Conference govt02::basingstoke

>     Does anyone know where I can get some AMSTRAD CF2 diskettes
>    in Basingstoke?.... I have tried Dixons already.     


    Hi,
    	I don't know what CF2's are like, but there's a magic media supplier in
    B'stoke. 
    	HSV Computer Services
    	23 Hampstead Hse
    	0256 463507
    
    I needed disks for an HP Analyser, and they were super cheap.
    
    Now, you're going to have fun finding them!!! They live on the 2nd floor
    of the building opposite Argos (the one with the glass stair-well).
    It's a real maze of twisty little passages!!

    Does anyone know if the shops in Basingstoke are open late any evenings
    this week.  I know they do on Thursdays but with it being Christmas
    week I just wondered if they were open on any other nights?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Karen

    re .1 Found them!   They are out of stock. May have some later in week
          but cannot be sure. They are actually another make but
          compatible. Suggested I rang later in week.
    re .2 Dixons have none, and havent for weeks! Comet neither.
          Considering that these two places must sell a great deal
    	  of AMSTRAD stuff, its a poor show that they never have the
    	  consumables.
    re .3 Karen, Boots are open tonight and tomorrow till 'late'
          possibly 7pm?.... others may therefore follow suit.
    
    Ray.

 >  Does anyone know if the shops in Basingstoke are open late any evenings
 >  this week.  I know they do on Thursdays but with it being Christmas
 >  week I just wondered if they were open on any other nights?
 
Most shops were supposed to open till late all this week, but it seems that on
Monday most of them closed at about 7:30 because there weren't enough people
around to make it worth their while staying open any later.

I was around town about 8:15 and the only shops open were Boots and W.H.Smiths.

Steve

    re .2 
       Tony,
          I managed to obtain some from ALMO COMPUTER SYSTEMS in
          Petersfield. I live that way so it was easy to pick them up.
    
    	  Their telephone number is (0730) 68877.
    
    	Ray.

    Re .5
    
    I went into town last night and the bigger stores were open.  It
    was extremely quiet and I noticed that Littlewoods had closed well
    before their stated 9 pm closing time.
    
    Still, it was super not having to push and crush with all the crowds.
    
    Merry Christmas,
    
    Karen

    My sewing machine has decided to have nervous breakdown in the
    middle of a major sewing project.
    
    Does anyone know of somewhere reliable where I can get it repaired?
    
    Aly
    

    
    re .9 Sewing machine repairs.
    
    Depends on make and urgency of the repair.
    
    My wife's Singer machine jammed up and the Singer shop in Basingstoke
    have said they send machines away on Friday mornings for repair
    and get them back, the following Friday, i.e 1 week turnaround.
    In that time they can do most repairs, up to complete overhaul,
    and you get a guarantee as well.
    
    Hope this helps. Singer Shop is Bas 479200  8 Chelsea Hse Town Centre.
    
    Also noted in Tele-Pages  Sewmaster 15 Wote St. Bas 21500
                      or      B.J.Rice 4 Camberry Close. Bas 23272

    - Brian.
    

    In the Town Centre, just by the new Our Price, in the middle of the
    walkway, is a door.  It doesnt lead anywhere, its a just a door
    supported by two pillars.  Is Basingstoke going all surreal on us?
    
    Mikef

    Is Basingstoke going all surreal on us?
    
    Reminds me of the question:
    
    Q:  How many surrealists does it take to change a light bulb?
    
    A:  Banana!

    Are there screens hidden away in the wall adjacent, such that when
    closed they would form a wall with a door in the middle ?
    

    Not that I could see, just two pillars in the middle of the pedestrian
    walkway, and a door.  i guess they will build out from a shop, but it
    will cause serious bottlenecks by Marks and Sparks if they do.
    
    
    Mikef

    And what happens when you walk through? You find Aslan and The Last
    Battle. And finally you will believe ...
    
    

    And, (I tried this morning) ...
    
    
    
    It's locked
    

re the door...

Is this part of the plan to make the town centre a 'pedestrian free zone' after
the shops shut?

Jc

    	Today's "Breasingsteak Gazette" (all the news printed to fit), has
    	an article about the door. I quote:
    
    			'' Reason for that door
    
         BAFFLED shoppers rub their eyes in amazement!
    	 Smack in the middle of Basingstoke's revamped shopping centre is
         this door [picture], with apparently nothing on either side.
    
         It looks like a door to nowhere, but the glass and steel mystery
         access will eventually have a purpose.
    
         Look up into the roof either side of the door opposite Marks & 
         Spencer and you'll see steel shutters.
    
