It's quiet out there

[Guest]

Haven't managed onto this site for a good few months.

As an ex firefighter - now retired for over 3 years - I still like to keep, at least partially, up to date with what is going on at UK and local level (for me that's Scottish).

There seems to be a massive upheaval of policies and procedures - some generated by 9/11 issues and others - such as community safety issues - speeded up by the recent industrial action.

I have recently spoken to a few serving firefighters and a few recently retired firefighters the first group to a man (and woman) seem utterly demoralised with what they describe as a general lack of leadership and sense of direction. The other group, some of whom are only retired for a few months, are declaring that they are very glad to be out of a job/profession which they describe as being wasted - well wasted is not the words used but you get the drift.

What is going on. Is there anyone out there who has the time - or inclination - to give a short overview or opinion on:

     what has happened over the past three years

     has there been an improvement in service delivery

     am I - and everybody else - safer from fire risk now

     how does the fire service workforce feel about the changes

     how does the private fire practishoners feel about the changes

     how does the future look

If its still too quite out there after that I've got a few bad jokes which I could submit

Merry Xmas - is this politically correct - Bob

[colin todd]

Answers as follows in same sequence as the questions:
There was industrial action; it opened a can of worms; the lid won't go back on
Maybe a bit because things were improving anyway
Yes a little bit, so try not to worry
not very happy
delighted; it all makes work for the working man to do
bleak
make with jokes; people need cheering up
no you cant; anyhow there is no father xmas-it was mrs mccfire that put your presents out each year
anyhow as a good scot forget xmas and have a good hogmanay

[Chris Houston]

I think long term, people might be safer due to the fire prevention efforts.  However, I also think that property protection seems to be getting overlooked and we might expect larger losses in unoccupied buildings - so expect higher insurance premiums and council tax.

That's my outsiders, non fire service view.

[dave bev]

1 united didn't win the premiership every year
2 delivery will improve when ronaldo starts to look up a little earlier
3 depends on where you are at present - if youre in the scottish hillsides you probably need to wrap up warm
4 which part of the workforce - (even i admit that some, in fact many, principal officers are decent people and they do actually work)
5 the privateers will make the most they can out of any situation - if they didnt they would go out of business - apparently theres a collective word for that (lol)
6 orange (apparently) but then again i dont believe everything i read (even the bit about ronaldo) and sometimes even less if ive written it (again i refer the honourable gentlemen to my earlier answer re ronaldo)
7 bad jokes are always welcome, bad taste jokes less so
8 best ask the politicians, its always a bit quicker to write it that way though. the religio's (anyone spot the similarity between a recent 'fire' article?) may feel it inappropriate. im not so sure you are 'allowed' to call everyone bob though? it may be bobbist or even anti bobbist (please pronounce that auntie bobbist) or are you the anti bob himself?

best wishes to all my readers for the pantomime season (i hope the fairy godmother doesnt mind me giving away some of his wishes) - looks like its gonna be a long one (the real answer bob!)

dave bev

dave bev

[dave bev]

oh no it wont

[dave bev]

oh yes it will

[Chris Houston]

I think you are being pantomime-goer-ist - some of us don't go to pantomimes and therefore wishing us a happy pantomime season is offensive. :lol:

[colin todd]

I wont hear anything against pantomimers. My mate Davey and his colleagues do it for a living.

[dave bev]

for all non pantomimisters (or should that read panto-ministers - even exit sharp left ex panto-ministers) i extend my best wishes DURING the pantomime season - it seems to have started a little early in the big theatre though?

mr todd, we are all but players in the theatre of life! some of us are chosen for the lead roles by fellow thespians, others choose to build their own theatres and give themselves the lead role, offering 'bit parts' to others as they line their capitalist pockets with the benefits of the the fruits of labour of others. others choose to watch as the plot unwinds, always hopeful that they will all live happily ever after, yet not willing or sometimes able to change the course of the good ship lollypop.

but, alas, poor yorick, i knew him horatio

[colin todd]

.........and some try to disrupt the performance with propoganda!!!!

...''.'tis a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing. ''   Mc Beth

Have a really revolutionary Christmas Davey!!!!!!!!

Yer ole pal.................

[dave bev]

and you col, hope to see you in the future - in a bar somewhere as opposed to some training facility, cos im sure you owe me a pint!!

dave bev

[Guest]

Thanks for the reply guys – well I assume guys – perhaps this is another “politically correct” mistake. Whimsy – why politically correct – why not morally or offensively incorrect.

Chris – thanks for the sensible answer.

Colin and Dave thanks for the other views – I seem to recall an “enigma wrapped up in a mystery etc” here.

Colin - mrs mccfire passes on her best wishes but says that you have now “let the cat out of the bag” and her forgiveness is limited so no more surprises – I has very upset.

Dave – its good to see that the FBU are still active but the revolution has already came in the form of the blessed Tony – although recently he has had a pretty disruptive time defending his friends – I wonder if he or his mate will be singing “stand by your man”.

In the spirit of Christmas goodwill I offer two Scottish quotes.

The first is from the Scottish Socialist Party’s MSP Rosie Kane for the best political joke of the year:

Queen: What about this Prostitution Bill in Scotland

Prince Phillip: Just pay it dear – just pay it


The second is words of wisdom from the greatest living Scot – well after the blessed Tony – the Big Yin - Billy Connely - and at my age it is very relevant - perhaps Dave and Colin should also take particular note

When you turn 60 there are three things that you should remember to enhance your quality of life:

   Never pass up the chance to have a pee when it presents itself

   Never put your trust in that its just a fart that you are having

   If you attain an erection use it – even if you are on your own

Now where’s that whisky for Hogmanay – all the best - Bob

[colin todd]

Davey, As you are the only commie subversive I know who has a sense of humour, a pint will always be forthcoming for you.

[Guest]

*Yawn *

[colin todd]

....... and your point is? Anyway don't yawn so loud. Some of Davy's chums are trying to sleep, dreaming happily of the winter of discontent.