According to the Telegraph that's just for transporting files, documents and politicians for three or four days to Strasburg. I suppose that's how long it takes to stock up their wine cellars.towny44 wrote: 07 May 2018, 22:32I thought it was £8bn a year?oldbluefox wrote: 07 May 2018, 21:42Unlike Soubry, Morgan and Abbott I suppose who would quickly acquiesce to a federal Europe controlled from Brussels (and Strasbourg four days a month)
In all seriousness how can anyone justify spending £130 million a year on this futile extravagance?
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Current Affairs
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oldbluefox
- Ex Team Member
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- Location: Cumbria
Re: Current Affairs
I was taught to be cautious
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oldbluefox
- Ex Team Member
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- Location: Cumbria
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screwy
- Senior First Officer

- Posts: 3033
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- Location: Lancashire
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barney
- Deputy Captain

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Re: Current Affairs
I can see why Ray is worried about Labour
https://www.politico.eu/article/jon-lan ... my-corbyn/
The hard left take over could go either way in my opinion.
Whether they can ever gain enough votes to form a government is debatable, but if they ever do, it will be interesting times.
For my part, it doesn't really matter much to me personally who is in government.
What they all have in common is that they are all pretty useless.
The vast majority wouldn't last five minutes in the business world.
https://www.politico.eu/article/jon-lan ... my-corbyn/
The hard left take over could go either way in my opinion.
Whether they can ever gain enough votes to form a government is debatable, but if they ever do, it will be interesting times.
For my part, it doesn't really matter much to me personally who is in government.
What they all have in common is that they are all pretty useless.
The vast majority wouldn't last five minutes in the business world.
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Ray Scully
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Re: Current Affairs
Barney I don't suppose it can be any great surprise that the young and disenfranchised see Momentum Labour as their saviour. The Tories don't seem to be offering any solutions to the structural inequalities in our society. A small glimmer of hope is the suggestion that the tax burden could be borne more by those with the capacity to pay and in the case of my generation make the biggest claims on the system, however I fear this will not get much traction, for fear of losing the grey vote. As for all Politicians being useless. Of those who I come across in my time, I would suggest only half have been useless and self serving.
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Manoverboard
- Ex Team Member
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Re: Current Affairs
Don't feel guilty Ray ... soon be time for us all to leave our hard earned wealth to a younger set who were born into the culture of entitlement rather than flogging their guts out.

Keep smiling, it's good for your well being
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Ray Scully
- Senior First Officer

