Jock67B

Evening all, I regret that today has again been packed with family issues and the occasional drama, and I've been unable to get on here until now and I'm rather too tired to type a post now. I'll save the news until tomorrow, but I noticed poor Andy's post about the demise of Saffie. No matter how much you expect it to happen past a certain age, it still comes as a shock! I'm certain that all three of you will be very upset - as I've said before, the extent of your grief is measured only by the depth of your love. Condolences to you and the two ladies Andy, perhaps a good lunch with a couple of drinks as a celebration of Saffie's life would help you all come to terms with it? You are in our thoughts my friend. Must try to get some sleep now and try to spend some more time on here tomorrow - I did notice a couple of lovely supportive comments for which I'm extremely grateful, and I'm determined to catch up tomorrow! I hope we haven't had any other major dramas in my absence and offer the usual generic greetings either way. Not looking too good for Pete(trisonic) weather wise - hope you've got the hatches battened down. I must say your post would suggest you are well prepared for it! Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night insomniacs!

Beautiful workmanship as usual Baz - I have clear memories of the condition of these locos in the late fifties/early sixties and you've captured it really well. Used to stand on the platform at Kilmarnock then, spotting the 'Thames Clyde Express' which was very often headed by a Scot. Thanks for sharing the images with us my friend, Kind regards, Jock.

Evening all, I simply have to say that all you kind souls on here have really choked me with all the comments I've received. I've had visits from lots of my family as well, including my youngest brother who took an extremely wide detour to see me on his way home to Hertford from Becton in East London!! I feel enfolded by lots of love and care which gives me a steely resolve to fight as long and as hard as I can. Add to this, an early phone call from one of the 'chemo Angels' at the oncology unit who wanted to put my mind at rest over the 'possible side effects' list in the booklet she gave me yesterday on the new drug. She also recorded my current height and weight in order to calculate the starting dose, and explained that I would have to attend fortnightly initially to adjust the dosage - this is because the treatment is so new, that I'm only the third patient to be put on it. I did tell them at the outset that they could hit me with everything they've got! I think we've had enough of my problem for one week at least, and I certainly feel luckier than lots of people like little 'Pip' for instance who was so cruelly denied a life. Well done Ed on supplying the cuddles and tears while acceding to Ken's request - a terribly difficult time for you all! I simply haven't been able to catch up with previous posts, but I did notice (second-hand!) that 28xx has reported an awful start to 2016 - things can only get better! Typing on the iPad as I lie in bed, hoping for a better night than of late. Best wishes for improvement to all our ailing members as ever, and an enjoyable weekend for those of us fit enough to have fun. I hope those exhibiting, or indeed just visiting shows have a trouble free experience. BBC News 24 have really been dramatic over their coverage of the impending snow storms due to hit the Eastern seaboard of the USA - I hope none of our distant digital friends suffer from it as the map suggests it will reach where our very own Pete(trisonic) lives. I'll hopefully have time to catch up with any other dramas tomorrow and post at night, Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night Owls! Stop Press, just heard that Google are to 'cough up' a few million pounds in taxes - Whoopee! Wonder how much they really owe over the years - perhaps I could Google my query? .

Morning Andy, Got some tough news at the hospital today (fairly long post #112820 on ER's) so I've looked in here to cheer myself up! Love this layout mate, and really great to see steam appearing in your creations again. The weathering really is convincing, reminds me very much of the condition of the steam locos at Hurlford in the late fifties/early sixties - very realistic! Tired now, so I'll catch up with Pencarne hopefully tomorrow, apologies for all the ratings, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning folks, Bit of a knock-back suffered at the hospital yesterday - it is complicated and so if you don't mind, I'll refer to my lengthy post in 'Early Risers' P.4513, Post #112820. Being a bit of an antique, I haven't yet learned how to post a link to a post elsewhere! If any of you clever chaps could give me an idiot's guide I would be most grateful. Kind regards, Jock.

