M&S Response

I have received a reply from Marks and Spencer regarding my remarks about Tastes of the British Isles:-

Thanks for contacting Steve Rowe about our Tastes of the British Isles range.

I’m a member of our Executive Office, and I hope you don’t mind that I’m replying on Steve’s behalf.

I’m sorry you’ve been disappointed with the packaging and logo for this range, and I appreciate you’ve been a loyal customer of ours.

We’re very proud of the Northern Irish suppliers we work with, and all our packaging is clearly labelled with details of where each product is sourced from.

We’re actually due to make some changes to this range, and we’ve used customer feedback to help us do that.

Tastes of the British Isles products that are labelled as being sourced from Northern Ireland will soon have an amended logo featuring a shamrock alongside the rose, daffodil and thistle.

Some similar products from Northern Ireland that are recognised as inherently Irish, like Irish pancakes, will feature a Taste of Ireland shamrock logo instead.

We’re due to introduce these changes in our next printing run, so it shouldn't be too long before you notice them in our stores.

In the meantime, we’re grateful for you getting in touch with your thoughts on this range.

I hope we’ll continue to see you in our stores, and I thank you again for contacting Steve.

Kind regards
George Mason
Executive Office
Your M&S Customer Service

Tastes of British Isles?

I cycled into central Belfast this morning in order to get some groceries in Marks and Spencer's Donegall Place store.

The food hall is in the basement and has extended considerably since the early 1970s, when M&S opened.

Indeed, Marks and Spencer are to be complimented for their loyalty to the Province throughout the worst years of The Troubles.

There's a handy separate entrance for the food hall at Donegall Place.

I happened to be browsing at the Pies aisle when I spotted several items with a little logo emblazoned Tastes of the British Isles.

We have the English Rose; the Scottish Thistle; and the Welsh Daffodil.

However, Northern Ireland and its shamrock or flax-plant is excluded.

As one of my friends has pointed out to me, the problem could be that these products are also for sale in the Irish Republic alongside those labelled as "Tastes of Ireland", aimed at an audience there which includes products produced in Northern Ireland.

My friend remarked that their advertising team really ought to have thought this one through, as obviously the island of Ireland is, geographically, part of the British Isles.

This was poorly done from a sensitivity perspective and very silly on their part.

It would be fitting for Marks and Spencer to issue an apology to the people of Northern Ireland.

Roads Scandal

The infrastructure - viz. the main streets - in Corralejo are being totally renovated for the 21st century.

They are becoming considerably more attractive for tourists, clearly a priority for Fuerteventura's economy.

The Main street in the town is taking years, literally, to complete.

However, an observer shall notice that the work is diligent, thorough and painstaking: costly blocks of stone are cut with a special saw and the result in indeed impressive.

IS IT NOT a shame that, in spite of similar endeavours on the main thoroughfares and squares of the capital city of Northern Ireland, utility companies are allowed to uproot expensive granite blocks and throw them unceremoniously in a tipper truck or skip?

Queen's Square, Belfast, is a good example.

In 2014, many months of work were ruined in a week or so by a utility company which drilled beautiful granite blocks from the ground and replaced them with Tarmac.

To my mind, this act amounted to criminal damage.

Let the contractor or sub-contractor be named and shamed.

Does the taxpayer have, or not have, a Right to know the name of the company which effectively stole the fine granite blocks at Queen's Square?

Should they not be punished, struck off future work for water, electricity, gas, telecommunication and other companies?

We elect politicians to deal with such matters.

Excess Baggage

The flight I took from Belfast City to London Gatwick airport was with Flybe.

They presently use Q 400 Dash 8 aircraft on the route.

It was entertaining to observe some passengers struggling with what were obviously over-sized baggage in their efforts to squeeze the cases in to the overhead compartments.

I suspect that a percentage of passengers check in online and agree to the terms of agreement, including requisite baggage dimensions onboard.

One passenger held everybody else up by taking three of four minutes to insert her case in to the locker.

Should such passengers who blatantly misuse airline regulations be penalised?

It's clearly none of my business; though, were I do bring a bulky case onboard, I wonder whether I'd get away with it.

Gourmet Scampi?

Freshly-battered raw king prawns, onion rings, triple-cooked chips, all the trimmings.

Is it worth the effort?

No! Better leave it to the professionals.

I went to a lot of trouble: Making batter, slicing an onion, refrosting raw king prawns, parboiling chunkily cut potatoes.

