Consequence or Coincidence – El Pulpo Arrives.

At 09:33 hrs. today I sent an email to the Orihuela Town Hall annex in Orihuela Costa with a link to the article – Orihuela Costa has many Landfill and Compost Heap Sites – THE STREETS! – that I had posted onto my weblog. I also sent a copy of the email to the two newspapers mentioned in my comment.

Is this a consequence – or is it a coincidence? The compost heap has gone. The result is pleasing whatever the cause; albeit probably a short lived absence of dumped rubbish left in the street.

At 17:10 hrs. today the Council Cleaning Service's hydraulic lift lorry (known as 'El Pulpo') arrived at the waste heap.

At 17:45 hrs. the lorry departed with a full skip.

From the difference between the before-photograph:

and the after-photograph:

you can see the area previously covered by the landfill as indicated by the dark damp patch now visible on the road surface.

© Elliot Sampford 2013

Orihuela Costa has many Landfill and Compost Heap Sites - THE STREETS!

The junction of Calle Ontario and Calle  Baikal Orihuela Costa.

The Orihuela Town Council continues with its policy of using the streets of Orihuela Costa as Landfill and Compost Heap sites.

The pile of rubbish in the photograph at the junction of Calle Ontario and Calle Baikal was first deposited at least three weeks and has continued to grow on a daily basis. This is not a unique problem to this location but one that is repeated throughout Orihuela Costa. I mention this mountain of garbage because it is directly in front of my house. One hundred metres further along C/ Ontario is another heap of an equal size.

This situation is allowed to develop and continue as a direct result of the incompetence of, and neglect by, the Town Council. The problem of the collection of dumped rubbish in the streets has been like a perennial festering wound which has failed to be cured by current and past government teams.

You can see in the photograph a container for the depositing of household rubbish, that is emptied every night, to the left of the waste. To the right a skip is visible that is meant for garden rubbish with the contents being collected twice a week. So nine times a week a Council refuse lorry stops and empties these bins, and the ones further along both streets. That’s at least twenty-nine times in the period the rubbish has been laying in the road. But, the landfill-compost monstrosities in the streets are ignored. An indication of the contempt the Council has for the householders of Orihuela Costa and the environment we live in.

The Mayor, Monserrate Guillén, – who was quick to criticise the ruling Council for the same problem when he was in opposition – and the Councillor for Orihuela Costa, Martina Scheurer, who are both members of the Green Party (Los Verdes) – the party that's supposed to care about the environment – should be ashamed of their failure to rectify the current appalling situation.

My Previous articles:
http://elliotsampford.blogspot.com.es/2010/10/dear-monica-streetfill-sites-update-2.html
http://elliotsampford.blogspot.com.es/2010/05/as-direct-result-of-failure-of-orihuela.html

Recent Newspaper articles:
http://www.theleader.info/494/article/41297/spain/costa-blanca/playing-the-green-waste-game/
http://www.euroweeklynews.com/news/costa-blanca-south/item/117059-green-rubbish-hits-crisis-point-in-orihuela-costa

© Elliot Sampford 2013

Royal Army Pay Corps, Worthy Down, Winchester.

I'm seated on the left of the front-row, who are the others?

I've been going through some items of my memorabilia – photographs and documents – and scanning it onto my computer. It's amazing what we put to the back of our minds until we see a visual reminder.

On the 25th October 1967 I enlisted for six years in the Royal Army Pay Corps. My basic military and then trade training was completed at the RAPC Training Centre, Worthy Down Camp, Winchester.

The photograph is of the squad I was in until we split-up to go to our individual regimental attachment postings. In July 1968 I was posted to attachment with the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards in Detmold, Germany.

I've been trying to remember the names of my fellow recruits. I'm sitting on the left in the front-row. I think three of the back-row starting from the left to the centre are Terry Reid (possibly Trevor), Peter Craven and Dave Lowe in the centre. Our training platoon sergeant is middle front-row.

Are you dear reader in the photograph? Even if you're not but were in the RAPC, can you help me to put names to faces? Did you work alongside any of them in either a regiment or a central pay office? If you were in the Army from 1967 onwards do you recognise any of them as being your regimental pay clerk?

© Elliot Sampford 2013

Outward Bound School, Ashburton, Devon.

I am centre front-row [glasses and white jumper]

I've been going through some items of my memorabilia – photographs and documents – and scanning it onto my computer. It's amazing what we forget until we see a visual reminder.

In my youth I attended an Outward Bound Course at Holne Park, Ashburton, Devon. I've found my log book written at the time and a photograph of the group (patrol) I was teamed-up with.