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Re: Current Affairs
I'm sure my parents thought the same of my generation.Manoverboard wrote: 08 May 2018, 12:37Don't feel guilty Ray ... soon be time for us all to leave our hard earned wealth to a younger set who were born into the culture of entitlement rather than flogging their guts out.
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Manoverboard
- Ex Team Member
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Re: Current Affairs
No doubt ... but surely the issue still relates to today's ( I am entitled to everything ) youths vs their ( Mend and make do ) grandparents rather than their ( Worked all hours God sent ) parents ?Ray Scully wrote: 08 May 2018, 12:41I'm sure my parents thought the same of my generation.Manoverboard wrote: 08 May 2018, 12:37Don't feel guilty Ray ... soon be time for us all to leave our hard earned wealth to a younger set who were born into the culture of entitlement rather than flogging their guts out.
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Keep smiling, it's good for your well being
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barney
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Re: Current Affairs
What gets me is the implication that we 'had it easy' in comparison to the young people today.
My recollection is some what different and I'd guess many on here feel the same.
My son was born in 1989. A millennial.
Can you remember what the interest rates where in late 1989.?
I think it was 15 or 16%
I remember paying the mortgage, putting a bit aside for bills and then with the rest ... well there wasn't any rest.
Let me tell you an immediate family situation
I have one son and two nieces all born within a couple of years of each other, so now late 20's early 30's
Now, my son and one niece were savers from being young.
My other niece was a serious spender.
The first two now have lovely houses and children. They are both on their second property due to starting off with buying small flats.
The spender still lives in a rented flat and bemoans the fact that she can't get on and feels so hard done by.
This one has an amazing wardrobe of clothes, hundreds of pairs of shoes, and had VERY expensive and exotic holidays.
So, you see my point. They have all had the same upbringing and the same opportunities.
They chose different paths.
I don't feel guilty for what I've achieved and for what I have.
As Ray says, we are now the generation that is sometimes seen as a drain, making the largest claims on the system, but don't forget this is the sysytem that we paid into for many, many years.
feel Guilty ? Not me.
My recollection is some what different and I'd guess many on here feel the same.
My son was born in 1989. A millennial.
Can you remember what the interest rates where in late 1989.?
I think it was 15 or 16%
I remember paying the mortgage, putting a bit aside for bills and then with the rest ... well there wasn't any rest.
Let me tell you an immediate family situation
I have one son and two nieces all born within a couple of years of each other, so now late 20's early 30's
Now, my son and one niece were savers from being young.
My other niece was a serious spender.
The first two now have lovely houses and children. They are both on their second property due to starting off with buying small flats.
The spender still lives in a rented flat and bemoans the fact that she can't get on and feels so hard done by.
This one has an amazing wardrobe of clothes, hundreds of pairs of shoes, and had VERY expensive and exotic holidays.
So, you see my point. They have all had the same upbringing and the same opportunities.
They chose different paths.
I don't feel guilty for what I've achieved and for what I have.
As Ray says, we are now the generation that is sometimes seen as a drain, making the largest claims on the system, but don't forget this is the sysytem that we paid into for many, many years.
feel Guilty ? Not me.
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towny44
- Deputy Captain

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Re: Current Affairs
Could it be that the 50% of politicians that Ray thinks are useless and self serving are mainly members of the Labour party, which does not leave poor Jezza with a large pool of top notch candidates with which to fill his shadow cabinet.
John
Trainee Pensioner since 2000
Trainee Pensioner since 2000
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barney
- Deputy Captain

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Re: Current Affairs
I'd happily challenge that statement towny
Labour have some excellent minds in their Party.
Unfortunately for Corbyn, the more intelligent and erudite amongst them have already decided that they don't wish to be closely associated with him and have distanced themselves.
That is why he has ended up with the likes of Abbott and Thornbury on his front bench.
He has little choice when the brightest wouldn't touch him with a bargepole.
I think that the vast majority of Labour MPs are waiting for the far left to eat itself and situation normal to resume. They seem to have grossly underestimated Momentum (Militant Tendency) and that when/if Corbyn is defeated at the next general election, they will shoe in an even more hard left leader due to their voting system.
Remember, the MPs don't choose the leader like the Tories do. It is voted on by the membership and that is hard left dominated.
Blairism is dead and the centre left like Cooper & Umuna will find themselves eventually de-selected.
Heidi Alexander had the right idea, bail out while you can.
Labour have some excellent minds in their Party.
Unfortunately for Corbyn, the more intelligent and erudite amongst them have already decided that they don't wish to be closely associated with him and have distanced themselves.
That is why he has ended up with the likes of Abbott and Thornbury on his front bench.
He has little choice when the brightest wouldn't touch him with a bargepole.
I think that the vast majority of Labour MPs are waiting for the far left to eat itself and situation normal to resume. They seem to have grossly underestimated Momentum (Militant Tendency) and that when/if Corbyn is defeated at the next general election, they will shoe in an even more hard left leader due to their voting system.
Remember, the MPs don't choose the leader like the Tories do. It is voted on by the membership and that is hard left dominated.
Blairism is dead and the centre left like Cooper & Umuna will find themselves eventually de-selected.
Heidi Alexander had the right idea, bail out while you can.
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Ray Scully
- Senior First Officer

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- Location: Lancashire
Re: Current Affairs
Generally speaking John each party has had its share, brought about no doubt by safe constituencies and a lot of nepotismtowny44 wrote: 08 May 2018, 14:06Could it be that the 50% of politicians that Ray thinks are useless and self serving are mainly members of the Labour party, which does not leave poor Jezza with a large pool of top notch candidates with which to fill his shadow cabinet.
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barney
- Deputy Captain

