The Virtual Pub

Come Inside... => Saloon Bar => Topic started by: Pastis on August 25, 2009, 12:38:04 PM

Title: Chain mail
Post by: Pastis on August 25, 2009, 12:38:04 PM
No, not the armour  evil: 
Someone I used to have a bit of time for and indeed respected his judgement has just sent me a chain email requesting that it be passed on to 20 people... for good luck to arrive of course  ::)

Some of you might have had it too, I guess; a powerpoint file about a Chinese proverb  noooo:

I've checked on 't interweb and it may contain a virus but not sure coz the Mac doesn't usually suffer.  B@stardo!
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 12:39:23 PM
I get the odd one, usually from my barking sister. I always always delete them  noooo:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 12:40:06 PM
Instant deletion from my PC for the chain letter and ditto from my address book for the sender.  evil:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Uncle Mort on August 25, 2009, 12:41:51 PM
You're a hard man Snoopy

Not even "three strikes and your out" ?
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Barman on August 25, 2009, 12:42:10 PM
LL gets them from her friends... I normally send back a sarcastic reply from her PC.  eveilgrin:

I have few friends and am consequently unburdened by them...  sad24:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 12:44:39 PM
You're a hard man Snoopy

Not even "three strikes and your out" ?

Unfortunately running the magazine my email is well known and appears on loads of other people's address books and when they cc everyone I get them. If I bar stuff from them at least I can fool myself that they will learn.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Darwins Selection on August 25, 2009, 12:50:03 PM
I don't have 20 friends.  sad32:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Pastis on August 25, 2009, 12:50:39 PM
Email deleted along with attachment, 'friend' on caution in my book. For all I know the guy might have gone bankrupt and is desperate ~ I haven't heard from him in ages  rubschin:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 12:51:15 PM
I don't have 20 friends.  sad32:

Just think of how much money you save at Christmas!
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 12:52:18 PM
I don't have 20 friends.  sad32:

Apart from you lot I have two friends but a very full address book.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Darwins Selection on August 25, 2009, 12:52:38 PM
I don't have 20 friends.  sad32:

Just think of how much money you save at Christmas!
happy088
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Pastis on August 25, 2009, 12:52:50 PM
I don't have 20 friends.  sad32:

Actually, neither do I  sad24:

And I'm sure if I sent them the email I'd have 20 less  noooo:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Miss Demeanour on August 25, 2009, 01:05:05 PM
Did you get my email  whistle:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Barman on August 25, 2009, 01:05:49 PM
Did you get my email  whistle:
lol: lol: lol:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Pastis on August 25, 2009, 01:09:25 PM
Did you get my email  whistle:

 lol: 

Yes I did. Did you get my reply?  eveilgrin:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 01:21:38 PM
And on the subject of mail, the regular postie has gone on holiday  cussing:

Since all the houses in the village have names the replacement posties always get muddled.

All this week we have had mail for all sorts of other people and they get ours.

We all have to go out in the rain and swop mail  cussing:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: tel on August 25, 2009, 01:23:49 PM
Why have you not got numbers?
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 01:32:38 PM
I asked a local that not too long after we moved here. Why no numbers or names displayed outside your houses.

The reply (in broad Welsh Accent) "If we wanted you to know where we live then you already would see"  surrender:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 01:45:20 PM
Why have you not got numbers?

We just don't. So the new postie has to work out where, for example, Bracton is in relation to Lock Cottage and so on
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Miss Creant Commander of the picklement and baking BAb(Hons) on August 25, 2009, 01:46:48 PM
I don't have 20 friends.  sad32:

Actually, neither do I  sad24:

And I'm sure if I sent them the email I'd have 20 less  noooo:


Me neither. sad24:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 01:50:06 PM
Why have you not got numbers?

We just don't. So the new postie has to work out where, for example, Bracton is in relation to Lock Cottage and so on

As an one time postman I could explain how it's done but you'd all be bored rigid (some may like the rigid bit but that's your problem). Where local knowledge comes into it is when people don't display the name or number properly and the postman is then entitled to take the mail back to his delivery office.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 02:07:02 PM
Well our house name is quite prominent, but we still get all the stuff for Alma Cottage  noooo:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 02:12:52 PM
Then hand it back to the postie. He/she'll never lean unless you tell him/her.  ::)
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 02:16:11 PM
I do if I catch him!!
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 02:24:51 PM
Put it all in a large envelope addressed to the "Delivery Manager" at your local sorting office and pop it in the post box with an accompanying note of complaint. Then all your mail will come to the right address ~ probably shredded or soaked but it will get there  whistle:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: barmisspah? on August 25, 2009, 02:26:56 PM
But surely the postcode should tell him where they are  confused:
We used to get a lot of mail for Beaumont Road instead of Beamont Court until the advent of the (wonderful) postcode.


p.s I also hate chain letters & delete them straight away  evil:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 02:29:06 PM
Postcode only brings the letter to within ten or so houses even in London.

