Natural yogurt.

I am doing a NVQ - National Vocational Qualification - at work and one of the things we have to do is to compile a draft copy CV. So here is my draft...

Stephen Clynes
11 Crosswells Way
Ely
Cardiff
CF5 4QX
Tel: 029 20598755
Email: stephenofwestfieldpark@yahoo.co.uk
Age: 47

Workplace profile.

I am self motivating, conscientious and enjoy working on my own. I work quietly doing my job without the need for close supervision and do not need the support gained from being a team member. I have an excellent attendance record and have no health problems. I accept the demands of our 24/7 society, authority and the diversity of our country. I have a no-accidents record and hold a clean, full, all types PCV, driving licence. I am computer literate and touch type.

Employment.

1997 to 2006
Bebb Travel, Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd.
A PCV driver on the National Express contract providing a nationwide long distance coach service which can involve overnight stays. I am responsible for checking over the roadworthiness of the coach that I have been allocated for that day. I have to use a tachograph and keep records correctly whilst operating at all times within Drivers Hours Regulations. I write vehicle defect and incident reports which I submit to my line managers. I drive in a defensive manner and am happy to take alternative routes to avoid delays or road closures. I take passengers’ tickets whilst checking for validity and fraud before loading their luggage taking care of boot capacity and potential damage. I sell tickets to passengers on demand to a customer base that is diverse, with a range of disabilities and problems speaking English. I liaise with supervisors, relief drivers and an operational control centre by telephone. I do routine housekeeping tasks of cleaning and refuelling.

1991 to 1997
Cardiff Bus, Sloper Road, Cardiff.
A PCV driver operating a local stage carriage service. Driving a full range of routes within the hustle and bustle of the City of Cardiff. Serving a cosmopolitan customer base using a fast fare ticket system supported by Wayfarer II machines.



1986 to 1991
Wessex National, Sussex Street, Bristol.
A PCV driver on the National Express contract providing long distance coach travel to all parts of the UK.

1981 to 1986
Various coach operators in the Bristol area.
A PCV driver working on Contract Hire with occasional Private Hire.

1979 to 1981
Bristol Omnibus, Lawrence Hill, Bristol.
I started my career in the passenger transport industry as a conductor before progressing onto the role of PCV driver operating local stage carriage bus services within the City of Bristol.

1975 to 1981
I had 3 different jobs after I left school at the age of 16. The first was a clerk in an insurance office, followed by a salesman in a TV rental shop and lastly a van driver for a meat wholesaler.

Lifestyle.
I am married and we have no children living with us at home. We have a Jack Russell Terrier who I love taking for walks in the countryside. We take foreign holidays and I am conscious of the many opportunities and freedoms that we enjoy in the UK. I enjoy using a computer at home for access onto the internet and taking part within the online communities. I am an Atheist who enjoys reading a daily newspaper, keeping a keen interest in current affairs and I can form an opinion on most issues. I am a non smoker and enjoy the occasional social drink. I am a car owner so I have no problems in getting to work on time.

Education.
1971 to 1975
Merrywood Boys’ School, Daventry Road, Bristol.
‘O’ level passes in Chemistry, English, Maths and Physics.
CSE pass in French

Reference.
David Newman
Managing Director
Bebb Travel PLC
The Coach Station
Llantwit Fardre
Pontypridd
CF38 2HB
Tel: 01443 215100

I hope my assessor likes this draft copy.

We have had a reply from Tesco Pet Insurance, they will not be paying out on our claim. They state that because our pet was taken to our vet before the insurance was taken out with a paw that he was licking and that he was nipping his rear - anal glands needed clearing - they considered it a pre-existing condition. This we dispute and we consider them to be awkward in not paying out on our claim. As their attitude appears to be - your pet was ill before, therefore any further visits are a pre-existing condition - and it is worthless trying to challenge such a big company like Tesco, we have decided to cancel our direct debit to pay for any more premiums. It is better to take the risk ourselves than to waste paying premiums to a company that will happily take your money but are reluctant to honour any claims.

To debate that a new illness to your pet is linked to previous visits to your vet is simply sharp practice. You get the impression they would sell their grandmothers' into slavery.

I would not recommend Tesco Pet Insurance to anyone. Save your money and take the risk yourself - they do not want to pay out in the event of a claim and you will never beat them. They will also share data with other companies, so beware if you really must buy pet insurance.

I have sent a letter to our council today...

Cardiff County Council,
Development Control,
Regulatory Services,
City Hall,
Cardiff.
CF10 3ND

5th November 2005

Dear Sir,

Application No: 05/01422/W
Proposal: Retention of feathered edge fence.
Location: 7 Whinberry Way, St. Fagans, Cardiff.
Applicant: Mr C Black

The above planning application was REFUSED on 23rd August 2005 and I have looked forward to the removal of this offending fence. The weeks have rolled by and this fence is still in place. I did not expect this fence to be removed immediately and feel the applicant should be given sufficient time to complete this work. No work has taken place and I wonder if Mr Black thinks this issue has been forgotten?

Please can you tell me,

1) Has Mr Black appealed against this planning decision?

2) How much time is an applicant given to comply with a planning order?

3) What can I do to invoke compliance with a planning decision?

Yours faithfully,




Stephen Clynes,
11 Crosswells Way,
St. Fagans,
Cardiff.
CF5 4QX.

I look forward to a reply on this unresolved issue which I will publish on this blog.

We put a claim in under our pet insurance for treatment to our pet. However, we have not received a written reply from Tesco Pet Insurance, only a brief telephone call from them saying they would not be paying out as they claim it was a pre-existing condition - which it is not. Insurance companies can be awkward over claims, they happily take the premiums but argue over settlement of claims. Tesco have made huge profits in the UK but do not like putting their hand into their pockets, which is shameful. If this pet insurance proves not to be worth the paper it is written on, we are paying a premium of £8.03 a month, then we shall cancel this insurance and take the risk ourselves. The ball is now in their court and if we get a negative or no reply then this insurance will be cancelled. Here is what my wife wrote - with help from me as it was taken out in her name, simple and to the point...

Tesco Pet Insurance
Pet Claims Department
PO Box 122
Cote Lane
Pudsey
LS28 5GB

3rd November 2005

Dear Sir,

Policy Number 55357805

I am still awaiting a written reply from you to my claim under the above pet insurance policy. There were 2 claim forms submitted to you in September 2005, one from our own vet The Park Veterinary Group and another from the University of Bristol - to which our vet referred our pet - for £323.31.

Our own vet at the Park Veterinary Group has sent you another letter explaining that this claim was for a brand new condition and not an existing problem that Barney has ever had before and therefore under your Insurance contract we should be entitled to be paid.

These claims are not for a pre-existing condition as my pet has not developed any skin condition before.


Yours faithfully

Time will tell and I will post the result here in the public interest, as I suspect that pet insurance in the UK may becoming a con.