, he was keen to emphasise his high regard for Gordon Brown, complimenting his “basic integrity” in the face of public scrutiny. He praised Mr Brown’s passionate concern for the economy in Europe, claiming that his good work has been largely forgotten in the UK. The former prime minister’s first two terms, he maintained, “did create a framework of stability” that has led to a highly-regarded reputation abroad that continues to this day.

Asked about the 2010 coalition government, Dr Cable said that the collaboration was inevitable. “We were propelled by parliamentary numbers and a sense that this was where the national interest lay.” Meanwhile, he said, the Labour Party made it clear that they had “no trust” in the coalition, and instead wanted to “get back into opposition and sort themselves out.”

Turning to his new book, a sequel to his 2009 bestseller ‘The Storm’, Dr Cable made it clear that it is not a memoir, but rather “an attempt to be serious about the economy.” He commented on the importance of reviewing the 2008 financial crisis at a greater distance: “The shock that we had back in 2008 was much more profound than any politician has looked at in the short term.”

With the focus of the interview turning to the current Conservative government, Dr Cable was critical of George Osbourne’s upcoming financial decisions. Commenting on the growing housing crisis, he said: “When you’ve got a fire blazing out of control, you stop putting fuel on it.” Asked whether he would halt the sale of council houses, he expressed his anxiety about the loss of affordable housing, calling it a “great tragedy”. He told Mullin that the sales are missed opportunities – that if councils were given the freedom to operate, they could be building more affordable housing to counter the growing housing emergency, particularly in the South East.

He was also critical of the spending cuts planned by Osbourne and the Conservative Party. In 2011 and 2012, some of the planned cuts were wiped off by Osbourne after extensive Liberal Democrat opposition. Now, without the balancing force of a coalition to restrain them, Dr Cable expressed his concern for the severity of future cuts, stating that Osbourne has “redefined what the deficit is in a much more extreme way” than what was originally planned under the coalition government.

For the last fifteen minutes of the session, Chris Mullin opened up the floor for questions. Inevitably, the issue of tuition fees was raised. Dr Cable expressed his unhappiness of being faced with such a decision. “Any government was going to be faced with that problem,” he said. He was tasked with making 25% cuts to the sector, and to take funding away from universities would have had an “absolutely crippling effect” on the quality of university teaching. “What we created”, he suggested, “was a more progressive system.”

One of the final questions of the evening was whether Dr Cable could see his party returning to popularity in the future. He offered a hopeful reply, suggesting that the movement of the left to a more radical space under Corbyn, and the potential movement further right under a new Conservative leader, could leave an “enormous space” in the centre with a chance to expand into it. Already, Newcastle has a “changing mood” under the new government, and Dr Cable expressed his belief that his party’s local government base will be restored. Although there is hope, he said, “it’s not going to be easy”.

Students hope to earn their crust with winning sandwich design

Image via The Northern Echo

FOOD technology pupils have come up with a winning idea for a sandwich to be sold in a high street butcher’s shop.
Three students from Park View School, in Chester-le-Street, designed the Royal Bite sandwich as part of a project working with Dicksons Pork Butchers, who will now sell the winning butty in their shop in the town.
The Royal Bite was a combination of coronation chicken, cheese and crunchy cucumber with the addition of sweet chilli sauce for a slight spicy kick.
The three members of the winning team received an Odeon Cinema voucher prize.
Park View School teacher, Rebecca Howe said: “The aim of the project was to give our GCSE food technology students the opportunity to see food manufacturing processes in a real commercial environment and bring our theoretical work to life.
“To support this, Dicksons welcomed our students to tour their large production facility in South Shields and learn more about how products are actually made.
“All of the students were very engaged in every stage of the project and the final designs showed real thought had gone into the commercial appeal, taste and flavour of each sandwich."
Michael Dickson, managing director of Dicksons, said: “We always aim to involve local schools in food education projects where possible as our large facility in South Shields offers a great environment for young people interested in a career in food production to learn more about the everyday processes involved in getting food from the factory to the shop floor.
“The students at Park View School went above and beyond to submit what was an incredibly detailed project with colourful, delicious ideas for new sandwiches to sell in our stores."

Originally published in The Northern Echo (under Tony Kearney, News Editor and work experience supervisor).

Local champions celebrated at annual sports awards

Image via The Northern Echo

SPORTS enthusiasts will celebrate their success at an awards event.
The annual County Durham Sports Awards, which recognises the contribution local people and groups make to sports in the area, takes place on Friday.
Sports clubs, community groups, volunteers and individuals will compete for the county title at the event organised by Durham County Council and Leisureworks.
Those attending have already taken part in local award ceremonies, and range from new starters to clubs that have achieved national success.
The categories represented at the awards include table tennis, dance, badminton, horse riding, swimming and fell walking.
Bill Lightburn, Culture and Sport Service Manager at Durham County Council, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees, who have all used their love of sport to make a massive contribution to communities across County Durham.”
The awards will be held at Ramside Hall Hotel in Durham on the evening of October 9. Tickets are available from 03000 264 619 or countydurhamsport@durham.gov.uk.

