It's a scary time.
No matter how old you may get and no matter how distant the years feel from when it was my turn to face that excruciating wait, the memories remain.
It annoys me slightly to see some good people commenting on how they don't care about today's A-Level results. The more the years pile on, the more results days we witness and the more we hear of the 'dumbing down' of our educational standards to ensure that high standards are achieved.
Well, let's not forget here that whilst many of us will have seen this day come and go many times, there was a time when it was we that were trembling with trepidation at what those sealed envelopes had to say for our effort and for our future aspirations.
A-Level Results Day 2000
It was 11 years ago now since it was my turn. The day arrived and the anxious build-up came to a head. If you thought GCSE results day was a nervous affair, it had nothing on this! Because the results this time round could mean the difference between going to Aberystwyth University as I hoped or an uncertain future that lay ahead through the Clearing system.
Our results were given to us by our form tutor Pauline Brind-Davies (who I met for the first time since that momentous day only last week and which I commented upon here) and if I remember correctly, our Head of 6th Form Mr Jarvis and quite possibly in fact, the Headteacher Dr Davies himself.
The year 2000 was the last but one to sit the old fashioned A-Levels which were the culmination of 2 years work in Years 12 and 13. That autumn, the first intake began the AS-Levels and were to sit the new A-Levels in 2002.
I was particularly nervous because my results were far from certain. The required score for me to attend Aberystwyth University to study Modern History and Politrics was 18 points. This equated to a 3 C average across my A-Levels of History, English and Business Studies. It didn't matter how they were achieved as long as the total matched that average or more.
I was particularly worried as I mentioned in the related blog post above that I may only get an E in Business Studies. This meant that I would need a BB average in my stronger subjects of History and English to get the 18 points needed. But I was expected to only achieve a C in English and I had undergone extra out-of-school tuition in Robeston Wathen to improve my English language in readiness for my finals.
So it was all I felt, on a bit of a knife-edge doing into the dreaded results day itself. My relief at finding that I had achieved a D in Business and a B in English to go with my B in History was therefore clear for anyone who knew me. I had in fact in the final analysis, 20 points.
Panic!
But do you think that this was enough to calm my nerves? Not a jot! A gang of us went down to the Station Arms in Whitland for a celebratory or comiseratory drink that lunchtime. I was still technically underage as I didn't turn 18 until a week later (being the youngest in the year was always a pain up until that point!). But never fear, I had no time for drinking for I was still worrying that Aberystwyth University would not accept me for some unfathonable reason!
Such was my mild state of panic that I found myself at the public call 'phone in the pub searching through a Yellow Pages for the number of the History Department in the University. On finding the number and placing the call, I was asked on the other line for my name, the amount of points on my conditional offer and the number of points achieved. When my answer given made clear that I'd achieved more than the conditional amount I was met with a brief silence. Then the rather curt response "Yes, you're fine". As if to say 'stop wasting my time, there's students here who have underachieved and who have genuine reason to worry'! It goes without saying that I was mightily relieved to know for sure that my place was secure!
Good Luck!
So you can say, I sympathise entirely with those experiencing these mixtures of emotions today.
It is not just another day of spewed out statistics of 97% of students nation-wide achieving an A*-E grade. It is much more than mere figures. It is the hopes, dreams and aspirations of thousands of our youngest and brightest - all hoping that the future that they have tentatively mapped out can be realised.
I was greatly fortunate that my results day brought me the results that I required to realise my dreams of studying up the road from my Pembrokeshire home at Aberystwyth University. As an earlier blog post that I wrote here about my time there demonstrates, it was a venue and a period of study and living that changed my life.
It all started on that results day in August 2000 at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, Whitland, Carmarthenshire.
I sincerely hope that all of my friends receiving their results today and indeed all students in this position at thisd moment in time are as fortunate as I was and achieve everything that they desire in thire futures that lie ahead.
Showing posts with label Nostalgia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nostalgia. Show all posts
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
A School Reunion...with a Difference!
It's a funny old world - but at times, a very pleasant one.
Yesterday, I had the good fortune to be able to meet up with my Ysgol Dyffryn Taf 6th Form Class Teacher Pauline Brind, who I haven't seen in that whole 11 year gap since A-Level results day back in August 2000. We met up for a cup of tea and a snack in Cardigan's Pendre Art and caught up on old times!
The teacher/pupil relationship is a special one and it lasts. I find it very difficult to call a teacher by his or her first name because in school, they were either 'Sir' or 'Miss' or Mr or Mrs Bloggs - never to be called by their christian name! But I helped Ms Brind with some casework recently which is how we got back in touch so with personalised e-mails going back and forth, it felt more natural now to just call her Pauline (plus, I've never really been the formal type!).
It was a lovely 90 minutes of catching up on school life - remembering the characters be it the excitable students or the mischievious teachers! In particular, Pauline reminded me of our unique farewell to our Head of 6th Form, Mr Jarvis before we all left that summer in 2000. I'd forgotten about it but then how could I?! Had a Dyffryn Taf Head of 6th Form up until then, ever had as a farewell present in the final gathering in the Drama room, a police clad strip-o-gram? I can't recall who it was amongst us that had orchestrated it but in all fairness, he saw the funny side!
It was great to catch up and we've decided to not leave it so long next time!
Pauline said that she reads this blog so when you read this Pauline, when we meet up next time, bring that map of Thailand with you and we'll compare notes!
Yesterday, I had the good fortune to be able to meet up with my Ysgol Dyffryn Taf 6th Form Class Teacher Pauline Brind, who I haven't seen in that whole 11 year gap since A-Level results day back in August 2000. We met up for a cup of tea and a snack in Cardigan's Pendre Art and caught up on old times!
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| Catching up with my 6th Form Teacher Pauline Brind 11 years after leaving school! |
She wasn't only my form tutor for the entirety of those Years 12 and 13, but she also taught one half of my A-Level Business Studies course alongside Mrs Atkins having previously taught me Business Studies for my GSCEs. I only got a 'D' for my A-Level Business Studies in the end but my 'BB' scores in English and History more than made up for it for me and helped me get the 18 required points for a place in Aberystwyth University. I vividly recall my relief though at that Business Studies result as I had been worrying that I may only get an E. This I can clearly recall was in contrast to the disappointed expression of Pauline Brind-Davies (as we knew her at the time) who said she expected a C from me! She said to me yesterday that remembering back, she thought I'd have an A! I was never that clever!
The teacher/pupil relationship is a special one and it lasts. I find it very difficult to call a teacher by his or her first name because in school, they were either 'Sir' or 'Miss' or Mr or Mrs Bloggs - never to be called by their christian name! But I helped Ms Brind with some casework recently which is how we got back in touch so with personalised e-mails going back and forth, it felt more natural now to just call her Pauline (plus, I've never really been the formal type!).
It was a lovely 90 minutes of catching up on school life - remembering the characters be it the excitable students or the mischievious teachers! In particular, Pauline reminded me of our unique farewell to our Head of 6th Form, Mr Jarvis before we all left that summer in 2000. I'd forgotten about it but then how could I?! Had a Dyffryn Taf Head of 6th Form up until then, ever had as a farewell present in the final gathering in the Drama room, a police clad strip-o-gram? I can't recall who it was amongst us that had orchestrated it but in all fairness, he saw the funny side!
 |
| A lovely gift - the 2000 School Photo and Box which Pauline Brind gave me yesterday. |
Pauline had brought with her, the all-school photograph taken early that 2000 which brought back memories of old faces. It was only the second all school photograph that we'd had in the 7 years that I was in Dyffryn Taf and whilst I have the 1994 picture here with me, though I'm sure I paid for that 2000 version, I never recall ever receiving it. But Pauline offered hers to me and it was a lovely gesture. It came in a lovely box with a Dyffryn Taf embossed logo on the front.
It was great to catch up and we've decided to not leave it so long next time!
Pauline said that she reads this blog so when you read this Pauline, when we meet up next time, bring that map of Thailand with you and we'll compare notes!
Thursday, 16 June 2011
NOW 29 - That's What I Call Music!
I'll bore anyone when it comes to my taste in music. As the various musical blog posts on this site will testify, it's nothing if not eclectic.
Of all of those to date, there's one that stands out for me - NOW 29.
Why? Well, it's a mixture of the songs on it and the fact that it encapsulates in one compilation a feeling for a wonderful period of my childhood that no other complilation touches. It was released on 21st November 1994 at which time I would have been 12 years old. The music on the CD would presumably have been high up in the charts in the proceeding months following on from the release on NOW 28 in the August.
They're a sound of my youth but also, an unmistakeable sound of the early-to-mid '90s. At present, we have many 'Flares' clubs for those who enjoy their 70s music and 'Reflex' for those who like their 80s (I like both I must admit) but the whole concept of the 90s club hasn't really taken off yet but I expect that in the years to come it will and when it does, it will play some of the hits that I have selected from NOW 29 right here...
