NickP

Gluestick wrote, "And for those with an honest enquiring turn of mind, the United Grand Lodge website states specifically and precisely who the senior officers are. http://www.ugle.org.uk/about-ugle/whos-who/ "   Didn't see too many secondary school boys in the top five of this organisation, but then I'm sure they have a few tokens further down the ladder.  [:P]

Actually it was 44 years to receive full pension rights. I queried the fact that I had paid for 50 years, and then asked for a return of overpayment's and got told no way. As to your question as to who raised the pension age, I'll have a bet now that call me Dave if he gets in; will not lower it, in fact will increas it except for MP's and civil servants.

Quillan wrote' "Another one is free travel, not many know that the 'bus pass' has been linked to the official retirement age (instead of getting it at 60). This particularly hits women because they now retire at 62 and 4 months (details on the dwp website, effects those born after 1959) and thus won't get their free bus pass till that age. As the plans to increase the age for men as well gets ever closer it is expected the same will happen. Seems another attack by a 'socialist' government on one of the more vulnerable groups in society i.e. pensioners." The bus pass has always been linked to the retirement age, the circumstances of men getting it at 60 years of age came about because one guy queried why women got the heating allowance  at 60 and men at 65, and for once the equality law worked on behalf of the male population; this decision  then affected the bus pass.  So for you to lay this at Labour's door as an attack on pensioners is anti Labour propaganda of the highest order. As for the retirement age rising I'm not surprised? Myself; and lots of others like me left school and went to work at 15 years of age, quite normal for kids brought up and educated as factory fodder. Todays little darlings don't leave school or go to work till they are about 22, and have got their sports science or street dancing degree, so I don't see any problem with the retirement age being raised, to reflect their working life time and contribution to society  [:D]

[quote user="Russethouse"]They might have more vegetarians, or left handers or martians for that matter, does anyone care as long as they do a good job ?[/quote] They didn't do a "good job" last time, and if they get in nothing will change.  To answer your question some people do care, the last thing I want representing me is a left handed vegetarian Martian. I reckon an ideal combination would be a coalition of Scottish, Welsh and English nationalists. [:D]

So 3 MP's who are going on trial accused of stealing our money are getting legal aid to fight the charges. Wonderful coincidence that the law wasn't changed in time for them not to be allowed to claim free legal assistance. Old Etonian "Call me Dave" says he will change the law if he gets in , "Middle class" Gordon says labour will grab money back. Oink oink, the UK will soon be covered in pig poo as the said animals all take to the sky.  [:D] [:D]

The small holes are probably mice? they are in our garden! The "wiggly" trails are almost certainly moles. In fact we have actually seen the grass moving, and they don't half move quickly. We seem to get them every couple of years then they disappear, shops and garden centres sell lots of mole deterrents, we've tried all the gadgets apart from gunpowder, nothing works.  Found the best bet is to leave them alone and eventually  they go away. It seems that if you harass them they just move a couple of yards and dig more. All I do is run over the mole hills with the mini tractor or rake the soil over the grass. We just accept that it is one of the prices you pay for living in the country.

Well; that puts me in my place, left wing uneducated numpty who has been brainwashed. I feel sorry for gluethick, he has to share a forum with people like me who are quite obviously are not up to his standards. Still, can't stay here chatting, I'm just off to the shops to get some new fishing hooks [:D]

Gluestick wrote. Sadly, you have fallen into the present trap, of populist abuse of the English language: wherein when and where anyone dares to criticise left wing liberal nonsense, they are instantly labelled with pejorative epithets, sobriquets and labels. If you care to examine the Criminal Justice Act amendments, in which "Hate Crimes" were defined in statutory law (Which generally follows European Law since this is paramount), then you would see that a "Hate" crime can flow from comments, attacks, and scurrilous denegration of a person, an institution and or their/its  religious faith and etc. Some of you people have racism on the brain: if you stand aside and consider the matter then you will see for example, that a Muslim, for example can be a member, ethnically, of any race on the planet. Religious Hate Crimes have nothing whatsoever to do with race: anymore than do homophobic hate crimes. And furthermore, Freemasonry embraces people of ALL races and the majority of religions and faiths, as equals. Shame we cannot say the same pertains in society generally."  Considering you were not going to say any more on this subject, you have surpassed yourself gluestick. you must have been up all night researching all those big words.  You are now accusing me of being a left wing liberal, Hmm, I can't work that out?  But then maybe in a couple of weeks time when I have researched your essay I may try and understand your thinking. But as you are a person who always seems to use twenty words when one is sufficient, it is unlikely. [:P]

