PAMS BLOG 2024

December 2024

I emailed a company on 12th December and they replied with an email giving a phone number I could use to contact them.  I did try and try and try, but, noone ever answered.  However, at the end of December, I finally spoke with someone by contacting the company they were related to and (hopefully, finally), sorted everything out.  On 30th January the original company wrote to me to tell me that they had advised me of the incorrect phone number in their email and if I needed assistance I could call them.  Needless to say I won't be contacting them! 

I received a penalty notice from HMRC.  It seems when I completed my quarterly VAT account, I did not submit it as usual and forgot to do so by the required date.  So, just like estimated gas and electricity bills I received an estimated VAT bill to pay immediately, without further charges being incurred. Receiving a Penalty Point means for one year I have to ensure I submit my quarterly VAT (making tax digital) account in a timely fashion.  Next year will be 30 years as a VAT registered business and this is the second penalty point I have ever received and just like any business they are quick to answer the phone when it comes to you paying them, but, if I want to take issue with them about receiving the penalty point I have to do it online, which would obviously be a nightmare.  When HMRC first went digital they sent a message out to say they would be supplying a link to be able to submit the quarterly account, but, it soon changed to a software programme that had to be purchased - initially around £32.  Then, you find out that it is an annual product, for which the price increases every year.  Millions of VAT registered businesses were then forced into purchasing a software programme, making some companies an absolute fortune.  So, like any Government helping small businesses, basically they don't care about the pressure put on us to purchase a product that we only use 4 times a year and have to do this year on year.  No matter what Government is in power there is definitely always someone who is making money!

October 2024

I have been busy buying in various auctions around the country. Some things to check.  1.  Is it possible to buy £2,500 worth of banknotes in auction and them cost less than £187 to deliver to me?  The quote included a driver to deliver, but, if they sent them Royal Mail it would be around £10.  2.  Ensure you are on the cheapest platform when bidding - just got caught out - thought I was on the auction's own bidding platform but they were using saleroom.com that charge more than 3%. 3.  Don't always be in a hurry to receive the goods you buy.  Some mailbox companies only pick up sporadically so, it can take a few weeks to expedite the post.  4.  Sometimes it is more worthwhile to collect and have a day out!

August 2024

We parked our car for the York show under a tree overnight, the following morning the car was covered in sap and petals, but, we were off on a short staycation to North Wales after the show - went up Mount Snowdon on a lovely sunny day to be met by wind and rain, but, posed at the top. At Llandudno went on the Great Orme Tram.  Visited Chester, Bangor, Beau Maris and Ruthin.  At Beau Maris our car received many gifts from seagulls, so, we found a car cleaning service and drove off.  Our car was left in a car park overnight and was still gleaming when I returned to collect it.  I opened the back door to put something in, drove to the hotel to pick the boys up. Glen said "why is there Seagull gift inside the car door?"  It had only taken a few seconds for a seagull to leave a gift whilst the back door was open and needed complete cleaning, inside and out!  But, we had a wonderful time, enjoyed the drive and seeing some great sights.

We were at a party recently and one of my nephews got his phone out and said he was going to look at the Euros.  I asked him where he was going on holiday and he said "not everything is about money, aunty Pam".  I thought everything was - but it seems it was about football - of course, no money there!

June 2024

I was in the kitchen shelling peas when I heard a lot of squawking and feathers started to float into the kitchen.  I went outside and saw that a young magpie had gotten its wing caught under the snow guard on the roof.  All the magpie family were up there - about 8 of them trying to assist and I hoped Pete would be able to get up there without getting pecked at.  However probably no more than a minute passed before the young bird managed to free itself with a little help from a family member.  I was so relieved.  So, a question might be why do we have a snow guard in the sunny South of England?  We have lived in this house since 1986 and it has snowed heavily twice, a snow guard helps prevent the conservatory glass roof from a heavy fall.

I know in Summer we are not meant to feed the birds, but, occasionally we throw some bread out - the magpies take the bread to the water and dunk it, the pigeons just peck away, but, the sparrows won't eat it until we throw it to the end of the garden away from where we are seated.  It has been some years since we have seen any quantity of sparrows in our garden.  I know they nest in local hedgerows and am pleasantly surprised at their lovely singing.  We do have other birds visit and our bird box is home to a family of Great Tits - now a much larger family.

May 2024

I was wandering along Oxford Street in central London and wanted to have a coffee.  There are a plethora of coffee shops to visit, however, I stumbled across Regent Hall, a Salvation Army Hall and cafe (fairly close to Oxford circus).  The Sally Army band were playing in the hall, which was completely packed out.  I could hear the wonderful music as I pondered what to purchase.  They had a good selection of pastries, cakes and lunches.  I enjoyed a croissant and a beautifully made coffee.  The staff were lovely and a cheery hello greeted me as I walked in from a gentleman sitting at a table.  If ever you are in town, I'd highly recommend supporting this worthy institution.

April 2024

I popped into the Bank of England Museum to see the new display (the new King notes were on display - but, no prefixes showing).  Whilst there I wandered into the Museum shop and my flabber was gasted by a filthy, dirty, well used Fforde 10shilling banknote in a  glass/wood frame for sale at £28.50!!!!!!!  A mint condition 10s might set you back £12, but, the price for the grade being offered, is, in my mind, a travesty.  Our book, English Paper Money at £25 in comparison is a bargain (and so is the Guernsey book at £25).

Recently on TV there have been a plethora of adverts promoting free blood pressure tests (for a certain age) at local pharmacies.  It is easy enough to go online and see which ones offer the service, but, upon enquiring at a couple it seems they are not yet ready and it will be a few more weeks before the system is in place.  The only good thing is that you tend to walk to the nearest ones to ask.