GoNW 2022: five highlights

We’ve just enjoyed the best part of a week in north and mid Wales. I wouldn’t want to overdo it but it was a reasonably emotional trip for me because I grew up in Wales and visiting places I remember from those days, seeing the Welsh signs and place names and hearing the language spoken brought back memories. It’s made me resolve to return!

5 good reasons to vote for the Lib Dem team this year

I posted the following on hiopcouncillors.org to support the Lib Dems’ current local election campaign

5 signs you’re a little bit older

As people are inclined to say: not a lot improves as you get older, it’s just better than the alternative

Remembering Asia’s airports in the 70s

My claim to be an old Asian hand springs from 1974-1979 when I lived first in Jakarta for two years and then Hong Kong. I spent a fair amount of time travelling around the region and got to know its airports which were very different from those you’d use nowadays.

5 highlights of 2021

It’s not been a great year. The Covid constraints limited what we might do but except for the lockdown of early in the year we’ve had enough freedom to get out and enjoy life in the UK and then I was able to visit Spain on business on November. Then the Omicron virus hit and rules have been tightened and we can expect more of the same at least for the start of 2022.

5 overnights in hospital

With the NHS under so much pressure I’ve been thinking about what I owe it. And before I get into that let’s be clear that it’s under pressure on two fronts. First is the obvious one of Covid and let’s all note the incredible debt we now owe to the people of the NHS which have worked extraordinarily hard. Johnson blusters about the parties in Downing Street and justifies them because everybody’s been working very hard without considering the NHS people who didn’t have any parties because they stuck to the rules.

5 training courses which have made a difference

I’ve just attended a couple of days’ training (pictured here) . Actually more of a workshop than a training course but it got me thinking about the training I’ve had over the years since I started working.

5 business books I’ve read

I’ve bought my fair share of business books, started most of them and finished a few. I’m not sure that much of this time has been well spent but these five were a good investment and I’d read them again.

Five great upgrades

I’m fortunate but I’ve also got to apologise. I’m fortunate in that I’ve enjoyed lots of interesting business travel often in business or even first class. At one time I had three gold cards: with BA, KLM and SAS which meant that even when I was travelling economy I still got to avoid the long economy class check-in queues and was able to use the business class lounges.

Farewell to all that

At midnight a week ago last Monday I ceased to be a county councillor. I was first elected 16 years ago and, as I’ve said many times, I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for. Certainly I couldn’t have imagined it lasting so long. So as I look back, what are the highlights? And in keeping with my basic rule ‘what are the 5 highlights?’