Forum Topics

Random pic 27 October 2023

Sunset over the autobahn https://www.flickr.com/gp/m-j-i/m9w2D848Ug

Michael Ixer ● 34d0 Comments ● 34d

Demanding accountability for the Covid scam

...by Marcel de Graaff - Member of the European Parliament for FVD.09 March 2023Back in 2021, we had the revelation of emails from the German Interior Ministry which showed that it enlisted scientists to scare the population.Last year it, was revealed that the Covid statistics had been falsified by Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge by inflating the numbers.And now we have the revelation of over 100,000 Whatsapp messages from former British Health Minister, Matt Hancock. The British “Daily Telegraph” has put them online as "The  Lockdown Files.From all these revelations, it has been shown time and again that the coronavirus was no more deadly than other cold and flu viruses. As we know from flu and colds, these can be fatal to vulnerable, very old people. For anyone under 80, these viruses are almost never fatal. So it was with Covid-19. It was a common cold virus.Minister Matt Hancock had a discussion with then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, via Whatsapp about this low mortality rate. He wrote that this was a problem because it meant that vaccination targets would not be met.The Lockdown Files also show that in addition to the vaccines, other Covid measures were mainly intended to instil fear of the virus into the population.The revelations in Germany, the Netherlands and now especially in the United Kingdom show that the same Covid policy was deliberately followed in all these countries – policy which had nothing to do with the nature of the coronavirus. The Lockdown Files show that no special measures were needed, given the low mortality of the virus. The British government switched from publishing mortality rates to publishing the number of infections. The entire EU then switched and reported on Covid in the same way.Pushing through the vaccines and introducing the corresponding digital Covid pass was the real goal. For this, no means were shunned.Unvaccinated people were not simply portrayed as irresponsible but as anti-social, dangerous enemies of the state. There were threats of incarceration and forced vaccination. Unvaccinated people were fired. People were locked in their homes via curfews. Hospitals and nursing homes prohibited partners and children from visiting their sick spouses or parents, even when they were dying.From the beginning, there were medical experts who scientifically argued that the imposed measures were futile and warned against the vaccinations.Doctors who protested were silenced on social media. Doctors who prescribed effective drugs were punished with heavy fines and the revocation of their licence.The Lockdown Files show that the unvaccinated and Covid-critical doctors were right – and that there was absolutely nothing right about government policy.What also emerges from the Lockdown Files is the involvement of Bill Gates.  Matt Hancock literally messages about Bill Gates, "He owes me one." In other words, Bill Gates owes me one because Hancock had millions of his vaccines injected.This so-called philanthropist bought shares in Big Pharma for $50 million and after the Covid hype was over sold those same shares for $500 million.The contracts with huge sums of money signed by governments with the pharmaceutical multinationals are still not public. The correspondence between Pfizer and EU President Ursula von der Leyen is still secret. The messages between Dutch minister Hugo de Jonge and Prime Minister Mark Rutte about Covid have supposedly been erased.It looks like the European Commission and the governments of EU member states were as aware of Covid’s low mortality as the British government. Their policies were almost identical, the flawed PCR test was accepted EU-wide, the Digital Covid pass became an international travel document, even the wording was almost identical. Several countries started using the same phrases at the same time: “from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, from house to house, from arm to arm.”The measures lacked any reasonable ground yet they violated basic human rights and fundamental freedoms. Physical and mental integrity were violated without justification.There must be government accountability for this in every state. As a Member of the European Parliament, I demand that the European Commission come to Parliament to account for this.Therefore, I ask the President of the European Parliament urgently to put on the agenda for the next Strasbourg session a debate on the Lockdown Files with Ursula von der Leyen.We will see whether the European Parliament wants to take up its controlling task or whether it is complicit in the biggest scandal of the century.Marcel de Graaff

Michael Brown ● 38d2 Comments ● 35d

More traffic chaos

From the TFL weekly email of doom:  Until Monday 20 May 2024, there will be overnight closures from 21:00 until 06:00 on Upper Richmond Road between its junctions with Putney High Street/Putney Hill and Manfred Road for carriageway works.That's a long time.  I presume the diversion will be up Putney Hill and the A3.

Alan Sherman ● 35d0 Comments ● 35d

Clocks Go Back this weekend

I'm setting mine to 1940 when our Country had some Bo==ocks.

Barbara Stevens ● 35d1 Comments ● 35d

The real reason for the recent floods

Words of wisdom (as if!) from the staggeringly incompetent and utterly useless Therese Coffey,: the recent, terrible floods were caused by .... the wrong kind of rain!

Richard Carter ● 36d8 Comments ● 35d

🐙Octopus🐙

I've been thinking of switching to🐙for months and finally made the move today. I was extremely impressed with the whole process which was completed in one phone call in less than 20 minutes. My call to CS was answered very quickly by someone very polite and knowledgeable and everything about the switch was fully explained.  The changeover will go live on Friday and the only thing required of me is to give them a meter reading on the day to start my account with them and close it with EDF which 🐙will automatically do on my behalf. I will also terminate my EDF account online myself just for my own personal satisfaction.😸It was Martine's glowing posts about🐙that finally persuaded me and from what I have experienced so far she wasn't exaggerating about how good their CS is.👏🏻Have you noticed how much I love using these 🐙🐙🐙🐙🐙😺

Sue Hammond ● 36d5 Comments ● 35d

Random pic 26 October 2023

Cretan turtles https://flic.kr/p/X25SVV

Michael Ixer ● 35d0 Comments ● 35d

Cleaner Required ~ East Putney

Does anybody local have a lovely cleaner who would be available to do a couple of extra hours every week? I was hospitalised for most of this year and have to accept that I will no longer be able to do my housework. I live in a small 2 bedroom terraced house in East Putney (near Wandsworth Park) and I will need someone trustworthy and reliable to do the usual household tasks dusting, vacuuming etc etc.  No ironing required.  Day and time can be very flexible. Cat friendly person preferred.😸I have phoned a couple of agencies but they aren't really interested in supplying someone for a few hours, and to be honest I would much prefer somebody who is personally recommended anyway.  Many thanks.

Sue Hammond ● 40d6 Comments ● 35d

This is not good news......

Cap on bankers' bonuses to be scrapped On 31 October 2023 so it seemshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67206997

Ivonne Holliday ● 37d13 Comments ● 36d

Front Page

Loads of road closures, details on the front page and dates. gas/water. Also phone numbers.

