- Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
- Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!
superlooper
Collapse
X
-
superlooper
He who Hingeth aboot, Getteth Hee Haw. https://forums.contractoruk.com/core...ies/smokin.gif -
Probably apocryphal, but way back when it was commonly (well, in the IT community) rumoured that any site in the UK running a Cray was automatically a Soviet SS20 target - the theory being that HMG/MoD would take them over in times of trouble and taking them out would render HMG even more ineffective than merely taking out seats of government.
As an aside, anyone else toured any of the old nuclear bunkers which were designated as emergency regional seats of government? Back in the early 90s I almost bought the one in Corstorphine Hill in Edinburgh, but my (laser-tag) business model wouldn't have worked and planning consent for it would have been impossible - no escape routes
Chief Executive, FCSA
- Former CEO OF IPSE
- LtdCo Contractor for 20 odd years before that
- Former Chair of IPSE nee PCG -
-
Way, way back in the day, apparently the biggest user of these in the UK was the MoD.
The MoD machines had their own building on a certain MoD site and the dedicated support team worked out of the building next door. Allegedley.Former IPSE member
My WebsiteComment
-
and the met office.He who Hingeth aboot, Getteth Hee Haw. https://forums.contractoruk.com/core...ies/smokin.gifComment
-
Maybe Mainframe Norman* could buy one to replace the servers that CUK is running on, it would be an upgrade.
*I have no evidence that his name is Norman, but it is the term of endearment that we used in the 90s for the lead hardware techie.…Maybe we ain’t that young anymoreComment
-
the drive time between the two sites might not be that much. Allegedley!Originally posted by sadkingbilly View Postand the met office.Former IPSE member
My WebsiteComment
-
-
But you wouldn't need much central heatingOriginally posted by Protagoras View Post
As if my 'lecky' bill isn't high enough ...!Comment
-
This website has interesting historical information - including some locations ...
https://cray-history.net/cray-histor...ndc2locations/Comment
- Home
- News & Features
- First Timers
- IR35 / S660 / BN66
- Employee Benefit Trusts
- Agency Workers Regulations
- MSC Legislation
- Limited Companies
- Dividends
- Umbrella Company
- VAT / Flat Rate VAT
- Job News & Guides
- Money News & Guides
- Guide to Contracts
- Successful Contracting
- Contracting Overseas
- Contractor Calculators
- MVL
- Contractor Expenses
Advertisers
Contractor Services
CUK News
- How will HMRC's Direct Debit plan affect contractors paying VAT and PAYE? Yesterday 23:54
- HMRC's new 'reckless' tax offence: an IR35 game-changer for contractors? Yesterday 13:50
- “I’m not a Machiavellian overlord”: Adrian Sacco breaks his silence on the Contractor Loan Recalls Yesterday 06:50
- ‘Bounce back’ in IT contractor demand in July 2026, even if ‘one swallow doesn’t make a summer’ Aug 12 07:50
- Are fractional and interim CTO roles ripe for IT contractors? Aug 11 07:33
- Where is UK IT contractor demand heading before 2027? Aug 9 21:53
- Umbrella, PEO/GPP, or salaried EOR. Which is up 153% in 2026? Aug 6 08:43
- Outside IR35 isn’t making a comeback in 2026/27 — it’s something more complex Aug 5 04:55
- Why contractors keep putting off their pension (and why I'm one of them) Aug 4 02:43
- HMRC loan charge settlement offer: 3 things to check before you sign Aug 3 07:41

Comment