Hildie
FRIDAY 11 APRIL

The sainted - and VERY patient - Hildie sent me her contribution to the truckshunter guest-posting campaign ages ago; on 24 March, in fact. Since then, it’s been languishing unregarded and unnoticed in the inbox of ianstuartrobinson@googlemail.com. The blame lies entirely with me; some weeks ago I stealthily withdrew that email as a contact option on the blog and haven’t even checked its inbox since then.

Why I did it in such a cloak-and-dagger way I can’t even begin to imagine. I must have been even more ‘preoccupied’ than usual that day. Unfortunately its withdrawal was so clandestine that Hildie - and quite a few others - didn’t even notice. Which is hardly surprising.

Once again, my apologies to Hildie and to everyone else who’s been emailing me at that address. My communication skills have once again let me - and you - down.

The REAL shame of my faux-pas is that Hildie’s posting is a cracker. I loved it, and I know you will too........

TRUCKSHUNTER BLOGPOSTING: HILDIE - A BEAMISH STORY
I thought I would tell you all about my brother-in-law Tony and his Irish friend Murphy. Tony works at Beamish Museum as a Senior Demonstrator on the 1825 Waggonway. That means he drives the steam trains.

About a year ago, one of his workmates went to Dublin for a day trip and bought a leprechaun keyring as a souvenir. He took it into work and everybody took an instant shine to the leprechaun and christened him Murphy (very original!). When one of the Waggonway team went back to Ireland for a holiday, he took Murphy back to his homeland and took photos of him in various different situations in Ireland to take back to work for everyone to enjoy.This started a craze amongst everyone at the Waggonway. Whenever one of them went on holiday, they would take Murphy with them and photograph the little leprechaun wherever they went. As you can tell from the photographs, he's had some close encounters! [There are more photos of Murphy; I'll post them over the next few days. Ian]

So far, Murphy has travelled to Prague, Amsterdam, Portugal, Ireland, Corfu, Kos, Costa Brava and Bulgaria. That's pretty well-travelled for only a year!!!

While in Kos, Murphy even met his girlfriend, Dora. She's a fridge magnet. Dora is now all set to join Murphy on future jaunts.Before Murphy came on the scene, a cockerel and two hens (named Hen & Hen) lived at the Waggonway. One day the cockerel went missing (most likely a fox's lunch). When my brother-in-law Tony went on a weekend to Hartlepool, he sent a postcard addressed to the hens at the Waggonway pretending it was from the cockerel. After that, the hens received numerous postcards from the cockerel whenever museum staff went on holiday. The Waggonway staff told visitors about this story and then suddenly the hens received postcards from all over the world!

Just thought I'd give you a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at the Waggonway of Beamish Museum! You can see they take the job seriously!

See what I mean? It's a good'un, innit?

ALISON BEST
Thanks for your very positive reactions to my chat with Alison on today’s Nightshift. It will be repeated on Sunday morning’s programme and I’ll post her contact details - and the dates and venue of her upcoming exhibition - on Monday’s blogposting.

CONTACT ME
Post comments on this blog or contact me in any one (or more) of these ways....
ian.robinson@bbc.co.uk
ianstuartrobinson@googlemail.com
text 07786 200954 (while the programme is on-air)
call (between about 0545 and 0630 Monday to Friday) 0191 232 6565
Ian Robinson, The Nightshift, BBC Radio Newcastle, Spital Tongues, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE99 1RN

NOTE
Please bear in mind that the views expressed in this blog are my own and NOT the views of the BBC.

147 comments:

Sid said...

Hildie that's a great story, and the photo's make it extra special.

gillian said...

hiya hildie..enjoyed reading your post..do you know what i thought?
first.. id have loved to be the driver of the steam train...
ive a morbid fascination for them....an anorak..

we,d travel to the seaside from the doorstep nearly..in a "puffer"
dads words..
night..
listening to ian..

gillian said...

hiya ian..
it,s just to say i really enjoyed hearing your interview last night with artist and designer Alison Best from stanley,
glad i was able to catch all of it this time..

i actually found alison early last year on the b.b.c. website, her work attracted me and just stood out by a mile....
also i resonated with the part about how she,d turned in a new direction through illness,.

i emailed to give some feedback and we became friends by email from afar,
found we had lots in common.

her work is so different from anything else ive ever seen and anyone who has an appreciation for nature will love the work too.

of course theres much more to alisons work than people might think you only realise this by studying it all in depth.
it,s worth it..

in your words last night ian to alison "more power to your elbow lass"
more of these quirky sayings please.
bye.

Sid said...

Hello chums, just thought I would be the 'Advance Party' and get the virtual kettle on. The dusting can wait till later.

Vivienne said...

Hi Sid,

I really appreciated the cup of tea. I've been out all day and just got back a short while ago. I would have been home sooner but I kept getting lost! I had to get a taxi to drive me round until I found my car. That's what happens when you go exploring a new area and don't make a note of the street name when you park up!

I'm jst popping back to Alison Best to tell the others where we are.

Love, Vivienne xxx

Vivienne said...

Hi again,

I forgot to tick the email box so called back for another cup of tea while I ticked!

xxx

Sid said...

Morning all, this is a nice place to hang out, thanks Hildie.
If anybody was to lose their car Vivienne I would have had to guess it would be you. Remember the woods....and following the poles on the map, all the clues are adding up. Glad you found it in the end. Bet the taxi driver had a good laugh.
I heard Ian this morning....He was saying hello to Mike Parr.

Vivienne said...

Good morning all,

Sid, I could say more about getting lost, but won't on the grounds it would be incriminating! All the blows and thumps I've had to my head it's a wonder I remember anything! I've often thought of writing a book about my head's adventures!

Maureen, I heard Ian read out your email and play, 'Move It.'

Maureen said...

Hi All, It's nice at Hildies' isn't it? Any chance of a custard cream to go with this cuppa Sid? Where is she anyway? Did she hear we were coming? Sorry to hear about you 'losing' your car Vivenne. I've done that in the carpark before, that awful sinking feeling when you can't find it, then I realised that I was on the wrong floor! Hope that you've recovered from the trauma by now!
I heard Ian play 'Move It' as well, I was hoping that he would take up my idea of something lively just before 6 so that we wouldn't miss the live bit. A kind of 'Robinsons Reveille' or 'Shake it to Wake it' as I thought, but never mind, I'll just have to depend on the seagulls, it usually works.
Talking about seagulls, I was down beside 'Our Jacks' statue yesterday and thought I would take a photo but it is in such a sorry state due to the pigeons and seagulls. Maybe with this publicity the council might lash out for a wash and brush up.
I also heard your piece on Durham prison Loz, a bit of an eyeopener, I'll be looking for that house of correction next time I'm on Elvet Bridge! I thoroughly enjoyed it, so interesting.Thanks.

Murphy and Dora said...

Hello friends,

We've called in for a cuppa too. We love Hildie's place. She has some lovely photos of us on the walls.

Can't stop long as we're off on our travels again.

Luv Murphy xx and Dora xx

Vivienne said...

Good Afternoon Folks,

Hope everyone's well an enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend. I've been watching the Olympic Closing Ceremony, and was quite impressed with the British 8 minute performance after the Olympic Flag hand-over to Boris Johnson.

However, Boris should have made more of an effort to smarten himself up. All the other officials looked immaculate. Boris wore his jacket open, which looked sloppy compared to the others, and he walked off the stage with his hands in his pockets. That's not the image I feel we should be portraying to the world. I'm sure he was on his 'best behaviour' but in his position as Mayor of London he needs a few lessons in social etiquette.

David Beckham got a huge reception and Leona Lewis also did us proud. The highlight for me was Placido Domingo's performnce. He seems to have played a low profile recently, and I thought he maybe had retired from singing, but he was in great voice.

Maureen yes thanks I have recovered from the trauma of losing my car, but still have blisters on my feet from trailing round and round the town. You would think I would learn from my mistakes. I mislaid my car earlier in the day, in a different town, but found it quite quickly. On the second occasion I expected to find it too. My feet were getting more and more painful and I was feeling weak with hunger. I kept seeing the same branch of Tesco, so decided to go in and have a large cappuccino and see if I could find a map. The cappuccino did the trick and I found a map and identified a street which looked like the street I left my car. I then went sarching for a taxi tel.no. As I couldn't find one I went to Customer Services where a very helpful young man phoned on my behalf. When the taxi company asked where I was going I told them the street name I saw on the map, even though I knew it wasn't the right street. When the taxi arrived I explained my plight. The driver's English wasn't brilliant, but he was very helpful. Eventually I saw my car, and what a relief! I gave the driver a goood tip. He deserved it.

Sid said...

Hello chums, lots of work done in the allotment today so I'm a very happy bunny. It's surprising how the body can put on weight with just a few inactive days and home made rice cake.
Vivienne your comments made me smile yet again. I was a taxi driver in North Tynside in the 1970's, you wouldn't believe some of the laughs the public at large used to give me.
I had a " follow that car" when a young lady thought her hubby was up to no good.
I was stood outside our office when a fire engine came hurtling down the road, it stopped at the junction...the guy in the passenger seat had an A to Z open, I held my hackney badge up and shouted "where do you want to be ", thankfully the street was nearby, and of they went.
One day I picked up a Norwegian family from the DFDS ferry.They wanted to be taken to 'The Blue Bell' public house. When I explained there was a few in the area he calmly told me it was the one in Penrith!!.
I do hope the Olympic officials didn't give us anything important to keep today, you know..like the torch. Our record of losing things is pretty horrendous at the moment.

Vivienne said...

Hi Sid,

Perhaps I should go into politics as I seem well quaified with my record of losing things too! You made me laugh at your taxi driving experiences. I'm glad you've had a good day at your allotment. I planned to mow my lawns and cut the hedges today but got side-tracked trying to sort out my laptops.

The wireless router I was promised when I transferred to Broadband hasn't arrived. So I can only use my new laptop in the lounge. I can't get my old laptop onto Broadband or networked with my new laptop. I need the old laptop to access Outlook Express as it's now not available on new packages. I've tried setting up a new email account, but can't connect with the account on the new laptop. I can access my blueyonder emails via Virgin webmail, but can't open up some of them, and sometimes forwarding mail fails. I tried three times to forward a message to Sue Sweeney and kept losing it.

