Trying to make a difference with regard to dog mess
Following overwhelming support, I shall be compiling a dossier on dog walkers who use the environs of Tunbridge Wells Common, yet refuse to clear up their dog's mess. This shall begin from next week.

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If anyone would like to send in names and details of people who they have seen foul the area, I would be glad to accomodate them. May I also take this opportunity to thank Tunbridge Wells Council and the Dog Warden for their co-operation in this scheme.

War against Iraq
I was pleased to see that our MP Charles Hendry was brave enough to support the government's plans for war against Iraq. This is Saddam Hussein's last chance. Surely the time has now come to stop fannying around. For 12 years Iraq has been building up its weapons arsenal of mass destruction. Saddam has outlived some great leaders such as Bush (Senior), Thatcher and Major. Will we also let him beat Blair and Bush (Junior)? I certainly hope not.

When I was in the navy, we couldn't wait to get at the Germans. Life on the boats was good, and although we played tough, we worked tougher. I've got every confidence that today's men feel the same way.

Matthew Kelly in the news
I wonder what people think about the entertainer Matthew Kelly who was outed as a paeodophile, but then cleared of all responsibility? Having charted the man's TV career, I'm sure that many of us could have told the police he was innocent, and I defended as such to friends and family throughout his trial and tribulation.

However, I am most concerned to hear that cocaine was found in his London home by the police. Granada TV have said that they are going to give Mr Kelly his 'Stars in their Eyes' job back, but I hope they are going to think twice about re-employing him. A drug-snorting presenter is not something I wish to view on a prime-time Saturday evening.

More on dog mess
I thought it would be useful to clarify the law's penalties on leaving dog mess. Anyone caught failing to clear up after their dog, could be fined £25 on the spot and persistent offenders may be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000.

New 'banner image'
I would like to thank Laurie, a friend of my youngest grandson Peter. Laurie has kindly designed and created my new "banner image" which you can see at the top of this page. The design is all his own work and I'm sure you'll agree that he has done rather well for himself. The only thing I would pick at is the "official" reference. There are many Howard Thompsons out there, but if my views of the common man can somehow represent half of the other Howards out there, I will be happy.

In return, Laurie has asked me to mention his band "Immune". They are an emo-grunge three-piece from Eastbourne, in East Sussex, influenced mainly by Tool, Boyhitscar and Far, but feel their style is their own. They have played at venues in and around Eastbourne, including The Forum in Tunbridge Wells. They are currently rehearsing new material and recording their debut EP.

Like me, they have a website which is here: www.immunesilenced.cjb.net/

Hoon deserves holiday
I cannot for the life of me understand those people who have criticised our hard-working Defence Secretary, Mr Hoon. For those who don't follow the news, he has been vilified for taking his children on a half-term skiing trip. His opponents claim he should be preparing the troops for the war against terrorism.

In his defence, Hoon said "it was the first time off he had taken, including weekends, since the Christmas recess and added that his children were off school for half-term." (From BBC News)

Hoon's mother-in-law rightly defends her son-in-law in yesterday's Sunday Mirror: "He is in desperate need of a break, yes, my goodness gracious me. He is very tired."

Christmas recess ended on 7 January. Hoon has worked tirelessly for five weeks and he deserves this two-week break for half-term.

Dog mess
Well, it seems that my letter to The Courier has caused a certain amount of debate. I am glad of that and make no apologies. At my local pub (The White Hart), we had a heated discussion about the nuisances of dog mess on the Tunbridge Wells Common.

I find it quite disgusting that people can walk their dogs in a public place and let them foul it. This type of behaviour rubs off in all our faces. If anyone would like to comment on this, please email me.

My background
After seeing the world in the navy, I bought my father's drapery business. We made that a success then sold it off.

I left Wales and Cardiff behind me to move to the south east. Currently, I am working voluntarily for Crowborough Caves, a small band of committed souls, who are endeavouring to reopen the caves (which have been closed for many years).

Here is the website page: http://members.lycos.co.uk/crowboroughcaves

Welcome
Hello. Welcome to my first opinion on my new website. I hope to share my views on today's world and am fairly sure that many of you will find them thought-provoking.