Snoring zzzzzzzzz...........

It is Sunday, on an August Bank Holiday and the weather here in North Wales is excellent. Salty Dog, with its frisby, is downing yet another pint. It is but 13:55 pm and lunch is still settling whilst Wilt gets up to date on who has been accessing Regulator Watch.

Guess who is back? Go on, guess. It will take but a moment of thought – yes you got it in one, a certain Elizabeth Calleja now back from her hols (well roasted we hope) in Turkey. Out of breath she clambered to her computer and typed into Google www.regulatorwatch.co.uk. She did not bother unpacking, that is left to her minion Mr C.

Access Regulator Watch three times before lunch, on a Sunday, on a Bank Holiday weekend – for Gawd sake Elizabeth, get a life will you?

Meanwhile, I am off for a post lunch snooze – without Salty Dog as it snores far too loudly.

Wilt

ps: here is the correspondence:

from you: 10 08 1820%Webfusion20%Final20%Loc

from Salty Dog: Utter Dorks

Holiday reading.....

OK Sam Cam might go on holiday and give birth, but Wilt is hoping Mrs Wilt will not be doing the same. The bloody kids we have cost an arm and a leg as it is. Hence serious abstinence from sexual relations, except when Mrs Wilt cannot resist Wilt's muscles (no, I said muscles not mussels Judy D - get a fucking grip). On second thoughts, do not get a grip - it might hurt me.

Wilt has however become again a great uncle with a 10lb very healthy boy – his father is a, not well known yet, rather large rugby player who has a menacing smile capable of putting the fear of life in one at 1000 paces. Nevertheless he is something of a gentle giant, thankfully as he is the partner of Wilt’s favourite niece. I aint going to fucking argue with him – I will get Mrs Wilt or Salty Dog to do so if necessary.

Seriously, we wish all three very well and a rather large cheque is in the post to help the happy couple wet the baby’s head. We drink, albeit some hundreds of miles away, to their good health and future wellbeing.

Wilt is not yet a grandfather – with luck he may never be. He does not go in for this granddad pushing a pushchair or pram around the local park – OK taking the kid with Salty Dog to the pub might be alright but even that does not cause us to salivate. No, we rather prefer to think of retirement, bit more immediately our upcoming holiday (less Salty Dog – ‘it’ has to keep an eye on Regulator Watch) with Mrs and Ms Wilt.

The combination of thoughts about Sam Cam, Prime Ministers, children and retirement has reminded me of our old friend Tony Blair.

Now I know Wilt will not be popular in stating the following, but he did actually like Tony Blair – indeed we still rather like the bloke. OK, he was rather over friendly with that George W bloke (you know the odd fucker from the Whitehouse) but sometimes you cannot choose your friends, any more than you can choose your family – although Wilt has an excellent family and friends, thank you – especially that big rugby player bloke with a (for Gawd sake) 10lb baby.

I am of two minds. Do I buy his memoirs or not. I need a book or several for the trip to Egypt – however there is a risk of running into a radical Muslim or several who might take displeasure at my choice of reading material – I suppose I could give the book a false jacket, something along the lines of the Crusades. Mmmmm, perhaps not!

Seriously, I am thinking of buying it – it’s for a charitable cause and an excellent charity will benefit, the Royal British Legion. Besides, it might mention Wilt – oh yes he did associate with that Cherie Booth woman once upon a time when she was a lowly Barrister (QC actually) in Chambers and Tony a mere New Labour leader – Wilt instructed Cherie in a staff disciplinary case. She was then an expert in employment law.

Oh yes, Wilt gets about you know – he has a long list of famous persons he has met. He even once, wait for it, met Ken Dodd with his tickling stick at, I think it was, the London Palladium. Wilt was but a mere child at the time.

Whereas Blair may have taken us to war in Iraq (make of that what you will) he was less successful in keeping Gordon Brown out of 10 Downing Street http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/tony-blair/7969925/How-Bush-and-Blair-plotted-in-secret-to-stop-Brown.html or ensuring (opposed by Brown) that there were proper reforms in public service – that has been left to our man Dave and in particular Eric Pickles, bless them both.

Talking of Brown, where the fuck is he? Actually, thinking about it, we do not give a shit where he is.

Anyway, apart from some Tom Sharpe material and Tony Blair’s book, does anyone have any other suggestions for reading material?

And no, File Doctor, before you suggest it, I do not want to take any large black file with me concerning Elizabeth. Jesus Christ man, get a grip.

Wilt

Interesting times...........

