General Chat

ooooh I am almost an Essex Girl by default. My dear GrandMamma's grandpapa was born in The Hedinghams, dont know whether Sible or Castle. At least two of his offspring were born there. Alas he pounded the footpaths to East of London.where the rest of his children were born. But, if he'd stayed in Essex I would have been an Essex Girl and had lotsa fun :-D !!! Instead of which, I ended up being a little shiksah from Stamford Hill.

I got back to GrandMamma's grandpapa's alleged birth c 1803/04, and I visited Chelmsford Records Office to peruse the parish records on microfilm, but didnt find him or either of his Essex-born sons. The Truth seems to have been a sparse commodity in this family, who kept changing their name with the direction of the four winds. This ancestor's daughter E married T who was just as sparing with the truth - he posthumously promoted his deceased father from Labourer to Cordwainer when he married. E & T were my dear lady Mama's grandparents. There was no way T's father could have been a cordwainer, the family were dirt poor, they lived in Bishopsgate, and T's father was a chimney sweep-cum-labourer and couldnt have afforded to pay for an apprenticeship to anything. Also, T's father died between 1854 and 1861 ..... or, abandoned his "wife" cos they werent really married - the jury is still debating on that one ;-)

~~~~~~~~~~I haven't deserted the best thread on GR :-D it's just I have taken out a limited subscription with Essex Records Office and I'm trying to make the most of it :-D if any of you have Essex BMD's you would like looked up please don't hesitate give me the info~~~~~~~~~~

Theresa I was at your place of toil in the mobile unit :-(

I will return
Lesley x

Dont sniff dear, it is most unladylike!!!!

Here is my lace edged hankerchief, make sure you wash it before giving it back.

Thank you.

Auntie Petunia

*looks thoughtfully at Petunia and sniffs*
and *thinks*
I know what I saw down there, and as soon as I remember which wooden panel I knocked three times on, I will find that distillery again.

Good evening dear Ladies,

Pleased to see that you have been chatting merrily amongst yourselves while I have been on an errand of mercy.

Dear Beatrice was not to be outdone with Mr Ponsonby's organ, she wanted to prove that she was a dab hand at pulling stops and bearing down on the pedals. Which she did.......................and then got her foot stuck.

Oh my, but we had to call the Fire Brigade. Up turned the boys in maroon. Does not have the same ring as Boys in Blue, but nevermind. They pushed, they pulled and then called the Boys in Green. They were a little more ingenious. They tried vegetable oil, vaseline and even lard, but no her foot was stuck fast.

They more they tried to wangle it free, the more the bruising was making it swell. By the time they did manage to get her free, her foot was twice its normal size. A quick assessment was made, and it seems ice packs were the answer.

So......................for the last couple of days I have been applying ice packs to the offending foot. Which thankfully is now subsiding.

However..................................it gave me the chance to look around Beatrices' home!!!!

Well I must say I was pleasantly surprised.................it is a dinky little cottage in the true sense of the word. A labourers cottage on the edge of the Manor Estate. You know a little two up, two down. But very cosy. And she has 'nice' things to boot. He china is porcelain, her cutlery is stainless steel from Sheffield, proper wood furniture, and custom made curtains. So all in all, she will pass muster. See, I told you I would like her if I saw the inside of her home. Who said that I wouldn't? Tutty tut.

I too always try to read the book of the film, or vice versa. I read The Godfather many years ago. My, my but it was saucy. Lots that they left out in the fillum. Quite right too, it would have been a XXXX film if they had not. I had to keep fanning myself whilst reading it. I too have read Bridget Jones, and seen the film. I thought that Gemma Jones was terribly miscast. I had not imagined her like that at all. I thought the sequel book was rather boring though. All that WHAAAAAAAA-ing at the end of every sentence became quite tedious. Maybe it was just me.

