beeches


Joined: 17/03/2009
Posts: 134

Message Posted:
29/05/2010 22:47

The last line of the advert in Cyprus Today for the BRS Summer Dinner and Dance - 'Carriages at Midnight' just about sums up this pretentious and out-moded organisation.

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
29/05/2010 23:04

said it on another thread , self appointed noughts , if you need a BRS , what are you doing here in the first place ?

AnthonySmith


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 08:29

To be fair, Rowlo, I believe there is a need for an organsation like the BRS. I am not a member and do not wish to be, but moving to a different country is fraught with difficulty and there is lots of conflicting advice.

I know before I moved out here I did ask questions of the BRS, but was told I had to be a member, so they didn't win me over. The clash between those here before the Yeni Brit invasion was bound to happen and any organisation will attract "self-appointed noughts" - that's the way of the world, I guess. The BRS has done little to help people with property problems, and, I believe, at one stage in the last couple of years blamed it on the victims. It needs to move with the times. It hasn't, but the pace of change can't be too quick, I believe.

joanie1


Joined: 25/07/2008
Posts: 164

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 09:01

I thought it would be nice to join the BRS as a lot of my friends are members but having an Irish passport did not think I was eligible - even though I lived and worked in England for over 40 years and still pay British taxes. However when I visited the BRS hut before Christmas I was told by Mr Day that I was elegible ,to become an associate member and took away a form to fill in. I filled in the form then with my usual sense of urgency filed it away until yesterday and went to see the two gentlemen manning the BRS stall at Lambousa market. I was told sorry I could not join as an associate unless I had a 'partner' with a British passport. I explained thatI did not have a 'partner' but my late husband was English but died eight years ago. That apparently is not enough.

Is the BRS racist? Of course not. Perhaps they are so stuck in the days of the Raj that they don't realise we all have EU passports- mine with a harp on the front BRS members with a crown. Sad I think.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 09:15

NO chance for me then joanie, like you i have an irish passport and guido has an italian one, maybe we should start a european residents society. its discriminition

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 09:21

Appart from group hugs all round, can anyone tell me anything of any metit the BRS have done to help the poor Brits shafted in the TRNC ?



I won't hold my breath....

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 09:27

RE messages above: I find the truth about and the reputation of the BRS important enough to this time break my decision not to write on this board again (reasons can be found in another thread).



The facts. Six years ago I asked the BRS to make it possible for EU citizens (non-British passport holders) to become members of the BRS. The BRS decided to meet my wish and made it possible to become an associate member. Which my wife and I (both Dutch citizens) did. So we were the first EU citizens (non-British passport holders) to become associate members.



If - as EU citizens (non-British passport holders) - you wish to join the BRS (an organisation in TRNC I fully support for several reasons, but they are not important here to mention) you may print and show my message to the current Committee - they may not know the exact history of associated membership. Good luck!

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 09:35

Hans,



I remember when you joined the BRS, it seemed to signal a way forward to a "Foreign Residents" group which would certainly be more appropriate and give a larger base of representation.



Unfortunatlye the BRS is now in such a state of disarray the best thing would be for it to disband its Raj like roots and for the so called new blood like Stephen Day, Alex Main etc to start a new group. That way the will gain a new and quickly increased membership to fight for the rights of all foreigners here.



David

Mallard


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 107

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 09:54

Joan, I am appalled at what happened to you yesterday. In my opinion you should have been accepted especially as I have German neighbours who are members.

I absolutely agree with Hans, membership should be awarded to EU citizens but after it was awarded to some I think I remember mention of it being problematical because it could extend to inclusion of Greeks/Greek Cypriots, although highly unlikley i would have thought.

You need to bring this matter to the attention of one of the main members of the BRS committee for clarification.

Whilst on the subject of the BRS I have reservations about some of the honourary members, one of the subjects up for discussion at next Saturday's meeting.

RickF64


Joined: 07/01/2009
Posts: 173

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 11:17

Sal, part of the problem on this thread is that Joanie, MSJ 4, tried to join the BRS and was refused!

I think from the precedents set by other Irish passport holders, there must be a mistake by the two 'gentlemen' at Lambousa and I have asked the BRS membership secretary for clarification asap.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 11:22

RE msg 10, Sal1262: Before I leave this thread I want to compliment you on your top-quality message! The best and most balanced message in all threads about the BRS on this board.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 11:39

That the BRS has not succeeded in preventing the June 6th auction of Kulaksiz 5, by remonstrating at the highest government level, should be proof positive that they are an ineffectual and useless organisation.



