A BREAK IN THE LAKE DISTRICT.

As the author is now nearer eighty than seventy, I'm conscious about the delights of my own countryside, which presumably will eventually become a trip too far, requiring at least one final viewing. In the spring we took a trip to refresh ourselves of the attractions of North Yorkshire; sheer delight. In the autumn it will be the turn of the south coast. However, last week it was Cumbria. First of all we have to establish the fact that one doesn't approach such a trip expecting wall to wall sunshine. The sun does shine, but rain is evident in equal measure; hence the lakes.

Apart from the beauty abounding around every corner and over each summit, it is wonderful to see the many foreign visitors. Japanese and Chinese, incidentally, all speaking better English than most Brits. Irrespective of the weather, the places are buzzing with the intrepid fell walkers of all ages. There are also plenty of varied and quality eating houses. One complaint though, whenever enquiring about beer (ale), the first response is the offer of a range of Walloon juice. For anybody in doubt, the area is bristling with breweries. Nevertheless, the trip was well worthwhile.

An additional reason for staying on the island this year, was the anticipation of the return of the 'pinko' strikers; knowing that they are rearing to conjure up a confrontation with the rest of us. Something organized by their Union's overpaid General Secretaries.


THE TIME HAS COME TO HURT THE STRIKERS WITH SWINGEING COSTS.