A thought on the EU...

As I have had some difficulty trying to understand the pros and cons of the recent negotiations (mainly because everyone speaks in broad generalities rather than specifics), I've looked at the BBC's website in the hope that at least the Beeb can produce an unbiased and clear assessment of the situation.

Having read it, I think we need a referendum to decide:

Should Michael Gove remain or leave?

I know how I would vote.

What a sad day...

I join millions of Radio 2 listeners and TV viewers in reflecting on Tel's life and work. 

RIP. 

You'll be missed.

The Best 4x4 by Far

On the same day the last Defender ran off the production line at the Solihull Land Rover plant, I have decided to sell my beloved 110 and replace it with a 90. Once it has a few bits and pieces sorted out (eg a service and MOT), it will be put on the open market for sale. 

If anyone is interested in a pre-sale discussion, please ring me on 01449 721230.

Flowerpot candle heater

Now, this is an interesting idea!

I just happened to be looking on You Tube at various designs for rocket stoves (if you don't know what one of these is, Google it) and I came across flowerpot candle heaters.

Apparently if you bolt 2 or 3 flowerpots together and put some tealights underneath, it creates quite a effective little heater for say a boat cabin, small room or, in my case, the back of a Land Rover for wild camping in Belgium (and the like).

Have a look at these pics of the one I put together. 

The outside pot is 6" and the inside one is 5". They can really be any size you like and you can use up to 3. However, they must all be earthenware or you'll just end up with a gooey mess! The base is an upturned pot stand with a hole drilled through it and I have stood the whole thing on a heatproof clay tile. I happened to have a 200 mm length of 10 mm turned rod (studding?) in the garage and fitted the whole lot together with suitable bolts and washers. Obviously you can't tighten them more than finger tight or you stand the risk of breaking the pots.

Now for the clearer stuff, when you put 2, 3 or 4 tea lights underneath, after about 5 minutes, the pots start to warm up and, after about 10 minutes they are too hot to touch. The metal rod gets very hot and retains much of the heat and the pots themselves radiate heat into the room. Great for standing on a dining room table or desk.

Now for some lessons learnt:

You need to either buy new pots or clean up some decent old ones because you don't want scruffy or broken ones gracing your dining room table. The rod must fit the holes unless you are able to drill bigger ones (the earthenware is very soft so a wood drill will do). You can develop your own design using different bases and even one to hang from above (the rod with either need a hook at the top or maybe a chain - use your imagination). There must be enough room to slide the candles underneath and to feed with air. Another related issue is giving the candles enough space to expel the CO2. If you don't, the candles will simply go out. 

Health Warning. Since reading about these, I have learnt that the paraffin wax used in tea lights is a little bit toxic and can cause cancer if you breath too much of it in - it's on account of it being a petroleum based material left over from the oil refining process.  In fact, most candles do this - did you see Trust me, I'm a Doctor recently?

I bet you didn't know this when you used these as night lights for your little Jimmy!

But don't worry too much. You would have to inhale quite a lot over a long period. Google it, and make your own judgement. Alternatives to paraffin wax candles are Soy and Beeswax candles - much more expensive but much better for you. Incidentally one You Tube video mentioned these heaters are often used on boats because they are very dry heat and are good to avoid condensation.

Lastly, obvious health and safety rules about matches, candles and fire apply.

Enjoy!

Bastogne 1944/45

Following my interest in the First and Second World War, I have been researching the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. The battle started on 16 December 1944 and was Hitler's last ditch attempt to fight back after the liberation of France by the allies. 

The Americans were 'resting' in the Ardennes after months of fighting and new recruits were being introduced to life in the field. As such, this area was seen by the Germans as a soft touch and a relatively easy route to retake the seaport Antwerp. They chose the winter of 1944 as a good time to strike, especially as the poor weather would make it impossible for the Americans to fly in more men and supplies. The attack took the Americans by surprise and forced them into a disorganised retreat with poor communications and tensions between commanders hindering the men on the ground. However, once they managed to take stock of their situation, they fought back with remarkable determination and courage.

A lot has been written about the 6 week battle, and films like Band of Brothers have depicted the trauma they all suffered (on both sides).

I plan to visit the area next spring and will write more about it I am sure but for now, I will just reproduce a quote from an American veteran, Ed Peniche of the 101st Airborne Division, the Screaming Eagles:

The siege of Bastogne, Belgium was a frightful experience never to be forgotten; and hopefully, never to be repeated again. Misery on the battlefield was compounded by the severe winter of that year. YET, despite the adversity of war, all those involved were able to find warmth, strength, and comfort in man's eternal hope for universal fraternity and man's eternal search for divine guidance. As for me personally, like that of my fellow soldiers, it was my destiny to take part in and survive that gallant feat of arms; and, as miserable and terrifying as the experience was, it enriched my life forever because I learned to have faith and trust in my superior officers and in my fellow soldiers: it enriched my life because I learned first hand about the true spirit of America, by never hearing anyone ever express the word surrender. - - YES, Bastogne was part of the rendezvous with destiny of the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division, and I am proud for having been there - - I had had my first White Christmas in that small Belgian town, and there were enough lights to last me a life-time.

Back on air

Following a brief drop off in posts from me, I'm 'back on air'. Whoopee I hear you say.

Anyway, things are quiet in Suffolk. I've been busy over the last few months refurbishing another property to help stretch the pension but things are now quiet in the lead up to Christmas.

One thing to mention was my visit to Tidworth where I, and few other 'Dads' were treated by the 'Lads' to a day of play in the tanks of the Royal Engineers 26 Recce Regiment.

It was called 'Patrons Day' to say thank you to some of the people who support our armed forces but I can't say anymore (Official Secrets Act and all that). All I will say is how proud I felt and what fun we had! Now, zip it.

I also had a great day out at Pickering where the North York Steam Railway celebrated the 1940's with some fantastic events around the town. Again, I mustn't say any more; not because of the Official Secrets Act but because I wouldn't want any more people to attend. It was already packed with hundreds of people dressed in various 1940's civilian clothes and service uniforms and any more people next year might mean I can't get into the pubs!

Also, it's worth mentioning the new dog, Scrumpy. He has settled in well. He's fitting in with our various activities and learning the ropes both on land and water. 

I've resisted the urge to teach him to swim as I don't want him to keep jumping off the boat for fun. I know he can swim if needed but I don't want to keep pulling him out of the water while I'm going along. Nuff said.

New addition to the family

I've been 'off air' recently, introducing a new addition to the family. 

Meet Scrumpy...

He's a 5 month old Jack Russell Terrier cross (not sure what he's crossed with) but how could we resist those eyes at the Norfolk West RSPCA Rehoming Centre?

He's a real little character, well behaved, friendly and a bit on the cute side (I'm told).

He has also fitted in well at home, taking advantage of the house and garden and all the open spaces in and around the town.

In fact, yesterday I bought a miniature arm chair from the 1950's (don't ask me why, 'cos I don't know). Anyway, no sooner had I brought it into the house...

Once he's fully house-trained (he's almost there), I'll introduce him to a life on the ocean waves. I'm sure he'll make a good sea dog!