Eid Mubarak

To all my Muslim friends, I wish you all

Joy and Peace in this year ahead.

Afternoon Tea for a crowd!!!

Well, actually, there wasn't a crowd  ...  it was just my dear friend Pauline and I.  But there was certainly enough food for a crowd!!

We strategically worked our way from the bottom up - conquering the savoury sandwiches first, working our way through the chocolate chip scone 





...  until we had to admit defeat and request a doggie-bag, especially as there were SIX cakes each.







    Thanks Pauline for such a lovely treat. Now I have to try not to fall asleep in my office :-)

World Environment Day

Reduce your carbon footprint:

·   * Switch off electrical items incl. chargers that you don’t need to have on; if you can switch them off at the wall (apart from your pc’s and other essential equipment)

·   * Turn off lights in rooms that are bright enough with them off

·   * Drive less - walk, cycle or use public/university transport instead. This also reduces air pollution, congestion, can save you time and get you fitter

·   * Try and cut down on flights

·  

Eat & drink responsibly:

·   * Try to eat less meat and dairy today; try to maintain a largely ‘plant based diet’ in the future

·   * Refill water bottles rather than buy single use bottles

·   * Buy or use a ‘keep-cup’ or china mug when you buy your teas/coffees (& save money at many outlets)

·   * Look out for locally sourced, organic or responsibly sourced and certified foods 

·    

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

·   * Buy less stuff and only stuff you really need, print less

·   * Reuse, lend or borrow occasionally needed items

·   * Recycle as much as you can but don’t put contaminants in the recycling bins

·   * Cut down on plastics (particularly single use)

·   * If you see litter pick it up

·   

Support your communities & get active:

·   * Caring for others is crucial, take time out to see how you can help others

·   * Volunteer and support good causes

·   * Feel good about helping out

·   

Get out and enjoy nature:

·   * Spend some time today outside, in quiet and peaceful parts of our campuses or our nearby parks

·   * Appreciate the silence, nature and the space

·   * Feel rejuvenated

On a personal note ...

My dad (Bill) and his friend, Bill, have recently been to stay for a week. 
Together we enjoyed Maidstone, the Dragon Boat race, Mote Park and a slightly overcast but very pleasant day in Broadstairs. On the two days I was at work the Bills explored the many aspects of the Historic Dockyard.

 

LGBTQ

Every year during the month of June, the LGBTQ community celebrates in a number of different ways. Across the globe, various events are held as a way of recognising the positive influence LGBTQ people have had around the world. The month of June was chosen in recognition of the Stonewall Riots that took place back in 1969.

TABLEtalk

We are slowly on the wind-down with TABLEtalk ... just a few more weeks to go. BUT don't worry there will be a summer programme of events for those of you still around the Medway area.

We had a great evening playing 'The Name Game' and 'Don't Panic'.  It was marvellous to have Aiste show up, especially seeing as it was her birthday :-)  

Then the added surprise of a visit from Anu and Vinila.

Dragon Boat Race

Sadly, this year I didn't get to take part in the Dragon Boat Race, which is part of the annual Food & Drink Festival.  Did go along though on Sunday afternoon with my visitors and several students.  

The weather was glorious, the music was fab, my pork and halloumi souvlaki with chilli sauce was wonderfully lip-numbing. It was an entertaining few hours :-)