By Caro Wilkinson
I have just spent a happy few hours leafletting all the Alnwickhills, delivering information about a local green energy fair. I would recommend leafletting to anyone as a healthy and fascinating activity, so long as sturdy shoes are worn, and gloves to protect against icy winds and the occasionally vicious springs and brushes of letterboxes, or snapping canine jaws. Leaflets made with card, not paper, are easier to push through the box, and even then 3 hands would help. My solution to this problem is to grip the leaflets between my knees, use one hand to hold open all the obstacles and the other to push a leaflet through. I now have a huge respect for posties!
I also admire the architects and planners of these streets: there are dwellings to suit many tastes and pockets, well laid-out with large gardens for gardeners and smaller ones for the less keen, and pleasant maturing communal areas. For neighbours who would prefer not to have to greet each other first thing in the morning, many front doors face in different directions. From brief glimpses into living rooms, it is clear that people cherish their houses, and every front garden emphasises individual styles and tastes. I noticed a great many signs saying “We do not buy at the door”, and while of course there is a limit to the number of dusters one needs, I did feel a bit sorry for the young lads desperately trying to make a few pennies selling from door to door. Judging by the number of ceramic plant pots everywhere, I would suggest they do a course in pottery. Everywhere there is careful provision for the motor-car. Lothian Buses take note: as fuel becomes too expensive for the average family, new bus routes (maybe using mini-buses and a dial-a-bus system?) around all the bus-deprived estates would greatly be welcomed.
I have just spent a happy few hours leafletting all the Alnwickhills, delivering information about a local green energy fair. I would recommend leafletting to anyone as a healthy and fascinating activity, so long as sturdy shoes are worn, and gloves to protect against icy winds and the occasionally vicious springs and brushes of letterboxes, or snapping canine jaws. Leaflets made with card, not paper, are easier to push through the box, and even then 3 hands would help. My solution to this problem is to grip the leaflets between my knees, use one hand to hold open all the obstacles and the other to push a leaflet through. I now have a huge respect for posties!
I also admire the architects and planners of these streets: there are dwellings to suit many tastes and pockets, well laid-out with large gardens for gardeners and smaller ones for the less keen, and pleasant maturing communal areas. For neighbours who would prefer not to have to greet each other first thing in the morning, many front doors face in different directions. From brief glimpses into living rooms, it is clear that people cherish their houses, and every front garden emphasises individual styles and tastes. I noticed a great many signs saying “We do not buy at the door”, and while of course there is a limit to the number of dusters one needs, I did feel a bit sorry for the young lads desperately trying to make a few pennies selling from door to door. Judging by the number of ceramic plant pots everywhere, I would suggest they do a course in pottery. Everywhere there is careful provision for the motor-car. Lothian Buses take note: as fuel becomes too expensive for the average family, new bus routes (maybe using mini-buses and a dial-a-bus system?) around all the bus-deprived estates would greatly be welcomed.