And we don't have to pay any tax... dad.

Unread post by **Ray B** » 26 Dec 2025, 14:33

Foxy, people were starting to arrive for best positions at 21.00 on Christmas eve to see our Royal family. Would that happen if we had dear old OLs elected president or what.

Unread post by **Stephen** » 26 Dec 2025, 15:20

Although I’m a Royalist I draw the line at freezing my nuts off to see them.

Unread post by **Ray B** » 26 Dec 2025, 18:33

Apparently it was one of the coldest Christmas days for years. With that wind it was more than likely warmer in the sea, but getting out was something else

Unread post by **david63** » 27 Dec 2025, 09:36

I notice that the King's speech on Christmas Day was the most watched program on TV that day (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg5mj46p592o) so perhaps the Monarchy is not fading away as some would have us believe.

Unread post by **towny44** » 27 Dec 2025, 10:11

Don't wind him up it would be nice to have a republican propaganda free forum for a while longer.

Unread post by **Mervyn and Trish** » 28 Dec 2025, 17:06

I expect he watched Trump and Putin doing their speeches instead. Be great to have an elected head of state like that.

Unread post by **Onelife** » 29 Dec 2025, 22:14

I could only stomach a few minutes of his patronising twaddle, but would I be right in thinking I saw Ray, Foxy, Sir Merv and Towny in one of his PR clips? Watching Cam serving baked spuds to all her loyal peasants subjects was truly inspiring.

You’ll be sorry Stephen couldn’t join you but his loyalty only comes if it comes with an electric blanket

Unread post by **towny44** » 29 Dec 2025, 22:50

Maybe we could club together and by you an Electic chair, I imagine there are a few available from many US state penitentiarys.

Unread post by **Onelife** » 29 Dec 2025, 23:23

You’re so predictable John…one minute your wishing me a Happy Christmas the next you’re trying to fry me

Unread post by **oldbluefox** » 30 Dec 2025, 13:45

Looks like OL has just found out he hasn’t got a gong.

Unread post by **Onelife** » 30 Dec 2025, 16:42

oldbluefox wrote: 30 Dec 2025, 13:45
Looks like OL has just found out he hasn’t got a gong.

It would have been a simple case of return to sender

although a little mention from David for my contributions to this forum wouldn’t go amiss

Unread post by **Stephen** » 30 Dec 2025, 17:45

David did mention you actually.
I didn’t know you played in a band, or have I misinterpreted that wrong

Unread post by **Onelife** » 30 Dec 2025, 17:59

oldbluefox wrote: 30 Dec 2025, 13:45
Looks like OL has just found out he hasn’t got a gong.

Hi Foxy, on a more personal note, I think the honours list should be scrapped for all but those who actually deserve recognition. I don’t really care about what contributions show/people/sports men and women have achieved in their lives… they all get paid for doing their jobs. By all means recognise those members of society who have selflessly given of their time, and in many cases their money to help others.

As for out going PM’s being able to give a nod and a wink to their crony mates it's as bad as Charlie influencing what title Cam was given.

Unread post by **oldbluefox** » 30 Dec 2025, 19:07

Stephen wrote: 30 Dec 2025, 17:45
David did mention you actually.
I didn’t know you played in a band, or have I misinterpreted that wrong

He simply said he was an artist but I can't recollect OL doing any painting.

Unread post by **oldbluefox** » 30 Dec 2025, 19:24

I tend to agree with OL (but I don't make a habit of it) about the awarding of honours to sports people, actors, TV presenters etc merely for doing their job. As OL says they get paid and paid well. The likes of Kevin Sinfield are the exception and he fully deserves honours for the dedication he has shown to his charity. Honours should be awarded to those who have selflessly given of their time over a substantial period of time in supporting their charity or organisation.
As for outgoing MPs naming their cronies for the House of Lords it's about time that was curtailed at the very least and the number of peers reduced. There are far too many. Hopefully it won't be long until hereditary peers are a thing of the past.

