Friday, 22 May 2020

The Friday Joke - Three viruses walk into a bar...... 22/05/2020

Pic courtesy Telegram and Gazette
A corona virus, a Spanish flu virus and a common cold virus walk into a bar.
The corona virus says "'I've killed 300,000 people and infected two million!"
The Spanish flu virus baosts "That's nothing, I killed 20 million!".

The common cold virus, turns to the other two and says "Yeah, but I've infected five billion, and they aren't even trying to find a vaccine to kill me and if this was my epidemic, we'd be able to get a drink in here!"

Have a great weekend, stay safe and keep your distance!




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Thursday, 21 May 2020

2020 - The summer of not much at all?

1967 was the Summer of Love. 1977 was the Summer of Hate. I wonder how we'll remember the Summer of '20? Will it be the Summer of nothing much. I hate to speak to early, but it looks very much like the infection rate will be down, the pubs will be open, with sensible social distancing, but football and cricket will be played behind closed doors and as for music festivals? That would be nice, wouldn't it? In fact a gig in a pub or a club would be a nice thing, but even that may be a bit risky. Can you imagine the first person to sneeze? I suspect that we will see a surge of unofficial, underground teenage raves in the woods, as the urge to have fun takes over the urge to survive. I can see the arguments now "Well, we are aloud outside and we are all 2 metres apart" (apart from those 2 over there in the bushes).

But what really interests me is how we will remember this summer. I suspect I will remember it in the same way as I remember the Summer of 1988. Can you remember the summer of 88? Well, I was 26 at the time, just bought a house and working like a Trojan to pay the bills. The band was pretty much on ice at the time. My Diary tells me that my band did one gig in the summer, my birthday barbeque. I cannot remember anything about it at all. I suspect that it was quite good fun. But given my circumstances, it was the summer that passed me by. I can remember them all up until 1987 for their jollity. In 87, I was in the process of buying the house, helping my mum get over the sudden death of my Dad and changing jobs. We were also doing a lot of work on the studio. My two best mates had gone to India, to be fleeced by the locals in a gemstone scam. I told them they were silly sausages, but still lent them £400 towards the disastrous scheme. So yes, I remember the time well. I was working for BT so I could phone anywhere in the world for free and have a chat with them, which is why I got roped into wiring them the money. So yes, although I don't remember much frivolity, I do recall the summer, but 88? Did we go on holiday? Did we see any gigs? Did we do anything at all?

I suppose that people will remember the lockdown, because although we didn't do anything, we didn't do anything in a very conscious way, as opposed to 1988, which was really just a non event. I was thinking about 2020 and how it will be remembered. I must confess that when the clock struck midnight, I was not in a party mood, rather unusually for me. It has occurred to me that maybe I even had covid. I was completely lacking in energy. We went away with friends, but I was completely knackered, for no good reason. I was in bed before 1pm. I had worried that I'd started to become a miseerable old git.  In January, we saw a couple of rather good gigs, February and March, there was some good football and a few more gigs. Then disaster struck. Our friends teenage daughter took her own life, overwhelmed with depression and the pressure of life. By the time we had cleared our heads, we were on the way to York and Manchester to collect the kids from Uni and begin lockdown. Today, I got a letter from Manchester City FC, telling me I will be getting a refund for the tickets I had to see them play Newcastle on the 17th. The League cup final against Aston Villa seems like a lifetime ago.

I imagined that 2020 would be a year dominated by Brexit, by Mid January, I'd sort of accepted that Liverpool would win the League. I was dreaming that maybe Manchester City would win the European Cup as a consolation! To be honest, right now it would be fun even to see a three legged dog chasing a ball in the park.

And then there is the spectre of the Big C, that elephant in my room that has been there since 2011. It has reared its ugly head. After five years of relative peace of mind, it looks like I may be back on the biopsy and treatment path.

There has been much talk about "what you will miss about lockdown". The simple answer is "nothing". It is good that there is less pollution, but other than that, why would any sane individual really want to be locked in there house, with no football, music, pubs, visits with friends, restaurants, haircuts, etc. In my humble opinion, if you think having your movements restricted is anything but a nightmare, then you really should get out more (once it is safe). Needs must. I've lost a much loved aunt and a couple of friends to covid19. That is three people too many. That is why I follow the rules and the sooner it is lifted, the better, which is why I pray to God that you are following the rules too.

