Archive for February, 2007

Snow to cost Britain millions

Thursday, February 8th, 2007

Why is this country so crap at dealing with extremes of weather - and even these aren’t extreme when compared with other places on the planet. A couple of inches of snow and railway points stop working, people lose the ability to drive with extra caution (or be sensible and stay at home), can’t clear public thoroughfares over-night and generally look bemused.

The impact of the distruption was described by the aptly named David Frost from the British Chambers of Commerce:

“It is expected that the lateness and loss of work hours caused by transport disruptions will cost the British economy up to £400 million.”

It is sad that such a lack of imagination is evident among such commentators. Do we have to measure everything in terms of loss or gain of money? Is not the fact that the gentle covering of snow which we get so rarely in most parts is a joy to behold? Why not go out and leave a fat ball for your wild garden birds (if you garden is not a concrete driveway) and enjoy the view.

My cheese

Thursday, February 8th, 2007



My cheese
Goats milk hand-made cheddar.

Isn’t it beautiful? I am aching to try it. We will cut it on the day of the Mongolian New Year, Tsagaan Sar.

I made it last year in September at Hartpury College. We were taught by Judy from Wharf Farm Dairy. It is a goats milk cheddar. Thank you, Judy, for such a wonderful experience. I can’t wait for more.

An M25 railway?

Thursday, February 8th, 2007

I’ve just been reading some comments on the Smile bank website about public transport. One of the comments was:

“Please can we have an M25 railway? That would really help my journey to work, and also mean that people travelling around the country wouldn’t have to go all the way into London then out again just to make a connection.”
(Liz Blaney)

Now wouldn’t that be an idea.

First Great Western Coffee Shop

Tuesday, February 6th, 2007

A new discussion website has been launched specifically for First Great Western passengers to air their thoughts about the state of service on the FGW network which now stretches across large parts of the south and south-west of England.

Be enlightened. Come and take part. Stop moaning and actually do something to help save your train service.