Leaderboard

Morning all, I'm both grateful and very humbled by the sentiments expressed by everyone. Thank you. Progress continues but it will take however long it takes. On a positive, I'm not so wobbly or light headed. I can now stand up without sitting straight back down and walk down down stairs without fear or trepidation. The headaches are generally gone and ones sense of taste and smell is almost there but still a tad different. Main issue is the getting out of breath doing simple , day to day tasks and by the afternoon I can be quite tired. It can feel a little like one step forward and two steps back....... Rob.

The DS GER General Van is now finished. I have to say this is my new favourite van on my layout. The reasons being; I built it, I painted it, I weathered it and it’s definitely the best brass kit I have ever built. Gave my self a well earn’t pat on the back.

The DJH 8F I completed late last year has now been painted/weathered by Geoff Haynes. It's based on a shot in Irwell's 'Book of the 8Fs'. And, alongside another loco (built by me) painted by Geoff........... Very natural........................

Some more photos taken at Newcastle Central for this afternoon. Newcastle 43197 up 1st June 89 C11946.jpg Newcastle 47444 Liverpool to Newcastle 31st Oct 89 C13759.jpg Newcastle 47705 parcels 31st Aug 93 C19117.jpg Newcastle 56130 up empties July 88 J9633.jpg Newcastle 91016 King X to Glasgow C 21st April 92 C16783.jpg David

A cloudy and cold morning in North Somerset, but it appears to be dry although I haven't ventured out yet. There are some nonsense articles in the daily papers these days, and I wonder if the constant covid story continually re-hashed in a different way each day, is driving the journos mad? Today for example, there is half a page on what people wear during lockdown, and a jumper with holes in is mentioned; as if the wearer should be so embarrassed by such a faux-pas that they ought never to show their faces in public again. If said jumper is comfortable and the person is stuck indoors all day or working from home, why can't they wear what they like? And why should I worry that a few millionaire tennis players are confined to their 5-star hotels in Australia because someone on their flights tested positive, and they didn't realise that one positive person will mean the entire aircraft's passengers must be quarantined for 14 days. Where do they think the virus goes at 35000ft in a sealed metal tube? Sorry, rant over. I will go and prepare for the flooding we have been promised.

JSB, Atkins is the extreme end of it IIRC, but yes! You don't have to go that far to make a difference though. Just back from the vets, yes she is tall, young, and statuesque but blonde, not dark! Crikey she's an absolute stunner actually, shame she isn't going to stay at our practice. So a referral onwards, back to the department where it all started 8 years ago - only now I don't think they can use an MRI due to the metalwork in my foot, not sure. All a bit sore now due to 'range of movement' aka torture tests, stronger pills to try to get some sleep, didn't want to go that way as we all know the difficulties opiods can cause so I won't be taking them all the time. Not actually very keen on going to the hospital currently, but by the time my referral gets to the top of the pile I'll probably be dead ten years anyway.

A company special full of Directors of Little Muddle out for an afternoon jolly.. Caught by our intrepid local photographer Ken Dobetter yesterday aternoon Part 1

Absolutely they do. In this day and age they sometimes genuinely know more and know it sooner than the staff. A swift refresh of a suitable app will show whether their train is running, is on time and in many cases how many carriages it has and what the numbers are. IT is far from uncommon to be approached and asked "What's happened to the Little Nuttingford train" when we are blissfully unaware of anything unusual having happened. It is still shown on the departure screens as "On Time", no word has come through from our control point and the auto-annoy auto-generated announcement Sonia* hasn't told us anything. But cancelled it jolly well is and the app the customer is looking at has refreshed from the feed faster than our own. Or at least they have had more time to gaze at their tiny screen whilst we have been safely dispatching trains among other things and complying with the requirement to NOT look at our phones during work time! I coach most new entrants to the job these days. I have had the same add-on to the daily role in several previous employments within and outside of the industry, in the UK and in Australia. I always teach the "Three M's of Customer Service". The customer could be Mistaken, Misguided or Misled but is NEVER Wrong. If I end up with that attributed to me on a headstone somewhere then my mission will be partially complete. Another piece of advice I give - and it cannot be said too often - is "Check Signal". I will tell trainees to say it to themselves before making any move. Even go to bed saying "Check Signal". Only when that is drummed in and you do it every single time will you pass the Rules & Regulations Exam and become a qualified dispatcher permitted to work solo. If I see a dispatch tip when the signal has not been checked I will act accordingly. Safety isn't just first - it encompasses everything we do. * The (usually female) voice of the pre-recorded announcements driven by the various computer systems used to monitor and record train performance. So called because she Gets Sonia Nerves.