    				Midnight
    
    	 The shutters are part of a set across Hollins Walk, Wote Street, 
         Church Street and Potters Walk, which will come down every night
         at midnight until 7am to make centre a no-go area and allow for 
         easier cleaning.
    
    	 The door in Hollins Walk is needed to allow families living above
         the shops access to and from their homes when the centre is closed
    	 off.
    
    	 Residents living in 24 maisonettes in Kensington House and Chelsea
    	 House will use a card key system to open it.
    
    	 The first-floor level walkways of the car park will also be
         sealed. ''
    
    	 Ian.

    S'Funny, I was only looking at that door opposite Marks yesterday
    and trying to work out what it is.  I'd love to find out if anyone
    has any ideas.
    
    julia

    
    It's okay Ian. Julia's known to be a bit slow these winter mornings.
    
    Steve.
    

    Ooops sorry, obviously been eating too much tuna fish.
    
    Steve, least it only affects me in the winter unlike someone I can 
    mention.

    
    Directions please to Sanp-On Tools in Basingstoke.
    
    I *think* the address is Rutherford Road but the only telephone
    directory I've got doesn't agree !!
    
    Cheers in advance for any help
    
    Rich
    

    
    Unless they've moved recently, I believe they're near Chineham Tesco's, 
    at the end of Wade road (or its continuation).
    
    As you go round the Tesco's roundabout, take the next exit after
    Tesco's , then first right; Snap on Tools should be on the right.
    
    

Snap on Tools have moved from just off Wade Road (as direction in previous) 
sometime ago.  I am sure they still located somewhere on the Daneshill Estate, 
but I don't know where - sorry I can't help further.

Cheers,
 Karen

    Does anyone know of a shop selling Porcini dried mushrooms in
    Basingstoke or the near area? I used to get them in Sainsbury's
    but they don't have them anymore
    
    roland

Hi there

Did anyone video the 7 O'clock highlights of the London Marathon on BBC 1 last 
night? A friend of mine spotted themselves and was videoing it, but unfortunatly
the tape was stuffed.

Ken De Carlo (781 1676)

    Just a bit of miscellany...
    
    Basingstoke Council licensed a chap to remove pike from the lake at
    Black Dam, 'cos they were eating too many ducks!.
    He's just landed a 7lb + eel (British record is approx 9lb).
    
    Roving reporter

  Throw it back and give it a few more ducks then :-)

    Hi,
    
    I'm off the the Rivermede Centre in Reading on Friday, but currently
    haven't got a clue as to where it is. Can anyone help?
    
    Thanks,
    Dave

;    Hi,
;    
;    I'm off the the Rivermede Centre in Reading on Friday, but currently
;    haven't got a clue as to where it is. Can anyone help?
;    
;    Thanks,
;    Dave


Check with Paul Watterson ..he may have slept in a car outside it once.


KR

That was Newbury! It's in Richfield Avenue. Go into Reading and
follow the signs to Caversham. As you kind of leave Reading,
there's a roundabout with a bug hotel directly in front of you,
Richfield Ave is left at the roundabout. 

I hope that's where it is! I have to go there on Sunday

     <<< Note 77.32 by COMICS::FISCHER "I've got a rainbow in my pocket" >>>

>there's a roundabout with a bug hotel directly in front of you,
                             ^^^

Is this a D.S.S flop house, where life's flotsam, jetsam and scousers stay?

Stuart

    >Is this a D.S.S flop house, where life's flotsam, jetsam and scousers
    stay?
    
    Are we still talking about Paul Watterson here?
    
    ;-)
    
    Mikef

>Is this a D.S.S flop house, where life's flotsam, jetsam and scousers stay?


Nah, they shut the Dagmar.....

    HI,
    	Can anyone recommend someplace that converts UK video format to US
    format (PAL to NTSC?).  I went round town at lunchtime, and got various
    quotes between 35 and 60 pounds for a 50 minute video.  I was being a
    bit naive and trying to get it done by the middle of this week, but
    most places said it would take two weeks.
    
    Thanks
    
    Mikef

        Can't facilities help?
        
        Ian.

    Err...I didnt think of doing it internally, I must admit.  Its for
    personal use, not business, so I guess it would be a bit naughty to do
    that.  
    
    Ta
    
    Mikef

    
    	I have used ECP Video for video conversions, they charged about 20
    pounds for a 1 hour tape (NTSC to PAL).
    
    ECP Video are at :
    
    		STUDIO HOUSE
    		19a LIVINGSTONE ROAD,	
    		NEWBURY (Tel: 0635-38570)
    
    Dave

re .32

That's OK Dave. Don't mention it.

