Steve Whalley
@whalleysteve.bsky.social
Love to visit the far corners of Britain (Spain, Italy, France) in search of good food, wine, pubs & countryside: It's all geographical, often meteorological and sometimes political.
Sinkholes are caused by the removal of material below the surface leading to collapse into the resulting space below: not what happened at Whitchurch.
Not sure why the embankment failure, on the Llangollen canal nr Whitchurch, was ever described as a "sinkhole". It seems likely that a leak in the clay lining forced a breach in the embankment which may have been weakened by recent rainfall.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Major incident declared over giant hole at Shropshire canal
Two boats have been left at the bottom of the cavity, where water has drained away.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Sinkholes are caused by the removal of material below the surface leading to collapse into the resulting space below: not what happened at Whitchurch.
Not sure why the embankment failure, on the Llangollen canal nr Whitchurch, was ever described as a "sinkhole". It seems likely that a leak in the clay lining forced a breach in the embankment which may have been weakened by recent rainfall.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Major incident declared over giant hole at Shropshire canal
Two boats have been left at the bottom of the cavity, where water has drained away.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 23, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Not sure why the embankment failure, on the Llangollen canal nr Whitchurch, was ever described as a "sinkhole". It seems likely that a leak in the clay lining forced a breach in the embankment which may have been weakened by recent rainfall.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
So sad to read this news. Chris Rea's distinctive, soulful voice was perfect for his irresistible, lyrical compositions, including one of the very best Christmas songs ever. Rest in peace, Sir.
Chris Rea, rock and blues singer-songwriter, dies aged 74
Chris Rea, rock and blues singer-songwriter, dies aged 74
Middlesbrough-born musician had hits with Driving Home for Christmas, On the Beach and The Road to Hell
Chris Rea, the British singer-songwriter whose hits included Driving Home For Christmas, has died at the age of 74, a spokesperson for his family said.
The statement said that he died “peacefully in hospital … following a short illness”. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:14 PM
So sad to read this news. Chris Rea's distinctive, soulful voice was perfect for his irresistible, lyrical compositions, including one of the very best Christmas songs ever. Rest in peace, Sir.
I couldn't agree more.
England water company CEO says long-term water security is under threat.
Customers already paid, companies didn't build reservoirs, dumped sewage in rivers, neglected investment, paid dividends
Now want to charge customers again, not raising capital from shareholders.
End the scam. Nationalise.
Customers already paid, companies didn't build reservoirs, dumped sewage in rivers, neglected investment, paid dividends
Now want to charge customers again, not raising capital from shareholders.
End the scam. Nationalise.
Suffolk water boss says new reservoirs needed to address demand
Water company says it needs two new reservoirs and a recycling plant to cope with demand in Suffolk.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 12:01 PM
I couldn't agree more.
"Between 2024 and 2025, almost 3 million emergency food parcels were distributed by Trussell Trust food banks in the UK — in the sixth-biggest economy in the world."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
Everton were again subjected to ‘Feed the Scousers’ chants. They had the perfect riposte
Poverty chants are a bleak staple of the festive schedule on Merseyside, but Everton are using them to promote a foodbank initiative
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:57 AM
"Between 2024 and 2025, almost 3 million emergency food parcels were distributed by Trussell Trust food banks in the UK — in the sixth-biggest economy in the world."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
The Winter Solstice is almost here. At 3:03 PM today, the Sun is directly above the Tropic of Capricorn, the most southerly latitude it reaches annually. This leaves #Darwen #Lancashire with its shortest day of 7 hrs 25 min of daylight. By next Sunday, this will have increased to 7 hrs 29 min.
December 21, 2025 at 8:13 AM
The Winter Solstice is almost here. At 3:03 PM today, the Sun is directly above the Tropic of Capricorn, the most southerly latitude it reaches annually. This leaves #Darwen #Lancashire with its shortest day of 7 hrs 25 min of daylight. By next Sunday, this will have increased to 7 hrs 29 min.
The week ahead in #Darwen #Lancashire: Dry but becoming cold. Occasional Sunny spells.
MON 9°C Cloudy→Sunny spells
TUE 7°C Dull
XMAS EVE 6°C Sunny spells
XMAS DAY 5°C Sunny spells/Chilly breeze
BOXING DAY 5°C Cloudy
SAT 7°C Sunny spells
Week after: Cold but mostly fine
MON 9°C Cloudy→Sunny spells
TUE 7°C Dull
XMAS EVE 6°C Sunny spells
XMAS DAY 5°C Sunny spells/Chilly breeze
BOXING DAY 5°C Cloudy
SAT 7°C Sunny spells
Week after: Cold but mostly fine
Some rain to come Sunday night, then very little to no measurable rainfall for 7 days. After that, maybe some wintry/snow showers from the north but overall a much drier theme thankfully.
