The Virtual Pub
Come Inside... => The Snug => Topic started by: GROWLER on June 11, 2010, 10:09:23 AM
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Growler Jnr. has (verbally) provisionally been offered a temporay full time job (covering maternity leave until at least October) at Chester Zoo Horticultural dept.
To be confirmed next Thursday, which is his last day of job experience there too.
Needless to say,we're all extatic for him (apart from MM who never gets excited about anything for her brother) and he is justifiably over the moon, well at least until October anyway.
He's worked damned hard, even going in to work for nothing voluntarily (as he's been doing once a week since last October) during half term.
The great thing is that he gets on really well with the rest of the gang in there and actually loves ferreting around amongst all the trees bushes and stuff.
Has to go into the animal enclosures sometimes too. Talks to the chimps and stuff, Absolute bliss and I'm a tad jealouse tbh. Even started driving the sit on lawn mower now too, lucky bugger!
Tractors and tipper wagons now beckon.
Just hope this gerl decides her new sprog is more inportant than werk, or it's going to be tears in October. cry:
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Excellent news!
I'm sure, once they realise how well he is doing they won't want to let him go in October... noooo:
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Excellent news!
I'm sure, once they realise how well he is doing they won't want to let him go in October... noooo:
One of the staff was recently sacked for being off on the sick too regulary, so they are actually one dowm so to speak, but of course, 'cutbacks' etc will deem it a blessing in disguise now no doubt for the management.
Still, monster size development plans for the Zoo are well under way. so even if he can't stay after October, they'll have to be looking for more staff in a year ir two to help manage the new 'Dome'.
Going to be simlar but much much bigger than that place down in Cornwall apparently.
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Chester Zoo Unveils Ambitious Development Plans
Chester Zoo unveiled an ambitious plan for massive development this week. The zoo intends to spend ?225 million on becoming the largest conservation, animal and leisure attraction of its kind in Europe.
Natural Vision, as the project is currently known, will begin with the creation of the only domed ecosystem in the UK. The dome, to be called 'Heart of Africa' will be an African rainforest themed home for a band of gorillas, a troop of chimps, okapi and a variety of tropical birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates all of whom will move freely around the biodome.
Planning permission for first phase which includes the biodome, a 90-bed hotel, a conservation college and a revamped main entrance will be sought later this year.
http://www.chesterzoo-holidays.co.uk/news/chester-zoo-unveils-ambitious-development-plans.html
Count not your planning consent until it is granted ~ there are many who are opposed and with Government restrictions on spending it may be a long time off happening.
CHESTER Zoo has dropped plans for a second hotel as part of its massive redevelopment scheme, following objections from residents.
The revised plans for its Natural Vision project have been sent to Cheshire West and Chester Council and follow a continued period of consultation with local councillors and residents.
Proposals for a garden/plant centre and second hotel on land near to the park and ride at the zoo entrance have been removed from the application.
However, the application for a 150-bed themed hotel on land near the A41 will remain.
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/05/28/chester-zoo-drops-second-hotel-plan-after-residents-objections-92534-26539200/
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Excellent news Growler. happy088
No doubt the start of a fine career.
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Good on him, well done - hope they find a way of ensuring they keep him .
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Can he get an 'ut in the bear enclosure?
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Do they have a bear enclosure?
http://www.chesterzoo-holidays.co.uk/zoo-attractions/animals.html#content
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They could get one. For breeding purposes like eveilgrin:
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Great news Growler. It's about four years since I last visited Chester Zoo. The gardens were lovely (OK, lots of bedding plants, so not exactly my kind of gardens), but superbly kept and a credit to the team
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Excellent news Growler I wish you all well.
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Well done the cub!
Sounds like he has found his niche, so many don't these days.
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Do they have a bear enclosure?
http://www.chesterzoo-holidays.co.uk/zoo-attractions/animals.html#content
Oh yes. cloud9:
(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs1.postimage.org%2FcZGGr.jpg&hash=0d59088a9a36d9e88948d33532f70323766167c9) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=gxcZGGr)
Spectacle Bears. Gorgeous and reasonably friendly....bit like me in fact. cloud9:
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Good news. I wish him well. It is a great help when you know which area you are happy working in. An excellent foundation to start building a career from I think. angel1
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Proceedures. ::)
This matter still hasn't been concluded, but it will be today.
He was told that due to normal proceedures, he'd have to go through an interview regardless, but they'd leave it until after his holiday.
Today at 11:00 is the day and time. scared2:
We have been priming him what to and what not to say and ask.
The next 1.5 hours could be mapping out the rest of his life here. eeek:
He isn't the best in these situations, and tends to say things that aren't appropriate sometimes.
Ask his auntie for instance.
Rang her up on Monday to thank her for a c/q that she gave him for his 18 th birthday.
When asked what other pressies he'd received, he said, "oh yes, my Uncle (her brother) gave me a c/q for £50"
Fine, but the c/q SHE sent him was for half that value.
