Where the Famous Five re-unite!TUESDAY 1 APRIL
The other day I received an email....
'Hi Ian,
[The truckshunters’ novel Secrets of the Sea has....] inspired me to begin a second novel. Rather than another Mills & Boon, I decided to write the first chapter of a Famous Five novel! Yes, I said The Famous Five. I know they were children's books, but I enjoyed reading them, and now I'm wondering whatever happened to Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timothy, George's dog.
I set to work a couple of nights ago, and have included below the first chapter for you to read. If you think it will go down well with other truckshunters, then please place it on the website for their contributions. I hope you like it. I can't wait to see how the story progresses.
Lots of love,
Vivienne xxx'
I’m flattered to be actually mentioned in the story Vivienne has started and I think she’s done enough groundwork to get us going....Take a deep breath.....
FIVE REUNITE ON HOLY ISLAND
Chapter One: Forty Years On
'I can't believe that forty years have passed since we spent our first hols together! Anne, how about getting together again this year for a holiday reunion? Do you think Jules and Dick will be able to take time from work to join us during August?'
Anne knew that, as a teacher, she would be available in August. Her husband, also a teacher, would be able to look after their two girls. As teenagers they no longer wished to holiday with their parents, but Anne felt anxious about leaving the girls on their own. Julian, on the other hand, was the managing director of his own accountancy firm, and was often unable to attend family gatherings. As the oldest sibling Julian had always taken charge during their childhood holidays. He had a mature, sensible approach, and was always destined to be a leader and high achiever. Julian married Amy thirty-one years ago and their four children were now in their twenties. James became a father last year and Amy reduced her hours at the library in order to help out with baby-sitting. She loved her role as a doting Grandmother.
'I'll phone Jules, but I'm not too hopeful. I doubt if Amy will come. As well as looking after young Simon her mum hasn't been well, and Amy has been spending quite a lot of time with her.'
'What about Dick, is he still seeing Rachael?'
Dick had endured two failed marriages, and was now in a steady relationship.
'Oh George, they split up last month. Can you believe it? I don't think he'll ever settle down. He's changed his job again too. He's at Radio Newcastle, and has taken over the evening slot, playing all his favourite music!'
'Newcastle? Has he moved to Newcastle? If so he's only about forty miles from me. Perhaps we could holiday in Northumberland? Anne, I keep seeing those lovely adverts of Northumberland on tv, 'Passionate places & passionate people,' and keep thinking that I should explore this beautiful county. I 'll be employing university students again this summer. There were three last year who were extremely competent, and they've asked to work again this year throughout July and August.'
George had moved to Northumberland in the mid nineties, where she opened a watersports centre. The windsurfing centre at Kielder Water had closed down, and until George saved the day with her new instruction and hire business, 'Kirrin's of Kielder,' there had been virtually no windsurfing and canoeing on the reservoir for about three years.
'That's settled then,' said Anne decisively. ' Dick will be due a couple of weeks by the summer, so if he gives his boss, Ian Robinson, enough notice he should be ok for August. I'll now just have to work on Julian.'
'Your brothers are completely different from each other, but they still get on really well together.'
'A bit like us. Gosh, we may be cousins but we're nothing alike! I love John, Sally and Kate, my home and teaching five year olds. I enjoy trying out new recipes, and next year I'm to be president of our W.I. You, on the otherhand dear Georgina, were always a tom-boy, and still are!'
'Don't start nagging me again. I can afford to employ someone to do my housework and that suits me fine!'
Quickly changing the subject Anne said, 'How I miss our adventures on Kirrin Island with Tim.'
'Oh that's it! We'll stay on The Holy Island of Lindisfarne in August. It's a lot bigger than Kirrin Island but I've heard it's a magical place, and it gets completely cut off from the mainland at high tide. I'll surf the internet now to see if I can hire us a cottage. I'll take my boat, a couple of windsurfs and my new puppy. Guess what I've called him?'
'Timothy?' asked Anne, wishing she was with George to see her puppy, rather than speaking to her over the telephone.
