Labour's plan for new Bank Holidays

I've never eaten a bloater.

My culinary education is sadly lacking.

Oh Jalima you've no idea what you've missed ... I dream of them. One of the most soothing, subtle, and unique flavours ever. Just the tiniest bit smoky and gamey but in a soft way, if that makes any sense. Rich but delicate and satisfying in a different way from anything else. Even when they were still widely available they had something of the taste of memory about them. The magic of times past - time in its kindest form - and ... this sounds daft ... the essence of companionship. It's impossible to separate the taste-memory from the people you remember sharing them with. Only crumpets, proper old muffins, and Baxter's Potted Shrimps conjure up friend-and-family nostalgia in quite the same way. There was a spiritual quality to the humble bloater. (Not for nothing am I known as a daft ha'porth!) I feel a bit guilty whenever I eat fish fingers because they basically killed off the enormous bloater industry which gave employment to so many ... but at least I waited till it was basically dead and gone before I caved in to the clutch of the finger. Not that I don't adore them - especially in sandwich form! - but bloaters were from some magic realm. You know the feeling some old childhood book illustrations, or sepia photos, can surround you with? That's bloaters and bloater paste. I've heard there's one place left in Great Yarmouth that still has the real thing but I haven't been able to get there. I truly must make an effort and partake of the mystery again.

I really hope you don't go on a bloater-trek and then end up despising the things!

Cheap populist, jingoism, really. I am a member of that party and trust me I know exactly what I'm supporting. By populist do you mean someone who believes in looking after people less fortunate that me, in a good NHS, free education for all, affordable housing. Don't get me started. Daily Mail reader by any chance? I'm 68 and quite cynical when it comes to politics, but Corbyn is one of the most genuine people I have met. Rant over.

How will four more bank holidays help the NHS, Education and housing ?

I will definitely try a bloater when we (eventually) get over to the East Coast for a holiday haporthrosie!

Put it another way, Ab. How will it not help it?

It certaintly will not help things Maizie, fact - A & E are busier over bank holidays, surgeries are closed , schools are closed, benefit offices are closed

GranVee What has your rant got to do with the subject matter of this thread, which is not so much should we have more bank holidays, but are patron saints days appropriate? I think you meant to post your rant on another thread. The one about Corbychev perchance.

Surely, people like you should read the DM. You would then know what it actually says when you condemn it. It would also show how your commitment to Labour is based on a broad knowledge of the political landscape in the country.

I alternate between reading the DM and reading the Guardian. It gives me a good broad picture and stops me committing myself to either of the 2 major parties.