It has been a long weekend, not quite missing in action but it feels that way. After a very long shift on Friday (routine for RGB) it was up again early to open on Saturday - bit hectic for a while with our stag groups in for breakfast, but I did get away sharp and headed home to the big chair and a bottle of wine. Being at work I missed the Provincial meeting of OSM, the Stanley Geddes Conclave, but unfortunately work comes first.
Mrs B. jumping up and down when I received a phone call late on at night from Aberdeen which meant I had to do a wee bit work.
Sunday, not working, but quess what, arrived in the Mercat Bar to have our breakfast but it was very much the case that the cavalry had arrived - place was very busy so it was all possible hands to the helm - and when it calmed down, a nice brunch - but we had folks sitting at 11.45 waiting for the change over so they could get their dinner.
Mrs B headed for the shops while I went off to Fettes, Police HQ, for the annual meeting and AGM of the Retired Police Officers Association, only thirty one members present who had a short talk from one of the ACC's from Lothian and Borders Police - probably one of the most interesting comments was the fact that there are moves afoot to merge all the Scottish Forces into a single National Police Force - sensible , yes, and compare it to the total guddle and policing nightmare of Cities in the USA where there are so many different levels of law enforcement that it makes life so difficult.
The group donated £750 to a young lady Police Officer who is trying to raise £25,000 by running a marathon, proceeds going to a Police Charity.
Back to today - a day off from the pub, managed to get myself set up for a run to Glasgow, Risley and Birmingham on Wednesday and Thursday - nice wee run for me, but will need a stop over in Birmingha to get the job done.
Popped in to see Dan the Man this morning, still bearing up - looking as youthful as ever.
Had a message from from my Auld Boss, Andrew Stewart, following my article about the Barclay Church. " Pilkington who was the Architect of Barclays Church was also Architect of several buildings in Penicuik. Namely - South Church; Park End and old YM/YWCA at Kirkhill. The latter was a school. Any other historic question for Midlothian - jist ask yir auld Sirjint".
So, from the media - we have spent £320m on the Edinburgh trams, which will never ever get to Ocean Terminal any more - if we are lucky we might get out of Princes's Street, but having destroyed countless businesses in Leith with no end result, they will start up again and shut down a few more as they try to connect the "Blackpool line" out of the City . There are now going to be a surplus of trams - all ordered and paid for, so looks like the City Council will have some special offers on E Bay soon.
In view of the incidents in the City with our "green people" falling off their bicycles as they attempt to cycle along the tram tracks -(or are they "Buckfast totties", might be an opportune time for someone to invent a bicycle with mega fat tyres so our citizens can ride the premier street in safety.
Talk about jumping the gun - press had a total heyday with the death of the young Scottish Aid worker who died in Afghanistan during the rescue attempt, Murder, Assicination they cried - but now it looks like a rescue attempt which went wrong with our young lady being accidentally killed by a U S grenade - we need to control the media just a it more - time for openness and honesty to take a side line while folks sort out the reality of life.
Monday, 11 October 2010
Friday, 8 October 2010
Busy Days, no time to ramble
Friday night and as they say " The best laid plans of mice and men" - get sort of screwed - well and truly. Thursday, my day off it was up and away to see the folks at KB, made a few calls to Aberdeen and Inverness and will have that as a probable job soon. Headed off on foot to go see Sir Chris and Miss Talk a lot at Hendricks, nice day and as I crossed the Bruntsfield Links ( Edinburgh's pitch and put course - donated to the City - where players pick up their clubs at the well known Golf Inn"). Nice view of the Barclay Church, with its high spire against the skyline.
Chris and Ailsa were busy getting their new bar up and running, nice little bar, so I did not stay to long but took a slow walk out the City through Bruntsfield, Morningside and up onto Comiston Road before eventually getting a No 15 A home - first time ever, what an experience, right out into the country - very nice.
With so much to do I just was not able to make the RA at Gorebridge Dundas last night.
Up early again and off with RGB who was heading for the Cult meeting ( BMI), while I opened up.
Doors burst open at 0845 with four groups all wanting fed so my day was off with a bang and so it went - busy all day , and some really nice visitors, Lady from Millwaukee who was going to the Harley Davidson Garage in West mains Road, couple from Reno, Nevada, folks from Italy, Portugal, Mexico, and a big stag group from all over England. Place was bouncing - all seats taken and it was eventually 8.30 p.m. before we left. Headed east to drop RGB off just in time to see young Amy who was celebrating her 6th birthday - we were lucky as most of the wild children had left !!!
