A greener future?

In the Eastern Counties, Rupert Read has a real chance of becoming a Green Euro-MP this Thursday, not least because of proportional representation and voting, so every vote counts and minor parties have a great chance. Last time he polled 9% and he needs 10% to get a seat. Your vote could be the decider!

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm-KaOzqJw4.

Use your vote on Thursday May 22nd. A vote for the Greens is very much NOT a wasted vote!

Swifts

For the last week or more, swifts have been a common sight on the wing in the skies overhead. Swifts return from Africa around the end of April and the start of May. Usually, most have gone again by late summer, although I suspect many linger in Spain where in September they are still plentiful as are insects.

At this time of year swifts are very common, perhaps more common than many other species. There are a good number of swallows around, but, so far, I have not seen a single house martin. I may just have been unlucky but fear numbers are down yet again. The returning swifts are a real sign of summer. As the poem goes, "all's well with the world...".

Who should you vote for on Thursday?

Try this simple quiz and read, at the end, which party best matches you views.

See http://uk.votematch.eu/ .

Cambridge United promoted (back) into Football League

After several seasons in the Conference League, Cambridge United beat Gateshead at Wembley this evening to gain promotion back into the Football League Division 2. So next season they will be pitted against the like of Plymouth Argyle.

It was a tense end to their season  as they lost against Gateshead at Wembley last Sunday. The promotion is well deserved and, although (mainly) a "fireside supporter" it pleases me enormously.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27360422 .

It is a pity the BBC or ITV don't broadcast League 2 games live. MUCH less expensive than Premier League and the clubs would benefit enormously from the broadcasting rights.

Friends visit

Today we were visited for lunch by our old friends Jean and Alan who live in Letchworth in Hertfordshire. This afternoon they visited Burwell Museum and Windmill. These are friends from university days. We see each other not too often, but when we meet up it is as if we last saw each other just a few days ago. This is a measure of true friendship.

Salcombe (South Sands)

Some days ago I mentioned how my old hometown Salcombe was in danger of being ruined by out of character developments, mainly by profiteers from outside only really interested in profits and not the longer term best interests of the town.

From http://www.tidesreachdevelopment.com/plans-and-images/

Next week (May 20th, Cliff House) there is a public meeting on plans to develop the Tides Reach Hotel site at South Sands. See http://www.tidesreachdevelopment.com/plans-and-images/ . This is a chance for the general public to influence the planning decisions. In my view, apathy could take over and the whole plan get approved even  though it could ruin the area. Go on-line and get your democratic voice heard or visit the exhibition and complete feedback forms!

Maybe I am totally wrong although recent planning decisions make me think the developers have BIG ideas and they are assuming the plans will just be waived through.

Bizarre sounds this afternoon

This afternoon our ears were hit by a couple of bizarre sounds.

Firstly the sound of a bagpipe sounding a lament leaving a house in our Close to accompany the coffin of a neighbour who died having had Altziemers for many years.  Later the bagpipe could be heard as the coffin left the church.

Then the sound of a Rag and Bone man's van with the song "Any Old Iron". This I had not heard for years and years. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Any_Old_Iron_%28song%29 . At one time this was a familiar street sound, but not any more.