Vocational Skills
By trade I am a teacher, and latterly I worked as a teacher trainer. I know that there are many who would refer to George Bernard Shaw’s maxim that those who can’t teach teach teachers but I shall ignore that slur and concentrate on the more edifying thought that we need to recognise the importance of teacher training and all that it offers.

The Real Retirement Report
I have just got hold of a document by the life company Aviva which publishes research on both retirement and more importantly pre-retirement. As such it examines the prospects for the finances and potential lifestyles of over-55s in the UK who by 2011 will it is estimated makeup 29% of the population.

David demands that government takes oppur-tuna-ty to protect wild fish survival
David was joined by campaigners this week to demand that the government does not spend tax payers’ money on fish that is endangered. Currently, schools, hospitals and care homes, for example, can buy fish such as cod, haddock and wild salmon.

David shows his support for animal testing openness
David joined politicians from all parties at an event hosted by the BUAV for its campaign to lift the secrecy on animal testing in the UK.

National Science and Engineering Week
The 12th – 21st of March is National Science and Engineering Week. Now I know I have written before that we have weeks for everything, but this is an important one and is worthy of more than passing interest. Co-ordinated by the British Science Association and funded by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills the week provides opportunities for hundreds of organisations and thousands of individuals to participate in science, engineering and technology events and activities across the country.

EDM 913 Robin Hood Tax Campaign
David maintains his commitment to social justice by signing Lindsay Hoyle’s EDM ‘That this House supports the Robin Hood tax campaign which calls for the introduction of a financial transaction tax; notes that by taking an average of 0.05 per cent. from speculative banking transactions..