Barbara Stevens ● 36d2 Comments ● 36d

Random pic 25 October 2023

Arriving at Luxembourg https://flic.kr/p/2p93BxL

Michael Ixer ● 36d0 Comments ● 36d

The Bude Tunnel

This has made me laugh a lot.  In today’s Metro, the story of a 230 ft Perspex passage, linking a Sainsburys store to its carpark.  It became an unlikely sensation on Tripadvisor who “smelled a rat when it shot up the charts to become the highest rated attraction in the resort of Bude”. Tripadvisor suspended reviews when they suspected they weren’t sincere, but have reinstated them.  Here’s a few: “I’ve travelled the world with the Royal Navy.  I’ve been to the North Pole and I’ve tracked lemurs in Madagascar but nothing compares to the Bude Tunnel.  You have to experience it to believe it” “Nowhere else in Bude can you walk this far undercover in a straight line” Another “spoke of starting at the car park end and ambling for hours” Hopefully this photo will give you a good idea of “the sheer beauty and simplicity of the Bude Tunnel:

Martine Guy ● 37d0 Comments ● 37d

Random pic 24 October 2023

Greenwich Maritime Museum https://flic.kr/p/2oNEeZp

Michael Ixer ● 37d2 Comments ● 37d

Random pic 23 October 2023

The Bristol seagull with it's takeaway mussels https://flic.kr/p/2noo53V

Michael Ixer ● 38d2 Comments ● 37d

Smart meter obsolescence

Some of the older smart meters will cease to function properly when the planned decommissioning of  2G and 3G networks takes place. Smart planning by someone?https://www.theregister.com/2023/10/23/millions_of_smart_meters_will/

Michael Ixer ● 37d0 Comments ● 37d

Double whammy

Now we know why Sunak needed to be out of the country without a proper press contingent. To avoid having to hear the two (excellent) by-election wins for Labour. Nick

Nicholas Evans ● 41d14 Comments ● 37d

Bit early in the morning

Really can't believe what is happening to the World. It's non stop, all we hear is bad News.  This isn't to do with Climate Change, this is madness. It proves we do not know who we are letting into our Country. They have no thought for peoples lives.  As for the News on Luton Airport Car Park on Fire. I bet this could have been avoided if people stopped buying EV's. I've also seen pictures of New Malden ULEZ Camera's been cut down. Doesn't the Mayor etc realize all these restrictions people are retaliating.

Barbara Stevens ● 50d16 Comments ● 38d

Stour Marine Warning

Phone no. 07537150333 also 03330540477 These young men pretend to be Insurance Brokers. They appear to have the exact date your due to pay your Insurance, but unable to tell you who your Insurance Company is, they try to tell you they have helped you before.  I rang the number back because they left a message on my answer machine, the young man kept saying I haven't left a message we don't leave messages. I said I have an Insurance Company wouldn't tell him who it was. When I put the phone down straight away the 03330540477 range another young man saying he had helped me before, it appears these 2 numbers are connected. I said I have Insurance. Googled and a scam.

Barbara Stevens ● 40d2 Comments ● 38d

RHP Garages

Does anybody on here have garages belonging to RHP, Dyers Lane. About the same time Ed put on here about car being broken into about six weeks ago, one of my other half's garages got the lock broken and he is unable to get into it. Numerous calls to Richmond Council, nothing happens. Last week somebody was meant to come out and they never turned up. I rang Accounts who looked on the computer and said somebody their end had cancelled the appointment with out letting us know. All they say is ring complaints, which he did last week, which is Waldergrave Rd, Twickenham. Why would a department not be able to deal with something and keep telling you to ring complaints. I rang Richmond Mayors Office, who said they don't deal with it and gave me a couple of phone numbers. One of our Councillors my other half is E-mailing. But when I spoke to her she said they are awful and she has the same problem with Richmond. Seven weeks now this is not acceptable.

Barbara Stevens ● 38d0 Comments ● 38d

Mighty Medaty

I see Harrods is selling a £28 steak sandwich. That's £2-50 per mouthful. How much should a sandwich cost?

Alexander MacLeod ● 39d1 Comments ● 39d

Mighty Meaty

I see Harrods is selling a £28 steak sandwich. That's £2-50 per mouthful. How much should a sandwich cost?

Alexander MacLeod ● 39d2 Comments ● 39d

Thunberg

Presumably if found guilty of an offence we can send her home and ban her from a future return.Or better still 1st plane to Rwanda 😁😁

Andy Pike ● 43d44 Comments ● 39d

Random pic 22 October 2023 - correction!

The Spires of Oxford https://flic.kr/p/2oGzFPr

Michael Ixer ● 39d0 Comments ● 39d

Random pic 22 October 2023

Near the Emett Clock, the Victoria Centre, Nottingham https://flic.kr/p/2ooaCyN

Michael Ixer ● 39d0 Comments ● 39d

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/consultation-launched-to-ban-wet-wipes-containing-plastic

So the Govt is now consulting on wet wipes.  We've discussed them before and Fleur Anderson MP has spoken about them in Parliament calling for these wipes containing plastic to be banned.  There have been petitions because they cause sewer blockages and overflows. These often happen causing blockages and overflows all the way down a street.For years these wipes containing plastic have been heavily marketed with little acknowledgement of their effect on the environment.  I remember Thames Water taking a well known company to court and winning.  There have also been huge campaigns for years to Bin it don't Flush it.Yet when these are flushed and mixed with all the fats and oils which should not be poured down the drains they cool and congeal into fatbergs.  Some of these fatbergs in the sewers are the size of double decker buses and they have to be drilled out.  There is part of one in the Natural History Museum and in the Museum of London.Volunteers with the charity Thames 21 have spent year after year cleaning the Thames and have been counting the number of wet wipes collected from the foreshore.It is definitely not at all pleasant when toilets back up and overflow into your home or office.  Yet this will continue while unflushables are flushed - so don't believe the packaging - and don't do it!https://www.thames21.org.uk/event/big-wet-wipe-count-april-2023/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/consultation-launched-to-ban-wet-wipes-containing-plastic

Philippa Bond ● 46d5 Comments ● 40d

Vaccine Damage – UK Parliament

Andrew Bridgen MP reads out the stats, as recorded in the video (next post), confirming the scale of the damage caused by the Covid ‘vaccines’. Shocking and disgraceful at every level, but I think most people will find it interesting, including the clueless gullible vaxxed-up brain-dead mugs and sheeple:

Michael Brown ● 257d32 Comments ● 40d

Random pic 21 October 2023

Near the Emett Clock, the Victoria Centre, Nottingham https://flic.kr/p/2ooaCyN

Michael Ixer ● 40d0 Comments ● 40d

Random pic 20 October 2023

The Uber heading to the City at sunset https://flic.kr/p/2nPFyhZ

Michael Ixer ● 41d3 Comments ● 40d

Random pic 19 October 2023

The Control Room, The European Space Agency       https://www.flickr.com/gp/m-j-i/6XjRpPtW70 It's empty as it's only occupied at critical mission stages such as launches, insertions into orbits, adjustments to flight paths, othe manoeuvres, re-entry phases, landings, etc.

Michael Ixer ● 42d4 Comments ● 41d

Sky + cable

Cut A sky+ cable whilst gardening, can anyone recommend someone who can fix it for me?

