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Fear of Motorways???

 
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Eric Shone



Joined: 06 Sep 2010
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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 7:46 pm    Post subject: Fear of Motorways??? Reply with quote

What an unbalanced portion of the show this was. Far too sympathetic towards the wimps who are "scared" of the speed and the scary junctions. These people need to take a good look at themselves and consider whether they should be on the road if they don't feel confident handling their car at speed. Incidentally, the current speed limits aren't high enough in my opinion.

It's outrageous that these people don't feel confident on the safest roads in the country! I was somewhat puzzled when the first daft woman (there were plenty on today!) said that dual carriageways were okay, they're really no different. If anything there are more hazards - such as people turning right off dual carriageways and T junctions as opposed to slip roads. When I passed my test, I had no worries about driving on "fast roads" because I'd been taught properly and taught to drive instead of getting through the test with as little work as possible.

And just a quick rant about people's use of "fast lanes" & "slow lanes":
There are no fast or slow lanes, there are driving lanes and overtaking lanes! I wish the media and people in general would stop referring to them as fast & slow, it's a pet peeve of mine!

I'd be embarrassed if anyone I knew went on live radio and admitted to being scared of driving on certain roads.
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 8:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Didn't listen to the second hour of the show Eric, thought it would be exactly how you have described it Rolling Eyes

The day before I took my test the instructor had me driving at 70 on a busy dual carriageway. I'd never be able to go anywhere if I didn't like motorway driving as I'm surrounded by them here even if it's only sometimes a couple of junctions.

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ruddlescat



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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 8:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree with you Eric

If a person has passed a driving test they ought to be able to drive anywhere in any weather conditions otherwise they should not be allowed to continue holding a licence

Perhaps we need special rules for elderly people and although their reactions may slightly slow down I think it's important to keep them on the road wherever possible otherwise their independance is undermined and that places a burden on the whole of society

What I object to is people under 65 who can't drive properly
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Lord Evan Elpuss



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PostPosted: Wed Jan 12, 2011 9:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

After I had passed my driving test, I asked my driving instructor to take me for a run down a motorway so that I can know what it's like to drive on them and he agreed. After first removing all the 'L' plates etc, I had my first go down the motorway, and, as I remember, the weather wasn't very good at all on the day with spells of heavy rain. It was about a week before the great gale of 1987. I would recommend anyone to do the same after passing their test, thereby getting some experience of driving on a motorway, then they will see that it's really no different to driving on a dual carriageway, apart from having a 'hard shoulder', no learners or low powered motorcycles.
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Blondehedgehog



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PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 9:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have friends who have not been on a moterway. They act and speak like the people interviewed on J V show.

I just do not understand them. But I will say and I do say to their faces ...they should not be allowed to drive at all
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BDG



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PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 7:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Disagree, disagree

I am a good driver used to drive all over the country at fast speeds in a previous life but do not like motorways, if they were empty no problem...it's all the lunatics and lorries. Let's face it if you get hit by a very large lorry your chances of survival are not good. People driving inches from your bumper etc. etc. at high speed, pulling out without indicating etc etc.

One should not put down people just because of their phobias and it does not make them bad or incapable drivers...it is the same as having a fear of flying. I don't like motorways even when I am not driving as a passenger.
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Blondehedgehog



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PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 7:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

BDG wrote:
Disagree, disagree

I am a good driver used to drive all over the country at fast speeds in a previous life but do not like motorways



Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes So, are you dead then?
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Lord Evan Elpuss



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PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 8:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

BDG wrote:

I am a good driver used to drive all over the country at fast speeds in a previous life but do not like motorways, if they were empty no problem...it's all the lunatics and lorries. Let's face it if you get hit by a very large lorry your chances of survival are not good. People driving inches from your bumper etc. etc. at high speed, pulling out without indicating etc etc.

BDG
If all roads were empty there would be no problem but the reality is that they are not. It's been my experience that there are lunatics and lorries (and other large vehicles - buses, fire engines, dust carts etc) on all roads. And the other examples of poor driving that you cite aren't confined to motorways, they've happened to me on dual carriageways & single carriageway roads. There are two schools close to where I live (a side road) You should witness the surrounding streets in, what I've come to call 'mad mums hour' now that can be scary! Shocked
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Eric Shone



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PostPosted: Thu Jan 13, 2011 8:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

BDG wrote:
Disagree, disagree

I am a good driver used to drive all over the country at fast speeds in a previous life but do not like motorways, if they were empty no problem...it's all the lunatics and lorries. Let's face it if you get hit by a very large lorry your chances of survival are not good. People driving inches from your bumper etc. etc. at high speed, pulling out without indicating etc etc.

