Lynda Bellingham

I was shocked to hear of the passing of Lynda Bellingham on Sunday. I had known she was terminally ill, but I really thought, as did many others, that she would live to see a final Christmas and have a few months to share with her family and friends as she had planned. To be taken so soon is just so cruel, but I have known so many in recent years for whom cancer has no regard for wishes and wants. It is so sad that Lynda won't be able to spend a final Christmas, as she had wished, with her family. I will remember Lynda for her many acting roles, mainly as I grew up during the 80's and 90's and for her iconic role in the oh so loved and cherished Oxo advertisements on TV. I support fully the campaign set in motion following Lynda's death for the commercial channels to show the classic Oxo adverts over Christmas. I so hope someone will make it happen. It has also been suggested that we should hang an Oxo cube on our Christmas tress this year. What a wonderful idea. Watching the ITV Loose Women interview with Lynda shown today has reminded me of what a talented, funny and remarkable person she was, and one of my favourite actresses. Rest in peace.

National Chocolate Week

Apparently, it's National Chocolate Week - as if I need an excuse...!

The simple things

We just had our shopping deliverd to us for the first time. I really didn't think I could get so excited over something so mundane. My wife wouldn't let me have my photo taken next to the van. Can't think why...

Loneliness

I heard this poem read on BBC Radio 5 yesterday morning. It was read by a widower who had lost his wife a few years ago and it describes the loneliness he feels. It's perhaps one of the most moving things I've ever read and many who heard it yesterday found themselves in tears, sat in their cars or at their desks at work. 

Pulling the rug...

I was saddened earlier this week to receive a letter informing me that our local NHS Trust is to withdraw support for our Spalding based mental health peer support group, Blue Skies. The group was set up three years ago to provide a safety net for those who either cannot get timely treatment for their condition or have been 'dropped' and left to fend for themselves by the Trust. At its peak, the group provided support three days a week to 50 members and offered a range of activities at its Spalding base. As a result of the Trust's decision, Blue Skies now faces closure unless it is able to find a way of funding the public liability insurance needed to cover its meetings. How can a group that so clearly does so much good for service users be closed down in the full knowledge that they have nowhere else to turn...?

End of an era...

Farewell to the vehicle road tax disc...

For My Wife...

Happy 40th Birthday to my wonderful wife! 

Thanks for putting up with me and I love you very much xxx

On the Buses in Holbeach

Huge thanks and appreciation to the Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle Society who brought several of their vintage buses to Holbeach yesterday.

The event was very well attended and several commented on how it had been the best thing to happen in Holbeach for many years. Many remembered the old services run by the Lincolnshire Roadcar Company and a few I met had actually worked for them as drivers.

The society members were very friendly and approachable, not stuffy at all unlike some other groups and societies and it was great to be able to freely explore the beautifully restored vehicles.
I was able to talk about our own bus and our struggles to get her back on the road. I was delighted to find out that they are very interested in it and I'm hoping some professional help may be forthcoming.
A truly fantastic few hours spent photographing and riding on these classic vehicles and I hope LVVS don't leave it too long before coming back to visit us down here in South Lincolnshire.

The Who-Loo

This is superb. It has been named the 'Who-Loo'. It is fully functioning with added sound effects, and the light on top flashes to indicate occupancy! It can be found on the Bristol to Bath Cycleway. British inventiveness at its very best...

Robin Williams

I learnt very late last night of Robin William's passing while listening to LBC. At first, in my half-slumber I thought the announcer had referred to the popular singer, but it soon became shockingly apparent that it was indeed one of my favourite actors, Robin Williams.

It is a reminder, as if we needed reminding, that behind a cheerful, joking face is often a person struggling with the darkest and most crippling forms of depression. I know and work with many people who battle with it, often on a daily basis, and I have personal experience of it. It has no respect for anyone, no matter how famous and gifted, and yet again, it has taken one of our best... Rest In Peace.

Images of World War One

I've had a couple of photos for some years taken during World War One. I have posted them on Twitter hoping someone will be able to shed some light on them. I'd love to know when they were taken and where. If anyone can place them, do please let me know.

