'Owt else or Any Other Business

[Stanley]

In other words they have killed the Divi and the new way of rewarding members will be opaque and not easily understood. 2p in the pound was very clear. Lower prices isn't.
Will they tell us what the new system costs them compared with the old? I very much doubt it.
I am not impressed. (And haven't had the email....)

[PanBiker]

I got the email this morning. One card less in the wallet.

[Big Kev]

I got the email this morning. One card less in the wallet.

I believe you need to show the card to get the discount, same as Tesco Clubcard and Nectar at Sainsbury.

[PanBiker]

Oh well, I didn't read it properly.

[Stanley]

Yes, that's right. I got the email this morning, still not impressed.....

[Tripps]

I found this elsewhere today. I've passed the Whitworth Art Gallery on Wilmslow Road, many times but never connected him to it.
And a 'Stopfordian' to boot. (Why not Stockportian ?)

Joseph Whitworth, Manchester-based pioneer of machine tools, died on this day in 1887, aged 83. He not only paved the way for modern mass production, but bequeathed much of his fortune to Manchester projects such as Whitworth Art Gallery and the Christie Hospital. Once said to be an irascible, obsessive man with "a face not unlike that of a baboon", he created a standard for screw threads. Less celebrated than figures such as Isambard Kingdom Brunel or George Stephenson, he has arguably had an even greater impact on the modern world. Stockport-born Whitworth, with other precision engineers, pioneered a manufacturing revolution that transformed Britain from a craft economy to a fully mechanised one within two generations. His standard system of screw threads allowed components to become interchangeable, enabling mass production. Parts could be made in different factories and would all fit together. The Whitworth Standard remained in place in much of the world until after the Second World War.

[Stanley]

David. The reference to him being irascible might have a grain of truth in it. Most of the writing about Whitworth is sycophantic but one man, Charles T Porter, a very well known American engineer devoted a chapter to Whitworth in his book 'Engineering Reminiscences'. He actually met Whitworth and tried to make agreements with him but failed because he suggests that as Whitworth aged he became more set in his ways and brooked no criticism. He gives other examples. Well worth finding and reading.
As for the origin of the term Stopfordian. The original name of the town was 'Stopford' and this was what was used to denote a native.

[Tripps]

as Whitworth aged he became more set in his ways and brooked no criticism.

Not just Whitworth. Perhaps it's a Stopfordian trait.

Though perhaps I have a touch of it myself. . .

[Tripps]

I have just watched the Oldham Council planning committee. Gave me a bit of a smile.

They took an hour and a quarter to approve a domestic residential extension. It was suspected that it was a step towards a House in Multiple Occupation, and it probably was, but that was not the issue tonight. The Councillors didn't seem to know much about the planning rules, and once again are quite an unimpressive bunch. Many wanted to oppose the application but it slowly dawned on them that there were no planning reasons to do so.

The Planning Officer was impressive and very patient. The Chair (Councillor Ruji Sapna Surjan) did her usual excellent job, The Councillors that spoke seemed to me that they would be more at home holding court in the tap room.

Now the smile - an application for a new large three story industrial works unit was proposed, and passed in literally five minutes. No questions, no discuscussion, all in favour. . . .

Just after the meeting closed, the Chair announced a training session would be held soon on the subject of HMO's, and rather pointedly asked for good participation.

See what mischief you get into when you don't have BBC TV.

[Stanley]

Whatever turns you on David. We ageing and irascible Stopfordians don't have the patience to sit through that sort of stuff!

[Tripps]

The news from Ecuador recently has been about a civil war.

This lady does not seem to have been involved, and is just getting on with life, in a most commendable way.
She does nursing, cleaning, and part time pig farming! That's tough.

PS I quickly see from Lend With Care's brilliant software website, that I lent this lady £45 two years ago, (plus a donation), and then quietly forgot about it. I will have it all back by next week. Who's next?

Angela Alejandra

[Stanley]

That's so commendable David. I admire the work you do lending to those less fortunate.

[Tripps]

I mentioned my birthday a few weeks ago, and the fact that no fuss was made about it. Well I had a surprise visit later and the result was a small, low key celebration.The pictures have just arrived.

I enjoyed it.

Birthday 2024.jpg

[PanBiker]

Congratulations David, a cake and candles

[Tripps]

Thanks -

a cake and candles

Just a nominal two candles. There wasn't space for the other eighty!

[Stanley]

Bugger the cake (I can't eat it anyway)..... Is that a 32 ounce steak I see before you?
I would need 88 on mine.......

[Tripps]

Is that a 32 ounce steak I see before you?

No - it was all a bit ad hoc, and that shows two steaks - one was a ribeye and the other was a sirloin.

That was taken before they were shared out. I can't eat that much. . .

[Stanley]

I knew there had to be an explanation David!

[Tripps]

In about ten minutes time I shall be watchng a race from Pau in France, where a horse "Pete The Gardener" which I follow, is running. It's all free of charge and France Galop (the P is silent as in bath ) tell me 24 hours in advance when he is running,
Come and join me. France Galop. You need to register, but it's quick and easy, then click on "Live" and you're off. The commentary is in French, but we can cope with that can't we?

I think it's his first try over hurdles, and he's pretty useless on the flat, and 40/1 but it keeps me amused.

One of the better aspects of the Interweb thingy.

PS "he's pretty useless on the flat"
- and even worse over the sticks. "Il est tombé"

[Stanley]

I shan't be doing it but I like it David. Hard luck on backing a faller.
Your following a horse and being disappointed like that reminds me of the days in the last century when Alf Watson trained horses at Southfield Farm on the road to West Marton. He had a horse called Pendle Hill which must have gained attention by winning at one time but even though it was followed by many locals, never won after that. But everyone was very loyal and cheerful. (And broke!)



Alf on one of his horses out on the Marton Road in 1979 with Nannette, a friend of mine.

[Tripps]

Hard luck on backing a faller.

Who said anything about backing?
As my late Northern Irish Mother in Law used to say "Give me a titter of wit"

[Stanley]

"40/1 but it keeps me amused"
Made me think you'd backed it David......
Going back a bit.... re, the demise of the Co-op divi. I used the last remnant on my card yesterday and have been dragged kicking and screaming into the brave new world of 'Member's pricing'.

[Tripps]

I just came across this photograph. It's very atmospheric, and from Newton Heath Loco Shed. I seem to recall that I'm not the only member who used to blag my way in. . . .

Newton Heath Loco.jpg

[Stanley]

As soon as I saw that I smelt the cold iron and stale smoke. And yes, I always thought it strange that we were allowed free entry. Perhaps it was a deliberate recruitment policy, catch them when they were young. No shortage of firemen and engine drivers then! My shed of choice was Heaton Mersey.......



Snap!

[Tripps]

As soon as I saw that I smelt the cold iron and stale smoke.

Agreed. I think that perhaps "allowed" is not quite the right word.

I have a connection, as my grandfather worked as a carriage builder at the carriage works next door for a long time, except during the war - when they moved to Wolverton - Milton Keynes now.

I guess everyone knows that Newton Heath Loco later became Manchester United, so I won't mention it.