The Blog of Adrian Hollister

Planning permission - the route to more cash?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 22:44:27 +0200

We've recently gone through planning for our house, to convert something run down into something useful to the community and hopefully attract families back into the village. Families help keep open the local schools, clubs and other facilities - something that is lost when childless and older people retire to villages. The planning process worked well, with the local typical nutty tory NIMBY's failing on their attempt of character assignation and intimidation of my girls (how brave they were picking on girls).

What surprised me is the value that has been added to the house as a building plot. It's a huge amount of money and we've had a large number of builders that want to buy the land and hope that they can build two or more properties. It's tempting to take the money and run - with the increase in value we could certainly buy a very nice house and we would leave the NIMBY's living next to a building plot.

Food for thought I think.

BT Infinity 2 = damn quick

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:33:00 +0200

BT Infinity 2 installed and working. What an amazingly quick service. Now if only BT could roll this out to rural locations...

More face painting fun

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 05:35:00 +0200

Another batch of face painting this weekend. Hands stained in red paint now - not too professional for work Monday. Still good fun though and made loads of money for charity. Weather is good, so that always helps.

West Berks Environmental Health fix the stinking sewage problems at The Crab in Chieveley

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:48:00 +0200

Looks like West Berks Environmental Health people have stood up to the challenge of the sewage leaking from The Crab on the B4494 Newbury to Wantage road and have helped them to fix their problems. Many thanks to West Berkshire Environmental Health - great job!

"Good morning Mr Hollister

The Crab employed a drainage engineer who appears to have resolved the drainage issue. I visited the restaurant yesterday and the side of the road had no ponding water/effluent and has been dry for about a week. Hopefully that is the end of the matter.

Regards

Tony McEvoy

Senior Environmental Health Officer
Commercial Team
West Berkshire and Wokingham Environmental Health and Licensing Service"

Face painting for charity today

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 17:23:16 +0100

Had a bit of fun face painting for Brightwalton School today. Not sure how much I raised this time, but it was very busy and lots of people turned up (despite the snow). First time I've had to face paint whilst wearing wellies and many layers of clothes, but clearly the kids of the downlands here are made of sturdy stuff as none complained about the cold. Sprog 3 also won the Easter Bonnet competition - well done to her.

One the way back I snapped a nice picture of the church - snow melting fast but still looking amazing.

Planning progress in Brightwalton

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:37:46 +0100

Planning is progressing for the changes to our family home in Brightwalton. There were a couple of objections, but most were boiler plate from the same person; so I hope they are all counted as a single issue. We are one of four original bungalows. At one end of the row we have a house that has been converted to a massive house. We are at the other end but the the house next door to us is in effect three stories high from our ground level so they won’t be impacted by any change.

We knew it was always going to be difficult to get planning in Brightwalton especially as were told a member of the parish council next door who has a propensity to complain about any change and anything modern. So surprise surprise, the parish councillor and the parish council were objectors with almost word for word the same points. Loss of objectivity I think there, especially as other parish councillors get their planning approved immediately. The old boys club is alive and well in what some would describe as a horridly corrupt quango.

It’s amazing to see how many people are stuck in the past – locked in the cycle of remembering better times. If they were being honest with themselves they would recognise that the past was not better, just different. There also seem to be groups that move to villages to die and are happy to watch the villages die around them. Personally I prefer change. It’s invigorating, an opportunity to do things better, and an opportunity to clear out the cobwebs from our collective failed past.

Good news is that the planning people and vast majority in the village approve of the plans. Let’s hope we can get this approved soon and start the building works… time to read a bit more on sustainable housing and building techniques.

Raw sewage a health hazard near the Crab at Chieveley

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:24:38 +0100

It's been what seems like well over a year now since raw sewage smelling water is running from outside the Crab at Chieveley. It seems to have started from a drain directly outside with a foul smelling puddle on the road, to now where the whole road both lanes are covered in disgusting effluent. There is a distinctly cease pit smell to the water and the stench for passing cars is disgusting. There must be a health hazard here for anyone subject to direct spray - cyclists, walkers or motor bike riders; let alone the unaware motorist with any windows open. I can't quite understand how this clear health hazard has been allowed to continue for so long.

I am sure that if this was me I would be horrified and would seek to resolve the problem however I could immediately. The business that must be lost to the Crab at Chieveley by the smell must be massive. I would hope that no one gets ill from the effluent. In these days of no-win-no-fee I'm sure there would be potentially huge financial claims.

West Berkshire Council Public Health: http://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3964
WBC Public Health Team email address: EHadvice@westberks.gov.uk

Review of TP-Link TL-WA730RE Wireless N Range Extender

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 05:33:00 +0100

If, like me, you have poor reception in certain areas of your home, you could look to the so called Range Extender's to boost your existing network coverage. But my problem is not always boosting my own signal, but boosting local BTWiFi networks. I often work away from home and I am always disappointed with the range and reception of the BT Wireless offering that is often bundled free with BT broadband and other packages. I end up squeezing my laptop or iPad onto window sills that give me the best reception. What a nightmare.

Step in the range extender's. They are simple wireless hubs that exclude some of the features required by your main hub - dhcp, firewall, etc. Some are so simple to set up and use, they need no manual, just a bit of common sense and a power socket. The TP-Link TL-WA730RE is one of the easiest wireless hubs that I have ever touched. Maplin are selling these hubs for about £30 quid, but they are cheaper on amazon and other on-line retailers if you can wait for delivery. So they are cheap, easy to get hold of and easy to use, but just how easy?

Set up of the TP-Link device for unsecured wireless networks (such as BTWiFi or BTWiFi-with-FON) is as follows:
1. Plug in power
2. Wait for lights to show the device is ready
3. Push the 'Range Extender' button on the back
4. Job done

Ok, you do need to put it in a place where it can receive signals from the network your interested in, but as it's repeating the wireless network you don't need to be too fussy with this (window sills are a good place from my experience). There is a wired port Ethernet in the back too if you want to use a cable, but I'm going for convenience.

It does get a little more complex if you have lots of unencrypted networks in your area, but all you do is put a disk into a Windows machine plug in the Ethernet cable and run a simple set up program. A few next, next, next steps and you can choose the network you would like to connect to. You will also need to use this set up program if you want to connect to a secured / encrypted wireless network where you will need to select the network name and put in the network password.

Light and low power the TP-Link TL-WA730RE has a three year warranty in the UK with 24x7 support available too. The spec is not top end, but with Wireless N 150Mbps and such a simple range extender function (something essential for extending BT free WiFi service BTWiFi), it is amazing value that I would be happy to recommend to anyone.

Snow arrives in West Berkshire

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:49:00 +0100

Nice chunk of snow arrives in West Berkshire. Most roads have been cleared to a good enough standard, but a few drivers continue to drive at insane speeds. Loads of kids out on sledges and having great fun. My dogs are enjoying the snow too

Food banks fill an essential gap in our welfare system

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:55:19 +0100

Frustrating to see that yet another Conservative is so insensitive to the people in this country - this time it's about poverty and food banks. Chris Steward a councillor for York shows just how out of touch these people are. In their own little private well funded world. I don't wish ill on anyone, but it would be good for Chris Steward and other Conservatives to live in poverty, not just for days, but for years. This would give them a little perspective and an understanding of how their view's mismatch the needs of the people in this country.

Just to be clear though, in West Berkshire the Green Party do not agree with his words. He is at best an uninformed fool and worst a publicity seeking Toff. Food banks provide an amazing service in one of the great gaps in our welfare system. We should be praising the people and companies that provide food and people for their time helping others. If I had my magic wand I would change the welfare system and our working system - a move to a living wage, training, etc. A caring, cooperative and inclusive Green society would provide everyone with opportunities to do valuable work, pursue their interests, interact with their community, keep learning and enjoy nature.

'Dear Richard Benyon,

A few days ago, Conservative councillor for York Chris Steward told the York Press: "The fact some give food to food banks, merely enables people who can’t budget (an issue where schools should do much more and I have said the council should) or don’t want to, to have more money to spend on alcohol, cigarettes etc.

"There is certainly no need for food banks; no-one in the UK is starving and I think food banks insult the one billion in the world that go to bed hungry every day."

In my opinion this shows a lack of empathy and a serious gap in the Conservative Parties understanding of poverty and the causes of poverty.

Do you share his option, agree with his membership of the Conservative Party and will you be sharing your opinion with the Prime Minister?

Yours sincerely,

Adrian Hollister.'

Just some random words without meaning

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 25 Dec 2012 10:38:00 +0100

This is an example of how to type and what to do when you are trying to look busy. There is nothing else to do at the moment, but to show how these things are allowed to develop, but you never know what happens when you just start typing stuff into the computer. Some times there are examples of how things can just be written without thinking about stuff. I would like to think that I can type fast and well without looking at the screen, but it just doesn't happen too quickly.

This is another paragraph of text and looks to fill up with page with some more text. Nothing much to say, but at least it adds to the material and makes it look like there is more here than meets the eye. Who knows what the heck they are thinking about when they read this. Who knows who they are exactly. Perhaps they are just kids, browsing the web with nothing else to do. Perhaps they are old people, sat a home with a laptop on their knee browsing the web with slight fear and a bit of wonder. Perhaps though they have just hit this page because a search engine has pointed them in this direction.

Do I care though who's looking at this junk page? Not really. It just marks words on a web site in no real order and with no real intention. No political stuff in this blog entry, no real meaning either. Just some words, some sentences and nothing in any real order. I would like to think it makes sense, but I know it won't.

So what am I writing about? Nothing, just nothing. Well OK, not nothing, but nothing of any meaning or purpose. Well OK perhaps a purpose, the purpose is of course to add some text to a web blog entry because, well, because I can. Perhaps I can add some odd stuff to the page. Let's see how it goes. I've a yellow Ethernet cable at the moment. Yellow because the other ones have slowly been taken at work. Taken by people I'm guessing who have forgotten theirs and need one badly. Yellow it seems is a deterrent. Not quite as good as the bright pink one I used to have, but that's gone beyond the end of it's standard working life and had to be ditched.

There must be a market out there for a personalised Ethernet cable. Perhaps name printing or some 'don't nick me' stripes on the cable to show personalisation, and personalisation generally stops people in your own office 'borrowing' it. Mind you, what the heck would you do if you noticed your personalised Ethernet cable on your boss's desk. Would you burst into the office and claim back your item? Perhaps you could stay late and sneak into the office and reposes your precious Ethernet cable - of course they may have taken it home, so now is clearly the time to get it back. Time to take some lessons in tact and perhaps dish out a lesson in humility to the boss. In I charge. 'Sorry I just borrowed it' came from the office before a potentially nasty confrontation. Perhaps the look on my face was enough to show I meant business. Perhaps though it was angry body language. Who cares, I have my cable back. For now.

See, I thought this ramble would go somewhere. Though perhaps not where it was originally intended. Or who knows, perhaps through some divine power, or perhaps through some unknown entity writing through my fingers into the keyboard the story formed? Or perhaps it's just a bunch of junk put together by my own mad scrambled mind.

That Ethernet cable is bothering me again now. Why are they always too long or too short? They either take up too much space in your bag, or they are just not enough to reach from the nearest socket to where you want to work. Perhaps it's a great cable conspiracy or perhaps the health and safety loonies in organisations make the sockets accessible only to placed you don't want to work. I like the thought of a great covert body of health and safety executives planning world wide conspiracies to increase the sales of Ethernet cables, where they own a 60% stake. But more likely this ramble is just searching for another paragraph ending.

Perhaps then what I should be seeking is just the end of this random assortment of words

Have a great Christmas break people and a great year ahead.

Flooding causes rail disruption in Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 14:46:00 +0100

Further heavy rain today has deepened the floods in Devon and Cornwall. The train line services from Newbury are limited as much of the service run's from London Paddington to Exeter or Plymouth - both areas heavily damaged by floods. Newbury to Plymouth is a journey that I do on a regular basis. It's lucky I don't have to travel this way for a few weeks now, but feel sorry for anyone stuck - there is no rail diversion route and at best a long bus journey awaits those stuck. But this minor travel disruption for us should be in context: Pictures of the flooding in Devon are shocking - many of the places deep under water I have walked with the dogs and it's difficult to understand from the picture just how deep and fast flowing the water must be in places. I hope that everyone in Devon and Cornwall have a great Christmas break and manage to stay dry and safe.

Local News Links:
-Newbury Today web site
-BBC News web site

Newbury Town a Christmas shopping delight

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 17:09:00 +0100

Spent most of the day today in Newbury shopping for Christmas. There is a great atmosphere around the town with brass bands, loads of artists, the charter market and loads of small stalls. Sprog 1 played with Berkshire Maestroes in Northcroft Band outside Camp Hopson's today, you can see a clip of them performing below.

Nice to finish off the day with a good cup of Lapsang and some soup from the Tea Shop by the Canal. Not sure I actually bought a lot, but for once this Christmas shopping experience was a good one - well done Newbury!

Review of Rapid Pest Control in Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 21:10:00 +0100

The super rats seem to have gone bonkers this year, the numbers caught by the dogs in the back garden are large (several a day) and they seem ever more desperate for sources of food and shelter. A couple of weeks ago we heard the tell tale scratching in the loft. In the garden the in the middle of the countryside it's not unusual to find a fair few rats, but in the house and the loft - no thanks.

A quick call to Rapid Pest Control found their voice mail - not a great start eh - but hang on Graham Chapple called us back within a few minutes and came out the same day. Blimey. After a quick venture up the loft there was evidence of the little pests. He did a thorough job and went around the house to look for signs of entry, recommended a little pruning and identified rat runs under the neighbours sheds.

He put down some poison for the rats in the loft and agreed a weekly visit to clear up any dead and check progress. It's been a couple of weeks now and all scratching has gone. No more bait has been eaten, so it looks like the problem has been solved.

So would I recommend Rapid Pest Control in Newbury? Too right - very friendly, professional, honest and thorough. If your looking for pest control in the Newbury area you should give Graham a call.

Link: www.rapid-pest-control.co.uk or twitter @Rapid_Pest

£900 raised at Brightwalton's Christmas Fayre

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 00:34:05 +0100

I was face painting again today at Brightwalton's Christmas Fayre, not too much call for it in the freezing cold, but it was good fun. Lot's of stalls and things for kids to do and there were some amazing cakes on offer too. Just seen an email suggesting that £700 was raised for Brightwalton Primary School - what an amazing amount.

0.8W LED light going well

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:43:24 +0100

We don't have working front or back lights in the house, just a single light down the side of the house. There are a couple of street lights in the village, but they are just for the old folk living in a couple of huge houses, not for the likes of us with families and busy lives; either way, we don't really have a need in the village. Most people have outside lights and many have those overpowering 500W halogen lights that flood huge areas with light.

Our single light is nothing in comparison and it's running a 0.8W LED light. Equivalent to a 35W conventional bulb, it's not bright, but it's a cold white light that does well at lighting the side of our house and stopping the kids/visitors etc from crashing into the gate or bikes. Last night was the first cold night we had since putting the light in and LED's have stood up well to the temperature. Our thermometer registered -3 C here so it was quite cold. The performance of the LED light seemed perfect. When I got back in with the dogs at about midnight last night it was giving good visibility and no noticeable heat either.

Even compared to a compact fluorescent bulb, we are talking 90% energy saving and it actually works just as well in the cold without the relatively high and slow start up cost of CFL bulbs too. What we need now is manufacturing plant in the UK making this type of bulb and investing in R&D for much lower energy lighting.

Suffering of live animals at Ramsgate port

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:29:57 +0100

In yet more suffering for animals being exported from Ramsgate, an ex-river boat (the MV Joline) attempted to cross the channel despite warning of force 8 gales from the MCA. The boat had to turn back but only after being at sea for two hours. The conditions for the animals must have been horrific. In an earlier incident 45 sheep had to be destroyed after being injured. We must stop this cruelty and suffering.

Keith Taylor Green MEP for the South East posted a press release here.

There is a facebook page with more information here.

Fun Brightwalton School Disco

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 22:56:00 +0100

Had a great time face painting at Brightwalton School Disco this afternoon. There was a great disco, refreshments and an assortment of things to buy or do. Not quite sure how many kids I painted today, but it seemed like a lot! Good to see an event like this packed and raising money for the school - first tally looks like about £300 raised!

Power cuts and flooding in West Berkshire

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 20:01:00 +0100

Flooding again stops some train services to Newbury, the river Kennet is threatening to break it's banks and many roads in the area are flooded. The heavy rain and wind continues this evening and how part of West Berkshire have lost power. Parts of Newbury are blacked out alone with some rural areas. Be careful traveling out there and if you use candles be sensible by placing them on a non-flamable surface and away from any source of ignition (curtains, pets etc!).

Church of England out of touch, exclusive and irrelevant

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:45:00 +0100

The recent vote by the Church of England against women just show how out of touch with the real world this religious order has become. All people should be treated fairly and equally, there should be no exclusivity in our society and tolerance must be a cornerstone to which we all aspire and preach. I suspect the relevance of the Church of England in modern Britain has been so significantly diminished by this that it is now irrelevant on moral and society issues.

Lower Tax does not equal better income

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:44:00 +0100

Interesting that the perception on Tax is driven by head line rates.

There is a media created impression that Tories generally reduce tax, but this is for the richest and for big business and they rely upon people aspiring to be like them to create the idea that lower tax = greater income. No idea what Lib Dem's stand for, depends on the direction of power I guess. Labour seem to have taken the stance that by increasing the wealth of everyone, there would be bigger tax income and a generally lower burden.

Labour failed by only going half-way, by gambling with the riches they created and by forgetting to create a fair and sustainable economy. Sustainable has to be one we can afford, removes the casino effect and allows everyone to prosper. Fair is just that - honestly doing the best for the country as a whole, not political donors or social/geographical stereotypes. There is only one political party in the UK offering fair and honest tax, the Green Party.

I wonder how many middle class tories and lib dems feel richer at the moment despite tax cuts for the richest?

John Bercow should publish the list of landlords

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:20:16 +0200

Dear Richard Benyon MP,

It is with great concern that I read about continued problems with MP's
expenses - the latest of which appears to indicate that MP's are
renting out a property they own (often one purchased under the old
expenses regime that was abolished following public outrage over the
system in 2009) while using the expenses system to rent out another
property in central London, and making a profit in the process.

It has been suggested that some MPs may even be renting their
properties out to each other to milk the system.

Could I seek your assurance that you are not party to this and could I
ask you to petition John Bercow to publish the list of MP's landlords.
I fear that anything less would further continue to undermine the
integrity of our democratic system.

I appreciate you time on this issue.

Yours sincerely,
Adrian Hollister.

Osborne backs Fracking

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 22:43:39 +0200

What the fracking hell is going on in the Conservative Party? Osborne says that he will "open up newly discovered shale gas reserves beneath our land" - fracking to the rest of us. This is the same fracking that caused earth quakes when first tested in this country and the same fracking that has caused gas and hideous pollutants to enter the water course throughout north America.

Green MP Caroline Lucas, tabled an Early Day Motion calling for a moratorium on the onshore and offshore exploration of shale gas.

Adrian Hollister, Green Activist for West Berks Green Party said, "With shale gas areas licensed by DECC as close to Newbury as Andover we are not immune to this - this is not someone else's problem. I cannot see how the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats can honesty cover up the evidence for the significant environmental damage caused by fracking. This just stinks of financial lobbying. It's not sustainable, sensible or ethical - but since when could these labels be attributed to the Tories?"

A34 traffic causes chaos again

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 11:14:00 +0200

The Ilsley's were mashed with traffic again today as the A34 continues it's woes. Traffic queues back from the M4 north to East Ilsley with many cars and big lorries diverting through the village of West Ilsley. The roads there are just not designed to cope with the large traffic volumes, residents get stuck on their driveways and it's a fearful place to try and walk or cycle. One day WBC, OCC and the HA will glue their heads together on this one.

Clear Drop in English students

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:35:00 +0200

Green Party's Jenny Hicks from Reading has some insightful words on her blog today about the drop in the number of students at Reading University.

Jenny says that "...the rise in tuition fees up to a maximum of £9,000 a year has led to a "clear drop" in the number of English students applying for university places this autumn, an independent analysis of the impact of the coalition's controversial reform has found.

"There are 15,000 missing applicants who might have been expected to have sought a place on a degree course this academic year but did not, according to the Independent Commission on Fees.

The raising of fees prompted violent protests on the streets of London and inflicted deep damage on the reputation of the Liberal Democrats, who went into the election pledging to vote against a fee rise. Published a week before A-level results come out, the report says that the number of university applicants in England dropped by 8.8% this year compared with the tally for 2010."

About time we had cycle parking at the Job Centre in Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 11:03:00 +0200

It's frustrating for the people attempting to cycle to Newbury's Job Centre - there is just no where to leave bikes. It seems to encourage people to drive and be dropped off or at least drive into the town centre and walk; but either way this is an expensive burden for those on the least. There seems plenty of space in the gravel areas for a few bike stands. So come on DWP, WBC and NTC - get together and sort this out.

Ridgeway to Wantage via Lecombe Walk

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 21:32:33 +0200

Amazing walk this, half of my longer Wantage circular. Get dropped off on the Ridgeway crossing the A338 south of Wantage, then walk past the massive and ancient Segsbury Camp then down from the hills into the Thames Valley via the two Letcombe villages and back into Wantage. Nothing too difficult here, but there are some steep bits and as always the Ridgeway is exposed, so don't expect mercy from wind/rain etc. You can cut the walk shorter by going through Sedgbury Camp and by-passing one of the villages, but personally I think it's worth doing the whole route.

Start: Ridgeway A338 in South Oxfordshire
Waypoint: Letcombe
End: Wantage A338
Distance: 3.91 miles
Time taken: 1 hour 27 mins
Elevation change: rolling hills with one steep
Dog walking: 60% off lead. Walk includes crossing fields with animals.
Track condition: Stretches of grass, chalk and deep mud. Over half the route is path and track.
Accessibility: Stiles, steep grassy sections, narrow paths
Difficulty: Easy

Brightwalton to the Saddleback Farm Shop

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:26:29 +0200

Start: Brightwalton
Waypoint: Saddleback Farm Shop
End: Brightwalton
Distance: 3.25 miles
Time taken: 1 hour 15 mins
Elevation change: rolling hills
Dog walking: 80% off lead. Walk includes crossing a fast B4494 road.
Track condition: Stretches of grass and deep mud. Half the route is road and track.
Accessibility: Field sections are ploughed and rough.
Difficulty: Easy

Great Leckhampsted Fete

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 09 Sep 2012 00:37:00 +0200

Had a good time at Leckhampsted Fete today. Sprog 1 submitted her bread and our three year old Sprog 3 submitted her chick cup cakes - they both got second place so the Hollister clan did well. Music was great and there were good people to chat too and a good old village charm. I couldn't get the hang of the tuppence roll and I needed sprog 1 power's of deduction to win a bottle of wine. Bit of fun though eh.

The Internet is not an excuse for bullying or abuse

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 02:35:16 +0200

I am a firm believer in free speech and freedom to speak; but freedom always has a price. The price on the Internet is that it's self regulated: i.e. you are required to moderate yourself, to be honest with yourself and understand the consequences of what you say and do. I comment on this blog, twitter, Facebook and loads of other places and I do so without anonymity and I fully understand the consequences. Many I know are too cowardly to put their own name to their words, they hide behind alias' - but that's fine too, as long as they understand that they are still responsible. Most Internet connections are heavily monitored by ISP's with actions taken by users - file sharing, abuse, hate speech, etc - all easily discovered and traced.

As long as people recognise this there should be no problem - quite often though they assume that anonymous comments and fake alias are enough to hide them from accountability. Free from inhibitions because they are hidden behind what they perceive as a shroud of secrecy, their words, their emails, their blog entries, can all become something that is unacceptable to society and to their peers. If their words were spoken in public to their family, friends and community would it be acceptable?

The Internet is not an excuse for anonymously bullying or abusing other people. It is an excuse to learn more about the people around you and throughout the world. To understand their needs and desires. To understand how you can help and how together we are not too different. The Internet does not directly convey age, sex, religion, class or even politics. It's only in how we describe ourselves and how others describe us that communities all over the world can form a view of us.

So please go out there on the Internet. Voice your opinion. Be proud of what you say and don't be shy - be prepared to be accountable.

Discovered a secret haul of eggs

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 12:14:34 +0200

Well, the fears that one of the chickens wasn't laying has been unfounded. After a dig around in the bushes we found a nice haul of egg's. Sneaky girl has been laying them in there for a while. All pass the float test so are good to go, might have to distribute quite a few to neighbours though.

25 years after Michael Ryan's shootings in Hungerford

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 22:01:34 +0200

It's 25 years on from when Michael Ryan went on a shooting rampage in Hungerford. He killed 16 including himself. My thoughts are for his victims, the families impacted by his actions and the town of Hungerford.

Homelessness returns to West Berkshire

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:56:14 +0200

Newbury Today web site reports that rates in West Berkshire have climbed to 1,120 from 61. Quite how many of these people are doing this by choice and how many are transitory (passing through the region), it's not clear from the information; but it's a predictable result of the economy being depressed by ideological changes introduced by the Tories and Lib Dems and the general economic depression around the world. Whilst the Tories and Lib Dems were keen to hand out bits of government to their business chums, they failed to invest in the consequences and have not given any provision for local authorities to pick up the mess. The investment required by West Berks to house all of these people is significant and is likely to be unaffordable with the current reduced budget provision and targets. Seems a missed opportunity that the Bank of England continues to invest in the banks through QE and yet this investment funds could provide generations with facilities that can help with these problems and provide an encouraging way forward. One can only hope that they wake up and realise the damage that they have done and continue to do to our society and community - will our children and their children thank us?

Travellers in West Berkshire cause a stir - but are we the problem?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 08:57:00 +0200

With the news that Travellers have settled in Stroud Green near Newbury, there seems to be an out cry in the local media against the desecration of their community space. We must remember that Gypsies and other Travellers are sections of society which are greatly disadvantaged and discriminated against. We must recognise that the travelling people have ancient, valuable and valid lifestyles and cultures, and they have a right to preserve these values. We in West Berkshire should strive to ensure equal rights and community obligations for Travellers as citizens, without imposing unwanted conformity to the values and lifestyle of the dominant culture. I can't help thinking that if parish and West Berks Council's provisioned spaces for the travelling community, then incidents like this would go away.

Highways Agency admit safety problem on A34 & announce resurfacing

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:01:00 +0200

Finally the Highways Agency admit that there is safety problem with the A34 north of the M4. I welcome the move, and a little humility from the HA goes some of the way to fixing the problem, but now is not time to bodge the issue. Resurfacing is only part of the solution, enforced variable speed limits are the most effective way of resolving the safety problems on this road.

With the announcement of the works, I wonder how many vehicles or sat nav systems will respect the diversion routes? I'm betting Downland roads and villages will be packed with lorries diverting through Wantage - a traffic nightmare in the making. Are the local authorities joined up enough to ensure that the volumes of traffic diverting through the downland villages will be monitored for appropriate driving?

HA press release can be found here.

London Olympics 2012 - not a time for politicians to claim glory

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 21:05:00 +0200

It's disappointing to see that in the press, David Cameron and Borris Johnson are both claiming that it's the Tories that have made the UK such a success at the Olympics. What a load of tosh and how disparaging for the athletes who have put in so much effort.

Wantage to Uffington via the Berks and Wilts Canal

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 12:58:51 +0200

Start: Wantage
Waypoint: End: Uffington
Distance: 8.5 miles
Time taken: 4 hours
Elevation change: flat
Dog walking: 80% off lead. No dogs, walkers or cyclists for most of the route.
Track condition: Stretches of brambles, field grass and deep mud. Occasional road and track. In dry conditions this may be easier.
Accessibility: Some stiles, narrow paths, overgrown to chest height in many long stretches. Note that there are lengths of deep mud.
Difficulty: Average

Berks and Wilts Canal - still not made it to Uffington

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 12:04:38 +0200

You've gotta love walking on the old Berks and Wilts Canal. Good stretches are filled-in, dry or just stinky mud, but there are sections that are being renewed and areas with good water levels. I only managed to get to Sparsholt again yesterday. Party cos I'm full of cold, but also I met some great people on the walk and stopped for too many long chats! Might have to start further along next week and see if I can finally get through to Uffington; but I know the route from Sparsholt to Uffington is by no means a straight route - most of the canal network from there is now private land (or at least that's what the signs tell you).

Black Canal Water

Found a very strange section of canal with thick black water. So dark you can't see just under the surface. Best not let the dogs drink from that section.

Brightwalton pre-school 'Save the Hedgehog' campaign

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 13:18:53 +0200

Brightwalton pre-school hit the papers this week with their campaign to 'Save the Hedgehog'. Newbury Weekly News covered the story here. Hedgehogs are being caught up in cricket netting and in Brightwalton and other West Berkshire villages people are now checking and saving hedgehogs. The knowledge and awareness of their surrounding environment is essential for these children to appreciate our responsibilities to the environment. They have my support and I wish them all the best with their campaign.

Japanese Nuclear Waste Heading for the UK?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:18:55 +0200

It's a curios thought. Japan have a nuclear disaster in their country. Areas the size of Somerset are uninhabitable and they massive amounts of nuclear waste to deal with. Everything from radioactive cars, to livestock, plants, books, roof tiles and soil. Yet despite this, Japan has no nuclear waste storage facilities. Where are they going to put all of this contamination and could they export it to the United Kingdom?

In the UK we have extensive storage facilities, we have re-processing facilities and we have commitment to nuclear power and weapons that continue to feed the growing demand for further and more permanent storage mechanisms.

We, I am sure, could make significant amounts of money from such a transaction. Enough to put a good dent in the deficit, bring the balance of trade deficit more into line and provide an on-going financial commitment from Japan to the UK.

But is money all that we care about?

We are such a small island that any type of nuclear accident would impact every part. The reactors in Somerset would, with the standard prevailing wind, devastate South Wales, the Midlands and the North. Our nuclear waste sites are located on existing nuclear sites.

Any accident or deliberate attempt to compromise the storage facilities are also likely to cause devastating damage to the UK and our neighbours in the EU. Can we morally or financially withstand such an event? It is doubtful.

A Fukushima type breach and release of radioactivity in the UK would impact huge numbers of people and cripple our economy for decades. Our children and their children would not thank us for selfishly choosing Nuclear Power because other options seemed a little too difficult.

So why has the debate in the UK been closed? Lobbyists from big energy business want nuclear, for them it's a government guaranteed license to print money. The subsidies for nuclear are immense. Decommissioning, clearing sites, storage of waste, security - are all long term things. None of them are cheap and yet the nuclear operators don't seem accountable for these costs.

There are better options out there, starting with higher efficiency, local micro generation and renewable energies. There are 22 million homes in the UK – if each one of them generated 100W of locally produced electricity, it would contribute hundreds of megawatts of power to the local grid and without the loss factors from existing power stations.

So I call for a change in the planning process: each new build, renovation or extension must support a minimum of 100W of solar electricity for each bedroom; with the expectation that new builds and renovations provide significantly more. Commercial properties should also be subject to increasing requirements for renewable energy and efficiency savings.

Let's get on top of this now and not regret our inaction.

A34 broken again near East Ilsley

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:54:33 +0200

Yet another accident has blocked the A34 near East Ilsley again. This time a lorry seems to have jack-knifed, but you can read a more complete story on the Newbury Today web site. There was a mile tail back of cars attempting to get into Wantage via the B4494 on the usual divert North (A338) route. So accidents continue whilst an inept silence comes from WBC, OCC and the HA. It's about time that they stepped up to the mark. I've given up wondering where Downland's Councillor George Chandler is. We need a 'Wheres Wally' style search - perhaps collectively we can find him?

Anyway, put up a variable speed limit, a method of actively monitoring it and cameras to enforce it - simple.

One Discovery squeak sorted but found another one - bah

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 16:55:34 +0200

The annoying squeak on my Discovery 1 300 TDI was driving me mad, so I've replaced the ancillary pulley (idler) with a new one - it's part number ERR7295 and quite expensive for a landy part. Stopped the squeak all right and the bearing was seriously nackered. So I've silenced one, but now found another... the tensioner, so back off to ebay for part number ERR4708 or well in my case just the bearing for the part. It's a lot cheaper and it's the only bit that's broken, so it's not worth replacing the whole tensioner unit. So hopefully by the weekend I will be fighting a snap ring to get the old bearing out.

There is a good guide to replacing the bearing on the Landy World web site.

UK Headquartered Vodafone pays no Corporation Tax

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 11:42:35 +0200

I question the ethical stance of a company that does it best to avoid paying it's fair share. I don't believe Vodafone should pay too much tax, but Vodafone must accept corporate responsibility for the welfare of their staff and communities within the countries in which they trade; and that means that they must pay fairly.

In a previous blog entry (about their last 6bn avoidance figure) still applies… "So, Newbury based Vodafone have yet again swindled us all out of cash. Swindled, because we as a country could have used that money for investment in services, debt payment, or even reducing the tax bill for the poorest. But no, the money goes to shareholders, a good deal of which won't even be in the country. Shame on you Vodafone." http://ow.ly/buNjK

With the reports that Vodafone payed no corporation tax in Britain last year, I can't help wondering why our tax system is designed to support the rich and the largest corporations (both of whom seem to pay little or no tax). By moving money to oversea's locations and transacting through countries with no tax/lax laws and no accounting standards, the super rich and large corporates get away with a lot. It's about time these groups paid fairly and in the spirit of honesty within the countries that they trade.

So why not have windfall tax on people, trusts and companies to ensure that they pay fairly and in the spirit of honesty within the countries that they trade?

Adrian Hollister.

Original article in the Telegraph here.

Amazing beacon at the Ridgeway near Wantage

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:11:08 +0200

On the West Berks and Oxfordshire border, the Ridgeway beacon overlooking the Thames Valley and only a few miles from Wantage was a stunning event. The fireworks were amazing and the small crowd were brilliant.

Beacon at the Ridgeway

Fireworks too

Brightwalton Jubilee Street Party Today!

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 11:38:17 +0200

The village is looking amazing, bunting everywhere and kids all bouncing - it must be time for the Brightwalton Jubilee Street Party! Well, ok, it's a couple of hours before it starts and it's been raining cats and dogs all night; so it may be more of a village hall party, but who cares. It should be fun - I'll add some pictures later.

A picture from the celebrations below:

Brightwalton Diamond Jubilee

Future Queen of England?

Union Jack Sweet

Ice cream in the rain

Local farmer Russell Kilvington convicted

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 17:37:00 +0200

Local Brightwalton based farmer Russell Kilvington has been convicted of animal welfare issues and for passing off meat from an Essex farm as Royal Berkshire Pork. This is clearly disappointing and embarrassing for the farming community in West Berkshire. As part of our community here I cannot defend their actions leading up to this situation, but I can say that they are great people to know - warm, friendly with great kids. I do hope that they can treat this as a positive learning experience and can move on.

"I think that there is a very close connection between humility and patience. Humility involves having the capacity to take a more confrontational stance, having the capacity to retaliate if you wish, yet deliberately deciding not to do so. That is what I would call genuine humility.", His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

No cookies here

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 30 May 2012 22:04:45 +0200

Just to be clear with everyone, I've no intention or interest in using tracking cookies to follow visitors to my web site. This complies with the EU's ePrivacy Directive that attempts to stop web sites tracking your every move and using it for anything from marketing to snooping on your data. Many UK based and local web sites still seem to forget their obligations, perhaps it's time to name and shame...

But before I do, if you have any concerns you can go to the UK Governments ICO web site for further information and they have a handy tool to report dodgy data collecting sites too.

Team v - volunteering for new young leaders

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 28 May 2012 12:01:17 +0200

Check out the Team v web site - they are doing another campaign for 2011-12 for the next batch of volunteer leaders. It would be good to see some people from West Berkshire joining up!

"After the outstanding success of the Team v programme in 2011-2012, we're recruiting 100 new leaders for our second intake – want to join the team? We are on the look out for sparky, energetic 18-24 year olds who want to change the world, one campaign at a time. Read more about the programme.

Are you
-Passionate about making a difference?
-18-25 years old (from 11th October 2012 to 30th June 2013) and living in England?
-Able to commit to 4-6 hours per week of volunteering - spread flexibly across the month to accommodate other priorities?

The deadline for applications is 29th June."

Technical fault on 'Contact Adrian Hollister' fixed

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 27 May 2012 11:56:00 +0200

Apologies to anyone using 'Contact Adrian Hollister' on my blog page - it seems these were going no where for a while. So I will try to get the information back and fix the technical glitch. If I miss you out please try again, it's working now!

Adrian.

I don't object to breast feeding a baby in public - is there something wrong with me?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 23 May 2012 04:01:06 +0200

I don't object to breast feeding a baby in public - is there something wrong with me? I am amazed by the number of people who object to feeding a baby in a natural way.

Half their objections seem to be based around assumptions that powdered chemicals fed in plastic and rubber bottles and sterilised in awful chemicals is healthier and better for babies. Something that I suspect only years of TV and other marketing has drummed into society.

The other half of their objections are based around thoughts that there is something indecent about breast feeding, especially in a public place.

I'm on sprog number 4 and I'm glad to say that the wife has fed all of them naturally. It's so much more convenient and so much more natural than any chemical mixture. I don't even recall any real debate between myself and the wife – it is just the right thing to do.

It's interesting though to see the reaction of different types of people to breast feeding. On the whole most men seem to look away and carry on – I would guess that most are ambivalent about the whole process and just find it a little awkward. Women on the other hand have a Marmite reaction – they either smile in that 'how wonderful' way, or they frown and mutter under their breath.

The objectors embarrassment must be a little innocence on their part - not quite understanding how the real world works. I do wonder if this pattern is matched in other countries or if this is just an old fashioned prudish behaviour instilled in some British.

For those dad's wondering what to do though, have a chat to your partner. There are significant pro's to breast feeding – grade A food on tap is one of them; but there are also some difficulties – unless you go through the rigmarole of pumping milk out, it's your partner who will be doing all the feeds, day and night; there are some people who object to breast feeding – we have even had people leave our house when the wife started feeding; and lastly your partner will have to be comfortable feeding when the baby needs it (where ever you are).

If I recall back a few years (blimey I must be getting old to start saying that) with sprog 1 we had a few weeks of things being difficult – baby not connecting right being just one thing that made feeding in public a little more uncomfortable; but after that when we were less conscious of breast feeding, you just go with the flow and do what comes naturally.

So for all those soon to be dad's out there: don't be embarrassed, it's all natural chemical free stuff that your baby needs, delivered as it should be and crucially it allows mother and baby to bond. Be supportive and do the right thing.

For everyone else: please be tolerant to breast feeding and get over your embarrassment – it's the most ethical, natural and sustainable method of keeping our babies healthy.

Another fatality at Ufton Nervet level crossing

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:41:00 +0200

Sad to hear the news today that another person has died on the Ufton Nervet main train line crossing. A fast London to Taunton service has been reported striking a moped. It looks like the crossing gates were working correctly, but the moped rider seems to have ignored this and crossed anyway. This crossing has been in so much controversy over the years it's disappointing to see that nothing has been done to make it safer, but if people are going to ignore the safety features then it's going to be difficult to make the crossing safe. I am glad to hear though that the driver of the First Great Western train and all the passengers were unharmed.

Reporting for Newbury Today/Newbury Weekly News, Mark Taylor filed some coverage here.

Berks and Wilts Canal

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:26:26 +0200

Great little walk along the Berks and Wilts canal yesterday. Started at Grove and finished near Steventon. I couldn't quite get to Abingdon in the time available, but it's a start. It's not an easy walk though as most of the foot paths are very overgrown and fallen trees, flooded field boundaries and local deer don't help. Was a good hour and a half romp though.