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Re: Current Affairs
One of my good mates back in Kent is MP for Swale & Sittingbourne.
He's certainly a good bloke but I'd hardly put him in the Brain of Britain category.
Last year, he blew himself up putting petrol on a bonfire.
IDIOT !
When I told him I'd done the same a few years ago, he suddenly felt so much better
Very scary I can tell you. I'd never do that again. I get the wife to do it now.
He is a Gills fan but since becoming MP, doesn't sit with us anymore (don't blame him really, we are riff raff)
He now sits in a box as permanent guest of the main Sponsor. Got to be a few perks I suppose
He used to be a member at my Lodge but resigned on becoming an MP because of the potential stigma.
Shame really but I understand why.
He sits on some defence committee and travels the world on junkets, doing 'in depth studies'
He's recently back from Canada. As they say, nice work if you can get it.
What I do admire about him as he has never taken advantage of the second home scandal.
He openly says that if his constituents can commute, then so can he.
He's certainly a good bloke but I'd hardly put him in the Brain of Britain category.
Last year, he blew himself up putting petrol on a bonfire.
IDIOT !
When I told him I'd done the same a few years ago, he suddenly felt so much better
Very scary I can tell you. I'd never do that again. I get the wife to do it now.
He is a Gills fan but since becoming MP, doesn't sit with us anymore (don't blame him really, we are riff raff)
He now sits in a box as permanent guest of the main Sponsor. Got to be a few perks I suppose
He used to be a member at my Lodge but resigned on becoming an MP because of the potential stigma.
Shame really but I understand why.
He sits on some defence committee and travels the world on junkets, doing 'in depth studies'
He's recently back from Canada. As they say, nice work if you can get it.
What I do admire about him as he has never taken advantage of the second home scandal.
He openly says that if his constituents can commute, then so can he.
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Ray Scully
- Senior First Officer

- Posts: 2069
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Re: Current Affairs
Barney
Where you not taught to be cautious!
Where you not taught to be cautious!
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barney
- Deputy Captain

- Posts: 5853
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- Location: Instow Devon
Re: Current Affairs
I was Ray but it clearly didn't sink in 
As was Bro. Gordon which is why he probably has distanced himself
As was Bro. Gordon which is why he probably has distanced himself
Last edited by barney on 08 May 2018, 15:13, edited 1 time in total.
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oldbluefox
- Ex Team Member
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- Location: Cumbria
Re: Current Affairs
Now you have moved to Devon have you managed to find anywhere on the level, Barney?
I was taught to be cautious
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Stephen
Topic author - Commodore

- Posts: 17774
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Re: Current Affairs
A good moveoldbluefox wrote: 08 May 2018, 16:08Now you have moved to Devon have you managed to find anywhere on the level, Barney?
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Manoverboard
- Ex Team Member
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- Location: Dorset
Re: Current Affairs
We did, just the once ... Bigbury-on-Seaoldbluefox wrote: 08 May 2018, 16:08Now you have moved to Devon have you managed to find anywhere on the level, Barney?
Keep smiling, it's good for your well being
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barney
- Deputy Captain

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Re: Current Affairs
Still not yet Foxyoldbluefox wrote: 08 May 2018, 16:08Now you have moved to Devon have you managed to find anywhere on the level, Barney?
I've not had time !!
We've had various building projects going on almost since we've moved in.
Definately for the new season in September
Instow is almost exactly midway between Barnstaple & Bideford so I have a choice each way.
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barney
- Deputy Captain

