The local council bin lorry has made a bit of a mess of our drive at the entrance. The bin men must have reported it to the department that repairs roads, as I found them filling the holes with tarmac.
I wouldn't exactly call it a good job. Perhaps they were hoping the bin lorry would tamp it down and smooth off the edges.....
Actually, a few days of cars trundling over it has tamped it down rather well.
On the strength of that, I may get a few bags of that cold lay tarmac to fill the other craters in our drive. I keep putting scalps in the holes, but they don't last very long and get pinged out.
Concrete would be best, but the constant traffic from 3 houses wouldn't give it time to cure.
At the Old Sodbury Village Hall we had an old tree that had died and become dangerous. The decision was taken to cut it down, but leave a stump suitable for a local artisan to carve.
And a damned good job he did too - even capturing the local Cotswold stone in wood.
I was delivering a car to Liskeard last week and, when in the customer's house, I spotted a photo on the wall with what looked like a Ford GT40. Below is a blown up section of the photo.
I enquired about the photo and the customer, a farmer, confirmed it was indeed a GT40 he'd owned many years ago when living in France.
The value of a Ford GT40 can vary greatly depending on its history, condition, and originality. As of 2024, original Ford GT40s are fetching between £2.5 million and over £7.5 million at auction. One of the most notable recent sales was a 1969 GT40, which sold for approximately £5.6 million. Models with significant racing history, or those that retain original components, can push higher into this range, while even the least expensive GT40s are still valued in the multi-million-pound range.
The GT40 market hit its lowest point in the mid-1970s. During this period, many collectors and enthusiasts were not as focused on vintage racing cars as they are today and the GT40 was considered more of an obsolete racing car than a valuable classic. Prices at that time were shockingly low compared to today's market - in some cases GT40s could be found for as little as £3,000 to £6,000 (£22,000 - £44,000 at today's prices).
Bet he wished he still owned it.
On the way there I saw this car in a service station.
The number plate is probably worth as much as the car.
Talking of number plates - saw these over the last few weeks.
I'm going to continue yesterday's thread but, before I do, Trump is in the news because his campaign team is up in arms about Labour Party activists campaigning for the Harris team. Someone pointed out that Farage has done exactly the same for Trump on numerous occasions in the last few months, even to the extent of speaking at Trump rallies, suggesting it was of value to his constituents in Clacton, who he has yet to see.
Back to the issue:
Some argue that colonialism provided long-term benefits to indigenous populations, which outweigh the need for compensation and reparations. They highlight economic and infrastructure developments, such as railways, roads, and administrative institutions that modernised many regions. Additionally, Western-style education, legal systems, and modern medicine introduced during colonial rule are seen as positive legacies that continue to benefit post-colonial nations today.
Proponents also claim that colonialism integrated indigenous populations into the global economy, opening access to international trade, capital, and ideas that fostered economic growth. Furthermore, the spread of global languages and cultural exchange is seen as having enhanced diplomacy, education, and commerce for formerly colonised countries. Ironically, colonial rule also sparked nationalist movements, fostering stronger national identities that led to independence.
The 'What did the Romans ever do for us' argument.
However, critics argue that these benefits do not outweigh the exploitation, cultural destruction, and human suffering caused by colonialism. They highlight the extraction of resources, suppression of indigenous cultures, and the devastating impact of forced labour and military repression. While infrastructure and development may have occurred, the primary aim of colonialism was often wealth extraction, making the demand for reparations still relevant, but perhaps not as large as the claimants demand.
Some argue that wealth extraction by colonial powers was not entirely new to colonised populations, as similar practices often existed under their previous rulers. In many regions, pre-colonial empires, kingdoms, or local elites also engaged in taxing their populations, seizing resources, and maintaining hierarchical systems of control. For example, powerful local rulers often exploited their own people or weaker neighbouring tribes through warfare, slavery, and tribute.
Proponents of this view claim that colonial powers, while extractive, sometimes replaced or co-opted these existing systems of wealth transfer and governance. They argue that colonial rule brought more structured administration, legal frameworks, and infrastructure that may have improved efficiency in governance, even if it still involved resource exploitation. In this sense, colonialism could be seen as a continuation of pre-existing systems of extraction, but with added long-term benefits, such as modernisation.
However, critics maintain that colonial wealth extraction was often on a far larger scale and primarily benefited distant imperial powers rather than local elites or communities. The concentration of wealth and resources flowing out of colonised regions to enrich European nations left lasting damage, while the scale of forced labour, land dispossession, and suppression of local economies intensified under colonial rule, making the comparison to pre-colonial systems insufficient to dismiss demands for reparations.