It's amazing to see how much of the old canal infrastructure still exists - lock gates still in situ and others seem to be delicate frames hanging in the air. I'll post the route later, but here are a couple of pictures.

Update, I completed the walk easily today. After crossing the road between Hanney and Steventon it's a very straight forward walk with a good path, track and well managed footpaths.

Long Term Review of Egg Skelter

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:53:00 +0200

Need somewhere to keep your eggs? Have chickens and want a neat way of showing your slightly unusual eggs? Well quite some time ago we purchase an Egg Skelter. This was well before they started showing up on various TV programs and boomed in popularity. They are a darn simple but amazingly effective design - two rows of welded steel wire allow you to stack your eggs. The eggs roll down the wires to the bottom or the last egg, and whilst running eggs down the 'skelter' is great fun for the kids, it's a sure way to produce an eggy mess on your worktop. If used as designed though you start at the bottom with your eggs and pile them up the skelter. So the oldest is at the bottom and the newest at the top. When you take the oldest eggs from the bottom they all neatly shuffle down the skelter freeing up room towards the top for more eggs. So it's simple, you use up the oldest eggs first (though in my house oldest egg's don't seem to be more than a day or two old!)

Egg Skelter

So here is ours, it's in green obviously and has survived various moves, serious abuse from the kids and a trip in the dishwasher (it doesn't look like the sort of thing that would appreciate a dishwasher so I don't recommend it). Not too many egg's on it at the moment, the kids are going cake and boiled egg mad, but you get the idea. These egg's are small from our new batch of chickens - not the best size for this standard Egg Skelter, but the size should improve as they grow up a bit.

The only problem that I've ever had is with egg's that are too large or too small. My old black rocks used to fire out giant egg's that wouldn't fit, but egg's that size don't usually last past breakfast!

The only comment I get from people is - "why don't you keep your eggs in the fridge?". Of course, when they are as fresh as my egg's you don't need to keep them in cold storage - they don't need to last too long. I keep them out of sun light and I've kept them perfectly ok after a few weeks of being away on holiday. The whole issue is a bit debate - fridge or no fridge, I am firmly on the 'why bother - keep them on the worktop' side of things. You can always check your eggs by them by dunking in water - if they sink they are good, if they swim they are bad. Bit like the old witch trials eh - wonder if that is where they got it from?

So was it a good purchase? Oh yea. One of the best and most long lasting things that I have bought for ages.

Adrian Hollister

Another day of drought - flooding and tree's down

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:22:40 +0200

Well, it's another day of drought in the Downlands of West Berkshire. Today we have heavy rain, high winds, local flooding and tree's down. If only Thames Water gave out free water butts we all could capitalise on this deluge and save some water for plants when the sunshine comes back. A quick trip to the shops not only seem to have confirmed that the Landy needs some attention, but that many roads are closed due to flooding and tree's. Getting to Lambourn from Great Shefford is not possible and several roads around Brightwalton have been closed. Hasn't stopped people from driving at nutty speeds though, we were narrowly missed by a beemer out of control after aquaplaning on a flooded stretch of road. Let's hope these darwin award hopefuls don't take anyone else out in the process. Safe journeys out there everyone.

Road closed near Brightwalton

15 weeks and the new chickens have good egg production

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:22:04 +0200

At 15 weeks the new chickens are in their stride giving us eggs. We are getting a good mix of pure white and traditional brown eggs. All are a bit on the small side at the moment, but they are a great taste and have been making some stunning cakes. The new batch are also very friendly and already come when called (!) and are happy to 'play' with the kids, eat shoe laces etc. But it seems that the more eggs we have the more we use!

More A34 accidents

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:30:46 +0200

Yet more accidents on the A34 this week. Couple of bigger ones and another car has crashed off the A34 at East Ilsley. Newbury News have covered the story as have other local rags. How long before we see real action on this issue?

Date for the diary - Brightwalton Fete 6th May

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:12:00 +0200

A date for the diary is the Brightwalton Fete on the 6th of May. It's in the village hall and the playing field and is always great fun for the kids and adults alike. I will be face painting again this year, so feel free to come along and say hi.

I am just bored of Local Lib Dem's disassociation from their own MP's

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 03:01:00 +0200

Is it just me, or do the Liberal Democrats in West Berkshire consistently disassociate themselves with their governing MP's? The slightest poor PR ratings head their way see's them running to the press to hail their innocence. It's seems astonishing that they can on one hand stand up and say 'listen to us, we are serious and in power' and on the other say 'but any bits you think are bad are all the Tories'.

They give the very name of a coalition a bad name. They have single handedly moved good chunks of society from supporting them and PR, to being in abject horror of what it could bring.

Please someone remind the Lib Dems in Newbury that they are part of the government and they are helping decide some very bad things at the moment for our society and our country; and they should recognise that fact and take ownership of it.

If only we had more Green MP's - it seems that we are the only ones out there with enough bottle to do what is right and fair for the country as a whole; stand up for a liberal and fair society with justice for all; and, as Jenny Jones recently brokered in the London Mayoral hustings, we are the only political party that look to bring complete truth, honestly and transparency to government.

Stop Government Snooping into your Private Internet use

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:23:29 +0200

The government will be able to monitor the calls, emails, texts and website visits of everyone in the UK under new legislation announced by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Government. Under the new legislation, Internet firms will be required to give intelligence agency GCHQ access to communications on demand, in real time. Whilst on one side the Home Office is looking at this as a way to tackle crime and terrorism, it's clear that the impact personal liberties and the potential for political, military or terrorist abuse present a risk to every citizen.

The risk is that George Orwell's portrait of a nightmare state could easily come true here. If left unchecked it will be possible for the state to examine your personal life in detail. They will be able to do this without your consent. The boundaries of this intrusion have yet to be defined – so who would stop the government of the day using the information for social control and social manipulation?

The Digital Economy Act from 2010 is often seen as the first stage of 'controlling' the Internet and starts to open the doors for abuse of personal liberties – it's a stepping stone for the Chinese style Internet manipulation and control. Our local MP, Richard Benyon spent a great deal of time at the pre-election hustings asserting that he opposes the Digital Economy Bill – all this was for nothing though as Richard Benyon MP went back on his claims and failed to vote against the bill in 2010 (being absent from the debate). So much for the letter I have from Richard Benyon...

So we can't trust Richard Benyon MP to help here (especially as our MP has almost never voted against David Cameron's dictation – how can he represent Newbury when he is looking after his political career?)

Let's just look at what they are attempting to achieve – the government want to look at everything you do electronically – phones, email, social networking, browsing, blog entires – you name it. They are looking to do this because knowledge is power – power to catch the bad guys – power to manipulate the good guys; and lets face it, the majority of us are good guys. Quite frankly, I would oppose any type of social manipulation – especially for political, military or terrorist goals. Remember, if the government can do it, someone can pay for the government to do something else (remember those that paid to eat with David Cameron – does the lobbying abuse stop there?)

Let's break it down into the two key groups they are following. The bad guys (let's not get into who 'bad' people are for now) are the minority. They are generally skilled and trained on how to avoid detection and monitoring and they generally make things a bit difficult for the intelligence agencies to form a complete picture.

The rest of us, don't use any of this technology and at the moment don't see any need (why would we need to be afraid of our own government?)

So, if the majority of people who they do want to monitor would know how to get around it (using Tor for example), this will leave them monitoring the rest of us. If we are doing nothing special, then the only purpose would be for social management or social control.

So what are the risks? Analytics can be used to map relationships, communication streams, social groups, class structures, targeted demographics, keep all your personal information etc. They can with some simple software know your entire life in detail.

Bit like phone hacking for government, but with the added power that serious analytics can bring. For example, at the moment you could track your social network usage and other public documents to form a picture of people (try your name in 123people); but this generally only works with your consent. The government could force access to this information without your consent, add your emails, browsing history, how long you spend on sites, track what you clicked on, etc. Like google on steroids they could track your life. Would you trust any government or the military with this type of information? How quickly would the Conservatives or Liberal Democrats sell this out to business or to the US (who funds their political parties and second jobs)? What would happen if the information was 'lost' on a USB key (terrorist would literally kill for this type of information - such as who are most likely to support their cause)?

Making you feel more secure yet?

So who will police GCHQ and do it in an honest incorruptible and non-political way? How can we ensure political paymasters don't abuse the information or buy access to it? How do we ensure we keep the freedom of our press? Where do the courts come in here? This is a badly thought move towards a Tory police state.

The Green Party will consistently and openly oppose these deeply flawed and illiberal moves by the Government. The Conservative, Liberal Democrat and New Labour attempts to control the internet and snoop on our personal lives, our social networks and our personal communications are a disgusting move towards a police state. If you are looking to oppose these Orwellian moves, look for a fresh and honest approach to politics - join us, help us and vote Green at the next election.

Adrian Hollister, Newbury Green Party.

Katy's Hot Cross Bun & Butter Pudding Recipe

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:12:53 +0200

It's the time of year where we brits buy loads of Hot Cross Buns and a good deal of them go stale. Whilst you can still toast them, there is also an alternative to a Bread and Butter Pudding that my eldest came up with - Hot Cross Bun & Butter Pudding. So here is the recipe that takes at most 10 minutes to prepare and a further 40 minutes to stand and cook.

What you need:

100g of English Butter
550g of Hot Cross Buns - about 8 of the standard supermarket baked buns
A good handful or two of Sultanas or Raisins
6 medium Free Range English eggs
900ml of Organic Whole Milk (1.5 pints) - you can always replace some of this with cream if you wish
6 table spoons of golden sugar

What you need to do:

1. Grease a 2 litre oven proof dish - we use a lasagne type dish
2. Cut the Hot Cross Buns into thirds and butter both sides. You may need to warm the butter slightly. Use all the butter up, so be generous - this is not a dish for the health conscious.
3. Put the buttered Hot Cross Bun slices into the dish. You want some poking up to get crispy when cooking, so a good jagged pattern works well.
4. Sprinkle with your Sultanas or Raisins.

it should start to look something like this...

5. In a mixing bowl add the milk, eggs and sugar. Give it a good mix up - the egg yolks should be well dispersed.
6. Pour onto into your oven dish over your buttered hot cross buns. Spread evenly and ensure that the sugar is even distributed as well.

7. Now the easiest bit - put the oven onto 180 degrees C or 160 for a fan oven. Don't put it in the oven yet, leave it all for 10 mins at least. Bit longer if you have time.

8. Sprinkle the top with a bit of extra sugar and put in the oven. Takes about 30 mins in ours but might take up to 40 mins. It should be crispy on top and the custard set.

You should end up with something like this...

Hot Cross Bun and Butter Pudding - best hot with a nice single English cream

West Challow to Sparsholt on the old Wilts & Berks Canal

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 11:38:00 +0200

Following the old Wilts and Berks Canal, I continue the journey at West Challow Bridge. Most of the canal from here is private land, so this is not going to be an easy route to follow. Heading out as best as I can to follow the route, I've headed towards Sparsholt. This is a short walk, but it's hard going in places with some footpaths deep in mud.

This track starts out easy along paths and field paths well walked. There are some amazing parts of the canal still intact, full of water and looking amazing.

Start: West Challow Bridge
Waypoint: End: Sparsholt
Distance: 2.6 miles
Time taken: 1 hour 17 mins
Elevation change: flat
Dog walking: 60% off lead. No dogs, walkers or cyclists. Several horses.
Track condition: Stretches of field grass and deep mud. Occasional road and track. In dry conditions this may be easier.
Accessibility: Some stiles, narrow paths, overgrown in places. Note that there are lengths of deep mud.
Difficulty: Average

Wantage to Challow via Childrey Walk

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:59:59 +0200

This could easily be a circular walk, but I'm still taking it easy with the knee so wanted to limited myself to 4 miles. It's an easy walk with no significant hills and it's mostly solid footpath. Good for the dogs and some good views of the Thames Valley and edge of the North Wessex Downs.

Start: Wantage Park. There is good parking and you could easily extend this route back to here (only add's a mile or so).
Waypoint: Childrey
End: East Challow
Distance: 3.9 miles
Time taken: 1 hour 16 mins
Elevation change: not recorded but there are no significant hills
Dog walking: 80% off lead. Few dogs or other walkers.
Track condition: Good gravel/tarmac short stretch of field grass and mud.
Accessibility: Some stiles, narrow paths, overgrown in places. No shelter. Occasional seat.
Difficulty: Easy romp.

Wantage to West Challow Abandoned Wilts & Berks Canal Walk

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 08:23:00 +0200

Simple walk here, from the centre of Wantage town via the old Wilts and Berks Canal to West Challow and back. There is quite a bit of off lead walking for the dogs and it's an easy level walk. From Wantage Town Centre, head towards the old canal following what appears to be an old branch in the canal. There is a tarmac and gravel foot path following the route which can be easily found next to the mill and passing to the west of the new housing development, I followed the path through the new shops car park and rejoined it over the bridge to the new houses. The path goes through the various housing estates in Wantage, keep going straight ahead and you will end up with a gravel section - this appears to be the start of a branch in the old Wilts and Berks Canal.

This track takes you directly to whats left of the Wilts and Berks Canal on the border between Wantage and Grove. It's here that you find a roundabout, best to follow the path on the road until you can rejoin the canal route. The route from here follows the canal West. Once over the road an in the field you can lets the dogs off to have a play. Follow the 'tree line' as it's what's left of the old canal. Towards the end of the field you should start to see canal workings again. Over another style at the end of the field and your straight onto a shallow silted and rubbish filled canal. Follow this into East Challow - beware that there is a fast road in East Challow that needs to be crossed - get the dogs back when you start to see houses.

Cross the road and your back onto what's left of the canal. It's built over and filled through most of East Challow, but when you start to leave the village it returns and it's possible to find canal workings. It's all off lead for the dogs now, straight to West Challow. What's left of what must have been a bridge has been filled in at West Challow, so it's a good place to stop and about face.

If you look at my other walks in the area, it's easily possible to join other footpaths that will take you back into Wantage via Childrey or past what's marked as an old Roman Villa (nothing to see though).

This is an easy walk that anyone who can climb a style can do. Whilst there are no seat's, there are plenty of opportunities to stop on bridges, canal workings and village facilities.

Start: Wantage Town Centre
Waypoint: West Challow Bridge
End: Wantage Town Centre
Distance: 5.4 miles
Time taken: 2 hours
Elevation change: flat
Dog walking: 70% off lead. Several dogs, walkers and cyclists.
Track condition: Good gravel/tarmac short stretches of field grass and mud.
Accessibility: Some stiles, narrow paths, overgrown in places.
Difficulty: Easy romp.

Richard Benyon continues to enjoy tax avoiding 'Trust Fund'

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:44:00 +0100

Apart from MP Richard Benyon and his family estate, I'm struggling to find anyone in West Berkshire that benefits from the new budget. Whilst the Chancellor targets his version on 'morally repugnant' tax avoidance, he fails to tackle tax avoidance from Trust Funds and other vehicles set up to hide the super wealthy from the tax. If they were looking to be fair and honest, they would ensure that all loop holes for Trust Funds are closed and that these bodies pay their fair share. But with all his family silver tied up in one of these tax avoidance schemes, why would Richard Benyon want to do this?

Only the Green Party offers a fair tax system. Let's start with the closure of the nearly £30 billion a year lost to fraud and tax evasion. That would help balance the books and allow us to keep the NHS whilst investing in our future. If you feel suckered into voting Tory or Liberal Democrat in Newbury last time around - don't you think it's time for a real, honest and fair change? Join the Green Party, vote for us, and help us change this country for the better.

Quick review of Cetane Boosters for WVO and SVO

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 23:06:00 +0100

The Land Rover I have, may be old, but she run's just fine on a combination of veggie oil, biodiesel and diesel. This gives me a good choice on how I fuel the vehicle and how much I pay to fuel the vehicle. With WVO being a premium now, I am finding it ever more difficult to get good consistent sources; and then why I do find something it ends up being 50% bit of crap and 50% WVO. SVO is not my ideal choice, not only for ethical reasons (we cannot produce enough of it), but also the added things like anti-foaming/gelling agents don't help combustion. I've no evidence to suggest that they are removed when used as cooking oil, but the stuff I use as WVO always seems to make a smoother sounding engine. So I've been testing Cetane boosters to see how effective they are with SVO and to see if they take some of the knock out of ordinary SVO.

First up is the Diesel Nitrox Cetane Booster. It claims to do the same as the much more expensive branded products. It's one of those bottles where you have to guess a bit on how much you add, but if your doing a whole tank full it's quite easy. It worked well and certainly reduced the diesel noise as well as appearing to give a little more performance. Nothing scientific here, it's all perception. For the money it's easily the best available.

For a few pounds more, you can get Millers Oils - Diesel Power Eco Max 500ml. It claims similar things, but suggests it boosts the Cetane number by 5. It's much easier to measure how much you need to add with this bottle layout and it did just as good as job as the cheaper product's here. It doesn't claim anything fancy, but suggests your car will be more environmentally friendly by using less diesel and putting out less emissions. There is a tentative link to the claim, but your not saving the environment with these products directly, just helping WVO or SVO do their job better.

The last one is Morris Superclean DD. Nothing on the package to show it's a cetane booster, but it's in there. No claims on how high you can boost it by either; just simple honest - "this will make things a bit better" marketing. Give them credit for that. They seem to be a UK company too, but I can't see where the product is manufactured. Like the others, it did what it said on the tin and was definitely better than nothing and as good as the others. Like the Millers Oils product, it has an easy measure which makes it a lot easier to use.

Search around for the best prices for these products, but they are all around the £7-£12 bracket for their standard size. So which one do I use? I'm sticking with Morris Superclean DD as it's seems a good working product, with an easy measure and it does what it says on the product blurb.

Found anything better? Let me know and I will try it out. Adrian Hollister.

Roy McNulty is just McNutty for Newbury/Thatcham trains

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:18:01 +0100

Newbury Greens have slammed the McNulty review as potentially disastrous for Newbury's commuters and has suggested that Newbury and Thatcham area does not need fare increases and less station staff, but more investment and more regular trains to and from London and the West Country.

Adrian Hollister, Newbury Green Party said, "Roy McNulty perceives his 'value for money' report only in terms of immediate cost and not value for the community, our society or longer term value for the country.

“Newbury area train stations have seen a gradual reduction in quality of service provided to the communities they serve. Ever decreasing quality of station services will only go to show how detached McNulty is from the consumer.

“A clear example of this are the plans to remove station staff at our busiest stations. We cannot rely upon the current train information systems as they are most often out of date; and we cannot rely upon ticket machines to help us with the cheapest fare nor answer the question 'so which platform is that?', let alone 'can you help me with my bag?'.

“Twitter and iPhone app's are a much more reliable source of 'where the train has got to?' than First Great Westerns on station automated signs. Thinking that these systems and automated ticket machines can replace friendly station staff, is just not true.

“The icing on the McNulty cake is that to deliver less in a less convenient way he is suggesting that we increasing fares! For our commuters will be a real slap in the face and is completely contrary to the aim of reducing prices and encouraging lower carbon and sustainable travel models. Fares from Newbury to London are already ridiculous, they need to be reduced not increased. The way to reduce prices and ensure financial viability is to get more passengers by getting people out of cars and on to trains. We can only do this by making trains more appealing, more reliable and travelling to the place where people need to go.

"Privatisation has brought nothing but increasing costs to this country, however we should expect nothing less of Lib Dems and Conservatives who are wedded to the principle of putting markets before people."

End Dog Breeding Abuse

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:32:00 +0100

A BBC programme on Pedigree Dogs and the methods used to produce the 'perfect' dog has hit the headlines again for highlighting breeding issues for pedigree dogs. It's one of those shock programmes that highlights the risks to the welfare of pedigree dogs. The documentary, from 2008, was updated with a 'Three Years On' version highlighting that some positive changes have taken place, but that deeply troubling issues are still prevalent in an industry that has historically cared more about the appearance of dogs rather than the animal's health and well being.

Adrian Hollister, Newbury Green Party: "I agree with the recommendations to create an independent government-backed regulator. This will help the Kennel club as it's in a difficult position juggling their commitments to both breeders and dogs."

Green Party Deputy Leader Adrian Ramsay said on the Green Party web site:

"The breeding practices that have been exposed in the BBC documentary show that dog welfare is being disregarded. It is perverse that some breeders deliberately breed dogs with major health problems and deformities for prestige and to win competitions.

"The Green Party has long supported the measures that the journalist called for in the documentary. An independent regulatory committee is crucial to safeguarding the health of dogs."

Green Party Animal Welfare Spokesperson and Vet, Caroline Allen also comments:

"In my job as a small animal vet it is clear that the Kennel Club alone cannot deal with this problem. I have seen no sign of a decrease in breed related problems and there are many other issues associated with irresponsible dog breeding that the Kennel Club can simply do nothing about. Many breeders act outside of the Kennel Club, as do puppy farms. We need to regulate the whole industry to prevent the sort of suffering that vets are seeing on a daily basis. The financial cost of irresponsible breeding is also a high one, with increasing number of strays and dog attacks, costing local authorities and the NHS millions. The Green Party would introduce a requirement that all dogs be micro-chipped and would require that all breeders be licensed. It is time to tackle all aspects of irresponsible breeding."

References:
1. BBC Documentary: http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/proginfo/2012/09/Pedigree-Dogs-Exposed-Three-Years-On.html and the original http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00d4ljk
2. Green Party call for action to end Dog Breeding Abuse: http://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/green-party-call-for-action-to-end-dog-breeding-abuse.html

Pure Evoke-2 gets a new PSU

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 23:27:00 +0100

Well, my new power supply turned up today for my Pure Evoke-2 radio, the old one released magic smoke and gave up the ghost. Could have got a genuine part from Pure, but they are very expensive and ended up getting one from Amazon (Pure 9V YHAD-48-091500VB replacement power supply). Although only a couple of quid, the unit has turned up and seems quite substantial, run's cold and has all the right approvals stamped on the side. So far, so good. Good for the money for sure.

A34 Fatality

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 13:29:10 +0100

It's sad to see another accident on the A34 in West Berkshire/Oxfordshire again. This is so frustrating. It's clear that there is a problem on this stretch of road. It's clear that the impact is not only on the local community, but our economy and the reputation of West Berkshire. So why don't West Berkshire Council act? Where is Cllr George Chandler (Downlands Ward)? and why is this one stretch of road ignored by the Highways Agency?

Posh Dog ready for Crufts 2012

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:56:53 +0100

Our three year old Finnish Lapphund called Rauhan is ready to strut his stuff at Crufts this year. Rauhan is a three year old Finnish Lapphund dog, with a string of wins and top 3 places. A few notable wins are the following:

-Best puppy in breed 2009 in Welks and Southern Counties (Newbury)
-1st Junior Dog at the Finnish Lapphund Club 2009
-A string of 1st and top three places
-2nd Post Grad Dog at Crufts 2011
-My eldest daughter, Katy Hollister, has shown Rauhan twice in the 'Junior Handler' competition and won both times (Finnish Lapphund Club show 2009, 2010)

Rauhan is Finnish for Peace and despite his name, he is very noisy when excited and full of energy. Rauhan is often out with Adrian Hollister on long Downland walks, where he is happy to be running all day. He lives with a family and was brought up around children. He is completely soppy and the girls refer to him as 'posh dog' as he doesn't like getting dirty.

Finnish Lapphunds are an easy going pastoral dog and with their long thick double coats are water proof and usually happy to be outside in rain and deep snow. They are a highly intelligent and active breed - they take well to training. They moult once a year and shed over a short time, making them good for people who normally have dog allergies. They are also amazingly family friendly as they readily accept family life as pack life. They are great herders and are good rounding up the kids and making sure everyone is present. You can find more details of my walks in my blog.

Consumption of drugs should be a personal choice - not something promoted by society and not forced on other people

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 11:17:00 +0100

So what's Adrian Hollister's position on drug use in Newbury and the UK? I have a rather simple view: “Consumption of drugs should be a personal choice - not something promoted by society and not forced on other people (such as through obvious consumption in a public area).”

For such a general statement I need to qualify my comments some what. There are boundaries to personal choice and there are those that choose not to consume or be forced to consume.

To understand the where they can be consumed, I should qualify my definition: where anybody around would be in full consent. So, for example, train stations are an unlikely location to consume drugs as people would object either through forced consumption (in the example of smoking), but also because it's not something that should be promoted in or by society. Perhaps an acceptable example would be single drug private clubs that could be labeled as such.

We have examples of these already with alcohol being served in places where people choose to consume it and it's not acceptable to consume it on the streets or on the train. How many people now use cafe's or similar avoiding the association with drugs (alcohol or smoking).

Clearly there would have to be exclusions such as proximity children, the vulnerable and on health or welfare grounds, as well as input from the local community (including those that do not want to see or consume drugs).

Inherited need

The change in our society brought about by the smoking ban could facilitate this change. We are starting to look differently on drugs now, especially smoking, where it's no longer something generally promoted by society but people are still legally allowed to consume the drug. There is a long way to go to reduce our inherited need to consume drugs, but as the generations go by the approach taken to smoking could be used to removed all inherited need – and that should be our goal. Remove the inherited need for drugs and allow personal choice and freedom to take over.

The classic example is the need on a Friday and Saturday night to binge on alcohol. This is not something seen (to this extent) on the continent, but it does seem to be an inherited right of passage that we as a society don't seem to be able to break. It's what everyone does and it has it's own badges of honour and gives people a shared experience, and it is that that appears to be missing in our society. Bonding without drugs and the shared experience can be difficult in our society today.

The Shared Experience Gap

It's the shared experience gap – an excuse to meet and bond with peers, to gain badges of honour, to impress, and perhaps to find a mate. So what's missing and where do we differ from our friends overseas? To keep to the point, I will cover this in another blog entry.

Modern Society Drug Use

We have the starting point of a modern system today. In effect a pilot has been conducted, mostly on health grounds, to break the inherited need to smoke. It's a compromise that has allowed people to retain their personal freedom whilst respecting other peoples right to avoid drug consumption.

I would extend this scope to other drugs and would look to single drug private clubs (consenting clubs) to allow freedom of choice (to consume and to not consume), to provide for the shared experience gap, and to create an environment that would not be promoted by our society but accepted and tolerated.
I would also place further safeguards than there are today, for example, ban drugs from any where near children (even at home), the vulnerable etc. It's just not fair to inflict drugs onto people who are not able to choose for themselves.

The Summary

I would both extend the use of the current system for nicotine consumption through smoking and provide further safeguards for those that need it.

So going back to my original statement: Adrian Hollister's position on drug use “Consumption of drugs should be a personal choice - not something promoted by society and not forced on other people (such as through obvious consumption in a public area).”

20's Plenty for West Berkshire Communities

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 03:29:00 +0100

Inspired by the recent introduction of 20 mph speed limits across Portsmouth, Oxford and Reading, spokesman for Newbury Green Party, Adrian Hollister, said:

"By allowing communities to introduce their own 20mph speed limit on their roads, we would be clearly define areas within our communities that our residential areas are not designed for high speed motoring, short cuts or through roads."

"Reducing this speed not only improves safety it also allows eye contact between drivers and residence which helps to further discourage anti-social driving habits. This may be especially important for communities around and near schools, community centres and areas of high pedestrian traffic."

"These decisions should be taken by local people and I would also like to see the option for residence in West Berkshire, through their Parish Councils, to choose to change their road priority from 'the car is king' to one where pedestrians and cyclists have priority over other traffic."

ENDS

Facts you need to know:

1. When hit by a car at 40 mph your chance of being killed is 90%, at 30 mph this drops to 20% and at 20 mph it drops again to just 5%.

2. See http://www.20splentyforuk.org.uk/fact_sheets.htm for briefing materials

We have a right to know how our food is farmed

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:04:00 +0100

Following great success by Compassion in World Farming on production method labelling on shell eggs, they have launched a new campaign to introduced EU wide mandatory method of production labelling on all meat and dairy products. Their campaign is in partnership with the RSPCA, WSPA and the Soil Association. This is something that I wholeheartedly agree with - we need to be informed and we need to be given the choice. So if you can take a moment, visit their site and sign a petition to your local MEP's asking for method of production labelling for meat and dairy products.

Compassion in World Farming site

Thames Water put up Solar Panels in East Ilsley

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:51:00 +0100

Despite what appears to be a lack of consultation or PR from Thames Water, they have installed quite a large array of solar panels at their East Ilsley sewage works. A commendable feat and something that Thames Water think will return more to the grid that the site consumes. Thames Water describe the array as 50KW. This is a good example of how industrial sites can be used to sustainably benefit our local communities. It's a shame that the subsidy for renewable power systems like this is being dropped by the current government - something that I would look to overturn.

Local Press: Newbury Weekly News Article

When will the mobile operators work out that they are just wireless data providers?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:38:00 +0100

When will the mobile operators work out that they are just wireless data providers? A commodity place with what needs to be commodity pricing? The likes of Vodafone and O2 desperately cling on to the hope that their value add is in reception, availability and price of their calls; when most people don't want these things, they expect them as basic parts of the service.

Mobile operators have started to feel the data provider pinch – data based mobile messaging is killing the text message scam that the operators have enjoyed for so long. SMS messages costing up to 20p each have been a great source of income, but iMessage and Blackberry Messenger run over the internet and sip very lightly on internet bandwidth. They are cost effective and they are a sign of things to come.

The ingress of IP phones have also crept onto the smart phone. Skype, SIP phones and similar all use tiny amounts of data traffic whilst providing a good enough service. Apples own Facetime seems at this point to be banned on the data networks – not for any good reason that I can see other than quality of the connection may be too variable; but again this is a case of waiting for the mobile operators to work out that they are just a wireless data shop.

So where do they need to go? Three to some extent has the right idea – it's all about data. Virgin Mobile in the UK are also getting there, with trials of 4G starting connected directly into Virgin's fibre network.

But there is a problem. Mobile operators have been making a lot of cash out of basic services, long contracts and hardware lock-in. They lock people into two year contracts for whilst offering discounts on handset hardware costs. This is massively attractive for some as they pay over time and not up front. Whilst those that can afford it and are the most savy are likely to just buy their phone and take the cheapest 'Internet' tariff, the majority will look to continue this buying behaviour.

You can't expect 3rd party resellers of mobile services such as Car Phone Warehouse to start selling mobile phones at a fair price and separate to a contract – it would destroy their revenue stream; but there is an opportunity out there for a companies to start selling the hardware at a fair price without a contract. A contract free phone would give the consumer the ultimate choice of provider based on real performance and not perceived value of discounted hardware.

If we want consumer choice at a fair price, we must look to break the cycle of contract based on hardware discounts. It's time for the mobile operators to realise that they are just a wireless BT and, as BT have tried to do, they need to reinvent themselves around the highest quality of internet service and drive the cost of their core services (calls) to commodity prices.

Didcot to Newbury - the old Railway walk - Part 2

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 23:31:11 +0100

Continuing to follow An Historical Survey of the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway - Layouts and Illustrations and starting at Upton and heading to Compton I continue my walk from Didcot to Newbury. The original Upton and Blewbury station has gone, but you the station building is now a house and much of the local railway land has been sold for housing, so you can't just walk from the old station, but right next to the pub is a footpath that roughly follows the route of the railway.

Start: Upton near the George and Dragon Pub (closest point to original railway that's a public footpath).
Waypoint: Reclamation works near Chilton
End: Compton Station
Distance: 6 miles
Time taken: 2 hours
Elevation change: 30m
Dog walking: All off lead. Few dogs or other walkers.
Track condition: Variable from shallow mud/chalk to good gravel/old rail track.
Accessibility: Some stiles, narrow paths, overgrown in places. No shelter.
Difficulty: Easy romp.

Starting at the George and Dragon Pub, it's possible to follow a newly fences foot path behind the pub and houses to join along side the old railway. It's a simple route from here, follow the public footpath signs. There are long sections of the railway that are not public rights of way. The track conditions are mostly good but narrow, with some muddy patches and a few stiles.

It's a great walk for rolling countryside, open fields, few houses and even fewer people. The first shock of the walk is going near the reclamation works near Chilton. The railway has largely been filled in with rubble and at the time of the walk there was a massive wood fire in the reclamation yard. It's disappointing to see the old bridges covering no cutting.

But past Chilton the walk resumes into rolling hills and open fields. Churn Holt is clearly visible from the path, but 'private no entry' signs are all around the station site. If I get a chance I will find out who owns the land and ask them if I can go and wander. Churn is an odd station as it's in the middle on no where and I'm not joking there. No houses, buildings or real roads approach the station. My guide book tells me that at one point Churn was considered for the Rifle Association, but Bisley was eventually chosen. The station highlights part of the problem with this walk - there is no shelter anywhere on the route. No shelter from the elements could make this route more difficult for some and you might need to think about the weather before setting out.

The walk from Churn into Compton is only a couple of miles of largely flat land. The foot path crosses the Ridgeway and at this point you can take a quicker route into Compton and use the roads or keep to a footpath that loosely follows the railway. I have taken a chunk of journey here along the old railway itself. This is private land and I asked the farmer for permission - please don't go onto private land without permission. There is a suitable footpath following the old railway, check your OS map.

The walk into Compton is, from a railway perspective, disappointing. Most of it is private land and a lot of it has been developed. The station and sidings are now an industrial estate and there is no right of way to walk over the bridges in Compton itself. I ended my walk near the primary school and playground - it's as close to the original station as you can get and a good spot to grab a short break.

The next leg in the journey is from Compton to Hermitage. It's not a long walk, but in places the original railway has been ploughed away and there are no close public footpaths.

Reference material:
-Not high quality photo's, but they give an idea of conditions... Photo Set - Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway. Upton to Compton.
-Wikipedia
-An Historical Survey of the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway - Layouts and Illustrations

Springer Spaniel puppies stolen in Compton

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:24:16 +0100

Gulp, not too far from here. Hope they are found ok.

Official Police notice: "Sometime between 8am and 5pm on the 20th February two Springer Spaniel puppies were stolen from kennels in the rear garden of a property in IIsley Road, Compton. A suspicious white Ford Transit was seen in the vicinity, index PE51NJK. If you have seen/see this vehicle in your area please call the Police Enquiry Centre on 101 and quote the URN number 1176 of 20.02.12"

Is 3 minutes of additional journey time on the A34 too much?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:14:00 +0100

The closure of the A34 last week has highlighted the problem with the road. All southbound traffic diverted through the Downland's via the A338 or via Newbury. The traffic until late morning on these roads received a constant flow of HGV's and cars and, in the view of the residents that I have spoken to, very few respected the communities or speed limits of our Downland villages.

The cost of this closure to our economy is likely to be measured in the millions, but who has counted the number of minor accidents due to the sheer volume and recklessness of the traffic through our Downland villages? Great Shefford took the brunt of the traffic this time with Wantage a major sticking point just north in Oxfordshire.

For the HA to find no problem with accident rates on this route exposes the narrowness of their vision. They see the most serious accidents and nothing in their figures represent the number of minor incidents attended by the emergency services/motoring services and none seem to include any information from the insurance industry - one of the better measures of the true number of incidents.

It is still clear that there is a problem on these roads. A variable speed limit based around 50mph common speed could reduce the number of accidents to near zero and would add at most three minutes to the journey time of an 80mph average speed motorist (and next to nothing for anyone on or below the speed limit).

So why do the HA defend these three minutes? Where is West Berkshire Council? Where is Cllr George Chandler? This complacency shows why we need the Green Party represented in West Berkshire - we are the only party interested in constructive citizen centric change.

Drought heading to West Berkshire - time for Thames Water to step up

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:15:46 +0100

The recent announcement by Thames Water shows that groundwater levels in the Thames area is lower than during the 1976 drought. This is compounded with low rainfall over the past couple of years. They admitted that drought was inevitable and “it's a case of when and how bad”.

I've already covered the 'for profit' nature of the business and this investment required to fix leaking pipes, to make more efficient use of resources and to invest in the future; is based totally on our ability to pay up front for the investment.

Thames Water and the other utilities must work to ensure we make the most out of our precious resources. It's time Thames Water stepped up and lets see some real give back from Thames Water. Adrian Hollister's 2p worth of advise for Thames Water is:

1. Grey Water(1). Work with new builds, rentals and renovations to ensure that grey water is installed in houses by default. If 5% of our water consumption could be replaced by grey water systems, the net saving (in terms of extraction, processing, pumping, loss and any household net savings i.e. low lime scale) would be significant.
2. Smarter working. Increase the roll-out of smart meters to all homes. Help home owners/businesses to use water more efficiently and pay for school education on the issues. Use smart meters on junctions points to automatically monitor flow and identify leaks/fraud.
3. Fix Leaks. Reducing general leakage by just 1% would save millions of litres a day. Thames Water's targets for leak reduction must be accelerated.

(1)Grey water systems use rain water and other untreated household waste water (such as water from showers) to flush toilets, feed washing machines and other not for human consumption systems.

Where's Wally? Actually finding Cllr George Chandler is more difficult

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:22:39 +0100

I've been on the accident black spot issue on the A34 at East Ilsley for a long time... there is a standard pattern, usually involving slow traffic, panic breaking from high speed and the ripple effect back around the bends. No rocket science here, just common sense.

What I find amazing is that West Berkshire Council don't seem to be representing residents here - where is the ever illusive Councillor George Chandler who covers the Downland's Ward? Pipe, slippers, and a copy of the times springs to mind.

So come on George, kick off your slippers and start earning your right to represent us - it's time West Berks Council started to pull it's weight.

Snow free roads in the Downland's

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:39:00 +0100

It's good to see that all but the very minor roads up here in the Downland's of West Berkshire have been salted and cleared. There are a few snow covered roads still, but there are alternatives to the same destination that are clear and I urge people to think before attempting snow and ice covered roads. So well done West Berks, keep up the good work!

Snow in Brightwalton

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:03:00 +0100

A good 3 inches of snow here in Brightwalton this morning. It stopped snowing at about 1am and was followed by some showers until about 3am. Whilst we have lost a bit of the snow we had a 1am last night, there is still a good a crunchy layer. There is lots of ice out there, so please all take care.

Update on campaign to improve A34 near East Ilsley

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:37:00 +0100

The response to this campaign has been amazing, with even the most hardened pro-speeder agreeing that there is a problem on this stretch of road. I would also back a suggestion from the Newbury Today forum, which is to introduce variable speeds on the section of road with the variability based upon the conditions ahead. A common theme with all suggestions though is to ensure that they are actively monitored and managed; something the recent 'no overtaking' for lorries trial seems to have failed on. Average speed cameras along the section would meet these needs.

But, please remember, that whilst reducing the accidents on the A34 is a critical thing to do, we are also trying to stop reckless and thoughtless diversion driving through our Downland villages, and we are trying to protect the reputation that West Berkshire is an amazing place to live (and not an accident blackspot).

p.s. there are also plenty of statistics and real speed related detail from this document:

http://20splentyforus.org.uk/UsefulReports/TRLREports/trl421SpeedAccidents.pdf - Page 2 is a good start. Where you can find details such as "The percentage reduction in accident frequency achievable per 1mile/h reduction in average speed is between 2-7%"

Why are people shocked when a profit driven water company puts up the prices?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:09:45 +0100

Thames Water have announced a nearly 7% rise in prices in West Berkshire and both the people and press are complaining over the hike. I do wonder if these are the same people that spoke up against privatisation of our nation's assets? It's yet another reality check - private profit driven companies are out there to make money. Thames Water are looking to make money out of you. There are not operating for the betterment of society, to reduce prices, nor are they looking to invest heavily in their obligations without taking your money first. It's all about profit - and you are providing it.

