20 It was announced last night that there is to be (another) major overhaul of the rail system. Whatever our views on how the railways should be run, we probably all have memories and stories of rail journeys, some good, some bad – and in the nature of things, it is the bad ones that […]

19 Controversial comments always attract more attention than conciliatory ones, and are regarded as providing more stimulating commentary in the media. I thought of that when I heard a raft of clips from a Radio 5 Live phone-in being replayed on another channel. People were expressing their views (dare one say, venting their spleen) on

18 Walk to school week 18-21 May What are your memories of going to and from Primary School each day? Did you walk, cycle, run, get a lift in the car, go on the bus or train? Did you go by yourself, with a group of friends or siblings? Did an adult accompany you? Did

15 Christian Aid Week Livelihoods and migration If you are a farmer (whether subsistence, or growing cash crops) and there is a drought so that your crops, and maybe livestock, die, or you have floods that wash away your crops, what do you do? You might be able to survive for a couple of years,

14 Food security People in Dumbarton and West Dunbartonshire may grow food for fun in the garden or allotment, but in order to live, we buy what we need in shops or supermarkets. We notice when some of our favourites are not available, and we may notice if the price goes up significantly, but otherwise

13 Ascension It is now 40 days since Easter. Taking literally the phrase that Jesus left his disciples to return to his father’s side, the church has designated the Thursday 40 days after Easter as Ascension Day. We celebrate Jesus’ return to glory, and the completion of his work on earth. We also acknowledge that

12 Christian Aid Week  Wildlife and habitats Here in Dumbarton we are very fortunate with the variety of habitats that we have (hill/ crag/ moor, woodland, salt water shoreline, fresh water shoreline/ river/ burns) and the variety of wildlife (foxes/deer/rabbits/otters; gulls, oyster-catchers, herons, egret, dippers, ravens, house martins, finches, sparrows, crows etc etc). But so

11 Christian Aid Week  Rainfall and drought We love to talk weather, which usually means that we have a wee moan about it. There were some pretty heavy showers yesterday, but it is supposed to be dry today. We get irritated when the media go on about how lovely the weather is in the South