Hello and welcome to my Blog, my name is Chris, a bus driver for First West Of England based in Wells, Somerset. I am Chair for the depot branch of Unite the Union. Married to Fiona, we live in Midsomer Norton near Bath, with Boots the cat. My main hobby is Amateur Radio and I hold the call sign G4KVI. I am the repeater keeper for GB3UB and MB7UB. I have a fascination for the weather and all things to do with nature and science. As a Christian I worship at St. Nicholas Church in Radstock. These are my observations on my life, both at work and at home.

12 May 2009

Renewal time

Well age has finally caught up with me. For those of you who do not know holders of PSV and HGV licences have to renew them when they reach 45 and then every five years after that. I have reached the first milestone. Today was my medical which went OK.
However, I have to send my licence off to the DVLA and having seen BBC Watchdog
I was a little concerned as I do not want to loose my bike entitlement so I have :

  • Sent a letter to my MP. He has been very helpful and contacted DVLA for me
  • Kept copies of my licence
  • Taken a trip to DVLA in Bristol. They were very helpful. They checked my application, stamped my copy with a DVLA stamp, and even sent it off without me buying a stamp. They also gave me a receipt which at least ,means if I get stopped I do have prove I have a licence.
So I now have to wait a couple of weeks to see if I still have a bike licence. I am wondering if I should should pay £5 to get my details under the Freedom of Information Act?

5 May 2009

A Bit of overtime

Rest day working today. Long day 'Frome up' so 10 hours 'in the bag'. Though now I wish I hadn't done it. Feeling a bit knackered! Did have a strange one though. Just passed a stop and about 100m on a lady was waving. I do not stop unless someone is at the stop so carried on. Arrived at the next stop and the lady plus man appeared. She was not happy and gave me the I was at the stop etc. etc. Anyway there was nobody booked at the stop, further check of the ticket showed it was yesterday!! Apology accepted! Was planning to go out tonight but the wind is over 30mph so don't fancy a trip through the lanes in the dark.

24 Apr 2009

Holiday (again)

Holiday time again, but looking forward to going back it's been a very busy week. In no particular order I have -

Fixed the miss fire on the bike and given it a service.

Replaced the equipment at MB7UB.

Cut the grass

Planted out loads of veg (slugs already enjoying them!!)

Loads of relaxing mornings. (no 0310 alarm calls)

Treated Fiona to a very nice birthday

Glad the weather has been good as Harvey has enjoyed some nice walkies.

Current local weather

Uk Power production