What an interesting couple of weeks. It started with Wilt and Mrs Wilt holidaying in the Channel Islands – very nice too. We recommend you visit. Not cheap, but it was very relaxing and instructional.

Wilt no sooner hops off one plane and onto another on contract work – hardly time to unpack and yet again returns on another flight and is hoisted, ungentleman- like into the back of the Range Rover by Mrs Wilt intent upon us having a relaxing weekend in North Wales, together with Salty Dog and Ms Wilt.

Boy, is it sunny here and the cider is flowing – Salty Dog however is on rations as the beast is getting, by far, too great a large tummy. The wee beast is also on probation following the revelation that it is running its own restaurant and bar. What the fuck is going on, we ask?

Whilst away our not so friendly Elizabeth has been causing havoc, see http://regulatorwatch.co.uk/2010/08/we-are-back-and-with-a-vengence/ but dear Salty Dog in my absence sorted that out. It was only on my return that I discovered all the hassle. Perhaps I will relax on the beasts planned diet (cider) conditions, in reply to its legal work.

Wilt

We are back and with a vengence..........

Life remains good....

Regulator Watch was taken down following threats from a certain Elizabeth Calleja of Leamington Spa and her solicitors. The full story, copy correspondence and coment will follow in due course.

We just love it...

Salty Dog

On holiday......

Well, Wilt is back in the UK – slightly exhausted but none the less determined to keep up with events in the social care world. Hence the earlier (sometimes long-winded) posts - ah well, it keeps Wilt out of mischief, but possibly not.

He and Mrs Wilt are away next week to the Channel Islands for a break – Salty Dog will remain at home with Ms Wilt. However, Salty is about to go Friday morning to the vets for the annual booster jab. The beast will not be happy for sure but Wilt intends to take the animal to the pub afterwards as a reward for brave behaviour – it has nothing to do with Wilt wanting a pint or two!

Talking of animals, the beast of Leamington Spa appears still to be in Turkey – specifically Mugla. We do hope she took Wilt’s advice on sunbathing as it would be restful to the minds of others that she was relaxed. She needs to be relaxed in preparation for her return to the jurisdiction wherein she was ARRESTED and placed under CONDITIONAL BAIL.

I know Wilt is a simple chap, perhaps not very ‘worldly’ and possibly not the sharpest of tools in the box, but it does seem very odd that a foster parent (sic) such as Mrs C can continue to practice having been charged with STALKING (technically HARRASMENT). Am I missing a point somewhere? Is there some obvious matter I am overlooking?

Of course, had Mrs C been a social worker (or even a lawyer as she frequently claims) she would on such complaint and ARREST/BAIL probably been suspended. Well, perhaps that is yet to come as the police investigations’ develop, and Wilt understands from other parties are developing very nicely thank you. Oh dear Mrs C – you seriously did not say that, did you? What on earth were you thinking when you did that – were you drinking at the time?

The whole matter is rather worrying, we think. You just do not know who is let loose into the field of child care – however David Cameron is on task and, we believe from sources, ensuring matters are resolved. Dear Eric Pickles is tasked to determine what to do with Mrs C and her wasteful exploitation of scarce resources.

Go for it Eric – the no fucking nonsense man.

If anyone sees Mrs C at Tesco or B&Q in a nice orange uniform stacking the shelves, would they please first take a picture and then second post it to Wilt for publication. That would really assist.

Wilt

Utter folly.........

The GSCC have had another bashing from the Care Standards Tribunal (CST) in this case: http://www.carestandardstribunal.gov.uk/Judgments/j1092/ND%20Final%20Approved%20draft%20_3_.pdf

This is very similar to an earlier case where, in Wilt’s opinion, the GSCC are using the suspension procedure used by the Preliminary Proceedings Committee (PPC) to cover for delays in their investigation teams. Although the CST have not expressed in that way it is fairly obvious what message they are sending to the GSCC – get your act together.

Community Care reported on the outcome of the GSCC final hearing of its Conduct Committee here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/12/115083/Cocaine-user-allowed-to-remain-on-social-care-register.htm although they appear not have linked it to the CST finding (link above). Community Care appear not to report on CST hearings, or at least not routinely – here at Regulator Watch (http://regulatorwatch.co.uk/) we do.

In essence the CST finding that issuing a suspension whilst investigations were made, in this case, was perverse is supported by the GSCC Conduct Committee who issued the Registrant with a two year admonishment – a low level disposal.

So what was the miraculous change that caused the GSCC at one time to suspend the social worker and then issue an admonishment? Might it be they fucked up again at the PPC?

