tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88136813144649611282024-03-21T07:27:57.025+00:00Queens Road, Clarendon Park, Leicester.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-70591191077851755802012-03-24T11:23:00.003+00:002012-03-24T11:33:50.616+00:00New Trees<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8CAZLCb4FxA4StQUr_5vBnJnbio9tQ_2b_ZK8fijILNXporBFBEcx7TTl132pww0dZ-j36YtoUy8nqAAm2ZOrU5o_eF-CzV9ZrusfjwaSmfeodvZ1BoxDxOaqoa_OPoN4usOMEzZKfG6/s1600/Tree.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8CAZLCb4FxA4StQUr_5vBnJnbio9tQ_2b_ZK8fijILNXporBFBEcx7TTl132pww0dZ-j36YtoUy8nqAAm2ZOrU5o_eF-CzV9ZrusfjwaSmfeodvZ1BoxDxOaqoa_OPoN4usOMEzZKfG6/s320/Tree.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723425303182243490" /></a><br />Great news tree huggers everywhere and a big thank you to Councillors Patrick Kitterick, Neil Clayton and Lynn Senior. And I quote:<br /><br /><br />"At last night's Ward Community Meeting we agreed the money in order to re-plant the Cradock Road Trees. Following the award of this money I await to hear from the Trees & Woodlands Section as to when the work can begin. - Patrick."<br /><br />Errr - The tree planting picture is from the www. Not ours!Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-22113404749215821512012-02-21T12:36:00.003+00:002012-02-21T12:40:27.989+00:00Tree News.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNE7r6wtxUxEP_f3ZQgfSecOp3paezpUig2GZdZJXWOy8sCdhFxPJ682jbD7X4n_-agB9Bg0cbilmCgbsJTmMjoM8mqWGcBE6u69VgkgdhNJlY6RovF85Z01BGboyfuIdQEGC0r0v0RCy/s1600/Cradock+Rd+Feb+2012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNE7r6wtxUxEP_f3ZQgfSecOp3paezpUig2GZdZJXWOy8sCdhFxPJ682jbD7X4n_-agB9Bg0cbilmCgbsJTmMjoM8mqWGcBE6u69VgkgdhNJlY6RovF85Z01BGboyfuIdQEGC0r0v0RCy/s320/Cradock+Rd+Feb+2012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711567609663201762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkEx425SqN5X4uftHo_mZ2j48J8H6L1h05YfdMcdeE7i1011zas1UJd4qEWSBj8DLpDuo_aNjndaTnTCTVKBO0fELdk3f_fK1_KCGOoDFFHuDcUmUwalaIw6GIK736pH_PJsmagfMHxB6/s1600/Howard+Rd+Dec+2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkEx425SqN5X4uftHo_mZ2j48J8H6L1h05YfdMcdeE7i1011zas1UJd4qEWSBj8DLpDuo_aNjndaTnTCTVKBO0fELdk3f_fK1_KCGOoDFFHuDcUmUwalaIw6GIK736pH_PJsmagfMHxB6/s320/Howard+Rd+Dec+2011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711567598367947650" /></a><br />Thanks to all for the support. We may be able to sort this out!<br /><br />I have now received the following reply from Mike Pears, of Leicester City Council which is self explanatory.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Dear Mr Savage, thanks for your email, I have asked our Trees and Woodlands Team to clarify the reasons for removal of the tree and they have replied as follows:<br /><br />"Both trees were removed on the grounds of severe basal decay, leading to inner and deep cavities, all caused by low level (car height) vehicle damage over several years. These cavities were formed in an almost honeycomb pattern which meant that if slightly pushed in the wrong way then the remaining tissue could buckle/collapse. The crowns were both at a stage where further pruning to keep them from causing building damage was not going to be possible without unreasonably short maintenance periods."<br /><br />Removal of the tree and grinding out of the stump has to be done when a replacement tree is to be planted so the only additional cost is capping off the tree pit to maintain a safe surface within the footway.<br /><br />I am submitting a bid to the Castle Ward Community Meeting to try to secure funding for replacing six trees within the ward including the two on Cradock Road. This bid should be discussed at the next meeting on 22nd March.<br /><br />Regards<br />Mike</span><br /><br />It seems that we must now lobby our local council members to give funding a chance of approval to replace our trees, or R.O.T. for short!<br /><br />I shall send an email to <patrick.kitterick@btinternet.com> expressing our feelings and, if I can find out where it is, may attend the meeting on 22nd March.<br /><br />It would be very helpful if anyone else reading this could also lobby our local councillors. The picture illustrate how bare it looks without our trees.<br /><br />Thanks.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-2080259785421539182012-02-14T16:00:00.002+00:002012-02-14T16:07:55.690+00:00A Murder in Cradock Rd<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAYmUspDwFmA17QLRzapCSsF4g2M56VH_CbOHgloJo0gL0wrR0mwmuiM0pzizpUkT0D6-rw4rn5aSeuZ45Li0Gf_48xE3HOB_JG9EpH47q5decwHxFFr8Xjk9upqMFTgpKcffGUKVf8kE/s1600/1+Cradock+Rd+Tree+2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBAYmUspDwFmA17QLRzapCSsF4g2M56VH_CbOHgloJo0gL0wrR0mwmuiM0pzizpUkT0D6-rw4rn5aSeuZ45Li0Gf_48xE3HOB_JG9EpH47q5decwHxFFr8Xjk9upqMFTgpKcffGUKVf8kE/s320/1+Cradock+Rd+Tree+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709023580594812354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNX1maJbNbERY8pyw5p07KZXQPMLiztIZKigsLnmep6_5IyqV3JpcuKRih_2EpiXJwocbQwZNH6XSTyIMY5-PEYAC4VifGsIQ1t2RPASRWOIdEylg6XmsverUouQMzDLVCz8PuGwOqrSA/s1600/2+Cradock+Rd.+June+2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNX1maJbNbERY8pyw5p07KZXQPMLiztIZKigsLnmep6_5IyqV3JpcuKRih_2EpiXJwocbQwZNH6XSTyIMY5-PEYAC4VifGsIQ1t2RPASRWOIdEylg6XmsverUouQMzDLVCz8PuGwOqrSA/s320/2+Cradock+Rd.+June+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709023573246666498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWVkpQZ7ppo6DNkAqMnlK1FpSN_ud4OjSEaOlvLMPUeTO7n-VGlb4KJrLb1VezAwSGOGhic2dL_etyHN7wjoyNN5Egq22Hhcu2R7RdUsjS5CdGtE3cVg-_FeJ-li8o0M3LU6tSRW5Z0q1/s1600/3+Cradock+Rd.+Dec+15th+C.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWVkpQZ7ppo6DNkAqMnlK1FpSN_ud4OjSEaOlvLMPUeTO7n-VGlb4KJrLb1VezAwSGOGhic2dL_etyHN7wjoyNN5Egq22Hhcu2R7RdUsjS5CdGtE3cVg-_FeJ-li8o0M3LU6tSRW5Z0q1/s320/3+Cradock+Rd.+Dec+15th+C.