TALK OF THE TIMES with Vivienne Patterson
Wemust not allow evil to win us over
Published 11 May 2008
IT IS hard to be optimistic about the human race at the moment.
Being proactive is a pragmatic action
Published 2 May 2008
I AM CURRENTLY being proactive, which is not very unique but in terms of satisfaction, it makes me feel good.
I just wish there was a naughty step to put the whole of China on
Published 25 April 2008
PUPILS should be rewarded for good behaviour in schools - while negative behaviour is to be ignored.
A wrong number, late lunches and ideas to top up NHS coffers
Published 17 April 2008
I’VE UNCOVERED an exclusive story here; I have found out how the NHS is topping up its coffers.
We’re not all leaders, but we can follow and make that difference
Published 10 April 2008
FIVE deaths are indelibly printed on my mind: my dad’s, Elvis Presley’s and the three men who helped shape my thoughts and attitudes as much as anyone else in the world.
Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves. Maybe.
Published 5 April 2008
“I CAN’T wait for pay day!”
The tragedies we’ve had to face - and that was only the hit parade
Published 5 April 2008
THERE was a song in the late 50s or very early 60s that begged: “Let's think about living, let's think about life.”
Borders between childhood and adulthood are becoming blurred
Published 21 March 2008
A MAN came to me the other day defending some kids who had got into a spot of bother in Maryport.
Some things just stick in your mind
Published 14 March 2008
THEY are right in what they are saying about Shannon Matthews - I even had to look up her name before I started writing this column.
For goodness sake, let’s not grow old gracefully
Published 7 March 2008
IT WAS a bit of a shock to hear, last week, of the death of Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark Five.
Parking policy should reflect the need to boost town-centre trade.
Published 1 March 2008
IT WAS my birthday last week and I had money to spend.
I’d love to buy a cheap ticket but Virgin always de-rail my plans
Published 28 February 2008
WHY don’t you write about the behaviour of people on buses, an agitated colleague demanded the other day.
I am trying to be rational about Archbishop’s view
Published 19 February 2008
THERE comes a time in everyone’s life when he or she is required to be logical and reasoned - and I guess that’s the day any self-respecting writer of columns hangs up the pen!
I'll be first through Tesco's door
Published 10 February 2008
There's a rumour going around Maryport that Tesco is eyeing up a plot of land in the town.
A teaspoonful of hope
Published 10 February 2008
A COMEDIAN joked last week that America would do anything to get rid of George Bush - and would even go as far as electing a woman or a black man as president.
Let’s aspire more to those good old British qualities
Published 7 February 2008
MANCHESTER United were considering having one minute’s silence to mark the recent 50th anniversary of the plane crash that killed so many of the Busby Babes.
The first man to conquer Everest - and a true hero
Published 6 February 2008
IN A COUNTRY where rugby is the god, the nation’s most beloved hero was a mountaineer.
Look at how far we've come
Published 25 January 2008
A COMEDIAN joked last week that America would do anything to get rid of George Bush - and would even go as far as electing a woman or a black man as president.
A Christmas to remember
Published 10 January 2008
OUR Christmas didn’t get off to a good start - in fact it was divorce papers at dawn before we even left on our holiday to Italy.
Alternative New Year honours
Published 4 January 2008
THE New Year honours will have come and gone by the time you read this and I am sure that my name isn’t among them.
