Originally Posted by DaveinGermany (Post 944029)

The shooting & fishing lark go way back when to the times of early pioneers exploring the wilds & founding communities, it's a way of life which some still follow & enjoy, I myself although from England partook of shooting & fishing on our own fair Countryside when younger.

Before you get all aerated about the fact we only shot what we needed & a couple for the farmer as a thank you for letting us use his land, I don't do the shooting now, but still enjoy fishing.

As to the safety aspect you'll find the Canadian kids are introduced to firearms at an early age & taught to respect & appreciate the dangers & responsibilities inherent with these pieces of equipment/tools as that is what they are. Unlike your average overindulged British kid who'd think it was something for making him the hardcase, cool kid of the gang because of the different mentality & mindset between our nations.

And as to the comment of Humanely processed meat you get in the supermarkets Gynn, I think you may need to have a look again at some of these processes.

Sorry for the digression, but if it's of any interest my ol' Dads got his bus pass. Although he doesn't really need it as he's still fit & able enough to drive & he'll continue to do so as long as he's capable.

Originally Posted by steve2qec (Post 943588)

They should bring ALL bus fares down and get 'em full. Hate seeing an empty bus or one with just a couple of people on. Those buses must be running at a loss. The only full buses you ever see are the school ones - imagine being the driver of one of them...no thanks!!

Originally Posted by keith higson (Post 944169)

I totally agree with these comments, you should work on getting busfares lowered amd leave the OAP alone after all most of them have paid their debt to society in Taxes and services to the public in general, oh nefore I go who paid for the illegal substance that that idiot Groove used to depend on. Come on Groove get a life.

Originally Posted by mobertol (Post 944175)

I noticed that there seem to be taxis everywhere in town ?

Originally Posted by lancsdave (Post 944176)

I was saying this morning I need one of those Max Cabs stickers for my car, I'm sure my car is the only one in Accrington without one. There's more taxis than people in accrington, all legitimate of course :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Neil (Post 944172)

I agree that bus fares are to high but the only way they could be lowered would be if the buses were owned and operated by the local authority and run more as a service than a business with funding coming from central government who like to pretend they are all green and environmental warriors against the car.

Oh wait a minute, we used to have that before some past government screwed it up.

Originally Posted by Eric (Post 944305)

How long is it since there was an Accrington Corporation Transport ... or something like that? Those mainly double deckers in the colors of the pals?

Originally Posted by gynn (Post 944319)

Local Authority run bus services were deregulated in 1986. Hyndburn Transport Ltd was then set up as a private company owned by Hyndburn Borough Council, and it continued to operate bus services in Hyndburn until the mid 1990s.

For economic reasons, the Council then had to sell the bus company to Stagecoach.

I can speak with some knowledge on this - I was involved in the discussions surrounding the sale.

Originally Posted by Eric (Post 944322)

Would that be all Local Authority bus services? Or just Hyndburn?

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 944421)

My bus pass is not free. I pay for it!
I have paid into the system all of my life. I have never been unemployed. I drew dole during the time when factories laid people off because of the power cuts.......but was never unemployed(you had to sign on to get your insurance stamp paid for). I get a free eye test...but pay for my glasses. I do not get free or concessionary dental treatment(yes, I do still have my own teeth). I could have free prescriptions, but currently take no prescribed medications.
So my bus pass is the only thing that the government gives me....except, it doesn't because I still pay taxes......on my pension, council tax(at full rate).....tax on the meagre income my savings accrue.......so I assure you Groove......they are giving me nothing. I earned it!

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington (Post 944428)

I noticed, but it incenses me when folk think the bus pass is free. I was waiting for the bus to go to Manchester recently and some young folk were talking about all us oldies being able to get on the bus and travel for free....so it is a widespread belief.
These whippersnappers forget that one day they might be old too....if they live long enough.

And yes Neil, I did respond, but not to him....to the topic! I have him on ignore.