Unofficial Christ's Hospital Forum

We still have very little snow, just North West of London. Son at Kent Uni (up on the hill above Canterbury) says they have 2' + of snow, everything shut down and his heating and hot water are kaput in halls.

Snow hit us --- at last, in Dorszet, but we did not venture out,at all, yesterday. --- Big Bad Neill, put his foot down, and decided that it was too icy and dangerous --- today we managed to drive, with great care to Tescoids, which was pretty empty.

The papers have started the awful puns --- I'm not sure if this should be on the "Pedant's Revolt" but ----
ALL of these in today's local Paper ------

SNOW JOKE
BIT OF ALL WHITE
TRUE GRIT
IDYLL BE ALL RIGHT
WINDSCREEN WIPER
COLD CALL (Two 'phone boxes, capped with snow)
THROW BUSINESS --- (Guess what ?)
SNOW PATROL (Two Policemen)

Oh dear oh dear oh dear !!!

I don't suppose that this Post, will be at all popular ---- BUT --

Today, this Household of TBA (71) and NPE (82) received a total of £400 in Winter Fuel Payment.

With an Income of 5 Pensions, and Stock Dividends --- we don't need it !

I have no intention of returming the money ! but it does strike me, that it might well be directed to those who DO need it.

We have, in this Kingdom, many, many, people, who are really in financial trouble, through Unemployment, Debt, Sickness, while self employed, and other problems, which arise daily.

A system which rewards you for having survived beyond 80, on the ASSUMPTION that you are in need, seems in question, at a time of National Debt.

However --- I imagine that the Programming and Staffing required to change it, might well cost more than the Programme !

Why would that post be unpopular, Neill? I think it's lovely of you to admit that you don't actually need the money, and to think of others that do. You're right, the system needs to change.

Neill, many years ago I was employed by the Inland Revenue when it was decided that not everyone who received Family Allowance (as it then was) actually needed it, so they decided to try to claw it back by adjusting taxpayers' PAYE coding. Yes it made a huge amount of work in the days before computers were in general use, and I believe in the end they decided that it wasn't worth the effort. Perhaps if you are feeling uncomfortable about receiving a benefit which you are fortunate enough not to need, you could pass on the same amount to someone who does need it - a local charity? - I am sure you will know where the need is greatest.

I was going to suggest the charity donation too (although I seem to remember that Neill already donates to a number of charities) but I was trying to think of something Christmas-related, like for presents for the children stuck in hospital over Christmas, or towards the Christmas day dinner for the elderly that the Salvation Army provide. I'm sure Neill has already thought of something to do with the money anyway.

NEILL THE NOTORIOUS wrote:I don't suppose that this Post, will be at all popular ---- BUT --

Today, this Household of TBA (71) and NPE (82) received a total of £400 in Winter Fuel Payment.

With an Income of 5 Pensions, and Stock Dividends --- we don't need it !

I have no intention of returming the money ! but it does strike me, that it might well be directed to those who DO need it.

We have, in this Kingdom, many, many, people, who are really in financial trouble, through Unemployment, Debt, Sickness, while self employed, and other problems, which arise daily.

A system which rewards you for having survived beyond 80, on the ASSUMPTION that you are in need, seems in question, at a time of National Debt.

However --- I imagine that the Programming and Staffing required to change it, might well cost more than the Programme !

Good on you Neill.

Perhaps this will be of interest if you are looking at non-CH charities.

http://www.bigissue.com/Home_1.php

I think you'll find that both Lord Sugar and Peter Stringfellow, when told they couldn't return the payment, donated it to worthy charities.

If memory serves, one donated to Centre-point that provides shelter for the homeless in London.

OK ---- The Salvation Army, for the elderly --


(Self interest ??? )

Oh no, the clapping hands smiley has disappeared!

So I'll just have to do lots of these instead:

Surely the easiest solution would be to make the winter fuel allowance taxable through income tax. Those in most need would pay no tax, the richest would return 50%.

I would think the Sally Army could make very good use of it, or AgeUK would be appropriate.

I know a number of people who are lucky enough not to need their Child Benefit and use it to sponsor a child via PLAN or donate it to Barnardos or Action for Children.

Christingle proceeds today went to the Children's Society - also a good choice.

It Is definately the Sally Alley.

I already contribute to Age UK ------by paying for my Funeral.

One of our Church friends asked "What Date ?"

I replied "Ask Anne !!"

After the "Award" of Winter Fuel Payment --------

Could I please have a Winter 'Phone Payment ?

We have been snowed in for a few days, and Iced in -- living on a hill--- so the Yaris, is parked some 200 m away, at the bottom. The Mondeo --( Mine !) is safely ensconced in the Garage ! ---- obeying Official Advice to "Stay Put ! " ------ HOWEVER ----
The fate of the Yaris, is because TBA had (HAD !) to conduct a Christmas Service, at an Old People's Home --- It is sometimes difficult, being married to a Saint !!!

The 'Phone, therefore has been in constant use by TBA --- --- Apologies, for not getting to Church,Friends,Visits etc. etc.etc.

I have been engaged in a USEFUL pursuit ------ a 1000 piece Jigsaw --- being old, has it's advantages