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Hello Rusty, Elle, and welcome Ninian,

In France, we have something called 'Viandox' which is the equivalent of your Bovril - some Viandox in piping hot water makes for a very warming drink indeed, and they also sell such drinks in cafes. (I love it, but I also LOVE Marmite! nothing like a mayonnaise and marmite sandwich.....!?

Rusty, are you within reasonable distance to a Screwfix? since they are still selling your fire, you might go and have a chat with them and see what they say? they may help you in your complaint to Dimplex?

British and coldish here!

Hi, Rusty!
I have, this morning, dealt with some outstanding emails and fielded two phone calls from my daughter regarding ideas for family's Christmas presents!
She is, like I am, still seeking inspiration!
I have only one or two gifts left to purchase but no idea what to get!
I have toyed with the idea of going over to Bromley to "browse" the shops, but the cold and damp prohibit any advance on that prospect!
I think of your idea of giving money - and think how sensible you are!
Maybe I should go with Amazon vouchers?
Or maybe I should look online instead?
Oh dear!
Christmas mail is now arriving - that is nice! I like receiving cards!



Hello, Pigale!
It's cold and damp here!
I'm staying in!....... till the next dog walk anyway!
"Marmite and mayonnaise"? Ugh!
I don't like either!
Bovril is good though!



Hello, Ninian!
I too like Bovril, but have never heard of it with milk?
That is a new one to me!
Bovril butties are nice , though!

Hello all
My Pa used to sell "Beetox" in his family's Butcher shops in Wiltshire, being a Master Butcher at one time in the 1930's.
It was an extract similar to Bovril (a bit like Marmite and Bovril combined ) and I remember the jingle which was heard on Radio Luxembourg :

"Hurrah for Beetox ,what a delightful smell ;
The stuff that every self-respecting grocer ought to sell .
The price is right ; it's cook's delight ;
How easily it's made .
Oh come along and join us in the Beetox Brigade"
I cannot remember consuming it, but I love Marmite and Bovril too

Fun poem!
Never heard of Beetox - perhaps it disappeared from the market before I was of an age to care about such things...

I always make sure my friends bring me some Marmite whenever they come over - I can find several British products in supermarkets nowadays (Lee & Perrins Worcester sauce, and quite a few Heinz products) but no Marmite - shame because Viandox is liquid - not as easy as a spread for a sandwich!

BTW, I did not mean British and coldish, but brightish and coldish!

Hello, Pigale!
Thank you for the tip regarding Screwfix!
I have a Screwfix about 5 minutes drive away.
But, I am giving the Dimplex folk a bit of leeway for a day or so.

Now, Everybody!
I have been investigating Bovril and came across an advertising poster from circa 1900.
Guess who is having a warming mugful?
Pope Leo the XIII !
Wonder if he got paid for it?

Hello, Pigale!
Could Amazon not help you with Marmite?
Or are there laws against sending food through the post?

Elle, I thought of Amazon vouchers but not for the young ones.
They favour certain shops in town and money is best for Miss Next etc.

HI again Rusty,

I have never thought of looking in Amazon for Marmite - but luckily there is always one couple or another that come over several times in the year, so that keeps my supply going.
I wonder if ordering from Amazon might not entail buying in bulk?

Hello, Pigale,
I have had a wee look on Amazon and they have Marmite.
Indeed, one of their offers is exclusively for "Prime Members".
Do I recall you saying that you were a Prime Member?
Worth having a wee look?

Snap Rusty ! I had a 'wee' look to and found some individual portions sold in batches of 6, 12 or whatever you want and have ordered some! So thank you!

I am a Prime Member but only for Amazon fr. This order I had to place with Amazon UK and I am not sure I can be a Prime Member there since I live abroad.

Anyway, I should receive the little individual portions by December 17th - so that's good.