Myself and Mrs G were left squirming with embarrasment on his behalf, but he really couldn't see what the problem was. redface:
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<fingers crossed>
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<fingers crossed>
Absolutely.
He's apparently going to ask them when they're going to teach him how to drive the tractor. eeek:
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Quick anyone.Suggestions! He's going in ten mins.
What should he ask?
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Quick anyone.Suggestions! He's going in ten mins.
What should he ask?
What are my prospects for the future if I do well?
Good luck the cub
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Yup. He's got that one amongst his list.
He's gone. scared2:
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Fingers crossed. A nervous hour or so for you then Growler...More so for the cub tho.
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We'll keep all our digits crossed for him. He deserves it and would be excellent at it - lets hope they can see that
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Successful. cloud9:
Never in much doubt tbh, seeing as he was the only candidate, but you never know until it's confirmed.
Just waiting for the actual letter, and he'll probably have to go for a medical too.
Starts on a 6 month full time contract to cover maternity leave in about two weeks time.
Just hope summat crops up in the meanwhile to turn this into a permanent post.
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happ096
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Excellent news Growler! send him my congratulations like.
Whether it becomes permanent or not it's a good start on the career ladder and something for the CV.
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I was once asked what salary I expected
I replied
"That depends on how badly you want me, you know what I can do for you, make me an offer"
I got the job at £7k more than the advertised salary.
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Jolly good news
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Excellent news well done that cub. Party001:
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Great stuff Growler.Well done the boy, and mum and dad too for giving him the confidence
I can still remember getting my first pay packet, £17.46 in my grubby mitt on 10.07.1975. I suppose these days it goes straight in the bank, not the same feeling
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Great stuff Growler.Well done the boy, and mum and dad too for giving him the confidence
I can still remember getting my first pay packet, £17.46 in my grubby mitt on 10.07.1975. I suppose these days it goes straight in the bank, not the same feeling
Are you really that much younger than me eeek:
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Well done all. A pat on the back all round. drumroll:
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Apparently, the horticultural dept. that he's going to work for, have got to get a reference....from the amenities dept. next door that he still actually works for part time. lol:
Proceedure apparently. ::)
Still, I suppose it shows that they do things properly at the zoo, rather than some simple and shifty back door dropsie shinanigans, cash in 'and like type stuff, wink wink.
We're all thrilled for the bear jnr., as we have spent years worrying about where and how he's going to fit into any employment environment, being a bit quiet and shy like...like me in fact.
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Great stuff Growler.Well done the boy, and mum and dad too for giving him the confidence
I can still remember getting my first pay packet, £17.46 in my grubby mitt on 10.07.1975. I suppose these days it goes straight in the bank, not the same feeling
Are you really that much younger than me eeek:
51, but I was ill as a child, does time in hospital count? ;D
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Sorry, I have been out today.
Congratulations young Growler.
How much will his rent be now old bear? ;)
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Sorry, I have been out today.
Congratulations young Growler.
How much will his rent be now old bear? ;)
THAT bridge will have to be crossed soon. scared2:
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Well a starting point in the calculation is the loss to the family purse of Child Benefit that he attracted (if he is the "first" child then it is about £20 per week) and that he now no longer qualifies for. Then you need to calculate his travel costs, lunch money (unless Mrs G is packing him up sandwiches) and other expenses that he has to meet (Clothes, union fees, and the like)
When my older ones reached this stage we set out two columns of figures.
What they cost us and what they had to spend simply to go to work, buy their own clothes etc. These two are then added together and subtracted from the net income he will receive. You can then strike a balance about how much of the remainder he may have to spend as he wishes and how much he should save.
Roughly, as far as I recall, it worked out that 25% of his net pay was handed to his mother and he got the rest. This in no way covered our costs of him living at home but it was a start in making him accept that life is not free.
I never looked to make a profit but they have to accept that a contribution is expected. Living at home is still cheaper than getting a place of their own. I found it useful at this stage to demonstrate just how much housing them costs. If there are four in the house simply take 25% of all fixed costs i.e. those that have to be paid: Rent/Mortgage, Water Rates, Electricity, Gas, Council Tax etc etc. This is their share. It usually is a real eye opener to them. Of course you cannot expect them to pay 25% of all your housing costs and the really smartarsed ones will always argue that if you have a mortgage then you get the profit when you sell the house. My counter to that was that any profit would be their inheritance (That shut the argument down quickly) but a basic understanding of life's realities is no bad thing when they start earning.
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Growler jnr. finally started his long trudge on the tread mill today.
Thouroughly enjoyed it seemingly.
He took CAKE cloud9: in for everyone, as a sort of hello offering, but didn't bring any home for me. ::)
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Have you said that it's one day down and 50 years to go, like?
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Have you said that it's one day down and 50 years to go, like?
Didn't know you knew his faceache addy. eeek:
46 years 364 days to go before retirement is what I wrote.
