Friday, 18 December 2020
English Grammar and Spelling Errors
Wednesday, 9 December 2020
Dementia and Sport
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Photo by Matthias Zomer from Pexels |
Dementia is often in the news, and there is a growing concern that those engaged in sport are at risk. There are reports concerning footballers who have developed dementia, and in the news today, England and Lions rugby player Steve Thompson has a diagnosis of dementia at the age of 42.
Footballers and rugby players are in danger of head injuries. Footballers often head the ball, which can be moving at quite a speed which increases the forces passing through the head of the player. In football, the most likely cause of long-term damage is due to the number of times the ball is headed.
Footballer Alan Jarvis dies at the age of 76, and at his inquest, the coroner put the cause of death down as from Alzheimer's caused by his occupation. There is a long list of footballers who are now suffering from dementia including one of my favourite players, former Chesterfield FC's record goal-scorer, Ernie Moss. His daughter, Nikki Trueman is doing great work in both raising funds and awareness about this terrible condition.
Dementia Research
There is research done on the causes of dementia, but the amount of money needs to be more significant to speed up the solutions as more seem to be developing it. The Alzheimers Society on their website gives some comparison with other illnesses. Below is quoted from the Alzheimers Society website.
"Dementia research should receive a level of investment that matches the economic and human cost of the condition. The total cost of dementia to the UK is estimated at £26 billion a year but only £90 is spent on dementia research per patient per year (Alzheimer's Society, 2014). This is only a fraction of the amount spent on research into some other health conditions. Progress is being made in securing further investment in dementia research. Since 2009/10, annual government and charity spend on dementia research has increased from £43.6 million to almost £74 million in 2013. However, in 2012/13 cancer research still received seven times that spent on dementia (Alzheimer's Society, 2014). The UK needs a national and long-term plan for dementia research that it is funded in proportion to its impact on society and with greater co-ordination between funders of dementia research."
Is it the ball?
In football, some have blamed the old leather footballs of yesteryear for the problem today. However, retired footballer Alan Shearer took part in a TV documentary on this subject of dementia in footballers. He was surprised to learn that the modern ball is heavier although the old one would be heavier if wet. A doctor connected to Shearer to a machine which measured the impact each time he headed the ball in this test. With every header, it was noticeable that the brain is moved around inside the skull. Those brain movements, much like a boxer receiving blows to the head and the cause of concussion, could be adding up to severe problems later in life.
There is much to learn about dementia. Can it be cured? Perhaps more importantly can it be prevented, and as we know, prevention is better than cure. Dementia is an all too real problem for not just those with it but for their family who has to watch them suffer.
Further information about dementia
For more information about dementia and there are many types of it, you can visit the websites below.
Need help to find care?
For those of you looking for care at home or if you need to place your loved one in a care home, visit Care Home Selection (CHS Healthcare) for help in finding this.
Saturday, 5 December 2020
Roland's Travels
I am due to retire in September 2022 and the way that time seems to go quickly, it won't be too long.
With this in mind, I have started a YouTube Channel, Roland's Travels. The channel will encompass things I like and enjoy. I love history, old buildings, the countryside and nature. My passion is to share this with others, and I like live streaming and making videos. This combination has led me to create this channel and to film such subjects.I intend to visit as many places as possible before retiring so that I can already have a good catalogue of videos before I concentrate more time when available.
Starting locally
With the Covid19 pandemic, this means that I will film close to where I live in Wiltshire. However, although this is geographically restrictive, there is a vast amount of subject matter right on my doorstep.
There are many lovely old towns within easy reach. Bradford on Avon is one such town and is where I have already done some live-streaming. You can watch a couple of my videos from my live streams around Bradford on Avon on the channel.
It is early days for the channel, but I hope you will subscribe and share with others so that I can create videos that many will enjoy watching. If there are any places you would like me to film in Wiltshire, please let me know in the comments below, and if they are not already on my to-do list, I will consider adding them to it.
Tuesday, 1 December 2020
How To Stop a Pandemic
Photo Courtesy of Pexels.com
Covid-19 has been a real plague on humankind. It is taking its toll both in loss of life, and the downturn in the economy, the spread of the virus has in most parts of the world been relentless.