Maybe we will learn something from all of this. My guitar playing has improved with all of the time for practice, but my creativity has plummeted with the lack of stimulation. It is quite hard writing a blog when there is nothing happening. It does seems that there is a flurry of activity from property developers, who seem to have twigged that we are all looking the other way. I wonder how many people will seriously want rabbit hutch sized flats when this is done and dusted? If that is a good thing to come out of it all, then I suppose that we should be thankfull.

It seems to me that a lot of people are learning to enjoy the local nature reserves such as Darlands, and not just for a quickie in the bushes. On our walk today, we passed dozens of people. I must admit though, that the walk will be nicer when we can stop at this place for refreshments.

The Orange Tree

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Wednesday, 20 May 2020

The thing you most want to hear during lockdown

How strictly have you been onserving social distancing? We've done our best to follow the rules, we've had a couple of 2m+ chats with friends met whilst dog walking and that is about that. Like many people we've been doing Zoom chats. I'd never heard of Zoom before the Lockdown, it now seems that everyone is using it. My last chat with my 89 year old Auntie before she succumbed to covid19 was a Zoom chat, as was her wake. I joked to my family that I hope I never have another Zoom chat in my life once the lockdown is lifted, I really hate just about every aspect of big group chats on line. That is what pubs and parties are for. Don't get me wrong, it has been great to catch up with friends, but once this current situation is over, I rather hope it will be like wearing flared trousers.

When I started to write this blog, it was entitled "Why I hate Zoom". Then I realise that I don't hate Zoom, I just hate the circumstances that have caused me to use it. If my kids were living in the USA and Australia and we were all having the time of our lives, I'd probably love it. As it is, when I use it, I just realise that it is a symbol of what we can't do, that we really enjoy. Life is a bit strange, it is like we are living Groundhog day. Every day, we do the same things in a slightly different order. The highlight is the daily press conference from number 10, when the latest hapless minister shares the death toll, tells us how many people got the bus yesterday and gives us some good news to soften the blow, such as that shoplifting is down or that the A43 roadworks have been completed.




I must confess to complete incredulity when the Transport Secretary told us that the A43 roadworks had been completed seven months ahead of schedule last week. I just wonder who advises him? Whilst I'm sure that for some people this is a matter of huge importance, for the majority of citizens of this kingdom, a road that runs from Ardley in Oxfordshire to Stamford in Lincolnshire, via Northampton is fairly near the bottom of the list of things that keep us awake. This isn't Tory bashing. Rishi Sunak gets it. If you are announcing that 600 people have died, then if you say that you will pay their wages, so they won't default on their mortgage it is good news. Hearing that there is a loan to keep your business afloat is good news. That is the sort of good news we want to hear.

I was chatting with another business owner yesterday, when I went to collect my guitar from storage at the studio. He has received no aid from the council, as he is self employed, he's yet to receive a penny of his furlough money, his bank won't lend him a 'bounceback loan'. He's operated a business from the site for 13 years and tells me that he's paid over £200,000 in business rates. He hasn't had a bean in support. He asked me how he was meant to support his wife and children. It was not a question I could answer.

So what do you most want to hear in lockdown? That really is very simple for most people. I don't mean the superficial stuff, such as that the pubs will open in July or that we will be able to go on a cruise to the USA in September. What we want to hear is that the Government is doing its level best to keep us safe in a time when there is a deadly infectious virus on the loose and that we will not find ourselves thrown out of house and home because we can't pay the bills. The lack of PPE, the lack of testing and tracing and the lack of a strategy to eradicate the virus scares me. As to our financial wellbeing, I think that, in the short term at least (who knows what state the economy will be in in two years time), I think my business will survive. But after my conversation yesterday, I am very worried that many won't. Whilst the government scheme was rushed out and it was clear that there would be winners and losers, they have had a couple of months to analyse things in greater detail. What they need now is a modified scheme to help those businesses that have fallen between the cracks of the schemes and aid on offer.  My friend was forced to close his business and he has had no income since March. There are lots of highly paid civil servants, on guaranteed salaries and rock solid pension schemes devising these schemes. The least they should be doing is ensuring that hard working people get some support when they need it most. This is not sentimentality, this is common sense, as the independent, self employed sector is what will lead the bounceback when we finally come out of lockdown. If the people who run these businesses have been bankrupted, then it will be very hard for the economy to recover and for them to start paying taxes and generating wealth again.
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Tuesday, 19 May 2020