My webmail was mounting up so I tried again to get onto Broadband on my old laptop. Eventually I tried going back to a dial-up connection, and to my surprise I was able to get online and download my mail. Then I swapped back to my new laptop and tried to send my sister an email via hotmail. Although I got onto Broadband ok, my email message failed and I lost it completely. It had taken me about 2 hours to write. I then tried sending a text but the message hasn't been received. My sister is travelling abroad at present, so must be in a poor reception area. She sent me my photo of Venice. All in all I've had a frustrating day, 'though did enjoy the Olympics ceremony, but this pattern of losing things seems to be haunting me!

Night, night everyone xxx

Hildie said...

Hello everybody, I've not seen you all for a while, been wondering about you , I do hope that you are all okay. I'd have made you another cup of tea, but it looks like you've all gone out on a Bank Holiday Monday jaunt! I'm home today but have been invited out tomorrow, for fish and chips at Middleton in Teesdale. Vivienne, I have lots of trouble with this old computer of mine and am always wishing for a new one ... but I'm not so sure now!
Have any of you ever been to a real -live Fireworks Display? Saturday night, at Consett & Blackhill Park, was the first time for me - it was tremendous! A hundred times better than I had expected.
I heard 'On Lawrence's Doorstep' last week and learned why a Prison Officer is called a 'Screw' ... you see, it's an education this programme! It's confession time now - I had never stopped to wonder why. But am glad I know.
Some of you may be able to help with what I'm wondering about today ..... you know the Myra Hindley image - in some way related to the 2012 Olympics .... can anyone tell me why Myra Hindley??? Just why would anyone ? Why would it cross anyone's mind to use that image??? I really want to understand where the seed of the idea rose from.
Answers on a postcard, please! love from Hildie.

Sid said...

Hello folks,
Vivienne,if you use a search engine for 'Outlook Express' a list appears of problems/solutions you might get with obtaining your e-mails from xp to Vista (I'm guessing that's on your new PC) It looks very helpful.
Your old laptop should take your broadband easily. Did you switch off the modem before inserting the lead into your old laptop. Try that...it worked for me, and still does when I need to update my laptop via the Broadband connection.
So what have the rest of us been doing today ? I've had another great day at the allotment, turned over my compost heap this afternoon. Went back after Gillian's teatime and got there just in time to get wet. Such is life.

Sid said...

Morning everyone,its just a quick question for you Loz...
I loved your revelations regarding the Benwell born Russian spy. How on earth did you discover that particular fact.
I am about to write to Ian asking for the spot to continue. Well done Loz, would you remind Ian we are here...awaiting his return.

Lawrence said...

Hi Sid and everyone,

Glad you liked the latest On Your Doorstep, and I fell upon Vilyam Fischer purely by random search of North East notables and there he was....good story too.

Thanks too that you're wanting more Doorsteps.... I'm well up for doing as many as you want.

I'll mention the 101 post to Ian when I see him Tuesday.

No doubt you'll have heard on the Nightshift of the sad passing of dear little Grosvenor... he was such a very special rat and one who thoroughly deserved to be mascot of such a fine organisation as the Truckshunters....he was a proud boy indeed.

He died on Tuesday morning from old age, no nasty illness or the like, and he went peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his mates, JD, JB and Caffery who have been very sad since, as we have been too.

Ian attended his little burial ceremony too which made it all the more special a goodbye to a very good friend who will be sorely missed and is already so very much.

Thanks to all for supporting Grosvenor and being his friends from afar.

Cheers Lawrence

Sid said...

Morning everyone,
I am so sorry Lawrence that Grosvenor has passed away, I hadn't heard. He had truly been a great mascot for us Truckshunters.
I am sure others must have missed the announcement of his passing as well...

Vivienne said...

Hi Everyone,

Yes Sid, I'd missed Ian's announcement too. I'm so sorry Lawrence. I agree with Sid, Grosvenor was a geat mascot and a loss to all of us, but especially to you Lawrence and Grosvenor's friends. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

Sid, I'm still having laptop problems. I tried disconnecting the modem but may be doing the wrong thing. My old laptop won't let me enable the LAN settings, even when I disabled the firewall.
I'm waiting in for the arrival of my wireless router which I've been told will arrive today. I'll try again once it arrives.

In my attempts to change the internet settings I came across a procedure to transfer Outlook Express ono a new computer. I'm hoping to do this when the router arrives, as I don't have any connecting cables between laptops.
Failing all, I'll contact PC World. I'm still paying for support for my new laptop. Thanks for your help, which I appreciate very much. I managed to resist the desire to throw both laptops out of the window!

Vivienne said...

Hi again,

Sorry Lawrence, I did read my comments before I posted! I meant to say Grosvenor was a great mascot and not a 'geat.' Also 'ono' should have been onto.
Sorry folks!

Hildie said...

Hi Ian .... have you heard about the pub in the Bigg Market that has banned a man because he wears a kilt? Surely that's discrimination! The pub is called The Blackie Boy - I think we should all make a pact not to cross the doorstep! This man has worn his kilt to the pub every Friday night to the pub for the last two years and is renowned amongst regulars and bar staff for doing so. I think the place is under new management - they are trying to "better the clientele" by banning fancy dress and football shirts and not allowing groups of men to go in. Apparently, it used to be one of the main "pre-match" drinking spots but now they've banned anyone from going in dressed in a Newcastle shirt.
I have had my daughter here for the weekend from Manchester. She and her boyfriend came up to go to the "Green Gathering" - they got back from Newcastle a little while ago, looking pretty wet and diseviled, but seeming to have had a good time. Sad to say, they'll be back off to Manchester in the morning - they are always such flying visits!
p.s. Who is doing the Murphy and Dora posts? I'm very curious, you can tell me, you know - honestly, I wouldn't tell a soul!

Murphy and Dora said...

Hello Hildie,

Well mostly it's me, Murphy who does the posting, but Dora put on those awful photos of that Rocky fella. Anyway we've made up now and became engaged in Blackpool.

Luv Murphy xx and Dora xx

Vivienne said...

Good Evening everyone,

Congratulations Murphy and Dora on your engagement. I hope you will be very happy together, and enjoy a lifetime of happy travels.

Hildie, I thought it was you who set up their Blog! I'm sorry your daughter and her boyfriend had such a brief visit. You'll feel a sense of loss each time she leaves.

Sid, my wireless router, which was due to arrive on Friday, still hasn't been delivered!!! There's a surprise!!!

Lawrence, I'd like to add my name to the list of fans who wish, 'On your Doorstep' to continue. Your banter with Ian, or Ian's banter with you, brings the Nightshift to life, and you find such interesting topics to discuss. Ian mentioned Grosvenor's passing on Friday night, and he sang his praises as our mascot, and your's for offering Grosvenor as a mascot and for looking after him so well.

Maureen, we haven't heard from you for a while. I hope you're well, and maybe you're on holiday?

Sid said...

Hello everyone, turned out nice didn't it.
Hildie, I had missed you chatting on here, now I know why. Company is great while they are here, but such a miss when they go home.
Vivienne, that missing router of yours is giving me grief, never mind you. I also hope Maureen is ok.
We have packed our wellies and umbrellas and are heading to the caravan tomorrow. It'll be the first visit since August came in with all its rain. Watch out for me in the car park at Sainsburys in Hawick. Behave yourselves mind...

Hildie said...

Hi Sid - hope you get some sunshine. I don't know what you think, but I don't reckon I'm going to find out who is responsible for the Murphy and Dora blogs .... I hope it doesn't remain a mystery forever as I like to get to the bottom of things. I have two suspects on my list up to now!

Did anyone hear Ian last night telling various stories about people who have faked their own deaths and gone on to begin new lives? Great stuff! I really enjoyed listening and I hope he unearths more stories on the same theme.

Hello also to Maureen, Vivienne and Lawrence ..... I hope you are all well. It's another "People's Nightshift" tonight - that's come around quickly, hasn't it?
So, you never know, I might be hearing from any one of you in a little while on tonight's programme. Hope so!

Maureen said...

Hi All,
I'm back. Thanks for your concern. You were right, I've been on a short break to the Peak district and you'll never guess?, I met two friends of Murphy and Dora! They were Dutch wood elves, camping near Buxton, and kindly posed for some photos. I'm hoping that they'll appear on Murphy and Doras' blog. I've sent them on. I wonder who is helping them with it? Quite a mystery, Hildie, you're the detective!
Sorry to hear about Grosvenors' sad demise recently. I listened to Ian during the night and he gave him quite a tribute. I'm sure he couldn't have led a happier life thanks to Loz and his family, my commiserations Loz.
Vivienne, my friend has been having exactly the same problems getting onto broadband. Her router didn't arrive and it turned out that the driver couldn't find the house so took it back to the depot although their telephone number was clearly displayed. They were then told that they could collect it from a depot in Newcatle, which they declined, and it was delivered to their neighbour two days later while they were at home waiting in for it! Best of luck, I'll get the rest of their saga later in the week.
Sid, your garden looks lovely, it must have been sunny sometime. Hope the weathers ok for you, we had good and bad, but it doesn't matter, we enjoyed the break.
I heard Ian say thanks for contributions from Hildie and myself last night, but I didn't actually hear them. Did anyone else, as it's quite a while since I sent anything in?
Thanks, Maureen

Hildie said...

Hi Maureen, I wish I could help, I would have liked to have heard more of The People's Nightshift than I actually did. I'm a one o'clock listener, I hear the beginning of the programme only. Usually I listen until about 2:30a.m. I heard Ian give off a list of who had contributed to the programme but unfortunately I didn't hear very many of the contributions. However, I did hear our Sid's email that was saying how much he enjoyed the "On Your Doorstep" feature. It was lovely to hear from Sid on the programme. I also heard Kev (who we miss here on the blog) - I remember him sending in something about "After the Goldrush". I really ought to get Ian to read the emails I send him - as I sent him one a few weeks ago in which I made a very brave attempt to explain the lyrics of AFTER THE GOLDRUSH - he's so naughty not reading it, isn't he?!!
So , Maureen, apart from those two contributions, I heard (and enjoyed) Ian on his high horse about the Transport System we have in and around Newcastle - and that is all I can remember. Suffice to say that I don't know what you or I contributed! Anyway, I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your time away in the Peak District , but it's nice to have you back. Maybe I should just go with the mystery of the Murphy and Dora blog postings, perhaps that's the beauty of them, the not knowing who is writing them.
But ...... it is driving me mad, not knowing!