Morning All from a quiet and dry North Hipposhire where not a lot is happening apart from coffee consumption. Must get on with some of that carpeing of diems stuff. Having gained somewhat in tonnage since the first lockdown started I'm beginning a much reduced carbohydrate regime in the hope that by the time the wearing of the sort of clothes acceptable in SWMBO's eyes for public appearance, I will be able to do so without straining the fastenings. Unfortunately having my Dad with us who is a pudding fiend as well as Jill's insistence that no meal is complete without a mound of carbohydrates means that it is sometimes difficult but I shall try to persevere. Stay safe. Dave

Part 2 As it passes by and its gone...

Good evening everyone It rained for a short time this morning, which just happened to coincide with my journey to the shed to get some screws and nuts! Luckily it wasn’t heavy and as the distance between the shed and the workshop is only about 6 feet, I didn’t really get wet. Today I’ve made 4 adjustable pillars that will support and lock the scenic wooden top of the turntable to the working mechanism below. I also extended the 4 support legs and added rubber feet so the whole thing is now free standing. This afternoon made a start on adding the lettering around the control switches using some old rub down lettering that I’d got it stock. It looks neat enough, but I’m not 100% sure how it’ll last, mind you I haven’t yet applied a protective coat of varnish yet. But I am thinking about producing my own water-slide labels, so I’ll hang back with the varnish until I’ve decided one way or another. This afternoon I sat and watched a programme I recorded last weekend called ‘The Art Of Drumming’. I found it very interesting, Sheila decided it wasn’t for her and went to the kitchen and read, leaving me in the living room to enjoy it on my own.

Aditi, and a few others in their family had a discussion today via WhatsApp about an incident just over 60 years ago. Aditi’s brother posted a photo of Aditi and her sister with a neighbours child in on a holiday in the Himalayas. They were walking to Badrinath. Aditi remembers being carried in a basket by a porter and losing her hat when it blew away crossing a bridge. However her Mum said just after the photo was taken Aditi nearly got trampled by a cow. Aditi’s aunt, who must have been a teenager grabbed her but got kicked by the cow. She was in pain so they decided to drive back to Delhi. This would be a 15 hour drive now so I can see why MiL said it took over a day then. It turned out that Aditi’s aunt had a broken leg and needed hospital treatment. Aditi’s Dad wasn’t there as he had come to England and was working in a hospital in Sunderland. MiL seemed to have totally clear recall of the incident. Aditi doesn’t recall the cow at all.

' morning all from red dragon land. Wet out but drying up. Rain later. For today's breakfast, I had more apple left over than I thought so, mix in some mixed spice, add the rest of the summer fruits, reheat...and there is enough for tomorrow, as well! Then it will be back to using fresh apples. I did well on the magazine articles, yesterday, and am now in need of another file to take the next batch. Hopefully, that will cover all the back issues. Keeping up to date after that should not be so bad. At the moment, I have them organised into magazine name and date which will need an Index. I am tempted, though, to put them into categories but since some articles (on different topics) fall on the same sheet back to back, this would mess things up. At least an Index can categorise them, so I think this might be the better option - and easy to do. The majority of articles begin on the inside of the page for that double page spread, often with the front page covered in adverts. Not easy for identifying anything! Thus, I already include a hand-written Index Card (just a slip of paper!), with article details, which is tucked inside the article's wallet. Again, quick and easy to do. I have had my toot on the flute as it is Putting out the Bins day, including the 3-week general waste collection, and it will be raining sooner rather than later and so is next on the jobs front...well...er...not until I have had my mugadecaf...priorities and all that... Fitt and Elfie tuning up for the day. Take care all and play safe. _________ Best wishes Polly

