Herbal Medicine
I recently did a morning course to make a herbal remedy.
Run by a local herbalist, Bett Partridge, at Wookey Hole.
She comes from a long line of herbalists; her grandfather would regularly
make medicines for Lloyds the Chemists.
http://www.herbalpartridge.co.uk/
Recent and past experiences sparked my interest.
In the 1960's, as a schoolkid I would get hayfever. A drug named Piriton came onto
the market, prescription only. I took some. Awful. I walked around in a kind of haze.
Others I've spoken to describe the effects as trance-like.
Last year, as the pollen season arrived, I noticed one of my neighbours picking nettles.
Turned out he made nettle tea from them, to treat his hay fever. I made some, and
found that the eye-watering pretty much disappeared. The sniffles, and runny nose
were much reduced. And in general I felt better in myself. The distressed feeling that
goes with hay fever, almost completely gone.
Piriton is still here. These days it's called Piriteze, and is available over the counter.
I know which I prefer.
Libraries.
The Winscombe Library refit is now complete.
I wandered over to Winscombe on opening day. Staff were very bubbly. Not
surprised. Aside from a can of Dulux about 2 years ago, this looked like the first
time any money had been spent on Winscombe Library in about 40 years.
For a Tory refurb, they've done quite a nice job really. Front of library extended to
create more space. Wall knocked through to create a bigger children's area. More
book space and 1 more computer for interneters. Generally a rather good refurb.
In the way of Conservative attitudes towards public services, the cheapness will
show through after a while.
One of the various people there was a senior library manager. I spoke
briefly with him . He was keen to emphasise that many 'new' items had been
recycled from elsewhere.When I remarked.... " It's alright.., I like to see money
spent on libraries..". his face cleared. A look of relief flickered momentarily,
before neutrality resumed.
I accepted a slice of cake from a very cheerful woman in a summer dress. She
introduced herself as North Somerset County Councillor Felicity Baker. The
North Somerset Libraries Councillor. I decided to have another slice of cake
before I said anything. Shortly after, I offered my succinct opinions of her behaviour
over the closures of Weston super Mare, and Banwell libraries. To the discomfort
of her associates, and some smirks from others.
Other Important Stuff
I sometimes imply that in Scotland, life is milk, honey,
and the sun always shines.
It wasn't very sunny at the last football match I attended, 40 years ago, just before I left to work in England.
Stirling Albion v Stranraer. A winter Saturday afternoon. Players hacking lumps out of each other on a rock hard pitch. Half way through the second half, score 0 - 0.
I'd just shivered... "Gggod, I'm ffff... ing freezing, there's got to be something better than this.."..., when the effects of the greasy half-time pie made themselves known. I briefly considered my options.... Toilets with no roof, a wall to pee against, perhaps a cubicle, but no doors.
I made a run for Stirling Station. It was like.....
Happy summertime
