This is a blog I wrote last night, which I spent ages writing, pressed the publish button, then I lost it all, by which time it was getting late, and didnt fancy the prospect of typing it all out again.
So here is the new improved version.
2010, has been a very stressful year, not just for myself, but several of my former colleagues, some friends and family. It has been one of the sorts of years where one thing has come after the other.
The year started off with a investigation in to my Former employer, this created lots of worry not only for myself, but most of my other colleagues, we were at the time a fairly close knit team, I actually regarded them as part of my extended family, but alas as the year progressed the more the worry was there at the back of our minds.
So the investigation destroyed that team, as the investigators turned everyone against the employer, and upon each other, not directly though. It was a case of divide and conquer on there part. Now in my opinion we were used like pawns in a chess match. As the months progressed the work place lots the atmosphere, I lost confidence in myself. It is a sad state of affairs when that happens.
All I can say is the whole affair cost me a relationship and several friendships, the damage has been done, and all I can do is work hard to heal the wounds and make 2011 a better year for all of us
I can remember just before the schools broke up back in July, driving that last school run, and thinking that this would be the last day I work with some of these people, some of whom I had worked with for the last 8 years. I was looking at the situation and thinking I need a change of direction, so in August I left.
I can remember standing in the yard after parking up my coach on my very last day, the night was a cool late august night, and I stood there look in to the sky, and it was still, for a brief second the noise of passers by and the traffic outside seemed to vanish, I was having a couple of flashbacks, as everywhere I turned in that yard brought a memory to my mind. Yes I will admitt that I was quite emotional, but I knew I had to make the move, start the next chapter in my life. After every end comes a new begining.
So I think about what I want out of life, and there is so much I want to do and see. The last year has put alot of things in to perspective, and I must not let the grass grow under my feet, the world is my oyster, or so they so. I am a unique person, who can make a valied contribution to society. I need to stop worrying about things, because life happens and things happen, it is a case of learning and improving everyday.
So on this note it is a case of watch this space, and I do know one thing, when I go I want to have lived a full life, we all have one life and we make our own personal Hell and heaven. We all go through tough times, when we think that we cant cope, but most of us get through it. It is part of building our own character.
One life, so lets live it, exorcise those demons, and most importantly of all lets exercise our freedom. anyway ttfn
Monday, 29 November 2010
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Winter is well and truely here
Well it had to happen, subzero temperatures on friday, and we woke up to a covering of snow on Saturday morning, I was due to drive a coach trip for a sports fixture, but the job had been cancelled the previous day. I did have the bingo run to do though, which I do quite often on a saturday evening.
On my way to work I wisely decided to drive the route, and work out any problem areas, so I could have a word with my boss to work out an alternative if need be. In the end there was only 2 parts of the route which was iced up. I was down on numbers too, they had decided that it was probably unwise to leave the warm of their homes.
I have been listening to the news today and several parts of the country have experienced record temperatures, with Powys in Wales being the lowest at -18. The real test will be tomorrow when we all return to work after the weekend, and looking at the sky tonight as I write it looks like more of the dreaded white stuff is on its way.
Apart from working, I have been busy with lots of non bus issues this weekend, I am looking to make jan the 1st a completely fresh start for me, and hopefully will end a period of worry and stress that has been 2010, Hopefully my website will be launched on this day, there is a facebook page dedicated to the website, this will be revamped to coincide with the launch.
There are other promising things on the horizon, more of which later. till then ttfn
On my way to work I wisely decided to drive the route, and work out any problem areas, so I could have a word with my boss to work out an alternative if need be. In the end there was only 2 parts of the route which was iced up. I was down on numbers too, they had decided that it was probably unwise to leave the warm of their homes.
I have been listening to the news today and several parts of the country have experienced record temperatures, with Powys in Wales being the lowest at -18. The real test will be tomorrow when we all return to work after the weekend, and looking at the sky tonight as I write it looks like more of the dreaded white stuff is on its way.
Apart from working, I have been busy with lots of non bus issues this weekend, I am looking to make jan the 1st a completely fresh start for me, and hopefully will end a period of worry and stress that has been 2010, Hopefully my website will be launched on this day, there is a facebook page dedicated to the website, this will be revamped to coincide with the launch.
There are other promising things on the horizon, more of which later. till then ttfn
Friday, 26 November 2010
Another visit to Birmingham and cold weather sets in
As I write this piece Very cold weather is setting in and causing the temperatures to plummet. Some parts of the uk have seen snow, lets hope the councils have enough stock of roadsalt, we dont want a repeat of earlier in the year.
My journeys took me to Birmingham yesterday, where I had a photo session, quite an interesting variety ply the streets of the capital of the midlands, well Lots of Denns Darts, and Travel West Midlands buses, consisting of Dennis Tridents with Plaxton president and Alexander ALX 400, complete with etched windows, wonder why buses in big cities have etched windows, must be the urban inner city culutre.
In Nottingham the bus war continues, with the Red 4 service introduced by Premiere, wonder where they will go to next. Your bus keep adding to their fleet, with more Super pointer Darts entering the fleet, wonder if they will be purchasing some brand new buses in the near future. If they do will they be MCV bodied buses?? who knows, but I await the future of Yourbus with interest. So things are hotting up in Nottingham.
My own projects are ticking over, and I will be having a very busy weekend coming up, more of which later. I did have a job, for tomorrow which has now been cancelled, so I might catch up with the latest round of the competition, thats if I am allowed to, by the authorities,(thats a differant story),. I want to start building up a portfolio of non bus pictures, for reason that I shall reveal later. Anyway TTFN
My journeys took me to Birmingham yesterday, where I had a photo session, quite an interesting variety ply the streets of the capital of the midlands, well Lots of Denns Darts, and Travel West Midlands buses, consisting of Dennis Tridents with Plaxton president and Alexander ALX 400, complete with etched windows, wonder why buses in big cities have etched windows, must be the urban inner city culutre.
