mercuryg

22 hours ago, Andy said:

Which device/browser are you using?

Firefox

15 minutes ago, Andy said:

Great review Merc. I second the idea for miniatures. They can go in the shop along with the key rings and bottle openers. Click the shop link in the menu if you missed them. 

Andy, it won't let me click on the shop link, it keeps disappearing!

9 minutes ago, Andy said:

Great review Merc. I second the idea for miniatures. They can go in the shop along with the key rings and bottle openers. Click the shop link in the menu if you missed them. 

Just been messaging Malcolm; he's already considering a miniature of the loco, as apparently the Dutch museum in which it resides sells kits! I wasn't aware of the keyrings and bottle openers until he mentioned them to me.

Thanks Andy, will do (hasn't happened here!)

Although it didn't this time - very odd!

One thing; when I go to post a reply on a topic I've already posted on, it automatically quotes my previous post?

Update: Seen three now, only missing the one up Netherton way. Here's my reviews!

Dog (by twenty acres) - excellent; seen a lot of comments about how we are in danger of becoming known as the 'Dog Town', along the lines of 'can't we be identified with something else'? Fair comments, but missing the point: The little terrier is OUR dog and is famed and favoured by dog lovers across the world, so it remains part of the culture of the town. That's why, when you walk into the Red Lion, you don't see sculpture of a Lion, but of a Bedlington Terrier. (an aside - I wonder who does the research into local history when they open a 'Spoons? They have done a pretty good job in the Lion, and in other ones I've been in.)

St Cuthberts Cross (opposite the Chester's) - on first viewing, from a passing bus on a gloomy day, I thought it rather dour and dark; having seen it glinting in the sunlight, and close up, it's a different proposition! It's actually pretty majestic, suitably imposing and rather grand, so another success. The St Cuthbert story is an important one in the town's rich history - even if it may in fact be a myth!

The Locomotive (Attlee Park car park) - brilliant, a superb evocation and a wonderful addition to the town. The engine and iron works are integral - and often overlooked - to Bedlington, and this little train will bring a smile to the face of anyone who comes across it. One gripe - is it possible to move the bright green litter bin, which will be in shot of a camera from most angles? It's the only blight on a brilliant effort.

All credit to Malcolm and the team at WBTC, who have made a fine effort to enhance the attraction of the town.

While on the subject, my mum came up with an idea; whether it is viable or not, in terms of cost (probably not!) it's one that fits with Malcolm's vision to enhance the Bedlington 'brand': miniatures of the gateway features, Bedlington souvenirs. After all, while not putting the town in the same league, how many visitors to Paris come home with a baby Eiffel Tower? Or, how many visitors to Woodhorn by a mining-related souvenir? Worth a thought?

Is there enough space for the legendary 8-foot sandwich? I thought this thread was about the tunnel by the lion roundabout!

21 hours ago, threegee said:

Contrary to parliamentary belief, the British public are sovereign and they have no divine right to do what's in their own interests (under the guise of their alleged moral superiority).  Gone are the days when they can pedal the line that we need them to do our thinking for us.  We now need to remind them of this at every single opportunity.

We've always managed to stave off bloody revolution in this country by the elites having the sense to give enough ground, but this collection of drones haven't got the basic horse sense of their predecessors, and still don't realise that their posturing impresses no one.  The utterly pathetic "debate" in the Commons yesterday is a case in point.

I agree with you 3G.

1 hour ago, Malcolm Robinson said:

HMG............

That's right, see number 6 - it will be considered; not necessarily debated.

15 hours ago, Les Dixon said:

Parliament will debate this petition if enough sign it.

Yes it's easier, but more affective and direct, it is the 21st century after all.

Contrary to popular belief, at no point is parliament obliged to debate a petition, merely to consider doing so.

I've only seen the dog so far, and I think it's excellent!

Of course he should have a state visit; doesn't mean I agree with him, though!

Fantastic stuff!

Thus should be fun; I am drawn to this paragraph - "I was suprised that Bedlington had a UKIP office in the High St as an anti-establishment two party policy organisations, I cant remember Bedlington been over run with immmigrants when I lived there maybe a Chinese,Indian and a very nice Pakistanie small shop."

I wasn't aware a town had to have an immigration problem to qualify for a UKIP office (and no, I'm not a supporter of the party)! Also, the good Mr Chahal would hit you with his stick if he knew you'd referred to him as a Pakistani; He's Indian.

With regard to:

"All of us could lake a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism."

A friend posted one of my favourite all-time comments on Facebook - "Why do they keep giving these storms names? It just encourages them."

An excellent suggestion!

Merry Christmas to all, enjoy!

I live in Choppington, a few yards up from the speed camera, and am fascinated to find out there was so much more here, and not that long ago, Thanks for the ongoing conversation, it's taught me a lot!

You certainly are, but I still wouldn't call it steadily creeping up. Bit of a jagged ski-slope sort of graph, really, like the dollar sterling one but no so pretty. 

"value of Sterling because it has been steadily creeping up lately"

No it hasn't. It's hovered around 78-79p on the dollar for ages. As someone paid in dollars, I'm qualified to know.

Good news about exports.

"But as far as  Brexit in concerned  you need to dry your eyes and mop up that milk dearie, that ship has sailed  you will just have to stop stomping your feet and get over it,"

I'm not that bothered, to be honest, as it affects me very little (well, apart from my dollars being worth more!). It's the fact many who voted thought they were voting for things they aren't going to get; a bit like Mr Trump and his wall! Where would we be without politics to keep us amused!

19 hours ago, moe19 said:

Tell that to the people of Scotland and prepare to have a haggis stuffed where the sun don't shine

 

Its actually the third REFERENDUM that has taken place in the whole of the UK , with  no problem accepting the results of the other two, 

I love haggis, but not there! Your second sentence highlights the problem, however; it was a referendum, not an election. It was never a binding decision, and still isn't. 

"The day we stop allowing people to vote because we think they are to ignorant to understand politics would be the end of the UK and democracy as we know it ."

Of course, I wasn't suggesting such. It does concern me, however, and I do take on board your comments about locals voting labour. As for democracy, it's not necessarily about giving votes on issues such as Brexit to the people; we've already exercised our democratic right to vote for members of parliament to represent us. I believe that, as in Ancient Greece, where the concept originated, giving important votes such as this was about allowing those elected members to do it for us? 

"People don't HAVE to know why they voted: they still have a right to vote."

Absolutely true, Moe, but doesn't it concern you at least a little that a vote of this importance was put in the hands of a group of persons of whom, let's be honest, few knew - or know - all the facts? Or, to go a step further, didn't actually care very much about it?