Rue Britannia - vanishing icons

[Edwardia]

I should think that during the last ten years the few people that have used the red phone boxes was more as a latrine than to make a call.

Hey, what about disguising mini superloos in them ?

Re postal issues.. most people do have access to a PC, either at home or work, to print out postage labels. UK is second to USA for home computers per capita.

My grumble about post and parcel deliveries, is that because I am often at home during the day, I get interrupted by delivery people and Royal Mail/Postforce with stuff for my neighbours out at work. Then when they get home they disturb me to retrieve parcels. I've had flowers, trellis panels, stuff from Next, Freemans, Littlewoods etc and even car parts. I'm here for my deliveries and if I'm out there's no-one about to take my parcels. I am sure there are neighbours who order stuff and think oh she'll be around. I had one ask me if I had been in that afternoon because he had to go collect his parcel !!

I'm only taking mine now !

 

[Nemesis]

In the World Heritage Site of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, red phone boxes abound. And they are used. (No, not always as a loo.)

'Most' people may have access to a computer, but not all; my mother hasn't one. It's not universal coverage.

I would suggest those who think that the postie can simply pick up parcels (especially those who do part of the round on foot - and four miles per hour, apparently!) talk to a postie. Ours is wonderful, but I think asking him to take on even more work would make his job impossible, not simply difficult.

 

[Penners]

Michael Collins, Babergh’s Conservation Officer, said “this is an essential part of the character of the village and is both a satisfactory neighbour to the surrounding historic buildings as well as a useful resource for visitors and residents alike.”

Good old Michael. We need more CO's like him (said a resident of Babergh DC, whose village still sports a red phone box).

 

[Nemesis]

Sadly, Babergh is also one of those places where listing was never completed I recall. But that's another story.

However - Edinburgh also has wonderful police boxes dotted around too:

http://www.edinphoto.org.uk/0_street_l/0_street_views_-_lawnmarket_telephone_+_police_boxes_022366.htm

Designed by the City Architect Ebenezer MacRae.

http://hsewsf.sedsh.gov.uk/hslive/hsstart?P_HBNUM=30238

 

[Penners]

Sadly, Babergh is also one of those places where listing was never completed I recall.

Why would that have been? Run out of money?

The odd thing is that my house is listed, but frankly is nothing very special. An unremarkable 18th century timberframe job. Apparently the nine-pane windows were the principle reason for listing.

If the listing wasn't completed, there must be local unlisted buildings far more worthy.

 

[Penners]

Ebenezer MacRae.

What an absolute gem of a name! I must change mine by deed poll, immediately!

 

[Gareth Hughes]

Ebenezer MacRae.

What an absolute gem of a name! I must change mine by deed poll, immediately!

There is an official at the White House guest lodge called Randy Bumgardner
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/pix/b/eap/68530.htm
His mother's maiden name was Mincing, apparently. But Americans don't have quite enough of a sense of humour to have gone for the double-barrel on that one....

 

[Penners]

I once worked with a chap called Laurence Driver.

Needless to say, his nickname was Laurie...

Honestly.

 

[Moo]

Gareth, you and I have evidently been watching the same TV programme.






(Have I Got News For You)

 

[middi]

When I worked for the french motor manufactures -Peugeot- the assist.director, who's first name was Philippe, used to wear sandals during the summer, he acquired the nickname as " Philippe,Phelop"

 

[Gareth Hughes]

Gareth, you and I have evidently been watching the same TV programme.






(Have I Got News For You)

Yes, but I had to do a background check because I didn't believe it. (when am I coming for sherry and mince pies, by the way?)

 

[Moo]

Name a date !!

(Though not this week, as I am hors de combat with a really debilitating cold)

 

[Penners]

Gareth, you and I have evidently been watching the same TV programme.

I didn't see it, this week, to my regret. But if I infer from your comment that you don't believe me about Laurie Driver... I promise it's true!

 

[Moo]

I didn't see it, this week, to my regret.

You can watch it again, as I'm sure you know, on BBC iPlayer.

But if I infer from your comment that you don't believe me about Laurie Driver

Not believe you? Perish the thought!

 

[Penners]

You can watch it again, as I'm sure you know, on BBC iPlayer.

I forgot about that! Thanks, Moo - I shall do so.