'Yes, we can't have an adventure without a Timothy can we? He's adorable Anne, you'll love him'.
So what are you waiting for.....?
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.
The other day I received an email....
'Hi Ian,
[The truckshunters’ novel Secrets of the Sea has....] inspired me to begin a second novel. Rather than another Mills & Boon, I decided to write the first chapter of a Famous Five novel! Yes, I said The Famous Five. I know they were children's books, but I enjoyed reading them, and now I'm wondering whatever happened to Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timothy, George's dog.
I set to work a couple of nights ago, and have included below the first chapter for you to read. If you think it will go down well with other truckshunters, then please place it on the website for their contributions. I hope you like it. I can't wait to see how the story progresses.
Lots of love,
Vivienne xxx'
I’m flattered to be actually mentioned in the story Vivienne has started and I think she’s done enough groundwork to get us going....Take a deep breath.....
FIVE REUNITE ON HOLY ISLAND
Chapter One: Forty Years On
'I can't believe that forty years have passed since we spent our first hols together! Anne, how about getting together again this year for a holiday reunion? Do you think Jules and Dick will be able to take time from work to join us during August?'
Anne knew that, as a teacher, she would be available in August. Her husband, also a teacher, would be able to look after their two girls. As teenagers they no longer wished to holiday with their parents, but Anne felt anxious about leaving the girls on their own. Julian, on the other hand, was the managing director of his own accountancy firm, and was often unable to attend family gatherings. As the oldest sibling Julian had always taken charge during their childhood holidays. He had a mature, sensible approach, and was always destined to be a leader and high achiever. Julian married Amy thirty-one years ago and their four children were now in their twenties. James became a father last year and Amy reduced her hours at the library in order to help out with baby-sitting. She loved her role as a doting Grandmother.
'I'll phone Jules, but I'm not too hopeful. I doubt if Amy will come. As well as looking after young Simon her mum hasn't been well, and Amy has been spending quite a lot of time with her.'
'What about Dick, is he still seeing Rachael?'
Dick had endured two failed marriages, and was now in a steady relationship.
'Oh George, they split up last month. Can you believe it? I don't think he'll ever settle down. He's changed his job again too. He's at Radio Newcastle, and has taken over the evening slot, playing all his favourite music!'
'Newcastle? Has he moved to Newcastle? If so he's only about forty miles from me. Perhaps we could holiday in Northumberland? Anne, I keep seeing those lovely adverts of Northumberland on tv, 'Passionate places & passionate people,' and keep thinking that I should explore this beautiful county. I 'll be employing university students again this summer. There were three last year who were extremely competent, and they've asked to work again this year throughout July and August.'
George had moved to Northumberland in the mid nineties, where she opened a watersports centre. The windsurfing centre at Kielder Water had closed down, and until George saved the day with her new instruction and hire business, 'Kirrin's of Kielder,' there had been virtually no windsurfing and canoeing on the reservoir for about three years.
'That's settled then,' said Anne decisively. ' Dick will be due a couple of weeks by the summer, so if he gives his boss, Ian Robinson, enough notice he should be ok for August. I'll now just have to work on Julian.'
'Your brothers are completely different from each other, but they still get on really well together.'
'A bit like us. Gosh, we may be cousins but we're nothing alike! I love John, Sally and Kate, my home and teaching five year olds. I enjoy trying out new recipes, and next year I'm to be president of our W.I. You, on the otherhand dear Georgina, were always a tom-boy, and still are!'
'Don't start nagging me again. I can afford to employ someone to do my housework and that suits me fine!'
Quickly changing the subject Anne said, 'How I miss our adventures on Kirrin Island with Tim.'
'Oh that's it! We'll stay on The Holy Island of Lindisfarne in August. It's a lot bigger than Kirrin Island but I've heard it's a magical place, and it gets completely cut off from the mainland at high tide. I'll surf the internet now to see if I can hire us a cottage. I'll take my boat, a couple of windsurfs and my new puppy. Guess what I've called him?'
