A short early post with holidays beckoning.  Back to normal in mid-May.

    A bit of intrigue crept into St George’s day.  Andy Wilman, executive producer of Top Gear quit the show and within twenty-four hours had a meeting with Clarkson, May and Hammond.  Wilman has often been considered the driving force behind Top Gear and it seemed like a natural reunification of a winning team.  Had it been Easter, fans would have welcomed it more than a second coming.  We can’t help thinking a queue will form to produce a new format and wouldn’t be surprised if it included fast cars! Wilman also let it be known that the BBC always wanted Clarkson to co-present the show with a woman. We’re not convinced that would have worked but a bit of cross-dressing when the lads re-launch could add an extra dimension.  The thought of that master of sartorial elegance, James May, choosing a frock would add a million viewers in an instant. We’d suggest that the new team should include a decent chef, a self-defence instructor, a politically correct one-line writer for JC’s ad-libs and a spin-doctor, nothing to do with driving, simply to cover JC’s ass when he goes off piste. 

    Plans for the first permanent rainbow coloured Zebra crossing may have to be abandoned.  The crossing in Totnes, in support of Gay Rights, could cause problems for people with Alzheimer’s.  We could imagine it causing rather more problems for pedestrians as holidaying drivers don’t recognize it as a Zebra crossing.  Sometimes called Britain’s Alternative capital and recognized for its New Age Community, Totnes seems determined to be first in something.  What or why isn’t obvious to the average mortal.

    Nigella Lawson is about to make a comeback with a new programme on BBC.  She gets full marks from us for taking serious knocks, shaking herself down, and coming back fighting.  In addition to that, Jez can’t get enough of her dumplings!

    Like most folk our age we visit more funerals than most.  Having been to two at the same venue recently, I couldn’t help noticing familiar faces in the audience.  They appeared to have no relationship with the deceased and sat at the back of the church, well away from invitees.  They came into their own when the hymns started.  They knew the words and actually sang while many of us mumbled quietly so as not to spoil the atmosphere.  We’ve never thought of funerals as a spectator sport but this may be a growing trend.  If Facebook or Twitter ever pick it up the services will have to move to Wembley.  On reflection, it might be more fun than watching England play.