With over 200 house fires in Lincolnshire being caused by electrical items, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging householders to turn off their tumble dryers, dishwashers and washing machines before they go to bed at night.

New figures show that over the past year the Brigade attended 240 electrical fires in the county.

Faulty products or faulty wiring caused 87 fires, through things such as faulty motors, faulty circuit boards, damaged wires, trailing cables, and overloaded sockets.

13 fires were caused by tumble dryers. Overheating machines due to too many items of clothing in the drum and filters full of fluff, were two of the main reasons the dryers went up in flames.

Dishwashers and washing machines caused 15 fires. As these appliances combine heat, electrics and moisture, there is often a danger that a fault can occur. Sometimes, these products are faulty, and as such are subject to a recall. You can check if yours has been recalled at www.electricalsafetyfirst.co.uk/recall

Electric heaters caused a number of blazes, often caused by clothes being placed too close to the heat, and not resting the heaters on a stable surface.

Phone chargers, electric lighting and electric blankets were amongst the other causes of house fires.

Steve Screaton, deputy community safety manager, said: “Every year we have a number of fires caused by dishwashers, washing machines and tumble driers.

“Many people put their appliances on overnight – which is not advisable. Statistically, we know that families are almost three times more likely to die in fires which start in the night – if they don’t have working smoke alarms, they breathe in the poisonous smoke and never wake up.

“To avoid this and to keep your family safe, we would strongly suggest using your electrical items in the daytime when you are in your property.”

We’ve put together some tips on keeping safe:

1) Check the condition of your wiring – This should be done when you move into a new home and then once every 10 years. It’s the landlord’s responsibility if you rent your home. Ask to see a copy of the certificate or report confirming that the electrics meet the UK national standard BS 7671 (Requirements for Electrical Installations).

2) Check your sockets regularly – if you see burn marks or they feel hot, get a registered electrician to check them.

3) Turn off any electrical equipment you are not using – especially at night, when a fire can spread quickly while you sleep.

4) Regularly check flexible cables on kettles and other similar appliances – look for signs of fraying, general wear and tear, or a loose plug. Do this before you plug anything in.

5) Be careful when using hand-held electrical equipment –­ make sure you switch off and unplug when you have finished. This is important with items that get hot, for instance hairdryers or curling tongs, as they may come into contact with materials that can catch fire (like curtains).

6) Check the current rating of an electrical adaptor before you plug appliances in ­­– make sure that the total current used does not exceed the adaptor’s rating.

7) Call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately if you smell burning that cannot be explained. They will have equipment such as thermal imaging cameras which will accurately detect objects that are overheating.

Police are still trying to identify 12 people they want to speak to about the illegal rave at Twyford Wood in May.

The rave, which began in the evening of Saturday, May 23, and lasted well into the following day before police moved in to shut it down. Some of those at the rave attacked the police. Twenty-one officers and a police dog were injured and several people were arrested as a result.

Thirteen people have so far been charged in relation to the incident, with a further six cautioned for drug possession. But police are still keen to trace the 12 people pictured.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said: “Work is ongoing to bring to justice all those responsible who took part in any kind of criminal offences which during the event included violent disorder, assault on police, criminal damage, dealing in drugs, failing to stop for police, and failing to abide by direction to leave. At one point some three hundred officers were involved in the Policing response.”

If you recognise any of those pictured, call 101 quoting incident 137 of September 11, 2015.

Read more:

{http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/local/video-footage-of-illegal-rave-in-lincolnshire-emerges-on-youtube-1-6763785#axzz3qz3K3bOs| VIDEO: Footage of illegal rave in Lincolnshire emerges on Youtube.}

{http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/local/more-arrests-made-as-illegal-rave-in-twyford-wood-is-finally-shut-down-by-police-1-6761551#axzz3qz3K3bOs|More arrests made as illegal rave in Twyford Wood is finally shut down by police.}

A vehicle seen carrying two men and dogs has been linked to reported hare coursing, according to police today.

The vehicle, a green or silver Suzuki Vitara, was reported in the Deeping St Nicholas area.

Anyone who has seen should call 101, quoting incident number 93 of November 10.

Meanwhile, thieves tried to break into a vehicle parked in Deeping St James overnight on weekend at the end of October.

The vehicle’s window seal and a tyre were slashed while parked in the right hand side car park in Churchfield Close overnight between Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31.

