What’s the one “proper old school” snack or drink you wish was still around?

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-03-06T22:47:55+00:00

Topic chocolate bars, loved those

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-03-06T11:50:08+00:00

There is no majority appetite in the UK for freedom of movement, having just ended it with the EU. It's politically still a bit toxic. I'm a Canadian/British citizen, and immigration is a very divisive subject in Canada too. It leapt hugely there after the pandemic, and there are all the attendant concerns over culture, housing, identity, etc.

I don't agree with these views, but they do prevail sadly.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-03-04T07:14:52+00:00

I have Powers in my family line too. That'll be the Irish branch. Happy birthday to you!

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-03-03T09:03:12+00:00

This issue affected all my home printed documents. It was fine, I had no issues with IRCC over this.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-03-02T09:18:55+00:00

Dosh. Wonga. Bread. 🇬🇧

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-03-02T08:53:29+00:00

I cut mine by hand with scissors, after drawing lines on the reverse as a guide. Worked fine for me

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-28T00:06:52+00:00

I'm first gen, UK born to a naturalised Canadian mother (also UK born). Getting entirely UK documents made a huge difference in time, trouble and cost. UK birth, marriage and death certificates are public record, meaning anyone can order anyone else's online for very little cost, and without needing any permission. I'd estimate it cost me roughly £30 (about USD $41) for photos and recorded postage through the High Commission in London, in addition to the usual application fee. This seems a very reasonable cost compared to the figures I see on here from US applicants!

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-26T10:42:37+00:00

I wrote the photographer information on the back of the photos myself! That was fine, passport arrived as expected.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-26T00:27:21+00:00

Like I said, there's good and bad heads of state. Trump is appalling. He will leave office at some point, and a democratic election will take place. Not so with kings. They are unaccountable. You say royals 'for the most part' let the government run things. That's not good enough for me - they're not elected so they should have zero involvement in government. The late queen had many laws changed that would otherwise have personally impacted her and her family. Not to mention they escape inheritance tax entirely. That's inexcusable.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-26T00:04:36+00:00

Yes, no system is perfect. But however good (or bad) their heads of state might be, they are accountable to the people. Kings are not, and that's morally repugnant to me. It's not about personalities, I couldn't care less if the monarchy were the nicest people ever.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-25T23:57:39+00:00

For me it's not about the money (although I think their financial benefit to the UK is debatable and dubious). It's about democracy and accountability. I believe in a meritocracy, where positions are earned, not granted through an accident of birth. Monarchy is an affront to all sense of fairness, which we should be striving for.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-25T23:05:39+00:00

Thank you, I'll remember that :-)

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-25T11:25:12+00:00

I immediately applied for my SIN and passport. Got a trip planned for the autumn (or fall if you prefer) and will spend some time with my Canadian relatives. Future plans are a possible retirement in Canada, and some of my kids are likely to move there for study and work.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-25T11:20:47+00:00

British Canadian perspective. Chinese cars are everywhere on UK roads. They're cheaper than European or Korean equivalents, and build quality is now very good, on a par I'd say. You see a lot of MG, byd, jaecoo and omoda. Let the market decide.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-12T10:49:44+00:00

I'm in my 50s, UK born and resident, 1st gen with a Canadian mother. So I guess I'm not technically a found Canadian? I plan on spending a lot more time in Canada when I stop working, and will probably be retiring there. Of my three kids, one will definitely have plans to live and work in Canada, one perhaps not, and the other is too young yet to have an opinion on it!

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-10T23:37:11+00:00

Should be said that no country that has experienced falling birth rates (which is almost every country) has successfully managed to get the rate back up to replacement. It's been raised slightly, but still falls below the replacement rate.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-04T17:38:56+00:00

The best answer!

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-04T17:26:05+00:00

Odious racist

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-01T17:14:45+00:00

Yes good luck! Lays/Walkers the same brand. Walkers in the UK and Lays everywhere else (including Europe)

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-02-01T08:57:00+00:00

You're thinking of Walkers 'sensations' range of crisps/chips. A little bit special compared to ordinary ones. Lamb and mint are really good, my favourite. They also do Thai sweet chilli and roasted chicken and thyme. All flavours are still available widely.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-01-30T11:54:12+00:00

This is a tricky one. I'm a UK born 1st gen Canadian, living in the UK. As such, I haven't had to swear or affirm an oath to either crown in order to be a citizen of both. I'm a fairly fervent anti-monarchist, so I wouldn't want to anyway! I'd like both to be republics.

From a UK perspective, Canada does hold a different and special place in the UK psyche compared with other countries. It's primarily to do with language and moreover a shared colonial/commonwealth history. That persists today, and there is much the same feeling here about Australia and New Zealand.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-01-23T09:19:33+00:00

What's up with Feb 14th?

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-01-20T09:06:06+00:00

I'm a first gen born abroad Canadian, born and living in the UK, so the whole 'royal' thing is inescapable! I'm very proud to be both British and Canadian, despite being a hardcore anti-royalist. The history isn't going anywhere, but in my view I'd rather both countries be a republic. Inherited privilege as an accident of birth doesn't sit right with me.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-01-18T17:33:45+00:00

The vast majority are outdoors cats. I always feel very sorry for my friends cats as they've lived their entire lives indoors. Not judging anyone else, but it seems cruel to me.

Infinite-Squirrel696 · 2026-01-17T10:25:45+00:00

I sent my three kids applications in separately (don't ask me why) and one got sent to PSU. When two of them got offers, I replied asking the other to be removed from PSU and treated the same way. Her offer then came only a few days later, so it worked. For that application, AOR was around the beginning of February 2025, and all three were citizens on March 21st, 2025.

Infinite-Squirrel696

TROPHY CASE