! gripes

SHOP TALK

MOLES

LOREM

Ipsum dolor sit amet, Cons ectetur adipis icing elit, sed do eiusmod temporincididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam,27-06-13

First impressions count, as so do parting shots. Like any school essay, the middle looks after itself (assuming access, prices, and quality, to be practical, reasonable and attractive). As well as a bright, welcoming greeting and a appreciative farewell (essential), the shopper’s experience needs to have enough confidence in the shop to return gladly; reassured that there is a range of carrier bags (in this instance) that are fit for purpose. Staff need to choose the best sizes and strengths from a small/medium/large range without a second thought about their unit price. The small fractional bag price/purchase value of goods ratio is well worth it for the good will engendered. How often do we, as customers, see through the false economy of embarrassing penny-pinching at a checkout which fields somewhat ridiculously flimsy bags. Bags that don't work for heavy and/or bulky goods. Or, are grossly over packed (to save a penny or two). And this as our last memory of a retail encounter? It sends out a dubious signal - to say the least.

The council worry about tripping over mole (small velvety-furred burrowing mammal having small eyes and fossorial--'digging'--forefeet) hills in the playing field (lol).

-

IN PROGRESS

(as part of a main feature about local moles and their clear and present problems)

27-06-13

TRAFFIC

NOTICE BOARDS

(INCLUDING OBSOLETE FLY POSTERS

FLAPPING IN THE WIND)

27-06-13

MOLES 2

To: Maiden Bradley Parish Clerk

Hi Sarah

Thanks, and yes our initiative is gaining a little momentum. Mel has been in touch and I outlined a plan of action for him (as you may know from another email).

On a slightly different subject, I believe you have been empowered by the committee to solve an issue with regard to the playing field moles? Something about tripping up over their excavation debris (which is handy for house plants, by the way). I'm thinking about promoting their cause on the website and Parish News.

Based on 3 points:

1

The shop noticeboard was scaled way too big for the shop - 'a ton of plate to eat an ounce of food'. It was a relief to see the thing gone. And, for most of the year it suffered from bad readability in terms of condensation (plus soggy notices). On top of that it was poorly serviced generally (untidy and out of date). My concern is that moving this dysfunctional monstrosity to the Village Hall will be déjà vu.

01-08-13

2

1

I have lived and wandered in the country all my life and NEVER heard of anyone tripping over a mole's hill. Nor has anyone else in the village who I've talked with (including farmers). In fact, they were all, without exception, amused at the notion!

We have several useful pillars of a thriving community - a village shop and post office, a pub, a church and a village hall. 2 years ago we started a Community Allotment also.

We face several threats though - the village shop makes a loss, rural post offices face an uncertain future & hard working and innovative pub tenants struggle to make a living.

In addition, we have a serious problem with lorries shortcutting through the village to the A303, passing within inches of elderly residents and children on our narrow pavements. An agreed solution to this is held up by higher priorities at the Highways Agency.

by Steve Meek

pic

27-06-13

2

There are 2 (maybe 3 max) moles with wibbly territories that patchwork into the playing field area. If they are 'gotten rid of' the resulting territorial vacuum will be swiftly filled by more moles in need of turf. Thus, the cost of their removal is, clearly, a waste of resources.

3

Our moles tend to avoid the actual soccer pitch because they're not stupid regarding surface activity. However, with the lack of use they have been pushing their luck around the edges a bit. In any case, when the mower (regularly) cuts the grass the mole hills are flattened.

Moles are part of the natural ecology. Their tunnels irrigate the land for free. They control pests. They are cute. All in all, moles are good, hard working people and deserve a fair trial before the axe (so cruelly) falls.

Any COUNCIL rubbish bins (not just dedicated dog litter bins) are allowed (now) for disposal of used dog poo bags. If in doubt, take it home and use your own black council bin (not the recycle ones!). Oh yes, and keep advisory signs maintained. lol

07-11-13

PHEASANTS

DEAD BATTERY BLUES

This winter why not take the plunge and buy a battery charger and a second car battery? Keep your old battery (as spare) charged up and NEVER travel without it in the boot (with appropriate spanners). A spare car battery is also handy for those freezing mornings when you find your fitted car battery is as dead as a doornail.

Running your vehicle never really fully charges your battery, by the way. The thing gets gradually flatter over time and one cold snap can do it in. In fact, as most experts agree, it is advisable to remove and charge your primary car battery every week or two around the year (more if the weather is really inclement). Besides, you never can predict when a car battery will simply give up the ghost (manufacturer's time guarantee notwithstanding). Particularly in damp/cold weather, start your car (if not in use that day) and let it run until the engine gets hot. This will dry things out and help maintain battery charge.

Also, do ensure investment in AA or RAC (or similar), if you don't have this already. Basic cover is available on monthly standing order at quite low cost (you can do it online in a trice, otherwise telephone a provider). As with a spare battery and charger, money well spent for peace of mind.

Finally, ensure a mobile phone (fully charged), and all your important contact information, is easily to hand - in case needed when out and about (in a car or not). For example; I'm often up on the downs with my trusty digital Kodak camera, miles from anywhere, and might need a helicopter rescue one of these fine days. As the song goes - you never can tell.

These are some simple and economical suggestions which can easily eliminate many concerns related to winter travel (and all the other seasons too). Can you think of any others? For instance; is your spare tyre good, and do you have a functional jack with correct size wheel brace?

08-11-13

Hedge chickens (pheasants) are the stupidest of birds - everything they do is sublimely idiotic. Every time one sees one of 'em one thinks: "How have they survived and not gone (deservedly) extinct?" The answer is they are bred for SHOOTING - at least the ones that don't get run over crossing busy roads like lunatics!

Tried cooking a fresh road kill pheasant (for the hell of it). Took forever to pluck (without tearing the skin) . When it was done there was next to nothing left to eat - and it was fiddly what there was. Call me a lazy chef. Chicken and turkey are worth the effort (ROI) - pheasant (and pigeon) are simply not (at least for me).

07-11-13

K6

THE ISLES OF WILTSHIRE?

An editorial in Maiden Bradley Parish News (March, 2014) states that our village, up on the billowing downs here, is the highest above sea-level in Wiltshire. Is this bold assertion accurate info, though (or simply a partisan legend in the making?).

Exhibit A

DO WE REALLY WANT TO

LOSE THIS VILLAGE ICON?

Parish News - Jan 2014

Also see - Warminster Our Community Item

(plus circulated to OCM all regions)

Warmiinster People article

Frome People here

more

10-11-13