Whats happened to:

@Sandy Ground thank you for the welcome. Sorry if I broke rules mentioning another forum, I didnt actually mention the name of it though just what kind it was so I thought I would have been ok but sorry all the same.

 

@Telmadee You didnt break the rules as far as I am aware, therefore no need to apologise to anyone. Its just my way of thinking.

 

@Sandy Ground ok thank you.

 

Hi,

I'm so sorry for not seeing this thread; many thanks john558 also many thanks to everyone for your kind concern it's truly apprecaited.

The reason I decided to leave quietly was as correctly mentioned by CanadianLori in this post;

Thanks CanadianLori.

I expressed an honest opinion which I believe I was entitled to but unfortunately this upset a member who responded in a manner which caused me some personal distress because at no time do I post to offend anyone it was just an open opinion shared with all my friends.

This is a friendly forum and not wanting to discuss the matter further I considered it the gentlemanly thing to do was to just leave which was a very hard decision to make considering I'd made so many friends on here and I thought I was letting them down by leaving. It's highly possible with hindsight I could have reacted differently but I was hurt and didn't want to escalate the problem; I was deeply saddened the member took such offence because I considered the member a friend and still wish the member all the best; life is too short for falling out and bearing grudges so least said soonest mended.

It was very kind indeed of you Mike Allen to contact me only recently bringing my attention once again to the forum; I'm delighted you did and it's resulted in me resuming posting. I'm not a sulking child and on another forum I found if there was a disagreement between two members then a member could be "Ignored" this goes against my nature but in this instance I've used this option and definitely don't want to make use of it again.

I'll openly apologize to the member who took offence; I don't know your circumstances and you don't know mine so we are equal; I'd rather kiss and make up so the offer is open.

Thanks pete; yes indeed during my absence I've not only learned how to Tig weld aluminium but I've also learned metal spinning amongst other interesting things which interest me.

Thank you Telmadee and Sandy Ground for your kind comments I feel quite humbled.

It was good of you to point out about not posting too much personal detail on the web/forums ricky101 and I'll bear this in mind; Our bngalow numbers used to be illuminated at night and being so large it was jokingly said the police helicopter used these for navigation purposes. No one is safe on the Internet; even at home no one is safe; before Covid we were fed up of people coming to our door all wanting from us; recently we were pestered many times by scammers calling from call centers threatening to cut our Amazon/ BT and Internet off. I finally sorted these out because each time they called there was always a pause and I could hear background noises; the last two calls I pressed "one" to speak to an agent and as soon as the agent said hello I said "West Yorkshire police how can I help you". So far this has got rid of them. What a world we now live in when so few can be trusted.

I am an active member of other forums given my many and varied interests so a number of members have seen me around; I'm also as usual working flat out on our bungalow and in the gardens; at last after 34 years hard graft living here I've finally caught up and am on top of all the heavy jobs so I'm looking forward to some quality workshop time playing with all my toys; I'll try to post my projects although many not gardening related but might be of interest to members interested in DIY or other hobbies.

Thank you all so much once again for your friendship and concern; I'm pleased to be back.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

That's my approach as well - never take anything personally no matter how bizarre the other persons view and take 5 with a nice cuppa to bring things back into perspective.

 

Absolutely, @clanless .

I once bamboozled a fellow at the pub years ago. He wanted to "debate" everything and I just wanted to enjoy my little glass of beer. So I just agreed with everything he said. Got him saying outrageous things and me still agreeing. When he caught on, it was a good laugh for us both. We became and remained best of friends after that and until his death a few years ago.

I'll sometimes disagree but don't we all?

 

Just timidly asking, has anyone heard of @Mike Allen? I miss his (sometimes controversial) posts.

 

I was just thinking that myself ...

 

It would be a sad world if we all had the same opinions, it's how we go about expressing our opinions nowadays that concerns me most.

 

I have been in touch with Mike Allen, via a different forum, last heard from him beginning of June. He was keeping well then.
from what he said I don't think he'll be back at GC anytime soon.

 

Thanks for leting us know @NigelJ I'm glad he's all right. I hope nobody has offended him on here, se was a friendly man.

 

Hi,

I have a lot in Common with Mike Allen sharing similar interests; I sent a message to Mike on Monday but as yet Mike hasn't replied so I'm a bit concerned and hope he's OK; Mike's a decent guy to know. Good luck Mike wherever you are.

Further to ricky101 regarding his friendly and valid comments about online safety and being able to locate my address from bits of information I've posted; I did indeed say I'm not over worried because how many not only have their homes on the web but every detail too as to contents; just look at any estate agents websites for a free inclusive tour of homes both interior and exterior even details of rates; heating and directions? ricky101 is of course correct in restrict personal information being posted on the Internet for the world to see. Our neighbour problem too is now sorted out; after 30 years suffering them we called in the police; any further harrassment the neighbour will be arrested and the police officer suggested we install CCTV; we took his advice and had expensive CCTV installed professionally so we can see what's legally allowed. Why people go out of their way to make misery for others beats me; I'd rather be friendly offering an helping hand.

Kind regards, Colin.

 

@Retired I also have a neighbour that is quite horrible. I don't worry about telling anyone about them as I have said the same things to their face. I have CCTV. Not to catch them doing anything but to discourage them from doing evil things. I just try not to obsess about it.

I think some people have left the forum because they didn't get their own way or perhaps were only seeking a place at a pity party. Or a myriad other reasons. Sometimes, just not enough time to participate.

I've only been a member a short while and I've always liked to see new members join. I sometimes miss past members and sometimes I do not miss them at all as they seemed to be "only about showcasing themselves or their possessions" and little or no participation in other discussions- yes naughty Lori doesn't treasure everyone.

But it is my choice to ignore them if I wish

It is just the natural ebb and flow of any community. And quite interesting