Ann Widdecombe

 A few years ago, in the early 2010's Julia and I were on holiday in Devon and went to the local Catholic Church in Okehampton summer Garden Fete. It was held in the grounds of one of the parishioners house in a nearby village. We parked the car and were walking to the house when we saw this lady carrying a couple of bags going the same way. I helped her with the bags and we started chatting. It was only when we got to the house and they thought that we were "part of her team' that Julia and I realised that the lady was Ann Widdecombe.

She had brought some of her books with her, proceeds going to the charity that the Fete was supporting. We had a cup of tea with her and an enjoyable chat. She had no "airs and graces" strong views certainly and a wicked sense of humour, someone whose company we enjoyed.

It is so sad that she has had her life brutally cut short. What makes it worse is that some are saying such vile things about her and others trying to make political capital. We live in strange times.

Julia and I will pray for her.

Frustrations with our transport systems

What is up with the transport system in the UK? Last Wednesday evening, 15th July 2026, I was driving from Bromley to Lamberhurst in Kent to see a friend installed as the vicar of the local C of E church. I was picking up a friend and it took me, at about 5:30pm over twenty minutes to drive less than two miles to pick them up. There appears to be roadworks on all the roads into/out of Bromley. Eventually we made in time and saw an interesting and joyous service. After the installation and commissioning there was a gathering with food and drink - elderflower cordial for me as I was driving.

We left about 9:30 and the church is less than a mile from the A21, the main road to take us back home. Only problem is that they had closed that part of the A21, no marked diversions, which left us and others driving around that part of Kent seeking a way home. Satnavs were not much help as the systems were not set-up for the main road being closed. We kept finding routes only to find them closed off as they led to the part of the A21 under repair. I realise that roadworks on main routes have to be done at night as they are so busy during the day. But not to put in diversions is beyond the pale.

There was one amusing episode where I took a road and found that it ended in a farmyard - only to find four other vehicles following me! Eventually we made it home safe and sound.

Then Thursday evening I was off to the Askean Association AGM and dinner. I thought that bus seemed the best option as I suspected that alcohol might be involved! We were about a mile from where I was going when the driver opened the inside door of his cab yelled something incomprehensible and shot off in the "wrong direction". Looking back I think he said diversion road closed - but no prior warning. It was not registered on any of the transport apps leaving me with a mile and a half walk to work up a thirst.

Something similar happened on the way back. The bus was diverted and the journey doubled in length. I was travelling with a friend, and we were using different bus routes as we knew that the way we used going was "up the Swanee"! Again no mention on London Transport apps.

Perhaps these are simply first world problems; but judging by pictures and reports of queues at airports, ferry ports etc it would seem that we are slowly (or should that be rapidly) grinding to a halt.