Member Since: 02 Sep 2012
Location: Old Windsor
Posts: 403
dangerdave wrote:
...why couldn't they be more like some of our Continental cousins, who actually hold down a full time, Monday to Friday, 9-5 job, with 28 days holidays, rather than ponce about the globe, doing nothing much in particular?
Some of them have tried to do that... the press kept going after them so they stopped!
Now here's some balance.
This video was taken last night, a Monday night, it was cold (coats required), grey (it had rained a bit earlier) and was at 1600 ish. Notice how there are very few people on the streets, until you get to the castle. All the people by the castle are tourists. Most are foreigners. All have spent money to get TO Windsor, Most have spent money to stay in the UK (Hotels, airport tax etc). All the local shops make money (and so pay tax/VAT) from tourists who come to Windsor to see the castle (there aint much else to do otherwise). Do they add more than £120m to the economy, probably. Are they the reason they come to the UK, probably not, but they DO help extract more cash from those that come anyway...
On a warm summers day, there can be 1000 people between where I turn right and the main gate, all tourists, all spending.
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Last edited by mjcp on 10th Oct 2012 8:40 am. Edited 2 times in total
10th Oct 2012 8:37 am
adam
Member Since: 20 Sep 2005
Location: Home and Happy
Posts: 6917
About 8 year sago was driving down the M40 and traffic slowed as a old (but immaculate) D1 was being driven down the middle lane at about 60 - old t**t who thinks he owns the road methinks - actual Phillip driving himself with a couple (assume) plain clothes in the back
I used to detest the Royals, but as I have become older and wiser and see the woefull waste of tax revenues on unmentionables (40% on the Welfare state) I'm a lot more tolerant - Royal Wedding was a huge income - did anybody try booking a hotel room in London that weekend?
10th Oct 2012 8:38 am
sean 471
Member Since: 26 Apr 2011
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 2990
We won a environmental award in 2001 and the Queen insisted that the people who had done the work actually recieved the award. As the Queen was walking round to meet us mere folk this pompous guy who was part of our team but had not done any work says 'I would like to thank you your majesty for this wonderful honour. She turned round completly ignored him and spoke to myself and colleague. I thought good on you. I spoke to her body guard and he mentioned that she never stops and very rarely finishes work each day before 10pm. I dont know about anybody else but I dont like making small talk with people I dont like. So I think she does a great job pulls in a lot of money through tourism and is a stabilising influence on some of the wacky politicians we have had. Remember she has been around a long time and seen most things.
10th Oct 2012 8:46 am
A.J.M
Member Since: 31 Oct 2009
Location: Carluke
Posts: 2847
Compared to the welfare bill, £120m is pocket change.
At least we get cash back from them, we get a global figure, who's well liked and is popular.In loving memory of FA54WSK.
Rest well old friend, your work is done.
10th Oct 2012 8:48 am
crews control
Member Since: 18 Mar 2007
Location: Dorset
Posts: 5011
UK - Royal Family - 30 million visitors per year.
Florida - Micky Mouse - 80 million visitors per year.
Last edited by crews control on 10th Oct 2012 9:01 am. Edited 1 time in total
10th Oct 2012 8:57 am
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 14367
I think i would rather be under a Monarch than a President. I bet the cost are cheaper and the scandel will be les:
Previous President of Germany: Convicted of fraud.
Previous President of Israel: Convicted of fraud.
Former President Chiraz of France: Fraud
Former President Berlosconni of Italy: Fraud and sex abuse.
President Chavez of Venezeula: Fraud, corruption and still reelected because he bought votes with oil money.
President Mugabe of Zimbabwe: Fraud, corruption, murder etc, etc.
President Zuma of South Africa: Rape, fraud and corruption.
This list goes on and on. Just look at Russia and President Putin as well as the former Soviet Union states
ETC, ETC, ETC,
The Royals aren't perfect but then no one is. Just look at how the mighty Chief Execs and Company Presidents of banks and other businesses have fallen from grace.
No, where it concerns my country, Parliament and the Monarchy will do nicely.
10th Oct 2012 8:57 am
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23811
A.J.M wrote:
I'm sure the cost of the royal family is under £2 per person each year. I think they bring in more than £2 per person back in tourism etc.
When wills and Kate toured the US, they always had LR's and jags to arrive in, the connection saw sales in the US rise by 30% or so.
Don't landrover donate the cars as a gesture anyway?
I think it's about £1.80 per tax payer NOT per person. Absolute bargain IMO.
Other countries pay more for Presidents, so I don't understand the financial argument at all.
10th Oct 2012 11:31 am
dangerdave
Member Since: 23 Nov 2010
Location: <>
Posts: 4495
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10th Oct 2012 11:50 am
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23811
dangerdave, talk to one of the over 3,000 charities that the Royal Family are Patrons of. They might help you to see a different angle.
10th Oct 2012 12:30 pm
dangerdave
Member Since: 23 Nov 2010
Location: <>
Posts: 4495
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10th Oct 2012 3:01 pm
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23811
As I said, try actually talking to one of the charities and see what they have to say about having Royal patronage. It makes a huge difference. It's particularly helpful in attracting donations from outside of the UK.
I'll put you in touch with a couple if you like
10th Oct 2012 3:29 pm
Hairy Dan
Member Since: 19 Jan 2011
Location: Co. Durham
Posts: 12319
dangerdave wrote:
The thing is, my view is fast becoming the majority view!
According to what? It would seem to be in the minority amongst the forum members that have repliedCheers Ian
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10th Oct 2012 3:40 pm
A.J.M
Member Since: 31 Oct 2009
Location: Carluke
Posts: 2847
The royal wedding and jubilee celebrations would suggest your actually in the minority... In loving memory of FA54WSK.
Rest well old friend, your work is done.
10th Oct 2012 3:42 pm
al cope
Member Since: 08 Nov 2005
Location: Oldbury, WM
Posts: 10350
we could save a packet if we stopped (or cut back on) foreign aid. You cant tell me places like India still need our aid money - they've got a bigger army and navy than us, and a bloody space program.
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10th Oct 2012 3:50 pm
dangerdave
Member Since: 23 Nov 2010
Location: <>
Posts: 4495
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
It would seem to be in the minority amongst the forum members that have replied