Morning all. Hope everyone is well today? if not best wishes as needed. Today is the first of 3 days off Richard has, so I'm taking the opportunity to rest up, though I've also been doing some DTP for the next DEMU UPDate issue, which is progressing well enough (it goes in sporadic bursts as when Richard is at work Poppy wants attention and fuss so difficult to work at the computer those days). The house smells of bacon, so bacon sarnies should be served shortly, and a 3rd cuppa for the day.

Morning. 6c and looking like rain, but it hasn't as yet. No further murders in the neighbourhood today. Rumour (and boy, are the Manx good at them!) suggesting a (deliberate) firearms incident - unheard of here. iD, that gent appears to be re-iterating what Dr Jason Fung has been promoting for years - his book 'The Diabetes Code' is a good read for us non-professionals in explaining the background and causes of T2, as well as science showing the way out of it. Worked for me.....young vet was most impressed last week!

In its latter days, I was fortunate to be able to visit the Officers Mess, on business which also enabled me to visit other parts of the base such as the large hangars and around the old castle which had intrigued me for years. By that time, middle fifties, all the aircraft were just about gone but the AirSea rescue boats were still there. The last aircraft I saw from there was a Catalina which took off across the Sound towards Cawsand. Possibly the Sunderlands had all gone by that time as the RAAF had gone home. Interesting spot during the war years though! Brian.

Morning all. It is overcast but I think it is starting to become clearer. It isn’t raining. Aditi is going to make marmalade today. I found the jam thermometer last night but the battery was dead. Of course we don’t have a suitable replacement. I ordered some, without buying a pack of 20 which seems to be the norm on Amazon. If they don’t arrive I have been informed there are other methods for determining whether the marmalade is ready. I also sharpened some knives for the peel chopping stage. I am not sure if other fruit is lurking somewhere ready to be conserved but Aditi has just bought a book written by someone called Pam the Jam. I suspect we will go for a walk today. Tony

Mooring Awl, Inner Temple Hare, 4,5 hours plus 1.5 hours plus 1/2 and hour, not too bad a total nights sleep. My department boss when I worked for GEC last worked genuinely on electronics was on the radios in Sunderlands, I seem to recall he said some of it was up near tail end Charlie.. MS Edge has decided that when you click on a searched for item, it will open it in a new tab, instead of on the tab I'm on... Most annoying, end up with many tabs... The android tablet has a variety of not clearing old messages, or picking up one from several posts before, or removing the one you're typing when another message comes in.. The point about three cars not having local registrations was it was all three.. You'd have expected at least one to be local. Also the one that attracted my attention in the first place was a 70 reg, ie issued since September, white BMW Estate, hardly likely to have moved around yet.. I bought cars as far a field as Somerset, Central Scotland, Northumberland, Norfolk, Milton Keynes, drove them and sold some of them in the other areas. It's worrying they some wish to talk about relaxing restrictions after the first 4 groups are done. In the merely vulnerable group 6, I have this nasty feeling at the end of group 4, the covidiots will go mad and say precautions don't matter anymore.. I'm now Zeroing the test equipment and this weeks major system, which was for a change available for me when I arrived. The boss has taken control of last weeks 2nd major system as there is a major problem with it.. once he's sorted out the problem I may have further work.. Time to... Get measuring..

Spent a few hours making a Metcalfe kit with a little friend sat on my shoulder! Quite happy purring away taking it all in! going to be gutted when this little fella gets adopted!

