The Night Mail

[New Haven Neil]

4 hours ago, polybear said:

IIRC she is a Doc - so I imagine jobs should be rather easy to come by; I suspect it's more a case of not being able to get one that she feels is "befitting of her" (i.e. some high profile jobbie).

Mind you, with £3.2M stashed I doubt she's having to sign on just yet.

 

The Medical Director, so the top Doc.  I couldn't possibly comment on how good she allegedly was at that job.  Before covid came along.

[TheQ]

1 hour ago, Porkscratching said:

According to my grandad, great kudos was to be had amongst "the lads" of the day (early 20th cent) if you scored the "goal" of knocking a policeman's helmet off  (and did a bunk without being collared of course) 

That might not have been good for me, the local bobby was my uncle....

[iL Dottore]

ION

In mediaeval times, a skilled poisoner (like Lucretia Borgia) who wanted to publicly remove their victims, used two part poisons: one part, innocuous in itself, was given to all the diners in the room; the second part, also innocuous in itself, was given to the victim in something only the victim (and possibly the food taster) would consume. When the victim keeled over, dead, the first thought was – of course – that the victim had been poisoned. Obviously it couldn’t have been the food, as every other diner was hale and hearty, so a hapless food taster was brought in to try that treat that only the victim consumed. And, lo and behold, nothing happened to the food taster (only the consumption of both parts of the two part poison, would it be fatal). Ergo, it was The Will of God.

 

This method of poisoning, I understand, was sometimes used by the Catholic Church to remove secular opposition to a policy, or to remove an inconvenient cleric. As poisoning could not be proven, the resulting death would’ve been put down to “an act of God“ - a God displeased with the opposition/inconvenience of the victim to the Catholic Church.

 

So, why am I mentioning this interesting bit of historical trivia on this particular thread, one that is ostensibly about railway modelling? Well, at Warley, I signed up for two fine-scale model railway societies; the first society pack information pack arrived yesterday and, so far, I feel no different than before. Completely hale and hearty, thank you very much. However, the second society information pack (complete with a sample kit to build) is due to arrive any day.
 

Upon its receipt, I fear I shall suffer the same effects as the hapless victim of a two part poisoning: first dribbling, then incoherent ramblings (probably about such bizarre hallucinations as back-to-back dimensions or flange depth) before experiencing a slow, painful and agonising demise. Something, I am assured by similarly afflicted individuals, may take decades.

[PhilJ W]

1 hour ago, Winslow Boy said:

If I'm remembering correctly I think very few police forces have kept their helmets. The only one I can recall is Derbyshire and I think that's only because they like to a bit 'awkward/different' there.

As Jamie said they are mostly kept for ceremonial use nowadays. Although at a recent televised Metropolitan Police parade as well as the helmets I noticed a couple of Sikh turbans and the WPC's were wearing caps except one who was wearing a hijab.

[br2975]

3 hours ago, jamie92208 said:

Police Uniform was similar, often at the whim of the Chief Constable.  One such fool replaced belted jackets with beltless ones which he thought looked better.  He obviously hadn't walked a beat on a cold night for long.  Then they got rid of capes.  Where could you put your fish and chips without a poachers pocket in your cape. 

 

.

Yours truly prepares for his last shift on the street, Friday 6th. November 2009 - nights, Cardiff city centre.

.
Decided to look like a real copper and wear my cape.

.

The old 'horse blanket' was the best bit of kit ever issued................ and being obsolete in South Wales by that time, caused quite a stir amongst the revellers, and many younger colleagues who 'had to come and have a look'

.

True to my beliefs, I had two prisoners that last night - the control room staff, watching on cctv thought it was a remake of the famous BBCtv 'Only Fools & Horses' Christmas Special as I came running down Charles St. out of the gloom !

[New Haven Neil]

Of course our male constables wear the white Guardian helmets in the summer, all part of the scene, doncha know.

[br2975]

2 hours ago, Happy Hippo said:

All the good officers have either left for other employ, or have retired.

.

Hence the lack of experience of those (apparently) policing our streets.

 

[Hroth]

35 minutes ago, br2975 said:

.