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Re: Current Affairs
So far not a minute of regret Stephen.Stephen wrote: 09 May 2018, 10:26A good moveoldbluefox wrote: 08 May 2018, 16:08Now you have moved to Devon have you managed to find anywhere on the level, Barney?, and one we intend doing ourselves one day. East Devon for us, we'll be there again in June.
The downside of missing the family is negated by WhatsApp.
We probably chat more than we did when we were all local.
We had dinner last night at the Instow Arms, overlooking the nearly deserted beach and have to pinch ourselves to be living in such a lovely place.
The roads have started to get busier as the season approaches, so the advice is to just stay local, but we're happy to do that.
We had last Sunday on Woolacombe beach and it was gorgeous. Only a twenty minute drive form where we are. We also have Croyde beach and Saunton Sands up the road if we get board with our local one.
My serious recommendation is ....................... don't come. We like it as it is
I did laugh yesterday when our neighbour described the tourist motorhomes as 'Grockle Boxes'
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Stephen
Topic author - Commodore

- Posts: 17774
- Joined: January 2013
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Re: Current Affairs
barney wrote: 10 May 2018, 11:25So far not a minute of regret Stephen.Stephen wrote: 09 May 2018, 10:26A good moveoldbluefox wrote: 08 May 2018, 16:08Now you have moved to Devon have you managed to find anywhere on the level, Barney?, and one we intend doing ourselves one day. East Devon for us, we'll be there again in June.
The downside of missing the family is negated by WhatsApp.
We probably chat more than we did when we were all local.
We had dinner last night at the Instow Arms, overlooking the nearly deserted beach and have to pinch ourselves to be living in such a lovely place.
The roads have started to get busier as the season approaches, so the advice is to just stay local, but we're happy to do that.
We had last Sunday on Woolacombe beach and it was gorgeous. Only a twenty minute drive form where we are. We also have Croyde beach and Saunton Sands up the road if we get board with our local one.
My serious recommendation is ....................... don't come. We like it as it is![]()
I did laugh yesterday when our neighbour described the tourist motorhomes as 'Grockle Boxes'![]()
Busy down there is nothing like here. When we travel down we start relaxing as soon as we are off the M25.
I'm taking you up on you're advice barney about not coming, especially where you live. I prefer to get away from all the proposed new builds.
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barney
- Deputy Captain

- Posts: 5853
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- Location: Instow Devon
Re: Current Affairs
There is a fair bit of development in our area at the moment Stephen but nothing like the south east.Stephen wrote: 10 May 2018, 12:10barney wrote: 10 May 2018, 11:25So far not a minute of regret Stephen.Stephen wrote: 09 May 2018, 10:26A good moveoldbluefox wrote: 08 May 2018, 16:08Now you have moved to Devon have you managed to find anywhere on the level, Barney?, and one we intend doing ourselves one day. East Devon for us, we'll be there again in June.
The downside of missing the family is negated by WhatsApp.
We probably chat more than we did when we were all local.
We had dinner last night at the Instow Arms, overlooking the nearly deserted beach and have to pinch ourselves to be living in such a lovely place.
The roads have started to get busier as the season approaches, so the advice is to just stay local, but we're happy to do that.
We had last Sunday on Woolacombe beach and it was gorgeous. Only a twenty minute drive form where we are. We also have Croyde beach and Saunton Sands up the road if we get board with our local one.
My serious recommendation is ....................... don't come. We like it as it is![]()
I did laugh yesterday when our neighbour described the tourist motorhomes as 'Grockle Boxes'![]()
Busy down there is nothing like here. When we travel down we start relaxing as soon as we are off the M25.
I'm taking you up on you're advice barney about not coming, especially where you live. I prefer to get away from all the proposed new builds.![]()
![]()
My biggest surprise is a development of 135 homes quite near to the Tarka Trail at West Yelland.
I'm gobsmaked that they have allowed building on that side of the road beacuse A. it's outstanding lovely and B. it's clearly a flood plain.
The entrance to the new site Tarka Ridge is exactly opposite an established road call Lagoon View. Well, they haven't got a lagoon view now!
I hope that this isn't the thin edge of the wedge in this particular area but fear it may well be.
I fully appreciate that everyone needs somewhere to live, but there are many other places to build before somewhere as lovely as that.
There is a proposal for a large development out at Landkey, but that's a long way from us so will have no effect.
There seems to be the same 'infill' plots that you get anywhere.
Given the choice of Kent or North Devon, we are very happy with our choice.
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Stephen
Topic author - Commodore

