Preparedness for when

Popperwell

sb44 wrote: »

Yep to paraffin, see my post #8280 on the previous page .

Thank you that's another thing to put on my list of things to do...initial outlay expensive but we hope not to have to use it. On the other hand a small amount seems to last 20 hours and as we are coming into summer you won't have it lit much and its not often even electric lights are on more than 4-6 hours nightly. So perhaps cost effective.

Being on my own one lamp may be enough as I can take it from room to room or perhaps two would be better, depends how much light they give...cheaper than candles/tealights(?)not sure...

What kills using gas CH and electric for me is the VAT and/or standing charges.

sb44

Don't forget, if you don't have a battery operated radio, can't afford to keep replacing batteries, buy rechargeable ones, some mobile phones have a FM radio app.

Perhaps you have an old phone sat in a drawer, keep that recharged then you just need to find some earphones to use as the aerial and you are sorted.

Place your phone in a large jar/pot/glass or a pringles tub and it will act as a speaker and increase the volume.

countingthepennies

Just wanted to add, instead of paraffin lamps I have got myself a couple of wind up lamps as I didn't want to worry about fuel. I got an excellent wind up lantern from mountain warehouse which is big but lightweight, and I just ordered one from amazon which looks pretty good. Pleased to see you back on this thread Popperwell. I think I live close to the same city as you. I was thinking about you at last weeks bedroom tax protest.

Sunshine4

I used a windup lantern last night and both my OH and I were able to read a book each, so there was plenty of light from it.
I got mine on amazon it was about 12.99.

[Deleted User]

Before we all rush out to buy Paraffin using lamps etc. just be aware that in the long run, as oil supplies become more difficult to maintain, paraffin is an oil product and will become scarcer and much more expensive in the future. Sunlight and solar powered items are free power and despite how the last year has felt, sunshine is free and will always be so, Cheers Lyn xxx.

nuatha

MrsLurcherwalker wrote: »

Sunlight and solar powered items are free power and despite how the last year has felt, sunshine is free and will always be so, Cheers Lyn xxx.

Only until the government work out how to tax it

pineapple

Sunshine4 wrote: »

I used a windup lantern last night and both my OH and I were able to read a book each, so there was plenty of light from it.
I got mine on amazon it was about 12.99.

I got a wind up lantern from the village store but it's carp. I would spend my whole life winding!
The farmer has been out with a digger to clear the lane and myself and a couple of neighbours have been out digging pathways. I've also had to dig a channel to the coal bunker and clear a route up the steps to the garden and across the first part so that the dog can get out for a wee. I'm done in! But the man who never helps anyone has been left with his posh 4 wheel drive slewed across the parking area. No offers to help dig him out - I wonder why?

[Deleted User]

Over my dead body, and that of anyone else who gets in the way!!!!!
Sadly though you're probably right Nuatha, Cheers Lyn xxx.

Seriously though, oil products can only get more expensive and harder to obtain as time goes on and oil becomes more difficult to extract, so it's something to consider when investing in equipment for use in times of adversity!!!

Popperwell

countingthepennies wrote: »

Just wanted to add, instead of paraffin lamps I have got myself a couple of wind up lamps as I didn't want to worry about fuel. I got an excellent wind up lantern from mountain warehouse which is big but lightweight, and I just ordered one from amazon which looks pretty good. Pleased to see you back on this thread Popperwell. I think I live close to the same city as you. I was thinking about you at last weeks bedroom tax protest.

Thanks for that...clue approx 7 miles from Darlington, Bishop Auckland, 12 miles from Durham, 5 miles from Spennymoor, 5 miles from Stockton on Tees...

They said the BT protest was a success but I thought the numbers were smallish. There is another next weekend(and more accross the country)they think numbers will be up.

I really will have to think the lamp situation out and make the right decision...

westcoastscot

Just posted on the toughy thread about Arran - it is still off over there. They'll be geared up for it though so whilst its off for longer on the islands it doesn't impact so badly.

The only thing we don't have is lamps, apart from torches to see us over until candles are lit etc. I'm not keen to go down the paraffin route - well remember the awful smell from when I was younger. Not sure about solar powered ones or wind up - when the elec is off we tend to read or play board games, knit and chat etc and we can do that by candelight. I need to find somewhere that I can go and have a play with stuff next time i'm in the city - we don't have access to stuff here. May be worth a look though as I find I need better light as I get older. Just realised though I do have my reader thingy if I had it charged up and loaded with a library book.