December 21, 2025 at 7:52 AM
The week ahead in #Darwen #Lancashire: Dry but becoming cold. Occasional Sunny spells.
MON 9°C Cloudy→Sunny spells
TUE 7°C Dull
XMAS EVE 6°C Sunny spells
XMAS DAY 5°C Sunny spells/Chilly breeze
BOXING DAY 5°C Cloudy
SAT 7°C Sunny spells
Week after: Cold but mostly fine
MON 9°C Cloudy→Sunny spells
TUE 7°C Dull
XMAS EVE 6°C Sunny spells
XMAS DAY 5°C Sunny spells/Chilly breeze
BOXING DAY 5°C Cloudy
SAT 7°C Sunny spells
Week after: Cold but mostly fine
Unchecked wealth is undermining democracy.
The push for wealth taxes has been one of the defining economic debates of 2025. The question now is how to create policies that work.
If we are serious about justice, democracy and effective government, this is the path we should take.
youtu.be/iSE8GsNZgBU?...
If we are serious about justice, democracy and effective government, this is the path we should take.
youtu.be/iSE8GsNZgBU?...
If we want tax justice in 2026, this is the way to tax wealth
YouTube video by Richard J Murphy
youtu.be
December 21, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Unchecked wealth is undermining democracy.
A second minor earthquake struck close to Silverdale at 05:03 today. The epicentre of the 2.5 magnitude tremor occurred 0.7 mi offshore in Morecambe Bay. It was probably an aftershock of the 3.3 magnitude event on 03/12/25. Aftershocks happen as the rocks along a faultline settle into a new balance.
BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION ... SILVERDALE, LANCASHIRE 19 DECEMBER 2025 05:03 UTC 2.5 ML
The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake:
LAT/LON : 54.161° North / 2.852° West
GRID REF : 347 kmE / 474 kmN
DEPTH : 2.6 km
MAGNITUDE : 2.5Ml
The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake:
LAT/LON : 54.161° North / 2.852° West
GRID REF : 347 kmE / 474 kmN
DEPTH : 2.6 km
MAGNITUDE : 2.5Ml
December 19, 2025 at 8:50 PM
A second minor earthquake struck close to Silverdale at 05:03 today. The epicentre of the 2.5 magnitude tremor occurred 0.7 mi offshore in Morecambe Bay. It was probably an aftershock of the 3.3 magnitude event on 03/12/25. Aftershocks happen as the rocks along a faultline settle into a new balance.
A self-styled economic think tank that's really a lobbying shop for harmful and polluting industries. I suspect there are many similar organisations in Tufton Street (and other places).
writesbright.substack.com/p/revealed-t...
writesbright.substack.com/p/revealed-t...
Revealed: The IEA’s oil and Murdoch money
New “groundbreaking investigation” into Tufton Street’s funding...
writesbright.substack.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:06 AM
A self-styled economic think tank that's really a lobbying shop for harmful and polluting industries. I suspect there are many similar organisations in Tufton Street (and other places).
writesbright.substack.com/p/revealed-t...
writesbright.substack.com/p/revealed-t...
The Planning & Infrastructure Bill may be approaching its Royal Assent, but BBC News is late to this story. The Guardian ran this in October. The govt should stop giving in to pressure from building lobbyists & insist on the redevelopment of brownfield sites.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Ministers to announce significant changes to UK’s planning system
Exclusive: Differences over changes to environmental and legal provisions to prompt economic growth hint at chaos at heart of government
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
The Planning & Infrastructure Bill may be approaching its Royal Assent, but BBC News is late to this story. The Guardian ran this in October. The govt should stop giving in to pressure from building lobbyists & insist on the redevelopment of brownfield sites.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Some mist and a touch of frost is likely in #Darwen #Lancashire in the early hours before cloud and rain returns from the south by 7am.
The week ahead in #Darwen #Lancashire: Less mild. Heavy rain Mon & Thur; mix of showers & occ sun between...
MON 9°C Heavy rain
TUE 8°C Early rain→Sunny spells
WED 9°C Breezy & Light rain
THU 10°C Rain, heavy→light
FRI 8°C Blustery showers
SAT 8°C Sunny spells/Odd shower
Week after: Chilly/Some sun
MON 9°C Heavy rain
TUE 8°C Early rain→Sunny spells
WED 9°C Breezy & Light rain
THU 10°C Rain, heavy→light
FRI 8°C Blustery showers
SAT 8°C Sunny spells/Odd shower
Week after: Chilly/Some sun
At a whopping 2.9°C above the 1991-2020 average, December 2025 through 12th is the 14th warmest on record in the Hadley mean Central England Temperature dataset.
