Blog
The magic of swans
There is something very magical about swans, particularly this time of the year when thousands of graceful Bewicks and Whoopers migrate from Arctic Russia and Iceland to spend the winter at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Welney, close to where I live. When two...
A generation of sickees
There are more young people under 35 unable to work because of stress and depression than on the dole, according to today's FT. The report says that more than half a million young Britons are officially too sick to work and claim incapacity benefits. This figure...
Twitter helps find missing girl
I use Twitter and think it is a great micro-blogging service. And now it has been credited with finding a missing runaway 16-year-old girl, Manessa Donovan, believed to have been with a 38-year-old man. This is what her family says: In truth, the search had stalled...
Sexism and the police force
I've no idea how many women firearms officers we have in our police force at the moment. Very few, it may seem, because "macho" endurance tests prevent them from promotion into specialist units. Cambs Chief Constable Julie Spence is president of the British...
Have you tried a detox plan?
I thought I would try it out to give my diet a good start - detox for a month. My version means no alcohol or caffeine for a month. Starting today. I have to make this commitment here to ensure I see it through. I have never taken such drastic measures before, but I...
A sober new year
I have volunteered to drive my husband Stephen and our friends this evening, and don't mind one jot that it means having a sober new year. I just wish there were more interesting non-alcoholic drinks available in bars. I'm not one for yucky Britvic fruit juices, they...
Making a difference in 2008
What a great way to start the new year, by really making a difference to the lives of others, knowing your actions will help them live better lives. I'm particularly referring to Prof Wayne Powell, (pic) CEO of the National Institute of Agricultural Botany in...
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas wishes to you all. For the first time ever, my husband's family and mine will all be together on Christmas Day. I always wonder if it will be the last Christmas we share with our ailing grandparents, I love hearing their stories of old when so little...
How do families of missing children survive Christmas?
How do families with missing children survive the festive season? How will the McCanns cope during their first Christmas without Madeleine. Their two-year-old gorgeous twins will no doubt be excited, and have even asked if Santa will bring for their sister back....