The wisdom of Pooh

“Well”, said Pooh, “what I like best...” and then he had to stop and think. Because, although eating honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you begin to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called.

Little things matter (2)

Back in June I wrote about how little things make a big difference. It was mainly about how a good approach to people makes a big difference.

This week, the stark contrast between companies was brought home to me. One of our back doors has dropped so I called the company that fitted them. I won't mention who they are, but you might like to read some reviews other people have written here. Anyway, the doors were fitted before we moved in, and the company were not interested at all - they simply said they WOULD NOT come out and look at them. (Not even an offer, but with a basis that they would charge us. I still find it hard to believe a company could have such little interest in a product they made). So, I called a local company, who came right out, told me what was wrong, and so far have not charged me a penny. Good service versus bad service. Now, if you want a recommendation about where to try double glazing, drop me a line.

And remember Matthew 7:12 ('In everything, so to others what you would have them do to you').

Nothing is new!

TEDDY BOYS HELP CHURCH

(Click on picture to take you to the video)

There is a lot of talk about new ideas to help churches, and in particular concern about young people (and men) leaving the church. The way we talk about it, you would think that this is a recent issue and that we have to come up with a solution.

But the great thing is that these issues have come around before, and there appears to be some great ideas that are well tried and tested. This Pathe Newsreel is fantastic - the history (50 years ago), the voice over and the posed shots all speak of a time gone by (Mind you, I think I would watch a current day news programme presented in this style).

There are some interesting other facts that come out. The new vicar stayed at this church for 28 years - I wonder how long the Rock 'n' Roll cafe continued?

Apples from China!

I noticed today that the Apple and Raspberry Juice we bought from the Coop says that it contains apples from either Europe or China. Now, this struck me as pretty shocking. England is renowned for its apples and the idea that we should be importing apples, for juice, from China, seems ludicrous. Especially as the Coop brands itself as 'Britain's largest farmer'.

A quick bit of research shows that I am somewhat behind the times. In 2002, Friends of the Earth was highlighting that British Supermarkets were failing British apple growers. A year later an article in The Guardian was talking about the crisis in the British apple industry.

And apparently, China is a bit of a super-power in terms of apples - in 2008, 870,000 tonnes of fresh apples were exported from China.

Apples orchards were once part of the English countryside. The loss of apple orchards not only impacts on our local economy, but reduces the number of insects supported. This includes bees, the loss of which is a puzzle and a major threat - Albert Einstein once said that if the bees disappeared, "man would have only four years of life left". Which brings me back to the Co-op, because they claim to be pretty supportive of the bees.

I will be writing to the Coop to ask them about importing apples from China, and will post back any reply I get.

Amazing Paper Head ...

Originally uploaded by dutchct

Sometimes something can capture your attention, and nag away at it. And so it was with this amazing Paper Head which was made for Halloween. I think it is fantastic, shows a commitment and dedication which is special, and deserves the recognition it gets. It is a far cry from popping down to Asda or Tesco and picking up a mass made costume that was made in some squalid conditions by somebody working for a pittance.

The person who made this, Eric Testroete, is from Vancouver. You can find out more about him here.