Morning all, Sadly, Laurence, your words came true for me today. The recent scan I had shows a significant increase in the tumours in my pelvis, and it appears that part of the adjacent lymph system is affected - which almost certainly explains the serious oedema (swelling) I recently experienced. From this, my oncologist deduced that the chemo drug that I've been taking for thirty-two months now, has stopped working effectively! When you consider that the average time that people lasted on said drug was six to eight months, I've done very well and I was warned at the outset that this would happen eventually. The most worrying thing is the involvement of the lymph system which as most of you will know runs all over the body. Not all terrible news however, as next Thursday I'm being placed on a course of a fairly new drug which works in a similar way to the last one - ie it inhibits the growth of the tumours. There is a plus in that it also works on 'soft tissue' tumours. This one is also taken orally, two pills per day at twelve hour intervals, and the information sheet they sent home with me contained four A4 pages of possible side effects (just like the last one!) so once again it will come down to whether my much abused body can withstand these as before! The oncologist is also drawing up a plan for some pin-point radiotherapy to reduce my pain, and he will be discussing my case at next week's consultants meeting, to consider the possibility of removing any affected lymph tissue. I certainly can't complain about the treatment I have had, and continue to get from these wonderful people. This post is not about seeking sympathy - I was told in April 2013 on diagnosis that I had at best twelve to eighteen months to live, and here I am still going. My cancer is stage four and incurable thus any treatment is simply palliative, but all along I've been assured by the experienced consultants and chemo nurses that a positive frame of mind is an important part of the battle. I am not about to give in now!! As I have said in the past, I am fully adjusted to my condition, and happy that I've had sixty-nine(in July) mainly fantastic years, doing things that some will only dream about! The only regret, and it is a deep one, is to see the effect that this accursed disease is having on those that love me. I have a few ideas for lessening this effect which I'll run out on here at some time when I'm less tired. Apologies for going on, but the reason behind my rambling at this length is the hope that anyone who is already suffering, or is about to suffer a similar condition, can find comfort in the knowledge that research is slowly breaking down the very building blocks of Cancer, and many more people are surviving now, just as long as they stay strong and fight alongside the oncology teams and their drugs. I will shortly be posting a link to my web-site for the 'Relay for Life' where my whole family are joining in with this incredible fund raising event in July. Sorry to admit I haven't looked in all day for obvious reasons, as, on returning from the hospital, I wanted to sit down with or at least telephone all my family to introduce my news personally. I hope that nothing very important has been missed until tomorrow when I can start trawling! Meanwhile it will have to be commiserations/congratulations as warranted. Good luck with the 'E' in POET'S later today (where did that week go?) for those who desire it, Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night digital friends!

Morning all, Surprisingly feeling a little better again today although still very tired - lifted yet again by all the comments, thank you. Nursing sister daughter called to check up on me on her way to night duty! She pronounced herself happy that although my frequent nocturnal trips to the loo limit my sleep, she explained that it was the body's way of dispersing the oedema - she has had me weighing myself each morning and it has dropped dramatically from over 12stones at the weekend, to 10stones 7lbs this morning! Hopefully the oncologist can answer my other questions tomorrow! She broke the news that she will be leaving the local hospital early next month - at their suggestion, as they are funding another year at university for her to eventually become a nurse practitioner. We are very proud of her, starting as she did as a ward auxiliary many years ago, on the ward she is running this week! Robert, by an odd coincidence, we live fairly close to the Clacton ambulance station, and just like you, have an unscheduled alarm now and then as they answer emergency calls. How loud the noise is can obviously be affected by the wind direction so it isn't really a common occurrence in our prevailing Sou'westerlies. DD, what an awful way for your close friend to lose her mum! On a high in the belief that she is well enough to be discharged, to be hit by such a blow must have a shattering effect. I think you might be called upon to provide all the support you will doubtless offer and I hope you can find the right words when needed. Stewart, best of luck with the diabetic blood test. Have you been a good boy in terms of diet recently? Several people have mentioned 'Tassie Tex' lately - I have his e-mail address which got some response last time his dispute with the ISP took him off air. He contacted me several times that way last year but the last one was 18/09/2015. I've sent three subsequent messages without response! Dick, I hope your 'colb' disappears as quickly as possible - I would highly recommend a Scottish single malt medicine before you head to bed. Simon, more beautiful images thank you, the one of Derwentwater simply encapsulates the meaning of calmness. You certainly have chosen a lovely area for your retirement! JohnDMJ, good luck with the discussions this evening - it looks like it may be some time before you get to know the exact nature of what ails you. It really is difficult to fight something that is as yet not defined. Hope you get clarification soon. Rick, hope you and the good lady enjoy your break - I'd choose the 'cool water side' of the sand bar to fall in if the temperatures you mentioned last week still prevail. Brian(BSW01), for a change you've beaten me to it tonight! I am in full agreement with your comment on driving policy - hence why I've forgone my nightcap tonight as I have to get to Colchester General in the morning. Doubtless, like your bubbly, it will wait till the weekend! As to cinema going, the last time I went was when my brother acquired a couple of tickets to the British premiére of 'Gallipoli' at the Odeon Leicester Square! Previous to that, it would have been the trip from West Cornwall to Plymouth in the seventies to see 'The Life of Brian' which was banned in the Duchy at the time. Like many, I'd rather wait to enjoy a film at home where I can pause the Sky+HD box while I go for a comfort break, and I can munch a snack of my choice without offending anyone. Really tired now so best wishes to our poorly friends for a speedy recovery, and strength to DD and Ian(OD) to cope with the grief associated with the sort of bad news they've just had. To the rest, a trouble free run to the weekend, Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night anyone else daft enough to be reading this!

