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Forward to 2005
Friday 31st December
New year's eve or as my Scottish friends refer to it,
'Auld year's night', used to be one of my favourite times of the year.
In days of yore I was able to quaff quantum amounts of alcohol and it
would be considered, by most people, to be perfectly normal behaviour.
Now that I am fast approaching my half century (2
weeks) and have been teetotal for 5 years to the day, I will be one of
the estimated 80% of the population who will be staying indoors tonight.
Ah well, it was fun while it lasted.
I still find it amusing that some people who have
never seen me drink alcohol assume it must always have been thus.
I probably used to spill more than they drink!
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England failed narrowly to win their 9th consecutive
Test match yesterday when South Africa were saved by bad light.
On reading today's newspapers it seems there are people who think the
match should have continued under floodlights.
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Before a ball was bowled, the playing conditions were
agreed and if the artificial light was brighter than the natural light,
play would be suspended.
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Why is it that there is always someone who wants to
make the rules up as they go along if it suits them? The
very same thing happened to us (GBTCC) on our recent cricket tour to
Australia. It cost us the match and we lost the series.
We may well have lost anyway, but that surely is not the point.
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My eldest son is 24 years old and works in the 'care
industry', I am not really sure what the exact term is, but I am sure
you know what I mean. He has worked in homes where elderly
people with incurable illnesses spent their last days. I can
think of no more traumatic way to earn a crust and consequently have the
utmost respect for him and the thousands of men and women who carry out
their duties with a permanent smile, whilst looking after terminally ill
pensioners with dignity.
Although I do not watch her dopey programme I have
read that ex Daily Mirror journalist Anne Robinson, who hosts a quiz
show called 'The Leakest Wink', a (Freudian slip) insulted the
manager of a care home with pathetic attempts at humour. As
I am a BBC licence payer and this arrogant ginger nut receives a
massive salary, I shall be writing to my dear old Auntie and asking for
at least an apology, at best her dismissal.
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I have just about finished my 'New Year's Gift List'
and predictions for 2005. I will publish them on my return from the gym.
One of them was that Mathew Pinsent would be knighted and as that is now
a fact it will appear as if I cheated. Honestly, I didn't.
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Willy the Tog answered my pop poser correctly
(again). The Beatles were indeed the 200th No 1, with Help!
in 1965.
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Wednesday 29th December
I am due to play golf later on this morning but it
has started raining and the prospects are not looking good.
I read an interesting article yesterday about how the
record company, Sony BMG, are going to try and manipulate the charts so
that Elvis Presley becomes the 1,000th No 1 in the history of then
British charts.
The first No 1 was Here in My Heart by Al
Martino in 1952 and the current No 1, the 997th, is the latest Band Aid
version of Do they know it's Christmas?
Here is a good question for all of you pop pickers.
The Beatles had the 200th No 1. What was the song?
I reckon that this is the toughest question I have asked so far.
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By the way, Gerry Dorsey and Adam Gilchrist were
indeed correct answers to my last posers.
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Newcastle United play Arsenal in the Premiership
tonight and I fear the worst. I shall only watch until
halftime because the second part of Auf Weidersehen, Pet
starts at 9pm, wonderful!
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If you are an Aussie and wondered about my strange
accent you really should try and get to see Auf Weidersehen, mate!
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Prediction for tonight's game - Newcastle 1 Arsenal 3
(minimum).
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Monday 27th December
As arranged, I played golf and not much else apart
from watching the latest Test match from a hot, sunny and sticky South
Africa on TV. The heat must be bad enough but I could not
imagine what it must be like to sit beside the 'Barmy Army'.
I went to the Headingley Test Match for the best part of twenty five
years pre transplant and I saw how the Western Terrrace degenerated in
that time. I used to sit in there with my mates in the early
years and we a had a great time, but of late the behaviour, to say the
least, is 'rowdy'.
I have had a couple of requests (honestly) to dish
out my 'New Years' Gifts' and make my predictions for the coming
year, so I will be working on that in the next few days and will let you
know when I have posted it. If you have not read the ones I
did for 2004 click on this
page link.
I have thought up a new title for them, how about:-
the Prophecies of Nostramarshus.
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I can reveal the identity of the sender of the tie at
the 'TOGS' Christmas party. I am 100% certain it was Doug
Walker, our senior player and winner of the first ever 'TOGS'
championship. Nice one Doug!
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Christmas Day / Boxing Day
2004
I ate, drank and was merry. I also played
golf on Boxing Day. We are scheduled to play in the morning
too, weather permitting.
