Bell's Banter 2022

[Colin McKay]

Hit the nail on the head as usual Baub

[midgetman]

Bauble when we were allowed back onto kart tracks in 2020, we stayed at the Premier Inn as usual. We weren't allowed to eat in their restaurant because it was against the law. We couldn't congregate in reception as we checked in because it was against the law. We couldn't meet up in the evening to discuss how the drivers had done, decide which set up worked etc because it was against the law.

When the restaurants finally opened we had to split the team up to eat because to have more than six at a table was against the law. We couldn't be served a drink before the meal because it was against the law. We couldn't linger having a drink after the meal because it was against the law. Finish your meal, no more drinks, back to your rooms and no mixing households. It cost me money to have single rooms.

Attaq Motorsport and Premier Inn did not break the law. What part of the law did this government of shysters and incompetents abide by when they held after work wind down drinks? Why were they any more deserving of drinks and nibbles en masse than we were? We worked very hard too but we didn't do what they did because it was AGAINST THE BLOOMING LAW!

That's why those parties/work meetings/wind down sessions are important, because we little people were prevented from having them. We were prevented, by law, from doing what No 10 was doing.

And that justifies why I, who was previously a card-carrying third generation Tory, saw through the "nearly complete clown" (as even his PR guru calls him) and voted Green last time. And will definitely do again until we get a Conservative Party that upholds the moral values of true Tories long gone.

Yours, Furious of Bromham.

Sent from my AC2003 using Tapatalk

[MGDavid]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Bauble when we were allowed back onto kart tracks in 2020, we stayed at the Premier Inn as usual. We weren't allowed to eat in their restaurant because it was against the law. We couldn't congregate in reception as we checked in because it was against the law. We couldn't meet up in the evening to discuss how the drivers had done, decide which set up worked etc because it was against the law.

When the restaurants finally opened we had to split the team up to eat because to have more than six at a table was against the law. We couldn't be served a drink before the meal because it was against the law. We couldn't linger having a drink after the meal because it was against the law. Finish your meal, no more drinks, back to your rooms and no mixing households. It cost me money to have single rooms.

Attaq Motorsport and Premier Inn did not break the law. What part of the law did this government of shysters and incompetents abide by when they held after work wind down drinks? Why were they any more deserving of drinks and nibbles en masse than we were? We worked very hard too but we didn't do what they did because it was AGAINST THE BLOOMING LAW!

That's why those parties/work meetings/wind down sessions are important, because we little people were prevented from having them. We were prevented, by law, from doing what No 10 was doing.

And that justifies why I, who was previously a card-carrying third generation Tory, saw through the "nearly complete clown" (as even his PR guru calls him) and voted Green last time. And will definitely do again until we get a Conservative Party that upholds the moral values of true Tories long gone.

Yours, Furious of Bromham.

Sent from my AC2003 using Tapatalk

Sad to hear that you are suffering English disease, that's to say an over-zealous and slavish following of the rules. Most if not all of what you quote seems to be down to the way the rules were implemented by Premier Inn. But there were 'work bubbles' and you could easily have met with a driver and the relevant engineer in a room, and you could also as easily taken a few beers into your room in an overnight bag. I have coped very well over the last two years simply by adopting the mantra 'think like a southern European'. Acknowledge the existence of the rules, apply common sense and then discreetly get on with it while taking precautions that fit my perceived risk level. The fortunate thing about being one of the little people is that nobody is taking photos of me through windows...

[midgetman]

David it's not over zealous. Those were the laws and we moderated our behaviour to comply. I didn't have a problem with it, I was glad to be back at work and using hotels.

We had a great time making brilliant memories *within the law*.

I don't pick and choose which laws I follow. The restrictions were the law so we did what was asked. We worked hard and for a short period weren't allowed to play hard. No big problem to us why wasn't it for others?

Sent from my AC2003 using Tapatalk

[andy97]

Originally Posted by midgetman

David it's not over zealous. Those were the laws and we moderated our behaviour to comply. I didn't have a problem with it.

