He's Gone

I've just heard on the radio that Andy Robinson has resigned, thank God, though probably given the option of reigning or being sacked by the RFU.

Now common Martin Johnson - what about it.

He's got to go

After another abysmal performance by the England rugby team last weekend it's surley time for Andy Robinson to go and the RFU persuade Martin Johnson to take his place.
There's no way we can go into the six nations with this current coach.

Alright back to this one

It seems that people prefer this site to the new one so I'll update this with previous posts and leave the new site for just guitar info.

Free Parking in Hungerford

Denise Gaines, (Lib Dem ward councilor for Hungerford) has published a letter in the NWN calling for free parking in Hungerford in the lead up to Christmas; whilst I applaud the suggestion I believe that it would make little difference in increasing trade in Hungerford as she suggests.

Ms Gaines is right, people do shop at out-of-town retail outlets, but not simply for the convenience of free parking but that one is unable to purchase the majority of today’s lifestyle needs; for instance where in Hungerford can one buy men’s jeans or casual clothes, shoes, socks, inexpensive ties, sports goods or clothes, mobile phones, computers and accessories, CD’s and DVD’s (other than the top 20 available in the supermarkets) in fact most of the items one would be shopping for Christmas presents. So the attraction of outlet centre’s is being able to obtain all of these items at one location alternatively, save the parking fee, save the petrol, save the time and buy online like 18 million people in the UK are expected to do this year.

It’s ridiculous that today I was unable to buy a standard car radio aerial, to replace a broken one, from either of the 2 service stations in Hungerford, I could do my weeks food shopping and buy enough wine and beer to throw a party, but try and get a fan belt or any car parts and I’m sorry it’s a trip to Halfords in Newbury, and Oh, while I’m here why not nip to Waitrose or the retail park and do the rest of my shopping.Ironically the bread shop in Hungerford 'Three Cooks' no longer sell bread as it can not compete with Somerfields.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Hungerford and will shop in the high street whenever possible and there’s nothing more I would like than to park my car for free in the high street, walking its entire length and get everything on my shopping list, but this is just not practical. Let’s face it, Hungerford High street consists mostly of Estate agents, Accountants, Antique shops, gift and jewelry shops, charity shops and others providing knick knacks or expensive furniture.

I do not know what’s on Ms Gaines Christmas list but I certainly wouldn’t be able to fulfill mine here. The answer to all this is to ensure that when shop premises become available, West Berks Council to encourage trading for only specific types of retail outlets by offering reduced rates and increased rates for non retail businesses using shop premises. Alternatively have our own retail outlet centre at Charnham Park and leave the high street to fend for itself, not an option I would welcome but with the additional housing we are expected to accommodate in the future, it may become an unwanted necessity.

A bit more like it

Well a win against South Africa, I must admit after previous performances, I didn't expect it, however I still think Robinson should go.

No joy on the job front yet so after a year I've started work on the novel again. Only problem is I can't remember what I've written before and have to keep going back to remind myself of everyones names.

I hope to get the Les Paul Classic back this week after having the neck adapted to fit. I'm really looking forward to working on this, though I think it will be the last until next spring when the weather will be right for spraying again.

Speechless!

After a very pleasant days golf at Blue Mountain on Friday, I was really looking forward to our trip to Twickenham to see England stuff the Argies; however things turned out slightly differently than expected. To start with my son put unleaded petrol in my diesel as we filled up prior to picking up JB and a friend. Fortunately he realised the mistake after 10 litres which meant we were able to get a further 50 litres of diesel on top. It might be Ok but we couldn't risk a trip down the M4 only to conk out in the middle of london, so alternmative plans were hastily made and we arrived at Twickenham in plenty of time to get to the Guiness bar and a few pints down before the onslaught at the same time mellowing my mood after the fuel fiasco.
Then came the game, as we wejnt in I remarked that after 6 losses in a row at least we will win this one.... famous last words.
Andy Robinson - you have to go! you ruined my day.

I'm Free!

In the words of the Who ' I , or rather We are free'. Dom passed his driving test today and has gone back to college tonight independently removing his vehicle with him. Now all I have to worry about is him driving around on his own! -weird