Jonathan Calder
@lordbonkers.bsky.social
Blogger at Liberal England. Expect Dickens, politics, Steve Winwood, canals, British films, Richard Jefferies, Shropshire, Englishness, chess, social history, Malcolm Saville, philosophy, Leicestershire and Rutland, comedy, railways... That sort of thing.
Pinned
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Minsterley Brook is polluted in its headwaters by cadmium, however after the input of a mine water discharge known as Wood Adit at Gravels, the watercourse is polluted along its length for cadmium, lead and zinc down to the confluence with Rea Brook.
Pollution from Shropshire lead mines still reaches the Severn
This information from an Environment Agency page will come as no surprise to regular readers: There is evidence of lead mining in the Minst...
liberalengland.blogspot.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Minsterley Brook is polluted in its headwaters by cadmium, however after the input of a mine water discharge known as Wood Adit at Gravels, the watercourse is polluted along its length for cadmium, lead and zinc down to the confluence with Rea Brook.
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Lots of water after #stormclaudia on the Long Mynd in #shropshire today. The filled Minton brook.
November 15, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Lots of water after #stormclaudia on the Long Mynd in #shropshire today. The filled Minton brook.
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Good politics requires a healthy public sphere, in which at least the most egregiously bad ideas and bad actors are subject to sufficient scrutiny that they are weeded out. Which is what we don’t have. Instead, we have a system which often selects for rather than against charlatans and incompetents.
Chris Dillow explains our incompetent political culture
When the centenary of Margaret Thatcher's birth was marked last month, the consensus view on Bluesky was that she had made everything in Bri...
liberalengland.blogspot.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Good politics requires a healthy public sphere, in which at least the most egregiously bad ideas and bad actors are subject to sufficient scrutiny that they are weeded out. Which is what we don’t have. Instead, we have a system which often selects for rather than against charlatans and incompetents.
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
At some point, for the love of God, will someone ANYONE at long last take the council funding crisis seriously?!?
Because THIS is what will break down a society, not some poor soul escaping incredible dangers, arriving on our shores.
Because THIS is what will break down a society, not some poor soul escaping incredible dangers, arriving on our shores.
English councils plan to sell off social clubs and sports centres to balance books
English councils plan to sell off social clubs and sports centres to balance books
Survey finds 60% of key cities councils are planning to sell assets to meet costs of adult and children’s social care
English councils are planning to sell social clubs, sports centres and shopping arcades as they bet on a fire sale of assets to balance the books, according to a survey of local authorities.
The key cities group of councils, which represents second-tier cities in England, said 60% of councils were planning to sell assets to meet the escalating costs of adult and children’s social care. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:03 PM
At some point, for the love of God, will someone ANYONE at long last take the council funding crisis seriously?!?
Because THIS is what will break down a society, not some poor soul escaping incredible dangers, arriving on our shores.
Because THIS is what will break down a society, not some poor soul escaping incredible dangers, arriving on our shores.
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Presumably Japanese people know why. Has anybody asked them? apple.news/ASQGFqxzdTOa...
Japanese people still aren’t having sex. And nobody knows why — BBC Science Focus Magazine
Around 1 in 10 Japanese people reach their 30s without ever having had sex November 13, 2025 Credit: Getty images Young adults in Japan are having less and less sex, according to a recent review – and...
apple.news
November 15, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Presumably Japanese people know why. Has anybody asked them? apple.news/ASQGFqxzdTOa...
Minsterley Brook is polluted in its headwaters by cadmium, however after the input of a mine water discharge known as Wood Adit at Gravels, the watercourse is polluted along its length for cadmium, lead and zinc down to the confluence with Rea Brook.
Pollution from Shropshire lead mines still reaches the Severn
This information from an Environment Agency page will come as no surprise to regular readers: There is evidence of lead mining in the Minst...
liberalengland.blogspot.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Minsterley Brook is polluted in its headwaters by cadmium, however after the input of a mine water discharge known as Wood Adit at Gravels, the watercourse is polluted along its length for cadmium, lead and zinc down to the confluence with Rea Brook.
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Train worker Samir Zitouni has been discharged from hospital after suffering critical injuries in the Huntingdon attack
In a statement via the police,his family said: “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the public, and very touched by all the kind words about Sam’s brave actions"
In a statement via the police,his family said: “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the public, and very touched by all the kind words about Sam’s brave actions"
November 15, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Train worker Samir Zitouni has been discharged from hospital after suffering critical injuries in the Huntingdon attack
In a statement via the police,his family said: “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the public, and very touched by all the kind words about Sam’s brave actions"
In a statement via the police,his family said: “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the public, and very touched by all the kind words about Sam’s brave actions"
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
#photography
Tintern Abbey, Wales 🏴
Tintern Abbey, Wales 🏴
November 6, 2025 at 10:11 AM
#photography
Tintern Abbey, Wales 🏴
Tintern Abbey, Wales 🏴
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
"What is the largest water company in the country doing trying to run an MP off the road, and saying they want to deter me and others from taking such actions?