In this part of Wales we have only two post codes for the entire High Street of 75 properties.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 02:33:00 PM
Your local Customer Services Manager would be only too pleased to arrange a visit to the sorting office for you where you will be given a guided tour and full explanation of how the system works and why it sometimes doesn't. Contact the Delivery Manager or Customer Services to organise this.

It is truly mind boggling when you see the amount of mail that they deal with every day.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: tel on August 25, 2009, 02:47:54 PM
Get a number.

You know it makes sense.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 02:50:25 PM
Should I pick one randomly?  whacky115
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 02:53:49 PM
Get a number.

You know it makes sense.

Won't work unless the PO give a number to every house in the street. Then the postie can count his way along. A random number is as bad as a name if not worse.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 02:55:16 PM
Precisely my point
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: tel on August 25, 2009, 02:56:20 PM
So what happens if someone uses the same house name as you?

Nothing to stop them.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 02:58:30 PM
They wouldn't. The house name describes some of its unique features  eveilgrin:

Who else would call their house Catastrophe Towers?  angel1
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 02:58:45 PM
If you want the street numbered you will need to work through your local council and the Royal Mail. There are planning issues involved too so County will also need to be consulted. You haven't a dog's chance of getting it through in your lifetime. Move is the best answer and make sure you put it on your list of "deal breakers" if the new house isn't in a street of sequentially numbered properties.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 02:59:28 PM
I couldn't care less about House numbers, this is all to do with some weird view of Tel's!!
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Pastis on August 25, 2009, 03:00:59 PM
I used to wonder whether a letter would arrive if I just addressed it with the number and postcode. In theory I guess it should.

E.g.  10, SW1 2AA   eveilgrin:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 03:02:28 PM
So what happens if someone uses the same house name as you?

Nothing to stop them.

In fact there is everything to stop them. If it is a "named" house then the Royal Mail and your local council planning office have the right to say "No you may not call your house that" sorry but it really isn't as simple as people think. To change the name on this house I would need to apply to the council and provide them with evidence of Post Office (Royal Mail) agreement that there would be no confusion caused. If you live in a "numbered street" then you can call your house anything you like but if you remove the number then the Royal Mail have the right to insist that you put it back or they can refuse to deliver to you.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 03:03:03 PM
I used to wonder whether a letter would arrive if I just addressed it with the number and postcode. In theory I guess it should.

E.g.  10, SW1 2AA   eveilgrin:

Correct and it would (should)
In my time I have delivered many such.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: tel on August 25, 2009, 03:06:43 PM
I know and that is all driven by the Public Health Acts.

It can also conflict with land registry and electoral roll data.

The Royal Mail insist I live in a different town to the one that is on the roll - the roll is the correct one though.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 03:08:41 PM
The Royal Mail tell you where to live?!
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Pastis on August 25, 2009, 03:08:54 PM
I used to wonder whether a letter would arrive if I just addressed it with the number and postcode. In theory I guess it should.

E.g.  10, SW1 2AA   eveilgrin:

Correct and it would (should)
In my time I have delivered many such.

Thanks. That is now struck off my "Things to do in a idle moment" list.  cloud9:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 03:09:39 PM
The Royal Mail have what are known as "Delivery Towns" ie towns from whence the deliveries are made thus my address should include Rhyl despite it being 3 miles away but that is where the sorting office is.

Land Registry and Electoral rolls are why Planning are involved.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 03:10:19 PM
What's Public Health go to do with it?  whacky115
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 03:11:13 PM
I used to wonder whether a letter would arrive if I just addressed it with the number and postcode. In theory I guess it should.

E.g.  10, SW1 2AA   eveilgrin:

Correct and it would (should)
In my time I have delivered many such.

