Us poor reporters

vitty · 20-12-2005, 09:42

As you enjoy your time off around the Yuletide fire place, spare a thought for us poor reporters.

We are working all this week and most of next week, so if you spot anything interesting going on, let us at the Observer know

Thank you, one and all.

garinda · 20-12-2005, 09:49

You could do an article on local people who work on Christmas day, not just 'around' the Yuletide season. The police, firebrigade, doctors and nurses. I bet Lettie will give you a quote, inbetween delivering babies instead of presents on Christmas day.

lettie · 20-12-2005, 10:12

I have worked every Christmas Day since 1987. This year will be no different, I am working on Boxing day too but have managed to get New Year's Day off. Some Christmasses we are so horrendously busy that tea breaks are missed. I bet you poor reporters at least get a brew... For the emergency services, we may not, but then again for me it's just like any other day of the year..

Tealeaf · 20-12-2005, 10:17

Why can't all you women get yourselves organised in the true spirit of sisterly love? Why choose to have a baby at Christmas? Surely, with all the technologyand planning available today no one should go out and make babies between the third week in April and the second week in May. That way, all the maternity units can shut down for two weeks over Christmas, and you can all get a two week holiday like the rest of civilisation. It makes sense to me.

garinda · 20-12-2005, 10:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf

Why can't all you women get yourselves organised in the true spirit of sisterly love? Why choose to have a baby at Christmas? Surely, with all the technologyand planning available today no one should go out and make babies between the third week in April and the second week in May. That way, all the maternity units can shut down for two weeks over Christmas, and you can all get a two week holiday like the rest of civilisation. It makes sense to me.

Perhaps you should tie a knot in it, to remind you not to copulate between said dates.

SPUGGIE J · 20-12-2005, 10:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

You could do an article on local people who work on Christmas day, not just 'around' the Yuletide season. The police, firebrigade, doctors and nurses. I bet Lettie will give you a quote, inbetween delivering babies instead of presents on Christmas day.

Well I would think a baby would be the best present for someone at christmas. I Have worked on Christmas day in the past and might have to again this year as unfortunately these things have to be done. There are many who work over christmas as well as the emergency services witout whom there would be no gas electric tv programes radio etc. The emergency services will have a hard time over the festive season so lets hold our hand up to them for working to be sure we are safe.

Doug · 20-12-2005, 11:15

I use to have to work Christmas Day when I was at the Hospital. I loved it, the camaraderie across the ranks and with the patients made getting up and making the extra effort to sparkle worth while, which is great when you’re on the wards and not a lot is happening…..

At sharp end you can only have respect for how many of our doctors, nurses and emergency crews cope with an often increased work load. Expectant mothers often pop with the excitement of the day which is nice, but all too often our nurses have to face the scum who end up in A&E through the drink and utter irresponsibility.

I also think you should remember those at the other end of the Health and Social Care Sector, The Care workers in the community and our care homes, they have to work through the season too and all to often don’t get the credit that’s deserved.

Perhaps also a thought for the voluntary sector who shelter and feed the homeless and those less fortunate than ourselves.

SPUGGIE J · 20-12-2005, 11:18

There are a lot of unsung heroes at this time of year and yet howmany will be thanked for what they do?

vitty · 20-12-2005, 12:06

I suspect we'll be doing our regular Christmas Day/New Year's Day babies stories (any help that Lettie could provide would be useful

)

We would also be interested in any stories of individuals who, say, have been doing the same job/voluntary work on Christmas Day for the last 30/40plus years.

All suggestions welcome.

Remember, it's your paper.

entwisi · 20-12-2005, 12:22

How about for a change focussing on what good the 'big bad Internet' can do. From meetings of people who would never have known each other i.e. the Accyweb Meet on Friday, to the cheap accessible means that families spread around the globe can use to talk and see each other(Skype, webcams, email etc). The Internet is so quickly blamed for the bad things in life, how about showing it for the good stuff it can do.

Here is another thought. Why not have a PC helpdesk where people can ask questions about using their PC? I'm sure there are a few of us who would be happy to answer questions for a few quid here and there. There are so many PCs bought at Christmas and to be honest most are just very expensive ornaments in a living room. we could even run articles showing people how to use them properly i.e. stuff like setting up Skype, webcams, security, wireless networks etc

Ian

harwood red · 20-12-2005, 12:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tealeaf

Why can't all you women get yourselves organised in the true spirit of sisterly love? Why choose to have a baby at Christmas? Surely, with all the technologyand planning available today no one should go out and make babies between the third week in April and the second week in May. That way, all the maternity units can shut down for two weeks over Christmas, and you can all get a two week holiday like the rest of civilisation. It makes sense to me.

I didn't mean to my son was premature!!!

Tealeaf · 20-12-2005, 13:55

I've just done my maths again.Ooops! It looks like I was a month out...The cessation of procreation should, of course, occur in the latter part of March and the early part of April; not late April/early May.

Come On everybody.....lets give Lettie her Christmas Day 2006 at home! The first since 1987!

Margaret Pilkington · 20-12-2005, 15:21

Like Lettie, I think I worked nearly every Christmas day for almost 29 years......although we used to break the shift up so that all staff got some part of Christmas day with their families. It used to be a really big thing in the hospitals and the Consultants would come around and greet every patient......but the Christmas kisses from the consultants were to be avoided.
I have been at home for the last 3 Christmas's but I always think of the Doctors and Nurses who are working.

Less · 20-12-2005, 15:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by vitty

I suspect we'll be doing our regular Christmas Day/New Year's Day babies stories (any help that Lettie could provide would be useful

)

Yeah come on lettie help vitty out lets have some action shot's of what your up to over Christmas, like they say, "A pictures worth a thousand words," so vitty wouldn't have to think too hard about the writing over Christmas!

Lampman · 20-12-2005, 15:48

Well I have managed 3 Christmas Days off in 37 Years,now having changed occupations,guess what? I am working New Years eve night once again and whatsmore it's my birthday!
Not too worry at least no hangover this year.