The idea of new laws setting “minimum service standards” seems sensible, especially when health and safety is involved. Let’s hope that those drafting the standards take account of the provisions that nurses, ambulance drivers etc already put in place voluntarily…
BBC “Today” programme fan-fared changes in Government approach to benefits for disabled people who manage to get back to work: not losing their benefits as soon as they start; possibly not having to endure another Personal Capability Assessment if the…
What would Scrooge think of this vision of Christmas Present: battling between various strikes, constant price-hikes, an energy crisis during freezing weather, nations at war and intransigent politicians? Life seems to be staggering from one crisis to the next so…
Download the free Christmas recipe booklet. Try these savoury buns I discovered in France a few weeks ago, flavoured with smoked salmon or the taste of the Mediterranean. Baked in this week’s on-line demo, I made tiny versions to serve…
No, it wasn’t “By appointment” but I did introduce our on-line demonstration to Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex. The video of our butternut squash soup, ginger cake and a copy of my book were all presented to her…
Lunching with other military veterans, I heard a real story that highlights the problems of the “digitally-excluded”. An elderly lady was trying to sign on with a new doctor but the receptionist was insistent that it had to be done…
Too good to be true: if you’ve bought ultra-cheap honey from a supermarket, you’ve probably just been scammed! After milk and olive oil, honey is the most adulterated food in the world. Real honey that we love is produced in…
The small stock of books was snapped up this week. Speaking to the Stokes Bay WI was utter pleasure as their huge membership produced an audience of nearly 100 supportive and receptive listeners. We had all battled torrential rain so…
Congratulations to the young blind black woman who has just become a barrister. Now she needs a set of Chambers to take her on as a pupil for the next step into the profession. I was lucky: still serving in…
I’m hoping that these were the end of the windfall cooking apples. Although I can manage the peeling and coring, I need someone who can see to chop out the bruises etc. Thanks to a glut of discount ramekins snapped…