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709023562873264258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELqQ0fc2dkBHnyarsO_4maf6uH_YZnPeluIcvscL7LWXc96emZH9ooyGwhJJkz5F7lr4twnnK2cD5MAnDqlBZGgVrPELKwwzOS7g37el7yw8x-MPGm0jslivUAm4_O8rf_UqKP6v4EqsR/s1600/4+Cradock+Rd+Feb+2012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELqQ0fc2dkBHnyarsO_4maf6uH_YZnPeluIcvscL7LWXc96emZH9ooyGwhJJkz5F7lr4twnnK2cD5MAnDqlBZGgVrPELKwwzOS7g37el7yw8x-MPGm0jslivUAm4_O8rf_UqKP6v4EqsR/s320/4+Cradock+Rd+Feb+2012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709023537558193570" /></a><br />Greetings all. Sorry for the lack of posts, but I’ve been busy with other projects.<br /><br />Pour yourself a long drink and prepare for a rant about local politics.<br /><br />Many years ago (probably about 35) Leicester City Council planted some trees around the back streets of Clarendon Park which have offered a very welcome splash of green to a predominantly red brick background.<br />On 3rd November two were cut down. Murdered! Gone for ever! One at the top and another at the bottom (Howard Rd. end) of Cradock Road. I phoned the Council on 4th November to complain and enquire why our apparently healthy trees had been so ruthlessly removed. I was told they had been diseased, but the Council were obliged to replace any removed trees. ‘It may take up to a year as funds are tight’ he added.<br /><br />Having given the matter some thought I do not remember the trees looking particular sick, quite the opposite in fact. Flourishing! I can offer no evidence, or scientific knowledge in support of this though. It did, however, get in the way of the enormous refuse collection trucks that struggle to get around all of our roads and I found it rather a coincidence that it was the two that caused most trouble that were ‘diseased’.<br /><br />In a letter, I put this theory forward, but was assured it ‘did not have anything to do with access issues for refuse vehicles’. I also suggested that surely it was cheaper to plant replacement trees than remove and chip two (3 workmen for at least two hours), then come and clear the area and tarmac over it (At least 4 workmen half a day), then come with a big lorry and remove the old tarmac and paving (missed this bit, but must have been two men for an hour).<br /><br />As luck would have it I photographed the tree in it’s prime in the summer of 2009 with and without the bin lorry and, more recently the bare space resulting in the ‘murder’ and the ease with which the refuse lorry can now swing round the junction. He hardly has to slow down! Please form your own opinion.<br /><br />The most recent communiqué from The Council states that there are currently no funds available to replace any trees. (they have probably used their resources answering my letters!) I dearly wish they had never removed the trees, but am starting a campaign to replace at least the one at the top of Cradock Rd. (Montague Rd end) as this area now looks so bleak. The Howard Rd end still benefits from existing mature trees. <br /><br />This all happens in a year when there are schemes to plant trees in celebration of <a href="http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/jubilee-woods/Pages/home.aspx">The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee</a>, actively supported by BBC TV presenter,<a href="http://www.woodlandtrust.presscentre.com/News-Releases/Kate-Humble-gets-digging-for-the-Jubilee-this-February-a18.aspx"> Kate Humble.</a><br />Watch this space for news and contact me if you want to wave a banner or something.<br /><br />Thanks.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-91840763325120596432010-12-23T10:22:00.002+00:002010-12-23T10:25:48.572+00:00Stress Free.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEWZQxI015tokOUvbZB5AycRAqi2uhzLZcgbQprWf8CeCVJwNmNWT_6jwEf4c-MR05pej6i-wPCaXEsExo-PFL1BDk_JDOQEBIbBhXAb87ZNVRSvgQgdRN8mbQYBiTj5AaZOJPNDTDDfd/s1600/Christmas.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEWZQxI015tokOUvbZB5AycRAqi2uhzLZcgbQprWf8CeCVJwNmNWT_6jwEf4c-MR05pej6i-wPCaXEsExo-PFL1BDk_JDOQEBIbBhXAb87ZNVRSvgQgdRN8mbQYBiTj5AaZOJPNDTDDfd/s320/Christmas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553821846821161442" /></a><br />Food shopping for Christmas all done on Queens Rd. Time taken. About 20 minutes. Stress level: Zero. <br />From Archers, a Copas (est 1957) free range Turkey, as recommended by Rick Stein. As it has enjoyed a very pleasant life strolling around a meadow and then being gentle put to sleep to the sound of Chopin, it should taste good. Leeks, carrots and other assorted veg from Peasgood’s, but no Cauliflower. There’s a shortage apparently. Also bought a red cabbage which is already in the slow cooker, finely chopped and mixed with a jar of Mango Chutney. Wine from Bargain Booze and various other bits and pieces from Sainsbury’s Local. Merry Christmas one and all!Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-18314558626072701802010-12-05T17:41:00.002+00:002010-12-05T17:49:03.218+00:00A Great Success.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcv5h1BjB_I8rZVtjbs68JLM4bah7MuzSRObT9IriQC7Xm_yZ8HBwc1n35ECrH4aDF_lgvyqb_zVxtCvQWIK3IdeDuCOgDRwSrApzWON6YiAgW3GhqkWJdT_a27yqpiGFmgLeQAs-yAy9/s1600/Toby-1295.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcv5h1BjB_I8rZVtjbs68JLM4bah7MuzSRObT9IriQC7Xm_yZ8HBwc1n35ECrH4aDF_lgvyqb_zVxtCvQWIK3IdeDuCOgDRwSrApzWON6YiAgW3GhqkWJdT_a27yqpiGFmgLeQAs-yAy9/s320/Toby-1295.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547256482486604194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR11HfQQhdMMcDlgDphDMZTIR_vrgeFsxcVGE-y2AZJ_j4JrstPTmcV4Jb3Yfkkkw3M41EDSYiJJw7YGYjHu5PPaj8Fh2p8AOKrK5VdFijPaTW32-RKzHEHGHRVoATeEJ_Gao30g1p8ytv/s1600/Toby-1292.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR11HfQQhdMMcDlgDphDMZTIR_vrgeFsxcVGE-y2AZJ_j4JrstPTmcV4Jb3Yfkkkw3M41EDSYiJJw7YGYjHu5PPaj8Fh2p8AOKrK5VdFijPaTW32-RKzHEHGHRVoATeEJ_Gao30g1p8ytv/s320/Toby-1292.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547256472500102450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpoCyWZVV9Qsr0r1ViU4vsJPOaDQSsrB8zGup6q4kiAwG4-ceRgu9394ka4v2rEdK6SvmHL0lsVfylZeIvh3p2tZlkRwSOjLZ7q7tSkhA4toSxfWf1rYc6Zop7dqJdYWc5ZRLPMeXRtu0/s1600/Toby-1279.