NOVEMBER GARDENING NOTES
By John Draper Cold nights and short dark days show we are heading for winter now, but there are still things to be done in the garden to prepare for next year and to keep it attractive. Clearing fallen leaves, getting rid of weeds and cleaning the patio will prepare for a better spring in the garden. Your garden should still provide some colour and interest and the opportunity for some well-needed... Read More
INFORMATION ON YOUR LIGHTS
By Arnold Butler It has been proposed to increase the maximum speed limit on the motorway from 70mph to 80mph. This is supposedly to help businesses and industry arrive for appointments and meetings on time. There are views for and against this proposal. I am looking at this proposal with an open mind and looking at advantages and disadvantages. My first thought is that if the speed limit was increased... Read More
RALLIES OF HOPE, TROUGHS OF DESPAIR
By Richard McDonough Since global stock markets slumped in early August, investors have endured a period of extreme volatility. The FTSE 100 has settled into a trading range with sharp moves higher coming courtesy of hopes of some sort of resolution to the sovereign debt crisis, whilst vicious sell-offs have been caused by realisations that no actual progress on such issues has been forthcoming. Some... Read More
MORE OR LESS EMPLOYMENT LAW
By Kate Lawson Element Law Limited The government has recently published a document called ‘One-in One-out Second Statement of New Regulation’. This announced proposals to de-regulate business, as part of its Red Tape Challenge. This document covers a wide-range of areas including procurement, health and safety and employment law. In the area of employment law and HR, the paper announced the... Read More
NOVEMBER RECIPE: LEEK, POTATO & BACON SOUP
By Kath Oakley It is getting colder and a warm soup might be just right. Ingredients - A good sized knob of butter - 8 rashers streaky bacon, cut into thin slices - 4 large leeks, washed and thinly sliced - 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced - 1 ½ pints stock (or water and 1 stock cube) - 1 small pot single cream Recipe In a large pan gently fry half the bacon with the butter, add the leeks... Read More
EQUALITY FOR AGENCY WORKERS
By Kate Lawson The Agency Workers Regulations come into force on Saturday 1st October 2011 and apply to agency staff who are assigned to do temporary work for an end client, called the hirer, through temporary work agencies. These regulations provide that all agency workers must be able to access a hirer’s collective facilities and amenities and have access to information about its job vacancies... Read More
MOTORING TIPS INFORMATION ON RIGHT TURNS
By Arnold Butler It is most important when approaching road junctions to make sure you have assessed the whole situation, making sure you are positioned correctly. It is important that your speed is correct and you are in the correct gear for the situation, you are aware of other road users, so as not to inconvenience them unnecessarily, and you are prepared to give way when necessary. When turning... Read More
SEPTEMBER GARDENING NOTES
By John Draper Most Septembers are blessed with a spell of ‘Indian Summer’ weather, when high temperatures deny the fact that autumn is just around the corner and we have hit the high spot of mellow fruitfulness. Rainfall will be a regular feature, usually in heavy downpours accompanied by thunder and lightning. Beds and Borders If autumn is a lean time in your flower borders, fill the gaps... Read More
THE LITTLE STRANGER (SARAH WATERS)
By Jeff Day We’re not sure about this book but we think maybe that’s the point. Don’t get us wrong, we liked it, we liked it a lot, but is it ambiguous or is it unambiguous? We’re not sure. It’s the ending you see; it’s open to interpretation… ‘The Little Stranger’ by Sarah Waters has a supernatural flavour to it: people living in a big desolate house with spooky things going... Read More
MAY GARDENING NOTES
By John Draper Long days and warmer nights herald the start of the planting season for tender flowers, patio planters and tropical vegetables that hate our British frosts. On display will be all manner of flowering shrubs, including decorative cherries, rhododendrons and lilacs, plus herbaceous perennials such as aquilegia, hardy geraniums, peonies and bleeding hearts (dicentra). Beds & Borders... Read More