Hockley Heights Gazette

Hello Blogsters and Happy Birthday to Sebastian!
Back into the work routine with everyone busy during the week.
Anthony has organised for the boys to start cricket training with the Wickford Cricket Club on Friday so it is time to start conjuring up a few more social contacts.
It was nice having one of Anthony's colleagues and his wife around for a social time last weekend. They had a unique perspective on why Essexians are they way they are....something called 'estuarian culture'......apparently due to the extension and development of Southend as the out of town holiday resort...you look after your own patch, and do not get involved in community/external life! We find it quite extraordinary that Essex people live so close to one of the most exciting international cities in the World, and yet have such limited personal views of themselves, their society and and their future. As I hear many people commenting...it is not like the UK from 20 years ago! When we were tripping around in Cornwall listening to the radio we were amused to hear the fuss made about a suggestion from a polititian that new road signs should also be in Polish to accomodate the significant numbers of Polish truck drivers....no it is definitely not the UK of 20 years ago!
I am enjoying work but the number of meetings is increasing at a rate which is counterproductive to useful output! Still you can only do what you can do. I did receive my lap top today but they seem to have missed the point about the portability aspect as the screen is larger than my desktop model! This little black duck will not be leaping on and off the London transport system with it, that is for sure!
Looking forward to our new adventure to Portugal in April, we will leave the UK with a 13 year old and return with a 14 year old!
Cheers from the UK, Kym