Anyone with information should call on 101, quoting incident number 285 of October 31, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Staff at a Spalding medical centre are celebrating receiving a “Good” rating after it was found its preventative care meant emergency admissions for conditions such as diabetes and asthma were half the national average.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) recently visited the Munro Medical Centre in West Elloe Avenue and were impressed how the patients rated the practice highly in several aspects of care.

A statement from South Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “The entire team at Munro Medical Centre were pleased to be awarded a ‘Good’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

“This very positive rating recognises the commitment throughout the practice team in working hard to help our patients.

“The CQC were particularly impressed in how patients rated the practice highly for several aspects of care, including being treated with compassion, dignity and respect and that patients were involved in decisions about their care and treatment.

“The CQC team commended the practice to be very clean, tidy and well maintained, and also the practice’s performance in the medication Dispensing Services Quality Scheme.

“Importantly, the practice scored highly in cervical screening and in caring for patients with long-term conditions.

“Good preventative care meant that the emergency admission rates for significant conditions such as diabetes and asthma was around half the national average – a real achievement.”

Spalding High School enjoyed a packed schedule of arts, drama, dance and music on Friday.

The Arts Mark Gold accredited school continued its commitment to celebrating and promoting high quality arts and cultural education by holding the popular ‘Fringe Friday’.

Students were treated to a preview of the forthcoming Sound of Music production, a pop choir, dance workshops and film shorts with popcorn.

Year 11 students entertained with compelling drama performances, whilst around the corridors buskers could be found alongside popup dance groups and theatre.

The art rooms were the scene for Bonfire Night-inspired ‘Guy’ making and the creative and potentially very messy ‘Action Painting’ inspired by artist Jackson Pollock.

Students produced painted marks whilst on the move, using roller skates and scooters amongst other things.

It was an ambitious schedule for a lunch hour, but worth the hard work and preparation as it was highly entertaining and inspiring.

Head of Art Liz Kelleher said: “It’s fantastic to see so much commitment to the Arts coming from the students themselves

“Fringe Friday always creates such a buzz around school and inspires students to get involved and have fun.”

More pictures in Thursday’s Spalding Guardian

Previously...

Spalding High School students grab five awards
The High Life: We meet Tim’s space team – the students’ take on life at Spalding High School
Spalding High School students achieve success in LAMDA exams

Exciting times for all at Spalding High School
Spalding High School students’ hard work celebrated with display

Bakkavor in Spalding has given a massive payday to four good causes with each getting an equal share of £8,000.

Celebrating are Farm Africa, South Holland PHAB, Guide Dogs for the Blind (Spalding), and Lincolnshire Businesses for Breakfast.

Spalding employees raised £4,000, which was matched by the Bakkavor group.

Bakkavor technical director Ann Savage said: “These charity initiatives have been some of the highlights of the year for our Spalding team and we’d like to thank everyone involved. The team has done a great job at raising money for these worthwhile causes and we are proud to be able to match the total.

“In particular, Farm Africa is an initiative close to my heart. Most recently I, along with eight other women in the food and drink industry, took part in the Big Beehive Build organised by Farm Africa in Tanzania where we were able to see the superb work the organisation is carrying out first hand.”

An 80-year-old woman living in supported housing at Market Deeping is warm at last after what she believed would be a two-day job to replace the heating system turned into “a six-week nightmare”.

Kitty Landan, who lives in one of 54 Accent Nene Housing flats in Joan Wake Close, claims residents have faced a catalogue of problems over recent months, made worse since warden cover was reduced from a 24/7 service to office hours.

When the Free Press visited her last week she was still surrounded by the blankets she had huddled under while her power was off. However, this week Accent Group Ltd, confirming “there have been some issues”, said they had now been resolved.

Yesterday Mrs Landan said: “I am so relieved the heating system seems to be working now, but this problem has been the tip of the iceberg.

“This is my second heater and the workmen had to come back because they had set it on ‘out all day’ which is for people out at work, so I was still cold from 9am to 5pm.

“At one point before things were sorted I had no power and was unable to cook a hot meal for 36 hours. I put blankets on the bed and climbed in to get warm but the pain from being cold got so bad I went to the doctors. They checked my kidneys but thankfully they were fine.

I suffer from stress and all this hasn’t helped. If it hadn’t been for some amazing friends I don’t know how I would have coped.”

As well as problems with the heating, Mrs Landan says her occupational therapist declared her flat unsafe in the bathroom and kitchen. She said: “I have no safety seat for the shower.

