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Is Means Testing the Solution for Pensions
Many of us just assume, don’t we? As we approach retirement age in the UK – a date that always seems to keep a year or two ahead - we...
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A willingness to work hard, learn, and stick with it
Over nine million people are neither working nor showing signs of willingly looking for work. Hmmm. That’s around 20% of the working...
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Time, please – last opinions before we close
Having a good chat – a bit of banter – in the pub has become increasingly difficult over the years. Groups gathering beside the bar, dart...
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Shrinking and growing
I’m suffering from a communication breakdown. I can still think for myself, still speak fairly coherently and write things down when I...
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Please hold - I’m currently experiencing a high volume of crap
Many of us have attempted to resolve an issue regarding online payments or a bill query or similar. It isn’t easy, unlike the olden days,...
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Please, can you shove my Christmas bonus somewhere?
This is a request to anyone in government who still listens to the electorate. Please, can you shove my £10 Christmas bonus where the sun...
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The legend that is Arthur
Everyone takes technology driven domestic gadgets for granted these days. It hasn’t always been the case. Back in the day, as they say, I...
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Please pay attention cyclists – this is the council speaking
It’s all kicking off in Grimsby. Well, not so much kicking as pedalling. The furore centres around a Public Spaces Protection Order...
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I do not sing the national anthem, and I never will.
It must be the tribal nature of international football that got so many people hot under the collar about the singing (or not) of the...
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The old bat in the bedroom
Mrs B sat up in bed, reading one of her favourite murder stories. I’m not sure if it’s her love of crime fiction or endless search for...
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Fact or fiction – election day looms
Increasingly, politicians, their campaign managers and supporters, seem to lose touch with reality. It’s never been so clear as when the...
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What a difference a name makes
Some fiction writers find naming their characters a fairly straightforward task. Others find it a challenge. For a few, it’s a nightmare....
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The politician, the pen and paying attention
One evening, many decades ago, I was interviewing a leading Labour politician of the time. My brief was simple. Ask him a few questions,...
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Right leg down a bit!
I have tried to master a new skill. Crutches. My physiotherapist, a lovely person but firmly of the no pain, no gain school of medicine,...
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Schooldays are the best days of your life?
Reaching certain milestones can often spark periods of reflection. The other day I heard an old, once popular, phrase - ‘schooldays are...
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We should care more about carers
Many people need help in life. Sadly, people are born with disabilities. Disabilities affect many people during life. Add to that the...
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MP is right to call for council fat cat change
I have to agree with the honourable member for Peterborough. Fat cat salaries in local government are now beyond acceptable levels. Even...
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Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid or Electric Cars? - up yours, Mr Smug
Although I have still to confirm this with Mrs B, the time may well be approaching for a change of car. Discussions with Mrs B are...
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The battle cry of a playground in Scotland
My primary school playground was equally divisible by two; those who supported Rangers, and those who supported Celtic. It was tribal. A...
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Lend me some money – I’ll buy you a present
Apparently, the most widespread discrimination in the UK is ageism, probably because it can apply to any age group. I think it only...
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Losing a child - Doing nothing is not a good option
A few weeks ago, I dreamt I was a castaway. Or did I dream that someone cast me away? I honestly can't remember now, but the effect of...
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Hi-Vis pensioners risk assessment
Sometimes indignation can spiral out of control as you get older. The problem is, it becomes more and more frequent and pushes up your...
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One of Voltaire’s soldiers
It’s 1975. The coal miners accept a 35% pay rise offer. The Moorgate tube crash claims 43 lives – a further 74 people are seriously...
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Thankfully, I can still remember what I’ve forgotten
You know what it’s like – yes, you do, even if you’re one of those people who pretend this sort of thing never happens to you. Come on,...
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Fear and fright
Mrs B urged me to go to the doctors. I tried to explain to her: ‘Men prefer to wait until it’s too late. Then they get told it’s too late...
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I’m going barking mad
I’m a baby boomer. The youngsters of the era were supposed to perish beneath an onslaught of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. (I wasn't...
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At long last, the end is nigh
Mrs B and I have shared a roof for nearly 40 years. During that time, I have continually promised her I would sit down at my desk and...
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Who do you think should dress me?
‘I think we should tackle that thorny subject of lovingly obedient wives again.’ ‘Oh, do you?’ I hear her say. I can’t see her, but from...
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