Friday 15 March 2024

Oracle Gates

Some may recall this post regards the Reading workhouse known as the Oracle. After its destruction, the gates were relocated to Tilehurst Road in Reading, until finally residing at the town museum. I recently came across this post, elsewhere on the interweb, which is of interest. At least to me LOL. 

I wrote a short paper about British Social Housing, from its beginnings through to modern times. This included the Workhouse system, looking in particular the ones in Reading and Newbury. This was a couple of years back for a separate project but if I can find the original version, I may look to reproduce some of it here in the near future.




Thursday 14 March 2024

NHS

Just published today, a report on National Health Service hospitals with the longest and shortest waiting times. Interestingly two near me, Frimley Health Trust (Frimley Park, Heatherwood and Wrexham Park hospitals) and Royal Berkshire Hospital have come top and near the bottom of the poll. Curiously the former is a military hospital and should in theory work like clockwork. 

Read more here.

Wednesday 13 March 2024

Homicide

Out two school nights in the same week? How totally outrageous!

At least I'll know how to get away with murder LOL.



Sunday 10 March 2024

Red Shoes

The tour, based on the short film, based on the album, inspired by the musical-movie. Or something like that LOL.



Friday 8 March 2024

Bit Of A Billy Bargain

As we used to say. Anyway you never know what treasures you might stumble across in a second hand charity shop. 

This shop being Sue Ryder, a charity close to my heart. I spotted these lovely espresso coffee cups a couple of weeks ago but couldn't justify the £6 (AU$11.50, US$7.70) outlay. That's the total, not the price per cup and saucer. 

Plus of course they would take up so much space and I don't really drink coffee LOL. 

Silly, right? Well they were still sat in the window today, so I thought, why ever not? 



Tuesday 5 March 2024

You Know

You know when you've reached a certain age LOL.



Saturday 2 March 2024

Trekkin'

It's been said before but it is worth repeating. I really think at times the UK must be twinned with the fictional rain-swept planet from the Star Trek universe known as Ferenginar LOL. I mean seriously so far this year we've seen more wet days than dry, on top of an extremely wet final few months to 2023.

Monday 26 February 2024

Kin

Love this.*










 

*Not a family history show LOL.

Saturday 24 February 2024

Woollies

Well, that's the shopping done LOL.

Unfortunately Woolworths has been long gone from the British High Street, and is but a distant memory for most over a certain age. This cherished bag originated much further afield, where Woollies still successfully trades. 



Wednesday 21 February 2024

How Much?

The cost of everything seems to be increasing at present. 

The latest hit being car insurance, a legal necessity in the UK. The renewal for my Galaxy has gone up to a quite unbelievable £950 (AU$1830, US$1200) per year. An increase of over £200 on this time last year. The insurers are blaming rising repair costs due to current conflicts and spiralling EV costs. Not that I drive an EV. Or have made a claim in the past few years.

Seems careful driving and customer loyalty counts for nothing. I'll be shopping around for a more competitive policy. Rant over.



Monday 19 February 2024

Gentleman Pirate

Back for a second series, hurrah!


 

Saturday 17 February 2024

Silver Ladies

Latest lovely from the Royal Mint, in conjunction with their American counterpart: a limited edition Silver bullion Liberty and Britannia. Enjoy.