“Even though the heating seems fine now, it is really difficult to operate. I asked for the instructions in large print but nothing happened. Things have been more difficult for us since our 24/7 warden cover was reduced. Everyone here is old. All we want is something that switches on or off.”

A spokesman for Accent Group Ltd said: “We can confirm that there have been some issues with how Mrs Landan’s heating controls had been set, and were being used, but these have now been resolved.

“When our contractors visited Mrs Landan’s home, they found nothing wrong with the heating system, but they did find that the settings were not appropriate for Mrs Landan’s circumstances. They provided Mrs Landan with advice and assistance to ensure she understood how to set the heating controls.

“The only time we know of Mrs Landan being without power completely was one evening when a circuit tripped. The fault occurred outside office hours and was dealt with as an emergency. Power was restored by resetting the switch.

“We are not aware of the shower and kitchen being reported as unsafe. However, we are working with various support agencies to look at making adaptations in Mrs Landan’s home. A recommendation has been made to provide an adaptation to the shower. This is not an urgent requirement, but it is already in hand and we understand the adaptation, which is a more secure shower seat with handrails, will be fitted later this week. There will be no charge to Mrs Landan.

“Our scheme manager has talked to Mrs Landan on several occasions to let her know that arrangements are in hand. We understand that she is happy with these and she has no further issues.

“Our contractors will also be making a further visit to ensure Mrs Landan’s heating controls remain appropriately set to best suit her needs.

“The safety, comfort and welfare of our residents is always our top priority. We trust Mrs Landan is now safe and warm in her home and would ask her to contact us if she has any further concerns.”

A 14-year-old member of Crowland Army Cadets has spoken of her pride marching in the town’s Remembrance Day Parade.

Stevie Bedwell-Byatt said that a year ago it was feared the detachment might have to fold through dwindling membership and support.

But members stood proud alongside other groups on Sunday, marching from Crowland Abbey in North Street to the memorial in East Street, where wreaths were laid.

Stevie said: “Remembrance Day is the time of year that we commemorate those who have fought in the Great War for us.

“This time of year is more significant for me because I am an Army Cadet for the Crowland detachment and this has helped me become more aware of the importance of this special day.

“When I joined the Army Cadets two years ago, there were only a few of us, at the most 15.

“A year after, we started decreasing in numbers but, out of those who stayed, we didn’t let it affect us.

“I have met a lot of new people and made a lot of new friends on camp and in detachment, and becoming an Army Cadet is something I’ll never ever regret.

“I couldn’t be more proud than this to say I’m an Army Cadet. In comparison to Long Sutton, Deeping or Stamford we are a very small detachment but we don’t let it get to us in any competition we are in. We always try our hardest and we aim to be the best.

“Being a girl I didn’t expect to be accepted the way I was. All of the cadets welcomed me with open arms and we do the same to any new recruits.

“In the last six months we have grown in numbers and we now have 21 cadets.

“All the new recruits were ready to face their first challenge with Remembrance Sunday. I have spoken to most of them and they said they felt privileged to take part in the parade and wanted to do the detachment proud.”

Crowland Amy Cadets meet in the children’s services building, next to St Guthlac School, on Wednesdays from 7pm to 9.15pm.

Anyone between the ages of 12 (or in Year Eight at school) and 18 can join.

As well as parading with pride on Remembrance Day, activities include sleeping out under the stars and cooking, trekking over unknown countryside, canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking and overseas expeditions.

Members become proficient in map reading, first aid, field craft and weapon handling and are given the opportunity to achieve a Duke of Edinburgh Award. For more information on how to join, or get involved, visit www.armycadets.com

It may have been a case of mistaken identity when a Spalding man attacked someone in a town nightclub, leaving him with a suspected broken nose.

Mark Gay was involved in an altercation at Loaded in the early hours of May 24, but then attacked Jason Powley, who wasn’t the man in the original dispute, prosecutor Nick Todd told Boston magistrates.

“It may well be a case of mistaken identity,” said Mr Todd. “They don’t know one another but they have mutual friends and associates and they are happy to state that Mr Gay didn’t intend to assault Mr Powley.”

CCTV showed Gay bring down an empty, polycarbonate ‘glass’ on the back of Mr Powley’s head, which caused a small cut, and head butting him.

Mr Todd said a nurse practitioner at Johnson Community Hospital told Mr Powley to return to have his nose reset once the swelling had gone down.

He said there wasn’t a medical report on file to confirm Mr Powley’s nose was broken.

