A Sad End For Royal Iris

This week’s Wirral Globe highlighted the sad plight of the once grand Mersey Ferry, the Royal Iris which is currently lying in a distressed and derelict state on the banks of the Thames.  After taking on water during a high tide last week, she’s now in a pitiful state and I am sorry to say, I don’t think there’s anything that can be done.  I have many happy memories of her on river and also as the Mersey Pirate in the late 70s.  She was sold by the MPTE in 1993 to new owners who were to convert her into a floating nightclub in Cardiff which didn’t come to fruition.  She has been abandoned on the banks of the Thames, near Woolwich since 2002.  Read more here:  http://tinyurl.com/ycxsvan

Taxi For Terry

Well I suppose it was a bit of a long shot for Italian family man and strict disciplinarian, Fabio Capello to trust John Terry following his sexploits.   Yesterday, JT was stripped of the England captaincy and the armband was handed to Rio Ferdinand, another who’s no stranger to the controversy!

It’s A Mad World

Tears for Fears were obviously way ahead of the game…. Yesterday I read that residents in sheltered accommodation in Knutsford have been banned from having door mats by their front doors in case they caused a trip or a fall during evacuations.  A further dig around the papers informed me that some postmen  cannot deliver to cobbled roads during wet weather as they could slip.  The road in question has had cobbles for nearly 300 years and there’s never been a problem.  Today, Greater Manchester Police are to wear name badges in order to ‘engage’ with the public.  Forgive me but do we really want them to be be all matey and pally ?  I would prefer them to be something to be respected, to maintain authority and order and prevent crime.  Maybe I am just old-fashioned?

Novelty Socks

I have always loathed novelty clothing items.  The sight of a pair of novelty socks or even worse, a novelty tie is enough to send me over the edge!  With this in mind, I was delighted to hear that the North West Ambulance Service staff have been instructed that novelty socks are banned as they don’t promote a professional image and plain black socks are provided as part of the uniform.  If  I do ever have the misfortune to come a cropper, the last thing I’d want to see is Scooby Doo,  a Horny Red Devil or Homer Simpson in his underpants… Hurrah!

The John Terry Affair

I hope the right decision is made tomorrow by Fabio Capello and John Terry remains as the captain of the England football team.  I am not condoning his actions and let’s be honest, he’s been foolish to be caught with his pants down but he’s not the first and he won’t be the last involved in some salacious exploits.  First and foremost he’s a footballer and that’s what matters when there’s a World Cup looming.  His off-field antics are his business so lets hope he can remain focused on the job in hand….  (no pun intended…)

Good To Be Back

Apologies for the lack of communication for the past few days but my laptop has been in the hands of ‘technical types’ for a few minor adjustments.  Normal service is now resumed!

Canvassing in New Brighton

Tonight, I was out and about with the Action Team in New Brighton, knocking on doors and listening to the views of local residents.  The weather was on the chilly side but the warm reception on the doorstep made up for it!  We picked up quite a few issues which my ward colleague Cllr Bill Duffey will be dealing with over the next few days.  The pic was taken before we set off and features Tony Cox, Ann Lavin, Cllr Simon Mountney, Cllr Karen Hayes, Cllr Bill Duffey, Me, Cllr Leah Fraser, Cllr Chris Blakeley and Cllr Steve Williams.  Cllr Ian Lewis was the happy snapper.

Blog Comments

I am always pleased when blog readers take time to comment on postings.  I have always ‘approved’ all comments whether they be positive, negative, complimentary or critical as I think censorship on a blog is totally unnecessary.  I will only ‘unapprove’ comments if they are abusive, offensive or contain unsavoury language which could offend.

The Pyjama Game

The dreadful habit of not getting dressed and traipsing round the shops in grubby pyjamas,  grotty dressing gown and slippers has never sat well with me.  The halfwits who do this don’t appear to have any shame or be aware that they are a laughing stock.  I was pleased to read Tesco is making a stand!  http://tinyurl.com/y9rmgou

Grosvenor Road Bins Update

In a word, sorted!  All offending bins emptied within the past hour so thanks to those who have been phoning me with progress reports!  As a follow up, I have asked for this location to be checked regularly to avoid a repeat of this situation.  It should never have been allowed to get to that appalling state..