I am ignoring Cherry's remarks about a Still. There is a water purification set-up downstairs. But nothing else. I cannot abide tap water, and I will not buy bottled. So we purify our own, over charcoal.

I have to say that I have not found a hidden tunnel yet, and I have lived there for a long, long time. Maybe I should turn left now and again, instead of always turning right.

Ooooh cross-stitch I do so love to do that. I have made samplers and book marks and all sorts. I find it very perplexing though, I cannot stitch as fast as I would like, and it becomes frustrating. Pleased to hear the trousers were successful. Boys do grow at an alarming rate.

Please also keep us informed of the Cruise. I do so love exotic climes. Keep us up to date.

Dear Upsidedown Susan, I hear you have bush fires in your neck of the woods. Can it really be so dry? I thought that Enzed was lovely in green. The adverts always show it that way!!!! All that lovely New Zealand Lamb feeding on it. Slurps.

Back to the ice packs dears. My poor fingers are all prune like with the constant cold water.............................

Auntie Petunia

ah Teresa dear, do have another cup of tea and a scone. Are you sitting cozy? Excellent. Can I fetch you a pouffe for your feet? Let me rake the coals and get a glowing blaze for you. I'll just pick those needles up dear, before Tricki Woo gets one in his little paws.

Now - as you are so up to date at home you must have some spare time on your hands. Would you like to lend your hands to me? I have windows that need cleaning, kitchen worktops that need a good scrubbing, and lots of stuff on shelves which needs shifting around to dust the shelves.

Why have you turned pale dear? Has the Ghost of Motie Towers put in an appearance?

Seriously, you are clever to be able to do cross stitch. I wouldnt know where to start and I wouldnt start now anyway because of the arthritis in my hands. I had to give up knitting, and keep any sewing to the most essential repairs ie sewing a button back on or stitching up a hem that is unravelling.

Yep I am sooo fed up with these cold callers because they shouldnt have my phone number. I dont know about the correct spelling, but I can pronounce :
"Tomas ac Ellis Cwm Deri, Prynhawn Dda (or Bore Dda, or Heddi Ddda) , bith tu moin?" That would really confuse someone from one of the overseas call centres.

Tomas ac Ellis (or, it would be Ellis a Thomas - word morphing) is a fictional estate agents in the fictional village of Cwm Deri. Prynhawn (aka P'nawn), is afternoon, Bore is morning, Heddi is evening. I'd say I was the Cwm Deri Heddlu (police station) but dont want any trouble for impersonating a police officer.

There was a brilliant idea on the internet which did the rounds, where a man fed up with cold callers answered his phone saying he was the police, then interrogated the cold caller because it was "a murder scene". How I wish I had the nerve .......

The counter argument is that these people have to earn a living, but it should not be at the expense of someone's privacy, especially on a Sunday. And I could have been ill in bed. When I am ill in bed I will still answer the phone in case its a family emergency. Or, my Fruit asking me for the answer to a crossword or pub quiz clue, as has happened before.

Hallo Cherry dear,

I'm back on normal service now. Christmas and new year have come and gawn and FTY is back at school. FTE is orfff on her world tour and will communicate on the phone card or email. Her phone bill was a little steep last time! :-S :-S :-S

The House is clean tidy and in order and so all is settled until the next batch of GCSEs :-|

I have been industrious working on cross stitch projects. I used to cross stitch many years ago before FTY was a twinkle in my eye :-D. When I attempted stitching when he was a very small fruit I realised I could not see and lo and behold the cataracts were in place. I was rather young but hay ho and all that. Any way i digress. The eyes are ok now and the specs are varifocals and I can see to stitch again :-D and have the time. I have fashioned several cards and have a longer project on the go :-
D.