Covid-19 Vaccines
A few countries got to grips with it early and took stringent measures to control its spread. Others did little or nothing, and some have been hit and miss in their approach. A considerable effort has been made to produce a vaccine which would generally take ten years to achieve. The vaccines that seem to work best in the results produced so far are likely to be available soon. Of course, there is a danger in using a vaccine which has not had the same clinical trials that would be normal to make sure that not only is it effective, but safe.
Prevention Better Than Cure
I have previously written a blog post, Prevention Better Than Cure, and this is a saying that is true in handling this Covid-19 pandemic. Avoiding the spread and catching the virus is key to any disease control. For thousands of years, there have been pandemics or plagues as we used to call them. Well before vaccines were a possibility, people have had to deal with them.
The best way to deal with plagues has always been to limit the spread by isolation, avoiding close contact, wearing a mask, washing of hands and infected materials such as clothing and bed linen. These are simple measures which work, and those countries that took the most vital steps early have prevented and stopped Covid-19 in its tracks.
Unfortunately, some people seem to have an aversion to taking such preventative measures and protest that this is taking away their freedom. Some seem to think that this is some form of conspiracy. They believe governments want to inject them with a microchip, thinking this will be to control their minds and administered as a Covid-10 vaccine. How sad but real to them in their minds, and they spread this message using social media.
Others minimise the effects of the virus, calling it little more than a cold, and as they aren't in a high-risk group, it will not harm them. There are numerous reports of such healthy young people who have died of Covid-19. No one can with any certainty say that they will not be badly affected after catching the virus. Doctors are now telling us that there is something described as Long-Covid, which seems to make people weak and sometimes feeling they have recovered revert to a state of unwellness and extreme tiredness.
The answer to stopping the spread of Covid-19 must start with those fundamental principles of hands, face, mask and distance. If the virus can't find a host, it will die and not be able to return. Viruses can change, and we must not rely on vaccines as the only answer. A new strain escaping into the community may be worse than Covid-19 has been to date. It is up to each one of use to be responsible for not just our safety, but that of others.
Monday, 30 November 2020
Catherine Hill and Cheap Street Frome
Frome is a very attractive old town in Somerset. It has a rich history and some beautiful buildings and streets. In this video, which is from a live-stream shown on Periscope Channel I walk down Catherine Hill and along Cheap Street which has a stream running down its centre.
Please join me now as we walk through Frome.
I am in Frome Somerset a very historic old town. #Frome #Somerset https://t.co/hR9XBzLKK0
— Roland Millward (@RolandMillward) November 29, 2020
To watch more live broadcasts please follow me on Periscope.
Saturday, 28 November 2020
My Favourite YouTubers Part 6 - Trekking and Towpaths
Here is number 6 of my favourite YouTube Channels. By the way, these are in no particular order. Today it is Trekking and Towpaths hosted by Ant.
Ant takes us on many walks along old railway lines, canal towpaths and more. It's an enjoyable way to spend a few minutes joining in on the walks and educational too.
I can highly recommend subscribing the Trekking and Towpaths so that you don't miss a single new video.
On these walks, you will get a taste of Britain's rich industrial heritage as well as see some of the beautiful countryside.
To go to Trekking and Towpaths click here.
My Favourite YouTubers
Friday, 27 November 2020
A Walk Around Bradford on Avon Wiltshire
Join me on this walk around the historic town of Bradford on Avon. It has a rich history and built its fortune on the woollen mills and later rubber industry. Many of the oldest buildings and the houses of both poor and wealthy remain in a habitable condition.
Wednesday, 25 November 2020
My Favourite YouTubers Part 5 - High Peak Autos
Once again I am delighted to recommend another YouTuber to you. The channel is High Peak Autos hosted by Matthew Goodwin who reviews many different cars, many of which are on sale through his business, High Peak Autos.
Matthew, in his videos, drives the cars and gives a candid opinion about them. I like his style of delivery, and his dry sense of humour shines throughout his presentations. I would say that even if you're not that interested in cars, you will like to watch High Peak Autos and find it both entertaining and informative. He films in the beautiful countryside around the edge of and indeed inside the Peak District National Park.
Please do visit High Peak Autos on YouTube, you will love it!
My Favourite YouTubers
Tuesday, 24 November 2020
A Walk Around Warminster, Wiltshire
There are many interesting towns in Wiltshire. The buildings in these towns and the stories they tell are well worth exploring. It is all too easy to walk through a town centre and look in the shop windows and fail to look up and see something of the former glory of them.