Vivienne said...

Good Evening Folks!

I have some super news for you. Last week I wrote an email to Inga and enclosed it in an email to Ian. I asked if he would be kind enough to forward the email to her. Tonight I received a lovely message from Inga. I was thrilled to hear from her, and replied at once. I've given her the blog address and told her how to find us. She's keen to network with everyone.

Inga, I hope you manage to find us. Our numbers have diminished and we welcome newcomers.

Hildie & Maureen, I heard Ian read out Sid's email too, but that's about all I remember apart from a lot of music. I didn't send him any new material this time, as he hasn't yet used some I've sent in the past.

It's great to have you back with us Maureen, and I'm glad you enjoyed the Peak District. I hope you had good weather.

Good night,

Vivienne xxx

Sid said...

Hello everyone its a lovely day here in Galashiels. Good to see you all behaving yourselves. Keep up the good work.

Sid said...

Hello everyone, I spoke too soon yesterday regarding the lovely day.
The weather forcast last night, and the mist on the hills this morning, convinced us it was time to head home.
The Lottery was kind to us on Wednesday with a 3 Hotpicks win. We went to Tesco's in Galashiels to collect the £450, it came in four different designs of Scottish £20 notes and the one tenner. You can imagine the bother we'll have spending that lot. Jean says if its too much bother for me she'll spend my share as well.
Surely Vivienne you have things working by now?

Maureen said...

Congratulations Sid! Lovely to hear of someone winning and it couldn't happen to a finer fella! Have you thought of investing in ark building? I hear it's the coming thing....
I've just heard of someone who has a wedding planned tomorrow.Doesn't your heart go out to them? When I think of some of the nice weather that we've had in Seprember before, fingers crossed for them, even if it's just for the photos.

Vivienne said...

Hi Sid, No such luck, but after Maureen's friend's experience I plan to phone again asap. My sister is staying with me for a few days and we've been out quite a lot, so I don't want to miss my router's arrival when it finally arrives. I thought youwould be heading home in this dreadful weather.

Hope everyone else is ok. Did you hear say he was going away in a fortnights time? He wants some jokes.

Vivienne said...

Sorry about the mistakes. I meant to say 'Did you hear Ian say?'

Maureen said...

By the way, is it just me or can anyone else explain the concept of the peoples' nightshift? I just used to send things in anytime. Now I wonder if I should hang on to things until Ian announces a 'PN'? There doesn't seem to be half as much 'content' as before, yet Ian says that he does it to use up all of the material people send in to him. We used to have bits of quizzes and trivia throughout the night, now it seems that we only have those hard ones at 4am and those cricket things. I'm puzzled, maybe it's just me, or does anyone else agree?

Maureen said...

Sorry Vivienne, I seem to have crossed with your comments. No sign of your router yet then? It's so frustrating waiting in for things isn't it? Have you seen the lovely pics on Murphy and Doras' blog? Great news about Inga, by the way, I hope that she posts soon. Now we'll have to go for the Rev Eddie ...

Lawrence said...

Thanks for all the comments about Grosvenor, he would have been a proud rat indeed.

Did you hear Leonard the 17 year-old Piano Accordian player this week?

He is one of my new piano tuning customers and when he played his accordian for me I instantly suggested to Ian he should be on the show, and what a show he put on.... brilliant talent.

We'll be looking at the future of On Your Doorstep very soon, but judging by the huge response I have a feeling I've some busy nights ahead in the next few weeks, but if you've got thoughts on it please let Ian know.

Cheers

Hope you've avoided most of the ghastly rain of the alst two days...all the best

Lawrence

Hildie said...

It's funny the things we do ... for instance today I bought some red onion marmalade, purely on the recommendation of my favourite radio presenter. Now I'm wondering why it is called marmalade when it looks like chutney. Life is so full of questions! Sid - so glad you made it back before the monsoon.
Maureen - I liked the original format of The Nightshift too, and at the moment I'm as confused as you about the changes.
Vivienne - I hope you gave Inga good directions to find us. It would be lovely if she turned up here one of the days. I'm hoping Ian will give us a new page to write on before he goes on his hols.
Lawrence - I heard the up-date about your email to David Miliband about Jack. Looks like we now need a resident of South Shields to email him - know anyone who would do that for us?

Hildie said...

YES, Maureen, let's go for ...
The Rev. Eddie,
Jim in Canada
Martin in Houghton le Spring
Tony in Fenham
J. Arthur Smallpiece
and, here's an idea,
Peter in SOUTH SHIELDS!!! (not only do we want him to join us on the blog , but we could ask him (very nicely) if he would send that email to David Miliband.)
Seriously, has anyone got any suggestions about how we could get some of these people to come blogging with us? They are all Ian Robinson fans and I think they would appreciate an invite .....
but how can we invite them?

Hildie said...

I keep thinking of other people who have contributed to the programme ....
we've got Pam in Gosforth, Carol and Pete, and I'm nearly sure I've heard emails from people named Mel, Paul,Linda.... to name but a few. Some of them I'm sure would be interested in joining us. Short of putting an ad in The Chronicle, I don't know how to reach them!!

Vivienne said...

Hi Folks,

Sorry Sid, I meant to congratulate you on your winnings when I last published my comments. I hope you've been able to spend all of your Scottish notes.

Maureen, Murphy and Dora are displaying some super photos on their blog thanks to you and Hildie. I'll have to send them some pictures too.

Hildie, Inga has found Ian's blog and spent her first visit looking at the photos/ pictures. She's not sure what to say and what we'd like to know about her. I suggested she send a photo of herself to Ian, and ask him to post it for us. Actually I'd like to know how she found the Nightshift. Maybe she found us by chance, or perhaps she had been informed about the Nightshift from a friend? Anyway, I'm glad she found us.

Maureen said...

Mornin' All,
Maybe you are all sleeping as you appear to have been up during the night. I woke up at four to hear Ian mention some old wives tales that someone had sent in. Any takers? Funny thing was that Ian was saying that he thought it was me and if it wasn't why was I taking credit! I love his sense of humour. They were very good, many of them associated with pregnancy and most of them absolute nonsense, like, if the mothers' grandma had grey hair the baby was going to be a boy! It makes you wonder why they've existed for so long? The other thing is, and it's happened before, it's strange that I wake up just before he mentions my name. Am I picking up psycic messages do you think?
Hildie, thanks, I'm glad I'm not the only one, although I have to say, there was a lot more to listen to this morning. I don't mean to whinge but I fall asleep when there's lots of music, then I feel cheated when I wake up! Don't get me wrong, I like the special requests that Ian plays for people, sometimes they come with lovely stories attached and Ian adds so much to them with his comments.
Wouldn't it be great if all of those people joined us on the blog? Maybe they read it and walk away shaking their heads in disbelief! Which brings me to the last thing, Hildie, I hope that you didn't have that onion marmalade on your toast this morning!
My sympathy goes out to those poor people who hae been flooded at Morpeth by the way, when is it going to stop?

Hildie said...

Not sure what I'm supposed to do with the Red Onion Marmalade, Maureen! I haven't opened the jar yet. I saw it in the shop and immediately remembered that, when I was drifting off to sleep one of the nights, Ian was recommending we try it. Is this subliminal suggestion?! You know, he could get us to do anything, couldn't he?!

Maureen said...

Hi Hildie, according to the BBC Good Food Guide it's good with Patés, terrines and ploughmans lunches, sounds nice, think I'll try it. Maybe Ian has more power than he realises!

Vivienne said...

Good morning folks,

Well my sister and I had quite an adventure yesterday trying to drive along the A694 from the Swalwell roundabout to Winlaton Mill. We drove down from the roundabout and realized we were in a queue of slow moving traffic. It soon became evident that there was flooding on the road, but I continued thinking we'd drive out of the floodwater. It became deeper and almost all of the road to Winlaton Mill was submerged in muddy water. We were surprised that only one car seemed to have broken down, and thankfully the driver had pulled off the road. I was worried that if we had to stop I may not get my car started again. My sister said it was like driving over to Holy Island, i.e. before the Causeway was constructed.

When I reached Winlaton Mill I drove through a red light to turn right and get out of the water. None of the oncoming traffic seemed to mind! The road was virtually impassable, and there was still water streaming, and at one point gushing, down the hillside. As the flood had not been listed on 'Traffic & Travel' I phoned Radio Newcastle. I waited for ages to speak to Sue, but then contacted the Traffic line. The flood had just been reported by someone else. I said the road should be closed. It was a few minutes later, and to my knowledge still is. My sister took this photo at Winlaton Mill.

Ian asked if we would like a feature by The Springfields, and other artists. I haven't responded yet, but think it's a good idea.

I don't know how we can get other listeners onto the blog when Ian doesn't advertise it anymore. When I first wrote to Inga I didn't mention his blog in the email I requested Ian to forward. I was concerned that he may not have been so willing to forward my message if I'd done so. Maybe we could ask him to invite Truckshunters to view Murphy and Dora's blog, and leave messages in their Comments' boxes to direct listeners to the Truckshunter's blog? What do you think?

Sid said...

Afternoon folks,
Vivienne, you have brought up some good points, and seeing as how you have asked for our thoughts so nicely, I will tell you mine.
I think we are hanging onto this blog by the skin of our teeth. As you point out, it isn't promoted at all now, and I can't see it continuing in its present format, if at all.
Ian is the only one who can decide if a blog is needed for his show. If it goes I shall miss it terrbly, but I do believe that its presence has caused Ian some troubles in the past, and he may just want it to fade away naturally.
However if this posting is just a load of rubbish, and Ian wants to come up with something new, just try and stop me getting on it !!.

Sid said...

Hmm, terribly has an I in it, sorry folks, must have caught the bug from Vivienne.
Hildie, was that you txting Kathy Secker earlier, heard it at the garden while I was cursing the mice for nicking me peas.

Vivienne said...

Hi Sid,

Thanks for your thoughts about the blog. It occurred to me after I'd posted my comment that if we did attract lots of others onto the blog, and Ian didn't post again, we would soon use up all of Ian's postings. Also Loz had difficulty finding us never mind newcomers.

