Flog the Post Office

We tried to set up mail redirection on line - what a nonsense that was. We put all the details in but it wouldn't accept payment. It transpires that it is allegedly "checking whether a person with that name exists and has a bank account". How exactly are they allowed to get hold of my bank details unless I choose to advise them? Hmm? We only found this out by actually standing in the *massive* queue which was literally half way down the street at the only remaining post office (all the really handy sub post offices having been inspiring closed) and told this by one of the 4 jokers who was actually sat behind the counter. Naturally half the positions were empty but they still had plenty of staff to flap about ineffectively asking you if you wanted car insurance (no thanks, this is a POST OFFICE YOU MORON) or a lottery ticket. Having turned up in person to sort it all out, they then decide they need photo ID! FFS, they don't need it on line - why the hell would they need it in the orifice?

British gas (argh! no!) have sent us our first electric bill for the new house. £2.46 for 4 days. I've no idea who's supplying the gas - presumably Southern Electric although I suspect it's a dual fuel arrangement. Oh yes, and apparently my name is now "Joe". Hmm. Southern Water have me down as "Jerry". I'm beginning to loose my grip on my own identity.

We've got the phone line sorted! Our firm uses Southern Communications, and they're prepared to "move" the line from one house to the other in exchange for £99 inc VAT, and continue the existing contract, so no termination penalties. Allegedly. No home phone, but at least the business line with its broadband capability is sorted. Phew. Hopefully the transfer will be seamless. We shall see.

Two of the three schools the kids attend were happy to accept our verbal notification of change of address. The other one however is citing "new guideline" that insist on seeing a tenancy agreement or utility bill. I have declined to play their game since it seems like overkill and the other two schools don't seem to care.