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Nope
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Nope
Well how did you know that's what I said then? confused:
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I know these things. I am sure it cheered him up no end.
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I know these things. I am sure it cheered him up no end.
It diodn't.
He just shouted down, ha bloody ha at me. ::)
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happy100
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Well the feelings of security joy and happiness didn't last too long.
The wumman that's on maternity leave, whose job Growler Jnr is now doing, turned up yetserday to announce that she WILL be back in early January.
However, she only wants to werk 3 days a week, and her husband apparently wants that to be only 2.
So I suppose the good news is that she seemingly at this moment ain't coming back full time, so that may mean creating a new post for a part timer, thus enabling G jnr to carry on in his full time role.
Shared job is another possibility. Not ideal, but better than the dole.
Whatever the legalities of that and the ensuing mamangement/personnel discussions on that matter, we'll now have a pensive and anxious G Jnr. pacing up and down like one of the Lions of the zoo awaiting a decision.
We've all advised him to take the anxious look of his face, and to knuckle down and impress the gaffers with his hard werk and willingness.
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We've all advised him to take the anxious look of his face, and to knuckle down and impress the gaffers with his hard werk and willingness.
Sage werds like...
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And how is MM getting on as a chambermaid? eyes:
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And how is MM getting on as a chambermaid? eyes:
Dunno wtf the eyes: is all about tbqath, but yes, fine thank you.
Hard graft cleaning up after scruffy selfish sheeples. evil:
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Any 'ow.
Any experts on employment law in here that can dechiper exactly where the wumman stands regarding requesting coming back part time instead of resuming her full time post? rubschin:
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Any 'ow.
Any experts on employment law in here that can dechiper exactly where the wumman stands regarding requesting coming back part time instead of resuming her full time post? rubschin:
I'm not an expert but I think as the law stands she can do anything she bleeding well likes.... or part thereof...
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Any 'ow.
Any experts on employment law in here that can dechiper exactly where the wumman stands regarding requesting coming back part time instead of resuming her full time post? rubschin:
I'm not an expert but I think as the law stands she can do anything she bleeding well likes.... or part thereof...
I suspect you may be right. ::)
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Any 'ow.
Any experts on employment law in here that can dechiper exactly where the wumman stands regarding requesting coming back part time instead of resuming her full time post? rubschin:
I'm not an expert but I think as the law stands she can do anything she bleeding well likes.... or part thereof...
I suspect you may be right. ::)
Sadly, I think he is noooo:
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One happy Bear Cub here tonight. happy088
He drove a tractor and tipping trailer for the first time today. cloud9:
Don't actually think he's talked about anything else since he got home tbh. lol:
DS will be proud.
Oh, and MM has got an interview on Wednesday for G jnr's old vacant post.
I'm going to ask if he can get me a job in there too with the Spectacled Bears. cloud9:
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One happy Bear Cub here tonight. happy088
He drove a tractor and tipping trailer for the first time today. cloud9:
Don't actually think he's talked about anything else since he got home tbh. lol:
DS will be proud.
Oh, and MM has got an interview on Wednesday for G jnr's old vacant post.
I'm going to ask if he can get me a job in there too with the Spectacled Bears. cloud9:
2 in the zoo as from tomorrow. happy088
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happ096
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One happy Bear Cub here tonight. happy088
He drove a tractor and tipping trailer for the first time today. cloud9:
Don't actually think he's talked about anything else since he got home tbh. lol:
DS will be proud.
Oh, and MM has got an interview on Wednesday for G jnr's old vacant post.
I'm going to ask if he can get me a job in there too with the Spectacled Bears. cloud9:
2 in the zoo as from tomorrow. happy088
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3jXMsfLxhI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3jXMsfLxhI)
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happ096
Bloody amazing.
2 interviews within 2 weeks, and she gets both jobs! eeek:
She must have inherited my overwhelming charm and charisma. whistle:
Just wish my bessy mate and a couple in here could have the same fortune.
Hate seeing these folk getting all stressed out with the sheer frustration of getting nowhere, and running around in circles. Banghead
Ageism is alive and kicking. No doubt about it at all in my mind. Angry9:
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National Minimum Wage rates
From October 2010, National Minimum Wage rates will increase from:
* £5.80 to £5.93 an hour for workers aged 21 and over
* £4.83 to £4.92 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20
* £3.57 to £3.64 an hour for workers aged 16 to 17
The rise is around the two per cent mark in each category. As promised, the government has extended the adult minimum wage rate to 21-year-olds from October 2010. Previously the qualifying age for the National Minimum Wage was
Which has a lot to do with employment prospects for older jobseekers..
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Great news
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Great news Growler happy088
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Praps they can smuggle some wildlife out, like. Bear cubs. Or a surprise snake.
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Praps they can smuggle some wildlife out, like. Bear cubs. Or a surprise snake.
She can smuggle this new little hunny out for me. cloud9:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3KgWXhfrvg
1st day and thouroughly enjoyed it apparently.