Shadowchaser

If you want to exchange old bank notes at the Bank of England itself you may be asked to provide proof of ID. We may ask you for identification (ID) and proof of address for an exchange of any value. Identity documents we accept are: valid passport valid photo card driving licence (full or provisional) British residents’ permits national identity card (if you are a non-UK national) firearm or shotgun certificate. I noticed this on their website some years back and it stuck in my mind.

I shot one last Friday with the .410. Total: 40.

I've just watched Dua Lipas set from last night. Again not my favourite music, but I know some her stuff from the radio and one or two of her songs are decent. Paul Heaton has such a great back catalogue of songs stretching back to the House Martin days. He's certainly one our best and prolific songwriters.

Paul Heatons set was great. A shame Jacqui Abbot can't perform, I believe she is out of action due to medical reasons. However the new female lead was up to the task. Not my favourite genre but I watched some of the Sugababes set. I'll be checking out more on iplayer in the coming days. Looking forward to Cyndi Lauper, Coldplay, Shania and Avril Lavigne.

Let's not forget that the Earth has been both extremely hot and extremely cold in the past. The Romans had vineyards as far north as York and Cumbria. Could you grow grapes successfully in a vineyard in Cumbria today? I doubt it very much. In another cycle people will be able to skate on the Thames again like they did in the Victorian era.

I've voted Tory for the past few elections simply to keep Labour out of power. While the two parties might not be able to squeeze a cigarette paper between them, I think with the Tories we have the slightly lesser of two evils. I would like to see the two party system ripped up and would like to vote Reform actually, but I'm not sure it'll do anything. We're in for more rinse and repeat if Labour win. At the next election or the one after that, they'll be voted out. People have short memories.

I'd say he was one of the greats of cinema. Kelly's Heroes, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Don't Look Now and countless more films and even television series.

1 today. Total: 8.

I agree, it's somewhat chilly here in the NW. I don't like those baking hot days though, so as long as it's dry and not too windy I don't mind layering up.

Two more at the weekend. Total: 7. Not many of us popping rats off this year it would seem.

Fair enough, I didn't realise you get the fee back as it's never come up for me.

If it was me I'd just apply and see what happens. All you'll lose is the fee. I think there are laws preventing (though who would police it I don't know) anyone who has spent longer than 3 months in prison for any offence from handling a legal firearm, but this doesn't count in your case. As above you could always still shoot with someone even if you don't have a licence.

Two more rats with the 28 bore yesterday. Running total: 5.

I forgot about this thread. Can't recall how many I've shot this year. I'll start with the one yesterday. A lone rat that was living under the hen cabin. Managed to nab it with the 28 bore. Running total 3.

Thanks for all the replies. I'll try the thermal suggestion and report back. Will be interesting to see what's out there.