24th June 2025 - And Openreach connect the phone and Broadband

Thought for the day :"“I used to eat all sorts of vitamins and supplements. Stopped after I nearly choked on part of The Sunday Times.”

Dry

Openreach finally arrived today and decided that they could do a fix and get us s telephone - though it was completely unofficial -thanks to out local Openreach guy - we are back on line, though officially nothing has been done - we can't take cable through water !! 

Have been looking at post boxes lately and the recent phase of adding crochet tops..

I intend to share some of these

Also for the record - here are a couple of local charities that I found on a shop window 

In other news..

Patrick Troughton, born in 1920 in Mill Hill, London, was a character actor whose versatility and expressive face made him a natural on stage and screen. He trained at the Embassy School of Acting and further honed his craft at the Leighton Rallius Studios and the John Drew Memorial Theater in New York. Troughton’s early career was shaped by Shakespearean roles and television dramas in the 1940s and '50s, including portrayals in Robin Hood, Hamlet, and The Scarlet Pimpernel. His brooding presence, subtle delivery, and commanding intensity allowed him to shift between heroic and villainous roles with remarkable fluidity.

Troughton’s most iconic role came in 1966 when he became the second actor to portray the Doctor in Doctor Who. Replacing William Hartnell, Troughton brought an eccentric, clownish energy to the character that became a template for future incarnations. His portrayal marked the transition of the Doctor into a more humorous and unpredictable figure, a significant moment in the series' evolution. Episodes like The Tomb of the Cybermen and The War Games remain classics, with Troughton’s performance central to their lasting appeal. Despite the limitations of special effects and budgets, his deep commitment to the role added gravitas and humanity to the time-traveling alien.

After leaving Doctor Who, Troughton remained a staple in British film and TV, taking on supporting roles in productions like The Omen, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, and The Box of Delights. He worked continuously until his death in 1987, beloved by fans and admired by peers. His legacy lives on not just through his own work, but through the influence he had on how Doctor Who evolved over decades. Known for his humility and dedication, Patrick Troughton was a master of transformation who left a quiet but indelible mark on British popular culture.

(Of course, his grandson is well known as Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter's cousin.)

I was asked to fact check this and the answer is as follows
Yes, Harry Melling, the actor who played Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter films, is indeed the grandson of Patrick Troughton, who was the second Doctor Who. Harry Melling is the son of Patrick Troughton's daughter, Joanna. 

Cheers