philmayfield

Swarfega will have to change its recipe again very soon as it contains the micro plastic beads which are the subject of a forthcoming ban. I'm not going to recommend them, on H and S grounds, but if you browse the web there are diy alternatives - at your own risk!

Lots of the old cleaning solvents were found to have ingredients that were potentially carcinogenic. They did work much better than the ‘safer’ modern versions however. I always keep a box of surgical rubber gloves in the workshop to use when I do a messy job now. I doubt that the used gloves are environmentally friendly when disposed of though. Curing one problem usually creates another. Just wait until your electric car’s battery runs flat up in the Highlands and there’s no ‘phone signal either!

Touché then

No, I was joking wasn’t I?

Yes, but your President appears to be married to his mother!

I've been a Republican for as long as I can remember. I've never seen much point in the Royal family.

I see that the Queen has just approved the prorogation of Parliament in September. I don’t suppose she gives a stuff whilst sitting up there in the grandeur of Balmoral Castle. There’s always Sandringham for Christmas to look forward to. Will Corbyn declare a republic? Even I would support him for that!

Donald Pleasance was born in Worksop which explains why he was a miserable bugger!

I saw ‘Donald Pleasance in ‘The Man in The Glass Booth’ at the Playhouse many years ago. I think it was about a Nazi trial.

I’ve signed the petition against this move. There’s well over the required 100,000 for a parliamentary debate already. Whether it will do any good I don’t know but I’m not going to riot in the streets.

Brew's right. Corbyn is the reason that Labour is lagging in the polls. Many people lean to slightly left of centre but not to the hard left. I can't understand why the man doesn't realise his unpopularity and step aside for someone who would be more acceptable to Labour voters.

I must say that we three spend an hour and a half over just a pint each. When we leave at 11pm we’re always asked if we want another one but I’m sure the landlord is pleased to get off to bed!

There’s nothing worse than music in pubs unless it’s been pre arranged and you’re going to listen specifically. I used to meet up with friends for a chat at the Coach House in Southwell on a Monday night until a new landlady organised singers. It was mainly old blokes who went in on a Monday for a general moan but the singing rapidly cleared the place. We now meet elsewhere and although there is a bit of light background music (you can never avoid that!) at least we can hold a conversation.

This was way back in the 60's - times have changed!

I remember Armitages taking over the firm of 'Good Boy', chocolate drops for dogs, at Leicester. I was sent over there to verify the stocktake and to do so I had to climb a tall steel ladder and peer into a vat of molten chocolate. It all seemed to be there so I ticked it off but I hadn't really got a clue how much there really was. There were many exciting things to do in accountancy other than playing with figures!

Armitages had their fingers in a few pies that were nothing to do with pet foods such as the Empire cafe. Their headquarters used to be up an alley, off High Street, next to where Boots used to be. The office was run by an old astute grey haired man (much like I am today!) called Mr. Hathaway. They were clients of my old accountancy firm.

Probably best to have one in the coffin just in case. Mistakes have been known to be made!

I think it would be a good idea to remind people of this with a prominent notice at the door. Although the idea of a 'phone ringing might sound amusing I'm sure a lot of people would be upset - especially if the ringing came from within the coffin!

I've just got home from a funeral at Wilford Hill. As usual, in the hubbub of catching up on gossip with old friends, I forgot to switch my 'phone off prior to going in. It wasn't until the most sombre part of the ceremony, the committal, that I remembered it was still switched on. I'd taken my jacket off in the heat and it was lying across my knee. The 'phone wasn't easily accessible and I didn't want to turn it off blindly in case it played a tune! I sat there saying silently, 'please don't ring, please don't ring'. Fortunately it didn't. My worst fear was, as it's connected to my security c

The Empire Cafe belonged to Armitages of Colwick, the pet food people. Heaven knows what was in the sandwiches!

Take a cold shower Barrie!

I bet you looked it up!

Same here. Absolutely fantastic performance. Really gripping finish!

The last time I saw a traditional sweet shop was in Campbelltown at the tip of the Mull of Kintyre about two years ago. It wasn't trying to be 'traditional' it's just that the whole town is sixty years behind the times, being miles from anywhere. We went into the main hotel and ordered a crab salad. The crab was out of a tin and was served with chips in the traditional Scottish manner. It's worth a visit just for the experience.

Same here. I never go into Nottingham centre these days.