Network Rail

Sad to see that many improvements to our rail network have been ruled out due to financial restrictions.

As a regular user of the West Coast mainline I would have loved to see our rail network improved for the future.

I actually think that Beeching did a good job in rationalising our rail system, but it seems that we have lost the plot over railways in the future.

We should be investing public funds in our railways, to ensure that, when air and road travel become prohibitavely expensive, we have a reliable, cheap, and quick transport solution. (and also you can have a swift 'half' to make the time spent more convivial)

Power Cuts (again)

Those of you who are regular readers will know that, from time to time, I have a real moan about EDF energy because of their tardiness in rectifying 'power outages'. Well last night, guess what, 1 lightning flash and the power was gone.

Now the difference, a call to the emergency number told the tale of woe that was power supply to a large swathe of the South East. Snow, ice, and freezing rain. Made our 'outage' seem like small fry, but NO. A lovely lady called Nadine was polite , explained that a sub station had been struck by lightning , but that as we spoke engineers were trying to effect repairs. (this was at 0030hrs in the Pi**ing rain.)

Seems that EDF have at last got their act together and married technical skill with customer service. Hats off to them!

Ps power was back in just a flash (1 hour)

Words that come back and Bite (series 1)

Anyone who gets involved in public life will know that inevitably, some your sayings will come back to haunt you.(I know this personally to be a fact). My favourite to date has to be the words of the then chancellor (G B) a few years ago. ''an end to the 'Boom and Bust' economy is my aim''.

Xmas is coming.

I saw a long range forecast today that predicts a mild winter, that would make it a straight run since 1987. Are we global warming, or just lucky?

Labour, The Party of the workers?

Unemployment is up. Bring on David Cameron!!!!!!!!

RNLI Radio

Worrying to hear that OFCOM want to increase massively the cost of radio licences for the RNLI!

Their excuse ' It puts them on the same level as the Ambulance and TAXIS?

I am at a loss as to the simularities between the Ambulance Service and the Taxis.

Lewis Hamilton, Hero or Zero?

So Lewis got into a little bother in Japan, Is he being picked on by Formula 1 bosses, or is he not so good?

Big Cats In Thanet

I notice in the Fortean Times, that thanet has become a bit of a 'Hot spot' for sightings of large cats in the wild.

Have you seen any? I have not , though some people I know well have.

China Gateway

OK , The debate is over, the application was passed. The result, IMHO, was the right one, but I do have to say that I was really impressed by Malcolm Kirkcaldie's comments at the meeting. I hope we have put enough checks in place to ease his concerns.

Me, all I want to see is a Thanet that has a future as a vibrant and exciting economy, what I do not want to see is a community that has no future, no jobs, and no young people. Change is good for all of us, me, I'm retired, but I do want my grandchildren to have a chance of working and becoming part of a community that is forward looking.

Moderation

Some of you may have noticed that I put moderation on from time to time.

There is no sinister reason for this, just that if I get a spate of either 'actionable' comments or just plain 'rude' comments, I will use my 'editors' right and stop people being very silly.

I know it sounds autocratic, but I set the terms of this particular blog, and if you do not like that then please post elsewhere.

New Minister!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hellooooo Gordon Broon,

Did you not notice that Peter Mandelson has been 'sacked' before