A Few Words on Legoland

Last week we visited Legoland. It was the first time I've been and if we hadn't been paying just for our son's admission, we certainly wouldn't have gone at all. If anything, the place made me feel my age. I was ill-equipped for the size of the place, the heat and the queueing. Be prepared to queue - for a long time. Every ride we went on had at least a thirty minute queue. If you have a child with you, as we did, you have no option - you have to wait, and of course look as if you're enjoying it.

Also be prepared to take plenty of money with you. Food and drink is expensive - in many cases three times as much as you would pay elsewhere. The best decision we made was to buy a bottle of drink which you could get refilled for free as much as you wanted. We must have filled it at least twenty times. Take your own lunch if you can. A single burger cost a ridiculous £5.95. OK, it was one of the best I'd ever tasted but it wasn't worth anwhere near the estimated 300-400% mark up. Lower your prices and people buy more - it's simple.

Legoland is vast, but credit should be given to the staff all of whom we encountered were friendly and welcoming. More importantly, they all appeared to enjoy their work. The whole place was spotless and very well maintained, and though Legoland is the size of a small county, there were staff everywhere. 

For anyone, like me, who finds walking in heat a problem, I'd recommend the little train that takes you from the upper level to the lower level (and back again). Be prepared to get wet. Legoland like to spray you with water at every opportunity. I quite enjoyed it, but for anyone who hates surprises, make sure you can duck in good time.

On the day we visited Legoland, many local schools had done the same thing. I wouldn't have said that Legoland is the best place for a school trip. Many rides are out of the question due to the teacher-pupil ratio and areas soon became clogged with luminous school kids and stressed teachers.

Allow plenty of time. We were there from 11am to 7pm and still we hadn't seen everything. You do need two days simply because you'll be spending at least a quarter of it in queues. Legoland is a place for the physically fit, though thankfully there are lots of seats. 

For anyone thinking of visiting, allow plenty of time, take something to eat and be prepared to queue. Despite the walking and queueing, I enjoyed it very much but I cannot recall a time when I felt more exhausted. In fact, my calf muscles are still aching a week after!

They Deserve the Truth

I am really struggling to put into words the shooting down of Malaysian Airlines flight MH70, possibly one of the worst atrocities to affect so many countries since 9/11. There is much media speculation at the moment with the western media firmly blaming Russia for its involvement, and the blame game will no doubt go on for some time to come. Whoever is to blame, like 9/11, this will been a world-changing event and the ramifications will doubtless have a lasting effect. In trying to seek a balanced view of the atrocity, I have seen the most horrific video and images taken by foreign news agencies - most of which simply couldn't be shown here. We clearly have our own very sanitised version of world events. These images will haunt me for a long time to come. What is clear is that this is fast turning into a war of words between Russia and the West. Families are angry. We hear now that the airliner's 'black box' flight recorders have been recovered, and if the intercept audio is to be believed currently being reported in the UK, then these may have have been smuggled away somewhere to hide the truth of what happened. The families demand answers, and rightly so. I simply cannot imagine the agony and pain they are going through. I just hope they find the truth and that those responsible will be brought to justice.

A Needless Journey...?

Being diabetic means I have to be checked regularly by my GP and diabetic nurse. I don't mind this, it's all part of being a Type 2 Diabetic. A few months ago, I began Lantus insulin injections. I knew it was only a matter of time before the medication would cease to be effective and I had accepted the fact that I would at some point have to inject myself each day. To be honest, I'm quite comfortable with it though it was a little daunting at first. The needle is tiny and most of the time, I don't feel a thing. 

