Day 1 in the naughty house

Jury service is off and running....200 potential jurers sit around until 2pm when first 15 are called, and I am one of them.

Joy turns to frustration as I know one of the barristers so I am kicked back to the holding area. No second chance today, so lets see what day 2 offers.

I think that's all I can say!

Oh yes I did.....

Spot on, it's panto season so off we went to see Dick Whittington at the Empire in Liverpool. No real stars. A girl from Eastenders who is currently in Still Open all Hours,  and a chap from Emmerdale together with Pete Price a local Liverpool DJ who must nearly be a Nonagenerian himself.

The dame was very good as was Dick's cat Tom. The whole production though was greater than the sum of it's parts, a really good afternoon out. There were lots of Dick jokes for the adults, and a 3D screen to scare the kids. All in all very good value of money.

We went with number one granddaughter and her mate and they seemed to have a good time too, and did not cost us much for drinks, sweets and ice creams. The theatre was pushing 'Pie Face', a cult game at the moment, and seemed to be doing a good trade. Maybe the board game is making a comeback?

Today we saw two friends who were over from Hong Kong on family business so we did a bit of research for our Sevens trip in early April, then it was take the decci's down time. That's all done now and the house looks a tad sparse. There may well be demand for a set of 'not Christmas' decorations to use from January to November for a bit of sparkle. That may be a bit chav though on reflection!

My jury service starts tomorrow and I will be blogging what I am allowed to as the weeks progress, although with a barrister and solicitor in the family I can see me being dumped on several occasions as not being suitable jury material. I have my black handkerchief ready as needed though.

Hung Jury

Friday was a co-incidental day. I had two legal documents waiting in the post box on my return from London, both were a bit of a surprise.

I had been dan Sarf to help number one son with some DIY on his new house. It allowed me to spend a few days with him which is something I don't do enough of, and to catch up with some old friends.

I got photographed by one of them here. I also took in the football match between Spurs and Sheffield United. The less said about that the better.

So I returned on Friday after easing a few door and shaving some of their bottoms off. My cousin Mike helped with numerous cups of tea and words of encouragement, not to mention a steady hand in the sawing department.

 

There in the box was the confirmation that I have served a notice of recompense against Scottish Power for the sum of £200 plus additions. They have owed me this money since May, when they took four unauthorised payments from my account before I noticed and stopped the direct debit. I filed the paperwork in the small claims court over the internet and it was all straight forward. My only concern was that their registered offices are in Glasgow and I may, therefore, have to pursue them in Scotland using their less efficient system. As luck would have it, however, they do have an operating office in London so the summons was served there. They have until 4th February to respond so we will see what happens.

 

The other letter was a notification that I am required for jury service in February. As it happens I am away for the time they have requested so I was able to politely decline. I have offered them some alternative dates in December and January next year by which time they may have become disinterested in me.

 

I have done jury service before about 35 years ago in Upper Norwood near Croydon in Surrey. I was on one trial which was concerned with stamp theft. It went on for six or seven days so we were excused after that. It was quite interesting  but hopefully at some point during my next stint, the judge will reach for his black cap and indicate that the defendant be taking to a place to be determined and there be hung by his neck until dead.

 

Not sure that will happen though, hey ho!!