Thanks. That is now struck off my "Things to do in a idle moment" list.  cloud9:

Try using SW1A 1AA.
Unique Postcode ~ one of a very few.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: tel on August 25, 2009, 03:11:38 PM
The Royal Mail tell you where to live?!

They tell other people where I live via their stupid postcode system.
It makes a big difference to people who live around mainly in insurance premiums and anything that has a risk.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: tel on August 25, 2009, 03:13:05 PM
The Royal Mail have what are known as "Delivery Towns" ie towns from whence the deliveries are made thus my address should include Rhyl despite it being 3 miles away but that is where the sorting office is.

Land Registry and Electoral rolls are why Planning are involved.

They are proof of where I live, not where the RM thinks I live.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 03:13:38 PM
The Royal Mail tell you where to live?!

They tell other people where I live via their stupid postcode system.
It makes a big difference to people who live around mainly in insurance premiums and anything that has a risk.

Best not get me started on the Post Code Look Up service that Royal Mail markets to businesses. I have spent years on PostWatch battling against that b@st@rd thing. I wouldn't mind if it was accurate. Banghead
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 03:13:44 PM
Ah yes, just after we moved here we changed from a Liverpool to a Chester postcode. All our premiums went down!  razz:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: tel on August 25, 2009, 03:14:24 PM
What's Public Health go to do with it?  whacky115

To assist emergency services, so they don't go to the wrong town/city/country. The planning laws are secondary.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 03:15:27 PM
What's Public Health go to do with it?  whacky115

To assist emergency services, so they don't go to the wrong town/city/country. The planning laws are secondary.

Emergency Services also use "Postcode Lookup"  cussing:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: tel on August 25, 2009, 03:16:12 PM
Ah yes, just after we moved here we changed from a Liverpool to a Chester postcode. All our premiums went down!  razz:

People who live just down the road are classed as Mitcham with a Croydon code - we are Surrey.

Huge difference in costs/charges.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: The Moan Ranger on August 25, 2009, 03:16:21 PM
Anyone fancy a pint?  whistle:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 25, 2009, 03:16:50 PM
No thanks, this thread is too exciting
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: tel on August 25, 2009, 03:17:22 PM
What's Public Health go to do with it?  whacky115

To assist emergency services, so they don't go to the wrong town/city/country. The planning laws are secondary.

Emergency Services also use "Postcode Lookup"  cussing:
they use satnav driven by postcodes and manage to get lost.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: tel on August 25, 2009, 03:18:05 PM
Anyone fancy a pint?  whistle:

In Surrey or Swindon?
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 03:19:16 PM
Do they still sell that awful Ansells in Swindon?
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: tel on August 25, 2009, 03:22:47 PM
Dunno, I'm off for a Youngs.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Miss Demeanour on August 25, 2009, 03:39:01 PM
Anyone fancy a pint?  whistle:

In Surrey or Swindon?

Yes please ....though not a pint - I don't drink beer or lagers or stuff  angel1

Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Darwins Selection on August 25, 2009, 03:59:41 PM
If you want the street numbered you will need to work through your local council and the Royal Mail. There are planning issues involved too so County will also need to be consulted. You haven't a dog's chance of getting it through in your lifetime. Move is the best answer and make sure you put it on your list of "deal breakers" if the new house isn't in a street of sequentially numbered properties.

Just name your house "Seven"
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: barmisspah? on August 25, 2009, 04:07:08 PM
My post code is Slough so we get lumbered with higher insurances etc, even though we live in a quietish village in between there and Uxbridge  cussing:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 25, 2009, 04:32:17 PM
And you put up with this nonsense?

You all amaze me. Rhyl is the f*cking pits, it has the highest crime rate in North Wales. I live in a village outside of Rhyl but obviously have a Rhyl postcode, for reasons explained.

So I go to an independent broker who finds me the best insurance deals without reference to Postcodes because he knows the area and the insurance companies. I then compare what he finds for me with other quotes that I get from comparison websites (which all offer good value) and I take the best price I can find. 9 times out of 10 the independent broker with his local and business knowledge gets me a better deal. This year he saved me over £130 on house buildings and contents compared to SAGA, Churchill and others. My insurances for cars and house are all with L&V because they give an additional 10% discount for my membership of CSMA. They also give a no claims deal on the household insurance. They wouldn't suit everyone but I have no complaints. Postcode does not come into it. In fact they asked for that AFTER they gave me the quote.
My new (second hand but new to me) Landrover cost £189 fully comp with a protected no claims and only £50 excess. Madam's Corsa costs £174 fully comp with similar no claims protection etc House Buildings and contents including No claims protection, items outside of the home (to cover THW carrying an expensive Apple Lapbook and mobile everywhere) costs £195 pa

FFS you wouldn't buy a car without visiting several showrooms to find a deal would you? How many estate agents did you get details from before buying/renting a house? Insurance is a major purchase, treat it like one and shop around. If you think you are being penalised because of a postcode tell them so and if necessary get local crime stats from your local police. They will be only too happy to demonstrate what a wonderful job they are doing and take these figures to your broker and tell him to look again.