Baby Come Back (Pato Banton with Robin & Ali Campbell)
With lyrics such as "I must admit I was a clown to be, messin' around, but that dosen't mean that you 'ave to leave town, come back, yes and give me one more try, 'cos a love like this shoulda never ever die, come back, yes wi' me colour TV, and me CD collection of Bob Marley, come back".
Brilliant!
Baby I Love Your Way (Big Mountain)
Originally written and performed by Peter Frampton in 1975, it is this version of 19 years hence that stays with me. It's upbeat, positive and optimistic sound is one that I absolutely adore to this day...a further 17 years hence...
Saturday Night (Whigfield)
A song that probably encapsulates the 90s more than virtually all others, it just screams 1994 and for those young enough to be alive and aware of music in that year, it just burst out of nowhere and into your face.
Rhythm of the Night (Corona)
Not necessarily my vibe of music ordinarily, it still has to be said that this is a classic of the era and well deserving of a special mention here...
MMM MMM MMM MMM (Crash Test Dummies)
It's just an 'out-there' tune. It's instantly recognisable and is pretty chilled out in my book.
We Have All The Time In The World (Louis Armstrong)
Do I really need to explain why? It's a timeless classic.
Originally made famous as a James Bond theme from On Her Majesty's Secret Service in 1969, it came back to public attention 25 years later as part of a Guinness beer commercial after My Bloody Valentine chose to cover it for charity. Armstrong's version was then re-released and reached number 3 in the UK Singles Chart.
Midnight at the Oasis (Brand New Heavies)
It's another chilled out tune from an oft forgotten band - again with the 90s hallmark sound stamped all over it.
Trouble (Shampoo)
It may have been their only real hit but I'll defy anyone to say that they don't know the hook!
Parklife (Blur)
What better way to finish my selection than with one of the 90s finest? It was with the death of Britpop after 1996 and the end of the great battle between Oasis/Blur and Pulp that my interest in modern music began to wane. So here, along with Eastenders' very own Kevin Wicks (Phil Daniels) at the wheel, it's one of the best musical videos of the decade...
They are only 9 of the 38 tracks on the double CD that is NOW 29 but it gives you a flavour of the music of my era.
It's not as if every other of the 29 songs are hits. With compilation CDs, you've always got to sift through the chaf to find the wheat but as the NOW series goes, there are some serious hits on No.29!
So I may as well add to them with this call out for what in my mind is the finest of the NOW (That's What I Call Music) CD collections. At my last count, the series has now reached No.78 - the first being released back in November 1983.
Of all of those to date, there's one that stands out for me - NOW 29.
Why? Well, it's a mixture of the songs on it and the fact that it encapsulates in one compilation a feeling for a wonderful period of my childhood that no other complilation touches. It was released on 21st November 1994 at which time I would have been 12 years old. The music on the CD would presumably have been high up in the charts in the proceeding months following on from the release on NOW 28 in the August.
They're a sound of my youth but also, an unmistakeable sound of the early-to-mid '90s. At present, we have many 'Flares' clubs for those who enjoy their 70s music and 'Reflex' for those who like their 80s (I like both I must admit) but the whole concept of the 90s club hasn't really taken off yet but I expect that in the years to come it will and when it does, it will play some of the hits that I have selected from NOW 29 right here...
Baby Come Back (Pato Banton with Robin & Ali Campbell)
With lyrics such as "I must admit I was a clown to be, messin' around, but that dosen't mean that you 'ave to leave town, come back, yes and give me one more try, 'cos a love like this shoulda never ever die, come back, yes wi' me colour TV, and me CD collection of Bob Marley, come back".
Brilliant!
Baby I Love Your Way (Big Mountain)
Originally written and performed by Peter Frampton in 1975, it is this version of 19 years hence that stays with me. It's upbeat, positive and optimistic sound is one that I absolutely adore to this day...a further 17 years hence...
Saturday Night (Whigfield)
A song that probably encapsulates the 90s more than virtually all others, it just screams 1994 and for those young enough to be alive and aware of music in that year, it just burst out of nowhere and into your face.
Rhythm of the Night (Corona)
Not necessarily my vibe of music ordinarily, it still has to be said that this is a classic of the era and well deserving of a special mention here...
MMM MMM MMM MMM (Crash Test Dummies)
It's just an 'out-there' tune. It's instantly recognisable and is pretty chilled out in my book.
We Have All The Time In The World (Louis Armstrong)
Do I really need to explain why? It's a timeless classic.
Originally made famous as a James Bond theme from On Her Majesty's Secret Service in 1969, it came back to public attention 25 years later as part of a Guinness beer commercial after My Bloody Valentine chose to cover it for charity. Armstrong's version was then re-released and reached number 3 in the UK Singles Chart.
Midnight at the Oasis (Brand New Heavies)
It's another chilled out tune from an oft forgotten band - again with the 90s hallmark sound stamped all over it.
Trouble (Shampoo)
It may have been their only real hit but I'll defy anyone to say that they don't know the hook!
Parklife (Blur)
What better way to finish my selection than with one of the 90s finest? It was with the death of Britpop after 1996 and the end of the great battle between Oasis/Blur and Pulp that my interest in modern music began to wane. So here, along with Eastenders' very own Kevin Wicks (Phil Daniels) at the wheel, it's one of the best musical videos of the decade...
They are only 9 of the 38 tracks on the double CD that is NOW 29 but it gives you a flavour of the music of my era.
It's not as if every other of the 29 songs are hits. With compilation CDs, you've always got to sift through the chaf to find the wheat but as the NOW series goes, there are some serious hits on No.29!
Thursday, 19 May 2011
The BBC - Bringing Us Sunshine since 1922
I've always been a keen fan of the BBC as I mentioned previously in this blog here.
Like with any institution, it has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years but its most recent trailer, to me, manages to epitomise in 60 seconds, all that is great about the BBC.
It manages to combine the rich heritage of the BBC with the modern programming of today.
Beginning with the legendary '4291' clip from One Foot in the Grave, we then move forward into the Morecambe & Wise signature tune 'Bring Me Sunshine' with the imaginary twist of seeing our modern day BBC heroes mouthing those famous words sang by the immortal Eric and Ernie some 40 years earlier.
It's a great BBC trailer and most importantly, it made me smile and reminded me why I love the BBC so much.
It brought me sunshine so, job done!
Like with any institution, it has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years but its most recent trailer, to me, manages to epitomise in 60 seconds, all that is great about the BBC.
Beginning with the legendary '4291' clip from One Foot in the Grave, we then move forward into the Morecambe & Wise signature tune 'Bring Me Sunshine' with the imaginary twist of seeing our modern day BBC heroes mouthing those famous words sang by the immortal Eric and Ernie some 40 years earlier.
It's a great BBC trailer and most importantly, it made me smile and reminded me why I love the BBC so much.
It brought me sunshine so, job done!
Friday, 13 May 2011
Dennis Tanner - Back on the Street!
Last night and tonight we witness a piece of Coronation Street history as the cobbles welcomes home the return of Dennis Tanner after a 43 year absence.
This really is something a little special.
As I blogged here back in January when the announcement was made, Philip Lowrie will return as the son of Corrie legend Elsie Tanner - a full 43 years after leaving the Cobbles to live in Bristol with his new wife Jenny Sutton in 1968.
Philip Lowe played Dennis 'The Menace' Tanner back in the first ever episode on December 9th 1960, alongside Ken Barlow who is the only ever-present character on the cast from that first day.
Indeed, after Dennis' mother Elsie left the show in January 1984, Ken (played by William Roach) was the only original from that first episode left. Now, for a period of time at least he will meet up once more with his old sparring partner and it should be great!
This really is something a little special.
As I blogged here back in January when the announcement was made, Philip Lowrie will return as the son of Corrie legend Elsie Tanner - a full 43 years after leaving the Cobbles to live in Bristol with his new wife Jenny Sutton in 1968.Indeed, after Dennis' mother Elsie left the show in January 1984, Ken (played by William Roach) was the only original from that first episode left. Now, for a period of time at least he will meet up once more with his old sparring partner and it should be great!
Saturday, 2 April 2011
Comedy Gold - Classic Noel's House Party 'Gotchas'
My humour is very much centred around that of the 1980s and 1990s. Not surprising really as it was this era that coincided with my childhood - they were very much my formative years.
The humour of the day rubbed off on me and such programmes as Beadles About, which was then then modern day equivalent of Candid Camera, held me in an awe-ful state of suspense.
In the 1990s, this could be witnessed every Saturday night on Noel's House Party. I'm not ashamed to say that I was a fan and why not? For a decade, it was one of the most popular Saturday evening entertainment programmes on the box. It had many memorable features including the Gunge Tank, 'Wait 'Till I Get You Home', NTV and Grab a Grand.
Then there was the Gotcha. Whilst Beadles About caught out unsuspecting normal people living their day-to-day lives, Noel Edmonds' take on it saw us see how well known celebrities reacted to what were apparently real though ludicrous scenarios whilst being filmed by hidden cameras as a part of the practical joke.
Along the way, there were some absolute classics...