The Mill Hill and Surrounding Areas quiz no 3

The two previous quizzes that we've put together have been very popular, so I've decided to put a third one together.

Click this link for the answers
https://barneteye.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-answers-mill-hill-and-surrounding.html

This quiz takes in the surrounding areas which those of us who like a good walk may see. It is also a collaboration with two of my friends, Chris Fanning, who has provided an amazing local history round. Chris grew up in Mill Hill in the 1950's and 60's and his family ran a local building firm.  We also nagged an old friend of ours for a sports round. This is from a character readers of this blog will know well, Richard Wilkinson, who has provided the sports round. I have provided the picture round.Ten questions in each round, see how you do.  As with the previous quizzes, we will release the answers on Saturday. Please feel free to share.


Chris Fannings local history round.

1. Where was the plane crash in Mill Hill and what aircraft was it?

2. John Laing set up head office in Mill Hill and started constructing houses  in the towns around but where did he build his large housing estate in Mill Hill which was already quite well developed town.

3. What year was the original Sacred Heart Mill Hill Catholic Church built by the Priest Architect Benedict Williamson?

4. Where was Nell Gwynne rumoured to be associated with a fine house built in Mill Hill?

5. When the railway came to Mill Hill, the building of houses In the village started very slowly but where were the first houses built Just after the railway came?

6. What was the main produce grown on farmland in Mill Hill when the Midland Railway was built?

7. Bill Fraser the actor was often  seen on the Broadway but his famous T.V. partner also lived in a Mill Hill, where was that and who was he?

8. The Mathews Family were owners of the Forge in Lawrence Street and when The last blacksmith, Mr Mathews died he was buried in St Paul’s cemetery, what is placed on his grave?

9. What year was there a railway crash in Mill Hill Station?

10. What does the granite obelisk in Mill Hill park commemorate?

Richard Wilkinsons Sports Round

11. Which premier league team formerly trained on Pursley Road Playing fields?
12. What was the name of the swimmer who won two gold medals in 2002 Commonwealth Games and what was their connection with Mill Hill.

13. What was the name of the holder of the 10,000 metres long distance running record between 1973 and 1977 and what was their association with Mill Hill.

14. Which test match playing nation once played a friendly cricket match against Hendon and Edgware Cricket club in Mill Hill Park.

15. Which two men who have held the Formula One racing championship lived in the same house in Mill Hill? 

16. It is well known that Saracens RFC play at Copthall (or Allianz Park), but what were the first professional Rugby team to play their matches at Copthall Stadium.

17. How many league football grounds can you get a direct train from Mill Hill Broadway Railway station to the nearest rail station and a bonus point if you can name them all. 

18. The North London Half marathon was run for a couple of years between Saracens Stadium and what other major sports stadium.

19. Which Snooker world Champion has his picture hanging on the wall of the Mill Hill Services club, pictured after giving a snooker exhibition?
20. What was the name of the Sports shop that was based on Mill Hill Broadway for many years?

Rog T's picture round.
21. What is this and where is it?






A post shared by Roger Tichborne (@rogtex) on
 
 22. What type of bird are these rather fine examples, spotted today



23. What bus route did the 302 replace,that formerly ran to Mill Hill? An extra point for the final destination.



24. What year was this picture taken and what had happened the night before?







A post shared by Roger Tichborne (@rogtex) on


25.  This building bears the name of one of the traditional Mill Hill farming families, a name borne by several roads locally, what is it?




26. What does this picture signify, in the words of the title song for a famous 1970's childrens show on ITV



27. The tweet below shows a picture of the worlds fastest non electric train passing through Mill Hill. What was it called.


