Author Archives: Tess French

A little over a week ago (blimey, was it only a week?!) I was standing in the belting sun outside Birstall library, acting as the teller for the Workers Party. I loitered around like Billy No Mates from just after 7am, awkwardly asking people for their voter numbers as they left the building after votingContinue reading “Bagley and Spend”

A cold evening on a housing estate in the Batley constituency. George Galloway approaches a lady who is standing in her front garden, arms folded, defensive, and he starts talking to her about her cat. He’s fearless, I think to myself. It’s clear she’s not keen on him, or keen to talk. She’s been attractedContinue reading “Batley and Spin”

Couple of bees in my bonnet fam. There’s a post on facebook with a thread a mile long, discussing what recycling item goes in each bag or box. I’ve been watching with interest. Last week, a local councillor was advertising that he had a brand new set of PCC recycling bins, for the princely sumContinue reading “Priorities”

What is it that makes most people slaver at the thought of owning their own bit of land and living simply from it? When put like that, it’s obvious. It sounds ever so wholesome. The old school peasantry and the serfs of old would tell you, if they could, how hard it was, back inContinue reading “Barking Up the Wrong Tree”

Funny old game, innit.. politics. So many people say they hate politics. Lots of people hate politicians. I suppose problems can arise because of this. I got some abuse off some bloke on facebook earlier, for being what he called, a politician. I’m not a politician. I work for a political party, but I’m notContinue reading “Entering the Fray…”

Finally, the powers that be are trying to instigate a double council tax on holiday homes. Many locals are jumping up and down in joy, but many are not. Why is that? A lot of people have in in their heads that as tourism is our main industry, then the houses all being sold asContinue reading “When Is A House Not A Home?”

I was talking to my new neighbour the other day, and she was telling me about all the vandalism in Pembroke, and all the dodgy happenings that go on. Apparently, my new place got broken into loads of times because there were some dodgy geezers living here. It was all pretty hectic it seems. WhichContinue reading “In Estate”

I know why January lasts so long. Psychologically, everyone breathes a sigh of relief on Boxing Day, and then proceeds to spend the next few days in a state of confusion and limbo, where no-one really knows what day it is, and everything is all topsy turvy. You’re bored of the decorations, and maybe youContinue reading “I know Why the Bird Cage Swings”

Since moving to Pembroke I’ve been chatting online with a lovely new friend called Rita who lives up the road. As I’ve been sorting out my place, I’ve been looking for inspiration, and Rita sent me some beautiful pics of her place, which of now makes me want red walls like she’s got. We shareContinue reading “Schadenfreude”

I think I’m going to wait until all the episodes of Pembrokeshire Murders have been on the tele before I watch it. I can’t cope with cliffhangers, so I like to binge watch things. Although of course, it’s not like it’s a surprise. I remember the stories well, and remember when they happened. The programmeContinue reading “Head Funds”