Evening/Morning all, Thanks once again for all the ratings and messages - believe me, they really do lift me! Slightly better again today, and the 'space hopper' has almost fully deflated with the thighs almost back to normal. More of a nuisance is the requirement to use the loo so often during the night as my body disperses the trapped fluid. The headache is still there but much less painful. I'll hopefully leave the oncologist on Thursday with a plan to treat the pain in my bones. There are many out there far worse than me for sure, as I've just read in Ian(OD)'s post - so sorry to read about Adrian's problems Ian, there can't be many worse places to have a tumour. I can only guess how this affects you as you already wear the 'T' shirt when it comes to this disease. Our thoughts are with you my friend. MickB, very sad also to read that your SiL has suffered a stroke. I hope there is a good support group near her - we had a superb one near the garage and I admired the way they looked after the carers as well as the stricken! Dick, we displayed similar work to Julie's at Poldark Mine near Helston in Cornwall. We had a rather up-market gift shop in the tourist attraction and steam museum (run by first MiL aka 'the Boss' and selling lines like Portmeiron Pottery and Tudor mint) and the turnover was directly related to the volume of visitors. I wish Julie and her friend every success if she decides to take the step. Gordon(gordon s), that was a very close call for the fish! Although an absolute nuisance, it is really lucky that you were in and that Jackie noticed the level dropping. Mal, I do sympathise on the chemo side effects as mine appear to be biting me at the moment, but as long as the chemo is still working, I'm determined to keep on with it as long as I can. It is good to hear that your oncologist has an alternative treatment if the one you are on proves too agree dive. I see my oncologist on Thursday as mentioned above. We will both be thinking of you during the next round of treatment, and hope your body can withstand the rigours. Pete(trisomic), when dad moved us south to Harlow from Hurlford, it was a treat to travel to places like Southend and Clacton, and with his history, we always had to go on the train on Southend Pier. That was in the sixties and I note that the train fares for the coming season are £4.30 return or £2.20 for 60+! Mick(NB), Joanna and I have done the same with Christmas cards for the last two years - this year starting off our 'Relay for Life' pots with £20 apiece. The web site will be up soon! Mike(SM), my pill/medication routine is slightly more complicated as I actually ingest 28 separate elements daily, some at set times, others as necessary. I've set reminders of what and when on my mobile phone or I'd never get it right! All are lined up in rough order along the front of a high shelf in my wardrobe for safety - looks like a bl**dy chemist's shop. Polly, I do hope you shake off the nasty bug as soon as possible. Hope Ray's got the nurses uniform on! Dave(Heeley Bridges), a very Happy Anniversary to you and Mrs HB, and many more of them. Baz, thank you so much for the beautiful images of the Stanier Pacifics - as you no doubt know, the Duchess of Sutherland has special memories for me. Spirits duly lifted. Superb weathering as ever mate! Simon, you do yourself an injustice, I think the photographs are beautiful, especially the first one - even the colours give a restful feel combined with the stillness of the water. Superb. Best wishes to all who are mending and a trouble free hump day is wished for the rest. I think I might have tired myself out enough so I'm off for the first instalment of tonight's sleep, Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night insomniacs! PS Brian, as usual your post came in as I was typing - fantastic news mate, and you and Sheila should be breaking out the bubbly. A cheery note to go to sleep on!

Thank you gents, Slightly better again today as the headache is still there but much lessened and at least the swelling (space hopper between the legs has gone down!). John, I'm so sorry to hear of your illness - there really isn't much worse than not knowing exactly what you're up against! Good luck for an outcome soon. Andy, I've got the oncologist on Thursday and after that I hope to catch up with yours and George's threads then! Hope you and Dee are keeping well mate, Kind regards, Jock.