'Timothy?' asked Anne, wishing she was with George to see her puppy, rather than speaking to her over the telephone.
'Yes, we can't have an adventure without a Timothy can we? He's adorable Anne, you'll love him'.
So what are you waiting for.....?
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.
89 comments:
Yes agreed Gilly.... I sa workin' on it.
Lets make this as successful as secrets was.... Vivienne's opener is cracking stuff.
Lawrence
Georgina lost one of her shoes as she ran after the mischevous pup. She needn't have worried too much though, the old wooden gate had sprung back into place under its own steam. The pup had stopped by an old lobster pot that seemed to have been discarded near the gate. Grabbing Tim under the tummy she tucked him under her arm and strode back up the path to the cottage, collecting her shoe as she went.
Anne had come to the door to see what all the fuss was about, the cold wind had rushed through the cottage after the pup had done a runner, and the log fire was filling the house with smoke. It may be August she thought, but it was still cold in the cottage.
Georgina collected her things from the car, then parked it nearby.
Anne poured Georgina a large frothy coffee and gave her a generous bacon sandwich, Tim was asleep in his box. Looking at her watch Anne said "If the men don't look sharp they will have to spend the night on the mainland, the tide starts to come in at 6 o'clock today, and we'll be an island for yonks, how exciting"
After they had finished their coffee and sandwiches the two decided that a walk around the island was called for. Tim was put onto his leash and off they went.
As they got to the gate it was Anne who saw the note first....
Dick and Julian were laughing as they stopped by the notice board. It listed the tides and safe crossing times. "Still an hour left Julian" said Dick, "lets get a move on, the girls will be frantic if we don't arrive soon.
Thin whisps of smoke struggled up from the chimney as they pulled up outside the cottage. Forgetting where he was Dick sounded the car horn. They were both surprised to find the door of the cottage still closed as they turned around with their luggage in their hands.
The aroma of coffee and fried bacon still lingered as they entered the cottage. They had half expected the girls to jump out from behind the door, but nothing happened. A search of the place gave them no clues whatsoever as to where they may be.
"I'll ring Anne's mobile" said Julian, "she never goes anywhere without it".
Nothing happened, same with Georgina, just the usual message, 'try again later'.
"I don't like this at all" said Julian, let's go and see if we can find their car, we need to find out where they are
Anne sat with her back to a huge rock, she looked at the boat bobbing about in the water. Common sense told her that she and Georgina were no longer in any great danger, but where were the people who had taken the sailing boards,and more importantly, where were Julian and Dick, they should have reached the cottage by now and realised that all was not well.
Georgina reached into her pocket and pulled out her mobile phone, it was soaking wet, just like everything else. Nothing appeared on the screen, it was done for. Anne checked her phone, that was in the same mess, she threw it with all her might... into the sea.
Georgina called to Anne, "I can smell smoke, look it's coming from behind that hill over there, let's go have a look".
They talked as they walked, "when we get out of this mess,"said Anne, "Dick and Jules better have a good excuse for not looking for us, if I find out they just sat in the cottage drinking wine then there will be hell to pay, and I mean that Georgina, I really do".
The adrenalin was pumping through Anne and Georgina's body, they had no idea what the intention was of these two men, and they didn't want to find out.
Anne kicked out at the man trying to grab hold of her, it caught him a glanceing blow to his knee, her elbow in his ribs soon got the air out of his lungs and a whack to the back of his head as he went down rendered him unconscious. Looking over to Georgina she saw that her time at teacher training college hadn't been wasted, her assailant was pinned to the ground by a good old fashioned armlock.
"Hey Anne" said Georgina "where did you learn to do all that defensive stuff". " Oh" said Anne, trying to catch her breath " I spent a lot of time at the January sales, always had to fight for what I wanted".
Anne found some rope in the boat and soon had the two men trussed up.
Georgina went through the mens pockets, "look what I've found" she cried.
sid ?? snap both at the same time does it matter? i can delete..