    Anyone know of any good shops/Delis where I can find a decent stock of
    herbs n spices?  Anything more than the basic stuff that Sainsburies
    sells would be helpfull, and any decent Indian stores would be great!!
    
    ta
    
    Mikef  

    Mike,   
    
    There's an "International" store that sells all sorts of foreign food
    down Winchester Road (going out of town between Jim's Chinese Take-away
    and the King of Wessex Public Convenience).
    
    It has all sorts of smelly things in there (or at least it smells that
    way).
    
    Hope this helps,
    
    David L.

    I got my Cardamon pods and Cinnamon sticks from the Health food shop
    near the "Wote Street Willy", i.e. near the Job Centre/Pizzaland area.
    
    tmp

	The Basingstoke Health Food centre, near the bus station, is
	run by the guy who used to have the asian supermarket in
	Winchester Road. It has a very good selection of indian/chinese
	spices and sundries.

    
    Also Owen Owen
    
    Sandi
    

    Has anyone in the CSC got a watch maker's screwdriver I could borrow  ?
    
    One of the arms on my sunglasses is very loose and I need a small 
    screwdriver to tighten up the small screw on the hinge.
    
    Thanks
    
    Royston  x3272

    Royston,
    
    You may find a knife will do the job nicely.  It works for me.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Chris

    Thanks Chris, I'll try that when I get home.
    
    It sounds a little like a VIZ 'Top Tip' :-)
    
    Royston

    If anyone has access to a 'phone book - please
    could you look up the 'phone number for Pheonix Oil.
    It may come under Pheonix Boiler Maintainance or
    some such.
    
    I'm in Reading - and the books here aren't much use.
    
    Regards
    
    Judy

    This any good?
    
    	                    < > Phoenix Fuel Oils
                             Roentgen Rd,Daneshill East
                              Hampshire, RG24 8NT
                              Basingstoke     (01256) 460663
                              Basingstoke     (01256) 460664
                              Basingstoke     (01256) 479440
     
    
    Or perhaps these:-
    
                        < > Phoenix Services (Domestic Oil Suppliers)
                             Armstrong Rd,Daneshill East
                              Hampshire, RG24 8NU
                              Basingstoke     (01256) 331400
                              Tadley          (01734) 820001
                              Andover         (01264) 335858
    

    Many thanks for all the numbers.
    
    It would appear that Pheonix is no more.
    They ceased trading about 2/3 weeks ago.
    
    Oh well - can anyone recommend a supplier of Domestic Central
    Heating Oil ?
    
    Judy

    
    
    Yep, Pheonix was taken over by Rawlings Transport, the fule division
    is now Rawlings Fuels.
    
    Ian

    
    
    
    
    
    Ian,
    
    I thought that particular takeover happened when 
    Phoenix Fuels burnt down an few years ago.  
    What exactly was taken over apart from Pheonix's customer list
    I'm not sure.  
    We, being a Pheonix customer were contacted by Rawlings Transport, 
    and asked if we wanted to transfer our custom to them.
    
    By the time we needed a delivery of oil, we learnt that Pheonix Oil 
    Services (or some such name) - a spin off from Pheonix Boiler Maintance 
    group, had been formed and started supplying Domestic Oil to Pheonix
    Fuel customers (ie us and others like us).
    
    It's this company and it's parent company that have ceased trading.  
    A company called Thames Liquid Services are in the premises and
    I believe looking to take over the customer list.
    
    Because our supplies are getting very low, I have more or less put 
    a pin in the telephone directory, and arranged a delivery within
    the next few days.
    
    So that we can be ready for next time - recommendations would be
    appreciated.
    
    Thanks again for everyones help.
    
    Judy

    HI all,
    
    	Does anyone know of a decent place in Basingstoke where I can get
    Black and White film developed?  I find the quality and cost varies
    enormously, so anyone with experience of doing this I'd appreciate your
    comments...
    
    ta in advance
    
    Mikef

I believe my lodger used Fischers and they looked
ok. ..... 

Personally I found a college course (hence access to 
process and dark rooms) actually reasonably 
cost effective as well as useful and fun. 

    Re-1
    
    Thanks...I'm thinking of going back to doing evening classes again
    anyways...
    
    mikef

    
    Re last few
    
    	Another vote for Fisher Photographic
    			 2 Market Place
    			 01256-22079/29001
    
    Brian.

    HELPPPPPP!
    
    Does anyone have a recording of last night's episode of "OUR FRIENDS UP
    NORTH". I screwed up last night and did not manage to record it for
    her-in-doors and I am not popular at the moment unless I can find a
    copy somewhere.
    
