As usual Andy Parkes brings you his 5 Thoughts of the week, the good, the bad and the ugly.

1. We all lost an hour in bed this week, thanks to the antiquated process of putting the clocks forward in spring and then back again later in the year. Surely it is time to stop this nonsense and make what we currently call British Summertime the time we stick to all year. No more faffing around with clocks, missed appointments the following day, and we all get lighter evenings.

2. My washing machine died this week – at the grand old age of three. Yet the little old tumble dryer is still going strong at more than 25 years old. I’m convinced manufacturers have found a way to design white goods that self-destruct after just a few years so they can sell you a new one.

3. No one can force you by law to have a water meter fitted to your property. I mention this as there are a number of water companies who would have you believe otherwise. If it makes sense for you to have a meter fitted, fine, but if not my advice is don’t allow yourself to be pushed into something you don’t want or need.

4. Read a really interesting scientific development today. Apparently if you eat ice cream after it defrosts and refreezes it can be really dangerous to your health. So boffins have come up with a white plastic carton that turns black if the ice cream is unsafe to eat. Genius, hopefully it will be developed for other foodstuffs and do away with the need for sell by dates.

5. While we are on the subject of food and drink, I’m looking forward to fulfilling a real dream this week when I start the brewing process for “Shopper Gold” a special beer to help celebrate our 50th anniversary. Can’t wait, I’ve always wanted to brew my own beer.