Maggie/915

Russell Brand writes brilliantly in the Guardian today. He joked about the sponsors Hugo Boss flogging uniforms to the Nazis. Subsequently Charles Moore was given an award for writing a book about Margaret Thatcher. Moore used his acceptance speech to pull Brand up about his behaviour past and present. Brand points out that' if you can't criticise Hugo Boss at the GQ awards because they own the event do you think it significant that energy companies donate to the Tory party? Will that affect government policy' Corporate backers, manipulation of information, Censorship, where does the truth lie. Often a joke is a good way to raise an important issue. Never thought I would be praising the issues Russell Brand is raising. He says the glitz and the glamour are not real, you can have a better time mucking about and making your mates laugh. The night has taught him the obvious, don't trust politicians, don't trust big business and don't trust the media. Trust your own heart and each other.

Folklore of Northumberland by Fran and Geoff Doel has a section called Collop Momday. It seems the day before Shrove Tuesday and the last day meat could be eaten until Lent was over; consisted of 'collop' a slice of dried salted and hung meat preserved through winter. Rashers of bacon were carried to houses of friends An effigy of Jesus in a coffin was taken house to house and money was needed to see inside the coffin. I have never heard of this custom before.

Who you calling an OAP? Exercise and a blackberry pie what could be better! Maybe blackberry wine.

The Burn is a great name. The water burns its way through the landscape. What about the Dyke Neuk!

I think today 500 years ago, the battle took place. What a waste of life. Something to remember today, when there is talk of battle or intervention.

Happy Birthday

I am learning all these new/old makes of push bikes! Cars, motorbikes etc, I am a lost cause! My old bike is a bit of a bone shaker but that adds character. My favourite car is still a Renault 4. If they still made them it would be my car of choice. My kids, sadly,would hide if I went to collect them from school in the Renault 4 Happiness does not equate with lots of money being spent. I have failed to get that through to certain of my kids. Maybe that is another topic.

There is a walkway alongside a little stream, that seems like an oasis away from the roads. It is right next to the Hazelmere Estate and starts next to a bus stop. Maybe that seems a little creepy Angela. If there are ghosts or anything else I am sure it will be a force for good. Pause for Star War thoughts! The pathways to Choppington, Hepscott and then on to Morpeth are great. If you have not explored, they are brilliant. Not far away is Bothal and the Wandbeck. Truly inspiring.

That is realty interesting Vic. The technology is there but all to often we do not hear about it. Not in the right way. Generators and producing our own power would be my ideal. We are paying huge sums for Turbines through our power bills and taxes, a lot of that seems to go in subsidies. If all the information was clear and transparent we would feel different I am sure. Because the turbines can go up and then down without anyone knowing what is happening, it leads to mistrust. If it was a high rise block of flats it would be different. More information!

It's the enemy within Synptoms. One son informed me of its value. Seems I could put it on a website for it to be used as a prop in a film etc. Who would have thought a little bike from Blyth Coop could be worth money all these years later.

That is what I fear Malcolm

The Turbines keep changing in and around Blyth. Sometimes they have the blades sometimes not. Synergy were talking to, I think, the MP for Blyth and the wind farm is to be extensive. The views from Newbiggin North Seaton etc all change. I do not watch constantly but each time I look something is different. The why and wherefore of these things fascinate me. I just am not sure we can trust the technology. The other point is the subsidies which maybe twist the market.

I am guessing you are all to busy. As volunteers, your work commitment is worthy of recognition, locally and nationally. Very well done. It is a shame I cannot dedicate more time to listening. It is like having a friend in the room chatting.

Let us all know what happens Neil. Scotland is to be renewable energy in total, it seems. The truth about all these Turbines is out there somewhere. When will the truth out and when will the views of the public be heard. The government need to ask themselves why so many people are against this technology. I wonder if they read the objections. If they do not then they may become unelectable!

That picture is a new college built in Sheffield. I just wonder how much energy is produced, and for who. If it is such a good idea, why not for all of us and not just for the rich boys in subsidies. The Turbines at Blythe go up are pulled down and no one seems to have any real data about their viability. I guess in time we will find out the truth.

Was that because the main road was busy, or were you all picking the best blackberries. We are now the Grandparents and my lot are so enthusiastic about picking this year that I do not get a look in. I need to remember, to get them behind me.

Happy Days the school was a good place to go to.

Excellent pictures Foxy. I think we can get a good idea from these about where the turbine will go or not. 140/10! That is the votes against 140, sorry objections

"We are all in the Gutter but some of us are looking at the Stars" Did Oscar Wilde say that, either way a good idea. Keith Lockey you can be our very own Patrick Moore.

Now there is a challenge. Could end up with Call Wansbeck Soon. Cyclist was stupid.

We are all behind Synergy. Cheering them on! You could mean us to get behind you Micky Potts. Where would you like to go?

You could be right. My solution would be to put these turbines along side chimneys. In the South maybe London. ( Houses of Parliament, Downing Street etc) Nothing wrong with riot control. Remember you are one of the chosen ones now. Town councillors unite. Just as well we all have a sense of humour.

Thanks Vic! It is interesting because it seems prior to 1950 they were made by one company and then later maybe made in Birmingham. One son is researching because he is into bikes but it also seems they are worth something now. There is absolutely no way I am selling but it may become a 'Grand Torino' moment. If you have seen the film.

The answer for over populated towns and cities!

What a shot! The sky is now the limit. Maybe not with such skill.