Truer words were never spoken in jest, Linc.:(

The builders have nearly finished!!:)

Absolutely – in fact another “quango” in all but name. What happened to the grandiose plans to slash the quangos? I think they are getting rid of a handful and that’s taking for ever.

I thought it ended up caricaturing grumpiness. And the thought of actually being as miserable as that most of the time would make life intolerable, wouldn’t it? In any event Richard Wilson is still amused by fans who greet him with the inevitable catchphrase – ” I doooon’t believe it!!!!”

I can’t wait for the contents of the big metal thingies to be unveiled. I think I know who’ll be there when they are……:)

Well that’s one of the mysteries of why we like some comedy and not others.

I found Open All Hours totally unfunny but Porridge is one of my all time favourites.

In fact I agree with Pagen’s list except for the first series of Allo, Allo and Absolutely Fabulous. Few sitcoms run well after the first and second series….

Kev

My comment was intended to apply to the free prescriptions for men over 60. I am sure you are right about it being related to equality for gender but then if the pension age is not also equated, which of course it cannot be, then it doesn’t make much sense. I have an admittedly old copy of the BNF and it is, as you say, illuminating. Maybe the whole way that drugs are provided needs an overhaul and that the charge should be a percentage of the cost of the drug.

The point about missed appointments is valid but I would take it a stage further and impose a charge for missed appointments without notice being given, say 48 hours in advance. I accept that there would be problems in recovering the cost but I am sure ways could be found and I am equally sure that it would concentrate the minds more. The personal example you quote is unforgivable and exemplifies an aspect of the NHS which clearly needs urgent revision.

As for winter fuel payments I felt embarrassed to be given them when I reached 60. I thought of all the people who really do need them and who perhaps might get more if anyone, pensioner or not, still working was ineligible.

Your last sentence ties in rather neatly to the assisted suicide thread, doesn’t it.

Indeed, but don’t lose sight of the fact that Kev was speaking from the NHS point of view, as he reminded us, he is a qualified nurse, so his experience from the “other” side is important.