The laws were there to try to stop the spread of a nasty disease and we were happy to "do our bit ". It wasn't an amazing hardship and we still found ways to have a really good time but *within the law*. That's the reason these parties matter to many of us, it was the people who made the laws being caught breaking the laws.

I don't pick and choose which laws I follow. The restrictions were the law so we did what was asked. We worked hard and for a short period weren't allowed to play hard. No big problem to us why wasn't it for others?

Sent from my AC2003 using Tapatalk

I agree. But it is about more than the parties or even the law, it is about professionalism, credibility, legitimacy, integrity, honour, duty, consistency and above all, leadership.
The PM has demonstrated that he has none of those. And all at a time of crisis for the economy and cost of living, the health and social care system, Brexit, N Ireland, post pandemic recovery and international relations when those things are needed most.
As a PM, Boris is a vaguely entertaining panellist on “Have I got news for you”.

[E.B]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Bauble when we were allowed back onto kart tracks in 2020, we stayed at the Premier Inn as usual. We weren't allowed to eat in their restaurant because it was against the law. We couldn't congregate in reception as we checked in because it was against the law. We couldn't meet up in the evening to discuss how the drivers had done, decide which set up worked etc because it was against the law.

When the restaurants finally opened we had to split the team up to eat because to have more than six at a table was against the law. We couldn't be served a drink before the meal because it was against the law. We couldn't linger having a drink after the meal because it was against the law. Finish your meal, no more drinks, back to your rooms and no mixing households. It cost me money to have single rooms.

Attaq Motorsport and Premier Inn did not break the law. What part of the law did this government of shysters and incompetents abide by when they held after work wind down drinks? Why were they any more deserving of drinks and nibbles en masse than we were? We worked very hard too but we didn't do what they did because it was AGAINST THE BLOOMING LAW!

That's why those parties/work meetings/wind down sessions are important, because we little people were prevented from having them. We were prevented, by law, from doing what No 10 was doing.

And that justifies why I, who was previously a card-carrying third generation Tory, saw through the "nearly complete clown" (as even his PR guru calls him) and voted Green last time. And will definitely do again until we get a Conservative Party that upholds the moral values of true Tories long gone.

Yours, Furious of Bromham.

Max, please dont take this as a anything other than an Antipodean seeing a little humour in your tale .... a tale of woe that I do sympathise with wholeheartedly. A tale of woe that here we suffered perhaps more than most.

The first thing that came to my mind was this..... https://youtu.be/ue7wM0QC5LE

So with best Yorkshire accent (I was born there, albeit was 'passing through'.)


Staying at Premier Inn. Luxury.... Eat with 5 friends at a restaurant, you were lucky


We used (in our very lengthy lockdown) to sit at home at computer and look at pictures of hotels...... look at photos of eating in restaurants as we sat locked up at home with can of baked beans. There we were, stuck at home, not allowed over 6miles (10klms) from home, and not allowed out of house between 8pm and 6am. Couldnt even go and lick gravel off path!

Etc etc.

And yes, while we were locked up under curfew at home, unable to leave the house unless for medical of buying food reasons, only allowed 10klm from home for that and only during the day. Pubs shut Non food shops shut, restaurants shut, motorsport shut down (with all sports)..... whilst those in the ivory towers of Parliament were cavorting and socialising as it seems your UK equivalents were..... ours seemed to be able to travel where and when they wanted, home or overseas, never did a day of quarantine on return in the process, even be able travel with extended families to their holiday homes at weekends.... and when questioned about it fob it off with an 'I had a government function to attend locally' etc excuse. Even when shops and restaurants were re-opened we were not allowed to touch the door let alone go in if we did not have our government digitally encrypted proof of full vaccination to show. Oh and scanning of QR codes on entry.

Yet now, (cynically I add, in election year) as our Covid infection numbers soar to over 50 times the daily level of infections of pre our being locked down, all restrictions are dropped, we can go where we want when we want. The only thing we cant do is have overdue hospital surgery because the health system is overrun with Covid, despite the superhuman and beyond call efforts and selfless behaviour of our health service.

The GP, the meeting that almost 3 years ago started this whole Covid thing off with its opening day cancellation, is on and everyone is being encouraged to attend.... even 7 extra grandstands to pack more people in were added. (All sold out within the day offered I might add.)