BUT - eventually got home at 9 p.m. in time to see the end of the Scotland - Czech football match - bit insipid, and to lose 1 - 0 , shame for the fans.
Bad accident outside the Haymarket Bar tonight, bus came round the corner and someone either walked or ran into the path of it, windscreen of the bus was smashed with the victims head - ambulance and police in attendance, news was on Radio Forth but we do not know how serious it was, although the road was not closed so it was not fatal.
Trying hard to get sponsors for RGB who is doing his 10 K for Cancer Research next Sunday, 17th, few sponsors today and a lot of raffle tickets sold - he is having a bit of a bash in the Bar after the run for those who sponsor him a £10 spot or more !!!! - so give us a call.
No time for another ramble tonight - bed time - having missed another installation (Esk 42 RA) Dalkeith, so apologies companions, but work has to come first.
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Hororary members - yes, but must ramble on -
Made it to 720 Dalhousie Bonnyrigg last night despite being a bit (ever so tired), and found that the Lodge was jam packed - good turn out of members, visitors and two deputations, one from Penicuik, St Kentigern and the other from Thistle, West Calder, who were supporting members about to receive honorary memberships. An excellent night had by all.
On a more topical subject the new Co-olition Government are announcing their latest cost saving proposals, most of which I have to agree with wholeheartedly, it is time we clamped down on the idle benefit scroungers who would rather sit on their fat backsides at home rather than go out and get a job. They often claim there is no work, but we see on a daily basis the Polish and foreign immigrants applying and accepting work, in the city, and I have to say that the majority of the Polish who I have met in employment have been very hard workers.
Waiting for the bus the other day I saw two "heavies" in the street using a mobile phone camera and realised they were photographing one of the many "Romanian" beggars who have pitches , not only in the city but out in Midlothian as well. ( having seen them getting off the bus in Penicuik) not sure why unless they were checking out who was where.
In Morningside, I, along with others saw one of the local beggars sitting there chatting away on his mobile phone !!!!.
Today I saw two of the Romanian women walking down the street together, chatting and with bags full of groceries etc - yet in the Bridges there were two of our local young people sitting begging.
Based on the what is going on with Government and benefits etc it raises the question as to why we are admitting people into the Uk who cannot support themselves, and when they get here why or how do they get into our system which not only gives them money but allows them to send it back overseas - in the meantime our own needy cannot get / or do not qualify for similar benefits. Big issue and lots of publicity about the young singer ( living in Scotland - not a Scot)on the x- Factor whose family are here on a visitors visa which has expired and are about to be deported. So what, we had a superb qualified nurse here from Oz, doing a brilliant job, but she was sent home - so why should an 18 yr old singer be allowed to stay here, these talent competitions take place all over the world. As far as the X-Factor goes, Ms Cole has lost a lot of credibility by her actions, if the News of the World is the source of all knowledge !! that we have a real slapper in the frame and the poor Cher girl who cracked up - but why not tell her the same as they have done in the past - "go home, mature, grow up and come back next year" .
In the meantime , our so called has been , beloved SuBo, Susan Boyle, is breaking all records - shame on all those who treated her with disrespect.
Bit of a ramble so far, but this Country is heading up "s**t" creek without a paddle" and our current Government are trying their best, despite the current dragging us over the falls. We need to start digging in, doing our bit and sorting out the thieving , idle so and so's who are hell bent on dragging us down.
Sadly, there is an old adage which says "it takes a bomb to concentrate the mind" - which is what happened in the First and Second World Wars - now, whether we like it or not we are sitting on the edge an abbys, we have IRA splinter groups trying to upset the Irish situation, but far worse we have the Al Queda who most definitely are planning some form of operation in the UK, be it sooner or later, the Olympics, or whenever - it will happen unless we are on the ball - and to be on the ball we have to be united, NOW, before the event, NOT AFTER.
On a more topical subject the new Co-olition Government are announcing their latest cost saving proposals, most of which I have to agree with wholeheartedly, it is time we clamped down on the idle benefit scroungers who would rather sit on their fat backsides at home rather than go out and get a job. They often claim there is no work, but we see on a daily basis the Polish and foreign immigrants applying and accepting work, in the city, and I have to say that the majority of the Polish who I have met in employment have been very hard workers.
Waiting for the bus the other day I saw two "heavies" in the street using a mobile phone camera and realised they were photographing one of the many "Romanian" beggars who have pitches , not only in the city but out in Midlothian as well. ( having seen them getting off the bus in Penicuik) not sure why unless they were checking out who was where.