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpoCyWZVV9Qsr0r1ViU4vsJPOaDQSsrB8zGup6q4kiAwG4-ceRgu9394ka4v2rEdK6SvmHL0lsVfylZeIvh3p2tZlkRwSOjLZ7q7tSkhA4toSxfWf1rYc6Zop7dqJdYWc5ZRLPMeXRtu0/s320/Toby-1279.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547256459842676706" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqhMUrYx3sVX8d7GZ3yuQQPW8JmyQ9QXfRbclKT3aGt4B16xzcpWdj4EnrG3UOuXTSu10VzGSGxiJJU92F49hGdPWKRY60okmsAtFeIWFt8RP2epWCnKnD_ynGAbnE6NoTlED7_IYZ984/s1600/Toby-1270.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqhMUrYx3sVX8d7GZ3yuQQPW8JmyQ9QXfRbclKT3aGt4B16xzcpWdj4EnrG3UOuXTSu10VzGSGxiJJU92F49hGdPWKRY60okmsAtFeIWFt8RP2epWCnKnD_ynGAbnE6NoTlED7_IYZ984/s320/Toby-1270.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547256454653478626" /></a><br />The first Queen’s Road Christmas Fair was blessed with perfect weather. Crisp, at around 0º, but a clear blue sky and a huge turnout. The shops were busy, the bars rammed and the stalls well attended. How rewarding to see so many people out and about talking to each other. Lets hope there’s another one next year. Photos shows Ian Reeds raising awareness for his <a href="http://wellmadride.org/">Round the World cycle ride</a> next year. In aid of Cancer Research and M.S. The band are Acoustic Abuse. A great act!Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-37922039160618007852010-10-19T21:41:00.002+01:002010-10-19T21:44:03.388+01:00Bit of a do.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdZFskYBRLOshvgdr0Fk1WE3WCqCDwA0n3lO0yGy7Z_SHPhbIVpoPk9473ir6JKEseuhf-XgyJtmKYrJvmvEiG7njpS_CnhtH5RxR0u1GI2Ym-5KzgJsgwdOCeLKx1ecifIxgUcTWWSsB/s1600/Market.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdZFskYBRLOshvgdr0Fk1WE3WCqCDwA0n3lO0yGy7Z_SHPhbIVpoPk9473ir6JKEseuhf-XgyJtmKYrJvmvEiG7njpS_CnhtH5RxR0u1GI2Ym-5KzgJsgwdOCeLKx1ecifIxgUcTWWSsB/s320/Market.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529860703400149762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgoyDPQGzsh8NB8VNLBN6UqMjVrH5WI4vFlmRWQHKsJTIQ0OP2tWJBAafX-BCLCu3SyvkmJAU5_mBFu6sBIpD_IJw4efw1SV1pz-v6v-MloJ3pxolBOQiJZwEeBbgJx31lIJW5Q7SbiHa/s1600/Queens+Rd+Front.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 227px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgoyDPQGzsh8NB8VNLBN6UqMjVrH5WI4vFlmRWQHKsJTIQ0OP2tWJBAafX-BCLCu3SyvkmJAU5_mBFu6sBIpD_IJw4efw1SV1pz-v6v-MloJ3pxolBOQiJZwEeBbgJx31lIJW5Q7SbiHa/s320/Queens+Rd+Front.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529860699037171746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPNLTQTOZ90c1df85y6FYBup9PIZmKUau9iIeg1N4qfN0S9_DO41t_mx7CwYr8Qz8HIApJUv29BHWz9XtW8SQrM_3KBx3B1MjFfDuMv5OoVkY1sNzptockgLvgKITJkf78xOgVs3Twx9W/s1600/Queens+Rd+back.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPNLTQTOZ90c1df85y6FYBup9PIZmKUau9iIeg1N4qfN0S9_DO41t_mx7CwYr8Qz8HIApJUv29BHWz9XtW8SQrM_3KBx3B1MjFfDuMv5OoVkY1sNzptockgLvgKITJkf78xOgVs3Twx9W/s320/Queens+Rd+back.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529860694981502626" /></a><br />Sorry for the long absence of posts. I’ve been putting a lot of time and energy into other projects this year.<br /><br />It seems we are to have a Christmas fair in Queens Rd. and I have reproduced the two sides of the flyer here, which are self explanatory. Hopefully the idea will be embraced by all and the sun will shine. I wonder if it will be anything like one in Spain where tempting local nibbles were on offer. Try one, salivate, then buy. I hope so.<br /><br />It is most uncharacteristic, but I have just attended a meeting! 18 of us sat around a table in the Christchurch Meeting Rooms to make suggestions to Councillor Patrick Kitterick , who had a lot of good plans already, about what would make the event successful.<br /><br />One of the best was that it should carry on after the planned 5.00 pm finish and migrate to a bar with live music and lots of beer! All those in favour.......Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-4220717218720104562010-03-29T20:51:00.002+01:002010-03-29T20:52:52.364+01:00The work of spies.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJPmDa_XuuqNloC_5Jj1PkPjSLY5Da-85yWxVpxOgRSuPsI5qLekIBKFdu0NU82Q_BvLKkJhRr0ZitYlJQxTQku0QGIOhyz8PoFN7gfuV6Te0IcoHWP6m_wRwMq_TgtnUd13KntqQ7RWD/s1600/Bin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJPmDa_XuuqNloC_5Jj1PkPjSLY5Da-85yWxVpxOgRSuPsI5qLekIBKFdu0NU82Q_BvLKkJhRr0ZitYlJQxTQku0QGIOhyz8PoFN7gfuV6Te0IcoHWP6m_wRwMq_TgtnUd13KntqQ7RWD/s320/Bin.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454145953922864514" /></a><br />Recently, a Queens Road Blog Stringer contacted me to alert this Blog to strange goings on at the far end of Queen Road. Somebody has been dumping hundreds of old music VHS tapes in the public litter bins. Clearly the work of spies, we should keep our eyes on developments. The main bins used seem to be the two at the far end of the road. I have not seen who turns up to collect the tapes, but expect it is a Cold War Spy and the tape featured here, craftily labelled 1960’s, in fact refers to escape routes over the Berlin Wall. Keep it to yourself though. Walls have ears.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-19001039207027008282010-03-16T13:30:00.003+00:002010-03-16T13:35:41.856+00:00No need to go out.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpqTTOivebcd7bx0eniKjsmbRHAmxbnw-Frpl-VACFxb5EG-I6zKY3iSbGH1YCVfGpM91C_ZTqhM-WdCGDB4arhGTqOSnsOeP_Jf_9qbQcn_73PG2DHzoj5qnC_tnJl-SZyJsogKG18U2/s1600-h/Google.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpqTTOivebcd7bx0eniKjsmbRHAmxbnw-Frpl-VACFxb5EG-I6zKY3iSbGH1YCVfGpM91C_ZTqhM-WdCGDB4arhGTqOSnsOeP_Jf_9qbQcn_73PG2DHzoj5qnC_tnJl-SZyJsogKG18U2/s320/Google.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449224866491962354" /></a><br />Blimey! We are all on Google maps for The World to see. Fascinating when looking at where other people live, but a little uncomfortable at looking at where we all live, especially in SUCH detail.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-59605669342834090832010-03-08T22:23:00.002+00:002010-03-08T22:25:02.443+00:00Tax collector.