Smug David Betts gloats at 2,274 fines in Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:47:00 +0100

The new road layout at the Parkway in Newbury has caught out many drivers. David Betts spoke to the Newbury Weekly news saying "some people just drive about with their eyes shut". He admitted that some people had been fined multiple times. Not really fair looking at this as a cash cow, it's greedy and arrogant. We should give the cash back and perhaps issue a 'smug tax' on councillors gloating like this to make up the difference. At the very least David Betts should issue an apology and consider moving to a more suitable role.

I call on West Berks to do the right thing: Give the cash back, issue warnings (always best to educate people before punishing them) and never look on fines as income - they are a penalty and not a tax.

Fines like this should be put into a community fund and distributed in a way that helps to fix the causes of the fines and protect our communities.

Adrian Hollister
West Berkshire Green Party

Daylight Savings Bill - kicked into touch by administrative process

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:21:00 +0100

Dear Sir George,

I write in reference to the recent timing out of the Daylight Saving Bill. It seems a disappointing state of affairs when a significant minority can destroy democracy in action. 140 MPs turned up to vote in favour of the Daylight Saving Bill and only 16 voted against, but those against talked for so long that the bill ran out of it's allocated time. To use administrative process to block the bills progress seems petty and anti-democratic.

Clearly there is a substantial process and administrative problem with the way bills are handled in parliament; something I do hope that you are working to resolve. But, given the cross party support, support from a large number of organisation and support from the general public, I do hope that you can urgently find additional government time to look at the Daylight Savings Bill (there are strong precedents for giving Private Members Bills more government time when needed).

Yours sincerely,

Adrian Hollister

cc Richard Benyon MP

This message was sent in support of 10:10’s Lighter Later campaign and the Daylight Saving Bill. http://www.lighterlater.org

Didcot to Newbury - the old Railway walk - Part 1

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:13:00 +0100

After Beechings massive railway cuts, several of the local downland branch lines have been closed. Newbury to Lambourn and Didcot to Newbury are two of the most well known. I've walked the Newbury to Lambourn route, something that was just amazing, following the original route in many places and touring the wonderful villages of the Downlands and Lambourn Valley. But in what I hope will form a nice series of blogs, I am going to walk the Didcot to Newbury railway in sections that I hope most people could complete and rate them for their dog walk potential.

So I am following An Historical Survey of the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway - Layouts and Illustrations and starting at the Didcot end of the route. Partially because it's easy to get too, but also because it's the easiest part of the route to follow (well sign posted). The route is a very easy 5 mile walk from Didcot Parkway station to the original Upton and Blewbury station.

Start: Didcot Parkway Station
Waypoint: Upton and Blewbury Station
End: Didcot Parkway Station
Distance: 5.1 miles
Time taken: 2 hours
Elevation change: Level ground, less than 10m.
Dog walking: 2 miles on lead, 3 miles off lead. Some cattle. Lots of other dogs and people.
Track condition: Tarmac surface along entire route
Accessibility: Mostly flat, smooth ramps available. Cattle gate at Upton end restricts access. Quite a few seats available on the route.
Difficulty: Very easy walk.

Starting at the Train station in Didcot (called Didcot Parkway), it's possible to follow the new link road east past Riches Sidings to a roundabout that marks the first remnants of the original embankment through Didcot. From here there are good sign posts showing routes to Upton. This largely follows the original rail line. Once out of Didcot the embankment climbs above the surrounding countryside and it's possible to see quite a distance.

On the route back, I diverted through Didcot itself and through some of the estates and past schools. You can follow the return journey here .

Reference material:
-Wikipedia
-An Historical Survey of the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway - Layouts and Illustrations

Don't forget to object to the Incinerator at Chieveley

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:13:00 +0100

It's only eight days to go to have your say on the Incinerator plans at Chieveley. The Green Party and I are in complete objection to such plans. So I urge all those with an opinion on the subject to get onto the West Berkshire web site and register their opinion now!

You can find the online planning site in West Berkshire here. You will need to register, but you can see other public comments and you will get a letter in the post to confirm your opinion.

There is also a web site http://www.wbagi.org that can give you a little more detail from local residents and some details from Grundon here.

Discovery headlight falling out? Simple repair

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0100

If you've a Landrover Discovery 1, doesn't seem to matter which engine (200TDI, 300TDI, V8) and your headlight keeps falling out, there is a simple repair and a cheap part number to sort it out.

Get yourself some of these... its part number STC3368.

STC3368 Landrover Discovery Headlight Plastic Clip

You need three of these for each light, or just check the broken ones and replace them. They are cheap, so I've replaced all three for a nice snug fit. Pull out your headlight and you will see three plastic clips in three corners of the headlight. It's a simple bit of screw driver action to take the old ones out and put the new ones in. Don't over tighten them as they could crack your plastic headlight unit - and you don't want to have to replace that.

Three plastic clips holding the Discover headlight in place.

When your done, just push it back in place. Remembering that it may be a little tight now. Shame this sort of thing isn't included in my Land Rover Discovery Petrol and Diesel Service and Repair Manual: 1989-1998 (Haynes Service and Repair Manuals).

Unlawful subsidies for UK Nuclear power

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:52:00 +0100

It's interesting to think that the UK could be subsidising nuclear power unlawfully. This stance raises awareness of the problem of nuclear power - there are a lot of hidden costs. It's not just the building of a plant (with all it's concrete etc), the running, or the decommissioning; its a combination of all three. We will leave a radioactive legacy for generations. Not just a few years, not even in your life time or that of your kids and grandchildren.

For all that time, we will have to actively manage the power stations and radioactive waste:
-We have to keep it secure and protected from terrorism or threats from other states. It's interesting that in London Under Attack: The Report of the Greater London Area War Risk Study, the nuclear power stations and stock piles are targeted because of the devastation they would cause to most of the country.
-We have to keep in cool and contained.
-We have to protect it from our environment. Storms, rain, earthquakes, land slips, etc. Anything can damage our storage systems and nothing is as immune as you think (re: Fukushima).
-We have to protect our environment from it. I'm not too keen on drinking contaminated water or eating foods contaminated by radioactive particles.

All of this costs money - a lot of money - and we have to pay for that and so do our future generations.

If we included these additional costs, would Nuclear power ever be seen as viable?

A34 mashed up again - who is going to fix it?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:56:00 +0100

Another big one today at East Ilsley. Nightmare for us around here. There are essentially three key roads feeding the down lands - the A34, the A338 and the B4494. When the A34 is mashed, traffic diverts to the other two - neither of which are designed for this level of traffic and all of which get bottled up towards Wantage or through the narrow Downland roads.

It seems that because its on the border of Berks and Oxfordshire, no one takes responsibility - or only takes it on 'their side'. I can't find any evidence that west berks and oxfordshire have sat down independently or together to fix the problem or raise the issue with the Highways Agency. Can't help thinking that the Tories in West Berks won't do anything about it because they rely upon voters in the 'bmw' classes who I see regularly breaking speed limits for fun and often causing these very problems.

Not helped I'm sure by two different fire and rescue services, two different ambulance services etc - and now that their budgets are squeezed they are not even prioritising proactive or pre-emptive activities.

The effect on the Downlands is mostly traffic - speeding traffic and the pollution they cause racing through our narrow lanes, disrespecting our local communities with anti-social panic driving as they try to get back on their original route. My year living in West Ilsley was hell - traffic hell. You've no idea if you going to be able to get out of the drive way, to school, works or the shops, and certainly no way of knowing if your kids are safe cycling in the village. This must be a nightmare in East Ilsley. Great Shefford is often hit too with cars racing down the A338 diverting around the A34 accidents.

Personally I think there should be a 50mph zone from the M4 to the Oxfordshire border, and it must be monitored by average speed cameras (the only thing drivers seem to respect). By doing so, I recon 99% of all the accidents on that road will go away, the traffic will flow more timely and the Downlands will be spared the anti-social driving of the panicked drivers searching for a diversion.

Vodafone in another massive Tax dodge

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:09:01 +0100

Private Eye have uncovered a further massive Tax dodge from Vodafone.

"£6bn… and then some
The latest major tax avoidance ruse slipped under the public radar because Vodafone stopped setting aside money in its accounts for its offshore disputes in 2006. But the agreement with HMRC, which the company said covers “all outstanding [controlled foreign companies] issues from 2001”, must have cleared the scheme (Vodafone would only say it was “confidential”), letting the company off well over £2bn plus whatever it can funnel through the set-up in future and making the Eye’s initial £6bn estimate of the cost of the dodgy deal look conservative.

The revelation also seems to contradict Hartnett’s repeated assertions that nothing less than the full force of the tax law was applied to the company, since this scheme is if anything more squarely caught by the UK’s tax laws than the Mannesmann arrangement and on its own would have brought in more than £2bn. More troubling questions, then, for the NAO and retired Judge Park."

So, Newbury based Vodafone have yet again swindled us all out of cash. Swindled, because we as a country could have used that money for investment in services, debt payment, or even reducing the tax bill for the poorest. But no, the money goes to shareholders, a good deal of which won't even be in the country. Shame on you Vodafone.

Milk and More Reivew - get yourself a local milkman

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:43:00 +0100

Ok, it's been a while since I've seen a local milkman. But Milk and More and seeing a bit of a come back. Being in the middle of no where there are no local shops, so when I found out that Milk and More deliver out here I thought that I would give it a try. Our local branch is based in Newbury and they deliver three times a week to the downland area. They have a good web site and if you order before 9pm, they can deliver any extras the next day.

I've switched now from loads of darn plastic bottles of milk (we are a big family) to some nice glass pint bottles - something that can be reused and not just recycled. They also do organic milk in the glass pint bottles, so that's what we have. So the big question - is it more expensive that Tesco? Simple answer is yes. More complex and honest answer is No. But why no? Ethics aside, if I took a regular trip to the local shops I generally tend to buy things I don't need - chocolate, that two for one bargain and similar. With the milkman service I buy what I need. Bread, milk, cheese and some other basics.

So has this worked for us? For sure. It's working out very well. Things turn up just when I need them and I don't need to take that 'could be expensive' trip to the local shops. I've not been woken up by the milkman and the quality of the service is second to none. The thought of having bottles that can be reused appeals too. My plastic recycling bag is half empty now and this has to be a good thing. Therefore, it's a big thumbs up for Milk and More as a local milkman here in West Berkshire's Downlands.

Blame culture on Teachers, no news on under performing Heads or Govenors

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:40:47 +0100

The Tory and Lib Dem government has that it plans to make it easier for head teachers in England to sack under performing staff. According to the press release it is due to go ahead from September 2012. Seems to me to be another blame culture thing - point the finger and not fix the problem. I wonder if head teachers and governors will be under the same pressure? It would be interesting if we could have a public review of head's and governors, especially around here in the Downlands of West Berkshire.

Debt soars in West Berkshire as the squeeze in the middle hits

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:46:00 +0100

I applaud Newbury Weekly News for raising issues such as the growing personal debt mountain, but I wonder why they ignore the fact that this has been created by the policies of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in Government? They are deliberately using money from ordinary people to pay off their banking chums - the end result is that the majority of people have growing debt mountains - debt accrued to pay off the pure greed of the Tory and Lib Dem's old boy networks in banking and big business. Sickening.

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Article.aspx?articleID=18858

First snow of the season hits Brightwalton

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:33:13 +0100

Well it didn't last long and it quickly melted, but the first bits of this seasons snow landed on Brightwalton today.

David Akerman breaks balloon height record and puts Brightwalton on the map

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:26:55 +0100

David Akerman has put Brightwalton on the map by breaking the UK amateur record for an unmanned balloon flight - he got the balloon to 40,986m. Congratulations to David - it would be good if you could chat to the school - I would imaging many of the kids would be excited to hear about it and see a balloon!

View Larger Map

"Congratulations again to David - an excellent achievement", Adrian Hollister.

It's a recycled Christmas this year - first up a snowman

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:50:00 +0100

I'm a fair bit fed up with the Christmas decorations that you have to buy - generally they seem to be tat with no real personal value and so much waste. So yet again we are making our own. First up this year is a snowman and some snow flakes. All make with left overs and bits we've got from charity shops. So anyway, the background of our snowman and his scarf was drawn by Spog No.1 and used some cardboard from an old box. Sprog No's 2 and 3 stuck a variety of cotton wall balls, bits and other stuff to make it white and we added a Spog No.2 designed Hat and Spog No.3 decorated anything she could with old coloured paper, crayon, or just about anything she could get hold of. We've added a whole load of simple snow flakes, white and what ever other colour paper, card etc that came through the door with flyers, bills etc.

Next are some Christmas Tree's, more snow flakes and just about anything else we want to do. More recycling Christmas ideas to follow

The Mobile Network - a more competitive and fair approach

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:56:50 +0100

I am on the whole a great fan if Vodafone. Their service and reception us second to none, especially here in the North Wessex Downs where mobile services from any other provider are either non existent or so patchy that it's too unreliable to use. The news that Vodafone have successfully trialed femtocells in Garston to boost signal to not spots is a great idea. The thought of our local MP, Richard Benyon, begging on his knees to a Vodafone exec to get the service up an running, makes it seem even more interesting.

But Vodafone are always going to get bad press whilst they forget two key things:

-Customers want data these days.
-Citizen's of our country want corporates to do the right thing - like paying their fair share of tax.

The second part of this is obvious – all corporate should be compelled to do the right thing. Not only for the company and it's employees, but for the country and our society overall. Corporates must understand that they have a responsibility that expends beyond their balance sheet – it's a social responsibility that should be mandatory for all companies in the UK. But it's the data aspect that I want to discuss today in this blog.

As with most other mobile providers, the Vodafone data network in the UK leaves a great deal to be desired. Often slow and unreliable, especially when travelling, our mobile networks are often pot luck and not a sure thing. I may be especially sensitive to these things as I travel on trains & buses quite often and see either the dreaded GRPS only marker (so slow, even basic web pages refuse to load) or a full five bars of signal but no internet at all.

This is not just a Vodafone thing, but is indicative of what is missing – aiming for only populated areas limits the availability of the service and often brings data not spots to large sections of the country. This is often more apparent for people on the train – who you can see frustratingly saying they may loose connection (and often do) or who are desperately struggling to send email's, read web pages or do anything else on the data networks.

These often train journeys are a perfect bit of down time – somewhere between breakfast and the commute nightmare that's London, or between work and the rush home. These are valuable bits of time that could be regained and re-used by the population. Perhaps by facilitating working from trains, buses etc people could leave work an hour early? Missing a good deal of the rush hours, spreading the commuting load and, by implication, allowing people to spend more quality time at home. Perhaps though, it's just about using the time to contact people, say hi, discuss their day on Facebook, tweet the things that are important to you.

So we could help return a little bit of the day to people with a fully integrated communications strategy. 90% land coverage is not good enough, but neither are hundreds of new phone masts covering some of the best parts of our country. Perhaps though the re-use of some of the current TV spectrum will help – lower frequencies can travel further and often through obstructions that force the use of large numbers of small comms towers.

One thought though could be re-use of the existing spectrum in a more efficient way. Old GPRS spectrum could be re-used for 3G, LTPA or similar. But this brings in a competition problem. For the multitude of companies to compete effectively in the current system, they need to have a level(ish) playing field. OFCOM attempt to do this by handicapping the larger companies and letting the smaller players have a few competitive advantages. This wasn't helped by selling off the spectrum to the highest bidder. Those that won, did so at a huge cost, further crippling true competition and limiting expansion of existing networks. It should not be about how big your bank account is to provide service to the citizens of this country – especially as ultimately it is will be the citizens who pays for this cost through their mobile bills anyway.

So what's Adrian Hollister's big idea for the mobile communications network? How can, in my simple mind, fix the problems of availability, competition, cost effectiveness and in the world stage, ensure that the UK is state of the art, highly efficient and helping it's citizens return part of their day or improve their quality of life?

I would look at three key approaches:

1. Move critical infrastructure into public hands
2. Allow comms towers to be shared between providers
3. Move to a high availability service – blanket coverage of voice and data

Let's look at these in a bit more detail. The first is an obvious one. Depending on your political leanings you may related to this or not, but in terms of something highly efficient it cannot be disputed. Just in terms of the duplication of comms towers there is a level of duplication waste that could be removed and reinvested in other areas in need of service support. But by covering the whole of the UK, you gain the ability to architect (plan and design) service coverage that helps our citizens, protects what is part of our critical national infrastructure (something I am not sure is fully recognised yet by HMG) and provides a base for fair competition and high quality blanket services.

I don't think there are too many people who would dispute the National Grid's role in providing an essential service throughout the UK, and more recently the rail infrastructure was moved back into a public owned company. These are examples of key and critical infrastructure for the country that is most efficiently served though a centralised, co-ordinated and designed from the ground up to provide the most efficient and effective service to the citizen.

With the assumption that the wireless network throughout the UK has been move into a single public owned company, then the reuse of comms towers and communication bands between providers is a simple thing to facilitate. If companies are truly allowed to compete in the market place, then this is one step that would level access and availability for the smallest and largest providers. It would move the question of consumer value to a different playing field. Vodafone, 3, O2 and the others would have to offer higher value services (perhaps contention ratio, internet bandwidth etc). These services would better suite the consumers than basic price – though I'm sure some would compete on raw price alone.

But neither of the top two will work unless the country moves over time to good quality, redundant, blanket coverage of voice and data services. Clearly this would take time, but investment in the services could be provided by auctioning off value add service elements or pre-payment from the mobile company for useage on the new network. How ever we arrive at the investment profile, it's key that the public owned infrastructure company must aim to be not for profit over a fair business cycle. It is a service that critical for our citizens and must be cost effective on that basis.

So what would we end up with?

a. We would have a mobile network owned by the citizens of the country. We control the areas of core investment and we aim to make no profit from it.
b. Each of the mobile providers would have a level playing field and they can differentiate their services though the use of value add services or price. Competition would be opened up to many new providers that could purchase core service directly from the public infrastructure core.
c. We could move to blanket coverage. High availability services. High data services.

In summary though, we could create a UK with a significant competitive advantage compared to our competition. Our country would have a much more cost effective and personally effective service. We could return quality time to people and facilitate new ways of work (such as from home or on public transport). We would have a competitive landscape that would be the envy of the world.

It's also clear though that the Conservatives and their poodle Liberal Democrats do not have the vision for this. Richard Benyon's begging at Vodafone's door clearly shows the limitations of our current service, and whilst I appreciate the investment Vodafone has made in one of our Downland villages; there is a more efficient and effective approach available.

BT Customer Services - better than I thought

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:06:23 +0100

I've used Phone Coop for my standard phone line for ages now, it's a great service and if I need anything I can talk to a real person who is genuinely interested in helping. Their broadband options though are just not up to my high broadband consumption and where we live, there are no real options other than BT or another provider running over the BT network. So BT was my default option as their network does a good job at higher bandwidth uses, like iPlayer, Youtube and the other things my kids go through in their free time. I switched from BT residential broadband to BT business broadband as I started working more from home and the wifes book-keeping business took off. BT have generally been ok, most things just work and I rarely need to speak to them to get problems fixed.

Moving home apparently was a thing too far for BT Business. They did move my broadband service and when I arrived in the new home there was a new BT Hub and details emailed. Smooth going so far. But why would a BT business customer need a residential hub and hang on, what's this - a new contract? So a quick phone call to some anonymous BT retail helpline number (on all my new paperwork) left me confused and not really understanding what changed and what went wrong. So working on the assumption that some serious misunderstanding had occurred I redialled the BT business line from the original contract and explained my situation.

To my great surprise the person on the phone listened to me, summarised my problem back to me and told me they would call around the various BT departments and get back to me within a hour. Oh yea, I thought, I've heard this all before. So I put the phone down and started to recap and document what had gone on so far. After about 10 mins the phone rang again - it was BT. The same chap who I spoke too a few minutes before. He not only accepted responsibility for the problem, but he had fixed it too. Sorting out what must have been a myriad of departments within BT and fixing any new/old contract issues to boot. So, it will take 5 days to switch us back to BT Business Broadband - so perhaps this blog entry is premature, but so far I cannot fault BT Business Broadband - if only the residential service was as efficient.

Adrian Hollister

Changing address - the list of the easy and difficult to deal with companies

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:01:00 +0100

Darn it, it's frustrating trying to change your address details. So here is my good list and bad list from experience of my recent move and from feedback from friends in a general 'coffee around a table' rant about things that annoyed us...

The 'not good at change of address customer services' list...
-Next (all reported call dropped or engaged tone)
-Natwest (for trying to up sell new services and forcing redirection around the company just to get you to buy something new you don't need)
-Which? (cos you can't change anything on-line)

The 'good at change of address customer services' list...
-Various banks
-BT
-Phone Co-op
-Argos

Head Gasket gone again - 300TDI - is it the veggie oil?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:44:00 +0100

It's annoying, but it seems that after only 10K miles the head gasket has gone (or is going) again. Got quite a bit of white smoke on start-up, so I suspect that water is leaking into the exhaust system again. Given that my Discovery 300TDI is old and high mileage, I would not be surprised, but it's had a new skimmed head and a new gasket. This leads me to think that either their is a problem with the new gasket, perhaps a problem with the block or perhaps it's the WVO (waste veggie oil) that I'm using? Each sound progressively less likely, but there is clearly a problem here. When I get a moment, I will take the head off again and have a look. Bit annoying though.

MP's should not vote on political party funding

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:13:00 +0100

Why should MP's get to vote on political party funding?

I know for sure that I personally support the change to level funding - it would open democracy in our country and it would certainly help political parties with limited budgets (such as the Green Party). How much money you have should not influence your ability to get elected. The US system is the worst case I can think of and we are moving towards it. It's not democratic, it's just a plain worship of mamon. Here in Newbury we are a US style system - you either vote Tory or their pet party the Lib Dems - at least that's what they want you to think and with the budgets they wield they can afford to buy the marketing to let the messages stick.

It is also so easy to see that donation money could be used to influence the actions our elected MP's take. There is, for example, no discrimination of where that money comes from home, abroad, extremists, faith groups, companies alike. Would you be happy for your MP to vote on stem cell research if you know their party was funded in any by businesses in that line of work? or allow them to vote on banking regulation when assisted by researchers or others from the banking industry? It's just so open to accusations of corruption that it stinks.

The only fair way, and the only way to ensure that corruption of any form is ruled out from our electoral system is to ensure that each party has the same budget to spend and ideally as little as possible.

I wonder how Richard Benyon will vote here in West Berkshire? For level political systems or to keep one that is open to accusations of corruption, waist and power hungry greed.

If you agree that things need to change, you need to vote for your local Green Party candidate - the only political party offering real ethical change. Adrian Hollister

Solid Fuel? Keep your orange peel and save some cash!

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:04:27 +0200

It's that time of the year when satsumas, oranges and the like are adorning our fruit bowls and there is a handy by product of eating these sweet delights - the peel. I know it can be candied and used as an air freshener, but for me they represent great value as fire lighters. Ok, so this only applies if your lighting a fire, but for those solid fuel stoves out there, keep all your peel and let it dry. I put them on a south facing window sill and leave them for a couple of weeks, harder the better. Anyway, once dry they make excellent fire lighters and with quite an intense heat they are easily enough to get kindling going.

So, my money saving tip for the winter, keep your orange peel, dry it out and use it to light a wonderfully warming winter fire.

The Green Party ahead of Liberal Democrats in new poll

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:49:43 +0200

The Green Party ahead of Liberal Democrats in new poll

The Green Party are surging ahead of the Liberal Democrats according to the latest voter intention figures published by ComRes. Public support for the Liberal Democrats has declined dramatically thanks to a growing disillusionment with the coalition government over controversial NHS reforms, cuts in housing and education and a U-turn on tuition fees.

The report coincides with another election poll released earlier this year by polling company, Marketing Means, which revealed a large swing to the Green Party in March this year. However, while previous voter intention surveys such as Market Means have indicated the Green vote is increasing, the new ComRes report which came out on the 16th October 2011 proves that the Green Party is now a real alternative for traditionally Liberal Democrat voters.

Caroline Lucas, leader of the Green Party recently called on disaffected Liberal Democrats to look to the Greens, saying:

"I have a special message for those Lib Dem supporters who are beginning to despair of the path their leadership has taken them down. If you became involved in politics to serve your local community, to protect the environment, or to challenge inequality, then join us.”

The ComRes report coincides with another election poll released in March this year by polling company, Marketing Means which revealed a large swing to the Green Party.

The report shows when asked if voting were compulsory, 7% of those asked would vote Green, where only 6% would vote Lib Dem. The same question indicated a decrease in support for the Conservative Party, with 15% choosing Labour compared to 13% saying they would probably vote Conservative.

Book review: Planet Dancing by Patrick McCusker

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 21:57:31 +0200

Had a good read this week with Patrick McCusker's Planet Dancing. It's the format that's interesting - as a series of short stories, it reads as though you are ploughing through a series of well structured blog rants that you you enjoy reading whilst waiting for the next slightly over descriptive tale or Irish American stereotype. You can tell the author is not of the blogging generation, but he has managed to capture the essence of getting the point across without using 200 odd pages to do it.

The short stories paint interesting pictures in your mind and I am sure that at least one will resonate with any reader. But you know, if I hear another reference to the first nation people's of north America I think I may be sick. In one he discusses names and by somehow linking names to nature we can return to our natural past, or at least the authors romanic view of the 'first people's of North America' natural past. Of course there is nothing wrong with myth and legend, but I am not sure we should base our hopes of future conservation on this romance.

There are also signs of some innocence by the author, for example, in another chapter the children of the world donate money to one of the worst symbols of environmental and social destruction, the United Nations.

If you think of it as a better presented collection of rants from blogs then you can count it as an interesting read with a strong ecological pictures.

Adrian Hollister Sept 2011.

Conservatives slam Wind Turbines as 'Crime against nature'

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:39:08 +0200

Following yet another set of plans for a Wind Turbine next to the M4 at Lambourn, is this something that we must accept as part of our future or discard the idea as a “crime against nature.” (Anthony Stansfeld - Con, Kintbury)?

Follow the discussion on the Newbury Today Forum

General Apathy for Academy Status

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 23:47:00 +0200

With fascination I've been following the mini Poll on the Newbury Today web site - "Are you in favour of schools receiving Academy status?" The results (to date) show a general apathy towards the whole Academy scheme with more than half not bothered if their schools change.

Rachel Fryer, the Greens' education spokesperson, has a good summary of why people should care: "The Green Party has always spoken in favour of greater freedom for the school to decide how it is run. However this does not and must not mean putting the running of the school into the hands of a private sponsor who may know nothing or very little about education, and taking the power away from parents and teachers who have little representation on the governing body at an Academy."

"Academies can see principals paid in excess of £120,000 whilst there is a high turnover of valued and committed staff lower down the pay scale as they are invited to reapply for their jobs on different pay scales."

"Time and again Greens and others have asked why the freedoms and funding attached to Academies cannot be given without the strings of creeping privatisation and millionaire sponsors attached. Yet no answer is given."

"With the proposals of up to 25% cuts across local authorities, inevitably affecting front-line staff including teachers, we could be facing the situation of having new buildings without the teachers to go in them. Let's give the money directly to schools through greater investment and through bringing back BSF (Building Schools for the Future) money, trusting schools and teachers to know the best way to spend money to improve education."

Adrian Hollister
Newbury & West Berkshire Green Party

How much carnage before West Berks make the A34 a 50mph zone?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:33:48 +0200

Yet again the A34 was blocked north bound by another accident. There are so many accidents on the A34 in West Berkshire between the M4 and the Oxfordshire border it's insane. Why can't West Berkshire Council get off the backsides and call for a controlled 50mph zone in force in this area? What are they waiting for... deaths?

A new daughter to add to my litter

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:00:00 +0200

I have another girl !! fourth in my line of girls. Born at 8lbs 1oz at home in West Ilsley, Berkshire.

Adrian Hollister Baby Number Four

Another stinking filthy First Great Western train from Paddington

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:51:00 +0200

As Mrs Thatcherput it: "Any man who rides a bus to work after the age of 30 can counthimself a failure in life". In an attempt to kill public transport, Conservative governments have put in place public transport systems that are designed to make profit. They are not designed to serve their users with the best and most cost effective journey - they are just interested in profit. There is in no competition between rail operators in Newbury. We have only one incumbant supplier who's worries all come from the shareholder and not the rail user. So is there any surprise when the rail operators - First Great Western - look to cram as much profit (people) into each train?

The utilitarian state of our rail stations, trains and station facilities (such as parking) also deter people from the train network. Up until very recently, the car park in Newbury would fill with rain making it impossible to walk with dry feet from the car to the station; seats and facilities are refreshed but in a cold almost military way (where is the Newbury in our station?); and staff seem demoralised.

You can get an idea of the state of trains from the one I was on the other day… https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150275670839736&set=a.411882899735.185075.609674735&type=1&ref=nf

What we need is very simple:

-Stations that reflect the community they serve
-Train's that cost effectively provide clean comfortable seats for all
-Simple train fares that don't penalise buy on the day ticket prices

How about:
-Train tickets that include the seat number at purchase - if there are no seats left TOC should pay fines for standing customers.
-Train tickets by default include the cost of parking (until the rest of the transport system is functional this is an essential stop gap that will atract more people)
-Seat configurations that allow commuters and business people enough space to work (working on a train in standard is almost impossible)
-Family spaces that can actually support families (I've never managed to get our lot into a single group of seats - we always have to spread out down the train in different seats or stand)

Can the Tories and Liberal Democrats do this? I doubt it, they lack the vision and the ability to deliver.

For the moment, I can only hope that when the next government is elected people remember that they voted for this mess, and to vote with their feet.

Adrian Hollister
West Berkshire Green Party

Social Networking + Text = social communication

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:09:13 +0200

The riots have finally shown to the older generation that there is a newer generation out there making use of much faster and more efficient communications mechanisms. Social communications is not always about pure fact, but collective fact. What appears to be ad-hoc or anarcharistic gatherings are just crowd sourcing - new ways of communicating that appears unfathomable for someone outside of the 'Internet' generation.

Should company cars be speed limited?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:54:42 +0200

At the moment I rarely drive, but when I do I am amazed by the cars speeding where drivers I assume are either desperately trying to make up time, or are in it for the thrills. Often it's the company car drivers that are pushing their limits without a care in the world for the consequences. Speeding and careless drivers are greedy consumers of fuel, car parts, road maintenance, and gas/noise pollution; they are also people who negatively impact communities the most. They do this by scaring people from walking, cycling, they turn communities into hermits afraid to leave their front door, and they risk the health of us all.

Regardless of the impact to speeding and inappropriate driving, there are also legal consequences - it is illegal to speed and something that can and often does lead to a criminal record. I don't know how many company car drivers there are out there, but I'm betting we have 100's of thousands of them and companies largely over look speeding as a criminal act. Generally companies would not do this for other crimes such as fraud (something we seem to have zero tolerance for).

I wonder then, if UK Companies should be compelled legally to restrict the speed of our company cars to 60/70mph and strictly discipline any speeding or inappropriate driving?

Brightwalton School Sixth Year leavers head off in Limo

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 03:41:48 +0200

This years leaving ceremony for the sixth year leavers at Brightwalton Primary School ended in style with two limo's taking the class out for dinner. Champagne provided in the form of fizzy apple juice. Added a picture of the girls in one of the limo's below. Best of luck to all those sixth year students moving up to secondary school.

Greenpeace Campaign against Volkswagen

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:09:43 +0200

Help me in my Jedi training as I confront Volkswagen's threats to Planet Earth http://www.vwdarkside.com/en/jedi/adrian-hollister-729

Mud, water and rust in my Discovery 300TDI Gear Box Selector

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 08 May 2011 10:41:30 +0200

Been having a problem for a while changing gear, it's ok when cold, but as it warms up the darn thing gets stiffer and stiffer. I'm starting to get arm fatigue and debating if the Discovery 300TDI should go in the bin. After a lot of suggestions from forums etc I decided that it's either a broken gear box (likely to be too expensive to repair), or a selector problem. So with my 'hoping its the selector cos it's easier to fix' hat on I stripped out the centre console, drilled out the rivets holding the rubber membrane and peered into the top of the gear box.

Not quite sure what I was looking at I stuck a good ole finger down the hole, which came out covered in water, mud, and rust. A soup of nasties that should not be sat on in the gear stick housing. So off with the housing. It was full to the top with this stuff. Not good.

Discovery 300TDI gearbox selector housing full of water

Time to dig a bit deeper. With the housing off a good slug of gross, muddy water came out leaving a sludge of rust, mud and small stones. After a good deal of cleaning it finally looked more like the gear selector.

I used up half a can of WD-40 just to loosen the compacted mud and rust. But at least it's all gone now. Last step was to pull the gear lever out and check the bush, ball and general yolk condition.

Thankfully it's not too bad. A lot of scratches from small stones, but after a bit of light sanding it looks as new. Nylon bush was in good condition. When reassembled there is perhaps too light a movement now - perhaps a sign a new bush/yolk is required.

Moral of the story - if you pay a shed load of cash to someone from a reputable garage to put a reconditioned box in for you - go check their work. All they did here was leave off a single metal gasket around the gear selector housing allowing mud and water to get in. Simple mistake, damn annoying to fix. Oh and no - they refused to offer compensation or an apology. Seriously bad form.

The efficiency of various cooking methods

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:47:41 +0200

Not too scientific this entry, but found a discussion at work in our sustainability forums asking " I've been looking for information about whether it really is more economical to use a slow-cooker than an electric oven or cooker."

This has been bugging me, so I've clamp metered a few different devices to get a rough idea of how much electricity was consumed in my house making similar foods (stews). Amounts were about the same and the idea is to feed my greedy family of 5 (soon to be 6!!)...

1. Slow Cooker. An average of 20W per person for the food cooked (using boiling water at the start)
2. Microwave. An average of 85W per person.
3. Slow Cooker. An average of 100W per person.
4. Electric Hob (ceramic). An average of 240W per person.
5. Oven (electric non-fan). An average of 350W per person.

2 was higher than I expected, but in the 'rest' periods between the two microwave sessions the microwave still consumed power cooling itself down and turning the turntable etc.
3-5 are hampered by longish warm up times and cooking times are the key differentiator between them - longer the cooking time the higher the consumption

Device: Microwave
Cooking Time: 30 mins (10 mins cook, 5 mins rest & stir, 5 mins cook, 5 mins rest & stir, 5 mins cook all at 70% power on a 850W microwave)
Total consumption 425W, 850W per hour , 85W per person (five people)

Device: Slow Cooker
Cooking Time: 8 hours
Total consumption 500W, 63W per hour , 100W per person (five people)

Device: Electric Hob
Cooking Time: 1 hour (mostly low power simmer, seems to be 2.2KW hob)
Total consumption 1200W, 1200W per hour , 240W per person (five people)

Device: Oven
Cooking Time: 1.5 hours (put into cold oven)
Total consumption 1750W, 1160W per hour , 350W per person (five people)

Anyone else done a similar experiment?

Turn a bank into a old folks home for UK Uncut

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:07:59 +0200

Turn a bank into an old folks home. Newbury, Sat 7th May 2011 10:30 #ukuncut http://t.co/XSJRzJc

Rats ate my gearbox

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 10:06:17 +0200

I've been having a right pain changing gear recently in the old Discovery 300TDI, the gear shift seems to get stiffer the 'warmer' the engine (or gearbox) leaving the gear leave tight and non-centering. I've been putting off looking at it fearing something very expensive, but finally got around to looking last night. Checked the oil levels and they are fine with the oil appearing clear and almost new on the end of my finger. So off with the cover surrounding the gear lever and start my visual inspections before removing the centre console. But hang on - what's happened to all the foam? err and why is it in small shredded bits?

Don't know how yet, but it's clear rats or mice have got in and shredded the foam for nest use. I'm pleased I didn't find one looking back at me and no sign of droppings either. But I can't help wondering of the small shredded bits of foam rubber have made it into my gear box via the gear lever. Gonna have some fun this weekend taking the centre console out and having a look.

Brightwalton Easter Fete

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:27:00 +0200

I was pleased to have face painted at Brightwalton Easter Fete last weekend. We raised over £500 for Brightwalton Primary School. Prize winners were:

Egg decorating competition:
-Olivia Mathison won the pre-school
-James Leach won the Infants
-Mary Odling won the Juniors

Darcey Flemming won the 'How many eggs' competition

Mary Odling won the 'name the bunny' competition

There was face painting, tombola, pansy planting, card decorating, buy a cake and refreshments, 4 stalls - virgin vie, jewllery, scarfs, phoenix cards as well as a lollipop game.

Notes:

1. This event is was run and organised by the local community of Brightwalton.
2. Brightwalton Primary School web site can be found here: http://www.westberks.org/GroupHomepage.asp?GroupID=2563
3. More on Brightwalton village can be found here: http://brightwalton.org.uk/
4. Adrian Hollister will face paint without charge for local charities and good causes. Please use Contact Me on http:/www.adrianhollister.com for more information.

Newbury Greens at #26March in London

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 22:15:00 +0100

Newbury Greens travelled with friends and members of other political parties to the march in London today. What a great event. Pictures and write up to follow.

Electric cars need a fully integrated transport strategy

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:34:10 +0100

The Leaf dubbed ‘the world’s first affordable, full production’ family, electric car has been available to order in the UK since September, with its first customers waiting until March 2011 for delivery. Two such customers have finally got their cars, read the full article.

It's a fascinating problem isn't it. Those who live in towns are likely to reap the biggest benefit of such as car, but I suspect that many wouldn't buy one just on the off-chance that they might make a longer journey once every year. Those who live in rural areas will be too scared to have one - after all, there might not be enough charge to get somewhere (and back). Until we have an integrated transport strategy, very limited range cars will always have a problem. If people thought that they could drive to a train station and comfortably get where they need to do, they would probably do it - even in rural areas; but at the moment a good percentage of the population has never or would never travel by train/bus as they are car centric.

For cars like this to make mass market they either need to improve the range (or options for recharging) to compete with existing car stock, or we need to reinvest in our transport strategy. But heavy investments would be required to change our car centric people into trains/bus users and I'm not sure any political party has the will to attempt this in one go - especially as the state of our public transport is poor at best.

Dear Richard Benyon, why do you insist we need new nukes?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 11:03:16 +0100

Dear Richard Benyon,

It's clear that the cold war is over and spending a vast amounts of money on a new generation of nuclear weapons does not make the UK or the world a safer place.

In the 21st century we need an army (with boots) that are flexible enough to deal with security threats (primarily terrorism), peace keeping duties (and potentially interventions) and humanitarian missions, such as helping dealing with the aftermath of the Tsunami in Japan.

Through an FOI request (http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/files/gpuk/mod_trident_foi_2010_jan.pdf) it has been shown that the MoD are already purchasing parts for the next generation of nuclear weapons systems.

I note that you are strongly in favour of nuclear weapons but your coalition government announced a deferral of the decision to renew the nuclear submarine fleet (something that seems essential for the new range of nuclear weapons systems) until 2016.

I would appreciate an understanding of your position on EDM1477 - is this something that you agree with? I would also appreciate confirmation on the coalition government's stance on renewal of nuclear weapons - it seems to me very confused.

Lastly, I would also like to understand how you came to the judgement that nuclear weapons are in the best interests of our country - I have yet to see or read a rational unemotional justification.

Yours sincerely,

Adrian Hollister

Call for 50mph speed limit on A34 in Berkshire

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 01:05:27 +0100

Yet again there were more accidents on the A34 running past Newbury in West Berkshire. Weekly, if not daily there seem to be accidents involving the short slip roads or the slow and winding hill based section running through the downlands past East Ilsley. Both seem to cause traffic to slow down well below 70 often blocking both lanes leaving other traffic to panic, this is made worse by those selfish few driving faster than the conditions allow.

Why don't we just mandate a slower speed limit through Berkshire on the A34? Average speed camera's are often described as safety cameras, here is a real example where safety would undoubtedly improved.