This lesson in life has been brought to you by Snoopy Retirement Inc. who learnt it all when his income went, on compulsory retirement, from £45k to £17k pa overnight
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: The Moan Ranger on August 25, 2009, 07:43:12 PM
Do they still sell that awful Ansells in Swindon?

Arkells or Ansells?
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 26, 2009, 05:08:26 AM
You are right TMR 'twas Arkells that they used to brew up there somewhere. Bloody awful beer. In my youth (newly wed with baby on't way) I got a second job working in the Oxford "Hotel" in Swindon (On Drove Road). Rotted a pair of shoes in two months did that stuff what with all the paddling around in spilt beer the cellar. The Landlord was ill (he died in the end) and never came down from his bedroom all the time I worked there. His wife (a dragon of a woman) employed me to do the lifting and cellar work as well as help out in the bar when it got busy (only ever when the 'Robins' were at home) but she would insist on trying to tap barrels herself during the day and spilt so much beer it was like a lake when I came in in the evenings.
Why I thought of Ansells I can't imagine ~ only excuse is that it was a long time ago. 1968/69 ~ before you were born I expect  ::)
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: The Moan Ranger on August 26, 2009, 11:22:37 AM
You are right TMR 'twas Arkells that they used to brew up there somewhere. Bloody awful beer. In my youth (newly wed with baby on't way) I got a second job working in the Oxford "Hotel" in Swindon (On Drove Road). Rotted a pair of shoes in two months did that stuff what with all the paddling around in spilt beer the cellar. The Landlord was ill (he died in the end) and never came down from his bedroom all the time I worked there. His wife (a dragon of a woman) employed me to do the lifting and cellar work as well as help out in the bar when it got busy (only ever when the 'Robins' were at home) but she would insist on trying to tap barrels herself during the day and spilt so much beer it was like a lake when I came in in the evenings.
Why I thought of Ansells I can't imagine ~ only excuse is that it was a long time ago. 1968/69 ~ before you were born I expect  ::)

I was born. Just.

I was drinking Arkells 3B and have to say that I found it to be a nice pint - it's probably a result of 40 years of improvements.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 26, 2009, 11:40:15 AM
Aye ~ that was the bugger of the stuff ~ always tasted ok but "gut rot" was its local name. Still the same brewery I see from their website. That in itself is some sort of achievement. I worked in a number of their pubs before we moved away from Swindon and went through several pairs of shoes. Never happened with any other brewery I worked for. noooo:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 26, 2009, 01:08:50 PM
Right.  cussing: For the third day running the postie has got all our post mixed up DESPITE BEING TOLD. He is clearly an illiterate idiot  evil:

Yet again our neghours got our post including my train tickets and a cheque.

Tomorrow they emigrate to Canade leaving their house empty and locked  eeek:

I am making a notice to hang over their letter box to arrest the posty's attention (possibly with pictures or very simple words).

Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 26, 2009, 01:11:28 PM
FFS Phone the delivery office and speak to someone in charge.  Banghead
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 26, 2009, 01:12:00 PM
Good plan (except they are all planks)  noooo:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Miss Demeanour on August 26, 2009, 01:13:20 PM
Move in next door and house sit for them until the new occupants arrive  shrugs:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 26, 2009, 01:13:40 PM
Notice should read "PLEASE DELIVER ALL POST AND PARCELS NEXT DOOR" and tape up the letter box.


Also ask neighbour for a spare key in case of floods/fire/vandalism. Tell them you want to still be a good neighbour.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 26, 2009, 01:31:15 PM
Her sister is doing the key/house sitting bit - but she is abroad till end of September. We have now agreed on letter box sealing and a note along the lines suggested below. When I went round they gave me a package which had just arrived as the postman retraced his steps. He is an utter utter numpty  cussing:. They were waiting for their passports to be returned. They were brought round last night by someone at the other end of the village  Banghead
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 26, 2009, 04:10:28 PM
Oh boy.