Some time ago, when it seemed that Ian was closing his bog, I offered Truckshunters the chance to use one of my blogs. My offer wasn't taken up, and I believe that's because we would have felt we were being disloyal to Ian if we went elsewhere.

By the way I heard Hildie's request too.

Vivienne said...

Done it again Sid! I'm sure Ian wasn't closing his 'bog' but he did say he was closing his blog! Sorry! Funny how I can proof read, and everything seems ok until I publish!!!

Sid said...

Afternoon chums,
Did you know that Ian is live in the morning from 05:30. He wants to try and catch up on some of the letters and e-mails that he hasn't read out yet.
I hope you're all keeping dry.

Vivienne said...

Hi Folks!

Thanks Sid, I didn't hear Ian this morning so missed his announcement about his 5.30am start. I guess it's a one-off rather than a permanent change?

Maureen, how did the person, who planned to marry on Saturday, cope in the torrential rain? I hope their wedding wasn't in Morpeth or Rothbury. Thankfully my nephew chose the previous Saturday for his wedding, and we had a warm, dry day.

Sid said...

Yes Vivienne, I understood it to be a one off, trying to get rid of a backlog of e-mails and letters.

Maureen said...

Phew! Looks like we got through the big bang experiment then. Everyone seems to be forgetting that they are an hour ahead of us, CET, I think. Anyway I got up early for my cup of tea just in case! I think they've done quite enough messing about with our atmosphere as it is. My Grandmother used to say that she blamed the bad weather on "them sending those rockets up" and we used to laugh ...
Vivienne your 'flood experience' sounds quite scary, I know I was in a similar situation in the Peak district once and it was like driving along a river as everything was going downhill with us. I wouldn't like to repeat it. The wedding had to be kept indoors as much as possible apparently, so disappointing for them. Something to tell the grandkids though!
Hope everyone else is keeping dry, hopefully at least for this morning!

Vivienne said...

Good afternoon everyone,

Well it's official, I've turned into a grumpy old woman! A young salesman rang my doorbell twice in quick succession, and rather aggressively, a few minutes ago. In a rather overbearing manner he greeted me with, 'Hello Flower,' then thrust a card towards me and attempted to continue. I saw he was selling block paving, which I couldn't afford as I'd just returned from my second very expensive dental appointment this week, I told him I was sorry but wasn't interested. It was his parting 'Flower' that did it! I quickly added, 'And I'm not a flower!' Actually I am. My middle name is Marguerite! (I had a lucky escape as I could have been called after my guardmother, Dorothy, as we share the same birthday, but my parents had the sense to see that initials would have begun VD.)

Maureen, I'm sorry the wedding was a washout. Perhaps they could take some outside photos at a later date? Also, I'm not sure what time the 'Big Bang' is occurring. It seems they have to do a lot of testing first, after it's switched on. It may not have happened yet.

For those of you who are wondering what happened to Paul Wappat, he and Ian made a great team, well my dentist was playing 'Smooth Radio,' and it was announced that Paul Wappat's show was at 4pm today. I'd never heard of Smooth Radio, as I always listen to Radio Newcastle, but it seems to be a local station.

Loz, when is your next 'On your doorstep?' I think it's shocking that David Miliband won't help, re Jack Kirkpatrick, as the request came from a South Shields none resident.

Inga has found the blog, but she doesn't know what to write. I think it would be interesting to learn how she found the 'Nightshift.' I suggested she sends Ian a photo of herself and asks him to post it for us.

Hildie said...

Hi Folks!
When I was listening to The Nightshift, in the early hours, I heard Ian telling the story of a Saudi lady who is divorcing her husband because he took a peek at her face while she was sleeping - Loz had sent in the story. I just have to say that I agreed with what Ian said i.e. that I, too , had always been under the impression that those veils were taken off in private. i thought only her husband would have been allowed to see her. Isn't it weird? Anyway,if she was asleep, how did she know that he'd had a little peep?!
Did any of you see the Mercury Music Awards? I watched some of it because I like Russell Brand - did you see that "Elbow" won an award ... they were a band who Steve Drayton and Ian were promoting on The Nightshift, maybe only a week or two ago!

Lawrence said...

Hi all,

Hi Vivienne,

The next doorstep ---- and yes looks like the series is about to continue ---- will be pre-recorded in about two weeks time for broadcast later that week, or that's the provisional blueprint at any rate.

All MPs have the same policy regarding problems and issues sent to them, it's a rule they have to adhere to but, Ian is working on getting David Miliband on-air to chat to him about Jack, so fingers crossed, and if all else fails we all have our own MPs to approach, and we will be in their constituancies then there's no problem - they have to listen. Mine is Ronnie Campbell up here, so he might have to have an email yet.

Hi Hildie......YES well done Elbow!!! Excellent indeed.

Lawrence

Maureen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Maureen said...

Evenin All, Does that remind anyone else of George Dixon or am I the only one of a 'certain age'? I was wondering if there's anybody there or are we all at boatbuilding classes?

Maureen said...

Ok then, I'll just ramble on to myself. Just thinking of the nights when we used to chat and Miss B. Hayve used to keep us right. Happy Days! I'd love to hear from Gilly again, just to know that she's ok. I often think of her and how we just used to ramble on. Dark nights are coming we'll have to start entertaining ourselves again. Maybe some quizzes and anagrams?
I'll see what I can dig out and pop back tomorrow ....

Vivienne said...

Hi everyone,

Hope you're having a good weekend. I was hoping for some sunshine, but I should have known better!

Maureen it's funny you were talking about George Dixon, as I'd just been watching a repeat of 'Flog it' when I read your comment. On 'Flog it' one of the participants had a collection of signed photos of tv and film stars, and one of the photos was of George Dixon (Jack Warner)!

I worry about my 'dyslexic' moments. I was lying in bed this morning and had a sudden revelation. It came back to me that I'd spelt Godmother 'Guardmother' the other day. At the time I knew it didn't look right, but couldn't work out why. Then this morning someone mentioned Godmother on the radio and it all came back to me what I'd written!

When I was young I once was told off for talking in school, when I asked a friend how to spell, 'she.' I was having a mental block. The friend laughed and we were reprimanded. I didn't remember how to spell 'she' until some time later when the lesson was over! It makes life interesting and at times frustrating! I always read 'Persimmon Homes' as 'Permission Homes' until someone pointed out my error!

Here's a joke. I hope it makes you smile.

A woman walks into a pharmacy and asks the pharmacist for some arsenic.
He asks "What for?"
She says "I want to kill my husband".
He says "Sorry, I can't do that."
She then reaches into her handbag and pulls out a photo of her husband in bed with the pharmacist's wife and hands it to him.

He says, "You didn't tell me you had a prescription..."

Hildie said...

Hi Vivienne, I loved the joke! Just wanted to tell you that I have 'those moments' as well. A couple of weeks ago I remember sending a text to my daughter in manchester saying "How do you spell faze ..... you know, when someone is going through a faze" - her answer was simply "Phase, mam". She must be getting quite concerned about me, I think. The thing was that it just wouldn't come to me. I've just been talking to her on the phone tonight, she was telling me that today she has been to a place called Ramsbottom, and has been taking part in the "Black Pudding Throwing" Championship. She said there was a ledge attached to some scaffolding on which there was a pile of Yorkshire Puddings - you had to throw the Black Pudding towards the ledge and try to knock down as many Yorkshire Puddings as you could. One of her friends, Adam, had done very well, he came second .... I' m nearly sure she said he knocked down five. I'm not quite managing to imagine it, I don't know about you! Anyway, they seem to have enjoyed themselves as they are all planning to go back next year.
So who can tell me about Ian's holidays? By that, I mean how long is he going to be away? On which date will he be back?
I hope that you are all keeping well. I've just remembered the anagram I set on the Blue Bus programme ... I think I'll leave it for you to ponder over .... you know when you won an ice-scraper you had to set the anagram for the next day ( it was of course considered the greatest of honours to be asked to do this, as you will recall!) - anyway , this is the one that I set -
MILE OF BONNET ..... go on then, I will give you a clue - it is in Co. Durham, within say a ten mile radius of where I live.

Vivienne said...

Hi Hildie,

I feel better now, knowing I'm not the only one with those 'moments.'
I once spelt exhausted, exhorsted, and only realised my mistake when a friend read out loud the postcard I'd written. She was very polite, but she did have problems trying to pronounce exhorsted!

I think you should nominate the Black Pudding Throwing sport to Ian's mini Olympics. I'm guessing Ian will be back live next Monday or Tuesday morning. I think he's off for a week, although originally I thought he'd said a couple of weeks, but then I decided he meant he was giving us a couple of weeks notice.

I'm still pondering over MILE OF BONNET. I'll have to get out my Lexican Cards or Scrabble letters and juggle them around. I used to enjoy the Blue Bus shows, but only heard them when I was on holiday, or in the car travelling to the Civic Centre and the likes. How are you enjoying being back at School? I hope you're having a good day.

Hildie said...

Hi Vivienne
I'm feeling a bit displaced today. I have a painter here, he is painting my living room and dining room and everything is in the wrong place, didn't know where to look for my handbag, couldn't remember where I had put the ironing! He had to open the back door to help the undercoat to dry, so it's absolutely freezing! i don't know how I'll manage when I go to cook my son's tea because the kitchen benches are covered in the boxes that were under the sofa bed in the dining room. I'll be pleased tomorrow night when it's all done but for now everything feels upside down. School is good, thanks. I don't work every day - so that may affect my perception of it! I have a supply contract to work every Friday at my local Primary School. Sometimes I get an early morning phone call asking me to cover for an absent teacher, but that's a rare event. I work with young children, so it is really quite fun. We dressed some Nursery Children in wellies and outdoor coats last Friday afternoon and took them outside . There were all sorts of toys out in the yard, climbing frame, sand pit, soil pit, scooters, bikes, bats, balls, hoops, a garden table with tubs of bubbles on it, a kind of Wendy House - and guess what they played with? .... the one thing that I didn't mention was there ..... a puddle!! They walked through it, jumped up and down in it, rode the bikes through it , stood in it and floated the balls in it!
Must make my painter a cup of coffee, 'bye for now, and thanks for telling me when Ian is expected back.

Vivienne said...