I can always remember the Will Carling Gotcha. A giant of English and World rugby during the 1990s, he was nevertheless brought to frustrated distraction by a man in a big pink costume - Mr Blobby!
The Richard Whitely Gotcha on Countdown is just a visual joy to watch.
Comedian and Eastenders favourite Mike Reid also found himself in a head-scratching scenario which again is a joy to watch. "Chicken"...
Speaking of Frank Butcher, his lovely wife Peggy's alter-ego Barbara Windsor also suffered the Gotcha treatment on a bus tour of Basingstoke!
But it wasn't just individuals who were targetted, but entire groups of people. Then Premiership club QPR were caught out in a Clothes Show hoax! Where are Les Ferdinand and Trevor Sinclair now...
But what of the great DLT? Dave Lee Travis's Pub Team Challenge on Radio 1 challenged himself more than anyone!
There was Lionel Blair as well! On stage with Les Dennis and Vicky Michelle, what should've been a play, turned into a right farce!
Even multi-award winners weren't immune to the hoax. The Bee Gees were also caught out - but did so in a surprisingly reasonable manner!
Far-flung travellor Judith Chalmers also fell for the prank!
The final Gotcha went to Dale Winton and again, a wonderful naiivety on the celebrity's part made the ludicrous plot seem believable.
The line - "I don't believe it, the car's gone - that's a £45,000 car"!
But not every celebrity succumbed to the trick. The first ever gotcha failure was with eagle eyed Annabel Croft who spotted the camera!
But then, maybe she shouldn't have rumbled Noel because this is what happened to her...she got the gunge treatment!
The humour of the day rubbed off on me and such programmes as Beadles About, which was then then modern day equivalent of Candid Camera, held me in an awe-ful state of suspense.
In the 1990s, this could be witnessed every Saturday night on Noel's House Party. I'm not ashamed to say that I was a fan and why not? For a decade, it was one of the most popular Saturday evening entertainment programmes on the box. It had many memorable features including the Gunge Tank, 'Wait 'Till I Get You Home', NTV and Grab a Grand.Then there was the Gotcha. Whilst Beadles About caught out unsuspecting normal people living their day-to-day lives, Noel Edmonds' take on it saw us see how well known celebrities reacted to what were apparently real though ludicrous scenarios whilst being filmed by hidden cameras as a part of the practical joke.
Along the way, there were some absolute classics...
I can always remember the Will Carling Gotcha. A giant of English and World rugby during the 1990s, he was nevertheless brought to frustrated distraction by a man in a big pink costume - Mr Blobby!
The Richard Whitely Gotcha on Countdown is just a visual joy to watch.
Comedian and Eastenders favourite Mike Reid also found himself in a head-scratching scenario which again is a joy to watch. "Chicken"...
Speaking of Frank Butcher, his lovely wife Peggy's alter-ego Barbara Windsor also suffered the Gotcha treatment on a bus tour of Basingstoke!
But it wasn't just individuals who were targetted, but entire groups of people. Then Premiership club QPR were caught out in a Clothes Show hoax! Where are Les Ferdinand and Trevor Sinclair now...
But what of the great DLT? Dave Lee Travis's Pub Team Challenge on Radio 1 challenged himself more than anyone!
There was Lionel Blair as well! On stage with Les Dennis and Vicky Michelle, what should've been a play, turned into a right farce!
Even multi-award winners weren't immune to the hoax. The Bee Gees were also caught out - but did so in a surprisingly reasonable manner!
Far-flung travellor Judith Chalmers also fell for the prank!
The final Gotcha went to Dale Winton and again, a wonderful naiivety on the celebrity's part made the ludicrous plot seem believable.
The line - "I don't believe it, the car's gone - that's a £45,000 car"!
But not every celebrity succumbed to the trick. The first ever gotcha failure was with eagle eyed Annabel Croft who spotted the camera!
But then, maybe she shouldn't have rumbled Noel because this is what happened to her...she got the gunge treatment!
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Comic Relief (1988-2011) - My Best Musical Bits
Comic Relief has always captured my musical imagination.
Since the Comic Relief charity was launched on Christmas Day 1985, it has raised over £650m for good causes around the world.
Along the way, it has made us laugh...and laugh loudly...
The first Red Nose Day was held in February 1988 and the second was in 1989. Since then, they have fallen one every other year - usually in the 2nd or 3rd week of March. The next is this Friday, 18th March 2011.
So, I'm dedicating two blog posts to celebrate this truly British tradition of supporting charity through comedy. The first one here revolved around the comedy, this second revolves around the music.
So, here are some of my Comic Relief Red Nose Day 'Best Musical Bits'...
It all began in fact, not in 1988 on the first Red Nose Day but in April 1986. Comic Relief's first charity single was Cliff Richard and The Young Ones with Living Doll which topped the charts!
Next up was a Christmas re-make of Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Mel & Kim (Mel Smith and Kim Wilde). It peaked at Number 3 in the charts in December 1987.
The first actual Red Nose Day single release was the Feruary 1989 version of The Beatles' Help! featuring Bananarama with French & Saunders and Kathy Burke. Again, it peaked at No.3 in the charts.
March 1991 saw Red Nose Day's 'The Stonk' by Hale and Pace and the Stonkers which topped the charts! This is the first Comic Relief single that I can vividly recall at the time.
April 1992 saw a time-out from Red Nose Day, as the Smear Campaign & Mr Bean released a General Election themed special - '(I Wanne Be) Elected'. It peaked at No.9 in the charts!
Red Nose Day 1993 witnessed Right Said Fred and Friends, 'Stick It Out' reach No.4 in the charts.
Also from 1993, this 're-make' of Bohemian Rhapsody by the favourites of the day. Personally, the weathermen's inclusion and that of the cast of 'That's Life' & Emmerdale are strokes of genius!
Hugh Laurie also plays a blinder! 'Ma-ma, just killed a chap...'
1994 saw the Pet Shop Boys release 'Absolutely Fabulous' for Comic Relief - it peaked at No.6 in the charts.
1995 saw a change in emphasis as the official Comic Relief singles for Red Nose Day became more serious in tone. Nevertheless, it didn't make them any less of a hit than those that went before.
The first, from that year, was the powerful and moving Love Can Build a Bridge by Cher, Chrissie Hynde, Neneh Cherry and Eric Clapton. It would become the first of an incredible 9 consecutive Comic Relief singles chart toppers.
1997 saw the Spice Girls and the Sugar Lumps do their bit for Comic Relief with 'Mama / Who Do You Think You Are?'.
In 1999, it was Boyzone's turn and they made a popular cover of the favourite, 'When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going'.
Since the Comic Relief charity was launched on Christmas Day 1985, it has raised over £650m for good causes around the world.
Along the way, it has made us laugh...and laugh loudly...
The first Red Nose Day was held in February 1988 and the second was in 1989. Since then, they have fallen one every other year - usually in the 2nd or 3rd week of March. The next is this Friday, 18th March 2011.
So, I'm dedicating two blog posts to celebrate this truly British tradition of supporting charity through comedy. The first one here revolved around the comedy, this second revolves around the music.
So, here are some of my Comic Relief Red Nose Day 'Best Musical Bits'...
It all began in fact, not in 1988 on the first Red Nose Day but in April 1986. Comic Relief's first charity single was Cliff Richard and The Young Ones with Living Doll which topped the charts!
Next up was a Christmas re-make of Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Mel & Kim (Mel Smith and Kim Wilde). It peaked at Number 3 in the charts in December 1987.
The first actual Red Nose Day single release was the Feruary 1989 version of The Beatles' Help! featuring Bananarama with French & Saunders and Kathy Burke. Again, it peaked at No.3 in the charts.
March 1991 saw Red Nose Day's 'The Stonk' by Hale and Pace and the Stonkers which topped the charts! This is the first Comic Relief single that I can vividly recall at the time.
April 1992 saw a time-out from Red Nose Day, as the Smear Campaign & Mr Bean released a General Election themed special - '(I Wanne Be) Elected'. It peaked at No.9 in the charts!
Red Nose Day 1993 witnessed Right Said Fred and Friends, 'Stick It Out' reach No.4 in the charts.
Also from 1993, this 're-make' of Bohemian Rhapsody by the favourites of the day. Personally, the weathermen's inclusion and that of the cast of 'That's Life' & Emmerdale are strokes of genius!
Hugh Laurie also plays a blinder! 'Ma-ma, just killed a chap...'
1994 saw the Pet Shop Boys release 'Absolutely Fabulous' for Comic Relief - it peaked at No.6 in the charts.
1995 saw a change in emphasis as the official Comic Relief singles for Red Nose Day became more serious in tone. Nevertheless, it didn't make them any less of a hit than those that went before.
The first, from that year, was the powerful and moving Love Can Build a Bridge by Cher, Chrissie Hynde, Neneh Cherry and Eric Clapton. It would become the first of an incredible 9 consecutive Comic Relief singles chart toppers.
1997 saw the Spice Girls and the Sugar Lumps do their bit for Comic Relief with 'Mama / Who Do You Think You Are?'.