Excellent snooker final which certainly swung between two very good players with some really good shots and some occasional embarassing failures. But in the end youth overcame experience and the young Chinese contestant - 20 years old - won. Mrs Stationmaster can remember Sunderlands flying in and out of Mount Batten although after the w end of the war and through to the end of operational flying of the type it was only a maintenance base. The base of course remained open for quite a while after all flying ceased and my miserable git of a (now long deceased) brother-in-law was based there at one time in its later days.

Bear quite likes the words "So much cake, so little time....." Though Spike Milligan aced it I think - he had the words "I told you I was ill" on his gravestone.

Moaning - Martin Luther King day here, and for some a public holiday, AND, TWO DAYS AND COUNTING. It's a "national" holiday of sorts with banks and Post Offices etc., closed, but many businesses carry on regardless. Confusingly, it's NOT a public holiday on my company calendar, BUT, the Long Island client DOES take it as a holiday! So, do I work (have sh!t to do for them and can justifiably bill) or NOT, taking the day as personal time-off! Confusing, probably work half-day, covers both bases I have a SERIOUS PUZZLE/CHALLENGE for those who want to try for it - with TWO CAVEATS; CAVEATS; 1) Don't judge me for using Amazon. We use them A LOT. Things that should be "in stock" locally but never are, and things that can't be found locally - try as we do, local shops simply don't really care on an individual item or customer basis. 2) Don't judge me for using Tetley tea bags. They WORK and are convenient and I rather like the tea, though I know many will shun me now THE PUZZLE/CHALLENGE- figuring out WHAT THE HELL happened here, and more to the point what to do about it, or not! Saturday I ordered two 80-bag boxes of Tetley tea from Amazon - the local grocery store I have got them from for years have decided to ONLY carry the DECAF version now! Order says - delivery between Jan 25th - 28th. coming from a third party Amazon store. Quite acceptable as I've some left in my stock. Sunday evening at 6:29 (security camera has the footage), a guy "looking" to all intents like a delivery guy, drops off a package of said tea. From footage he appears to check his hand-held for details, drops it off, take a picture etc., etc. as is normal practice here, and we FIND said package about an hour later. The package is simply two boxes of Tetley Tea (as "ordered") in a Walmart plastic bag. The only label on the entire thing is this; All AMAZON packages here come in distinctly Amazon boxes, can't miss them, AND they always have the complete shipping label on them!!!! ADDITIONAL PUZZLE PIECES/CLUES/DETAILS 1) We never shop at Walmart, not sure we've ever even been in one! 2) Usually get a text message announcing expected delivery AND once delivery has been made - neither appeared. 3) Amazon order STILL SHOWS arriving per original date, not shipped even yet. 4) If it's a mistaken delivery, what are the chances someone ELSE ordered two boxes of Tetley tea from ANYWHERE and managed to get it delivered to us. Not like it's a gallon of milk which half the US may order, we're talking something VERY SPECIFIC and not exactly a common order "around these parts". 5) Using any/all of the data on the label results in nothing being able to be found via google etc.. Customer name, nothing showing locally!! 6) There's no indication of a return address to contact the shipping company. 7) Order number or any of the other numbers bear no relationship to ANY Amazon recent order! Suggestions? It's not ticking so not a bomb it appears to be what was ordered, but does that mean some alien intercepted my order and decided to do a good deed? I'm in the twilight zone and it didn't really happen? That MAY be true except we still have the package on the porch table Oh well - confused in Minnesota -7 and cloudy, actually expected to go DOWN for a high of -8 later Off we go for the start of another week.