Hi Hildie,

I hope you managed to survive the day and made tea ok. I would have been tempted to eat out!

Well, I'm certain you've made up the name for your anagram. I juggled with the letters and searched local maps but couldn't find anywhere with those leters. So my best guess is 'Fin Bone Motel.' It's sure to specialise in fish dishes! It could be 'Bon Fine Motel' but are you sure the 'n' isn't an 'r' as it could be 'Bon Fire Motel.' On the other hand it could be 'Tomb of Lennie.' Please put me out of my misery!

Thanks!

Maureen said...

Hildie, you've got me stumped too! I can't find anything in your area to fit your anagram. You haven't picked now to have a dyslexic moment have you? Just kidding! You both reminded me of a silly spelling 'blackout' that I had during my english 'o' level exam. I coudn't remember how to spell 'was' how silly is that? It just looked wrong to me, so I tried all the other permutations and couldn't decide which was right. I suppose it was just nerves but at times English is a silly language and you can understand how foreigners have problems with it.

Hildie said...

You both have a gold star for trying, you two .... it's
Bloemfontein. Honest, it's in Co.Durham, and is locally refered to as The Font. I think English must indeed be a terrible language for foreigners to learn. "OUGH", for instance, can be pronounced in eight different ways. The following sentence contains them all : "A rough- coated, dough-faced ploughman strode through the streets of Scarborough, coughing and hiccoughing thoughtfully."

Vivienne said...

Well Hildie I'm speechless! I haven't even heard of The Font, let alone that other place. I was right. You made it up!!! Only joking, well done for catching us out.

I've got one for you. I once stayed in this small country town with my school and remember playing lawn tennis rather badly with our Headmaster! Here goes:

HER BIN ROSE UP

Hildie said...

Morning, I think I'm going for
Ireshopeburn.

Hildie said...

Another day with the painter - I hate having no curtains or blinds up at the windows. Anyone know why Ian didn't do a Sunday morning "Nightshift" ? I thought it would have been recorded before he went away. Nobody seems to be covering the programme for him, that's strange. Just leaving you a quick, little anagram : DEAD MAPS.

Vivienne said...

Well done Hildie. Ireshopeburn it is! Now I think you are making up place names again. Am I likely to have heard of this one? Nothing is jumping out at me, unless there's a place called PADSMEAD?

I hope the painting is going well. I'm having a lazy day.

Hildie said...

I should have told you that it is in Cumbria. Sorry.
Painter had to dash off - family commitments - something cropped up - won't be back till Friday - well, at least I'll be at school then!

Vivienne said...

Maureen or Sid, Have you any ideas about Hildie's anagram? I've been looking all over Cumbria, but still can't find it.

Maureen said...

Sorry, can't get that one either Hildie. I'd never heard of the font or Bloemfontein, it sounds very exotic .. is it?
Why is Michael Poulter live? I think we should demand live from Ian! Why should he sleep when we can't!
Here's a riddle for you to be getting on with:
No legs have I to dance, no lungs have I to breathe, no life have I to live or die and yet I do all three. what am I?
Hildie, hope you're enjoying your new surroundings, you just have to get rid of the paint smell now!

Hildie said...

I'm going to guess at flowers ... because Wordsworth's "Daffodils" came into my mind - you know the "Fluttering and dancing in the breeze" bit! Mind you, I think I'm wrong because flowers do have a life, even though they have no legs or lungs!
I'll leave you with the DEAD MAPS anagram a little while longer, there's no need to rush ..... Sid might even come up with something, you never know. Do you think he has taken his family to the caravan this week?
Sad to say there's nothing exotic about Bloemfontein, Maureen.
That's shocking, if what you say is true .... i.e. Michael Poulter live! All we've ever wanted was a 'live'Ian!

Vivienne said...

Hi Folks,

I'm guessing 'flames' Maureen, as they dance and need oxygen to live.
I'm still pondering over DEAD MAPS Hildie. I think my maps must be dead as they don't show any living sign of your anagram!

Ian told us that Michael Poulter would be taking over in his absence, but from what I've heard, and I admit I haven't been listening to the Nightshift very much while Ian's been away, Michael plays music most of the time. When I did listen he came on after about an hour to announce some programmes. Although his information was up to date I still thought it had been recorded rather than a live session. However, I only heard him during the night, so can't comment about the rest of his broadcasts.

Vivienne said...

Hi again,

I've just been viewing 'Prelude's' gig list, as I do from time to time, and they're performing at the Folk Club at the Beamish Mary, No Place, tomorrow night. Do any of you fancy going? I'd love to go but don't want to sit there on my own. Also, it would be an opportunity to meet up for a chat.
Sorry it's such short notice, but if you're interested I can phone for details of times and prices.

Hildie said...

Hi Vivienne, I am really sorry to say that I'm not able to make it to the Beamish Mary and it doesn't look as if there is anyone else kicking about on here .... this is where it would be helpful to have a few more members on our blog, isn't it - then you would have been sure to find someone who could have gone with you. I feel a bit bad about it so I've decided to give you the answer to the anagram (by way of cheering you up!) ...... Spadeadam, that's it. I don't know what they are doing with Ian's Nightshift this week - if you look on the BBC Schedule it says "Music and chat throughout the night with Nick Roberts" - well, that's what it said last night - and then I heard the programme introduced as being presented by Michael Poulter - that was just as I was heading off to bed.

Vivienne said...

Hi Hildie,

Thanks for getting back to me and don't worry about tonight. It was just a thought that as well as listening to Prelude we could have put the world to right, or at least the Nightshift! Prelude has booked in one or two other local venues this year, if anyone is interested in going along please let me know and I'll post the details.

I heard Michael say last night that Ian will be back on Monday, but he didn't specify whether it would be in the morning or night.

Spade and Adam were two of the many words I came up with, but didn't think they went together! Thanks for putting me out of my misery. I think Maureen must still be scouring the Lake District for DEAD MAPS, unless she has a rendezvous with Sid in Morrisons' car park in Hawick!

I've been to see my dentist again today. My next lot of treatment is going to cost £800, and that doesn't include the cost of the implant which is booked in for November! He's already had £740 from me this month! I've said that I want an invitation to their Christmas Party, and to be measured for my own personal chair!!!

Hildie said...

Oh, heck! The anagram might have been a bit easier had I given you all the letters! Many apologies!
I did one of Maureen's tricks just then, I switched off the computer and my mistake began to dawn on me! When I had looked at Spadeadam on the screen I think it penetrated that there were three 'a's in it and only two in dead maps. You are having a lot of trouble with me this week, sorry! xxx

Vivienne said...

Hi Hildie,

It didn't dawn on me that SPADEADAM has nine letters rather than eight. As I said previously I had actually considered Spade & Adam but of course I now know why I didn't put both words together.
We must have been trying to post our Comments at the same time!

Maureen said...

Hi All,
What is that big bright thing in the sky???? Wonderful, hope you're all out making the most of it.
Sorry I haven't been around much lately but been very busy having, and expecting more visitors, lovely to see them, but routine goes out of the window!
Those anagrams Hildie, you must be using an ordnance survey map, I got lost at Kendal! Good exercise for the old grey matter though. You started me off with Bloem fontein as I thought it could be Dutch,(fountain of flowers) so I googled it and discovered that it is the judicial capital of South Africa, which explains the Dutch connection. Would you believe that? I wonder how that little place in Durham came by the name? and I still coudn't find it on a map or a picture. You know I'll have to go and have a look don't you? I'm like Ian when it comes to HAVING to know!
Vivienne, you were right with fire, it took me a while to work out, I must admit.
I'm puzzled with the Nightshift, Michael sounds live, giving artists names after tracks etc and giving time checks before 6, but he mentioned the fog in the car park when he came in one morning. So I don't know ....

Maureen said...

Hi All,
Is it just me or are people losing interest in the blog? I know that I've been busy, is it the same for everyone else? I think unless we move on and introduce some new members it sadly, will inevitably fade away. Maybe it's run its' course? What does everyone else think? Maybe it's just because Ian's been away and there isn't a lot to discuss. I hope you are all making the most of a full nights' sleep incidentally! I'm afraid Ian is the only presenter that I would lose sleep for, although what I have heard has been ok. But no little quirky bits like Ian includes. I hope he's back Monday morning, fingers crossed!
I hope I'm right and we're all just busy, I'll try to make more effort, promise!

Sid said...

Well hello everyone, what a surprise when I checked my e-mails for the first time in a week. Lots of notifications about Truckshunter chatter, I thought Ian had made a dramatic announcement whilst we had been to the caravan, but alas it was just the girls keeping themselves entertained. I must nip off to the garden now and have a quick look around...will be back later.

Vivienne said...

Hi Sid,

Welcome back! I hope your alotment is ok. No sign of Ian joining us again, or posting. I think he's just hoping we stop using his blog altogether! However, it's good to have him back on the Nightshift.

Vivienne said...

Good Morning All,

Maureen I heard Ian read out your email about you going to Whitley Bay Ice Rink, and guess what? We used to go too! I still have my old ice skates, although I haven't used them for years. The hired boots were so old and bendy that they didn't support your ankles very well, so my older sister and I bought our own. Did you used to swim at Jarrow baths too? We went there regularly for years.

Hildie, has your painter finshed yet?

Maureen said...

Hi Vivienne,
Walter St. Baths? With cubicles all the way around the sides with curtains that didn't close properly? We hated to go downstairs as I just remember it being dark and drippy and seeing spiders scurry into corners! I can still remember buying sixpenn'orth of chips at the bottom of the ststion stairs on the way home: Our long hair was still wet, and it was dark, I can see us gathered in the light from the shop window as the smell of hot vinegar arose from the newspaper! Thanks for bringing back happy memories!

Vivienne said...

Hi Maureen,

You must have been rich buying chips! We had to content ourselves smelling the newly baked bread at the bakery over the station stairs. I think it was the Co-op but may be wrong. We also used to lean up against the bakery wall in the back lane, as it was lovely and warm from the ovens. Heaven!!!

One day when my Dad came with us to the baths he dived into about the 4ft area. He banged his nose on the bottom of the pool, and had to go straight home as the bridge of his nose pouring with blood! Yes I hated going downstairs too. In fact I'd forgotten about the downstair changing rooms, as we always tried to get a cubicle next to the pool. I remember waiting in long queues to get in, and we tried to go early to get near the front.