One should not put down people just because of their phobias and it does not make them bad or incapable drivers...it is the same as having a fear of flying. I don't like motorways even when I am not driving as a passenger.


Eh? Motorway driving is easy. You have very little to do car control wise, so you can concentrate on your observations and anticipate hazards.

Just drive defensively and always have an escape route.
Use the left hand lane as a driving lane (which it is) and the overtaking lanes as overtaking lanes. Look far ahead and plan your approach for overtaking slower vehicles, kind of like you would plan your approach for a roundabout to join without stopping. So if there are faster cars behind you plan your approach to allow for them to get past you and allow you to overtake at the speed limit. If you're in the overtaking lane (and it's a two lane motorway) and a car comes up behind, consider expediting your overtake - but it's up to you if you want to break the limit (watch out for those bridges!).
If you're travelling slowly (as I had to do in my old 1l Micra!) help out the lorry drivers, when they're trailer has cleared the front of your car, flash them in!
Avoid overtakes on near slip roads (an exit slip usually means a joining slip) and if you're overtaking, anticipate cars moving into your lane to accommodate merging traffic. If you're not, watch your escape routes - changing speed (either faster or slower) or changing lanes. If there are faster vehicles coming up behind you, keep a check on them and watch if they move into the overtaking lane - that escape route might not be usable.

There's really no reason to be afraid of motorways. There's nothing to do but observations which will help you drive defensively.

Those are my thoughts on the matter.
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BDG



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PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 10:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Blondehedgehog wrote:
BDG wrote:
Disagree, disagree

I am a good driver used to drive all over the country at fast speeds in a previous life but do not like motorways



Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes So, are you dead then?


there was a lot less traffic on the roads and I think the older you get the more you realise that you are not immortal.

Eric all the advice you give is valid and that is what I do if I drive on the motorway, none of it changes the fact that I don't like motorways apart from the M54, which is more like a dual carriageway. Just because you have a fear of something doesn't mean to say you don't know how to drive or what to do was my point Very Happy and response to the cries of people who have a fear of motorways shouldn't be driving.
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MadeinSurrey



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PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 10:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Agree with BDG. I hate motorways and avoid whenever possible - that doesn't make me a bad driver, it's a matter of choice.
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ColinB
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 11:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I remember the road journey from Devon to London in the days before the upgraded A38 and M5 were built. It was a horrendous journey that I haven't done once since the early 70s. I can't imagine driving to Devon (which I do regularly) without the motorways.

My favourite time on the motorways in very late at night and early morning when you don't get idiots clogging up lanes 2 and 3!!!
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Rachel
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 12:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Motorways are fantastic - though they can be dangerous, to stay alive-just get in the outside lane as quickly as possible and then go as fast as you can. If people come up behind you and flash- go faster, never ever go back into the middle lane, if people are in front of you holding you up- you're probably going fast enough.
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ColinB
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 12:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rachel wrote:
Motorways are fantastic - though they can be dangerous, to stay alive-just get in the outside lane as quickly as possible and then go as fast as you can. If people come up behind you and flash- go faster, never ever go back into the middle lane, if people are in front of you holding you up- you're probably going fast enough.


I do believe that, statistically, motorways are the least dangerous place to drive. That's certainly my experience.
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BDG



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PostPosted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 7:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes that is right Colin. But fears are not always logical it is the same with flying the safest form of transport.
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SantaFefan



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PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 3:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm with BDG on this.. I hate driving on Motorways for any length of time... maybe I'd feel differently if I used them everyday but the quicker I get off them the better.

It's nice to cruise along for sure but it's the boredom factor and, my weakness for getting impatient which makes me feel this way.
Normally, I'm happy to click my cruise button at around 55 - 60mph on a "normal run" but on a Motorway, I find I too, will be in the third lane creeping up to 80/90 yet still flashed to get over! which of course I do, but "just after getting past this next car" Rolling Eyes
Any length of time at these speeds fries my brain I'm afraid, particularly in the rain.