Presiding magistrate Ann Harrison said: “This is a serious assault on an innocent party with an empty ‘glass’ and thankfully it was a plastic ‘glass’ – it could have been really, really bad had it been glass – and you also head butted somebody. Because of the seriousness of this attack we are making a suspended sentence order for a period of 12 weeks. This is a custodial sentence but we are prepared to suspend it.”

The jail term is suspended for a year.

Gay (25), of King’s Road, must pay £500 compensation to Mr Powley, £85 prosecution costs, an £80 victim surcharge and a £180 court charge.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Powley, causing actual bodily harm. The court heard he previously received a 42-month sentence for wounding.

Solicitor Daven Naghen said Gay and Mr Powley later realised they had friends in common and reached out to each other to simply say “this should not have happened”.

Mr Naghen said: “He is somebody who has very much tried to put his life back together after a period of imprisonment. He is someone who very much didn’t want to come back to court and has made an error of judgement on a night out.”

Jewellery was stolen in a smash and grab raid at Springfields Retail Outlet in Spalding in the early hours of yesterday (Tuesday) morning.

Police say a brick was used to smash the window and the offender then reached in to steal jewellery.

The value of the items stolen has not been released.

• Witnesses or anyone with information about the raid on Chapelle Jewellery can call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Southernwood House car home in Spalding has been given a “Good” rating by the Care Quality Commission.

The home, in Matmore Gate, provides accommodation for people requiring nursing or personal care, and those with dementia or physical disabilities.

The Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care in England, made an unannounced inspection on September 8.

The report said: “There was an open and welcoming culture within the service.

“People and their relatives were encouraged to voice their opinions and views about the service provided.

“Staff were well supported and were aware of their responsibility to share any concerns they had about the care provided at the service.

“The manager and the registered provider had systems in place to assess and monitor the quality of the service provision.”

The Commission is visiting all adult social care services in the UK and this week published its latest 50 findings.

Thirty were rated as Good, 19 Requires Improvement and one was rated as Inadequate.

Have you wondered what the new, red “ER” signs that have sprung up on south Lincolnshire’s roads mean?

Well, they mean “flood evacuation route” and have been prompted by the 2013 floods, with the aim of leading motorists to safety should the need arise.

Lincolnshire County Council’s emergency planners have been working with highways and emergency services to identify roads which would best support motorists if people needed to evacuate their homes.

The council has now alteredits signage at junctions – adding an ‘ER‘ logo in a red box to highlight the emergency evacuation routes.

The signage cost £105,000 and has been funded by the county council, East Lindsey District Council and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The routes run along the east coast and to the south of the county which the authority says would provideresidents with a quick and safe route to higher-ground.

The flood evacuation routes in our part of the county are signed as follows:

lFrom Sutterton/Fosdyke via the A17, the B1181 then the A52 towards Grantham

lFrom Spalding via the A16 to the A1157

lFrom Spalding via the A151 towards Bourne

lFrom Long Sutton/Sutton Bridge via the A17 and the A151

For more information about flooding visit: http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lincolnshire-prepared/

Gaming fans turned out at midnight on Monday to buy role-playing shooter game Fallout from the Game store in Spalding.

This was the second successful midnight launch in a week for the Springfields-based store, following on from COD: Black Ops III.

And next Wednesday night Star Wars: Battlefront will be released.

For Gavin Miller’s full story turn to Miller Time on page 40.

A disco at St Paul’s School raised £165 for the Rebekah’s Wish appeal to help fulfil the hope of a mum who wants her four children to have a roof over their heads after she dies.

Our picture shows Rebekah Dolby (front) with Ellie and Paige Dolby and Taylor King. 
Disco organiser and family friend, Stewart Bradley, was disappointed by a small turnout but hopes for a better response for a clairvoyant evening at 8pm tomorrow (Thursday) at Spalding Services and Social Club in High Street. 
Tickets are £5 by calling 07544 147770 or £7 on the door.

Photo: SG311015-201TW

A young man from Spalding was honoured at a royal award ceremony after turning his life around with help from The Prince’s Trust.

The Trust and Samsung Celebrate Success awards in derby recognised young people who had overcome difficulties from across the East Midlands.

Shaun Taylor (22), from Spalding, was named runner up for The HSBC Breakthrough Award, which recognises the progress of young people who have developed new skills to enable them to make positive steps in facing their challenges and stabilising their lives.