So come on West Berkshire Council, improve our environment, our safety and save a bit of the environment too: reduce the speed limit on the A34 through Berkshire to 50mph.

Adrian Hollister.

West Berks local Green speaks in House of Commons

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:41:48 +0100

Newbury and West Berkshire Green Party member Miriam Kennet gave a speech in the House of Commons this week on changing the model of economics and business so that goods are no longer built with built in obsolence but everyone is encouraged to reuse recycle and repair things that once they would have thrown away. The capitol expenditure cost savings for local business would be significant.

The speech was hosted by COMTEK which specialises in preventing E waste. The local company The Green Ecnonomics Institute, with 3 offices in Reading help mobile phones to be recycled from the Thames Valley and given to people, to hospitals and schools in countries like Togo where people cant afford telephones. The evening also discussed how larger companies are lobbying against this initiative and how smaller companies can benefit and how open source is a very green idea.

Repairing computers is now becoming one of the fastest growing industries and the new ideas of recycling and reusing even computer applications was introduced. The evening held on the terrace at the House of Commons also featured the Carbon Trust, Computer Aid and many people from the telecoms, computer industry.

For further information and for press enquiries please email local member Miriam Kennet.

We should back the wind turbine at Sheepdrove

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 01:00:21 +0100

With oil prices again on the rise and a real prospect of oil prices sticking at ever increasing levels, people have again begun to start thinking about the mortality of the current energy sources. Here in West Berkshire there are protests going on for a small wind turbine at Sheepdrove farm in Lambourn. Short sighted people often called NIMBY's (Not In My Back Yard) moan about how it would scare horses, kill flocks of birds, produce noise and ruin their land scape (none of these points are, IMHO, real issues). These are, of course, the very people driving car's, running oil central heating and very much like their electricity supply thank you. These are also, of course, the very people that would be first in line to complain when the energy they use becomes too expensive.

Already we have seen here in West Berkshire's downlands how the villages here have been hit by the high oil prices. Lambourn, Great Shefford, Chaddleworth, the Ilsley's and more are all vulnerable as their sources of energy for heating and hot water are seemingly limited. There is no gas up here so everyone is blighted by the high oil prices... oil for heating, bottled gas, electricity and coal/wood all have undergone a bizarre uplift following the price of oil. Competition, it seems, is again not the answer.

Despite this, there still seems to be a short sighted approach to renewable energies here in West Berkshire. Why do all new houses in West Berkshire not include solar powered solar hot water heating? A simple and relatively cheap measure for the developers, but the long term benefit to our community and our society would be dramatic. Why not embrace the use of local renewable energies? If every farm the size of Sheepdrove had it's own wind turbine able to produce 50-100kW, not only would be farms start to become electricity neutral, but the times of domestic high demand are not in common with times of commercial farming high demand - allowing excess electricity to be ploughed back into the local community ensuring a good sustainable supply.

Many people saw and endured real hardship after the second world war - during these times people knew how to re-use, repair, and recycle. We seem to have forgotten this, and people now resist a sustainable future for their children and their grandchildren. Odd, in my mind, that people would be so careless about the people they love and know, assuming that someone else can solve the problem elsewhere. I wonder where they think future energy will come from? I wonder if they have thought that the next world war could be over energy? where would we as a nation stand in an energy war? a question for another blog entry I think.

Adrian Hollister

Some links:
Lambourn Web site
Newbury Today Article

Great walking in Snelsmore Common

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:36:00 +0100

Had a great walk today in Snelsmore Common. Kids, dogs and everyone had a good time. Interesting to see how things are now starting to blossom already. It will be spring soon.

Snelsmore Common in March 2011

Snelsmore Common

Stagnation in charitable trusts whilst big society flops around

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 02:44:16 +0100

I do love walking, quite often starting out on a short stroll with the dogs ends up with hours of rambling investigating areas I've never walked before or revisiting areas that are interesting. Two of my favorite areas are the Kennet and Avon Canal (Bedwyn to Newbury) and the Ridgeway (Goring to Lambourn). These are great walks in fantastic locations and your never too far from a village pub for a relaxing moment. I do wonder though, who in David Cameron's big society will be maintaining these AONB and areas of outstanding recreational opportunity?

I know the Kennet and Avon Canal trust will be doing everything they can, but with funding cut to the bone on all of these charitable trusts, I just can't see how they are going to get an army of volunteers to give up a four hours or so a week to help maintain it all.

The K&A Canal already shows signs of wear and in areas is in need of urgent repair. I can understand why trusts are relucant to put money into projects as they really don't know if, after March 28th (budget), they will still have a role or have any funding. So we sit and largely stagnate whilst the big society flops around us – costing the tax payers more than it could ever save.

On the North Wessex Downs AONB there is the wonderful Ridgeway trail. Despite a vehicle ban, it also suffers significant erosion and need for repair. Cars and motorbikes regularly rip up the fragile right of way, horses do their part too – with sections so muddy and ripped up by the hooves of horses that walkers and cyclists are forced into the bushes further extending the erosion.

There are sections where I can stand on the eroded path with the natural land higher than my shoulders above me. Where, David Cameron, are you going to find the money, resources and labour to fix these delicate and utterly unique parts of our country?

I fear that in the rush for political change the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have in effect thrown assets like this into the bin. Off the agenda and into the forgotten pile. Clearly we need more Greens in government – local and central. We need to keep reminding ourselves that money is not everything in life – our health, well-being, friends and society matter more than pounds saved (or squandered on the rich).

Selling UK plc facilitates foreign ownership and influence

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 23:46:38 +0100

Selling the countries silver puts us all in the hands of private companies who's incentive is a combination of greedy profit and social/political control. Too radical a thought? Of course it's not, but it is something that we don't like to talk about. Now go on try to show how the UK is not one controlled utterly by the private goals of foreign regimes.

EMA heading to scrap heap - poorest hit yet again

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:17:00 +0100

How conned the people of Newbury and West Berkshire must feel. At every opportunity the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats go back on their election pledges. The EMA allowance was brought up several times in the hustings, with both parties pledging to invest more in education and keep education open to all. But how times change. Under the pretence that this is paying off our nations debts, both parties are intent on selling the future of our knowledge economy to pay for tax benefits for the super rich (1).

The Green Party have been clear all along – education must be open to all. Adrian Hollister from the Green Party in Newbury said, “The scrapping of the EMA is a clear attempt by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat government to exclude education, through financial burden, to poorer members of our society. Their obsession with reducing the national debt whilst conceding tax benefits to the super rich (1) demonstrates that their agenda is not a genuine attempt to help every member of our society.

The Green Party will continue to oppose their strategy and will continue to fight for a fair and inclusive society. Is is not too far a stretch of the imagination to see that if the Tory and Lib Dem's are allowed to continue their big business and super rich agenda, education and healthcare will only be available to those with enough disposable income to pay for it. The poor will once again be excluded and social mobility eradicated. This throw back to the Victorian era must not be allowed to happen.”

1. Tax cuts for the super rich include ways of avoiding paying inheritance tax http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/consult_age_75_annuity_responses.pdf

Incinerator heading for Chieveley & Curridge near Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 16:06:00 +0100

The planned incinerator plant near the M4 north of Newbury has rightly raised eyebrows from the locals in West Berkshire. The idea is to put the incinerator in an old quarry and ship vast quantities of waste to the plant to be burnt. It generates some net new electricity, but also stock piles vast quantities of nasty toxic chemicals and puts a whole bunch more into the air. Local residents of the downlands in West Berkshire are right to be concerned. The downlands are one of the last unspoilt parts of our country, with the legendary Ridgeway running through it's heart. The downlands supports farms with some of the highest animal welfare standards, studs, business and houses with a well knitted community. What Grundon are proposing directly attacks at the heart of the community here.

I am sure I will write more about this subject here, but for the moment here is a quick quote:

"Why anyone would want to pollute West Berkshire with additional CO2, toxins and ash is beyond me - the residents of Chieveley and the downlands area of north Berkshire have my complete support rejecting
this idea.

The re-branding of incineration of waste to environmentally friendly power production is a misnomer - Greens worldwide oppose incineration because rather than eliminate waste it encourages waste production and in the process creates dangerous, health threatening toxic by-products, which then have to be dumped. It's also an inefficient method of producing energy. A hierarchy of techniques with reduction, reuse and recycling is inherently more preferable to burial or incineration.

We must as a society reduce the amount of waste we produce and aim for a 'zero-waste' strategy (as has been successfully implemented in parts of (Canada and Australia). Good waste prevention and minimization would eliminate the need for this facility.

Adrian Hollister. "

If you would like to contact me on this or any other issue, please call-in, phone, or use the 'Contact Me' in the left side bar.

Barmy bankers big bonus bonanza

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:49:13 +0100

How can you claim to be looking to save every penny and pay back the UK debt pile, if you are giving bankers - the cause of our recent recession - license to print money in large bonus' for it's staff? The Conservative/Lib Dem clear "big business/rich people" agenda is seeping through so that even the most die hard Times/Daily Mail reader can see. There was an opportunity here to push the excessive bonus tax for another year, it would help repay our debts and curb unsustainable targets. The banks were clearly happy to pay it and the staff were clearly happy to still have a job (and some bonus). Even easier, the Green Party way forward is simple to administer and monitor - cap state owned bankers bonus levels at £25K with a view to phase them out asap.

Old comment from Adrian Hollister - compensation always drives behaviour. If we are setting targets for people with big payouts attached to them, they are generally going to do all they can to achieve the targets to get the payouts. If you have to pay bonus monies, set the targets to be fair, ethical, and sustainable.

Environmental impact of rentals needs improvement

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 17:37:00 +0100

There should an obligation on landlords to do the best they can for their tenants and the community in which the tenants live - at least their should be and at the very least there should be a moral obligation. I may be optimistic here though - the Tories and their Liberal Democrat partners in crime are doing their very best to change us into as selfish and self centred a society as mad Maggie did many years ago.

I've been speaking to people throughout the West Berkshire downlands about rental properties and the big divide between those properties provided by the housing association and private landlords. In my quick poll of people it seem that housing association has a much higher quality of rental properties - certainly in terms of environmental and tenant welfare issues. I've not yet spoken to a tenant in a housing association house that thinks their buildings are in need of an environmental upgrade. I know solar hot water feature highly in my wish list, but this would only create a bigger gap between the housing associations and private landlords.

The worst off seem to be those that cannot get a housing association house. The quality of housing stock from private landlords does seem to be terrible.

For example, whilst most now have double glazing, it's only because the old single glazing was so beyond repair it just had to be repaired to keep the property occupied. I've yet to find any private tenant that thinks their private landlord has or even would consider upgrading insulation levels to meet the minimum modern standards.

Another common example discussed is that none of these private landlords are concerned about water quality in the home, with many 60's/70's/80's properties taking drinking water still from the water tank in the loft (and as I understand this can be a great source of nasty bacteria).

So what am I suggesting? I think that the standards of the housing association should be applied to all private rental properties. There should be parity in their quality. I also think that all new and tenanted homes should be provided with a solar hot water system. Simple things like this would improve the quality of life for many of the people in our community and ensure that we continue to strive to have the best quality of life with the least impact on our environment.

For reference, you can find the Sovereign Housing strategy here.

I miss not hearing the rain at night

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 06:22:00 +0100

One thing I remember from a kid was hearing the rain at night and the wind whistling through the edges of the windows. It was somewhat exciting, almost imparting it's energy to my enthusiasm. With the advent of double glazing though not only do we not get ice on the inside of the windows (how exciting that was as a kid) but we seem to have lost the nightly sound show. But this is not all bad though, at least we are warm at night and the noise of traffic has gone away. If I ever get around to designing and building my own home I am going to have a room or two that deliberately allows the sound of the rain to come through.

Without chickens my recycling rate has dropped

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:47:28 +0100

Christmas has come and gone and give or take we have been good with our recycling. We've not used anything we haven't needed to use and we have reused everything we can (amazing how present boxes can be turned into play kitchens, dens and a whole bunch of other things for the kids). This year I also separated the different types of waste when presents were opened - largely wrapping paper, cardboard and plastic bits.

The bit we failed on this year is the food. Whilst the dogs did their best to consume anything meaty, smelly or windy (why do my dogs love brussel sprouts?); we are missing the chickens. They did an excellent job of consuming all of the bread, veg, rice, pasta, and to be honest just about anything passed their way; and, of course, there is only so much you can give the wild birds without attracting hoards of mice, rats and other nasties into your garden.

So for the first time in ages we are actually putting food waste into the bin. Next on the shopping list must be some more chickens.

Is West Berks rural part of the BT Infinity broadband upgrade?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 04:00:58 +0100

I wonder if any West Berkshire villages will be upgraded to BT Infinity? Broadband speeds in the rural areas of West Berkshire are terrible, often 2Mb or less, and none of the exchanges have anything other than basic 'up to 8Mb' type service. If BT need a priority for the upgrades it should not be those in towns, but those in rural not spots or slow spot. Anyway, you can check to see if we have been part of the upgrade from this site http://www.racetoinfinity.bt.com.

(update 7th Jan 2011 - no West Berkshire exchange made it into the top few)

White roof, white roof, white roof, brown roof. Hmmm.

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:30:12 +0100

The cold may be endangering for some, annoying for others, great fun for kids and the rest of us; but there is a clear advantage of all this snow. Go along a row of houses and you can see which ones don't have any insulation. Seriously try looking up at the roof line and follow the levels of insulation. I am surprise quite how many are snow free - melted due to heat loss from the house. Heading from Newbury to Reading on the train was amazingly interesting. Terrace houses work especially well for this little game as there is always one in a long row of them with a snow free brown roof. So go outside and look at your roof - white usually means you have good insulation (or no heating!), partially or fully melted snow shows how much of your household heat is heading out through your roof. A few quid spend now on insulation will add significant benefits to your heating costs and will do your bit for the environment and the sustainability of our fuel sources. Check your local energy companies for insulation offers.

Fire at Holiday Inn Plymouth

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:57:00 +0100

At 00:12 this morning the fire alarm went off at the Holiday Inn in Plymouth. When opening the hotel room door it was clear that there was smoke inside the hotel building - not visible, but you could certainly smell it. Most of us departed in an orderly way to the outside and watched as the smoke turned to flames and two fire engines turned into what appeared to be 10. It was certainly all very well done by the services there, but not so great from the Holiday Inn staff who did a role call right in front of the burning building and then sent us through the dense smoke to Jury's Inn. Good to see that the manager from the Holiday Inn eventually took charge and found rooms for people. I found a bed by 03:00. Thankfully it appears that no one was seriously hurt.

There is a bit more information on the BBC News web site http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-11782607.

The original video is also available on YouTube.

Chickens in Hemp heaven

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:46:11 +0100

I've been using shredded paper for the chickens nesting box, it's freely available (with all the darn junk mail) and people pop it around when they come. It composts well (especially when covered with chicken poo) and works well when covered with anti-mite type powers. I've just been given a rather big bag of dried hemp 'chippings' so decided to switch over to using it. So do the chickens like hemp bedding?

The quick answers is that the chickens seem to love the stuff. I've not had a single broken egg and they have dug some nice nests in the stuff. Also cleaning out is easy as the hemp clusters around the chicken poo - this results in easy lumps that can be removed without mess and put straight into the compost bin. The nearest product I can find that I can purchase is used for horse bedding (http://www.hemcore.co.uk/bedding.php) - doesn't look exactly the same but I will give that a go as well. It's also a lot cheaper than sawdust and with the built in citronella it should keep the flies away in the summer.

Ibex in Chaddworth Closed

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:36:00 +0100

It looks like the Ibex in Chaddleworth has closed. Chaddleworth's pub, The Ibex, has won several awards including South East Entertainment Pub of the Year 2010 and West Berks CAMRA Community Pub 2009 but has been surrounded in controversy when the landlady Julia Jones stole over £15,000 from the village post office effectively closing the branch. I went to the pub quite often when I first moved into the area, but poor, grumpy and what can best be described as stroppy service drove me and others away. It was always going to be doomed when the landlady stole from our post office and then went around boasting about how she got away with it. The locals effectively just stopped going there.

At least the change will be good for our community and I hope to see the Ibex re-open without the taint of the previous tenants.

If you want a great pub in the Downlands area then Adrian Hollister's recommendation is The Stag in Leckhampstead - great food and a great atmosphere (relaxing and comfortable).

£75 more from Jumble Sale

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 09:03:00 +0100

Made a tidy £75 for the Green Party in West Berkshire yesterday. Our jumble sale recycled a large number of items that would normally have gone to the tip, generated some funds, and was great fun for all involved. Many thanks to Pam Cooper for her organising efforts - spot on as usual!

Newbury Tories want more roads - forget people and community

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 21:55:42 +0200

What on earth are the Tories thinking in Newbury? They want to build ring road! What completely insane thoughts went through their heads - "I know we are cutting costs, so lets spend more on roads." and one can only assume that housing, community services and other vital services provided by our council would have to be cut to venture down this project. You out of date fools: it's not your worship of the motor car that we should spend money on. I keep saying that the focus should be on the quality of life for our citizens and the sustainability of our community. Clearly only the Green's in West Berkshire offer this option as the Lib Dems have whimped out on their morals.

You can find more in the Newbury Today web site.

Feather pecking might have to isolate the bullies

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 23:47:03 +0200

I seem to have a feather pecking problem with the chickens. Looks like the solitary black rock is being picked on by the ex-bat chickens. Might have to either isolate the ex-bats or find another plan B as I don't like the look of a poor ole black rock with feathers missing on the back of her neck. I do wonder if the pecking behaviour is inherent for birds that have been brought up in small busy cages with little free space.

Tory's and Lib Dems start bickering locally but agree nationally

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:51:00 +0200

Tory's and Lib Dems start bickering locally but agree nationally as reported in the Newbury Weekly News.

I am amazed at the bare faced cheek from the Newbury Liberal Democrats - they seem to forget that they are in power with the Tories. They chose to sell their objectives and morals so that they could go into power; and they did this knowing that they were joining with a party offering fundamentally different views on almost every issue. Now these differences are coming closer to the surface, local Liberal Democrat party members are being shamed into speaking out.

In the local election debates and hustings the Liberal Democrats agreed with the Green Parties assertions that "Nuclear weapons are a humanitarian, moral, legal and environmental disaster." but they could not agree on what to do with them. Their last review in April this year asserts "there are credible alternatives to the like-for-like replacement of Trident."(1) In the local hustings this seemed to vary some where between the Green Party's clearly anti-Trident stance and the Tory's clearly pro-Trident stance. In this I can only assume they hope to confuse voters enough that they wouldn't ask too many more questions on the subject (and Nuclear weapons only came up twice in our local hustings).

There is only one political party in our area that has had a consistent vision for AWE - the Green Party. During the hustings, at peoples front doors, on the radio and on numerous video interviews I have always stated that AWE is a facility with immense intellectual value - something that we should not throw away, reduce, or leave to rot over time. This vast pool of intellect could be used to push this country to the top levels of sustainability. Imaging if we did not need to rely upon imported gas, oil, coal or manufactured goods. We are an immensely creative society - we could easily invest in this

Mr Rendel mocks his political party and their coalition cuts as 'irresponsible', but it is you who is irresponsible Mr Rendel: It is irresponsible for Mr Rendel to want to see AWE whither on the vine - dead after the current generation; it is irresponsible for Mr Rendel to blame the Tories for actions in his coalition that don't make good press; but fundamentally, it is irresponsible for Mr Rendel to continue to support the Liberal Democrats when their centre left agenda was ripped up for a moment of power with the extreme right wing Tory hatchet mob.

Ultimately though, this issue will come to the people of West Berkshire to vote upon in the next local elections - Blue Tory, Yellow Tory, or a credible, honest and progressive Green Party.

Aminal Aid expose serious animal cruelty before slaughter

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:07:20 +0200

Animal Aid have exposed the abuse of animals in their before their slaughter. The Guardian has good coverage of the abuse and a rather sickening video. I've seen a lot of 'we must tighten up laws' on twitter around this issue, but the real thing we must do is tighten up our morals. These people should not be compelled in any way to want to do these things, and I'm certain consumers would not want a product with 'we treat animals with great cruelty' stamped on the box.

You can find the animal aid web site here: http://www.animalaid.org.uk

The real Tory and Lib Dem agenda starts to become visible

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 02:56:03 +0200

If we ever needed evidence that the Conservative and Liberal Democrats agenda is aimed at saving only the super rich, the latest Condem announcements make it clear. Already squeezing the poor for as much as they can get away with (branded 'scroungers' or similar by the condems) the parties now set their sites at the middle class. Changes to universal benefits are in complete contrast to those proposed by the Green Party. They are also in complete contrast to the original policies of the Liberal Democrats. Their continued thirst for power at any cost still shocks me.

Clearly we have a new extreme right wing element in our politics. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats represent this disturbing change. Whilst the Labour party is lost in it's strange middle ground, the Green Party does still offer an alternative. The Green Party seems to be the only large political party party in the UK offering a an alternative that doesn't discriminate against the poorest whilst bailing out the richest. Personally, I still can't see why we need to cut so many services... if the banks and the super rich were to pay back their debt to society I'm sure that our debts would decrease very quickly.

Chimney swept - have you had yours done yet?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:04:00 +0200

Just had the Chimney swept. A nice chap from Sootys in Great Shefford came along and sorted us out. We've had quite a few sweeps over the years, but it's good to find someone that knows what they are doing, provides documentation and is nice to talk to - so thanks to Simon Watkins from Sootys for a great job. If your looking for a chimney sweep in West Berkshire call him on 01488 649028 or on his mobile 07787 416005. Alternatively look on the NACS web site here.

What's the point in the Liberal Democrats?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 11:17:11 +0200

One headline in the Guardians online site today reads "Deputy PM attempts to soothe disgruntled party and holds out prospect of coalition with Labour". What are the grass roots supporters and voters supposed to think? The Liberal Democrats head into the election with a strong centre left agenda - a pro-people stance. People voted on that basis - using the Liberal Democrat vote as a protest vote against New Labour. They were offering a similar agenda to New Labour, with a little more left wing on some things and a little more neutral on others - I''m sure people thought it was a safe leftish vote.

Now as part of their desperation for power they shifted the party to the right, and not just a bit but a whole lot. Gone are the pro-people policies and in are the new pro-business policies. These are the same policies that put this country into strife in the Thatcher years and the same policies that opened our financial institutions to a 'free market' philosophy that ultimately ended in the recent banking crisis.

So where does that put the Liberal Democrats? Could anyone honestly vote for them and know what they are getting? Would people be worried that their vote would be sold out cheaply for a few more moments of glory and power? If I was a Lib Dem voter I would be ashamed and disgusted with it all.

The Liberal Democrats here in Newbury are pleased with the thirst for power at any cost. Their marketing campaigns depict "Can't win here!" with arrows pointing to various parties, perhaps it's not the political parties that can't win here, but democracy itself - sold off by the Tories for some cash and sold off by the Liberal Democrats for a few years of power. This leaves West Berkshire Council populated by the Tories or the Tories (formerly known as the Liberal Democrats). This leaves no opposition and yet more stagnation - not too long though until the next local elections...

Time for a completely secular BBC - rant

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 13:41:00 +0200

The BBC's whole channel coverage of a minority religious leader is a step too far. I don't want to stop anyone supporting their faith, but I don't need the BBC - something I help to pay for - pushing religion down my throat. We are a multi-cultural society. We all have different views and opinions. I hope that we are all aiming towards complete tolerance in our society and in such a society there is no room for state owned broadcasters to force a moral religious views upon us. The recent commentary on the BBC of the Papal visit discussed over and over again how wonderful this one man is, how he represents all things good and how his faith is the cornerstone of society for 'many' people in the UK. If they needed to cover it, they could have done so in a more matter of fact way - there was no need to hype everything up, create celebrity and certainly no need to over indulge such a minority figure.

There are many other faith groups out there and many other religions - none of which seem to get the same 'how wonderful this is' approach by the BBC. In just one example, the Dalai Lama visited the UK in 2008 - there were a few news events but mostly covering the 'free Tibet' message. No whole TV channels blocked out to it, not 24x7 news coverage, no news reporters buying their stairway.

I think it is about time that either the BBC drop coverage (other than news items) of religious events; or they dedicate a channel to the subject (at least then people could choose to watch or not watch it).

OK rant over. For more see Paul Owens blog.

Vodafone just don't quite get the parking problem

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:47:00 +0200

The article in last weeks Newbury Weekly News discusses the problem with the parking at Vodafone in Newbury. Essentially all contractors have been asked to park away from the main site and catch a bus. Vodafone's response to the problem is an obvious and typical corporate response - we will put on more buses between the sites.

Vodafone could consider a different approach:

1. Favour local resources that have access to the bus services offered by Vodafone - local jobs for local people. Put this in their contract terms to all firms supplying contract workers and take away the additional parking spaces.

2. Promote home working - this improves quality of life. If 1 in 3 people at Vodafone requiring a parking space worked at home the problem would go away.

3. Move the offices from a road/car dependant location to one easily served by buses and trains (oh hang on - they have just done the opposite of this :S)

Of course, there is still the question of these massive numbers of Vodafone buses running around mostly empty. Perhaps Vodafone can consider allowing people to travel in them free along the routes they travel? This could save off-set an enormous number of cars between Thatcham, Newbury and surrounding areas; and would be an enormous give back from Vodafone to the community of Newbury and West Berkshire.

Willow bedding for the chickens

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:56:49 +0200

I gave the willow a good trim over the weekend and with the help of a friends shredder reduced the massive volume of cuttings into big bags of willow chippings. I know willow burns well when dried, so it can start the drying process in the chicken pen. Their scratching and digging through it should also help the drying process.

I've filled their run up to about six inches deep with the stuff and clearly they are enjoying every minute of it. With a summer like we are having the majority of the green stuff should be dried off within weeks.

This is a small scale experiment, but on a larger scale I would hope to be able to fill the run every month in summer and rotate the chicken 'dried' stuff into a green house or similar hot place for further drying. Not sure how or if this is going to work, but it's worth a try especially as willow is so cheap and grows so fast.

£50 quid raised for the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:57:53 +0200

Had a great time at the Waterways featival in Newbury at the weekend. I was facepainting for the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and made just under fifty quid. Nice amount and a great day out. It's amazing how much work the trust puts into the canal without any real recognition from those that make use of it. I hope that changes proposed by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to central government bodies does not cut off their funding. If it does, it will leave the trust (and most other small charities) fighting for the few pennies that everyone has left.

Oh and who is this handsom if slightly balding fellow Newbury Weekly News caputred?

Review of Tea Pigs (www.teapigs.co.uk)

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:17:27 +0200

I put a blog entry on a few days ago discussing the use of plastic in tea bags and an alternative source, Tea Pigs. There are a few suppliers out there with alternatives, but I buy my stuff from Tea Pigs, so I thought it was worthy of a review.

Loose real leaf tea is still slightly specialist and you can't just go to the local supermarkets any more as most don't even stock standard brands of leaf tea any more. High quality leaf tea is another matter. It's highly specialised and generally very expensive. If you love your herbal drinks and even tea you will I'm sure appreciate the variations from the standard sweepings off the tea room floor used in many of the commodity tea bags out there. Tea Pigs have one rather unique selling point - they use these 100% biodegradable tea bags. Not uncommon in the rest of the world, but not something you often find here in the UK. They call them tea temple, but there are various descriptions of them out there on the web if you search. Having a tea bag that I can put into the compost without worrying about the plastic used in standard bags is a good thing.

Anyway back to the tea and the shop. Firstly the shop part. There is an on-line store (www.teapigs.co.uk) which is very simple to use and takes all the usual payment methods. The web site is slick, but I am disappointed that they don't go into enough details about what's in their product, where it comes from etc. So what about the tea then? Ok, lets get onto the three tea's that I've tried to date:

Tea Pigs English Breakfast: Standard dark black real leaves in the bags hide what is actually quite a nice traditional blend of tea's. Nothing is overwhelmed and each leaf used add it's own distinct character to the brew. This is a very nice tea with strength and body.

Tea Pigs Chai Tea: A surprisingly interesting and very fragrant blend of tea and spices. The tea in the bag is a marvel to look at with real spices in the bag (seemingly no fake flavours here). A good three minute brew later and you have a stunning warming tea that tastes every much as good as it smells. It makes an absolutely wonderful drink with a great depth of spices to tease your nose and mouth.

Tea Pigs Rooibos Creme Caramel Tea: I do like my Rooibos tea. Naturally decaffeinated, very hydrating and a brilliant afternoon tea on a hot day. So why the heck add Crème Caramel to it? I've no idea why they thought of it, but what a great idea! I still enjoy mine with milk and keep my caramel red bush tea for the evening as it's lovely and relaxing and a very comforting drink. The caramel adds a wonderful smell to the drink which at first is not apparent in the taste. Only after swallowing does the crème caramel leave it's mark in your mouth leaving you licking teeth and the top of your mouth for a bit more yummy crème caramel.

For a real tea supplier, using real ingredients I cannot fault them. Next order I'm going to add the blue tea, expect a review soon. Adrian Hollister's favourite tea from there.... it has to be the Crème Caramel Rooibos.

No plastic tea bags please

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:39:00 +0200

Recently brought up in the press again is the use of plastic in tea bags. Modern tea bags from the big brands use between 10-30% plastic in their bags. This, of course, is not compostable and won't bio-degrade quickly in your compost bin. Twinings, PG, Lipton and Tetley appear to be some of those brands who have been identified as using plastic in their tea bags. Given the very high price most people pay for tea and coffee in canteens and cafe's, shouldn't we be getting the best product available? Should we be worried by any chemical leaked from the plastic when immersing this plastic in boiling water?

Companies like Tea Pigs sell tea in bags that will fully degrade in the standard compost cycle. They are expensive compared to supermarket tea, but outside of the home our drinks are not exactly cheap. Perhaps a switch a switch to 'better for us all' tea bags would be a good idea and could be done in conjunction with a home composting campaign by the offending tea companies.

Greens Proud to have spent the least in the Newbury election

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:10:00 +0200

So desperate were the local Conservatives and Liberal Democrats that they spent over 12K each fighting for power in this election. I've no doubt that this put both local parties into debt - something they both vowed to bring the country out of. The Green's here in West Berkshire spent the least on electioneering and as the parliamentary candidate for the Green Party in Newbury, Adrian Hollister said, "I am proud of what was achieved with such frugal funding"

Overall the Tories will have spent a good deal of money per vote, plus of course the interest on the loans issued to them and other debts to be paid. I'm guessing when everything is tallied up, they will have spent about a £1 per vote - about the same as everyone else. This shows how much reform needs to happen on our current election system. Pounds sterling should not equal votes. People should be able to feel free to vote for what is right; for what in their heart they believe in; and not what some marketeer or media source has told them.

Next step Lib Dem / Tory merger? http://bit.ly/cd8ZJ1

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:58:16 +0200

RT @NewStatesman - Lib Dem anger over plan for Cameron to address conference http://bit.ly/cd8ZJ1

7th 14th July - Fire Saftey Van in Great Shefford

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:51:30 +0200

The Fire Safety Van will be outside Great Shefford shop this Wednesday 7th 10:00-16:00 and again on the 14th of July where it will also head to Brightwalton School at about 14:00. Hope to see you there.

Don't buy Abbey Santander 'peace of mind' - it's anything but

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:39:01 +0200

If, like me, you've pulled your hair out trying to get anything useful from the bleedin' awful Abbey / Santander 'peace of mind' insurance service you may like me want to complain by email their exec team. Not too difficult to work out their email address (firstname.lastname@santander.com). Of course, they didn't reply or do anything about it, but it made me feel better when they dropped me in a smoking pile of the stuff.

So complaints to Abbey / Santander Insurance are generally ignored by them using the ole' "it's nothing to do with us as we sold you someone else's insurance you need to contact them" routine; and, of course, those third parties regulate themselves with their own "I don't give a stuff about you" mentality. These companies should be made accountable for their near scam activities and certainly they should not be able to claim the words "peace of mind" in relation to their insurance services.

My 2p worth - don't buy Abbey Santander Insurance - they've got it horribly wrong and offer terrible value.

I fear the budget will kill off Newbury area public services

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:56:17 +0200

In response to the Chancellor’s Emergency Budget announcement today, Green Cllr Amy Kennedy said:

“We are gravely concerned to see so many wide-ranging cuts to public spending. The effects of today’s announcement will have a massive impact on local government and communities, as we warned a few weeks ago.

“The enforced freeze on council tax is a crude attempt by central government to shift the blame for soon-to-be disappearing public services onto local government. Not only is the Government desperate to avoid criticism for their own ruthless economic policy, but they’re limiting the flexibility for local councils such as Brighton & Hove to be able to manage fairly the cuts the Government is demanding.

“The public sector pay freeze which will affect many at the city council, which on the face of it may seem reasonable to some, will in fact amount to a pay-cut to some of those on lower incomes once inflation is taken into account.”(1)

Adrian Hollister from the Green Party in Newbury agreed and said, "We are now at a point where everyone working in public sector is holding their breath for the pending cuts. Public sector employees here in West Berkshire are expecting to see job cuts and they are expecting to see services cut leaving them to hope and charity.

"The ConDem local government we have in West Berkshire will I'm sure keep up the pretence of being 'two parties' but in reality their leaders sleep in one bed and the Liberal Democrats must be ashamed that they have sold out their morals for a few years in power. How they are going to justify cuts in local services I just don't know - the Lib Dem's told the public during the election that they would protect people, they would represent families, they would represent the poor and build communities. Clearly they do not.

"I am not sure the people of West Berkshire have quite realised what monster they have voted in, but it is clear from today that the poorest and the 'middle class' are going to pay back the debt largely caused by the greedy rich few. I wouldn't mind betting rich Tory boy Richard Benyon is laughing all the way to the bank."

Notes

1) For example, the £250 year-on-year increase for an individual on £16,000 per annum actually only amounts to a 1.5% pay increase whilst inflation is expected to be between1.6-2%.

The paper coffee cup, the craze of the noughties still with us.

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:39:15 +0200

One of the great areas of growth on the high street in the noughties was the boom of the American style cafe. The likes of Starbucks and similar brands popped up on every high street, in supermarkets, hotels, petrol stations and even pubs. With the American theme came the over disposable nature of American life. Throw away everything and, in the case of the tea and coffee drinks, throw away paper cups, paper cups selves and their plastic lids.

Of course, it's been like this for years before, but not on this scale. Cup sizes have increased from a what I thought was a standard tea cup size to something akin to a flask - all to add 'value'. Cups then went crazy with plastic coatings to improve the look, highly coloured prints, thicker paper, more more more. It's 2010 now and things are tough for everyone and a lot of the over marketing of a simple cup has disappeared almost as an affluent excess that turns people off the very product being sold.

The craze of putting these cafe facilities into businesses (as an effort to make a lot of money for the companies hosting these franchises) has just pushed further waste into companies that are not designed or largely required to recycle their waste. Almost every private sector company I visit has bins full of these cups, sleeves and plastic lids.

Clearly there are some big companies out there mitigating these excesses - IBM being one of them. Their introduction of recycling facilities at just about every office is a commendable first step. This is one among a few though. Even the most evangelical capitalist (or ConDem) would admit that Private Companies cannot be expected to 'do the right thing' and recycle their waste.

It's the simple paper cup waste that says it all for me. We have soaked up the throw away society slowly over the years. Adopted the American disposable culture and largely forgotten the cost of this excess. Cost in the creation of the product - paper from trees, plastic from oil and coal; cost in the disposal of the product; the cost of our greed over farming areas to produce parts of our consumed product; the cost to people in our ignorance of their lives and working conditions; the cost to our future and future generations. The true cost of our excesses will far out strip the financial troubles in the world. Let's hope that we are not hated by our grandchildren for our ignorant consumer 'bliss'.

Are special advisors just more consultants that should be cut?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:16:44 +0200

Given the current fascination by the ConDem government for cutting out consultants, I just wonder if special advisor's who are just political consultants should be included in the cull? Every department seems to have droves of them wandering around with no fixed agenda (sic). I note in the recent question to the minister in charge of DEFRA, her bag boy Richard Benyon replied with some basic stats, but interestingly the special advisor seems to have been excluded from the pay grades.

I'm guessing this is because they are not full time civil servant, nor a full time politician, so they must be a consultant.

If we are to have a fair system and all consultants are on the ConDem hit list then special advisor's should be top of the list. If they are consultants earning special pay grades then their wages should be published just like everyone else.

So, ConDems, I call on you to openly publish the cost of special advisor's and be open and fair around their cuts from all pay grades.

Will the oil spill in the gulf help people and business realise that oil is not sustainable?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 07:23:00 +0200

People also are quick to judge BP for the disaster, especially in the US where blame is always the first thing sought. I wonder how often the people directly affected in the US blame their own consumption of oil? their own disproportionate need and greed for energy? without their need these companies would not have been financially inspired to go and get the oil from such risky places.

I can only hope perhaps that With the ever increasing oil spill in the gulf, that it is the oil industry itself that will recognise the risks taken by the business to produce a product ultimately in decline. BP has over the years diversified into areas outside of oil production, but more recently has scaled back it's investments into renewable and alternative energy systems.

It surprises me that the opportunity for our UK oil barons to become 'clean energy' leaders has been lost. Simply investing their vast profits into the badly needed next generation of energy systems would ensure that their business is sustainable going forward. They risk their corporate future by doing so and squander their profits to meet the chairman's perceived 'immediate needs' of shareholders.

With ConDem Right/Centre Left coalition in the UK it is unlikely that significant investment in renewable energies will come from the centre, but it is likely that they will look to business to be the pioneers. This perhaps is where the likes of BP can regain it's reputation.

I do hope BP survives. There are a lot of good people at the company, these people have shown innovation and I'm sure if put to the right use BP and our other dirty oil giants could be world leaders but in my opinion they should be world leaders in renewable and sustainable energy systems and help us all wean ourselves off our oil addiction.

'Disillusioned Lib Dem voters told the future isn't orange, it's green'

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:57:29 +0200

What a great article in this weeks Newbury Weekly News - the headline in their elections 2010 section is 'Disillusioned Lib Dem voters told the future isn't orange, it's green'.

Also from today's media round up, you can see that Richard Benyon secures a minor position in government.

Finally, Brightwalton fete appeared on page 6 of the Newbury Weekly News with a great picture of the maypole dancers.

Calling all Liberal Democrat members and voters in Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 12 May 2010 23:48:43 +0200

Article from the Green Party web site:

Yesterday evening's announcement of a deal between the Tories and the Lib Dems should be a wake-up call to Lib Dem supporters, said Britain's Greens this morning - and the Greens issued a "big, open, and comprehensive offer" to Liberal Democrat members and voters to come and join the Greens and campaign for real democratic change, real action to tackle poverty, and real action on climate change.

The offer was made jointly by the Green Party of England and Wales and the Scottish Green Party.

Caroline Lucas MP, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said:

"The Lib Dems have shown themselves to be not so much a party of change as a party of changing its mind.

"The Lib Dems have made themselves known as a party of dirty tricks in election campaigns. But now, Nick Clegg has carried out the biggest Lib Dem dirty trick so far, betraying all those people who voted Lib Dem because they honestly thought it would bring about electoral reform."

Patrick Harvie MSP said:

"This is an extraordinary decision by the Lib Dem leadership, and thousands of their activists and voters will feel heavily betrayed today.

"Many explicitly campaigned as the best way to keep the Tories out of power, as a party of radical change and a party of principle, and they have now been completely let down by Nick Clegg and his top team. These members and supporters did not work hard over the last weeks and months to see their party become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Tories.