I remember after returning from a US holiday back in the 90s, I drove from Gatwick to about Ipswich in the pouring rain and had to pull off the road as the constant high speed, together with flashing and maniac close proximity driving was too much for me... I put it down to the previous few weeks of superb American driving Razz

Short trips yes but hours of fast Motorway driving? no thanks...
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ruddlescat



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PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 4:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Santa I don't understand your point on this one

I once drove coast to coast across the USA on the legendary Route 66 and although a great trip with great scenery the roads were really boring with miles and miles between destinations and lots of tedious cruising in fifth gear

British Motorways by contrast are no big deal at all
I don't understand how you can enjoy this kind of thing in America but dislike it in Britain
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ColinB
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 4:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'd rather travel any distance on UK motorways than on A roads that are full of trucks (in convoy) or caravans!

A few years back I drove from Monaco to Calais on the French Autoroutes. I left Monaco at mid-day and was back at home for breakfast! I can't imagine doing that on non-motorway/autoroute roads.

It's the same when I have to drive to Scotland and back. It's a doddle if I leave late in the evening....
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RockitRon



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PostPosted: Mon Jan 17, 2011 11:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

(Observations of a passenger - I never learned to drive)

Although motorways are statistically the safest roads the high speed of traffic means that, when an accident does occur, the results are often spectacular, traumatic and hugely disruptive. We passed, in the opposite direction, a smash on the A1 on Sunday - road closed, huge tailback and not much left of the vehicles involved.

We've discussed speed limits before. Considering that our roads now carry far more traffic than they were designed for, and that most motorists seem to exceed it by 25%, 70mph (110kph) is more than enough; I know speedos are said to under-measure at the higher speeds, but I am always amazed at the constant stream of vehicles whizzing past in the outside lanes when we're doing 75. It was very noticeable, when holidaying in France (three times) that, on their autoroutes, which are much less busy (except around Paris) and which have limits of 110/130kph (70 or 80mph) the only cars which passed us had UK registration plates.

The fear of some drivers probably stems from the fact that the driving tuition and testing process includes no practical preparation or experience about the special conditions, discipline and etiquette of motorway and trunk road dual carriageway driving. My son sailed through and passed all the driving tests first time when he was 19 but had not a clue about motorway driving.

Hogging the middle lane, cutting in too sharply after overtaking, and not leaving sufficient room to the next vehicle in front are particular problems, as are overtaking lorries (on two-lane roads) - why do they always wait until they're going uphill to do it, inch by inch? The two-lane sections of the A1/A1M are especially hairy... the newer, three-lane sections are bliss.
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Lord Evan Elpuss



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PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 5:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

RockitRon wrote:
The fear of some drivers probably stems from the fact that the driving tuition and testing process includes no practical preparation or experience about the special conditions, discipline and etiquette of motorway and trunk road dual carriageway driving. My son sailed through and passed all the driving tests first time when he was 19 but had not a clue about motorway driving.

Hence my previous suggestion that after passing the driving test, arrange a motorway lesson or two with your driving instructor.
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Eric Shone



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PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Lord Evan Elpuss wrote:
RockitRon wrote:
The fear of some drivers probably stems from the fact that the driving tuition and testing process includes no practical preparation or experience about the special conditions, discipline and etiquette of motorway and trunk road dual carriageway driving. My son sailed through and passed all the driving tests first time when he was 19 but had not a clue about motorway driving.

Hence my previous suggestion that after passing the driving test, arrange a motorway lesson or two with your driving instructor.


Agreed, after my test my dad accompanied me on a drive down to Moffat from Stirling so I had some experience of motorway driving. I also did the pass plus, just to take money of my insurance premiums (I don't think it has!).

The underlying problem is people's attitude to learning to drive and passing the test. This test may be the only one you ever have to sit to drive (unless you're naughty and lose your license!), so you may as well do it right. You're unlikely to undergo further instruction beyond the test, after all - you've passed so what's the incentive? So the standard of instruction before the test really defines your driving. Sadly the only way to improve the standard of instruction would be to change the test as so many instructors teach people to pass, not to drive.
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SantaFefan



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PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 7:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ruddlescat wrote:
Santa I don't understand your point on this one

I once drove coast to coast across the USA on the legendary Route 66 and although a great trip with great scenery the roads were really boring with miles and miles between destinations and lots of tedious cruising in fifth gear

British Motorways by contrast are no big deal at all
I don't understand how you can enjoy this kind of thing in America but dislike it in Britain


