Representing and supporting the first tier of local councils is always a varied life, however the past week has gone from the sleepy hollow that is Burleydam (who knows what goes on behind those curtains???) to the Big Smoke.

The 06.29 Crewe to London is not exactly my favourite start to the day, however the journey was well worth it, and not just for the splendour of Google's UK office a minute's walk from Victoria Station. Having expected to be "sold" some of their tools - especially the advert stuff - what surprised me more is that google is not just a search engine these days - although they clearly still see that part of their business as crucial - but one of the challengers to the title "most important communication company in the world".

Perhaps the subject (product?) that would interest local councils the most is the Open Social project, although most local councillors and clerks would answer "keh?" at the mention of Open Social. The potential of it is astounding, especially given the ability to collaborate online without having the programmes installed on your own computer and really only requires a reasonable broadband connection (still an issue in the most rural areas) and a bit of user understanding.

As the "localgov" project within google develops, I will keep the Local Councils in Cheshire informed and look to work with the project to develop the best tools for our tier.

Other than the excellent OpenSocial, more google tools and their uses were discussed, however it was back to the office on Monday with the usual enquiries from Councils, as well as the reading to be caught up on, then working with the Transition South Cheshire group who are just beginning to progress through the requirements of turning their communities into areas that are less reliant on oil and understand the importance of the low carbon lifestyle. Martin and Colin really live this with so many hours spent on their cycles. Hey ho, back to the grind - rewarding as it is, sometimes it is just that. Then again, the only thing wrong with google's offices was a massive issue for me.

It's in London!

There ain't no way that can compete with the lovely Cheshire countryside I look out on almost every day.