Brenda38 @Brenda38
Ashingdon
- 1 Friend
- 32 Posts
- 138 Comments
- 180 Reactions
- 313 Points
Recently retired from LBC as a researcher. Moved to Essex with my dogs three months ago. Smart move.
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
This subject was brought up by a presenter in my former workplace, but the subject has reared its ugly head again. Does anyone filter their drinking water? If not should you? Read the following piece. I bought myself a Brita filter jug a long time ago that uses removable activated carbon filters. Each one lasts about 4-5 weeks. “There are about 15,000 chemicals, technically known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), used in a wide range of products – including clothing, cookware and cosmetics. They are prized for their non-stick properties and their indestructibility, making everyday products stain- and water-resistant. But that also means they can take centuries to break down in soil or water. When it comes to health risks, scientists have only really scratched the surface. Many PFAS are extremely rare or unlikely to cause any harm. But others are toxic and much more prevalent. The Drinking Water Inspectorate says that the levels of PFAS detected in some water abstracted for drinking “has no acute or immediate impact on human health,” and the Government says there’s no evidence that PFAS concentration has exceeded its safety guidelines. I’d take that statement with a pinch of salt. Prolonged exposure to PFAS has been linked to health problems, such as kidney cancer, pregnancy complications and suppressed immune systems. They are also known to disrupt reproduction, metabolism and development in fish, have been linked to impacts on immune, blood and kidney function in bottlenose dolphins and have even been connected to neurological impacts on polar bears. PFAS pause a substantial risk to human health. -
Posted in: Essex
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
I streamed all three episodes last night. It was a real eye opener. What surprised me was, The Environment Agency were complicit in the cover up of water companies dumping UNTREATED SEWAGE into the environment ie rivers etc even in fine weather. They are disgraceful. Water companies in England and Wales have been releasing large amounts of untreated or partially treated wastewater into rivers, lakes, and the sea — often far beyond what many people would expect or accept: In 2024 English water companies collectively discharged untreated sewage for over 3.6 million hours into waterways, a record high. Some companies have been accused of illegal discharges or operating outside their environmental permits — including through emergency pipes not meant for regular dumping. In recent years, individual companies such as Yorkshire Water and others have been fined for pollution offences for repeatedly allowing sewage to enter local waters. 🧪 Impacts on health and environment Sewage in waterways carries bacteria and pathogens like E. coli and cryptosporidium, harming wildlife and posing health risks to people who swim or recreate in affected rivers and coasts. Contamination has been linked to swimmers falling ill and aquatic ecosystems suffering from reduced water quality. High levels of pollution have sparked media, public health, and political reactions — including a drama highlighting the crisis’ severity. -
Posted in: Save The Planet
Did anyone watch this docudrama last night on Channel4? I streamed all three episodes last night. It was a real eye opener. What surprised me was, The Environment Agency were complicit in the cover up of water companies dumping UNTREATED SEWAGE into the environment ie rivers etc even in fine weather. They are disgraceful. Water companies in England and Wales have been releasing large amounts of untreated or partially treated wastewater into rivers, lakes, and the sea — often far beyond what many people would expect or accept: In 2024 English water companies collectively discharged untreated sewage for over 3.6 million hours into waterways, a record high. Some companies have been accused of illegal discharges or operating outside their environmental permits — including through emergency pipes not meant for regular dumping. In recent years, individual companies such as Yorkshire Water and others have been fined for pollution offences for repeatedly allowing sewage to enter local waters. Sewage in waterways carries bacteria and pathogens like E. coli and cryptosporidium, harming wildlife and posing health risks to people who swim or recreate in affected rivers and coasts. Contamination has been linked to swimmers falling ill and aquatic ecosystems suffering from reduced water quality. -
This Guardian story is not an eye opener as such (we all know of sewage dumping by water companies) but there is a harrowing story behind what’s going on. There’s a Channel4 programme highliting it on 23/24/25 February. Well worth a watch. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/18/the-death-of-heather-preen-how-eight-year-old-lost-her-life-amid-uk-sewage-crisis?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-5
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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There has been a lot of controversy regarding people in beds in corridors in this country. Howerver, we are not unique. I have a friend in Northern France who informed me that her neighbour’s daughter aged 19 has been in a bed in a hospital corridor in Caen for 14 hours. 14 hours! She is a young lady who had a mental health issue and was self harming. She hadn’t been assessed by a mental health team up to four hours ago since I last spoke to my friend. Sad state of affairs.
