I am Stephen. I live in Bristol, UK. I decided to shorten my profile...to this: Wildlife, haiku, travel, streetart, psychogeography and my family. Not necessarily in that order.
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11 thoughts on “‘Tis the season to be jolly”
I’d like to apologise for this joke in advance: it’s because he’s ho-ho-homeless.
It is a magazine that ‘down and outs’ sell to help them get structure back to their lives. They pocket the profits from their sales to get lodgings etc. They must buy the magazines to sell each day, and have a pitch where they sell. Over time they tend to establish an improved way of live. Some rebuild their lives. One near me is getting married to his first ever customer, and is studying for a degree…he still sells The Big Issue.
That’s wonderful! I think that you’re always a good boy. I’m jealous, cuz Santa must love you. He never answers my letters… I get charcoal in my stocking every year. It’s okay, though, I have enough coals to grill a turkey this Christmas 😀
That’s really interesting. We don’t have that in North America. When you say “down and outs” does that include people with addiction issues? Do they give them couselling too?
Drugs, alcohol, depression, homelessness etc. People who can’t hold down a regular job. However there are strict rules about selling. The scheme helps those who want help. I believe that there are all sorts of schemes for these people offered by the Big Issue and its partners. More here: https://www.bigissue.org.uk
This could become an iconic photo of the times. Where did he get the Santa suit? The Big Issue does indeed offer great help to otherwise homeless people. If they have a job, the Government tops up their income (at the moment at least). But I find the picture so sad. He looks thoroughly cold and miserable. Have you heard what they are doing in Bournemouth. They were blasting out loud bagpipe music all through the night (the new Mayor is a bagpipe player) at the train station to prevent homeless sleeping rough there. When there were complaints they changed it to a continual loop of Alvin & the Chipmunks Merry Christmas. ‘Tis the season to be jolly.
The picture is sad. The people in the cafe behind are separated (and protected) by the glass. The couple chatting are oblivious. I don’t know where he got the suit, but he is at this pitch often. He has quite serious health problems and his foot is usually in a cast or special boot. He is exceptionally polite and decent. Bournemouth should hang their heads in shame. Move the problem on rather than trying to help.
Natural adventures 
I’d like to apologise for this joke in advance: it’s because he’s ho-ho-homeless.
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Oh dear. On several levels…;-)
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What is the BIG ISSUE?
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It is a magazine that ‘down and outs’ sell to help them get structure back to their lives. They pocket the profits from their sales to get lodgings etc. They must buy the magazines to sell each day, and have a pitch where they sell. Over time they tend to establish an improved way of live. Some rebuild their lives. One near me is getting married to his first ever customer, and is studying for a degree…he still sells The Big Issue.
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I love your pic and haiku, as always. The Big Issue sounds fantastic! I ho-ho-hope Santa gets back on his sleigh soon — I want my toys 🙂
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Thank you. You’ll be pleased to know I bought a copy from him. This year I have been a good boy.
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That’s wonderful! I think that you’re always a good boy. I’m jealous, cuz Santa must love you. He never answers my letters… I get charcoal in my stocking every year. It’s okay, though, I have enough coals to grill a turkey this Christmas 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s really interesting. We don’t have that in North America. When you say “down and outs” does that include people with addiction issues? Do they give them couselling too?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Drugs, alcohol, depression, homelessness etc. People who can’t hold down a regular job. However there are strict rules about selling. The scheme helps those who want help. I believe that there are all sorts of schemes for these people offered by the Big Issue and its partners. More here: https://www.bigissue.org.uk
LikeLiked by 2 people
This could become an iconic photo of the times. Where did he get the Santa suit? The Big Issue does indeed offer great help to otherwise homeless people. If they have a job, the Government tops up their income (at the moment at least). But I find the picture so sad. He looks thoroughly cold and miserable. Have you heard what they are doing in Bournemouth. They were blasting out loud bagpipe music all through the night (the new Mayor is a bagpipe player) at the train station to prevent homeless sleeping rough there. When there were complaints they changed it to a continual loop of Alvin & the Chipmunks Merry Christmas. ‘Tis the season to be jolly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The picture is sad. The people in the cafe behind are separated (and protected) by the glass. The couple chatting are oblivious. I don’t know where he got the suit, but he is at this pitch often. He has quite serious health problems and his foot is usually in a cast or special boot. He is exceptionally polite and decent. Bournemouth should hang their heads in shame. Move the problem on rather than trying to help.
LikeLiked by 1 person