Afternoon all from a slightly warmer Hill of Strawberries. Another Moan-day is in progress and lived up to its name at the House of Fun. What is it about Government rules on staying home and only travelling for permitted reasons that some people choose to not understand or ignore? Today's complaints began before 07.00 when the 07.03 train didn't show up on the departure boards. There is no 07.03 (nor any other .03) during the current emergency timetable despite it being displayed on numerous apps which have not been updated. "But look at all these people waiting ...... " was the next piece of verbal diarrhoea. There were six in total. Six. When normally there might be a couple of hundred. "We are running a reduced service in line with Government directions because fewer people should be travelling". "But I have to meet my friend at 7.30 ......... " FAIL. After walking away from said person and noticing that he followed me down the platform I then observed that he, in turn, was being followed by a quartet of RCOs (Rail Community Officers - the railway equivalent of a PCSO and with some police-like powers but not the full range). So I turned - he turned - and he walked straight into their arms!!! I didn't stay to hear the argument but his voice was raised and he was escorted from the platform. Sometimes someone happens to be in the right place at the right time. Today four someones were. Chicken salad wraps were prepared for lunch by Dr. SWMBO. I am tasked with heating a pizza for tonight and scooping some coleslaw from the tub. I wouldn't want to overdo it after a morning's work would I?

Good morning all, Dry start and there is a vague hint of hazy sunshine. There may be some rain later this afternoon. Went for walk earlier and although The Hip started to protest I pushed on and managed 2.2 miles today so that's a major improvement for me. One or two minor domestic tasks need dealing with and then I may visit the building at the end of the garden. Possibly. Didn't get there yesterday. Have a good one, Bob.

I recently came across some photos of myself at a wedding, when I was in my 20s, that I have absolutely no recollection of being at. Not my own wedding, I hasten to add.

Greetings all from Sidcup where I can see the sun! Too many pages to catch up since I posted last but belated congratulations to Mrs NHN for her new job. My Dad had the jab yesterday at 5 past 6 (or at least, that is when his appointment was). It was was scheduled to be held about 10 miles from where he lives, and quite a difficult journey by public transport for someone in their 80s who does not drive (train and then I guess there might be a bus in Tonbridge). Fortunately the next door neighbour had an appointment for 10 past 6 so gave him a lift. Probably not within the rules but probably safer than getting a taxi which would have been an alternative way. I was wrong with my report about the generator going. That was running until quite late in the evening and then starting up about 8.30 the next day. The workmen came back on Sunday and see to sort it all as the generator was not running yesterday evening, and a car came and towed it away this morning. And now back to work. have a good day all!

Seagull now at rest, and will come off once the firemen has finished uncoupling.

Morning all from Estuary-Land. Not a bad night last night 3+2 hours sleep despite the sore foot and Arthur Itis. Need to do a bit of shopping today, mostly perishables. It seems that a few shelves were empty when I last went into Tess Coes, hopefully that isn't a sign of things to come. Time to sort out breakfast, be back later.

My last show visit was in 2018 - "Warley". 2019 was a "write-off" for me, due to my father's detoriorating health - and death, early in December. As for 2020, my mother never got over my father's death - couldn't be left alone at home - had a fall late in October - and wasn't fit enough to be discharged over a month later, when the Corona menace swept through her hospital. It took a further week to finish her off (although I think she'd lost the will to live before her fall). She died exactly 52 weeks after her husband. They'd only been married for 55 years. For some reason, when shows finally return, I'll probably be one of the first through the door. Huw.

Evening All, not done much this weekend, not even been on here much so hope everyone’s ok. Walk, tidying the garden and watching films seems to some up the weekend. All very humdrum. Hopefully tomorrow will have a little bit of excitement. Goodnight, Robert

Morning, Excitement for the day, new internet hub successfully installed. My cup runneth over. Robert

My trip to the "alternative" post office went well. Two staff were working to keep the queue at bay. Chicken has been shredded, warm butter and lemon juice added to it (and some lemon zest). The ramekins are now in the fridge ready for lunch! No pumping of water today as herself believes the Yorkshire Water team are on their way...I believe that when they arrive! Baz

Hello again. Early memories, my oldest memories go back to when I was a toddler, about 70 years ago. One is learning to walk, my dad sitting in his favourite chair encouraging me to walk towards him. The other was a trip to Nottingham to visit relatives. My dad had borrowed a Ford Y van and I vaguely remember riding in it. I also remember a ride on a London tram when I was about two or three years old. When I mentioned this to my dad he was able to confirm it all and was quite surprised.

