Drought restrictions approaching

 

I've been saying since January that rainfall is greatly reduced this year. Normally in January I am plodding around in mud up to my ankles but the start of the year was damp but not as wet as we would normally expect. Every month since then, rainfall has been minimal, and for many weeks at a time, non-existent. Some areas of the country are now facing drought restrictions but we all now need to start saving water. Do you need to clean the car so often? Do you need to bathe rather than shower (and when showering is it necessary to leave the water running the whole of the time you are in the shower)? Do you need to clean all your towels after a single use.

Water is a resource and should be treated as such. We must be sparing with its use. A few thoughts on this issue in the video above.

Northern Pride

 

Liberal Democrats from the North East were out in force yesterday for Northern Pride parade through Newcastle. As usual, I was there with my camera.

Eurovision on Tyneside?

There is talk of Eurovision coming to an as yet unspecified venue in Newcastle. With Russia invading Ukraine, this year's Eurovision winner is not in a position to host. As runner up it now looks like the UK will inherit that role in 2023. I'm no fan of this annual camp musical jamboree (I was put off by Brotherhood of Man) but I'd be very happy for the contest to come to Tyneside. Think of the boost to the local economy! Finding a venue however will be something of a challenge. The Newcastle Arena is about the only building to fit the bill but it is nearing the end of its life. Sadly the new conference and concert venue on the Gateshead Quays will not be completed in time. Newcastle will be up against some stiff competition from elsewhere in the UK so being realistic, Newcastle being chosen as the host is not something to bet the house on. 

I have unhappy memories of the Newcastle Arena. I went there with Richard to a Kylie Minogue concert 3 years ago but had to leave early. Richard had collapsed and I had to get him home. Not good. 

In the running for PM

Okay, so just back from my farm and I've discovered that Johnson is to resign. Alas, one of the Lib Dems' best recruiting sergeants is to exit the stage. So who could be in the running to replace him as Tory leader?

• Priti Patel - aaaargh please no.
• Dominic Raab - needs to spend more time with his small majority.
• Sajid Javid - not to be underestimated.
• Nadhim Zahawi - quietly running his leadership campaign for months.
• Liz Truss - remainer turned Brexiteer.
• Michael Gove - sacked by every PM since 2010.
• Nadine Dorres - Get me out of here.
• Grant Shapps - off the rails.
• Jacob Rees-Mogg - back to the future.
• Keir Starmer - now pro-Brexit, fits the bill perfectly.

Enjoy the summer everyone!