Originally published in The Northern Echo (under Tony Kearney, News Editor and work experience supervisor).

Service to honour miners' leader

AN annual service to honour the leader of the first mining trade union will be held this weekend.
The Thomas Hepburn Memorial Service will be held in St Mary’s Church, in Heworth, Gateshead at 11am on Saturday.
Neil Findlay, Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Lothians, will lead the service.
A pupil from the Thomas Hepburn Community School will read a lesson, and children from Lingey Lane Primary School will perform a song at Mr Hepburn’s graveside.
The service will also feature the Durham Miners Association Band, who will play the Miner’s Hymn, Gresford, prior to the laying of the wreath. 
Thomas Hepburn founded the Northumberland and Durham Pitman’s Union in 1825 until it was broken by the coal owners in 1832.
Although he was forbidden to partake in trade union activities after 1832, Mr Hepburn dedicated his life to the education of miners, and achieved shorter working hours for mine workers before his death in 1864.

Originally published in The Northern Echo (under Tony Kearney, News Editor and work experience supervisor).

Corbyn reaction has reached "near hysteria" claims former MP

Image: The Northern Echo

THE author of a novel portraying a fictional coup staged against a left-wing British Prime Minister says the media response to the election of Jeremy Corbyn has reached “near hysteria”.
Former MP and minister Chris Mullin said the reaction of the media to the unexpected election of the new Labour leader mirrors that predicted in his 1982 novel A Very British Coup.
Mr Mullin is to give a sell-out talk on The Art Of Political Leadership, examining the careers of 20th Century political leaders, on Saturday as part of the Durham Book Festival.
He said that he expects Mr Corbyn’s name to be mentioned when he answers questions from the audience after his talk.
A Very British Coup centres on the surprise election of left-wing Labour candidate Harry Perkins and the attempt of MI5, the City and the press to bring him down.
Mr Mullin said: “The reaction of much of the media to the Corbyn leadership has been more or less along the lines predicted in my novel, written 35 years ago – near hysteria.
“Some of the military are behaving predictably, too”.
Asked whether there is a difference between a good political leader for the north and one for the south, Mr Mullin told The Northern Echo: “The fates of the north and the south are linked.
“When the south catches a cold, we get flu up here.”
He added: “Actually, the north has done a good job of reinventing itself since the disappearance of our traditional industries.
“Nissan in Sunderland has been a particular success. 
“The recent arrival of Hitachi, fitting out railway carriages in Newton Aycliffe, is also good news.”
Chris Mullin will speak at Durham Town Hall on Saturday at 3pm. He will also interview Vince Cable in the Town Hall at 7.30pm the same day.

Originally published in The Northern Echo.

Banquet fun

Sunderland Minster will be hosting a medieval banquet on October 30, organised by the Rotary Club of Seaburn satellite group. Inspired by Game of Thrones, the evening will include entertainment, re-enactments and a three-course banquet of traditional dishes. 
Tickets cost £55 from www.rotarysr1.co.uk, or call Andy Bradley on 0191 515 4880 for further details.

Originally published in The Northern Echo (in print).

Trust launches new flu video

Staff at a North-East NHS Trust have launched an animated video as part of their campaign to raise awareness of the flu vaccine amongst staff.
The video, from Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, follows a successful campaign last year that saw the most nurses vaccinated in the north east. 
The Trust hopes that this year’s campaign will inspire more staff to receive their vaccination.
Dr Damian Robinson, Director of Infection Prevention at NTW, explained: “Despite running a very successful campaign last year, we were concerned about the adverse reports in the media about the effectiveness of the vaccine.”
He added: “We want to keep everyone safe from flu this winter.”
The video can be viewed on YouTube or by following a link on the NTW website.

Originally published in The Northern Echo (in print).

Walk to School children will head to centre

MORE than 70 children from primary schools across the North East will march to Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead on Wednesday, as part of the Walk to School project.
The children will walk to the Baltic from 10am.
They will also take part in a number of creative sessions in the arts centre, as well as a treasure hunt.
The project, run by UK charity Living Streets on behalf of Schools Go Smarter, will coincide with International Walk to School Month.

Jenny Wiles, North East Director for Living Streets, said: “We’ve been working incredibly hard with the local authorities throughout the North East to get more children walking to school over the past 20 years.“This event is a celebration of the enjoyment and health benefits the children we work with get through walking to school.”

Originally published in The Northern Echo (print).