I must have arrived at the centre on Monday 4th April and departed on Saturday 30th April. Unfortunately there isn't a record of the course number or the actual year in my log but based on the historical calendar I believe it was 1966.

It would seem that I was in Drake Patrol along with (difficulty reading my writing at the time) Drew Buck, Jim Clegg, Geof Hogg, Brad Hallowes, Bob Povey, Dick Potter, Dave Ravenscroft, Cliff Swanson, and Andy Wood. The photograph I believe is of our patrol but I do not know who is who, other than I am centre front-row [glasses and white jumper] and the gentleman far-right back-row I assume is the instructor Mr Evans. In the log book I have a note of a Lt. Col. Frazer as the Warden and a Mr Kirk as vice-instructor.

I am intending to write a memoir article about my experience and would appreciate any further details relevant to my time at Ashburton.

Are you, dear reader, one of the people I've mentioned; or know one of them? Or, did you attend an outward bound course at Holne Park some time in April 1966; or do you know someone who did? Are you able to confirm; the course number; the year of attendance; the names I have for the Warden, instructors and participants? It would be good if I was able to allocate/tag names to the members of my patrol in the photograph. Are you able to offer any other information about the Outward Bound School at Ashburton circa 1966?

 © Elliot Sampford

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening programme

A rupture of a large abdominal aortic aneurysm is usually fatal.

That is why I attended my appointment at a local health centre as part of the NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening programme.

The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. It runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen. In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak. It can then start to expand and form what is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm, also know as an AAA or 'triple A'.

The possibility of having an aneurysm of this type increases with age and men are six times more likely to have one than women. Age and gender are not the only factors which can affect the chances of having an AAA. The risks are increased for those who smoke, who have high blood pressure, and who have blood relatives where a 'triple A' has been diagnosed. Estimates suggest that 1 in 25 (4%) of men aged between 65 and 74 have an AAA. It is for these reasons that men are invited to attend a screening in the year that they reach 65

Someone with an abdominal aortic aneurysm will not generally notice any symptoms and therefore will be unaware that one has developed within them. A small aneurysm is not dangerous. However, aneurysms can grow as the wall of the aorta stretches and becomes weaker. It is important to monitor their size. Large aneurysms are rare but can be very serious. A weakness in the wall of the aorta can give way. This is known as aneurysm rupture and is usually fatal. The condition is particularly serious because there isn't any warning. However, treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms detected through screening is highly effective.

The easiest way to find out if if an AAA is present is to have an ultrasound scan of the abdomen. The screening test is simple, pain-free and over and done in less than 10 minutes.

Having confirmed my arrival at the clinic with the receptionist there was a short wait for my appointment time. On entering the consulting room the screening technician checked my details, explained the scan and gave me the opportunity to ask any questions. I was then asked to lie down on the examination bed and to lift up or unbutton my shirt. I did not need to undress. The technician put cold jelly on my abdomen and then moved a small scanner over my skin. The scan picture appeared on the console screen and the technician took the measurements needed to assess the width of my aorta.

On completion of the screening I was given my result straight away. My aorta measured 1.9cm in width which means it is not enlarged, there isn't an aneurysm, so no further monitoring or treatment is required. There is peace of mind. My GP will be informed of the result.

There are four width criteria: normal (no aneurysm) – less than 3cm wide; small aneurysm – between 3cm and 4.4cm wide; medium aneurysm – between 4.5cm and 5.4cm wide; large aneurysm – 5.5cm wide or larger. Each band has its own recommended follow-up procedure.

May I suggest dear reader that if you are male and in your 65th year, and receive an invitation to have a screening then take the opportunity to have it done. If you're over 65 and haven't had a screening then you can ask your GP to arrange an appointment.

Surely it's better for you to find out if there is a potential problem and have treatment if needed; rather than your family to find out when it's too late. Just a thought.

There is more information on the NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening programme.

Ibuprofen no good in treating colds or sore throats.

When I have a headache or a cold I usually take ibuprofen to help relieve the symptoms, rather than paracetamol, so I've found the following news release from theUniversity of Southampton of interest.

'A study carried out by the University of Southampton showed that compared with paracetamol, ibuprofen or a combination of both ibuprofen and paracetamol provide no advantage for patients overall with respiratory tract infections (otherwise known as colds or sore throats).

'Additionally steam inhalation, another common treatment method, has no clear benefit and around 2 per cent of people get mild scalding but not bad enough to see a doctor.

