Andy Collins

I've seen these Brits on Job Seekers desperate for a job interview. So desperate that they can't be bothered to turn up. So desperate to qualify for their benefits, that's all. They don't want to work. I have mates who run loads of different businesses, most of them have given up trying to find decent workers by advertising, there just aren't any decent workers who are unemployed. It's easier for them to employ legal migrant workers through an Agency, if they don't want to work they are sent back and a replacement is supplied. As said, we have migrant Brit workers all over the globe, looking to improve their lot, why should European workers be any different? I've lived and worked through several recessions since I left school, I've been unemployed for a total of about 2 weeks in all that time, some thirty years, there is always work to do if you want it. PS, legal migrant workers are paid minimum wage, the same as British labour.

Why is there a need to be racist, or at least dicriminatory against another ethnic group? If someone is working legally in this country, then there is no issue. If they are working illegally, that is a different matter, and is one for the authorities to deal with, regardless of where they come from, nationality, colour religion whatever. Where do you draw the line? Legal Immigrants working on the books properly or you doing a quick cash job on a Saturday morning and not declaring it? Who is bending the rules then? It's so easy to take the moral high ground, moan about the Poles/Indians/Muslims or Gypsies doing this or that, but better to make sure your own house is in order, and concentrate on making your own business work.

Last auction I went to it was the Nigerians buying everything up, not Europeans, but I digress. Surely it's better that they buy the stuff, all we hear about is how the kit is stolen to order and shipped out to Eastern Europe. Now we complain that they're buying it, heaven forbid. Facts are that the East Europeans come over here to earn money at any job that will support their families, buy their homes back home. I doubt many of them would want to be here amongst such a xenophobic bunch anyway. When I went into the Job Centre in Feb last year, given that we have quite a large community of continentals around here, there wasn't one in the Job Centre, only Brit skivers. They are here to work, I have no beef with anyone who wants to work. In fact, if it wasn't for immigrant labour in the country, nothing would be getting done at all. No cleaning, no labourers (we're all too good to labour) no pot washers and so on.

Season of Goodwill gentlemen

We all have many nationalities living and working in our communities, it's been the make up of the island nation for many many Centuries. Fact is, many of them have every right to travel here to work, and we can do like wise, we are all a part of a larger community. I've been nothing but impressed with the work ethic of those I've come across, both in this industry and others. Few British workers would apply themselves in such a manner, but then they don't have to because they have an overly generous State system to support them if they want it. Illegal immigration is a totally different matter, and does need addressing, and I am not condoning these in my posting, there is a world of difference.

I think the fact is at if the British worked half as hard as the foreign labour this would never have become an issue. I think it's a bit late for us to moan now. I'm more concerned that my tax pennies go to support the lazy good for nothing British shirk force than a few hard grafting people of any nationality.

IMO, it is not a police matter re the hospital protocols, the DJs prank etc. investigating the suicide is a police matter. I doubt an NHS hosptial would have fallen for it, not in the hospital I was in anyway. Every time someone rang to find out how I was doing they would ask if I wanted to speak to them, and what they were allowed to say if I didn't want to talk. At times I didn't want anyone to know exactly how I was feeling and I asked them to be vague, which they did perfectly. At times I would have been devastated if my true state of health was passed to anyone, most of the time I didn't care less. But I do know how vulnerable you can feel in hospital. I can imagine any pregnant woman would not wish the press, or in fact anyone to invade her privacy, especially if she is in fear of the health of her baby, and suffering from serious morning sickness, that cannot be played down. Patient confidentiality is the basis of our health care in this country, any one from cleaner to top surgeon would be aware of this, regardless of protocols, and as such the staff concerned failed in their basic duties to their patient. I can imagine that the guilt might weigh heavily on someone with any kind of conscience. How they handle that guilt is down to them, no one else.

Of course I'm not directing this at any one in particular, but all who might be reading this thread. We shouldn't have to feel like we need to lock everything down, but sadly we do.

Saying it doesn't change anything, talk to local magistrates, Senior police officers, MPs, in fact any of your clients who are in a position of influence over the charging and prosecution of criminals. Let them know the impact that this has had on your life, on your insurance premiums and so on. They are human they do understand, if enough lobby them in time it will have an effect. We need to raise our game security wise, be more aware. Pay attention to that van parked opposite your property seemingly on the phone, make a note of suspicious going on. When I was turned over, I suddenly recalled two vehicles that had been on the phone outside repeatedly over a few weeks, but never twigged, once I'd been robbed they weren't about anymore. Take advice from your local Crime Prevention Officer on improving security, alarm cables, infra red cameras and beams. Lock the tools away every night, don't think they'll be ok for five minutes while you pop in for a coffee/leg over. Be proactive, don't be complacent, it's the opening they need.

Cameras are the weapons to use against criminals. The problem is locating them where they pick up the most details, ie number plates, faces, without being at a level where they can be damaged, and where they can be concealed satisfactorily. Thieves are very switched on to this, certainly career criminals. If you have a security system in place I'd be wary of putting about too much info on the Internet.

Top advice Jon excellent saws.

Now Rush were something else, still like listening to their stuff. Back in school I liked Yes, though today I find it too "prog rock" tastes change with age I suppose.

I never really counted Journey or Chunder as r n r, Whitesnake were borderline. A mate went and saw Slade and the Sweet the other day, reckons they were crap. This is the problem when old bands try and keep rocking into old age. but AC DC and maiden still can do it, properly, along with the Stones. I wa saying to the lads last night, look at those guys, same age as your Grandad, and he's asleep in his chair most of the day, kind of puts it in perspective just how active they still are.

I'm guessing BBC4 had its highest viewing figures evr last night, everyone I know was watching it. Maiden programme was interesting from looking at the logistics of moving such a stage show around the globe. Incredible bands, both of them.

I wear a skinny skullcap under my hard hat, stops the chilly winds whirling through the thick mop of hair I used to have.....once.

Nice one Steve, and thanks to all the Raffle sponsors who make this possible once again. Now we have to do our bit and support the raffle. The real winners are the kids at the Children's Trust, who benefit from this. Every little helps. Good luck everyone, you need to be in it to win it

How would you feel if it happened to be your handiwork posted up here for ridicule? Work that you are proud of, think you've done properly, yet some kind soul things it's cack. "Judge not, lest ye be judged yourself" This is a friendly forum, as such we do not post picture of others work for ridicule and discuss. I shall close this thread, but it will be left for others to why it was closed.

Wet wet wet morning, stiff breeze and icy sleety snowy stuff suppose to fall most of the day. On the plus side its FRIDAY :thumbup:

I think it's down to the years of abuse mate, need to let the missis have a bash for a while Sounds like white finger to me.

I still have the BLackberry, tried Tapatalk but tend to just go straight in on the normal browser, tbh I'm too busy working at work to bother with Arbtalk during the day, I'd rather wait until I get in to check it out properly, with a brew and me slippers on.

I'm hoping that I have to put up the fake one again. The reason....it will mean every single Xmas tree will be sold, none left for us... Kerrrrrrchiiiiiing! Cut down a nice 25ft Blue Sruce in a clients garden the other day, nice little earner at one of the local pubs, they're well chuffed as its different from all the other usuals, Nordmann, Spruce, and so on.

johnny burch, a man after my own heart. Outdoor cooking is the best

Appreciate your forecasts Peckerwoo,

Many many years ago, we used to have ducks geese goats and so on, we'd raise the drinkers on bricks and put nightlight candles under them, it was just enough to raise the temperature. Dunno if the modern tea lights last as long as they used to.

Cracking shots, really catch the mood, quality as usual John.