I haven't been swimming for some time, but used to go to sessions at Blaydon. I'm more of a windsurfer these days, but alas don't have the energy I used to have. By the time I load up my car, and unload it again, rig up my windsurfer and attempt to pour myself into my wet suit, I'm completely knackered! Then the conditions need to be right - light to medium winds and not too cold or hot! Needless to say I haven't been this year, but may do so yet. I used to windsurf at Kielder, until the hire centre at Leaplish was closed down. It was great there as I could hire everything, and a craft usually came to your rescue if the winds blew you down towards the tower, or if you were becalmed on the water. Latterly I've been going to Bishopton Lake near Sedgefield. It's tame by comparison, but there are two islands to negotiate. The lake is small enough to not need rescuing! I wouldn't attempt to windsurf at sea, unless I had my passport with me!!!

Hildie said...

Hullo ... gosh Vivienne .... windsurfing .... I'm rather impressed!
I heard Maureen's email about Whitley Bay Ice Rink too. In actual fact I was quite lucky in that I listened to the start of the programme - I heard about Ian's holiday in London and Hereford and about how he had filled the boot of his car with apples to bring home. He didn't say what he was going to do with them all .... is he maybe into cider making? Anyway, I heard all this, then at about quarter to two went off to bed, but not before I had put in a tape to record a bit more of the programme while I was in the land of nod. Sometime during this morning, when i stopped for a cup of coffee, I listened to the tape - and I was very surprised and pleased at what I had caught in my little net - there were contributions from myself, and Vivienne and Maureen on the programme and they were all on my little tape. maureen's was about the ice rink, Vivienne's was a story about a cleaner in a hospital who was plugging in a hoover and plugging out life-support machines and mine was a letter I had sent Ian about my trip to Middleton in Teesdale. I had told him I saw a notice advertising a Silent Auction and was asking if he could find out what goes on at such an event. He was as clueless as I had been and he asked if anyone could help us out. I also heard an email fom a lady called Sue and a letter from a Mrs. Ashbourne. I didn't hear the cricket question, thank goodness! Fortunately the tape had run out before then!
Hi to Sid, it's good that you are back, I hope you all enjoyed yourselves at the caravan.

Lawrence said...

Hi All,

Just to let you know On Your Doorstep - 7 was recorded Tuesday morning for broadcast Thursday Morning show and a Sunday repeat.

It went well, and I hope it's an eye-opener.

Cheers

Lawrence

Maureen said...

Hi All,
Yes Hildie, I was impressed too at Viviennes' windsurfing comments. I've watched them at Seaburn, rather you than me, well done! I'm afraid I was brought up to be rather cautious, swimming and ice skating were just about my limit! That bakers was called Gaudies, Vivienne and I seem to remember reading somewhere that they had the worlds' first pie topping machine! Would you believe that? I retain the most useless information!
Good idea to put a tape in Hildie, I actually heard Ian mention my ice skating piece just before 6.30 the day before. I'd forgotten I'd sent it in as it was just before Ians' hols, and yes, Vivienne I mentioned to Ian that I could feel the pain in my ankles from those boots as he played it!

Vivienne said...

Hi Folks,

I'm not really a sporty person at all, but was pleased to have a go at windsurfing when a friend invited me to go with her. I soon found that as long as you can swim a little, and manage to climb back onto the board when blown off, and have a good stable board and fairly good balance, then anyone can windsurf! There are a few basic techniques to learn, including the right sized sail to use for the weather conditions, but this comes with experience and practice. Paul, my windsurfing tutor, once left me for about 3 hours in the middle of Kielder Water. When I eventually struggled to the shore he said he thought I needed the practice! I was in tears and completely exhausted, and thinking to myself, 'This is supposed to be fun!' However, I know now whether I can manage the winds. If they are gusting then it's really difficult to control the sail, and very little fun. I like a steady strong breeze so I can zoom across the lake!

I was talking with my sister last night about the bakery in Jarrow, Maureen, and she too remembered it was called Gaudies, and told me that our next door neighbour always bought her bread from them. My Mother used to buy her's from Carricks, along the street from us in Bede Burn Road. She bought most of her groceries from the Tea Shop, and my sisters and I spent hours in Coopers, across the road from the Tea Shop, deciding how best to spend our pocket money on the sweets they had in their display counter. We could buy three-hapence worth of lemon crystals and a penny liquorice, plus two hapenny chews for threpence. Have I spelt them correctly?

I heard Ian read out some of our material last night and the night before, and I'm looking forward to your next, 'On your doorstep,' Lawrence.

Hildie said...

An eye-opener, Lawrence! You have me very curious now!
Viv, I was sleepy but I heard a story last night (that I think was about escaping pigs) which was attributed to you. I heard Ian talking about the coffee morning at Birkheads, that contribution was from Maureen. I heard something from the Rev. Eddie and I heard a scarey dentist story
from Loz.
I keep wondering if Inga is going to take the plunge and join us on the blog. You would be very welcome indeed, Inga .... we are looking forward to hearing from you! Hope you know that.
I'm afraid I never learned to swim or to ice skate ... no baths , no ice rink, no transport ! But, I was a whiz on the roller skates and you should have seen me play Two-Baller!

Murphy and Dora said...

Top of the mornin' to you all,

Just thought I'd let you know that Inga left you a message on our blog, Maureen. We've also posted a story about/ with one of her photos.

Luv Murphy xx and Dora xx

Maureen said...

Thanks for letting me know about Ingas' message Murphy and Dora. I must tick the box, I would have missed it otherwise!
Thanks for letting me know that Ian had given Birkheads Macmillan Coffee Morning another mention too, I asked him if he would remind people that it's this Friday as he kindly mentioned it a couple of weeks ago. Hope it stays fine for them, unfortunately I won't be able to get there this year. It could have made a lovely meeting place for all of us ...maybe next year?
I enjoyed your 'On your doorstep' this morning, Loz. There has to be more to it than that, why was nitro-glycerine stored in the city centre in the first place? Hopefully more people will contact Ian with information. We can't leave it at that!
I also had a giggle at Viviennes' joke about the burglar or was it Hildies? Not sure now, although I'm sure that I heard something from all of you last night. Hildie, have you noticed that you've become 'Hildie from Dipton'? Quite famous, like Robert the Bruce, or Richard the Lionheart, it just seems to trip off the tongue as Ian says it! You must be quite a celebrity in your area!

Hildie said...

Hi everyone,
I was pretty tickled pink last night when I heard Inga answer my query about "Silent Auctions" ...
all the way to America to satisfy my curiosity! That's the power of Ian Robinson. Maureen, he once told me (in an email) he calls me that through force of habit. It goes back to the Blue Bus days, I think that's what he means by that.
Hope you are all well - wow, Loz can find the weirdest tales, can't he? Nitro glycerine being stored in the cellar of a pub and being buried in a hole in the ground and causing an explosion that killed people! I don't know how we'll ever find out why it was there in the first place.

Hildie said...

I've gone and done it again ! Vivienne, I keep meaning to ask you - what is that photograph that you've got posted near your comments at the moment? I can't work out what it is!

Vivienne said...

Good Evening All,

Hildie, the photo next to my comments was taken at Langley Garden Station, where there are a few fired clay faces displayed along a wall, peering out from the ivy. When I showed my sister the photo she told me the name of the face. Sadly I can't remember what it was! I'll post it on Murphy and Dora's blog so you can see it in more detail.

Actually, I thought you were asking about Inga's photo and comments on Murphy and Dora's blog and then realised what you meant. Have you seen Murphy & Dora's blog recently? Inga sent two photos of herself, which I posted for all of you to see. Obviously I couldn't post them on Ian's blog, and the photos would have been very small if I'd added her to my comments picture. Murphy and Dora mysteriously appeared on one of the photos!(There it's official. I'm the culprit!)

Yesterday, after she'd seen the addition to her photo, Inga sent a tale to go with it, which I've now posted. If you click on Murphy & Dora's comments you will find Inga's photos. Maureen & Sid have left messages for her, and Inga replied to Maureen's.

Sid, I'll let Inga know that you've left her a message, if she doesn't notice it. Originally Inga told me that she found it too time consuming to communicate via blogs. I think that was due to us posting 'backwards' on Ian's, and she felt she didn't know any of you. Now she has responded to Maureen on Murphy & Dora's blog she may be willing to join in now and again. I've offered to post other material she may have, and I'm happy to extend the invitation to all of you. You may email me directly, if you know my address, or email 'murphyanddora@gmail.com'
I don't always remember to check their inbox, so if I forget to look please leave me a note on here.

Lawrence, I missed the beginning of your grisly story, but woke up to hear the last part. I'm hoping to hear it all on Sunday.

Maureen, I hope you are enjoying your time together with Adam. At least the weather has improved for his visit.

Hildie, the story Ian read was about two seals not pigs. I don't recall sending him a story about pigs, but you know what my memory is like! The seals had been rescued and cared for at an enormous cost. There was a big 'do' when the seals were eventually returned to the sea. In full view of everyone watching, a killer whale ate both seals!

Night, night!

Maureen said...

Mornin All,
I think you'll find that its a figure known as 'the green man' Vivienne and Hildie. There's whole load of mythology surrounding him. I think it mainly goes back to the Druids and fertility etc. I have a similar one in my yard, he greets me with a lovely smile every day. There are even pubs named after him. Viienne Hildies' not crackin up, there was a one about pigs, because I remember thinking that I'd had the same email. I think they stampeded?
Welcome back Sid by the way, I wondered if you would get to Birkheads? They close end of September I think, if you were thinking of going another day.

Vivienne said...

Hi Maureen,

Well done! Yes he's the Green Man and I've found the email I sent Ian about the pigs. They stampeded and killed the animal rights campaigners who were protesting about the pigs being sent to the slaughterhouse! I didn't think that story was as funny as the others in the same email, so that's why I couldn't recall it.

This morning I heard Ian read out your postcard, Hildie and also the cutting which you'd attached. He also read out Inga's response to your query about silent auctions, and was having a good laugh at Kev's winning odd book titles list.
I'm sure he read an email from you too Maureen, but my memory is letting me down again! I should keep a pen & paper by my bed!