This social worker was represented (at the CST) by the Celtic Knot law firm based in Birmingham http://www.celticknot.org.uk/ and Allan Norman has a blog here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/cgi-bin/mt/mt-search.cgi?tag=Allan%20Norman&blog_id=276

And tweets here: http://twitter.com/CelticKnotTweet

We still think he needs a ‘proper’ hair cut – only joking!

Allan Norman and a former student Registrant was not so lucky in this CST appeal: http://www.carestandardstribunal.gov.uk/Judgments/j1091/sass2%20decision.pdf

This is the first time it seems that a former Registrant has complained that the GSCC did not go through the conduct process and arrive at the process – the man must be on something!

This is a most mind boggling and stupid case to bring before the CST. The arguments for bringing it presented by Norman were very carefully constructed and eloquent but nonetheless, in Wilt’s opinion, utter fucking folly.

This is a must read case – I laughed so much I fell of my chair.

Wilt

Things must change.......

If Brick http://wallofbrick.wordpress.com/2010/08/09/monro-review-second-act/ believes that the Children Act 1989 was ever or is, as claimed, a “charter for children” then they are barking up the wrong wall.

The Act was a very effective charter for lawyers, Guardians and experts. Within a very short period of time court cases were taking up to two years to complete. I certainly share the concern that local authorities should not be allowed to practice unfettered but then neither should social workers be permitted to ignore policies nor Guardians think they know better than anyone else what constitutes best practice.

And it was nowhere near as bad as suggested by Brick pre the 1989 Act (implemented on 14^th October 1991) – Wilt remembers those days too.

The fact is, lawyers got to be very greedy, some Guardians (some with little clue or even less competence) loved and love playing the prima donna of the Court corridors and interfered in casework they sometimes could not understand (let alone practice) – experts instructed by the cartload were set loose and who in some instances actually told one very little or what was already known.

There was frequently no ‘added value’ to best outcomes for children and the poor social worker from the local authority was diminished to the wicked witch of all points of the compass. Playing with children’s lives in this way is dangerous and certainly not giving paramount concern to the welfare of the child.

Promoting justice and it being seen that justice is done does not need to look like this. Suggesting that money is no obstacle within the justice system is tantamount to contempt of the taxpayer.

I have a lot of time for Brick and the blog Wall (http://wallofbrick.wordpress.com/) – its author is well experienced and very eloquent on subjects Wilt feels strongly about. Occasionally the postings cause some great laughter and joy. However, the Act has not worked and it needs serious reforming and to suggest that it is all because Guardians are being fettered or that the Courts are being restricted because of budgets is pure folly. The fact is, Guardians have been too often a part of the problem – not the solution or silver bullet.

And how does Wilt know all this? Well he is an expert witness and has been for many a year; he too is a Guardian and had a former senior management role within social work for longer than he cares to remember – he is also a tribunal chairman in a related field. He has observed the effects of the Children Act therefore from many an angle and perspective. That does not necessarily make Wilt ‘right’ in his opinions but it certainly is not opinion based on lack of experience.

Of course social workers are experts – the fact that they represent the applicant in court proceedings does not diminish that status and are entitled to stand on an equal footing as any other expert, or Guardian – they are just another expert and not as some Guardians mistakenly believe some kind of ‘super’ social worker wearing their underwear over their tights.

When Wilt acts as a Guardian he is, as with other Guardians, frequently consulted by children’s social workers. Wilt has a ‘contract’ with social worker’s that is shaped broadly thus:

i)  You [social worker] are the expert until it is shown otherwise;

ii) I am happy to be consulted but I will not be your supervisor;

iii) I will not attempt to case manage the child’s case;

iv) We will treat each other with mutual respect and recognise and respect our different roles;

v) We are all duty bound to hold the needs of the child as paramount;

vi) As I consider you an expert, do not propose instructing another expert on matters that are perfectly within your competence/resources to complete yourself; we must minimise costs and delay;

vii) When completing your written assessment not only should you demonstrate competence but also fairness to avoid the appearance of bias;

viii) This Guardian does not wear his knickers over his tights or have any super human qualities – he too was once a social worker.

Generally, the above understanding leads to reasonably stress free relations. It sets the social workers mind at rest that the Guardian is not ‘off planet’ waiting to invade and sets them free to get on with what they do best – social work. It also creates opportunity for dialogue and debate, and if it comes to it, permission to disagree or arrive at differing views of settling (disposal) the matter at Court.