In 1999, it was Boyzone's turn and they made a popular cover of the favourite, 'When The Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going'.
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Comic Relief (1988-2011) - My Best Comedy Bits
Comic Relief has always captured my comedic imagination more than Chilrdren in Need ever has. Maybe it's because its being held every other year adds to the excitment of its coming each time a delicious new installment of this now legendary telethon is offered to us.
Since the Comic Relief charity was launched on Christmas Day 1985, it has raised over £650m for good causes around the world.
Along the way, it has made us laugh...and laugh loudly...
The first Red Nose Day was held in February 1988 and the second was in 1989. Since then, they have fallen one every other year - usually in the 2nd or 3rd week of March. The next is this Friday, 18th March 2011.
So, I'm dedicating two blog posts to celebrate this truly British tradition of supporting charity through comedy. This first one revolves around the comedy, my second will revolve around the music.
So, here are some of my Comic Relief Red Nose Day 'Best Comedy Bits'...
It all began here, in 1988.
In fact, it began 240 years earlier. In 1648 to be precise. Here, Blackadder: The Cavalier Years finds our famous favourite at the heart of the English Civil War - on the doomed side of the Royalists!
Best moment - King Charles I (played with a good touch of Prince Charles by Stephen Fry) meeting Oliver Cromwell (an excellent Warren Clarke!). Brilliant!
From that original programme also, University Challenge with The Young Ones!
Moving on to 1989, Rowan Atkinson again takes the chair but this time as the host of the 'Master Member' quiz with Lord Hailsham, David Owen, Gerald Kaufman, Kenneth Baker, Leon Britton, John Smith, David Steel and Shirley Williams.
Love it!
Again from 1989, a special Who's Line Is It Anyway, hosted by Clive Anderson with guests Stephen Fry, Josie Lawrence, Paul Merton, and John Sessions.
From 1991, a Hugh Laurie news sketch. Whatever happened to him?!
1993 saw Mr Bean's Red Nose Day.
It also saw Victor Meldrew take a bath and ask that immortal question - 'Is Nicholas Parsons dead?!'
1993 also saw a special Mr Bean's Blind Date!
In 1995, we saw a new skating star take to the ice. It's Torvill & Bean!
Moving forward, 1999 saw The Vicar of Dibley meet Johnny Depp!
1999 also saw Alan Partridge sing Kate Bush!
2001 saw Eastenders get in on the Comic Relief act - keep an eye out for some of the good old characters from a decade ago! Also, gotta love the writers in the 'Story Conference'!
2003 saw comedic turns in a Comic Relief Blankety Blank by, amongst others, Matt Lucas as Su Pollard, David Walliams as Ruth Madoc, Martin Freeman as Johnny Rotten and Simon Pegg as Freddie Starr. Peter Serafinowicz meanwhile perfected Terry Wogan!
2005 saw Little Britain's Daffyd interview Elton John!
Here, Lou and Andy meet George Michael!
2007 saw the Nan Taylor take on the Banker in Deal or No Deal!
It also saw the return of a now married Vicar of Dibley in a Celebrity Wife Swap with Sting!
The latest installment in 2009 saw Davina McCall Vs David Tennant at Comic Relief Mastermind!
Since the Comic Relief charity was launched on Christmas Day 1985, it has raised over £650m for good causes around the world.
Along the way, it has made us laugh...and laugh loudly...
The first Red Nose Day was held in February 1988 and the second was in 1989. Since then, they have fallen one every other year - usually in the 2nd or 3rd week of March. The next is this Friday, 18th March 2011.
So, I'm dedicating two blog posts to celebrate this truly British tradition of supporting charity through comedy. This first one revolves around the comedy, my second will revolve around the music.
So, here are some of my Comic Relief Red Nose Day 'Best Comedy Bits'...
It all began here, in 1988.
In fact, it began 240 years earlier. In 1648 to be precise. Here, Blackadder: The Cavalier Years finds our famous favourite at the heart of the English Civil War - on the doomed side of the Royalists!
Best moment - King Charles I (played with a good touch of Prince Charles by Stephen Fry) meeting Oliver Cromwell (an excellent Warren Clarke!). Brilliant!
From that original programme also, University Challenge with The Young Ones!
Moving on to 1989, Rowan Atkinson again takes the chair but this time as the host of the 'Master Member' quiz with Lord Hailsham, David Owen, Gerald Kaufman, Kenneth Baker, Leon Britton, John Smith, David Steel and Shirley Williams.
Love it!
Again from 1989, a special Who's Line Is It Anyway, hosted by Clive Anderson with guests Stephen Fry, Josie Lawrence, Paul Merton, and John Sessions.
From 1991, a Hugh Laurie news sketch. Whatever happened to him?!
1993 saw Mr Bean's Red Nose Day.
It also saw Victor Meldrew take a bath and ask that immortal question - 'Is Nicholas Parsons dead?!'
1993 also saw a special Mr Bean's Blind Date!
In 1995, we saw a new skating star take to the ice. It's Torvill & Bean!
Moving forward, 1999 saw The Vicar of Dibley meet Johnny Depp!
1999 also saw Alan Partridge sing Kate Bush!
2001 saw Eastenders get in on the Comic Relief act - keep an eye out for some of the good old characters from a decade ago! Also, gotta love the writers in the 'Story Conference'!
2003 saw comedic turns in a Comic Relief Blankety Blank by, amongst others, Matt Lucas as Su Pollard, David Walliams as Ruth Madoc, Martin Freeman as Johnny Rotten and Simon Pegg as Freddie Starr. Peter Serafinowicz meanwhile perfected Terry Wogan!
2005 saw Little Britain's Daffyd interview Elton John!
Here, Lou and Andy meet George Michael!
2007 saw the Nan Taylor take on the Banker in Deal or No Deal!
It also saw the return of a now married Vicar of Dibley in a Celebrity Wife Swap with Sting!
The latest installment in 2009 saw Davina McCall Vs David Tennant at Comic Relief Mastermind!
There's so much more that I could've chosen but it gives at least, a glimpse of our comedic talent doing good through the ages.
Keep an eye out for my next installment - Comic Relief (1988-2011) - My Best Musical Bits
Friday, 11 March 2011
David Alexander - Wales' Other Tom Jones
I happened to be surfing youtube recently and fell upon videos for David Alexander.
David who you may ask? Well if you don't know him, he's the Welsh Tom Jones that we would've heard a lot more of had Tom Jones himself not beaten him to it.
He was born in Blackwood in south Wales and made his name on the social club circuit and worked as an entertainer in Pontins. He was of the same age as Tom Jones and though he made his name in the 1970s, he never managed the same level of success as his more famous Welsh compatriot and never quite broke out of the cabaret scene.
He died of a heart attack in 1995 at the age of just 56.
How do I know of him? Because as a child, he was one of the voices I listened to endlessly due to my father's taste in music. We'd always have a cassette playing on our many journeys and it more often that not was the strong Welsh sound of David Alexander that I would hear. It wasn't long before the music that my father enjoyed listening too become the music that I enjoyed listening too as well. We had a few David Alexander tapes and though most of the songs on those tapes were famous covers of songs sang by others, they were all for me, 'David Alexander's music'. I know so many of his songs word perfect all these years later. Mind you, it does help that I kept those old tapes of Dad's after he died and will every so often have a fond reminscent listen to them.
His most famous song was 'If I Could See The Rhonnda One More Time' - it's a moving song which I have always adored. I suppose it's a Welsh thing. His voice has that Tom Jones quality but yet it's distinctively David for me.
But as I say, he covered others.
Here's one of my favourites which I'd blasted out on many a car journey across the UK as a child.
It may have been sang by Del Shannon originally but for me 'The Answer to Everything' will forever be a song sang by David Alexander...
Here's another. Again, it isn't a Bette Midler song for me, but a hit from the unsung legend that was David Alexander. 'The Wind Beneath My Wings'...
But his lyrics which most moved me as a Welsh child were 'I never again will go down underground' from Rita MacNeil's evocative and moving 'Working Man'.
Because he died so young, and because he never struck the big-time in the conventional sense, there isn't as much of a back-catalogue of his for us to watch.
But what a voice.
I rememer my father telling me at the time of his death that he had died suddenly. I think I recall seeing it on the TV. It was a surprise because he was so young and because I was a fan. I was 12 or 13 at the time and I can recall being saddened at the news.
So this is my little tribute to David for all those happy childhood travelling memories and to my also departed and missed Dad for introducing me to his music in the first place.
David who you may ask? Well if you don't know him, he's the Welsh Tom Jones that we would've heard a lot more of had Tom Jones himself not beaten him to it.
He was born in Blackwood in south Wales and made his name on the social club circuit and worked as an entertainer in Pontins. He was of the same age as Tom Jones and though he made his name in the 1970s, he never managed the same level of success as his more famous Welsh compatriot and never quite broke out of the cabaret scene.
He died of a heart attack in 1995 at the age of just 56.
