Comments for simonvarwell.co.uk

Comment on Doors Open Day by Simon Varwell

Simon Varwell — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:59:58 +0000

And to be fair to the Sheriff Court, I’ve just realised an error in my third paragraph – the castle is actually open to the public, by means of the public gallery in the courts. I guess it’s easy to forget that courts are public places and anyone can go and see justice in action. Indeed, the folk showing us round encouraged visitors to do this, and it’s nice to see this urge to be transparent.

Much like some folk might not assume churches are open places, so I didn’t really think about the fact that courts are similarly open.

Comment on Doors Open Day by Simon Varwell

Simon Varwell — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:58:04 +0000

Hi Gareth. Well, I guess I'm busy on Sunday mornings elsewhere! Although on that note it reminds me of David Mitchell's Observer column this week where he notes the irony of it being mostly churches. I guess many people might not think they're open regularly or think to go in them on a Sunday. And talking of crime, I never mentioned that we got to see cells in the castle and also inside a Reliance prisoner transport van. Quite sobering stuff, especially the staff's comments about removing belts etc to prevent suicides.

Comment on My secret life in the Labour Party by Siobhan

Siobhan — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:39:15 +0000

It’s almost impossible to call really. Good luck. I would struggle to not vote.

Comment on Doors Open Day by Gareth J M Saunders

Gareth J M Saunders — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:06:34 +0000

Simon, you *do* know that the Old High Church is open every Sunday morning?

And actually, one way to get to see the inside of the Sheriff Court would be to break into the Old High Church on a Monday morning!

Comment on Save the Chieftain! by Simon Varwell

Simon Varwell — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:31:47 +0000

Hi Jonathan, thanks for your comment. The link to the petition is not easy to find on the Courier website, but it's here.

Comment on Save the Chieftain! by Jonathan Pitt

Jonathan Pitt — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:33:48 +0000

It would be a shame to stop this great train route. The journey could
take longer if passengers have to change at Edinburgh. The government and
Scottish Parilament should be petitioned to prevent the route being stopped.
I believe that the Inverness Courier has a petition on their website.
Power to the people!!!!

Comment on Save the Chieftain! by Simon Varwell

Simon Varwell — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 19:28:32 +0000

Yes, even though the Chieftain takes longer (it goes via Stirling and Falkirk rather than through Fife) it doesn’t always seem that way – perhaps due to the comfort, plugs, wireless etc. ScotRail seats are really not that spacious or comfy, as I know sadly too well.

Comment on Save the Chieftain! by Phil H

Phil H — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:39:43 +0000

It made such a big difference not having to change on the way up last week. And I remember the last time I came up, I was only coming from Edinburgh, but I was on a ScotRail train and it felt *much* longer.

Comment on My secret life in the Labour Party by Simon Varwell

Simon Varwell — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:04:57 +0000

That’s a good idea Phil. However, I do find the idea of voting for anybody Labour – even if that’s the only choice – just a little repulsive. A tricky one.

Comment on My secret life in the Labour Party by Phil H

Phil H — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:23:42 +0000

A mix of one and three, perhaps. Vote Diane Abbott and email round.