Unfortunately not all Guardians take that approach – they do wear their knickers over their tights and are simply social workers who not ‘hack it’ in frontline practice. Some others are just simply not of this world and yet others are the prima donna who love sitting around for hours on end in the Court at huge expense to the public purse but to the benefit of their own bulging purse.

It aint as simple as Brick might have you believe – but he/she is an expert too and can have an opinion, just like that fresh faced social worker from the local authority.

It is for certain there are some Dork social workers – you only need to look at the GSCC files to determine that. There are in proportional terms, take my word for it, far more Dork Guardians, lawyers and experts but they are far less scrutinised or evaluated.

Things really have to change – throwing money (we do not have) at the problem is not the answer.

Brick gets 9 out of ten for composition and language skills, 10 out of 10 for spelling but only 4 out of 10 for his/her reasoning and concluding the solution to the test. A good effort but s/he needs to try harder.

Wilt

Work is good...........

Wilt remains abroad, back Wednesday late and then later away on holiday for a few days.

Very hot here but the work is good. Cider is still crap tho!

Wilt

A bit late..........

I do like this chap (Martin Narey) at Barnardo’s – indeed we like the charity; definitely one of the better ones, in Wilt’s opinion.

However he is a little ‘come lately’ on this subject matter: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10908026

There is a further article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/09/115067/children-harmed-by-long-delays-in-family-courts-charity-finds.htm

Wit and others predicted this situation (delays) pre the implementation of the Children Act 1989 – Wilt recalls implementation day on 14^th October 1991; it is etched in his memory. It was a well intentioned Act but by the mid 1990’s it was very, very apparent that it was failing in one of its primary concerns – that delay in making decisions on solutions for children was harmful.

And why?

Well, it is simple – the Act was hailed as the “children’s charter” but it was everything but giving, in practice, ‘paramount’ concern for the child. It transpired a lucrative avenue of income source, in order, for:

i)             Lawyers (especially for parents)

ii)            Children’s Guardians (and their lawyers)

iii)           Expert witnesses who seemed to grow out of the walls

One could not move for lawyers (some simple “fee earners”), Guardians (some of limited credibility and less competence) and so called ‘Experts.’ Some of the experts appeared to be close friends or even relatives or business partners of the Guardian.

And where was the child in all this?

“Who the fuck is the child” we hear cried – “what does it have to do with them” it is exclaimed!”

So, Barnardo’s, where were you in 1995 – its 2010 (15 years later) and you now complain?

A bit late, me thinks but your observations are belatedly welcome.

Wilt

Home alone........

Talking of David Cameron, my Salopian mate said that one of his friends the other day jumped into the local open air swimming pool in Oxon and ,who was next to him, but the very same “call me Dave” with his kids – “hello” he said to his constituent and “I see you are doing rather well these days with your new stack <house>.”

It must have been something to do with the compensation from the CSCI that caused that comment, Wilt suspects.

Now talking of Dave (or David) I am reliably informed by my north Wales drinking mates that David in Welsh is ‘Dafydd.’ You see Wilt is full of interesting information, but it also leads me on to explain that Mrs Wilt, Ms Wilt and friend plus Salty Dog are in those environs at our holiday home. I am jealous.

Wilt is flying out on Sunday on another business trip on Sunday and decided not to travel to North Wales – we have reports however that Salty Dog has been having much fun on the beach but a little downbeat as Mrs Wilt is restricting visits to the pub. However, Wilt being at home/office can now get the lion’s share of the cider whilst Mrs Wilt and Salty Dog are absent <hic>. Trouble is there is no one to drive Wilt home and is having to walk to/from the pub.

Whilst Mrs C is in Mugla getting roasted to a crisp we hope, Wilt will himself soon be off to warmer climates on business (Sunday to Wednesday) and then the Wilt’s are off to the Channel Islands for several days. One of these days Wilt will get to the boat and north Wales with Salty Dog.

Wilt

Bells & whistles.........

Worcestershire social services were at one time among the best of places to work and the management and professionalism were highly regarded. So either Ofsted have got it wrong (which is always a distinct possibility) in this Community Care article http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/08/05/115045/progress-at-worcestershire-childrens-services-limited.htm or things are getting really bad.

It is true of other places that Wilt comes across on his travels. Previously highly regarded local authority social services are really struggling to the point of near collapse.

Of course budget stress, staffing levels and the surge in referrals following Baby P are all factors coming into play. Wilt is not convinced that it is always or necessarily common place that staffing compliments are too low, it is certainly not pay levels (social workers earn far more than Wilt ever did even when he was a team leader many moons ago) nor is it lack of commitment from individuals.

