Author Archives: davidsberry

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About davidsberry

Local ex-councillor, tour guide and database designer. Keen on wildlife, history, boats and music. Retired in 2017.

Not Learning from History

Posted on June 8, 2022 by davidsberry

“”Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it.” —George Santayana Boris Johnson, having won his “decisive victory” declares this has cleared the air of doubt so he can “get on with the job of delivering for … Continue reading →

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Sun, Sand and Sorted!

Posted on June 3, 2022 by davidsberry

To all our English friends who have languished in queues and been bounced around Gatwick, East Midlands or Manchester airports by Cryin’-Air or Easy-Jilt in thwarted attempts at your first real holiday in three years, have you considered you might … Continue reading →

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You Can Tell Republicans…but You Can’t Tell ‘Em Much

Posted on May 29, 2022 by davidsberry

Gun violence in America reared its ugly head yet again in Uvalde TX. It can be scant comfort to those trying to comprehend this  in Britain, where guns are uncommon and not part of the culture, to know that Americans … Continue reading →

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Have Anorak—Will Travel: Reston

Posted on May 25, 2022 by davidsberry

The publicity over the opening of London’s £19 bn Elizabeth Line (formerly Crossrail) yesterday rather overshadowed ScotRail’s newest station opening at Reston at a millionth the cost. Largely the result of stalwart campaigning by the Rail Action Group East of … Continue reading →

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Have Anorak—Will Travel: Dunbar

Posted on May 21, 2022 by davidsberry

Few ScotRail customers notice that it changes timetables each May and December because the changes are typically minor. This May is different. The standard timetable shows losses to some services, reflecting reduction in passengers since Covid. Worse than that, an … Continue reading →

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Disentangling Holyrood Voting

Posted on May 15, 2022 by davidsberry

“The Scottish Parliament, adjourned on the 25th day of March in the year 1707, is hereby reconvened” —Winnie Ewing MSP, 12th May 1999 Whether you’re a unionist or a nationalist, those words from 23 years ago started Scotland down a … Continue reading →

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The Queen’s Speech

Posted on May 11, 2022 by davidsberry

“This Government has lost its way.” —Lord Finkelstein With the ritual pomp and circumstance of Life Guards, Beefeaters, Rolls Royces, Black Rod and everyone who’s anyone among Westminster politicos, a new session of parliament was opened on May 10th. For … Continue reading →

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The End of the End of Empire?

Posted on May 7, 2022 by davidsberry

Just over a century ago, at the end of the Great War, Britain bestrode the world. Its rivals in the colonial stakes were either humbled, like Germany, or war-torn, like France. Great chunks of the globe, like Namibia and Tanganyika, … Continue reading →

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Have Anorak—Will Travel: Morpeth

Posted on April 26, 2022 by davidsberry

A month after the Scottish Government took ScotRail back into public control, it would be unreasonable to expect the traveling public to notice major changes. A fares review to simplify (and perhaps lower) the welter of faes is promised, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Politics, Transport | 1 Comment

Seasonal Heresy

Posted on April 17, 2022 by davidsberry

It is Easter Sunday—the main event in the Christian calendar, despite Christmas having overtaken it in the minds of many. The proportion of those people who regard themselves as Christian has, after decades of decline, stabilised this millennium. This hokds … Continue reading →

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