Christmas Eve 2004
Yesterday was the 50th anniversary of the first
successful kidney transplant. In the fifties a success was
defined as survival for twelve months. Nowadays there are
people who have had 40 years post (kidney) transplant.
Britain's first (kidney) transplant took place in Edinburgh in 1960 and
their success paved the way for heart transplants.
The first successful heart transplant was famously
performed by Dr Christian Barnard in South Africa in December 1967.
The recipient, Louis Washkansky died 18 days later of pneumonia.
I owe everything to Mr Barnard and obviously the
surgeons at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital who performed my heart
transplant in July 1999.
Most importantly though my 'Gift of Life' was only
possible because of the courage shown by a young man's parents who
agreed to his organs being used for transplant following the death of
their beloved son due to a brain tumour. Never a day passes
without me thinking about this young man and I will be forever grateful.
At Christmas we all give and receive presents to our
loved ones as a matter of course. Have you considered the
greatest gift of all? 'The Gift of Life'.
If you have and you carry an organ donor card, that is
wonderful. If you simply have not got round to doing it yet,
why not become an organ donor this Christmas?
Anyone can join the register,
to become an organ donor:-
Telephone the Organ Donor Line - 0845 6060400.
Or visit
www.uktransplant.org.uk
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On a lighter note, I listened to Desert Island
Discs on R4 this morning and the castaway was Englebert Humperdink
(quiz question - what is his real name?). I know my website
is self indulgent but how about EB's choice of book to take onto the
island?
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He chose his own autobiography - How pathetic!!!
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Merry Christmas everyone.
Thursday 23rd December
That's it surely. No more shopping,
time to sit and gawp at the TV and eat far too much food and possibly
drink a little more than we should. It's also time to be in
the company of relatives who normally warrant a flying visit.
Already I am looking forward to Boxing Day so that I can play golf.
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The answer to my cricket question that was set
yesterday, which has all of you stumped is .......no, I'll give you a
couple of more days.
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Wednesday 22nd December
Following England's historic win yesterday I would
like to pose this cricketing question. Which current Test
player enjoyed a 15 match winning streak to his Test career?
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Making the news today is a story that police will be
able to enforce drivers to undergo silly tasks at roadside to
determine if they are taking drugs.
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This is all very well and good news if it prevents 'smackheads'
driving recklessly. What about people like me who have to
take prescribed drugs for the rest of my life, as does every other
recipient of an organ transplant and many other illnesses?
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If the police want to sit outside the venue of the
next transplant sports event they will probably achieve a 100% success
rate. The penalty is 6 years in prison.
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While I am on the subject of unfair treatment.
Why do I have to pay for my drugs? Failure to take them
would mean certain death due to the rejection of my new
heart.
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I received a letter in this morning's post from
North Tyneside's 'Head of Cultural Services' in reply to my Email sent
in September. He would like to arrange a meeting so that we
can discuss ways in which the council may work with Tyne Youth &
Community Centre.
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Do I detect progress?
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It seems my career as a detective has stalled badly.
Having named the cultured Caledonian, aka David Bavaird, as the sender
of the mysterious tie at the 'TOGS' Christmas party on Saturday, I have
accused an innocent man for which I apologise unreservedly (deep
down I did not think it was him, he lied).
So my enquiries, although resumed, are stalled badly
and am desperately in need of a clue. I have thought
about contacting the BBC to see if they would stage a reconstruction on
Crime Watch, but am hoping I may get another lead as a result of some
serious sniffing about. Now where did I put that magnifying
glass?
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Update - Thanks to a couple of (too easy) clues which
have appeared in my 'Guest Book', I smell a red herring (to mix a
metaphor). It would be obvious to name Doug Walker as the
'villain' but I suspect I am being led into a trap. Am I?
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Tuesday 21st December
England did it! They have beaten South
Africa in the first Test match to win their 8th consecutive Test.
Andrew Strauss, who will be named man of the match, has played in every
one of these victories, along with six others. The unusual
statistic is that these are the only Test matches he has played in, he
does not even know what it is like to draw, never mind lose a game.
Steve Harmison will come good in the Tests to follow.
Do you agree Dave P?
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I am awaiting further developments regarding "The tie
that
appeared from nowhere affair".
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As a result of the cricket finishing early I went for
my regular workout at the gym before setting off for the 'Toon' for my
Christmas shopping. It took probably two and half hours and
only that long because I paid a visit to Waterstone's Book Shop.
If you are anything like me, a visit to a book shop is one of life's
great pleasures and leafing through (in this instance) travel guide
books is wonderful.