The postie has just turned up again (he is running 6 hours late on his round  noooo:)

He has found more mail.

We and the neighbours greet him outside the houses.

'This is for you' He hands me a letter for the neighbours. noooo:

'And this is for you' He gives them my mail.  noooo:

We e-x-p-l-a-i-n very slowly.

I point out that THEY (pointing) are emigrating tomorrow and that if he carries on delivering my mail to them I will not get it for months.

We watch him t-h-i-n-k-i-n-g. It is painful to behold.

He turns to me and suggests I get my mail redirected  confused2:

'Why?'

'So it all goes to Canada.'
 Banghead Banghead Banghead

'NO. THEY (POINTING) THEY ARE GOING TO CANADA. I AM STAYING HERE'  Banghead

The neighbours concur.

He ponders this slowly.

I am not confident  noooo:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Pastis on August 26, 2009, 04:23:43 PM
Painful indeed  happy100

We seem to have kept the same postie for a few months now; I have high hopes now as he seems to be able to count numbers consecutively and in the right order. He's currently working on improving his hand / eye coordination to get the mail into the right box!

With a bit of luck and encouragement we should be able to get the morning delivery back to around 1:00pm come the autumn  lol:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 26, 2009, 04:26:24 PM
Where do they get these numpties?  noooo:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Pastis on August 26, 2009, 04:43:57 PM
I haven't a clue. The last one I managed to have a coherent conversation with left about seven years ago; he was mugged a few streets away and decided he'd had enough  noooo:

Since then, (and I'm trying to be objective) it's been Dimwit, Tosser, Mongo, OffMeHead, Sciver, Jack-the-would-be-Lad, Mr Cool ( noooo: ), Mr Poland (eees crazy!) et alia...

 noooo: noooo:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 26, 2009, 04:49:00 PM
I quite fancy being a posty. Getting fit on a bike all day. Meet all the MILFs. Finish werk by one.

Please sir, I can read and count and ride a bike.

'Over qualified'
 noooo:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Pastis on August 26, 2009, 04:54:45 PM
Is there an age limit for being a postie?  B?gger the over qualifications.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Miss Demeanour on August 26, 2009, 09:16:25 PM
I am currently receiving parcels and packages that I have been requested to bring to Cyprus. I have not opened any  scared2:

When I am asked at check in if I packed my own bag I can confidently say yes, but I haven't a clue what's in it  whistle:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Barman on August 27, 2009, 05:36:35 AM
I am currently receiving parcels and packages that I have been requested to bring to Cyprus. I have not opened any  scared2:

When I am asked at check in if I packed my own bag I can confidently say yes, but I haven't a clue what's in it  whistle:
There is nothing immoral or illegal in any of them my dear...  whistle:

Anyhoo... back on topic... We don't have a postie. Strange at first but we have to collect our mail from the PO box in the village square. I don't miss daily deliveries and it is nice to see and be seen when we are down there. Also, there is a big rubbish bin next to the boxes so junk mail can go straight in that.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Miss Demeanour on August 27, 2009, 07:12:48 AM
Our postie seems to change every week  rubschin:

And what with all the recent strikes I am now receiving ad-hoc bundles of mail held together with the classic red rubber band. Maybe they are using this as part of the campaign to show that once a week deliveries are the way of the future  noooo:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 27, 2009, 07:20:58 AM
A weekly delivery or collect it yourself as in Cyprus is what you'll end up with if Lord Rhumba of Rio gets his way with privatising the Post Office. Do you honestly think the morons who work for DHL, TNT et al would make better postmen than those we currently have?

The service we suffer is the result of years of underfunding and nulabour robbing what profits the Royal Mail do make ~ oh didn't you know that the Government take the profits? Well they do, have done for years hence the lack of investment in equipment and manpower that Lord Rhumba says we now need a privatisation to pay for. The reason the posties are so bloody awful is that they are totally demotivated. Some come and go because they don't like the work but most just plod on because of the pension at the end of it. They have no incentive to do any better but, as we used to say when I worked there, "It's better than walking the streets"
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Darwins Selection on August 27, 2009, 10:04:21 AM
A weekly delivery or collect it yourself as in Cyprus is what you'll end up with if Lord Rhumba of Rio gets his way with privatising the Post Office. Do you honestly think the morons who work for DHL, TNT et al would make better postmen than those we currently have?

