robbiep

I use a bolt action Webley/Scott 410, with the Saddlery and Gunroom detachable moderator. 50 yards away people know it's a noise, but don't recognise it as a gunshot. Bear in mind that if you're in the middle of the woods then the sound of the shot is getting reflected back to you. There might be virtually no noise making it to the edge of the woods

I seem to recall there is (or possibly was, it's been a while since I was up there) a RFD/agri merchant in Kirkwall. They may be your best bet for club contacts up there.

Used to be a member - didn't stop being one for any other reason than I just very rarely have sundays free. A lovely bunch of people, some great banter and real characters !

If you've been shooting pigeons on that basis for the last 40 years then you've been breaking the law for the last 40 years - and the legal framework isn't going to 'go away', so forget that one. What's going to be the case in the future is that you'll have to keep some records (no matter how contrived) to show that non-lethal means have been attempted, and have failed, before you can go out shooting pigeons. Note for the pedantic : yes, I know that there is no REQUIREMENT to keep records. But if challenged you MAY be required to show that the other methods have been tried and have failed, and that is why you have resorted to shooting the flying rats.

Because the 'normal' types of fence panel will flex in wind, and 'pop out' - as virtually everyone has seen at some time or other. But they also just then slot back into place. Make them far more rigid, and they don't flex - they break. And if the wind is strong enough the panels will act as a huge sail, and even start to uproot concrete posts

If it's a recall then it's mandated by DVLA - they have to write to all owners informing them of the recall, etc. I'll ask the question : were these lease cars by any chance ?

If they're existing payees then it's different. But for new payees the new rules apply - I believe there is a minimum sum, under which it might not always apply, but not sure

You do need the name now - to reduce 'invoice spoofing' if the name on the account doesn't match then the transfer will probably fail, it's called 'confirmation of payee'.

Got a Ctek one for our quad, which doesn't get a lot of use. Not sure of the exact model, but it does a good job

Actually, yes, it CAN be a coincidence. In fact, it most likely IS just a coincidence. It's a 12 year old car. Things fail. Whether or not the car is properly maintained.

Agreed - my 325d gets an oil / filter change roughly every 9-10k miles. I don't like the long service interval, I feel it causes a large amount of Timing chain failures further down the line. Do bear in mind, if getting it serviced indepentently, to ensure that they use the proper 'dpf-suitable' engine oil. Unless heavily abused by a lot of town driving, BMW DPFs are pretty well designed, lasting well past 100k. But it is something that may need budgeting for in the future.

A friend has just got rid of an XC60. They've had Volvos for the last 20 years, but won't be getting another one - have gone for a Hyundai SUV. It was constantly in for faults, niggles, etc from new for the 3 years they've had it.

I've got the (rare) F31 325d tourer - it's the 320d unit, but twin-turbocharged to 218 bhp. With the manual box it returns about 44 mpg on average. Mine is a 2013 car, just hit 6 years old and 75k miles. I've had it since 6 months old and 3k miles. I had the EGR valve fail on it, which was replaced under warranty. Do be aware that there is a recall out on these, and there have been considerable delays in replacement. Ensure the work has been done BEFORE you buy the car (you can check online, on the DVLA website). The work is free, but if it hasn't been done and fails on you then your car could be off the road for some time. Apart from that, the car has been perfect in every way. I've no intention of changing it, will hopefully keep it until 100k+ Don't bother with an xDrive car - unless you live in the absolute howling wilds of Scotland, RWD and a good set of winter tyres will get you through some impressively snowy/icy conditions, even on ungritted minor lanes. If you're local to North Wales / Cheshire and want to have a good poke around one that hasn't been 'tarted up' for the forecourt then just give me a shout.

Do bear in mind that, depending on the area, other security measures, etc. the FEO is entirely within their rights to require you to 'split up' the guns into separate cabinets - thus meaning more work for burglars, etc. in having to get into a second (or further) cabinet(s) (section 19.8 of the Home Office 'Guidance on Firearms Licensing Law') In addition, in this document : https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/117636/firearms-security-handbook.pdf it is discussed that for a 'substantial number' of firearms, additional security may be required. Exactly what a 'substantial number' means is discussed, and it is mentioned that it is variable, depending on a umber of factors.

I disagree. If people don't see that the sheer numbers of pigeons, crows, rooks etc exist, then they think it's just the odd few that are being shot. Show them pictures of the bag (with the count), pictures of the bird's crop opened up, the amount of peas, etc that are in there. Even weigh the amount in the crop, do the maths for them as to how much in crops that number of birds will take - every single day.

Also be aware that a lot of Cities have introduced restrictions on how much / how long a property can be available / used for in the year, before it is regarded as a hotel rather than a house, and thus needs a change of planning permission. Also, AirBNB and all the others provide details of owners, income, etc to the taxman. Who may just take his time and let you hang yourself with a fraudulent tax return, if you were that way inclined ...

My FAC renewal form arrived in the post today. I'll be filling it in and sending back next week, will report as and when

If you've still got any, try a local broker

Google the garage, get their phone number and contact them directly ?

Any idea if this applies to Wales ? NRW don't have anything on their website

Yes. But that's it, until the new arrangements come in - hopefully next week

Will this apply in Wales, I wonder ? NRW website doesn't mention any changes https://naturalresourceswales.gov.uk/permits-and-permissions/protected-species-licensing/uk-protected-species-licensing/general-licences-2019-birds/?lang=en

You completely ignored the one and only word that I highlighted - specific. Yes, '22' and 'rf' does describe the calibre and type of ammunition. But it is not specific, as is described as required in the HO guidance manual. The police would be perfectly entitled to take a very dim view of such an application or variation.

Only problem with that is that the police may well reject the application ... From the Guidance Manual : Applicants are required to enter the calibre and type of firearm(s) and ammunition to be purchased or acquired. The information will normally need to be specific and not cover a range of calibres or a generic group such as .22 CF (centrefire). Far easier to complete it as he actually wants, rather than potentially being seen to be trying to take the ****

As you say, to see everything 'wake up' for the new day is wonderful in itself. I've been out on a few stalks where a shot hasn't been on for one reason or another, and I can honestly say it doesn't detract from the day one bit.