Page 81 - Phonebox Magazine November 2015

School
We all saw Autumn at its best during a forest school day at Everdon Outdoor Learning Centre. The woods were a blaze of colour in the sunshine, they were the perfect place to look for badger sets, make homes for woodland creatures and play some great games. We had a super day together.
The TUC Geoff Bacchus Forthcoming Law Reform
David Trend, whose letter we published last month, is observing precisely what I was expecting when writing for the
June issue. But no David, we are not seeing a phenomenon and we are not surprised. The collapse of the Labour party in May left its remnant vulnerable to a determined trade union take-over. Jeremy Corbyn being among the survivors offered the unions a handy peg on which to hang their hopes and they utilised their curious power over their members to ensure the party leadership. That curious hold over their members is clearly the target for the forthcoming legislation. This issue is probably the only one enjoying the support of all Conservatives in parliament even including David Cameron’s little circle.
Hitherto union members have contributed to a political levy automatically collected with their subscription; a member not wishing to subscribe to the levy must “opt-out” in writing, needless to say a degree of arm
twisting took place in several branches. Legislation ahead, while leaving a union free to support any party they choose but members will only subscribe to the union’s political levy if they “opt-in” in writing. Thus reminded of their freedom to choose it is to be envisaged that the great majority will stay aloof, working people for the most part have no interest in party politics.
The expectation is thus going to reduce the unions contribution to the Labour party and to their influence over that party’s policies; in the longer term this should be good news for the party leadership. At present of course the left wing are trying to stave off the prospect and don’t much care how they go about it. Back in June I expected to see a show from rent-a-mob and sure enough they recently answered their call in Manchester... Enough of this, I don’t know what David Pibworth has for our readers this month but you’ll surely find it more fun than politics. GB
Newton Blossomville Church of England School
Ours is a small village school and, by long and unbroken tradition, it is a much loved school which lies at the heart of its surrounding community. Over the years it has attracted pupils from a wide area. Our children are aged from 4-7 years old.
• English, maths, science taught in separate year groups
• Small class sizes
• Free early morning club
• Free after school clubs
• After school care until 6pm • Free school trips
• Forest school
If your child is starting school in September 2016 and you would like a small, outstanding village school for your child, please get in touch – we’d love to show you around.
Newton Blossomville C of E School Newton Blossomville, Beds, MK43 8AL
Telephone: 01234 881 294
Website: www.newtonblossomvilleschool.org.uk
E-Mail: office@newtonblossomville.milton-keynes.sch.uk
Headteacher: Mrs Lisa Watson BSc (Hons) PGCE NPQH
Phonebox Magazine 81