I did smile about your idea of speaking Welsh to the cold callers. I always say that the person they are after is not at home. I have also said that I'm the childminder and on occasion the cleaner. That puts 'em off their tracks and is not a fib either ;-)

Orff now to carry on stitching. I'm not sure of Aunties whereabouts. I wonder if she knew Mr Selfridge in his day :-D :-D


Teresa

Teresa I like to read the book *and* see the film. That way, I can compare and pick holes in both. I am so good at picking holes that I could pick holes in thin air if I put my mind to it.

I dont listen to the radio any more, not since Terry Wogan left his morning slot, so I dont know who is waffling on about what any more. I spend my 'listening time' rocking the rafters with a CD.

I intend to keep up my good work, wherever I might be. If you remember I discovered a secret cellar here at Motie Towers, the entrance to which is behind the library wall panelling, and I discovered a secret distillery, with lots of empty wine bottles, and vats of Chateau Plonk, and labels of good repute ready to be stuck on the bottles when the Plonk was matured enough. Naturally, Petunia denied everything, but now I know why her labelled bottles of Vintage Chateau Neuf taste like SainsCo Value Vin. I didnt dare explore further, but there was a tunnel leading out at the other end. Perhaps this is dear Petunia's private tunnel to Selfridges?

If the thread of the story is correct, it would seem Mr Selfridge only opened his store because he was badly treated at Gamages. Whatever happened to "the customer is always right". (even when he is wrong). I have shopped at both Selfridges, and Gamages, but a very long time ago.

There is a young man nursing a sore ear, because I tore him off a strip for telephoning me on a Sunday, after 4 pm, to get me to do a leisure survey. What a flippin cheek. These calls are bad enough any time, but on a Sunday after business hours (10 to 4) are over???? The bottom line is, I do not accept marketing calls or do telephone surveys, so they are wasting their time as well as mine.

The callers phone number wasnt barred, so I did some internet research and found out about the company, and I sent them a nuisance email, instructing them to remove my phone number from their Caller Lists, and warning them that if the company ever phones me again I will view it as harassment and report them to the ICO, a division of Ofcom. WhoCallsMe dot com had lots of postings saying these people are persistent once they've got a persons phone number. Some people reported getting several calls a week.

The marketing company's Contact Us form asked for my name. I typed in the Name Field : Notgivingyou Myname. That passed muster. They wanted my email address, and I didnt want to include that but a red star appeared ie the field *had* to be completed. So I gave them an email address - "notgivingmyemailaddress @ hot mail.com". That also passed muster. I did however supply the phone number cos they already had it, since they'd phoned me. I think they got my number by doing computer generated random digit dialling, because we are ex directory and with the TPS. Unfortunately, the TPS can only stop sales cold calling. They have no power over marketing and phone survey calls, nor overseas cold calling.

I have told MFH - I am very tempted to start answering the phone in Welsh. Or I could pretend to be an overseas call centre and try to sell them an entertainment package.

Where has dear Petunia got to? Have either of you seen her? Should I be checking the cellar where all the wine bottles are?

Hello Susan, good to hear that you are "clucking" better following the Hen Party. Have you caught up with your sleep yet? Not enough sleep causes Panda Eyes ....!

Oh its always a nuisance waking up, whether I am dreaming or not :-D

When I was knee high to a grasshopper, there was a dog living in a house in Bethune Road, a huge alsation. This dog, called Flash, always ran down the front pathway when he saw me walking by and barked madly. (The gate was always shut, luckily). I would screech and run, every time. This went on for some years. When I reached the grand old age of 14, I'd gotten to the point where I'd had enough of Flash. He ran down the path, barking away as always, and this time I stopped in my tracks. I turned to the dog, raised my arm with finger pointing, and hollered at him "shut up and get in the house NOW". The dog stopped barking, and walked back to the front door, with his tail between his legs. Flash never ever barked at me again. I realised I had 'learned' the secret of doggie control, and it has never let me down.