How do I know of him? Because as a child, he was one of the voices I listened to endlessly due to my father's taste in music. We'd always have a cassette playing on our many journeys and it more often that not was the strong Welsh sound of David Alexander that I would hear. It wasn't long before the music that my father enjoyed listening too become the music that I enjoyed listening too as well. We had a few David Alexander tapes and though most of the songs on those tapes were famous covers of songs sang by others, they were all for me, 'David Alexander's music'. I know so many of his songs word perfect all these years later. Mind you, it does help that I kept those old tapes of Dad's after he died and will every so often have a fond reminscent listen to them.
His most famous song was 'If I Could See The Rhonnda One More Time' - it's a moving song which I have always adored. I suppose it's a Welsh thing. His voice has that Tom Jones quality but yet it's distinctively David for me.
But as I say, he covered others.
Here's one of my favourites which I'd blasted out on many a car journey across the UK as a child.
It may have been sang by Del Shannon originally but for me 'The Answer to Everything' will forever be a song sang by David Alexander...
Here's another. Again, it isn't a Bette Midler song for me, but a hit from the unsung legend that was David Alexander. 'The Wind Beneath My Wings'...
But his lyrics which most moved me as a Welsh child were 'I never again will go down underground' from Rita MacNeil's evocative and moving 'Working Man'.
Because he died so young, and because he never struck the big-time in the conventional sense, there isn't as much of a back-catalogue of his for us to watch.
But what a voice.
I rememer my father telling me at the time of his death that he had died suddenly. I think I recall seeing it on the TV. It was a surprise because he was so young and because I was a fan. I was 12 or 13 at the time and I can recall being saddened at the news.
So this is my little tribute to David for all those happy childhood travelling memories and to my also departed and missed Dad for introducing me to his music in the first place.
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
My TV Childhood at its 80s & 90s Best
I blogged here, back in January 2009 when I first dabbled with this blog of my sadness at the loss of quality Children's TV from the years of my childhood. There is as Gareth Price commented on my piece there at the time, many excellent programmes now of course but looking back, I really feel that I was fortunate to have lived through a golden period of TV childhood.
These are the kind of programmes that I recall well...
We begin with a classic - Thomas the Tank Engine!
This is a slightly more obscure one but I love my football and I always enjoyed the Hurricanes which always had a 'moral' at the end of each episode.
If you were a 70s child, you'd love the Muppet Show. But an 80s child would better recall Jim Henson's follow-up - Fraggle Rock!
Raggy Dolls is another eccentric favourite of mine but the meaningful lyrics always struck a chord with me.
I just admit that this one completely slipped my mind until I found it but I was a fan! The Shoe People!
Who's for Superted?
Or Fireman Sam (Sam Sam Tan!)?
There were also those late 80s/early 90s Disney shorts classics! Chip'n Dale Rescue Rangers, TaleSpin and DuckTales!
Alvin and the Chipmunks? Alvin, Simon, Theodore! Another hit!
What about the David Jason induced hits? Well there's Dangermouse and Count Cuckula!
Then there's the Warner Brothers selection.
Pinky and the Brain was great!
The Tiny Toon Adventures were always a popular choice.
Then there was the slightly more 'grown-up' stuff. Knightmare was legendary at the time though the graphics now look so poor!
I loved Finders Keepers!
Then there was Fun House! Possibly the best children's progamme on during its time - every child wanted to be on it! 'Use your body and your brain if you want to play the game'!
There was also 'Woof!' - a boy who turned into a dog? Yep, it was a hit!
Jonny Briggs (no, not Mike Baldwin off Coronation St) was another lessen known favourite of mine.
Grange Hill had an iconic intro. But actually for kids of my age, we grew up not on the original but on this latter version.
But don't forget Channel 4 on a Sunday morning. Saved By The Bell was an US imported classic!
Another US hit was The Wonder Years.
I absolutely LOVED the Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show!
Another similarly popular favourite was Rugrats that premiered on Live & Kicking which for me was the perfect Saturday morning start to the weekend. It began in 1993 with Andi Peters and Emma Forbes.
To conclude with some more cartoons, Garfield and Friends was a firm favourite.
But we finish with a personal favourite of mine - I absolutely adored Inspector Gadget!
These are the kind of programmes that I recall well...
We begin with a classic - Thomas the Tank Engine!
This is a slightly more obscure one but I love my football and I always enjoyed the Hurricanes which always had a 'moral' at the end of each episode.
If you were a 70s child, you'd love the Muppet Show. But an 80s child would better recall Jim Henson's follow-up - Fraggle Rock!
Raggy Dolls is another eccentric favourite of mine but the meaningful lyrics always struck a chord with me.
I just admit that this one completely slipped my mind until I found it but I was a fan! The Shoe People!
Who's for Superted?
Or Fireman Sam (Sam Sam Tan!)?
There were also those late 80s/early 90s Disney shorts classics! Chip'n Dale Rescue Rangers, TaleSpin and DuckTales!
Alvin and the Chipmunks? Alvin, Simon, Theodore! Another hit!
What about the David Jason induced hits? Well there's Dangermouse and Count Cuckula!
Then there's the Warner Brothers selection.
Pinky and the Brain was great!
The Tiny Toon Adventures were always a popular choice.
Then there was the slightly more 'grown-up' stuff. Knightmare was legendary at the time though the graphics now look so poor!
I loved Finders Keepers!
Then there was Fun House! Possibly the best children's progamme on during its time - every child wanted to be on it! 'Use your body and your brain if you want to play the game'!
There was also 'Woof!' - a boy who turned into a dog? Yep, it was a hit!
Jonny Briggs (no, not Mike Baldwin off Coronation St) was another lessen known favourite of mine.
Grange Hill had an iconic intro. But actually for kids of my age, we grew up not on the original but on this latter version.
But don't forget Channel 4 on a Sunday morning. Saved By The Bell was an US imported classic!
Another US hit was The Wonder Years.
I absolutely LOVED the Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show!
Another similarly popular favourite was Rugrats that premiered on Live & Kicking which for me was the perfect Saturday morning start to the weekend. It began in 1993 with Andi Peters and Emma Forbes.
To conclude with some more cartoons, Garfield and Friends was a firm favourite.
But we finish with a personal favourite of mine - I absolutely adored Inspector Gadget!
It was a happy childhood!
Any others hits that I've missed? If so, please let me know!
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Baby, I Love This Yellow Pages Advert!
I like my 'vintage' TV adverts and I mentioned in this previous blog post some 2 years ago that there was one from my childhood that I couldn't find.But today I've finally come across it and it's brought back good memories of my 1990s childhood.
So here it is...
It's that Yellow Pages ad that introduced me to that Ramones hit, 'Baby I Love You'.
Monday, 7 February 2011
Everyone Loves Battenberg Cake
It's true isn't it?
I had a piece of battenberg today for the first time in quite a while and that marzipan never fails to deliver! I was a big fan as a child and I'm still the same now at the age of 28.
The origin of the name is not clear, but one theory claims that the cake was created in honour of the marriage in 1884 of Queen Victoria's grand-daughter to Prince Louis of Battenberg, with the four squares representing the four Battenberg princes: Louis, Aleaxander, Henry and Francis Joseph.A bit far-fetched? Maybe.
Anyway, do kids today still eat battenberg cake? Is it old skool? I don't know, but I love it!
Thursday, 3 February 2011
BBC Wales Rugby Adverts at their best - Wales Vs England? Bring It On!
Tomorrow sees the start of the 6 Nations. Wales play England in the opener and it should be a great beginning to the tournament.
2011 is no different. Here is S4Cs stirring advert for tomorrow's match. No proud Welsh patriot could fail to be stirred by the sight of Barry John, Phil Bennett and Neil Jenkins pulling on that famous red jersey.
The melodic sound of Cerys Matthews singing Ar Hyd Y Nos is the icing on the cake.
Mind you, this is one in a long line of memorable Welsh BBC rugby advertising.
Here for example, is a cartoon advert during 'The Great Redeemer' Graham Henry's time in charge. Note also, the Stereophonics cameo. It was time then, for Henry's Heroes.
Indeed, here's another.
But anyway, less of that.
Because for all it's worth, as Kelly Jones from the Stereophonics said...
 |
| My Welsh Hero in the 1990s - Neil Jenkins |
Over the past 20 years, since I can remember, the championship has always been built up for me with the quality of the BBC Wales and S4C adverts running up to the big kick-off.
The melodic sound of Cerys Matthews singing Ar Hyd Y Nos is the icing on the cake.
Mind you, this is one in a long line of memorable Welsh BBC rugby advertising.
Here for example, is a cartoon advert during 'The Great Redeemer' Graham Henry's time in charge. Note also, the Stereophonics cameo. It was time then, for Henry's Heroes.
Indeed, here's another.
But anyway, less of that.
Because for all it's worth, as Kelly Jones from the Stereophonics said...
C'MON CYMRU!
