Piddinghoe

THE AGED: We keep hearing about the problem of an aging population and the lack of funds and resources, so is it not time for the BBC to instigate the equivalent of Children in Need for the elderly? Perhaps it is considered not glamorous or emotive enough? So why don’t we all rally and bombard the BBC with requests for the same and help the almost forgotten of a majority population. People power works.

BROADBAND: This is wonderful when it is working. Twice now, in the last month Sky Broadband and the telephone aspect of the same let me down. I could not send my copy to the Sussex Express and many other important matters I have to deal with. As with so many other things in life, nothing is totally reliable or infallible. It is like cars, once upon a time, when everything was not electronic, I could do repairs to my car myself. Now it requires expensive testing equipment beyond reach of the individual motorist. I often watch the television programme Wheeler Dealers and marvel at the wonderful instruments that super mechanic Ed China has at hand to diagnose and repair vehicle problems. If only.

NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE: I am interested to hear that the NHS is now to listen to patient’s ideas with regard to their treatment. I experienced the opposite of this when, last year, I fell with all my weight on to my right thumb. I requested that it be put into plaster as it was bent over and appeared to be dislocated. This was refused and I now live with a crooked and painful thumb which is somewhat of a hindrance when playing the piano.

HORSES SAFETY: I was horrified by the report on Countryfile regarding the number of horses and riders being injured or killed by idiot drivers driving too fast and too close to horses on our roads. It was announced that one is killed every day. They requested that viewers contacted the programme with regard to a change in the law to make it an offence. Unfortunately, I suspect that that the uncaring drivers are not likely to be the people who watch Countryfile. Something must be done to stop such carnage. As a country dweller and keeper of animals, one knows how easily any animal can be spooked, be it pig, sheep or horse and that they are flesh and blood and can be injured. Everyone who is aware of this slows down and gives the horses plenty of room. Alas, I have seen such uncaring and foolish behaviour only too often on the C7 between Newhaven and Lewes. Let’s make it stop.

SMILES FOR THE DAY: 1) Fred: What was Humpty Dumpty famous for? Bill: Falling off a wall, of course. Fred: You’re wrong, he was the first to wear a shell-suit. 2) What is the first word an angel says when answering the phone? Halo.

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