Morning Ladies,

Ah the Marigold hotel, a nice film but I read the book before I saw the film. One of the characters who was female in the book was male on the silver screen :-S :-S :-S :-S :-S :-S :-S :-S

I was always told to either watch a film or read the book and as usual I didn't listen. It was the same with the Briget Jones books. Nice to see Mr Firth :-D :-D :-D but the books were so much more funny than the film.

How strange you mentioned Mr Joe Brown. He was being interviewed on Steve Wright in the afternoon yesterday. I only caught the end so didn't not catch what he was talking about.

Susan, FTY has gone to school today with trousers which are a little on the long side, fortunately his feet have grown so he is In bigger shoes as well so they prevent the trousers from dragging in the mud :-D I do hope you enjoyed the Hen do. We have a wedding in the summer but I don't think I shall be going to the hen bit ;-)
FTE is now on her leg of the world cruise. She is in your part of the world in Feb. I will let you know where nearer the time.

Aunty dear, the W.I, all jam and preserves so I believe. Put your foot down with a firm hand dear and get back in control :-D :-D :-D a little sabotage of the AGM may help and you can pin it on her :-D :-D :-D :-D

Lesley dear hope all is well on your stretch of the road. We're you are at my place of toil for your visit or the other one along the posh road with nice houses. Eventually all will be on our site and that's why all the holes and corridors are everywhere. You can loose 3lbs in weight just by walking around it now :-D

Cherry dear keep up the good work at the Towers. Do you have a tunnel to Mr Selfridges emporium? I thought it quaite interesting but a little too close to the showing of the Paradise. Mr S was a bit of a cad wasn't he but I think his business head was in the right place initially.

Orff now to hither and start the unpaid toil


Teresa
:-D

Afternoon all,

Tis a very hot and sunny day here today, and I am at work......... I am thankful our temps don't get as high as Australia and we don't have the number of bush fires they have. Thoughts go out to those affected in Tasmania. I did hear on the radio, NSW are in for some strife too :-(.

Well I survived the "hens do". It was ok if not a little long. My fruit was knackered yesterday, she didn't get to bed til 3am. Not her idea of fun at all. She is now thinking very hard about what she would like to do for her own 'hens'...
We are off to the wedding this coming weekend. Fruit is one of three bridesmaids. I am quite looking forward to seeing her all gussied up. She is very photogenic ( doesn't get it from me). I may bore you with a photo..

CC, I like your dream, what a nuisance waking up ;-).

Petunia, I like Bill Nighy indeed. Please give him a wink and smile from me if you should be in the Deli at the same time. I especially liked him in Love Actually.
I too enjoyed Marigold Hotel. My mama got the dvd for Christmas, I don;t think she was too fussed, hopefully she will enjoy the movie :-S. I would like to see 'Quartet' too. A friend saw it recently and enjoyed it.

I dragged my sorry butt out of bed at 6am and took myself and puppy for a walk. My first walk since before Christmas. I am sure my right arm is slightly longer now... The puppy was very excited and charged ahead. I had to keep pulling on her lead :-(. We pass one house that has two German Shepherds, they are behind a fence but rush to jump onto an outdoor table to 'view' us and then bark a menacing bark at us. Never once has their owner told them to shut up. I notice the pups heckles raising before we get to the house.... I bet the neighbours love those mutts..... :-P
I complained to our local Council some time ago about overgrown trees along my walk route. I finally got sick of ducking under them, lo, they have been pruned, I also pointed out a water leak to the same Council, also now repaired.
Civic duty and all that, I hate seeing water wasted..