Saturday, 29 January 2011
Old at Heart (Part Deux) - The Rock'n Roll Golden Years of Music
Following on from my 'Golden Years of Music' blog post in which I reminisced of the songs from the 50s and 60s which I can recall from my childhood having been born the son to a 'Teddy Boy', a number of readers commented that what I left from my selection was a homage to the rock'n roll giants of the age.
As a fan of this genre then, I felt it only right to blog on some of the rock'n roll giants of this time.
Where do I start? Well, it has to be Chuck Berry hasn't it. From 1964, as made famous for a new generation by the 1990's film Pulp Fiction, 'You Never Can Tell'.
I've already blooged about my love for Fats Domino, so here he is, in 1957 with 'Blue Monday'.
Gene Vincent 'Be-Bop-A-Lula'd in 1956.
Forever in the shadows of the likes of Cash, Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis, was the highly under-rated Carl Perkins. A personal favourite of mine, from 1956, was his 'Honey Don't'.
But speaking of him just now, Johnny Cash is a great - certainly in my book. I could happily dedicate a whole blog post to him alone. But to pick one? Easy. Live from San Quentin, it's the 'Folsom Prison Blues'.
What can be said about Buddy Holly that hasn't already been said? Here he is in 1959 and it's 'Raining in my Heart'.
Of course I must give a nod to 'The King'. I'm a big Elvis fan but as he gets more than enough exposure compared to many of his contemporaries, for once I thought I'd 'bury' him in the middle of this compilation to showcase the others more. But here he is, in 1957 with the anthemic 'Jailhouse Rock'.
Eddie Cochran was another master. Here he is with his 1958 hit 'Come on Everybody'.
Don't forget the Spencer Davis Group. Here they are with another song made famous for younger generations like myself via film, in this case 'The Blues Brothers'. From 1967 it's 'Gimme Some Lovin'.
Now I'm a huge Roy Orbison fan. The 'Big O', like Elvis and Buddy Holly died far too young but like them, he left a musical heritage for us all. Here he is with a song from his 'Mystery Girl' album in 1988. He'd made a comeback and this performance was at Antwerp on November 19th of that year. He died of a heart attack weeks later on December 6th.
'You've Got It'.
But let's finish at the beginning. 1956 saw the first 'great' Rock'n Roll song thanks to Bill Hayley and the Comets. 'Rock Around The Clock'.
To conclude, to truly finish where I began and a second helping of Chuck Berry. Possibly the greatest rock'n roll song of all time from 1958. Was there ever a more famous boy than Johnny B. Goode?
As a fan of this genre then, I felt it only right to blog on some of the rock'n roll giants of this time.
Where do I start? Well, it has to be Chuck Berry hasn't it. From 1964, as made famous for a new generation by the 1990's film Pulp Fiction, 'You Never Can Tell'.
I've already blooged about my love for Fats Domino, so here he is, in 1957 with 'Blue Monday'.
Gene Vincent 'Be-Bop-A-Lula'd in 1956.
Forever in the shadows of the likes of Cash, Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis, was the highly under-rated Carl Perkins. A personal favourite of mine, from 1956, was his 'Honey Don't'.
But speaking of him just now, Johnny Cash is a great - certainly in my book. I could happily dedicate a whole blog post to him alone. But to pick one? Easy. Live from San Quentin, it's the 'Folsom Prison Blues'.
What can be said about Buddy Holly that hasn't already been said? Here he is in 1959 and it's 'Raining in my Heart'.
Of course I must give a nod to 'The King'. I'm a big Elvis fan but as he gets more than enough exposure compared to many of his contemporaries, for once I thought I'd 'bury' him in the middle of this compilation to showcase the others more. But here he is, in 1957 with the anthemic 'Jailhouse Rock'.
Eddie Cochran was another master. Here he is with his 1958 hit 'Come on Everybody'.
Don't forget the Spencer Davis Group. Here they are with another song made famous for younger generations like myself via film, in this case 'The Blues Brothers'. From 1967 it's 'Gimme Some Lovin'.
Now I'm a huge Roy Orbison fan. The 'Big O', like Elvis and Buddy Holly died far too young but like them, he left a musical heritage for us all. Here he is with a song from his 'Mystery Girl' album in 1988. He'd made a comeback and this performance was at Antwerp on November 19th of that year. He died of a heart attack weeks later on December 6th.
'You've Got It'.
But let's finish at the beginning. 1956 saw the first 'great' Rock'n Roll song thanks to Bill Hayley and the Comets. 'Rock Around The Clock'.
To conclude, to truly finish where I began and a second helping of Chuck Berry. Possibly the greatest rock'n roll song of all time from 1958. Was there ever a more famous boy than Johnny B. Goode?
All of the above ladies and gentlemen, is what I like to refer to as 'proper music'.
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Dennis 'The Menace' Tanner Returns to Coronation Street
We heard the news yesterday that Dennis ‘The Menace’ Tanner is to return to the cobbles of Coronation St this March.
The son of Corrie legend Elsie Tanner, he appeared in the opening episode of the serial on December 9th 1960 having just been released from jail.
Goodbye, Hello – Ray Langton & Jed Stone
This won’t be the first time that a well known Cobbles character will have made a return after a decades long absence.
Ray Langton, the first husband to Deirdre and father to tearaway Tracy, left for Holland in 1978.
27 years later in 2005, Neville Buswell resurrected the character to return to tell his daughter Tracy in particular that he was dying of stomach cancer.
He did so and they came closer to each other before he died in the Rovers in Ken and Deirdre’s second wedding reception (only the second character to die there after Martha Longhurst in 1964).
He re-appeared under the same guise of actor Kenneth Cope after a 42 years absence in 2008 when he came up against Tony Gordon who was developing the Nightingale Terrace flats that had been Jed’s home for over 40 years. After a number of run-ins with Gordon, he was last reported to have suffered a second heart attach whilst in hospital in February 2009.
As Jed Stone’s fate has not been addressed now for almost 2 years, have the script-writers inadvertently left open the opportunity for the two old friends to be reunited over 45 years after they’d last met on the Cobbles?
The son of Corrie legend Elsie Tanner, he appeared in the opening episode of the serial on December 9th 1960 having just been released from jail.He left the Street in 1968 when he married Jenny Sutton and moved to Bristol.
Not only is he returning, but for authenticity’s sake, the great news is that he’s returning under the guise of Philip Lowrie, who originally played him in the 1960s. He has signed up for an initial 6 month contract and will renew his sparring relationship with Ken Barlow who also appeared in that first episode.
Goodbye, Hello – Ray Langton & Jed Stone
This won’t be the first time that a well known Cobbles character will have made a return after a decades long absence.
 |
| Ray Langton in the 1970s |
 |
| Ray in 2005 |
27 years later in 2005, Neville Buswell resurrected the character to return to tell his daughter Tracy in particular that he was dying of stomach cancer.
He did so and they came closer to each other before he died in the Rovers in Ken and Deirdre’s second wedding reception (only the second character to die there after Martha Longhurst in 1964).
 |
| Jed Stone in the 1960s |
But the longest character absence from the Street until now was that of Jed Stone who was a character from 1961-1966. Ironically, he was friends with Dennis Tanner and was famously a lodger with Minnie Caldwell at No.5 – her nickname for him was ‘Sunny Jim’.
 |
| Jed in 2008 |
A 1960’s Corrie Cobbles Reunion?
But Dennis Tanner’s return will break the Jed Stone record for a Street absence as it will be 43 years since we last saw him in Salford.As Jed Stone’s fate has not been addressed now for almost 2 years, have the script-writers inadvertently left open the opportunity for the two old friends to be reunited over 45 years after they’d last met on the Cobbles?
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Old at Heart - Celebrating The 50s & 60s Golden Years of Music
I was born in the wrong decade. My University friends always commented on it when they'd look through my CD collections.
I was born in 1982 and I am very fond of the music of my 'yoof' in the early 90s. But having said that, as anyone who knows me will testify, I've got a really eclectic taste in music. From classical, to rock to Brit Pop and back again.
But I've always had a particular soft spot for the 50s and 60s. It'll be my father's influence for sure. His musical taste lived through me during my formative years (including, quite randomly, the love of the Blackpool style Wurlitzer - which my mates found highly amusing!).
The Frankie and Benny Experience
But when you look at the music from the 50s and 60s particularly, it's just a wonderful wealth of quality. It's the era that above any other it can be argued that fashioned the music that was to follow through the remaining decades of the 20th century - rock'n roll emanated here and thank heavens for that.
The lyrics and the melodies are so simple and straightforward. They tell a story that we can all relate too.
I've been happily reminded of this having not listened so much to this era of music of late by my regular trips to the new Frankie and Benny's in Carmarthen with my Alyson. I absolutely adore the atmosphere there because they play these very songs and I find it difficult to eat the American/Italian range of food on the menu when I'm constantly singing along to every single song being played!
So, I've chosen a random mix of songs from this era that always make me smile.
We begin with Bobby Vee who in 1961 asked us to 'Take Good Care Of My Baby'.
Meanwhile, back in 1958 Michael Holliday told us 'The Story Of My Life'.
