WHAT ATTRACTED YOUR ATTENTION TODAY?

[plaques]

I have to agree with you David. I don't think he has any clear ideas as to what the limits are to his actions and at the moment is trying to make up what a modern monarchy should look like. Perhaps he should be seen riding a bicycle?

One of the main jobs of the monarchy was to launch ships build in British ship yards and to do a grand tour of the Commonwealth during inclement weather at home. Now since the majority of UK industry is owned by foreigners and freebie travel is in short supply his old job is fast becoming redundant. Early retirement is on the horizon but with over 500 next-in-liners waiting their turn we may see a poster saying 'Monarchy Isn't Working'.

[Tizer]

One of the main jobs of the monarchy was to launch ships build in British ship yards and to do a grand tour of the Commonwealth during inclement weather at home.

A spooky coincidence. I'm updating my dad's story of his time in the RAF in WW2. He was sent to South Africa for about 4 years as part of the Joint Air Training Scheme (JATS) established to train South African Air Force and other allied air and ground crews. He sailed there on Capetown Castle as part of Convoy WS.3B and told how they had wonderful accommodation because at that stage the 2-year old ship hadn't been converted to a troop ship and they lived in luxury on the journey (but it did have anti-aircraft guns and he had to take his turn manning them).

Yesterday I downloaded this photo of Capetown Castle passing in the opposite direction between the Royal party and their escort, HMS Nigeria. The Royals were probably onboard our last battleship to be built, HMS Vanguard. This was when the Royals made their tour of South Africa in 1947.

[Stanley]

None of the above is possible now.....
I saw a quotation yesterday.... Harry has said that exposing his childhood trauma is a public service..... I suppose his use of psychedelic drugs for self-therapy come under the same heading.
Not sure about therapy with a stable girl, does that come under the same heading?
I have to say that there is one matter where I agree with Harry. I wouldn't want Camilla as a step mother....

[Stanley]

Have I understood correctly that Johnson has put forward 100 names for his honours list and has included a knighthood for his dad and preferment to the Lords for Mad Nad?
This country has gone completely mad and it's high time the whole 'honours system' was cut and reformed.
I favour the suggestion made many years ago that there should be just one honour, an Order of Merit. The present structure is well past its sell by date!

[Big Kev]

The mad rush to buy tickets to go to the Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool. What is wrong with people, it'll be on the tele. Not that I'll be watching...

Just heard that it's sold out. People have been paying nearly £500 a ticket for the 'qualifying' shows. I thought everyone was short of money

[Tripps]

has included a knighthood for his dad and preferment to the Lords for Mad Nad?
This country has gone completely mad and it's high time the whole 'honours system' was cut and reformed.

It ensures total loyalty.

James O'Brien started the rumour yesterday that Boris had listed his three year old son Wilfrid for a peerage. Many believed him.

Here's an interesting website for refuseniks

In moments of flippancy - which are becoming increasingly common - I'm tempted to start an Honours thread - and start awarding "The Order of Barlick" to those deemed deserving of it.

[PanBiker]

Sally, sorting out all her stuff for tomorrow when she will be revolting in London.

[Big Kev]

has included a knighthood for his dad and preferment to the Lords for Mad Nad?
This country has gone completely mad and it's high time the whole 'honours system' was cut and reformed.

It ensures total loyalty.

James O'Brien started the rumour yesterday that Boris had listed his three year old son Wilfrid for a peerage. Many believed him.

Here's an interesting website for refuseniks

In moments of flippancy - which are becoming increasingly common - I'm tempted to start an Honours thread - and start awarding "The Order of Barlick" to those deemed deserving of it.

Don't know who 'quoted' the original, it wasn't me

[Stanley]

I posted about the Honours List.....
We already have an occasional honours hand out in the town. The last one was Commendations handed out by Ken Hartley when he was Mayor of Pendle..... I suppose the good thing about Johnson recommending so many for honours is that it makes it unlikely he will ever get one......

[PanBiker]

There is an annual "Pride of Barnoldswick" award for folk who go the extra mile for the town.

[Big Kev]

There is an annual "Pride of Barnoldswick" award for folk who go the extra mile for the town.