The outlook remains mostly mild until later next week when high pressure may bring dry, calm, chilly or cold weather.
The outlook remains mostly mild until later next week when high pressure may bring dry, calm, chilly or cold weather.
December 16, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Some mist and a touch of frost is likely in #Darwen #Lancashire in the early hours before cloud and rain returns from the south by 7am.
The fact that 'Western', 'democratic' governments choose not to do this is provoking instability and unrest. The very wealthy haven't earned their money; they have merely created circumstances where they accumulate it. They should pay up.
60,000 people – 0.001% of the world’s population – control three times as much wealth as the entire bottom half of humanity.
Top 10% earn more than the other 90%.
They control govts, means of production; inflict civil strife, deaths; thwart possibilities of democracy.
Tax the rich.
Top 10% earn more than the other 90%.
They control govts, means of production; inflict civil strife, deaths; thwart possibilities of democracy.
Tax the rich.
Just 0.001% hold three times the wealth of poorest half of humanity, report finds
Data from World Inequality Report also showed top 10% of income-earners earn more than the other 90%
www.theguardian.com
December 14, 2025 at 9:15 AM
The fact that 'Western', 'democratic' governments choose not to do this is provoking instability and unrest. The very wealthy haven't earned their money; they have merely created circumstances where they accumulate it. They should pay up.
'Extraction' should be the buzzword for 2026.
Chief executives are now paid hundreds of times more than the people who actually create value in their companies. This is not innovation or entrepreneurship – it is extraction.
In this video, I explain how fair pay ratios could be enforced through the tax system.
youtu.be/X5jvx5ytcuE?...
In this video, I explain how fair pay ratios could be enforced through the tax system.
youtu.be/X5jvx5ytcuE?...
Why Are CEOs Paid So Much More Than You?
YouTube video by Richard J Murphy
youtu.be
December 14, 2025 at 9:02 AM
'Extraction' should be the buzzword for 2026.
The week ahead in #Darwen #Lancashire: Less mild. Heavy rain Mon & Thur; mix of showers & occ sun between...
MON 9°C Heavy rain
TUE 8°C Early rain→Sunny spells
WED 9°C Breezy & Light rain
THU 10°C Rain, heavy→light
FRI 8°C Blustery showers
SAT 8°C Sunny spells/Odd shower
Week after: Chilly/Some sun
MON 9°C Heavy rain
TUE 8°C Early rain→Sunny spells
WED 9°C Breezy & Light rain
THU 10°C Rain, heavy→light
FRI 8°C Blustery showers
SAT 8°C Sunny spells/Odd shower
Week after: Chilly/Some sun
At a whopping 2.9°C above the 1991-2020 average, December 2025 through 12th is the 14th warmest on record in the Hadley mean Central England Temperature dataset.
The outlook remains mostly mild until later next week when high pressure may bring dry, calm, chilly or cold weather.
The outlook remains mostly mild until later next week when high pressure may bring dry, calm, chilly or cold weather.
December 14, 2025 at 8:59 AM
The week ahead in #Darwen #Lancashire: Less mild. Heavy rain Mon & Thur; mix of showers & occ sun between...
MON 9°C Heavy rain
TUE 8°C Early rain→Sunny spells
WED 9°C Breezy & Light rain
THU 10°C Rain, heavy→light
FRI 8°C Blustery showers
SAT 8°C Sunny spells/Odd shower
Week after: Chilly/Some sun
MON 9°C Heavy rain
TUE 8°C Early rain→Sunny spells
WED 9°C Breezy & Light rain
THU 10°C Rain, heavy→light
FRI 8°C Blustery showers
SAT 8°C Sunny spells/Odd shower
Week after: Chilly/Some sun
This is also very true for the UK. For us, it's about rebuilding a strong traditional working class together with a more optimistic professional/aspirational class.
Remember: The recipe for economic growth isn’t tax cuts for the rich. It’s investment in our people — in health care, infrastructure and education — to build a strong middle class.
You don't grow the economy through trickle-down nonsense.
You don't grow the economy through trickle-down nonsense.
December 13, 2025 at 12:20 AM
This is also very true for the UK. For us, it's about rebuilding a strong traditional working class together with a more optimistic professional/aspirational class.
The behaviour of the US government at the moment is terrifying.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
US engaging in ‘extreme rightwing tropes’ reminiscent of 1930s, British MPs warn
House of Commons calls on Keir Starmer to condemn Donald Trump’s ‘interference’ in European politics
www.theguardian.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:06 AM
The behaviour of the US government at the moment is terrifying.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
It will come as no surprise to report that the last few days in #Darwen #Lancashire have been very wet. 84mm (3.3 in) of rain has fallen since Friday morning. 27mm associated with #StormBram. So far, total December rainfall is 94mm which is 76% of the average total for the month of 124mm (4.9 in).