I deep-fried the chips once at about 250F for five minutes; drained them; cooled them.

I tossed the raw prawns in flour; coated them in batter.

I deep-fried the onion rings, having tossed them in the batter.

I deep-fried the "scampi".

I fried the chips a third time, at a high 350F, for about seven minutes.

The result is above, in the photo.

Despite what celebrity cooks tell us, they have the facilities, the professional equipment, the expertise.

As far as gourmet scampi and home-made triple-cooked chips are concerned, leave it to a good chef.

275 Belmont Road

My attention has been drawn to a planning application for 275 Belmont Road, Belfast, formerly Pirrie House and its gardens.

This site is located at the corner of Pirrie Road. A century ago it formed the grounds of Ormiston House; indeed Ormiston's former Belmont gate lodge is still at the entrance to Pirrie Road.

For whatever reason, Pirrie House and its gardens were swept away a year or two ago, leaving an eye-sore on the road.

This is entirely a residential area. The nearest retailers are located at Strandtown, which is at the beginning of Belmont Road.

The planning application seeks full permission to develop a neighbourhood shop and petrol filling facilities at 275 Belmont Road.

There would be twelve pumps' forecourt canopy; cash machine; car-park with 21 spaces.

The applicant intends to operate from 6am until 11pm, seven days a week, employing fifty full and part time staff.

I pass this location frequently during the week. In fact I drove past tonight, en route to the Sports Club for a swim, and took the photographs.

Two schools are within the vicinity. Belmont Road, leading to the Hawthornden roundabout, can be particularly busy at peak times.

I feel that any retail unit at this residential site is most inappropriate.

I am convinced that local residents do not want a retail development at 275 Belmont Road.

Traffic levels are high enough and such a development would only increase congestion.

Schools are within walking distance and this could be hazardous or possibly dangerous for school-children, who would inevitably be tempted to visit the retailer for snacks or sweets.

The residential nature of this area must not be compromised by a petrol station and convenience store.

I intend to object to this application in writing to the planning authorities.

The documents associated with this planning application are available at:  http://epicdocs.planningni.gov.uk/ShowCaseFile.aspx?appNumber=Z/2013/0944/F

The address I was given to write to is:

Belfast Area Planning Office,

Department of the Environment,

Bedford House,

Bedford Street,

Belfast.

BT2 7FD

The other contact information for the Belfast Planning Office is here: http://www.planningni.gov.uk/index/about/local_area_planning_offices.htm 

The deadline I was given for objections to be received by the Planning Office is the 27th of September. The planning reference number, Z/2013/0944/F, also has to be quoted.

Re-Delivery

I received the second card within a week from the Royal Mail, viz the postman, advising that the item in question for delivery was too large.

As before, one merely goes online and fills in a form for it to be re-delivered.

Presumably this service causes a degree of additional work for them. It's baffling and frustrating at the customers' end.

The reasonable course of action in such instances must surely be to leave larger items with one's neighbour.

One of my neighbours is always at home.

I PURCHASED a new pair of black Oxford shoes today (top). They will serve as my Number Two pair.

I already possess a pair of old Church's Consul Oxfords (above), which were acquired thirty years ago.

I think I purchased them in Harrod's.

Tax Disc Payment

The annual motor tax disc application arrived yesterday.

In Northern Ireland, there are currently five official ways of paying, viz.

• Cheque
• Postal Order (!)
• Cash
• Vehicle Licensing Stamp
• Switch or Delta at local DVL offices

I am apprised that it can be renewed by phoning 028 7034 1514, debit cards only.

I asked the Department why online payments are not available, as they are on the Mainland; and I received this response today:

Because vehicle licensing is not devolved to the Assembly, DVLA are responsible for these services across the UK but they use DVA for the delivery of services in NI.

DVA operate a limited telephone service for renewing tax discs but are not funded by DVLA to do more.

The Department is continuing to seek early commitments from the DVLA to deliver improvements in the quality of service provided to vehicle tax payers here, including online renewal services.

All services within the Agency in Northern Ireland are delivered with the customer as the focus.

Grand Opera

I was having a look through a few of the Belmont archives and see that I have not attended a traditional opera or operetta in Northern Ireland since 2011, when I went to see a very good production of  The Pirates of Penzance, by the New Lyric Operatic Company.