Im now able to, within the restrictions of international travel and local laws, book a flight to see my (89yo) Mother in Spain for the first time in 3 years, something I am now trying to arrange for next month.

It just makes me wonder about the last couple of years.... all the mental and emotional anguish and stress tens of millions have gone through. The almost 40,000 Australians ignored seemingly by the govt. as they remained locked out from returning to their families for 2 years are now returning home thankfully.

All of a sudden, in election year, despite the escalation of Covid here, the multiple variants, the ongoing fatalities, all we now get is a handful of rapid tests to monitor our own health with. We are all being encouraged to go out and party using common sense principles. Supposedly we are meant to show our vax status but they seem to have given up on that.... I have not been asked in my shop visits for a couple of weeks now. Scanning of QR codes are finished it seems.

Why, whilst it seems the gubberment wallahs were allowed to behave (allegedly) with common sense principles living their life as normal through lockdown were we not allowed the same common sense luxury?

Instead we were treated like caged (village) idiots. Whilst the govt idiots swilled their Chateau de Chasselay and nibbled their canapés wondering what to lock the riff-raff down with next!

.....Until the thought of re-election comes up when everything is suddenly opened up. For election reasons? Government priorities? To me whatever the reason seems to be the wrong reason. And we are compelled to vote for one of them by law.

[/Antipodean input]

[midgetman]

EB - this!

We were so privileged to be the first outdoor organised sport to be allowed to go back to work. I'd been on furlough and it was good to be working again in June 2020. The Premier Inn staff were so pleased to see us but initially their restaurant wasn't open and we existed on Just Eat takeaway meals and Tesco beer.

But..... within the law. The tracks shut at 6:30 so we sat on the grass outside the hotel eating.

When the restaurants opened we sat at small tables across the room and didn't mix. But it was an absolute hoot *within the law*, all while the Champagne Charlies were whooping it up outside the rules.

Her Majesty though. What a true leader and true inspiration. My respect for her personally has soared. If only she were 70 years younger.

PS and yes it's very like the sketch, we have a lot of good memories from the time.

Sent from my AC2003 using Tapatalk

[E.B]

Originally Posted by E.B

Max, please dont take this as a anything other than an Antipodean seeing a little humour in your tale .... a tale of woe that I do sympathise with wholeheartedly. A tale of woe that here we suffered perhaps more than most.

The first thing that came to my mind was this..... https://youtu.be/ue7wM0QC5LE

So with best Yorkshire accent (I was born there, albeit was 'passing through'.)


Staying at Premier Inn. Luxury.... Eat with 5 friends at a restaurant, you were lucky


We used (in our very lengthy lockdown) to sit at home at computer and look at pictures of hotels...... look at photos of eating in restaurants as we sat locked up at home with can of baked beans. There we were, stuck at home, not allowed over 6miles (10klms) from home, and not allowed out of house between 8pm and 6am. Couldnt even go and lick gravel off path!

Etc etc.

I had planned but forgot to add to my "You were lucky, we had to story"....

....."Used to have to sign in to tenths every morning, up with larks, just to look at pictures of race cars."

On that note thanks Bauble for getting us all through lockdown with some sanity, and giving us our daily, sometimes multiple times, through thick and thin, selections of your fine photographs from your Pandora's box of material. Always something to look forward to. Certainly a pleasure to me. Knowing from experience from odd contributions of mine, what is involved in hunting out photos, editing, uploading and posting them I for sure appreciated the effort put in to give us all some pleasure.
Im sure im not the only one who thinks that. Thanks Bob.

[/grovelling to Bauble]

*expects Bob to respond with a "his photos are all perfectly framed and dont need editing or sharpening up" comment!*

[midgetman]

You creep! But yes that's enough serious stuff.

Big dramas here at Attaq Towers. I can't get my Hermes delivery label to print.

Happy days!