I'd asked Ian to play some Helen Shapiro ballads, as it's her birthday on Sunday. He found and played, 'Walkng Back to Happiness' and promised to play some of her ballads on Monday.

I'm thinking of popping along to Birkheads to the Coffee Morning, so better put my skates on! We always held a MacMillan's Coffee Morning at our day centre, but as they haven't contacted me I guess they don't need my support. I'm just as pleased as I don't really like returning to my workplaces once I've left.

By the way I went along to the Caedmon Hall last night to the UFOs & Aliens' presentation, which had been discussed earlier this week on Jonathan Miles show. It was facinating and the evidence most compelling! Richard D Hall began by asking if anyone in the hall had seen any UFOs/ Aliens, and about one third of the audience raised their hands, i.e. about 25 people. He showed us various interview clips of witnesses, photos of Alien crafts, and a very short and very poor quality black & white cine film of a small 'grey' Alien. It was alive but in a very bad state. There was no sound with the film, but someone was trying to communicate with the Alien through a glass window. The Alien started rolling it's head from side to side then sank to the table where it was sitting. Two medics rushed in to help. That's all we saw but it looked real. (Large pear shaped head with pointed chin and big oval eyes.)

Maureen said...

I'm thinking since Inga is using Murphy and Doras Blog we might as well use that one and Ian can 'retire' this one as I'm sure it would be more comfortable for him. Hopefully he will join us on there. What do you reckon everyone?
Vivienne, I heard Ian mention your request for some Helen Shapiro numbers. I was taken to see her at the City Hall when she was 15 I think. She was appearing with the King Brothers and the Brook Brothers. (I seem to remember something about 'Standing on the corner watching all the girls go by'? and was it 'I aint' a gonna wash for a week?) She was wearing a yellow 'sticky-out dress' and bouffant hairstyle.That must have been my first visit of many to the City Hall. I've just worked out how long ago that was ... scary!

Sid said...

Evenin' all, hadn't realised we were up to a whopping 99 on here, this will be a 100.
Of course you are right Maureen, its time to move on. I'm sure others are nodding their heads in agreement. We've had loads of laughs, (and perhaps a few tears shed) over items on this blog, but it's now time to cast it free.
If Ian needs us to return for a new adventure then I'm confidant we can join in and do both.
Will you tell Ian where we are Maureen, and invite him in for a laugh, I'm sure there will be times when he could do with one.
I wonder if Vivienne will be at home with the kettle on......one of the crew on that Chinese rocket looked remarkably familiar.
See you all on the Murphy and Dora extravaganza.

Hildie said...

Hi Everyone,
just a little note to say that I honestly do not want to abandon this blog until Ian says "Abandon the blog."
I shall have to try to decide which is the best way to contact him about this. I just keep remembering that Loz wrote in one of his postings .... i.e. that Ian said to keep on blogging. Maybe, if Loz is reading this, he wouldn't mind asking Ian about the matter again.
I really like it here! But , I won't, if you all disappear!
Loz, could you help? Quite soon?

Vivienne said...

Hi Hildie,

Sid and Maureen have moved over, and Inga has also joined us. I was wondering where you were and have found you here.

I think I understand how you feel. You think we're deserting Ian. Actually we're not. We will still be sending him emails etc., and he may be more inclined to add his comments to an independent blog. I don't think he's read this blog since his comment,'Awesome!' when we referred to the Nightshift as the Nightshirt. (He's slipped up on numerous occasions and called it the Nightshirt himself. Inga heard him recently.)

In reality Ian has abandoned us. Originally he said he was taking a break from the blog. That was over five months ago. He's been promising to post again for 2-3 months, maybe longer. Loz has asked him, and I've sent emails. I explained the difficulties we were experiencing after 200 comments, and asked if he would just click on 'New Post' so we would have a fresh posting to use. He didn't answer my emails. I don't think he wants any further involvement, and I believe he will be relieved when we stop using his blog. Obviously, if he did return we would gladly come back. He's had lots of opportunities to post.

I wondered whether he would post Murphy and Dora's photo as the 'Couple' at Newbiggin. Although I (they) hadn't suggestd it, he could have used it as a one off to provide us with a new post. Also, he could have posted the other two photos I sent earlier, of Murphy & Dora at Sunderland Air Show. I wondered whether he would post a photo of Jack Kirkpatrick's statue and Loz's data. You can try yourself Hildie, Maybe he will take notice of you.

I'll keep looking in but plan to do most of my Commenting on murphyanddorastravels.blogspot.com.

By the way, this is not a 'take-over' as I really would prefer not to have the responsibility of running a blog for others to network. Murphy and Dora's blog is a more convenient alternative for the present time. Please call in and see us and bring Ian with you!

Love, Vivienne xxx

Maureen said...

I'd just like to agree with Sids' comments, lots of happy memories, time to move on.
PS Would the last one to leave please turn out the lights? !

Hildie said...

Hello
I still think that it is worth waiting until Lawrence has had an opportunity to ask Ian what he would like us to do about the Truckshunters Blog. The last word we had from Ian was to "keep blogging". I'm just going to stay here until Lawrence is able to enlighten us about Ian's wishes.

Sid said...

Hello Hildie, I can't let you hang around here on your own, that wouldn't be right. Anyway you would get sick of your own company. I bet the others will pop back from time to time as well.
We're going to the caravan tomorrow for a few days....aren't we brave, or should that be barmy.
I hope there is some good news when we get back.

Lawrence said...

Hi Guys,

Speedway season coming to an end....with all the busy stuff that brings for me but I am still here lurking at the blog.... fear not.

I'm back in to record On Your Doorstep 8 this coming Tuesday morning and will enquire then, but it's my quite certain guess it will be a case of "Carry on bloggin!"

I shall report in Tuesday night / Wednesday morning..... but until then keep using this blog... it was created for us and it's not been deleted so it's still here for us to use at will.

Cheers all....

Lawrence

Sid said...

Morning everyone,
Good to hear from you Loz, and even better to read your words of encouragement.
This situation reminds me of the old pirate films of the 40's and 50's. The crew, having been at sea for what seems ages (that's us), gets a bit restless and want to seek amends from the captain. The first mate, (that's you Loz) comes along and quell's the desire to throw the cap'n overboard.
The revolting crew wander off, muttering to themselves. Cap'n Ian steps out of his cabin, smells the air and claims..."I can smell bacon".

Vivienne said...

Hi Folks,

Well Sid you've had me laughing out loud. I can just see the whole senario. I guess Murphy and Dora's ship is the pirate vessel which is pillaging Ian's ship. Well I hope Ian does come out of his cabin, smell the air and claim..... 'I can smell bacon, and me hearties I've just finished my memoirs which I'm about to post!'

What's the weather like in Hawick?

Maureen said...

Yoo Hoo, I'm up here, clinging to the mast! Wish I could shout land ahoy, but alas, not yet, but I'll keep looking ....

Maureen said...

By the way, there's no reason why we can't pop back and forwards just for now you know. We left everthing tidy so we could pop back anytime. I'm trying to keep anything related to Inga on 'M&Ds' as she'll be so confused otherwise.

Hildie said...

Sid, I love your analogy of our situation, and I am sure we will know our fate before too long. I am keeping everything crossed - consequently, am hoping Ian will soon let us know if he wants the blogging to go on. Hopefully, Loz will have some news for us by Wednesday. With any luck it will be land ahoy!

Vivienne said...

Hi everyone,

Yes, but I hope it's a new island at which we arrive. One of many to explore. We don't want to be stuck on the same desert island for the rest of our lives, as we'll soon use up all the resources! Ships may stop, but would soon sail on to find more fertile lands.

Hildie said...

Hello, Ian was giving time-checks on the nightshift this morning! He told us when it was 17 minutes past one, and when it was 10 past 2 -I've not heard him do that before. I really enjoyed the first hour and a half of the programme this morning. That's about all I ever hear, before sleep overtakes me! There was not a lot of music, but loads of talking, it seemed very lively indeed. There were jokes from Eddie and Ollie, an email from a couple named David and Maureen, one from Inga, a sad story about a cyclist named Ian Hill, and a very funny set of Newsreel Stories that Ian had put together - one about a getaway vehicle that had run out of petrol!
I'm not sure if I will be able to listen in tonight as I have to go on an Infant School Trip tomorrow -so I should really have an early night. Think of me, won't you? ...Hall Hill Farm... in the wind and rain! I wonder how the weather in Hawick is behaving for Sid and Jean? I don't expect they have gone for the weather though, they'll be there to socialise, no doubt. I wonder if he has a little garden around his caravan? I must ask him!

Hildie said...

It's like the jury's out, isn't it? .... waiting for Ian to give the verdict.

Maureen said...

Hi Hildie,
Yes, I noticed time checks too. I heard 4 minutes past three and just past four and five. It reminded me of when I said I heard Michael Poulter giving time checks and wondered if it was live or in hourly sections? Then it went to 5Live at 5.38 and I remember thinking, not to worry, Ian will be in the studio now, having a 'nice cup of tea and a biscuit' and voila! Ians' voice returned although I think he'd just given the recording a nudge! It also puzzled me that he was asking for contributions to be dropped in for the Peoples Nightshift which I would think he recorded this morning?
We'll try to remember some of it for you Hildie that's if I can stay awake ...oh for listen again, but we've done that haven't we?
Have a good time tomorrow but remember your wellies!

Maureen said...

Hi Hildie,
Sorry, looks like I crossed with you. I'm not the worlds' fastest typist! You just reminded me of a thought I had last night. I remember having a teacher who was very thrifty long before recycling was dreamt up. When we'd finished using an exercise book we had to turn it over and fill in all of the spaces that we could find in that direction. I was thinking that's what we are doing with Truckshunters ... are we the worlds first recycled blog?!

Vivienne said...

Hi again,

I heard the 4 mins past 3am time check, but just thought that Ian was timing his recordings. Frank Wappat does that on Sunday mornings during his pre-recorded show. It does make it feel like a 'live' show.

I thought I'd heard quite a lot of the beginning of last night's Nightshift, including Ian saying it was too late to post him
any material for the people's Nightshift but still time to call in with it, but I don't remember any of the items you mentioned, Hildie. In fact I can't remember anything at all about the show, except Ian talking a lot and that I was enjoying his patter.

Lawrence said...