In this video on my YouTube Channel, Roland's Travels, we take a look at Warminster as I walk through just a part of it. There is more to explore on another occasion. Originally this was a live-stream on my Periscope Channel. I have reduced the length slightly by cutting out some of the walk around the boating lake in Warminster Park.
Friday, 20 November 2020
My Favourite YouTubers Part 4 - Living Big in a Tiny House
Many of us dream about living a simpler life and being mortgage-free. Some have achieved that dream by living in tiny houses. In this series of YouTuber recommendations, I am pleased to tell you about Living Big in a Tiny House, hosted by Bryce Langston.
Bryce is a New Zealand based actor who found himself, as many actors do, out of work. He took an interest in tiny houses and started making YouTube videos, and to his surprise became very popular. He now travels throughout New Zealand, Australia, the USA and Europe visiting tiny homes and finding out about the people who own them. It makes fascinating viewing.
The channel is growing and Living in Big in a Tiny House will soon have 4 million viewers! Just by watching these videos, you will be inspired in house design and see how to maximise small spaces, so even if you like a larger property that is no bad thing.
My Favourite YouTubers
Monday, 16 November 2020
The Tithe Barn Bradford on Avon
The Tithe Barn in Bradford on Avon is a remarkable building and has stood here for over 600 years. Built around 1400 it served Shaftesbury Abbey collecting the tithes of the local farmers. It stands next to the Kennet and Avon Canal, and so if you're walking or cycling on the Sustrans Route 4, it's an ideal stop-off point.
Estimates say that it could go back to 1332 but definitely built before 1337 as my research now shows. In the video, I mention 1400, but it was the granary which was added in 1400.
The building and site are owned and managed by English Heritage, access if free for visitors. The River Avon is also very close with plenty of grass for a picnic on a nice day or call in at one of the cafes. A gift shop is situated in one of the old buildings plus it's worth having a look at the various craft shops and cafe in the adjoining Tithe Barn workshops.
If you would like a substantial meal, go onto the canal towpath, heading east, and you will arrive at several pubs or walk into the town centre for an even greater choice of eateries.
I hope you enjoy the video, and please do subscribe to my channel, Roland's Travels for more videos in the future. Here is another video, A Walk Around Bradford on Avon, where we take a look at the town centre and the many fine buildings that are of historic interest.
Saturday, 14 November 2020
Bowerhill RAF Airbase - RAF Melksham
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RAF Melksham the last remaining building and closed leisure centre |
World War 2 created a massive demand for aircrew and aircraft technicians amongst many other vital trades for the war effort. In 1940 land was obtained at Bowerhill Melksham, for a new RAF (Royal Air Force) Station. RAF Melksham was an airbase though without a runway. Aircraft were required on-site and had to be transported in and assembled for the trainees to use.
Little remains now of the airbase except some of the larger buildings which became the Christie Miller Sports Centre, and was closed in 2018 and waiting for a decision on its future. The base was a training facility, and in July 1940 the RAF School of Instrument training moved from RAF Cranwell. Later a branch of the RAF Armament School moved in as well.
In 1942 the Armament School moved out and was replaced by the RAF Electrical School which moved from Hereford. As the war neared its end, a large number of Royal Navy Air Service mechanics received training here along with many transport drivers. During the war, it was passing-out over 200 tradesmen a week.
Military personnel better knew RAF Melksham as No.12 School of Technical Training between 1940 and 1965. The base also housed No.10 School of Recruit Training and averaged 100 a week of mainly National Servicemen until the final intake in June 1953 and the which passed out on August 17th 1953. The base closed in 1965, the local council acquired the land and buildings, and this was the start of the present-day industrial estate.
Wednesday, 11 November 2020
Out and About - The City of Bath - Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge is one of only four in the world where you will find shops built on it. The City of Bath is a World Heritage Site and has some wonderful buildings, including the Roman Baths.
I had to go to Bath, even though in Lockdown due to Covid-19 as my daughter had to register our newborn grandson. With only one allowed in to register, I took a few minutes to walk in the area of the Register Office and right on the doorstep is Pulteney Bridge.
