More Heat than Arc Light

I don't give loose change to people who beg in the streets. My conscience used to bother me when I passed these allegedly homeless people, ignoring their appeals for help. So we decided to make a regular contribution to a charity that helps homeless people and to have a collecting box on the sideboard. In this way we know that the money goes to those who really need it.
Now, an organisation called Arc Light, that provides a hostel for homeless people, is looking for a new site in York. One of the preferred places is right behind our house. My neighbours have mounted a petition to protest about the plans. They fear it will bring a concentration of unsuitable people into the area, posing a threat to residents.
I cannot in all conscience sign it. In fact when they gathered for a local press photographer, I called the paper to put my view. A caring society should provide for homeless people. If we don't they will be sleeping in shop doorways, breaking into garden sheds and derelict buildings just to find shelter for the night. The result of not providing for them is worse than allowing the hostel to be built. Wherever it is built it will be near someone's home. I cannot be a NIMBY in this case.
I am still on good terms with my neighbours. In fact we have initiated considerable local debate on the issue, and whatever the outcome, it will be the result of due consideration. Unlike many local plans which go through without consultation largely because of public indifference.

Where have you been?

You're right, it is some time since I posted anything to this blog. Let me assure you that it's not dead, nor abandoned. It's just the victim of an increased level of activity in other, and for a time, higher priority areas.

For most of February and early March I was involved in an inter-generational storytelling project for the BBC in Coventry. Five families linked to Lyng Hall School learned the skills to tell their stories for BBC Local TV using Digital Storytelling. Their efforts should soon be visible on the BBC website for the city.

I have also become more involved in a number activities at my local church, St Michael le Belfrey in York. And - the excuses end here - I have just become a director of the Riding Lights Theatre Company which is based in York.

Now, I'm setting up some training events for digital storytelling and rewriting parts of my business website. Whilst in front of the keyboard, I'll be adding to this blog too.