Huw Griffiths

Certainly earnt my respect - and that takes some earning!

The part of Wales I live in - and went to school in - and where a number of my relatives (including some of my ancestors) were born - has switched back and forth between England and Wales a number of times over the years.

Some people might view this as akin to "dual nationality". All I know is that I'm proud to be Welsh - but I'm not anti-English.

In international sport, I want Wales to do well, but I also want England to do well - and to be worth cheering on.

Gareth Southgate has brought respect to the English soccer team - I can't remember anyone else achieving this. I hope he sticks around and - despite some very "variable" refereeing - I also hope he gets the team to the point at which they win the European and World Cups - they deserve it - he deserves it - and I'd like to see it happen under his "watch".

Probably millions of them - watching on TV.

I must admit, though, that I wasn't watching - wrong sport - wrong country.

This doesn't stop me agreeing with some comments here, though. It's obvious that the English soccer team with Gareth Southgate are a class act - they know how to play - and they know how to behave. Long may they continue.

Some people might suggest that it's "p!$$!ng down" (or something along those lines).

I couldn't possibly comment.

As for Master Trump, I'd definitely prefer not to comment. I'm sure he'd deny it anyway - he seems to have denied a number of other things ... .

A number of years back, my area was plagued by a load of particularly tuneless carol "singers" - then there seemed to be rather less of them.

I'm not sure why (not that I'm exactly complaining):

• Dodgy renditions of "Silent Night" - followed by people offering to make this happen?
• Repeated invitations to experience the delights of cycling?
• "Friendly benedictions" along the lines of "Piper Oscar" - somewhat similar to the one that starts with "Foxtrot", but with a key difference - whilst I could imagine people wanting these individuals to "go forth", I doubt if too many people would particularly want them to "multiply".

Whatever actually happened, I'm just relieved that things have been slightly quieter around these parts in the last few years.

I could almost imagine some nippers telling us that's not a matter of life and death.

Whether it's more important than that is a matter of personal opinion ... .

(Now where did I put those seasonal mints - you know - the festive ones - the "bah humbugs"?)

Meanwhile, some of us from "The Land of My Fathers" prefer football played to a different code - with an oval ball - and no reference to "Parker's Piece" (or anywhere else in Cambridge, for that matter).

This isn't a "pop" at anyone or anywhere - far from it, in fact - but I don't think they're competing for the Webb Ellis Cup in Qatar ... .

So the soccer World Cup goes on until the 18th December?

I guess it could be worse - it could go on until the 19th ... .

Personal opinion, of course. Other opinions are also available.

After all, we all know it's not a matter of life and death ... .

That's another thread I'll be watching with interest.

It's that time of year again - that's right - time for those "festive mints" - aka "Bah! Humbugs!"

(Before anyone asks, that one wasn't "stollen" from a cracker ... .)

More frustrating still - it'll probably be displaced by someone giving us mind-numbing details of what they had for breakfast, or something else just as "exciting" ... .

"(I was only there for the diesels but appreciate the steamers)" ...

"... but did smile overhearing someone at a sales stand at Broadway commenting by saying 'the proper engine is down that end' (referring to the steam engine) when I and many others were more interested in Deltic 55019 at the other end."

My earliest memory is from 1968 - when most of BR's "kettles" went the way of the dodo - so I've only been used to Diesel and electric. Personally, I've always associated steam with museum pieces - and some rusting hulks that scared the #@*&%$!! out of me every time I took a bus trip to Barry Island as a nipper the "strategic steam reserve".

I don't deny that I quite like seeing "kettles" (especially Panniers) - but I am a member of DEMU - so it should surprise nobody that I particularly like Diesels and electrics.

A steam hauled "Santa Special"? Fair enough, if it helps keep a preservation line going.

A class 25, 31, 37, 47, 52 or 55 pulling the Mk1 (or Mk2) coaches they were always expected to pull? Better still - a Class 101, or another Modernisation Plan DMU - complete with a clear view through the driver's cab? Now you're talking - that's what I call a proper train!

(It goes without saying that other people are entitled to their opinions ... .)

"I suppose you've been following the Hornby TT:120 thread?"

Not a chance! Nothing in it for me!

Now if they'd only gone for HO, like the rest of the world / cut their prices / started offering us our favourite model / stopped cutting out model shops / ... .

Cue yet another round of "catchphrase bingo". I'm sure it'll all end in tiers ... .

Sounds like terrible news for you as well.

I can only hope things work out.

All the best, Huw.

Unfortunately, those "pyro" jerks are unlikely to end up paying all the costs.

Even if those guys are caught (and made to pay), your neighbours won't have a usable car for a while - and their insurance premiums will be even higher, through no fault of their own.