As an agnostic

Up far too late but making the most of days away from work & now DH is watching a movie. This thread caught my attention as it changed to talking about gathering elsewhere to worship and is the expense of some of the most wonderful church buildings and cathedrals worth it. My answer is they are absolutely worth it. Many of those magnificent buildings are part of our heritage and they are there for a purpose. I was a regular church attendee in my 30s & 40s. Our minister died and we moved House. I have never found another church I felt like attending so I stopped going. I did venture to a local well healed church in my area only to find it was being used like a glorified social club. I was made to feel welcome but the whole atmosphere lacked reverence and I knew by the tone of the sermon it was all about the tea and cakes after the service and all the socials about to happen. I’m far from a prude,nor am I holier than thou, far from it, but I feel churches should be held in reverence when we enter the building and the chatter and hilarity should cease until we leave. Perhaps one day!

Rules changed 9 years ago.
That explains it GG!

Jalima1108

Rules changed 9 years ago.
2009 was the year when the donation ceiling went from 65 to 70 due to the NHS determining that people, in general, were becoming healthier and living longer.

Yes Alexa and we have freedom of choice .

That was a sampler in the family Manse, stitched by my great grandmother , it was beautiful.

^or not up to date with the blood service services.
Receiving texts re where your donation goes is not a very new idea but one starred about 3 years ago. ^
Out of date Gabriella
It is more than three years since DD worked for the service.
DH was told that, being over 70, his blood was no longer required.
I am not suitable.

Quotation via Anniebach worth repeating:

The Book of Micah tells us

‘ he hath shown thee oh man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee ‘ but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God’.

In the name of religion ? I have a problem with this , it is used so often . Anyone can do wrong in the name of religion, All police officers take an oath

I, ... of ... do solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm that I will well and truly serve the Queen in the office of constable, with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, upholding fundamental human rights and according equal respect to all people; and that I will, to the best of my power, cause the peace to be kept and preserved and prevent all offences against people and property; and that while I continue to hold the said office I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law.

I used to go to donate blood, but they always refused it. I gave up in the end.

The crusades are an example of the evil that can be wrought in the name of religion - no suggestion that anyone currently on Gransnet took part! But that desire to convert the whole world to one's own religion is not unknown to this century; and it would seem that it justifies any number of atrocities.

* started not starred

Jalima1108
You are either misinformed or not up to date with the blood service services.
Receiving texts re where your donation goes is not a very new idea but one starred about 3 years ago.
As for not being able to donate beyond the age of 70. You can continue to donate blood for as long as your health permits, ie: you fulfil the criteria on the form you fill in each time you donate and the oral questions must be answered satisfactorily when interviewed by the nurse who takes your blood sample (for iron levels).
Past the age of 70, you must have donated within the previous 24 months.
I donate as often as permitted which, for women, is every 16 weeks ie: 3 times a year. You can't donate for the 12 months following pregnancy either.
I have a common blood group which can be donated to most people. It takes about an hour but only 4 minutes for my actual blood to be taken as I am a particularly 'fast' donor...the flow is good.
Every little helps.
I've been donating since I was 21.
I hope that makes things clearer.

Sorry but this now reminds me of Hancocks ‘The Blood Donor’ when he kept checking if his blood had been used ?

That must be something new then GabriellaG54
Interesting to know what happens to it after donation.

DD used to work for the Blood and Transplant service and quite a lot happens to donated blood before it is sent on its way to wherever it is needed.

They must be desperate for yours - are you an unusual blood type? Most donors have to give up by the age of 70 so well done.

*Lpast last.

I like that nowadays, they text to say which hospital it was sent to. Lpast August lot went to QE in Birmingham and due to donate again in 2 weeks.

!!

^ I didn't notice any permanent change in my attitudes following it.^
Obviously you didn't receive any from Gabriella then, mumofmadboys

I have had a large blood transfusion when I nearly bled to death after childbirth. I had 15 units, likely from 15 different donors ,and very grateful and thankful I was for it too. I didn't notice any permanent change in my attitudes following it....

MOMB
Oh! I don't think it's an odd comment but then,that's just my skewed thinking.
For sure, I wouldn't want anyone elses blood in me and I'm sure there are at least some who wouldn't relish the idea. It might mean that their attitude might become somewhat similar to mine...
There have been organ transplants where the recipient's tastes in food, talents and even language has changed.

Race memory is a powerful thing though. There was no one alive who could be held responsible for Cromwell's actions, and the over running and settlement of Ireland, in 1916, but a group still rose in rebellion. Just as the Islamic extremists see the Gulf War and Afghanistan as modern day crusades and believe they have to fight Westerners.

doubt there is anyone alive today who could be held responsible for The Crusades

What a very strange comment Gabriella! If I don't like some of your comments it doesn't mean I hate you. Not at all. I don't even know you.

And let us not even visit the crusades and Ireland!

All understandable annie - they were/are indeed human. This is very different from the institutionalised debarring of women and debasement of homosexuals.

gabriella thank you. Everything now clarified. We obviously have a different understanding of the word respect.