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The HfP chat thread – Tuesday 16th March

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Comments (415)

This article is closed to new posts. Discussion continues in the HfP Forums.

  • Andrew says:
    16 Mar16 March 07:18

    eBay offering bonus nectar again: Up to 300 base points plus 3x bonus points on items over 15 GBP.
    Expires:20 Mar 2021, 11:59 PM GMT

  • Elaine J. says:
    16 Mar16 March 07:29

    So you’re jumping the queue??????

    • Zoe says:
      16 Mar16 March 07:32

      I saw something on my newsfeed saying that over 50’s were being called, didn’t even read the detail. To be fair the appointments were quite far out 9th April, 28th June. You have to input your date of birth.

      • Princess says:
        16 Mar16 March 07:35

        thanks for the suggestion…just tried, didn’t work for me. But I have few colleagues just over 50’s that have receive their invite to book and have already had the first dose

      • Tracey says:
        16 Mar16 March 07:48

        The NHS booking website works on your age at the end of each quarter, so people don’t miss out if their birthday is within a few days.

      • Zoe says:
        16 Mar16 March 08:25

        Just a quick data point, l had booked these very quickly on my phone but if all over 50’s weren’t booking this morning they seemed quite far in the future. I just gambled and did a cancel and rebook. Options are sorted by distance not date, changing location got me 18th March and 4th June. We discovered when booking my husband’s that your appointments aren’t locked in until you finish checking out so best not to pick earliest time on soonest date as it will likely not be available.

      • Rob says:
        16 Mar16 March 09:06

        How far out?! My wife got invited on Friday and could have gone yesterday, but took Friday instead. Weirdly I got a text on Wed offering me one this week at my GP, not a vaccination centre (which ironically is nearer my house) but they have not confirmed it. Might need to sit it out another week.

        • TGLoyalty says:
          16 Mar16 March 10:19

          The doctors are booking for the next few days while the big vaccine hubs on the NHS website are booking over the next couple weeks (second doses obviously 12 weeks later)

          • Yorkieflyer says:
            16 Mar16 March 13:02

            Yes pharmacy’s have earlier dates too and available on NHS site

        • Yorkieflyer says:
          16 Mar16 March 13:01

          Try NHS website and look at different locations, some have much earlier available slots, Mrs Yorkieflyer in for tomorrow, available to over 50’s from 2200 yesterday

      • Jay says:
        16 Mar16 March 18:49

        Booked this morning for tomorrow morning aged 50 with every slot available every day. Can only assume that the big centres have huge capacity and letters are delayed going out. Best bet is check everyday.

    • Pete M says:
      16 Mar16 March 08:53

      What an unhelpful comment, Elaine J. If the system lets you do it, the government wants you to do it. The more people sign up the quicker, the better, in my view!

      • The Savage Squirrel says:
        16 Mar16 March 11:09

        +1. Stupid “fairness” obsessed mentality slows rollout. Speed matters. As many bums on seats and as few wasted appointments and doses as possible. If you are able to book something, and you are going to turn up and have the vaccine then 100% book it.

        • Doug M says:
          16 Mar16 March 12:23

          Absolutely. The pile ’em in and get it done mentality benefits us all not just the person being vaccinated. Save your contempt for the anti-vaxers.

      • Yorkieflyer says:
        16 Mar16 March 13:06

        It’s obviously official if you’re allowed to book! When I got my appointment I noticed that the age on the website wasn’t updated for 3 days

  • MD says:
    16 Mar16 March 07:30

    Virgin Money current account question for anyone who switched and got the points recently.

    I’ve successfully switched an account and meet their other conditions but having slight trouble with the direct debits. There was nothing on the account I moved and the T&Cs say “or set up at least two direct debits…” I set up DDs to a couple of charities, trouble is neither have taken the payment and it looks like one won’t until after the 31 days from opening the account. No date yet for the other. No regular payments are listed on the account yet (and I guess wouldn’t be until after the first payments).

    So, to get the 15k points, do the DD payments actually have to have been taken? The T&Cs don’t actually say that. Or will they somehow know in the background I’ve arranged the DDs and send me the code? If payment is needed, any suggestions on good donations which will trigger immediately? Many thanks in advance.

    • AndyW says:
      16 Mar16 March 07:34

      One data point – I got my code before two had left (one had and multiple were setup).

    • Secret Squirrel says:
      16 Mar16 March 07:38

      I think you only need 2 x DD set up.

    • Ryan B says:
      16 Mar16 March 07:42

      I got my code with no issues. Had 2 DD set up and only 1 has been taken so far.

    • BJ says:
      16 Mar16 March 08:07

      The direct debits only need to be showing as active on your account, they do not have to pay within 31 days.