The move to insulin meant that I had to inform the DVLA. I've been quite open with them throughout and I've never heard anything from them until recently. They sent me a letter asking me to have a diabetic medical assessment with my GP. The form they sent him to complete was huge and I did feel a little sorry for him as he had claimed it had taken several hours to complete. I didn't doubt him - the form was the thickness of a short novel. Form completed, I expected them to be satisfied.
A few days later I received a call to tell me they need me to attend an assessment by one of their own appointed diabetes specialists. They told me they would send a form and that I would need to make the appointment myself and send the form back to them telling them the date and time of the appointment. I called the hospital at Peterborough and duly made the appointment. It's later this month, and though I don't object to the assessment, I'm a little put out at having to drive the nearly 40 miles each way to get to it. When I asked what it would entail, I was told it was to go through my last three months of readings (I have to test my blood sugar at least three times a day). It suddenly struck me that I am having to travel a fair distance to attend an appointment with a specialist, taking up his valuable time, and wasting mine, when I could just as easily email a copy of the readings to him. If that is indeed all he needs to see, then surely this would be more efficient?
I have to see a DVLA appointed specialist as I have a Class 2 license entitlement (buses and coaches), though I would never be employed to drive passengers because of my health. This all got me thinking some more and better still, why doesn't someone put a system in place whereby my readings are automatically sent to my GP or a database held by the NHS? The DVLA could then check at any time to see if I'm having any lows and how often. They could even set the system to 'alarm' whenever a reading is below 3 mmol sending an email to the GP, diabetic nurse or even the DVLA. It would certainly provide an incentive for sufferers to manage their condition. I know plenty of people who don't and I also knows what happens whenever I have a lapse in self-care.
I currently record my readings in a book, but I've started using an app on my iPad which plots my readings for me, producing a report for any period I choose. The app can be set to send reminders, alerts and even a report by email. I'm really hoping the specialist will want to see me for more than just a list of numbers. If not, I will certainly be saying something...

The Latest Craze

Loom Bands - The latest craze

I don't know if these have reached your part of the World but here they are the latest thing in decorative craft. Loom Bands are so popular that our group have cast aside all other projects and activities in favor of making bracelets from tiny elastic bands. Whatever next...?

Well that's nice...

My latest addiction

These days, I have been mostly eating Werther's Originals (sugar-free of course)

Busy Bee

I've a lot on at the moment, which is good in one way as it keeps me healthy and has a positive effect on my well-being. At the moment, I am busy writing a funding application for the support group I help run. Each year, a pot of money is made available for groups that promote mental health and support people who suffer with mental illness. Last year, we were awarded a significant amount of money which paid for arts, crafts and computer based projects. This year, we have decided to focus on outdoor activities and an a new Open Space Garden project at our base in Spalding. The project will provide a working garden and greenhouse enabling our members to grow their own herbs, fruit and vegetables. At the same time, they can learn about raising produce from seed and the the health benefits of eating fruit and vegetables. It is a project likely to go down well with our funders and I'm hoping also that funds will be made available for us to provide a comfortable, welcoming space in which our members can relax and enjoy the garden they have created for themselves. We won't know if we have been successful until September/October, but the application has to be submitted by the end of this month. We have made a start on the project in the hope that we will secure further funding. With the weather so good (at the moment), we're keen to get out there and make a start.
I'm pleased to say that I'm on course for having everything ready for submission on Friday by the 5pm deadline. We (the committee) had a very good meeting yesterday and agreed everything I have done so far. I just need a few lines written about one of the projects we're proposing and for someone to get back to me with one or two prices. Our costs are already over £9,000 and I still need to sort out the insurance for the bus which will cover public liability and when it's on the road and in storage. There's quite a bit yet to do, but I'm quite used to doing these applications now and I have a routine that seems to work for me so that's all good.

Another school half term break is upon us. I really can't remember having this many breaks when I was at school - in fact all I can remember is the long summer holiday. My son will be spending a lot of time with me this coming week and when I'm busy with group, he'll be with his mum at work or with his nanny and granddad.

I normally have to moan about something nowadays. I'm sure it's part of growing older and my wife would happily tell you I've turned it into something of a hobby... At the moment I'm moaning about the lack of service we are receiving from our telephone provider. Since Thursday we have been without a working land line phone. I'm sure it has something to do with the storms we had on Thursday, though although the phone doesn't work, we still have working broadband on the same line. It's all pretty odd. It's now the third day and our service provider has done nothing. It's only when I complain on Facebook or Twitter do I get a response. They don't like it as they don't want the rest of the world to know how bad they are, but should we really have to revert to shaming them? Is that how to get value for money and the service we pay for nowadays? It would seem so. It's certainly the only way to get them to respond and I'm sure they have people whose job it is to monitor social media, for a response can often appear in seconds. If only they could learn to value their customers, now that really would be something... Moan over.