Evening all, I'm feeling a little better tonight, Joanna took me to see my GP (and family friend) who fitted me in before surgery this morning, called in one of the nurses to do my bloods instead of having to trek to Clacton hospital, and sorted out meds for my headache which appear to be working tonight! He is fairly sure that it is the chemo side effects, but that I should make a careful written record of all the symptoms to take to my oncologist on Thursday. It is a shame that not everyone is lucky enough to be given their Doctor's mobile number - with the NHS it seems it's who you know....... As to the chemo, I'm determined to stick with it as long as I possibly can, but it has obviously got to give me a reasonable quality of life to be worthwhile. Hopefully Thursday's consultation will bring a plan of action! I have been simply too ill to read any posts since some time on the fifteenth, so I've got some catching up to do. I'm going to start now, working backwards and I won't tick all with ratings as it will be tedious for most to read the very old ones. Meanwhile, I hope I haven't missed anything really important and offer heartfelt congratulations/commiserations as necessary. Have a great trouble free week folks, and once again I'm indebted to you all for the number of ratings and kind words of support which I find touching and uplifting. Thank you so much, Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete and everyone! PS Just heard on BBC News that Glenn Frey, co-founder of the 'Eagles' has died at only 67! RIP Glen.

Evening all, Many thanks for the kind wishes which certainly give me a lift. I'm feeling slightly better tonight but still far from right. Determined as ever not to give in though, I want to pester you guys for as long as I can! I will keep you updated - Joanna took me to my GPs for blood tests today and I've had a small change in medication to help the headache problem, and I see the oncologist on Thursday. I'll be trying to catch up with threads later in the week if I can manage to get some sleep! Kind regards, and thanks again for the supportive comments, Jock.

Afternoon all, Apologies to Jeff, Andy George and many others if I appear to have deserted your threads but I've re-started the chemo on Thursday, and all the side effects appear to have struck at once leaving me feeling very poorly. I'll see my oncologist on Thursday in the hopes that he can come up with a solution as I don't want to have to stop taking it! I'll try to catch up later in the week if I feel better. Kind regards, Jock.

Afternoon all, Sadly still very much under the weather as several of the common side effects of my chemo drug have struck at the same time. I intend persevering as I go to see Dracula's daughter tomorrow and my oncologist on Thursday in the hopes that I will adjust and be allowed to stay on it, but it might be that they have to switch to another form of treatment. I'm sorry if I've missed anything important as I really don't feel well enough to catch up having had little sleep since Thursday. I will check in as soon as I feel up to it and I'm not going to give in without a battle! Kind regards, Jock.

Afternoon all, Looks like the chemo might have got me with a vengeance - after only two days! I'm feeling too ill to post so I'll try again tomorrow in the hopes that I adjust to it. Can't remember feeling this bad on restart when I last paused for my kidney removal! Kind regards, Jock.

Evening all, Joanna took Freddie up to his bed (next to ours as predicted, even though he has his own room at home!) and lay on our bed to tell him a story before promptly nodding off herself! I of course couldn't resist watching 'Stargazing Live' AndyB, did you look in tonight as it spent a lot of time on the space suit you mentioned - do you recall some time ago, that an Italian astronaut almost drowned in one, his helmet filling with water from one of the support systems as he was some way from the air-lock on a space walk. Watching Tim Peake working whilst suited up outside today, showed why John Bishop had to train, similarly dressed but underwater back here on earth. Stevo(28xx), thanks for the update, and the good news on mum today. Does this change your prognosis from your earlier post? Baz, that is a superb weathering job on a very odd looking locomotive. I recall that Hurlford shed was visited by a full Crosti one on several occasions during the fifties. It came to our shed to be turned on the sixty foot turntable (although it was over six feet longer than that, the wheels just fitted on!). The loco was under test up and down the Nith Valley line from Carlisle via Dumfries. It was described by the locals as 'a great big black ugly brute of a thing'! MickB, I hope the antibiotics and the chilled atmosphere soon put paid to whatever ails you. John(CB), the injection pump is sadly one of the most expensive items to go wrong on a diesel car. Mike(SM)'s advice is good, we normally had our pumps rebuilt by Colchester Fuel Injection, an independent Bosch specialist only fifteen miles from us. Considerably cheaper than buying a new Citroën part, once a car was out of warranty. What is the make, model and age of the vehicle in question? Best wishes to those who are ailing, and a great weekend to all others, especially the lucky ones going to shows! Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night all!