Gluestick wrote "Sorry: I totally fail to understand what you are talking about vis a vis "racism"? What on earth and where on earth does this figure" My comment was about  implied racism.  Your comment was "One comment, however is demanded: if these two members had banged on in this and any number of other threads as they have, excoriating persons and groups of persons and an organisation in the manner they have, and that group had been, say Muslims, Jews or Homosexuals, then understandably, the forum publishers and the writers would probably have been charged with Hate Crimes under current UK and french law."  In my opinion you are implying that the two people involved were acting in a "racist type" manner. If not, why mention Jews & Muslims, you also chucked in homosexuals another cheap shot. After all the other persons never mentioned any of these, their gripe was about masons.     

I think you are being a bit of a drama queen  with your comments Gluestick. Yes he steps over the mark quite often, but most things Dog spouts should be taken with the proverbial pinch of salt, Swissie, to me always seems and sounds perfectly reasonable, and personally just because people don't like the way  masons operate, to insinuate that their opinions are akin to racism is paranoia of the highest order. Normally,when people play the race card without any basis it usually means their argument is weak. [:P]

Well I'm not trying to top you Chancer, but if you are ever in St Jacques, I will show you a non squeaky stair case. Ours was built 40 years ago out of reclaimed oak from an old church, so the age of the wood is anybodies guess. The spindles are 3X2's, the newel posts are 6X6's, the outside stringers are 12X4's and the  handrails are 4X3 1/4's, every thing is nailed together except the inside (wall)  stringer which is screwed to the walls. Not a wedge anywhere, a thing of utter beauty and a tribute to the Carpenter who built it. [:)]

Chancer wrote: "Be aware that there are significant structural differences between UK and French staircases, a hardwood French one will usually be finished on the underside as well as the top surface, the UK one not normally so but will have glue blocks and wedges." And don't forget that the UK built one will come complete with built in squeaks and movement. Get a French one mate, no blocks or wedges because it will be built properly. [:D]

[quote user="MisterC"]Oh my - I realise what I've done - might as well take a dose of G..... straight away. Sorry for any offence caused but as you say, I am in a bit of a quandary wiht my time scale or lack of it. MisterC[/quote] Look it's your garden, you do exactly what you want do. or what is necessary. If the "garden police" are prepared to come round and hand weed the plot for you then fine, but if you need to use weedkiller use it. Good luck enjoy your garden.

Dog wrote "When confronted with the suggestion that people died so I could vote my reply is "Tell them they needn't have bothered". Thanks very much you poor excuse for a foss septic, next time I go to visit the war graves to pay my respects,  I will pass on your sentiments, just remember if they hadn't died you would not be able to spout your rubbish publicly.

[quote user="Russethouse"] Wow  - what a non event - 70% of people will show their disgust with such a corrupt non democratic system and they will not bother to vote.  My feeling is that people died so that we could have a vote so I'm going to use it, my daughter who mentioned she might not bother has been told to show her opinion by spoiling or writing on the voting paper - not voting at all isn't an option [/quote] I'm not sure that the 70% figure is accurate, but plenty of people don't vote. All the polls  on the news this morning showed different results, proving that it depends on who you ask? As you say people should vote, I believe that in some countries it's obligatory but has the facility to register a protest vote, Sounds like a good system to me. I agree with Bugsy's idea of the webley, but I think the present incumbents of Westminster should be able to blow their brains (or lack of) out with a water pistol. After all why waste the lead shot. [:D]

