The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

CRANKY40

monnagran wrote: »

Have also just realised that the Rev's post is also up for grabs and any prospective minister will be wanting to look over the manse. Starting from the begining of November. HELP!:eek::eek::eek:

The upstairs rooms are full of all my hobby stuff, ironing, the Rev's display stuff, reams and reams of paper waiting to be sorted, Christmas stuff ready for ..well..Christmas...............
The downstairs rooms are full of loads of churches' harvest festival produce for the Drop-in, loads of winter clothes, sleeping bags, duvets, blankets, tents etc also for the Drop-in, Stuff on its way out to the garage, stuff on its way in from the garage, half made bunting for the wedding....and I really will fall on my sword.

Am about to tackle the Cupboard of Doom trying to make a space for some of the stuff. It would be good to let the prospective minister have some clear floor to walk on.
I may be some time.

It would be a shame to put prospective new ministers off wouldn't it :D:D I'd leave it all out and see what you can add to it on the off chance.

katieowl_2

nuttyp wrote: »

hi everyone, I made the mistake of watching the programme on ch5 that was on last night about being on benefits and proud. The couple in Liverpool said they would only get a job if after paying all their bills they were left with £500 a week!! She was one strange person, I don't know anyone who has that much spare a week, let alone a month.

Then there was the single mother with 11 kids, the father of the youngest 6 wouldn't appear on the show, but she was happy to say she bought shop lifted goods. But as they don't work, and they have spare cash each week - how come both the houses was untidy and at times it looked quite dirty. Oh and her healthy cooking was mash instead of chips!!

Sorry it just annoyed me.

There was a petition got up on FB to stop channel 5 showing that as they believe it was a bit of govt. propaganda showing benefits claimants in a bad light, and that the people in it were actors. I don't know if that's based on some fact that someone knows. Lets just say nothing would surprise me anymore!!!!

Kate

greenbee

CRANKY40 wrote: »

It would be a shame to put prospective new ministers off wouldn't it :D:D I'd leave it all out and see what you can add to it on the off chance.

What a good idea... maybe those of us that live close to Monnagran could collect some stuff for the drop-in and take a van-load over?

I've got more apples for a start...

kidcat

The thing is that whether they were real or not, there will always be a marginal few who take advantage, however its not a typical representation of those genuinely in need.
I attended a meeting tonight where it was discussed how the CAB had suddenly had an influx (in our area) from parents in debt and unable to pay off pay day loans taken to pay for uniform this year. Its thought a direct result of the local high school changing uniform to a totally specific one.
These are the genuine people, on benefits, hit with bedroom tax, council tax and higher food and utility bills, who can not afford uniforms.

But of course channel five isnt queueing at their doors to make a program because god forbid people should be seen as deserving or needing benefits

kidcat

greenbee wrote: »

What a good idea... maybe those of us that live close to Monnagran could collect some stuff for the drop-in and take a van-load over?

I've got more apples for a start...

OOh I am heading south next week - could detour across and drop some more off as well!!

greenbee

kidcat wrote: »

OOh I am heading south next week - could detour across and drop some more off as well!!

That's sorted then... cider-making workshop for the drop-in clients at Monnagran's place on any day they have prospective ministers looking round... I'm sure Mrs LW can cross the water to run the workshop

ArthriticOldThing

Oh how I agree with that Kidkat.

There are quite a few people living around me who are in genuine, desperate need. Most of them are working all the hours they can get but still need benefits to help with the rent etc.

One of my family members was so ill with rheumatoid arthritis she nearly died last year and could only manage round the house with a Zimmer frame - could not go out at all. But she was called to an compulsory fitness for work interview and had to get her GP to insist they go and see her as she was absolutely unable to get to them. She had worked all her life since the age of 16 until she was struck down with this terrible disease.:mad::mad:

And this so-called 'bedroom tax' makes me so angry - in our area there were over 200 applications to move to one bedroomed accommodation - and 2 such properties available. :eek:So people get punished for not moving when they cannot because there is no place to go.

Sorry - I get so angry - think had better go and calm down.

bluebag

katieowl wrote: »

There was a petition got up on FB to stop channel 5 showing that as they believe it was a bit of govt. propaganda showing benefits claimants in a bad light, and that the people in it were actors. I don't know if that's based on some fact that someone knows. Lets just say nothing would surprise me anymore!!!!

Kate

Well it doesn't make good tv to show Mrs Single working mum struggling to heat the place on working tax credits and a pay packet that hasn't increased in 4 years though does it? Would make the government look bad.

Much better to look at the odd right out there extreme case. Car crash tv at it's best.

kidcat

UUmm err cider making when vicars are visiting?? There will be a positive avalanche of prospective vicars!!

floss2

bluebag wrote: »

Well it doesn't make good tv to show Mrs Single working mum struggling to heat the place on working tax credits and a pay packet that hasn't increased in 4 years though does it? Would make the government look bad.

Much better to look at the odd right out there extreme case. Car crash tv at it's best.

And that's before they cut Mrs Single Working Mums wtc...and put up her council tax that she just doesn't quite qualify to get help with...

Have snuck off to bed with a book & the radio while DH watches footy recorded while we watched GBBO.

BTW, has anyone got a gas or gas/electric range cooker? Am thinking about buying one but could do with some real-life reviews & inside-info!