Received My 'Call-Up Papers' The Other Day

[Arthur Little]

No, I'm not bound for Catterick ... en route to join 'Battler Brown's Brigade' in Afghanistan! Indeed, political etiquette decrees I have to adopt a "neutral" stance ... since my services have been called upon [for - must be about the 30th time in 27 years ] as a Presiding Officer at a local Polling Station on May 6. Seems I'm doing something right in this capacity given that I never quite succeeded in attaining such lofty heights during my long working life!

[mickcant]

No, I'm not bound for Catterick ... en route to join 'Battler Brown's Brigade' in Afghanistan! Indeed, political etiquette decrees I have to adopt a "neutral" stance ... since my services have been called upon [for - must be about the 30th time in 27 years ] as a Presiding Officer at a local Polling Station on May 6. Seems I'm doing something right in this capacity given that I never quite succeeded in attaining such lofty heights during my long working life!

Hi Arthur,
Good going this shows your standing in the community, and it is good that you assist in the process of elections.
Regardless of my thoughts about the main parties I always vote.
And when people moan about the elected MP or Councillor, I always ask them _if_ they voted.
How can we complain if we never even bothered to vote!
Mick.

[Arthur Little]

Hi Arthur,
Good going this shows your standing in the community, and it is good that you assist in the process of elections.
Regardless of my thoughts about the main parties I always vote.
And when people moan about the elected MP or Councillor, I always ask them _if_ they voted.
How can we complain if we never even bothered to vote!
Mick.

Mick. It's a day's work [a looooooooooong day, mark you!] but I very much enjoy meeting and greeting the voters ... many of whom I've got to know really well over my 30 years of service at the same polling station.

And of course, , you're absolutely right about folk having no justification to complain if they DON'T turn out on Election Day ... whether it be for their local councillor or MP. Mind you, can't blame the citizens who are apathetic about the European Elections ... as many Brits are not that interested in what goes on in Brussels.

[triple5]

How can we complain if we never even bothered to vote!

Because they're all as bad as each other, and when it comes down to it we only have a choice of 2. Best not to encourage them I say.

[Arthur Little]

Because they're all as bad as each other, and when it comes down to it we only have a choice of 2. Best not to encourage them I say.

Shouldn't really worry YOU too much ... being 8,000 miles away! Anyway, mate ... hope you're having a great time with your mahal ...!

[triple5]

Thanks Arthur Yes, I'm loving it here and it's great spending time with my girl knowing I don't have to say goodbye in a week

I've heard long term expats moaning here about the politics back home, and my response was the same as yours. But with the pound sliding they're noticing a real difference in how far their money goes here, so of course, Mr Brown gets the blame. That said, I've heard many are claiming they're heating allowance from our generous government whilst here in the tropics

[Dedworth]

No, I'm not bound for Catterick ... en route to join 'Battler Brown's Brigade' in Afghanistan! Indeed, political etiquette decrees I have to adopt a "neutral" stance ... since my services have been called upon [for - must be about the 30th time in 27 years ] as a Presiding Officer at a local Polling Station on May 6. Seems I'm doing something right in this capacity given that I never quite succeeded in attaining such lofty heights during my long working life!

Does that entitle you to claim second home allowance or pick a Plasma TV from the John Lewis list Arthur ?

[Arthur Little]

Does that entitle you to claim second home allowance or pick a Plasma TV from the John Lewis list Arthur ?

... if only!!

[Doc Alan]

Does that entitle you to claim second home allowance or pick a Plasma TV from the John Lewis list Arthur ?

I'm guessing you also don't have a moat ... but you do live in a Scottish Castle, right ?
I hope to be in Philippines on May 6, so am applying to vote by post (and keeping low profile on May 10 ).

[Sim11UK]

Is it easy to fiddle them Arthur?...Make a few go missing?

There must be some perks?

[Arthur Little]

Is it easy to fiddle them Arthur?...Make a few go missing?

Like THIS, Simon? Nah, only the nightshift staff ... i.e., those recruited for 'the count' ... can wangle THAT, unfortunately.