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
I got a call from a scammer yesterday. Me: “Hello.” Scammer: (thick, heavy accent) “Hello. This is Tom Smith from Microsoft Support. We are seeing a lot of virus activity coming from your device.” Me: “Oh no. My device? Are you sure?” Scammer: “Oh yes, Madam. We have many reports.” Me: “Oh, my. How can I fix it?” Scammer: “It’s okay, Madam. We can help you right now. Are you in front of your device?” Me: “Yes. I was just about to use it. I’m glad you called.” Scammer: “Good, Madam. Please push the Start button.” Me: “I think it’s already on.” Scammer: “Okay, Madam. Now click on Control Panel.” Me: “I don’t see that.” Scammer: “Do you see a bunch of information above the Start button?” Me: “Yes.” Scammer: “That is your Control Panel.” Me: “Wow. I didn’t realize it had a name.” Scammer: “Yes, Madam. Now press Internet Options.” Me: “I don’t see any Internet options. I don’t think I bought that feature. This is just a cheap one.” Scammer: “All devices have Internet, Madam. Press the Start button again.” Me: “Okay. Same as before.” Scammer: “That’s fine, Madam. We will restart your device. Please turn it off.” Me: “Um… I don’t know how. I’ve never turned it off. It kind of just stays on.” Scammer: “There must be an off button. How do you stop it when it’s running?” Me: “I usually press the big button.” Scammer: “Okay, Madam. Press that button.” Me: “Okay.” Scammer: “Is your device off?” Me: “No. The door popped open.” Scammer: “Door? Is there a disc inside?” Me: “No. There’s a burrito.” Scammer: “Why is there a burrito in your computer?” Me: “Computer? I thought you said this was microwave support.” -
Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
Horsey facts: Enjoy. 1) It’s impossible for a horse to vomit due to having what’s called a ‘cardiac sphincter’ This prevents food being ejected from the stomach. 2) A horse can rotate its ears almost 180° 3) A horses small intestine can be up to 22 metres long. 4) A horses lungs can hold 60 litres of air and are the same size as two large basket balls. 5) A horses eyes, positioned at the side of the head, providence almost 350 degrees of panoramic vision. 6) Horses can ‘lock’ their leg joints enabling the to sleep whilst standing upright. 7) Horses can’t breathe through their mouths. They flare their nostrils during exertion to increase airflow into the lungs. 8) A horses heart can beat at 240 beats per minute during exercise and could pump enough blood to fill a standard bath/minute. 9) Like human finger/toenails, horses hooves are made from keratin. 10) Two horses resting their heads on each other signifies complete trust between the two. -
Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything !
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
Did anyone watch Panorama last night? The subject matter was the ever increasing prices that vets charge for consultations, drugs and tests. The majority of Vet practices in this country have, unfortunately, been taken over by big corporations. I have two jack russels (Neige and Barkley ❤️) and fortunately haven’t had to have many vets visits in the past. Mainly inoculations, deworming and flea control. It’s worth a look on IPlayer if anyone with pets hasn’t seen it. -
Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
I wouldn’t class myself as being overweight, but I decided to sign up to Slimming World this morning. I wouldn’t mind losing perhaps a couple of Kilos. Whilst at the venue, I was asked if I’d like to join a group called ‘StrollerSize’ too which I have. I like to keep fit. There’s an added bonus of course of meeting new friends. Win win situation. -
Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
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Posted in: Anything Friendly Helpful or Interesting
Does anyone live in the Rayleigh, Hockley or anywhere local? If so, I’m sure you’ll agree that the Christmas lights/trees are outstanding. I only moved to the area recently but I’m extremely impressed. Ashingdon, my area, is adorned with household /business arrays of lights. Joyous and heartwarming. -
Posted in: Dog Lovers
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Posted in: Save The Planet
be eco friendly. I’m Brenda. I live in Ashingdon and have just joined Scooploop today. Here are the things myself and a group of neighbours are committed to doing where possible. Reduce energy use 1. Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use. Switch to LED bulbs. Use a programmable thermostat. Wash clothes in cooler water when possible. 2. Cut down on waste Avoid single-use plastics (bags, bottles, utensils). Use reusable items—water bottle, coffee cup, shopping bags. Start composting food scraps if you can. We have food waste boxes now in our area. Reuse containers and jars instead of throwing them out. 3. Choose greener products Opt for biodegradable cleaning supplies or make your own (vinegar + baking soda). Buy items with minimal or recyclable packaging. Repair before replacing. Walk, bike, or use public transit as often as possible. Share car journeys when possible. Combine errands into a single trip. If you drive, keep tyres inflated and car maintained for efficiency. Eat more plant-based meals (even one or two per week helps). Buy local or seasonal produce. Reduce food waste—plan meals and store food properly. Bring your own containers for leftovers or bulk shopping. Take shorter showers. Fix leaks quickly. Use a water-efficient showerhead. Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads. Buy higher-quality items that last longer. Support eco-conscious brands or second-hand shops. Avoid impulse purchases—ask yourself if you’ll use it more than 20 times. -
Posted in: Anything !
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