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAAJ8Yz8axB7ZNZDiKjnilgrsW-FLkaIzBOzdq0nIhhibQSCNuJ7MddHJh4iJIVSattNXKuRgED8D6syTgZymuj2uQvbVULZCXBfaD1d1sUfzQwJRQdlJflW6lSV5DDQTPYOxC5x3Yfy1/s1600-h/Toby-6214.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAAJ8Yz8axB7ZNZDiKjnilgrsW-FLkaIzBOzdq0nIhhibQSCNuJ7MddHJh4iJIVSattNXKuRgED8D6syTgZymuj2uQvbVULZCXBfaD1d1sUfzQwJRQdlJflW6lSV5DDQTPYOxC5x3Yfy1/s320/Toby-6214.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446392426315097874" /></a><br />Well. That’s what they are. Carefully positioned on the pavement (which I thought was reserved for pedestrians - Oh well). ‘We’re only doing our job Guv’ they would say. But they’re not. The idiots that do belt along Victoria Park Road at 60 mph do it when the boys in blue are playing snooker in the Police Social Club, pint of mild in hand. These snoopers just get us gullible idiots who let the speedo drift up to 35 mph whist gorping at the Uni students in short skirts, then make us feel like criminals. <br /><br />Well. The snoopers missed me! I spotted their cheap trick and drove past smiling, benignly, at a steady 20 mph, two fingers waved at them, majestically, from under the dashboard.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-39756979185433715892009-12-23T07:55:00.003+00:002009-12-23T07:57:46.685+00:00Snow stops Queens Road!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi4GWe4_dobPb9FXr211aodwRH8e2a1a_qlYbb3uGf4qgc_nN57BtXmvYsqudQvAmzzR9_VeJVkzH8GA4SNsLjqveY7PHvvPLRfzxptpGRMa2OnS3SnF1GcFbE7WZnTF2z-sxZYlgjH6L/s1600-h/snow+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi4GWe4_dobPb9FXr211aodwRH8e2a1a_qlYbb3uGf4qgc_nN57BtXmvYsqudQvAmzzR9_VeJVkzH8GA4SNsLjqveY7PHvvPLRfzxptpGRMa2OnS3SnF1GcFbE7WZnTF2z-sxZYlgjH6L/s320/snow+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418337374315156322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9VOoTBqPqogv84bZhA53m-216U3Y12bCR9srDBAmLS_GlS1EkGfrqkdKzcIhoP9-MGT-LrwkFunEYm8TI-qwMrSLmSnLwLDAJDLRfvhCfaUdrLHSxVk0ch_dZ_6uRz5a5z14BOwfOFrY/s1600-h/Snow+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9VOoTBqPqogv84bZhA53m-216U3Y12bCR9srDBAmLS_GlS1EkGfrqkdKzcIhoP9-MGT-LrwkFunEYm8TI-qwMrSLmSnLwLDAJDLRfvhCfaUdrLHSxVk0ch_dZ_6uRz5a5z14BOwfOFrY/s320/Snow+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418337366655805714" /></a><br />Merry Christmas all. Here’s to open fires, mulled wine, pints of Timothy Taylor’s, roasting chestnuts, carols, proper Christmas Tree’s, Turkey, Cranbury Sauce, crackers, hangover’s, traffic chaos and the Queen’s Speech.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-50460254841021542892009-12-05T20:02:00.002+00:002009-12-05T20:09:21.177+00:00Juicy steaks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCQlPP2D3cAuU0FHtNR78CjtVh7vVxMI7f5XP3uhyphenhyphenEkzEl-_exr9SoBJIs7R2A2-ULbRXXywcwoEfIwxSsoQeyfhoTT4Jf0G1C6bY9Ep83rZCtDN3dH77xHZj9s_Lzl6D4XPKQKdmAMjd/s1600-h/Steaks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCQlPP2D3cAuU0FHtNR78CjtVh7vVxMI7f5XP3uhyphenhyphenEkzEl-_exr9SoBJIs7R2A2-ULbRXXywcwoEfIwxSsoQeyfhoTT4Jf0G1C6bY9Ep83rZCtDN3dH77xHZj9s_Lzl6D4XPKQKdmAMjd/s320/Steaks.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411846721495851458" /></a><br />Two fillet steaks driven down from Scotland to Archer’s on Queen’s Road, Fried potatoes from Ron Combo’s garden in Italy and mushrooms from Peasgood’s, fried in butter with double cream, as a sauce. Washed down with a decent Cote de Rhone. May find room in about half an hour for a sliver of Ossau-Iratu stinky French cheese. Fantastic! Sorry for the break. Been busy!Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-38044351799984464952009-09-23T08:10:00.002+01:002009-09-23T08:13:33.102+01:00Who's foolin' who.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVTAwRqi-3Le2tfOh0AQiR2xOhaz4b64CZWWO9y3YYqu1G3SWj9xRaFkiJBJ_Cdebd_c2v9zvh1hFMGF52ksb5V7d1bVheSSmzPWXdosM4HiYsWUlfnxXaTQd2dj4Hv7_5aSC19e_xIbC/s1600-h/Toby-2612.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVTAwRqi-3Le2tfOh0AQiR2xOhaz4b64CZWWO9y3YYqu1G3SWj9xRaFkiJBJ_Cdebd_c2v9zvh1hFMGF52ksb5V7d1bVheSSmzPWXdosM4HiYsWUlfnxXaTQd2dj4Hv7_5aSC19e_xIbC/s320/Toby-2612.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384557400961456978" /></a><br />I was greeted at the checkout yesterday (pack of 4 veg samosa’s - £1.45) with a sign congratulating all of us who have helped reduce plastic bag use by 50%. I imagine we are all supposed to feel most virtuous by doing our bit to save the Planet (doomed anyway). But, hold on a minute. Just who is the biggest winner in this campaign? The annual plastic bag budget for a supermarket chain must be colossal. So they have a saving of 50% on that straight away. Us wicker basket users are offered extra Nectar Points for not using bags as some incentive, but most middle aged, middle class, middle income males don’t know their nectars from their elbows. So the supermarkets are on a pretty save deal there. Then - and this is the big one- many of us recycle the give away bags as bin liners. They're bit small, but free. So the supermarket looses out on bin liner sales as well. So next time you are in a supermarket demand a free plastic bag and a spare one to line the bin with! Gosh ! That’s another rant. Must be my age.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-91771226003568947362009-09-16T15:55:00.003+01:002009-09-16T15:59:33.435+01:00Disobedience on the Park.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZtotxt8g8WXcAop0PAB2cerXwfjL7eFrTSzuaMgux3sQBmofsDheOfwzli-y1VQoLnvvkwVgRNy70Oeivc_iIBLR1r-Dntyq_BwaLpRFUbUiUg3rWqWSgqUzz9b1uBqBQypVODh3ydQe/s1600-h/Toby-2454.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZtotxt8g8WXcAop0PAB2cerXwfjL7eFrTSzuaMgux3sQBmofsDheOfwzli-y1VQoLnvvkwVgRNy70Oeivc_iIBLR1r-Dntyq_BwaLpRFUbUiUg3rWqWSgqUzz9b1uBqBQypVODh3ydQe/s320/Toby-2454.