In Nottingham the bus war continues, with the Red 4 service introduced by Premiere, wonder where they will go to next. Your bus keep adding to their fleet, with more Super pointer Darts entering the fleet, wonder if they will be purchasing some brand new buses in the near future. If they do will they be MCV bodied buses?? who knows, but I await the future of Yourbus with interest. So things are hotting up in Nottingham.
My own projects are ticking over, and I will be having a very busy weekend coming up, more of which later. I did have a job, for tomorrow which has now been cancelled, so I might catch up with the latest round of the competition, thats if I am allowed to, by the authorities,(thats a differant story),. I want to start building up a portfolio of non bus pictures, for reason that I shall reveal later. Anyway TTFN
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
24th November 2010
What a day, It was a day that saw me going down the motorway, only to turn round and come back, Why I hear you ask, Well it was a problem on the Motorway between J14 and J12. The problem was a combination of a break down and several accidents, mixed in with a large section of motorway having roadworks.
So it was a complete none productive day. Oh well. I'm off to Birmingham tomorrow, and again on saturday
The news of today has been marked with a hint of sadness, A second explosion has happened in the mine in New Zealand, unforunate news is that there is little hope of survivors, my thoughts go out to the relatives and loved ones during this distressing time.
Other news is that another protest has taken place in the captial, the cossers were ready and waitng for them, All I know is that the students are not happy, and feel sold down the river, to be honest the real people they want to vent the anger at is the big banks and venture capitalists who borrowed the country in to a mess in the first place. So students next time, go and smash the Lloyds building up. I was once told put a begger in the saddle and they will ride all the way to hell, very true for the new government. and I am sure quite a few Lib-Dem MP's feel like they sold their souls to Satan.
Anyway I am now off to bed now TTFN
So it was a complete none productive day. Oh well. I'm off to Birmingham tomorrow, and again on saturday
The news of today has been marked with a hint of sadness, A second explosion has happened in the mine in New Zealand, unforunate news is that there is little hope of survivors, my thoughts go out to the relatives and loved ones during this distressing time.
Other news is that another protest has taken place in the captial, the cossers were ready and waitng for them, All I know is that the students are not happy, and feel sold down the river, to be honest the real people they want to vent the anger at is the big banks and venture capitalists who borrowed the country in to a mess in the first place. So students next time, go and smash the Lloyds building up. I was once told put a begger in the saddle and they will ride all the way to hell, very true for the new government. and I am sure quite a few Lib-Dem MP's feel like they sold their souls to Satan.
Anyway I am now off to bed now TTFN
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
23rd November
It is hard to think that with a week, it will be december and the run up to Christmas will be well and truely with us, Already the shops and shopping centres are covered in decorations, the Bavarian themed christmas market is under construction in Nottingham Market square, The TV adverts have developed a more christmassy theme, I suppose the Coca Cola ads with the convoy of trucks being driven by Santa Clause will be soon forced upon us. For the coach companies the Turkey and Tinsel themed holidays are well and truely underway.
The main news event is the forthcoming engagement of william and whats her face, with the wedding day set to 29th of April next year. A public holiday has been announced for the day and I suppose it is an extra day to have off work, and get rat-arsed in the pub. The jokes have already started as has speculation to when Charlie and that horse faced Sow, will take to the throne, I prefer the jokes to be honest.
The final few weeks of the year are set to be fairly busy for me, The website is taking shape, the bus is being progressed, and plans made for next year. It is going to be a better year, I know that for sure. My first outing of the year will be the King Alfred running day in Winchester. I have made the trip on a couple of other occasions, and found the event very enjoyable, My resolution for the new year will be to see more of my friends. It has been such a hectic year and I have not seen so much of everyone.
So there you have it. TTFN
The main news event is the forthcoming engagement of william and whats her face, with the wedding day set to 29th of April next year. A public holiday has been announced for the day and I suppose it is an extra day to have off work, and get rat-arsed in the pub. The jokes have already started as has speculation to when Charlie and that horse faced Sow, will take to the throne, I prefer the jokes to be honest.
The final few weeks of the year are set to be fairly busy for me, The website is taking shape, the bus is being progressed, and plans made for next year. It is going to be a better year, I know that for sure. My first outing of the year will be the King Alfred running day in Winchester. I have made the trip on a couple of other occasions, and found the event very enjoyable, My resolution for the new year will be to see more of my friends. It has been such a hectic year and I have not seen so much of everyone.
So there you have it. TTFN
Friday, 19 November 2010
My weekend Late November 2010
Well the weekend started off with Children in need night, which is basically a charity marathon, done to a variety show layout, presented by Terry Wogan, I didnt watch it, no cant stand those sort of programmes, so I watched UK gold, with some old episodes of Allo allo, Well I always find these a good laugh, and in true Calum sense of humour, no one escapes mocking, even the British have the piss took out of them. Cant believe they stopped making the programme about 20 years ago.
Saturday I was busy again, with picking my mum up from shooping, then popping to see Philippa, getting invited out for a coffee with her parents, then I had to get ready for work, which involved driving a 29 seater on some little jobs finsihing about half 11.
Sunday came, and I popped to the Leopard to do some work, I was supposed to be doing several other jobs, but you know how it is, nothing ever really goes to plan. didnt even get chance to photo anything. Still things are progressing, The bus will be back on the road one day. so there you have it.
It is hard to imagine that in a months time we will be getting ready to say goodbye to 2010, and see what 2011 brings.