First weekend in March, it was outside in the Town Square this year.

[Stanley]

The winter blast. I am going for shopping early and going to ground for a few days.....

[Stanley]

Later.... See THIS Report from Shelter on the number of children living in temporary accommodation. Just one more of the vital services that are on their knees because of austerity and the general cutting of funds throughout government. This country is sliding into a poverty stricken place with no support for parents.
On another matter, look at the amount it costs to send children to nursery so the parents can work. I have a grand-daughter who is in this position. We thought we had it hard when we were that age but we didn't know we were born!

[Big Kev]

On another matter, look at the amount it costs to send children to nursery so the parents can work.

Probably an old fashioned and blinkered view from me but, if childcare costs are so high, why isn't one parent staying home to look after the children while the other is out at work. I'm probably looking at it too simplisticaly but that's how it worked in our house. Once our children reached school age Paulette took a job, during term time, in education.

[plaques]

A proposal to stop the 'WIZ' bus service to Skiption and revert to the old main line system. WIZ Lots of people will now fall foul of the 'School' run and peak time rush. A lot of journeys will have to be planned with caution. Not a good move.

[PanBiker]

On another matter, look at the amount it costs to send children to nursery so the parents can work.

Probably an old fashioned and blinkered view from me but, if childcare costs are so high, why isn't one parent staying home to look after the children while the other is out at work. I'm probably looking at it too simplisticaly but that's how it worked in our house. Once our children reached school age Paulette took a job, during term time, in education.

Exactly the same as what we did Kev. Problem nowadays I suppose is that a lot of folk have much higher expectations and may not have what I would regard and always had, full time contracted employment. It was much easier to plan when you could rely and calculate your income properly. The other aspect also probably a bit "old fashioned" if you will is that we "courted" for a couple of years and saved up so that we could afford the deposit and had a bit to spare to "do up" our first house. Also made it easier to plan our family a bit further down the line.

[Stanley]

I've had a look at the proposed changes to the WIZ service Ken and I can understand why people who rely on the service are upset. Old Farts like me reckon that public transport ought to be managed like a public good. Not governed by simple profit and loss figures but run in the way that best suits the people who rely on it. In other words it doesn't matter if a bus isn't jammed full. It's called a 'bus service' and that's what it should provide.

[Stanley]

See THIS BBC report that a former suspect in the Manchester Arena bombing had his British citizenship revoked and then returned after MI5 changed its view of his role in the attack, the BBC can reveal.
Mohammed Soliman, 26, was arrested in Libya after being stripped of his citizenship over suspicions he helped prepare the May 2017 attack. He appealed the decision and said he was mistreated while detained in Libya. But the government avoided a court case by returning his citizenship in 2021. He has always said he did not knowingly help the bombers.
This disturbs me because it looks as though the British justice system use the law to prevent this man getting his day in court to protest his wrongful arrest. Of course there may be other circumstances that have a bearing but if so we should be told. It leaves a nasty taste in the mouth and we are beginning to get used to that when it comes to British Justice.

[Big Kev]

The BBC potentially shooting themselves in the foot for 'sacking' Gary Lineker from their football programme after he criticised the government.
Other sports programmes are reported as being off air in support as the presenters are boycotting them.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/enterta ... s-64895316

[Stanley]

All part of the Braverman/Sunak defensive wall Kev. This morning the attack is not on Lineker but Sharp the Chairman. We are being manipulated to take attention off the Boat Bill.

[Big Kev]

Just noticed the Lineker issue is in the Politics thread, I usually avoid that one so hadn't seen it.

[Stanley]

Today's political distraction is Sunak in San Diego meeting the US and Australia. He's being a statesman today.....

[Stanley]

Susan tells me that Thornton Hill Care home is to close in July, all staff and patients being transferred to a new build home in Skipton.

[Stanley]

What got my attention yesterday was a visit to Graham Towers by Ken. We had a brew and sorted the world out as best as we could.
I gave him some books for Wendy, his path crosses hers frequently and so they will get back to her.......
We both agreed that we both look well for our age!

[Wendyf]

Thank you for the books Stanley, we have arranged a handover meeting!