M.P’s EXPENSES

I am not worked up about this. I am sure they need an office, need staff, need transportation to London from their constituencies and/or accommodation in London. But I would question the whole way Parliament is run. Surely we have the technology to enable much parliamentary business to be done on line. Maybe there should be a 3 tier system for government when debating bills.

APPLE AND SULTANA CHUTNEY

This is from a dear friend Di Redfern.

1650 gms apples

25gms garlic chopped finely

1 pint vinegar

675 gms sugar

100gms.chopped crystallised ginger

225gms sultanas

Half teaspoon ground mixed spice

Half teaspoon cayenne pepper

Half teaspoon salt.

Sunday 25 October 2020

I have planted some bulbs, cooked some chick peas, not decided on dinner yet. What do the papers say today, what riveting news and humour is there on this Sunday (I had completely forgotten about clocks changing, but then it makes no difference to me).

AMAZON

The world’s greatest river, and one without a road bridge. Stop it – not that Amazon! The company that has destroyed the High Street and hundred of thousands of jobs. OK so it has created lots too (minimum wage and poor labour conditions and no trade unions. This last bit is the killer for a tory government who have a pathological hatred of workers rights versus wealth creation. It is easy to sort it out.

SCIENCE, ECONOMICS AND A SNOW DOME

The person on the radio who said mine is a minority view and might be right. However it is more probable that he is wrong! And scientists in general are saying we need a circuit breaker to enable the NHS to cope. As a geographer I quite like the regional approach to the problem. Cornwall does not have anywhere near the level of infection in Liverpool.

COVID-19 ON 24.10.20

North Somerset is on 98/100000 rising rapidly. Bristol on 247 and rising. I would have thought that merited moving up a tier? the rate in NS has caught up and over taken Chelmsford and Braintree (which have been moved into middle tier).

I went to Halden Forest near Exeter today and met Tom, Tams, Corinne and Ottie (birthday girl – 2 today). That was brilliant but when I first got there I was a little frightened by all the people, and none wearing masks! I know it was outside and lots of space but I had not been that close to so many people for 7 months! Nice place, but weather inclement!

FUN RANT

Driving. I live in a beautiful part of the country – roads by their very nature spoil the beauty and tranquility – but are necessary. But why do we make it worse with street graffiti? Once you look at what I am saying I am sure you will agree (contains swearing!)