December 9, 2025 at 5:56 PM
It will come as no surprise to report that the last few days in #Darwen #Lancashire have been very wet. 84mm (3.3 in) of rain has fallen since Friday morning. 27mm associated with #StormBram. So far, total December rainfall is 94mm which is 76% of the average total for the month of 124mm (4.9 in).
Just noticed that I accidentally omitted rent as the third real tax that normal folk pay: interest, excess profits , *and* rent.
The UK has been a rentier economy for many years. Rachel Reeves - Act to reduce the real 'taxes' normal folk pay. These are interest, excess profits. Let those on low and middle incomes hold onto their wealth. Then you'll see growth.
Who can we really afford — the rich or everyone else? youtu.be/SzTi95kUBKo?...
December 9, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Just noticed that I accidentally omitted rent as the third real tax that normal folk pay: interest, excess profits , *and* rent.
At least eight UKIP/Brexit party MEPs are known to have been the focus of efforts by Reform’s former Wales leader Nathan Gill to co-opt them into fulfilling tasks set by his Kremlin paymasters: I don't feel that this story lit up the UK MSM as much as it might.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Three more Farage bloc MEPs alleged to have followed Russian asset’s script
At least eight MEPs elected for Ukip or Brexit party now known to have been focus of efforts by jailed Nathan Gill
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:24 PM
At least eight UKIP/Brexit party MEPs are known to have been the focus of efforts by Reform’s former Wales leader Nathan Gill to co-opt them into fulfilling tasks set by his Kremlin paymasters: I don't feel that this story lit up the UK MSM as much as it might.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Surprised? Christopher Harborne has been responsible for 59% of Reform’s total donations since the last election, and he's a crypto billionaire who wants the Bank of England to relax cryptocurrency controls. This is what Reform is really about.
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Reform’s record £9m crypto donation is just the latest offering from abroad | The Observer
observer.co.uk
December 7, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Surprised? Christopher Harborne has been responsible for 59% of Reform’s total donations since the last election, and he's a crypto billionaire who wants the Bank of England to relax cryptocurrency controls. This is what Reform is really about.
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
The week ahead in #Darwen #Lancashire: Very mild & wet at first. Showery & less mild after midweek...
MON 11°C Sunny spells & odd shower
TUE 14°C Rain, heavy at first. Fine pm
WED 10°C Sunshine & showers
THU 9°C Sunny spells
FRI 9°C Light rain
SAT 9°C Cloudy
Week after: Less mild & showery
MON 11°C Sunny spells & odd shower
TUE 14°C Rain, heavy at first. Fine pm
WED 10°C Sunshine & showers
THU 9°C Sunny spells
FRI 9°C Light rain
SAT 9°C Cloudy
Week after: Less mild & showery
A lot of rain on the way over the next 2 weeks. #relentless
December 7, 2025 at 4:13 AM
The week ahead in #Darwen #Lancashire: Very mild & wet at first. Showery & less mild after midweek...
MON 11°C Sunny spells & odd shower
TUE 14°C Rain, heavy at first. Fine pm
WED 10°C Sunshine & showers
THU 9°C Sunny spells
FRI 9°C Light rain
SAT 9°C Cloudy
Week after: Less mild & showery
MON 11°C Sunny spells & odd shower
TUE 14°C Rain, heavy at first. Fine pm
WED 10°C Sunshine & showers
THU 9°C Sunny spells
FRI 9°C Light rain
SAT 9°C Cloudy
Week after: Less mild & showery
What a farce. Quite rightly, Trump was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He has made the world a more perilous place. So his mates phone FIFA, that well-known peace organisation, and establish the super dooper FIFA Peace Prize.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Trump awarded inaugural Fifa peace prize at World Cup draw in Washington
US president receives new Fifa honour as scrutiny grows over Infantino’s political alliances and Trump’s disputed record on global conflicts
www.theguardian.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:13 PM
What a farce. Quite rightly, Trump was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He has made the world a more perilous place. So his mates phone FIFA, that well-known peace organisation, and establish the super dooper FIFA Peace Prize.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
This is what Farage is all about - not the good people of Clacton or the UK.
🔴 NEW - Farage rescued (for now) by mega donor
Reform is in a worse financial position than it appears...
Reform is in a worse financial position than it appears...
Farage rescued (for now) by mega donor
Reform lands £9 million from one man...
writesbright.substack.com
December 5, 2025 at 7:08 AM
This is what Farage is all about - not the good people of Clacton or the UK.