John Grigg ● 41d0 Comments ● 41d

Free tech advice and support in Putney this Saturday from 11 till 1pm

IT and Tea, my monthly free drop-in advice clinic is back, this Saturday, 21st October, from 11am to 1pm at Putney Pantry next to St Mary's Church in Putney. If you think you are paying too much for your mobile phone, Sky TV or broadband, if you were thinking of a new phone, laptop or tablet, or if you don't understand your current one, come along and ask! Does your device keep popping up messages asking you to update it and you're not sure what to do? I'll talk you through it.The session is friendly and completely free as always, but if you can, please support the Pantry by purchasing a drink or a snack. Peppa the dog and I will be at the long table from 11, ready to try and answer any questions you might have. No question is too simple or silly. You will not be tech shamed here!To get you started here are a couple of things to know:1. Scams - the rule is simple and it's this: If you have to ask if it's a scam, it's a scam. Follow this and you'll stay safe.2. Nobody should be paying more than about £10 per month for their mobile calls, texts and data. If you are, bring along your 3 most recent bills and we can look at them. I hope to see you on Saturday.All the best Mark PhillipsPersonal Technology Consultant07808 722829

Mark Phillips ● 42d0 Comments ● 42d

Random pic 18 October 2023

The Bank of England's Charter, 1694. The Bank of England Museum                   https://flic.kr/p/2p3DA5H The Bank Charter sets out the conditions under which the Bank would operate. It was granted by the joint monarchs William and Mary, whose names are written at the top in an ornate script.
The Charter became official on 27 July 1694 when it was fixed with the Great Seal. This was done at Powis House, Lincoln's Inn Fields, by Sir John Somers, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal.

Michael Ixer ● 43d0 Comments ● 43d

WHICH REPORT : Sainsbury now more expensive than Waitrose

Interesting news from Which - In addition to having all the appeal and  grubbiness of a Soviet-era supermarket it seems that you would be better off at Waitrose." Sainsbury's is the priciest supermarket for a big shop if you don't use a loyalty card, according to the latest monthly analysis from Which?. Sainsbury's overtook Waitrose for the first time in our monthly analysis, which we've been running for years, becoming the most expensive supermarket to buy a trolley full of groceries from.Asda remained the cheapest non-discounter supermarket, at a hefty £33.52 cheaper than Sainsbury's. We also compared the price of a basket of 39 items. Here, Aldi was cheapest, with a total average cost of £67.72. "

Timothy Horgan ● 48d6 Comments ● 44d

Random pic 17 October 2023

A Soyuz space capsule; the National Space Museum, Leicester          https://flic.kr/p/2p5f8SY

Michael Ixer ● 44d0 Comments ● 44d

This is not at all funny!! 

UK at risk of massive security breach from national IT meltdownThe government is warned of a ‘major’ cyberattack by Russian and Chinese hackers if they keep ignoring warnings to fix HMRC’s crumbling computer systemhttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cybersecurity-breach-hmrc-tax-b2408041.html

Ivonne Holliday ● 45d2 Comments ● 44d

Random pic 16 October 2023

A portable device for playing 45rpm singles. Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt:https://www.flickr.com/gp/m-j-i/fxV19Fz95T The forerunner to the Sony Walkman from the 1960s - a portable device for playing 45rpm singles. Similar to one called the  "Discatron" marketed in the UK but looking more stylish? I never knew anyone who owned one (this or a Discatron) and have only ever seen one in a museum

Michael Ixer ● 45d0 Comments ● 45d

Last chance to feedback on the Ashburton Estate Development Plans - Closing at midnight 13th Oct

The online feedback form closes at midnight tonight Friday 13th October. If you can please complete the form as this is the last chance to submit feedback to the development team before they submit their application to planning. The feedback form is open to all, not just residents.Anyone who has seen the latest plans will know how vague and poorly described they are. Residents are using this form to ask the council to pause on submitting the application and instead provide more detailed documents so that we can assess the impact of this development on our community and make an informed decision.Link to the feedback form: https://ashburtonsouth-homesforwandsworth.co.uk/#feedback-section Link to the plans: https://ashburtonsouth-homesforwandsworth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/34181-Ashburton-South-Roller-Banners-1000x2000mm-C10-LR.pdf

Shannon Goberville ● 47d2 Comments ● 45d

Help protect the bees, please!

Despite promising to do so after Brexit, new research reveals that the UK has FAILED to ban 36 dangerous pesticides that are forbidden in the EU, some of which are highly toxic to bees 1/.Do sign this petition, please!https://act.38degrees.org.uk/act/ban-bee-killing-pesticides-23?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=blast2023-10-14&submit=true1/  https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/13/uk-fails-ban-pesticides-outlawed-use-in-eu

Ivonne Holliday ● 47d6 Comments ● 45d

Trinity Hospice talk, Mon 23rd Oct, 7.30pm, Community Church

The Royal Trinity Hospice is hugely involved in the community when it comes to end of life care. Until you're in the situation where you need them, you just don't know how wide ranging their role is. They rely a lot on monies raised from their shops too, as they're not fully funded. The Putney Society has organised a talk by Daniel Holloway, who is Head of Retail at the Royal Trinity Hospice. He'll talk about how they operate, the position of the shops within local communities, how sustainable retailing is at the forefront of their work, as well as how the Hospice works, and a bit about their wonderful gardens.Do come along and support them. 7.30pm Community Church, Werter Rd, SW15 2LL (opposite Sainsbury's)Monday 23 October.Refreshments availableDisabled access.

Putney Society ● 46d1 Comments ● 46d

Calling All Cat Lovers!🐈🐈‍⬛

No apologies for this long post.  If you are not interested in cats' welfare don't bother to read it or post negative comments; jog on.  The video is eye opening and explains the desperate plight of rescues that are trying but sadly failing to rehabilitate 1000's of abandoned and feral  cats.  They are overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and unable to cope and the situation is now reached crisis point.  Nobody is asking for donations, just a few minutes of your time to sign the petition. Thankyou.** PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE **There has never been a more important petition regarding cats. Owners are not educating themselves before getting cats or simply just don't neuter them. Under age kittens are given to children to play with like toys. At 4 mths when no longer small & cute they are abandoned & start breeding by 5 mths.  Kittens are dumped in dustbins, cats thrown out of cars. This has to stop! Every minute rescues all over the UK get a call about strays, no one can help anymore, not even mums and kittens can be saved. Please share this with EVERY single person you know. 10,000 signatures we get a response,  100,000 it's debated at Parliament.  This winter millions of strays will freeze to death, how as a nation of supposed animal lovers do we let this happen.In answer to the concern we will run out of kittens these are the facts.We have no choice but to do this due to the out of control cat population and no one neutering. There are large colonies all over the UK females have litter after litter.Owners call rescues daily demanding rescues take their cats or kittens and threatening to dump them. Rescues cannot help as no space.I strongly suggest if opposed to this petition you try taking phone calls for your local rescue. Hundreds of cats on a waiting list more and more phoned in all day every day.  Breeding must be regulated going forward it is totally unacceptable to allow so many cats to keep suffering.  **************Calling all animal lovers please sign and share to stop cats and kittens suffering https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0Wgi3vYUgJpWn5VVF3urPk3LB61MCYAsZ9oZgwv1uodFJufZwyjfXn4zDjkmr8z9Tl&id=100000343393592https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/643251

Sue Hammond ● 60d14 Comments ● 46d

Alternative Energy Source

In these bleak and distressing times I found this article gave a little hope for the future.https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/10/14/flooded-and-forgotten-how-europe-s-disused-coal-mines-could-help-heat-our-homes

Katrina Black ● 47d3 Comments ● 46d

Random pic 15th October 2023

Sunset, Santorini                        https://flic.kr/p/2k1syvk

Michael Ixer ● 46d0 Comments ● 46d

Sainsbury Werter Rd (again)

Monday 9 Oct 11-30 am. No regular checkouts.  Tobacco counter: seven people waiting in line, some with 10+ items. Tobacco lady's comment: "It's management". I said "There's no management". Surely time for something to be done about this nonsense. The standard is not even Third World.