'Professor Paul Little, who led the study, comments: “Paracetamol, ibuprofen or a combination of both are the most common courses of treatment for respiratory tract infections. Clinicians should probably not advise patients to use steam inhalation in daily practice as it does not provide symptomatic benefit for acute respiratory infections and a few individuals are likely to experience mild thermal injury. Similarly, routinely advising ibuprofen or ibuprofen and paracetamol together than just paracetamol is also not likely to be effective. However our research has shown that ibuprofen is likely to help children, and those with chest infections.”

'The research also showed that patients were more likely to come back within a month with worsening symptoms or new symptoms if they were prescribed with ibuprofen or ibuprofen with paracetamol. Between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of participants in the study who were prescribed ibuprofen or ibuprofen with paracetamol came back.

'Professor Little admitted this was a surprising result and suggests the treatment may contribute to the progression of the illness. He adds: “This may have something to do with the fact the ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory. It is possible that the drug is interfering with an important part of the immune response and leads to prolonged symptoms or the progression of symptoms in some individuals. Although we have to be a bit cautious since these were surprise findings, for the moment I would personally not advise most patients to use ibuprofen for symptom control for coughs colds and sore throat.”

'The randomised control trial recruited 899 patients who presented at their GP with respiratory tract infection symptoms. They received different treatment types; paracetamol, ibuprofen or a combination of both. Participants were then told to either take it as needed or at regular intervals (four times a day) and some were also told to take steam inhalation.'

We've survived another Friday the 13th!

I've lived through another Friday the 13^th without any disaster happening to me. You dear reader, the millions living in the United Kingdom and Europe, and the billions living in the World have also survived again.

 

Friggatriskaidekaphobia

Perhaps friggatriskaidekaphobics – or paraskevidekatriaphobics to use the more modern terminology – who believe that superstitions are reality, in that they fear Friday the 13^th, as the unluckiest day of all, may be questioning their phobia.

It is interesting to note that there are no meaningful references to the unsubstantiated thesis of this day being an omen of disaster until after the latter period of the 19^th Century. It would seem to be a modern phobia. 

 

Unluckiest day changes.

How can such a fear of a specific day and number combination be rationalised, when in Greece, Spain, and Spanish speaking countries, it is Tuesday the 13^th that is considered the unluckiest day. In Italy 13 is considered a lucky number so they perpetuate the myth by choosing Friday the 17^th as the infamous day. This makes me wonder. What does a friggatriskaidekaphobic believe when visiting one of the European countries on its alternative, supposedly, unlucky day? Is their fear transferred to a Tuesday or the 17^th or do they ignore it?
  

EuroMillions Lottery.

My earlier mention of Europe brings to mind the EuroMillions Lottery as a contradiction that Friday the 13^th is an unlucky day. The first draw of the lottery was held on Friday 13^th February 2004. There was one lucky ticket holder who won the jackpot prize of £10, 143,000.00 . Since that first draw there have been sixteen further draws held on Friday the 13^th . Many millions, of players have won various amounts on those days. Between the inaugural date and Friday 13^th September 2013 there have been seven Friday-the-13^th draws when a jackpot has been paid out. Nine lucky winners between them have received £236,570,199.00 – On Friday 13^th May 2011 one ticket holder won £105,892,179.00 – how's that for luck?.

I wonder if paraskevidekatriaphobics have a flutter on the EuroMillions Friday-the-13^th draw: surely not; they know it would be a waste of their money – don't they?

© Elliot Sampford 2013

The reality – I am a Senior Citizen now!

It's only Tuesday and this week has highlighted the reality that I am a 'Senior Citizen'!

Claiming my state pension.

With the date of the completion of my sixty-fifth year approaching I investigated, with the aid of the internet (I'm a silver surfer), the procedure for claiming my state pension. By now I should have received an authorisation letter inviting me to complete my claim, online if I wished to, but I haven't. The advice on the Government website is that if the letter doesn't arrive then a telephone call to the pensions office is needed.

I telephoned the helpline with the aim of getting a copy of the missing letter. After a long wait, holding on the line for a real person to answer, I was connected to an extremely helpful lady. I gave her my name and explained my predicament.

“That's not a problem, Mr. Sampford, If you have ten minutes free at the moment I can help you complete your claim,” said the nice lady.

“I'm happy to apply online, later this month, if you can give me a code number or something to authorise me to start my claim when I'm ready.”

“Whilst you're on the phone why not do it now Mr. Sampford? It won't take us long.”

“Well, I don't have all my documents in front of me that I might need.”

“That's not a problem, I can wait if you need any. Let's wait and see if any are needed.”

“OK.”

“Can you confirm your full name.”

I answered the six or seven questions that were put to me.

“That's fine Mr Sampford we've completed your application. If you would like to hang on, I will calculate what your pension will be.”

