David995031

HaHa! I think yours has the edge James.

Reminds me of a quote, I think it may have been Jeremy Paxman: "There's only 10 things you need to now about binary maths. And I know both of them."

Another thought occurs to me, Denis. You can use any company for your annuity (pension payments), not just the company you have been saving with. You can transfer your pension pot to whichever company gives you the best quote. You really need a financial adviser to shop around for you. Check this out to be sure but I don't think you have to pay for this sort of advice, the financial adviser will be paid commission by whatever company he places your business with. As I said earlier I have had some personal experience but I am NOT an expert so please check out what I am saying with a professional.

Powerful but disturbing images

I found a first cousin I knew nothing about. Apparently the product of a misbehaving uncle, many years ago!

I don't have the expertise to give advice but what I did was to take the maximum tax free lump sum out of my pension I could (obviously this reduces your monthly payments). My thinking was that I might drop dead within a month in which case my pension fund is gone. At least by taking a lump sum I would have a few quid to blow on something silly (or sensible) that no-one could take away. Best thing is to get a quote for the maximum monthly income and another quote showing the effect of taking a lump sum.

Buddha.

500 years old? Think I would prefer a new one.

I am in a similar position. We both have two small private pensions and, when added to the state pensions we're not badly off - as you've pointed out we won't be getting any richer but that's OK. People who have to depend on just the state pension qualify for pension credits. From what I understand this is not particularly generous and may leave you with a choice of 'heat or eat' in the winter. I think it is scandalous but there are a lot of things that are scandalous these days.

No. Been all over the county - none of that stuff. Even Ashby del la Zouch has vanished

This is one of numerous memorial sculptures at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Well who would have thought it - there is nothing in Leicestershire beginning with 'A'. I had no choice but to boldly stray into unexplored Staffordshire where they have the National Memorial Arboretum . Here it is:

Has real impact - a classic case of 'less is more'.

Took the camera to Coventry Cathedral today. Will post some photos later but this shot of the stained glass was begging to be included here.

Well it's for others to decide whether or not it is a good photo but no-one can say it isn't bang on topic!

OK, here's a tentative toe in the water. I suppose it needs a name so before I started fiddling about with it, it was a "hanging basket of petunias" - but you knew that didn't you?

Sea shells

Sounds good. The alphabetical challenge sounds a bit like TIPF's answer to QI!

You and me both, Korky.

Thanks everyone - and how nice that I am sharing the kudos with Dee!

No, it is my brother in law Rye.

OK here goes, an uncertain step into the murky world of Photoshop. This is a watercolour effect applied to a shot I took at Wenlock Abbey, this week

Edwardian housewives' labour saving device. They had it easy in those days.

I'm guessing this isn't Joan of Arc.