Looking back on March

I've decided to briefly reflect on the past month of March - my thoughts on a month when so much happened, not all of it good. Of course the last month will be remembered for two main events - the loss of Malaysian flight MH370 and Russia's intervention in Crimea - two events we thought were impossible in 2014.
We have been reminded that despite the wonders of modern day technology which track our every movement, it is still possible to lose an aircraft laden with passengers and crew. I have no doubts that everything possible is being done to locate the aircraft, though I can't help thinking that simple things could have been done to make the task a whole lot easier. One suggestion has been to make the 'black box' flight recorder float and the other has been to make the locator beacon more powerful with greater range and longer battery life. Both of these are easy to implement. In fact they were recommended some time ago but have yet to be acted upon.
March was also the month when East confronted West over Ukraine and Russia annexed Crimea in a move that risked returning us to the dark and fearful days of the Cold War. The question on everyone's lips was whether Russia would encroach deeper into Western Ukraine and other ex-Soviet states. Such a move would undoubtedly provoke a response from NATO which could easily lead to a full-on confrontation with all the dangers that would bring. It was all frankly unthinkable but everyone was wondering where it would all lead, though few dared talk about it. Thankfully, they are talking - the Russians and Americans that is, and this is good. Regardless of who called who, the only answer to this mess is through diplomacy and there is still hope that a solution can be found though I suspect relations will have been damaged for a long time to come. I always find in these situations, it is good to get the perspective of other news outlets for a balanced view on what is really going on. It is so easy to believe everything we see and hear. Look beyond our shores and we find a different view and perspective on events.
March was the month when I started insulin injections. I've been diabetic for some time now and it was controlled by various tablets quite well. I was always told that diabetes is something that will gradually get worse and more difficult to control so I knew it was only a matter of time before I would need insulin. I'm used to injecting - I've been on Lyxumia for some time and its appetite suppressing effect has allowed me to lose a lot of weight. Unfortunately as my weight has reduced, my blood sugar level has increased. I'm currently on 18 units of insulin each day and this is increased by two units every two days until my morning blood sugar reading is at or below 7.0 mmol. A treat of a cream cake earlier today sent my blood sugar level to 23.5 mmol, a stark reminder of how easy it is to give in to temptation and for my body to react - in my case with countless visits to the loo.
This month saw our bus project begin. We were able to draft in some extra help enabling us to access the engine for the first time and to attempt to charge the batteries.

Sadly the batteries won't hold any charge so we have issued a plea for replacements and a mechanic to give the engine the once-over prior to getting the bus MOT'd. I'm reminded that we have a 'long road ahead of us' but with more people involved, the more likely we are to get her back on the road where she belongs.
March 22nd was the day my brother-in-law married his childhood sweetheart at a ceremony held at Orton Hall in Peterborough. It was a day I will certainly never forget and I will remain forever proud of my son who performed his duty as ring-bearer perfectly.

Despite an ominous forecast, the weather for the ceremony and the photographs that followed was just right providing a bright blue sky for an already stunning backdrop. It really couldn't have been better.

Finally, today was the day that the clocks changed and we woke this morning to find that our 8 O'Clock's were 9 O'Clock's and our 9 O'Clock's were 10 O'Clock's and that we'd missed Broadcasting House. The people of Crimea woke to find that their 8 O'Clock was in fact 10 O'Clock having joined 'Moscow Time', thus cementing their reunion with the Russian Federation. I confess still getting used to it and as I glance out of my office, I see that it is still quite light. Despite having changed all the clocks in the house, there will still be one that I've missed! Farewell March. You reminded us of how big the world still is and that we have changed little in the last 25 years.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday World Wide Web, I really don't know what I'd do without you...

Ian McNaught Davis & My Computing Evolution

Ian McNaught-Davis passed away last week aged 84. His name won't be familiar to most people but during the 1980's he was a familiar face on TV and more often than not he was promoting the early computers such as the BBC Micro, Acorn and Archimedes. Together with Chris Serle, another familiar face from 80's TV, he hosted in 1983 'Making the Most of the Micro' and earlier 'The Computer Programme'.

Both were attempts to sell the concept of computers playing an integral role in among the general public and industry. Little did they know back then just how much an impact the personal computer would have on the World and the development of the Internet which now joins these devices to a vast network of information and media. It's difficult to know how influential these programmes were given that computer ownership was extremely low. In the US, ownership was as low as 15% of the overall population. It would be another ten years before things really began to take off. Up to then there had been many attempts at developing a 'standard' home computer and I recall with fondness owning a few of them.

