Everything - well nearly everything - is right in this country

Opal Thank you so much for this thread. I was just about to respond on the other thread which says the opposite, and point out how many positives we should be proud of.

I agree with all of the things you mention and would like to say how proud I am of how generous we are as a nation in contributing to Children in Need and other events. We raise millions, even in times of austerity, for those worse off.

There are many good and brave people (as seen in the recent terrorist attack), and lovely people, helping others in their communities, volunteering, "keeping on keeping on" when times are tough. A 9 year old girl was on TV this morning who had written letters of thanks to her local police officers and enclosed chocolates for them after seeing a TV programme about the challenging situations they face in their line of work.

I could think of many more positive things, but over to the next person ......

Well yes, they are good thing, but are not things that are influenced much by whichever political party is in power. The thread with a similar name is abou things that are influenced by politics. Not liking to see children in poverty does not mean that a person does not like to see the countryside. You are not comparing like with like. I love my country but do not love homelessness and food banks.

Isn't it enough to say that many want to live here ?

Which is why this is not a political thread Ilove, it's a chatty thread. So tell me what you love about the UK.

Ilovecheese - exactly.

I truly envy those who can just enjoy and turn a blind eye to the things that are happening that do us no credit.

Oh no, now this is turning into yet another negative political thread!!!

I think it should be pointed out the negative threads all seem to be started by those supporting a particular political party. I no longer read or comment on them.

There are many positives about UK. I love the fact that I am free to worship how I please, wear whatever I please, have freedom of speech and free democratic elections - just to name a few.

Luckygirl It's not a case of turning a blind eye, it's a case of appreciating the good things in life and counting one's blessings. We are allowed to see the good things as well as the not-so-good.

I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, and I have travelled extensively.

We are free to do as we please, we have free education from 4-18, we have the NHS which is free, we have a benefit system for a safety net.

Our streets are safe (some areas of London are not so, but that is cultural, gangs and drug related)

Our countryside is stunning our coastal areas are second to none.

Ooh I can join in this.

I love my life. I have a wide circle of friends with whom we socialise on a regular basis.

I love the theatre and attend regularly both in Brighton, Chichester and of course London.

I adore the countryside and walk on the South Downs most days enjoying the views.

My physical and mental health is excellent

I read extensively, and my hobby is painting largely botanicals.

Gardening is a passion.

There that is my contribution to this thread.

....plenty to be thankful for there then WWM2

I think our museums and galleries, nearly all being free are a wonderful resource, ditto our libraries.
Cathedrals and churches that go back in some cases to Anglo -Saxon times ( nearly all Norman though) and historic towns and villages, with pretty countryside to roam about in, with no dangerous animal life to worry about.
The fact that in what is a small island,there are such diverse counties, but really nowhere is much too far to go, travelwise.
Our weather! Real Seasons to look forward to.

We had that wonderful duo Chas and Dave and their great song what was it now ? oh yes rabbit, rabbit, rabbit rabbit ....with your incessant talking...why don’t you give it a rest. I wonder what made me think of that. ?

Nice thread opal. What a pleasant change

Yes, everythings lovely in this country.

That we have caring people in this country who do a lot for others (without payment or reward) without making bringing politics into the equation. The benefit is as much for giver as the recipient- giving something back.

I love living in Britain. Never wanted to live anywhere abroad (although love visiting) Am grateful for the fact we don't have extremes of weather (even if I moan about too much rain). I love the fact we are never far from the sea or countryside. I love our Capitals and the history attached. I love the fact you can visit quaint villages and bustling cities in the same day! I love our railways even! I never tire of places I want to visit - all a reasonably short train journey away.

There is more kindness than unkindness amongst the citizens than just looking at the current political leaders would imply. I went into town at the weekend for our Christmas light switch on. It was a really lovely afternoon, full of happy families and community spirit! I am pleased I live in the UK and that I have the chance to enjoy the beautiful places, traditions and culture that underpins our society.. despite what a minority of powerful, self-interested people want to undermine.

I love our rich history, ancient buildings, quaint villages and stunning coastlines.

I love our country too. David Attenborough, nostalgic steam railways. (Swanage to Corfe Castle, wonderful). I love our sense of humour/sense of the ridiculous, Boaty McBoatface. I love our Armed Forces keeping us safe. The 2 Typhoon jets scrambled over Southern England recently in response to an airliner out of radio contact. I love the best music scene ever when I was growing up. Is it only recently that it all goes to pot as regards politics/politicians?

Had my 3 yearly mammogram yesterday. (Hope all is well there).
Had my flu jab a few weeks ago.
Had my bowel postal test a few months ago.
Had an annual ashthma check recently.

All free, courtesy of the NHS.

Much to be thankful for in this country I think.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Education, the NHS, benefits etc. are NOT free. Someone, somewhere works to pay tax on their salary to pay for them or the country borrows money to pay for theses services! Likewise, the EU does not give us any money; it just returns some of our own contributions to us.

Sorry, I digress, having lived in the USA and on the continent, Great Britain is still the best place to live, for now.

Flabbergasted at Whitewave’s post! When pray do you get the time to do all the above??
You spend all your time cattawalling on the political threads!

A heartfelt thank you Opal, for bringing a little sanity, and lightness, to today's threads. But despite your plea couple of nay sayers have poked their noses in of course!
I love our freedoms, I love that we are on the whole a kind and considerate and generous race, living in a civilised and law abiding society.

That was to be expected Gaunt47, they can't help themselves, but this thread has already given us loads of reasons why we are all so grateful to live in the UK. It's the best place in the world, I think, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

One other thing I love - the beautiful garden rose, native to our shores. I love roses, they are my favourite flower, this one is called "Nostalgia" and gave me some beautiful blooms this year.