Yours truly prepares for his last shift on the street, Friday 6th. November 2009 - nights, Cardiff city centre.

.
Decided to look like a real copper and wear my cape.

.

The old 'horse blanket' was the best bit of kit ever issued................ and being obsolete in South Wales by that time, caused quite a stir amongst the revellers, and many younger colleagues who 'had to come and have a look'

.

True to my beliefs, I had two prisoners that last night - the control room staff, watching on cctv thought it was a remake of the famous BBCtv 'Only Fools & Horses' Christmas Special as I came running down Charles St. out of the gloom !

 

Ah! The Majesty of the Law!

 

Baseball caps don't seem to cut the mustard in comparison...

 

[Happy Hippo]

55 minutes ago, br2975 said:

.

Yours truly prepares for his last shift on the street, Friday 6th. November 2009 - nights, Cardiff city centre.

.
Decided to look like a real copper and wear my cape.

.

The old 'horse blanket' was the best bit of kit ever issued................ and being obsolete in South Wales by that time, caused quite a stir amongst the revellers, and many younger colleagues who 'had to come and have a look'

.

True to my beliefs, I had two prisoners that last night - the control room staff, watching on cctv thought it was a remake of the famous BBCtv 'Only Fools & Horses' Christmas Special as I came running down Charles St. out of the gloom !

And after this picture was released by his agent, there was much demand for film appearances from the Hammer House of Horrors.

 

Count Brian (allegedly)

[br2975]

1 minute ago, Happy Hippo said:

And after this picture was released by his agent, there was much demand for film appearances from the Hammer House of Horrors.

 

Count Brian (allegedly)

.

I wasn't smiling at 02:00hrs.

.

I was expecting to finish then, having paraded for duty at 18:00hrs. - but was 'persuaded' to stay on and ended up with two 'bodies' (prisoners) and didn't finish until 06:00hrs.

.

Any other occasion I would have taken it in my stride; BUT,  I was going for lunch, and then to the Wales v New Zealand Autumn International that afternoon.

[Compound2632]

1 hour ago, iL Dottore said:

In mediaeval times, a skilled poisoner (like Lucretia Borgia)

 

Point of order: Lucrezia Borgia, b. 1480, d. 1519, would I think generally be considered Early Modern or Renaissance rather than Medieval; certainly in Italy. A lot of unpleasant stuff that is casually branded "medieval" is really rather more typical of the Early Modern period - sixteenth and seventeenth centuries - e.g. state persecution of supposed witches.

[iL Dottore]

Police Headwear: Part II

 

In order (from toughest to wimpiest) Police headgear that you don’t want coming in your direction “with intent”

 

1 Traditional Bobby

 

2 Berlin Police

3 German Military Police (all eras)

 

4 Modern British Copper

 

5 Wannabe SWAT cops

 

 

I’m sure the fellows who are ex-Police have their own particular rankings (or have their own suggestions)

Edited December 6, 2023 by iL Dottore

[Porkscratching]

1 hour ago, br2975 said:

.

Yours truly prepares for his last shift on the street, Friday 6th. November 2009 - nights, Cardiff city centre.

.
Decided to look like a real copper and wear my cape.

.

The old 'horse blanket' was the best bit of kit ever issued................ and being obsolete in South Wales by that time, caused quite a stir amongst the revellers, and many younger colleagues who 'had to come and have a look'

.

True to my beliefs, I had two prisoners that last night - the control room staff, watching on cctv thought it was a remake of the famous BBCtv 'Only Fools & Horses' Christmas Special as I came running down Charles St. out of the gloom !

Looking for a bit of extra dosh?.. You'd be perfect on the door at the Sherlock Holmes museum 221b Baker street 😁

[Flying Fox 34F]

Changing the subject, and as it has been mentioned earlier, today being St. Nicholas day, my Daughter has just returned from school with a large box containing, Orange Juice, Cake and Chocolate treats of various flavours.  The one in the image attached caught my eye!  

All hail the Chief TNM!!!!

