Today’s been one of those ‘catching up with myself’ days. After spending the past three on the road I’ve had to spend a Saturday working just to try and keep on top of things. There’s a mountain of pictures to edit as well as new jobs to fit into the calendar, plus working out the logistics of getting round all the stations I’m helping to judge for this years ACoRP awards. That’s a real challenge!The weather’s been stunning this afternoon so I did take a break from staring at a computer screen to tidy up the front garden and soak up a bit of sun. Now it’s time to indulge in a bit of culinary therapy. After living off sandwiches and wraps for the past few days I’d decided to indulge in some cooking. Tonight I’m making a Red Goan Chicken curry, which I’ve not tried before but it sounds delicious. As it’s the first time I’m sticking to the recipe, but I suspect that (if it’s any good) the chilli quotient will be boosted next time…- it’s coming along nicely!

*This blog is currently under construction*

We’re  spending a few days wandering around Pembrokeshire, an area I’ve never explored before. The mixed weather’s not managed to detract from the beauty of the area, as some of these pictures will show.

13:11.It’s been such a busy day there’s been no time to blog, despite there being a huge amount to blog about! Right now I’m on the W7 bus travelling through my old home – Crouch End in North London – and so many happy memories are flooding back. I’m on my way to Crouch Hill station to do the third of three after doing two of today’s three jobs and to meet up with Michael Williams again. Here we were yesterday.

Today’s adventure’s been made more interesting by rich and varied weather as well as visiting old haunts across London. As well as carrying out the commission I’ve had the opportunity to get a few library pictures too.I’ll blog more later, once the next job’s done.17:54.Commission completed, Michael and I had a very enjoyable lunch together and caught up on times old and new, including his next book project. I’m looking forward to accompanying him on at least one of his jaunts.Now I’m making my way back North via the East Coadt Main Line, although I wish I had more time as the weather’s ideal for lineside photography.The past couple of days have been very enjoyable. I’ve had chance to catch up with two old friends, do some work and explore old stomping grounds, one of which was the Hertford loop line. When I lived in Nirth London Lynn and I would often use it to go walking in the Hertfordshire countryside and many of the plants in our Crouch End garden came from the garden centres clustered near Grange Park station. Nearly everything was brought back on the train. It must have looked odd to other passengers when two people boarded the train carrying enormous black bamboo plants. Now I see the station’s slowly slipping backwards down the embankment…

18:50.

After a brief stop to change trains at Doncaster I’m now on my way to Leeds and (eventually) home. The station yard nearly always holds something of interest and today was no exception. You could see the railway version of the changing of the guard as several brand-new Northern Rail Class 331s rubbed shoulders with LNER’S 91119 which has been repainted into its original BR Intercity livery. The 91 passed me earlier today when it was being hauled by a classmate along the Hertford loop from Bounds Green dept in North London. Looking at it now I’ve noticed the damage to the front-end fairing below the coupler, which suggests that it’s hit something, which might explain why it’s here.

19:37.

Having arrived in Leeds my first train home is the 19:38 to Chester. Made up of a 153 plus 2-car 158. I was amazed how quiet it was and also how many folk were bailing off it. All was revealed when I grabbed a table seat in the 153 and the friendly conductor explained that – due to a blockage on the line between Bradford and Halifax – we were being diverted via Brighouse, so Halifax would be our first stop! No wonder so many folk were bailing, they were going to Bradford!

20:00.

We’re now bowling along the line through Brighouse non-stop, which is a rare treat. Our Conductor has been excellent, constantly keeping passengers informed and even talked over the Tannoy about route knowledge. He explained the we were allowed to come this way because both he and the driver ‘sign the road’ via Dewsbury, whereas the Blackpool bound train behind us is stuck in Leeds because the crew don’t!

20:09.

We’re sat at Greetland Jn waiting for a clear road to Hakifax but there’s congestion due to the fact many trains will have to reverse at Halifax, there’s 6 trains in the way so we’re being diverted to Sowerby Sowerby Bridge instead. The problem? He explained. A lorry has struck a bridge and knocked a lamp post onto the track, which was then struck by a train.

20:55.

A welcome sight as I walk up from the station. Not only is it a beautiful evening, this signals the fact I’m almost home!

After a series of shit election results which have culminated in the severe arse-spanking Labour have been given in the EU elections held last week it’s clear that the cult of Corbyn and all those who sail in her have learned nothing.

In the run up to the election anyone who was following social media or talking to disaffected Labour members could see that the Corbynista’s fence sitting over Brexit was going to seriously hurt the party. Everyone was tired of the party trying to face both ways whilst maintaining the complete fantasy of it’s ‘jobs first Brexit’ position. A unicorn’s a unicorn. It doesn’t exist. It doesn’t matter what colour you paint it or flag you wrap it in.

Labour members, voters and party stalwarts were reaching the end of their tether as it was becoming painfully obvious that ‘Magic Grandad’ Corbyn and his crew were not going to be honest with the electorate over Brexit. So, they were punished at the polls, even by Labour party members, who were sick of being ignored.

One of those was Alistair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former Press Secretary, who admitted (after the polls had closed) that for the first time he’d voted for a party other than Labour.

Retribution was swift and today he received an email telling him he’d been expelled from the party. Talk about a classic own goal!

The outrage on social media was a joy to behold as many people pointed out the utter hypocrisy of this from a party that’s dragged its feet over expelling known anti-Semites, abusers of women and MP’s who’ve joined with the hard-line Brexiters to campaign against Labour values. Yes, you Kate Hoey! Oh, and there’s the small matter of this – a tweet from Corbyn found by David Ross. This was ‘Magic Grandad’ congratulating a man who had stood against and beaten an official Labour party candidate. Galloway had even been expelled from the Labour party.

Corbyn is the ultimate hypocrite. A man who demands loyalty yet rebelled so many times against his own party to vote with the opposition. Of course, ordinary voters can see this. Corbynista’s remain blind, which is why the party’s no longer fit for purpose. Expect to see a lot more former members of the Labour party. It’s an absolutely tragedy to see a political party that was set up to represent the best interests of the poor and disenfranchised turn into a narrow ideological cult that cares more for dogma than the people who will suffer if it enables Brexit.