Alexander MacLeod ● 52d53 Comments ● 46d

Random pic 14 October 2023

A resting plume moth                      https://flic.kr/p/2oS9UYr

Michael Ixer ● 47d2 Comments ● 46d

Random pic 13th October 2023

Round the back, underneath Waterloo Station https://flic.kr/p/2p1rEVz

Michael Ixer ● 48d1 Comments ● 47d

Microsoft Teams

I wonder if anyone knows how to rid my laptop of Microsoft Teams - whatever that might be. For a few weeks now it's inhabited my laptop and it is difficult to get round it.  I don't want to chat, team up with anyone. I just want to be free of it.Thanks for any advice.

Elizabeth Balsom ● 49d6 Comments ● 47d

Wilko

Just seen on FB Poundland is opening in a lot of Wilko Stores. Haven't seen Putney yet.  Perhaps Nick Guiliford would know. Come back Nick.

Barbara Stevens ● 50d1 Comments ● 49d

The Telegraph Christmas Market

On 1st December The Telegraph Pub will be holding a Christmas market in a heated tent outside from 5pm until about 9.  I will be there with a whole host of handmade goods - handbags, aprons, scarves, teddies, beddy teddies, bracelets, notebooks, bookmarks etc.  All perfect for stocking fillers or gifts.  If you would like to purchase anything in advance or place an order I would be happy to show the type of things I have on offer at my garage on Putney Heath.  All items can be made to your own specification and prices start at £1.50.

Amanda Robart ● 49d0 Comments ● 49d

Random pic 12 October 2023

The chessboard, Fulham Palace Green Meet                   https://flic.kr/p/2ox1Kcq

Michael Ixer ● 49d0 Comments ● 49d

Random pic 11 October 2023

The Speaker's State Coach, Westminster Hall, the Houses of Parliament                    https://flic.kr/p/2p1xi9H

Michael Ixer ● 50d2 Comments ● 50d

Ashburton Estate development; how to lose a community!

This should concern anyone who believes that communities deserve respectful, responsible, progressive councils. https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/residents-living-in-uninhabitable-conditions-on-estate-fight-plans-to-build-123-new-social-homes/

Paul Doorly ● 64d26 Comments ● 51d

Random pic 10 October 2023

Coral Gables, public sculpture                https://flic.kr/p/2okGrXK

Michael Ixer ● 51d0 Comments ● 51d

Lord Frost

Lord Frost thinks the Pension Age should be raised to 75. Good Luck if your still here and able to work to 75. Or otherwise in a care home where they can take all your money. What would happen to all the people who like volunteering even after they have given up work, in charity Shops or Friends of the Hospital. That will put pay to grandchildren being looked after in school Holidays.

Barbara Stevens ● 57d26 Comments ● 52d

Random pic 9 October 2023

Simon Singh presenting the mathematics secrets of the Simpsons         https://flic.kr/p/2p37Jf8 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Simpsons_and_Their_Mathematical_Secrets#:~:text=The%20Simpsons%20and%20Their%20Mathematical%20Secrets%20is%20a%202013%20book,the%20subconscious%20minds%20of%20viewers%22.

Michael Ixer ● 52d0 Comments ● 52d

URR down to one lane again! We need utilities to pay per lane per hour for closures

I think Thames Water are putting in some meters for one of the large houses that have been renovated and converted to flats.But do we really need the road closed for the whole weekend?Ideally we would have a Mayor willing to take on the utility companies.Charging the utility companies a fee per lane per hour (perhaps even minute) could be one solution. Applied to mayor roads such as red routes.With modern materials and pollution, yes even those ULEZ compliant vehicles cause pollution as do buses etc, it would concentrate effort to minimize impact.Of course it wouldn't help the fiasco of the Manor Circus works which are TFL responsibility.Perhaps the charge should be on any major road works with the proceeds being split between the local authority and the Mayor? That would certainly create some accountability.

Ed Robinson ● 53d2 Comments ● 52d

Random pic 8 October 2023

Llyn Brianne dam and reservoir - September 15                    https://flic.kr/p/2jHHWnn

Michael Ixer ● 53d1 Comments ● 52d

Random pic 7 October 2023

Waterproof for a worker, from China's Hidden Century exhibition at the British Museum                          https://flic.kr/p/2oYsFbE Rural fishermen and farmers had worn this type of waterproof raincoat and hat for centuries. In urban settings poorer people including porters, street cleaners and labourers also wore such garments as protection from the elements. Regional variations existed, depending on which plants were available locally. In the far south palm leaves or coconut fibres were used instead of rice or millet This coat was made by folding layers of straw or leaves, then stitching them to the layer above using rice-straw thread. (Bamboo, palm and rice fibre, 1800-98.
southern China, British Museum)

Michael Ixer ● 54d0 Comments ● 54d

Putney Bridge improvements

"The addition of a northbound bus lane over the majority of Putney Bridge to improve facilities for cyclists and bus journey times is also included, along with widening the pavement on Lower Richmond Road between the eastbound bus stop"If they keep the bus stops on the bridge then it is no real change. Cyclists will have to cycle around them.

Ed Robinson ● 65d12 Comments ● 54d

Should the HS2 be scrapped?

I know, it is not a Putney issue but an important national matter.Do you agree with the HS2 project being scrapped?  I honestly believe that the current infrastructure should be updated, that there is an urgent need for east-west connection and, if it was to really connect north with south, why stop in Manchester and Leeds?When the HS2 was discussed initially, I was not convinced that saving 20 minutes travel time between Birmingham and London justified the expense....  Thank you.

Ivonne Holliday ● 64d29 Comments ● 55d

Random pic 6 October 2023

My owner's here for coffee            https://flic.kr/p/2oQHHNc

Michael Ixer ● 55d1 Comments ● 55d

cyclists

Front page of Forum, Richmond Park.

Barbara Stevens ● 57d33 Comments ● 55d

Random pic 5 October 2023

Portland Place at night                      https://flic.kr/p/2hAqiLD

Michael Ixer ● 56d4 Comments ● 55d

Knives

Instead of the Government worrying about pollution why are they not doing more about carrying knives. 5 yrs for being found with a knife and goodbye for stabbing. Too much time spent on roads and fumes, instead of dealing with youngsters. Is it the way they were brought up or from a country where stabbing is a daily occurrence. Because should we be letting in all these individuals, as this is getting scary. Something happened again in the High Street, outside Rymans by the bus stop, one of the staff told me. Somebody ran in asking for a first aid box, then a doctor in the shop at the time and the Security guard ran out. Somebody on here might know more about this. Most of the Government have Security Guards, but never mind about us.

