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Wednesday, 1 October 2014

Car tax discs - not needed from today

As of Oct 1st 2014, it is no longer necessary to display a car  tax disc in the window of your car in the UK. Using computer records, enforcement officers can use registration details to check if a car is taxed and insured.

But apparently the on-line tax system is falling over. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-29430979 .

Burwell Museum

See http://www.burwellmuseum.org.uk/ .

Well worth a visit and a local museum that "punches above its weight".

Always lots to see and do and ideal for children with lots of "hands on" things to enjoy.

Tuesday, 30 September 2014

Preserving British Values

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29414574 . On this, I agree with the Home Secretary.

Great Britain does have values and these are worth preserving. The latest moves, planned for the next parliament, will be controversial as some will see them as an infringement of civil liberties. On balance, I favour the move to keep extremism at bay.

Monday, 29 September 2014

Lunch visit

Today one of my old school friends and his partner called in for lunch. It was the first time I'd seen him since my illness and it was good to spend a few hours catching up on things.

Independent Catalonia?

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29410493 .

I am all for states gaining their independence, but they need to do it in association with the country they form part of currently. For example, Scotland had a vote to break away from the UK recently, but the majority wanted to stay in the UK. In Catalonia's case it would be fine to break from Spain if that is the majority view, but this is best done with the blessing of Spain.

Sunday, 28 September 2014

Europe wins Ryder Cup

In the end, Europe beat the USA 16.5 to 11.5 in the Ryder Cup Golf 2014.   It was a convincing win, with none of the last day surprises as has happened in the past in recent years.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/golf/29402472 .

Housing costs in the South Hams, Devon

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-28648704.

The gap between house prices and average earnings is huge in the South Hams with a ratio of 14.8 times. This makes most homes unaffordable to locals who work there. Average house price there is £304,012 and average earnings £20,478.

Places like Salcombe will impact results and some remote inland villages, with poor infrastructure, will be a little less bad. It is becoming a very serious issue.