Nowadays we look back at these 'museum pieces' the same way we do a vintage car or wind-up gramophone. Their use was often limited to very basic games or simple word processing, but that was all we really needed at the time, and even this seemed amazing.

The dial-up modem made it possible for computers to connect to other computers and I recall using early Bulletin Board Services to access local information and news. Many of these were run from people's homes and the slow data rate and call costs made this a very expensive activity.

CompuServe was my first portal to the Internet in the early 90's. It wasn't 'true' Internet as we know it now - more a selection of sites made available via a portal. Even then there were just a few hundred sites available, each easily categorised according to content. I recall my excitement at having a whole electronic library of information at my fingertips and would regularly sit up half the night browsing these fledgling sites on my US Robotics 28 kbps modem.

Much of the time was spent patiently waiting for the pages to load, one line at a time, such were the limitations of modem technology back then. However, it worked and it was exciting - a taste of what was to come.
I don't remember when exactly ISDN became available domestically. It had been used by business for many years but for a time, BT marketed it to the general public as 'super-fast' access to the Information Superhighway. In reality, it was two phone lines joined together to give twice the maximum bandwidth. Even wit the two lines, the line speed was only about 256 mbps. By today's standards, this is very low but back in the mid to late 90's, this was high speed and with the limited complexity of sites, pages loaded quickly. This was a major step forward and opened the door to streaming audio and video - albeit at very low definition and bit rate. Most importantly, it worked and it worked well. ISDN wasn't around long enough to be established as a standard for domestic Internet access. It wasn't marketed, it was a lot of work to install, it wasn't user-friendly and it was expensive. The need to dial-up each time meant that forgetting to disconnect after use could mean staying connected for many hours, each minute of which was charged at a premium. I recall one month receiving a bill for £800 simply because I had forgotten to disconnect.
I was a latecomer to ADSL. I had moved from South London in 2001 and in South Lincolnshire, it took another couple of years before it reached me. I moved with my job, then in IT, so I was able to have ISDN re-installed in my new home, and installed again in my current home a few miles up the road. When it finally came, ADSL was a massive leap from ISDN. The biggest bonus for me was the ability to have several computers connected to the Internet simultaneously. Being permanently connected was a good feeling and it was great not having to worry about connecting and disconnecting. I could use my phone at the same time too - something I couldn't do with ISDN or dial-up.

Youngsters growing up with this technology know of nothing else. They are used to the Internet being there, being constantly connected from computer, tablet and mobile. My son will remember the Internet as it is now - fast, dependable and always there. What's next? Well super-fast fibre is the next step and swathes of the UK are being connected right now. As with ADSL, it will take some time before it reaches me. Roll-out is dependent on viability, cost-effectiveness and take-up. In a village of just a hundred or so homes, there won't be anywhere near the demand and for most people, ADSL provides adequate speed and bandwidth. However, even now there are signs that ADSL may be struggling to provide the bandwidth needed. I already see my 7 year old son placing huge demands on our connection to the Internet. He has discovered YouTube and streaming video services such as BBC iPlayer, and with much of it available in high definition, he often 'hogs the bandwidth' and makes it difficult for me to catch up on the latest news or check my bank account. Even now, the quantity and quality of information and media available to us is dictating the way we connect. As the Internet has grown, so too has our demand for what it can offer. The problem is that it grows faster than our ability to connect and feed from it. Perhaps fibre will eventually satisfy all our needs.
So I look back at where we have come from and how fast technology has developed since the first time I heard the high pitch squeal of my modem as it 'shook hands' with another modem in a far off location. We've come a long long way. I wonder what Ian McNaught Davis would be predicting now if those programmes were made again today? Rest in peace and thanks for helping us to understand now what we understood then.

Ralph Waite

It's so sad to hear the news that Ralph Waite, famous for his role as the father, John Walton Sr. in the classic 70's CBS TV series The Waltons has died aged 85. 

For many my age, he will be remembered for this iconic role though not a year has passed without him being cast in a TV drama role. Most recently, he has starred as Hank Booth in the Fox TV series 'Bones'. A very talented actor and a sad loss.

