Crap weather for August 2026

[Marco]

No, the Sainsbury just round the corner from me.

Yeah, it didn't sound like Aldi (or Lidl).

Marco.

[Marco]

I always have cash and when I was working I might give them ten bob or a quid but can't afford to do that any more.

A girl I worked with used to do that, she told me 'If you just give them money they'll buy drink or drugs with it!'
Well so what? Can't see as it matters.

Same here, we always have cash on us, but pay by card. We give the genuine homeless some cash. Like you say, so what, if I had to sleep outside under a cardboard box every night, I'd need drink or drugs to get me through it!

Marco.

[Macca]

Same here, we always have cash on us, but pay by card. We give the genuine homeless some cash. Like you say, so what, if I had to sleep outside under a cardboard box every night, I'd need drink or drugs to get me through it!

Marco.

True but sometimes the reason they're homeless is from doing too much drink and drugs in the first place. But by the time you're begging outside the supermarket it's all over really, they're never going to make a comeback to the world.

Like a youth I knew from around. Stopped at the cash machine on the way home and he's begging there. Last time I'd seen him a couple of years back he was just starting a well paid job as a machine operator, just moved into a flat with his girlfriend, lovely girl with her head screwed on.

Found out what happened later. He started using the money to buy a bit of smack now and again, pretty soon he can't be arsed to go to work so got the sack. Had a bust up with his lady and smashed up her flat so she kicked him out. Doesn't take much to go from hero to zero, there but for the grace of God and all that.

[Barry]

One 'accessory' homeless buggers used to have would be a manky-looking dog with them, hoping that passers by would feel sorry for the dog and give the begger some money.

I heard a tale from a former work colleague who asked if he could help, and was told to go into the supermarket and buy something for the two of them. He did, handed over the tin of dog meat he had bought and walked away. Almost immediately he heard the sound of breaking glass as the begger threw the tin through the supermarket window!

[Macca]

The dog is usually a sign they're really rough sleeping since they won't let you have a dog in the shelter.

The purpose of the dog is to guard you while you sleep.

[Marco]

TBH, we don't have much of a problem here with beggars outside supermarkets. The best way of helping those who genuinely need help is to take an active approach and do something useful.

Every Wednesday night, Del spends two hours at the local homeless centre, feeding them and just generally having a chat with them. She cooks all sorts, from southern fried chicken and lasagne, to curries and casseroles, and they love it...

Word's spread and there are queues out the door now when they know that Del's cooking!

Marco.

[Barry]

I used the past tense: you don't see rough sleepers with dogs these days.

[Pigmy Pony]

TBH, we don't have much of a problem here with beggars outside supermarkets. The best way of helping those who genuinely need help is to take an active approach and do something useful.

Every Wednesday night, Del spends two hours at the local homeless centre, feeding them and just generally having a chat with them. She cooks all sorts, from southern fried chicken and lasagne, to curries and casseroles, and they love it...

Word's spread and there are queues out the door now when they know that Del's cooking!

Marco.

And I bet you're always at the front of the queue, wearing that outfit you do the gardening in

[Marco]

Lol, we play that game on a Tuesday!

[Barry]

And I bet you're always at the front of the queue, wearing that outfit you do the gardening in

Marco does the gardening wearing a Laura Ashley frock and high heels (to aerate the lawn at the same time)! Causes quite a stir at the homeless centre.