jeanmark

BertieB99, well said and interestingly M&S, Waitrose and Aldi often have the same suppliers of food products, but Aldi sell at a much lower price and with the same high quality as the others two!

Oldlady72, I see no problem with someone who has learnt the ropes of the trade from their mother through out their life. I believe Charles is well aware of what the modern world holds, as do many of us. I also think he will want to allow William the time to enjoy his children full time, something his own mother never had the chance to experience full time. However, if he chooses to step down that his also his right.

Lionel, I have no problem with him stepping aside, for what ever reason, but it should be his decision not the publics perception of what should be.

If Prince Charles decided to step down in favour of his son, so be it, otherwise I believe it unfair and wrong to expect Charles to be sidelined. Charles is heir apparent is he is the Queen's eldest son and thus his right by birth.

EleanorP, interesting viewpoint, but how does making the vacation mandatory discriminate against minority sections of society? Also, can making it mandatory be compared to loss of free speech? A mandatory vaccination programme has, as its purpose, a means to protect the community as a whole. Few vaccines are 100% effective against a specific infection, but it does help in reducing its severity and helps develop a degree of herd immunity to protect those unable to have the vaccine. Viruses by their very nature mutate as they replicate themselves, that's how they survive. The flu is a classic example of why the annual flu vaccine is targeted at the most aggressive strain, it cannot possible protect against every strain as they mutate.

Ecarg, I was commenting on the community as a whole not a specific part of it. I think it may be difficult to assess what percentage would be safe in a care home. In general a large section of the community needs to be vaccinated for herd immunity to work and thus protect those at risk. For example 19 out of every 20 people need to be vaccinated against measles to protect people who are not vaccinated (https://vk.ovg.ox.ac.uk/vk/herd-immunity).

With the shielding finishing for the clinically extremely vulnerable on 1 April, I'll remain cautious and make my own assessment of risk, at least my hairdresser is safe!

Ecarg, I agree it should be extended to all who care for vulnerable people be it in a Care Home, Hospital or the community. It may appear to be discriminately, which some have already said, but does not complying with a community approach to vaccination programmes discriminate against those who are unable to have the vaccine because of underlying conditions? Should their health be compromised as a result of someone who objects to vaccines? I accept it is a dilemma, but many of us will remember what it was like for infectious disease before such vaccines were developed and community programmes introduced.

Mag379, there is no vaccine that is 100% effective, but we still need them to reduce the risk of serious illness and of spread. The scientist are still uncertain as to its effectiveness in preventing transmission, but have not said categorically it does not prevent transmission. This will be better able to be assessed once those who are able to be vaccinated have received both doses. Yes, I have read what the scientist say, in particular the research studies from the scientist developing the vaccines and I am convinced of the need for us all to be vaccinated to help reduce the effect of the disease as a whole.

Viking, as you know anti-vaxers are a well known group of people who are not necessarily afraid of tyrants but of 'poisons' being put into their bodies, they came to the fore when the MMR fiasco started. They are not confined to the UK, so I'm sorry, we are not a nation of individualist!

Actually MaureenM525, only certain vaccinations were compulsory in the NHS and at the moment there are health care staff, working in both hospitals and the community, who have chosen not to be vaccinated against Covid.

Well Lionel, if its purpose is to help predict "the demands on and to inform the financing of public services, such as schools and healthcare, to support decision-making in business and commerce, and to map the social geography of the UK" then it should ensure everyone is treated equal, and shouldn't be seen as any different than asking your religion or belief. I can also assure you that sexual orientation does not give any information on actual sexual practices!!

Viking and what about those people who are rough sleepers? The latest official count found a total of 2,688 people were estimated to be sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2020 in England and thought to be considerably underestimated, relying as they do on single night counts and estimates by local authorities. Who records their existence?

Lordcobden, it would be interesting to know what information in the public domain has led you to this conclusion and how recent is this?

Whilst understanding your sentiment, I don't know of that many people who have died as a result of their job. As to appointments being cancelled, it may surprise you to know that many service etc. had to be slimmed down to enable staff and resources to be used for the pandemic influx. Have you realised that they are humans and also became ill and/or had to isolate? Do you honestly believe that you can suddenly conjure up experiences staff and extra wards to deal with the pressures that occurred. The NHS has been struggling of years to meet increasing demand, and the pandemic just highlighted the problems. Don't blame the staff and the NHS, blame this government for its its nepotism and misuse of public funds.

Actually the posts are Banded but each Band will only get an incremental increase for a limited number of years. Once you reach the top of your Band, you have no more incremental increases unless you get promoted to a higher Band, you have to apply for this when vacancies arise, promotion isn't automatic. A number of registered nurses will remain on their lowest Band (Band 5) for many years.

Alfadriver, I think that's the problem. It's believed that toys should be gender neutral to allow children to decide, they should not to be put into a slot of male or female. It should be perfectly acceptable for boys to play with dolls and girls to play with tractors with it being being frown upon, which it often is.

I must try that one.

I don't disagree with that, but there remain people who do to want to retain a degree of formality until they decide on how they want to be addressed. If we did revert to 'first name-last name' that may help solve the problem relating to gender neutrality!

Little3 that makes sense in the context of this site, but in general how do we address people formally. I think the world has become a little topsy turvy in the fight for equality for all.

Little3 a friend of mine said the same. I wonder how they will refer to cancer of the breast, cancer of the chest won't really explain it when referring to left or right!

Little3 what other term could you use? I never liked being addressed as Ms, I worked hard for the title of Mrs and now it could be suggested I lose the title completely...

