Sorry to hear about Agco Lee. Lindsay is right in that the reason being given is that the UK's stance on when it might join the Euro is 'too vague'. Even though the company estimates it will be in the next 3 to 7 years the pounds strength against the Euro (weakening as we speak) has hurt their profits long enough. More of these type of statements should be publicised in the media to make the stupid British public realise that joining the Euro is in our long term interests and stop worrying about whether the Queens head will be on the currency. Sorry about this economic/political rant.

Thanks for all the thoughts re the job position. I think my own job is safe enough for now. It hasn't been clearly reported that our site doubles up as the factory and the European HQ covering all of our sites and warehouses. The announcement we got said the latter stays here and is safe if that is reliable. They keep quoting the Euro and it is an issue but we have taken steps to minimise the impact as much as possible. There are other factors but I probably shouldn't go into detail here - too much accounting jargon for you all I think and have to watch in case the real Big Brother is watching! I do find it incredible that such an important economic decision could hinge on just keeping our existing currency. Money's money. At the end of the day who cares what it looks like. The French and the Germans loved their old currencies and they are doing fine. We have to be able to compete on the same terms as the rest of the world and not isolate ourselves.

Sorry to bore you all with this but it really hits home the impact such closures have everywhere. We will lose maybe 1,000 jobs but of our major 200 suppliers the feeling here is that 40 of those will go bust from this decision. Quite frightening really.

And finally - don't think I'd fancy the 6 months in Brazil Lindsay. They were trying to get a few people to go out there a few years ago and someone did go over to take a look at the place. In the short time he was there he had a gun pulled on him which isn't uncommon apparently.

Hope things work out Lee. The Euro seems inevitable , its just our little island attitude thats stopping it, that and scare stories in the media that we wont be able to eat sausages etc. Staying on the economics front I am gobsmacked that Glasweigan Alex has refused free B+B, check it says scottish on his pasport when he's over folks.Biggest shock is that Maureen has put up with Wilke for 17 years- curry beer and a medal I think Wilke!

now donald you and everyone on this site know i`m a quite and shy sort of guy so maurren got her self one hell of a man i dont go out i dont drink wait thats someone else talk soon see ya

has anyone try to get in to the chart room tonigth i try but was unable i have the chat room down as one my favorites so when i want to get i just have to click on it but it din`t work tonight if you do get on can you let me know thanks talk soon see ya

Did one interviewee not say Lee that the tractors are that well built, lasting 40-50 years, that the demand for replacements is not there. Most products these days seem to have obsolescence built in and are usually considered disposable after a couple of year. Don't know how much I am paying for Dolan's Alex. I hope it is not too big a shock when I get my Visa bill. As for the Euro, I will get my first experience at the concerts in July.

Is there a problem with the chat room. I know Liam is planning a new version, or is it down just incase West Germany beat Brazil in which case England having stuffed Germany 5-1 could mistakenly be considered by some to be the best team in the World. My company has just changed its telephone provider to Worldcom. Talk about bad timing. The manager who initiated the change then decided to leave the company.

liam can you let us know if the site is down or am i doing something wrong if i am let me know what i should do to log on thanks talk soon se ya

ps were the hell is everyone tonight well two days till the kids get there summer hols 9 weeks how the hell am i going to last thank god for the gigs and my pc talk soon see ya

Really sorry to hear the news on your company lee, Well, one thing about the euro: life has become quite expoensive: all companies 'used' the introduction of euro to raise their prices, especially the pubs&restaurants here acted almost criminal, sometimes prices were set 1 to 1 although one euro is 2,20 guilders! Wilke, I'll try to get this Undertones 12 inch tomorrow for you. had a lucky day today: walked into town for my lunchbreak, found out there was a recordfair near my work. There I found a Shack Lp from 88 called Zilch! The guy did not know what treasure he had coz it was put under the Z of Zilch; he asked 6 euro for it but I got it for free in the end as.....I bought 'some' other stuff as well(mainly german wave);just found out on internet this LP is doing 25 quid in the UK!