'Quiz Liz': Catryn Jessica Richards, Junior Reporter (age 9 from Penrhyncoch) interviews Elizabeth Evans

Catryn joined myself and the team canvassing on a sunny night in Aberystwyth and I was interviewed by her on a range of important issues.  Here is the interview, hot off the press.  

Catryn:  We need clearer labelling on packages about recycling - there is lots of wrapping that can’t be recycled.

Elizabeth:  Well you are right, its better to have more recycling and less packaging.  We know that there are lots of things like apples and oranges that don't really need to be all wrapped up, but the supermarkets sell them with lots of packaging which then needs to be thrown away.    We should look at how we can make it easier to get the weekly shop without so much packaging.  Like you say, we should all recycle as much as we can and it’s very important to do so.  

Catryn:  There should be proper cycling lessons for children because lots of children can’t cycle well.

Elizabeth:   There should definitely be cycling lessons available for all children.  There ought to be money available for this if there isn't already - I will need to check on this for you. I think all children should have cycling lessons because its important for us to be healthy and cycling is a good way to keep fit, but it is also important that everyone is safe on their bikes; especially if they are cycling on the road. You could start a petition about this if the services aren't there to ensure that children can learn to ride their bikes safely.

Catryn:  We should have a giant chess set and a giant snakes and ladders set on the Prom so that you and your friend can meet and play together.

Elizabeth:  Great idea!  I will contact the people responsible for the services on the Promenade and ask them if they can look into this idea.  It would be great for local people and it would also encourage tourists to use the Prom whilst they are on their holidays.   That’s something I would love to do too - although I’m not very good at chess- my husband Graeme loves playing it.

Catryn: There should be more science in primary school because the university science fair is really good.

Elizabeth:  It’s great that you love science!  I have heard that the university science fair is very good too and it’s fantastic that they encourage youngsters onto the campus.  I am a school governor so this is certainly something I can ask teachers about and see if it is possible to teach more science at primary school level.  What you learn in primary school is a really important grounding for going into secondary school and studying further, so we should encourage young people to study science - the earlier the better!

Catryn:  more things to do in the wet weather like ten-pin bowling or ice skating because there are not many things to do in in the wet weather.

Elizabeth:  Yes; I agree with you Catryn. We need more things for young people and visitors to do in the wet weather. There used to be a ten pin bowling alley in Llanbadarn but that closed.   There is a gap in the market here for something similar like laser quest as you say.   This is certainly something that we should try to attract to Aberystwyth. 

Catryn: What do you think about kids voting?

Elizabeth:  I think it’s a great idea and we should certainly try to make that happen for the next election!  I went to see pupils in Penglais school last week who asked the same question - they are much older than you but just a little bit too young to vote; which is very frustrating for them. So, yes, indeed young people should be able to vote and we should seriously look at reducing the voting age to 16.



Catryn's questions

Catryn with her reporter's notebook asking her questions

Joining us to canvas on the doorstep (love the handbag and shades!)



Catryn and I with Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats

Canvassing and Campaigning across Ceredigion

I've said that campaigning for election is an extreme sport and I think its well worth mentioning again! For the fitness enthusiasts out there I can confirm that my step count is well over the 10,000 recommended daily target!  Calorie consumption (especially cake!!) is high to maintain energy levels(!); so a return to Slimming world will be required - no doubt (eek).  

In all seriousness, the team and I have battled through the rain over the last 2 weeks to visit homes across Ceredigion.  I have been discussing the most important issues that impact on residents and I have promised to campaign hard to win the election and to represent Ceredigion in the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay.     The response 'on the street' is excellent; Team Liz has a great amount  of  support out there.  There is still a lot of work to do and every vote will count. This is going to be a very close election; so remind your friends and family to vote on May 5th.  Voter registration closes on 18th April so if you haven't yet done so please register quickly!  

There are many pressing issues that concern residents across the county which won't come as a suprise.   The three main areas are of course: Health, Education and the Economy.    School closures feature prominently in concerns as well (see the recent video I made in Taliesin which is on you tube).  You should have seen the glossy magazine that has been sent to every resident across Ceredigion - this details the campaign promises that I am committed to.  The Health Promises are  below (more nurses, less discrimination of mental health and improved GP access).  

So over the next few weeks you can expect to see me out and about across Ceredigion, at various 'hustings' events (please come along; your support makes a difference), there will be leafleting of course.   I always welcome extra pairs of hands; so if you would like to help out please get in touch.   

Spotted in Penrhyncoch!

Campaign Launch

Supporter Photo from Betty

Tales from the campaign trail - what matters to the residents of Ceredigion

Mental Health in Ceredigion: OCD week of action

You may be aware that it is O.C.D. (obsessive compulsive disorder) week of action (more information about it can be found here).  The Liberal Democrats have always been serious about supporting Mental Health and firmly hold the view that it should not be stigmatised or ignored.  Our policy framework ensures that we are determined to help people with mental health issues get the right level of support and that mental and physical illnesses are treated with equal importance. You can find out more from our website.   

Last week I visited Huts (Help Us To Survive) in Adpar, Newcastle Emlyn, they are a Ceredigion charity offering opportunities to adults with mental health challenges.  Huts are unique in their approach and they encourage people to explore their creativity by taking part in artistic activities.

Last year Liberal Democrat Norman Lamb launched a cross-party campaign for improved funding for mental health services. You can read more about it here:  Improved mental health services. As past chairperson of Mencap Ceredigion I fully support Norman and his work to improve the services for people with mental health issues.  Healthcare is one of my key priorities and I'll continue to support our local services and do everything I can to raise awareness of mental health issues. Increased funding and support for mental health is one of the key priorities for the Welsh Liberal Democrats going into the Assembly elections in May. 

#ocdaction

HUTS, Adpar, Newcastle Emlyn