In Morningside, I, along with others saw one of the local beggars sitting there chatting away on his mobile phone !!!!.
Today I saw two of the Romanian women walking down the street together, chatting and with bags full of groceries etc - yet in the Bridges there were two of our local young people sitting begging.
Based on the what is going on with Government and benefits etc it raises the question as to why we are admitting people into the Uk who cannot support themselves, and when they get here why or how do they get into our system which not only gives them money but allows them to send it back overseas - in the meantime our own needy cannot get / or do not qualify for similar benefits. Big issue and lots of publicity about the young singer ( living in Scotland - not a Scot)on the x- Factor whose family are here on a visitors visa which has expired and are about to be deported. So what, we had a superb qualified nurse here from Oz, doing a brilliant job, but she was sent home - so why should an 18 yr old singer be allowed to stay here, these talent competitions take place all over the world. As far as the X-Factor goes, Ms Cole has lost a lot of credibility by her actions, if the News of the World is the source of all knowledge !! that we have a real slapper in the frame and the poor Cher girl who cracked up - but why not tell her the same as they have done in the past - "go home, mature, grow up and come back next year" .
In the meantime , our so called has been , beloved SuBo, Susan Boyle, is breaking all records - shame on all those who treated her with disrespect.
Bit of a ramble so far, but this Country is heading up "s**t" creek without a paddle" and our current Government are trying their best, despite the current dragging us over the falls. We need to start digging in, doing our bit and sorting out the thieving , idle so and so's who are hell bent on dragging us down.
Sadly, there is an old adage which says "it takes a bomb to concentrate the mind" - which is what happened in the First and Second World Wars - now, whether we like it or not we are sitting on the edge an abbys, we have IRA splinter groups trying to upset the Irish situation, but far worse we have the Al Queda who most definitely are planning some form of operation in the UK, be it sooner or later, the Olympics, or whenever - it will happen unless we are on the ball - and to be on the ball we have to be united, NOW, before the event, NOT AFTER.
Tuesday, 5 October 2010
Bridget Forsyth, thje Kings and Churchill Theatres.
Theatrical theme to this wee tale, been busy in The Mercat Bar, not helped by the fact that I have very early starts. Anyway, never mind, kept on my toes and not wearying.
On my way home yesterday I saw the two new pillars erected outside the Churchhill Theatre, Morningside with several local names on them - I am now curious as to what their purpose is.
Busy evening last night after I made it home, even managed to get the grass cut in pleasant sunshine before getting stuck into some homework on the computer.
On my way home yesterday I saw the two new pillars erected outside the Churchhill Theatre, Morningside with several local names on them - I am now curious as to what their purpose is.
Busy evening last night after I made it home, even managed to get the grass cut in pleasant sunshine before getting stuck into some homework on the computer.
On my toes again today and had another busy lunchtime. Brigit Forsyth, star of the Likely Lads, and currently in Edinburgh this week starring in Carrie's War at the Edinburgh King's Theatre along with Hannah Waterman, was in for lunch along with a friend, she must have thought I was a bit mad, anyway she really did enjoy the sweet Claire made for her.
Lovely bouquet on the bar was destined for Go Jo, but having staggered round the street like someone from from the Chelsea Flower Show, RGB found her office all locked up and no one at home.
Nice wee e mail from the folks in the Land of Oz, Rob and Caitlin who are getting all excited about their forthcoming wedding (April).
If I do not fall asleep it is a trip to Bonnyrigg for a regular meeting of Lodge 720 Dalhousie Bonnyrigg.
Sunday, 3 October 2010
The River Thames near Runneymede
Few pics left in the camera from the trip south. The Royal Holloway University is not very far from where we were staying, built at the Bequest of a Dr Holloway who made his fortune in the 1860/80's by selling an ointment and pills he had
invented. The original building was built as a college for 250 ladies with a sanatorium for the same number nearby.
On the way to Windsor we passed along the side of the River Thames between Runnymede and Englefield - should bring back a few memories for Aunty Kiera Murphy.
There was a steam fair on the green at Englefield where we spotted the old stone drinking trough.
Saturday, 2 October 2010
HM Queen Elizabeth - not at home in Windsor today
So now you know, we went to London ( ended up in Windsor) to see the Queen and hopefully have a cuppaand maybe even check out to see if the streets were paved with gold!!!
