Loss Of Youth Provision In London

[agchristie]

How crucial have these losses been and could this be a reason for the increase in knife crime in the capital?

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/mar/22/number-of-london-youth-clubs-nearly-halved-since-2011-riots-report-finds

//Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, said: “The Tories are in complete denial about the effects of austerity. Youth services play a crucial role in our communities. If the government are serious about protecting our young people, then they should put their money where their mouth is.”//

[retrocop]

Ever heard of Army Apprentice Schools or RAF Halton Apprentice Unit?

[spathiphyllum]

No because i've never been fascinated with the military or war or the raf or any of that jazz, my Ms is, but i literally can't think of anything more boring.

[ummmm]

Naomi - but they aren't playing. They've had the chance to play like we did.

[ummmm]

*never

[New Judge]

“Most of my friends in my street joined the local ATC Squadron.”

Me too, retro. I was a Sixer in the cubs, a Patrol Leader in the Scouts and then went on to be a Flight Sergeant in the ATC. A born leader, it seems! :-)

Two friends of mine joined the RAF. One trained at Halton and did his service as a “Snowdrop” (the RAF police for those wondering what that is). The other trained at Cosford and went on to be a PTI. Both left the service after about seven or eight years and went on to successful careers in the police, one becoming a Detective Superintendent.

The trouble is all of those organisations (especially the ATC) insist on a level of discipline that today’s youth simply would not tolerate. I had the time of my life in the ATC (from when I was about 13 until almost 19). I flew in all sorts of aircraft and was involved in activities that few youngsters today would be able to participate in. The price was we turned up on time in a properly turned out kit, were balled out and shouted at by the NCOs (latterly me!) and sometimes generally had to do things we really didn’t want to do. A bit like real life, in fact. I chose to do it. Many of my friends didn’t. But they didn’t go about stabbing each other either.

[Baldric]

// but i literally can't think of anything more boring //

In the 20 years I served I don't remember ever being bored, and looking back on it, as someone with a reasonable IQ I admit to being
just a little surprised by that, it was good.

[anotheoldgit]

steg

/// Aye then we will have fit thugs that know how to fight and use weapons ///

Some of them already know.

[retrocop]

// but i literally can't think of anything more boring.//

I have no doubt you can't.

[anotheoldgit]

spathiphyllum

/// I think the sheer idea of forced national service would send the suicide rate up. ///

Better not remain in the EU then, because when they finally form their European Army, they will need to introduce conscription from it's member states.

https://www.politico.eu/article/angela-merkel-emmanuel-macron-eu-army-to-complement-nato/

[anotheoldgit]

Rockrose

/// The krays did National Service cane out worse than when they went in! ///

They were already Psychopaths before they went into the Army, on their first day they knocked their corporal to the ground and walked out.

But then their father was no different he was also a deserter
who went underground the moment he was called up in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II.

[anotheoldgit]

spathiphyllum
/// It is morally wrong and in my mind, twisted.. to force new age youths into a militant service. ///

Good job there wasn't persons such as you around during the late 30s.

/// There was a reason why it was scrapped. Because it was a waste of effort and made the military look untidy and sloppy. ///

You should be ashamed of yourself, they served and some died in six overseas campaigns, those being, Malaya, Korea, Kenya, Cyprus, Suez and South Arabia.

You say you like England, but not enough to defend it if called upon, apparently

[anotheoldgit]

spathiphyllum

/// Was it 16 - 18 year olds doing national service? ///

No, 18 to 21 year olds.

[spathiphyllum]

"Good job there wasn't persons such as you around during the late 30s."

Is it? I could have took my knowledge on bletchley park maybe the whole farce could have not even started.

[spathiphyllum]

They would look at me as if i were an enigma

[retrocop]

//Is it? I could have took my knowledge on bletchley park maybe the whole farce could have not even started.//

PMSL .That went down a Bombe but you posted in the wrong section. Jokes are in another.

[sanmac]

Spath, you might well have taken part in the design of the Mulberry Harbor:)

[anotheoldgit]

sanmac

/// Spath, you might well have taken part in the design of the Mulberry Harbor:) ///

More likely shaking and silvering while hiding under a Mulberry Bush.

[spathiphyllum]

Times are different AOG.

[retrocop]

//Naomi - I don't know any feral youths. //

ummm
Sometimes I believe Northants is a large bubble. It appears that those living outside London do not understand the enormity of feral youths who hang round menacing and imtimidating people on most inner London street corners.I am not implying there is no youth crime in your neck of the woods but feral youths are abundant in the capital.You only have to recall the amount of large scale looting and rioting that occurred over the Metropolis over the last 10 years.
Just tweet on your phonethat it will be all'going off' in Croydon Town Centre on a certain day and feral youths literally swarm to that area from miles around. They are out there loitering .ready to assemble at the call of their mobile (stolen).
I believe someone posted her daughter was visiting London to attend a show a while ago. The poster,herself,had not visited London for years and was worried for her daughter and family. With some justification I reluctantly concede.

[spathiphyllum]

fear mongering to the max that is.