Whispering Smith Column, Littlehampton Gazette January 7th 2016

GRIM start to the New Year as MPs have voted by 298 to 261 to allow fracking beneath national parks and other protected sites, so much for the global warming summit and the agreed preferred use of energy renewables. Our local MPs Nick Gibb, Nick Herbert, and Peter Bottomley all voted for the motion which surprised me a little their constituencies being so close or part of the beautiful Southdowns National Park. Shouldn’t be surprised really I suppose, our very own member Nick Gibb is a supporter of fox hunting and badger culling. Big question is though, where were the 91 members who didn’t vote on this very important and far ranging issue hiding? Heads in the sand or Christmas shopping?

HOW was Christmas for you? Mostly it seemed to me to be about the new Star Wars movie and I was dragged off to Chichester to see it at the IMAX in 3D. Great fun, very enjoyable, not just a noisy special effectical (new word) but a film for the fans with a heart and real actors. I also had the pleasure of sharing the experience with my son who loved every minute of it and paid for the ticket, the only slight displeasure was being trapped in a non-aisle seat, a long crossed legged experience!

I keep thinking tomorrow is Tuesday, Tuesday is bin day in Western Road but tomorrow is Thursday, I don’t know why I keep thinking it is Tuesday. I put my bin-bag out on the raised stoop to keep it from the foxes. My neighbour phoned me to tell me it was the wrong day for the bin men, I do not know why he phoned me when he could have as easily called round. I told him I thought it was Monday today, I don’t know why I thought that. Life can get a little confusing at times if you do not have a routine. The only routine I have is that I do not have one, and Tuesday will come soon enough of its own accord. I told my neighbour this but he was unimpressed and hung up. If he had called round, we could have had a coffee together and talked about the days. Happy New Year.