28. Where in Mill Hill was this picture taken?








A post shared by Roger Tichborne (@rogtex) on

29. Where in Mill Hill was this picture taken?


30. And finally....... I finish with a nice photo from my friend Mark Amies. When this was first built, it was a petrol station. It had a large sign that it was your last chance to do what?


Don't forget to check back here on Saturday for the answers.



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Monday, 18 May 2020

Environment Monday - Solving the Borough of Barnets transport problems

Ever since I started to write this blog, back in October 2008, there has been one given that has been accepted almost universally across the political spectrum in Barnet. That has been that there is no solution to the Transport problems of the Borough of Barnet. There are several major challenges. Barnet has several major A roads, the A1, The A41, The North Circular A406, as well as the M1. Each of these have many nightmare junctions that are congestion hotspots and for cylists pose a threat to life and limb. Then there is the woeful lack of any policy of provision of sensible east-west public transport links across the Borough. I got a fascinating insite into this when I used the TFL journey planner to tell me the quickest route on public transport from New Barnet to Mill Hill Broadway.





As you can see the quickest way, if you don't have a car, then a bicycle is the quickest way. The public transport option is a rather bizarre and circuitous route from Barnet to Elstree station and then on a Thameslink train to Mill Hill.

Despite the appalling cycling provision in the Borough of Barnet, cycling is the fastest route between two of the main rail stations in the Borough. I was intrigued by this proposition, so I delved further into the TFL instructions.


This recommends two routes. The quicker is the one via Totteridge and the A5109. This is a route I know quite well, as I walk my dogs around this area on an almost daily basis. The directions send you around Mill Hill Circus, a very busy and not a pleasant roundabout to cycle. Such roundabouts should be made cycle friendly, with safe cycle space ahead of cars and a fourth signal on the traffic lights to allow cyclists to get across. The argument is always that 'there are no cyclists, so it will simply waste motorists time'. This argument misses the point that the lack of cyclists at such junctions is because they are not safe. The vast majority of this route is a fairly pleasant cycle. Sadly over the last few weeks, I've seen some awful driving and awful cycling on the A5109. People seem to have trouble with anger issues when cars mix with bikes. From what I have seen, there is equal responsibility for the trouble on many occasions. Bad cycling inflames bad driving and dangerous manouvres. Equally bad driving has put cyclist behaving perfectly reasonably at risk. Motorist just have to accept that bikes travel more slowly than cars and that if you want to overtake, you have to do it safely. Often when cyclists swerve in front of you, it is to avoid potholes. That is why you should not overtake too closely or when you may have to swerve back to avoid an oncoming car on a blind bend. Equally, I witness some suicidal cycling, where a 251 bus, stopped at a stop, was overtaken by a bike on a blind bend. Fortunately the oncoming car was travelling slowly. The fact that the cyclist gave a finger to the motorist, who was driving sensibly for having the audacity to be on the road, was a classic example of why some motorists do get irate. I have come to the view that the cycling proficiency test should become compulsory for road users and that cyclists should have driving licences. As we want to encourage cycling, I'd provide these free of charge, but for cyclists who break the rules of the road, I would remove them. I also think cyclists should be insured. Given the amount of money many spend on Lycra, I'm sure a few quid could be spared. I would also like to see annual MOT's for bikes. This is for the safety of the cyclist. I came to this view after my sister had a major accident whilst cycling, when a bike she had hired literally fell to bits. She suffered brain damage and would have probably died if her husband wasn't an A&E doctor and able to provide first aid on the spot. As it was, she had eight hours brain surgery.  Getting people to have their bikes checked on an annual basis would help establish a better network of bike shops. I would set the MOT fee at £5. I am sure that this would be affordable for all and it would generate trade for the shops as people would get the accessories that they hadn't had time to pick up. For areas without shops, regular pop up stores, with other activities would help improving the awareness of safe cycling. I know that much of this is unpopular with the cycling lobby, but safety really should be paramount.