This has been an interesting week, with talk of the Royal engagement, with calls for skipping Charlie to replace the Queen, and make William the next monarch, I dont really care to be honest, as I refuse to swear alliegence to the Royals, I am my own subject, I think that the only good thing they do is help the economy by encouraging Fat American tourists to book touring Holidays over here, to tour round London and Windsor on a Globus Gateway coach, in the hope they will see the Queen or one of her Corgi's. With out the Royals, the sales of tea towels and postcards with the Union Jack would plummet.
Tomorrow looks to be another busy day, but I will tell you all about it tomorrow. Till then take care.
Saturday I was busy again, with picking my mum up from shooping, then popping to see Philippa, getting invited out for a coffee with her parents, then I had to get ready for work, which involved driving a 29 seater on some little jobs finsihing about half 11.
Sunday came, and I popped to the Leopard to do some work, I was supposed to be doing several other jobs, but you know how it is, nothing ever really goes to plan. didnt even get chance to photo anything. Still things are progressing, The bus will be back on the road one day. so there you have it.
It is hard to imagine that in a months time we will be getting ready to say goodbye to 2010, and see what 2011 brings.
This has been an interesting week, with talk of the Royal engagement, with calls for skipping Charlie to replace the Queen, and make William the next monarch, I dont really care to be honest, as I refuse to swear alliegence to the Royals, I am my own subject, I think that the only good thing they do is help the economy by encouraging Fat American tourists to book touring Holidays over here, to tour round London and Windsor on a Globus Gateway coach, in the hope they will see the Queen or one of her Corgi's. With out the Royals, the sales of tea towels and postcards with the Union Jack would plummet.
Tomorrow looks to be another busy day, but I will tell you all about it tomorrow. Till then take care.
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Thursday 18th November 2010
Well as the dreaded C word looms, the advertisement become more intense, ready for the kids to start pestering their parents for those popular gifts which will probably run out of stock pretty quickly.
I was driving home and decided to have a listen to Air's Talkie walkie album, It is nice to have a variety of CD's, even though my good friend Philippa, thinks it is depressing. Well I have examples from the 90's britpop era, several Divine Comedy albums, and various other random stuff, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and that other tart who tried to have a yardie sound, Rihanna I think, have no place in my CD collection, nor does anything that has been marketed by Simon Cowell or any other of the X factor tosspots.
I rather enjoyed giving it a listen, however I then decided to have a listen to Zero seven's Simple things album. Now I still think it is their best album, and certainly one of the must have albums of the last 10 years, You can listen to it at home, or in the car and it is totally relaxing to listen to. It is what lazy sunday afternoons was designed for. The other 3 albums were good, but this one comes out on top, Cant really say it rocks, as it is not that sort of music.
Sometimes I find I will buy an album, listen to it once then leave it on the shelf for 6 months then have another listen, then really enjoy it. Like fine wines, sometimes music needs to mature. Then an album you bought years ago, will all of a sudden make sense, and reflect how your life is going, I found that a couple of years ago with The Divine Comedy's Regeneration Album.
The strangest album experience I went through was a couple of years ago, with Portisheads Third Album, which, describes how I felt, whilst I was going through a very difficult relationship break up, I sometimes listen to that album now and sometimes find it painful to listen to. The strange thing is it came out 2 weeks after my break.
Going back to DC's Regeneration album, I find it as one written by a guy how had lots of questions about life, society. One of the tracks questions religion, whilst the last track has a go at the control of peoples emotions and thoughts through the medium of glossy magazines. My particular favourite off the album, is Dumb it down. Which is making a comment of thought control by society, and the fact that if you think differant will brand you as a freak. As I keep saying, we are all differant, and we dont all have to follow the crowd and read the sun.
Thought I would share those thoughts with you, now I must get back to Reggie Perrin.
I was driving home and decided to have a listen to Air's Talkie walkie album, It is nice to have a variety of CD's, even though my good friend Philippa, thinks it is depressing. Well I have examples from the 90's britpop era, several Divine Comedy albums, and various other random stuff, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and that other tart who tried to have a yardie sound, Rihanna I think, have no place in my CD collection, nor does anything that has been marketed by Simon Cowell or any other of the X factor tosspots.
I rather enjoyed giving it a listen, however I then decided to have a listen to Zero seven's Simple things album. Now I still think it is their best album, and certainly one of the must have albums of the last 10 years, You can listen to it at home, or in the car and it is totally relaxing to listen to. It is what lazy sunday afternoons was designed for. The other 3 albums were good, but this one comes out on top, Cant really say it rocks, as it is not that sort of music.
Sometimes I find I will buy an album, listen to it once then leave it on the shelf for 6 months then have another listen, then really enjoy it. Like fine wines, sometimes music needs to mature. Then an album you bought years ago, will all of a sudden make sense, and reflect how your life is going, I found that a couple of years ago with The Divine Comedy's Regeneration Album.
The strangest album experience I went through was a couple of years ago, with Portisheads Third Album, which, describes how I felt, whilst I was going through a very difficult relationship break up, I sometimes listen to that album now and sometimes find it painful to listen to. The strange thing is it came out 2 weeks after my break.
Going back to DC's Regeneration album, I find it as one written by a guy how had lots of questions about life, society. One of the tracks questions religion, whilst the last track has a go at the control of peoples emotions and thoughts through the medium of glossy magazines. My particular favourite off the album, is Dumb it down. Which is making a comment of thought control by society, and the fact that if you think differant will brand you as a freak. As I keep saying, we are all differant, and we dont all have to follow the crowd and read the sun.
Thought I would share those thoughts with you, now I must get back to Reggie Perrin.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Wednesday 17th November 2010
Why is it, when you get to wednesday, you get the impression that it is a non-descript day. Well Monday goes quickly as you are busy getting in to the swing of the week, tuesday tends to go slow, as you are still getting used to the week. Thursday you begin to make plans for the weekend, Friday well you just want 5pm to come along, so you can let your hair down to enjoy yourself. Saturday you do your shopping or go out to buy clothes, and Sunday is for relaxing. The sort of day to put on a chill-out album, Zero seven, Stereolab, and so on in my case, shut out the world outside and just unwind, ready for Monday to come along again.
