Western Daily Press

Consumerism Is Religion

What does scientist Richard Dawkins expect from the children's camp he is subsidising near Bruton, Somerset, this summer? The camp is an alternative to the allegedly faith-based ones and is apparently popular with atheist parents who want their little ones to think sceptically. But teenagers already think sceptically and rarely believe anything they are told by an adult. If you tell them two and two makes four, they will argue about it. So even the most evangelical of Christians doesn't stand...

Hello to Our Alien Visitors

Aliens seem to be sizing up Somerset, according to recent UFO sightings of colourful lights whizzing silently through our skies. A Taunton man told a spotters' website that he saw some UFOs over North Petherton near the M5, and two women from Cannington pitched in by telling their local newspaper of a sighting near Spaxton.

Make Yourself Heard If Noise Annoys You

Some of you might recognise this feeling. You are shopping, sitting on a bus, stopping for a cup of tea, or simply walking along minding your own business - and suddenly your blood pressure rises and your muscles clench. It's noise pollution, and yoRu're one of a silent majority suffering from its effects. New figures show that in Somerset alone, councils received more than 1,300 complaints about it in the past year.

Now, That's Thorough

With this year's Glastonbury Festival fading into history, I am still puzzling over press reports that the BBC sent more than 400 of its staff to the event. With that number, I suppose they could at least enjoy themselves and get the job done properly. It reminded me of covering my first festival, all by myself, at Knebworth some decades ago. I watched the band from the comfort of my first ever hospitality (free beer) tent and rolled back into the office some hours later with a sparkling revi...

Did Steam Fans Plot the Financial Crisis?

The enduring success of Banksy's Bristol art exhibition has made me look more closely at graffiti, just in case what I dismiss as vandalism is actually art. I'm not having much luck. My first find was on the Bristol to Bath cycle path, where I went at the weekend for the first time in years, especially enjoying the ride past the old train graveyard halfway between the two cities. On the path, some n by enthusiasts at Bitton contribute to global warming.

Can the Lions Survive? ; After the Gallant Series Defeat to the South Africans Comes the Question

The battle for hearts and minds may have been won, but not, it appears, the battle for brains. The Lions concept has been saved. It has been saved not just off the field - with 50,000 fans ignored the credit crunch to follow the tour - but on it - with the tourists coming within a whisker of winning each of the first two Tests before gloriously and emphatically triumphing in the third.

I Fancy Buzzing England Side to Regain the Ashes This Year

England will regain the Ashes. That's my prediction now that the action we have waited so long for is finally under way. Some of you may have seen me walk out to bat on Sky TV recently accompanied by a caption that said I thought Australia would win the series 3-1. I have no idea where that came from, but it certainly had nothing to do with me. For a while I have had a feeling that England would come out on top 2-1 and now that the first Test is under way, I am inclined to change that to 3-1 ...

Your Daily Stars

Don't give in to the temptations that acquaintances will be offering you for fun, when you know you should be working on a project that is finally showing signs of nearing completion. Call me now to hear which sign is worth making sacrifices for. Avoid using your own funds for work projects this week. Your home is about to require a very large chunk of your cash-flow, but don't worry, it is sure to make your home and your life far more comfortable. Call me to hear who is trying to turn you ov...

Elvis Needs a Love Nest

A cockerel with an eye for the ladies is looking for a new harem today after his hen died from exhaustion, seemingly unable to keep up with her mate's demands for sex. Elvis used to have four hens for company but after three died, he was left with only Berol, who has now also died.

Equitable Life Outcry

West Dorset politicians have blasted the Government's handling of the collapse of Equitable Life at a public meeting in Dorchester. More than 3,000 Dorset pensioners saw their investments slashed when the insurance company plunged into chaos in 2000, after the House of Lords ruled it must honour guarantees it had made to pension investors.

Tributes to Gemma

Pupils mourning the death of teenager Gemma Denning have started a memory wall in tribute to her. Youngsters at Brockworth Enterprise School near Gloucester have taken part in special assemblies to remember the 15-year-old pupil, pictured, who was found hanged at her home in the village on Saturday night.

Farm That Inspired Author Can Be Yours

With its idyllic setting, babbling brook and historic buildings, it was the place where Babe the sheep-pig was set in author Dick King-Smith's imagination. And now the charming farm which inspired the West author is up for sale for only the second time in 55 years.

Hundreds Say Goodbye to James

Hundreds of mourners packed into a Devizes church yesterday for the funeral of a teenager who died last month. James Love-Smith, 16, collapsed in the street in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, June 27, while on a camping night out with friends.

Postie Savaged by Dog ; Postman Needed Hospital Treatment for Injured Wrist

Apostman needed hospital treatment after being savaged by a dog on his rounds in Cheltenham. Stephen Gittings is calling for pet owners to take more responsibility after being attacked by a deaf mongrel called Banjo.

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