Cohort study

I have just caught up with the facts about the March 1946 study of all babies born in one cold week.  Health visitors went out to every woman who had given birth in that week and asked questions about the free extra pint of milk, who managed the house during her confinement, how much was spent on clothes for the infant (anyone else remember matinee jackets?) and for the mother herself, for example. The results shocked the nation since it revealed how much worse the experiences of working class women were compared to the better off and its findings were in time to be incorporated into the new NHS with free maternity care and other benefits. Since then the babies have been followed throughout their lives (they are now in their late sixties and most have enjoyed taking part) and similar studies have been undertaken. I think that is a brilliant and original scheme, carried out at a time of need and deprivation: do we have the imagination now to think up anything similar?

A modern habit

I have noticed recently that, when someone is interviewed on the radio, they begin their answer with: "So". To me this is a joiner if not a true conjunction and perhaps this is its function here. It does sound rather strange though.
Interviewer: Where were you brought up, Mrs Blundell?"
Mrs B: "So ... I was raised in Lancashire ..."
Has anyone else been stuck by this? Better than Mmmm perhaps.

Mindfulness meditation

I use an app on my tablet to do this each morning. Today, when the soothing voice mentioned the activities of daily life, I jumped up before the little bell rang. Memo: it isn't over till the thin lady pings.

Community Speed Watch

These jolly and dedicated people are checking the speeds of vehicles which could cause accidents near our small town. I have an irrational impulse to slow my walking pace when passing them but they assure me it doesn't matter. 

Website needed

I went into a bookshop in Monmouth yesterday and asked for a little guide entitled: "Walks from Monmouth bus station of less than five miles with no stiles or steep inclines but including a castle visit, a pub lunch and some brief retail therapy." To my grave disappointment none was available and so I request that one of my attentive readers starts a website with this information. See you all in the pub!

How to get off a bus

Simple you may think but you are mistaken. It is a complex business starting with the look on your face as you belatedly realise you are at your stop. (You can practise this expression at the check out of any supermarket when you suddenly accept that you have to pay for your trolley load.) Rise slowly to your feet and then go through all your possessions to make sure you have everything. Women with handbags are at an advantage here as this process can be spun out for minutes. Move in a leisurely fashion down the aisle chatting to anyone you know not forgetting the driver who likes a little conversation. Step gently off and beam happily at the waiting queue who have been standing in the wind and rain admiring your expertise.

Remaining sexist niche

Some inequalities between the sexes have been successfully removed but one that remains is the fault of women as much as men. Females are still regarded as the organisers of social life and main participants: it is acceptable for a male to be aloof or preoccupied but women must be amenable to whatever chumminess is happening. "I want to be alone" - or tinkering with my bike - needs to be understood no matter who says it.