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382079570792094770" /></a><br />It was noticed that during the hotter days of this summer, certain irresponsible groups of young people were flagrantly disregarding this important notice. Disposable Barbecue’s bought at Sainsbury’s were being blatantly lit and sausages cooked, whilst alcohol was consumed. Clearly there is a great danger of scorching the short grass and the possibility of burning the odd finger. Grass that would take days to recover! On a stroll across the park after a particularly busy weekend I counted at least five one foot square areas of blackened grass. Disgraceful! I trust that next summer the Council will employ a permanent guard armed with a fire extinguisher. Rather oddly several well attended, and jolly good, music festivals took place on the park this Summer leaving their own temporary scars, but this was okay as it was controlled. I wonder if they ever stop to wonder why so many of us turn to drink, or leave these shores for pastures new in the free World over the Channel.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-65453961249771776962009-09-14T15:27:00.002+01:002009-09-14T15:31:08.904+01:00Tea and home made scones.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LfZKGhJxD98QsayHMtsLIz7wwVhZQlJZSUb8AK1lX4J0BP86AYooibFgjJH3YCSoHAZZQwBPdCpL_b8FxiPbM1YxM9JjqhB4055GhXL_K4Eni-ECSPZIq_UmuU3JGxyIwTdwD9aloR9w/s1600-h/Toby-2255.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LfZKGhJxD98QsayHMtsLIz7wwVhZQlJZSUb8AK1lX4J0BP86AYooibFgjJH3YCSoHAZZQwBPdCpL_b8FxiPbM1YxM9JjqhB4055GhXL_K4Eni-ECSPZIq_UmuU3JGxyIwTdwD9aloR9w/s320/Toby-2255.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381330568902952130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq1bEdwjTmSX6HwIuysZHz5_b_p4OC7RbNx7OGCLPQ1zXi_5j8lag3mV54zl66ZP-KazKQ4lRzNQWPYGGwcjLEp1Z-zEE6gBn1NxFWlXmr96QIj2LC7qfFkyBAM9nulroqBGKnJ00JNYe/s1600-h/Toby-2252.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq1bEdwjTmSX6HwIuysZHz5_b_p4OC7RbNx7OGCLPQ1zXi_5j8lag3mV54zl66ZP-KazKQ4lRzNQWPYGGwcjLEp1Z-zEE6gBn1NxFWlXmr96QIj2LC7qfFkyBAM9nulroqBGKnJ00JNYe/s320/Toby-2252.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381330561636483570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9dQiR2zf8aq0KVx_5MLPZCdit0_7qNL_DMf4z-xDyYdJ1UPUA1Y1cZ_sH8DVX9nvYbZSYIQuO9kMgMoY1JthP9hi6LWNd2F22_FgvXUaz2B34YiskhWoKkIq09svpNGwmw5o_HzjL5L3/s1600-h/Toby-2250.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9dQiR2zf8aq0KVx_5MLPZCdit0_7qNL_DMf4z-xDyYdJ1UPUA1Y1cZ_sH8DVX9nvYbZSYIQuO9kMgMoY1JthP9hi6LWNd2F22_FgvXUaz2B34YiskhWoKkIq09svpNGwmw5o_HzjL5L3/s320/Toby-2250.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381330556849766994" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.launde.org.uk/">Launde Abbey</a> is a beautiful building just 17 miles East of Clarendon Park - A cycle ride for the fit and healthy. Yet, despite it’s proximity few venture down the lanes that lead to it. Heading for Rutland Water at the Bank Holiday we were lured off route at the promise of an ‘Open Day’ at the Abbey. It was like stepping into another World - home-made cakes and cups of tea on the lawn, served by matronly women in check shirts, an overpriced car boot sale trying to flog the junk of the Counties. All in aid of the renovation of this fine building. The Alvis Doctor’s Coupe was on display with a proud owner explaining all about his ‘dickey’ seat to those interested. Old fashioned (Totally inadequate title!) Fairground attractions lumbered round to entertain children. The Home Office's Vetting and Barring Scheme thankfully as yet unannounced, so children and adults could be freely seen within just a few inches of each other, enjoying the day.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-9871515612929537422009-08-28T16:45:00.001+01:002009-08-28T16:48:14.811+01:00Squirrel Pie.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROfcverT_d2pKwojSnJF0a3TyZfzPabNIADudwB_a250I7zi6j5pVtxXceeiOJBA1nhpJhDTPhNmn8F2ft96l1_UUExd_Vyq1RTgccidu8X0u1vifpW87o7LMAW8ElClIYspyZhPv-APn/s1600-h/Toby-2048.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROfcverT_d2pKwojSnJF0a3TyZfzPabNIADudwB_a250I7zi6j5pVtxXceeiOJBA1nhpJhDTPhNmn8F2ft96l1_UUExd_Vyq1RTgccidu8X0u1vifpW87o7LMAW8ElClIYspyZhPv-APn/s320/Toby-2048.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375041678488331890" /></a><br />Sat round a table in Babelas last week enjoying a pint of Dorothy Perkins when old pals Doug and Richard came in offering anyone who was interested, Squirrel Pie! Doug had bagged a few in his garden and he and Richard had skinned the blighter's guided by a Youtube film. Doug cooked two in a pressure cooker and added home grown potatoes, carrots and onions to make a few pies. I ate one in the bar, cold, but brought a second home to re heat the following night. It was superb! A delicate flavour, not like any other meat. being vegetarians squirrels have a pretty good diet, nuts, berries etc. This could be the way forward. I’ll definitely have it again, maybe done with shallots and garlic. Yum yum.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-26829697955133895632009-08-19T16:00:00.001+01:002009-08-19T16:01:51.501+01:00Park wherever you like.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsHaaNgdsfvqZJIMKuMbkfa_ovgnOZsLombL1wpoOlr65jGrRbiNugcTjP5x9QpvVsAulXWYH3huD5jsdSz_TaaT_tMevRDTvJ36jS3hTmGjpPYdpfIDAOVKvr73xqCLS6210xtHPikem/s1600-h/Parking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsHaaNgdsfvqZJIMKuMbkfa_ovgnOZsLombL1wpoOlr65jGrRbiNugcTjP5x9QpvVsAulXWYH3huD5jsdSz_TaaT_tMevRDTvJ36jS3hTmGjpPYdpfIDAOVKvr73xqCLS6210xtHPikem/s320/Parking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371690182959730274" /></a><br />It’s been like this all summer whilst the students are back at their parents sleeping off the rigours of the last gruelling 8 week term. Next time there is a campaign to introduce residents parking permits please flutter this picture under the noses of the all controlling Council. If the vile ruling had gone through we would have been paying a King’s ransom to park in these near empty streets. So glad people power stopped it.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-79413895723671395042009-08-06T17:15:00.003+01:002009-08-06T17:23:21.275+01:00Bonjour mon vieux ami.