Mr Sands

But if we have any more snow, at least you can enjoy the novelty of driving in a straight line!

Oh well Jim. Going to make for a tight month financially, but at least that's new shoes on her now so you've got it out of the way.

lol judging by that trend, any local elephants should take care whilst crossing ROFL!

PMSL!

Yes, I thought that. And said it. Aloud. Never mind loving the 'rado, the girlfriend deserves her credit for stoically putting up with this and still sounding interested.

Sorry to hear that David. Those lights do seem to catch people out.

Really sorry to hear about this David. Did it happen in Worcester?

That is one shiny, shiny 'rado. Nice work Rob, you're constantly giving me something to aim at!

So do I. That was fantastic watching Captain Slow take it to that speed. Great show tonight. They're really on form this series; still funny as hell but it's back being about the cars.

jonnyboyo, I'm not going to whinge about my lot as a teacher. I have the highest admiration for police officers and nurses as I couldn't face the demands of either job: ridiculous hours, frequently aggressive or rude public, unpleasant sights etc etc. But then I know that many people couldn't countenance working with a class full of kids, so it's different strokes for different folks. However, I'm certainly not going to whinge about my lot in teaching. For starters, I teach in a good grammar school, so I get pretty good, old-fashioned standards of discipline and nice, intelligent kids (but ridiculous pressures in terms of marking and sky-high results targets, and lots of extra hours for extra teaching, rugby coaching, house activities etc). Secondly, our rate of pay is pretty sound (you won't get rich quickly, but you're comfortable enough). Thirdly, we obviously get cushy holidays in terms of time off. However, what people don't realise is that if we didn't get those holidays, the hours we work in term time would burn us out, since you can't keep up that intensity all year round. You need time to crash out and recover. And mark. And plan. And take the kids on trips, tours etc. But my lot's good. I love my job. I wouldn't want to do anything else, I love the interaction with the kids and seeing them develop. But then I wouldn't teach anywhere outside the private or grammar sector, as behavioural standards are so poor in so much of the rest of the education system. Out of the trio of teachers, nurses and police, I think the latter two are more deserving of respect. But then I'm in an exceptional school, and I'm damn lucky. Most teachers, including many of my friends, aren't so lucky. Anyone who teaches in a rough inner city school (the kind I trained in) deserves a medal. Thank God some people are prepared to, I take my hat off to them. I couldn't do it.

vwdeviant, spot on. With any luck, he's wanted for so many other things that when they're all totted up, he can do some proper time. jonnyboyo, before training to teach I spent some time working in the Magistrates' Court here. It was so depressing to see the number of offenders on an endless cycle through the courts, getting no punishment of any note and going straight out to do it again. You have my sympathy. I think you boys do an excellent job despite being under-resourced but you're being failed by the system. Just like a lot of nurses, teachers etc.

Yeah, great news that they think they've got him. Thing is, you'll be lucky if he ever gets anything but a slap on the wrist and a fine which he'll pay if you're lucky. It'd piss me off so much if I were a policeman; you do your job, get the criminal against the odds, bring him to court and then see him walk off whistling after a rebuke and a token fine.

Martin, I did mine in situ but with the help of someone else to keep the spring out of the way while I did it. If you're going solo (ooer) then it's worth taking the handle off. Quality piece of kit from Dave though.

Tough one to call...desperately sad that another one's gone forever, but then it's freeing up parts and making those that remain all the rarer. Lesser of two evils really.

Great episode. Just the right balance between gut-wrenching tension and amusement. Great stuff.

Can't wait for this!

quicky1980, was the bodyshop I put you onto any use? I ask since I might need some work doing on my driver's side wheel arch to weld it and paint it where some rust's getting in. Hope you get it sorted.

So sorry for you mate.

Good news indeed. Sunday evenings just aren't the same without it!

Yup, always worth giving the system a proper bleed first; my brakes were a little spongy when I bought the VR, but bleeding some air out of the system firmed them up.

Sounding grrrreat.

Mate, I feel for you.

I think you got a bargain!

A colleague taught me the best way to deal with your rage and not get yourself into trouble is to blow any offending motorist a big kiss. It works beautifully, they don't know what to do.

Oh mate. You're not having much luck since buying the VR! Sympathy. Maybe karma will ensure that someone does the same to them!