The Bachelors meanwhile were in 1964, singing about their dear 'Diane' .
What about Helen Shapiro? Well in 1961, she was 'Walking Back To Happiness'.
Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jnr stuck live glue. 'Me and My Shadow' 1962 style.
Sam Cooke knew in 1959 '(What a) Wonderful World' this could be.
In 1961, Bobby Darin and Johnny Mercer were 'Two of a Kind'.
Back in 1954, The Chordettes were dreaming of Mister Sandman.
By 1958, it was all about the 'Lollipop' (as made doubly famous for me by being in the 1980s film 'Stand By Me').
In 1959, Dion & The Belmonts asked 'Why must I be a Teenager in Love?'
Meanwhile on the same theme, The Shirelles asked in 1960 'Will you still Love Me Tomorrow?'
As far as The Everly Brothers were concerned in 1958, 'All I Have To Do Is Dream'.
Nat King Cole tells us 'When He'll Fall In Love'.
From Dean Martin in 1955, 'Memories are Made of This'.
I finish with a lovely little ditty from the diddymen man himself - Ken Dodd. From 1964, 'Happiness'. 'Nuff said.
I was born in 1982 and I am very fond of the music of my 'yoof' in the early 90s. But having said that, as anyone who knows me will testify, I've got a really eclectic taste in music. From classical, to rock to Brit Pop and back again.
But I've always had a particular soft spot for the 50s and 60s. It'll be my father's influence for sure. His musical taste lived through me during my formative years (including, quite randomly, the love of the Blackpool style Wurlitzer - which my mates found highly amusing!).
The Frankie and Benny Experience
But when you look at the music from the 50s and 60s particularly, it's just a wonderful wealth of quality. It's the era that above any other it can be argued that fashioned the music that was to follow through the remaining decades of the 20th century - rock'n roll emanated here and thank heavens for that.
The lyrics and the melodies are so simple and straightforward. They tell a story that we can all relate too.
I've been happily reminded of this having not listened so much to this era of music of late by my regular trips to the new Frankie and Benny's in Carmarthen with my Alyson. I absolutely adore the atmosphere there because they play these very songs and I find it difficult to eat the American/Italian range of food on the menu when I'm constantly singing along to every single song being played!
So, I've chosen a random mix of songs from this era that always make me smile.
We begin with Bobby Vee who in 1961 asked us to 'Take Good Care Of My Baby'.
Meanwhile, back in 1958 Michael Holliday told us 'The Story Of My Life'.
The Bachelors meanwhile were in 1964, singing about their dear 'Diane' .
What about Helen Shapiro? Well in 1961, she was 'Walking Back To Happiness'.
Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jnr stuck live glue. 'Me and My Shadow' 1962 style.
Sam Cooke knew in 1959 '(What a) Wonderful World' this could be.
In 1961, Bobby Darin and Johnny Mercer were 'Two of a Kind'.
Back in 1954, The Chordettes were dreaming of Mister Sandman.
By 1958, it was all about the 'Lollipop' (as made doubly famous for me by being in the 1980s film 'Stand By Me').
In 1959, Dion & The Belmonts asked 'Why must I be a Teenager in Love?'
Meanwhile on the same theme, The Shirelles asked in 1960 'Will you still Love Me Tomorrow?'
As far as The Everly Brothers were concerned in 1958, 'All I Have To Do Is Dream'.
Nat King Cole tells us 'When He'll Fall In Love'.
From Dean Martin in 1955, 'Memories are Made of This'.
I finish with a lovely little ditty from the diddymen man himself - Ken Dodd. From 1964, 'Happiness'. 'Nuff said.
Hey there, Boo Boo -Yogi Bear in 3D!
I've barely newly satisfied my urge to make a rare appearance to the cinema to watch 'The King's Speech' and now, like a street full of buses, another film has grabbed my attention.This time, a world away from Colin Firth's Golden Globe winning performance, it's Yogi Bear in 3D that has captured my imagination!
Hey there, Boo Boo!
Like many of the Hanna-Barbera cartoons, there was something wonderfully avocative of childhood with Yogi Bear. Although a late 1950's / early 1960s invention, generations of children have embraced this playful character's harmless attempts to steal 'pic-a-nic' baskets from visitors to the wonderfully named Jellystone Park with his companion Boo-Boo.Now, Yogi's being re-incarnated with the voice of comedic legend, former Ghostbuster Dan Aykroyd whilst Boo Boo will be voiced by musical superstar Justin Timerlake.
Smarter than the Average Bear!
The film was released just before Christmas in America and will be released on 11th February here in the UK.
Should I embarassed to want to go and see a children's movie in the cinema? Hell no! It seems that many of my friends who are older than my tender 28 years are also keen to re-live a part of their youth!
So, here's the trailer and I look forward to a great 'pic-a-nic'...
Friday, 14 January 2011
Jeux Sans Frontières on S4C (1991-1994) - Wonderful Memories!
I've been blessed with a happy childhood. I had my ups and downs like any child but on the whole, I look back with great fondness at my formative years.
There are certain things that take you back to those times in the past. Sights, smells, sounds - they can all conjure up a past memory, a sensation, a feeling. We all have them and I've just literally been transported back to a wonderful visual image and audio moment myself from the early 1990s.
From the Crucible Theatr to David Vine to Jeux Sans Frontières
I'd been doing some research earlier on snooker history having been watching the Masters on BBC2. I was reading up on the likes of Kirk Stevens and 'Big' Bill Werbeniuk and then got side-lined and started reading about snooker commentators 'Whispering' Ted Lowe and David Vine. From there, I found myself moving towards the world of It's a Knockout which David Vine used to present before Stuart Hall famously took control of the microphone.
Jeux Sans Frontières on S4C
Now, I'm too young to remember It's a Knockout. It came to an end in its initial form in the year of my birth, 1982. There were a few specials during the 1980's such as the infamous It's a Royal Knockout but I recall the show from it's international revamped 1990s format when Wales competed on behalf of the UK between 1991-1994.
The programmes were shown on Welsh TV channel S4C and were broadcast in Welsh. Not a problem for me, but what it meant was that during this period, British TV regions outside of Wales did not show Jeux Sans Frontières.
I can recall the excitment that grew within me as a 9-12 year old boy each time the opening credits rolled (was it on a Sunday night I seem to recall?!). It was the mixture of Marc-Antoine Charpentier's anthemic opening European Broadcasting Union score (the prelude to Te Deum), followed by the theme tune to Jeux Sans Frontières itself which I absolutely adored. It was the sound that was to usher in a period of enjoyment and escapism in a wonderfully ludicrous context (and it gave me the the opportunity to shout enthusiastically for my country too!).
On my voyage from 'Big' Bill Werbeniuk to Jeux Sans Frontières earlier, I suddenly realised that I had to find 'that' piece of music with 'those' opening credits'.
Well dear reader, I found it! I haven't seen it for probably a full 17 years but when I did just now, the tears of joy were welling up in my eyes! It may be sentimental but then I'm a sentimental kinda guy and being reunited with this happy piece of my childhood was wonderful! The shivers have truly just gone down my spine!
So, here are those opening credits that I gleefully watched on S4C between 1991-1994 and to follow, for visitors to this blog who are older than me and remember It's a Knockout, its famous 'Bean Bag' theme tune by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass.
There are certain things that take you back to those times in the past. Sights, smells, sounds - they can all conjure up a past memory, a sensation, a feeling. We all have them and I've just literally been transported back to a wonderful visual image and audio moment myself from the early 1990s.
From the Crucible Theatr to David Vine to Jeux Sans Frontières
I'd been doing some research earlier on snooker history having been watching the Masters on BBC2. I was reading up on the likes of Kirk Stevens and 'Big' Bill Werbeniuk and then got side-lined and started reading about snooker commentators 'Whispering' Ted Lowe and David Vine. From there, I found myself moving towards the world of It's a Knockout which David Vine used to present before Stuart Hall famously took control of the microphone.
Jeux Sans Frontières on S4C
Now, I'm too young to remember It's a Knockout. It came to an end in its initial form in the year of my birth, 1982. There were a few specials during the 1980's such as the infamous It's a Royal Knockout but I recall the show from it's international revamped 1990s format when Wales competed on behalf of the UK between 1991-1994.
The programmes were shown on Welsh TV channel S4C and were broadcast in Welsh. Not a problem for me, but what it meant was that during this period, British TV regions outside of Wales did not show Jeux Sans Frontières.
I can recall the excitment that grew within me as a 9-12 year old boy each time the opening credits rolled (was it on a Sunday night I seem to recall?!). It was the mixture of Marc-Antoine Charpentier's anthemic opening European Broadcasting Union score (the prelude to Te Deum), followed by the theme tune to Jeux Sans Frontières itself which I absolutely adored. It was the sound that was to usher in a period of enjoyment and escapism in a wonderfully ludicrous context (and it gave me the the opportunity to shout enthusiastically for my country too!).