Sent from my AC2003 using Tapatalk

[bauble]

Thanks EB. Always a pleasure to read you 'grovelling' posts praising my efforts do keep it up, it mitigates some of the calumny heaped upon my political ramblings,

Boris is no saint, maybe, but he gets the job done, while Starmer, Davy etc having nothing to offer the country but constant, bigoted abuse, and criticism of the government in all its guise's. I have had three doses of vaccine, prostrate surgery, and have cataract correction on the 15th of Feb, all under Mr Johnson's government, if it was possible to know I would bet the house on most of the smart rrs critics have all broken the rules/laws on Covid at some point. The Mayor of Luton had to resign when he attended a party when they were banned. He did not go willingly. Hang in there Boris and damn the torpedoes.

I always vote for any party supporting Brexit, (another triumph for a certain politician.).

Of course this is only my view of life in the UK as it is at this time, feel free to disagree.

[bauble]

Originally Posted by Colin McKay

Hit the nail on the head as usual Baub

Thank you Colin, but according to some the only nail I hit was on the end of my thumb!

I have Chuck Berry playing on the computer as I write, long live Rock'n'Roll.

[andy97]

Originally Posted by bauble

Thanks EB. Always a pleasure to read you 'grovelling' posts praising my efforts do keep it up, it mitigates some of the calumny heaped upon my political ramblings,

Boris is no saint, maybe, but he gets the job done, while Starmer, Davy etc having nothing to offer the country but constant, bigoted abuse, and criticism of the government in all its guise's. I have had three doses of vaccine, prostrate surgery, and have cataract correction on the 15th of Feb, all under Mr Johnson's government, if it was possible to know I would bet the house on most of the smart rrs critics have all broken the rules/laws on Covid at some point. The Mayor of Luton had to resign when he attended a party when they were banned. He did not go willingly. Hang in there Boris and damn the torpedoes.

I always vote for any party supporting Brexit, (another triumph for a certain politician.).

Of course this is only my view of life in the UK as it is at this time, feel free to disagree.

I have been a Tory voter all my life, except the last time, when I voted for our local independent. I am glad that your various medical procedures went well, Bauble, but the health service has been around a very long time and I suspect your operations were nothing to do with the government! The vaccine roll out was a success I grant you, with the help of lots and lots of volunteers, local councils and the military, but I also suspect that the second lockdown was delayed a couple of weeks against scientific advice and probably cost lives.

As for Brexit, it very well known that Boris wrote two articles before the Brexit referendum, one supporting remain and one supporting Brexit. He only published the version backing Brexit, becoming the cheerleader for that campaign, after judging which one would further his own career best. He did not care which result won, as long as it was the result that he judged would win himself popularity.

I am afraid that I agree with the financier, and Tory donor, John Armitage, quoted on the BBC website today:
“….Describing himself as a "middle-of-the-road conservative", Mr Armitage said he admired politicians on the left and right, and said current global challenges to the West required ''very serious, engaged politicians with a sense of purpose".
"Politicians should go into politics to do good for their country," Mr Armitage added. "That is the overwhelming reason to be in politics. I don't think it's about your own personal sense of getting to the top of a snakes-and-ladders game.
"And I feel that, if you lose moral authority, and if you do things which the average person - your mother, someone you try to explain to, someone who you admire - if you do something or say something, which on the front page of the Sunday Times looks terrible, and you do that consistently, and you betray a sense of not really caring, I think you should leave
"And I find the lack of honour inherent in modern politics, incredibly distressing."

[morninggents]

Originally Posted by andy97

I agree. But it is about more than the parties or even the law, it is about professionalism, credibility, legitimacy, integrity, honour, duty, consistency and above all, leadership.
The PM has demonstrated that he has none of those. And all at a time of crisis for the economy and cost of living, the health and social care system, Brexit, N Ireland, post pandemic recovery and international relations when those things are needed most.
As a PM, Boris is a vaguely entertaining panellist on “Have I got news for you”.

I agree but you missed out perhaps the most important attribute - common sense. It is completely lacking in Boris and I certainly will not vote for him again.
As Max said yesterday we need to get back to the conservatives of yore. It's a shame the likes of Michael Portillo are no longer in active politics.

[Mike Harte]

Bob, in a true and free democracy, surely it is the job, no duty and purpose, of an opposition party to oppose those things that they disagree with, as well as holding the government to account.

