Moving to the dark side...

[Simon]

I only just remember Pogles Wood.  I was 4 at the time.  Hector's House, anyone?  Clangers? 

[Rik]

A bit after my time, I was from the Listen with mother generation...

[Malc]

It had progressed to Watch With Mother for me, Andy Pandy (original), Woodentops, Tales of the Riverbank, Bill & Ben

[zimmerframe]

It had progressed to Watch With Mother for me, Andy Pandy (original), Woodentops, Tales of the Riverbank, Bill & Ben

Yep, me too.  Torchy the Battery boy anyone?

[Rik]

No, but I do remember Uncle Mac, Larry the Lamb and Journey into Space...

[ducky22]

It's very rare you can avoid the charge since the establishment of Openreach. If you have a dial tone and the line has been out of use for less than 30 days, the charge may be waived. It's also possible to get connected at slightly lower rates with other call providers, eg the Post Office.

A friend works as a supervisor in a local BT call centre (residential billing) and the only 'way' to avoid this charge is to pay it then call and complain stating you were never advised initially of the charge. Nasty nasty, but better than giving BT money. I cheated even that and bought her a few drinks to ensure my account was refunded accordingly :-P.

[colirv]

Nasty nasty, but better than giving BT money.

Personally I think it's better to give BT the money.

[ducky22]

Personally I think it's better to give BT the money.

The consensus at BT (I used to be a consultant for them) is that the charge is bad for business and they wish OFCOM would let them remove it. The OP shows exactly why the thread is bad for business, it lost them a customer to Virgin Media.

[Rik]

Ofcom need a regulator to regulate them, imo. So often, they seem to come up with decisions that fly in the face of both consumer and industry interests. 

[ducky22]

Ofcom need a regulator to regulate them, imo. So often, they seem to come up with decisions that fly in the face of both consumer and industry interests. 

yes ofofcom.

[Rik]

Terrible name for anyone with a stutter, Martin.

[Philip]

Noggin The Nog, he was great

[madasahatter]

Noggin The Nog, he was great

and captain Pugwash 

[Rik]

That's set the theme tune off in my head... 

[madasahatter]

come on - sing along with me

a diddle de de adiddle de de de de de de de de de de de.........

[Rik]

I've even got it as a MIDI file if you'd like it as a ring tone.

[madasahatter]

i already have it thanks Rik - and the theme form the Wombles, and Chorlton and the Wheelies 

[Rik]

I bet you haven't got the full set of tunes for an Eightsome Reel though. 

[madasahatter]

Funnily enough.......

no 

[Rik]

Neither have I. I'm still missing De'il among the tailors.

[madasahatter]

well, no life can be considered complete without that 

[Rik]

This is true, at least for someone with my upbringing. I actually thought, at the age of 3 or so, that all gents loos would have a piper in the corner tuning up (it's a long story)...

[Malc]

and captain Pugwash 

You forgot Seaman Stains 


Suprised Jill didn't think of him 

[Simon]

Following that comment, Malc, I expect she'll be calling you Master Bates. 

[Malc]

Or the Chineese male monarch 'Wan'