24/11/16

[Maik]

Argostoli is to get a new water treatment plant. No date given.

Cost said to be 4,000,000€.


On the subject... laying new water mains pipes in Argostoli should be completed within the next three months. Pressure may differ from present.


Water supply will be interrupted tomorrow between 08:00-13:30 in north west and south west Lixouri area.

[Maik]

EU Parliament votes to urge halt to Turkey EU membership talks

http://www.ekathimerini.com/214005/article/ekathimerini/news/eu-parliament-votes-to-urge-halt-to-turkey-eu-membership-talks

[Maik]

Steven Gerrard: Liverpool great retires after 19-year career

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37972429

[Maik]

Autumn Statement: Workers' pay growth prospects dreadful, says IFS

The outlook for wages is "dreadful" with the squeeze on pay lasting for more than 10 years, independent economists have said.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said workers would earn less in real wages in 2021 than they did in 2008.

Other analysis shows the biggest losers between now and 2020 will be lower income families, with the poorest third likely to see incomes drop.

In its analysis of the Autumn Statement, the independent think tank, the IFS, said workers would earn less in real wages in 2021 than they did in 2008.

"This has, for sure, been the worst decade for living standards certainly since the last war and probably since the 1920s," said Paul Johnson, director of the IFS.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-38090977

[Maik]

Tube strike: Drivers to go on strike in December

Tube drivers are to stage 24-hour strikes on 6 and 7 December, coinciding with a walkout by Southern Rail guards.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-38094257

[Maik]

'No evidence' Jane Austen ever went to stately home mentioned in autumn statement
 
Hammond announces £7.6m handout to repair Wentworth Woodhouse, but author society says it did not inspire Pemberley, despite chancellor’s claims

Philip Hammond’s claims that he was saving a stately home that inspired Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice have been rubbished by the author’s official society.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/nov/23/jane-austen-inspiration-receives-76m-funding-in-autumn-statement-wentworth-woodhouse

[Maik]

Israel Fire: Greece, Croatia and Russia Are Sending Aerial Support

Countries answer a request from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for extra firefighter jets to battle blazes consuming homes in the Jerusalem and Haifa regions as an unusually dry November aids the spread of fires.

http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.754780

[Colleywobble]

So pleased to see some progress with money forthcoming to preserve Wentworth Woodhouse. A truly amazing place. My Great Great Grandparents lived and worked there. Last year we were bought a visit round the house as a Christmas present .Its an amazing place and the largest private house in Europe. So pleased that at long last it looks as if it is to be rescued for the nation .Read Catherine Bailey's book Black Diamonds which gives a great in site into Wentworth its history and its unfortunate fall into disrepair through the malicious actions of the labour Government of Many Shinwell allowing open cast mining up to its front door just to spite the mine owner Earl Fitzwilliam. The damage done is clear to see today and will take millions to repair. Sad really because the Earl was very well thought of by all his tenants and workers. I know how he looked after my Great Grandfather when he was seriously ill and would have died without his help. A great place to visit both Summer and Winter as there is a lovely Garden centre with very nice restaurant and at Christmas is very popular. In Summer nice place for picnics. Will be even better if it is all open to the public eventually.

[Misty]

Tube strike: Drivers to go on strike in December

Tube drivers are to stage 24-hour strikes on 6 and 7 December, coinciding with a walkout by Southern Rail guards.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-38094257

B**!*!*s that's the day of my team lunch at work in central London 

[Maik]

Thanks for that, Colleywobble. I'd never heard of the place before so did a quick google. Interesting write up on Wikipedia, including Destruction of the estate:

Shinwell, intent on the destruction of the Fitzwilliams and "the privileged rich", decreed that the mining would continue to the back door of Wentworth, the family's East Front. What followed saw the mining of 99 acres (400,000 m²) of lawns and woods, the renowned formal gardens and the show-piece pink shale driveway (a by-product of the family's collieries). Ancient trees were uprooted and the debris of earth and rubble was piled 50 ft (15 m) high in front of the family's living quarters.

Local opinion supported the Earl. Joe Hall, Yorkshire branch President of the National Union of Mineworkers said that the "miners in this area will go to almost any length rather than see Wentworth Woodhouse destroyed. To many mining communities it is sacred ground" – in an industry known for harsh treatment of workers, the Fitzwilliams were respected employers known for treating their employees well. The Yorkshire branch later threatened a strike over the Government's plans for Wentworth.