I've been reading the stuff here for a few weeks fearful that I might have discovered some strangelings and need to run away, but you seem like a pretty tame bunch so here goes!
I too come from the Southwest. I’ve met the Worzels and had the odd drop of cider in the pub where ‘Hot Fuzz’ was filmed. Those in the know will guess where I am!
I happened across this site completely by accident. You're not very well advertised. I'd read a lot of irrelevant American stuff (irrelevant because if everyone in England ran for the hills there wouldn't be any room and the rabbits would run out pretty fast!) and settled on watching hours of youtube tutorials and footage. Again by chance I happened across a youtuber 'rickvanman' whose stuff seemed quite intelligent and non threatening. In one of his many threads I saw a link to this site and here I am.
Seems like a few people here fear the worst is coming. As do I. Quite what the worst will be is anyone’s guess. I kind of just feel the mood of the planet is changing. I’d rather not be an outcast so these don’t seem to be the types of conversations to have in public!
The Middle East situation which appears to be entirely motivated by oil is steadily gathering pace. I'm not sure if we'll see the conflict spiral out of control in our lifetimes but prices can only go up. Add to that the 'peak oil' issues and any number of potential natural disasters worldwide and did I say the prices can only go up!
I don't plan on preparing for a 300ft tidal wave because I can't afford an airtight underground bunker and a wave of that size will pass clean over Blighty, taking me and everything else with it. Anyway we’re far more likely to encounter something that makes life difficult for a week or two than the end of the World. We had some snow this year. You may have noticed. I heard a small child in the local shop cry, “Mummy they’re out of bread.” Her panicked reply, “Quick, get the eggs.” and within moments the shelves were stripped of everything. Good for business but not for the pensioner with no ability to shop elsewhere.
That said, it strikes me as nothing but common sense to prepare for shortages of cheap energy (mainly oil and electricity) by using less of it, gathering hand tools, sorting out my debts, looking for a fuel efficient car, pumping up the tyres on my bicycle etc.
I've put a bit of food by. Not a basement full of rice and flour mind, but a few extra tins in the cupboards and a few water butts outside. And I’ve discovered that I actually enjoy seasoning and chopping up fire wood more than walking to the fuel station to buy some.
I believe that the best thing I can do is learn the skills to keep myself going. All the preparation in the World and it would be just my luck for me to need it when I’m nowhere near what I've prepared.
I have a background of being in the scouts, then the army cadets, and a few years or 8 with the TA. I guess old habits die hard.
I have in my time also chaired a local Land Rover Club. So I would be interested in knowing if anyone has considered an organised National meet before to share ideas? Perhaps a bit of fundraising for one of the rescue charities?
So why am I here? I would describe myself as a realist. And as I’ve said elsewhere I get really grumpy when I’m hungry....
Anything that doesnt involve crossing the border. You're too crowded down there ! Hi