Unread post by **david63** » 30 Dec 2025, 21:01

Don't forget though that many of the sports and other celebrities get their gongs for their charity work not for their "day job" and it is because of their celebrity status that they can make a differnce to a charity.

Unread post by **Onelife** » 30 Dec 2025, 21:36

This is probably true in some cases David but I rather suspect public image, status, and brand are more realistic for these “just giving” acts of charitable work.

Dam it, I promised myself I would be less hypercritical approaching 2026

Unread post by **oldbluefox** » 30 Dec 2025, 21:37

If it means hands on commitment to a particular charity as in Kevin Sinfield's case that's fair enough but I would expect more than just an endorsement. Behind that endorsement will be many volunteers who devote their lives to actively giving their support, often in difficult circumstances, lifeboat crews and mountain rescue amongst others come readily to mind.

Unread post by **oldbluefox** » 30 Dec 2025, 21:41

Onelife wrote: 30 Dec 2025, 21:36
This is probably true in some cases David but I rather suspect public image, status, and brand are more realistic for these “just giving” acts of charitable work.

Dam it, I promised myself I would be less hypercritical approaching 2026

Ban him David for arguing!!!

Unread post by **Onelife** » 30 Dec 2025, 22:16

You will note that I started off my reply agreeing with David

…it was only when you sent me a PM asking me to go for the jugular that I responded that way

….if we don’t see you in 2026 it was nice knowing you…go to it David

Unread post by **towny44** » 30 Dec 2025, 23:37

I assume that a govt dept are responsible for putting forward anyone for these gongs, I believe they even vet retiring PMs suggestions, and of course even republics have similar awards for dedicated public service, although they probably dont have the same cache.
It's all really a bit of frippery that's fairly harmless and probably not all that expensive to administer, so doesn't really disturb me. Although the dispensing of membership of the House of Lords is perhaps getting out of hand, although I don't think any new hereditary peerages are now being created. But I doubt that even a Labour govt will go very far in reforming that institution.

Unread post by **oldbluefox** » 31 Dec 2025, 10:37

"The House of Lords Act 1999 removed the entitlement of most of the hereditary Peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords and of the 91 hereditary Peers who retain their seat in the Lords, 75 were elected by their fellow hereditary Peers". It's like asking turkeys to vote for Christmas!!!!
I peersonally feel there are too many peers with each party trying to maintain a political equilibrium. Numbers of peers should be restricted and qualifications tightened much more than they are and the likes of Baroness Mone moved out.

Unread post by **Onelife** » 31 Dec 2025, 13:05

oldbluefox wrote: 31 Dec 2025, 10:37
"The House of Lords Act 1999 removed the entitlement of most of the hereditary Peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords and of the 91 hereditary Peers who retain their seat in the Lords, 75 were elected by their fellow hereditary Peers". It's like asking turkeys to vote for Christmas!!!!
I peersonally feel there are too many peers with each party trying to maintain a political equilibrium. Numbers of peers should be restricted and qualifications tightened much more than they are and the likes of Baroness Mone moved out.

And while they’re at it, get rid of the Bishops…I mean, how can anyone trust in their judgement when they believe in stories made up around campfires?

Unread post by **Onelife** » 09 Mar 2026, 14:53

I see Princess Genie has been ousted from one of her longstanding charities….They’ve probably got her out before more damaging details come out about her involvement with Epstein....shame, because I know a lot of you look up to this dysfunctional family of freeloaders

Unread post by **Stephen** » 09 Mar 2026, 16:27

Onelife wrote: 09 Mar 2026, 14:53
I see Princess Genie has been ousted from one of her longstanding charities….They’ve probably got her out before more damaging details come out about her involvement with Epstein....shame, because I know a lot of you look up to this dysfunctional family of freeloaders

I think it was more a case of leave before being pushed.

Princess Eugenie steps down from anti-slavery charity https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyg2wr75ejo

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