[quote user="LEO"][quote user="NickP"] Gordon Brown a Scott has said "he hopes Wayne Rooney is fit to play in the world cup". I really believe that. bit like Blair, and what was the saying Education,education, education, we are still waiting. It must be a great time to be a member of the  Liberal Party you can promise and say what you like, and never be called upon to prove your manifesto. And "call me Dave" is busy phoning up all his old Etonian mates and offering them jobs and a chance to get their snouts in the trough. There really has to be a better system than general elections? Unfortunately the only creditable alternative; The monster Raving Loony party seems to have disappeared. [:D][/quote] Hi Nick, I am a Scot.(a person born in Scotland ) Scott , is a common surname. ps. What has Wayne Rooney got to do with the Election? [/quote] Hello Leo, First sorry for the typing error, (2oo many T's). As for Wayne Rooney the Scot Gordon brown mentioned him in one of his political comments about Britain's future, so as you  are a Scot and probably understand  him, ask Gordon. [:D]

 Gordon Brown a Scott has said "he hopes Wayne Rooney is fit to play in the world cup". I really believe that. bit like Blair, and what was the saying Education,education, education, we are still waiting. It must be a great time to be a member of the  Liberal Party you can promise and say what you like, and never be called upon to prove your manifesto. And "call me Dave" is busy phoning up all his old Etonian mates and offering them jobs and a chance to get their snouts in the trough. There really has to be a better system than general elections? Unfortunately the only creditable alternative; The monster Raving Loony party seems to have disappeared. [:D]

Thanks to all for the suggestions  [B]

A bit of help please from one of you French linguists, my six year old grandson has just asked me what the French word is for something (food) that is yummy. Nearest phrase or expression would be good; if as I imagine  there is no literal translation.

[quote user="Barbel Bob"]Thanks for the quick reply Hoddy...I have read many posts and they have made me aware of Rouen...what seems to be the problem there? I hope to catch the 16.10 ferry and i will have my sat nav and just follow the Calais signs! Cannot believe how nervous i am, silly really! J[/quote] The problem with Rouen is not huge, but you are best to go through the factory estate, do not go through the town center. After Dreux and Evreux just take it easy and follow the signs. When you leave the factory estate via a  flyover, get over to the left into the middle lane and keep your eyes out for the Calais signs, you go through a tunnel (Blue signs for the A28). As you are nervous driver allow two and a half hours from Rouen to Calais. Bon Voyage

The most obvious advantage of using British paint is the cost. If you do use the glossy French paint and do not like it, make sure you use a sandpaper to "key" the paint before going over it with matt paint. Most  paints these days of the emulsion type are suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.  The manufactures will happily sell you more expensive kitchen and bathroom paint, don't fall for it it's just a marketing plot to get more money out of you.

I missed this one Chessie, but saw another  about the people who collect lunch boxes from peoples houses, transport  them  by train and then deliver the lunch boxes to the peoples offices. It was amazing,  of course it begs the question of why the people do not take their own lunch with them when they go to work? but then  this is India.  Also there was another film about Indian train drivers; the most frightening statistic was the number of "jumpers" and people crossing the lines at the wrong time and place each driver has to contend with. India is such a rich source of stories,  it is a documentary film makers paradise.

Sweet 17 wrote " Hey, that's an idea, why don't someone set up an AE going around people's houses cleaning carpets, rugs and upholstery?   Unfortunatly Sweet not many French people have carpets and rugs, and looking at the price of them in France I'm not suprised. We bought a steam cleaner in Lidl and it does a fabulous job on the floor tiles. Not sure about the upholsterey as we haven't used it on that; and as our curtains are very lightweight  they go into the washing machine.

[quote user="Joe"]Does aynone know if wood ash from domestic fire is ok for the garden.I have clay soil.Iknow coal ash will assist drainage, but I'm not sure about wood ash.looked at garden books but no info.Any advice welcome.[/quote] Take a look at this site Joe, it's quite informative. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1525082/wood_ashes_improve_garden_3_ways_as.html      

I'd have thought that the gendarmes/police can patrol where ever they like, also that anybody who objects to them doing so must have something to hide? Quick edit.  Just because someone has put up a sign saying private, doesn't mean it wasn't private before the sign went up and as you say the gendarmes have patrolled there in the past.