Prepping for Brexit thread

[Deleted User]

I'm really beginning to wonder IF Brexit will really happen. The conservative party seems to be fighting a civil war with itself and the number of resignations happening is staggering. I don't know if another referendum will give remainers the result they want as I know many people who are incandescent with rage over both the way the EU unelected bigwigs are behaving towards this country and our elected representative trying to sort leaving out and the way in which the original intention has been diluted and weakened to accommodate those EU high ups. I've a sneaking feeling that the anger is such that the leave vote might be considerably bigger as a percentage of those who vote than it was last time. Where do we go then?

If we do get another bite at the referendum apple it may well be a case of 'Be careful what you wish for, it might just come true!'

ivyleaf

Tbh, I wouldn't have thought there was time to hold another referendum, and if we did, i'm no longer sure how I'd vote, after seeing the mess politicians have made so far

ETA Sorry, off topic.

moneyistooshorttomention

I must admit my views about re-running a Referendum is "Another one of those Referendums being re-run because some people didnt get the result they wanted personally. How about respecting the fact we are supposed to have a democracy and accepting the result?"

If the whingers do manage to get another Referendum - then I do hope the wording is much "firmer" this time - to stop people promptly starting to talk about "Hard Brexit or Soft Brexit" and then we find out that Theresa May's definition of "soft Brexit" pretty much amounts to no Brexit at all imo.

"Out" means "out" end of. imo.

I guess that could be the plus side of if our money gets wasted re-running a Referendum that it might indeed produce a bigger vote for Brexit and this time the politicos would "Have to shut up and do a Hard Brexit - rather than trying to weasel around it" imo.

lessonlearned

Some very interesting comments on here.

I'm not going to go into the politics because in many ways it's like a civil war, with division on this even between families. The original result caused a lot of friction and reading this thread it's clear to see that the anger hasn't completely died down.

However, like Mrs Lurcherwalker I do think that the powers that Be often underestimate the resilience, resourcefulness and capabilities of the human race. We are programmed to survive - it's in our DNA.

And whilst we Brits are tolerant and easy going we can also be belligerent and bloody minded. And a good job too. Thankfully we have that proud, independent rebellious streak that is always our salvation when times get hard.

We will manage well enough with anything that is thrown at us. Call it Dunkirk spirit, called in Brexit spirit, call it what you will but it will be there when we need it.

To a certain extent it will be the survival of the fittest, those who are resourceful, adapatable with practical skills and who can demonstrate grace under pressure.

I always considered myself something of a lightweight, that is until a series of life events forced me to grow a spine of steel. None of us really know just how strong and capable we can be until we are put to the test. Brexit will be just such a test.

My mother was Belgian. She came from a comfortable bourgeoise background. And both she and her sister were little pampered princesses. Then war broke out and she not only lived under the German occupation, she became a member of the resistance.

Every day she smuggled food and medicines through the checkpoints. My grandparents hid refugees in their cellars. They knew a thing or too about survival......they learned fast. And through their related experiences I think I learned too. Without even realising it I learned how to get through hard times.

Here's what I think.......

As well as possible food shortages, there is likely to be fuel shortages, power cuts and power outages. I lived through the strikes of the 70s in an all electric house. I swore never again. So my advice would be to making sure you have alternative forms of energy. Don't be reliant on one power source.

I also think it would be wise to stock up on OTC medicines, vitamins etc. And obviously learn how to grow fruit and veg to supplement what is available in the shops. Learn how to cook bake and sew but also learn some simple practical diy skills.

As well as stocking up on some non perishables also keep cash, you never know when there might be difficulties with electronic transactions. Also if you have gold or some good jewellery then hang on to it. It's like an insurance policy.

My mother always tells me one of the things they missed most was decent soap, the only stuff they could get was apparently dire - no lather and so full of grit it hurt your skin. Being a girly kind of girl who likes nice smellies I shall definitely stockpile some nice bath products.

My grandparents were always resourceful and did try and prepare but the German army simply marched on to their farm one day and requisitioned the lot.......produce, animals, even food in my grandmothers kitchen cupboards. Same in the shops, they simply marched in and took what they wanted. No payment of course.

Don't let anyone tell you history is outdated and irrelevant it so isn't. We should learn from the lessons it can teach us.

[Deleted User]

That is possibly the most honest post I've ever read on OS. Thank you so much!

grunnie

I have porridge every morning as it helps protect my stomach from all the pills I have to take. I buy it from the local producer. 4 huge bags for £13 is a lot less than the shops. I got told today the next lot will be more expensive as it has been too dry for the oats to swell. It might be the same for other grains. Nothing to do with Brexit but none the less will be worth watching.

maryb

NOOOOO! not another referendum:eek:

I also suspect that the leave vote would hold up surprisingly well but the danger is that it would be split if they gave us three options stay, leave or the Chequers deal for example. The converse is also true, of course. People might think that even if they voted remain first time round, that ship has sailed so the remain vote could be split. We wouldn't get clarity it would be an even worse mess than now

[Deleted User]

The yield is said to be 40% down on most varieties of cereals because the grains haven't had the moisture to mature in the heads, it's been the same drought over the whole country so I'm thinking that will be country wide and wondering how much of what is harvested will be passed fit for human consumption?

Floss

After reading the last few posts, I think I will stock up on DHs muesli & my winter-brekkie rolled oats...before the prices jump due to low yield. We eat little bread, I have cake flours in the freezer & I found some good long date crackers in Morries last week so are good for other grain-based stuff.

Thanks for the heads-up - I hadn't even thought about the impact off the recent weather!

lessonlearned

Went for a walk across the park today, the grass is brown. In my garden I have lost two shrubs. Even without the current heatwave we've not had enough rain for crops. Grains will be in short supply and therefore more expensive, this will impact in everything.

Even if, like me, you dont eat grains (for health reasons) we will still need to pay more for meat, poultry etc because animal feeds will cost more too, so even with out any knock on effects from Brexit food is going to cost more this winter anyway. So if you have got space and a bit of money to spare then stock up. Interest rates are so low that a well stocked larder is probably a better investment anyway. As long as you keep an eye on dates of course and store everything in a clean dry space.

I can't really until I have moved house, I'm hoping by September at the latest. As soon as I do I will be stocking up.

When I was little I used to laugh at my mums stockpiles but once I had learned about her war time experiences it all made perfect sense.

Whilst I'm not anticipating war . I can see there might be some supply difficulties so I will be taking a leaf out of mums book.

One thing I am keen to have a go at is hydroponics. Ikea do a starter kit. I might try it.