Hi gang,

That's Doorstep 8 in the bag, for broadcast on the Thursday morning Nightshift... hope you like it.

I asked Ian about the blog, and he is 100% happy and fine for us to post on the truckshunters blog for as long as we want..... NO PROBLEMNS at all.

He also opens tonight's (Wed morning) nightshift with some talk about the new blog and is wholey encompassing in his support of the new one too.... and I have a feeling may have already posted on that one already... which he will do regularly.... so all's fine and dandy on the Good Ship Nightshift... blog on .... here and there... and it's all ok... 100% fine.

Cheers

Lawrence

Hildie said...

I love a happy ending, don't you?
Thank you so much, Lawrence, for passing our queries on to Ian. Did he say if he will post us a new page to write on, every now and again? That would be really helpful.
Looking forward, with baited breath, to the next 'Doorstep'!

Vivienne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sid said...

Hello everyone, I'm sort of glad to be back. Little breaks away from home are alright, but you don't half miss your favourite chair and the bigger bed.
How the farmers are going to get the potato crop harvested in the Scottish Borders beats me. Yesterday we took some of the B class roads into Hawick and then Galashiels. The water was literally running off the fields and down the country lanes, collecting in large pools where it could, and then it just lay on top of the soil in the lower lying areas.
I hope your day was ok Hildie, a nice hot bath will soon have you back to normal.
Its pleasing to note that the big man himself says we can use this as long as we like, when the time comes we will have to find out how we can write in the margins. Reminds me of school, anyone else on here ever do sums on a slate (wooden edges of course) with a bit of chalk?...how things have changed.
In school plays what was the biggest part you ever had. I must have been scarred for life when given the part of '4th tree on the left' in Babes in the Wood. I must have been about 6years old.
Our Gillian has outshone me, she played the part of Mary in a church nativity scene. The doll that was the baby Jesus had to be stitched to Gillian's shawl, because during rehearsal she kept throwing him to the floor, much to the horror of the vicar.
The actual service went off quite well, tears of laughter ran down peoples faces, the place echo'd to the sounds of laughter, and I can safely say not many services usually end to huge applause.

Maureen said...

Hi Sid,
That sounds like a performance worth an award, I wish I'd been there to see it. Do you know, I can't even remember being in a school play? I've always been a professional 'joiner-outer' if possible, so maybe it was that, or maybe I was just rubbish! I would have been hiding backstage somewhere, helping with the menial tasks like fluffing out the wings and straightening the halos probably!
I've been looking back over the last 3 postings, do you realise how much time has been spent here and well we've entertained ourselves and developed our friendships? I reckon we have a lot to be proud of and we deserve a thoroughly good pat on the back! Well done everyone, I just had to say it, what we have acheived is no mean feat and I hope that we can go on to even greater things, to new beginnings .... Thanks from me to everyone xxx

Hildie said...

Some answers to Vivienne's Quiz ....
1. Chess
2. Niagara Falls
3. Asparagus and artichokes
4.Strawberries
5.The pears are grown in the bottles. (The bottles are actually put on the trees).
6. Dwarf, dwarfism,dwell,dwelling.
7.comma,colon, semi-colon, full-stop,apostrophe, hyphen, quotation mark, ellipses, question mark, exclamation mark.
8.banana
9.Shoes, socks, sandals, stockings, slippers and stilettos.
8.

Sid said...

Hello Hildie, and the rest of the gang. Remind me not to enter any quiz games unless you are on my side. You are far to clever for me. I shall just stand at the back and nod knowingly.
If Ian happens to cast an eye over these blogs, and me grammer ain't like what it should be, then me is sorry...or should that be I is sorry.

Vivienne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Inga said...

Hello Sid, LOL re: grammar! It reminds me of one of the teacher - classroom jokes Vivienne sent in. If you heard it igonore the rest, if not, read on. Teacher: Make a sentence with "I". Student: "I" is . . . teacher: No, no, don't say that, it's "I am". Student: Ok. I am the 9th letter of the alphabet !

Maureen said...

What a clever lot you are! I'm unable to sleep after listening to the nightshift. (Well done, Loz, Hexham market place will never be the same!)
Footnote on lettuce: I was once given cooked lettuce and grouse at a posh dinner party. The lettuce was soggy and I picked pieces of shot out of the grouse, wasn't impressed at at all!
I mentioned 'faffing' to friends last night and we got on to 'geordie' expressions. Anyone remember 'bagsy ya gowk'? It's a whole new language Inga!

Sid said...

It's a bit echo'y in here, just popped back for a little look. I really miss Gilly Marples.

Maureen said...

Ha, nice one Sid! Are there any cobwebs yet? Did you hear Gilly on Sues' programme this morning? Just before Sue read Murphy and Doras' text. She said that she was enjoying the programme, but would have to go back on the internet which made me think that she is back online ...

Blog Estate Agent said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sid said...

This took me by such complete surprise I forgot to sign in, now I have to type the whole thing again.
Dear Mr Estate Agent, the person for whom you act is a very nice chap indeed. The blog can't survive in its true glory without him. OK he's heading towards 60, but that's not a big deal. I mean look at David Jacobs and Jimmy Young.
Think again young Ian, and let's hear no more about early retirement.....Or have they given you "The Black Spot" ? If so, (spits on hands) they are in for a fight.

Inga said...

As the owner of the extension is already occupying the extension, I suggest that he/she/they purchase the original lodging and turn it into a truckshunter's heritage site offering a Read and See it Again feature to visitors and friends. The extension occupants would offer eternal love, respect and devotion as payment for this unique property.

Inga said...

Sid your posting did not show up until after I had sent mine and just want to say that I wholeheartedly agree with you!

Maureen said...

WoW!!!!! One time only ...speechless!!!!

Blog Estate Agent said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Vivienne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hildie said...

Hi Sid, you're right, it is a bit echo'y in here! I just popped back because I wondered if anyone knew the 'Secret of Seville'. Ian said that there was something secret about his trip to Seville.
He also said that , in a way, he left some of his heart behind in Seville - and I kind of feel a bit like that about this blog...I was really very fond of it. Does anyone fancy moving onto the digger in the sand picture? I'm really tired of scrolling past my sister's boobs ..... though I am exeedingly pleased that she isn't aware of what has been going on!!!

Inga said...

Hello Hildie, I only heard Ian mention that there was something very emotional about his trip. Two things he mentioned might explain that. He found a lot of religious fervor in Spain and someone - once he was back home - reminded him of the cruelty to animals in Spain; bull fighting etc. Also, he saw some donkeys which had obviously been mistreated. Tonight he admitted that he might be getting over his trip and getting his heart back. I'll be happy to move onto the digger in the sand or anywhere else you guys want to go!
I have started to read all of Ian's messages on this blog and it is just too bad that he could not carry on. I guess he's just got too much on his plate. However, he does keep in touch by mentioning and reading our messages. What a guy!

Hildie said...

Hi Inga
I'm glad you popped in here - I am wanting to tell you my latest suggestion for the Radio Devon puzzle. How about candles made from paraffin wax?
PLEASE let us know when you get to know the real answer.
I used to love reading Ian's posts. he has such a rich vocabulary and such a way with words, doesn't he? I hope you are well.

Vivienne said...

Hi Loz,

Thanks for another most interesting, 'On Your Doorstep.' However, it was a very sad tale about the 183 children of Sunderland who were crushed to death, and one which shouldn't be forgotten.

Hildie, Ian mentioned your list of placenames, and said that Thorpe Thewlls (hope I've spelt it correctly) means 'village of the immoral.'

It was Anne Leuchars Ian was talking with about Spain, Apparently she said it was a country she would never visit because of the way they treat animals, e.g. bull fighting.

Inga, Ian used to pretend he had a 'thing' about Anne, and was always, 'chatting her up' as we say over here. Anne used to read the News reports, and I always looked forward to their banter. Anne initially gave Ian the cold shoulder, but then began answering him back with humourous retorts. Sadly, since 'coming out' Ian doesn't chat up Anne anymore. Ian if you're reading this, let's hear a bit more of your banter with Anne.

Vivienne said...

Sorry, I've given 'humorous' an extra 'o'.

Hildie, we can move down a page if you wish, but Loz will need to know where we are.

Inga said...

Hi Everyone, I was unable to listen to Radio Devon yesterday. Actually several local BBC station were not available so I don't know if anyone came up with the right answer. Check out what Maureen posted about it. Candles is another good answer. I hope you or one of the other NightShifters/TruckShunters gets in touch with Devon with that or any other answer. It might be something more abstract, though than anything we've come up with so far. The presenter did say we'd have to think outside the box. It's hard to think of something abstract though faced with definite dimensions.
I also appreciate Ian's vocabulary and have learned quite a few new words like mellifluous and putative not to mention faffing !
Gilly, we haven't "met" but I wanted to send you a great big THANK YOU for emailing BBC Tyne asking to have Ian's show but on Listen Again. As you probably know some of us have done so as well. No results yet but if we keep up the pressure, I think they'll eventually get tired of having their arms twisted and give in. Let's think positive and believe in the power of such !

Inga said...

Hello again Everyone, am listening to Devon and apparently the presenter decided to let callers ask one question provided he can answer it yes or no. From that we have the clue about "it" never having been alive and last night it was revealed that "it" has something to do with transport. So gets me to thinking about propeller blades again. One guy called in with propeller drive shaft but it was not the answer. I still could be blades. When that man said propeller, my heart skipped a beat, I can tell you! The presenter is convinced he'll get the right answer today and I am working on framing but my mind is on cars, boats, and planes; balloons, bicycles, scooters . . . I just heard that someone asked last night whether it's moving or stationery and Duncan said it could be both. Not a lot of help that if it has something to do with transportation !

Maureen said...

Hi All,
Have you realised that the first 'trial' posting of the Truckshunters blog was on 29th October 2007? Surely that merits some kind of anniversary celebration. Any ideas?

Lawrence said...

Hi all.... Hi Vivienne,

Glad you found the Doorstep enlightening - it really shouldn't be forgotten about and was extremely moving to research and indeed record.

Sad story indeed... right I'm off to move down a posting... see you in APRIL 10th

Inga said...

Hi Maureen, I am going to follow Loz to April 10. See you there.

Vivienne said...

Hi Hildie, Sid and Loz,

Ian's back with his 101st posting!!!