keith lockey

Sorry, Malcolm, I should have known better. It's hard to tell how something is said in its written form. I proffer my grovelling apology and head off into the corner.

Yeah, HPW, I remember the dial on the window sill. No remote control in those days. I also remember Radio Luxembourg. Lying in bed at night with a hand-held radio and an earplug listening to Don McLean singing American Pie and the New Seekers warbling I'd like to teach the world to sing. Happy Days!!!

It must be just you, Malcolm, because I think Bedlington looks better in that picture - which is in the seventies - because we had shops and hopes for the future, etc etc etc. (PS The photo isn't mine, someone on this site posted it a while back.)

How long have we got to wait, Malcolm?

I meant the supermarket site, Keefy, not old Milne House.

Okay folks, starting with Presto's in the 70s - name the supermarkets that have been on that site!!! Somerfield Fine Fare? Kwik Save? Safeway. Anymore!!!!

Now that Tesco is starting a car boot sale on Sundays, do you not thing it is a good idea to re-open the public toilet again in the car park. In fact why was it ever closed down in the first place?

Ebay is having a pillory sale - while stocks last.

Happy birthday. Hope there aren't that many candles on the cake.

Happy Birthday. Have a good one.

Hi Russ, nice of you to contact us. I hope you continue to enjoy the forum.

Cheers Eggy, much appreciated.

Care worker. I'll PM you.

Fascinating, Threegee here's the one in Morpeth I was thinking of. It's like an Awkright haberdashery.

Keith - I'll be working in Bedlington once I complete my induction and training, etc. Adam - I am truly amazed, because when I asked last week they told me no chance. (I'll PM you.)

There's a Smails at Morpeth, isn't there? (Or have I got the wrong shop!!!)

If you know anyone who is on JSA, Adam, get them to ask for a bus pass / fare at Bedlington Jobcentre with regards to going to an interview and see what the response is.

Same as Eggy, Paul. Thanks to your posting and Eggy's photo, I do, now remember them. I also remember not liking them because your hands used to freeze and the only way you could get them open was with a pair of scissors - which, of course, you always carried round with you. Here's a brilliant web-site for such things. http://www.aquarterof.co.uk/

Not at the Jobcentre, Adam, they flatly refused me when I asked - I had three interviews in ten days. They told me in no uncertain terms that I was expected to pay for any bus fares out of my JSA unless the interview was beyond my 20 mile job search area.

Just as a matter of interest to anyone - and this is on a more serious note - if you are on Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) you are expected to pay bus fares out of your 'dole' money. So if you have three interviews in a week, that is about £15 out of your money. Now that is quite hard on some folk who are living hand to mouth. I can readily understand why and how there is so much debt in society - people are forced to get loans. The thing is - if you can't afford the bus fare - and thus can't get to the interview - then the authorities concerned can sanction you and stop your benefit because they deem it as 'not actively looking for work!!! Is it me or is there something wrong with this system?

Thanks Vic, really appreciate it. I know what you mean, Adam. Consider my dilemma - I don't have a telly! I got rid of it three years ago because of the celebrity sh**e that was always on. Whenever I tell anyone - including interviewers - I get a look ranging from horror to sympathy. Some people cannot come to terms with folk who have no interest in TV. Give me a book, CD, DVD, PC anyday.

I GOT THE JOB - sort of. Now I know what to do folks. You tick the transgender box, turn up for the interview in fishnet stockings and six-inch stillettos, dab a smattering of Steetwalker56 under your armpits and talk in a husky voice. Works a charm. Mind you my ankles are killing me. No, seriously, I start my induction next week and hopefully start work soon after. (There is a lot of paper work and red tape to sort out in between.) Cheers to all.

LOL. Cheers, Merc', just what I need. I'm off to get ready now - where did I put my wellies and my St. topez cravat.

Last week I got asked... "What can you bring to this position if you get it?" But what gets me is the Gender questions!! Why would you admit to transgenderism on your application form? What business is it to them? But one question I see is omitted is the religion question. That doesn't get asked very often. (And rightly so, I hasten to add) I think application forms should be more basic and job orientated.

I think I'll wear my six-inch stillettos and fishnet stockings, Eggy. I mean I want to make a good impression. Now where's my nail varnish and lippy.