Joseph_Pestell

We used to look after a neighbour's Labrador from time to time. Owning a very well-behaved dog, we were not too careful about leaving things out of reach. Untik we came down one morning to find that Cocoa had ripped apart a pizza carton to get at just a few crumbs.

So right, Andy. Yes, while feeling sorry for those who lose their jobs at Hatton's, it also represents perhaps an opportunity for more local retailers. Likewise Warley. It's demise may result in better-supported regional shows.

Hi everyone, Back after a two-month absence. Mainly due to various ailmenst which have had me in hospital without internet access. Among theseare eyesight problems so I won't be posting very much.

In our French village, the11 November ceremony took place late afternoon. I think that the timing is based round the aperitif at the Mairie afterwards. Attendance was always good. This is mainly because of a large number of veterans of the war in Algeria (ended 1962) who have a very well- organised association (FNACA). But they must be declining in numbers now.

I have only just come across this interesting thread. MidEssex MRC had a lovely circular layout (Blackwell Brewery). I can't quite date it - failing memory - but it may have predated Glen Douglas.

Symmetrical 3-way points limited to slow-speed locations (eg goods yards) as both wheels on an axle will tend to drop into the crossing - causing rough running.

Maybe here in the UK (although I doubt it). Faller do (or did) a kit and I have certainly seen some of those on layouts.

The ritual around a driver's retirement is a dearly held tradition on SNCF. Huge effort is made to change rosters around so that the driver's day will conclude at the right time and place for a suitable celebration with colleagues. Most depots seem to have a semi-official restaurant. Look those out if you can - usually very good and cheap. Y class locotracteurs have indeed been known as Yoyo for many decades. The Y8400 at Narbonne used to go up and down at great speed. Hit the buffers more than once at speed, enough to move the buffers.

I played about 95% of my rugby in front row positions, mostly at 2. So my main gripe is the way that the set scrum has been devalued. I used to get a lot of ball "against the head".

I quite like a rolling maul. But we see too many of them, ever since the rule change that gave the throw-in to the team that kicks the ball out from a penalty. And now we have this 50/22 kick as well. I support any rule changes that improve player safety but, otherwise, I really wish they would stop fiddling with the rules. All the rule changes and "interpretations" that I can think of over the last fifty years have made the game less good. But I may be biased as the game has abandoned just about all the aspects that I was competent at.

Whole place looks rather "abandoned". Amazing to think that it is nearly 50 years since I last visited it (1974).

And only fifteen players per team.

That's interesting. Perhaps Royal Mail needs to get the managers from that area to take a look at others. Plenty of reports in the press about people not receiving appointment letters from the NHS.

Royal Mail is a total sh!tfest at the moment. Do not rely on them for anything. I have had one important document from my solicitor returned straight to her without any attempt to deliver. My replacement bus pass, sent from Manchester on 6 October, has still not reached me.

Rugby has always had its head up its ar*e when it comes to the realities of the finances. I certainly never believed that the professional game could work. There was, of course, equal lack of realism in the amateur era when a blind eye was turned to players being paid. France has probably come closest. Partly, I think because it is seen as a sport that is not elitist and, therefore, it gets quite a lot of public subsidy.