"What is the government doing letting a bunch of people run the largest water utility in the country and behave this way?"
"What is the government doing letting a bunch of people run the largest water utility in the country and behave this way?"
Thames Water tries to force Lib Dem MP to pay ruinous legal costs
The supreme court this week rejected Thames Water’s arguments that Charlie Maynard, the Liberal Democrat MP for Witney, should pay its legal...
liberalengland.blogspot.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:26 PM
"What is the largest water company in the country doing trying to run an MP off the road, and saying they want to deter me and others from taking such actions?
"What is the government doing letting a bunch of people run the largest water utility in the country and behave this way?"
"What is the government doing letting a bunch of people run the largest water utility in the country and behave this way?"
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
It’s been a very good year for celebrations of Nigel Kneale, and @tobyhadoke.bsky.social, @mrgeetsromo.bsky.social, @accordingtojond.bsky.social and I are topping it off with a day of Quatermass at Derby QUAD on 6 December!
🎟️: www.derbyquad.co.uk/events/thequ...
🎟️: www.derbyquad.co.uk/events/thequ...
November 15, 2025 at 12:55 PM
It’s been a very good year for celebrations of Nigel Kneale, and @tobyhadoke.bsky.social, @mrgeetsromo.bsky.social, @accordingtojond.bsky.social and I are topping it off with a day of Quatermass at Derby QUAD on 6 December!
🎟️: www.derbyquad.co.uk/events/thequ...
🎟️: www.derbyquad.co.uk/events/thequ...
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Anne Applebaum as usual on the mark. I would add: most elected Republicans quietly fold the millisecond this happens to them. So in speaking up MTG is GOP unusual.
Just in the past 3 days, I happened to speak to an academic, a US politician and a former Biden official who had all received death threats and severe harassment from the MAGA movement. It's now a common experience. I am sorry MTG has to live through the same thing, but she can't be surprised
MTG: “.. “I am now being contacted by private security firms with warnings for my safety as a hot bed of threats against me are being fueled and egged on by the most powerful man in the world. .. The man I supported and helped get elected.”
@mediaite.com #GA14
www.mediaite.com/media/news/m...
@mediaite.com #GA14
www.mediaite.com/media/news/m...
November 15, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Anne Applebaum as usual on the mark. I would add: most elected Republicans quietly fold the millisecond this happens to them. So in speaking up MTG is GOP unusual.
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Today's inspirational message:
November 15, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Today's inspirational message:
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
BBC INTRODUCING CRITICISED AFTER CHAMPIONING ‘PITCH PERFECT’ AI-GENERATED MUSIC
Exclusive: The music of Midlands based artist Papi Lamour was hailed as “pitch perfect” and “amazing” during a show which aired last weekend
www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/b...
Exclusive: The music of Midlands based artist Papi Lamour was hailed as “pitch perfect” and “amazing” during a show which aired last weekend
www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/b...
BBC Introducing criticised after championing ‘pitch perfect’ AI-generated music
The music of Midlands based artist Papi Lamour was hailed as “pitch perfect” and “amazing” during a show which aired last weekend.
www.rollingstone.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 7:51 PM
BBC INTRODUCING CRITICISED AFTER CHAMPIONING ‘PITCH PERFECT’ AI-GENERATED MUSIC
Exclusive: The music of Midlands based artist Papi Lamour was hailed as “pitch perfect” and “amazing” during a show which aired last weekend
www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/b...
Exclusive: The music of Midlands based artist Papi Lamour was hailed as “pitch perfect” and “amazing” during a show which aired last weekend
www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/b...
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
This is Keir Starmer’s moment to stand up for Britain and call on Trump to drop his ludicrous lawsuit against the BBC.
The Prime Minister has spent months cosying up to Trump. If he can’t stop him from attacking one of our most precious institutions, what was it all for?
The Prime Minister has spent months cosying up to Trump. If he can’t stop him from attacking one of our most precious institutions, what was it all for?
November 15, 2025 at 9:58 AM
This is Keir Starmer’s moment to stand up for Britain and call on Trump to drop his ludicrous lawsuit against the BBC.
The Prime Minister has spent months cosying up to Trump. If he can’t stop him from attacking one of our most precious institutions, what was it all for?
The Prime Minister has spent months cosying up to Trump. If he can’t stop him from attacking one of our most precious institutions, what was it all for?
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Yet again, laws that allow utilities, education, health &care and other public services to be handed over to private companies are the core issue. These ‘trusts’ (ha!) are then run on the basis of maximum cash to CEOs and directors, and the most basic possible services they can offer to the users.
"This entire saga has a smell hanging over it. The people of Teesside, Hartlepool and Darlington are no fools. That smell will not go away until there is a full, transparent and independent inquiry."
