Urban Myths - never dispelled

[Booldawg]

Funny how when you hear something in your younger days that could or could not be true, you still believe it as gospel if you can't proven its authenticity.

When I was 17 we went from being paid cash weekly to it going straight into a bank account. Someone at work said 'By law, if your money goes into your bank account you're allowed to go to the bank in work time and it doesnt count as your official break'

Is this true? Are there any slightly iffy things that you still hold true?

[Davethedog]

HaHa did they also send you to stores for a long stand etc etc

[AB Editor]

I've heard chicken lips are an essential ingredient for tartan paint.

[whiskeryron]

and a glass hammer. Ô¿Ô

[rowanwitch]

In the early days there really were local arrangements in force that gave workers additional time for personal banking. This was usually an interim arrangement fotr the first year or so after direct to bamk payments were brought in. It was actually part of a contract I had with my first job that on Fridays I had an additional 15 minutes break to allow for going to the bank. We now get a small allowance of internet time where banks are on the list of approved sites so those that wish can do their banking at work during lunch or coffee breaks... so not an urban myth.. just a distortion

[delphfolk]

my wifes firm ran a mini bus to the bank for those who had no pc.

[Booldawg]

thanks Rowan - so it was true! right, I'm off down the bank for a full english breakfast!

[McMouse]

I've still got the left handed hammer my Dad gave me.

[WELSHYORKIE]

A joiner on one of our sites was sent for a bag of sky hooks and a tin of elbow grease - and had a blazing row with the guy at the counter because he said he didn't have any!!

[milly143]

What about the one that says you can write a cheque on anything and it is still legitimate?

[mike11111]

When I first started being paid by bank it was before the days of cashpoints so the only way to get cash was to go to the bank and draw a cheque. Banking hours were strictly 10 - 3 and Saturday opening had just been discontinued. We had to go in our lunch break, the busiest time as everyone else was doing the same. ATMs are a godsend - the last time I cashed a cheque at the bank was in 1988.

[nightmare]

My Grandad told me that when a new lad started at t'mill, he would be sent down to the boiler room to fetch a bucket of steam.

[squarebear]

That's true Milly. However, the bank may not accept it

[crisgal]

i remember - aged 15, trying desperately to fill a bucket with steam - wearing gardening gloves and swimming goggles for 'protection' - b'st'rds!
I was particularly vulnerable though - i also stood in a very busy butchers and asked for two pounds of purple chicken lips. The chef had rang ahead and each butcher came out of the back, asking me to repeat what i wanted! I must have been in there half an hour, waitng for the 'very delicate and time consuming procedure'. In the end he blew up a bag and I took a carrier containing a empty, air filled bag back to the restaurant!

[squarebear]

Many people also believe that you can take a wheelbarrow full of pennies to the council to pay your bills. This is incorrect. The maximum amount in copper that is legal tender is 20p.

[gina32]

crisgal, i like it lol

[nightmare]

Sometimes, in a pub for instance, you know someone is listening in on your conversation. A friend of mine had a brilliant technique of turning the conversation into complete nonsense and watching the eavesdropper's reaction. One of his classics was a discussion of the new plastic exhaust manifold he had had fitted on his car...........

[regulo]

Our less well informed apprentices were sent to the stores for a "short circuit", all the storemen were in on the joke and tried to outdo each other as to how long they could keep the poor sap waiting.

[andy-hughes]

When I started at the old Post Office Telephones - now BT, recruits were given a few days to settle in, and then offered a chance of fast-track promotion.

Those who were keen (I was tipped off in advance!) were given a number to ring, and to ask to speak to a Mr C. Lion.

I don't think the switchboard operator at Chester Zoo ever thought it was funny, no matter how may calls she received from eager hopefuls!