The Turkish assault in northern Syria continues amid widespread condemnation. The Kurds in the firing line are the very same people who bravely fought Islamic State jihadists. It's reported that these Kurdish forces currently hold up to 90,000 captives affiliated with ISIL and there's a growing fear that they could soon escape in all the chaos. It's also reported that the two British jihadists belonging to “the Beatles” Isis cell are set to be tried in a court circuit in Virginia, a state where the death penalty can be applied. Alexanda Kotey, 35, and El Shafee Elsheikh, 30, were relocated from Kurdish detention in north-eastern Syria to American custody this week. Back at home, there have been reports for most of the day that a deal with the EU can be achieved by 31 October. I'll believe that when I see and hear it. This comes after Boris Johnson had a good meeting with Leo Varadkar, Ireland's Taoiseach. It's reported the two men could see a "pathway to a deal". I hope to God it's not a pathway to a minefield! Of course, it's all in the detail, which has yet to come out. Meanwhile, I attended the funeral of Gerald Edwards, who worked for my family for many, many years and was a lovely man. I remember him well when, at 18, I joined the forestry team for a few months before heading to Australia. He was famous for his dry wit, which could almost knock a man down. He certainly did not refrain from saying what was on his mind whether it was the boss or anyone else! His lovely wife, Grace, and their two sons, attended the Service near Lytchett Matravers, which was well attended. Much needed humour was found when a delayed organist, who missed the first hymn, launched into the second one before it was due. The rain stopped fortunately as Gerald was buried and we all paid our final respects to a fine and gentle man. Then it was off to meet new constituents, Justin and Emma MacRae, who have moved into Moigne Combe, near Crossways. Both run successful businesses, with Justin advising high profile foreign investors where to put their money. We chatted for an hour over a welcome plate of sandwiches. Bad weather appears to have settled in for the weekend, with high winds and rain battering the south.