Teesworks scandal: a dark tale of public wealth lost and private gain
Teesworks - a story that reads like a screenplay for a dark political drama
northeastbylines.co.uk
November 12, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Yet again, laws that allow utilities, education, health &care and other public services to be handed over to private companies are the core issue. These ‘trusts’ (ha!) are then run on the basis of maximum cash to CEOs and directors, and the most basic possible services they can offer to the users.
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
I’ve only just stumbled across the fantastic fact that Margaret Thatcher’s 1970s voice coach, who taught her to lower her voice and speak more resonantly, was none other than Catherine Fleming, who voiced the evil Animus in bonkers 1965 Doctor Who serial The Web Planet. The Zarbi’s not for turning!
November 15, 2025 at 7:26 PM
I’ve only just stumbled across the fantastic fact that Margaret Thatcher’s 1970s voice coach, who taught her to lower her voice and speak more resonantly, was none other than Catherine Fleming, who voiced the evil Animus in bonkers 1965 Doctor Who serial The Web Planet. The Zarbi’s not for turning!
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Reform UK energy plans crumble under scrutiny
Reform UK Ltd rails against net zero, but the evidence shows green jobs and growth are already powering the UK economy
By Brian McHugh
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@brianmchugh.bsky.social
Reform UK Ltd rails against net zero, but the evidence shows green jobs and growth are already powering the UK economy
By Brian McHugh
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@brianmchugh.bsky.social
Reform UK’s energy plans crumble under scrutiny
Reform UK rails against net zero, but the evidence shows green jobs and growth are already powering the UK economy
yorkshirebylines.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Reform UK energy plans crumble under scrutiny
Reform UK Ltd rails against net zero, but the evidence shows green jobs and growth are already powering the UK economy
By Brian McHugh
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@brianmchugh.bsky.social
Reform UK Ltd rails against net zero, but the evidence shows green jobs and growth are already powering the UK economy
By Brian McHugh
@yorkshirebylines.co.uk
@brianmchugh.bsky.social
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Yes, sadly it is real.
November 15, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Yes, sadly it is real.
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Two small yet exquisite exhibitions last night and this afternoon. Joseph Wright of Derby was perfect for a dark evening. Coming at The Air Pump from a different view was really cool. That poor bird though, like Keats’ lovers on the Grecian urn, forever caught between two states.
November 15, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Two small yet exquisite exhibitions last night and this afternoon. Joseph Wright of Derby was perfect for a dark evening. Coming at The Air Pump from a different view was really cool. That poor bird though, like Keats’ lovers on the Grecian urn, forever caught between two states.
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
She always has a ridiculous grin on her face in interviews, like she’s excited to be getting a bit of attention
Liz Truss on Fox News supporting Trump suing the BBC
"There are lots of people in Britain who are cheering President Trump on and want him to sue the BBC"
"And I believe the organisation needs to be defunded"
"There are lots of people in Britain who are cheering President Trump on and want him to sue the BBC"
"And I believe the organisation needs to be defunded"
November 15, 2025 at 7:19 PM
She always has a ridiculous grin on her face in interviews, like she’s excited to be getting a bit of attention
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Jean Gabin and Simone Simon with director Jean Renoir on the set of "La Bête Humaine" from 1938.
November 15, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Jean Gabin and Simone Simon with director Jean Renoir on the set of "La Bête Humaine" from 1938.
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
This is Oakley. He has an injury that requires physical therapy and at-home massages. Luckily, his cat sibling River has been training his whole life for this. 14/10 for both
November 10, 2025 at 11:58 PM
This is Oakley. He has an injury that requires physical therapy and at-home massages. Luckily, his cat sibling River has been training his whole life for this. 14/10 for both
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Coming soon! Premiere: Saturday 29th November, 9pm. Directed by #JeanLucGodard BREATHLESS (1960) starring #JeanPaulBelmondo #JeanSeberg New-wave crime drama in French with English #TPTVsubtitles
Breathless Talking Pictures TV Sky 328 Freeview 82 Virgin 445 Freesat 306
www.youtube.com
November 15, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Coming soon! Premiere: Saturday 29th November, 9pm. Directed by #JeanLucGodard BREATHLESS (1960) starring #JeanPaulBelmondo #JeanSeberg New-wave crime drama in French with English #TPTVsubtitles
Reposted by Jonathan Calder
Now declared a major incident.
Some areas got a month’s worth of rain in less than a day.
Some areas got a month’s worth of rain in less than a day.
Storm Claudia: Major incident declared in Monmouth after flooding
Met Office yellow rain warning was in place early on Saturday with 83 flood warnings issued for England and 12 flood warnings across Wales.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Now declared a major incident.
Some areas got a month’s worth of rain in less than a day.
Some areas got a month’s worth of rain in less than a day.