Transforming Brent Libraries at Brent Archive

I notice that Transforming Brent Libraries ( LINK) is now itself available at the Brent Archive in Willesden Library, which seems appropriate.

Transforming Brent Libraries Reviewed

I see my Transforming Brent Libraries has been "reviewed" by Mike Phipps on Wembley Matters. Sadly, Mike Phipps apppears to have been so overcome with personal dislike/far left zeal that he does not seem able to review it paroperly, so I hope anyone who wants to read it goes to the original Transforming Brent Libraries instead. It is always best to go to the original if you want to know what it said. I was struck by one of the comments though. Made by Philip Grant, it reminds me of a point I made in the book about a different person who had been complaining about the poor state of Kilburn Library over many years. The Libraries Transformation project led to a major refurbishment costing almost £650,000. The quality of the library was hugely improved. Instead of being pleased, the person concerned seemed almost affronted, which I can only assume was caused by having her hobby of lamenting the neglect of Kilburn Library taken away from her. Likewise, Mr Grant seems unhappy that during the consultation on building the library the plans were changed to meet his objections about the "Victorian" street frontage. Mr Grant seems offended if the plans aren't changed but also if they are! I note that in the same post he accuses some people (not me) of telling lies. This is always a bad idea, as legally it is very hard to sustain, not least because of the difference between a lie and an inaccurate statement.

What Scots Want from the UK

A curious insight into what Scots want from a Yes vote comes to me via Eddie Barnes. Some of these majority/plurality option strike me as unlikely (UK wide pensions? no Anglo-Scots border?); other seem impossible. If there are common Armed forces who holds ultimate say in how and where they are deployed? If the British Prime Minister orders military action does get it even if Scots politicians don't want it? It seems to me, based on these figures Scots voters imagine that they can get exactly the deal they dictate without worrying about the downsides, precisely the error Brexit supports imagined for themselves.

A Quieter Scene

As can be seen below, I have been off this blog for quite a while. I am returning to it because it seems to be a necessity once you publish a book, as I now have with Transforming Brent Libraries. When I came off blogging about Brent in 2020, it seemed that Brent Council was entering a much quieter phase, as most of the most difficult reforms and spending cuts had been made. This meant that mischief makes such as Martin Francis had far less to write about. Judging by Martin Francis' (still extant) Wembley Matters, that is still the case. He seems to be reduced to commenting on the odd planning application here and there. With some very nasty budget cuts coming up, we shall see if that continues.

Robert Evans OBE

I notice that Cllr Robert Evans (Surrey) has been made an OBE in the King's New Years Honours list. Presumably the absence of a resignation Honours List for either Boris Johnson or Liz Truss is that not being allowed to put one forward. Robert is a well known figure in Brent following his lengthy stint as a MEP for North West London and then London as a whole.