Refute that, BRS - if you dare!

Sal1262



Joined: 03/05/2010
Posts: 174

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 11:56

John,



Please correct me if I am wrong. I know little about the BRS, what I do understand is society membership. If by the majority of members there is a desire to act or bring influence on your above mentioned issue this should become a mandate for the BRS. If it hasn't then it's not their concern. It is by the same token that we accept democracy as the most civilised method of governing. Without democracy the alternatives are dictatorship and (or) anarchy.



BRS by my understanding is a support network. Are the people affected by the issue you mentioned members? If so have they raised it at the appropriate juncture. The answers to these questions provide the start of end to your argument. I am not going to spell out the answers because they are plain to see.

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 13:26

sal1262,



You have a lot to learn as a new member.



The BRS tells all they will sort all our problems. They do naff all except feather their own nests by having tea with the president saying the represent the views of all British Nationals. In fact they represent less than 10% of those most only joined to get the 10% discounts at various outlets.



My dealings with them as I have said before I will not go into on a public forum, yes I will, they called me a liar in the press and refused to apologise when the evidence was presented.



So I will call them all I want until such time they become an all inclusive organisation not one for the Raj only.

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 13:27

Sall262, Apart from the political parties of the UK, which other society claims to be the official voice of both members and non-members? That type of statement and action from a minority group is akin to a football supporters club claim of "We are the Champions" following a simple win at the start of the season.



I have nothing against societies - either with or without secrets - provided they exist for the members alone and do not try to become something similar to a political party. I did not come here under my own resources, with the intention of leaving all things of this type behind, to now find there is a whole society dedicated to improving my lot in life.



I am capable of doing that myself, in fact I have, I left the UK and improved my life beyond measure. I now hope that the local societies will be good enough to leave me alone and stop speaking for me - I do not speak for them!

Sal1262



Joined: 03/05/2010
Posts: 174

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 15:00

The watch word on this thread needs to be 'tolerance'.



Mick I respect your view and wholeheartedly agree with you. I too will singularly endeavour to integrate myself in to a lifestyle of my choosing.



David, please don't patronise me. I may be a new member to the board but I'm not new to life's issues.



My lifestyle philosophy is and will always be, 'Each to their own' and 'Freedom of choice'.

begonia


Joined: 19/05/2009
Posts: 229

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 18:48

For goodness sake ! 'Carriages at midnight' is a well known way in the Uk of saying on the invitation that the event finishes at midnight and you are expected to go home.

I can't believe some of you. You find anything that is not familiar to you and you rubbish it.

As I've said many times before you have HUGE chips on your shoulders. OK you're 'working class' but noone

abuses you for it . I have often wondered if some of you actually went to school but I keep that thought to myself. No wonder the new expats are laughed at.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 19:10

Msg 18

If I pop along with Cinderellas lost slipper at midnight, do I score or turn into a pumpkin?!



Richard

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 19:23

Begonia, thank you so much for the general classification of all as "working class" it must be terrible to be an exiled member of a Royal Family, our thoughts are with you as we bow and pull our respective forelocks.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 19:26

I did actually go to school, and I did work for a living, but I have never personally seen that expression on an invitation, obviously I must have moved in different circles than Begonia.

If everyone attending these type of functions is so pompous I'll just stick to my own class.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 20:06

I joined the BRS back in 2007 after receiving good advice from Mike Monaghan I think it was, at the regular Pegasus bar Friday morning 'surgery.' I have an apartment in NC and visit regularly. When annual renewal time came around, I heard nothing & got no response from emailing. I've since tried to rejoin but now I'm 'person non grata' it seems as we are not permanently resident. I can only assume the rules have changed & they don't want to have non TRNC resident, UK citizens as members. I would have thought that the extra fees would have come in handy & we would not be a drain on resources. Email newsletter would have been good.

ang1706


Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 570

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 20:11

What is the problem with 'Carraiges at Midnight' being on the itinery!!



On Sergeants Mess Functions in the Parachute Regiment it was always on and you can never say that A Sergeants Mess is in the 'Raj'



Would you rather see an official itinery saying - Transport/Taxis at 12!!



This was an official function and I commend the BRS for organising it and bothering to inform people by means of an itinery!!