Afternoon all, From a chilly Clacton on Sea where we had great big fluffy white snow flakes floating through the beam of light in the garden last night, but no evidence remained this morning, and no frost either. The Clacton micro climate and the sea air again throwing the lie to the forecast! I'm posting early today as we have great grandson Freddie coming for what he calls a sleep-over tonight, and Joanna is collecting him from school, followed later by a trip to Morrisons for his supper (he loves it there, unlike his great grandad - I've always been disappointed!). Doubtless his great grandmother will accede to his wish to use the single blow-up bed in our room over-night and so posting later may be awkward! I've spent a lot of today enjoying cricket and watching Tim Peake performing repairs to the ISS with a colleague - both fascinating in their way. Chris, hope you enjoy the 'Straw Bear Festival' - yes I had to Google it! The stop at every pub for 'refreshment' looks interesting, and it would appear to have grown into a well supported event over the years. I like the community involvement of such events, having enjoyed the Helston 'Flora (Furry) Dance' and the Padstow 'Obby Oss' which have also become significant festivals in the Cornish Calendar. I have been lucky enough to attend both several times, and first (now very EX) wife was once one of the leading dancers in the Helston affair. My preferred view-point for this was by the 'Blue Anchor' (doubtless known to Rick!) with a glass of their excellent micro brewery product 'Spingo' or a drop of Scrumpy! Ian(RH), we'll be thinking of you slaving over a hot layout at Guildford tomorrow - keeping up with your movements is a breathtaking affair! I hope you have a safe journey both ways and that 'Star Lane' performs faultlessly all Saturday. Dick, hope you've done no lasting damage performing your staircase stunt without the benefit of alcohol anaesthetic? Try to remember how frail we become as we grow older! It seems that Julie is considering taking a very big step indeed, let's hope it works for you both if she decides to take it. I don't know if you have mentioned what she shows in a gallery - I might not have noticed? Pete(themole), there are people from all walks of life on here as you no doubt know. If Martyn struggles with a particular subject, there is almost certainly an ER who could point you both in the right direction. Dave(r-a-r), hope you have a wonderful break in Malta and that both inward and outward flights are uneventful. Good luck with decoration in that sort of weather. Dave(TG), more lovely images to add to those posted earlier from Killybegs by John. Thank you both. Bill, I hope that you and any other members heading to the Guildford show this weekend thoroughly enjoy it. Best wishes as usual to our poorly digital friends, and I hope the 'E' in poet's became a reality, Kind regards, Jock.

Morning Derek, Al's black and white image really does highlight just how good your track work is, the three way point looks very like the real thing! Kind regards, Jock.

Al, I've got to say that the latest ground signal is simply superb! Kind regards, Jock.

Wow, quite a lot written while I typed mine! JohnDMJ, be careful not to read too much into internet advice until you've seen your doctor, as logic dictates that if he felt you had a problem which needed rapid treatment, he would have called you in right away? Whatever the outcome, I hope it is a problem which can be easily balanced with medication. Brian(BSW01), I seem to always miss your late post as I'm composing mine. I must confess that I rather like your poem, and the different ways that those members who have suffered from the 'black dog' approach the problem, is testament to the ingenuity of the human species when it comes to coping with this illness! Kind regards once more, Jock.