So we have wednesday, which is used by most universities as the sports day, which we dont know what to do with, even the tv networks dont know what to do with a wednesday, they put the crap programmes on. There was a time when the viewing was good, but not anymore.
I suppose years ago when I used to volunteer at the Heritage Centre, wednesday was the transport departments working evening, we met up, had a chat and got on with a bit of bus and coach restoration, or maybe chuck in a lorry or a car. Didnt matter what time of year it was, we all met up to have a working evening, Times change, work patterns change and we have to sometimes move on and get on with the things that are the priority.
So what else is going on in life today? well not alot really, the media is full of HRH Williams engagement to whats her face, well I'm not really bothered to be honest, I wish them all the happiness, but why should all the gutter press devote pages and pages of pointless toss to them. Maybe this country needs a royal wedding to lift spirits, to stop the peasants revolting? Who knows. I'm not really interested in what her former class mate thinks, nor will I pledge my alliegence to a family who's distant ancesstors took the country by force, and ruled the country under a tyranny for centuries afterwards, but while we have the Royals, we will have coach loads of american tourists travelling to Buck house in the hope that they might glimpse one of the queens corgi's. Still it brings money in the economy, so I suppose they have their uses.
More good news is that the Samalian pirates have released the British couple who had been held hostage, very good news indeed.
Well i'm just on local work for the rest of the week, then not sure what i'm doing at the weekend yet, Maybe more work on the Leopard, I also intend to move some stuff into the house at Long Eaton. anyway TTFN
So we have wednesday, which is used by most universities as the sports day, which we dont know what to do with, even the tv networks dont know what to do with a wednesday, they put the crap programmes on. There was a time when the viewing was good, but not anymore.
I suppose years ago when I used to volunteer at the Heritage Centre, wednesday was the transport departments working evening, we met up, had a chat and got on with a bit of bus and coach restoration, or maybe chuck in a lorry or a car. Didnt matter what time of year it was, we all met up to have a working evening, Times change, work patterns change and we have to sometimes move on and get on with the things that are the priority.
So what else is going on in life today? well not alot really, the media is full of HRH Williams engagement to whats her face, well I'm not really bothered to be honest, I wish them all the happiness, but why should all the gutter press devote pages and pages of pointless toss to them. Maybe this country needs a royal wedding to lift spirits, to stop the peasants revolting? Who knows. I'm not really interested in what her former class mate thinks, nor will I pledge my alliegence to a family who's distant ancesstors took the country by force, and ruled the country under a tyranny for centuries afterwards, but while we have the Royals, we will have coach loads of american tourists travelling to Buck house in the hope that they might glimpse one of the queens corgi's. Still it brings money in the economy, so I suppose they have their uses.
More good news is that the Samalian pirates have released the British couple who had been held hostage, very good news indeed.
Well i'm just on local work for the rest of the week, then not sure what i'm doing at the weekend yet, Maybe more work on the Leopard, I also intend to move some stuff into the house at Long Eaton. anyway TTFN
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Tuesday 16th November 2010
Well what can I say, this week has taken me to Birmingham, I had a wander it to the city centre, and headed for the Ian Allan shop, to see if there was any new releases, and to see if there had a copy of the new Buses Magazine, however the new copy was not out so I will have to wait till friday, oh well. At least it will be something to read, if I'm sent out on a job this weekend.
I saw a good selection of buses and coaches, on service in the city, but it was soon time to return my party back to Loughborough. Today I was Loughborough based workwise. More good news is that the Saxo is now back on the road, and I have sadly had to say goodbye to the truck I had borrowed. Still undecided about what I am going to do with the car, trouble is as I have said before, I have been through so much with the car. We will see what happens
I am making plans for the future, as I said 2011 is going to be better, not just for me, but for my friends, as it has been a year of worry in many ways, and just when the corner was turning for something postive to happen along would come the next spanner for the works. I feel lots of hard decisions will have to be made very soon.
The advertisements for the dreaded c word are well and truely underway. I sit and say to my self, "oh god" I am not the biggest fan of christmas, there are lots of reasons.
So there you have it, till next time then. One last thing before I go and that is to wish my good friend Simon a happy birthday, Have a few beers for me.
I saw a good selection of buses and coaches, on service in the city, but it was soon time to return my party back to Loughborough. Today I was Loughborough based workwise. More good news is that the Saxo is now back on the road, and I have sadly had to say goodbye to the truck I had borrowed. Still undecided about what I am going to do with the car, trouble is as I have said before, I have been through so much with the car. We will see what happens
I am making plans for the future, as I said 2011 is going to be better, not just for me, but for my friends, as it has been a year of worry in many ways, and just when the corner was turning for something postive to happen along would come the next spanner for the works. I feel lots of hard decisions will have to be made very soon.
The advertisements for the dreaded c word are well and truely underway. I sit and say to my self, "oh god" I am not the biggest fan of christmas, there are lots of reasons.
So there you have it, till next time then. One last thing before I go and that is to wish my good friend Simon a happy birthday, Have a few beers for me.
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Sunday 14th November 2010
Well, I gather people have probably read my earlier posting, and I hope it was thought provoking, I noticed a couple of people on facebook had liked it, So it is working. This time of year is very reflective, the dark evenings are well and truely with us, and in just over a months time we will be celebrating Christmas, and going through that ritual. The followed by new years eve, then we start planning for the next year.
I intend to actually take some proper time off work and maybe have a proper holiday. The last time I properly went away was to France back in 1999, which seems so far away now, I stayed with my friend Malcolm in the little village of Raye Sur Authe, near the small industial town of Hesdin. I have temporarily lost touch with Malcolm, but I intend to get back in touch. It was a very nice time we had, and the month I spent out there went far too quickly. I went out there to escape the dole system, as I was sick to the back teeth of not being able to find work. It is comical but within a month of coming back from France I found work at Dunn-Line, and so began my adventures in the bus and coach industry.