It is to do with staff vacancy levels, how teams are organised and because in part social work core services are run by local authorities – whether it could ever be fully achieved is open to debate, but both the private and voluntary (private by any other description) sectors need to take over via outsourcing. All local authorities should do is ‘commission’ services. That has begun to some extent in terms of setting up ‘looked after’ children’s team pilots – not a resounding success in Sandwell, but then it is Sandwell. What would you expect?

What is there to stop outsourcing things such as child protection? The private sector culture of reducing waste, focusing on achievable results, minimal bureaucracy, trying new ways of working and sensible employment practices gives them the edge over local authorities who are cumbersome and slow to change, for a variety of reasons.

For example, in the private sector if someone is not up to the job, they are either encouraged to leave or if not sacked – unlike their local authority counterpart who would first go of sick for six months on full pay, a further six months half-pay and could end up (at huge expense to the taxpayer) achieving early retirement or taken to tribunal for something or other and potentially end up paying out compensation (also at great expense to Wilt and others pockets).

We think we will drop a line to our man Eric Pickles (Communities Secretary)  and David (call me Dave) Cameron – the “big society thing” but in Wilt’s version with bells and whistles.

Wilt

Eric the man.............

I do like Eric http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-10887447 He is going through quango and local authority budgets with a microscope. A bit of a no nonsense man –Wilt’s kind of man.

Keep cutting Eric.

Wilt

File closed.........

Wilt has been working up North and he took the opportunity to meet with his old mate from Salop for a cider or several. This is the chap who had the unfortunate experience of professional dealings with Mrs C in 2002 and who since 2004 Mrs C has attempted to have de-registered by the GSCC (failed), have him suspended by a contractor (failed) and arrested by the police (failed) – instead of course Mrs C found herself being ARRESTED on 29^th June 2010. Have I mentioned previously that she is on bail for suspected harassment?

He is one of several people who put together the documentation of the Mrs C harassment case and who made a formal police complain leading to her ARREST.

Anyway, he was in good fettle – business is good, money roles in and his compensation from the former Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) over Mrs C causes him to giggle. He put the money to good use and that investment is paying back huge funds – anyway, I digress.

He goes on to tell me that he had a phone call from the Information Commissioner – it went something like this:

ICO: We have had a complaint from Mrs C..... <interrupted>

Salop Man: <groan> yes

ICO: It’s about Regulator Watch and Wilt

Salop Man: <groan> yes and what does that have to do with me?

ICO: Well she thinks you are Wilt....... <interrupted>

Salop Man: Yes, so I understand from West Mercia Police, Oxfordshire Police, the GSCC and the new owners of Happen Fostercare (Banbury) and no doubt others I am yet to be contacted by.

ICO: Yes. So you are not Wilt?

Salop Man: NO! Is this to do with the “Happen Files?” The supposed missed or stolen file relating to Mrs C?

ICO: Yes.

Salop Man: As far as I know no file has gone missing, was never stolen nor has been published by anyone, by Regulator Watch or anyone else. In fact there is no suggestion that any such file ever existed although I <personally> hold a file as do numerous others since Mrs C took it upon herself to challenge anyone who took any opinion to disagree with her and complain to all and sundry. Furthermore, any file which did exist pre-dated any statutory requirement for Happen Fostercare <in 2002> to have a regulated contract or file with Mrs C.

ICO: We need to close this file <ICO file> as any opinion expressed on the Regulator Watch website is a personal view and does not fall within the remit of the ICO as personal opinions are not an ICO concern.

Salop Man: Good, I agree

ICO: We will then close the file and we will not pursue the matter further – Mrs C will be advised as such in writing, as will you

Salop Man: Good..... And is she <Mrs C> in contact with you regularly?

ICO: Frequently <groan>

Salop Man: Did she<Mrs C.> tell you she was recently arrested, for suspected harassment?

ICO: NO!

Salop Man: Oh yes, and she is on bail not to contact me or certain others or cause for others to have contact with the same or access their websites

ICO: No I was not aware of that

Salop Man: have you not been reading the press

ICO: I obviously missed it

Salop Man: But I understand your organisation was sent specifically a press release

ICO: Not seen it yet, but it takes time for these things to reach my desk

Salop Man: Obviously

ICO: But this is very interesting

Salop Man: It will become even more interesting

ICO: To confirm, we will write to you and the Mrs C that we will not pursue the complaint matter further and the file will be closed

Salop Man: Good, and shall Mrs C know that the matter is now dead

ICO: Yes, very dead

Salop Man: Now, please expect a call from the good DCXXXXX of West Mercia police – you see he is gathering evidence.