"We would therefore like to make a big, open and comprehensive offer to Lib Dem supporters to come now and talk to the Greens instead. Many former Lib Dem members have already found a long-term home with the Greens, including former Lib Dem councillors. Thousands of Lib Dems will be unable to stomach this decision to put David Cameron's Tories into power, and it's time for them to consider coming home to the Greens.

Harvie continued: "On several crucial points, we have significant common ground, ground that the Tories will never concede through this Westminster stitch-up. We back true constitutional reform, not only proportional representation but also fixed-term Parliaments, a written constitution, votes at 16, limits on corporate donations to political parties, and a whole host of other measures dear to Lib Dem activists' hearts. We support a fairer taxation system too, where those on the highest incomes start to pay their fair share, something the Tories' donors will never permit them to consider. On the environment, we've stood up against a litany of climate-wrecking projects, including those which were approved by Lib Dem ministers in Scotland to the dismay of their members. We're the only political party offering an economic policy which is consistent with environmental politics.

"With the election of Caroline Lucas as the UK's first Green MP, we've shown that radical Green politics can also win popular support at all levels. We are also a truly democratic party, our members set policy in public at conference, and we can be relied on not to sell out. Above all we would never deliver power to the Tories, a party still alien and unacceptable to most Scots. This Lib Dem/Tory deal is the final confirmation that those wanting change will always be shut out by the three big parties at Westminster, and today's decision will be the death-knell for the Lib Dems here in Scotland."

ends.

Adrian Hollister added, "Local news have been following the story that David Rendel is strongly opposed to the pact between the Lib Dems and Tories. I can understand why. In Newbury the Liberal Democrat vote has always been a 'protest against the Tory' vote. This has been betrayed and by linking two parties with such fundamentally different views I can't help thinking that the Lib Dems will have lost the trust of the majority of voters."

You can follow the David Rendel anti-pact story here: http://www.newburysound.co.uk/rendel-on-coalition-i-5863.php

Can't Win Here - conned by the Liberal Democrats (again)

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 11 May 2010 21:49:37 +0200

"Can't Win Here" - words that Lib Dem's have been saying and publishing here in West Berkshire for quite some time. They are of course referencing New Labour and the rest (including us Greens). "Your vote will be wasted" - how many times have I heard that - there are, of course, only two political parties in Newbury (according to the Lib Dems) ... Tory old boys or Lib Dems. Both in opposition to each other, both with different morals, both with different ethics.

What irony now that the Lib Dem's are sleeping with the devil.

All those protest votes against the Tories that went to the Lib Dems 'because no one else could win' have been waisted. You have been lied to by the Liberal Democrats - a vote for them is a vote for the Tories - don't be conned by the Liberal Democrats any longer - they don't care about people, communities, our society, and our futures. They are only in it for power.

So, don't waste your vote again on the unpredictable, unreliable and unethical Liberal Democrats - they will sell their souls for a moment of glory.

Move to better and co-operative politics, with ethics, community and our environment at it's centre - move to the Green Party.

Two party Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:42:00 +0200

Well in Newbury Adrian Hollister won just under 500 votes in a system that promotes and encourages a two party system. We did this with no budget but a whole bunch of enthusiasm. Thanks to my election agent Pam Cooper who did so much work it amazes me she manages to fit in her family and keep smiling!

I doubt that the votes cast are a true representation of the views of the public at large in Newbury - they were told over and over again that only the Tory's or Lib Dems could win in Newbury - and the votes reflected that. If a real PR system were to be introduced I am sure that the voting pattern would be much more realistic (something that the Greens have seen through out the rest of Europe).

This makes Caroline Lucas' win in Brighton Pavilion much more impressive. Against all the odds and against the expectations of the national media, Caroline pulled a stunning win out of the bag. This will help to show that there are more than just three political parties out there; demonstrate that the Green Party is more than tree's and human rights; and show that Green politics are about people, communities and quality of life.

In Newbury, the Lib Dems were clearly damaged by their anti-democratic / negative campaigning - the 'no one else can win here but con/lib dem' may even prove to be right if the Lib Dems make a deal with the Tory old boys tonight. I wonder how many Lib Dem voters will be disheartened that their protest vote against the Tories will be wasted in a Tory/Lib Dem pact.

So, thanks again to Pam Cooper and all of my supporters out there! It's been really good hearing all your words of support. Thanks also to the other candidates for standing up for what they think is right.

Adrian Hollister

Crafty Craft charity event disrupted by Tory Lib Dem's begging for votes

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 03 May 2010 22:22:27 +0200

What a great Crafty Craft event today. Loads of people, I enjoyed some fresh doughnuts, some tea from the Stone Building, chatting to all the stalls, and of course the boats. The weather on the whole was fine, but there was a chilly wind and I didn't envy the people on the boats - cold and wet.

Only spoiler was the desperate Lib Dem's and Tory's begging for the last few votes. Not sure a charity event was the best way of pushing a political point and most people looked completely fed up with the canvassing hoards from both parties.

Still, it was a brilliantly run event and a credit to West Berkshire and, of course, it was a great example of how re-use of items can be put to great effect.

I look forward to the next one!

Adrian Hollister

Facepainting again at Brightwalton Fete

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:49:00 +0200

Yet another excellent Brightwalton Fete. I did some face painting again this year. You can find out a bit more about the event here... http://www.westberks.org/GroupHomepage.asp?GroupID=55417 .

Great Christian hustings events in Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:11:10 +0200

During the two Christian hustings it's is clear that people are concerned about the impact of globalisation and free trade both on the poverty in the 3rd world and on our own greedy need consumption to make us happy (buying things clearly do not make us happy).

There are clear strong theme for the 'right to life' and the right to a good quality of life both here and throughout the world. Richard Benyon was proud that he didn't support equal rights for all in our society (with his anti-gay votes reference
http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1727&dmp=826) and he steered clear of his pro-weapons exporting stance whilst claiming he supports all forms of right to life. UKIP also came out strongly against the LGBT community claiming that there was 'something wrong with them'. The Green Party has very strong human rights policies and stance which I hope was recognised by all.

I had very strong support for Green Party environmental policies as well, clearly the others struggled: Richard Benyon failed to make a cohesive 'green wash' argument (how can you support globalisation and free trade and say that localisation and fair trade are the way to go!); David Redndel was also on the fence with environmental issues such as nuclear power and weapons.

There were also areas where Green Party policy is not compatible with the various Christian views - our support for carefully monitored and managed euthanasia; pro-choice stance for abortion; and our policies to ensure we have an 'inclusive' society (not one for example that supports closed faith schools or closed moral religious teachings). But the feedback I had from people was that although they were not in agreement they were pleased that I had clearly brought up the differences and was
prepared to listen to them and their argument.

We had 7 people from the last event pledging to vote for Adrian Hollister (Green Party) and wishing us all the best.

As a matter of interest you are the only prospective candidate who has bothered to reply

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:40:38 +0200

Why is it that "as a matter of interest you are the only prospective candidate who has bothered to reply" is typical of a whole bunch of emails that I'm getting every day. I know that when standing for election you get a large number of emails and a lot of post too; so why don't the other candidates take the time to respond to the people asking questions? I try to answer every email I get, with my views and I don't just respond to the ones I agree with - I suspect the other's are just not responding to questions that they don't have 'good news' stories for or agree with. Another example perhaps of having to listen to what the politician does not say rather than what they do say (for example there is still no sign up from the other PPC's for or against either Friends of the Earth or CND's campaigns).

I've also noticed that some of the other PPC's seem to be asking for an address to write to - doesn't this defeat the whole object of email? a quick mechanism to ask and reply to questions. It seems the rest of our PPC's are of a generation where the electronic world (the world of business, the majority and our immediate future) is lost to them (and their vast staff).

Meet Adrian Hollister Green Party parlimentary candidate

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 08:17:00 +0200

I had a great time Saturday afternoon in Newbury doing a 'meet Adrian Hollister the Green Party PPC' session in Newbury. The main theme discussed was around the leadership debate (and why the Green Party was not represented); the impact of balanced parliament was raised many times – with people made more uncertain by the negative comments driven by the Tories. The interesting irony was that people were discussing Nick Clegg as someone they would vote for, but in West Berks they are also fed up with the bickering between Tory's and Lib Dems.

Good chat with Adam Osmond MYP

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 06:14:00 +0200

I had a good chat to Adam Osmond MYP around young people issues, the lack of funding to actually do anything and the limited drive from the local authorities. I discussed with him the £1bn of extra funding proposed by the Green Party and my own personal
thoughts abound providing a part-time salary for MYP members to ensure that they are not overcommitted with several jobs and to ensure that their role in the community is recognised.

We also discussed his main concerns for young people – the burden of the student fee's (the Green party have committed to abolish student tuition fee's); housing – how do young people get onto the property ladder (Green Party have committed to provide affordable and sustainable homes); and finding new jobs (Green Party would create 1 million new jobs through investment in green technology).

Local Lib Dems desperate to find dirt

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:18:52 +0200

Clearly I'm recognised for my blogging, twittering and so on; and in my followers are a number of people from the opposition parties. This is great - it's always an opportunity for me to convince them that the Green Party has the best, the most sustainable and the most ethical policies.

So it was of great amusement to find the Lib Dem stooge in my Twitter list madly emailing last nights post "Just sped through Kintbury at 102 mph!" I assume without thinking about it, he went around madly telling anyone that would listen that "Adrian Hollister, Green Party representative admitting to outrageous speeding".

A bit too quick off the mark I think and with the realisation dawning on the Lib Dem crowd that this was on a train; they are now in a desperate spin cycle to turn it into a local speeding issue. How embarrassing for them and how embarrassing for their stooge - they were caught red handed digging for and spreading dirt that didn't actually exist.

Let's keep it simple stooges - try to win it on your policies.

Meet Adrian Hollister Green Party parlimentary candidate this Saturday in Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:05:39 +0200

Meet the Candidate

Come and meet ADRIAN HOLLISTER your Green party parliamentary candidate for Newbury

Saturday 17th April. 2-4pm. The stone building (Up stairs), The Wharf, Newbury
(In the Central Library car park, next to the canal.)

An informal meeting - just a short speech followed by questions and a chat over coffee.

A few local media links

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:54:26 +0200

Met up with the people from Newbury Sound yesterday - what a great bunch of people! There is a link on their site to the election coverage and a section on Adrian Hollister with a short sound clip. Do I really sound like that - gulp!

Newbury Weekly News also has entries for each of the candidates. You can find a bit on Adrian Hollister here.

If you find other local media links out there please forward to me: Adrian Hollister (adrian@westberksgreens.org.uk) - thanks!

Digital Economy Bill - let down by our MP's again

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:51:21 +0200

I've been a bit lazy on the blogging front for a while now. Not much time has forced most of my blogging into Twitter and into very short hand. I am incensed enough today though to spend time putting some more words down. It's about the Digital Economy bill - an ill thought out rush job to push through a whole raft of changes that at the very least eats into our personal freedoms and at worst open some very private information up to unaccountable bodies and leaves our local businesses who offer free WiFi at risk of prosecution.

Our local MP Richard Benyon did attend the first reading on the bill, but failed to turn up to the second. No great surprise though for a Tory boy who just follows the party line all the time(1) ... and I thought he was there to represent us!?

Benyon votes against equal rights
Then again Richard Benyon voted against equal Gay rights (3) - something that clearly shows up the old and well know out-of-date Tory ideals in the recent Chris Grayling statement.

Benyon wants to keep the gentleman's club
He also didn't want the hereditary peers removed from the House of Lords (4). Clearly showing his 'keep the Tory Toffs in power' cards - something his Lord Ashcroft would I'm sure approve of.

Benyon is the bringer of war and conflict
His only work in the house appears to be either pre-prepared questions for his Shadow Minister, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs role; or to keep exporting weapons through his beloved DESO.

Clearly he likes to provision munitions for other peoples wars. The Green Party and others have consistently called for the dissolution of DESO as it is unclear the impact of arms sales on human rights or conflict. British weapons have for example been used by Israel to attack the largely unarmed Palestinian people (2).

Can you seriously vote for Richard Benyon?

Notes
1. Richard Benyon voted against his party only 10 times. Source http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?id=uk.org.publicwhip/member/1727&showall=yes#divisions
2. http://realisticbird.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/british-mps-slam-weapons-exports-to-%E2%80%9Cisrael%E2%80%9D/ is typical amongst many other references.
3. http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1727&dmp=826
4. http://www.publicwhip.org.uk/mp.php?mpid=1727&dmp=1079

Green's calls for a state pension of £170 per week

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:15:45 +0200

The Green Party today becomes the only political party to call for a state pension of £170 per week and a better future for older people in Britain. In addition to raising pensioners above the poverty line, the Greens are pledging to end the default retirement age, so that people have the freedom to go on working and contributing to society if they wish to, free from discrimination on the basis of age.

Darren Johnson put a great press release and quote out about the issues, saying:

"After a lifetime of hard work and contributing to society, pensioners deserve better than having to scrape by on an inadequate state pension. It's only fair that the basic state pension should be enough to live on - that is why Greens would make sure that all pensioners receive a non-means-tested £170 per week, as well as free social care for all who need it, as is currently offered in Scotland."

Age Concern and Help the Aged agree that our policies are right.

But this is a big increase - to £170 per week as a single rate and £300 for a couple. How it would be paid for:

There are roughly 12 million pensioners living in the UK and a further 1 million living abroad. Paying a single rate of £170 per week, and a couples rate of £300 per week, will cost £110bn per year. The current basic state pension, plus certain other specific pensioner benefits like Pensions Credits paid to those of pension age (which would become redundant if the basic pension rate was raised to the level we propose) costs £70bn. For the remaining £40 billion, we would abolish tax relief on pension contributions (£20 billion), and the national insurance rebate on employer and employee contributions to private pension schemes (£19 billion). The final £1 billion will come from increased income tax receipts from pensioners.

If you would like to know more please email Adrian Hollister using adrian@westberksgreens.org.uk or find my phone number on http://www.westberksgreens.org.uk

Adrian Hollister pledges support for the Ramblers

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 15:28:34 +0200

Adrian Hollister said, "as a fellow rambler I can recognise how important open public access for walkers anywhere they could go walking. I particularly agree that walkers should be placed at the top of the transport hierarchy gaining safe and secure priority at road intersections, in town's and public spaces."

Introduction
For 75 years throughout Britain, we have promoted walking and campaigned successfully for public access for walkers. We are Britain’s walking charity, making walking available to everyone through improving places for walking, as well as encouraging people to walk.

However, Britain today has increasing levels of political devolution and devolved powers. This means that we need politicians of all parties, whether located in Westminster, Cardiff, or Edinburgh, to support and work with us to contribute to a walking Britain.

As Britain’s walking charity we’re committed to ensuring access to all footpaths, the countryside, the coast, the town, and everywhere where people go walking. Over half a million participants walks with us every year on 28,000 walks. These walks are led by 12,000 volunteers. This work is at the heart of all that we do.

We’re also evolving and building on our achievements from the past 75 years. That’s why we’re doing new types of work including promoting walking for families and for people who currently don’t walk at all.

We deliver a wide variety of walking programmes across England, Scotland and Wales. Our walking programmes contribute to a wide range of political priorities such as: health, wellbeing, the rural economy, the environment and climate change.

In this General Election, we want candidates to commit to breaking down the barriers to walking with us. These are:

Physical Barriers: A good walking environment is a major motivator for walking whereas a poor walking environment acts as a deterrent to walking.

We want to see:
• Protection and improvement of public paths in England and Wales, as well as proper implementation of legislation for new path networks in Scotland
• Delivery of the coastal route, which became law last November, as fast as possible

Financial Barriers: There are big financial challenges facing the next Government, but the maintenance of green space, footpaths and open land to walk in, and the promotion of walking, is a low-cost way of delivering key public benefits.

We want to see:
• Linkage of Common Agricultural Policy subsidies which are better used for recreation and access provision
• Investment in walking schemes to benefit health, wellbeing, environment and the climate as part of the Olympic legacy

Cultural Barriers: Reverse the culture which constantly prioritises vehicle users whilst walkers get left behind. This culture and priority in both national and local government needs to be challenged if the benefits of walking are to be maximised

We want to see:
• Positioning of the walker at the top of the transport hierarchy; particularly giving greater priority to walkers at road intersections
• Strong action being taken against those who put walkers’ lives at risk through reckless driving

Legal Barriers: The law should be on the side of walking rather than making it harder for walkers

We want to see:
• Amended legislation which requires an independent review when there is an objection to orders to gate alleyways, which are used by people of foot
• The protection and promotion of public access, and green space to be made accessible, safe, and well-maintained, through use of the planning process in both town and country

Conservatives to put a brake on IT spend

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:22:53 +0200

The Guardian reports that Philip Hammond want's to kill of IT spend in government to save cash. "These include halting spending on new IT projects, and cancelling any underperforming contracts even if they are underway, as well as putting a brake on discretionary spending, clamping down on expenses, IT spending and similar areas."

This is the typical Tory bosh about saving money... they need to make vast number's of civil servant's redundant to make their figures work. If they also remove all of the IT systems that are automating the process of government they will need more people to keep the process running - either that or the few civil servants left will be working unsustainable hours keeping the wheels of government moving.

George Osborne looking down his nose at you oiks, at a press conference on 29 March 2010. Photo: Suzanne Plunkett/Reuters

This to me just shows what the Tories are: they represent an era that is at and end; their morals are questionable (Ashcroft etc); and their idea's are out of date. If they get in it will send us all back to the stone age with policies that will leave us a poodle to the United States.

Face painting for Brightwalton School's Egg Hunt

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 18:55:30 +0200

More face panting again today, this time for Brightwalton School and their Egg Hunt day. I hope it raised lots of money for the school and I hope the kids enjoyed having their face painted!

Want to know if there is a Green Party candidate in your area?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 04:52:19 +0100

Want to know if there is a Green Party candidate in your area? Head over to http://www.greensarecoming.org.uk/ and type in your post code.

Adrian Hollister pledges support for the Woodland Trust

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:47:33 +0100

As a candidate at the general election I believe that creating new woods and planting trees is a priority if we are to tackle challenges such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, wildlife loss, improving public health – both physical and mental – and shaping places where people want to live, work and spend their leisure time.

I will promote the creation of new native woods and trees by:

1. Committing to working for the expansion of native woodland cover throughout the duration of the next Parliament.

2. Contacting my party leader and asking them to adopt the Woodland Trust’s manifesto as a basis for expanding, enhancing and protecting the natural environment.

3. Ensuring that native woods and trees are high on the agenda at the election by publicising my support for the Woodland Trust’s manifesto.

Adrian Hollister said, "Maintaining an environment that supports our natural wildlife, plant diversity and the health and wellbeing of the people in our communities is essential for sustainability."

Hustings at Downe House School

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:35:00 +0100

It was a fascinating hustings today at Downe House School. The questions were very good, showing the diversity of background and depth of intellect in the audience. The interesting and different thing to me though was within the panel. Tory, Lib Dem, Labour and Green Party represented. It was interesting to see how three of the four on the panel, myself (Green), Labour and Lib Dems were all interested in discussing the issues directly, praising policies where appropriate even from other parties; but it was the Tory boy who alone attacked at every opportunity at least one of the other panel members. It's as though he had something to hide and by not answering the questions directly and providing a controversial and confrontational answer that somehow he was 'winning' points. I felt a little embarrassed for him at times as I don't think he realised that everyone else was talking 'co-operative politics' and he alone was in the old school of 'confrontational politics'.

To me this seems to sum up the Tory offering - old fashioned and perhaps even school bullies for whom self and wealth is more important than friends, community and well being.

So, Richard Benyon, I do hope that you have an opportunity to grow up; move out from your school boy ways; and perhaps learn to be a better and selfless person.

Adrian Hollister supports CAMRA charter to save local pubs

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:52:29 +0100

With five pubs closing every day across the country, Adrian Hollister the PPC for West Berkshire Green Party has given full support to CAMRA's Beer Drinkers and Pub Goers Charter.

The Charter aims to halt the decline of a great British institution that is often the heart and soul of rural and local areas. Each closure has a devastating effect on local economies, causing job losses and depriving communities of the £80,000 that each pub injects.

In line with long-established Green Party policies on local sustainability that aim to increase local investment and the circulation of local finance - thus encouraging social enterprise and cohesion, the three Green PPCs welcome CAMRA's efforts to:

- Promote the interests of Britain's pub goers
- Champion well-run community pubs
- Rebalance alcohol taxation to support beer and pubs
- Reform the beer tie to deliver a fair deal for consumers
- Support the role of well-run pubs as solutions to alcohol misuse

Adrian said: "I am proud to be in a community with an award winning local pub (Chaddleworth) and can see the vitally important contribution to local sustainability and social cohesion. I fully support CAMRA's commitments to protect these institutions, and encourage all other Green PPCs to do the same."

ENDS

Notes:

CAMRA is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led consumer group with a growing membership of over 110,000 individuals.

The full Charter can be found at: www.camra.org.uk/charter

Green Party policies to increase local investment and the circulation of local finance within the community include the development of democratically accountable Community Banks, designed to encourage
local people to invest in local economic activity.

On Tuesday 16th March CAMRA and the All Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group met for public debate in Parliament on "Who Will Save the Pub?"

For further information please contact:

Adrian Hollister
Green Party Parliamentary Candidate West Berkshire

Good service for my Disco 300TDI

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:49:40 +0100

Gave the Disco 300TDI a service today. This is the first service since rebuilding the engine and by the thick and lumpy oil coming out I should have done it earlier. Decided to use just cheapo 15/40W engine oil (value branded) and see how it goes. Sump plug was a little tight, but other than that everything went ok. Because I run on old veggie oil I change the fuel filter at every service (and even in between services) and it was a good job too - quite a few bits in there caused by my less that perfect filtering techniques on the waste veggie oil plus I ran out a few weeks back pulling loadsa crud down the line and into the filter. Finished off with a good spray round of light oil to arrest some of the rust and a cetane booster in the fuel tank for a bit more go. Seemed much quieter on the journey home from the field. Next items are the gearbox/transfer box oil levels, FTC2203 in the gearbox yolk and all round greasing.

Sunny walk to Wayland Smithy

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:32:57 +0100

Had a great walk to Wayland Smithy today with the dogs and family. It's such a great walk from the White Horse hill especially on such a nice dry afternoon. Wind is a bit chilly though. You can find more about Wayland Smithy from Wikipedia or from the National Trust site. Don't forget if your a National Trust member your parking is free.

Allergic reaction to the MMR?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:23:30 +0100

My youngest seems to have had a reaction to the MMR - covered from head to toe in what look like measles or perhaps allergy spots and bright red cheeks. Decided to call NHS direct this morning, who answered very promptly, but they didn't seem too interested - suggesting that it was likely to be an allergic reaction to the MRR jab. Given the side effects reported to the jab and the whole host of other things it could be I would have hoped for a more comprehensive check. We were not asked for example to check the spots with a glass etc. So it's off to the pharmacist as recommended by NHS direct to see what they recommend to reduce the allergic reaction. I hope this advise is good and appropriate.

If you need to contact NHS Direct you can find their web site here. Other good resources include the BBC (for example measles and allergy).

Great Buzzin Brass event today at Trinity School Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:39:41 +0100

"I had the great privilege to send my daughter to the Buzzin Brass workshop at Trinity School in Newbury on Saturday 6th March. Run by Berkshire Maestros the kids played five new arrangements starting increasing in complexity, played a few games, sang a few songs and won a few prizes for answering questions correctly. All of the teachers demonstrated new instruments and their obvious skills both with the kids and with the instruments they were playing. At the end of the event there was a concert from all of the kids to the parents which was a resounding success. Please pass on my many thanks for the event and I strongly recommend that anyone interested in music for their kids should get in contact with the Berkshire Maestros on 0118 9012370 or email johnwatts@berkshiremaestros.org.uk.

Adrian Hollister
Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for West Berkshire"

Also see the Berkshire Maestros web site.

The great mouse hunt begins

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 06:08:56 +0100

The great thing about having your own land with barns is that you have a lot of flexibility - at least in terms of what you can do and what you can store. This year we were able to secure a large number of bags of kindling and general firewood from off-cuts and general wood waste. So up I trundle with a landy full of bags of wood and logs and I safely stored them in the driest part of the barn for safe keeping. I brought back the last two bags a couple of weeks ago now and busily set about using the wood in the fire - which has been an especially good boost over this cold winter. Anyway, most of the way through the second bag I noticed the dogs going bonkers at the bag. The usual alarm bells went off in my head thinking it was rats or similar (something the dogs especially love to chase when we walk the field boundaries), so I dropped the bag and let the dogs loose. After a few minutes of the dogs sniffing like a loss-less vacuum cleaner should they came up with nothing apart from a lot of old leaves, a few seeds and what turns out to be a very large mouse nest.

This normally wouldn't be a problem, but the bags were stored in my outbuilding and there were no sign of the mice. So I did perhaps not the most humane thing and left the dogs to stuff around the whole of the outbuilding looking for other signs of life, but they were not interested in anything but their large bag of dog food (no surprises there). So thinking that this was an old nest I cleared everything up and didn't think any more about it.

In hindsight this may have not been the best tactic. Last week whilst moving the filing cabinet I noticed a trail of little bits of paper underneath the filing cabinet. It's not one we use often and generally stores our serious 'to keep but no need to look at' type documentation. So with a slight opening of the top draw of the cabinet it was clear that all was not well with my files. Only a super enthusiastic shredder would have done a better job on them. They were just piles of paper dust. But alas no sign of mice.

With my finest Shelock Holmes hat, pipe and super large magnifying glass I followed the shredded paper trail to find my first nest. I say my first as that day I found three others the last of which the dogs firmly pointed out were in my tool box. It's a plastic thing, industrial enough to stand on and no obvious holes in them (I have a few of them). Anyway, the dogs were going mad telling me that the tool box was 'hot' - actually one dog (the boy dog) was insistent that I should look at the big bag of dog food - daft thing.

With tool box in hand I took it outside and gave it a thorough examination. In one corner there was a small hole with neatly nibbled edges. Out of that hole was a small nose and whiskers. I'm not sure who was more shocked: me the mouse or the dog. Anyway the mouse got a away and the daft dog just sat there looking at me as though it was my fault. The inside of the tool box was a mess - smelly old mouse nest with bits of paper, bag and anything else the mouse could gnaw away at in there.

Feeling slightly more confident I went back in the outbuilding with the dogs and let them loose again. No surprises that the boy dog went straight for the big bad of dog food again. I know he's a little (well ok a lot) motivated by food, but this was a little unusual for him so I went over to the bag to look it over. It's in a clear plastic bag so I could see through into the brown contents. Sure enough in one corner was a little hole and yet another mouse nest. I shouldn't have chastised the poor dog so much but to be fair he did find a nest so I gave him a treat.

After a good sweep out and a clean of every cupboard, work surface and nest area I felt quite confident that they were now all gone. At least I felt confident until yesterday when I opened one of my tool cupboards to find a ruddy huge nest on the top shelf. How the bleeding heck the things managed to get into a closed cupboard I've no idea, but get in there they did. Electrical wire, some tools, gloves and anything non metal has had a bite or two. So another round of cleaning has begun and tomorrow I'm off to find some mouse traps. Humane ones if I can find them, if not it back to the basics and off with their nibbly little heads.

Great Jumble Sale today add's more to the election campaign funds

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:07:00 +0100

What a great village hall in Speen. We had a small jumble sale today to raise funds for the Green Party - made a nice amount of money and met some really great people too. So from Adrian Hollister: Thanks to all those that donated items for the jumble sale, those that can along to help and those that turned up. Hope to do another one in a month or so and see you all again!

Heading for a Hung Parliament

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:26:34 +0100

As Tory policy starts to fall apart under scrutiny it's looking more and more like a hung parliament. It's easy to see why people are questioning the Conservative policies who's headlines seem to be to make the top 2% much richer and the rest of us have to pay the countries debt off. Not a great set of policies by any stretch of the imagination. I also can't help thinking if the latest Gordon personality bashing has been inspired by Tory spin doctors - doesn't sound like something New Labour would actually release at this time - their spin machine is just far too professional; but the reports of concessions the Conservatives have offered the Murdock news empire may explain their entry into print.

So now we just wait for the official release of an election date and see how things pan out. Adrian Hollister said "Let's hope it's possible to change the political system during the next parliament - from confrontational to co-operative; from unfair voting systems to a fair one."

Charnwood Multifuel stove - broken door glass

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:29:00 +0100

The darn glass has cracked in my Charnwood multifuel stove. It started with a little crack and soon developed to a full blown glass falling out of the door sized crack. This is a right pain as the old screws holding the fixing plates in place are just stubs of their former glory. So I've let the stove go out and cool right down. Taken all the glass out and have had to drill the four screws out and re-tap them. Only managed to do two of them today, but that's enough to get the new glass back in with one of the two screws in each of the glazing bars. It's a good enough hold for the moment and I'll have to work out how to safely drill the other two without breaking the cast iron doors.

Interesting though the price of new glass: the two local fireplace shops in and around Newbury stock glass at over £96 for just one door; Charnwood themselves are cheaper even including delivery; but I ended up searching the web and got the glass and the gasket for £20. It's a wonder these local shops get any business - if their stove prices are the same as their glass prices it won't be too long before all of their potential customers look in their showroom, get a price and then compare it to web prices.

My other gripe for today is why is the price of wood and coal 50% more in West Berkshire than in Somerset or Devon - even from the same branded shops?

Cameron's airbrush shows how the Tory con is working

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:39:09 +0100

How the Tories have changed. They have embraced elements Blairism and decided marketing is better than real policy; sound bites are more important that real decisions; and honesty is allowed to be embellished to sell the Tory message. A lot of the Sunday rags and online web sites have made great fun mocking the Tory need to airbrush Cameron's picture to make him look - well who knows - perhaps more human? less like a dodgy car salesman? less like an Etonian toff?

My favourite site out there has to be 'Airbrushed for change' by http://mydavidcameron.com where there are a multitudes of mockup's of the latest Tory posters. Perhaps my favourite is entitled 'This is going to hurt. Don't worry your not going to feel a thing.' or 'My chums from school and I are going to absolutely, thoroughly, bloody-well sort the country out.'

Either way it's good for a laugh at the latest tory sham sales campaign - aimed to make you all think that it's in your interest to vote tory.

Full reverse again from the confused Tory party

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:50:00 +0100

What is going on in David Cameron's head? After deciding to cut services heavily to save money (whilst of course giving tax benefits to the top 3,000 estate owners etc) - he has now decided that because that sales message was not going down too well with real people he would back track and change his mind. The Tory sales campaign is just so transparently inept it yet again shows how sleezy and cheap british politics have become. It's time for a change in our electoral system and it's time to end the existing 'old boys club' and 'ya boo' politics that we are suffering from in this country. The country has grown up why can't the political system?

I like a comment left on the Guardian's web site from zinoviev: "Dave knows that you can't fool all the people all the time. He's not attempting that. He's just going to fool everyone until May."

Re-instate the old local snow ploughs please

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:31:59 +0100

West Berkshire Council bought a number of snow plough attachments for tractors quite some time ago. They now lie rotting in farmers yards unused. Unused because the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in the council decided not to pay or insure farmers to clear their local roads. Walking through the villages of Chaddleworth, Britghtwalton and Lekhampstead today not one single road has been cleared - either salted or snow ploughed. Why don't the council re-instate the use of these local snow ploughs and help share out the work with our local gritters?

Adrian Hollister
Green Party Parliamentary Candidate for West Berkshire

Find me on twitter now

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:38:00 +0100

A happy new year to everyone. I've a twitter blog going now as well, so anyone interesting in following me can find me with the following:

twitter: adrianhollister

Great salting out there but perhaps a winter driving test would help?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 11:09:00 +0100

I've been out and about walking the dogs all over the place during this cold snap and up here on Berkshire's north downs the Ridgeway and other ancient tracks offer great walks. The salting of the roads have been excellent even up here where our single track roads are often missed leaving some of our community with a much more difficult journey. There were a few notable exceptions with some roads deep in a very skiddy snow and ice combination. The locals avoided these roads and used the ones salted, but others (and I've seen some rather daft speeding delivery drivers skidding into the bank and a few of the 'beemer' set thinking they are invulnerable) have been crashing into banks, cars, walls etc.

It does seem that because of this other set of drivers that we consume so much salt. In order to attempt to stop the looney drivers from crashing we have to liberally salt every road. This consumes a lot of salt - not the most environmentally friendly product out there; a lot of our cash buying and spreading it; and diverts salt from path ways and cycle paths - where it could be better used.

With the continued cold snap and likely requirement for more and more salt to keep our roads open and free - I can't help wondering if we have enough salt stored and available to us. I also wonder if simulated cold weather and skid driving should be part of the driving test - and perhaps even a mandatory top up test for professional drivers and optional education for the rest of us (with insurance discounts?).

First real cold snap this year

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:10:09 +0100

It's cold out there tonight. My thermometer shows -1 at 1am, so I'm guessing it's going to get colder up here throughout the night. We seem to be a bit of an odd microcosm up here on the downs in north Berkshire. Nestled around the ancient Ridgeway on high, wind swept chall hill's we seem to largely have a climate of our own. A mile down the road and you can drive off the downs and end up with completely different weather.

The grass tonight though is crunchy under foot and the roads are quite slippery. The dog's of course love the weather, bounding about and eating anything frosty, smelly or both.

It's interesting tonight as at the time of writing there is no wind up here. Something that seems quite unusual, but something that also shows what much of the country must have been like in the early 20th century - at least in terms of heating. We are mostly solid fuel up here and as you walk around the smell of coal and wood burning is heavy in the air. Without the wind blowing it away our houses and of course all of us live in this smog.

We are of course just a very small village, so the pollution we must have endured in the towns or cities must have been appalling. We have come so far from these days, but of course we have just replaced one fossil fuel (local coal and wood) with gas and oil that may have been transported half way around the world. It's true that you don't get the smell and visible smog of smoke and that the heating appliances are on the whole much more efficient; but is their net CO2 increase really that much better when transport and storage are taken into account?

I am happy that my mostly coal and about one fifth 20% wood burn on my multi-fuel stove adds about the same net new co2 as a good gas boiler. I am happy that my sources for my coal and wood are only within the UK with the wood coming no more than a few miles.

So does Adrian Hollister recommend that we all move back to wood and coal? No. But we do need to invest heavily in industry areas that support sustainable heating sources. The use of heat pumps (ground or air source); the use of biomass; and the use of community heating systems would vastly improve our co2 emissions in this country. What are we waiting for?

West Berkshire went to the wave

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 02:33:00 +0100

It was good to see support for The Wave event in London by both the Green Party and Lib Dems in West Berkshire. Amazingly absent were the tories and labour (as usual). The march was great fun with a thankfully discrete police presence. I only saw one point of aggravation in front of the US embassy, but it's amazing how a simple smile with a word of advise from a police officer diffused the situation. My only complaint from the day is perhaps the commercialisation of the event - it was clearly a co-op branded event. I don't mind the sponsorship or the company in question, but to see heaps and heaps of their banners was just a bit ott.

I can only hope that this march will help demonstrate the support for action on environmental issues.

Event Aid: Could you do something amazing in 2010?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:36:38 +0100

Event Aid: Could you do something amazing in 2010?

It was a warm weekend in May, the weather was kind as 40 people started their challenge event and climbed into the minibuses. These were 40 people, some who had never met before, who were about to take on a very challenging task. Yes they were about to attempt to climb the 3 highest mountains in the UK. That's one in Wales, then one in England and finally one in Scotland. They only had 24 hours to complete this feat, but amazingly through hardwork, teamwork and determination they all JUST did it.

This was a team of people raising money for their favourite charity. So far this team alone have raised nearly £30,000.

The 3 Peaks challenge is one of the hardest but most rewarding challenge events you can take part it and during 2009, over 100 people took part in the challenge to support local Oxfordshire charities. Teams came from Helen & Douglas House, Sobell House Hospice, Age Concern, SpecialEffect and Rosy to name a few.

If you would like to get a team together or maybe do it on your own and join in with another team, then please get in contact. Maybe get a group of friends together, your family or mates from work.

You will be fully supported with training walks, guides, insurance and full support from the Event Aid team.

If the 3 Peaks is not for you, maybe running a marathon in Rome? Maybe a Karting endurance event? maybe one of the many challenge walks we organise for local Oxfordshire charities may be your thing! Whatever you do in 2010, do something amazing for your local community and join in a challenge event.

Contact Teresa@eventaid.org or see our website www.eventaid.org

Royal Mail strikes - they should be allowed to compete

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 02:49:41 +0200

I can empathise with the frustration demonstrated by the striking Royal Mail postal workers. For too long the Conservatives and now New Labour have tried to introduce business competition to our national assets as an excuse to improve efficiency or introduce innovation. Royal Mail was caught up in this and had stifling competition rules imposed upon it. These rules were designed to disable Royal Mail's ability to fairly compete and have forced the business to contract.

I struggle to find an example where this competitive business model has actually benefited us directly. In many cases it is clear to see that the lining of shareholders pockets or directors bonus' takes precedence over the citizens of this country. The water companies have demonstrated this over and over again by skimping on investment. Banks have also demonstrated that the concept of competition in a market place can easily lead to corrupting and destabilising greed and inefficiency.

It is time the government recognised that the selling off of our national services to introduce competition is flawed and unworkable. It is time for the government to remove the competitive disadvantages imposed on Royal Mail. With these shackles off and with a positive Royal Mail management, there would be no need for our postal workers to be in dispute - for their jobs would be safe and their compensation and conditions could reflect those of any healthy business.

So I wish the postal workers the best. They are part of a great public service that could so easily be an exemplar for the rest of government.

Commercial Renewable on Council Land

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:56:14 +0200

I would like to think that there is a bit of a race going on here. A race to see who can be the greenest, the most efficient and the ones with the most vision. Councils, towns and authorities are included. Who will be the first to host a commercial renewable energy system to compliment to supplement a good deal of local power consumption. Oxford City spoke about this a while ago now, but I've not seen any progress to date (early days); and at the beginning of the year Bristol City also announced their intention to do something.

All of this is being championed by Friends of the Earth with their Get Serious About CO2 campaign.

There are all quite large scale systems with large budgets and large expectations. I wonder if there are a number of much smaller opportunities that should be explored first - several smaller microgeneration systems would help local people and businesses understand how it could be achieved. Sustainable Newbury discussed some excellent ideas about using the weirs in Newbury to add less than 10KW to the grid each. Not much you may think, but it's local generation (and not subject to the 40% or so loss experienced across the national grid) and would be an excellent exemplar not just for the local area but to much of the south.

Great day at Thatcham's Discovery Centre.

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:43:00 +0200

What a great day at the think green act green day at Thatchams Discovery Centre. Great bacon butties too - thanks to Catherine at Royal Berkshire pork. We took over 100 new signatures for our support renewable campaign and gave out over 200 wind mills to kids. Met some great like minded people there too.

"Free event at Thatcham's Nature Discovery Centre will feature activities, displays and ideas on being green" - Newbury Weekly News

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:54:00 +0200

Free event at Thatcham's Nature Discovery Centre will feature activities, displays and ideas on being green - from the Newbury Today web site.

Article follows:

AN environmental event organised by West Berkshire Council will be held tomorrow (Saturday). The event, called Think Green, Act Green, will be held at the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham and will include activities, demonstrations, and ideas on show to help local people think about saving the environment. Activities will include pedal powered generators, fuel efficient transport, puppet shows, face painting, wildlife displays, live music, and lots of local foods on display and refreshments for sale.
Waitrose, Volvo, Hill View Farm produce, 'WRAP' composting activities, and Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust are just some of the featured names taking part in the event. West Berkshire executive councillor Graham Pask (Con, Bucklebury), said: "Green issues are now firmly in the spotlight, and this is a great chance to get some ideas on how to help make a difference."