  • Paul says:
    16 Mar16 March 07:37

    I may be late to the party but my Amex platinum shows a rather weak Qatar airways offer . Spend £500 get £100 back.. does do anything for me but others may find it useful

    • John says:
      16 Mar16 March 07:40

      Won’t even pay for the first hotel night

      • Andrew says:
        16 Mar16 March 07:48

        Yes unfortunate timing as the offer went live the same day as flights were banned to the U.K. A speculative future booking could be possible though and as it’s on all the supps too you could book a few economy flights, cancel and take a voucher and pool the discount for a business class flight.

        • TGLoyalty says:
          16 Mar16 March 10:22

          If the flight is for late summer / winter then I’m sure it’ll be fine.

          • Aston100 says:
            16 Mar16 March 11:23

            Depending on the end destination of course.

          • Yorkieflyer says:
            16 Mar16 March 13:08

            I’m only looking at direct non stop one destination flights for the foreseeable future.Too many moving parts in terms of entry requirements and tests etc otherwise in my view.

  • Doog1000 says:
    16 Mar16 March 08:17

    Anyone have an issue with virgin points not posting from the last credit card statement – statement closed on Sunday and still no points as of today

  • Dan says:
    16 Mar16 March 08:29

    Apologies – was meant to be a reply to a comment I made 🙂

  • mart says:
    16 Mar16 March 09:36

    anyone got the UK phone number to transfer Marriott points to a family member?

  • Anna says:
    16 Mar16 March 09:52

    I need an anniversary gift idea for my OH who is really difficult to buy for! Travel/dive options obviously very limited just now. We’ll hopefully be having a few days in London this summer – is it worth doing some kind of Thames boating excursion? He’s a real foodie as well so something which could incorporate that would be nice.

    • Young L says:
      16 Mar16 March 10:16

      A dinner at Core by Clare Smyth? Recently awarded 3 Michelin stars.

      • Dan says:
        16 Mar16 March 11:46

        +1 I was very lucky to get in on the Marriott tasting event there. It was wonderful!

      • Tanya says:
        16 Mar16 March 18:43

        +1 for core. I had a birthday meal there and loved it.

    • Janet says:
      16 Mar16 March 11:08

      Hi Anna,
      Have you visited The Shard? There are a few different gift options there. Obviously an overnight stay will be eye-wateringly expensive, but there are dining options and just a trip up to the viewing gallery is pretty spectacular.

    • Pete M says:
      16 Mar16 March 11:48

      The Thames RIB boat experiences are really fun – much recommended!

      • Rob says:
        16 Mar16 March 13:40

        I agree, have done this. Can often get a cheap voucher via Groupon etc. Long list of people who can’t do it though – pregnant, bad backs etc.

    • Vit says:
      16 Mar16 March 11:50

      Anna, we did lunch set via BATEAUX LONDON a few year back. Decent food and wine. You can always pay more to upgrade the lunch package / wine as well. I think evening is more expensive but on a nice sunny day, I personally prefer lunch.

    • Princess says:
      16 Mar16 March 11:58

      Hi Anna, on the food side in London you just need to choose based on preference. Core is indeed a special place, that for sure doesn’t disappoint, but I would also consider the Shard option: I often go at Aquashard for breakfast, the view is amazing and brekfast is absolutely affordable (I don’t think it worth for lunch or dinner). I’ve been also at Ting and Hutong (1 floor above Aquashard) both really good, Hutong in particular was delicious, with complex and surprising flavours and beautiful setting.
      If he is really into food you can organise your London itinerary based on where else you want to eat. I wouldn’t miss Kiln or the sister restaurant Smoking goat in shoreditch, superb grill Thai food, here you go for the food more than the space. A.Wong for an incredible Dim Sum and sketch for a cocktail.

      If you like a bit different activity (in summer) you can try the Stand up paddle boarding on the Regents canal.

      Last…you can organise your own private picnic on a boat with Goboat They hire you a little boat for self drive and it is equipped with a little table…but you need to organise your food basket yourself.

      • Anna says:
        16 Mar16 March 12:03

        Thanks for all the suggestions! It looks as though places are already starting to fill up post May 17th. I’ve made a booking at Ella Canta at the Park Lane OC, I’ll have a look at Core as well. The boat picnic sounds great!

        • Princess says:
          16 Mar16 March 14:16

          oh yes!!! Ella Canta is also so delicious! and the interiors are carefully picked to create a modern setting with a mexican flavour !!! and they do amazing unusual margaritas!

          • Anna says:
            16 Mar16 March 15:35

            Princess, I have booked a very late brunch with bottomless margaritas which sounds like heaven 🤣

    • Yorkieflyer says:
      16 Mar16 March 13:11

      For a moment I wondered if you were asking about a dive boat on the Thames and was going to suggest you called the Met!

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