Barbara Stevens ● 62d20 Comments ● 56d

Susan Hall

Hall is rapidly becoming a liability; her latest  gaffe was to say, in a fringe meeting at the Conservative Party conference, that:"I live in north London and I know the wealth and joy of the [Jewish] community. But I tell you something else, I know how frightened some of the community is because of the divisive attitudes of Sadiq Khan.One of the most important things we can do when I become mayor of London is make it safer for everybody, but particularly for our Jewish community, so I will ask for as much help as I can in London because we need to defeat him, particularly for our Jewish community."This has been widely condemned as an ugly slur against Khan, including this from the Board of Deputies of British Jews:"Throughout his tenure as Mayor,@SadiqKhan has treated our community with friendship & respect. We hope to co-host the key Mayoral candidates at a 2024 Jewish hustings, where it will be clear that while London Jews may have varying political views, there is no fear present at all."

Richard Carter ● 58d7 Comments ● 56d

Random pic 4 October 2023

Repurposing with minimal signage changes                     https://flic.kr/p/2oZsRkR

Michael Ixer ● 57d1 Comments ● 57d

Redouble glazed Windows post

Thank you to all who responded to my plea for help- FYI - our windows are not guaranteed for 10yearsWC have organised a repair at my expense

Lyn Saron ● 57d0 Comments ● 57d

PM speech on Net Zero: 20 September 2023

There’s been surprisingly little comment here on last night’s speech by Sunak, and what there is, is buried in other threads. Whatever you think of it, it was significant and it deserves to be discussed properly (the text can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-speech-on-net-zero-20-september-2023)So, to initiate this, my view is that it was one of the most disgraceful, dishonest exercises in political rhetoric that I can remember. Sunak starts off by claiming that he has spent his first year as Prime Minister “bringing back stability to our economy, your government, and our country,” a dubious enough claim already, given the chaos of the school RAAC fiasco, to give only one example. But he goes on to say he wants to change the way our politics works: “Can we be brave in the decisions we make, even if there is a political cost? Can we be honest when the facts change, even if it’s awkward? And can we put the long-term interests of our country before the short-term political needs of the moment, even if it means being controversial?” He then said that “I have made my decision: we are going to change. And over the coming months, I will set out a series of long-term decisions to deliver that change.”I’ve no idea what these decisions might involve, but his announcement last night of the U-turn on reaching net zero is not a promising beginning. He claims to accept that the climate emergency is serious, yet he puts off (to the dismay and fury of manufacturers) the changes to vehicle engines and home heating under a confected concern for the cost to families; it’s an absolutely blatant, cynical move to scrabble for some votes for his failing party. In other words, he has put his and the Conservative party’s interests above the country’s, the very short-term approach that he claims to be against. If his concern were genuine, why would he be scrapping the requirement for homeowners and landlords to meet energy efficiency targets? Why will he not take forward policies to encourage more sustainable behaviour, such as taxing airlines properly and informing the public of the carbon footprint of meat? Why does he boast about scrapping the proposal for government to interfere in how many passengers you can have in your car – when there was no such proposal in the first place? The speech was riddled with such inconsistencies, all with the aim of propagating the straight lie that he was thinking of the country in the long term instead of dishonestly trying to rescue his miserable government from the fate it so clearly deserves.Anyway, this post has gone on long enough: it’s your turn.

Richard Carter ● 70d36 Comments ● 58d

Our double glazed windows

After the recent downpours- I am distressed to find water on the inside of the glass on my not even 10 year old windows- which means the sealing unit has failed- any one else had this problem?  - any advice would be gratefully received- as I very much doubt that W Council would be interested in assisting

Lyn Saron ● 61d6 Comments ● 58d

Random pic 3 October 2023

Sunset over London from Stratford                   https://flic.kr/p/KetLjL

Michael Ixer ● 58d1 Comments ● 58d

OVO Energy nightmare..

HAS ANYONE HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH OVO ENERGY?                                                                                         One of dozens of messages that I have sent to OVO since January 2023. This one was sent on 13-8-23."I have had an 8 month nightmare with OVO. The Ombudsman upheld my complaint against them in May and I still haven't had an apology, compensation or a final bill."The reply I received on 17-8-23 was: "I have requested for these to be sent out via post, please allow 5-10 working days to receive the documents.Thanks,Nikkita."22 days gone by and still no sign of the promised postal delivery. In the meantime OVO has authorised a debt collector to harass me for an alleged debt of £146 +£20 costs. I emailed the debt company with proof of the now 9 months of OVO incompetence and they put the matter on hold until they contacted OVO. Unbelievably I today had an email from the debt company who have been instructed by OVO: "Please continue to chase the debt."OVO is driving me crazy. Next Wednesday I am seeking legal advise with a view to taken legal action against OVO for the now 9 month nightmare and the stress caused by OVO's incompetence.

Neil Milkins ● 82d20 Comments ● 58d

Nobel Prize goes to scientists behind mRNA Covid vaccines

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to a pair of scientists who developed the technology that led to the mRNA Covid vaccines.Prof Katalin Kariko and Prof Drew Weissman will share the prize.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-66983060

Ivonne Holliday ● 59d4 Comments ● 58d

Random pic 2 October 2023

Glasgow, Caffe Nero             https://flic.kr/p/2nKvUbw

Michael Ixer ● 59d2 Comments ● 59d

Front Page

More CCTV across the Borough.

Barbara Stevens ● 65d3 Comments ● 59d

New Shop in the High Street.

The Card shop that used to be near the Big Boots, is like a select and save, everything.  Hats, Trolleys, suit Cases, Disinfectant, smelly things to make your home smell nice, bath mats. Stools, tools. It was a pleasure to have another shop to walk around in.

Barbara Stevens ● 64d2 Comments ● 59d

Is this the best shop in the Borough of Wandsworth?

Belton & Slade, Wandsworth High Street. We have been using it for 40 years. My husband says the service is always excellent. Just thought they deserved a mention and wondered if there were any other gems about like this.

Martine Guy ● 63d12 Comments ● 59d

Random pic 1 October 2023

Nelson Mandela, by Ian Homers Walter at the National Portrait Gallery                 https://flic.kr/p/2oLzYYS

Michael Ixer ● 60d0 Comments ● 60d

Manor Lane

My cousin son said, they have made some of the roads residents only for now, as so much traffic trying to take a short cut down the side roads. As Manor Circus collapsing.

Barbara Stevens ● 61d0 Comments ● 61d

Charging?

Near my house there is a charging point. Cars, when they charge, seem to spend half a day there on average. I assume that charging is quicker than that. But it does seem to suggest to me that we will need an awful lot of charging points, or faster batteries and chargers. And maybe signs on the road saying "no parking if not charging".

David Ainsworth ● 67d19 Comments ● 61d

Chipotle

Another food shop, front page.  How about a few clothes shops.