The event is being held from 11am until 4.30pm, all are welcome and entrance is free.

End.

Trident Replacement Referendum

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:46:27 +0200

I voted in the Trident Replacement Referendum Gordon Brown didn’t want me to have; you can too! Please go to http://bit.ly/g4W48

Greens do very well in German Elections

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:55:00 +0200

The Greens won 68 seats in the German federal election, a gain of 17 seats. They secured 10.7% of the vote nationally. One commentator said: "the Green party remains strikingly resilient."

Car Boot Fun

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 20:44:00 +0200

Did a car boot today with the things donated to help Green Party funds. The car boot was in Newbury Racecourse and seems to run every Sunday. Not a bad price either at £7 to get in for traders. We shifted quite a bit of stuff and donated the rest to charity. Darn hot morning's work though and I seem to have a bit of a sun tan

15 Miles of Sponsored Walk - Great Bedwyn to Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 22:25:00 +0200

Great fun today had a long walk with the dogs to raise money for the green party. We started at Great Bedwyn and walked down the Kennet and Avon canal to Newbury. It's about 15 miles and is a stunning walk. Most of Great Bedwyn to Hungerford is unspoilt by selfish dog owners and has stunning views. Why does anyone go on holiday abroad when we have such amazing things right here in England? Anyway, for anyone thinking of doing it - Great Bedwyn is on the train line from Reading. Walking back towards Newbury you follow the A4 and the railway line - so if you get stuck you can always ask for a lift or jump on a train.

£143 pounds raised!

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:13:28 +0200

The Jumble sale raised £143 pounds for Green Party funds. Not bad for two hours work! Thanks mostly to Pam for organising the sale and to both Pam and Adrian's families for helping out. Let's see if we can run another one before Christmas

Jumble Sale fun and antics

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 23:54:00 +0200

Did my first fund raising Jumble Sale ever today. Pam did a great job arranging everything - Thatcham's Catholic Church Hall was packed with stuff and people. There was one big scrum to get at our wares. Not only have we made money for the Green Party but we have recycled a whole bunch of items that are now back into use. Thanks to everyone that turned up with of course special thanks to Pam, Gif and our families who helped out. I hope that we can run another one of these for the Green Party in Newbury, Lambourn, and Hungerford. So we are well on our way to secure funds to allow Adrian Hollister to stand for Parliament at the next election and field a good few candidates in the regional West Berkshire council elections too.

Nowadays We Worship at Saint Tesco

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:19:13 +0200

Pam Ayres gave an excellent and, if you think about it, very disturbing poem 'Nowadays We Worship at Saint Tesco'. You may be able to still hear it on BBC iPlayer here or find out more here. It is scary how she seems to have captured our greedy nature and our recent need for stuff to make us happy - still as she says we have Saint Tesco to help us.

Greener web hosting

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:31:41 +0200

If you host a web site or domain, think carefully about your provider. I use 1&1 Internet their press release explains why...

1&1 is proud to be the first large web host who relies solely on renewable energy. At 1&1 we believe in a sustainable society for all and that every business has a role in this responsibility. We have therefore made a strong commitment to fight pollution and preserve our natural resources. 1&1 now uses wind, water and solar power in accordance with the Renewable Energy Certification System (RECS).

The use of renewable energy technologies reduces hazardous greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional power plants.
We Use Energy Efficiently

We do not only strive to use clean energy, we also endeavour to use energy as efficiently as possible. In our European data centres, we currently run some 40,000 servers which consume between 50 and 60 Gigawatts per hour (GWh).

For years, 1&1 has been using energy highly economically, with less than 20 per cent heat loss – one of the best figures in the industry. As soon as the outside temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius, we cool our data centre using open-air coolers that work without energy-consuming compressors.

The choice of software also plays a critical role in saving electrical power. Based on Linux, 1&1 has developed its own operating system uses server resources efficiently, saving valuable energy.

By hosting your site with 1&1, you choose an environmentally sound and sustainable future and directly support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that come from conventional power plants."

You can find their site here.

School Run Speeding is just madness

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:44:00 +0200

Today I've got to rant - I'm just fed up with school run speeding. If I'm walking, cycling or driving with the kids all I get to see is mad school run parents driving at bonkers speeds. I see kids all the time flung around by panicing swerving and heavily breaking parents who are going too fast for the conditions.

If your late you should accept the fact that you are late.

Why put people, including your and our children in danger because you are attempting to make up a few seconds on your journey time?

Keep yourself at a sensible speed and please don't pose a risk to you, your family, me, my kids and anyone else. Better still, walk your short journey (yes that may mean you have to leave your house earlier), or start cycling it.

Personally, I'm for a 20mph blanket speed around any school and 20mph in all residential areas where the residents vote for it. I can also see the argument for a strong instant one week driving ban for anyone caught breaking that speed limit.

Jumble Sale - Thatcham Catholic Church Hall - Saturday 19th 10am

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 09:02:00 +0200

Just a quick reminder that there is a Jumble Sales this Saturday (19th Sept 09) at 10am onwards to raise funds for West Berks Green Party. Come along and see if you can grab yourself a bargain!

Great day face painting at Paices Wood for Pang

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 23:41:00 +0200

I don't usually blog about my charity face painting, but today I had a great day out at Paices Wood Country Parkland. The event was arranged by Pang, Kennet and Lambourn Valleys Countryside Project (PKLVCP), which is part of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group - a national charity. Paices Wood is certainly one of those places that unless you lived near Aldermaston you would never know about - it's a hidden little gem for sure. Paices Wood Country Parkland is accessed through Young (Aldermaston) Industrial Estate, which is on the A340 between Aldermaston and Tadley.

It seems a shame that West Berkshire Council have reduced their grant to the Countryside Project by 50% for 2009/10. I need to make up a logo for West Berkshire - NOT cleaner and NOT greener ?

As always if your in West Berkshire and are in need of someone to come along and face paint for your charity event foc then please drop Adrian Hollister an email.

Vaguely Live Train Tracker

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:31:00 +0200

I do like this type of technology - without backing from the train operators some very ingenious programmers have come up with a way of showing where trains are on the network in real(ish) time. I don't suppose it's hugely accurate, but it's good to see what innovation can create without the need for competition. Each train operating company is in vague competition, but there is still no incentive to excel. This is where private individuals come along. I wonder when the government of the day will realise that our 'profit' and 'greed' based public service models just don't work.

Oh what to do with Royal Mail

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:28:00 +0200

In my world, a successful Royal Mail would not aim to allow the business to grow, or to right-size, downsize, or reduce in anyway, but to sustain itself and ensure that capacity in the supply chain can be met. There is tremendous potential in Royal Mail as a service provider the country can be proud of. I've never understood the need to break up, dissolve through legislation and 'competitive' practices (that generally favour foreign competition and not innovation or sustainability).

Where are Royal Mail now?

Royal Mail Group (RMG) are in a strange and difficult place at the moment. Conservatives wanting to see it sold off, New Labour keen to break it up and yet the logical conclusion of the market place (should it be totally 'free') would result in the ultimate domination of RMG within it's sector. It is the only supplier able to sustainable meet the local delivery need, the only supplier with the capability to distribute large volumes of small mail items and is in the right place to offer up it's spare capacity for sale in the market place, and the only retail counter for government.

What could Royal Mail Group do?

If we were to use Van Weele and Rozemeijer's (1996) definition of procurement as including "all activities required in order to obtain the product from the supplier and get it to the place where it is actually used. It encompasses the purchasing function, store, traffic and transportation, incoming inspection, and quality control and assurance." then we could envisage RMG as a facilitator of not just distribution and delivery, but funcation, storage. RMG have the advantage of not having a direct environmental or disposal problem on their hands - this problem should be borne by the manufacturers, suppliers and consumers.

On the whole RMG's whole supply chain works around the distribution of physical things between people and businesses. Recently they have extended this model to include 'services' such as banking and telephony, but these are short sighted money grabbing tasks and loose sight of their main advantages in the market place - their people and their distribution network.

In some ways I like the simplicity of Ellram (1990) who suggested that supply chain management is philosophy used to manage the total flow through a distribution channel from the supplier to the ultimate user. This as far as I am concerned should be RMG's core responsibility and they should freely be able to work in this space (even if competition is reduced).

RMG have a trump card up their sleeves though that should never be over looked: key social value. How ever you think of yourself: people, citizens, commuters, tourists; you will know and see a postal worker. I could imagine situations where some at home during the day may only see or speak to a postal worker. Others will interact at PO shop counters or when receiving/collecting parcels and packages. These postal workers are a human and real supply chain link between the users/manufacturers and the consumers - this is something that has over time become essential part of governance - the face of the benefits system, center for government forms, a social venue for similar people and often the heart of a community.

Michael Quayle's (2006) description of supply chain interests me: "...there is a supply chain of events to be managed—the art, perhaps, is recognising that there is one and recognising where it can be influenced, in one form or another." He discussed the thought of a sustainable supply chain.

He goes on "What is sustainable development and a sustainable supply chain, and, indeed, why bother? It is no secret that development has often been at the expense of the environment, both at home and abroad. We are feeling the effects internationally, as global warming affects our weather patterns, and locally, as once-common species of plants and animals become rare. Development has had social costs, too. Once-lively towns and villages are in decline, and whole communities find themselves excluded from the benefits of economic growth. Sustainable development is about striking a better, more creative balance between economic development, environmental protection, and social change; about finding ways of meeting our needs without jeopardising the ability of our children to meet theirs. Development that is more balanced should be more enduring and offer a better chance of long-term prosperity."

So if Quayle, Ellram's view is taken the supply chain has extended beyond the physical parcel boundaries. By enabling 'competition' the UK government has put RMG under aggressive pressure to 'modernise' and to become 'more competitive'. It has not thought that this system of distribution is one of it's biggest and brightest assets.

What should we do?

I think that the use of 'competition' to boost the uptake of foreign companies has overlooked an essential national asset. An asset that should not be sold off. An asset that should be allowed to exploit it's niche to give the best possible service to it's customers, our community and our country.

With this free hand for Royal Mail Group there must be a change in philosophy in their management - it would not to given away lightly to capitalists looking for a fast buck; but to a new breed of managers who consider CSR as equal to 'profit' in their sustainable business model.

How to get in contact with me

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:38:51 +0200

I've been nagged enough - I know the site is not as user friendly as it could be, so if you want to contact Adrian Hollister you can use the 'Contact Me' link on the left hand side - or just click here, you can also find me on Skype - just search for adrian.hollister. One day I will get around to updating the site so that it's a bit more obvious!

Pic's of my new (well very old) 1970's Series IIA Land Rover

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:49:12 +0200

Few pic's here - it's not the standard 2.25 petrol unit that the chassis implies, so I'm going to have to find out what it is. Perhaps 2.5 n/a?

So what's this engine then?

Continue reading "Pic's of my new (well very old) 1970's Series IIA Land Rover"

Can traditional IT service providers survive Cloud Computing?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:31:18 +0200

The use of cloud computing could ultimately and fundamentally change the delivery model for traditional IT service delivery companies. With the assumption that services can be chosen from a catalogue of on-demand technologies and that storage of information and the desktop will be virtualised (see Googles model) the traditional delivery and support organisations like CSC and Fujitsu will have a problem - their current role will no longer exist.

Will they survive the change?

The likes of these smaller outsource providers are based upon revenue from outsourcing/hosting, applications and development. If we assume that cloud computing will take the vast majority of outsourcing/hosting from them, it doesn't leave them with a lot and put's them fighting directly with the tier 1 providers like IBM (and a battle they are in a less suitable position to win).

If you take a look at the application space, even with fundamental changes to their business model to support virtual or cloud application, desktop and office suite deliverables, they will be put in direct competition with their traditional suppliers like Microsoft, SAP, IBM and Google who are and will be offering their application suite and services as SaaS and cloud based services. So if we assume this is also a low profit/commodity battle, even if they do win these bits, there will be nothing in it for them and their business will collapse.

Lastly development. I'm using this term loosely as clearly this needs to cover aspects of design and architecture - someone will still need to pull together all these bits of the cloud. But why would you go with a tier 2 provider, when the real architecture, the designs and the plans are being handled by the largest companies, the Microsofts, IBM's, SAP's and Oracles? and if this was their only real revenue stream, would it be enough for them to survive?

Certainly, if cloud takes off and if it is the way forward (and logic dictates that this is highly probable) then companies can look forward to shopping for virtual services at commodity prices (if market forces take place).

Change for the tier 2 providers is likely to be too much. I would imagine that they will merge, be bought, or have to make massive redundancies to stay afloat.

Change for the largest IT providers and potentially the cloud services providers is also going to be a shock. Why do you need fleets of sales people to sell what is essentially a cots service? Why do you need a fleet of business partners selling your hardware and software if businesses can purchase something that works straight from the cloud? The quickest and cleanest business model must be to change to giving software away free, but charging for support or use of the software on a commercial basis each month. IBM of course have long term experience with this model for their Mainframe product line.

The cuts in work force for the largest IT providers could be massive and often would involve many layers of management rather than the people on the ground (if the produce sells itself via a service provider, then electronic license controls can mostly replace many of the sales and sales process managers). Marketing, R&D, Architecture and Application Design would be the key points of revenue for the organisation. It is likely that none of the largest organisations are nimble enough to flex to this way of working though and they will experience many years of pain and many years of senior managers justifying their job roles. At least though the largest providers are in a position to survive it - if only through their case reserves and longer term customer contracts.

So what about real business, what changes are needed there?

In part 2 of this blog I will discuss the changes that businesses will need to consider and implement to be ready for the benefits of cloud whilst shielding themselves from any dangers that may be present.

Sixth sense and Web 3.0

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:53:18 +0200

I've been fascinated by the social technologies out there for some time. Wondering which direction they are going in and watching as community forming sites such as facebook and twitter are on the rise. Whilst these are generally known as Web 2.0, it's Web 3.0 and beyond that is interesting. It's difficult to explain to people what convergence of technology could do (good and bad), but here is an example of a futuristic view of Web 3.0.

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/pattie_maes_demos_the_sixth_sense.html

Of course as information (formally a strong hold of power bases such as the USA) become more widely available, how will the governments around the world seek to control, manage and censor what we see and know. There already loads of examples of the US, China and Australia blocking access to materials that their governments do not like - I wonder when this will extend to the personal, community and social technology world.

Landrover Disco air filter - a darn big hole

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:33:49 +0200

Not sure why this is happening - twice now - looks like it's been pulled apart. Must be getting a little too damp.

Low Head Hydro Guide from the Environment Agency

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:13:00 +0200

Good to see that the Environment Agency have finally released their long awaited document on hydro power (usually small scale low head hydro systems such as existing or renovated mill's). It's actually a good document, easy to read with clear guidelines. You can find the document here.

Now where do I search to find a mill for renovation ....

How to make your Landy more reliable

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:57:09 +0200

Just a bit of fun this one. Someone actually bought me this - they thought I would finally be able to rebuild a Landrover without help from the father in law

New Photo Gallery

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 06:16:50 +0200

I've added an online photo gallery for those interested in Finnish Lapphund dogs. You can find my gallery in Photobox here. This includes some pictures of our show dog Rauhan and the West Berkshire downland countryside.

Swine Flu - get a friend to pick up your antiviral drugs

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:50:10 +0200

Now is the time to choose your Flu Friends. Flu Friends will collect medicines, food and other supplies if you get swine flu so that you do not have to leave home. Remember you cannot collect your own antivirals (such as Tamiflu) - this would be a great risk and you could infect a large number of other people doing so.

Flu advise for Berkshire can be found here.

If you are in Chaddleworth and need assistance collecting your anti-viral drugs (such as Tamiflu) from the National Pandemic Flu Service please contact me.

Greening Government ICT doesn't go far enough

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:10:51 +0200

The Greening Government ICT Strategy, posted in July 2009 claims to have made significant steps to improve the environmental impact of ICT in government. I'm not completely convinced though.

A good summary can be found from KableDIRECT "The chief information officers and chief technology officers have responded well to the first set of targets but they must now be increased," the reports says. "The strategy itself acknowledges there is a need to work with departments and industry to explore and invest in radical green ICT solutions for the ICT problem, but also consider issues relating to the life cycle impact and disposal of old IT hardware."

There are some nice things in there - such as extending the procurement cycle to 4 years and reducing duplication; but there seems limited commitment to renewable energies, re-use of technology, and the adoption or recognition that software has a great impact on hardware choice. If they were really thinking about this they would make each supplier's carbon targets as important as their service levels.

I would like to see West Berkshire Council take the lead here and help define policy that the whole of government seek to follow. Let's make IT value for money and value for the environment. They could easily start with: 5 year procurement cycles; re-use of hardware; procurement of software on environmental grounds; and local employment of staff and contractors.

Tesco hides figures after missing target to reduce plastic bag usage

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:27:57 +0200

Tesco hides figures after missing target to reduce plastic bag usage. Article from the Times Online, but in summary "Tesco admitted that its figure had been calculated in a different way to the one issued by Wrap." and that "A senior source at Tesco said that the actual reduction had been significantly less than 50 per cent but the company was concerned about negative publicity."

Bad ole Tesco again. When will they learn?

MP to read your letter or not - democracy lost Tory style

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:38:00 +0200

I was stunned today to hear that Richard Benyon doesn't read any of the letters we send in to him and bog standard replies are just sent out... at this Sundays farmers market in Newbury Richard Benyon spoke to our local Friends of the Earth campaigners. They were amazed to hear from him that he had heard nothing about the various early day motions (EDM's) that many of us (and a lot of FoE people) had written to him about. We all had letters back from him giving a standard party line - which in essence boils down to ... 'tory's don't support any of this real green agenda stuff now go away.'

I do wonder what the heck Richard Benyon is actually doing? Daddies funds have pushed him up the Tory ranks, but he seems to have largely forgotten that he is here to represent his constituency and it's constituents. Talking with the stunned FoE activists today, Adrian Hollister said, "He is so full of his own self worth and clear snobby loathing for for anyone that actually has to work for a living that he doesn't even read our letters to him. Democracy is dead Tory old boy style."

I did send him a letter asking for confirmation, though I suspect some unelected drone will reply...

"Dear Richard Benyon,

I was amazed to hear at this Sundays farmers market in Newbury that you
were not aware of the letters sent to you by supporters of the Green
Party and Friends of the Earth, discussing various EDM's on Animal
Welfare.

We all received replies 'from you'.

I am greatly concerned that you are not reading the letters that are
being sent to you from your constituents and that we are just being
fobbed off by unelected members of your staff.

Can you confirm that you actually read the letter's sent to you;
reassure me that you are interested representing the views and opinions
of your constituents; and let me know if your signature embedded in an
email or letter is to be trusted as your true opinion and source?

Yours sincerely,

Adrian Hollister
West Berkshire Green Party"

So which political party do you fit in with?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 01:28:00 +0200

Not sure there is too much behind this site, and I'm not endorsing it, but for a bit of fun go and check out this web site and see which political party you should be affiliated with...

Woohoo! now Benyon has two things to talk about

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:55:07 +0200

Not so long ago I was blogging about our local MP Richard Benyon having only his beloved weapons export agency as his only discussion point in the commons. It's true, it just about the only thing he has spoken about - how to export weapons, increasing the size of the team exporting weapons, how weapons are good, etc. In fact it always amazed me that FoE praised him in a letter or two in the Newbury Weekly News - his love of weapons and their ability to kill things whilst making a profit is just legendary.

Evidently the Tory spin doctors realised how bad this was looking and have now come up with something else for him to talk about - it fits into the environmental category by asking Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs some questions. Of course the Tory old boys club don't often think about things in detail and I have to wonder, why our local MP has been made tory old boy shadow minister for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs; and why his only interest is deep sea and borders.

Is it because we are on the coast and have border problems in our area or do we have problems with deep sea fishing? I don't know but I'm sure I can't see the coast from anywhere in West Berkshire; and what I am very sure about is that his questions are neither strategic for the country (they are mostly inane get your name in Hansard type questions); nor do they cover the very pressing issues that we find in our region. Where is he standing up in Parliament and asking questions about our short fall in schools funding? our swine flu provisions in West Berkshire? our local businesses? and while he is there why not talk about sustainability and our welfare? making homes carbon neutral; social housing an exemplar to the rest of the industry; a fair minimum wage; free school meals; safer streets and 20mph zones in urban areas.... the list goes on. And of course he failed to support the Animal Welfare labelling early day motion (EDM 581) which would have put the UK at a competitive advantage to the rest of Europe (as our animal welfare standards are on the whole better than on the continent).

So congratulations to the landed gentry, the tory old boy's, the toff's, and the sheep and cows who in West Berkshire always vote tory (at least they always put signs up in their fields)... in West Berkshire Richard Benyon represents the exporting of weapons for profit and the monitoring of our coasts. What a legacy.

Tick time

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 20:48:49 +0200

It's that time of year when the grass is full of tick's and your pets are going to catch them. So please check your dogs and cats once a week and remove them the best way you can. Check they come out whole, if not it's a trip to the vets to check the wound. I've gone over our cats and dogs today and only found one tick. They are seriously ugly things and difficult to kill (often they are difficult to crush for example) so my suggestion is take them out by pinching as low as you can to the skin with paper towel around them, check they are whole and wrap the paper up tight around it, set it in the middle of the bbq and ...

Also of note, you can now buy non plastic bio degradeable dog poo bags - they are Skooperbox Dog Poop Scoop's. I've just tried a pack out and they work well. I was worried that on very wet days the whole thing would go soggy before I found a bin, but so far they seem quite resilient. Search on the web for them or try the Ethical Superstore.

Thunderstorms take out Downlands electricity

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:09:00 +0200

Something strange and rather interesting happened today. Some where around lunch time kids you could hear kids playing over the noise of the birds, bikes were spun up and you could hear people talking over fences and gates.

Our electricity supply is always slightly dodgy up here on the downs, ever time we get a serious thunderstorm or similar event our power goes out. We are high up here and I'm guessing that the electricity cables and poles around here are often the highest point and highly likely to take a lighting strike or two. Well we had one serious thunderstorm Friday here - lasting for several hours with lots of strikes taking out the power with spikes and brown outs. Since then the power has been on and off every few hours throughout the day and night.

A call to SSE Power Distribution (if you've and your neighbours have lost power call SSE on 0800 0727282 or 0845 7708090) confirmed to us that the power would be out for a good chunk of the day - lunchtime until 7pm.

How interesting it was to see people with a slight look of panic on their faces - there is no gas up here so the key source of energy is electricity. Life carried on as usual here, internet and computer powered by battery; cooking and kettle powered by camping gas; and the kids powered by sugar and cakes. It's amazing how we take energy security as a given and not something we need to strive for.

Veggie Oil Filtering

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:39:00 +0200

The latest batch of veggie oil has been filtered and is now ready. My method is simple - first run through a coffee filter. This catches the big bits though it can take some time (other people seem to use several layers of tights for example). Then run through a 50 and 10 micron filter bought from ebay. If you just go straight to the 10 micron it will get full up and you will be endlessly cleaning the filter and wasting a lot of oil. My recommendation before adding to a diesel tank is that you add cetaine boosters (there are loads on the market) as this will make your engine as quiet as a mouse (well as good as your gonna get on a diesel) and add a bit more power too.

120 cakes, lots of mess and very happy kids

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:25:00 +0200

I ran an event this evening at Brightwalton Youth Club - the idea is to raise awareness of farming standard with kids in association with the Compassion in World Farming 'good egg' campaign. We cooked cup cakes using our own local free range eggs for the event*, local flour milled in Wantage and butter from Newbury farmers market. Over 20 children attended the club and made over 120 cakes to take home to family and friends. Every child took part making the cakes and parents were seen enjoying their children's warm cakes as soon as they came to pick them up. It was a great evening and just shows how strong the community spirit is in West Berkshire.

*egg's from Adrian Hollister's own chickens - hoorah!

Bake with Compassion Week - a local event

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:52:00 +0200

BAKE WITH COMPASSION WEEK

6 - 12 July

To coincide with its Good Egg Awards*, Compassion in World Farming, the leading farm animal welfare charity is launching Bake with Compassion week from 6 – 12 July 2009 to raise awareness for its campaign against battery caged eggs.

Compassion in World Farming supporters Brightwalton 5-12 Youth Club are hosting a good egg cooking evening on Friday the 10th of July at 18:30-20:00. We are cooking cup cakes and using our own local free range eggs for the event*.

Supporters of Bake with Compassion week include Kate Ford (Coronation Street’s Tracy Barlow), Sophie Grigson, Jo Brand, Alison Steadman, Dave Spikey, David Suchet, Paul O’Grady, Brain Blessed.

Kate Ford says: “I would encourage anyone with an interest in animal welfare to get their aprons on and get baking. When you buy eggs, you can choose what sort of life you want the hen to enjoy or endure. If you buy half a dozen eggs a week just switching from caged to free-range could set a hen free.”

“Hosting your own Bake with Compassion event couldn’t be easier. Just invite some friends round for a coffee morning or run a cake sale in the office. I have to confess that I’ve got a real sweet tooth and can never resist a slice of banana and walnut bread. Here’s my own favourite recipe. Why not give it a go.” (see recipe below)

People all over the UK are refusing to eat eggs that have come from inhumane battery cages where each hen is confined to a space the size of an A4 sheet of paper and cannot even flap its wings.

Sales of free-range shell eggs accounted for 56 per cent of the market value in the UK (TNS data).
Free range eggs have seen an 8.4 per cent growth in the volume of sales compared with a 3.3 per cent decline in the sale of battery caged eggs (TNS data).
For the first time this year, The UK’s Office of National Statistics is including large free range eggs in its 2009 Basket of Goods and Services survey.
Yet, despite increased consumer demand for cage-free eggs, 58 per cent of UK hens are still kept in battery cages.

Compassion in World Farming has produced a pocket guide which clearly explains the difference between caged, barn, free-range and organic eggs and what to look for at restaurants and supermarkets: http://www.ciwf.org.uk/egg_guide

Bake with Compassion fundraising packs can be downloaded from http://www.ciwf.org.uk/help_us/fundraising/bake_with_compassion

For further information on Brightwalton Youth Club event please contact Adrian Hollister at adrian@westberksgreens.org.uk or call 01488 639641.

For further information or to arrange interviews with Compassion in World Farming contact Valentina Moressa on 01483 521952 or 07771 926005 (out of office hours) or email valentina@ciwf.org

Kate Ford’s Compassionate Banana and Walnut Loaf
Ingredients:
90 g (3 oz) organic butter
1/3 cup fair trade sugar
1 free-range egg
1 large fair trade banana
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 ¼ cups self raising flour
pinch salt
1/3 cup plain organic yoghurt
2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts

Method:
Beat organic butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add lightly beaten free range egg, beat well. Stir in combined, mashed banana and lemon juice. Fold in sifted dry ingredients alternately with organic yoghurt. Stir in half the chopped walnuts, mix until smooth. Spoon mixture into greased and greased paper lined 25 cm x 8 cm (10in x 3 in) bar tin, sprinkle with remaining walnuts.
Bake in a moderate oven for 40 minutes or until cooked when tested. Allow cake to cool 5 minutes in tin, turn out and cool on wire rack. When cold, cut into slices, serve with organic butter.

Sophie Grison
Sophie Grigson’s Compassionate Coconut and Strawberry Cake

This is a favourite summer recipe in our family, though of course, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t make it in the middle of winter, replacing the strawberries with strawberry jam, or lemon curd.

175g (6 oz) self-raising flour
pinch of salt
115g (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
250g (9 oz) caster sugar
3 free-range eggs, separated
160 ml (5 51/2 fl oz) o milk
85g (3 oz) dessicated coconut
pinch of cream of tartar

To fill:
150 ml whipping cream, lightly whipped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
150g (5 oz) strawberries, halved
icing sugar

Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and flour two 20 cm (8”) sandwich tins.

Sift the flour with the salt. Beat the butter for a few minutes until very soft then add 150g (5 oz) of the sugar. Cream together until very light and fluffy. Beat in the free-range egg yolks one at a time. Next beat in about a third of the flour followed by half the milk, repeat and then finish with the last of the flour. Fold in the coconut.

Whisk the free-range egg whites and cream of tartar until they form soft peaks. Sprinkle over the remaining sugar and whisk again until the mixture is thick and glossy. Fold into the cake batter. Divide the batter between the two prepared tins and bake for around 30-35 minutes until just firm to the touch. Test by plunging a skewer into the centre – if it comes out clean then the cakes are done. Let them cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn out and finish cooling on a wire rack.

To make the filling, whip the cream lightly with a tablespoon of icing sugar and the vanilla extract until it just holds its shape. Hull and halve or quarter the strawberries depending on size. When the cakes are quite cool, spread the upper side of one thickly with cream, then cover with strawberries. Settle the second cake comfortably on top. Dust with a little icing sugar and keep the whole lot cool until tea-time.

Jo Brand
“I'm pleased to get the opportunity to offer my support to Compassion in World Farming’s Good Egg Awards and would like to encourage everyone to support their work by joining in with their Bake With Compassion fundraising week. I think it's really important to back the production of higher welfare eggs, so please get your aprons out and bake a cake with free-range eggs.”

Alison Steadman
"I first witnessed battery hens in 1974 and the image has never left me. I couldn't believe the cruelty to these helpless trapped creatures. Since then I have never knowingly eaten battery eggs. We must continue to fight for cruelty free farming. I am delighted to support Compassion in World Farming’s Good Egg Awards and would encourage anyone with a mixing bowl and a pinny to get baking in order to help raise funds for this worthwhile cause. "

Dave Spikey
My wife and I have adopted many ex-battery hens through the years and it is one of my greatest joys to see them transform from the battered and traumatized birds that arrive, into these beautiful, inquisitive creatures scratching around my garden and bathing in the sun. I am delighted to support CIWF’s work and would encourage anyone with an interest in animal welfare to join their Bake with Compassion fundraising campaign.

David Suchet
"I hope with all my heart we can eventually provide eggs to the nation from chickens who have been given 'quality life' in return for the eggs they give us. That's a FAIR deal - isn't it?"

Paul O'Grady
"My gang of chickens will be very pleased to hear that millions of hens will live cage free thanks to the Good Egg Awards and the work of Compassion in World Farming. I love a good free range egg when I’m baking and I believe that being a nation of animal lovers – we need to remember that our farmyard friends are animals too!”

Brian Blessed
"Battery hens lead miserable lives confined in cages so small they do not even have room to spread their wings, let alone express their natural behaviours. I fully support any campaign which sets out to end their suffering and applaud those companies being celebrated by Compassion in World Farming’s Good Egg Awards. We have a duty to make sure that the animals we farm enjoy happy, healthy, productive lives. The commitment shown by these organisations is a significant move in the right direction. Please support Compassion in World Farming’s important work by getting baking this July"

Notes to the editor
High res photos of our celebrity supporters are available upon request.
High res logos for Compassion in World Farming and Bake with Compassion are available upon request.
The Good Egg Awards have been developed by Compassion in World Farming to celebrate companies that have committed to source only cage-free (barn, free-range or organic) eggs. Winners include Little Chef, Fox’s Biscuits, Starbucks Coffee Company UK, Virgin Trains and Walkers Shortbread.
The list of 2009 Good Egg Award winners in 17 other European countries is available at www.goodeggawards.com

For further information or to arrange interviews contact Valentina Moressa on 01483 521952 or 07771 926005 (out of office hours) or email valentina@ciwf.org

*egg's are provided by Adrian Hollister from 16 Nodmore, Chaddleworth from his own free range chickens

Newbury Carnival, Farmers Market and a great time

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:23:03 +0200

Spent most of the day in Newbury today, first off was our monthly Green Party meeting at the Farmers Market. It's great to see so many friends and discuss issues over coffee with them. This week Pam started to take down a few more signatures for our More Renewables in West Berkshire campaign - something initiated by the barmy rejection of any wind, solar, hydro or any other renewable energy system in Berkshire and specifically in the towns of Newbury, Hungerford and Thatcham. After an hour we had a good few pages of additional signatures and promoted the Green Party to all those that were interested. It's amazing the number of normally Liberal Democrat voters who told us that they had voted Green in the last elections and it's great to see the number of people who now recognise the faces Pam Cooper and Adrian Hollister. No wonder the Lib Dems are in a bit of a panic around here.

From 14:00 the Carnival went through the Newbury Town and the whole family got around to watch. It's great to see a real town carnival again, something that I can't remember seeing since my childhood. Apart from the odd very commercially orientated float and a bizarre small open topped car with what appeared to be the carnival queen in (??), most were just brilliant. Wouldn't it be great if all the schools attended in different floats (or shared floats). As a parent it looked to me that there are some great schools out there who went all our with effort and great skill - I've got to commend the head teachers who entered their schools - what a great way to show your school off to prospective parents and other jealous heads.

My pick of Newbury's farmer's market this month has to be Stark House Farms bacon. I know they have been recommended by me many times in the past, but my bacon sarnies tonight with a bit of UK sourced brown sauce were/are just wonderful wonderful wonderful.

Great day face painting in Lekhampstead

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:09:00 +0200

Quite a busy day today with lots of people around and an evening party, but the highlight was an afternoon face painting. This time of year I spend quite a bit of time face painting for charity. I have wondered if I should turn this into a business, but I much prefer doing it for fun whilst earning money for local charities. Lekhampstead fate is one of those great old style fates, wonderful people, loads of small stalls, and a great lack of serious commercialisation. The local people here in the Downlands are just great when you get to know them and there is nothing better than seeing the smiling faces (or scary faces) of kids freshly face painted. All the face painting at this event was by donation only and I made a nice £25 for charity - not bad for a couple of hours fun painting kids faces!

The location for the fate was in the grounds of the big house in Lekhampstead and organised by the owners, the Carr's family. Is there a more idyllic location up here on the Berkshire downs? I'm not sure, but I do know that it's a shame that this appears to be the last Lekhampstead fate. I do hope that can revive it for 2010, I would certainly be happy to come along again.

Foot note: If you would like Adrian Hollister to face paint for a local charity event please use the Contact Me button on the left.

Landy goes through the MoT

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:53:00 +0200

Woohoo! The landy with all my repairs has passed it's MoT.

The undercoat is on

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:54:00 +0200

What an utterly messy job - undersealing the landy. So good prep was needed, first a plastic sheet on the ground (an old dust sheet) and reverse the landy over it. This keeps it in place and helps to cover off any over spray of the gunk. Next step was to cover everything that I didn't want coated - exhaust, wheels, brakes etc. I did this with a whole bunch of old packaging paper and a bit of paper tape to keep it in place. The underseal can go anywhere, so make sure you have a good wrap of paper with no gaps.

For the underbody seal we used some stuff from Machine Mart - Tetraschutz. It's only 5 quid or so for a litre and you can use a standard compressor and underseal gun for it. With only the rear boot section to do I used a couple of litres and put two coats on the boot area and a single coat on anything else I could see. The only (and quite a big) down side is that I didn't have the time or kit to jack the landy up and take the fuel tank off. So there is a whole area above the fuel tank that has not been covered. This should not be too much of a problem though as most of that area I have coated with zinc primer and a layer or two of hammerite black. I also took the opportunity to spray some in the chassis and wheel arches and well just about anywhere that looked like the original underseal was starting to crack or fall off.

I've got to say though that the Tetraschutz went on very well and has clung to just about everything it was aimed at. It took a day or so to dry into what feels (and looks) like fresh bitumen. Only time will tell how well it stays on there and how good it is at repelling dirt and water.

One note though this stuff sticks - it seems to especially like any exposed skin and it mostly likes to clump together a group of hairs for fun. So wrap up well, then wrap up again over the top of it

One third of us voted in West Berkshire

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +0200

Well the Green’s have not done badly in West Berkshire - 77% more votes in 2009 this despite a very low turn out of just 37%.

We secured 4619 votes, which is close to the UKIP 6126 and Lib Dem 7167 votes. Tory old boys took 18336 votes. Labour were of course in fifth place behind us again.

Top five in order were:

Tory Old Boys Party 18336 (up 20%)
Lid Dem wannabe like you Tory’s Party 7167 (down 17%)
The only got one policy UKIP Party 6126 (up 3%)
Pro communities Green Party 4619 (up 77%)
Spent and wanting New Labour Party 2011 (down 37%)

A polling day at Newbury train station

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:45:00 +0200

I've spent the best part of the afternoon at Newbury train station. An odd choice perhaps for an election day, but I have been chatting and leafleting people on the way back from their daily commute. A good deal of the people who stopped to talk were just not going to vote - "it's a waste of time all politicians are corrupt" is the message they relay. When they hear that I'm Adrian Hollister and I'm from the Green Party and I'm going to contest the General Election here and the council elections - they stop and smile. The grumpy face that greets most politicians at the moment (especially the poor ole Lib Dem chap I saw the other day taking a good verbal beating from anyone the came close to him) was not present. People like conviction politicians, especially ones who have put other peoples interests in front of their own; and Green Party politicians are seen as the most ethical and the least corruptible of any political group. They are right - we do what we do for the betterment of our society, not for personal gain and not for glory or fame. Tory's and Lib Dem's should note this - it is their biggest liability (as their leaders have recognised).

I went to my local polling station at just before 10pm to cast my vote. It was clear that very few people had been there, with the polling clerks estimating less than 10%. Whilst this does not include postal votes (something that is usually quite high in very rural areas) it is perhaps an indication on the numbers of people put off by the corrupt Tory, Lib Dem and Labour members of parliament. I can only hope that by the next election faith has been restored in the political system and that people vote to take down the old Gentleman's clubs in Whitehall and remove the cheers and jeers politics that goes with it.

General Nicey

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:11:00 +0200

One of our new ex-battery chickens Bernard, or General Nicey as the girls had named her has died. Not quite sure if it was natural causes or if the dog's had something to do with it (generally they leave the chickens alone). At least she had a few weeks of good life following her internment in a battery cage.

300TDI boot repaired

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:50:55 +0200

The rusty boot in my old Discovery 300TDI is not unexpected. Just about any Disco of this age seems to suffer. Anyway, old boot floor was taken out (see previous post) and a nice new one welded in by the father in law. To do this I drilled what seemed like a million holes in the new boot floor and he welded through them. This should give something akin to the spot welds originally used - they may actually be stronger as there are more weld points.

New boot floor complete with larger weld holes, zinc and a load of paint

As you can see in this picture, there weld holes are a bit rough, but no one is going to see them so I don't need to grind them off. Everywhere has had two coating's of high zinc primer (80% zinc) and on the inside of the landy there is bit too generous coating of Hammerite.

You can see here the zinc primer and the first coat of Hammerite black

You can see in the picture above the nice coat of zinc primer and the first coat of Hammerite black. Each of the weld points has this treatment as have areas that are likely to rust (gullies around the boot floor etc).

Waxoyl in all hidden spots

Areas not exposed have also had a coat of galv repair zinc spray (95%+ zinc) then a good spray of Waxoyl. This should help keep these areas rust free for many more years. None of it looks elegant though, but you never get to see it so who cares!

Now time to put the internal trim back together and replace most of the rusty screws, washers, nuts and bolts with stainless versions.

Ever changing Richard Benyon now likes Wind Turbines

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:42:39 +0200

Rich Tory old boy Richard Benyon has decided that now is a good time to appear green. Green at the gills perhaps, but anyway, he is now (following a long period of negative or no comments) decided that he is in favour of Wind Farms and Wind Turbines.

Adrian Hollister said, "I notice that in Newbury Weekly News 21st May 09 Richard Benyon is now in favour of Wind Turbines after being a parliamentary sceptic(1). It's all good being in favour of Wind Turbines but I can't help wondering, given the size of Richard Benyon's estate, how many Wind Turbines he has?"

The landed gentry eh - they are in a different world to the rest of us (at least in mind if not body).