~~~~~~ to Teresa and Lesley, hope you are both well?. Teresa, hope FTY has warm ankles now :-D.... Is he back to school yet? Our schools don't go back until the end of January.

Good luck with Ponsonby's Petunia. No doubt you will come up with a cunning plan to foil her/him or both :-D.

This afternoon I am set to polish the mag wheels off OH"s old car, tis to be the wedding car on Saturday. I hope the job is up to par, aren't I a good little wifey :-)
The car is nearly 50 years old, hell, it is younger than me :-P.

better get back to work or at least try and look busy ;-)

Toodle pip
Susan

no no Petunia dear. Mr Peck was not in the altogether. Perish the thought. You should leesten verrrry carrrefully because I shall say eeet only vonce.

I have been on the Tinternet all night typing to my cousins over the waters, I have cousins in Tasmania and have been very worried about them, and I have cousins in Canada, and we all share the same bloodline.

As a result, I havent seen any TV shows. I had heard about the underground passage beneath Selfridges. Perhaps it leads to Buckingham Palace? or a nuclear shelter? or it could lead from the Thames to smuggle contraband into the store!! Or it could just be a rumour.

This link might reveal all :
Buried street in London - subterranean underground | Ask MetaFilter
ask.metafilter.com/30264/Buried-street-in-London
15 answers - 5 Jan 2006
Not an underground street, but there's obviously a lot going on under Selfridges - the terminal for the Cabinet War Rooms' secret coded ...

or, this link?
Under Oxford Street - All In London Forum - All In London.
www.allinlondon.co.uk › Forum › General AIL Site Discussion
24 Nov 2005 – Evidently Oxford St was raised up years ago but there is a tunnel ... there, through a hole in the basement of Selfridges, be interested to find out more ... st in 1937 and she said "It waas there in 1937/38 roads underground.

You should hang out around that coffee shop, and ask Mr Nighy if there is a chance you could appear in his next movie? After all, Joan Hickson was quite elderly when she first started acting. And dare I say it, you can be quite a performer when you get going :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

Many moons ago, around the time that Peter Egan and Penelope Wilton and Richard Briers were starring in Ever Decreasing Circles, I was walking into the bank one afternoon just as a gentleman was walking out so I stopped, as the doorway was narrow, and I swear he was either the spitting image of Peter Egan, or he WAS Peter Egan. He gave me such a lovely smile it quite made my day.

If Mr Ponsonby trips over his organ stops, we will know who to blame ..... ;-)

Good evening Ladies,

What strange dreams you have Cherry dear. Gregory Peck indeed. In the altogether. Tutty tut tut.

I rather fancy dreams of that nice Cary Grant, he was rather dapper in his wonderful suits and loafers. He never really lost his accent did he? He was a dabbler though, which was very disappointing, I think he tried £SD at one time or the other. Still he was old enough to know what he was doing.

I too have seen the Marigold Hotel. How very sweet it is. I cannot abide Penelope Wiltons character though. She is a real harridan. Maggie Smith is pure gold with her one liners, Judi Dench is all calmness and dignity, and Tom Watkinson is a revelation. So much conveyed in his acting. Very sad his story. And Bill Nighy, what can I say about him. He is a charmer. Did I tell you he lives around the corner to me? He frequents a local delicatessance for his morning coffee, and holds court!!!!!

Morning church was a mortifying experience. That woman Ponsonby did the collection with the plate this morning. I think she could give Uriah Heep a run for his money. Never have I seen anyone QUITE so humble!!! I am sure a detected a few bum notes on the organ from her husband, so that was a certain satisfaction to Beatrice who could play the organ blindfolded. Now.............that is an idea. We might need a substitute organist should anything befall Mr Ponsonby. Not that I am saying anything WILL happen to him......................but it might!

We are having a cold collation tonight for dinner, cold meats and pickles. I dont think even Pat-trish-aaaah can muck that up.

That nice Mr Selfridge is starting tonight. I often frequent his store, but have never seen him.

Did you know there is an underground passage under the Store? I wonder where it leads?

Hoping all will be revealed.
Auntie Petunia

I forgot to mention ....... the doorbell rang, and I was in my birthday suit as I so often am at such moments. Normally I find myself in a crowded shopping centre without so much as a scarf to hide my predicament.

I hurried to the front door and opened it and peered around, so as not to reveal anything the horses should never see.

To my surprise, Gregory Peck was standing there, as dapper as ever. He was sporting a little tache, although I've only ever seen him clean-shaven as I recall. He had a sweet little doggie on a lead, sitting there on the doorstep as good as gold.

Ever the gentleman, Mr Peck doffed his hat to me in a most courtly manner, and said he thought he'd pop in while he was in England.

And then I woke up, needing to do a speedy hip hop to the bathroom.

I only know it wasnt the magic mushrooms ....... ;-) ;-)

good evening all. Tis another cold evening. I had a pleasant two hours almost, watching Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, on TV. Judi Dench and Maggie Smith working together - what a double whammy of a treat.

Doris Stokes is deceased, dear Petunia. But I saw her on TV once, allegedly communing with the spirits and passing messages on to Those Left Behind. There is also a Doris Collins.

