David Barnsdale

Donald Trump has undermined history’s most successful defence alliance. He is engaged in an all-out trade war with America’s closest neighbour and ally. He is threatening to take control of the territory of another ally. His tariffs have destabilised the world trading system. His repeated attacks on American elections have damaged confidence in one of the cornerstones of US democracy. He is crude, rude and politically divisive.

I’m feeling quite sad this morning. I’m not able to be at Conference this year as my husband and I get to grips with our new normal following a life-changing diagnosis a couple of months ago. I’m missing everyone, but at least being at home means I’m not in the whirlwind so I can keep up with what’s going on and let you all know about it. Also I can watch the Strictly launch show. So what can everyone in Brighton look forward to today?

Thanks to the wonder of Traveline.info and an ingenious chain of five buses, I travelled to Brighton (and will travel back) free on my senior bus pass (Thank you – I know, it’s so hard to imagine that I am entitled to one) and saved, I’m told, 55500g of CO2, compared to driving. In the process I learnt some valuable lessons in extreme bussing: Always have “fall back” buses scheduled a little later, in case you miss your connection. Never look at your phone when waiting for a bus.