Whenever It Snows In England It's A National Crisis

Eastbourne Council sent out an email yesterday saying the bin men were staying home on account of the weather but those affected by this should leave their bins out and the bin men would get round to them as soon as possible. I appreciate the courtesy. I don't believe every Council would have bothered.

We have a weather warning that lasts until eleven o'clock today. Thus far nothing has happened. Yesterday's snow has turned icy and is gradually retreating. We have a trip up to Godalming planned and I can't see any reason for not taking it. If we meet with a howling blizzard on the Sussex-Surrey border we can always turn back.

Badges

I used to wear badges proclaiming my tribal loyalties but I don't anymore because I've come to think them divisive- and that our opinions are- anyway- the least durable and least interesting things about us. I have views on most things under the sun but I'm not going to thrust them at you unless- as here- we can be assured of having a respectful, friendly and non-dogmatic conversation about them.

So I don't wear poppies- either red or white- on Remembrance Sunday. I suppose this is also a statement of opinion- but at least it's not tribal- and one can only do the best one can.

The Friend magazine- which I don't read but a Friend does- recently published an article that the aforementioned Friend brought to the Meeting's attention. It proposes that White Poppy day (for peace) should be separated from Red Poppy Day (for remembrance) and moved to a date in April that has already been designated as Conscientious Objectors Day. I think this is an excellent idea. Lets avoid anything that might cause confrontation. I can't see it being taken up but never mind.

I should perhaps add, as a footnote, that there's one badge I shall continue to sport come hail or shine. It's pinned to one of my scarfs and has SUSSEX printed in gold on a blue ground (the county colours). If people from Kent or Surrey or Hampshire object to it I shall biff them on the nose.