Barnsley Lass sends greetings from the Limousin....

I hope you enjoy what you see and read.

Let us know what you think about the site.

23 January 2008

Population in UK & Migration

NEWS RELEASEAugust 22 2007

NEW MIGRATION FIGURES SHOW UK QUALITY OF LIFE FALLING – OPT

The record figures for emigration in the latest UK population statistics are further evidence of the decline in Britain’s quality of life caused by overcrowding, the Optimum Population Trust said today (Wednesday August 22).
Commenting on the figures, which showed that UK population grew by 349,000 to mid-2006 and that long-term migration out of the UK reached 385,000 over the same period - the highest figure since the indicator was introduced in 1991 - David Nicholson-Lord, OPT research associate, said: “Out-migration has been climbing for several years now and survey evidence strongly suggests it is driven by a perceived decline in UK quality of life, with congestion, queues, overcrowding and general ‘lack of space’ a key element in people’s decisions to move. The new figures indicate that more and more people are opting for a more spacious and less fraught existence overseas, in countries where there are simply fewer crowds and more room to breathe.
“England is by some measures now the world’s fourth most densely populated country and the overall population increase reported today, equivalent to a city larger than Leicester, shows that this is going to get worse. Over the next six decades the UK population is forecast to rise by another 10 million. Given that many of the people leaving will be skilled professionals, the figures suggest that unsustainably high population levels in the UK may already be causing significant economic damage.”
Optimum Population Trust, 12 Meadowgate, Urmston, Manchester M41 9LB, UKTel: 07976-370 221 email: info@optimumpopulation.org

30 December 2007

Wow ~ 2008 is Here!!!!!!

Big, Scary & Hairy Intentions for 2008 ~ 1st January 2008 ~ 1st Draft………

Re-work the novel “One death etc” and have in a shape ready for publishing by September 2008.
Take part in Script Frenzy in April ~ sign up now ~ 1st Jan. Intention is to produce a stage play on a subject not yet chosen ~ and complete the project aim ie 200 pages of script by end of April 2008.
Work on “The Mangle” ~ an outline of a novel on my mother and father and based around an art exhibition.Possible entry for NaNOWriMo 2008.
Work on Blog sites with more regularity this year. Drop first experimental site and regroup around “Blogger”. Discuss with Jules. Discuss before end of January with Will/Wendy the prospect of a blog through French Entree
Work up the poetry I have and produce a Book ready to give to members of the family & friends. Based on places I’ve lived and persons I’ve known.~ “Personal Places”.



Goddard/Smallman/Taylor/Dudley/Meredith Family Tree ~ get others involved eg Peter, David, Adrian, etc in developing and sharpening what I already have on line in “Find my Past”.Complete research by December 2008.
I have slimmed down from 15 stone 4 pounds to 14 stone 7 pounds. I aim to lose another 1 stone by end of February 2008 through diet and exrcise ie walking & garden work.
Aim to sell house in France by September 2008. Decide on next location prior to this ~ but I would support Carol’s idea of a trip to USA/Canada and then our final move to a location that is ideal for us both in the UK with something small in France.
Bear in mind if we return to UK the need to secure a place on a degree copurse in Art. Eg University College of Wales, Carmarthen.


For this year only ~ Better start taking seriously the learning of French ~ incremental improvements each month. Produce a schedule [ See elsewhere] to support this. Aim for an “intermediary” level by the Summer.

Work on my sketchbooks ~ in readiness for Art School. Produce 5 new sketchbooks based on our experiences in France ~ called “The French Interlude” by August, 2008.
Support all the children & grandchildren as needs arise.
Be particularly supportive of Catherine & Angharad in their pregnancies.
Return to UK to see baby in March, 2008.
Check all our cameras to see what is working by mid January and use as part of sketchbook work after that.



Simplify our lives by selling/giving to charity those items which clutter our house and our lives.
Maintain & develop our friendships in France & UK..
Finish “Desrt Island Disc” Choices And record the programme.
Work for a successful launch of Connect FF and step down in April 2008.

Work for the success of the St Yrieix Book Club and read at least 12 books this yeat ~ 2008