As it just so happens, it is only because the Labour Party voted for some measures that the government put forward that the government won the votes, as members of the Tories either abstained or even voted against the motions.

So it works both ways.

As to the way that the government and some senior civil servants and advisors have behaved whilst Covid restrictions were in place, I would like to remind some people that whilst I was in hospital for nigh on 4 months, I wasn't allowed any visitors to see me.

Initially I was in a very poor state, and my family were not sure that I would even leave the hospital - the surgeon had advised them that surgery was a necessity but because of Covid precautions, he wasn't permitted to operate on me. So, you can imagine my upset that I couldn't see my family, even though at on three occasions I was on wards that had fire escapes that led to open air - one of those was even to a roadway that was in constant use within the hospital grounds.

I also "enjoyed" my 75th birthday there whilst waiting for surgery and one of my sons delivered a cake to celebrate the momentous occasion, but regretfully it got lost in the system.

About the vaccine rollout, the government may like to take credit for it, but it was actually due to the hard work by chief scientific adviser Patrick Vallance who set it up and led by venture capitalist Kate Bingham, and the did the hard lifting and they need to be recognised for it. And that is unlike Johnson's and co's chum Baroness Dido Harding who was tasked to run the Test and Trace programme which was an unmitigated disaster, both financially and medically.

[bauble]

Mike, I do not take politics seriously these days, not that I ever did very much, but at 84 the future of the country is of little concern, that is for my children and grand children. My 'gripe', for want of a better word, is the constant daily barrage of abuse, criticism, and ludicrous accusations made against the government. Yes, the opposition is right to 'oppose'.it is their job, but simply trying do bring down a Prime Minister, and government over matters that barely impact upon the nations health or wealth smacks of hypocrisy, and political gain. No government in my life time could claim to be 'sleaze or corruption free'. Politicians are merely men/women with all of humanities faults and failings, and all want to rise through the ranks, even if they do not have the talent or ambition to do so. In this they are like the vast majority of the population, working for themselves first and foremost. I never went to work to benefit anybody but myself, I would always try to be 'value for money' because that is my nature. However, I never worked simply because it was good for the country or its people.Did you?

The country needs a stable government that can get on with the things that matter, and let the Ballot Box decide if they have done well or not. Unfortunately, today it is the BBC/Media setting the agenda, and the majority are left leaning institutions. Not a healthy state of affairs.

Still Mike carry on posting you bigoted, biased views, and I will go on ignoring them. (Just joking. honest, Bob)

[midgetman]

Rejoice! Ring the bells! It has been announced that Covid will be defeated on 26th February!

Good old Boris. Got. Covid. Done.

Cue national rejoicing, let's erect a statue in place of Mr Colston in Bristol. Truly we are under the guidance of a bountiful and munificent genius (well, bountiful and munificent if you're a mate of his pals).

Arise, Sir Boris, we are not worthy of you.

PS I got my printer to work.

Sent from my AC2003 using Tapatalk

[VIVA GT]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Rejoice! Ring the bells! It has been announced that Covid will be defeated on 26th February!

Good old Boris. Got. Covid. Done.

Cue national rejoicing, let's erect a statue in place of Mr Colston in Bristol. Truly we are under the guidance of a bountiful and munificent genius (well, bountiful and munificent if you're a mate of his pals).

Arise, Sir Boris, we are not worthy of you.

PS I got my printer to work.

Sent from my AC2003 using Tapatalk

Did Boris sort that for you too?

[midgetman]

Originally Posted by VIVA GT

Did Boris sort that for you too?

All Hail Boris the Printmaker!


Sent from my AC2003 using Tapatalk

[Gerard C]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Rejoice! Ring the bells! It has been announced that Covid will be defeated on 26th February!
PS I got my printer to work.

End of Feb? You're late, we dont talk about Covid anymore, we just have to face O'Macron variant…
You lost me above, do you mean Sprinter?