My other plans are ticking over, the website will be in development before it goes live on January the first. Aswell as being a platform to show my bus and coach pictures, and chart my activities with the Barton Leopard, I also intend to have some forums where coach drivers can share information. As well as forums for enthusiasts. Exciting times and some of the ideas are being thought out. I will publish details on this page very soon.
2010 has been the year of lots of crap, not just for me but lots of friends, the economy of the country. probably all linked. This time last year involved lots of worry not just for me, but my work colleagues, and I am convinced to this day that the agency involved was used as part of a personal campaign against my former employer. Myself and my former work colleagues were used like pawns in a chess match. But that story is really for another time. At the mo I am waiting for the dust to settle first.
I intend to actually take some proper time off work and maybe have a proper holiday. The last time I properly went away was to France back in 1999, which seems so far away now, I stayed with my friend Malcolm in the little village of Raye Sur Authe, near the small industial town of Hesdin. I have temporarily lost touch with Malcolm, but I intend to get back in touch. It was a very nice time we had, and the month I spent out there went far too quickly. I went out there to escape the dole system, as I was sick to the back teeth of not being able to find work. It is comical but within a month of coming back from France I found work at Dunn-Line, and so began my adventures in the bus and coach industry.
My other plans are ticking over, the website will be in development before it goes live on January the first. Aswell as being a platform to show my bus and coach pictures, and chart my activities with the Barton Leopard, I also intend to have some forums where coach drivers can share information. As well as forums for enthusiasts. Exciting times and some of the ideas are being thought out. I will publish details on this page very soon.
2010 has been the year of lots of crap, not just for me but lots of friends, the economy of the country. probably all linked. This time last year involved lots of worry not just for me, but my work colleagues, and I am convinced to this day that the agency involved was used as part of a personal campaign against my former employer. Myself and my former work colleagues were used like pawns in a chess match. But that story is really for another time. At the mo I am waiting for the dust to settle first.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
rememberance sunday
Hello again, today my adventures took me to Bedford yesterday, after which I did the Bingo run to Clifton, It has been kinda nice to use my left leg to drive.
As it is rememberance sunday, I am going to reflect on a coach trip I drove a few years ago for the VJ rememberance ceremony, this was held at Peterborough back in 2005, I volunteered for the job, and it was in the wheelchair coach, as we were carrying some vets who were wheelchair bound. The weather was nice and sunny, and I went fo a wander round Peterborough, doing things like photographing the local buses. I digress,
Anyway, I also watched the parade and realised that when it came round to the next VJ day, in 2015, most of the vets who took part would no longer be with us, quite a moving thought, We are all getting no younger, and some of the people on the bus had been POW's under the Japanese regime, and were thus mistreated in horrible ways.
No war is a pleasant thing to go through, but sometimes we need to fight to stop a tyranny in its tracks. All ready a dangerous situation is unfolding, there is the war on terror against Alquaeda, there is also the conflict in Gaza, with the Palastinians and Isreal, whos war crimes record is far from clean. The sad fact is while there is humanity there will be conflict. The quest for world peace will always be there too, and in an ideal world it would be nice, but this is a far from ideal world.
So please pay your respects today, today is for the fallen, the average citizens who took up arms to defend the country, the world infact from a tyranny whose ideas were based on the distorted views of one man, helped by other men who were happy to exterminate a race, because they deemed them as inferior. Many atrocities were committed during both wars. There are maybe lots more we dont even know about, and perhaps never will do.
As it is rememberance sunday, I am going to reflect on a coach trip I drove a few years ago for the VJ rememberance ceremony, this was held at Peterborough back in 2005, I volunteered for the job, and it was in the wheelchair coach, as we were carrying some vets who were wheelchair bound. The weather was nice and sunny, and I went fo a wander round Peterborough, doing things like photographing the local buses. I digress,
Anyway, I also watched the parade and realised that when it came round to the next VJ day, in 2015, most of the vets who took part would no longer be with us, quite a moving thought, We are all getting no younger, and some of the people on the bus had been POW's under the Japanese regime, and were thus mistreated in horrible ways.
No war is a pleasant thing to go through, but sometimes we need to fight to stop a tyranny in its tracks. All ready a dangerous situation is unfolding, there is the war on terror against Alquaeda, there is also the conflict in Gaza, with the Palastinians and Isreal, whos war crimes record is far from clean. The sad fact is while there is humanity there will be conflict. The quest for world peace will always be there too, and in an ideal world it would be nice, but this is a far from ideal world.
So please pay your respects today, today is for the fallen, the average citizens who took up arms to defend the country, the world infact from a tyranny whose ideas were based on the distorted views of one man, helped by other men who were happy to exterminate a race, because they deemed them as inferior. Many atrocities were committed during both wars. There are maybe lots more we dont even know about, and perhaps never will do.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Rememberance day
On the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month of 1918, a peace treaty was signed, bringing an end to the great war, which had seen many lives lost across europe, and the rest of the world. It was the first war that introduced new technology to warfare in the shape of tanks and aircraft, it was the first to use mustard gas. Many lives lost, then 21 years later war is again declared on Germany, this time under a fascist tyranny.
The story of both wars has been told many times over, but what about the people, the average person, the real unsung heroes of the war were the volunteers who signed up, the men and women who worked in the factories to keep things ticking over, then would do duties in the night such as firefighting, medics, making sure that the streets were blacked out. The farmers who fed the nation, the landgirls, the list goes on and on.
There are very few famlies who have not been affected by both conflicts, both directly and indirectly, there are now no veterans of world war 1, the last vet died only a few years ago, and the veterans of world war 2 are rapidly dwindling.