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40zTHDxEnyyUsaR2XC9icFO2J6P4aS0Ofa8tduGga4bT-vfUkQh1YA_JMn-AmYYQ6Tpfm7_-_8IlVmmi3Ct3E-uccsZrIgjZD_ZbxU-kJ5JW8Cv_B-YPr5bA2NnnMdtSKXCxiU3QSnYS8/s1600-h/Mary-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40zTHDxEnyyUsaR2XC9icFO2J6P4aS0Ofa8tduGga4bT-vfUkQh1YA_JMn-AmYYQ6Tpfm7_-_8IlVmmi3Ct3E-uccsZrIgjZD_ZbxU-kJ5JW8Cv_B-YPr5bA2NnnMdtSKXCxiU3QSnYS8/s320/Mary-3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366886989718292626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7LYA0SsErTZHYKRAp1_KGIKGSJf111jN_NmN8jRVnC7JiaxmyRugSQUBjWRUKOKSPyd4f_rxvE4VIf2K8k909quaZU-ADw_5H9rxdCm_GzctF0KK3SU-l0FBIkMbCEIqh5wAQPdHEG50/s1600-h/Mary-4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7LYA0SsErTZHYKRAp1_KGIKGSJf111jN_NmN8jRVnC7JiaxmyRugSQUBjWRUKOKSPyd4f_rxvE4VIf2K8k909quaZU-ADw_5H9rxdCm_GzctF0KK3SU-l0FBIkMbCEIqh5wAQPdHEG50/s320/Mary-4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366886985315186690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PLlmxAwwxQXXdPaE849Segew0Xmy8q7lKoE1T71J8nAnSUCljIoEVapAM-GHXCUMGI7WGJFqAUWL-k5osaXN4_ghBltWQXs0XiorelV6TDxOHRnnnaJWRE84vRUis3jWxc2oOSkgqnAs/s1600-h/Mary-5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PLlmxAwwxQXXdPaE849Segew0Xmy8q7lKoE1T71J8nAnSUCljIoEVapAM-GHXCUMGI7WGJFqAUWL-k5osaXN4_ghBltWQXs0XiorelV6TDxOHRnnnaJWRE84vRUis3jWxc2oOSkgqnAs/s320/Mary-5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366886982601046242" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjk4WoJiBW0OQ7kgYHtjgdbZ90KltJ3TmdG8U9NIn5QOUrrX9pVrRUkPKCjf934i-clGUhP3AjPDamnp6KdNKheodbKodYH_LQjInx_8pL2ZlDuOBpZq-i4_2F468sZ_fzO8rAVqIubLU/s1600-h/Mary-7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjk4WoJiBW0OQ7kgYHtjgdbZ90KltJ3TmdG8U9NIn5QOUrrX9pVrRUkPKCjf934i-clGUhP3AjPDamnp6KdNKheodbKodYH_LQjInx_8pL2ZlDuOBpZq-i4_2F468sZ_fzO8rAVqIubLU/s320/Mary-7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366886978902294674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw4ceMFKgaT4PbAoirnIoV-v41VUmmjlu3MkVPABQb3qZj0DG3Xm3h4VzbWO70CvukBMqbdPESgUlW0jymHnVDDWQ7jjYkXgntL9Z1RZNE7y35MStTjTDK4ZyX04vaG_DQKDeAs9Zylxc/s1600-h/Mary-9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw4ceMFKgaT4PbAoirnIoV-v41VUmmjlu3MkVPABQb3qZj0DG3Xm3h4VzbWO70CvukBMqbdPESgUlW0jymHnVDDWQ7jjYkXgntL9Z1RZNE7y35MStTjTDK4ZyX04vaG_DQKDeAs9Zylxc/s320/Mary-9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366886973601633794" /></a><br />Just back from France, where even the smallest of village cafe’s can rustle up a fresh croissant and a good cup of coffee in seconds. Not wishing to end the holiday atmosphere too soon, we fancied a leisurely petit dejeneur a la Queens Road. First stop was the recently opened Salvador Deli run by John Husain. The Husain brothers have made their mark on Queen’s Road with the hugely successful Bar Dos Hermanos and Barceloneta, both of which offer superb places to eat and drink. For those unfamiliar with the Deli it is half shop and half cafe, with tables outside that catch the sun in the afternoon. We fancied a couple of Cappuccino’s, croissants and pain au chocolate. Surprisingly these were not on the cafe menu, but clearly visible in the shop so I ordered them there and returned to my seat in the cafe bit. The coffee arrived quickly and was hot and good, but then we waited, and waited, and waited. I asked the girl what the problem was - they only had to travel 10 feet and we were two of four customers. She said they would be ready in a minute. This became 5 minutes so I went back in the shop to see them being put in a microwave. ‘No!’ I cried. ‘I’ll take them as they are’. (Microwaved croissants are soggy). Finally, coffee finished, we got them and they were stale. Yesterdays probably. We never did get to see the pain au chocolate. A fiver down on the deal we pottered across to Fingerprints opposite, in the interests of research, and ordered two Cappuccino’s and two pain au chocolate. The pastries went in a real oven and were served a few minutes later, hot, crispy and delicious, the coffee’s were a little smaller, but fine and the whole experience was less fraught. A tad more expensive though, at £5.80. Anyway. It is good to have a bit of competition between deli’s and I shall try and frequent both of them more regularly. In the meantime I shall continue to get my deli foods at the long established Christopher James Deli that doesn’t pretend to be anything more than a very good deli.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-21599993769570672912009-07-21T07:13:00.003+01:002009-07-21T07:26:51.262+01:00A Short Ride on a thing you push.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNSC_K9RGD4SKzxn4Rj1YV-u8MDMv81gkSI6H-lFeeYpY1dgHwRqFhN469U0E59K39i8IHwtF1JnNVhiuElib8StL1QllWUtbjo-T4lbU19YKz-BtK9-MBeW6PlVXs0k75y3j0jBE32xw/s1600-h/Ian.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNSC_K9RGD4SKzxn4Rj1YV-u8MDMv81gkSI6H-lFeeYpY1dgHwRqFhN469U0E59K39i8IHwtF1JnNVhiuElib8StL1QllWUtbjo-T4lbU19YKz-BtK9-MBeW6PlVXs0k75y3j0jBE32xw/s320/Ian.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360795893247649042" /></a><br />The weekend saw a spirited send off for Clarendon Park resident and frequenter of Babalas, Ian Reeds. Ian is on a mission to shake off the demons of a broken relationship. He is cycling from here across France to Italy, where he’s going to take a shower at Ron Combo’s, <a href="http://mygrappahell.blogspot.com/">Grappa Hell</a> paradise. From there he will continue down through the former Yugoslavia, before catching a ferry back to southern Italy, back up to Ron’s for a second shower, then west across the South of France to Barcelona. Paris will be the next destination, then back home, eventually, to Queens Road, where he would appreciate it if the road is lined by girls waving flags and the bunting is out, last used for the Queens Silver Jubilee in 1976. It must be in a box under a cupboard under the stairs somewhere. Is it in the Conservative Club? <br /><br />Moon - Sorry about nicking your excellent title, once sold to the Telegraph.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-5306785688002364782009-07-07T19:10:00.001+01:002009-07-07T19:12:06.475+01:00The Green Door.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1LpXMMoGFit7l9-c70-oxxpkEmlyh7t1tkCz4Rj1CZMb98uYpHJOzf4CHr9Zq8dC2s0xSt6fVlSBTq2mhxvj0I99hwC77StPMbsjemhWL2QZ-cevgxPPXIpNC3U_uGy_wrvszDKavKCp/s1600-h/Toby-0679.