Evening/Morning all, Thank you all for the kind comments about the re-start on the chemo - I am lucky enough to take mine as two pills each evening, which is much easier than Mal's plumbed in version for instance. I started at 10.30pm this evening (the timing being on advice as it can make you drowsy, so a good idea to take it on the way to bed!) and I suspect it will be a couple of days before the side effects kick in! The space hopper has reduced a little, so hopefully that and my slightly swollen legs will soon be back to what is 'normal' for me! Rick, I'm glad to see that your people watching, one of my favourite pastimes, is spiced from time to time with such interesting sights! I well remember enjoying high Summer at Poldark mine for a similar reason. Matt(brianthesnail), your post mentioning depression was very well put indeed. Although I said before that I didn't suffer myself, it suddenly occurred to me that I do to a degree in that my dear Joanna hasn't yet come to terms with the fact that my cancer is terminal. I notice that there are times when she over-reacts to small things which is uncharacteristic of her. Both nursing sister daughter (who feels the same as me) and I, have tried gently to suggest she takes counselling which is freely available from experts at MacMillan, but so far without success. Like walking on eggshells some times. 28xx (sorry I don't know your name yet), thank you for clarifying your mother's situation - it must have been truly awful for you and your family to watch someone you love deteriorate in this way. Nice story about your first train solo in your later post! Jamie, it sounds like you have had a most unfortunate experience with Amazon - it seems that the volume of their business has increased much faster than the infrastructure that supports it? They seem to concentrate on talking people into 'Amazon Prime' at the expense of their normal trade! Baz, that is great news about youngest Herbert and his job offer - that is given that it is something that he really wants to do. Warren(BoD), that really is excellent news on the eye consultation results - it is really nice to get some good news after the recent upsetting events we've heard about. Please now take very good care of them - it might be a good idea to heed Richard's advice. Have you got someone who could cut the wood for you? Duncan, I can appreciate why you were so angry this evening - how did such an established problem suddenly become urgent call-out material? I hope mum understands and forgives! Neil(NHN), it would appear that only time can heal young Jayne's malaise. Looking on from afar, I can only say that Debs and you have 'done the right thing' in the way you handled it, despite your own grief! Ed, many thanks for letting us know the outcome of the 'birth'. I have had something in my eye as well! As long as Hayley is physically fit, time and the love of Ken and yourself should eventually help to mend the mental scars left by such an experience. I know it has been said before, but one of my colleagues at the Citroën garage, and a close friend of my grandson's, both had similar bad experiences but kept trying and succeeded in producing lovely fit children fairly quickly. This proved to be an amazing cure in both cases, with the people involved too busy with the new arrival to dwell on past events! All three of you will be in our thoughts. Best wishes to all on the health front, and for those to whom it matters, hope the 'e' in poet's materialises. Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night late lurkers!

Morning Neil, A happy and productive New Year to you and your family as well! Kind regards, Jock.

Evening all, Just had to watch 'Stargazing Live' as I find the subject matter fascinating and I rather like the ability of the presenters Dara Ó Briain and Brian Cox, who demystify some of the more complex concepts, expressing them in terms that a layman can understand. I shall be tuning in again tomorrow! Still not terribly comfortable, although my daughter (the nursing sister) came in this morning and checked that the scar from my recent operation was healing well, and she has happily left it uncovered now! Start back on the chemo tomorrow night, so it will be back to putting up with the side effects again! Since pausing it, on advice from the oncologist as it would have inhibited healing after my operation, I have enjoyed a better appetite, more regular toilet visits etc. but I'd rather put up with the problems it causes to slow the inevitable! Pete(themole), That is great news about young Martyn Mole's results - with such ability, he should never be short of work. You must be very proud of his efforts! Rick, we really hope that the extreme heat doesn't cause a fire with winds as strong as that. I suppose you have to hope that no idiot starts one by accident, but of course even a carelessly discarded bottle could start one with sun that hot - I couldn't exist in those temperatures! Chris, depression really is a complex condition. I'm lucky in that I've never knowingly suffered from it - I find my books and classical music act as a kind of safety valve! Like you, I have a pal who suffers badly, and sometimes he simply won't allow anyone to try to help him. He lost his young wife last year, who was also a friend of mine and a fellow cancer sufferer (we used to run our own mutual support group!) after doing his best to nurse her for some months. I'm not certain he'll ever come out of this bout as he's currently refusing any sort of professional help. I'm not often lost for words but............ My sympathies are with you as I can fully understand the feeling of helplessness you must be experiencing! Gordon (gordon s), thanks for that link to the BR programme. Cost me time though, as I had to watch it on iPlayer, and there are other episodes in the series, one of which was about Bernard Lovell and Jodrell Bank. I simply had to watch that as well (see interest above!). You didn't mention how you got on at the John Radcliffe, parking apart? 28xx, terribly sorry to read of the poor standard of care that your mother appears to be suffering. I wish I could offer you an easy solution. It is amazing, as your later post would suggest, how being with the wee ones can lift you! Lurker, I've certainly seen worse views from workplaces! Wow Neil, that model should cheer you up a bit following the sad passing of friend Bill. It most certainly looks like a superbly produced model - it's only money after all! I wonder if they'll ever produce a proper steam loco? Wishes for better health extended to our ailing members as usual, and now the hump is almost done, it's downhill to the weekend. Hope it is trouble free for all. Kind regards, Jock. G'night Pete! G'night All!

Fascinating insight as ever Jim, and the videos add another dimension. Thank you, Kind regards, Jock.

Lovely images as usual Craig, thanks for sharing them, Kind regards, Jock.

Al, That is a lovely set of images mixing model and prototype - nobody can possibly doubt that you've really captured the atmosphere beautifully! Well done, and thanks for sharing your talent with us, Kind regards, Jock.