If it were me, I wouldn't mind a subscription to digital versions of certain newspapers.

I've read nine Dickens novels. Dickensian is a term most of us associate with gloom and privation. There's certainly plenty of that in Dickens, but what often doesn't come over in the TV and film versions is the sheer amount of humour there is too.

I wouldn't want a complete works, because I'd feel compelled to read it through. Everyman hardback copies are the best to have in my view; not much more expensive than paperbacks, and, if sewn bindings, as they usually are, durable enough not to be throwaway items once read.

My Mum's 80th (since passed at 98) asked, and got a trip on the orient express to Venice, a couple of day's stay and flight back. She thoroughly enjoyed the pampering en route. I got the privilege of paying for it and sending my sister along to keep her company. Doubtless Covid would make such a trip more problematic.

How about a hot air balloon ride?

pgk

Hmm

Maybe oysters… But then again, maybe not.

Happy birthday Bill

Cheers
John

For the man who has everything how about a Belly button brush?

Peter

Edited By Flywheel on 20/11/2021 07:30:05

Save time on the final journey, but would the funeral parlour give a discount for being half way there if the end came at 3,000 feet up

Edited By Sam Longley 1 on 20/11/2021 08:01:31

At 80 I didn't want anything and In my own experience and now at 85 with the motivation gone it is a case of how does a man get rid of all that he has accumulated, a book of advice on that subject may be a good present

But that,s me

MichaelR

MichaelR At 88 I quite agree. My trouble is the mind doesn't think I'm that old but the body does

Roy

I hit 80 earlier this year,and still aquiring tools a new logsplitter is on order,though i am in that situation where the question is " do I really need anything as a present ? my wife have agreed that it can be a waste of money just buying a present as a surprise and it turns out that ,well I got it but I not really want it . Well my wife ,a couple of weeks ago said that Karcher were advertising a wet and dry cleaner on the TV and would I like one for xmas, and to her surprise I said yes that would be useful ,I already had a cleaner but a second one could be left in the garage to gather up sawdust from my sawbench ,and the other could remain in my worshop,at 80 it gets harder to carry things about from one area to another too often.

Enjoy the day when it arrives I have less than a year to go . I just wish that all the thinks that I have done I could still do on a bench , This way I would be able to repair . Wishfull thinking.

Regards Bee.M

February is my 80th and don't want any presents to me what my family, neighbours and speed attempt friends have done for me has been priceless.

This year has been memorable and more to come.

Elvington speed attempts, even a go at Melbourne drag racing disability buggies, ride in the 100 mph shed, Santa Pod Euro Nationals, private top classic motorcycle collection visit, Coniston speed record attempts and next weekend Annual AGM, dinner, and awards presentation all done thanks to friends.

My neighbours have been so helpful a surprise for me was an elderly neighbour who is poorly I just keep in touch his daughter gave me a present from him a few words to those housebound means a lot..

The news media is always keen to report the bad side of humans should be more news on the good people do.

I feel young at heart despite the bodywork needs a restore as you may note I was in car body repairs.

Edited By Windy on 21/11/2021 01:22:10

Happy upcoming birthday.

While younger than you I have had the Steam loco driving experience (At Tyeseley Railway Museum in Birmingham) a day driving a tank, hovercraft, 4×4 etc (at Belvoir Castle) and a flying lesson.

I can't help but think of the late Len Vale-Onslow, a lifetime motorcycle enthusiast, who rode up The Mall to Buckingham Palace on his bike on his hundredth birthday and continued motorcycling until the age of 102!

Happy birthday Bill.

Another vote for a Steam loco driving experience day. I had one for my 60th at the Embsay & Bolton Abbey railway and thoroughly enjoyed it. Family came along as passengers.

Stuart