Fortunately nobody was hurt, just my car. However I have my suspicion that she may have been looking for her make up bag or even about to put her make up on. How do I know? Well after we had gone through the process of exchanging details she followed me into the nearby town where we were both heading and pulled up behind me at the traffic lights and to my astonishment was applying makeup in her mirror! Now I am not one to agree with the criticism of women drivers but honestly that just gave weight to the argument that they can be a bit foolish.

However not as foolish as the large number of men locally who seem to think the law with regard to using mobile phones while driving doesn’t apply to them!

Isn’t it funny how we don’t seem to be prepared for the weather that comes our way? At this time of year we get a lot of rain, always have, so why do our streets flood? Leaves fall off trees and block drains, we all know that but surely this can be anticipated and drains be cleared before it becomes a hazard?

Joined up thinking needed again!

How many people are regretting the shift from West Dunbartonshire to Argyll and Bute? I do believe there was a referendum and so it was a democratic decision, but does leave me thinking be careful what you wish for. The report into Argyll and Bute Council we all read about in this paper last week which led to the past council administration being described as ‘shambolic’ didn’t tell the residents anything we didn’t already know. In my short time in the area it has become apparent that there is much dissatisfaction and the general view is that nothing gets done because of all the internal wrangling and point scoring which goes on. I have worked as a volunteer in the town for quite some time and in that capacity it has brought me in contact with many people who struggle daily to get things done, either through their organisation or as individuals who want answers to serious questions.

The pattern seems to be a lack of decision making and a tendency to criticise and blame others for lack of action. Who suffers in all of this, we the residents of the area?

I sincerely hope that the move forward will herald a change but I and many others will be forgiven if we hold our breath until we actually see those changes taking place.

This week’s local heroes are the wives, girlfriends and partners of all the locally based submariners. Particularly at this time of year when many are facing the run up to and the Christmas period without their other halves. If you know someone whose partner is at sea over the festive period then give them a bit of extra support, the odd babysit or lift somewhere might make all the difference.