The service we suffer is the result of years of underfunding and nulabour robbing what profits the Royal Mail do make ~ oh didn't you know that the Government take the profits? Well they do, have done for years hence the lack of investment in equipment and manpower that Lord Rhumba says we now need a privatisation to pay for. The reason the posties are so bloody awful is that they are totally demotivated. Some come and go because they don't like the work but most just plod on because of the pension at the end of it. They have no incentive to do any better but, as we used to say when I worked there, "It's better than walking the streets"

First the railways now the Post Office.

I see you have waxed and polished all your hobby horses today.  ;)
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: barmisspah? on August 27, 2009, 10:18:01 AM
An aquantance of ours worked as a postie for about 10 years, he saved up and took a year off to travel. When he came back he re-applied at the RM, & was refused.
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 27, 2009, 10:49:33 AM
A weekly delivery or collect it yourself as in Cyprus is what you'll end up with if Lord Rhumba of Rio gets his way with privatising the Post Office. Do you honestly think the morons who work for DHL, TNT et al would make better postmen than those we currently have?

The service we suffer is the result of years of underfunding and nulabour robbing what profits the Royal Mail do make ~ oh didn't you know that the Government take the profits? Well they do, have done for years hence the lack of investment in equipment and manpower that Lord Rhumba says we now need a privatisation to pay for. The reason the posties are so bloody awful is that they are totally demotivated. Some come and go because they don't like the work but most just plod on because of the pension at the end of it. They have no incentive to do any better but, as we used to say when I worked there, "It's better than walking the streets"

First the railways now the Post Office.

I see you have waxed and polished all your hobby horses today.  ;)


Having spent 6 years (1972 to 1978) as an elected officer of the Union of Post Office Workers (Southampton Branch) and the last seven years, until their recent disbandment by Government Decree, as a member of PostWatch Wales I feel well qualified to answer on the subject although I do appreciate that such posts would probably be more welcome in "another place". Sorry but it boils my p*ss when people spout off about things that they clearly do not understand. I'll try to shut up in future.

As for the railways ~ I have long accepted that this country cannot return to its former place as a world leader in manufacturing and nothing will convince me that the railways idea is anything more than a cynical attempt to garner votes in the forthcoming general election.

So from now on  shutup:

Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 27, 2009, 04:45:37 PM
He fooked it up again!!  Banghead Banghead Banghead Banghead Banghead Banghead Banghead  cussing:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Snoopy on August 27, 2009, 05:20:50 PM
TBH Nick I am not surprised. It took me some time to work out that weird configuration of properties ~ hardly like "normal" houses, even you must admit that. Your only recourse is to write to the manager at the delivery office and formally complain. They will deal with it but only when you tell them about it. No use phoning as you'll only get a postie answering the phone and (here's the hot news) his bosses don't read this site. noooo:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 27, 2009, 05:35:31 PM
Fortunately the neighbours left for the airport AFTER he had been so we swopped mail. There is now a large notice on their door with a BIG ARROW  ::)
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Darwins Selection on August 27, 2009, 08:51:44 PM
Fortunately the neighbours left for the airport AFTER he had been so we swopped mail. There is now a large notice on their door with a BIG ARROW  ::)

(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bifrost.com.au%2Fhosting%2Fgnomes%2Farrowgnome.jpg&hash=daaaddf6dfef0d4ba293375126e317f2597adc1c)
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 28, 2009, 08:01:04 PM
Fooking notice has blown away. We have all their mail AGAIN  cussing: cussing: cussing: cussing: cussing: cussing: cussing: Banghead Banghead Banghead Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: Angry9: evil:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Pirate on August 28, 2009, 09:24:57 PM
Since 2005 I have had a PO Box and a mail collect service set up at the local sorting office. It works with the usual postie, but when he goes on holiday and someone else does the sorting...its shite!

and these people have do tests evil:

"No formal academic qualifications are needed to become a postman/psotwoman. Candidates are selected following an aptitude test and interview. The tests can last around 15 minutes and involve checking your ability to read addresses properly"

Note the mis-spelling of postwoman  whistle:
Title: Re: Chain mail
Post by: Nick on August 29, 2009, 06:56:57 AM
I am gonig to lie in wait for the bastard numpty this morning  char062