Where cycleways are taken seriously, we see  a massive uptake.  I worked for several years in an office on Victoria Embankment. New Bridge Street had a cycle superhighway on it in the period I was working there. I had mistakenly thought that people would be very reluctant to cycle in central London. I was wrong. After seeing some ignorant statements, claiming it wasn't used, I filmed a short video on my daily commute. The safe spaces for cycling have transformed London and every one of those bikes is potentially a car off the road, less pollution and a healthier human being. That was just an ordinary day, filmed around 8am on may 31st 2017. 


Prior to the installation of cycleways, virtually the only cyclists you'd see would be bike couriers and the odd Boris bike. The safe routes transformed the use of cycles. Such changes in Barnet would likewise make a huge difference. There is a fallacy that there is a motorist vs cyclist divide. Most adult cyclists I know also own cars. The more bikes on the road, the less congestions, the less pollution and the less  heart disease for the NHS to deal with. As a motorist, that has to be good.

The worst congestion in Barnet is caused by the school run. It is verging on tragedy that so many children are not walking or cycling to school. Parents should be building healthy habits in children from a young age. I don't blame parents from caring about the safety of their children, which is why we need safe zones for cycling around schools, on the main routes.  I'd set a network of safe cycle routes to and from all schools for a distance of 1.5 miles. 

But cycling is just part of the picture. The Borough has great public transport links into central London. The Northern line is quick and efficient. There is room for improvement. The service to Mill Hill East is appalling. Not only that, but there is scope to extend it to Copthall, over an existing disused trackbed. This would make access for Saracens and the other sports complexes far easier. There are also two large schools in the area. I cannot understand why that is not a priority. Another plan that will improve public transport is the West London Orbital railway, that will link Hendon, Brent Cross and Cricklewood with West London and specifically Old Oak Common for Crossrail and HS2. I would like to see this extended to The RAF Museum and possibly Mill Hill Broadway. It appears to me that there is space next to the existing lines.

As to the bus network. I find this bemusing. It would make sense to ensure proper bus links between transport hubs and places people need to get to. When Edgware General A&E was closed, people on the West of the Borough found that they had to travel to Barnet Hospital. Surely a bus route between Edgware and Mill Hill and Barnet Hospital is a no brainer. The route should follow the 251 route from Edgware to Burnt Oak, to Mill Hill, then go up the A1 to Apex Corner, to Stirling Corner, on to Barnet Hospital and terminating at Barnet Station. This would make the hospital far more accessible.

Barnet is the largest Borough in London in terms of people, we overtook Croyden a couple of years ago. Croyden has adressed their issues with Tramlink. Barnet are still stuck in the 1960's, beleiving car is king.

I have a radical proposal, one that I am sure everyone will hate. I would resurrect the plan to link the A1 and the M1 at Stirling Corner. The roundabouts are in place, all that is required is a short spur of road. The M1 is very underused between Edgware and Brent Cross. For many motorists, this would be a far better route to the North Circular etc. I hear the green lobby scream "not more roads!". Well this would free up capacity on the A1 and A41 all the way between Stirling Corner and Brent Cross. I would use this opportunity for the extra capacity in one of two ways. The first would be to make space for a tramway, from Barnet station to Edgware. This would follow the bus route I mentioned, but from Mill Hill to Edgware would reuse the old track bed. I would also or alternatively convert one lane of the road into a dedicated cycle superhighway from Stirling Corner to Brent Cross. I would also open a rail distribution depot for freight at Scratchwoods. With access from the M1 and A1, this would be a quick way of getting freight in and out of London. There is much work being done on small palletised freight. If we could get a few HGV's off Londons roads, that can only be a good thing. I think that more bikes and  cars into London diverted down the M1 will make a huge difference to congestion. For the record the M1 is at the bottom of my back garden, so I am not going to be a winner if this is done, but it will be better if we can get those safer cycle routes in

As I said, I am sure there will be howls of derision from all. But we need to think in a different way if we are going to make London and the Borough of Barnet a truly people centric city. The route to this is better cycling, better public transport, less freight in HGV's and reusing and repurposing what we already have. I am not against improved road developments, if they result in safer cycling provision, but that should be a first priority.