Shaun was heading towards a solid career in the army until a split from his girlfriend saw him turn to drugs. He became addicted. Shaun’s addictions worsened and eventually he became homeless and began shoplifting to fund his addictions and was arrested.

Shaun attended a workshop at his local Job Centre Plus about a programme called Team.

Created by The Prince’s Trust and delivered with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue Service, Team is a 12-week course that improves the confidence and skills of unemployed young people.

Full of enthusiasm for the programme, Shaun immersed himself in Team and was praised for both his efforts and his leadership skills. Feeling more confident, Shaun asked his Team Leader to signpost him to support for his addictions and felt empowered to make lasting changes to his life.

After finishing the course, Shaun completed a work placement in administration and recently secured full-time employment. He is also volunteering at Lincolnshire’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation service.

He said: “It was a huge achievement to get this far. If it wasn’t for The Trust, I think I would be in prison or worse. Now, I’m employed and optimistic about the future. I also enjoyed hearing everyone else’s stories at the ceremony – congratulations to them.”

Old and young took part in the Remembrance Day parade and service held in Kirton on Sunday.

Among them were representatives from Thomas Middlecott Academy where pupils have already put a great deal of thought into honouring the memory of soldiers.

In the lead up to Remembrance Day the students put their thoughts about the bravery of our armed forces into poetry, as well as learning more about why Remembrance is such an important part of British life, culture and heritage.

One pupil, Year 8 student Corben Stannard, won first place for his age group in the David Ross Education Trust’s Remembrance Day poetry competition for his poem, Remembrance Day.

The poem, written with guidance from his English teacher Mr Harman, speaks of Corben’s pride in taking part in the Remembrance Day parade and the bravery of service personnel.

Interim headteacher Mrs Sue Illingworth said: “It is so important for our students to understand the significance of Remembrance Day, and the sacrifices that many millions of men and women have made for our country.

“We would like to congratulate Corben for his achievements.”

Listen to the poem at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASd8UktBU-c&index=2&list=PLY6yXBV1V5rUX-ocJhbiQT2JmO-Rsoc7-

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust Chief Executive Andrew Morgan talks about the winter season.

The hours of daylight are getting shorter which can only mean one thing – winter is coming. Our staff across the Trust remain busy and there is much planning underway for the expected additional winter pressures. But I am now turning my attention to you – have you started to plan for the winter for you and your family? The message across the NHS this winter is that patients are being asked to choose well. This means thinking about what services are available to you rather than going straight to A&E. This could be your GP, an urgent care centre, a minor injuries unit, walk in centre and your local pharmacy. Don’t forget your pharmacist is a trained health professional who can provide free advice on the best treatment for a wide range of illnesses and minor ailments.

The annual seasonal flu vaccination programme has begun. We’re encouraging our staff to get their jabs and you should, too. Getting your flu jab may also protect others that are vulnerable to flu such as babies, older people, pregnant women and people with serious long-term illnesses. Flu can be a very unpleasant illness causing fever, stuffy nose, dry cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints, and extreme tiredness; this can often last several days. The best way to protect yourself, your family and those most vulnerable is to get your flu jab. Before the bad weather begins and the winter ailments start doing the rounds, be prepared by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home. Always follow the directions on medicine packets and never take more than the stated dose. Always keep medicines out of the sight and reach of children and regularly check the expiry dates on medicine.

Please help us to help you to stay healthy and happy during the winter.

Andrew Morgan is the Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust. The Trust’s 2,500 staff care for thousands of patients every day in community hospitals, health clinics, schools, children’s centres and also have the privilege of delivering care to patients within their own homes.

A pilot garden waste 
collection scheme will launch in South Holland from next April.

Members of South Holland District Council’s Cabinet unanimously approved the project at a meeting on Tuesday night.

The two-year pilot will initially be available to 5,000 households with residents who sign up provided with wheelie bins.

A total of 500 kerbside collections will be made daily on a two-week rota. This will be split between Spalding households one week and Holbeach, Crowland, Long Sutton, Sutton Bridge, Donington, Gosberton and Surfleet the next week.

Residents in these areas will be invited to sign up on a first-come first-served basis.

There will be an initial charge of £49 for 24 collections a year and an initial one off charge of £15 to cover extras including delivery and lease of the bins.

Residents wishing to participate on an ad hoc basis or those living in a property which isn’t suitable for a wheelie bin can purchase paper sacks.

Coun Roger Gambba-Jones, portfolio holder for waste management, said: “We are launching the pilot in response to the results of a survey and feedback from residents.