ICO: We will cooperate with the police

In short, another avenue closed down for Mrs C. What a wonderful Dork. You could not make it up, truth is stranger than fiction – for certain!

Wilt

Happy roasting...............

Wilt noticed a strange thing a few days ago – Mrs C disappeared off the Regulator Watch radar i.e. she was not visiting the blog several times a day. Then suddenly we observed some unusual activity from Turkey, in fact Mugla. And of course it has the Mrs C signature and muddy footprints all over it.

So Mrs C is on holiday in Turkey – we recommend to her going naked on the beach daily for 3 hours at a time without sun block. Ouch!

Mind you, she going naked anywhere, could really be classed as child abuse (not the fanciful stuff she moans about) – in fact it could be elder abuse also. Just imagine the sight of it – on second thought, don’t. It could be harmful to your health.

We wonder if she has those big black files with her – that would take up the entire cargo hold of an average sized passenger jet.

Instead of course of enjoying a holiday, on day one of the sojourn she accessed Regulator Watch once, day two twice and today three times (so far). Anyway we are blocking those IP addresses too. That should, with luck frustrate her to the point of Nokia hurling (as in Gordon Brown).

What in the hell causes someone on holiday to spend time on Regulator Watch – it’s not as if she is making a contribution or just having a giggle at Wilt’s antics, certainly not having a good time reading revelations and not very flattering opinions about themselves?

Madness or what? Fucking Dork, for certain. We have some friends also in Turkey at the moment – perhaps they could meet up with Mrs C. They know all about her – but then who doesn’t?

Happy roasting Mrs C.......

Wilt

Audacity........

Again thanks to Guido, this is an absolute classic: http://order-order.com/2010/08/02/monday-morning-cartoon-5/

The woman, Jacqui Smith, does not have the first fucking clue. I cannot believe this woman has the lack of understanding why she is hated by the public (especially in her former constituency) at large and the audacity to put herself forward as a deputy/vice-chairman of the BBC – is she fucking stupid? Obviously she is!

What a total twat.

Wilt

Hic...........

Wilt rather likes this article by Guido: http://order-order.com/2010/08/02/27006/

As well as first testing out the ‘suggested’ legislation first on MPs (and Lords) it could also be then rolled out in test form to lawyers, judges, GPs/doctors, footballers, rugby players, some foster carers, social workers and especially journalists and police officers, with a smattering of teachers & nurses.

We suspect the suggested legislation might not get past the first phase of the MPs or Lords.

Where do these Dorks come from? Well, done Guido http://order-order.com/

Cheers, (hic)

Wilt

Give us a break mate.............

Well, Parliament is no longer in session and it seems also the spiritual inspiration for Wilt, Guido Fawkes, is also taking a rest http://order-order.com/2010/07/31/saturday-seven-up-42/

We will add our contribution in his absence, albeit not quite to his standard. In the mean time Wilt has things to keep him busy – business trips within the UK, meetings with bookkeeper/accountants, VAT returns, two summer holiday locations (a week each in the Channel Islands and Egypt) through August & September. Meanwhile Mrs Wilt, Ms Wilt and friends and separately Master Wilt and friend will be spending most of the summer weeks in North Wales with Salty Dog.

Salty Dog has no allegiances, provided it gets Cider, a beach and mountains to climb. I am jealous, I am missing North Wales – one can really relax there, seriously relax especially on the patio with a large cider. On the boat it usually involves a G&T  - I will leave that to Jeremy et al this suimmer although Wilt knows that he needs to sort matters with securing the boat for Winter by November at the least.

The Range Rover will be doing some miles this year.

Very, very regrettably Wilt himself aint going to get to North Wales much this summer due to business commitments (mostly) abroad. And the boat – well that is being seriously neglected of late. We must go there too, bur Jeremy (and family), bless him, is keeping her ship shape after our long sojourn in Malta.

He hopes to make up for this in the autumn and winter months (visiting Wales) provided (and it looks possibly not probable) he can get several days with Salty Dog (at least) up at the cottage. All work and no play makes Wilt a dull boy – and, these days, very tired. After all, that massive pension must benefit him – there is, after years of planning/investing, little point in him going to his maker before enjoying his retirement in just a few years.

It’s been a busy year, and getting busier.

Wilt