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Re: Current Affairs
barney wrote: 18 May 2018, 09:37There is a fair bit of development in our area at the moment Stephen but nothing like the south east.Stephen wrote: 10 May 2018, 12:10barney wrote: 10 May 2018, 11:25So far not a minute of regret Stephen.Stephen wrote: 09 May 2018, 10:26
A good move, and one we intend doing ourselves one day. East Devon for us, we'll be there again in June.
The downside of missing the family is negated by WhatsApp.
We probably chat more than we did when we were all local.
We had dinner last night at the Instow Arms, overlooking the nearly deserted beach and have to pinch ourselves to be living in such a lovely place.
The roads have started to get busier as the season approaches, so the advice is to just stay local, but we're happy to do that.
We had last Sunday on Woolacombe beach and it was gorgeous. Only a twenty minute drive form where we are. We also have Croyde beach and Saunton Sands up the road if we get board with our local one.
My serious recommendation is ....................... don't come. We like it as it is![]()
I did laugh yesterday when our neighbour described the tourist motorhomes as 'Grockle Boxes'![]()
Busy down there is nothing like here. When we travel down we start relaxing as soon as we are off the M25.
I'm taking you up on you're advice barney about not coming, especially where you live. I prefer to get away from all the proposed new builds.![]()
![]()
My biggest surprise is a development of 135 homes quite near to the Tarka Trail at West Yelland.
I'm gobsmaked that they have allowed building on that side of the road beacuse A. it's outstanding lovely and B. it's clearly a flood plain.
The entrance to the new site Tarka Ridge is exactly opposite an established road call Lagoon View. Well, they haven't got a lagoon view now!
I hope that this isn't the thin edge of the wedge in this particular area but fear it may well be.
I fully appreciate that everyone needs somewhere to live, but there are many other places to build before somewhere as lovely as that.
There is a proposal for a large development out at Landkey, but that's a long way from us so will have no effect.
There seems to be the same 'infill' plots that you get anywhere.
Given the choice of Kent or North Devon, we are very happy with our choice.
Darkest North springs to mind
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Mervyn and Trish
- Commodore

- Posts: 17037
- Joined: February 2013
Re: Current Affairs
So Mrs Krankie has proudly announced that NHS workers in Scotland are to get a pay raise that means most of them will earn more than their counterparts in England. And who will pay for that? Let me just check the Barnett formula. Oh yes. The English.
Maybe next time she wants an independence referendum the English should be given a vote too. She might win then!
Maybe as a taste of independence Scotland should be allowed to run finance. Have control of all spending and taxation. All money spent in Scotland to be raised in Scotland And there should be a charge for any services she wishes to purchase from the rest of the UK. Such as defence etc.
Maybe next time she wants an independence referendum the English should be given a vote too. She might win then!
Maybe as a taste of independence Scotland should be allowed to run finance. Have control of all spending and taxation. All money spent in Scotland to be raised in Scotland And there should be a charge for any services she wishes to purchase from the rest of the UK. Such as defence etc.
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Jack Staff
- First Officer

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Re: Current Affairs
Yeah, who wants the Scots now we have used up all their oil.Mervyn and Trish wrote: 10 Jun 2018, 16:37So Mrs Krankie has proudly announced that NHS workers in Scotland are to get a pay raise that means most of them will earn more than their counterparts in England. And who will pay for that? Let me just check the Barnett formula. Oh yes. The English.
Maybe next time she wants an independence referendum the English should be given a vote too. She might win then!
Maybe as a taste of independence Scotland should be allowed to run finance. Have control of all spending and taxation. All money spent in Scotland to be raised in Scotland And there should be a charge for any services she wishes to purchase from the rest of the UK. Such as defence etc.
Remind me, where is Faslane?
Testiculi ad Brexitum. Venceremos.