Regarding the membership criteria, I do think the BRS should embrace the other nationalities- but this is as quite rightly mentioned a membership decision and to amend the Rules and Regulations needs a vote of approval from members.In this day and age and in Cyprus we do not need 'Secret Societies'.

begonia


Joined: 19/05/2009
Posts: 229

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 20:15

Waddo....I am not an exiled Royal. I do not belong to the BRS (although they couldn't have been more helpful when I needed help. Perhaps it was the way I approached them. I didn't call you all 'working class' but some of you are huge inverted snobs. Being working class is only a problem if you have a chip on your shoulder.

Treat others as you would like to be treated yourselves. For some reason BRS bring out the worst in you.

Apologies if I have offended you .

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 20:16

Now i am no expert in this field but it seems to me that they look at thing like this, if your face doesn't fit then your not pissing in my pot !! i could be wrong ?? but i aint )

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 20:16

I'm a tad puzzled here. Does the word 'British' in the title give a clue at to whom the society if for? Do I moan about not being able to join, say the 'Dutch Residents Society' (No idea if one exists, it's a example)? Err, no. I don't get worked up about joining the Non UK citizen Lesbian, Bi sexual, Gay, Trans gender TRNC train spotting Society either.

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 20:19

But isn't a certain Dutch *gentleman* a member of BRS ?

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 20:29

hattikins

' But isn't a certain Dutch *gentleman* a member of BRS ?'

He is an associate member and as such does not have the same rights as a full member.

AJ

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 20:31

Message 27



Please read message 7 it is as plain as the nose on your face.!



Chris

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 21:13

RE msg 26, AJ: (...) He is an associate member and as such does not have the same rights as a full member. (...)

=> Exactly, AJ. And to add the details: associate members cannot vote and cannot hold any office.



Maybe all people of good will should ask themselves this more often (paraphrasing Mr Kennedy, the late President of the USA): "Don't ask what the BRS should do for you, ask yourself what you can do for the BRS - AND YOUR FELLOW-BRITISH."

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 21:23

So should I wish to join (which I don't) which passport do I need to show, my British, French or NZ one? I'll be be banned for being multi-ethnic!



Richard

ang1706


Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 570

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 21:40

Another one who cant read!!!!

doddies


Joined: 16/02/2009
Posts: 102

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 21:46

I can remember back in 2003 when visiting Pegasus (known as the Pigsa**e) and attempting to sit on a bar stool was given a "look of death" as this was a BRS members "own" stool! That was the cue to say no thank you to "your club"

Message 23 ......sorry...we are not in a Para` regiment we are NC residents.

Hans, message 30..... a society? why have "full" members and "associate" members? i don`t think JFK was referring to a two-tier system!

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 22:18

OK, there have been a lot of negative things being said of the BRS right now, and i normally do not join in on 'political' matters, to be honest, i dislike confrontations of any sort, being in real life or in the cyber world...but for this i feel the need to say something...

A few years ago i had a car accident..to those that don't know, it was rather a bad one. Anyway, i had up until then never had anything to do with the BRS, and never thought i ever would...and if i am honest, never wanted to either. However, they helped me in ways i had no right having! They sorted out, a wheelchair, walking sticks, dog walkers, house cleaners, they even sent folk round to just talk to me as my friends at that time were suddenly too busy, and couldn't face me anymore!

Anyway, i'm sure you don't want to hear the rest, but needless to say, i have now got got some firm friends within this society, and it saddens me beyond belief that it has gone so sour. I wish all the members luck in finding..cont

daisy dukes


Joined: 06/09/2008
Posts: 3815

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 22:21

a solution to this awful mess that seems to have happened, and i hope that everyone can move on from this and perhaps rebuild a helpful organization....





DD

ang1706


Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 570

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 22:24

Great to hear that Daisydukes, its good and have to say that there are not many about but I hope that the future BRS can be as helpful for other people and play a bigger active part for the community.

I know there are a lot of good and well intentioned people involved with the BRS and agree there has been a lot of negative things said about them, thats why I wholeheartedly welcome your message and hope we hear more.

jamestalbot


Joined: 20/12/2009
Posts: 958

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 22:38

it's the usual thing of people moaning about an organisation they are not members of, leave it to the members, also I notice people posting about Dopi TV who are not customers, these people just want to have moan, get a life off here.





Please use your energy and time in being more positive about the, many businesspeople in TRNC such as Lilli, who does a great deal for the community.



James

ang1706


Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 570

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 22:43

Well said James

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 23:36

as i said ,a bunch of meaningless noughts ?

Sal1262



Joined: 03/05/2010
Posts: 174

Message Posted:
30/05/2010 23:44

Les,



We get the message!!

