November 19th 2023
I’m thinking of renaming my letters “Ripley’s believe it or not”. Recent events in the UK are verging on the unbelievable. Not satisfied with both main political parties becoming a complete parody of political parties and displaying signs of being a complete shambles the whole country is becoming infected with stupidity.
DEFINITION
“Shambles – a scene or state of great disorder and confusion, originally a slaughterhouse or area of butchery.”
If ever a word was most suitable for being applied to the state of the current political parties in the UK, it is “shambles”. With increased activity being taken by pro-Palestinian mobs turning up outside the homes of MPs who did not support the ceasefire motion in Parliament last week, it is not an exaggeration to state that this ancient definition could soon be applied literally.
Both the Conservative and Labour parties are disintegrating into factions and the leaderships are struggling to keep a grip on their MPs.
Even the much-derided Mayor of London is excelling himself. It transpires that in parts of London (especially Islington), they have started to impose a surcharge on top of the normal parking fee if you have the temerity to drive a diesel-powered vehicle. This means that if you stay a whole day, it is cheaper to not pay parking fees, but wait for the wardens to come along and issue a fixed penalty notice. The hourly charges vary but can be as much as £12.50 and the penalty charge £40.00 if paid within fourteen days.
On to my little corner of the UK, where it is no longer the tourist season, and nothing happens. There was great consternation today as an earthquake was recorded in Mount’s Bay. Locals were quite excited, and it registered a massive 2.7 on the Richter scale.
Seismologist Dr David Hawthorn, from the British Geological Survey, told the BBC it was unsurprising people heard sounds rather than were shook. He said: “That’s very common because it shakes things and that makes a noise.”
The British Geological Survey reported that the quake happened at 12.50 am today at a depth of 13km off The Lizard. It said: “Reports have been received from residents in Helston, Penzance and Camborne, in Cornwall, that this event was felt. Reports described ‘a moderate rumbling’ and ‘a bang and a judder, like a juggernaut had hit the house’.”
Source Cornwall Live 19th November 2023.
I am sure that news will raise a wry smile amongst Kiwis.
Nigel Farage started his spell on “I’m a celebrity get me out of here” and is already covered in mud. Still, I’m sure it’s worth the £1.5 million that he is being paid for his participation. I wonder if Coutts Bank will allow him to reopen his account. Whilst some viewers can’t wait to see him feasting on kangaroo’s testicles others take the view of “good luck to him” and think he’s got the best part of the deal.
Staff at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero who occasionally work from home (WFH not WTF!) are among those who can apply to work while overseas. So, while the rest of us suffer dreary November days, grey and full of drizzle, we can relax, safe in the knowledge that our country’s interests are being well looked after by our civil servants. I wonder how green this policy is and does the Department have a policy on energy saving. Hmm.
The National Trust issued a calendar of events for volunteers as a guide to activities and events during 2024 (NOT a calendar for sale to the public) which highlighted Eid, Diwali and Hanukkah, but not Christmas and Easter. The Trust’s spokesperson explained: this internal guidance is specifically designed to supplement the National Trust’s year-round programming that includes Christmas and Easter, which are national public holidays and which are celebrated at all properties.
“It enables our teams to mark more religious and cultural festivals, to serve local communities and allow everyone to learn about and enjoy different cultures.”
“We’re proud to host some wonderful celebrations for Eid, Diwali, Hanukkah, and other occasions. The National Trust is for everyone.”
Source: Express 13 November 2023.
Whilst I can understand the explanation it still indicates the subliminal thinking of the governing body. One more step on the road to wokeness.
As I keep saying (thanks Katie Hopkins) welcome to Batshit Bonkers Britain.