Out of my grandparents, all in their 80's, My granny was a Wren, my other Grandmother was a nurse, and my Canadian granddad was in the airforce, serving on Lancaster Bombers. My other Grandad, was a farmer, although a young lad at the time.
So I hope you all showed your respect today, and remembered the fallen.
Here is a very interesting fact, there is only one year year since the end of world war 2 when a serving solder has not died in conflict, and that is 1968. It is mind boggling if you think about it. Many lives have been lost on peace keeping missions.
I personally do not agree with the war in the Gulf, and I know that lots of people share my opinion, but you cant help but to respect the solders serving in these volatile countries.
Other things in life now, still not heard about the car today, but I intend to be mobile again by the weekend, working saturday, which will stop me going out and spending my money.
The government are proposing to cut the benefits of the longterm out of work, as with all of these ideas the wrong people will be targeted, whilst the sub human scum, who know how to play the system will get away with it. There were demonstrations in London yesterday, which turned in to anarchy, involving damage and forced entry to the tory party headquarters. Just a shame Cameron and George Osbourne were not in there, the pair of silver spoon wankers, I would love to see the anarchists get their mits on them, it would make great TV.
So there you have it, my be giving the bus a miss this week, well not going to have the time to spend on it this week. Right off to look at Ebay now talk soon
The story of both wars has been told many times over, but what about the people, the average person, the real unsung heroes of the war were the volunteers who signed up, the men and women who worked in the factories to keep things ticking over, then would do duties in the night such as firefighting, medics, making sure that the streets were blacked out. The farmers who fed the nation, the landgirls, the list goes on and on.
There are very few famlies who have not been affected by both conflicts, both directly and indirectly, there are now no veterans of world war 1, the last vet died only a few years ago, and the veterans of world war 2 are rapidly dwindling.
Out of my grandparents, all in their 80's, My granny was a Wren, my other Grandmother was a nurse, and my Canadian granddad was in the airforce, serving on Lancaster Bombers. My other Grandad, was a farmer, although a young lad at the time.
So I hope you all showed your respect today, and remembered the fallen.
Here is a very interesting fact, there is only one year year since the end of world war 2 when a serving solder has not died in conflict, and that is 1968. It is mind boggling if you think about it. Many lives have been lost on peace keeping missions.
I personally do not agree with the war in the Gulf, and I know that lots of people share my opinion, but you cant help but to respect the solders serving in these volatile countries.
Other things in life now, still not heard about the car today, but I intend to be mobile again by the weekend, working saturday, which will stop me going out and spending my money.
The government are proposing to cut the benefits of the longterm out of work, as with all of these ideas the wrong people will be targeted, whilst the sub human scum, who know how to play the system will get away with it. There were demonstrations in London yesterday, which turned in to anarchy, involving damage and forced entry to the tory party headquarters. Just a shame Cameron and George Osbourne were not in there, the pair of silver spoon wankers, I would love to see the anarchists get their mits on them, it would make great TV.
So there you have it, my be giving the bus a miss this week, well not going to have the time to spend on it this week. Right off to look at Ebay now talk soon
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
9th November 2010
So the radio station, Heart Fm was full of the usual celeb gossip crap, this time involving that self opinionated tosser Simon Cowell flirting with Cheryl Cole, Oh please I'm sure not every one wants to know, and I must admit I am proud that I have not seen X factor or any of those types of programmes, I know they are popular with lots of people, but watching one of those ghastly programmes is TV hell to me. besides I have better things to do, like go to work.
No news on the car front, but should be sorted for saturday, I am starting to look round for a replacement, as I have been through so much with the Saxo, so it will be difficult to say bye bye to the car. It is difficult to think that I bought it by accident, several years ago I owned a Mini for about a year, which turned out to be a mistake, it spent more time off the road than on, and although I loved it to bits the work required to keep it up to scratch and on the road was too much. I got a big long list of things that needed attention, and It sadly went for scrap. So I was looking round for a replacement, and I spotted the Saxo on the car lot. I thought it was out of my price range and well four years and 60,000 miles later I still have it. It was a shame I had to scrap the mini in retrospect, had I had a lock I think it could have been saved, but we live and learn.
There are no bus rallies for the near future, although my next one maybe the Ensign running day if it runs, but otherwise it will be the King Alfred running day, which is held in Winchester on jan 2nd, So I will be able to recover from Doms new year party, going to try and persuade Philippa to come along this year, as it was very good, and a good time was had by all, I remember the game of Wii bowling going on in to the early hours.
Well I am looking forward to the new year in lots of other ways, Several websites are due to merge under one umbrella, hopefully opening alsorts of avenues, including a spot of Journalism, It is my intention to attend bus and coach live, and hopefully Showbus will be dry. so heres to next year. roll on 2011
No news on the car front, but should be sorted for saturday, I am starting to look round for a replacement, as I have been through so much with the Saxo, so it will be difficult to say bye bye to the car. It is difficult to think that I bought it by accident, several years ago I owned a Mini for about a year, which turned out to be a mistake, it spent more time off the road than on, and although I loved it to bits the work required to keep it up to scratch and on the road was too much. I got a big long list of things that needed attention, and It sadly went for scrap. So I was looking round for a replacement, and I spotted the Saxo on the car lot. I thought it was out of my price range and well four years and 60,000 miles later I still have it. It was a shame I had to scrap the mini in retrospect, had I had a lock I think it could have been saved, but we live and learn.
There are no bus rallies for the near future, although my next one maybe the Ensign running day if it runs, but otherwise it will be the King Alfred running day, which is held in Winchester on jan 2nd, So I will be able to recover from Doms new year party, going to try and persuade Philippa to come along this year, as it was very good, and a good time was had by all, I remember the game of Wii bowling going on in to the early hours.
