Baroness Thomas’s guide to the economic downturn

Baroness Thomas, winding up for the Liberal Democrats in the debate on “The role of women in the global economic crisis”, has some suggestions for how to survive the oncoming recession.

Baroness Thomas of Walliswood: On a more cheerful note—I do not want to be too Pollyanna-ish but it is important not to be too dismal either—perhaps we can all learn again the many pleasures that can be enjoyed for free, such as a walk in the park with a dog, a ball to play with, or friends to talk to while the children play. What about a bus ride to somewhere a little further away from home to fly a home-made kite? What about a bike ride, a free concert in a park, a picnic on the green or in the garden, or a visit to a famous museum? What about taking pre-school children to children’s centres for the under-fives? I am told, on personal recommendation, that they are absolutely excellent in both London and Surrey, and no doubt that is true in other places as well.