Barbara Stevens ● 62d9 Comments ● 61d

Random pic 30 September 2023

French art at the Courtauld: Édouard Manet (1832-1883), A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, 1882                   https://flic.kr/p/2oZS33p I hadn't registered the bottle of British Bass beer in the bar at the Folies-Bergère. Bottled Bass seems to get everywhere, some UK friends and I had to explain to a barman in San Francisco that it wasn't pronounced by spelling it's letters as "B-A-S-S" but as one word "Bass" to rhyme with "ass". Édouard Manet (1832-1883)
A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, 1882
Oil paint on canvas This celebrated work is Édouard Manet's last major painting, completed a year before he died. At one of the bars in the Folies-Bergère- a popular Parisian music hall - wine, champagne and British Bass beer with its red triangle logo await customers. A fashionable crowd mingles on the balcony. The legs and green boots of a trapeze artist in the upper left hint at the exciting musical and circus acts entertaining the audience. This animated background is in fact a reflection in the large gold-framed mirror, which projects it into the viewer's own space.
Manet made sketches on-site but painted this work entirely in his studio, where a barmaid named Suzon came to pose. She is the painting's still centre. Her enigmatic expression is unsettling, especially as she appears to be interacting with a male customer. lgnoring normal perspective, Manet shifted their reflection to the right. The bottles on the left are similarly misaligned in the mirror. This play of reflections emphasises the disorientating atmosphere of the Folies-Bergère. In this work,
Manet created a complex and absorbing
composition that is considered one of the
iconic paintings of modern life. Samuel Courtauld gift, 1934
E 47

Michael Ixer ● 61d0 Comments ● 61d

Out of control XL Bully Dog outside local primary school yesterday

A friend just told me an XL Bully Dog was out of control outside St Mary’s School yesterday.  It’s reported on the local neighbourhood group (sorry can’t remember what it’s called). Anyone heard any details?

Martine Guy ● 72d11 Comments ● 62d

Random pic 29 September 2023

Bikestormz going through Vauxhall Cross                   https://flic.kr/p/2oWGp2o Like the sound system               https://flic.kr/p/2oWDimn

Michael Ixer ● 62d1 Comments ● 62d

Poor Man

I'm sure anybody who has lived in Putney years will have seen this man I think he used to sleep near the scout Hall in Oxford Rd. He has a hat on and a dark grey coat. I felt so sorry for him today, I saw him in Werter rd, as I came out of Sainsbury's. I was getting in my other half's van, I had to get out and give him something for food. His face was really thin and he didn't look well, or washed. He is a quiet man, I don't see him talking to anybody. I think he really needs help now he is getting older. I hope perhaps anybody else who knows who I mean might feel a bit generous.

Barbara Stevens ● 71d5 Comments ● 63d

Random pic 27 September 2023

His tailor didn't pay the hacker's Ransome? When your tailor puts his data in the cloud?                      https://flic.kr/p/2m3w341

Michael Ixer ● 64d3 Comments ● 63d

Random pic 28 September 2023

Duck under the bridge                     https://flic.kr/p/NfDgze

Michael Ixer ● 63d0 Comments ● 63d

True & Fair Pre-Election Manifesto

If anyone is interested, the second part of the pre-election manifesto publication date will be at an online event on Monday 2nd November.The event, including a Q&A session, will take place at 09.00.  The event will be held from 9am to 11am.Gina Miller and other True & Fair Candidates very much hope you can join them. The event will be taking place via a Webinar link to allow people to attend from across the country. The link to the Webinar Launch Event will be released 48 hours prior to the event.You need to register for the event.  Further information and the registration form are in the link below.https://www.trueandfairparty.uk/tfp_pre_election_manifesto_part_2?utm_campaign=all_hands_to_the_pump&utm_medium=email&utm_source=trueandfair

Ivonne Holliday ● 64d0 Comments ● 64d

Sunak scrapes home energy task force

A taskforce to speed up home insulation and boiler upgrades has been disbanded, the BBC can reveal.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66900999andChris Mason: The week Rishi Sunak changed gear ahead of general electionThe pace is quickening. The collective heart rate of Westminster is notching up.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66900221

Ivonne Holliday ● 68d3 Comments ● 65d

Irritating forms

I keep hitting an irritating form on various sites for date of birth. It shows a calendar and you can't delete it and put the date in manually. It's only possible to click back month by month over the years! It's crazy! Guaranteed to give RSI!Anyone else finding this? My last one was on an NHS site.

Katrina Black ● 68d4 Comments ● 65d

Random pic 25 September 2023

Leicester Square                      https://flic.kr/p/2oVUbSg

Michael Ixer ● 66d2 Comments ● 65d

Random pic 25 September 2023

Blowing bubbles on the Southbank                https://flic.kr/p/2mki5ka

Michael Ixer ● 65d0 Comments ● 65d

Putney Society Meeting tonight (Mon 25 Sept 7.30pm)- Port of London Authority

Come and hear Jim Trimmer, Director of Planning and Development at the Port of London Authority (PLA) speak about the work of the PLA tonight at the Community Church (opposite Sainsbury) in Werter Road at 7.30pm.He is likely to cover a whole range of issues that come under the PLA's responsibilities including river pollution and Thames Tideway; encouraging more passenger and leisure use of the Thames and plans to bring more freight off the roads and on to the river.He is also happy to answer questions about the towpath which also comes under the PLA's remit.So if you are a rower or sailor or just like a run or stroll along the riverside then there should be something of interest to you.Everyone is welcome. Drinks will be available. Non members of the Putney Society will be invited to make a small donation to help cover the costs of the room hire.Details on how to become a member of the Putney Society can be found on their website.

Stephen Luxford ● 66d3 Comments ● 66d

Random pic 24 September 2023

The Cat's Back, Point Pleasant.                  https://flic.kr/p/2oUHA9s

Michael Ixer ● 67d3 Comments ● 66d

Keys Found in Festing

Three keys on distinctive keys strap found in Festing Road.

Hugh Thompson ● 66d0 Comments ● 66d

Hypocrites!

Isn't it fascinating that those people (and there've been quite a few on here) who have been fulminating about what are, in the scale of things, pretty minor holdups caused by Just Stop Oil, XR etc, wanting to call down the full force of the law on such demonstrations, have been strangely quiet over the sheer brute vandalism of the self-styled Blade Runners in destroying/damaging ULEZ cameras, signs and vans. I wonder why that is?

Richard Carter ● 68d32 Comments ● 66d

Brexit really is a disaster!

Wow, Brexit really is a disaster if even the Daily Telegraph, one of the main cheerleaders for Brexit admits it's been a disaster.  Ben Marlow, the paper's Chief City Commentator, delivers this verdict today (the piece is behind the paywall so I've copied this key passage from it):
"The impact of Brexit is difficult to separate from other factors. However, at its worst it is suspected of stifling trade and investment, contributing to inflation, weakening the pound and causing serious labour shortages. At its best, it has delivered very little if any discernible economic growth four years after Britain’s departure. We can debate till the cows come home whether it is the decision itself or the failure to capitalise on it that is the problem, but even the most ardent Brexiteers now acknowledge that it hasn’t worked."No wonder the Brexiteers here have gone very, very silent!
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2023/09/19/mark-carney-britain-argentina-brexit-labour-liz-truss/ 

Richard Carter ● 72d24 Comments ● 67d

Who built them?