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
31/05/2010 10:36

Message 29

But what is not as clear as the nose on your face is why someone of Dutch origin has been given associated membership yet someone of Irish origin has not been invited to join as an associated member, perhaps you know the reason for this situation.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
31/05/2010 11:53

Sal1262/Msg 14:



Do I detect a slight note of patronisation in your response to my msg 13 posting?



However, since you claim to know little about the BRS, I doubt there was any necessity to pontificate about 'democracy'!

Sal1262



Joined: 03/05/2010
Posts: 174

Message Posted:
31/05/2010 14:06

John,



Your just entered a phase in your life akin to a Grumpy Old Man. Somewhere between Gordon Brown and Victor Meldrew on a scale of Grumpiness.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
31/05/2010 14:17

Msg 43

Old, he may very well be but as far as grumpiness goes, you are well off the mark! Wish I'd achieved a quarter of what 'John' (Roy!) has accomplished in his 98 years!



Richard

beeches


Joined: 17/03/2009
Posts: 134

Message Posted:
31/05/2010 23:00

'For goodness sake' begonia (message 18) what's wrong with the saying the event finishes at midnight? We do not live in Victorian England.

Sal1262



Joined: 03/05/2010
Posts: 174

Message Posted:
31/05/2010 23:56

http://www.debretts.com/home.aspx



Why not while away an hour or two upskilling to a more graceful plain and decorum.



Instead of just bit*hing and sl*gging the sh*t out of each other on eer. Where wus you brought up then? In't gutter.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
01/06/2010 00:05

Goodness, Sal1262 must have ended up in Switzerland at finishing school instead of going to University to have got a grasp of the real World!



Richard

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 00:42

Msg 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHZeMeIX6pY

I knew I'd seen you before!



Richard

ang1706


Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 570

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 07:48

This thread has lost it.

People are now reverting back to churlishness!!

newscoop


Joined: 23/12/2007
Posts: 2197

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 08:29

Angus;



This thread was always ridiculous



it has just found its own level.



A bit like Rafa and the reds.

yogi1


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 98

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 10:49

If you need to join the BRS you must be sad . End of.

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 12:12

Freemasons of the North springs to mind. )) Your having a laugh i have just sat a read the whole Thread.!!



and the Freemasons go South.!



Spider,X

ang1706


Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 570

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 12:21

Newscoop,



And we cant get rid of RAFA either!!

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 15:09

Just to inform those who seem confused regarding membership of the BRS this is what the BRS site says....."Full membership is open to all holders of a valid British Passport with a TRNC Residency Stamp, who own/rent property and use it regularly or as a holiday/second home, once their application has been approved by the Committee.

Associate Membership is available to persons of other nationality who are married to full members or holders of current EU passports."

The rules of the society says "expatriate European passport holders may apply for ASSOCIATE membership. They must be sponsored by a FULL member. As an ASSOCIATE member they will have no vote and cannot take any office.".

If you are advised differently then that advice may be incorrect. Best to check with the Membership Secretary. Oh ! But of course there may not be one now due to all the negative, destructive moaning minnie's that abound here !

ang1706


Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 570

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 15:24

Well put Geejay.

Thats the rules and until changed they will remain.



Still has no bearing on the thread though about 'Carraiges at Midnight'

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 15:37

ang1706... I think the phrase "carriages at midnight" is one of those great "old world", gentlemanly & polite sayings to indicate an events closure..... Evocative of a more polite and gentle society which is now too often the butt of vulgar and uninformed criticism which seeks to level discussion down rather than up.

ang1706


Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 570

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 16:33

I agree and I suport the BRS as after all they organised a Dinner and Dance and bothered to inform everyone of events .

So fail to understand why this was even mentioned at all as shows a distinct lack of understanding basic etiquette.

beeches


Joined: 17/03/2009
Posts: 134

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 17:11

Geejay and ang1706 (messgaes 56 and 57) are you winding me up with your pretentious and out-moded comments? Drag yourselves into the 21st century.

ang1706


Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 570

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 17:45

Not at all just glad to see that there are some STANDARDS of Function Ettiquette remaining.

21st Century is no excuse for dropping of these standards.

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 17:52

Your avin a laugh..you attend, then one has no napkins.. ))





Spider,X

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 17:55

Personally, I would rather see STANDARDS of literacy returning, rather than STANDARDS of Function Etiquette remaining.



Just a thought.

ang1706


Joined: 28/01/2009
Posts: 570

Message Posted:
02/06/2010 19:03

Well said Jeannie!