Morning, brighter and a tad warmer today, a walk to the beach may well occur. On subjects of childhood memories, my daughter has to bright young kids, but she is often talking of making memories for them, so 2 trips to Florida, they don't even remember going on a plane and the eldest(who has been twice) vaguely recalls meeting Mickey Mouse. 2 years ago they were fishing with me in the outer hebrides and their Gran took a photo, when they saw it recently, they couldn't remember the day at all!! I guess we are in for some weather, the gritter lorry has just driven down our cul de sac, so maybe the snow is on it's way? Stay safe all.

Good morning everyone Late out of bed this morning due to a very sore back, it’s been like that since last week and I was hoping the rest from strenuous work over the weekend would sort it, but alas not. It does seem a wee bit better today than yesterday though and as a precaution I’ve taken a couple of painkillers this morning, something I don’t normally do! So the plan is to do this evening’s shopping trip this morning and rest for the rest of the day! Stay safe, stay sane, enjoy whatever you have planned for the day, back later. Brian

Morning All And for once all posts read and rated. And tne usual greetings are proferred. Not a lot to report at all today. Regards to All Stewart

This morning I caught Crompton No 33012, Light Engine on its way from Dore End Yard to Bench Road.

Ey up! Notalot was achieved testerday apart from wrapping some parcels to be posted today. As our sub Post Office is shut for 5 months I must visit another one. Both are slightly further away so will increase my step count but the parcels are heavy. Pah! I need to set the pump to work again.. although Yorkshire Water are due to visit us to see what the flooding is all about.. currently the water from nearby non maintained playing fields is running down the road outside. Bet they don't turn up today. In food matters I need to make up some chicken and lemon terrine. This needs to be done before lunch so the morning is going to be a busy one. Time to kick Monday into submission. But first...a mugatea. Have as good a day/evening/night as you can Positive thoughts to all ERs and hoping the "missing" ones are ok. Baz

Morning all. The editor had retained my text from last night; randomly weird. Just another manic Monday at the(home) office desk beckons. @BSW01 three supports for your turntable might be more easily adjusted for levels, you know - the milking stool principle and all that? Stay safe, stay well and make the most of the day

Hanlith Junction, Greengates Lane bridges in the foreground

We now have super fast Broadband woo hoo engineer came sorted out anew socket and messed in cabinet at top of street. All sorted Oh no it isnt. Despite us ringing old provider and cancelling contract which ran out yesterday. Talk talk should have taken over today allegedly that hadnt happened according to old supplier post office. Its all turning in to a living nightmare as does everything we try to do to improve things. So what the chuff has gone off i dont know. Post office alledges that talk talk havent been in touvh with them. They then said we hadnt been in touch with PO they had a record on their system we told them we were going to BT originally but TT gave us a better deal. When we booked the engineer with TT they said they would sort it all out with PO. I just want to scream

Especially when there are thousands of Aussie residents stranded abroad and having extreme difficulty getting home again. Why didn't they cancel the Tennis? Oh yes, money..... Cynical Mode Off. I wonder if Bear gives Boris's Mob a bung I can jump the queue?? Bear is at your disposal, Sir. Dustbin mode engaged, gob waiting..... In other news: Bear has done the washing, changed the sheets and been planning and making preparations for the plasterer to start - I'll call him later to arrange. Also the hoover (actually it's an electrolux) was fixed - the drive belt turned out to be stretched so the turny -bar bitty at the front wasn't. All done.

