Another revealing meme
I’ve been tagged for a meme by my American cyber friend Dana Huff. I won’t follow all the rules but I’ll go with the flow and answer the questions.
What were you doing ten years ago?
I’ve checked my diary.
I was Head of Research for the Communications Workers Union (CWU) which represents staff in the postal and telecommunications industries. The Union had just elected a new General Secretary Derek Hodgson and one of his very first meetinga – on which I accompanied him – was to meet the then Chancellor of the Exchequer (now Prime Minister) Gordon Brown and the then Chief Secretary to the Treasury (now Chancellor of the Exchequer) Alistair Darling. The sole subject of the meeting was Derek’s fear that the Government was considering privatisation of the Post Office (now called Royal Mail). We were assured that this was not the case. But today – ten years on – there is a Government-commissioned review of the postal industry being led by Richard Hooper that will certainly be revisiting this immensely controversial issue.
What are five things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order)
- Polish up my CV – I need to find some new public appointments for when Postwatch finishes in September.
- Write some of my diary – I’ve never caught up since we went to Cuba.
- Read the “Guardian” – I love the weekend newspapers.
- Read “A History Of God” – my current book.
- Enjoy the sunshine – it’s incredibly warm this week.
What are some snacks I enjoy?
- Toblerone bar
- My wife’s fruit cake
- Hot cross buns
- Eccles cakes
- Chorley cakes
What would I do if I were a billionaire?
Tell as few people as possible, give each family member enough to pay off debts and have a holiday, and give away the rest to various charities as soon as I could.
What are three of my bad habits?
- I worry too much
- I feel too much
- I don’t admit to my bad habits
What are five places where you have lived?
- The Midlands – i was born in a little place called Sedgley
- Manchester – I went to school and university here
- North London – I first lived here when i moved to the capital
- East London – I lived there with my first wife
- North-west London – I’ve been here 24 years now with Vee
What are five jobs I have had?
- Researcher to a Member of Parliament
- Political Adviser to a member of the Cabinet
- Head of Research for the Communication Workers Union
- Chair of the Internet Watch Foundation
- Member of the Ofcom Consumer Panel