David Cropper

I've seen only a few of the big ones, but usually further south in the Dordogne although I've seen a couple up this way. Last year in the Vienne I saw about 30 or 40 Little Egrets in fields mucked up with cattle.

That reminds me Stubby. You're obviously out on Licence after your spell in nick for your last attempt at arson. " But I was only trying to light the stove, Your Honour, it got out of hand." " Yes, quite, Mr Stubbs, but you were in B&Q at the time. Take him down, Bailiff." I'm obviously bored now, it's raining again.

Little egret, bad shot but I had to park the van up then wind the window down to take it. There were maybe 20 feeding in a cattle field on the edge of my village. Lots about this year.

0800 this morning, minus 2 and a beautiful sunrise. Rain on and off, down to minus 5 on Tuesday just as I'm leaving early on for a job 110 kilometres away.

I suspect after that comment, you won't be using your hips anywhere near Mrs Lee for the foreseeable future.

When I was on the BP Emergency Response team at Wytch Farm in Dorset, we bought ex French Army 1947 DUKW from BP Aberdeen for the princely sum of £47, which was the transport cost. This was 1991 so shows you how times change! If memory serves me, it had a 7.2? Chrysler engine on a 6 volt electrical system. Batteries were knackered and we had to start the engine by firing the carb! That too had to go off the slipway at 30mph, I think you disengaged all wheel drive and engaged front wheel drive at the same time as engaging the prop. 3 speed gear box which was a different configuration to normal. First time in the water at Poole docks we had a spate pump ready on the back decks, just in case. By the time me and the apprentice got it going, we were back on dry land, didn't even realise, it was that smooth a transition! Sea water everywhere though! The base mechanic filled in the rear wheel arches with cement, which worked. We had short wave radios to communicate with the shore, couldn't hear a sodding thing such was the racket. Turning circle of the QE 2, took 5 days turn the thing round to the slipway. Great fun. The idea was to use it to tow the inflatable booms out during an exercise or in the event of an oil spill. Also to go for a lunchtime wet at the dockside pubs to avoid taking the cars. Didn't quite manage that bit as my license was taken whilst under the influence of a few sweet sherries. Should have taken the bleeding DUKW!

My mate broke his back in a Stalwart, going over the knife edge at Bovington Training area. Went over and knackered his spine. Ended up on sticks for the rest of his life. Brilliant bit of kit though.

Looks like he's eaten the cat!

Have a word with Darren Shepherd, Stuart, he's got one from the UK. World of difference from his last one, chip weight wise, pulls like a train. Good bit of kit.

How is that funny?

Yes, it's hardly a joke !

Yes it is Gary. I've left loads of brash by my fence line so they can nest safely. Don't know whether he was hit by a vehicle of maybe dragged out of the nest, a few foxes and badgers here as we are next to woods.

Just found a dead hedgehog on the lane behind the house. I didn't think any would be out and about in this freezing weather, minus 4 here at 0500.

We had "A" Squadron in Cyprus the same time as B Squadron were in Libya, supposed to be 2 years but after 9 months Gadaffi happened. They returned to Omagh leaving A Squadron in Cyprus until the Regiment got together in Wolfenbuttal, November 71.

No, that was probably the 9th/12th Royal Lancers who, I think had a semi permanent squadron out there.

Just had a visitor on the Welcome mat.

No, I learnt to drive on Saladins and Saracens. Crewed in Mark 1 and 2 Ferrets in Ulster. Bleeding froze to death on night patrols! That's why I became a dog handler!

Yes Bob, you are correct! I joined the Regiment in 1969 through to 86.

Hmmm. I feel the need to offer, yet again my dear boy, my advice.

Nice to see her back on form, Gary.