[andy97]

Originally Posted by bauble

Mike, I do not take politics seriously these days, not that I ever did very much, but at 84 the future of the country is of little concern, that is for my children and grand children. My 'gripe', for want of a better word, is the constant daily barrage of abuse, criticism, and ludicrous accusations made against the government. Yes, the opposition is right to 'oppose'.it is their job, but simply trying do bring down a Prime Minister, and government over matters that barely impact upon the nations health or wealth smacks of hypocrisy, and political gain. No government in my life time could claim to be 'sleaze or corruption free'. Politicians are merely men/women with all of humanities faults and failings, and all want to rise through the ranks, even if they do not have the talent or ambition to do so. In this they are like the vast majority of the population, working for themselves first and foremost. I never went to work to benefit anybody but myself, I would always try to be 'value for money' because that is my nature. However, I never worked simply because it was good for the country or its people.Did you?

The country needs a stable government that can get on with the things that matter, and let the Ballot Box decide if they have done well or not. Unfortunately, today it is the BBC/Media setting the agenda, and the majority are left leaning institutions. Not a healthy state of affairs.

Still Mike carry on posting you bigoted, biased views, and I will go on ignoring them. (Just joking. honest, Bob)

I suppose the point is, Bauble, that that the ability of the PM to read, analyse and understand information, and then act on it in a rational way is fundamental to the nations health and wealth, as is their behaviour and their ability to earn respect the world over.
As for working for the “good of the country”, I would like to think that I did - I believed in service and I was proud to serve, and often had to do uncomfortable things away from home for very long times to deliver that service. I enjoyed some of what I did and other stuff not so much but then I am perhaps even pre old fashioned, if younger, than you.

[Mike Harte]

Bob, I believe that we were both in financial service industry which I started after I sold my packaging business. I would like to think that it was not just the financial rewards that kept us do that work, and it certainly wasn't in my case.

My priority was the well being of my clients, some of whom became friends and some of whom my partner and I went on holiday with on many occasions. I know that many of them benefited financially in the long term far more than I did from helping them 2 or more years ago.

So, in answer to your question, I would like to believe that I did.

[bauble]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

Bob, I believe that we were both in financial service industry which I started after I sold my packaging business. I would like to think that it was not just the financial rewards that kept us do that work, and it certainly wasn't in my case.

My priority was the well being of my clients, some of whom became friends and some of whom my partner and I went on holiday with on many occasions. I know that many of them benefited financially in the long term far more than I did from helping them 2 or more years ago.

So, in answer to your question, I would like to believe that I did.

As a devout catholic, Mike, I always knew I would answer to a higher authority the than the FSA and its various precedents, so I always worked for the client to give them the best service, advice and product i could based on their needs. So we may have had a similar work ethic, but, and my contention, we both did the job to earn money, neither of us would have done so without financial reward as a motive. after all we had mouths to feed, mortgages to pay, and people depending on us.

I had a motto that I coined after listening to a colleague telling me how much he would earn that evening. I was moved to come up with "Count your commission on the way home." I think you will understand that philosophy.

[bauble]

Before the Mods come to their senses and close this ludicrous farrago of political claptrap (mine included), may I respectfully enquire;

Does Boris have any redeeming features? Can he be credited with any saving grace or virtue, or is he simply evil through and through?

[E.B]

Originally Posted by bauble

Does Boris have any redeeming features? Can he be credited with any saving grace or virtue, or is he simply evil through and through?

Every day is a bad hair day?

[grantp]

Originally Posted by bauble

Before the Mods come to their senses and close this ludicrous farrago of political claptrap (mine included), may I respectfully enquire;

Does Boris have any redeeming features? Can he be credited with any saving grace or virtue, or is he simply evil through and through?

I thought he was quite useful as a jester.

Allowing him access to a series of thrones and assuming that such promotions conferred some form of gravitas was probably unwise. However, it seems that the feed of politically talented candidates to the Westminster Academy has been severely compromised by blockages in the system in recent times and, perhaps, more attractive options that have by-passed the old "Political power and influence" route of yore that was once favoured as a path to power, influence, wealth and recognition.

The current fashion for "influencers" taking control of the "global" moral high ground (in some parts of the world) seems to make the political path a bit pointless and rather slow for anyone with a burning ambition. The terms of candidature seem to have changed significantly within half a generation.