I only wanted the authorisation to complete my claim online at a later date; but, after an eleven-and-one-half-minute phone call, I'd claimed my pension, knew how much it will be, and when the first payment will be. I'm certainly not complaining about the excellent service I received, from the very, very, nice lady. But, I wasn't ready to have my progression into the reality of being a state pensioner brought home to me so soon. I wanted a little more time to prepare myself.

Concessionary Travel – Bus Pass.

 

Although Natalie and I had been eligible to have a 'free bus pass' for sometime we had not bothered to apply for one before today. I had downloaded the application forms from the County Council's website a few months ago but left them hiding in the filing cabinet.

Yesterday evening, spurred on by my pension encounter during the day, the decision was made, to go the whole hog on the road to senior citizenship, to claim for our old person's bus pass. The application forms were completed; in black ink and with all writing within the designated boxes; copies of the required supporting documents made, and a passport type photograph of each of us found.

Based on our not too distant experience of bureaucracy within local government; admittedly in Spain during the past six years, but that is possibly another story; we decided to get to the council offices as soon after 09:30 hrs. (opening time) as possible. We decided to take a chance and not carry emergency food and drink supplies in case of a long wait – we would have done in Spain.

We arrived at City Hall at 09:42 hrs. – according to the purchased parking ticket – and entered the building with a degree of trepidation: which office did we need to find; how long would the queue be; had we brought all the correct documents; when would we see daylight again.

We need not have worried. We were dealt with by friendly and efficient members of staff. Only twenty-five minutes had gone by when we walked out of the building with our new bus passes tucked safely away amongst our many other plastic cards.

What was worrying though was the way I looked admiringly at my new symbol confirming I'm a Senior Citizen now.

Is a Senior Railcard the next stop?

© Elliot Sampford 2013

The Museum of Lincolnshire Life.

We (Natalie & I) have lived in and around Lincoln for forty years but had never visited the Museum of Lincolnshire Life until August 2013.

Location.

It is situated on Burton Road, Lincoln, housed in a former military barracks that were built in 1857 as the home of the Royal North Lincoln Militia. The buildings were in continuous use for military purposes until 1963. Close by is the City's impressive 'Cathedral Quarter' which includes the Cathedral and the Castle.

Main Entrance - Museum of Lincolnshire Life

Having eventually found somewhere to park our car, within reasonable walking distance; we entered the red brick Victorian Grade 11 listed buildings via the main entrance archway, above which is the regimental badge of the original occupants.

The staff manning the entrance and gift shop gave us a friendly welcome. We were given a leaflet explaining the route we should follow to get the best experience from our visit. I mentioned our forty-year delay in calling in and the amiable assistant said “I'm sure you will find the wait worthwhile.”

The exhibits displayed cover the period from 1750 to the present time encompassing examples of agricultural and rural life, local industry, transport, military history, and Victorian life at home and work.

Bedroom

The walkabout starts in the domestic zone with room layouts for the bedroom, kitchen, parlour and finally the washhouse. For visitors in their senior years the artefacts on display should bring back memories, the majority good but some not so, of life in their early years, and those of their parents and grandparents.

Kitchen

Parlour

Wash House

Sadler's Workshop

Royal Lincolnshire Regiment. 

Passing through the stable, the saddler's and blacksmith's workshops, you arrive at the military galleries. This interesting area shows the history of the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment and its forebears. Details are displayed of the daily life of soldiers through the years, the uniforms worn, the equipment used, the campaigns that were fought throughout the world, the stories of gallantry and the medals awarded.

The tour continues into the weakest, disappointing transport area containing a few exhibits of modes of travel. Amongst them a small number of bicycles, motorcycles, three horse-drawn carriages and a 1920 Bullnose Morris car.

Can you remember where you rode these bicycles? 

 A tank called Flirt.

Stepping into the industry and agriculture gallery the most impressive exhibit is the genuine First World War tank called 'Flirt'.

Lincoln was renowned for its engineering skills and was the birthplace of the military tank. There are examples of industrial engines, steam engines and farm equipment designed and built by indigenous companies; whose presence now only exists in the city and the county as names of streets and buildings.

The final section is the commercial area. Here one can reminisce amongst the Victorian and Edwardian shops of the Ironmonger, Basket Maker, Printer, Post Office, Draper, Chemist, and General Store.

Goal achieved.

The museum's aim is to 'reflect the history and culture of the people of Lincolnshire': it achieves that. Our two-hour travel back in time was an enjoyable and informative experience. The welcoming assistant was correct: our visit was worthwhile.

© Elliot Sampford 2013

An easy abundance on the eye.

On a overcast day this rose is a piece of sunshine in my garden.

 © Elliot Sampford 2013