Bob Piper has been a Labour Councillor for the Abbey
Ward in Sandwell, West Midlands, for 10 years. He is a lifelong supporter of Aston Villa Football Club and a follower of Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
The views expressed here are mine in a personal capacity, not those of the Labour Party, Sandwell MBC, Aston Villa or Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Get it! Mine... just mine!
Promoted by Bob Piper of 115 Barclay Rd, B67 5JZ on behalf of the Labour Party, care of 39 Victoria Street London, SW1H 0HA . Hosted (printed) by Swaithe Internet Solutions who are not responsible for any of the contents of these posts.
Please note however, that The Labour Party is not responsible for the content of this website or individual posts as, unless specifically stated, I am writing solely in a personal and individual capacity.
Promoted by Bob Piper of 115 Barclay Rd, B67 5JZ on behalf of the Labour Party, care of 39 Victoria Street London, SW1H 0HA . Hosted (printed) by Swaithe Internet Solutions who are not responsible for any of the contents of these posts.
Please note however, that The Labour Party is not responsible for the content of this website or individual posts as, unless specifically stated, I am writing solely in a personal and individual capacity.
Just back from Bruges, and just a couple of observations.
One aspect of the City that distinguished it from so many places I have visited in the last few years, in this country and abroad, was the total absence of graffiti. Apparently the City Council has a policy that they remove graffiti free of charge, usually within one hour of it being reported. A few years ago they used to charge private dwellings and people thought, what the heck, pay to get it removed now, and tomorrow it could be back. Since it became a charge-free service, and instantly removed, the spray painters got fed up first and decided they were wasting their time and effort on their 'art' which would never be seen. Hence Bruges is free of the scruffy mess which blitzes so many cities. I think I'll suggest Sandwell gives it a try. Does anyone know if this instant removal service has been tried anywhere here, and to what effect?
Secondly, the Belgians appear to have a disgusting diet. In virtually every square in the City, not just around the Christmas market but elsewhere too, there were people slobbering over pies, fried potatoes and waffles, hot dogs, with enormous great sausages, and every variety of fatty meat you can conjure up. Added to which they are obsessed with... chocolate! But hey, no sign of the obesity which plagues kids (and adults) in so many places here and abroad. And seeing this on the street corners, despite temperatures at -5 degrees, might explain why....
PS: Interestingly, Belgium, famous home of the eurocrats, has not introduced smoke free public places. The interesting thing is, having got used to not breathing other people's smoke over the last few years, the bars just seemed bloody awful. Great clouds of smoke hanging over everyone, and those daaaahlings who don't want to bother their drinking companions sticking their fags virtually up the noses of people on other tables. Thank heavens for the smoking ban.... tonight I can see Omar Puente without having to endure everyone else's fags.
Steve, nice to hear from you... I've still got the pictures...!!!
'Blight's' is equally applicable, but I meant the kids who blitz the place with scrawls loosely described as 'art'.
Merry xmas to you and yours too.
newmania said:
December 18, 2009 1:13 PM | permalink
A buxom Barmaid told me she would give anything to have the smoke back to disguise the horrible pong of the punters .
I should imagine the sharp hot stink of a sweaty Piper liberally splashed with Eau de Blaireau would be about as bad as it gets.
Incidentally 'Blaireau' is a real French slang term for little badger/ loser.
newmania - do you think that was her polite way of saying 'get away from me, smelly-boy, and stop ogling my breasts while you are about it'?
Just recently got back from Switzerland, where indeed it's a very germanic diet of meat, bread, chocolate, cake... I think that the ridiculous prices are what keep them thin: they don't need to cycle cos the public transport is excellent.
We were allowed to smoke in bars (a celebratory Havana after the match), but they are banning it next April over there.
margaret macklin said:
December 21, 2009 3:02 PM | permalink
Hubby works in Zeabrugge so we are there alot and totally agree with their obsession with chocolate and beer(love the chocolate beer1).hubby is also facinated with the knocking shops on the outskirts of each village which he reckons he is going to visit on his sixtieth birthday.Dont know if to be insulted or pleased that I have been informed of this. As I have told him that I am going to take up smoking again on my sixtieth (or patches if i can afford them)along with dying my hair blond so I can have more fun,I have taken it with a pinch!
Anyway Happy Christmas to you and all of yours.Hope you get a new hat.
December 17, 2009 9:58 PM | permalink
Hi Bob sounds much more pleasant that the desert.......
I particularly like your spelling of BLIGHT'S!!!
Good to know your keeping up the good fight.
Very best wishes to your and yours.
Merry Christmas Steve