    Many thanks in hopeful anticipation
    
    	Keith
    	Ext: 3021

    re-1
    
    Sorry, I didn't record this weeks, but it is repeated on Saturday
    evening...
    
    hope this helps
    
    Mikef

    I don't suppose the person that borrowed the fan from my desk last night
    could return it...please?  It was taken from a desk in F1, opposite
    Focal Call, and has my name written on it.  
    
    Things have vanished from our area every day this week, from desks to
    stationery.  Maybe I should take the hint....
    
    
    mikef
    

    Thanks - I've reported it to PM&S (ie, Debbie and reception), and poor
    Harry is wandering the building looking for it....
    
    It seems odd - its only a fan, but its a major upset.  wierd.
    
    mikef

    
     Mike.
    
     If you don't get it back, have your Health and Safety person
     arrange for an ergonomic assessment. That way, you can obtain
     a new one if you are feeling uncomfortable. 
    
     Andy.

    Cheers!  I hadn't thought of that....
    
    mikef

    But the fans will need to be assembled and tested in the post
    room...and there's a waiting list....  :-}
    
    hth,
    
    Chris

    Do they come in kit form?  
    
    mike (suffering)

    They're in kit form but, you're not allowed to assemble them.
    
    Health & Saftey you see  ;-)
    
    Chris

    
    
    Push harder. We're worth more to the company than the cost of a couple
    of fans. If you really do get no joy, don't suffer. I'll lend you one
    from a colleague on night shift.
    
    A/.

    Cheers...I'll try and get ergo assesed.  It might be a problem tho -
    every morning things have been moved or taken from my area.  Or dumped
    in here.  It would be just my luck that on the day of an assesment my
    desk and chair will have vanished overnight...
    
    mikef
    

    Folks
    
    The fans are being paid for out of the EH&S budget and are linked to
    the Ergonomic Assessment process.  So, as Andy Hobbs said, get assessed
    and get a fan.
    
    If you don't know who your local Ergo Ass is, ask your EH&S Rep (they
    are probably one and the same thing!).
    
    There are a few EH&S Reps who are not Ergo Ass trained and I've
    requested a training course to close up the gaps.
    
    Jon
    EH&S Manager and general Fan buyer

    I'll pluck up my courage and ask Claire if she is an Ergo Ass...
    
    mikef

    As the Newbury conference is inactive please forgive me asking here.
    
    I understand there is an electrical superstore called Powerstore 
    in Newbury. Are there any Newbury folks out there that can tell me
    if this shop is still trading ?
    
    The reason I ask is that I have an issue with the Powerstore shop at 
    Hedge End but as its now closed down I'm trying to track down another
    store or has the whole chain folded ?
    
    Thanks for any info.
    
    Royston

    set mod=on
    
    	newbury conference inactive - ha!  It has just gone very read-only!
    
    set mod=off
    
    I can't say I've noticed a Powerstore shop - is this the new name for
    the old Electric Showrooms (ie before privatisation?)
    
    Jc
    

    Electronic Yellow Pages did not come up with anything.  The real yellow
    pages shows a Powerstore at 44 Bell St Henley  (Henley 412202)
    
    Jc
    

	The old electricty board shops were bought up and renamed 
	Power<something> (I thought it was Powerhouse but could	
	be wrong). They're losing money though (switch to out of 
	town retailing for leccy goods) and about half have closed.

	Some however are still open and the chain still exists.

	-John

    re .74
    
    I tried the henley no. and was told the whole company has folded and
    no longer exists.
    
    Thanks for your help.
    
    Hmmm,
    
    Royston

	Royston,

	There is a Powerstore at Nursling, just of the M27 in Southampton.
	It was still trading when I was ther two weeks ago.

	Richard

    It's actually off the M271. You'd need Junction 3 of the M27 for the
    M271, then Junction 1 of the M271 for Nursling.
    
    Goldy.

    There is a Powerhouse in Reading in the market place - used to be the
    SEB shop. It was open today.
    
    Andrew

    Where have all the ash trays gone to in the upstairs smoking room?
    
    Only last week there were loads. Now there are only these massive bins
    which means getting up to walk across the room, to flick your ash.
    
    Has the "viables thief" nicked those too. 
    
    Probably to add to his dried flower collection. The same dried flowers
    that went missing from the customer suite.                   

    It sounds as though there's a heavy smoker setting up home!!
    
    
    Keith

    decorating his walls with Euro96 posters etc etc.
    
    Chris

    
     Smoking dried flowers should be a clue to the ID of the thief.
     
     Look for someone staggering around mumbling about crispy roses.
    