Well I am looking forward to the new year in lots of other ways, Several websites are due to merge under one umbrella, hopefully opening alsorts of avenues, including a spot of Journalism, It is my intention to attend bus and coach live, and hopefully Showbus will be dry. so heres to next year. roll on 2011
Monday, 8 November 2010
Monday 8th November
Well my Saxo is still off the road, hopefully some is looking at it in the next days or so, the timing of the car developing the problem is as usual bad, but that is how it works. It seems the problem is the spark plugs, but reading through some forum sites the sparkplugs are a bit of a bugger to get to, as they are at an angle towards the back of the engine.
I think it maybe time to start looking for a replacement, well I have owned it for nearly 4 years travelled lots of miles, it spent a couple of years going up and down the M5 to Bath to go and see Philippa, to be honest, apart from servicing and MOT's the car has not really stopped. So big decisions I think, Just wish it was 6 months down the line. 2010 has been a bit of a crap year really, but there have been some positive outcomes too. I am going to making damn sure 2011 is going to be differant,
So there we are, I am hoping that the car can be sorted quickly but we will see.
On a differant note I see the Queen has now joined the ranks of Facebookers. There must be few people around who havent got a facebook page, wonder if she will join Farmville, or be a regular on bejewelled. I have set up a facebook page for my website, which I will try out ideas, before launching them on to the site. Trying to pull all my sites together too so exciting times on that front.
I think it maybe time to start looking for a replacement, well I have owned it for nearly 4 years travelled lots of miles, it spent a couple of years going up and down the M5 to Bath to go and see Philippa, to be honest, apart from servicing and MOT's the car has not really stopped. So big decisions I think, Just wish it was 6 months down the line. 2010 has been a bit of a crap year really, but there have been some positive outcomes too. I am going to making damn sure 2011 is going to be differant,
So there we are, I am hoping that the car can be sorted quickly but we will see.
On a differant note I see the Queen has now joined the ranks of Facebookers. There must be few people around who havent got a facebook page, wonder if she will join Farmville, or be a regular on bejewelled. I have set up a facebook page for my website, which I will try out ideas, before launching them on to the site. Trying to pull all my sites together too so exciting times on that front.
Sunday, 7 November 2010
Zen and the art of bus rallies and running a car
What a bloody disaster, i got up, got ready, got in the to pick Mr Bramley up, as I was approaching his house My car lost power, and sounded like a cross between a Volkswagon Beetle and a Subaru, mixed in with a tank and a 1950's motorbike. I pulled up and well, I knew the car could not proceed to Lincoln. We caught the bus to Nottingham Midland station after checking on the internet that there was a train at half 10, we proceeded to the railway station , to be told that the first train to Lincoln was at half 4 which was no good, enquires were made at National Express and the next bus to Newark was at 11:51, which if we were lucky to make the connection at Lincoln, would have got us there for half one. No good. So we reluctantly thought bollocks to this and adjourned to the pub, for a breakfast and a cuppa.
It turns out that a spark plug may be at fault, annoying as I was looking forward to the day. what was even more depressing was the fact we saw some exhibits going across Clifton Bridge. So there you have, I did not go to the ball.
Saturday turned out to be prductive, some seats were removed on the Leopard, the winter project is having a go at sorting the interior, but this might take longer than expected after sorting the car. I start work on the website very soon too, got lots of ideas and I hope that the launch date is 1st Jan, My first event of 2011 will be the King Alfred running day in Winchester which will be on the 2nd of Jan.
I must admit I am looking forward to the new year, as this year turned out to be a disaster in lots of ways, I must admit I've had quite a few sleepless nights during the year, and it has proved very taxing for some of my friendships with people, it has also hit me hard financially too. but where there is a will there is a way, I am working out a 2 year plan, and looking at lots of opportunites. I need to prove some people wrong too in the process but where there is a will there is a way, I will get there, I am determined. so watch this space. I am hoping to go to Ensigns running day in early December as my next event. so its a case of getting the car up and running. All I can say is shit happens.
It turns out that a spark plug may be at fault, annoying as I was looking forward to the day. what was even more depressing was the fact we saw some exhibits going across Clifton Bridge. So there you have, I did not go to the ball.
Saturday turned out to be prductive, some seats were removed on the Leopard, the winter project is having a go at sorting the interior, but this might take longer than expected after sorting the car. I start work on the website very soon too, got lots of ideas and I hope that the launch date is 1st Jan, My first event of 2011 will be the King Alfred running day in Winchester which will be on the 2nd of Jan.
I must admit I am looking forward to the new year, as this year turned out to be a disaster in lots of ways, I must admit I've had quite a few sleepless nights during the year, and it has proved very taxing for some of my friendships with people, it has also hit me hard financially too. but where there is a will there is a way, I am working out a 2 year plan, and looking at lots of opportunites. I need to prove some people wrong too in the process but where there is a will there is a way, I will get there, I am determined. so watch this space. I am hoping to go to Ensigns running day in early December as my next event. so its a case of getting the car up and running. All I can say is shit happens.
Friday, 5 November 2010
Bon fire night
As I sit and write this I am being treated to the delights of a light show and lots of bangs, probably more at home in a warzone, It is a very sobering thought that, 400 or so years ago, a man decided that he was going to try and bring down a government and failed basically, He suffered a horrible death for high treason in the process, nowadays they just make them serve a sentance in Belmarsh. It is Ironic that that horrible evil preacher of racial hatred Abu Hamser,(probably spelt his name wrong, but who cares because he is a tosser), has won his appeal against being deported after his sentance. He would be stateless, well I have a solution, give him a new home, 900 miles out to sea, he would have to learn how to swim first.
Well on a lighter note, i'm off to Lincoln on sunday and I am hoping the weather will be good, I am going with my good friend Mr Bramley. So it should be a good a laugh.