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA1LpXMMoGFit7l9-c70-oxxpkEmlyh7t1tkCz4Rj1CZMb98uYpHJOzf4CHr9Zq8dC2s0xSt6fVlSBTq2mhxvj0I99hwC77StPMbsjemhWL2QZ-cevgxPPXIpNC3U_uGy_wrvszDKavKCp/s320/Toby-0679.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355782605358187218" /></a><br />At the risk of treading on Unmitigated toes, I just wanted to share this lovely door with you. It is at the northern (park) end of Queens Rd near the opticians. The house is having quite a lot of work carried out on it at the moment. It is a shame that some previous owner made rather a hash of fitting a letterbox, but the basic style and structure of the door rises above that. The point is we simply cannot make doors like this any more. The skills have been lost. Those few craftsmen left would charge thousands to make a replica and would then struggle to find timber of a good enough quality. This door is over a hundred years old, yet perfectly serviceable. Where did it all go wrong. Progress I suppose and the need to conform to a government standard of door manufacture that achieves a sustainability rating of Tog 15. Those who share my commiseration's feel free to rant, and rant hard, below.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-74085544723864390172009-06-15T17:15:00.002+01:002009-06-15T17:16:32.621+01:00Perfect steak.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-1mkUjHHmGf6_gqh4moVXDLkZaS5hd1Cne1Yd9fZGQ7bj7mZNbZrLDsaETxIeNJf3qKatKuvtFs4Mb0lRyynGAufvrSOV5bBvGOwpI4EB9N46-i7uN_VpNquPrlViF_A4E2b4pnlG-3G/s1600-h/Food.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-1mkUjHHmGf6_gqh4moVXDLkZaS5hd1Cne1Yd9fZGQ7bj7mZNbZrLDsaETxIeNJf3qKatKuvtFs4Mb0lRyynGAufvrSOV5bBvGOwpI4EB9N46-i7uN_VpNquPrlViF_A4E2b4pnlG-3G/s320/Food.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347588891181417778" /></a><br />Simple pleasures available on Queens Rd. every day of the week, but especially Fridays when the steak munchies arrive. Two fillet’s from Scotland courtesy of Archer’s. I like to imagine these are from an animal that has been gazing out across some Loch in the highlands. I hope it led an easy life and has enjoyed every minute of it. I don’t actually eat a great deal of meat, but when I do, I’m picky and this is the best by a long way. Fresh English asparagus, Lincolnshire new potatoes and wild mushrooms from Marian and Joe Peasgood’s round off the fare for Friday night. Washed down by a smooth Rioja I had stashed away, it was a perfect meal and not a Nectar Point in sight.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-44900461555518446902009-06-03T07:38:00.002+01:002009-06-03T07:41:17.357+01:00Bin there, done that.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirx98j_139xHZzmgVHbX0Aq52K74pTgQtLlN3u1YVpMvTbTUc3V34EYtZypIfCxeWeJ2gAkt-Ldw3gaefPIiiU7k-5VDybFRTWksup65qEBjX7Urbx_BJ2W-l_JnTnFW1OWb-JbCm6BsGD/s1600-h/IMG_0877.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirx98j_139xHZzmgVHbX0Aq52K74pTgQtLlN3u1YVpMvTbTUc3V34EYtZypIfCxeWeJ2gAkt-Ldw3gaefPIiiU7k-5VDybFRTWksup65qEBjX7Urbx_BJ2W-l_JnTnFW1OWb-JbCm6BsGD/s320/IMG_0877.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342987678863421698" /></a><br />Much commotion outside this morning as the Bin Men try to negotiate their way around Clarendon Park. It is the same every week. One or two cars just a few inches out on their parking accuracy and the whole place shuts down. Here we have two culprits from the land of the rising sun narrowing the gap by a good couple of feet and the truck can’t get through. Given that all the streets around here and many other areas of the City comprise terraced houses built around the turn of the century, and most of them have similar width roads, would it not perhaps be worth using a fleet of smaller trucks? Too obvious I guess. Too much like the logic applied by a ten year old, not encumbered by committee thinking. What we need is those ones from the fifties with four gently curved roll up sides and an all up weight of about three tons. I had a Dinky Toy version as a lad. In the time I’ve taken to upload this pic and write this, he’s managed to reverse out and turn round. It’s taken 15 minutes. They may come back and do our road later in the day. Daft!Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-15462652973225480002009-05-19T21:00:00.001+01:002009-05-19T21:12:06.720+01:00Daylight robbery.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_Fbpqx6sQxudqFutj6pLEaQ-eW0Ij9DigtUsSiBnx0YJdr2A9ovH1zGnmjnIpEjrQ4lieiKrwTo6bZd0hDBzm5Gzg-NVEhndUoUQH4DOmsWZmr7Vaw95fcIf2ILACJAgkDDk-S6J_hKy/s1600-h/Toby-0686.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_Fbpqx6sQxudqFutj6pLEaQ-eW0Ij9DigtUsSiBnx0YJdr2A9ovH1zGnmjnIpEjrQ4lieiKrwTo6bZd0hDBzm5Gzg-NVEhndUoUQH4DOmsWZmr7Vaw95fcIf2ILACJAgkDDk-S6J_hKy/s320/Toby-0686.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337630220913653058" /></a><br />For a long time the Mars Bar was used as a barometer of inflation. ‘A hours wage would buy 5 Mars bars in my day’ etc. etc. But we may have a new one in these more cosmopolitan times. The Clarendon Park essential, Lavazza coffee. I would never want to be thought of a consumer researcher, but brace yourselves for this bombshell! We, as many know, have a new local Sainsbury’s on Queens Road. This seems a good idea all round as it makes us all less car reliant. Lavazza is about the only thing I rely on supermarkets for. The going rate (Morrison's) for a pack is £2.74. The big Sainsbury’s in Oadby had it on spesh last week at £2.05. A snip. Here on Queens Rd it sell for £3.05. A more than a 10% price hike. Watch out!Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-2111395684201202332009-05-08T08:19:00.000+01:002009-05-08T08:21:16.353+01:00Solid tyres<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjytT60KssSkGSMi3Qdv5IKguetYH-fU0mERZSQy5iAo43CUzspCt5-WcJSRiTKF8BKoefAXN5QRyv4Ro8_1xJayO7XNF4c12OU2sfHqWrtinOA9Ivyh9PggGszkJwCcRtqSzEvVlC0Cw8/s1600-h/Milk+float.