It's not the first time I've moaned about the quality of our radio stations on this forum. Today (another day dashing round the country in the car to meetings) I switched on XFM, as usual, which was fantastic, as usual, - I love its irreverence and their playlists - even their DJs seem likable (and that's a first for music radio).

Unfortunately for me, my meeting was in Southampton so, once out of XFMs range, I switched to Radio 4 - my cast-iron standby station that I always listen to if out of range of XFM. Horror of horrors, it was broadcasting turgid depressing nonsense from the Tory party conference - it all sounded much the same as last week's old tosh from Labour. Change the record, PLEASE! I really can't stand all the posturing of politicians - nor the artificially hyped, gushing party faithful from whatever corner. Today we were treated to Iain Duncan Smith talking about how they are fit to run the country. I don't think so, mate - you may be a Spurs fan (well, so my sister reliably informs me) but in my view you're a slimeball just like all the rest. British politics had a VERY bad day when the truly wonderful, honest and courageous John Smith died. One of the few 'men of integrity' in politics. There has been no politician since him that I would trust further than I could throw them and of course as a middle aged woman - that's not far!

I avoided Radio 2 as last time I had the misfortune to be out of London's range, I had to put up with the truly dismal Sarah Kennedy playing an operatic rendition of the Lord's Prayer, followed by Britney Spears and Dire Straits - I still can't fathom to whom she was trying to appeal. Reluctantly I switched back to Virgin to hear some of the most banal drivel ever. In the end I gave up completely. Sometimes, the price of entertainment is just too high.

So, you get a photo of my wind up radio (a wonderful invention that I use in my garden all the time) with a fervent plea for car manufacturers to put digital radios in cars in future!!!