A waterlogged Nene Valley

I've just returned from another trip to the Nene Valley Railway near Peterborough - not too far from where I live on the edge of the Wash - and enjoyed a ride on a delightful Swedish railcar. For those train buffs among you, the railcar is a Swedish type Y7 built in 1957. The journey was surprisingly comfortable and the passenger compartment was toasty warm. It was my first time on the railcar, and I loved it. I think I've been pulled by most if not all of their existing stock but today's experience was quite unique.

The railway passes over the river Nene at Wansford and I was shocked at how swollen the river was and along the route from Wansford to Peterborough (Nene Valley) Station, the fields were full of water.

In places, the fields had been transformed into lakes and trees stood in several feet of water. I have travelled this line many times and I've never seen the river as full as it is now or the fields so waterlogged. The media are focused on Somerset at the moment - and understandably as they have suffered the most - but travel around the country and scenes such as these are becoming a familiar sight.

For when that meeting simply has to go on...

I'll leave you to make up your own caption...

What on Earth's going on with our weather?

I haven't written very much about the weather here in the UK. I haven't really needed to. It is always in the news and in the press. We often have bad weather here in the UK. It often rains and it is often windy - it is Winter after all. But I can't be alone in thinking that the last few months have been pretty extreme. Late last year, we saw flooding on the East Coast of England. There was significant damage to coastal defences and much of the damage remains, awaiting repair and will remain so due to lack of funds.

The combination of heavy rain, high tides and strong winds has resulted in significant flooding across large parts of the UK especially in Somerset and with further rain forecast, there is little hope of the area returning to 'normal'. There is huge criticism aimed at the government for having done too little too late and many blame the Environment Agency for the state of the rivers and lack of dredging that has contributed to the flooding

Today we have seen yet another severe storm which has caused damage to sea defences along the south and west coast. The train line from Paddington to Penzance has been damaged at Dawlish in Devon where the sea wall and track bed has been washed away by powerful waves. I know this stretch of line very well. I've even modelled it and consider it to be one of the most picturesque stretches of railway in the UK.

We've had severe weather before. We've had large waves before, but this time it is different. Never before has this much damage been caused. The bill for repairing the line will be enormous and it will be closed for weeks and possibly months to come. It will need a lot of money and a lot of engineering expertise to repair the line and to make the whole coastal stretch safe for trains once more.
As I write this, I hear that residents in Somerset are being evacuated due to rising flood water. There are currently 8 severe flood warnings and thousands are without power.
I hear so many who maintain that the weather is 'normal' for this time of year, but I'm afraid I can't agree. You really don't need to be an expert to see that weather like this, so damaging and so prolonged, isn't normal. I daresay that in six months from now, we'll be complaining that it's too hot and that we're heading for drought...

Catching up with the New Year

With all that's been going on, I'd almost forgotten about my blog. I've just been so busy with the work I do for Blue Skies and a few other jobs I'm doing for other people. In fact the work I do for Blue Skies is pretty much a full time job - unpaid of course as I am an NHS volunteer - and payment for me is seeing people leaving the group in a better state than when they arrived.

So much has happened since my last post. The weather has figured enormously and much of the country is still under water, especially the west where much of the Somerset Plains are submerged with villages literally cut off. As I type this, I see that Somerset have declared a 'major incident' and with the forecast predicting more heavy rain in the coming days, the situation there can only get worse. It's not good. There was something I was planning to write about, but it's gone completely out of my mind - as many things do. Unless I write things down and remember where I left the book or piece of paper I wrote them on, I forget. It's getting worse. My mind constantly malfunctions. If it were a computer, I would have thrown it out or sought an upgrade ages ago!

A bout of depression over New Year left me feeling there was little point to 2014. It took a long time for me to 'see sense' again and realise there's lots to look forward to. For the first time in over four years, I have a little money coming in. I'm being paid to look after social media accounts and a website for a friend who is trying to launch his business selling cosmetics and health & beauty products. I will also earn a little money spending time with a dear disabled friend of mine and I have my meagre expenses payments each month. I'm grateful to my friends who have all rallied round to help me which has enabled me to keep going with my volunteering work and avoid having to look for a job - a job I would have no hope of getting given my health problems. I'm in a 'good place' at the moment. There's so much going on in my head, I can't get myself adequately organised to formulate a proper post, but this can be seen as a stop-gap until I'm back in blogging mode once more. rest assured, there's plenty to come...