Thursday, 18 October 2012

Baroness Ritchie



Baroness Ritchie

Chelsea Old Church
The Dame would frequently go head to head with Shireen Ritchie BUT one thing she never disputed was Shireen's absolute determination to fight on behalf of those Brompton Ward residents she represented:of that there can be no argument.

One hopes that Brompton Ward councillors will be as assiduous as she was in supporting residents....
Her Memorial Service held today at Chelsea Old Church Street was packed. And from what the Dame hears RBK&C officers were hugely represented reflecting the fact that they enjoyed working with her.
The Dame being an avid dog lover was pleased that Shireen's dog, Cato was present....and behaving impeccably. 
Naturally enough, members of the Cabinet, such as Michael Gove, were present.
 

10 comments:

  1. The American Dream is not confined to America. This one time Grand Met typist did well for herself. We should celebrate that.

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  2. She was a controversial figure. Not everyone believes that work on the Candidates List was helpful to her party. To put it as tactfully as possible, her choices and decisions were idiosyncratic. I cannot speak for her work at Kensington & Chelsea.

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    1. An astute comment - quite a few in K&C would agree. But she did make a difference

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  3. Cockell's boudoir of mutual support is fast disintegrating

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  4. She was a lady of absolute integrity and an absolute pleasure to work with. She was one of the breed of members who was easy to trust and who steered a careful course in what she did. She was certainly never in Pooter's pocket.

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    1. Everyone is entitled to an opinion!!

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  5. She worked hard for local residents, I find it rude and arrogant that some people on this blog constantly refer to her as 'the typist'. Everyone starts somewhere in life and Shireen Ritchie left this world having made a difference to other people's lives. She faced her illness with huge courage and dignity. No one could pull wool over her eyes when it came to the needs of children who were fostered, in care, or disabled. She ensured they were taken care of properly by making sure the money was available to do so. All the while she navigated the pit of spineless snakes who turn their backs on residents to kow tow to Pooter hoping for some crumbs off his table. How many of the other Councillors could say they have made a difference? Sadly very few. Who will continue Shireen's work when the focus is taken off local children because of the tri borough. Westminster and Hammersmith and Fulham are a mess, quietly slashing funding to vulnerable people and their families, who will make sure Shireen's legacy continues.

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    1. She was still a typist. And I have no problem with that

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  6. It is silly to get too sanctimonious about Cllr Ritchie and her life. The lady knew how to jump and sometimes leap. From typist to Lib Dem to Conservative, to Cockell and then Cameron and into the House of Lords. She was established in Kensington and Chelsea and made a difference. Maybe she was relaxed enough with her success to settle her efforts in the Borough and not strive to cut a dash in Westminster. We will never know. But she departed a decade before her time and no doubt Brompton and her many friends will miss her. And Kensington and Chelsea is deprived of a "doer". She touched quite a few in friendship. All who heard Cllr Paget-Brown's tribute at the Council meeting sensed that everything he said was from deep in his heart. Not a morsel of "City Hall"

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  7. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. Wax Melts

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