Since then, a key highlight of our season in Northern Ireland, Castle Ward Opera, has been ruthlessly shut down, despite continual, valiant efforts by the opera company to secure private sponsorship and funding.

Since then, we have no BP Big Summer Screen at Belfast's Botanic Gardens, an annual event I rather looked forward to, provided that the weather was fairly clement.

The permanent screen within the grounds of Belfast City Hall is, to my mind, a poor substitute; as is the location.

Whilst it is true that I have attended a couple of operas at the city's Grand Opera House since then, the productions have not been to my personal taste, which is essentially traditional.

Is the Royal Opera House the only venue which can afford lavish costumes, props, sets and ambiance now?

The people who sit on the boards of various Arts bodies, those who feel that opera, in their egalitarian world, is "elitist"; who despise grandeur, pomp, formality and tradition; the very people who thrive on spending others', viz. the Taxpayers', money.

These kinds of people have no difficulty with the Consumer buying expensive tickets for boy or girl band concerts; or even premier league football matches.

There's nothing wrong with the Elite; far superior to egalitarian clap-trap. Premier League front row seats are more financially exclusive than front stalls at the Royal Opera House.

Tasteless Loaf

I bought a freshly-baked "Multi-grain Farmhouse Loaf, 400g" at the Tesco bakery the other day. It cost 80p.

It looked tempting and I fancied it would make a delicious egg sandwich.

At home, I cut a few slices.

To my disappointment it was fairly tasteless, apart from the nutritious grains and seeds.

About half of it was consumed; the rest thrown to the birds, which doubtless appreciated it more than self.

I put this tastelessness down to little or no salt. I believe it had no salt!

Call me old-fashioned, but bread needs salt for flavour.

Santander UK: II

I am now in a position to apprise you that my complaint to Santander UK has been resolved satisfactorily.

A member of staff phoned me this morning, apologised on the bank's behalf, offered me an explanation and, as a gesture of goodwill, a credit to my account of £5.

At least it's a result and pays for my phone-calls to them.

Santander UK

Further to my complaints and criticism of the bank Santander UK plc, I was kept on the phone ~ an 0845 number ~ for 29 minutes and 12 seconds on Friday morning.

I checked my phone account and this can be verified.

I was unable to close my savings account online, so I was compelled to phone them, unfortunately.

I was merely trying to close a savings account.

Is this how Santander UK treats all its savers?

I should not object were Santander to offer me some recompense as consolation for my time and trouble, merely to close an account which now pays the princely interest rate of 0.50%.

I shall keep you apprised if this article generates a reaction from them.

Dear readers, please do not be fooled by recent Santander UK advertisements featuring the sporting celebrities McIlroy, Button and Ennis.

Stirring Sticks

I am a tad unimpressed by the current trend, in the hospitality sector, of using little, flat, wooden sticks for stirring beverages, whether it's tea or coffee.

These sticks are generally placed in a receptacle on the dining-table, with other condiments.

I assume that this practice saves hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants from the provision of real teaspoons and the necessity of having to clean them.

Personally I prefer real, traditional, metal spoons.

Wooden sticks are perhaps better suited to fast-food establishments, rather than hotels.

Savings Rate

A LETTER SENT TODAY TO THE PRIME MINISTER, THE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR BELFAST EAST AND THE GOVERNOR OF THE BANK OF ENGLAND

I am dismayed and appalled at the current rates of interest provided to savers by financial institutions.

I believe that this has been caused as a direct result of Treasury and Bank of England policies; particularly so-called quantitative easing.

These policies are  having a very detrimental effect on savers.

I am of the opinion that prudent savers are being punished (inadvertently) by the Bank of England and HMG.

On the other hand, prodigal borrowers are being rewarded.

Plundering savings is not only manifestly unfair to those who have put money aside, but is actually harmful to the future health of the economy, reducing investment, de-capitalising the country and worsening the future crisis for retirement and senior care.

I call upon the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Bank of England to begin rewarding savers, at the earliest convenience.

Cycle Lanes

I cycled into town today. A sunny day invariably encourages me to get some fresh air and exercise, into the bargain.

I have a bone to pick, though: Black taxi cabs were parked right along the green, designated cycle lane on Amelia Street, adjacent to the Crown Bar.

Now I have the utmost respect for the Belfast constabulary, though I seldom witness huge numbers of them plodding the beat in central Belfast. Perhaps I am simply not there at the right time.

