Politically Correct by Karen Henshaw

We're small in number but we're big in spirit
Coun Karen Henshaw, Liberal Democrat councillor for Kilnhouse ward on Fylde CouncilCoun Karen Henshaw, Liberal Democrat councillor for Kilnhouse ward on Fylde Council
Coun Karen Henshaw, Liberal Democrat councillor for Kilnhouse ward on Fylde Council

Following the General Election in 2011, 57 Lib Dem MPs found themselves in the uncomfortable position of joining the Conservatives in a coalition government – with no other feasible option.

Nick Clegg had been warned that the junior party in a coalition often suffers in the following election and in 2015, these fears materialised with the Lib Dems losing all but eight MPs.

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However, after Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith resigned and the Lib Dems defeated him in the subsequent by-election, thereby increasing their number to nine MPs.

All Lib Dems, MPs, councillors and activists alike, are known for working extremely hard in their community – never afraid to take on the higher levels of bureaucracy to fight for the rights of their residents.

Here in St Annes, the three Lib Dem councillors – Tony Ford, Carol Lanyon and myself , have all served as magistrates. Tony and Carol, together with a group of volunteers, which now include members of St Annes in Bloom, have been collecting Christmas trees to protect the sand dunes for several years.

Tony and Carol also helped to form the St Annes Youth Council.

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Tony Ford has been the Chairman of the St Annes Town Twinning group and also represents St Annes on the Rail Partnership Committee.

I have been a cchool governor of Mayfield for 10 years and chairman of Lytham St Annes Festival of Performing Arts for six years and now its honorary president. After being on the fundraising committee for King George V Park on Heeley Road, I am now the vice chairman of the friends group for Blackpool Road Playing Fields where the new Health Path is under construction. A makeover of the play area, flower - planting and benches will follow shortly.

The extension of ‘No Cold Calling’ areas in St Annes is another venture with which I am actively involved.

Supporting this small band of Lib Dem councillors are several activists, including Ald Howard Henshaw, former town councillor Bob Fielding, involved in local community projects.

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So, locally and nationally, our Lib Dem groups may be small in number but we are big in spirit.

We punch WELL above our weight !

Having fun serving community

Many people are unaware of service clubs which provide vital help to charities and individuals in our community.

My husband, Howard has been a member of the Service Clubs of Round Table, 41 Club and Rotary over 50 years and I have been a member of Ladies Circle, Tangent and Inner Wheel, both in the UK and overseas.

Lions Clubs objectives are to make a difference in local communities and I am sure that everyone knows of their tremendous ‘Swimarathon’ in St Annes each year, which raises thousands of pounds for charity.

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The Freemasons Lodges in the Fylde area provide the opportunity for making new friends and helping deserving causes. As deputy mayor, I attended one of their ‘Giving’ days when they handed out cheques to local groups.

The Round Table organisation is for young men aged under 45 and aims to provide service in the communities and friendships which have no borders. Lytham Round Table, for instance, organise the Bonfire Night at Fylde Rugby Club every November.

Ladies Circle, formerly the wives of Round Tablers, is now open to all ladies who want to make new friends, have lots of fun and do some fundraising along the way. Their motto is “Be fun, be yourself, belong !”

41 Club and Tangent is made up of retired Round Tablers and Ladies Circle members. They continue to foster the friendships made over the previous years. Special mention must be made of Kirkham Tangent ladies for their marvellous project – Hat hire – bringing in thousands of pounds every year.

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The three Rotary Clubs in Fylde Borough – Kirkham and Rural Fylde, Lytham and StAnnes on the Sea, have a common bond of “Service above Self” for communities. Founded in the USA in 1905, there are now 3,500 clubs in over 200 countries worldwide.

I am a member of the Inner Wheel Club of St Annes on the Sea. We are now an independent UK and International organisation but keep strong ties with Rotary.

Inner Wheel’s aims are:

* To promote true friendships n To encourage the ideals of personal service -

* To foster International understanding

Soroptomists International work globally at all levels to transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.

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As you can see, the common thread running through all these Service Clubs is service to communities, coupled with fun and friendship.

Is democracy dead under Conservatives?

When I spoke about fracking at the planning meeting, I was pleased that the county councillors refused permission for shale gas extraction at Preston New Road and Roseacre sites.

I spoke again at the inquiry at Blackpool Football Club, pointing out the likely hazards posed to tourism and farming. I asked for ‘our green and pleasant land’ to be protected for future generations.

I was dismayed when permission was subsequently given for the Preston New Road site with a proviso to reapply for the Rosacre site.

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A comment in the magazine Planning Resource, entitled ‘Dark days for underground rights’ and written by Graeme Bell OBE, a former county planning officer for Lancashire states: “A sudden rush of energy and lower bills is no replacement for a long term energy strategy which respects Mother Earth”.

In my opinion, the Conservative Government was determined to go ahead with fracking, despite public opinion and the Lancashire County Council refusal.

Is Democracy Dead under the Conservative Government?

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