Category Archives: News

An Obituary printed in the London Times…….. Interesting, and sadly, rather true …….

MikeDF In the West Country Posted on by

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; Why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn’t always fair; and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened … Continue reading →

Wind Turbines Monuments to utter folly

MikeDF In the West Country Posted on by

As the wind farm industry admits that England’s not windy enough, these abominations serve only to mock our leaders’ gullibility By Max Hastings For The Daily Mail Published: 01:46, 7 June 2016 | Updated: 01:54, 7 June 2016 West Devon last week basked in sunshine, with glorious views from the uplands behind the coast towards Dartmoor … marred by a glittering, twirling, silver turbine, visible for 20 miles in all directions. The same scene was repeated on Sunday in Herefordshire, where again I saw a swathe of natural beauty blighted by a giant windmill. Wind Turbines Monuments to utter folly For years, some of us have campaigned against the despoiling of our landscape by these eyesores. Suddenly, belatedly, an unexpected and authoritative voice has made it official: they are a nonsense. Hugh McNeal, chief executive of the wind industry’s trade body Renew-ableUK, no less, says onshore turbines in England do … Continue reading →

Jubilee Fly Past

MikeDF In the West Country Posted on by

Incredible footage has been released showing the bird’s eye view enjoyed by crew aboard a Lancaster bomber flying over London for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The aeroplane, which is part of the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), flew in formation with aircraft including a Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota transport aircraft down The Mall, followed by the Red Arrows aerobatic team – to the delight of crowds and the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace below. As well as preserving a fleet of priceless aircraft and keeping them in tip-top flying condition, the BBMF reminds the nation of the sacrifices made during World War Two. Read more HERE

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Hugh’s Fish Fight – growing by the minute!

MikeDF In the West Country Posted on by

I have copied a part of the page on Hugh’s site right here – I am so angry about the waste that is going on here! I have been at this computer for about half an hour – the numbers are growing on this campaign rapidly!! Just timed at pretty much 10 – 20 in 10 seconds! Brilliant work Hugh!! Over to you now sir! HUGH’s EXPERIENCE “For the past few months, I have been travelling around the UK meeting fishermen, marine conservationists, politicians, supermarkets bosses, and of course fish-eating members of the public,” says Hugh. “My experience, and how it has changed the way I think about fish are shown in Hugh’s Fish Fight (broadcast 11th, 12th, 13th January 2011), as part of Channel 4’s Big Fish Fight. “This season featuring programmes from fellow chefs Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal and Jamie Oliver, aims to champion sustainable seafood and celebrate … Continue reading →

“The Very Hungry Mouse”

MikeDF In the West Country Posted on by

“The Very Hungry Mouse” and the leopard! The extraordinary scene was captured by photography student Casey Gutteridge at the Santago Rare Leopard Project in Hertfordshire. The 19-year-old, from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, who was photographing the leopard for a course project, was astounded by the mouse’s behavior. He said: ‘I have no idea where the mouse came from – he just appeared in the enclosure after the keeper had dropped in the meat for the leopard. ‘He didn’t take any notice of the leopard, just went straight over to the meat and started feeding himself. ‘But the leopard was pretty surprised – she bent down and sniffed the mouse and flinched a bit like she was scared. ‘In the meantime the mouse just carried on eating like nothing had happened… But even a gentle shove does not deter the little creature from getting his fill. ‘It was amazing, even the keeper … Continue reading →

Do Miracles Occur? You Decide!

MikeDF In the West Country Posted on by

With thanks to Nigel Risner! I read this week the remarkable story of a young rugby player. He had a nasty injury, was forced to retire, and was paid out £500,000 in compensation. For some people that would have been the end. However month after month he did his therapy, trained lightly and low and behold 9 months later he was told he had made a full recovery. He handed back the £500,000 and this week played rugby for England Did it matter they lost? How proud Steve Johnson was when he put on the shirt ran on the pitch at Twickenham, and looked up to G-D and said thank-you. Do miracles occur? You decide. (If you get a chance to see Nigel Risner – GO!!!) I wonder if this would happen in the world of football…?? Oh! did I say that?!!

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A to Z Illusions, Letter Art Photography

MikeDF In the West Country Posted on by

I have just received an email from David, my good friend from Canada. A to Z Illusions, Letter Art and Letter Photography have been working really well and it looks like UK will be opening a branch soon!! Can’t wait. This is a great product and the photographs are first class. Take a look and try the Letter Art Word Creation system he has working for him!!  

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