Surely the police have a responsibility to enforce illegal parking? Or traffic wardens?

I agree that it must be tricky to slap a ticket on a cab's windscreen, if cabbie is present; so they should be prosecuted, shouldn't they?

Might I suggest that, if black taxis continually park with impunity on green cycle lanes, it makes a nonsense and mockery of parking laws and by-laws?

Furthermore, if such laws are practically unenforceable, why have marked cycle lanes at all?

By the way, I have contacted the Department for Regional Development NI, Belfast City Council and Cycle NI about this matter.

UK Interest Rates

I received a letter from my bank today, re the interest rate on my savings account, which is currently a meagre 3.20%.

They advised me that, from April, the rate will decrease to 0.50% (due to the bonus ending).

This is a ridiculous state of affairs.

The controversial £80bn Funding For Lending (FLS) scheme has been widely blamed for the cuts. The FLS offers banks and building societies access to cheap money to fund mortgage lending. Since its launch in the autumn, the rates paid on savings accounts have tumbled, as banks no longer need to compete to get deposits from ordinary savers to fund their lending. 

Who else can be culpable, other than the Government and the Bank of England?

Ros Altmann, the director-general of Saga, said government policy was punishing the nation's savers. "It has been obvious for some time that policymakers don't care about the suffering of savers," she said.

Sylvia Waycot of Moneyfacts.co.uk said: "Savers are being persecuted without borrowers getting the rewards." 

When are they going to stop punishing savers, by their ghastly policy of artificially low interest rates?

Will the new Governor of the Bank of England, Mr Carney, change course?

Of course I shall review my personal circumstances in April. I notice that the current best interest rates for savers are languishing at about 2.35%.

TV Highlights

Freddy Fox was wailing to his heart's content outside Belmont GHQ forty-five minutes earlier this morning, at three forty-five.

The thing is, dear readers, I am quite a light sleeper.

Our vulpine pal must sense this and make return calls.


I HAVE been viewing the brand new Father Brown series on BBC One this week. So far, I am enjoying it hugely. I'm recording the series, and watch individual episodes later.

At Campbell, the then College Chaplain, the Reverend David Erskine, used to sit atop an ancient wooden chair and read us G K Chesterton's Father Brown novels at the end of term.

BBC Four's Lost Kingdoms of South America, presented by the very enthusiastic Dr Jago Cooper, is also a great series.


DO ANY readers find it tiresome that the BBC has this ridiculous policy, doubtless supported by legislation, at some European Union directive, that metric values are used throughout their broadcasts?

Summit heights in metres; distances in kilometres. One gets "the drift". This must be condemned; especially since distances on our roads are measured, still, in miles and inches.

Alas, Timothy Belmont must ~ in a cognitive sense ~ convert kilometres into the best of British miles!

Suits Patten

Who is the Lord Patten of Barnes's tailor, purely as a matter of curiosity?

That suit he is wearing today fits him like a sack of potatoes.

Spartan Eason

I was in town briefly today, researching Doneraile Court and the St Legers.

Later I ventured in to Eason's store at Donegall Place, Belfast.

The ceiling on the ground floor appears unfinished: Bare concrete; ugly pipes, ducts, ventilators and wiring can be seen.

Is this their idea of a state-of-the-art shop? A sales floor without a ceiling?

Eason's appear to have removed the ceiling since it was occupied by W H Smith.

Furthermore, the floor is as basic as that of a butcher's shop.

Quite deplorable; so awful, in fact, that I shall avoid the place until such times as a ceiling is constructed.

Coffee Morning

I motored the six or seven miles to Holywood, County Down, this morning for coffee and a chin-wag with my aunt and Pat.

I managed to get a private parking space close to the café, the Coffee Yard.

It was rather busy this morning. The topics of discussion included a luncheon my aunt gave for friends yesterday; Pat's imminent trip to Bristol; my week and a tiresome character at the National Trust volunteers, who persistently airs his left-wing, nationalist views on the aristocracy ~ viz. the Londonderrys ~ and everything contrary to the Conservative interest.

Of course it antagonises me, though I generally say nothing. He is likely trying to provoke me.

I am of the opinion that it is totally inappropriate to air one's political views in such a context.

The intention is to bring a radio with headphones; thus becoming blissfully oblivious to him whenever he is within ear-shot.

Of course my perspective can be reactionary, a cross I gladly bear.