 

Paul

[polybear]

2 hours ago, iL Dottore said:

ION

In mediaeval times, a skilled poisoner (like Lucretia Borgia) who wanted to publicly remove their victims, used two part poisons: one part, innocuous in itself, was given to all the diners in the room; the second part, also innocuous in itself, was given to the victim in something only the victim (and possibly the food taster) would consume. When the victim keeled over, dead, the first thought was – of course – that the victim had been poisoned. Obviously it couldn’t have been the food, as every other diner was hale and hearty, so a hapless food taster was brought in to try that treat that only the victim consumed. And, lo and behold, nothing happened to the food taster (only the consumption of both parts of the two part poison, would it be fatal). Ergo, it was The Will of God.

 

 

You neglected to mention what those two parts actually are....purely for scientific reasons, you understand.......

I'm guessing that adhesive & hardener wouldn't fit the bill (ok, maybe if you used enough of them)

[Happy Hippo]

The manufacture of the reindeer went without a hitch last night, and various guide leaders were talking about having some form of sales stand, where suitable  tat  products made throughout the year could be sold to raise funds.

 

I suggested that a laser cutter that I could use to assist, would be a great help, so they went off muttering about that, and saying what a good idea it was.

 

Nobody has asked me (yet) how much a suitable laser would cost.

 

I'm having my annual tool lust at the moment and have been eyeing up a superior replacement for my current finger table saw.

 

This morning saw a trip to the hairdresser for my pre Christmas shearing.  I needed to get it done so I look repescteebubble prior to my visiting chez Rolley on Monday.

[Tony_S]

1 hour ago, Happy Hippo said:

morning saw a trip to the hairdresser for my pre Christmas shearing. 

I haven’t received the usual hints about needing a haircut but I suspect I will before Christmas. Our only social event of the season is a visit to a pub for a meal on December 20th with a couple of friends. I prefer to go and see Mick the Barber on Fridays so I can leave it until the 15th. If I am untidy, Aditi seems to think it reflects badly on her for some reason.

Tony

[SM42]

My haircut is booked for the week before Christmas .

Just the barber is 923 miles away. 

 

I'm also got a date at the dentist too. 

 

I'm not really looking forward to the latter.

 

The trip into town to " see what there is" has been completed all within an hour. 

I really can't believe my luck, but I can believe the Deltic that we left behind. 

 

I've also realised that a couple of things I needed to buy have been overlooked and work and social occasions are likely to get in the way now.  

 

I'll can manage without  the new blades for the Stanley knife for now. 

 

Mrs SM42's presents are more of a challenge. 

 

The first Christmas lights have gone up at SM42 Towers today.

 

Andy

[Happy Hippo]

1 hour ago, SM42 said:

 

 

The first Christmas lights have gone up at SM42 Towers today.

 

Andy

I was forced to stand under the loft ladder this afternoon, and be the receiver of many boxes of decorations which will probably be going up sometime next week.

 

Had it not been for the fact that Trayne Klubb is scheduled for tomorrow morning, I suspect that I would have received an urgent short notice tasking to erect the Christmas tree.

 

As to your predicament about the blades for a Stanley knife, ( aka Box cutter for the benefit of our trans-Altantic cousins,) I buy mine from the big river in a container that holds about 100.  I also have both a large and small knifes with retractable blades, which you snap off when they get blunt, plus the statutory scalpel blades and a box full of the single edged razor blades used in a clone of a NWSL chopper type device.  Add in the various pen knifes, hunting and diving knifes and my sword, and one would imagine I have a bladed item fetish.

 

Ironically, although I also have a number of rifles, I do not own, or need, a bayonet.

Edited December 6, 2023 by Happy Hippo

[SM42]

I buy my blades from the independent hardware shop in town

 

One of the few places, in fact the only place, I've seen someone buy a mole trap. 

 

It's the sort of place you can buy nuts, bolts and washers in singles. 

 

Tree duty, I've just been informed is on Saturday.  This is quite early for us. 

 

Christmas wrapping ( not the seasonal ditty by The Waitresses) will commence this evening.

 

We are expecting present deliveries to commence on Saturday before Mrs SM42's works Christmas do ( the place closed in 2020 bit still has a do)

 

Sunday will involve more deliveries and socialising with the more far flung recipients. 

 

At some point I need to empty out the rubbish that has collected in the car over the last few months and prep it for its trip to the motherland. 