“It also likely that other local recycling services will be restricted in future meaning that residents have fewer options when it comes to recycling garden waste.

“We believe that at £2 a collection, this scheme represents excellent value for money and will be much cheaper than having to travel to recycle garden waste.”

Last year households were surveyed on interest in such a scheme, particularly method of collection and cost.

Around 85 per cent of respondents were interested in a garden waste collection service, with 60 per cent indicating they would be happy with a wheelie bin and 65 per cent prepared to pay £2 per collection.

It is also hoped that the scheme will help to boost composting and recycling rates in the district.

Further announcements about the pilot scheme and details on how to sign up will be made shortly.

Ayscoughfee Hall School children were dwarfed by an enormous DAF truck brought into school for a day by Pip Dunn.

While being fun for the youngsters who climbed aboard, headteacher Clare Ogden said it also helped Year 6 children just starting Bikeability to realise the size of a bike in comparison to the truck.

Columnist James Waller-Davies gives his view of some of the recent events on television.

The BBC is certainly fighting its corner just lately. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, John Whittingdale, is conducting the 10-year review of Aunty Beeb’s charter, a review, which in the current climate of public sector cuts, waivers like the sword of Damocles over the corporation’s neck.

In response, the BBC has gone back to its old bag of tricks and is pulling out some rabbits of the like older viewers might remember from the 1970s, especially in its production of one-off dramas. In The Dresser (BBC2) we got what is sure to be one of the highlights of the year and a nailed-on BAFTA for one, if not three, of its cast.

The cast was stellar. Two knights of the realm: Anthony Hopkins (Sir) and Ian McKellen (Norman) as the ageing actor and his dresser, respectively.

Add in two of Britain’s leading female actors in Emily Watson and Sarah Lancashire, plus a deliciously subtle cameo from Edward Fox and you could have been forgiven for thinking the play could have directed itself – but it didn’t, yet another superstar, Richard Eyre, did.

The play takes personal relationships and stretches them to breaking point through the alternating claustrophobia of back stage and the glare of the public performance. It left its audience emotionally exhausted, as though nerves were the strings of an overstrung violin being played in a wardrobe by a man in a straightjacket.

The chemistry between Hopkins and McKellen was electric – more so considering they have never worked together before. Much of the credit for this must go to McKellen who seems to be able to generate chemistry wherever he goes. It has not always been so easy for those working with Hopkins in the past.

The Dresser was the sort of treat that only the BBC can produce, and broadcast – adverts would have ruined it. Whilst the charter-review jury may be out on the BBC’s reach into digital media and regional news, there can be no arguments about where its natural home is. My home would have paid this month’s licence fee for The Dresser alone.

Hugh’s War On Waste (BBC1) saw perennial food campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall back on another mission. This warpath, however, is rather well worn, but Hugh F-W does have a talent for bringing out the human angle.

The all-but-held-back tears of the Norfolk parsnip farmers brought home just how much the supermarket policies on vegetable shape over substance actually impacts on the producers. The weekly twenty tonnes of discarded, but perfectly good, odd-sized parsnips could have garnished the Christmas dinners of all of Lincolnshire.

It’s been almost twenty years since Hugh ‘dropped out’ professionally with his Escape to River Cottage and in the intervening years he has earned the credibility needed to lecture the nation on its food habits.

Hugh’s War On Waste comes at a pretty salient time. With the issue of food poverty and food-banks rarely out of the news, it is worth remembering that as a nation we throw away one third of the food we buy – enough food to solve the food poverty issue at a stroke. In the meantime, we all pay more for our food for the privilege of it being the same size and fitting neatly in the packet.

Priscilla Presley turned up twice this week after a long absence on UK television. Firstly, she was the victim of a very poor interview by Johnathan Ross (ITV).

Ross rightly asked if Mrs Presley was fed up of forever being questioned about Elvis – which she was, a bit – whilst proceeding to focus the entire interview on the dead and long gone former husband. Next, she appeared with Joanna Lumley, who at least had the honesty to call her show Elvis and Me (ITV).

Whilst at the gym, I saw something called The Jeremy Kyle Show on the big screen. Mr Kyle looks like a normal human being. None of his guests did.

The man who’d had his ears surgically removed and his eyeballs tattooed apparently wanted to be a parrot.

It was without doubt the weirdest – and most absorbing – bit of television I’ve seen this year. I’d run five miles on the spot with even noticing.