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjytT60KssSkGSMi3Qdv5IKguetYH-fU0mERZSQy5iAo43CUzspCt5-WcJSRiTKF8BKoefAXN5QRyv4Ro8_1xJayO7XNF4c12OU2sfHqWrtinOA9Ivyh9PggGszkJwCcRtqSzEvVlC0Cw8/s320/Milk+float.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333349750244944722" /></a><br />How much longer shall we hear the distinctive city clatter of a Milk Float? Surely the days must be numbered for this fine English institution, in the light of supermarket milk being about half the price. I saw our local Milkman this week speeding along Clarendon Park Road and wonder if he knows of the impending speed humps that will blight all our lives very soon. Too late to protest. Letters had to be in by 30th April.<br /><br />But just look at this simple electric truck. Perfectly designed for the job. I guess it probably covers about 20 miles a day. Therefore, with the aid of a calculator with fresh batteries, since 1965, when it was first registered it must have covered ( 44 years x 365 days = 16060 trips x 20 miles = 321,200 miles!!!!!Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-33742956256553230092009-04-30T11:17:00.001+01:002009-04-30T11:20:14.855+01:00All the fun of the fair.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RaNgoHDS8KQ5k0Ebgvfnve2-q7i-NxXL2xeNPI01T9NqzpjCEuLtTbYtdOQk4e8EEbAD9ewv37Rf77RGSp50qxVozaOH9P7PTuCZ5AusMTo9aKhvXYbbRldg4Rh7SPIHL_pGusrRRFz5/s1600-h/Toby-0587.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RaNgoHDS8KQ5k0Ebgvfnve2-q7i-NxXL2xeNPI01T9NqzpjCEuLtTbYtdOQk4e8EEbAD9ewv37Rf77RGSp50qxVozaOH9P7PTuCZ5AusMTo9aKhvXYbbRldg4Rh7SPIHL_pGusrRRFz5/s320/Toby-0587.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330427110279915634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K9TMvw4lEmiifL8oljJvNF5gOGMAOvU0R0uu3qLtzN413zoLDY5N2Tl0Y7ORaHN0K9ffxGeRxCTloLRzsCSpGGCBZb3Xo-jJv3WgYujbM9aQPkxJzYq20Kq2eDjKCd7XQhv2Z6vI7OV8/s1600-h/Toby-0588.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K9TMvw4lEmiifL8oljJvNF5gOGMAOvU0R0uu3qLtzN413zoLDY5N2Tl0Y7ORaHN0K9ffxGeRxCTloLRzsCSpGGCBZb3Xo-jJv3WgYujbM9aQPkxJzYq20Kq2eDjKCd7XQhv2Z6vI7OV8/s320/Toby-0588.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330427106281753442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhof29kHE7NiR4L9TdPg03iX2IJbStvDbedMQK3D5AeiAFQSTESBph_NuU4_ENt4TiE2SU3_779QnJX3JhFpqM_FFd3H5KzgXTWlr5K9svqug5PHHpBYVUx43VhyphenhyphentjL6BQleEM_PaKuZB8x/s1600-h/Toby-0591.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhof29kHE7NiR4L9TdPg03iX2IJbStvDbedMQK3D5AeiAFQSTESBph_NuU4_ENt4TiE2SU3_779QnJX3JhFpqM_FFd3H5KzgXTWlr5K9svqug5PHHpBYVUx43VhyphenhyphentjL6BQleEM_PaKuZB8x/s320/Toby-0591.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330427109019882018" /></a><br />Growing up in Warwick in the sixties, a highlight of the year was Warwick Mop, a funfair that closed the centre of town for a few days. Probably still does. We have a local fair on Victoria Park just about to open and it is reassuring that even in this doomed climate some things remain pretty well unchanged. Sneaking around this morning there are still ERF lorries and Foden's. Old English manufacturers that used to be powered by Gardener 180 diesel engines with a second in the back to power the massive generator needed to run the ‘Bumper Cars’ as we called them. I intend to visit one night very soon and see if the heady smell of candy floss and diesel can take me back to my childhood when i watched in awe, the operators skipping nimbly from one car to the next collecting a shilling off each of us. Of course, it was all in black and white then....Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8813681314464961128.post-74067506898282051392009-04-28T10:02:00.001+01:002009-04-28T10:04:05.960+01:00A Boom for Shoppers.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyTmPXaVkMw-1RVsY18L9fmqYc2yjBtN7LuDM5tojr7sy1bdxnvrGez9ymobjS8JKM-CLA6VFGwwm7UxzByrM2C0vL-4Hn-lOZu_kp0UZrWL6fLQUbONpNcYbZKaKtM-yZ6jehTLiJU9l/s1600-h/Sainsbury's+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyTmPXaVkMw-1RVsY18L9fmqYc2yjBtN7LuDM5tojr7sy1bdxnvrGez9ymobjS8JKM-CLA6VFGwwm7UxzByrM2C0vL-4Hn-lOZu_kp0UZrWL6fLQUbONpNcYbZKaKtM-yZ6jehTLiJU9l/s320/Sainsbury's+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329665448955891314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFDjiN7x-RSlqNJaTqVG0bThMmMJov68ZpBW4ON7ErQ4U6SQMqbY19y0wbDJWSaIao2saAnEJdL78CyHYmVGiHpSyqXQIzIOaNY0AetM5kK2g5PU7g8cnGrZdP5okDlQdxxOIFBSG_h6d/s1600-h/Sainsbury's+3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFDjiN7x-RSlqNJaTqVG0bThMmMJov68ZpBW4ON7ErQ4U6SQMqbY19y0wbDJWSaIao2saAnEJdL78CyHYmVGiHpSyqXQIzIOaNY0AetM5kK2g5PU7g8cnGrZdP5okDlQdxxOIFBSG_h6d/s320/Sainsbury's+3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329665433191748754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0WDadLjQDRzemnbB9uFvQfYLrwJATKaE-jCeL8p407x8xfSESUaPSLA4JzNuVcDo9VEJkkVvEFPVYBGBRXFuuN9XqXxBJuobflVkSC-1rsWsh-r1re3QlzUrErdTlDJfdwjakRkBYqG5/s1600-h/Sainsbury's+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0WDadLjQDRzemnbB9uFvQfYLrwJATKaE-jCeL8p407x8xfSESUaPSLA4JzNuVcDo9VEJkkVvEFPVYBGBRXFuuN9XqXxBJuobflVkSC-1rsWsh-r1re3QlzUrErdTlDJfdwjakRkBYqG5/s320/Sainsbury's+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329665429169977922" /></a><br />There used to be a grocers here, run by a smiling chap with greased back, black, hair. Those that have lived around here for over 25 years will remember him. It was old style. Shelves with packets of Birds Custard and a slicing machine with some dubious looking cooked ham. Now we are having a new Sainsbury’s Local to a mixed reception. As there was always a queue in Jackson’s a need can be clearly proved. My own thoughts are that far from suffering, the local, owner driver, shops may well benefit. There will no longer be a need to drive to a supermarket for loo paper etc. and I, for one, will be doing all that on Queens Rd, on foot. This may prompt locals to return to buying meat from a proper butcher and fruit and veg from a proper Greengrocer. Completing all of the weeks shop (whatever that is) on foot and on Queens Road. I hope so.Toby Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12982935561221527990noreply@blogger.com4