 

I will be quite busy on Saturday and Sunday. 

 

Just 6 more shifts to do this year. 

 

Andy 

Edited December 6, 2023 by SM42

[SM42]

The click bait gets worse. 

 

"Met Office announces every part of UK set for snow as 600-mile blast hits"

 

Is the headline. 

 

The article then goes on to indicate that just the East coast is affected and maybe some higher ground eleswhere

 

Yorkshire is about as far west as every part of the UK gets in the list of affected areas

 

Andy

Edited December 6, 2023 by SM42

[br2975]

5 hours ago, Porkscratching said:

Looking for a bit of extra dosh?.. You'd be perfect on the door at the Sherlock Holmes museum 221b Baker street 😁

.

Elementary my dear Scratching.

[Oldddudders]

3 minutes ago, SM42 said:

The click bait gets worse. 

 

"Met Office announces every part of UK set for snow as 600-mile blast hits"

 

Is the headline. 

 

The article then goes on to indicate that just the East coast is affected and maybe some higher ground eleswhere

 

Yorkshire is about as far west as every part of the UK gets in the list of affected areas

 

Andy

I believe there are those who will tell you - straight-faced - that Yorkshire is the UK. 

[TheQ]

7 minutes ago, SM42 said:

The click bait gets worse. 

 

"Met Office announces every part of UK set for snow as 600-mile blast hits"

 

Is the headline. 

 

The article then goes on to indicate that just the East coast is affected and maybe some higher ground eleswhere

 

Yorkshire is about as far west as every part of the UK gets in the list of affected areas

 

Andy

Normally it's the top of some mountain in the north of Scotland.

[jamie92208]

6 hours ago, br2975 said:

.

Yours truly prepares for his last shift on the street, Friday 6th. November 2009 - nights, Cardiff city centre.

.
Decided to look like a real copper and wear my cape.

.

The old 'horse blanket' was the best bit of kit ever issued................ and being obsolete in South Wales by that time, caused quite a stir amongst the revellers, and many younger colleagues who 'had to come and have a look'

.

True to my beliefs, I had two prisoners that last night - the control room staff, watching on cctv thought it was a remake of the famous BBCtv 'Only Fools & Horses' Christmas Special as I came running down Charles St. out of the gloom !

Good to see.  The most practical garment issued to a street copper.  Warm and could e rolled and carried neatly either on foot or bicycle patrol.  Ours were withdrawn but after the federation appealed those who had them could keep them.  I kept mine to the end then gave it to a lad who did a lot of foot patrol.

5 hours ago, br2975 said:

.

I wasn't smiling at 02:00hrs.

.

I was expecting to finish then, having paraded for duty at 18:00hrs. - but was 'persuaded' to stay on and ended up with two 'bodies' (prisoners) and didn't finish until 06:00hrs.

.

Any other occasion I would have taken it in my stride; BUT,  I was going for lunch, and then to the Wales v New Zealand Autumn International that afternoon.

AS they used to say,  If you can't take a joke you shouldn't have joined.

 

I remember my last shift very well.  I was on nights in a control room with a supervisor who said that we didn't need local knowledge.   About 11.30pm she came over to me and asked if I could help her with a 999 call.  It turned out to be an Irish lady who was travelling to a funeral in Scunthorpe and it was her first time of driving in the UK.  She had taken a wrong turn on the M62 and ended up in South Leeds in a panic.   I talked to her, calmed her down and then had to ask her what buildings she could see etc to work out where she was.   Eventually after she mentioned a garage and a church spire I worked out exactly where she was.  I'd patrolled that area on foot for four years in the 70's.   Then I managed to tlk her safely back onto the M621 and then onto the M62.  My last job was to persuade her to turn into Ferrybridge Services and have a coffee and a break.  Total time on the phone about 25 minutes.   A good result but without local knowledge, impossible.   3 hours later two burglars were disturbed in the village that I had started in.   I managed to direct a car to the end of a footpath that I knew and sure enough the two were caught.   I punched the air and a civvy operator opposite me asked me why I was so chuffed.   2 hours later I hung up my headphones and walked out.  My supervisor's face was a picture.  

 

Jamie