More rude elf than Rudolph
You should see the other guy …
Social Animal learns of a full and frank exchange of views between National Housing Federation policy head Diane Henderson and an enraged, charging rhinoceros (and no, that's not a euphemism for the deputy prime minister).

Despite Henderson's legendarily assertive negotiating skills, honed at the Supporting People table, she experienced a sub-optimal outcome on this occasion. To be precise, she found herself suddenly examining the African dust at very close quarters, unhurt but already planning a less adventurous holiday for 2003. The condition of the rhino is not known.

Will the real NHF please stand up
Engaged as ever in thorough research for another in-depth exposé, I was this week confused to discover that the NHF has evidently decided to diversify in its role as champion for the great and good of the housing association world and start to practise what the Housing Corporation preaches.

Using a well-known internet search engine to trawl for references to the NHF, I discovered that our dear federation has apparently branched out into the cut and blow-dried world of coiffure cultivation. The website of the National Hairdressers' Federation was listed far ahead of any sites to do with housing.

It should add extra interest to the fringe meetings at 2003's NHF conference – but I hope this new enthusiasm for trimming isn't reflected in next year's budget.

We can rebuild him
Poor James Cruddas. Not content with spending an arduous 24 hours in York last Tuesday talking about everything to do with market renewal pathfinders, the dedicated ODPM bod sped off early on Wednesday to another pathfinder seminar in Manchester.

Upon arrival, a bleary-eyed James apologised to the packed room that he might be "not quite with it" as he'd only had four hours' sleep. However, it seems the morning's exchanges revitalised him as, halfway through his talk, an electronic voice informed listeners that "your battery is fully charged". The ODPM had better hang on to this one – clearly he thrives on his subject.

Goodwill to all men – even baronets
Given that it is the season of festive love and forgiveness, I was touched to hear that John Edmonds, head of general workers' union the GMB, has sent a Christmas card to arch-adversary Sir Jeremy Beecham, head of the Local Government Association.

Relations between the two organisations have traditionally been strained, to say the least, but getting into the seasonal spirit, Edmonds apparently added a small note underneath the normal generic greeting. It read: "Merry Christmas – no hard feelings?"

Perhaps there can be peace on earth, after all.

Dear prudence

Speaking at a Centrepoint event last week Gordon Brown, the normally tight-lipped chancellor of the exchequer, let slip a couple of diamond tips for budding MPs. According to the Iron Chancellor, the key when starting out is to convince constituents that what they really need is somebody young with “fresh ideas” to best represent their needs. However, after 20 years as MP for Dunfermline East, that line has worn a bit thin, so canny Brown has decided instead that what constituents actually want is somebody with “maturity and experience”. How prudent.

Source

Housing Today