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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask what the lift is called?

184 replies

Downunderduchess · 18/02/2020 04:54

Putting this here, because I don’t know what subject it should come under. I was fascinated with a recent thread where several people mentioned a particular type of lift. I had never heard of it before, definitely don’t think we have them in Australia. The lift goes around a track & you jump out at your floor. What is it called please?? I want to tell someone about it & would like to know it’s correct name. Thanks!

OP posts:
GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 18/02/2020 04:56

A paternoster. ( I googled).

GCAcademic · 18/02/2020 05:06

Yes, it’s a paternoster. A couple of universities have them (Essex and Sheffield).

TanteRose · 18/02/2020 05:10

fond memories...Grin

CherryPlum · 18/02/2020 05:13

I've never heard of it, but it sounds dangerous. A lift without doors?

TanteRose · 18/02/2020 05:15

check the video, Cherry, its very safe

andyjusthangingaround · 18/02/2020 05:18

Also one here with happy memories!
You just reminded me of life before Health&safety gone crazy...☺️

PurpleFlower1983 · 18/02/2020 05:20

I went to Sheffield, theirs was in the Arts Tower (the ugliest building imaginable) and it used to scare me to death!

marashino · 18/02/2020 05:51

purple did you ever go over the top ...that was scary ! Most places are getting rid of them now.

custardbear · 18/02/2020 05:52

Leicester Uni also has one - gives me the willies even thinking about getting on it ...

BikeRunSki · 18/02/2020 05:57

I used to work for WS Atkins - big engineer ing consultants - who had one in the office in Warrington until about 10 years ago.

Downunderduchess · 18/02/2020 06:02

Thanks everyone! Part of me would love to take a ride in one & part of me thinks... noooo!!!

OP posts:
MrOnionsBumperRoller · 18/02/2020 06:04

Ah the excitement and rebellion of staying in the Arts Tower paternoster as it went over the top Grin

HeronLanyon · 18/02/2020 06:10

Great memories. I’ve used one frequently but can’t remember where. Did Foyles used to have one ? Or possibly Bush House Bbc building on Aldwych?

itsUnderMyPillow · 18/02/2020 06:11

I wonder what Miranda would make if this ? What fun !!

( reference to British comedy actress - for those who don't get my comment )

HeronLanyon · 18/02/2020 06:12

I also adore the more common small metal grille lifts in the centre of staircases.

Booboostwo · 18/02/2020 06:12

Yes Sheffield Arts tower. It’s a horror! I used to have to walk up seven flights whenever I visited rather than take that thing.

Tempnamelady · 18/02/2020 06:14

Used to have one at the big NatWest in Manchester when I started work there 32 years ago!

MiniMinion · 18/02/2020 06:18

@TanteRose how is it safe? Surely anyone could misjudge the floor alignment, or get a limb/head trapped between the floor and lift?

I'm not bothered by heights or normal lifts but I would not get in one of those things. I'd be too paranoid of getting decapitated as I tried to jump on and off! I'm very uncoordinated when it comes to things like that. It looks like the moving equivalent of the train/platform gap and I hate those.

fishonabicycle · 18/02/2020 06:19

There was one in a London university I visited too! About 35 years ago ... I was fascinated. It is perfectly safe as it doesn't got fast!

fishonabicycle · 18/02/2020 06:20

It's like the London eye - that is constantly moving as you get in and out.

VivaLeBeaver · 18/02/2020 06:23

This is a video of the Sheffield uni one which I believe is the tallest in the world?

VivaLeBeaver · 18/02/2020 06:26

Sheffield did an experiment once to see what got 100 people to the top floor quicker, the normal lifts or the paternoster and the paternoster won.

Leicester uni I believe have removed theirs.

RedHelenB · 18/02/2020 06:27

It goes very slowly so plenty of time to srep off it. I loved using it and I don't recollect any injuries. Think ski lift rather then cable car.

Millie2013 · 18/02/2020 06:32

They had one at the old dental school in Bham, I wasn’t a fan!

TanteRose · 18/02/2020 06:36

it goes slowly - you're not having to jump on and off, you just step on...once you get used to it, its second nature.

www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/nr/sheffield-arts-tower-paternoster-1.753518

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