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Reply | Pondering Travel to..
at 10:08 4 Dec 2025
This. It was TWO hundred years ago this year (on September 27 to be precise) when the first ever passenger steam train pulled by Locomotion No1 creaked along the line from Shildon to Darlington, with the great man George Stephenson himself at the controls.
The 26-mile Stockton and Darlington Railway was groundbreaking. It also helped convince investors that these new-fangled contraptions – steam trains – might actually work, clearing the way for the Liverpool and Manchester Railway of 1830. The wheels of industrialisation were up and running, soon spreading across the globe as railway fever took hold.
Now look at it. Outrageously high ticket prices, delays, cancellations and overcrowding commonplace, then you have outdated rolling stock, catering that makes Loftus Rd look like the Ritz, and even – in a turn of events last summer – the wrong sort of soil. I've seen everything this year alone: ‘crew being delayed’, ‘waiting for part of the train to be attached’, flooding, ‘a fault on the train in front’, endless signal failures, – the message ‘we are very sorry to announce...’ seems to be on a continuous loop.
Grand plans to bring trains into public ownership under Great British Railways feel like shuffling the deckchairs on the Titanic. And don’t even get me started on HS2.
The sad truth is successive governments of whatever colour has let its railways decline badly over many years. Meanwhile, countries like China, Japan and Germany treat infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth. China’s high-speed rail network connects remote regions while remaining widely affordable and profitable – a process that began several decades ago when China was far poorer than it is today. Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet train) sets global standards for punctuality and efficiency. And Germany’s £71 billion rail modernisation plan prioritises efficiency and sustainability, reflecting a strong belief that investing in infrastructure drives growth, even during a serious economic downturn.
The UK’s infrastructure challenges extend well beyond rail. An ageing electricity grid, inconsistent broadband, underwhelming 5G coverage, and fragile water systems reflect a broader lack of strategic vision and investment. These failures leave Britain ill-prepared for the demands of a 21st-century economy. Successive governments have taken a piecemeal approach, tinkering at the edges while avoiding the bold decisions needed for long-term solutions. High transport costs and poor digital infrastructure discourage businesses from operating, while crumbling energy and water systems raise household bills and impose significant environmental costs. The results are inefficiency, declining trust in public institutions, and a steady erosion of Britain’s global competitiveness.
To reverse this decline, only bold investments in technology and modern infrastructure are essential. Modernising rail systems with AI-driven scheduling, full automation, and predictive maintenance could lower costs, save time, boost reliability and increase capacity. Upgrading broadband and 5G networks to world-class standards would bridge regional divides. Smart energy grids and advanced water management systems would drive sustainability, enhance resilience and reduce costs for households and businesses. These upgrades are the backbone of a competitive economy. Revitalising infrastructure could become the cornerstone of a credible growth strategy.
But nah, lets just keep papering over the cracks. |
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Reply | The Thatched House
at 10:18 3 Dec 2025
This. One of the most obvious signs of the decline of civilisation.
The government clearly has no interest protecting spaces that, for many communities, are the only places left to gather. It's estimated also that the beer and pub sector pours more than £30 billion into the economy every year and supports over a million jobs - more if you include those involved in the supply chain such as farmers and other industries.
The irony is that pubs are trading well, but most of the money that goes into the till goes straight back out in bills and taxes, so for for many it’s impossible to make a profit. New rateable values published after the Budget reveal an eye-watering 30% increase for pubs (and a 14% increase for restaurants and cafés to boot).
I can vaguely understand politicians not giving a shit about public services as they don't use them, but surely some of them go to the pub sometime? Or do they just drink wine at home? I really do despair. |
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Reply | Pub names
at 16:53 27 Nov 2025
Any reference to 'leg' In the title always scored one run |
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Reply | Pub names
at 16:51 27 Nov 2025
It's to do with the Cambridge spy ring. I could.bore for England (well, Qpr) on this subject. |
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Reply | Pub names
at 16:46 27 Nov 2025
Don't get me started.
Four favs off the top of my head
Bucket of blood, Hayle, Cornwall
Jolly Taxpayer, Portsmouth
Cat and Custard Pot, Paddlesworth, Kent
My father's moustache, Louth, Lincs |
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Reply | Norwich pubs
at 13:02 27 Nov 2025
No idea about best ones for craft beer / Peroni fanatics, but some excellent ones for real ale, eg Plasterers' Arms, Cowgate; king's Head, Magdalen St; and the Fat Cat Brewery Tap, slightly further out on Lawson Rd. Several decent spoons, too - The Bell probably the best for ale. |
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Reply | Corny Joke Warning
at 21:06 18 Nov 2025
Jesus, what a world we live in. Our local pet shop was broken into last night - windows broken, various items stolen, cash registers all taken.
Police hopeless as ever. Still looking for leads. |
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Reply | Corny Joke Warning
at 12:27 15 Nov 2025
RIP to a friend of mine. He was sent out to pick up some sewing thread for his wife, but he never returned - he just went to the pub and drank himself senseless.
Gone, but not for cotton. |
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Reply | International Break, Time-Filler
at 09:43 15 Nov 2025
With me it's a look less of incredulity and more 'who the hell is that?'. Try some of the following on people (without whom, of course, we wouldn't have rock'n'roll)
Rosetta Tharpe
Bo Diddley
Ruth Brown
Lloyd Price
Arthur Crudup
Johnny Otis
Henry Byrd (Professor Longhair) |
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Reply | Ashes thread
at 15:18 14 Nov 2025
So, it's looking like the first 9 pick themselves (I don't rate Crawley, but there it is) then presumably two out of Wood, Carse, Bashir and Tongue. Assuming Wood isn't fit, for me it's Carse and Bashir.
I think they'll give us a damn good thrashing, but here's hoping. |
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Reply | Goalkeepers at QPR
at 07:59 11 Nov 2025
One of Peter Hucker's many qualities was the ability to act as another defender - you'd never see him rooted to his line as with Nardi. Usually felt safe with Lee Camp, usually nervous with Rob Green. |
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