On my voyage from 'Big' Bill Werbeniuk to Jeux Sans Frontières earlier, I suddenly realised that I had to find 'that' piece of music with 'those' opening credits'.
Well dear reader, I found it! I haven't seen it for probably a full 17 years but when I did just now, the tears of joy were welling up in my eyes! It may be sentimental but then I'm a sentimental kinda guy and being reunited with this happy piece of my childhood was wonderful! The shivers have truly just gone down my spine!
So, here are those opening credits that I gleefully watched on S4C between 1991-1994 and to follow, for visitors to this blog who are older than me and remember It's a Knockout, its famous 'Bean Bag' theme tune by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass.
Friday, 31 December 2010
School Reunion Week
The week between Christmas and New Year has always been a particularly relaxing one for me.
It's the only period of the year when it feels as if everyone is on holiday. The amount of e-mails and 'phone calls I get in this period is a fraction of what I normally receive as everyone is in the festive mood and unless there's an emergency, very rarely consider calling their local Councillor to worry them about their concerns.
As a result, over recent years in particular, I've taken the opportunity of having a quiet few days during this period to catch up with old friends.
Ysgol Dyffryn Taf - the 2004 Reunion
I left my seconday scchool in the summer of 2000. A whole decade ago? Time really does fly.
On going to Aberystwyth University, I quickly lost contact with most of my friends from school. So in 2004, having graduated and become a County Councillor in Cardigan, I decided it was time to try and catch up with some old faces. It worked out well as word spread and we had a night out in Tenby between Xmas in New Year with about 9 or 10 of us present. Nothing too formal, just a few pints and a catch up with old friends.
The 2009 Reunion
But, despite our saying that we wouldn't lose contact again, it has so happened. But last year at this same time, I made an effort to catch up with some more old faces. This time I caught up with my old childhood neighbour Justin Williams. We were always playing in each other's houses but I hadn't see him since my fathe died in 2003 as he had moved out to live in Canada. He's now engaged and doing well but on coming hme to visit his mum Trisha, it gave me a chance to catch up with him, his mother, her partner Nigel and her sister- Justin's auntie. It was great to see them all again and to see that they were still the nice family that they've always been.
I also caught up with the Evans family from Whitland who my family have know since my childhood. Llewellyn was in my class in primary school and though we'd caught up in the 2004 get together, I don't think I'd seen him since. In the meantime, younger brother Ryan happened to be a good friend of Alyson, who I got together with on Boxing Day last year. So with all of these newly re-made connections, a few of us caught up for a meal a the Black Lion in St Clears. It was a Whitland YFC Xmas dinner to be precise but a chance for me to catch up with Llew, Ryan and sister Sioned and their mother Vera who hadn't changed a bit!
I've told my mum that in bot cases - with Trisha and with Vera, she should find the time to cach up with them also. I hope she does.
Ysgol Dyffryn Taf - the 2010 Reunion
So that brings us to this week. With this growing want to catch up with old friends, I was pleased to get a Facebook message (is there any other way nowadays?!) from another old school friend Alex Forder. Now, we've actaully met more recently than the 2004 get together when we caught up for a drink in Cardiff but now that he lives in Bilbao, Spain, the chances of a catch-up are rare. So he asked whether I wanted to have a curry one night during his Xmas break back home.
Well, why not indeed? So we then decided that we may as well try and see if we could get a group of us together from Dyffryn Taf. Admittedly, the idea was only discussed some 3 weeks ago so we had little time to plan, but it was worth a try.
Despite the short notice and the awful heavy rain last night, we still got 4 of us together for a (bloody fine) Indian and catch-up in Tenby. As I mentioned, I've seen Alex a few times in recent years - most recently in August 2008. As ever he was on good form and holds the rare distinction of being able to out-talk me! Dafydd Williams from Llanboidy also came down and apart from a fleeting 'hello' on a bus one time in the semi-distant past, I haven't seen him since we left school over 10 years ago. We'd been in the same class for 7 years in Dyffryn Taf so it was good to catch-up. Finally, completing the four-some, we had Gavin Harris who, like Alex, had come to Dyffryn Taf mid-way through the 7 years that I and Dafydd were there. Both Gavin and Alex were in our 6th form class so we knew each other well but the only time I'd met him since 2000 was in that 2004 get together. He joined the Marines as he always said he would, back in 2001, so is about to celebrate 10 years in the forces. He's just come back from a 3rd spell in Afghanistan having also been in Iraq and Sierra Leone. Much respect to the man and it was great to see him again.
The best thing about it is that it was as if none of us had changed. Alex, Gavin and Dafydd all spoke the same and looked the same as they did all those years ago, albeit maybe with a few years of age added on top! But it was good to catch up with good friends of old.
We drift apart so easily as people. A forgotten communication here, a reluctance to say hello there and suddenly, years go by without us keeping in touch with those who at one timein our lives, were those good friends. I hope I've managed to make some of those re-connections over the past few years and I hope to continue to do so in the future.
It's the only period of the year when it feels as if everyone is on holiday. The amount of e-mails and 'phone calls I get in this period is a fraction of what I normally receive as everyone is in the festive mood and unless there's an emergency, very rarely consider calling their local Councillor to worry them about their concerns.
As a result, over recent years in particular, I've taken the opportunity of having a quiet few days during this period to catch up with old friends.
Ysgol Dyffryn Taf - the 2004 Reunion
I left my seconday scchool in the summer of 2000. A whole decade ago? Time really does fly.
On going to Aberystwyth University, I quickly lost contact with most of my friends from school. So in 2004, having graduated and become a County Councillor in Cardigan, I decided it was time to try and catch up with some old faces. It worked out well as word spread and we had a night out in Tenby between Xmas in New Year with about 9 or 10 of us present. Nothing too formal, just a few pints and a catch up with old friends.The 2009 Reunion
But, despite our saying that we wouldn't lose contact again, it has so happened. But last year at this same time, I made an effort to catch up with some more old faces. This time I caught up with my old childhood neighbour Justin Williams. We were always playing in each other's houses but I hadn't see him since my fathe died in 2003 as he had moved out to live in Canada. He's now engaged and doing well but on coming hme to visit his mum Trisha, it gave me a chance to catch up with him, his mother, her partner Nigel and her sister- Justin's auntie. It was great to see them all again and to see that they were still the nice family that they've always been.
I also caught up with the Evans family from Whitland who my family have know since my childhood. Llewellyn was in my class in primary school and though we'd caught up in the 2004 get together, I don't think I'd seen him since. In the meantime, younger brother Ryan happened to be a good friend of Alyson, who I got together with on Boxing Day last year. So with all of these newly re-made connections, a few of us caught up for a meal a the Black Lion in St Clears. It was a Whitland YFC Xmas dinner to be precise but a chance for me to catch up with Llew, Ryan and sister Sioned and their mother Vera who hadn't changed a bit!
I've told my mum that in bot cases - with Trisha and with Vera, she should find the time to cach up with them also. I hope she does.
Ysgol Dyffryn Taf - the 2010 Reunion
So that brings us to this week. With this growing want to catch up with old friends, I was pleased to get a Facebook message (is there any other way nowadays?!) from another old school friend Alex Forder. Now, we've actaully met more recently than the 2004 get together when we caught up for a drink in Cardiff but now that he lives in Bilbao, Spain, the chances of a catch-up are rare. So he asked whether I wanted to have a curry one night during his Xmas break back home.
Well, why not indeed? So we then decided that we may as well try and see if we could get a group of us together from Dyffryn Taf. Admittedly, the idea was only discussed some 3 weeks ago so we had little time to plan, but it was worth a try.
Despite the short notice and the awful heavy rain last night, we still got 4 of us together for a (bloody fine) Indian and catch-up in Tenby. As I mentioned, I've seen Alex a few times in recent years - most recently in August 2008. As ever he was on good form and holds the rare distinction of being able to out-talk me! Dafydd Williams from Llanboidy also came down and apart from a fleeting 'hello' on a bus one time in the semi-distant past, I haven't seen him since we left school over 10 years ago. We'd been in the same class for 7 years in Dyffryn Taf so it was good to catch-up. Finally, completing the four-some, we had Gavin Harris who, like Alex, had come to Dyffryn Taf mid-way through the 7 years that I and Dafydd were there. Both Gavin and Alex were in our 6th form class so we knew each other well but the only time I'd met him since 2000 was in that 2004 get together. He joined the Marines as he always said he would, back in 2001, so is about to celebrate 10 years in the forces. He's just come back from a 3rd spell in Afghanistan having also been in Iraq and Sierra Leone. Much respect to the man and it was great to see him again.
The best thing about it is that it was as if none of us had changed. Alex, Gavin and Dafydd all spoke the same and looked the same as they did all those years ago, albeit maybe with a few years of age added on top! But it was good to catch up with good friends of old.
We drift apart so easily as people. A forgotten communication here, a reluctance to say hello there and suddenly, years go by without us keeping in touch with those who at one timein our lives, were those good friends. I hope I've managed to make some of those re-connections over the past few years and I hope to continue to do so in the future.
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