Ronnie Cohen remembers how the loss of consensus on both the reform of the UK’s measurement units and on its membership of the European Community changed the course of history.
Continue reading “1980s – a turning point”Has Severn Trent Water heard of litres?
Like many homes, my water supply is metered, and I am billed according to the amount I use. Each unit on the meter corresponds to 1 m3, or 1 kilolitre.
Two-system muddle – now sorted?
If you are frustrated when navigating your way through Britain’s muddle of two measurement systems, then help is at hand. But first we outline how the country got itself into this mess.
Continue reading “Two-system muddle – now sorted?”Found in a loft
A recent visitor to UKMA’s web site has made contact with us explaining that, when clearing out a loft, she had discovered what appeared to be proposals for a “Think metric” campaign aimed at the general public. She says, “It would be interesting to know if they were used or not and where”.
Continue reading “Found in a loft”Multiple conversions for same social distances
If you thought social distancing was simple, think again. Ronnie Cohen draws attention some examples of confusing conversions. When will we learn to think metric and not convert?
Continue reading “Multiple conversions for same social distances”Government’s return to imperial set to make UK a laughing stock
Yesterday, the Government published its response to the so-called TIGRR report. It was reported in some newspapers as announcing the return of pounds and ounces.
Continue reading “Government’s return to imperial set to make UK a laughing stock”
Mutual incomprehension in diet conversation
It appears that the UK measurement muddle lingers on in the field of nutrition and diet. Ronnie Cohen reports a recent incident, and draws conclusions. And what about stones – surely they belong on the beach and not on our weighing scales?
Continue reading “Mutual incomprehension in diet conversation”Metres and miles mix-up again
I recently came across a news article on the mylondon.news website reporting that one short London Underground journey is the most expensive in the world.
Continue reading “Metres and miles mix-up again”