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.