4th April, 2026.
It’s a long weekend: as it’s Easter!
We had a public holiday, yesterday: and another on Monday, 6th April.
The fact yesterday was a public holiday was something I’d realised: but didn’t necessarily think through.
Over the past couple of years?
I’ve put in for help from Southend Council’s Essential Living Fund.
They’d give out a grant to people in Southend and Thurrock, and to people outside those areas, but still in Essex.
So?
I visited the relevant website to put in another application: totally forgetting I’d seen news that told me the scheme behind the fund … had been restructured …
And only remembering this, yesterday, when I saw the relevant forms were no longer available.
There’s a few other options.
But the first option I thought of, was to phone Southend Council, to ask if they knew where these sites could be found.
Completely forgetting that yesterday was a bank holiday: and that, therefore, the office was closed.
The — hopefully polite — email I sent, the one that asks the same question … will get picked up this Tuesday: as Monday’s another bank holiday!
Ever get the feeling I’m frustrated … ?
~≈😩≈~
Actually, that’s a point: my rent goes up, on Monday.
On the Easter Monday bank holiday.
Yes: I know by how much it goes up, too.
I’ve got the letter about it, from my landlord.
So?
I can fill in the online form, on Monday.
Assuming the dratted site lets me!
~≈😒≈~
I mentioned, yesterday, that I was heading for the Romford branch of CeX: as the trains were running, and the place was open.
I had a blu-ray box set — season 21 of the classic era of Dr Who — to sell on.
Something the Romford branch bought for £27.
I couldn’t help but notice something, though.
That CeX were selling this particular boxset, second hand, for £60.
When — at the moment — Amazon are selling the same set for £57·99.
You could argue that CeX are charging the same, effective, price: when you factor in the cost of delivery.
Except, of course, Amazon give you a free standard delivery, if your order is over £35.
Given CeX pays discounted rates of Value Added Tax*, of VAT, on the second hand goods they sell … ?
I think someone’s raking it in …
~≈🤔≈~
