Grans are grandma's and grandpa's

I like the atmosphere we have on Gransnet. That comes from it being mostly women, but with no bar on men - they have their input and they are welcome.

I do think though, that forums (fora?) which are mostly made up of men seem to become fight clubs or "see me, I'm macho" displays. Those who have joined Gransnet don't do this, (or maybe if they are so inclined they don't stay)

It is a matter of balance. At the moment it is just right, it could stand some more male views, but not so many that the inmates take over the asylum.

By "you" I meant any/all grandads.

What on earth makes you think I need suggestions from you as to what forums I should join!

I really don't care whether you stay or go.

pompa don't you go anywhere I may need some help with my plants soon and I will miss the chats in the shed with the secret supply of cakes hidden away from glass

If you would prefer a women only forum, why not join one, there are several available, a quick Google search has found at least 10 specifically aimed at women only.

I'm sure that you could eventually persuade the men on here to leave if that is what most want. We won't stay if we are not wanted.

I think if we had lots of grandads posting it would certainly change the dynamics, and some grannies might not feel as secure as they do now. One or two is OK.....

I like the logo of the women with the banner - harking back to crusading women and reminding me how much I owe them. It also makes me believe (naively?) that grans today could band together and have some influence although we seldom agree on anything. So please don't change the logo.

I was going to say that I don't mind having the male presence but, in reality, I like it better just being women as we don't really have all that many places to just be women.

I think there was some discussion at the outset on the subject. Some were in favour, others not so much. However, I am only stating my preference.

Can't imagine any man in my family, whatever age, wanting to sit over a computer chatting to a bunch of grannies!

But each to his/her own.

To be fair, there is a 'being a gran' slot at the top of the page, which, when you open it, says 'good granny guide.' This, accompanied by an image of two women. It's easy to infer from that that this is for grans only. I welcome grandads' views, too.

Perhaps the logos and sections for topics beyond the forums should be amended to reflect that men are welcome, too?

pompa, I don't think jingl's view reflects majority opinion. Gransnet is clearly designated as 'grandparents' web site'.

inimjingl, I have been a member of Gransnet almost from Day1, there have always been a few Granddads, and they have been welcomed. Early on the discussions were largely based around Grand-parenting issues, as the membership has grown the subjects have become more diverse.

As far as I am aware, you are the first person to openly say that Granddads should not be on here, there may be others that think that way, but I have not seen any hostility to our presence. Hostility to our views, yes, but that is a different thing.

As far as our wives views, I only know Mrs. P's apparent view. She often watches over my shoulder and looks at the various posts, she views them with a mixture of interest, amazement and amusement. We often discuss the subjects and views posted. One day she may join, she is very interested in the book group, but her U3A book group keeps her busy reading atm.

Be careful with those cakes - they may be virtual cakes, but I blame them for the real pounds that I put on. (Nothing to do with a week in Italy !)

Yum, I love cakes and pastries. Imagine my delight on moving 470ks away to find the local bakery in the main town has Sponge Kisses. Two very light sponges about the size of the palm of your hand, joined together with jam and fresh cream. I have not seen them since I was a child and the taste just took me back to my school days. I don't have one every week but sometimes I eat two.

Back to the much more interesting subject of pastries now ladies!

(Though i am a bit sugared out today after a day at a May Fair yesterday! )

Oh, and Pompa, I joined because it seemed to be the obvious thing to do after being a member of Mumsnet for quite a few years, and enjoying some good chat on there.

I don't think I read any terms and conditions before I signed up on here. Just drifted across.

Little Chef is a greatly under-rated chain -they used to do a very good steak and their chips were crisp - none of those white, flabby things you get in UK chip shops! Even if I don't need to eat, when I am in England I often pop in for a cup of tea and to use their toilets, which are always sparkling.

My other pleasant find in England was garden centre tea rooms, which usually have fresh food at very reasonable prices. I shall be taking my sister out for a drive every day next week, and we will be having lunch either there or in a pub.

Greatnan* when I was still working and had to travel to various prisons round the country, my morning treat when travelling along the A1 or through the Lake District was to stop at one on the many Little Chefs along those routes for coffee and toasted teacakes - delicious!

There's a pastry shop in nearby Macclesfield with a small cafe, which does the most delicious cinnamon toast, not to mention lots of other yummy stuff!
I daren't go near it too often!

Please stop talking about delicious pastries! I love a toasted tea-cake , the kind with raisins in them, thickly buttered. I used to have one with a pot of tea at the various Little Chef cafes.

I find I have a lot in common with some people, regardless of their gender, and nothing whatsoever in common with others. I am glad Gransnet is welcoming to all grandparents, or even just to older people who are interested in our huge range of topics. I don't think it has anything to do with being politically correct (which is not a term of abuse to me) but just being open and friendly. Welcome, chaps!

Yep. That's a bannock, anno. In Orkney they make them with barley meal (beremeal) (also in the Lake District at the time of the Vikings). 'That' being the wedged bready/caky thing. Round here, thick oatcakes are just thick oatcakes .

yoga, I have never heard pancakes called bannocks. In the Borders a Selkirk bannock is a kind of fruity cake made with yeast in a round shape and divided into wedges that are then cut and served with butter. In the rest of Scotland, a bannock is a think oatcake made with coarse oatmeal - delicious with cheese or marmalade (in my experience).

I think this site was most probably set up with grans in mind. The same as Mumsnet was set up for mums.

But then the organisers felt they had to be pc.

I can't imagine why a man would want to come on here. It just doesn't seem a man thing.

I wonder what their wives think.

Yoga

Work tomorrow, and wednesdayand thurs!
Goodnight all!
Sleep well!

The mighty engines on the CPR?

Bannocks -no, I'm not swearing at you nanac - perhaps I should explain that bannocks are scotch pancakes