The Autumn months of October and November see the start of winter activities and the shorter days. Many of us spend the evenings at meetings, at home, in the Pub or Social Club, at Church and public events or visiting relations or friends. There are many people who feel alone as no one calls to see them, as well as those in Hospital and Homes who look forward to a visit. Life is busy and very active for most of us but maybe we can spend a little time in our concern for others where the time seems to be such a problem when feeling left out and alone, feeling that no one cares is a real problem.
Colin Bond. Colin lives at 3 Victoria Cottages and gives 24 hour nursing care to his sister, Vivienne, who has been very ill for the past few years. He spent 47 years working for Wickett's garage as a first class motor mechanic and was a really skilled worker. He is always cheerful and interested in village life. Most of his time is spent looking after his sister bur he enjoys a spin in his car. To me Colin is one of this worlds unsung heroes and has the real qualities of a good man who is devoted to caring for his sister's welfare.
I am delighted that the Rev. Richard Dorrington has been co-opted onto our Parish Council. His input is much appreciated. Members of the Church of England have been invited to give up to 5% of their income to pay for the upkeep of the Church and it's Ministry. I was sorry to see that Highhampton Methodist Church has closed. Having preached there a number of times, this is yet another outpost of witness to cease, but I have good memories of past services there.
In spite of a somewhat wet, cold and late Spring with many cattle not being turned out before the end of April or early may it has been quite a good grazing season with plenty of grass. In fact we had in May 24 big bales of silage from under 2 acres. Store cattle and beef prices continue to rise but pig and milk producers still have problems.
I did vote under this new voting system, mainly because my feeling is that if you have the vote you should use it. 87 of the new MEP's come from the United Kingdom and have a voice to make laws, help with trade, transport, environment and agriculture as well as overseeing how the taxpayers money is spent. They also deal with energy, consumer protection, equal opportunities, education and culture. To maintain an MEP costs around three hundred thousand pounds each year so I ask myself is this money good value for what we get back, but maybe we should be there otherwise we would be sidelined. I leave you to decide which is best - to be in there or not.
I have a toyboy - star Caroline Quentin. Milosevic will be beaten - Tony Blair PM MP. I did take drugs - Lawrence Dallaglio. I leave my Party in good heart - Paddy Ashdown MP Lib Dem leader. Jill Dando knew her killer - Police spokesman. We must stop dog mess in the village - local resident. We are in for a wet Summer with lots of rain - Sky TV weather forecaster.
Bude police are concerned about children finding needles which may have been used by those who are drug users. There may be local television in Cornwall. A retired teacher, Ken Turner, has been elected as the new Devon County Council Chairman. Many local Parish Councils did not have an election. The new TDC Chairman is John Rollinson from Torrington with Royston Johns of Clovelly as Vice Chairman.
It now seems a long time ago when in May we paid our eighth visit to Guernsey. Our stay was, as always, busy but out of the programme we did have three days off. The weather was very warm and sunny with one night of thunder rain.
This year my work took me for a long day visit to the paradise neighbouring island of Alderney with it's white sand, palm trees, beautiful scener6y and a place where one can relax if not working and you meet very friendly people. I flew by way of a small plane of Aurigny Air Services and at just two thousand five hundred feet had a good view of the sea and countryside. I had a meeting at the Methodist Church and paid a visit to the island's main school of over two hundred and fifty children talking about the problems of alcohol and drugs abuse. The island has a real problem with alcoholics as well as some drug related problems. i will be returning there for some more work as well as going to Sark in may of next year.