Well, partly because we would be on holiday so the driving would be less stressful and for a few weeks, the scenery, trucks and trains would maintain their interest...
A big difference too of course is that American drivers are generally superior to UK drivers in terms of courtesy and awareness of other drivers.. (or pedestrians ) they're also content to drive at a sensible speed around town too.
The "Four way Stop" is a good example.. generally speaking, the stop is approached slowly by all parties and courtesy takes over.. no yelling, screeching tyres or two fingers there! an organised "who-ever gets there first" approach.. I love it..
The lane discipline on US highways is also remarkably good too, considering there is no slow/fast/and really fast lane classification as in the UK.. from my general experience, a lane change from either direction is usually carried out without flashing or deliberate blocking for the hell of it.
I have no fear of the Motorway, it's more that it doesn't suit my style of driving.. it's manic, bad signage, full of selfish morons and idiots taking too many chances with my life.

After driving for 40 years, I'm content to accept that in an ideal world, I'd be cruising in a 1950s American Station Wagon, super soft suspension bouncing into the Piggly Wiggly car park.. stopping and waving over pedestrians 100 feet away..

all a bit strange as I own a V8 muscle car... Confused Laughing
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ruddlescat



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PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 7:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Fair enough Santa but I actually find France the most relaxing place to drive

Excellent signage on the Autoroutes even to the most obscure villages with courteous drivers unlike those in Italy who drive one foot away from your rear bumper as a way of telling you they wish to overtake

Rural France reminds me of Britain in the 60s and I'd much prefer to live there by choice but unfortunately sometimes family commitments make that kind of thing difficult Sad
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ColinB
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes I've always liked driving in France, too. I also like the Autoroutes - despite the Peages!

German Autobahns are good too.
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BDG



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PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well I agree with RockitRon, Santa and Riddlescat.

I've driven in the States and there is much more control and the speeds are less on the highways another thing I liked was they often have a seperate section for lorries which runs along side the normal motorway.

Motorways in France absolutely no problem, they are practically deserted compared to here apart from around major towns. Less traffic and more space! Ours are just so congested and well to my mind claustrophobic. Yes as RitR says less accidents statistically but very serious when they do occur.

Hence the reason years ago it didn't bother me there was less traffic and they were much quieter, less lorries etc etc. nothing to do with driving skills they just make me feel very tense like Santa describes. A short distance agree not a problem.

I would far rather travel in France any day there roads are superb even their b roads are fabulous. Driving in France is a joy compared to here we just have too many cars and too many people in a small space.

Which is why and this will make you laugh Colin, we just love to get away from it all to the countryside in our Caravan Wink
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ColinB
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm sure I've seen the dreaded "C" word in that last sentence! Aaaaarrrrggggh!
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BDG



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PostPosted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Laughing
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Gnasty Gnome



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PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2011 10:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rachel wrote:
Motorways are fantastic - though they can be dangerous, to stay alive-just get in the outside lane as quickly as possible and then go as fast as you can. If people come up behind you and flash- go faster, never ever go back into the middle lane, if people are in front of you holding you up- you're probably going fast enough.


Since I can never be quite sure whether you're being serious or not Rachel, I'll treat it as the former and say that if you drive like that then you're an arrogant, thoughtless complete prat.

And that is putting it politely.
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ColinB
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PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think Rachel's tongue is firmly in her cheek on that one, somehow.
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ruddlescat



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PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2011 11:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Certain people put their tongues in some very strange places in my experience Colin Shocked

Only joking Very Happy
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Rachel
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PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 11:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Gnasty Gnome wrote:
Rachel wrote:
Motorways are fantastic - though they can be dangerous, to stay alive-just get in the outside lane as quickly as possible and then go as fast as you can. If people come up behind you and flash- go faster, never ever go back into the middle lane, if people are in front of you holding you up- you're probably going fast enough.


Since I can never be quite sure whether you're being serious or not Rachel, I'll treat it as the former and say that if you drive like that then you're an arrogant, thoughtless complete prat.

And that is putting it politely.


Serious?! (As Elton said yesterday).. Oh fu....

Serious people lead overly stressful lives and have a very tidy bedrooms. Very Happy Very Happy
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Blondehedgehog



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PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 11:56 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Rachel wrote:


Serious people lead overly stressful lives and have a very tidy bedrooms. Very Happy Very Happy



That rules me out
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Helen May



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PostPosted: Sat Jan 29, 2011 12:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Me too LOL!

H
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