Ramblings and Observations

Where do all of the leaves come from ...

... Trees!

We've cleared up so many leaves today you wouldn't believe, and looking at our trees you know this is just the start.  It must be autumn, and there are more every year, so seeing a tree surgeon visiting a neighbour we asked for a quote to 'control' the 3 that are now much bigger than the house and almost tickling the house across the road.  Seems like a really professional guy, and we've booked him in.

Just for clarity this isn't a moan - we LOVE living in a leafy hilltop suburb, close to a country park, and know that we are privileged to live in such a place.

BNI Bilberry - doing my bit

It was great to be able to support the Visitors Day for the BNI Bilberry Group at Hillscourt in Lickey last week.  I gave a brief keynote on how BNI helped my business and how it works.

It's a simple philosophy - Givers Gain.  Those of us with SME businesses know that word of mouth marketing is uber-important.  I read recently that 98% of businesses rely on referrals to gain new business, but only 3% have a strategy for referrals.  Mad!

Bromsgrove MP - she really should resign and quickly

I've seen 1st hand that Julie Kirkbride is a hardworking MP for us here in Bromsgrove, but after all that's emerged I don't see how she can credibly continue as MP or even retain her select committee positions?  It was bad enough, but with the Have I Got News for You showing of her slamming the phone down on BBC H&W it's clear that she's known of her 'wrong doing' for some years.

Interesting article in the News of the World today:

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/322350/Doube-dipping-married-MPs-Julie-Kirkbride-and-Andrew-Mackay-in-new-scandal-Mrs-Kirkbride-lets-brother-live-rent-free-in-their-mansion-flat-that-WE-pay-for.html?CMP=KNC-SC&HBX_PK=julie+kirkbride&HBX_OU=50

I note an item by 'Ian' in the comments defending her - any chance that could be her brother?

Nespresso Rocks!

Over 2 years on and we still regularly comment on how much we value that fabulous 1st coffee. Perfect and fresh every time.

Vacancy for Parish Councillor

Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council have a vacancy for a Parish Councillor. If you live in the parish and would like to do something about the local issues that matter to you rather than just moaning about them then contact me or the council executive officer for details. Politics should be left at the door, and timewasters need not apply!

Affordable Housing in Lickey & Blackwell

I am looking forward to understanding more about the issues around affordable housing for a semi rural area this morning. Who would benefit? How many? Where? Advantages and disadvantages to the existing community? Minority or majority interest? Let's see!

Loving The Snow

Children stayed at Grannies' (teacher training days not linked for schools in the same pyramid - don't set me off) so the prospect of a slow calm breakfast. But no - mother nature intervened with snow to clear. Nice!

December at the gym

7:30pm at the gym and all is calm and quiet. Jump forward 1 month and it will be so different!

New Taste Sensation

Saturday morning breakfast at the gym (not sure that's why I joined) with son & heir. A diversion from our usual fried egg sandwich. We decided to try buttermilk American style pancakes with crispy bacon & maple syrup. OMB!

New Taste Sensation

Saturday morning breakfast at the gym (not sure that's why I joined) with son & heir. A diversion from our usual fried egg sandwich. We decided to try buttermilk American style pancakes with crispy bacon & maple syrup. OMB!