Georgina held the bar of chocolate high above her head, "its fruit and nut" she shouted, "its my very bestest favourite, and I'm starving, here Anne, catch".
Both the girls sat quietly with their new found friend, and chewed on it quietly. All thoughts of peril gone from their mind, for the moment...
Morning Gilly,
It's all part of the fun, please don't remove it.
sid? i looked back last night and noticed radio newcastle mentioned so thought id just add a bit of a different slant to the story..
being a r. n. blog..
bye..
James was momentarily distracted from the activity around him by a message on the text machine .... "There's corned beef pie and mashed potato if you want some supper" it said, and was followed by a big kiss. He looked up,just as Paddy opened the studio door, then leapt onto his feet.
"It's over to you Paddy .... big emergency, you might have to call out the Coast Guard I think. Check it out with Ian first though - afraid I can't stop but, believe me, there are people in distress out there. Maybe you should contact Pickler, as well as Ian, I reckon he will have picked up the signal by now.
Best of luck, mate! See you anon"....... and off James went, into the night, as fast as he legs could carry him.
The duty crew had just gone back to the operations room at RAF Boulmer for a warming cuppa. It had been a quiet day so far, for 'A' Flight, 202 Squadron, but things were going to change.
Alice came running in, looking quite flushed. "Steady on old girl" said Chopper Harris, "boyfriend chased you round the field again". "It's worse than that" said Alice, " I've been listening to Radio Newcastle, and there's a right flap going on down the road at Holy Island, seems two women have been missing overnight, and they have a small dog with them".
Harris's tash bristled, "Sounds like a job for us" he said, "somebody sound the siren, I'll do the paperwork when we get back".
The bright yellow Sea King lifted off gracefully and headed out to sea, following the coastline to Holy Island.
It was the winchman who spotted the empty boat first, his heart sank, this wasn't a good sign at all, even though it was August the water was still very cold this far out.
Harris brought the Sea king around in a tight arc for a much closer look. As he did so they all heard the loud crack of a small explosion, and the red glare and smoke that followed it.
"I say" said Harris "these damsels in distress are certainly well prepared, lets go see what's shape they are in".
Perhaps I should add an apology, and a big thankyou to the lads and lasses of 'A' Flight, 202 Squadron at RAF Boulmer who actually operate from there. 'Chopper Harris' is just a name I made up, and I know you wouldn't behave like him. Hope that's got me out of the hole I dug for myself. Thanks, Sid.
ps i agree im willing to delete my entries if any offence has been caused that was the last thing on my mind..
if so i apologise whole heartedly.
it was all just in the spirit of the story and hoping to bring good cheer..
i tried to make everyone come across as wonderful in the famous 5 as they are in real life..
if i didnt succeed it wasnt for the want of trying..
my every intention was with a good heart..
bye.
Id just like to say i sat down on april 1st...blank.....hoping to add to this story with no comprehension of what to write..
i didnt have one idea in my head.. no plan... no thought....
i sat down in front of a blank screen feeling despondant but determined to play a part in what i knew to be such a good story....
and in the words of anne...
hey presto.... by jingo..!
words just popped into my head,
i just had to write them down.......
i feel as if i know them all well,
the grown up....famous 5..
you can become attached to characters...
well i do, much the same as dear fenny and sooty faced little bess...
i felt happy that we,ve finally reached the end....a happy ending..
makes a change cos in real life it doesnt always turn out like that..
thats why fictions always the best bet..
on the day ian posted the 100th, saying the blog was to close.... so it,s sad too......
a double edged sword....
i,m glad we made it to completion..
and did,nt have to leave it open ended....
bye all..
take care x
hiya its just to say ive spent a sleepless night worrying about the fact i mentioned real people in the story by name, eg james clarke ian and jamie..even john and anne.
this is wrong its playing on my mind and although the intention was good it doesnt make it right far from it..
so and ive decided i should delete all my posts forthwith..and as i said before i apologise whole heartedly.
i struggled a bit so looked back at input and just wove it all in..
very sorry if i caused any upset..bye x
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