If you read nothing else ............

[tim]

..today's Telegraph sums it up??

If you need cause to leave the country, read the whole article!!

[tim]

[Tulipa]

Here's the link:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/12/16/nxmas116.xml

[tim]

SORRY!  Nothing to do with allotments - just got carried away!!

[supersprout]

Oh dear tim, the balance of fear and love is way out here :'(
I read this and thought for a long time about the warmth of random affection/approval/kindness from unknown adults in my formative years.
And now I'm speechless! >:(

[redimp]

Just think of the public outcry - and especially that of papers such as the Telegraph and Mail, if something did happen and the proper precautions had not been put in place. :-\  That is why the "pendulum has swung too far."

[Yellow Petals]

Oh dear tim, the balance of fear and love is way out here :'(
I read this and thought for a long time about the warmth of random affection/approval/kindness from unknown adults in my formative years.
And now I'm speechless! >:(

Pathetic isn't it?  Just another part of this stupid PC country gone mad  >:( >:(

[miniroots]

I work in an industry that books Santas and has volunteers Santa-ing for christmas parties, and I agree with some of this regulation.

And it's easily dealt with - have Santa on a sofa so the children can sit next to him.  Have an adult helper with him.  It doesn't spoil anyone's enjoyment; the kids just want a present - none of them even believe in Santa any more...

If people do get stupid and start forbidding it - it's just because those individuals can't be bothered to use their imaginations and work out a safe procedure...

[Robert_Brenchley]

Most of it's just a matter of finding a common sense way round things, but there's no question that it does go over the top. A lot of teachers were inhibited by Thatcherite legislation against 'teaching homosexuality' despite the fact that it never applied to teachers; a lot of valuable field trips have been cancelled due to fears of being sued. One teachers' union went so far as to have nothing to do with trips. It's not so much the legislation as the atmosphere of fear whipped up by certain anti-gay newspapers, or the rise of a culture which can, occasionally, lead people to sue at the drop of a hat. I think the same applies alsewhere. Plus certain newspapers seem to be on a campaign to convince everyone that 'Christmas is being banned' when, of course, nobody's doing anything of the sort.

[kt.]

he ahs boldly gnome where no gnome has gone before.....

[valmarg]

I think that article is symptomatic of the state of paranoia that this country has delved.

If I had the money I would be out of this country like a shot.  Down Oz or New Zealand.

EU sucks!!!