It is deeply ironic that right-wing opponents of immigration would criticise an Aboriginal woman. Lidia Thorpe, for protesting King Charles III's visit, especially when her protest is rooted in opposition to colonialism rather than immigration itself. The very people who claim to defend national sovereignty and cultural heritage seem blind to the fact that her ancestors’ lands were taken by force, and her people subjugated under the very system of colonisation that the monarchy represents.
While they may argue that their patriotism is directed toward the modern monarchy, they fail to acknowledge the monarchy’s historic role in the oppression of indigenous peoples. This glaring hypocrisy reveals that their stance isn’t truly about defending heritage, but about preserving a version of national identity that conveniently ignores the colonial violence that shaped it.
The mental gymnastics involved in criticising Thorpe's protest are nothing short of astounding. These critics, who often rally against immigration under the guise of protecting "native" culture, fail to grasp the clear contradiction in their stance. On one hand, they argue for preserving "native" identity against perceived threats like immigration, but on the other, they dismiss the legitimate protest of an actual native—the descendant of people who were brutally displaced by colonial settlers. Their criticisms expose a selective understanding of history, where "native" identity is only defended when it aligns with their narrow, self-serving narrative. They overlook that colonialism, the very system that benefitted their own ancestors, is the root cause of this protest.
This assumed position of moral and intellectual superiority, which they so proudly flaunt, is completely undermined by their muddled thinking. They may argue that colonialism is a historical issue, no longer relevant to today's monarchy or society, but they ignore the ongoing legacies of that history—the dispossession and marginalisation that indigenous peoples continue to face. The protest isn't simply about the past; it’s about the enduring impact of colonial structures that are still symbolised by the monarchy today.
The critics’ dismissal of this argument reveals not only a lack of empathy but also an ignorance of the deeply ingrained colonial legacies that shape their own national identity. Their sense of superiority crumbles under scrutiny, revealing a deeply flawed and contradictory worldview that cannot withstand reason or fairness.
What’s even more striking is that many of those criticising the Aboriginal protester in Australia are themselves descendants of white immigrants from Britain - families who benefitted directly from the colonisation that displaced indigenous peoples. While they claim to uphold national pride and tradition, they ignore their own immigrant origins and the privileges their families gained from the very colonial system the protester is opposing.
This irony exposes their critiques as not just hypocritical but historically ignorant, as they overlook the deep connections between colonialism, the monarchy, and their own inherited social advantages.
I gave the Pullman loaf tins a whirl and they produced a couple of decently, if slightly irregular, shaped loaves. Two tins just fit in the air fryer and, as you don't need a temperature above 200 degrees C (fan), I thought it perfect for baking loaves.
With the lids on the tins there's an element of steaming that takes place, as well as baking, although the trick of putting a tray of water in a conventional oven achieves the same result and a good crust. You're meant to bake for 25 to 30 minutes with the lids on and another 25 to 30 with the lid off to brown the crust. I required a bit more than that and it took another 15 minutes before the regulation internal temperature of 95 degrees was reached.
I could have done with a little more proving such that the oven rise fills the tin completely. As it was, it filled the tin for most of its length, but there was a bit of a gap at the ends. One learns by trial and error as to how much dough to put in and the level to prove it to in the tin. When the dough rises and hits the tin lid, it spreads out, filling the entire void - but that depends on a number of factors outside of your immediate control.
I don't think the air fryer provided enough air circulation either, as it took much longer to bake - an oven would make a better loaf as there's more circulation. However, a good crumb, a good taste, an excellent crust and a good shape - just.
Hay's taking the assortment of metal and silicone loaf moulds to the charity shop, as the 3 Pullman tins are sufficient for my needs.
Something I forgot to mention yesterday about our jaunt into the countryside while staying in Caister - we came across a farm shop with accommodation.
These little lodges (or hostels, as they were called) are made from silos. How cool is that?
A few more photos of our venture:
Above is the newest addition to the Caister Lifeboat Station's stable - the Bernard Matthews - being the fastest lifeboat in the UK.
When I told Hay its name, she thought I'd said the Bernard Manning and said she could see those being rescued saying to the lifeboat crew; "It's OK, you can go on your way - we're perfectly alright and don't need rescuing."
And here is a photo if a bloke engaged in the age-old East Anglian art of arranging reeds on a roof in a speculative attempts at making said roof waterproof. Not sure why they don't use slates - much more waterproof and longer lasting too.
This is the water pump (windmill to you and me) at Horsey.
Here's a dead windmill:
And a modern one. A lot of people don't like them, but I love them. Might be my Dutch roots.