In Leicester it is the Diwali festival, I would like to go and experience for myself one day, will have to wait til next year.
So tomorrow will be a busy day for the best part of it, but hopefully productive, might try and fit in a bit of photography, thats if it hasnt all of a sudden been made illegal. I would like to try and catch the recently purchased Gills travel bus. There is lots to see.
Right I look forward to giving you a report of sundays event, plus what every other adventures I get up to this weekend, as it is my last planned bus rally of the season, I can get on with my other projects, anyway TTFN
Well on a lighter note, i'm off to Lincoln on sunday and I am hoping the weather will be good, I am going with my good friend Mr Bramley. So it should be a good a laugh.
In Leicester it is the Diwali festival, I would like to go and experience for myself one day, will have to wait til next year.
So tomorrow will be a busy day for the best part of it, but hopefully productive, might try and fit in a bit of photography, thats if it hasnt all of a sudden been made illegal. I would like to try and catch the recently purchased Gills travel bus. There is lots to see.
Right I look forward to giving you a report of sundays event, plus what every other adventures I get up to this weekend, as it is my last planned bus rally of the season, I can get on with my other projects, anyway TTFN
Thursday, 4 November 2010
The week in retrospect
I have had a busy week so far, well no visit from the police regarding my photography in a public, so the said security guard was talking out of his backside, Just annoys me that my interest might be slightly differant, oh well I better conform, I better start watching X factor, come dancing, I might even start reading the daily mail and take every word as gospel. but then I think nah, why conform.
It has been the bus and coach exhibtion at the NEC this week, and as normal due to my own bad timing, I have been unable to attend, however my employer did, so they went armed with my little digital camera, Well they and the camera have been several times so I am yet to see the results, and I am rather looking forward to them. Harks back to the days of when I used to take the flims for processing and had to wait several days. I used to find the wait exciting, I know i'm a sad bastard, but I dont care.
Things are still quiet on the guy fawkes thing, it will be tomorrow night and the weekend that it will sound like a warzone.
So I'm going to sign off and get back to Reggie Perrin, I know exactly where he is coming from, We all get fed up with Normality every now and then. But why should we all conform with things, we are ourselves, we are all divine and spiritual people, we all have thought, and the power to change things anyway talk soon
It has been the bus and coach exhibtion at the NEC this week, and as normal due to my own bad timing, I have been unable to attend, however my employer did, so they went armed with my little digital camera, Well they and the camera have been several times so I am yet to see the results, and I am rather looking forward to them. Harks back to the days of when I used to take the flims for processing and had to wait several days. I used to find the wait exciting, I know i'm a sad bastard, but I dont care.
Things are still quiet on the guy fawkes thing, it will be tomorrow night and the weekend that it will sound like a warzone.
So I'm going to sign off and get back to Reggie Perrin, I know exactly where he is coming from, We all get fed up with Normality every now and then. But why should we all conform with things, we are ourselves, we are all divine and spiritual people, we all have thought, and the power to change things anyway talk soon
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
well well well. 2nd of November
So it is the run up to the Guy fawkes, the man who set out to blow up Parliament, sometimes I think shame he never succeeded, considering the bunch of hooray heneries who are in power, today, mind you I didnt have a high opinion of the bunch before, anyway i'm digressing. One thing I have notice is the lack of bangs in the night in the weeks of the run up. I'm not complaining, just makes the place sound like a warzone.
One of the nicest sights I saw was one saturday evening driving back off a rag raid, and I was coming down the M1 from Sheffield or Leeds, and had the delight of continuous light show, well my passengers did, my eyes were on the road.
Well I have had more bother from busybodies who seemed offended that I was taking photos of vehicles, this time I was photographing buses and some security guard came out of the yard he was supposedly watching, and decided he was going to tackle me, anyway the jobsworth told me I was breaking the law, and the usual made up bollocks told by tossers who try and big them selves to make themselves look important, when all along they are failed policemen themselves. He also took my registration number and told me he was going to notify the police, well all I can say is I am waiting you wanker, they havent been yet. Fact of the matter is I was not breaking the law, and I am not following the masses by watching come dancing or X factor, nor am I going to drink myself to death then go for a fight in town. My middle right hand digit is firmly raised on this one. Some people.
Anyway on a lighter subject I will be going to Lincoln on sunday, to me it is more of a social event, but I enjoy it. I am looking forward to seeing progress on the Bristol RELH coach, My good friend Simon Bramley will be coming with me, Philippa joined me last year, I think she enjoyed it, but I know it is not really her scene. Anyway I'm signing off for tonight, had my rant for now .
One of the nicest sights I saw was one saturday evening driving back off a rag raid, and I was coming down the M1 from Sheffield or Leeds, and had the delight of continuous light show, well my passengers did, my eyes were on the road.
Well I have had more bother from busybodies who seemed offended that I was taking photos of vehicles, this time I was photographing buses and some security guard came out of the yard he was supposedly watching, and decided he was going to tackle me, anyway the jobsworth told me I was breaking the law, and the usual made up bollocks told by tossers who try and big them selves to make themselves look important, when all along they are failed policemen themselves. He also took my registration number and told me he was going to notify the police, well all I can say is I am waiting you wanker, they havent been yet. Fact of the matter is I was not breaking the law, and I am not following the masses by watching come dancing or X factor, nor am I going to drink myself to death then go for a fight in town. My middle right hand digit is firmly raised on this one. Some people.
Anyway on a lighter subject I will be going to Lincoln on sunday, to me it is more of a social event, but I enjoy it. I am looking forward to seeing progress on the Bristol RELH coach, My good friend Simon Bramley will be coming with me, Philippa joined me last year, I think she enjoyed it, but I know it is not really her scene. Anyway I'm signing off for tonight, had my rant for now .
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