BUT sadly we did not see the Queen, but there was a Queen = railway train in the old station which is now a shopping and restaurant complex. The crest is obviously the Royal Crest
and was on the side of the train.
Windsor itself was looking nice in the Autumn sunlight, very busy with visitors, a wedding taking place in the Guildhall next door to the "crooked house" (print shown), and the horse drawn carriage doing good business. 
The Castle is massive and you only see a very small section from the town centre but the Curfew Tower is impressive and was designed originally with a bell to get the townsfolk back to bed, then a new clock was installed in the early 1600's
The entrance to the station complex, along with the station was designed and built by the famous Brunel, builder of bridges and other stations around the UK.
We went in search of the local library in search of some information, did a bit of searching but failed to find what we were looking for, although we did find an old charity house, which was Joseph Charriot's House
There was a bit of chaos in the town centre with crowds of young ladies all waiting to see one of the X Factor competitors who was doing his thing in the local
"Shakaway".
and was on the side of the train.
Windsor itself was looking nice in the Autumn sunlight, very busy with visitors, a wedding taking place in the Guildhall next door to the "crooked house" (print shown), and the horse drawn carriage doing good business.
The Castle is massive and you only see a very small section from the town centre but the Curfew Tower is impressive and was designed originally with a bell to get the townsfolk back to bed, then a new clock was installed in the early 1600's
The entrance to the station complex, along with the station was designed and built by the famous Brunel, builder of bridges and other stations around the UK.
We went in search of the local library in search of some information, did a bit of searching but failed to find what we were looking for, although we did find an old charity house, which was Joseph Charriot's House
There was a bit of chaos in the town centre with crowds of young ladies all waiting to see one of the X Factor competitors who was doing his thing in the local
"Shakaway".
We popped down to the Three Crosses Pub, looking for our friend Eddie Murphy, had a beer or two, but Eddie was off at the local rugby club with his pals.
Home on the bus, to get our feet up, a light libation or three and a bit of light entertainment in front of the TV ( a prize might be awarded to the person who guesses what we were watching - and in the correct order !!!!!!!!!)
Getting to the London Wall, Loriner's Hall and The Willis Tower
Had a very good flight to London last night and with “Oor Willie” waiting at the airport we were soon home in Egham and quickly to bed.
Restless night, worried about sleeping in, and then it was up and away sharp to get the 7.10 train into London – no problems that bit, then it was a case of out at Waterloo and then underground and into the tube system - fascinating as I had to take the City – Waterloo tube which only runs between Bank and Waterloo, non stop, a distance of about one and a half miles, and takes only four minutes - jam packed, with some folks being left on the platform, but not long to wait.
Out at Bank and changed lines to go to Moorgate Station - bit of a surprise when a young chap got up and gave me his seat – I must be looking my age !!! Very nice of him but it was only for the one stop.
Out at Moorgate and along the road towards the London Museum, along the route of the old London City wall, and that’s where it all went stuck - no sign of my destination !!! zapped by aliens perhaps, no - just me having got it very wrong.
Restless night, worried about sleeping in, and then it was up and away sharp to get the 7.10 train into London – no problems that bit, then it was a case of out at Waterloo and then underground and into the tube system - fascinating as I had to take the City – Waterloo tube which only runs between Bank and Waterloo, non stop, a distance of about one and a half miles, and takes only four minutes - jam packed, with some folks being left on the platform, but not long to wait.
Out at Bank and changed lines to go to Moorgate Station - bit of a surprise when a young chap got up and gave me his seat – I must be looking my age !!! Very nice of him but it was only for the one stop.
Out at Moorgate and along the road towards the London Museum, along the route of the old London City wall, and that’s where it all went stuck - no sign of my destination !!! zapped by aliens perhaps, no - just me having got it very wrong.
I had just past a plaque marking the site of Loriner's Hall ( he web site about the history of The Worshipful Company of Loriners - is very interesting dating back to the 1200's)
I then had to go into a big office block where the very nice and helpful Reception staff sorted out where I was supposed to be going, about a mile away, and produced a map for me to follow. So there I was trotting along the road, right past Bank Station which I had just gone through and changed trains forty minutes earlier//
Did not take it long and there I was at the Willis Tower Building, which was one of the tallest buildings in London, in the City and not far from “The gherkin” big tower wit criss crossed panels – what a contrast between it and the old buildings surrounding it.
Did not take it long and there I was at the Willis Tower Building, which was one of the tallest buildings in London, in the City and not far from “The gherkin” big tower wit criss crossed panels – what a contrast between it and the old buildings surrounding it.
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