Pulteney Bridge, designed by Robert Adam in the Palladian style, was opened in 1770. It spans the River Avon and is next to the Pulteney Weir, which when in full flow can generate quite some noise! Join me in this walk as we cross the bridge in both directions and admire the architecture. We also take a glimpse at Bath Abbey.
In the City of Bath by the River Avon #somerset #cityofbath https://t.co/NDxtWxjXYh
— Roland Millward (@RolandMillward) November 10, 2020
Please do follow me on Periscope and Twitter Please click full screen if viewing on a computer.
The bridge is named after Frances Pulteney, wife of William Johnstone Pulteney. The bridge was originally a toll bridge and boundary between parishes, built on the condition that fresh water could be piped across it from the hills to the townhouses.
The City of Bath is packed with fine architecture, particularly Georgian and has many museums and parks well-worthy of a visit. I will bring you more live videos from Bath in the near future, so please do click on the Persicope and Twitter links to follow me.
Monday, 9 November 2020
My Favourite YouTubers Part 3 - Cruising the Cut
We now come to number 3 in my series of blog posts, My Favourite YouTubers.Today we take to the water and recommend, Cruising The Cut. Find out what it is like cruising on England's and Wales' canals and waterways in a narrowboat. David John's gave up his job as an ITV local news reporter in South East England, sold his house and bought a narrowboat.
Why Cruising the Cut?
My Favourite YouTubers
Friday, 6 November 2020
Prevention is Better Than Cure
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Karolina Grabowska from Pexels |
Taking responsibility
Thursday, 5 November 2020
My Favourite YouTubers Part 2 - Martin Zero
The next YouTuber that I would like to recommend is Martin Fisher. The channel named Martin Zero is a must-watch if you're interested in history. Martin looks at the history mainly in and around Manchester but does occasionally travel further afield. Martin has followed the course of many of the rivers that now flow under Manchester, looked at the old buildings and brings the history to life.
His most popular video, The Secret Trap Door Under the Canal, is below for your enjoyment and demonstrates Martin's enthusiasm for the history and places in Manchester and beyond.
The River Medlock and Martin Zero
Martin Zero - Urban Explorer
There are many old buildings, abandoned and yet with a story to tell. Martin will show you around some of these buildings and let you have an insight into their past use and glory.
Disused Railways and Tunnels
Go to the Channel
My Favourite YouTubers
Wednesday, 4 November 2020
My Favourite YouTubers: Part One - Hubnut
Hubnut - celebrating the average
Car Reviews
Triangle of Doom
Hubnut.org
More to come
This is part one of sharing with you my favourite YouTube Channels. They are very varied in their subject, so do, please subscribe to my blog. There is a section in the right-hand column where you can do this.
My Favourite YouTubers
Monday, 2 November 2020
Pass the Buck - no responsibility
One of the most annoying things I find in life is to come across people who "pass the buck".
It seems that a growing number, particularly in the public sector like to get out of their responsibilities and pass them on to others. I suppose the age-old fact remains that if people can get away with shirking their duties, some will take advantage of it.
The larger the organisation and the more prevalent this can become. We have to lay blame not just with those who "pass the buck", but also with managers who are not aware of what their colleagues are doing or how much work each day they are capable of. Without good management, those with a disposition to be lazy will get away with it.
It is believed the term "pass the buck" orginated in the wild west in the card game, Poker. Players didn't trust each other and so would rotate the dealer. The person dealing would be given a knife to indicate they were dealing and knives genrally had a buck horn handle and hence the term "pass the buck" was created.
It could also be that some who pass on their responsibilities do so, not out of laziness, but out of a lack of confidence. It could well be they have been poorly trained or given tasks that are simply too difficult or too large for them, but in each case, fear to let their managers know they can't cope. If this is the case, the organisation needs to look at its work culture to make sure everyone can freely talk about their workload.
In my experience, the majority of people who like to "pass the buck" fall into the category of wanting to have an easier life and let others do their work. They also don't like the idea of getting into trouble if anything goes wrong but are usually quick to claim any praise when it is forthcoming.
How do you deal with people who are like this? Please leave a comment in the box below.
Thursday, 22 October 2020
Is Letter Writing Dead?