With all the furore about RAAC public buildings has anyone yet published the lust of who commissioned the works.Local authority, national government in what years and under which party.Would be interesting to be able to put some of the blame that's flying around into context.

Andy Pike ● 81d25 Comments ● 68d

Random pic 23 September 2023

The steam powered "Easter Egg" at Bexhill-on-Sea Museum           https://flic.kr/p/2oHajjw The explanation - https://flic.kr/p/2oH9gue

Michael Ixer ● 68d0 Comments ● 68d

Smart tech to be trialled out in towns and cities

This came up on FB and thought you may be interested in this.Smart tech to be trialled in towns and cities with £4 million funding to boost local connectivityThey are proposing to use lamp posts, traffic lights, CCTV columns, benches, bins and bus stops.https://conservativepost.co.uk/smart-tech-to-be-trialled-in-towns-and-cities-with-4-million-funding-to-boost-local-connectivity/?fbclid=IwAR0isk2tcRlxpWXUW36AAYIhmFXN6tMZkmiOpkqyvqK_YhL2R41e-CUYB5Q

Ivonne Holliday ● 69d5 Comments ● 69d

Angertainment is a handy word for it

"Former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull says Rupert Murdoch’s ‘anger-tainment’ damaged the democratic world""On Friday Turnbull said that Murdoch left a “hell of a legacy”, arguing that without Fox and News Corp, Britain probably would not have exited the European Union and Donald Trump would not have been president.“He’s built a vast global media empire, and no doubt the business pages will give him credit for that,” Turnbull told ABC News Breakfast.But Turnbull argued the media empire “sought to enrage Americans, divide Americans, and divide them against each other, and it has knowingly – and Murdoch had a personal hand in this … it has knowingly spread lies, most consequentially the one … where Donald Trump claimed to have won the 2020 election.“And, of course, that created the environment which made the January 6 insurrection possible.”In April, Fox and the voting equipment company Dominion reached a US$787.5m settlement in a defamation lawsuit, ending a dispute over whether the network and its parent company knowingly broadcast false and outlandish allegations that Dominion was involved in a plot to steal the 2020 election.Turnbull said Murdoch’s companies “will continue in much the same vein” without him as chair. “They have become more propaganda than news.”Sky News, like Fox, has been commercially successful because it “kept people engaged – in other words, watching their platform, their channel – by riling them up, by creating division and anger and resentment, and, you know, stoking that”, he said.“But the problem there is, while it might be good for Fox’s ratings or Sky News’ ratings, is it leaves you with a society that is incredibly divided, that’s increasingly polarised, that struggles to work together to meet common challenges, and so is therefore weaker.”"https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/sep/22/former-australian-pm-malcolm-turnbull-comments-rupert-murdoch"Pouring oil on troubled fires" seems to produce profit, at least in the short term.

David Ainsworth ● 69d0 Comments ● 69d

Random pic 22 September 2023

Niagara                           https://flic.kr/p/2kYdvxP

Michael Ixer ● 69d0 Comments ● 69d

Low traffic

Bye Bye. Now we can drive where we want.

Barbara Stevens ● 69d0 Comments ● 69d

Gosh, Biden is not Sanders

"Joe Biden: “I’m not Bernie Sanders, I don’t think 500 billionaires are the reason we’re in trouble, The folks at the top aren’t bad guys."" (Biden 2018)Well, that narrows it down a bit.I wonder who the bad guys are then?

David Ainsworth ● 70d0 Comments ● 70d

Starmer Calling Out To Remainers!!

Calling all the Brexit haters! It appears that you may have a new champion waiting in the wings to garner your votes in 2024. Captain Hindsight may have flip-flopped again. This time it seems that he has flipped onto your side. However he could well flop back over to mine if the opinion polls aren't that favourable as we get closer to the GE. Keir Starmer’s plot to drag Britain back to Brussels - spikedhttps://www.spiked-online.com/2023/09/17/keir-starmers-plot-to-drag-britain-back-to-brussels/

Sue Hammond ● 71d22 Comments ● 70d

Werter Rd

Just saved a pigeon from the clutches of the little pussy cat outside Sainsbury's. I wondered why there was a noise by the bikes and people looking on the ground. I got the cat gently from behind and held it and luckily the pigeon escaped and flew away.

Barbara Stevens ● 71d8 Comments ● 70d

Good essay from The Spectator, surprisingly

"The ‘naive cynicism’ of Russell Brand’s hasty defenders" by Sam Leith"If nothing the mainstream media says can be trusted by virtue of its being the mainstream media (and serving as one the agenda of the World Economic Forum, or the paedo-lizards, or Big Pharma, or the Neoliberal Establishment, or the Postmodern Marxist Deep State, or what have you), you are adrift in an entirely post-truth environment. You don’t know more than the ‘sheeple’ who watch the news and read newspapers: you know less. You’ll pick your guru, ‘do your own research’ down a YouTube rabbit-hole algorithmically serving you ever more conspiratorial content, and you’ll lose touch with the boring, fastidious, fact-based-and-needing-to-be-careful-not-to-be-sued work of professional reporters that might help you back to reality.""you could conclude, as I do, that there is now a scarily large mass of ordinary people who’ll believe any daft thing if they’re told ‘the establishment’ is trying to suppress it; and that there are a number of social-media celebrities, from around the world and across the political spectrum, who should know better but are making a good living out of encouraging them."https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-naive-cynicism-of-russell-brands-hasty-defenders/

David Ainsworth ● 73d40 Comments ● 70d

Random pic 21 September 2023

Exquisite Pain by Damien Hurst at St Bartholomew the Great, Cloth Fair          https://flic.kr/p/2oK6rpG

Michael Ixer ● 70d0 Comments ● 70d

Cleaner Wanted ~ East Putney

Does anybody local have a lovely cleaner who would be available to do a few extra hours every week? I have been quite ill for most of this year and have to accept that I will no longer be able to do my housework. I live in a small 2 bedroom terraced house in East Putney (near Wandsworth Park) and I will need someone trustworthy and reliable for a few hours every other week to do the usual household tasks dusting, vacuuming etc etc.  No ironing required.  Day and time can be very flexible. Cat friendly person preferred.😸I have phoned a couple of agencies but they aren't really interested in supplying someone for a few hours, and to be honest I would much prefer somebody who is personally recommended anyway.  Many thanks.

Sue Hammond ● 71d4 Comments ● 71d

Roger Whittaker

A tour de force.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzKQfrNseoII used to be able to whistle while riding my bike. Now I often have to choose which to do.

David Ainsworth ● 71d0 Comments ● 71d

Random pic 20 September 2023

Bird on a wire            https://flic.kr/p/2oGwGvH

Michael Ixer ● 71d0 Comments ● 71d

Richmond

Took us nearly 2 hrs to get to Sainsbury's in Manor Lane today, road works. Also going round by Barnes Pond looked like they were all having fun loads of tents and music going on. Didn't know otherwise would have gone, did anybody on here go.