I'd be interested to know whether people agree with these suggestions or what their alternatives are. The bottom line is that 1960's 'car is king'policies don't work.
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Sunday, 17 May 2020

The tweets of the week in the London Borough of Barnet - 17/5/2020

Every week the Barnet Eye puts a collection together of the most interesting tweets from around our Borough, we try and steer clear or politics and infighting. It's all about good people doing good things in our community and trying to give a flavour of the place we call home. We like to celebrate the good things, thank the people who do great things and bring you those quirky little things that make the day fun.

So what have you been doing this week? Working from home? Baking cakes? Delivering food parcels?

Well this is what our amazing army of local tweeters have been doing. It seems that there are no idle hands for the Devil to make work for in our tweeting community!

Make sure you follow any Tweeters who tickle your fancy.

1. Lets start with some rather upsetting news, from the local guardian of our pub culture. This is very disappointing. We really need to up our game in fighting these applications.


2. Hal Cruttenden wins our Person of the week on Twitter award for this. You know what you have to do


3. We should remember the Fire Brigade in our clapping for public sector workers. Brave people keeping us safe 24/7 - in this case in Edgware


4. Live in Cricklewood? Fancy a career change? Get to play trains all day with big trains. Solid prospects.


5. Read any decent books during lockdown? Why not write a review?


6. For all you footie fans out there. Tragic that so many grassroots community grounds have been bulldozed


7. Some very big news in Mill Hill. The monstrosity that was the Pentavia Scheme has been scrapped


8. Great to see the community coming together!


9. Regulars know we love a good wildlife tweet!


10. Interesting note on the musical history of Mill Hill for all of you hardcore metal fans!



That's all folks!
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Saturday, 16 May 2020

The Saturday List #263 - My Top Ten Lockdown dishes

Like many people, I've been doing a lot of cooking since the Lockdown started. I enjoy cooking, but usually only really get time on a Sunday. With time on my hands, I've been expirmenting and pusing my limits a bit. My kids will tell you that my strengths are Sunday roasts, barbeques and the Saturday morning  bacon sandwiches and omlettes. But I've one way beyond these. My stratetgy has been to think of a meal I've had that I really enjoyed, find some simple recipes, usually on the BBC food site and then add my personal touch.If I can cook these, anyone can! We all love food and I'm constantly on thelookout for new ideas to try. If you are the same I hope you find some inspiration. I've refrained from giving full recipes and instructions. I sort of just do this by instinct, following a basic recipe the first time and then expanding. Some are just a few tips I've picked up on classics.

Here are my personal top ten!

1. Toad in the Hole.
I'd not had toad in the hole since I was a kid and my parents were skint. We thought it to be an amazing treat, my mum would make it when pennies were short. Cheap and filling. My kids were sceptical. I even called Robert Elms on BBC Radio London, and started a show long conversation about toad in the hole. As Clare doesn't eat meat, I ended up making three. A traditional one, using cumberlands, my own spin using Chorizo sausages (sourced from Boucherie Gerard in Daws Lane, only the best!) and Clare's using Linda McCartneys, which are the best of the meat frees. To my great joy, this was an unqualified success. It was agreed that the results were delicious.


2.  Chocolate cake.
I don't have a sweet tooth, but it was my daughters birthday at the start of April. I promised her I'd bake her a chocolate cake. Again there was much scepticism. But I figured a chocolate cake would be the easiest of any of the possible alternatives and as she's a chocoholic, I figured it was an easy win. It turned out really well. Unusually, I followed the recipe to the letter, cakes don't inspire me, so I figured "stick to the rules". The only small wrinkle was that I bought a packet of flakes to garnish it and they got scoffed on the sly before I started. My only real piece of advice for ultra novice bakers like me, is follow the recipe and make sure the temperature is right. Most ovens don't cook at the temperature they say on the dial.



3. The classic Barbeque.
We have had a good few of these. If you want to do it properly, there are a few rules. Firstly never buy a gas barbeque. They simply don't do the job properly and are for lazy people, who do not truly appreciate food. Don't get me wrong, if you just want to cook sausages and burgers quickly to scoff with lots of beer, it is OK, but if you really want to have tasty food, use proper lump charcol. Secondly, get the best quality produce you can. Again Gerard does the best sausages, burgers, chicken and kebabs. Third, always marinade the chicken first and then cook fully in the oven, only using the Barbeque to char and blacken the skin. Fourth, if you are doing fish and prawns, buy another barbeque and have two going, otherwise you will taint the taste of the meat. Halloumi stuffed peppers, sweetcorn and pineapple are amongst the best veggie/vegan items.