Now if he was serious, he would do what I suggest here: tell the American's it's time to leave RAF Welford and use it's high flat ground (next to the Motorway) for a wind farm. The position is not overlooked (except perhaps a golf course and a handful of residents who I'm sure would be happy seeing all those dangerous munitions go); it's a brown field site; and there is good motorway access for construction and maintenance vehicles.

Mind you if Richard Benyon kicked out the American's from one base it would seriously damage his love of weapons exporting and his beloved DESO (2) then what would he have to talk about in Parliament?

References:
1. typical example - http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmpublic/planning/080122/am/80122s01.htm#08012280000167 - where he doubts the countries ability to get it done.
2. http://www.theyworkforyou.com/search/?s=DESO&pid=11727 - pages of the stuff here.

Landrover Discovery 300TDI rusted boot panel

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 21 May 2009 22:14:00 +0200

The old Landrover Discovery 300TDI has a rust spot or two (well ok, a lot of rust spots) all around the boot area in the usual boot panel and under the wheel arches. Rust is such a damn nightmare on these older landies, and with the disco's boot floor up you can see why...

As you can see from this I've taken the boot panel out. What a darn tedious nightmare it is to remove all of the spot welds! Anyway, as you may be able to see in the picture, the underseal doesn't cover much, especially any of the crevices that water and muck just loves to stick. A lot of the panels around the outside have rusted as well and there are some very nasty rust spots in the wheel arches (big enough to get my arm in). I don't want to take the sills off yet, but I suspect they are in just as good a condition.

After a good clean up and a lot of angle grinder action we are back to bare metal and ready to weld on new bits. I've decided not to paint the chassis or cross members as the rust is only surface, so I've wire bushed off the worst and used a high zinc spray to cover the tops of everything. When I've put the panels back I'll underseal the lot and it should last for quite some time. More pictures to come of the boot panel going back in and the nightmare that is undersealing

DB Schenker’s greed & lost community spirit

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 19 May 2009 10:51:00 +0200

In support of the residents of Theale who have had their driveway access blocked by road barriers installed by the DB Schenker, I have sent emails and letters to company executives calling for them to reconsider their actions.

“From: Adrian Hollister
 To: Heller, Keith 
Cc: Meiklejohn, Graham 
Sent: Tue May 19 10:48:42 2009 

Subject: Garage Dispute in Theale  

Sir, I am greatly disappointed to read in Newbury Today that you have  decided to block access to the garages of homes in Theale. Whilst  your business is a valued part of our community, each business has a  responsibility towards our community too. The amount of monies  involved, the cost of recovery and the bad press you are rightly  receiving over the issue must far outweigh your need to take profit  from one or two members of the community.

  I urge you to reconsider the blocking of access to these properties  and to consider allowing free access as part of DB Schenker's give  back to the residents of this community.  

Yours sincerely,  
Adrian Hollister 
Parliamentary Candidate 
West Berkshire Green Party 
email: adrian@westberksgreens.org.uk
website: http://www.westberksgreens.org.uk”

Looking to email them directly? Try keith.heller @ dbschenker.com and graham.meiklejohn @ dbschenker.com (take the spaces out from around the @ sign)

Poll Puts the Green Party Four Points Ahead of the Lib Dems in the South East.

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 18 May 2009 19:37:15 +0200

With the European elections just over a fortnight away, a ComRes poll has put the Green Party in the South East in third place with 16% of the vote, four points clear of the Liberal Democrats. The Conservatives and Labour are in first and second place with UKIP trailing behind the Greens with 15%.

Meanwhile a YouGov poll released tomorrow (Monday 18 May) found 34% of respondents said they would either definitely be voting Green or would consider voting Green. This is the highest percentage ever to indicate potential support for the Greens.

Interestingly, the largest group who would consider switching were LibDem voters. It's far more common for the Greens to attract former Labour voters, who were the second largest group considering switching. Also interesting was the fact that around one-fifth of those considering switching were Conservative voters - the group normally the least likely to switch to Green.

Adrian Hollister said, "We find the same here in West Berkshire, many of our new people are ex-Liberal Democrat voters. Most are just confused and angry about their confused policies and their involvement in the expenses scandal." If you would like to know more about the Green Party in West Berkshire please see our web site www.westberksgreens.org.uk - you can find my contact details there. We also have a first Sunday coffee and market day in Newbury where we meet up with family and friends in one of the cafe's near the farmers market - your welcome to come along and have a chat.

Caroline Lucas our local MEP will be in Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:04:34 +0200

Our local MEP and Green Party leader, Caroline Lucas will be in Newbury on the 21st of May. So come along and meet her, 9:30-10:30am in Newbury Town Hall, coffee and cakes will be provided.

Vote clean vote Green

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:48:01 +0200

I stole the title here from members of Reading's ever increasing Green Party, but the point is the same. The Telegraph's revelations about MP's expenses must be an utter embarrassment for what are often wealthy Conservative, trade union funded Labour and should know better (perhaps) Lib Dem members of parliament. Is it a surprise that MP's have been making vast amount of money selling their second homes as their policies boost house prices? Is it a surprise that New Labour and Liberal Democrats behave in the way we would traditionally associate with the fat cat Tories? I don't think so. Politics has become so grey, with all three of the main parties looking Tory, walking Tory and talking Tory. We have what seems to be three main parties stinking of greed.

What happened to the honest politician? What happened to the conviction politicians? Did Maggie convert them all to wannabe Tories?

So what about the Greens then? Has there ever been a Green Party politician (and there are many councillors, MEP's and London Council members) accused of financial irregularity or abuse of power? No. There never has - why would there be? We all try to do what is best for society, best for our communities and best for our future. We are not motivated by the greed that has corrupted other parties.

If you want a clean parliament, then vote clean, vote Green.

Biodiesel in my Landrover 300TDI

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 07 May 2009 09:44:00 +0200

So, I've gone through my first full tank of Biodiesel from Thatcham. 90 Litres of the stuff. How did I get on? I ran very very low on the oil veggie oil that was in there to ensure that I had as pure a mixture as I could get and filled it to the brim in Thatcham. I've got to say that I've not noticed any difference from running on either straight Diesel or cetane boosted straight veggie oil. I wonder why we everyone doesn't start using this type of fuel? Mind you, a lot of diesel cars can easily run on filtered waste veggie oil which would be better still. Why have manufacturer's not picked up on this and started marketing their cars this way?

Five IT things that could start to save the environment

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:43:00 +0200

1. Turn it off. Lights at night - especially in offices. Computers, printers, photocopiers, coffee machines. They all consume power most often when they don't need to. Don't forget these devices consume power even when on stand-by or power saving mode.

2. Reuse, Repair and Recycle. IT is a nightmare and throwing things away because they look grubby or out of date.

3. Travel less and work from home. This not only improve a personal local social environment (getting up later, spending more time with family by not commuting), but also reduced our reliance upon heavily polluting transport systems. Of course this needs to be offset by high efficiency household heating and green energy. Perhaps something that employers will assist with in future years.

4. Spend time understanding 'need' and 'want'. Most waste occurs feeding the 'want' - do you need a new computer or want one? do you need the latest version of office or want it?

5. People are part of the environment - we have needs, social needs. Social needs cannot be met by IT, but IT can facilitate it. So when you plan your IT projects and proposals think about how it will help the people socially and the benefits that will bring to the welfare and sustainability of the business (and the communities within that business.)

Six figure salaries at West Berkshire Council

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 10:16:47 +0200

Laughing all the way to the bank with our money.

Adrian Hollister said, "How in the time of such recession is the Council able to justify the cost of £100K+ for three Council Officers? There are plenty of people out there unemployed, give them or their colleagues within the Council a chance at the role with a realistic salary.

If these Council Officers are, as the Conservative 'executive' member Anthony Stansfeld says, lower paid than our neighbouring authorities then they should be able to find another job at the drop of a hat.

If as I suspect, they are all overpaid, then a correction in their salary in line with the performance of West Berkshire and the recession in the Country is due. Perhaps we could use their excessive salaries to fund the sixth form schools shortfall introduced by New Labour?"

Reference: Newbury Today's article 'Three council officers earn six figure salaries'

Police Thugs kill at G20

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 06:38:00 +0200

Adrian Hollister notes the Green Party article that highlights to him an ever more violent Police force and comments: "At the G20 a man who was unarmed, caused no threat and was walking away from the Police with his hands in his pockets died after an assault by the Police. He was hit in back of his legs with a baton designed to collapse his legs and he was pushed over onto his face at the same time. This was is designed to have only one result - pain and injury. Why would the Police look to inflict injury on the people they are here to protect? If thugs had assaulted me in the street this way I would expect justice. This disgusting act must be subject to a criminal inquiry and the whole culture of increasing Police brutality must be stamped out."

Update
Adrian Windisch puts a far more diplomatic description of events on his blog and has a great letter you can send to your MP using www.writetothem.com - you can find his blog entry here.

5.14 million DNA kept by state

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:16:09 +0200

Over 5 million people have had their DNA stored on file by the state. The European court has already ruled that the database is illegal as it keeps details of those who have volunteered to have their DNA taken (despite the police saying that they would not keep it), and those who were not prosecuted or were found innocent. These people have no right of appeal to have their details removed and no right to even ask if their details are held at best you can write to your local police Chief Constable and hope they do something.

Adrian Hollister said, "The EU ruled last year on this issue and I have no idea why the UK Government is so slow acting upon their responsibilities. The Governments record on keeping information and data secure is terrible so to keep this information without adequate control, supervision and guidelines is open to significant abuse. This has clearly been demonstrated by the difference in policies between different police forces. This led to the development of 'keep everything' policies regardless of convictions or criminal status. The UK need to stop now and plan how this information is to be used, stored and monitored to ensure that there is an appropriate level of crime detection, privacy and human rights."

If you are affected by this issue you can write to your local MP or additional help can be gained from the GeneWatch group.

Microsoft Windows Only for DEFRA's muddled web site

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:51:00 +0200

How darn annoying is it when you log into a web site, register yourself and then get told that you have to be using Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Explorer. I know that Defra are not known for their top end IT but they are certainly not know for IT failures, except IMHO this one. Why do I have to buy a copy of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Explorer just to use their web site?

If you keep current on this blog you'll know that Adrian Hollister's chicken hotel is in business and wonderful girls they are too. You don't have to register that you keep chickens with DEFRA, but given the recent bird flu scares and other things I think it's a good idea too. It not only allows DEFRA to contact you, but helps them plot and plan the potential impact these type of diseases could have. So I've headed over to the DEFRA web site and after a lot of scrabbling around (I've no idea who put this site together, but user friendly did not come into it) I found the right link to register that your a keeper of poultry (for reference and I suggest you book mark it, you can find it here).

You can register there and link your poultry stocks to you online. Sounds great eh? Yes, but only if your running Microsoft's Windows apparently. I have Mac's and Linux machines and I see no need to pay Microsoft to use the online facilities of our government - especially when I'm doing them a favour by registering. I tried using Firefox and Safari and a whole bunch of other browsers, but for sure it's Microsoft only on their site.

What a let down and what a waste of time. I had to go down to the library to register. Madness eh.

After all the struggle and pain, I do still recommend that everyone register that they are keeping poultry with DEFRA using the link above.

Put People First March in London

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:14:51 +0200

Pam Cooper wrote, “Went up to London for today's march, there is a very wide range of organisations represented up there from Trade Unions to the Salvation Army, Save the Children and Greenpeace, bands, drummers and loads of individuals and small groups all with our messages, all very friendly and good natured.

“I joined group of Greens from London and Reading. it was good to see so many green flags and placard. When I got home I was surprised at great cover on the TV of a 'peaceful' march.

“The message of the day that, was people whet a green agenda a 'green new deal' we must get out there and campaign to get more Green s elected so they don't end up with just more green wash from the main parties. What we get from the G20 we just have to wait and see, but I hope it not more the same old policies that got us in this mess in the first place.”

The Reading Green party lot have a great article and pictures which can be found here.

Charity Facepaint at Brightwalton Easter Egg hunt

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 09:32:00 +0200

Adrian Hollister will be face painting for charity again this weekend. This week it's for The Freinds of Brightwalton's School in aid of more playground equipment. The face painting generated over £40 this year.

You can find more details of Brightwalton School here.

Richard Benyon rejects animal welfare labeling

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:57:45 +0100

I finally had a reply from the Tory incumbent MP Richard Benyon - he seems to think that quality and welfare of the animals means nothing to the Tories, as they have a policy of stamping food made in Britain as 'British'. This is one of those comedy replies it must be. We are in such a large farming community he must understand the advantage our local farmers would get by forcing the supermarkets to label the type of production method used. Can you imagine a large supermarket admitting that they raise their meat products in such a poor way? I wouldn't mind betting they would invest very quickly in lower stock densities and higher welfare standards.

Anyway, here is my reply with his email on the bottom..

"Your bill I starts 'Amend the Food Labelling Regulations 1996 to provide for information about the country of origin of food to be made available to consumers; and for connected purposes.'

This I can only assume is just about point of origin and not the welfare or quality of husbandry. If this is the case does not even start to meet the description of EDM 581, and certainly does not help to promote the often higher standards of meat and meat products available in our region and the United Kingdom.

Please look again at the issue, it is one not currently covered by Conservative policy and EDM 581 has the potential to bring great benefits to the large farming sector in our area.

Many thanks,
Adrian Hollister
West Berks Green Party

p.s. slightly odd receiving an email with no signature, not great electronic etiquette

On 23 Mar 2009, at 12:09, BENYON, Richard wrote:

Dear Mr Hollister

Thank you for your recent correspondence about Early Day Motion 581,
food labelling and the welfare of chickens. I appreciate your concerns
and thank you for bringing them to my attention.

The Conservatives care greatly about animal welfare and have long been
calling for an overhaul in food labelling procedures. It is
unacceptable that meat can be imported from abroad, processed in Britain
and then labelled as British. This practice is clearly dishonest and
misleading to consumers. We therefore want to see compulsory country of
origin labelling for meat and meat products so that consumers can be
assured that products labelled British come from animals born and bred
in Britain to our high welfare standards.

You will be pleased to hear that Conservatives have recently launched an
'Honest Food' campaign calling for clearer food labelling. As part of
the campaign, Nick Herbert MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is tabling a Parliamentary Bill
which will make it mandatory for retailers to display the country of
origin of their meat and meat products, in line with countries such as
Australia and will also require meat and meat products labelled as
British or carrying the Union flag to be born and bred in Britain.
Conservatives will be urging the Government to support it.

The campaign has drawn support from a wide range of groups and
individuals including the NFU and RSPCA as well as chefs and food
campaigners including Hugh Fernley-Whittingstall, Prue Leith, Anthony
Worrall Thomson and Clarissa Dickson Wright. I would urge you to visit
the campaign website at www.honestfoodcampaign.com to find out more,
read our policy in full, and also to sign our petition supporting the
honest labelling of food.

Given the progress Conservatives are making on this issue I will not be
signing EDM 581.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write to me.

Yours sincerely"

Caroline Lucas points out Labour Madness

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:38:10 +0100

It's about time that someone finally brought the Labour green fantasy back down to earth. Caroline Lucas is reported to be opening the Green Party summer conference with a New Labour reality check.. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7953641.stm

Adrian Hollister's thoughts:

"For me, the green summary of each of the main parties would be:

Conservative: They pretend to care about you and your families, but actually only support big business and the rich. Those who do not fit their 'big n rich' policies always find themselves loosing out - either school cuts, cuts to the fabric of our society or just general disregard for the welfare of us all. The green washing of the tories is the best out there - funded by huge donations from... you guessed it the big n rich. The Tory's best skill is in making you think that you could be part of their club, which of course would be impossible unless you went to Eton, owned huge estates or similar. To be clear I feel sorry for Cameron pretending to be something he is not - cycling to work (with car's in tow) is an example - he is of course yet another Tory toff reaching out to the middle classes for their support. To follow him would be to look back 25 years.

Lib Dems: Always jumping from band wagon to band wagon, the Lib Dems just always seem to make their jumps too late and always appear to be behind in policies and in practice. The Lib Dem's promise improvements in our social make up, but actually just want to look after Mr and Mrs Middle Class. Their green credentials could be good, but they spend most of their time bickering with the other parties and never actually doing anything. Could you entrust the Lib Dem's to make a better society, a more sustainable society, one that's better for our children and grandchildren? IMHO No - they are just too muddled and would never drive anything forward.

New Labour: Such potential for social reform, for greening of the economy and for using the current financial crisis as a method of removing the UK from a dependence on externally sourced energy supplies. Somehow though the time they have had just seems to have been squandered. Many of the New Labour MP's increasingly vote for greening issues, but they are beaten down by the opposition from the Tory's and the 'core' New Labour MP's (let alone their whip). The increase in desperation from the New Labour back bencher's and increase in signs of dissent especially on green issues shows the New Labour has run it's course and the green agenda of New Labour has come undone. New Labour are by a long way the greenest of the three main parties, but they are just such as long way away from reality and where we need to be it scares me. How could we let our country fall so far behind?"

Local Tory Toff MP Richard Benyon fails to support our farmers

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 22:10:56 +0100

Something I've just signed up for... The Chicken Out Campaign

Adrian Hollister said,

"We all want to be reassured that the what we are buying is what we get. The labelling on some foods cheats you into thinking you are buying something else. Supermarkets are often accused of using pictures of fields on meat products when in reality these animals have spend their life in cages or barns.

"I believe that all meat, including imported meat, should be labelled as to farming method and stock density. This should equally apply to meat and meat-derived products including milk and eggs.

"At the beginning of the year there was a Parliamentary early day motion (EDM581) to start to address this issue - good labelling would have been mandatory and it would have applied to UK and foreign products. We all know how difficult it is to compete with foreign meats especially as they generally have different (and often lower) standards of welfare and tracking. This parliamentary motion makes complete sense: we get to understand where our food comes from; it sets a level playing field with other countries; and confidence is gained by the public in what they are buying.

"So why did our local Tory MP Richard Benyon not bother to support this motion?

"His clear lack of concern for our local farmers and farming methods is shocking. In West Berkshire we have some of the best examples of farming - exemplars for the rest of the country - but he is happy to let our local farmers fight unfair battles with foreign competition. I'm willing to bet that if this labelling standard came into force the supermarkets would be inclined to pay more to our local farmers whose better animal welfare standards would appear on the label of their products.

"I call for Richard Benyon to whole heartedly back this motion it's aims and objectives and do his up most to extent the motion to all meat produce."

Recycled Chickens

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 23:43:07 +0100

We've been wanting chickens for quite some time - we have enough garden and it's another step to help reduce the food miles on the things we eat. The new chicken house is now up (though Chicken Hotel is more like it), it's been varnished to keep the worst of the weather off and the roof has been felted. Next step is to form the run and source the chickens. We could go with some exotic breed, but have decided to have recycled chickens - well ex-battery chickens anyway. We hope they will have a much better life with us and saves them from the dispatchers table.

Update... the poor ole recycled chickens are at least a month away before we get them, so we purchased some point of lay chickens. Head over to the wifes chicken hotel site for more information.

Tory's approve new nuclear weapons plant

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:47:46 +0100

Adrian Hollister wrote, "

Dear Sir,

Am I the only one who find's that the quick fire and ill thought out planning approval given by the Conservative West Berkshire Council to the creation of a new nuclear weapons plant in Aldermaston on a flood plane is a terrible decision? The Conservative's clearly think that you don't count - nearly 1000 of us wrote letters of objection and yet we were ignored; the Lib Dem's just seem resigned to the fact that the Tory's can have their way; and owner's of AWE seem to think that they have a right to do what they like. I really don't like the thought of my children and their children growing up with this legacy and I can't even imagine what would happen should the area flood (though I'm guessing anything downstream of Aldermaston would not be a great place to live if it did).

Adrian Hollister
West Berkshire Green Party
http://www.westberksgreens.org.uk"

Newbury Farmers Market - my pick of the market

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 14:26:30 +0100

What a great farmers market again in Newbury - good sunshine too which helps. Most of the stalls were empty by lunch time so trade must have been good too. My pick of this month's farmers market must be divided between three close contenders - Brooklea's Fish Farm (East Hendred) for their trout; Stark House Farm (a well deserved previous pick) and E F J Gould's Cheddar's. It's a close run thing this month, but my pick of the market for March is Brooklea Fish Farm with their wonderful fresh trout.

Blog fixed

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:27:56 +0100

Bleedin' technology eh - damn thing stopped publishing new articles and I never notice

New West Berks Green Party web site

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:12:59 +0100

It's taken a while to get this off the ground, but we now have a new West Berkshire Green Party web site!

You can find the site here or by typing http://www.westberskgreens.org.uk

300TDI Engine Rebuilt but...

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:14:00 +0100

So far all has gone well on the rebuild of the 300tdi. The new cylinder head looks to be good and has cleaned up well. Fitting the new pistons has been a little more difficult as they were very tight, but all went back together ok. Firing up for the first time was a bit of a worry. I'd glaze busted the cylinders and put the pistons in with a little grease as they were v tight, so when it finally did start to turn over it would have some lubrication. When it did fire up though a good deal of that stodgy grease burnt off with a bit of smoke. What the heck though, it fired up and I ran it for about 15 mins on tick over-1500rpm.

All sounds good eh, so why the 'but...' in the title, well after the 15 mins or so the starter kicked in (no joke it did) and everything sounded very bad. I turned the engine off, but when ever the key is in position II or III the starter engages. Suspects so far are... a trapped cable during the rebuild (though I can't see anything), a buggered starter, or switch/electrical. I'm starting with the leccy side of things as this is the cheapest thing to repair.

Savings from street lighting

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:09:00 +0100

In a recent article in the Newbury Weekly News, the Tory led West Berkshire Council seem to be (without any consultation) turning the street lights off at various times. Yet another half baked Tory fake green stance.

Adrian Hollister said, "..I wrote about this issue in my blog quite some time ago. The thought of having no street lights does at first seem a bad thing, but with the use of technologies such as LED's and OLED's street lights could be modified to produce full light during the busy early evening hours and 'good enough' lighting activated by sensors during the early hours of the morning (similar to the PIR's people are familiar with on their driveways).

My focus would be to ensure that any savings are passed on directly through the next council tax bill as a part of a 'Environmental savings' scheme.

What's the point in turning street lights off though if businesses, especially office blocks leave their lights on over night? We need to work with local businesses to ensure that savings would be provided to all those businesses that met some simple environmental and social principals - such as local employment, lights out schemes and give back to the local community."

Article: Turn the lights off at night Newbury

Created: February 13. 2008

Web link: http://adrianhollister.co.uk/archives/30-Turn-the-Lights-Off-at-Night-Newbury.html

Article Contents:

I've been interested in the question of street and shop lighting for some time and I've never quite got to grips with why people and businesses seem compelled to leave the lights on all night.

I'm in the lucky position of being north of Newbury in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Our village and the surrounding villages have no street lights. Everyone who is going to be out at night carries a torch, even visitors learn quickly that a torch helps them back to their car. We look up and see a blackish sky, but we can easily see the yellow glow of Newbury, Reading etc.

Driving around the towns you see offices, shops and even houses leaving on lights when they are not in. It would be very interesting to see if one of the smaller towns such as Newbury could enforce or persuade local businesses to turn the lights off at night. Perhaps an incentive around the business rates would interest them? It would also be very interesting to see if people who are used to street lights could survive again with few or no street lights on a night. Is safety really the concern or just fear of the dark?

Ends.

Valve dent in my 300TDI piston!

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:49:40 +0100

With nothing much else to do in the snow, I took the my 300TDI dicovery engine apart. I have a new cylinder head to put on, so I dropped the sump off and took the pistons out as well... might as well replace the big end bearings and piston rings whilst I'm doing the head. There is some good wear on the bearings as you'd expect as they were in from new and had covered 130K miles. The only thing of note was that the piston from the number 1 cylinder had what looks like a valve mark in it.

300TDI piston with valve imprint

So, I've a cylinder head from ebay in the hope that it's ok, new big end bearings and in the end new pistons (as it was only a few quid cheaper to buy them built into the cylinder.

When it warms up I'll try and put it back together...

Landy for scrap?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:02:10 +0100

After a broken cylinder head, loads of simple work and now a pool of frozen water on the inside, I walked away from the landy last night, give it a kick on the flat tyre and said that it old girl your for the scrap heap.

When I got up in the morning I found out she'd by crying all night...

Tories are all in a muddle

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:02:03 +0100

re: the bbc's story about the Tories latest change of heart.

Adrian Hollister is annoyed with the latest Tory tosh. If you read the bbc's article on the latest Tory statement it makes great comic reading and just shows how much the Tories are prepared to make it up to grab a headline or two. Take a couple of snippits for example...

"Mr Cameron says he would scrap taxes on basic rate taxpayers' savings and would increase the level of non-taxable income for pensioners by £2,000 a year." For this read: The Tories want to ensure that all retired people vote Tory. This is perhaps in keeping with the demographics of the Tory party - being mostly retired and stuck firmly in the past.

"The Tories have said the tax cuts will be fully funded, paid for by lower public spending." For this read: We want to take away public services - perhaps bus services, health services, social services - who knows, but it will be something. Remember what happened under Margaret Thatcher - "she made us financially richer but socially poorer". Something that as a society we are still paying for today.

Then some classic Tory tosh...

"Our vision is a good future is of a less materialistic country" - err your the globalisation and consumerism party are you not?

"a contributor society not a consumer society" - I don't see the rich kids in the Tory party giving away their time and money to society do you? I wonder if they think this only applies to the 'common people'?

"Mr Cameron also announced plans for a review of broadband services" - review all you like, how about taking actions?

The last word goes to Yvette Cooper, chief secretary to the Treasury, who summaries it well:

"David Cameron talks about the 1970s. The truth is the Conservatives are returning to the worst of Thatcherism in the early eighties with no support for jobs or the economy and cuts in public services as well."

A Nag's Tale

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 14:37:00 +0100

I do enjoy a good walk with the dog's, so much so that the traditional greeting is "Adrian Hollister, ah yes I've seen you walking your dogs" followed by "don't you also do Green things?". Helpfully there are more tracks paths and fields around Chaddleworth than anywhere I know. All of them lead to green fields, stunning views and past some wonderful odd things too - the bridge over the duck pond, the beach lined lanes in the middle of no where, and some great living art sculptures.

My walks are usually 3-4 hours though so finding somewhere that I will enjoy and the dog's will be happy with can be quite difficult. I've done trips to Ilsley, Farnborough, Great Shefford as well as trips along the Kennet and Avon Canal from Newbury to Great Bedwyn (and back via train!).

All have been unplanned and some have ended in 6-8 hour journeys! I was given the AA 1001 Walks in Britain book for Christmas and scanned it for anything in my area. As it happens walk 194 is in Chaddleworth and 193 is in Farnborough - two areas I walk regularly. Both taking routes that I'd not tried before. This week I tried the 194 walk from Chaddleworth to the abandoned medieval village of Whatcombe and back.

Knowing the area I could expand upon the walk slightly and took the route via the edge of Spray Wood, back to the Church and then down to Manor Farm. The hill from Manor Farm to the A338 seems steeper than the 90m climb suggests but the views are stunning. Crossing the A338 and heading past Whatcome Stud there is another 100m climb to the top of Kite hill. It's then downhill past Henley farm on the return leg. The last hill is another 100m climb via a restricted byway to the edge of Chaddleworth. As a last variation to the guide I headed past the stud and across the fields to give the dogs one final good run.

All in all a good three hour walk and a great guide. I'll try Farnborough next weekend - it's a longer distance but only 50m climbs.

Oxford Green Fair 13th December

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:18:00 +0100

Oxfordshire Green Party’s annual Winter Green Fair will be held on
Saturday 13th December 2008, at Oxford Town Hall (10:00am to 4:00pm).
This highly successful fair is now in it's 28th year and regularly
attracts more than 2,000 visitors.

Stall booking details from: greenfair@greenoxford.com

If you want to meet Adrian Hollister or Pam Cooper we will be there trawling the stores and saying hi.

Chimney Swept

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:21:35 +0100

Just had the annual chimney sweeping done. A chap call Mr G North from Headington in Oxford came out with a camera and checked out the whole flu for us as well. He did a great job and was nice chap too. So if you want a propa chimney sweep and inspection contact him on 01865 522 523 and mention you've seen his name on Adrian Hollister's blog.

Cracks in my 300TDI Cylinder Head

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:36:00 +0100

With Adrian Hollister's stubborn 'it's better to reuse' mentality - I've been trying to keep my old 13 year old Landy on the road. This month it's been drinking water and producing vast quantities of white smoke (well steam) out the back. Most likely the head gasket, so whipping the head off and replacing is the way to go. On route I found a couple of cracks in the head just under the glow plug, I'm no mechanic but I'm guessing that this is not normal...

Discovery 300TDI cracks in the Cylinder Head just under the glow plugs

Click on picture for a better view. Gonna fit a few gasket etc to see if it sorts the problem, if not I guess I need to look for a recon head
Continue reading "Cracks in my 300TDI Cylinder Head"

New casualty figures show need for 20 mph limits

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:44:00 +0200

From the Green Party Web site I found this article.. "New road casualty figures from the Department of Transport show that 20 mph limits in towns and cities are urgently needed, the Green Party Deputy Leader said today.

Adrian Ramsay was commenting on figures released today for road casualties in 2007 by the Department for Transport.
These figures show that pedestrian casualties are much higher for areas with high levels of deprivation, many of which are urban areas with low levels of car ownership.

The new statistics, analysed by deprivation score, show that the number of pedestrians killed or injured on the roads rises from 21 casualties per 100,000 people in the least deprived areas to 70 casualties per 100,000 people in the most deprived areas – more than a threefold increase for the poorest neighbourhoods.

A key policy of the Greens is to make 20 mph the default speed limit on residential roads in urban areas to reduce the number of deaths and injuries.

Adrian Hollister agrees with his comments, "Today's figures show that this is a social justice issue as well as a safety and environmental issue. It is shocking that the number of pedestrians killed or injured is so much higher for the most deprived areas."

“Greens across the UK are campaigning for 20 mph to be the default limit in built-up areas and Green Councillors putting forward these proposals to many local authorities.

“With a default 20 mph speed limit, fewer road humps are needed than with limited ‘home zones’, and it is easier to communicate the message that 20mph is the appropriate speed on residential roads where children and people of all ages need to be able to walk about safely.

“Lower speed limits don’t just create safer streets for everyone, they also mean better air quality and lower carbon emissions as they encourage more people to walk and cycle."

In May this year, after becoming the official opposition on Norwich City Council, Norwich Green Party succeeded in getting agreement from the Norwich Highways Agency Committee to introduce a 20mph limit across unclassified residential roads in the city. The Highways Committee has now agreed to introduce the first phase of this scheme by the end of this financial year.

Green Council groups in Lewisham, Hackney, Camden, Leicester and on many other councils across the country are also pushing for the measure, and a city-wide 20 mph speed limit was a key policy in the Greens’ London election campaign in May.

The city of Graz in Austria has half the rate of road deaths compared with similar cities in the UK, thanks to a speed limit on almost all roads of 30 kph (19 mph). When the new speed limit was introduced in 1992, there was a sharp decline of 24% in serious injuries on the roads. Collisions involving pedestrians fell 17% over ten years."

Another stunning Newbury Show

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 23:48:00 +0200

I was on the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue service stand at the Newbury show this year as a volunteer Fire Fighter. What a great team of people they are and haven't had such as good chat and laugh on 'official' business for a long time. I'll write up a better blog entry once my voice recovers from a long day of talking and chatting!

You can find their web site here.

Green Party call for a Low Emission Zone for West Berks towns

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:54:00 +0200

Given the recent news that pollution in Newbury is at dangerous levels the Green Party calls for a low emission zone for our West Berkshire towns and communities. The zone would be based upon the model used in London to discourage the most polluting heavy vehicles from using the zones by imposing a pollution road toll. By using a zoned approach the large vehicles will be prevented from diverting to minor roads and residential areas.

Current West Berks Council thinking diverts HGV's to/from Basingstoke, via the Tothill roundabout, on a circuitous route five miles longer. This will only marginally reduce pollution around the town, but will increase the fuel used and carbon emissions in general.

The money made from the toll must be invested back into the local communities via the local Parish Council's.

We need a low emission zone in Newbury

Adrian Hollister from the Green Party said, "I was shocked but not surprised that it took Newbury Weekly News to reveal the pollution problems in Newbury. I was even more shocked to find Geoff Findlay (Conservative, Cold Ash) the environmental spokesman for West Berks Council is advocating driving faster as the solution to the problem. Not only have the Council withheld the health risks from the general public (who could have taken steps to avoid the areas) but their own environment spokesman seems to know nothing about the causes of pollution.

Given the health risks that our residents are exposed to and with no sensible suggestions from West Berks Council the Green Party call for West Berkshire Council to act promptly and implement a low emission zone similar to that used in London. This would see the most polluting vehicles discouraged from using our towns and areas of population."

Geoff Findlays environmental madness

"We will try to devise ways of reducing traffic through there, or speeding the traffic up" - way to go Geoff - faster must be less pollution right? Have you any idea about the environment? Have you any idea how vehicles generate pollution? Why are you in your role as Environment spokesman for West Berks Council?

Newbury Farmers Market

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:54:00 +0200

Not sure how many of you have been to a farmers market, but the one in Newbury has to be one of the better ones. On the first Sunday of each month they hold the market. Parking is free and it's a minute walk from the train and bus stations. We did a little bit of leafleting and a whole lot of chatting to people there. Some of the most teasing stalls included some English wines and some stunning bacon rolls. We ended up with a bag more than full from there, with veg, some wonderfully tasty bacon and other treats. The disappointment was a cake from the cake stall - it had no taste and was of poor quality. This was outweighed by some hedgehog bread rolls for the girls - great idea and tasty too.

So after some wonderful bangers and mash, my recommendation from this months Farmers market are the bacon and sausages from Stark House Farm in Headley. They can be contacted on 01635 268 205.

Petition To Stop Deportation Of Burmese Campaigner

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:55:00 +0200

There is a petition to halt the deportation of one of the founding members of Burma Political Forum. Min Hein has been an active member of the democratic movement for Burma in the UK during the time that he has been here.

We are asking the Home Office to halt the deportation process so that all the relevant and up to date information can be considered for his asylum application. It has been documented that the deportees who are known to the military regime are intimidated and detained and worse still, tortured. There is a high likelihood that Min Hein would be known to the regime.

Please take one minute to sign this petition and confirm your signature...

http://www.petitiononline.com/minhein8/petition.html

Thanks all.

Newbury is third in Britains happiest place!

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 21:24:00 +0200

With a little bit more work we could extend this to the surrounding areas... check out the article though in the Newbury Today web site.

The Kremlins are back!

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:11:00 +0200

Kremlins are back

I couldn't help but giggle at this cartoon from Schnews. "GAME, OSSETIA, MATCH - Georgia, the West-friendly state in the Caucuses, is invaded by Russia. The geo-politics of the oil-rich former Soviet states is not the walk-over which US and Western think it is, as Russia re-asserts it's position in the area.."

Project may fail at the Living Rainforest

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:39:00 +0200

I can't help thinking - where is our local MP here? He's paid lip service by issuing a few press releases, but why hasn't he spoken to the Living Rainforest and told them how to go about getting funding? He has a big enough office and large enough staff can't they help here? Perhaps he is far too worried about his precious DESO (just about the only thing he has spoken on in Parliament)... so very disappointing.

Wonderful revolutionary project could fail at last hurdle.

Must the Low Carbon project return €1.2 million to Brussels?

Plans to construct Europe’s ‘greenest glasshouse’ at the Living Rainforest, an eco-centre which educates the young and older in Berkshire are on the verge of collapse. £950,000 will be claimed back by Brussels if the final funding is not secured urgently.

The Living Rainforest is a sustainability charity which welcomes and educates in the most experiential and exciting way children from schools all over the country. Visiting adults also enthuse about it.

LRF has raised over £1.8 million of EC funding to showcase what the low-carbon commercial glasshouse of the future could look like.

What is a low-carbon commercial glasshouse?
Instead of relying on greenhouse-gas-polluting fossil fuels for heat, the design uses the glasshouse itself to collect excess heat from the sun, and stores this energy underground for use in winter.

This revolutionary technology can be used to heat buildings and grow ‘protected crops’ like tomatoes and lettuce year-round in a climate-neutral way.

“This is a golden opportunity for the UK to play a leading role on low carbon technologies which stand to benefit both the planet and the UK Horticultural industry” says local MEP Caroline Lucas.
”It would be a tragedy to simply let this EU money slip through our hands after so much funding has already been secured – the project would in effect be killed.”

LRF sponsors have raised significant funding but the charity needs to raise a further €1 million (£830,000). The Government needs to support the final stages of the project however, despite warm words from Phil Woolas the junior minister at Defra, further financial commitment to the project remains out in the cold.

Karl Hansen, director at The Living Rainforest said
“Like many science centres, we support the work of the Government with very little funding from the public purse. We educate schoolchildren about the world’s threatened ecosystems, and about ways to reduce our ecological footprint at home and abroad. We do so without relying on government handouts.”

Many hundreds of school children of all ages visit the LRF weekly and experience the delights of blue morph butterflies, Geldi monkeys’ 40 different calls, the sculptural water dragon often to be seen perched up high over the pond, and countless beautiful animals and plants, in humid high temperatures which reflect the rainforest’s. Tour guides thread their way through the forest, enabling the children and teenagers to identify cocoa plants and think about the healthy properties of dark chocolate, to look out over the luxuriant banana plants and highest leaves. Young children talk excitedly and sadly of the death of Steve Coogan when they spot the piranhas, and love the fluttering blue morph giant butterflies and spying the poisonous bejeweled little frogs.

Hanson adds, “Major innovation projects like this cannot succeed without reasonable backing from Government and other sources.
The horticulture industry is keenly interested in the lessons to be learnt from the project. Ironically it is feeling the pinch of rising energy prices and is unable to fund this work”.

He continues “despite the obvious advantages and solid financial support from Brussels, the project is now at risk and so we need clear, realistic support from the Government to ensure that this wonderful demonstration project goes ahead”.

With very few weeks left to secure the support required, the Living Rainforest is faced with the alternative of returning €1,200,000 to Brussels. This lack of funding at the eleventh hour, of a project which leads the way forward seems genuinely to be madness.

Downlands in June

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:34:07 +0200

What great weather we have been having, nice long warm and hot days and the occasional overnight shower. All the plants seem to have boomed in the past few weeks leaving fields filling with crops and some wonderful downland walks.

American Empire supports ethnic cleansing and more bombing raids

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:48:54 +0200

Discussing the situation in the middle east, Adrian Hollister comments: "It disgusts me that Americans not only back the Israel ethnic cleansing of other lands and the horrors that brings to families broken by mass deportation and disappearances; but that they are yet again planning to attack another 'oil' nation. Why do we in the UK let them get away with it?"

Barak Obama on You Tube

10th June - West Berkshire Green Party Meeting - Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:48:04 +0200

Hi all, just a reminder that there the next meeting is on the 10th of June in Newbury. All are welcome so please feel free to message me if you need an invite and the directions. Plan is to start at about 19:30 and finish as usual (when we finish!). Hope to see you all there.

Fuel Duty Protest by the Lorry Drivers

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:35:10 +0200

The price of fuel is reflecting a resource that is dwindling and controlled by states that could be considered a threat to the US and US allies. So in some respects I can understand the recent protests by the Lorry Drivers about the cost of fuel, but perhaps not for the reasons that they are protesting. My concerns are not that their businesses are under threat (because actually if they thought about it there are other ways of working and other methods of transport available to them), but that UK lorry drivers are put at a disadvantage against the foreign competition because of our high cost of fuel.