Morning all, The editor has been duly cleared - would have saved me typing G'night kn the wee small hours but of course it didn't appear at that time. obviously this editor chap is far too inconsistent to be relied on. Reasonably clear visibility this morning but the sky seem to be going n for 50 shades of grey As far as car registrations are concerned most of mine over the years have been fairly local but at one time I did have a Citroen GS with a Shetland registration mark - rather neat I thought for me living in the eastern outer spiral arm of West Berkshire. Fortunately I never had a vehicle with either a MUD or DUD local registration mark although i think the latter found itself not very popular so ceased to be used. When I worked in Reading many years ago our Divisional Manager, David Pattison had his initials, FDP, on quite a number of local (Reading Transport) buses but not on any Thames Valley 'buses - where he happened to be one of the Directors. As ever no real plans for today apart from repeatedly being told that the floor needs vacuuming - which presumably is a somewhat less than veiled hint instruction to do it. Have a good day one all

Good moaning. It's still dark here and probably frosty as we had a brilliant starry night when I went over to lock the shed last night. Anyway we had a lovely meal with our two friends yesterday. They briughtvtheirvrescue dog, Ickare, who is some sort of black poodle cross. He's settled down well with Jill and Grace and is much less timid than he was. He spent most of the time in the garden, whilst we ate, drank and chatted. At one point he had gone very quiet so I went out to see what was happening. He was sitting quietly staring up into a tree where a neighbours cat was perched about 15' up. He sat there wiith them watching each other for about 2 hours. Ladders were mentioned but I suggested waiting. Eventually Icare came back in to tell Jill and Grace that it was nearly time for his tea. By the time they left the cat had gone. All safe in the end. Today the fosse is to be emptied so I have to wait in. The ironing needs to be done so I may well bring everything through to the sitting room and select some suitable vinyl for my entertainment. Regards to all. Jamie

Greetings one and all I learned with sadness yesterday of the passing of Phil Spector. I venture to suggest that his legacy of amazing music and the “Wall of Sound” will never be forgotten. In the summer of 1966 I was working as a petrol pump attendant when “River Deep Mountain High” by Ike and Tina Turner was on the radio, seemingly all day. If ever I am cast away on the mythical desert island with only eight records, that track will be one of them. Perhaps if I play it until it drives me to distraction I will be able to figure out just how Spector achieved that massive sound. His was not the happiest of lives but he is at peace now. Polybear, I do have a pair of rainbow socks. They are almost knee length and I feel that they are shown off to best effect when I am also wearing shorts. This is something that I seldom do, least of all when temperatures are as low as they are now. I suppose it is high time that The Tie reappeared in public. It had been due to grace my neck on Christmas Day at the posh hotel but thanks to those who rule us causing my dinner to be cancelled it was not to be. Best wishes to all Chris

A useful morning has been had. It's lovely and sunny. I started with half an hourvon the phone to Orange and we will be getting a new and updated hub/router for free. They couldn't sort out our mobiles though so I have to make a trip to Cognac to speak to someone in a shop. I then set up the ironing board and started when the fosse man arrived. He started pumping 20 cubic metres of gunge out whilst I continued with the ironing. Suitable music was supplied by All about Eve and Peter Frampton. Jamie

In relation to early memories I must hold my hands up and admit to having none. My mother has a rather large black and white photo of me on Blackpool beach beside the donkeys with a large beach ball. Can I remember it- Nope nothing at all. One nugget of information I do have is about the Sunderland Flying Boat. Namely that it was designed for a single purpose - mail delivery to parts of Empire namely South Africa, Uganda and Kenya. And why make it a flying boat I hear you ask. Well in them there days there were precious few landing strips capable of taking a large aircraft and whilst the Sunderland's range was impressive it wasn't sufficient to allow it to fly nonstop. Therefore rather than building airstrips in what would be classed as hazardous territory and cost a lot to build and maintain they looked at the map and decided to make use of the large inland lakes and rivers that existed. A similar reasoning was behind the creation of the PanAm clippers that were used to cross the vast distances of the Pacific.

Former private owner Felix Pole wagons, loaded with scrap and looking as if they themselves will soon be for the torch.

Crash bang wallop... we have the space men working the other side of the plastic.. Fully suited and booted with helmet asbestos strippers.. I see various American care homes have been offering vaccinations free to outsiders.... If they've made a substantial donation to the care home trust..