4. The Sunday Roast.
I've been making this for decades, but I have been experimenting and found a significant upgrade. Firstly, I have found that if you fry the beef to seal it, then bake it in silver foil, it is far juicier and tastier than if you just stick the joint in uncovered. How did I not know this before. Also cook it longer and on a bit lower setting than it says on the packet. Of course I buy the best joints, so they don't have instructions, so I work it out. There are online measurements. The second thing is the Roast potatoes. I have always par boiled for ten minutes, but have found that if you then fry them in oil, with pepper and garlic salt for five minutes before you bake them they are infinitely better.


5. Aubergine Miso.
This was a request from my daughter, who is also a veggie and loves Japanese cooking. I just found a recipe on the BBC website and followed it. I baked the Aubergine for slightly longer than recommended, which seemed to be a good move. Daughter and wife declared it delicious. I may well reprise this for the next barbeque. I suspect with charred skin, it could be even better. I used the spare miso sauce to make a Miso pepper, which I think was even better. You need to get many of the ingredients from a specialist Japanese food shop. It is worth it.

6. Spanish Tapas.
One of my favourite treats is a trip to the Barcelona Tapas Bar in Middlesex Street. Sadly, it is shut.  We always joke with the owner David that we are shareholders, as we have been going since it was an underground basement in Petticoat Lane. These days, you see the stars of the local Spanish speaking community there, I have spotted Pablo Zabaletta, the former Man City and West Ham footballer (a hero of mine) in there. We've been having a regular Tapas night. I try and recreate the treats from the Barcelona menu. The Gambas, Patas Bravas, Chorizo diablo and Tortilla are easy to make and very tasty. My family have become fans. My daughters boyfriend has been helping making the Tortilla's, his Grandpa is Spanish and lives in Spain. He's a fine lad.

7. Puttanesca Spaghetti.
There are many different Italian pasta dishes. For making at home, Puttanesca is the best. The secret is the anchovies. Don't try to be too clever or too flash. Just stick to it and serve with a very good red wine. Of all the quick and easy dishes, this is the best. I love proper italian food. Nothing annoys me more than when celebrity chefs take great dishes and then try and be clever. It never really works.

8. Rocket Fuel Soup.
This is one of m favourites. At the moment, it can be enhanced significantly by the addition of wild garlic that can be collected at various local sites (that I am not telling you about). I have listed the recipe before, so here it is. Since I published this, I've ditched the tinned tomatoes and use fresh ones, boil them whole for five minutes then peel and squash, far better.

9. Thai style Prawns with Noodles.
A very quick and easy dish that is very tasty. A bag of frozen uncooked prawns, some peppers, some tomatoes, garlic, chilli, olive oil and the secret ingredient, a dollop of sunpat peanut butter (other brands are available). Never use cooked prawns, they will be dry and chewy. Probably the tastiest and quickest dish you can put together. If you really want to go to town, get some fresh squid at Elias Fishmongers in Mill Hill East and deep fry in beer batter (with added pepper, garlic salt and smoked paprika) as a starter. You could almost be in Bangkok, if it's sunny and you eat it in the Garden with a Tiger Beer.

10. Home made chorizo burgers.
Here's one for the barbecue. Boucherie Gerard does amazing chorizo sausages. These are amazing when chopped up and added to a home made pork burger. Get fresh, good quality Pork mince. Get about 1kg of pork mince, chop 8 chorizo sausages into small peices, mix in. Get two slices of bread, mash up in about 1/3rd cup of milk. Add pepper, garlic salt (and some fresh Garlic to taste), smoked Paprika, tumeric. Mix up and make into eight large burgers. Leave in the fridge to set for an hour, then fry or barbeque. Some recipes mix in an egg to bind. I generally do.

Putting this together has made me well hungry!


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