I would like to see a level playing field for all lorry drivers in the UK. Perhaps a system where the fuel duty is change to a road toll fee would be more appropriate. The road toll fee would be added to the price of fuel in the UK and all non-UK resident drivers would also be required to pay this fee no matter where they filled up. Non UK drivers would have to declare entry to the UK and exit from the UK mileage and charged an appropriate level. Personally I would also like to see all inbound lorries weighed and visually inspected to ensure they meet the UK road limitations and requirements.

Perhaps then importers may consider using more rail freight, sea freight and reuse the canal networks?

It's company car time again - but which car?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:19:25 +0200

I've had my company car (a Toyota Prius) for four years now and it's going back soon. The car has been utterly reliable - it's never broken. The fuel economy is good, the noise it produces is very good, and it fits Adrian Hollister + family & dog with no problems. The down side is that it's quite expensive for a company car. To help me decide I've test driven a couple of other cars - the BMW 320d, an X type Jag, and one of the new Ford Focus slightly more efficient 1.6D cars.

The beemer was just boring. Boring boring boring. No sat nav, no... well anything. It felt like the seats were optional, the noise was terrible - tractors down my road are much quieter, and the fuel economy worse than the Prius (with the same driving style and roads). The Jag just felt cramped and the family decided against it. The Focus seems smaller than the Prius and again it came with no basic's (my personal opinion is that sat nav and bluetooth integration are mandatory and actually very cheap for the manufacturers to provide). Fuel economy was great, so overall it's OK but nothing stunning.

Disheartened by the marketing hype on the BMW and the massive cost of the add-on's for both the BMW 320d and the Ford Focus I gave up for a bit. We had a quick look at a C30, but it's too small and CO2 output is very high; the same seems to apply to most of the other cars we looked at that would fit our family.

So what was the decision in the end? Well we are getting another Prius. The reasons in order of preference: Sat Nav, Bluetooth built-in, not waking up the family driving away in the morning (cos it's so darn quiet), watching the tyre fitters trying to work out how to drive the car on to the ramp (seriously - this is a hoot), low CO2, utterly reliable and good fuel economy.

M4 Reading madness by Reading Council

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:56:00 +0200

I wonder when or if Reading Council are going to realise that building more roads only facilitates a growth in traffic? There latest barmy plans are to increase the size and throughput of Junction 11 on the M4. Of course what will happen (as has happened everywhere else they have done this) is all about people... people don't drive there because it's busy - we use other routes and other methods of transport. That's a good thing - the less convenient cars are, the less likely we are to use them 'because we can'*.

So, if the bottleneck goes away, people will start to choose to drive there again - because they can, it's easy right? So in a few years time we are right back to where we started... a very busy junction and a reason for Reading to go back to the drawing board and add more and more roads.

Iterestingly the BBC have an article on just this subject. You can find it here.

and you can also find some information on the Reading Council web site here.

*So why is Adrian Hollister so much against the use of cars? Well I'm not. But we do have a problem. Culturally we seem to think that they can be used for any and every trip - we have no environmental conscience about their use.. car's pollute - they produce noise, they produce heat, they produce toxic gases, they take up our space and are often made the center of our lives and social status by marketing people. A car is just a car people - it's just a method of transport - forget the marketing people they are conning you. OK rant over!

Is Social Networking viable for the UK Government?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 13 May 2008 23:25:00 +0200

'Five Million People Around the Water Cooler' by Adrian Hollister and Dan Bailey is one of my new papers, it discusses how the UK public sector could benefit from social networking and bottom up knowledge management. You can read it here.

"Social networking has the potential to be the most important emerging enabler of government over the next five years."

"The potential of social networking for the public sector transformation agenda is exciting. The effective delivery of any major transformation relies on the strength of communication throughout that organisation. With the right attention to data security, government could harness this new technology to break down communication barriers between departments and locations."

Poor Maintenance cuts Great Shefford in half

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:39:00 +0200

Swan Bridge (A338 in Great Shefford) is likely to remain closed until mid May 2008. It's been a little difficult for residents to get good information from West Berks Council about it, but it now appears that erosion has undermined the bridges foundations. The bridge is roughly half way through the idyllic West Berks village of Great Shefford shutting the road but not the foot bridge. There are long road detours in place for cars.

The whole area has been subject to significant flooding over the years and maintenance of local streams and water ways has always been very poor. The area is famed to outsiders for the constant flooding on the A338 through the whole village. For locals though the A338 is famed for fast drivers, big lorries and near misses.

This village suffers from the incompetence and bickering of the various Tory and Lib Dem councils running West Berkshire. Neither have actually invested in environmental and social issues, they just do as little as possible all of the time and Great Shefford has taken seen it's fair share of this. The bridge is just an indication of this - if the water management had been sorted out years ago we would not be in the position today.

As a start West Berkshire council need to step up to the mark and:

1. enforce speed limits and give the residence the option to introduce a 20 mph zone through the bulk of their community, especially near the school, shop and community halls.

2. drainage ways and water ways must be maintained to capture run off water and where possible to allow water to collect and soak away.

3. passage through the village on the main road must be with full respect to the residence of the village. People, bicycles and buses should have priority over cars.

4. localisation of power distribution using West Berks abundant wind power and our hydroelectric potential

5. promote our local businesses and farms. We are used to buying produce from Devon, why not promote the best of West Berks produce, products and services?

STOP RECYCLING - West Berks can't cope with it !?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 10:31:00 +0200

Staggering this county - West Berks Council continue to amaze me. I've worked hard here to get my main waste bin into a position of being about half full weekly with the rest doing to recycle or compost. My two small baskets for tins and bottles overflow. I have a nice can and tin crusher that puts everything to a much smaller size but with cat food, dog food, human food the odd drinks can and a few glass bottles I can easily exceed two of these small bins. West Berks won't take anything that's not in the bins, so the options are clear: compact it more or get more bins. Simple?

a. Compact the waste. Packing the bins tightly seems to push the weight too high and they don't collect them - really they just leave them at the side of the road! So this is not actually an option as it makes the problem worse.

b. Get more bins. West Berks told me that they were not going to let people have more than two bins for recycling. I was told to keep it for next week's collection or take it to my local recycling facility (which is not local it's 30 mins drive away!). The lady on the phone from West Berks Council was clearly unimpressed that my main household waste had gone down and my recycling had gone up. Clearly I don't quite fit the West Berks Council's stereotype of an average citizen.

So are they suggesting I stockpile recycling until it's viable to fill a car to the brim to take it to the recycling center or are they suggesting that I just put recyclable materials in my general purpose bin and let it head to landfill?

Clearly here West Berkshire Council are just green washing... i.e. they are doing as little as they can get away with whilst still appearing to have a green tinge.

Downland snow in April

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 10:18:27 +0200

Woke up to quite a bit of snow today up here in the downloads of West Berkshire. It's a bit odd to see so much snow so late in the year but all the kids around here are making the most of it.

Discovery 300TDI Waste Veggie Oil Conversion - the update

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:49:00 +0100

It's been a while now since I've been running on waste veggie oil, virgin veggie oil and diesel in my Landy. The 300TDI engine is just so basic it seems to lap it up without any concerns, but about 10K miles on here is my summary to date:

My random notes:

a. I replaced my heater plugs as the starting was a nightmare - whilst doing this I discovered that none of the heater plugs were actually glowing or getting warm! and by the look of some of them, they hadn't been for some time (well before the veggie conversion I'm guessing). New plugs are in and everything starts first time - even on pure veggie oil at 3-8 degrees outside temp.

b. IMHO technically Waste Veggie Oil is much much much better. It seems to burn cleanly, give good performance and leave little smoke. Normal virgin veggie oil is ok and seems to give a performance akin to Diesel but I've only gone through a small amount of the stuff. Of course the best way to use veggie oil has to be by using local waste veggie oil - so I'm not sure if I'm evaluating my estimate of performance of the waste oil on my moral interest in localisation. Either way it does seem to be the best.

c. The glow plug part of the veggie oil conversion seems to provide the best boost in starting and early running performance. The hot water side helps later (but almost by then the engine is already warm and handles it much better anyway).

d. Best ratio of veggie oil to diesel so far: Warmer temps (+10 degrees C) 100% veggie oil no problems. Cooler (0-10 degrees C) 60% Diesel 40% Veggie Oil. Cold (-8 - 0 degrees C) 98% Diesel 2% Veggie Oil. There is nothing scientific about this - this is just what I've experienced. With my heater plugs changed it may well allow me to run higher mixes.

e. Be pragmatic - use an injector cleaner regularly, don't expect miracles, and don't expect to make all your money back in one or two tanks - it's about the environmental savings as well you know.

f. Last thing... getting hold of waste veggie oil is getting very difficult!

CND Aldermaston 2008 Protest

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:46:00 +0100

I would strongly encourage all to attend the Aldermaston 2008 Protest 12 noon Easter Monday 24th March at Atomic Weapons Establishment in Aldermaston. You can find more details in the link below.

CND Aldermaston Protest 2008

Adrian Hollister and Caroline Lucas at Aldermaston 2008

Turn the Lights Off at Night Newbury

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:38:17 +0100

I've been interested in the question of street and shop lighting for some time and I've never quite got to grips with why people and businesses seem compelled to leave the lights on all night.

I'm in the lucky position of being north of Newbury in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Our village and the surrounding villages have no street lights. Everyone who is going to be out at night carries a torch, even visitors learn quickly that a torch helps them back to their car. We look up and see a blackish sky, but we can easily see the yellow glow of Newbury, Reading etc.

Driving around the towns you see offices, shops and even houses leaving on lights when they are not in. It would be very interesting to see if one of the smaller towns such as Newbury could enforce or persuade local businesses to turn the lights off at night. Perhaps an incentive around the business rates would interest them? It would also be very interesting to see if people who are used to street lights could survive again with few or no street lights on a night. Is safety really the concern or just fear of the dark?

New Cinema Construction - yet another West Berks Council Cock-up?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 09:48:00 +0100

My heart goes out to the business directly around the new site of the Cinema. The roads are closed with signs deterring people and cars. The businesses in these areas seem empty - certainly compared to usual. I was in the Empire Cafe the other day - perhaps one of the best examples of how a business can work in a sustainable way with the local community. They bake bread using locally produced flour and have that traditional happy-to-see-you face on when you walk through the door (they are in Cheap Street in Newbury if you've ever in the area - well worth a visit).

Anyway, the Empire Cafe like many of the other businesses in the area are suffering from the lack of thought and indecision by West Berks Council who just seem paralysed by the bickering between the Tories and Lib Dems. The constructor must be laughing at this paralysis as they have managed to wriggle out of anything that would help these businesses to keep going during the construction phase.

I'm amazed by the way that West Berks Council seems to treat people and businesses as things to be managed. Have they forgotten that they are there to support our people, our businesses and our society? In my humble opinion, they are there to make our lives, our life and our society better; they are there to promote growth and sustainability; and they are there to go out of their way to help and support us. Perhaps one day the Green Party will take over this council and things can change for the better.

In the mean time, I would recommend visiting Empire Cafe in Newbury and while you are there look at the other fine shops, barbers, estate agents in the area.

The Downgrading RAF Welford Security

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 09:31:00 +0100

The recent gossip around the security status of RAF Welford (see the various Newbury Weekly News stories as they have been following it) has only re-enforced my views that these American bases must be moved out of the UK. Our American occupation only seems to increase the threat to our country and force us to spend more time, money and resources on the military, intelligence and police forces - something that has turned us into one of the most monitored, censored, and controlled societies in the world. Don't get me wrong here, I don't doubt that we need all three, but all seem to be bloated by the American problem extending well past our original and realistic need, and well beyond the actual needs of our society.

Health Risk from breaking Low Energy light bulbs

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 11:28:31 +0100

"The Environment Agency has called for more information to be made available on the health and environmental risks posed by low-energy light bulbs."

BBC News reports on the mercury in Low Energy light bulbs.

Environment Agency Web Site

Is this really a concern though? I just wonder how many nasty chemicals go into the production of standard light bulbs as well.

Green Fair in Oxford Town Hall

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 21:28:00 +0100

The Newbury Green Party held a stall at the Green Fair in Oxford today. It was great fun and especially good to meet so many like minded people. The place was packed and an example of what we should be doing in Newbury and Hungerford.

Of special note to me was the 20 is plenty campaign (called 'Life Begins at 20') being run in Oxfordshire. I would be very keen to see the residential streets being returned to the residents by allowing voting to introduce lower speed limits in their area. You can find out more about their scheme here.

Wall condemns Oxford Union Debating Society invite to Nick Griffin and David Irving

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:42:09 +0100

"'No platform' is not an attack on free speech. Nick Griffin, leader of the British National Party (BNP) and David Irving - jailed for denying the Holocaust - have been invited by the Oxford union debating society to speak at a free speech event on Monday night. Dr. Derek Wall has condemned the invite. Derek said: "Every time a fascist is given an audience, hate crimes against ethnic minorities and the LGBT community rise. "While free speech is important, it does not mean that the Union has a right to give space to far right speakers. No platform is not an attack on free speech, it is saying that institutions don't have to give space to people with abhorrent views."

The LGBT group within the Green Party have also commented on this issue, please see: www.lgbtgreens.org.uk "

I agree, this is a step too far by the Oxford Union.

Tories turn down Wind Turbine in West Berks

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 23:44:00 +0100

Surprise surprise, the Tories and Lib Dems voted with their parties and in objection to one another for yet another issue. This time they are turning down a wind turbine in the downlands area near Membury. The area is famed for it's thick motorway fog, service station and huge telecommunication tower but actually the area has stunning outstanding natural beauty. The tories voted to turn down permission for it to be built, partly as they were worried that are rare Red Kite's may fly into the turbine. Of course they are much more likely to be fried on the telecomms tower or mown down by the American helicopters flying into RAF Welford at what seems like 10 feet above the trees and as close to the occupied natives as possible.

How can anybody think that the Tories are in any way green? they are far too busy bickering with the lib dems to worry about our society, our environment and our future; and our good ole Tory MP Richard Benyon is just far too worried about the Defence Export Services Organisation (it's just about the only thing is speaks and campaigns upon).

Madness. I would like to see a quick and non-political planning process for alternative energies and sustainable developments in our region.

Eco village calls for shareholders

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:49:17 +0200

"Lammas Low Impact Initiatives Ltd have applied for planning permission to build an eco-village in Pembrokeshire. Now the group are appealing for financial backers to get involved by buying shares in the company. Lammas say 'for the first time ever a planning policy exists to allow people to build low impact houses in the countryside and live off the land in a sustainable way, but so far the policy only exists in Pembrokeshire'.", Green Building Press.

See the full article here.

Newbury Green Party Meeting

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 14:58:47 +0200

It's been a while since there has been a Newbury area Green Party meeting, so I would like to kick a little green gathering off for the 23rd of November, 8pm in the Friends Meeting house in Newbury. If you are interested in helping, attending, presenting or would just like to know more please drop me an email.

Steamy Bathroom Windows

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:51:03 +0200

When my house was built and designed, they forgot completely (as they do now) that the south facing aspect of the house would gain the most sunlight. So they built the house with almost no windows on the south side. In real terms though this has protected the house from the very heavy rain and wind we get up here in the Downlands. What it has not done though it to make the most of the light, with many of the largest windows and doors on the least lit parts.

One of the few windows on the south side is the bathroom window. We have yet to put in effective passive ventilation for this room and it can get a little steamed up. A wipe with a clean cloth usually stops the big drips of water, but one thing that does annoy me is the black mold you get especially on uPVC surfaces (don't blame me for uPVC windows they were already there and I'm not going to throw something into landfill on principal).

I do have a chemical black mould remover, which smells nasty and you can just tell doesn't do me, us or the environment any good. I've also tried steam cleaning, but to be effective it needs to be done once a week and I don't fancy hauling a steam cleaner up there for that task alone. The last option considered was actually something stumbled upon almost by accident.

During the renovation of the house we went for basic white suite and white tile combination (as we could get them cheap, and found a load of tiles on Freecycle). Now I'm ok with white - it's clean, simple and well err white; but the wife - oh no - she wants a sort of black and chrome look to mingle in the white. Ok bear with me here I'm getting to the point... part of this scheme was a blind to cover the window. We wanted a blackout blind as the neighbours next door are a little creepy at times so we looked at a few (Ikea, freecycle etc) but ended up choosing our own fabric and having a blind made for us. Our fabric selection was simple - no light was to get through and it had to match the colour scheme - in this case black.

Getting to the point of this blog though, the black blind is thick and matt and it absorbs a surprising amount of heat. This heat when applied over a period of time is enough to dry out the window area and keep just about all of the horrid black mould at bay. You do need to leave the blind down during the day for it to work, but we are mostly out during the day so it's not a problem.

So my tip here is that to cut down on the black mould and damp issues around your south facing bathroom windows (I wonder how many people actually have south facing bathroom windows?) try using a thick matt black blind and leave it down when your not in the house to let the sunlight kill off the mould for you.

Landrover Discovery 300TDI running on 100% SVO (straight veggie oil)

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 09:28:00 +0200

I've been running the landy on 50/50 veggie to diesel with no problem, but now the colder mornings are creaping in she is starting to get a little grumpy. Once warmed up the landy performs as usual without any clear difference (although people do feel compelled to tell me that it smells like a chip shop). I've added a heater element around the fuel filter which just cut's off by thermistor when it reaches 90 degrees and kicks back in at 70; but this is just not enough for the colder mornings and days.

So, I've invested in something to make the veggie oil a little bit warmer (and therefore runnier) - it's from Vow2. I've bought the VOW2DW+ unit which heats the oil from a couple of glow plugs and plumbs into the heating system of the engine. It pre-heats fuel on the way to the filter and warms it nicely on route to the pump and injectors.

Continue reading "Landrover Discovery 300TDI running on 100% SVO (straight veggie oil)"

Sustainable Development

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:42:00 +0200

One great thing about being part of the Green Party is the people I get to meet. It must be the only political party out there where all the members have such a enthusiastic, keen and personal interest in green issues, our society and wellbeing. I had a great chat with Stan Green last week about the green party, green issues and I managed to get a sneak preview of his ideas for an eco community site based on his stunning EcoSphere design. I would very much encouage councils and government to start pushing for this type of development as it is a sustainable and practical way of moving forward with our housing issues.

Please take a moment to check out the Sustainable Development web site.

Greenie with a Land Rover

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:50:38 +0200

Oh how completely mad it seems, but yes, I've sold the car and got a landy. A 12 year old Land Rover Discovery. So what on earth is Adrian Hollister, a green bigot, doing with a diesel drinking pollution monster? Ok here is my rationale....

1. Re-use. The Landy is old - 12 years old. More than my old car would have made (before falling apart). So in my mind it's a question of re-using something that can be readily repaired. Most car's now are disposable - they last 5-10 years before they are scrapped and crushed. Very few Land Rovers get to the crusher, most are kept on the road and for this alone I think it would be worth a greener credential.

2. Alternative Fuels. Very few other car's adapt so well to running on other fuel types. The Disco can easily be converted to run on straight veggie oil (SVO), but is just as happy with bio-diesel's.

3. Need. Unlike most we do have a couple of acres of land and access is via a mud track. Not much else would get there so easily and not much else would be able to carry so much equipment up there.

4. Community. There is a great Land Rover community out there. Mechanics are local, garages are local, the business and the knowledge is spread from local communities to the world via forums and events. There is a great spirit of community in the Landy world.

Am I serious though? Attributing green credentials to a Land Rover?

Progress to date - Am I Carbon Neutral Yet?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 10 May 2007 09:39:22 +0200

I don't think actually being carbon neutral is possible at the moment, but heading in that direction is a great idea. To date I've done a lot of the infrastructure changes to the house in prep for the bigger things that will greatly help:

1. Complete renovation of the central heating. The upstairs has oversized radiators (that can run at a lower temperature) with TRV's all around*; the downstairs is now using Osma's underfloor heating system with heating sensors in each room. The underfloor heating also includes cold spots (unheated areas) for the dog and pets to lie down without baking.

2. Good levels of insulation. The walls have been insulated with cavity fill; the loft has only 100mm of insulation (will be upgraded to 500mm when the loft based infrastructural work is complete); and the ground floor has the very cosy 50mm osma underfloor heating insulation. The biggest change we noticed was the ground floor - even without the ufh on the floor was no where near as cold.

3. A ratings. All our appliances are A or A* rated. We have a built in kitchen with high efficiency technologies including an induction hob; and our laundry has A* rated washing machine and tumble dryer. Do wot? A tumble dryer in a carbon neutral home? Well it's one of those things that comes with a big family - you need clean and dry clothes and you can't always rely on the weather. We have a White Knight A* rated tumble dryer - cheap to buy, cheap to run and all parts are apparently marked for recycling.

4. Wood is good. We've used wood just about everywhere we can. Real wood that is, as un-manufactured as we can get. My theory is that by using wood from a sustainable and local source we are locking up carbon for a good many years and at the end of it new tree's will have grown to absorb even more carbon. So we have an engineered oak floor downstairs. This is a kind of oak ply, with a layer of oak, and two layers of pine. It's very strong, works well with the ufh and is very easy to clean and keep clean. All the skirting, doors, architraves etc are real wood (not mdf) and where possible we have reclaimed wood from other projects, the tip and even people moving house.

5. Electrical overhaul. We've had all the switches and sockets replaced with some decent MK ones. Half were broken, didn't work well, or were just too filthy to clean. While this doesn't save carbon or the environment (as the swiches and sockets require a lot of nasty things in the manufacture), it's better to be safe, and by buying something that will last for some time - i.e. MK stuff - I hope that they won't be changed for at least 30 years. We have also added the provision for extra isolators required for solar/wind power.

6. Central Heating boiler powered by wood. Central heating here is solid fuel. There is no gas in the area and I'm loathed to move to bottled gas or oil, both of with seems to be controlled at the moment by unstable loonies. Burning coal is in some ways good - it's a local product and there is a very efficient distribution system. But as pointed out in an earlier blog - coal chucks out a good wodge more co2 than gas and it's a messy business dealing with coal. A 50/50 mix of coal and wood is however very low carbon compared to gas, but for co2 neutrality burning just wood is good (as the new tree's that are planed absorb as much co2 and the ones you are burning - well that's the theory). So the solid fuel stove has been upgraded and repaired with new seals etc and we burn logs, wood bits, and some manufactured wood chip logs. All of which are by-products of the wood industry.

Things to do...

a. Solar hot water - not just for hot water though, I want this tied into our heating system as I'm sure it can provide enough to heat the UFH most of the year.

b. Thermal store. Part of a above I guess, but these are expensive at the moment, so I'll keep looking.

c. P.V. I'm gonna get a small <100W panel and see what sort of output I get.

d. Wind. likely to be out at the moment due to the noise and planning issues.

e. Grey Water. I've eyed up a couple of 1000 litre storage containers. With them buried in the ground I should have (given enough rain water) enough to flush the downstairs loo, supply the washing machine and water the garden.

104 votes for the Green Party

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 04 May 2007 13:01:15 +0200

Well the votes are in and I got 104 vote! Hoorah, not a bad start! Many thanks to all those that voted Green this time around, and many thanks for all those that I spoke to whilst walking around our villages. I'm sure I was the only real candidate walking all the streets as no one I had spoken to had seen tory old boy. Anyway, My daughters enjoyed walking with me and met some great kids (and some rather cute pets). Thanks to those that wanted to chat, it was very good to hear your points of views. It does annoy me though that all that opinion, interest and innovative ideas are lost on our tory old boy who isn't even listening.

You can see the results here.

But for a summary, here we go:

Tory Old Boy (George Chandler) 826 votes.
Protest against the Tory but just about as Tory party (Paul Walter) 160 votes.
Vote environment, vote society party (Adrian Hollister) 104 votes.
No chance, but it was fun party (Yogi Johnson) 77 votes.
With a chap called Spoilt Ballots gaining just 5 votes

That's 1172 votes this time around. About hundred or so extra voters this time around - come to mention it, it's just about the number of votes I had. The majority of people still don't vote. Perhaps they don't vote because the Tory/Lib dem combo just isn't right for them. Image how many more would have voted if they knew there was a choice and were inspired to go out there and vote. Next time I'll have more time to prepare, so watch out Tory Boy - your marketing budget won't save you.

Green Party Links

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 01 May 2007 23:52:51 +0200

For those looking for more information on the green party in the UK please try one of the following links:

Green Party Web Site
Reading Green Party Web Site (contains West Berks and Newbury areas)
For Adrian Hollister's details and other local members please look here.

Improving the carbon footprint of your multifuel stove

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 10:52:43 +0200

Like most in my area, I have a multifuel stove as my primary heating source. I burn coal and wood, with coal as my primary heating fuel. There are some clear pangs of doubt though towards my use of coal. We've all been told how nasty it actually is, but it is a local product (from within our country) and not shipped/piped half way around the world. Should I be doing anything with my coal to reduce my carbon footprint?

Continue reading "Improving the carbon footprint of your multifuel stove"

Bonkers Bus 'Service'

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 23:54:50 +0200

I should have been off to Newbury on the bus today. The bus is best described as a well patched ford transit and seems to arrive when it can at just about any time it wants to. It's very infuriating. I turned up a risky 10 mins before it was due to depart, but meeting people already waiting made me feel a little more comfortable. We all waited and 15 mins after it's scheduled departure time we all gave up. We were pretty much gossiped out anyway.

This is not unusual though. People here are used to it. Totally crazy though.

Grumpy Sunday

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:13:00 +0200

It’s Sunday, it’s early, and I’m already annoyed. Not because the kids woke me up at 7am or because the dog is eating my work shoes, but because of my trip to our local recycling facilities in the pub car park. Yet again they are full.

This is of course a good thing - full recycling bin’s show our commitment to recycling. The grumpy bit is the sign saying ‘if this bin is full please take your recycling home’. It seems that they don’t collect extra recycling and only replace the bins to schedule (not when they are full). What utter madness.

I also learn that the recycling all over the downlands are provided by local Parish Council's and often by the local pub. They are not funded by West Berks. When will West Berks learn?

West Berks District Council Elections - 3rd May 2007

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 16:41:00 +0200

The West Berks District Council election is being held on the 3rd of May 2007. Standing this time around are four candidates standing for the Downlands Ward which are (in alphabetical order):

George Chandler (Tory Old Boy/Toff)
Adrian Hollister (Green Party - see right - hoorah etc)
Yogi Johnston (Labour hopeful)
Paul Walter (Lib Dem wannabe)

Clearly I know who I’ll be voting for here. Seriously though, it’s the best turn out for the green party in the district council elections in west berks, and it’s about time too. The tory’s and lib dem’s seem to have allowed local government to stagnate as they fight it out for the middle ground. It would be good to see a real positive policy change to support the people in west berks and to provide them with affordable, environmentally sound and socially beneficial services and facilities.

Turn out for local elections (and general elections) seems to be a problem these days. George Chandler (tory old boy) spoke to me the other day about how good the turn out was in our area. Of course he is nursing his 1 in 4 people voted for him ‘majority’. How embarrassing it must be for him to say he represent’s only 25% or so of the downlands community. These old boy’s need to realise that one in four people voting for you (just about what he got last time around) is not a vote of confidence, but a vote showing the lack of confidence in the governance of the main parties, their lack of vision, commitment to the community, and ability to deliver. Tis about time for a real change.

Picture thanks to Tim from look photo.

Dog Proof Fedge

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 20:44:00 +0200

Well the fedge has been planted today. Willow, between 2 and 3 rows deep. To make it dog proof I’ve added a wire fence (provided as leftovers from a local farm) nailed to a few wooden posts and a gate from Scat’s in Newbury. The posts are not straight, but it’s dog proof and when the Willow starts to take it should hide the posts just nicely.

It’s already created a nice screen bordering off the upper half of the garden from the rest. The neighbours were also very curios as to why I put lots of dead sticks in the ground. In the few weeks it's been in the ground we have had quite a bit of green leaf growth and it's already looking very good (see second picture below).

Lastly, we have used up some of the spare in a bit of a dead space to create a bit of shelter from the sun. It's a south facing line, so we are going to let these grow a bit in height. The dog has access to dig up and eat these if she wished, but seems not too interested. She has bent a few down by sitting/sleeping on them though.

Continue reading "Dog Proof Fedge"

Given up on Wood Pellet Stove

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:07:00 +0200

I've given up trying to get a wood pellet stove. The main suppliers out there are only interested in big business and refer to 'local installers'. Those local installers are just about impossible to get hold of and when you do their prices are in a different league. Mark up's on the products are incredible and labour is twice the cost of a standard wood burning or multifuel stove (although just about the same effort is required to install a wood pellet stove).

Supply is also a little too unpredictable. A few companies might be able to supply me, but only in bulk, and a few more can supply small bags, but at a cost which equates to twice that of coal. I want to be leading edge with my sustainable approach, but not at the cost of living essentials, or making the cost inappropriate for anyone else to repeat.

So the hunt is now on for an alternative. At the moment burning wood (logs, compressed products) seems to be one of the better options.

Trident

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 07:44:00 +0100

I can’t quite believe that we as a country have voted via our elected representatives for more Nuclear weapons. The weapons are useless against the types of warfare that we are seeing at the moment and you can just see that we are going to continue to be a puppet of the dying American empire. Bush says push the button, so go on Blair, he clearly knows what he is doing.

I don’t see that holding any nuclear weapons offers us any type of security - if anything we become a threat. My vote is to drop the nuclear arms, spend the money on an independent and environmentally appropriate energy, reuse and recycling systems.

Re-cycle, it’s about re-use and repair isnt it?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:18:00 +0100

Computer went bang today. Very annoying. My fault completely as I do so like to take things apart and put them back together again. It seems that when putting the PSU back together again (please don’t take yours apart) I forgot to put some insulation back in and one of the circuit board’s touched the side of the case. Bang - and the power supply was gone (as they say in the adverts).

A few more components seem to have gone to a better place with the PSU and stopped working completely or just mostly.

I phoned the most computer literate person I know and he laughed. Laughed a lot. Then he gave me a few links to computer sites selling new power supplies. “It’s not worth repairing”. I phone a computer shop near to us and the guy had the same story - bin it and buy another one.

Having completely destroyed the power supply and with no real option but to buy a new one, I decided to take it apart again. There in the PSU was a blown fuse. There were a few nice scorch marks and some serious black carbon type marks on the PSU case.

IMHO computer components usually release their soul (ok smoke) when they die leaving a strange smell (is there an electrical heaven?) and a few burnt out/popped chips. PSU’s are a little more basic. Big things, connected in big ways with big chips. They are generally designed to handle massive load (though I’m guessing not a massive short). Anyway, this PSU looked and smelled ok.

You can clearly tell here that I’m no electrician, more a faith healer to the electronic world. But I had a good feeling about this little PSU, so I set about looking for another fuse to replace the blown one. A screwdriver, 15 mins and the local tip were all that was needed to get a nice selection of fuses.

I’m sure you can guess where this is going by now. With the fuse replaced the power supply sprang back into life. It did make me think though about the volume of stuff that I put into the recycle bin without thought to their re-use or repair and reuse value.

The Green Party have a good summary… “Reduce, Reuse, and then Recycle.”

Gritish Bas

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 20:40:00 +0100

British Gas came out for the third time today. They are finally getting around the move electricity meter. It’s not exactly the engineers fault, but that of their ’system’ and their ‘process’. You phone them up, speak to someone who has absolutely no idea what you are talking about, they then log a call about something they could find on their system that seems to match what you were talking about, and finally an engineer turns up expecting to change a light bulb and not a whole electricity meter.

It’s amazing how such large companies get lost in the procedure. The call centre staff seem to be there to take calls and manage calls, and not to get the customer as quickly as possible to an engineer who can actually help or qualify your conversation. I wonder what it would be like if I could call my local British gas site, get a call logged and then speak to an engineer straight away. How much time in failed appointments would be saved?

The Vista Upgrade

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 10:44:00 +0100

Took the plunge into the great unknown today and upgraded to Vista. I've seen a whole bunch of mixed reviews out there, but as someone interested in technology and an owner of Linux and Mac machines, I though the old Windows PC could do with a refresh. XP is fine, just about, but it does crash, it's slow after six months of use and needs to be rebooted every day to be sure of a good service. Vista claims to do away with all of these annoyances and be more Mac like for availability and eye candy.

Well no surprises with the Vista install. All went well with my fresh new install of Vista, but so many programs and drivers don't work that it's driving me insane. The damn 'local only' networking feature that seems to be designed to pop into 'unidentified network' mode every few hours is utter madness. The only way around it seems to be to turn off all the power saving features. I don't want to trawl support forums for days finding solutions, I just want it to work.

I'm still using Vista, but I hate it, and I think I've been conned into buying it. My mac just works, why won't vista work on a machine with 10 times the power, disk space and memory?

The Great Purge

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 23:44:00 +0100

To fit with our new lifestyle most of our old possessions have to go. There are two key reasons for this: to maintain the ‘only what we need’ principal, and to get rid of our external storage. Most of our possession’s are now in from storage and there is a general Christmas feeling in the house when boxes, that have been in storage for over a year, are opened. It’s amazing how much you miss stuff that you’d forgotten about. Our DVD collection for example extends to at least 20 DVD’s (ohh wow), all of which have been in storage. Once out of the box the girls cant remember how they survived without them (well almost). We’ve played tug of war with the girls over daft DVD’s they are not really interested so that we can get them on ebay.

Some our stuff is just not ebay material, and while car boots can generate some cash, in my experience the only people making money are the people on the gates collecting the entrances free. We are however doing a lot of ‘freecycle’. It’s one of those, give it away free to the first person that turns up, sites that run’s mainly via email updates. Our old fridge went in about an hour, and a load of old kids books went in 10 mins to a grandmother who wanted something for her grandkids. It’s a great idea and beats putting it in the waste or attempting to give it to a charity shop (who are increasingly picky about what they take!).

The purge ratio this week is about 5:1 - five items to ebay etc to one keep. No bad I think, but I reckon there is a second
round where some of the retained items can go….

Brown Box Retail over the web

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 12:01:00 +0100

It never fails to impress me when I see a manufacturer who marks all packaging with recycle marks, and (and here is the bit where most fail) make it very easy to recycle the packaging. Ikea is an example of how it should be done: easily marked materials; different types of materials are not mixed up in a jumble of sticky glue; and the packaging is minimal.

I have an entire room in the house dedicated to the packaging provided with the items I’ve procured during the renovation along with all the materials we have ripped out and cannot reuse. I’m guessing that 50% of the pile is very easily recyclable - its easy to take apart and to stack in common piles (cardboard, plastics, metals, wood etc). The rest is recyclable, but it is difficult to do.

The nightmare is the legacy items left in the place when we moved in and some newer items we have bought to make the house livable. Most of the furniture has been passed on to places that recycle/repair the items for community reuse; some items have been burnt (as they was crawling - literally); and the rest is in the room.

I’m going through them now and the bit that annoyed me the most was a spatula. Yea I know, a lot of people have a love/hate thing for spatula’s, but in this case its the packaging. We bought it over the web and for all I care I’ve eaten the product marketing and now just want the product. Instead of a simple brown box, or similar, it comes to me in full retail packaging - plastic cover, card backing, lots of printing, a few stickers and those damn nasty wire ties used to keep them in the box. What a waste of resources, both theirs and mine (stripping each item of the packaging apart for recycling). Why don’t manufacturer’s have an ‘OEM’ style option for internet orders where retail packaging doesn’t apply? If nothing else wouldn’t mind saving a little bit of the cost associated with this packaging.

Kitchen Worktops - rubberwood?

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 15:56:00 +0100

Things are progressing quickly with the Kitchen. The rubberwood worktops are being installed in the kitchen and this somehow seems to have made the kitchen look complete. It’s a shame that the worktops have been sat in the transit for over a month as they have slightly warped. Thankfully our chippy (well the old man) is more than a match for warped wood.

Damn hard stuff this rubberwood - it’s eaten three router bits and a bunch of jigsaw blades. The router bits can be re-sharpened, but the jigsaw blades seem to be designed to be dropped in a landfil of after use (as there seem to be no recycling marks on the packaging, nor on the blades). Still, I’ve put the blades in the re-cycling.

If anyone is interested, the carpentry work has been undertaken by Gerald Hollister. You can find his web site here: Gerald Hollister's web site.

Utter Filth - part 1

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 07:01:00 +0200

One key problem about buying a renovation project - especially one from a repossessed house - is that the quality of the house internals are rarely even ‘ok’. We new the house was bad. We viewed the house a couple of times. But nothing actually quite prepared us for the utter filth that lay behind things, under things, stuck to things etc.

The house was fumigated before we moved in (the building society who repossessed it insisted on it), but this seems to do nothing to kill the nasties living in this house. I’m usually pretty immune to flea bites - they prefer the girls, the cats or anything over smelly old me - but in this house I’ve been bitten. Bitten a lot.

Removing the stairs carpet seemed to be the pinnacle of flea activity. The stairs consisted of a lovely (sic) shade of what must have been beige carpet. It had largely been eroded by trampling feet so that in most places only the backing was visible, and through the backing appeared to be underlay.

The smell in the carpets was horrendous and there was no way that I could let the girls in the house with the carpets in. So my priority task was to remove the carpets. Bedrooms, bathroom (oh god the bathroom carpet needs an entire blog article, but I just can’t bring myself to write it), kitchen, lounge, and hall all went on day one. All floors were vacuumed, mopped with bleach, cleaner (sugar soap), and then some great stuff called magic odour zap http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=101513&ts=35700&id=65263). None of this is environmentally friendly, but it just had to be done. What ever was down there had to die. So, end of week one and we had the major smell’s out of the way and the main source of all things crawling.

I had of course ignored the stairs. I didn’t think too much about it, it’s a small staircase and we were trampling dirt in and out the house so it provided a way of cleaning the boots off before getting to the living areas (upstairs). Smells persisted and the girls started to get some serious flea bites. After ruling out just about everything else, I set about removing the stair carpet. Perhaps carpet’s would be a better description though. The first layer came up to review that the underlay (so I thought) was in fact chocolate brown carpet. Hmmm nice. Chocolate brown carpet covered in dog hairs. Hmm not so nice. Chocolate brown carpet covered in dog hairs, lumps of smelly ’stuff’, and a strong smell of ammonia. Hmm, I could taste the air - I didn’t want to of course, but literally the (I’m gagging while I think of it) smell penetrated all.

Anyway, being a man, defender of the home from unwanted bugs, and all round hero, I ploughed on pulling up the carpet’s. Four layers in all. The end result was some rancid carpet just outside our front door, stairs that had to be cleaned with bleach about fifteen times, and me covered on flea bites.

It just amazes me that people live like this and don’t notice something is wrong. How could they not smell the stench? Why were they not bitten by the flea’s? Also, why did they nail the carpets down in the house? 2″ nails bent over. Why didn’t they take up the old carpets? and Why didn’t they vacuum the place once in a while?

Rennovation planning

nospam@example.com (Adrian Hollister) — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 22:50:00 +0200

We still have no house to buy, but I have plans. Many of them. Too

many. But here is my target for the house fabric/infrastructure

rennovation:

Environmentally sensative rennovation
Sustainable technologies
A working family home
A working family garden with veggie patch (have I been watching too much ‘Good Life’ - go flick go)

I’ve done a good study of technology available, so here is what I’m looking at:

Wood Pellet stove/boiler for central heating/hot water
Ground floor underfloor heating (most likely Osma)
Thermal Store
Solar water heating for central heating and hot water
PV to cover base load
Ground floor wooden flooring (clean, warm, ‘bounce’, renewable source)
1st floor carpets with sound proofing felt/rubber crumb underlay

(which seems to contain quite a high amount of recycled products)
Very high levels of insulation (perhaps warm roof)