     Helpfully yours.
    A/.

    re: GIDDAY::HOBBS "Andy Hobbs, Sydney CSC
    
    Darn, I thought we got rid of _him_  :*)
    
    Jon
    
    p.s
    
    Good to see you back Andy

    
    
    Takes more than 10,500 miles to be out of earshot from me, eh ?
    
    ;-)

    
    RE: 84
    
    Jon, you forgot to tell him about his fine from the H&S meeting the
    other day ;-) ;-) ;-)
    
    Welcome back Andy!!!
    
    Sharon

    I have a friend at Uni who has to write a report on the implications of
    the year 2000. And how it will affect the IT systems of major
    companies, and how the major vendors are getting around this problem.
    
    Where can I get information on Digital's efforts in this area. I know
    VMS does not suffer from this problem, but what about Digital UNIX?
    
    Any input would be greatly appreciatted.
    
    Steven F

    I seem to remember release 3.2G had the fix for the date problem, it
    was mentioned in the release notes.  There's always the notes
    conference on TURRIS:: and the web site.
    
    /tmp

    Steve,
    
    There's a group in Digital especially for this.  We'll have a chin wag
    later.  Although OpenVMS doesn't have a problem, some layered products
    might (that's probably why we're selling them).
    
    Speak later,
    
    Chris.
    PS. I expect this is for Bazza then ?

    Yeah
    
    The ginger bread man has asked for some assistance with his assignment.
    It would make him look good him he got the information from DEC. Make
    us look a little better, if we can be seen to helping a "student" in
    his pursuit of a higher education. :-)
    
    Stevo

    Why is it not possible for resource controller to route calls to the
    service store. Why do they have to route the calls to me first then ask
    in the service wish for me to route it to the service store. 
    
    WHAT A WASTE OF BLOODY TIME

    Did anyone record last nights episode of Thief Takers. I meant to watch
    it, but I fell asleep at 18:30 and did not wake up until 06:00 this
    morning. 
    
    Really screwed up last nights plans.
    
    If you have the video and don't mind me borrowing it then please give
    me a call.
    
    thanks
    
    Steven, AKA metro man

    Steve,
    
    She got shot and died as a result.
    
    Now you don't need to watch it and have an ho ur spare.
    
    
    Hth,
    
    Chris

    AARGH!!!!!!
    
    Sumner I'am going to kill you. 
    
    PS the offer still stands though. Even though I have been told the
    ending.

    Another MISC question for you.
    
    Why is it when the budget is set and petrol prices increase, do the
    prices go up at 18:00. But the prices for cigarettes do not?
    
    Is there a law about selling pre budget stock at pre budget prices, or
    something like that?
    
    Steven F

    Its called "soak the punter".
    
    FWIW,  Petrol is still 55.9 in Tescos in Bicester today (at least 3p
    cheaper than Basingstoke).
    
    Jc
    

    Thanks john. :-|
    
    Anybody have a real reason.

    Steve,
    
    Doubtless somebody will provide a better legal argument but I believe
    it goes something like this ...
    
    If a product is put on display, with a price tag attached (like a pack
    of cigarettes) it is illegal to remove that price tag and replace it
    with a higher price one.  (You can put lower price ones on in order to
    offer a discount).
    
    Product which does not have a price tag attached (such as petrol in a
    pump) can have its price immediately raised.
    
    I expect this is what causes supermarkets like Sainsbury's to label the
    shelf and not the product.  This means that their cigarette prices can
    be raised the moment the Chancellor sits down after his speech.
    
    Jon

    I dont think it is illegal to increase prices at all. Even for products
    that are already on the shelves. I think it would be illegal to
    advertise one price (or mark a price on the shelf) and them attempt to
    charge a higher price for that item. This would make it difficult to
    increase the price while the shop is open (I suppose you could increase
    the marked price, but continue to charge the lower price for some
    hours so that there were no customers who would complain at being
    charged more than they thought when they entered the shop).
    
    Any garage can choose to sell its products at whatever price it
    chooses. It would be perfectly legal for a garage to continue to sell
    fuel at pre-budget prices indefinitely. However, the tax man would
    expect to get the higher tax on all fuel to which the new rate applies.
    This would mean that the garage's margins would go down, so they put up
    the price. When they do that is up to them. The decision would depend
    on the local market conditions. If there is intense competion then it
    might be more favourable to hold the price low for a while. If there is
    no competion at all then they could put the price up as soon as they
    can get the signs changed.
    
    Andrew

    Folks
    	Does anyone have a TV times for last sunday 12th. There was a
    program, on sunday night about the future of families, inventions in
    the area of interactive sex etc. Rather an interesting program, with a
    debate.
    
    Steven F