Category Blog

Bees change lives worldwide.

  Blind Ugandan beekeeper Ojok Simon was one of the winners of the international Holman prize in 2017 (along with  me). His award-winning project was teaching his blind country-fellows  how to keep bees and achieve more financial independence.  Sadly and…

Terrific talk

Just down the road in Stubbington: about 100 eager listeners to my latest talk from the local U3A group. Brilliant news: I’m now able to stand for at least an hour which is great progress since falling down the stairs…

Pewter crafting.

Yes, you read it right!   Even a blind person can make wonderful things in this forgiving metal (if you have the guidance and support of a Master Craftsperson like Fleur to help www.fleurgrenier.co.uk). I can’t share the photos as yesterday…

The Wayward Bus by John Steinbeck.

A recommended read.   Rural life in California after the war amidst a motley selection of travellers thrown together and tackling a disaster.   Lots of emotional undertones, conflict and passion but no naughty bits!   Fabulous writing that is quick and to-the-point.  …

Improving the NHS.

They’re asking for our ideas: Here’s a starter-for-10: stop being process driven but bring back management that drives forward positive health outcomes for patients. I worry about a drive towards digital in the NHS until they’ve got their humanity…

Cook-along.

A kitchen marathon last week to fill the freezer for ages to come, all thanks to the indomitable help of Karen and the great ingredients from Dave the Butcher’s of Highlands Road.  Together over a few hours we created two…

The Assisted Dying Debate.

The whole idea of “assisted dying” relies on equal choice but that’s nowhere near the truth for many of us. By the very legal definition, everyone directly concerned will be a disabled person (<6 months to live with a (terminal)…

The real meaning of rehabilitation.

Not long ago, I wrote about being beaten by two spring onions.   After falling down the stairs and fracturing yet another vertebra, it was just too painful to stand in the kitchen and chop them. Good news, just over 12…

Talking News

  Myth-busting was my theme as guest speaker at the national Talking News Federation annual conference in Coventry at the weekend.  You may have heard Peter White on Radio 4: he’s the President. There are about 300 independent local charitable…

Winter Fuel Allowance.

Get Pension Credits to unlock your way to the fuel allowance. If the prospect of answering over 200 questions on the Pension Credit form is going to be difficult, don’t despair.  Here’s the phone number to get help: 0800 99…

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