The place was crawling with dragonflies, whereas ours (which are more colourful) have all gone now.
And, lastly, Horsey Mere:
Oh, and here's Hay having an early morning swim with her beacon light hat, which she wears in case she gets swept out to sea. A helicopter might have a tough time spotting it, especially if she gets a ducking and the light phutts.
Last Thursday Hay and I took the motorhome to Great Yarmouth in order to attend a Prog Rock festival. I was attracted by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown (he's 82 now and has a reputation for either setting himself on fire and people having to douse the flames with beer, or stripping naked and being deported from foreign climes), Iron Butterfly (the original band members are all dead, but they had a cast of hundreds over the years, so perm any 4 from 100) and Soft Machine.
Some were relatively new bands that were following the Prog Rock genre - complex music, weird signature changes, the admixture of classical or jazz and a theme. Very serious and worthy.
Click the above to enlarge the schedule.
The organisers take over the holiday camp, but the acts allegedly don't see much profit from the event. For new bands it's a chance to be seen; for older bands it's more a chance of selling some merchandise.
We'd paid £150 each for the tickets, although I could tell Hay wasn't as keen as me to attend (she's a tad too young to appreciate Prog Rock, although Pink Floyd were considered Prog and she likes them). Hay's sister and husband went too in their motorhome, but they camped out at the venue; however, they had to move 3 times - once because of a muddy pitch, again because of no electricity and a third time because they'd take someone else's pitch and they were a bit precious about it, despite only 40% of the motorhome pitches having been sold. Hay, in her wisdom, tried to find somewhere cheaper to stay, and we ended up an hour walk or 18 minute bike ride distant in Caister, which is a bit of a dump (however, the campsite was quiet, the showers were superb and we were 5 minutes from a good swimming beach).
After a walk on the beach in Caister we decided to bike it to the venue, but it was like trying to cross the M25 at rush hour and we abandoned the attempt with a few hundred yards to go - it was simply too dangerous, it was getting dark and we had no bike lights (bad planning). We came across 4 elderly, long haired, beer-bellied, American Prog Rock fans on foot who told us to ignore them, as they were merely trying to kill themselves in the traffic.
Well, that was the Arthur Brown gig scratched on the first night. According to my brother-in-law it was a good act; however, because of the H&S regs, Arthur couldn't don his colander doused in methanol and made use of coloured paper streamers to represent fire. Because he's a drummer, my brother-in-law blagged his way into an after gig party and didn't get back to his motorhome till 2.30 Saturday morning.
The next day (Friday), we thought we'd give the festival a miss and cycle out 10 miles into the countryside on our bikes - and we loved every minute of it. What a contrast at Horsey; a large boating lake connected to the Broads, a turbine wind pump (windmill to you and me) and basking seals at Horsey Gap. I managed to get some decent video footage. I've learned not to make the videos too long and to cut between interesting bits.
Hay went for a swim at Horsey Gap and, for a minute, I thought I'd be famous for being the first person to obtain drone footage of a 59 year old woman being savaged and eaten alive by seals, but no such luck - I was let down by the seals merely being inquisitive and not aggressive. I did tell Hay to poke them a bit, but she couldn't have heard me.
Additionally, Hay had to do an unexpected Zoom training course from 5:30 to 7:30 (she'd been missed off the email list), so Friday evening attendance had to be scrapped too.
We enjoyed ourselves so much that we're going to buy the festival tickets again next year, but give the acts a miss and head into the Norfolk Broads, or possibly somewhere at the other end of the country. I can see it becoming an annual pilgrimage. I must say though, I would safely state that I would never, ever consider a holiday in Great Yarmouth or Caister.
I dug my sourdough starter out of the deepest recesses of the fridge the other day and tried to revive it. It has been there for at least 4 months, which is a tad on the long side. Hay has been buying bread from our local Hobbs House shop of late, so I haven't needed to flash up the starter. Hobbs House is a local, Chipping Sodbury firm and does some nice artisan breads.
It was still alive, but only just, so I thought I'd add to the cultures in there - I picked a couple of apples from one of our apple trees, which will be seething with wild yeasts, and left them in the starter. It kicked into action within a few hours.
I'm going to freeze it next time - apparently you can, a bit like kefir granules, but there is a time limit.
I've ordered a couple of Pullman leaf tins, which make perfectly square-ended loaves eminently suited to sandwiches.
Having a lid, the dough fills the entire void and comes out with a nice shape. Ordinary loaf tins are too narrow and the rising dough forms a sheaf shape at the top. Just turning the dough out from a banneton leaves the risk of a collapsed loaf if the mix is too moist of the dough over-prooved.