Well Viking, the mind has gone in to overdrive at the thought of the police checking these sites for contamination. I have to admit to having checked a number during my time!

Viking, they are now called STD's and you may be surprised at the number of 'people' who check their sex organs daily, not sure about piles though...

Rob60, I'm afraid I responded more to comments from those that did not not appear to understand what the term Gender Neutrality was, rather than to whether a potato should be addressed as Mr, Mrs or just plain Potato Head...

Thank you Viking and I do think we are living in "interesting" times and am just as tired as everyone else with the language etc. we are being asked to adopt.

Ellen426oink, I to am a staunch royalist and I believe it important to recognise Charles and Camilla reportedly met for the first time at a Polo match at Windsor Castle in 1970, setting the stage for an on-and-off relationship that would span the next five decades. It has been reported that Charles was not permitted to marry Camilla, as at the time she was not considered a suitable bride for the heir to the throne. She went on to marry someone else and have two children. This marriage ended in 1997. He first met Diana in 1977 when she was 16 and he was introduced to her when dating her older sister Sarah. Diana was born into the British aristocracy and grew up close to the royals on their Sandringham Estate It has been reported that he and Camilla started their affair in 1986 when his marriage to Diana had "irretrievably broken down" five years in. Diana was aware of it and confronted Camilla at a party telling her she was aware of the affair. However, it is important to note that both he and Diana had affairs throughout their marriage from 1981 to 1996 Many adored Princess Diana, I met her three times and she was a gracious and charming lady, but there was the public face of the princess and the private face of the woman. I am happy that Charles has at last married the woman he always loved and who has given him the love and support he needs. She has taken to the role quietly and with dignity despite what she has had to endure from the public perception of her relationship, painting her as a "scarlet woman".

That's good to hear.

Viking, the term gender neutral is used to put forward the idea that policies, language, and other social institutions should avoid distinguishing roles according to people's gender, regardless of how you identify yourself. It is about referring to people in general gender-neutral language rather than putting people into slots because they have XX or XY chromosomes. It is trying to get away from believing only girls can play with doll and boys man-up rather than show emotion. I don't necessary agree with some of the changes but police officer and fire fighter recognises that the role isn't about gender. Nurse is neutral as is Doctor. I'm not sure what alternative they will find for Mr and Mrs - they can't use him and her indoors!

You're on one of the streams in the Forum. It really is worth persevering, particularly if one of the topics in Speakers Corner is of interest to you - or even if it isn't! Make a comment, negative or positive, and some one will join in. The subject will move on when another topic arrives but you can still comment on any, although you may not always get a response. There are a number of interesting people on here.

Rose deb, that's the point diversity does make life interesting. Gender Neutral is about the idea that policies, language, and other social institutions should avoid distinguishing roles according to people's gender. However, I agree that it can be taken too far.

Gender neutral is about not being identified solely by your gender. People should no longer be put into a specific slot depending on whether you have XX chromosomes or XY chromosomes but should be treated with respect regardless of how you identify yourself. However, I still expected to be addressed as Mrs....

Wol54, I'm assuming it depends on how often people visit the site. Don't give up just yet. Did you look at Speakers Corner?

I'm not sure it can be called an immunity certificate as that implies you are safe from infection. However, a 'passport' to indicate you have been vaccinated may help when trying to travel to other countries. There will be those, in particular anti-vaxers, who will object, believing it is discriminating in principle. I am not aware that anyone ever objected to having to carry vaccinations certificate relating to Yellow Fever, Hep. B etc.

Hi Wol54, it does get easier when you just explore. Speakers Corner is a good place to start, also the forums. Be patient, there are some really good people on here to converse with.

MollyUk, we now live in the 21st century, a different world to that of Edward and Mrs Simpson, as to Harry and Meghan, the chances of him becoming king are so remote, it is a mute point as to the reasons they moved to Meghan's home country. I believe it was right and proper for the Church of England to allow Charles and Camilla to marry. It also has to move with the times, particularly if it wants to survive and embrace the times we now live in. I would prefer it to move forward rather than try to hold us back. I for one feel Camilla has taken to her role with quite dignity and fortitude, supporting Charles in all aspects of his life. They have earned their happiness.

BarbaraB58, I think there is a difference between grooming for comfort and prettifying for no other reason than to please the owner, however talented the groomer is.

LynnetteS3, I agree, I used to have Scottish Terriers and would have them hand stripped, beard trimmed and nails clipped but never wanted the "petticoats" as they were pets not show dogs.

A big resounding no. Dogs are not a fashion accessory and should not be treated as such.

I think that many of us recognise that there are a number of groups that are believed to be at risk from developing Covid, but the programme has to have a systems in place. It appears logical to start with those who are most likely to have to be admitted to hospital, with serious infection and possibly die as a result, than younger healthier individuals regardless of occupation, other than front line NHS workers who are exposed constantly to higher viral counts. Older people are by virtue of age, at a higher risk because the immune systems became less efficient with age. But it is recognised that there are other factors that also have to be taken into account, and they have, such as clinical extremely vulnerable. Anyone who has to work, regardless of what that work is, may be exposed to the virus, but it is an impossible task to expect everyone to be vaccinated at the same rate as those at higher risk, even if risk factors are identified but considered mild to moderate risk. I appreciate the concerns about children's eduction and their mental health, but I can assure you that older and vulnerable people who have had to shield for nearly a year - that's confined to your house and garden (if you have one)- are also experiencing problems with their mental health. No one is immune from the problems a pandemic brings, but until we all learn to respect and support each other, how will we survive.