The weather wasn’t at it’s best today compared to earlier in the week. Overcast skies and a persistent wind lowered temperatures to the point where coats were required – although I pretended to be a ‘postie’ by refusing to give up my shorts – come what may!

We had another slow morning which allowed me to begin the process of editing the massive backlog of pictures that I have from the past week (there’s no such thing as a holiday for freelances). In between I amused myself watching the continuing political meltdown of the Conservative party. I honestly can’t think of a more badly run and executed election campaign, or one that’s resolutely failed to move the dial. There’s now no question that Labour will win, now the only question is – just how badly will the Tories do?

But…

Please, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that – because the result is a foregone conclusion – you don’t need to vote. Our political system is ‘first past the post’ which means that someone can quite literally win by just one vote. It’s winner take all. There’s no prize for coming second. So, if you’re tempted to think that it doesn’t matter if you don’t vote as someone else will get your back – please, please don’t. Imagine how you’d feel if you woke up the next morning to see that a Tory has been returned where you live by just a handful of votes – but you’d never cast yours? Also, ignore those people who say that the election’s a ‘done deal’ so you can vote for whoever you like as Labour will still win – because they’re lying to you. That’s not how ‘first past the post’ works either. We vote in constituencies under FPTP, not for lists where votes are transferable to other candidates. It’s the myth the hard left peddle when they pretend Jeremy Corbyn somehow ‘won’ because he got more of the national vote. They deliberately ignore the reality of FPTP and the inconvenient fact he lost (twice) because it’s the number of MPs that matter, not a national number of votes for a particular party. Please, when you vote tomorrow, vote with your head, not with some wishful thinking. We need to see the back of the Tories and right now that has to be the only consideration. After that there’s everything to play for.

Meanwhile, back in Dorset…

We decided to visit Dorchester today, it’s a town I’ve not been to since 2003 whilst the other have never visited. At first the Platts were dubious as they didn’t realise how small it was (just 22,000 souls) whilst expecting something a little more picture-box. But, after I’d guided them around and showed them some of the history and sights, they warmed to the place.

Like so many UK towns it’s looking a little shabby nowadays (that’s what 14 years of Government austerity does) but it still has some lovely buildings and interesting side-streets, plus a good number of independent shops.

There’s redevelopment too. Whilst the ‘fam’ nipped into a local cafe for coffee and cake I nipped over to Dorchester South station to get some pictures – and explore the redevelopment of the adjacent Eldridge Pope brewery site, which is massive. It’s a mix of historic old buildings and new -build, and they’re not making a bad fist of it. It’s certainly a good gateway to the town from the station. Plus, brewing on the site isn’t entirely dead, even tho’ Eldridge Pope closed in 2003. Right opposite the station in one of the new buildings is the Copper Street brewery. As well as brewing their own range of beers they sell beers from other local and regional breweries, either in bottles, cans or on draught. There’s seating inside and out, so you can quaff a beer in comfort during your visit.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312