RETURN OF THE KITTIWAKES

They've reappeared sometime in the last fortnight and are crowding onto even more tiny ledges than before around the Headland, probably much to the annoyance of the residents as they are so noisy and messy, but I'm pleased about it as I heard the other day that their numbers are in steep decline. I think (?) I'd rather have kittiwakes on my roof than the horrible herring gulls which nest there every year.

I was walking round the Headland after an appointment with a physio about my knee which has been playing up for the last few weeks. I was very impressed as I rang my GP surgery on Monday to ask if I could have an appointment with someone, expecting to have to wait weeks as it wasn't urgent, but being given this slot today with a "first contact practitioner" in another practice, for assessment. It seems that several local practices, including mine, combine to share specialists and provide extra-hours appointments which I think is a great idea. Anyway, it turns out probably to be a bit of arthritis behind the joint and some inflammation of a ligament and the soft tissue - i.e. "wear and tear", hardly surprising I suppose. She offered me various choices and I've gone for the option than doesn't involve referrals and waiting lists – just improving general fitness, trying to lose a bit of weight and slathering it with Voltarol at intervals.