Barbara Stevens ● 74d17 Comments ● 71d

25 Sept, 7.30pm, Port of London Authority talk on the Thames in Putney and beyond

If you walk by the river, drink by the river, row or sail on the river, travel on a river boat, are keen for more freight to go on the river rather than by road, are worried about pollution, then here's your chance to find out more. Do you know that all these issues come under the responsibilities of the Port of London Authority (PLA) who operate between Teddington Lock and the North Sea?If you care about any of these things then come along to the Putney Society meeting and hear from Jim Trimmer, Director of Planning and Development at the Port of London Authority. Monday 25 September at 7.30pm at the Community Church, Werter Road, Putney [opposite Sainsbury’s].Topics he is likely to cover include: progress on Thames Tideway; the proposed new Putney pier and ways to increase passenger and leisure use of the Thames; river pollution – do you realise it’s the PLA and not the Environment Agency who have responsibility for monitoring this issue in the Thames? He will also discuss their plans to encourage more freight to be carried by river and off our roads. And he is also happy to cover items pertinent to us such as the towpath and the maintenance of trees along the river banks and how the PLA prepare for major events such as the boat race. You can attend virtually by registering at registration@putneysociety.org.ukA £3 donation from non members of the Putney Society is welcome.Refreshments availableDisabled access

Victoria Diamond ● 78d1 Comments ● 71d

Cars in Wales

You'll be able to buy cars cheaper as Manufacturers are now making them with only 1st 2nd and reverse. HA HA HA,

Barbara Stevens ● 72d5 Comments ● 72d

Random pic 19 September 2023

The flowers have been presented; Chelsea Opera at the Cadogan Hall                     https://flic.kr/p/2oGpvga

Michael Ixer ● 72d0 Comments ● 72d

Hysteria unbound at the Mail

I must admit that I'm really enjoying the hilarious spectacle of the Daily Mail (and the usual suspects) wetting their collective pants at the 'outrage' of EU flags being waved at the Last Night of the Proms (.https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12501257/Viewers-accuse-Remainers-hijacking-BBCs-Night-Proms-sea-EU-flags-replace-Union-Jacks-crowd-anti-Brexit-campaigners-delivered-thousands-Royal-Albert-Hall.html). The reliably daft Harvey Proctor even blethered that "the BBC must investigate how so many EU flags were waved and on display [at the Last Night]."I'll try to help out here: it's reported that EU supporters were handing them out at the Albert Hall beforehand, and people were happily taking them. There you are, Harvey: your investigation done. But there's a more serious point to be made here, and that's to emphasise the contribution of Europe to the classical canon - and the Proms are nothing if not a festival of classical music. At a quick count, almost 50 of the composers represented at this year's Proms were from what are now EU countries, or around 40% of the total, more than from the UK or the USA. And this is just a crude head count which doesn't allow for the particular dominance of composers like Bach, Beethoven and Mahler, four of whose symphonies alone were played this year. But I don't suppose such considerations would weigh much with the likes of Harvey Proctor.

Richard Carter ● 80d33 Comments ● 72d

Random pic 18 September 2023

A Wandsworth Sunset, February 2021                 https://flic.kr/p/2kyydhr

Michael Ixer ● 73d3 Comments ● 73d

20 mph speed limits

Personally I’m pleased that many London councils (but not, as yet, Wandsworth) have adopted 20 mph as the default speed limit on their roads, as is the whole of Wales, on the basis that it improves safety for all concerned and reduces fuel use.This, of course, has drawn criticism from all the usual suspects, but the most extreme I've seen is from Penny Mordaunt, quoted in The Times today as saying (about the Welsh policy) that it is not just "insane" – that would have been bad enough – but "absolutely insane." She goes on to say “More disturbingly, it is going to increase individuals’ fuel bills considerably and actually be harmful to the environment.” She also claims that it will cost the Welsh economy £4.5 billion.All of this is nonsense, especially the extraordinarily extreme language about the policy’s supposed insanity, but the claims that it will increase fuel bills and harm the environment are quite simply wrong: "Reducing peak road speeds in areas where people live, work or play saves energy and cash. Research into typical stop/start urban traffic by Future Transport reveals fuel efficiency peaks with speed capped at 20mph. Drivers benefit from up to 10p per mile in fuel savings without trips taking longer. That’s a 30 per cent saving in urban fuel costs." (https://shorturl.at/lryW8). And the £4.5 million claim is, unsurprisingly, made without the benefit of anything as trifling as evidence.What's disappointing about this stuff is that until now, Mordaunt had seemed one of the more reasonable members of our benighted government. What on earth has got into her?

Richard Carter ● 76d38 Comments ● 73d

Here we go again

"Susan Hall is not fit to represent London.On Wednesday 19 July, the Conservative Party announced that London Assembly Member and Harrow councillor Susan Hall would be their candidate for London Mayor in 2024. Having faced some criticism for controversial social media posts in the past, Hall has made an effort to tidy up her social media in recent years, including deleting every tweet sent prior to December 2017.However, a review of Cllr Hall’s social media output – and in particular the posts she has “liked” on X (previously Twitter) – reveals alarming views and behaviour from someone seeking high office. Hall has repeatedly endorsed Enoch Powell, abusive posts aimed at politicians and journalists, including some directed at Sadiq Khan that have clear Islamophobic undertones.Hall has twice appeared to endorse the legacy of Enoch Powell, the Conservative MP best known for his racist Rivers of Blood speech.""It is worth noting that Powell bitterly opposed allowing Uganda’s Asian population to come to the UK after their cruel expulsion by Idi Amin in 1972, and a significant proportion of Hall’s home borough of Harrow are descended from those who were thankfully permitted to make their home here.On 5 November 2020, as votes were still being counted for the US Presidential Election, Hall quote-tweeted an article alleging a conspiracy to steal the election from the notorious right-wing misinformation site Gateway Pundit. The post remains live on Hall’s account."https://hopenothate.org.uk/2023/09/15/susan-hall-conservative-candidate-for-london-mayors-social-media-exposed/It will be a close-run thing, apparently. I could despair, so I have decided not to care. Much, anyway.

David Ainsworth ● 75d8 Comments ● 73d

So Companies House do not check addresses

"If you believed the paperwork, Henry Drive in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, would be a thriving business metropolis specialising in the wholesale clothing market with entrepreneurs from across Europe choosing this leafy Essex street as their operations base.But the paperwork cannot be trusted. In the past four months at least 80 bogus companies have been registered to properties on the street - 14 of them in the past week.Each business purports to be involved in selling clothes and has a single company officer invariably described as an "entrepreneur" who lives in either Italy, Georgia, Germany, France or Morocco.""Companies House, which charges £12 a pop for an internet business incorporation, says under the current laws, if company paperwork is properly filed, signed and the registration fee paid, it has to be registered."https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-66773673I'd have thought that even a minimal service would include actually checking the UK addresses, and upping the fees too. Still, what would I know? I could never have made it as an accountant or a lawyer.https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/getting-companies-house-in-order-the-rise-of-fraud-on-the-uks-company-register-aAWfV5U6IpnD

David Ainsworth ● 74d0 Comments ● 74d

Blake's Heaven

Grant Holdsworth has just opened a "quirky" new shop in the Lower Richmond Road (see the front page of thissite); I don't know what the contents are like, but he deserves support for the brilliant pun in the name of his shop alone.