mercuryg

Love it. However, I should add that a spellchecker would not necessarily highlight chould; It's one of those combination words - 'could' and 'should' - that is deemed acceptable in many quarters, and has likely been used by the paper before. The sub-editor wants a good kicking for not noticing it, though. And I agree that the standard of writing is often appalling. 

This had me giggling, well spotted!

Ps a highlight of mine was seeing Eric Bogle in Ashington not that many years ago! Watching him sing 'and the band played waltzing Matilda' actually did raise the hairs on my arms. Privileged much.

Interesting, thank you!

The Red Lion has a sign on the door welcoming people to use its facilities

Cat update: My youngest has decided that, in addition to bringing me dead rodents (and the odd live one) I also need fruit and veg. In the back garden, in accessible but for a front gate, I have found - over the last few days, all neatly placed together - two bananas, several carrots, and an apple.

Such a pity we couldn't celebrate him more! (Ryan is Adam's brother.)

And me.

11 hours ago, webtrekker said:

You paint a wonderful picture HPW, as good as any of the Pitmen Painters. 

Agreed; love reading this stuff, it really does provide a rare insight.

11 hours ago, Malcolm Robinson said:

Just one question merc and I don't want to enter the lovefest you have going with GGG, but when did we ever have an elected Prime Minister?  

 

If we elected our head of government..... as such......... it would be a republic as far as I can see?  

 

We mere mortals only get to elect Mp's.  

Good point, and absolutely correct of course. 

11 hours ago, Malcolm Robinson said:

I believe they are deserted ones merc with just skeleton crews left on!!!!!!!!

Really? Or are you pulling my leg here!

Btw, i have no desire to see the referendum ignored; nor was it democratic. Democracy, in its true form, is not about giving a vote to the general populous, but about giving it to chosen people who have knowledge of the points to be considered. Of course, you know that.

You expect me, and others, to believe the then Prime Minister made no provisions for a leave vote? Seriously? You actually believe that? Give me a break! He would have had people working around the clock to deal with both eventualities; this was about the country, not his breakfast! May doesn't want to leave, does she? What have I read just today; let's see, next year (no mention of before Christmas); delays until late next year; might not happen at all; Arse doesn't know what elbow is doing; etc. all good fun.

11 hours ago, Malcolm Robinson said:

Unheard of before but 5 passenger ships into the Tyne today...........all disgorging tourists with foreign exchange to spend!  

 

They are calling it "Super Tuesday"!  

Excellent, and should have happened years ago, I noticed ships off the mouth of the Tyne when I was on the beach yesterday. 

"You still haven't answered the so simple simple question about what value the pound should have? "

Yes I have; I told you quite clearly I'm happy with it, and like to point out you were wrong about it recovering! It couldn't be simpler.

"Ah, that "non-binding" result of the referendum."

But it is non binding; it was a referendum, not a legal vote. You're well aware of this.

"Though, quite unlike yourself, he does have a genuine reason to be annoyed"

I'm not annoyed.

"Oh, another question: as we've been in the EEC/EU for 41 years now, what exactly has it done for the ordinary working person in all this time?  Supplementary: If we were to remain what exactly would change from now on to make our stay worthwhile?"

Great questions; I worked for many years for a company that benefited greatly from EU trade arrangements. That affected me as we did more business, grew as a result, and I got to earn more money, buy a house, a car and so on. I don't see how a North-East based print and packaging company would have been able to sustain such business (and it still does) without the input of the EU in terms of financial grants and benefits, which were forthcoming at the time. Now, of course, those deals are not going to go away - they are solid - but will more be forthcoming? I can't say for sure yes or know as I am no longer employed by them, but I can say that there is considerable uncertainty at present as to how their business is to go forward until the buttons are pressed. You know as ell as I do the influence the EU has had on working conditions and so on, although if you want to try and make me believe there has been absolutely no benefit across 41 years than that's fine, but that doesn't really wash, does it? What would change from now on to make our stay worthwhile? What has changed to make us leave? I just don't get it. Back to what I've said many times: why did people vote to leave? Was it for the major economic benefits you tell me of? You know also that the majority of people who voted - and this is for both sides - did so in a state of confusion, of not actually understanding what the EU is, or what it does or doesn't do. How can anyone consider a decision made in such circumstances to be a sensible one? I maintain this is not a decision to be taken by 'the people' as we - by and large - are not suitably qualified.

One thing does bother me, though: if, as some tell me - yourself included - leaving the EU is such an obvious benefit to the country, it's economy, it's people, why hasn't Article 50 been invoked? I mean, I don't buy that May needs to get her teams in place before such a decision can be made - if that is so, then her predecessors really weren't prepared - and as she is an un-elected Prime Minister who will at some point come up against an election, surely getting things underway right now - of before now - would have been a sensible and clever political move, that would stand her in good stead for when she faces the music? Why the delays? You - and others - reckon before Christmas; I read something the other day saying next spring; I read another piece citing further delays. Why any delay? If it's the future, and so good for us, get it done! Until we do, one way or the other, these amazing trade deals that are being touted remain on the back-burner, as nobody is going to commit until the government do. So, 'we' voted; leave; let's leave, and stop fannying around.

He's back! Yeah! hey, the pounds crumbled in the past few days, in advance of economic reports om the effects of Brexit! i take it that means it's all going tp be tales of fabulous futures and so on? I won't bother quoting the exchange rate, as I know it really annoys you for me to remind me how wrong you were (and are) about the pound's recovery. just keep posting your selective stories about how great this (so far non-existent) withdrawal from Europe will be. that should keep you happy.

I do agree with you, it must be said, that we need more clarity from the government. I'm not sure we'll get more from Santa's elves before the year's out, however. Also, the 'wise British public' haven't removed any impediment; you know as well as the rest of us the referendum was not binding, and that such a slim majority is not convincing. Good  to see you back, I've been bored. 

Had a wander down yesterday, was nice and busy, planning to borrow a child today so don't look so out of place!

Fifteen blondes walk into a bar; you'd think one would have noticed it.

10 minutes ago, John Fox (foxy) said:

You forgot to add watching the wedding video in reverse, the bride walking up the aisle, getting into the taxi and going back to her mother

I hope the wife doesn't read this page, Foxy!

"Part of that wall,which was at the back of thi chapel,can still be seen ,so far doon thi bank,surrounded by trees noo."

HPW, enlighten me a little; can I see this from the road, or do I need to head into the fields? I will have a look on my walk!

Dear PAWS; tell them, without grace, to sod off. After all the good work you did, this is utterly disgraceful. Let them take you to court, and explain there is no money.

Canny Lass, no, it's a brand new build next to morrisons.

I'm sure Lidl were very happy about this!

Had a little giggle yesterday. I see the new bus stops, where the new store is being built, now have their timetable cards in place. At the top it proudly displays the name of the stop as 'Bedlington - Opp. Aldi'. Oops.

i am afraid this leaves me cold! Good luck to the home team and all that, but otherwise, no thanks!