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Photo by John-Mark Smith from Pexels |
Letters Mean More
Fewer Misunderstandings
Never Go Back
Thursday, 15 October 2020
British Summer Time Ends - Will Mental Health Issues Increase in these Covid19 times?

We are rapidly approaching that time of the year when the clocks go back. Yes, British Summer Time (BST) is about to end and our clocks realign with the sun, noon will be at 1200. Here in the UK, it means that although we gain an hour of light in the morning we lose that all-important after-work light, at least until we get into December, when it gets dark very early.
Thursday, 8 October 2020
Covid-19 - A second wave?
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Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels |
Covid-19 - A second wave?
Stay Safe
It looks as though we will have to learn to live with Covid-19 in our communities for a considerable period of time unless it somehow burns out by itself. Masks, hand sanitisers, social distancing and other precautions will become a very normal part of daily life. If we all play our part, there is every chance we can beat the virus, but it will take conscious effort and self-sacrifice.
Take care, and stay safe. Look after each other.
Friday, 25 September 2020
My old 2008 iMac
Tuesday, 12 May 2020
It’s All About You - No it’s Not
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Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels |
Look after number one
Buy this because you’re worth it
You are the best
There is a trend amongst humankind, and the opening phrases in this post will indicate that it is a trend of selfishness. The ‘me first’ attitude is prevalent and is displayed in everyday life, perhaps more so when from behind the steering wheel of a car!
Although this selfishness is promoted as a way to bring happiness and benefit oneself, the reality is far different. Whilst getting ahead of the game, being first in the queue, getting in front of the car ahead might be appealing, the brief burst of joy is simply an adrenaline rush. It has no real benefit to the person or the human race.
What makes people happy?
There is something built into each of us that when we tap into this brings us pleasure and deeper satisfaction and that is giving. Not just giving in a financial way, but giving of ourselves. Our time, energy and love are amongst the greatest gifts we can give, and are not only more appreciated by the recipients but develop in the giver a better feeling. They also too are noticed by others and a good example set for them to follow.
Compare this to the ‘look after number one’ lifestyle. These people give nothing to others or society unless they are doing something for purely selfish motives, “I will do this if ..... “. Their attitude is often the cause of road accidents resulting in damage, injury and death, What a waste of life that is! You could change ‘look after number one’ to ‘how be a lonely old fool’.
There has been a great deal of research into comparing those who practice selfishness and those who are generous with their time and assets. Here are 4 key areas that I would like to share with you.
Self-esteem
Many of us though have jobs that don’t have that kind of direct benefit to others. Doing something outside of work that can have an impact on someone in a similar way can help us see that we have more value than pushing buttons on a machine all day. We can do this through volunteering our time in the service of others.
Mental Health
It has been shown that those coping with grief can be helped by engaging in activities that help others. The actions of giving their time and energies has helped many to overcome their grief much sooner than those who don’t.
Physical Health
Apparently in one study, middle-aged volunteers appear to have less belly fat, better cholesterol levels and lower blood sugar, compared with non-volunteers. That sounds better than a weekly trip to the slimming club!
Longer Life
There are many more reasons why a generous lifestyle is better for us then a selfish one and maybe one day I will cover these in another post. In the meantime, please let me know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below.
Monday, 4 May 2020
How? - Why is it a Good Question?
Questions
Tuesday, 28 April 2020
It’s Good to Walk
Walking - FREE Exercise
Walking is free for all exercise and can be more easily incorporated into our daily routine. Maybe we can walk to work or part way, take a lunchtime walk, to the shops and other places rather than use the car. It seems far too many children arrive at the school gate in large vehicles, not only depriving them of needed exercise but also polluting our atmosphere and creating traffic chaos in the school vicinity. Many of the children live within walking range and if not perhaps parking a little further away from the school and walking might be an option. This will increase the amount of walking both parent and child do.
I know that I am looking forward to my daily walk. Although it is always starting from home and with a limited area to walk in, I do enjoy it. It is amazing though how many different routes I can take and just reversing the direction does make a difference to what I see. I am fortunate that on the housing development where I live, there is a brook with a walk alongside it, some open spaces plus nearby fields and a pond. Also, there are birds with their beautiful songs and squirrels getting up their antics. Sometimes we just need to open our eyes and ears more than perhaps we used to before the lockdown was introduced.
How are you doing in this coronavirus lockdown? Please leave a comment in the box below.