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During the last couple of weeks, there have been two local town bands playing in the Precinct where I live. Although I only played in Ferndale & Blaenllechau Town Band for a short time, I do remember walking around the streets, standing under the street lamps playing the Christmas Carols, - freezing cold of course. Now there is a restriction on any marching bands because there has to be a risk assessment before any approval is given. Sometimes I believe Health & Safety (mainly brought in to avoid compensation claims in my view) has gone too far - common sense prevailed in our childhood - am I right?

Yup or in a little more detail in a News cutting a couple or 3 years ago:

An Obituary printed in the London Times - Interesting and sadly rather true



Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:


- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and: Maybe it was my fault.


Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more
than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student,only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to
realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you
still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

John, I've got that somewhere, it was one of the few decent things my former service friends regularly remind us of. Best Wishes for 2014.

Brian