As well as Tony Stockwell, there is Colin Fry (aka Lincoln Green, a fraud who got found out), TJ Higgs (who hasnt been caught out yet), and Derek Acorah .. another fraud who got found out.

I worked out how Colin Fry does his TV shows with such success. He uses "the American method". And he plants stooges in the Hospitality Suites.

Errrr - how did you know that I have a key hidden in the hat box on top of the wardrobe ?????

Dont waste your bleach dear. A little bleach in the vase water seems to invigorate cut flowers for some strange reason, whilst keeping the glass clean. Now calm down dear and let me fetch you some warmed milk.
*thinks .. with a little bromide added*

(with some sympathy for Mrs Ponsonby)
CC

Good evening dear Ladies,

The end of the week has come at last. It has been a funny two week period. Some things were open, some shut. Some people at work, others not. Not that that bothers me dears, I have NEVER worked!!!!

My Cleopatra has got you transfixed has it not? That was when I came back from Spain, after my little, erm, sourjourn out there. There was no Mark Anthony I am afraid, I was orft men at that time. Dear Patrick was still missing, Juan was back in Spain, and Dear Papa was locked in his study all the time. Funny how he used to slam the desk drawer shut when anyone walked in! He must have had Ministry papers in there. It was always kept locked. Perhaps he kept his sweeties in there too, anything to protect my dear little milk teeth.

I see you were a Bobbie Soxer then Cherry, rocking and rolling. A young femail acquaintance of mine used to go to all the shows that toured the suburbs. She has seen nearly all the Popular Beat Combos that did the rounds in the Sixties. She was a pretty little thing then, but her bloom has gawn now.

Is this Tony Stockwell a Medium dears? If so, I have not heard of him at all. I only know that Sally and Derek people that are on the tv. Didn't Doris Stokes used to be a medium too? I am very sceptical dears, the ones on the tv are very vague in their comments. Nothing too specific. Not like...................you have a key hidden in the hat box on top of the wardrobe kind of stuff.

I dare say our dear Upsidedown Susan is crowing with the rest of the hens by now. I hope the bride has an L Plate on her and a veil. A pair of angel wings to complete the picture. I have known young gels here go on a hen night for a week. Usually to Amsterjam. What is it about that place? Going up and down the canals can only account for an hour or two. Art museums? Get a bit of culture?

So, now for my coup dears. I think I have just the plan to put that Mrs Ponsonby in her place. A little bleach in the vases may just do the trick. Mess with me will she? I dont think so.

Plotting and scheming
Auntie Petunia

yes Lesley, Joe Brown's daughter is called Sam, and she was a pop singer for a while. A pretty blonde, as I recall. Not confusing her with Kim Wilde, another pretty blonde whose papa was the aforementioned Marty Wilde. I saw Marty at Harlow, and he thought he was in Harrow. So when I was chatting to one of the Wildcats he referred to that and I said I'd noticed but was calling it a "slip of the tongue". And the Wildcat replied "nah, I'd call it bloomin' senility".

I didnt get the chance to see any of the 1950s or 1960s acts "the first time around", so I made up for it between 2000 and c.2007 .... those who are still alive. I've also seen The New Drifters, and shook hands with one and got a hug from another (I'd queued for an autograph and asked "please could I have a hug before I leave?". The poor lad was very kind in humouring a batty old fat Englishwoman. But I never got the chance to hug Ben E King, did I, and that's my excuse and I am sticking to it :-D

