Durham Cathedral - the tattooed church

Tonight we visited the Durham Lumiere, and were blown away by what we saw.

Got those ol' A69 blues ...

Monday to Wednesday spent commuting along the A69 from Newcastle to Carlisle for a case in the Carlisle Employment Tribunal. The commute is ok in the morning, even with the problems caused by getting trapped behind slow moving traffic (eg, tractors), but the commute back at night was no fun at all - pitch black, foggy, with some truly terrible, dangerous driving on display by a number of motorists who appear to have a death-wish. The A69 at night west of Hexham is undoubtedly a dangerous road this time of year. I for one would like to see it dualled along its entire length where possible, but I am sceptical that any government, Labour or Conservative, will do anything about it any time in the near future given current public spending constraints.

Arriva pull out from Hexham

Readers of the Hexham Courant know that bus operator Arriva has reached a deal with competitor Go North East under which it is proposed that a number of Hexham-based drivers and other staff will "TUPE" transfer from Arriva's employment to Go North East provided the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) does not refer the deal to the Monopolies and Merger Commission (MMC), now called the 'Competition Commission'. Staff affected are understandably concerned about the consequences on their jobs and the future of the bus depot on Burn Lane which is currently only under a short-term lease.


On Sunday I attended a meeting at the Hexham Ex-Servicemens Club to discuss the proposals with affected staff and listen to their concerns. My background in employment law gave me some insight into the issues the staff are wrestling with.

Happy Halloween!

This afternoon spent at a Halloween kids party at Brocksbushes Farm, outside Corbridge. Everyone got dressed up and had a great time - even our dog.

Out and about in Prudhoe

Out and about in Prudhoe again talking to voters living on Cheviot View. Numerous residents complained about the state of the pavements, in particular the fact that when its been raining water splashes up from the paving - it badly needs replacing. Prudhoe town councillor Tony Reid, who was out with us today, took note.

Love modern Britain, not fossilised Britain

The Journal published my letter on Friday 30th October. To read Keith Hann's response to my letter, first published in The Journal, visit http://www.keithhann-whyohwhy.com/2009/11/conservatives-anonymous-i-own-up.html

Speaking to voters in Prudhoe

Saturday morning spent out and about in Prudhoe speaking to voters. The damp weather was not enough to put us off our stride - we're all from the North East, after all! - and in the end we managed to speak to a good few residents about local issues.

Above: Antoine outside the Prudhoe Community Allotment.