It's alright phil, we both got a bit carried away, didn't we. We both have a bit of passion for the place, that's the crux of the matter. Behind what appears on the surface to be my negativity towards it, lies a feeling of anger and hopelessness, because as you rightly pointed out, the people are wonderful, witty, warm and generous. I just feel they have been sold short by the suits and it's happening again....
I don't know about a crusade, but it would be great to have some real Birmingham lovers in suits, at the top, batting for us. I just think the austerity of the architecture doesn't represent or translate the warmth of the people at all. The bricks and mortar as you called it, could be arranged more pleasantly, a bit softer. To fit like a hand in a glove.....
Anyway, we can beg to differ, that's what it's all about....
Just mentioning your stepfather phil, he doesn't have to reside in Ireland to collect an Irish pension? Some years back the Irish Government decided to give everyone of it's citizens, without prejudice, who worked for 1 day or 10, but had to leave and emigrate because of the times and economic circumstances, a pension, seperate to their present circumstances, no matter where they are in the world?
This is in recognition of the pound a week, that many, to the tune of 1 million pounds a week, managed to send to their folk back home and helped keep this country afloat....
He is entitled to claim for this? I'm not upto date with it. The place he applies to is in County Sligo and the details to which, can be forwarded? My Auntie Phyllis of Solihull Lodge got a lump sum, a new driveway a kitchen, and gets a monthly payment. I'm not sure of my Aunt Agnes, but my Uncle Joe in Patcham, Brighton, got the same. My mother, Katie, who still lives towards Five Ways chose not to avail of it. Not all Irish people did or could be bothered. Their answer is usually, " I didn't do it for that! " Maybe your stepdad is of the latter, like my mother....... We'll never know, they're a funny lot those oul Irish are......
Here's a nice picture of Bull Ring 1....