I've also been kissed (ok, a peck on the cheek) by Ray Ennis and Frankie Allen, and I ainta gonna wash for a week :-D


~~~~~~~~~~~~~ to Susan, enjoy the hen party and dont do anything I wouldnt do ;-) did you remember to book the strippergram???

Teresa dear, did it never occur you to buy school uniform for your FTY so large that it will take him at least five years to grow into it??

Strange thing about Joe Brown is that although he himself never made me go weak at the knees, his songs have always tugged at my heart strings, especially That Wonderful Picture of You, which always reminds me of a particular visit to Derbyshire. That Yellow Dress. And the song about the wind blowing, forget the title now. I've got a CD of his Greatest Hits. Joe has stood the test of time well, I think. He now performs with his New Bruvvers. Or, should I say, wiv his new bruvvers. I've got his autograph. *simpers and smirks*.

I've seen Tony Stockwell live on stage. I wont say any more than that but after you have seen the show I would be interested in your comments and observations. Do please listen to the "audience who get readings" very carefully, and note where they sit - the spotlight will shine on them.

Your FTY will enjoy seeing Mr Suggs live on stage, if you twist his arm hard enough, tweak his ears, and promise him a pizza afterwards :-D

I remember one song by Simple Minds that I liked very much. I think it was Simple Minds .... come to think of it, it might have been In Xcess. Some memories Blur, as my mind turns to Pulp in the Oasis. The song I am thinking of is called something like "Dont You Forget About Me (hey hey hey hey)". The bands of that time mostly seemed to sound alike. I remember my Mama insisting that the Beatles and Gerry & The Pacemakers and The Searchers were all the same people acos they sounded alike. She also thought Helen Shapiro was a boy called Alan.

You are in fine fettle tonight Petunia dear, so mingling with jolly Jack Tar has done you some good. Will Jolly Jack be joining us for supper dear?

Thank goodness you have changed your frock but do you think it suitable attire for this sort of weather? Who will be escorting you as your Mark Antony and Caesar? Infamy, infamy, they all have it in for me. Now, do put a warm coat on, and remember to take it off when you dont need to wear it, or you wont feel the benefit of that coat when you go back out in the cold.

I well remember Mrs Mills. I still own a vinyl album of Mrs Mills playing her party songs. I rarely play vinyl these days. A lot of my vinyl collection has been transferred to CD. One day I will annoy MFH by getting Mrs Mills on a CD.

Indeed Mr Brown can be a little saucy, but not in such a way that anyone could really take offence. He is such a consummate performer. Have you seen him fiddle behind his back? He fiddles to Hava Nagila, I wont repeat his line of patter regarding that melody. The PC Brigade would jump on me. I hadnt heard the tale about frying an egg on a shovel, but he did mention at one show how he grew up in a quaint little fishing village. Called Plaistow. I suspect none of these anecdotes are true.

I have a copy of Harry Belafonte singing Hava Nagila. Ah sweet nostalgia - and memories of my days as a child living in Stamford Hill, my life already.

I've also seen Marty Wilde, and he has a few anecdotes as well ..... ;-)

MFH annoys me by referring to his indoor sandals as "brothel creepers". I have no idea what a brothel is, or why anyone should wish to creep around there. I led a very sheltered life you know.
who whispered "yeah, bus shelters, shop door shelters ....." stand up, that woman, and be belted!! :-D

Fear not about the W.I. new intake dear, I have no doubt that you will whip them all into shape. You could do no worse than King George V who announced that his Papa was terrified of Queen Victoria, and in turn he was terrified of his Papa, and he was going to make sure that his children were terrified of him. Indeed, he so terrorised his children that they didnt say anything when they saw him bite into a caterpillar that was resting on the salad leaves on the Kings gold dinner plate.

*reaching for ear plugs, and a Turisas CD*

Good evening dears,

I hope you are all tickety boo. Dear Upsidedown Susan, you are leaving us in your wake again. Friday already. We are barely Thursday evening, and we have Big Brother to look forward to!! I say that with my tongue very firmly in my cheek.

I hope you are in fine fettle Lesley. Prevention is all my dear. Thank goodness we have the Angels of Mercy to look after us.

Teresa dear, young boys do grow at an alarming rate. They have these spurts do they not. Nothing worse than 'ankle swingers' dear. So common! I shall try the Pot Noodle, when hell freezes over.

No Cherry yet? She must be sticking the porcelain together again, she thinks I do not notice when he brushes against them and they take a nosedive. But I do!!!!

I am taking my time with the new Womens Institute intake dears. You know what they say, slowly slowly catchee monkey. If they think they can topple me from my perch they have another think coming!!!!!

I shall away now dears, I have a plan to put into action.........................



Auntie Petunia