Is The Uk Reaching The Point Where It Can No Longer Properly Function (Part One)

[New Judge]

Went to the High Street for a couple of items. Wanted a First Class stamp (rarely use stamps and hardly ever First Class). Anyway, Post Office Counter now located at the back of W H Smiths. It was ten to nine, Smith's open, Post Office counter not yet. “Not to worry” thought I, “I’ll get one from the machine.”

Machine switched off. Two bods behind PO ramp drinking tea. Conversation goes thus:

NJ: “Can you switch the machine on please. I want to buy a stamp”

PO Bod (POB): “No. We’re not open yet. It’s Tuesday today, we don’t open until 9:30”

NJ: Yes I know that [though I don’t know why they don’t open until 9:30. “Training” no doubt – training to drink tea]. I only want to get a stamp from the machine”

POB: “No can do. We cannot switch the machine on until we’re open”

NJ: “But what’s the point of having a machine if it can only be used when the counter is open?”

POB “Dunno really mate. Probably something to do with Elf n’ Safety”

NJ retired and went home to stick a second class stamp on his letter. It probably makes little difference anyway and I could do with the exercise trudging down to the pillar box when I had the letter in my hand ready to post in the High Street.

[Old_Geezer]

You're only just questioning this ?

[sanmac]

NJ, what color was the letter box?

[Old_Geezer]

:-)
Black, of course.

[Rosie29]

A real Catch 22. It made me laugh - and cry ! X

[Ellipsis]

That would make a good Two Ronnies sketch ...

... and given they were popular in the 70s and 80s, we've either been at the point where we can no longer properly function for quite some time, or we've long since passed it.

[New Judge]

"You're only just questioning this ?"

I've only just found out! I hardly ever visit a Post Office.

"NJ, what color was the letter box?"

Dunno. I've still got it. I largely lost the will to live after my experience so I cut the grass instead.

[sanmac]

And I suppose that if those two employees worked a bank they wouldn't turn the cash machines on until the bank opened...Crazy.

[Peter Pedant]

I think that must be the sorting office in Canada St., - just off where Prince Harry did the vets' housing.

I went down with my passport ( sigh) and found the package was a card " you.ve been foo-ed!" - yup scam offer dressed up as free money. Difficult not to smash up the place

[Fitzer]

Would now be a good time to mention that Smiths usually sell stamps, albeit in multiples of six?

[hereIam]

^ And Wilko do ...

[Canary42]

To extrapolate a P O Counter machine not operational to the U K ceasing to function is an enormous leap.

Be careful, running the country down like that one of our regulars will be branding you anti-English.

[Garaman]

//NJ: “But what’s the point of having a machine if it can only be used when the counter is open?”//

Just a guess, but it could mean you don't have to queue at the counter if you just want stamps.

[Buenchico]

As has been said, W H Smith sell stamps (in books) at the tills.

Or you can buy your 'stamps' online and print them at home:
https://parcel.royalmail.com/orders/quick-delivery/

[New Judge]

"Would now be a good time to mention that Smiths usually sell stamps, albeit in multiples of six?"

Yes, thanks for that. I only wanted one. Rarely use any stamps these days and I don't lend my money to organisations interest free :-)

"To extrapolate a P O Counter machine not operational to the U K ceasing to function is an enormous leap."

By "The UK" I don't really mean the country as a whole, but the people and organisations within it. These are just two examples of the ridiculous inconveniences that people suffer because of unnecessary and inexplicable bureaucracy.

[New Judge]

Yes, the alternatives are fine (except that I'm not using my own paper, ink and glue to obtain stamps unless I get a discount). But I was in the place with my money standing in front of a machine that could (or should) have been able to provide the goods. Do they want to sell their stuff or not?

"Just a guess, but it could mean you don't have to queue at the counter if you just want stamps."

Perfectly valid. But why isn't it operational when W H Smith is open? Or is that being unreasonable?

[rowanwitch]

Most newsagents, supermarkets, and corner shops sell stamps. I always keep a book of first, second and large letter at home. I am lucky though I have a local post office as well as another three in easy reach. I have to remember to top up supplies. That was one of Dave's jobs.

[rowanwitch]

I can't remember when I last saw a single stamp machine.

[fender62]

back in the day, one could knock on the corner store, if not yet opened.. they welcomed you with, no problem and glad to help, good day sir, i think it's only the butchers and veg shops that show any politeness, at least in my neck of the woods, and some pubs who still do home cooked food ie sunday lunch, it's much appreciated really.

[Fitzer]

“Yes, thanks for that. I only wanted one. Rarely use any stamps these days and I don't lend my money to organisations interest free :-)”
But they are a sound investment, whenever the price goes up those you bought at the old price are still valid :-)

[fender62]

rowanwitch, remember cadbury and fag machines on rail stations