Ceremonies mark start of students' university career

Image: Tom Banks via The Northern Echo

THOUSANDS of students have been taking part in ceremonies to mark the start of their university career.
More than 6,000 Durham University students formally entered the university as five matriculation ceremonies took place in Durham Cathedral.
The ceremony began at 9.45am with students from St Hild and St Bede, St Mary’s and Van Mildert colleges. The last session started at 4pm with Hatfield, St John’s and Ustinov.
Each ceremony is introduced by the Dean of Durham, and features a speech by the Durham Student Union president.
The new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart Corbridge, addressed the students throughout the day.     
An undergraduate and postgraduate representative from each college signed the matriculation book on behalf of their college, which marks the formal beginning of the students’ university membership.
A student from Josephine Butler College, said: “It’s very special. We looked up and looked around, and while we’ve seen cathedrals before, this is different.”

Originally published in The Northern Echo.

Police project to be showcased at conference on alcohol harm

Image: The Northern Echo

POLICE work to reduce alcohol-related crime is to be showcased at an international conference.
Representatives from Durham Constabulary’s Alcohol Harm Reduction Unit have been invited to speak at the Global Alcohol Policy Alliance Conference, taking place in Edinburgh this week.
Sergeant Mick Urwin and PC Claire McNaney will present their work at the conference, which brings together professionals working on the issue from around the world.
Sergeant Urwin said: “We have developed projects to tackle alcohol-related crime in County Durham and Darlington that are ground-breaking.
“To be asked to present at this international conference is not only an honour, but also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of officers from Durham Constabulary to tackle this issue”.
He added: “By sharing our good work, other professionals can learn from our experiences and replicate the tactics that work well.
“We also hope to come away from the conference with fresh ideas to put into practice in the future.”

Originally published in The Northern Echo (under Tony Kearney, News Editor and work experience supervisor). Also in print.

Children's author gets region's biggest book festival underway

Image: Tom Banks

THE biggest book festival in the North East opened a new chapter today with a talk by a children’s book author and illustrator.
Students from Hardwick Primary School, Bowburn School and Shincliffe Primary School attended the opening event of Durham Book Festival, which was hosted by Durham Johnston School.
Writer Simon Bartram began the session by reading from his first book, Man on the Moon, and looking at the illustrations with the children.
He then went on to read from his second book, Bob’s Best Ever Friend.
The session was interactive, with the author asking questions and engaging his audience with each turn of the page.
Afterwards, Mr Bartram said: “It was really good fun. It always is with the kids.
“I try to create a bit of a pantomime. You find that kids are a good audience wherever you go.”
A theatre adaption of his book is touring the north of England until the end of October.
The tour runs from September 26 to October 31 and stars Matthew Gundel as Bob, the Man on the Moon.
It will include newly-adapted songs and music to accompany the story as it is brought to life on stage.
Commenting on the tour, Mr Bartram said: “I just saw it, actually. It’s really brilliant.
“The music and songs were all really good, and the kids loved that as well.”
Durham Johnston School hosted two other events today by Pip Jones and Linda Newbery.
Durham Book Festival runs until October 17 and will feature popular authors such as Bill Bryson and Philip Pullman.

Originally published in The Northern Echo (under Tony Kearney, News Editor and work experience supervisor). Also in print.

Animal charity appeals for furniture

A CHARITY shop is appealing to supporters to donate furniture to help fund its work with animals. 
Staff and volunteers at the Chester-le-Street branch of the veterinary charity PDSA are asking for good-quality furniture with a fire warning label in exchange for a free collection service.
The appeal comes from efforts to raise vital funds for the charity, whose work includes providing PDSA-funded veterinary treatment in the local area.
A charity spokesman said: “If you’ve recently redecorated, had a clear out or moved house and have unwanted furniture taking up your valuable space, then why not donate your items to PDSA?
“All donations will help us raise valuable funds to care for the sick and injured pets of local people in need.”
Supporters who want to donate their furniture should contact the shop on 0191 3881676 to arrange a free collection.
Donations can also be taken directly to the shop on Front Street between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
For more information about PDSA, visit www.pdsa.org.uk.

Originally published in The Northern Echo (under Tony Kearney, News Editor and work experience supervisor). Also in print.

A global mix for new farm garden

Climate change has taken its toll on British wildlife and, along with loss of habitat, our butterflies are one of the many helpless creatures to be affected by this.
However, Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm has found a solution to the decline of the beautiful insects.
They are soon to open a captivating new butterfly garden, which allows visitors to see British butterflies comfortable in their natural habitat.
The garden, situated in a sunny area so to ensure the butterflies and plants maintain full health, will be blossoming with stunning butterfly-attracting plants, such as Midsummer Beauty all year.
The farm are also planting an exquisite butterfly meadow mix – 80 different species from around the world.
The Stratford Butterfly Farm has designed the garden specially to cater for the butterflies’ needs, as well as to be a pretty and pleasant attraction.
Emma Butt, marketing manager of the Stratford Butterfly Farm, said: “Our butterfly garden will be a very special butterfly haven in which butterflies can live and visitors can enjoy.”
Stratford Butterfly Farm have strived to give these delicate creatures a safe environment where they are protected from danger, and the Farm have done this since 1985.
As the UK’s largest tropical butterfly paradise, the Farm will celebrate its 25th anniversary in July 2010.

Originally published at The Solihull News.