For my 50th birthday in January, Mrs Boggy and I will
be wandering around Rome taking in the sites of this great city.
Hence the need for the travel book. If you know of a good hotel in
the city, close to The Spanish Steps / Trevi Fountain, I am all ears.
Tonight, under orders, I shall be pushing a
trolley around a supermarket as we are doing the 'Christmas shop'.
Isn't Christmas fun?
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By the way my latest prediction is that we shall have
a white Christmas, in my part of the world at least.
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Monday 20th December
With only 5 shopping days left before Christmas day I
am going to do what any sports loving bloke would do so close to the big day.
I am going to play golf.
Unfortunately the course was closed due to frost and
as I was driving home it started snowing. Only one thing for
it, that's right, I settled down to listen to the Test Match on radio
and watch on TV.
The players have just come off with England poised
for a record breaking 8th consecutive victory. The reason
for the early finish? Bad light stopped play.
This appears an odd decision because for the last hour of play the
floodlights were on. It turns out that before the series had
started certain playing conditions had been agreed between the teams and
officials. One of these conditions was that Test cricket
would not be played under floodlights.
Once the lights start to make four shadows it has
been acknowledged (unofficially) that play would be impossible without
lights. Therefore it is time to cal it a day.
Simple or what?
The wily young captain of South Africa, Graeme Smith,
knowing the playing conditions more or less made sure that the umpires
stuck to this ruling despite the best efforts of the England batsman
wanting to stay in the middle to force victory tonight.
Does this sound familiar to any of you?
If you were playing in the GBTCC tour down under a couple of months ago,
whether you be a GB player or an Aussie it should bring back memories of
the last match in Sydney when the agreed playing conditions were ignored
and we handed the match to Australia.
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I notice from my 'Guest Book' that former top cop
Archbold is making further enquiries as to the sender of the tie.
It is possible that he has not read my theory as to the 'villain'.
For his benefit I have whittled it down to the Cultured Caledonian.
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If June is reading this (the canny Scot's secretary)
she could shed some light on the incident and leave me a clue or two.
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This has all the ingredients for a crime novel worthy
of any airport book stall.
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Does inspector Mitchell, with his detailed knowledge
of the persons involved (the 'TOGS') have any theories?
Hmmmmm!
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Sunday 19th December
Sitting enjoying my turkey dinner at our 'TOGS'
Christmas party, a mysterious package was delivered by hand by a person
unknown to me. I opened the carefully wrapped present with
the excitement of a child on Christmas morning, only to reveal a tie.
This particular item of apparel was a product of a
well known saint who owns an ailing department store which I predict
will be the subject of a hostile bid in the next twelve months.
I entered into the spirit and dutifully wore the tie, I could not bring
myself to wearing it on my shirt so I knotted it around my neck, some
would say not tight enough I suspect.
I made some investigations to identify the sender and
having ruled out 'Colonel Mustard', 'The Butler' and 'Uncle Tom Cobbley',
I have a prime suspect. The lack of DNA evidence prevents me
from being 100% certain but I am going to reveal the perpetrator of this
jolly wheeze:-
J'accuse the cultured Caledonian AKA David Bavaird.
QED!
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A good night was had by all of the 'TOGS' and their
partners. I would say that we are marginally better golfers
than we are dancers.
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Saturday 18th December
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Well done Colin, it was indeed Mr Allen who along
with 'kipper' Cowdrey saved the game in '63.
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I shall be enjoying the Christmas spirit with my
fellow 'TOGS' and their good ladies at our Christmas Party tonight.
We are meeting in my favourite watering hole of all time, namely The
Maggie Bank, before a short walk to our destination.
I shall not be wearing a tie and do hope that no-one
is offended. Equally I shall not be upset at those who do!
Having worn a tie for the best part of my working life I am of the
opinion that a Christmas knees up is meant to be an informal occasion.
I am happy to wear a jacket and tie when required, but on this occasion
I shall be going for the 'I am just happy to be here'
look as will 95% of the revellers in the building. If we
were all wearing the same tie, i.e. one bearing the 'TOGS'
emblem, now that would be different.
Friday 17th December
Some shocking news from Australia overnight.
My mate Justin who lives in Manly, Sydney has left a message in my
'guest book' and there is coverage in today's newspapers about the
incident. An 18 year old from Adelaide was eaten by two
great white sharks while being towed by his mates on his surfboard.
The attack happened 30 yards off Adelaide's West
Beach. When we were out there in September / October for the
Great Britain Transplant Cricket Club tour we stayed in a beach resort
called Adelaide Shores which was right on the West Beach.
Fortunately none of us went swimming. One of the killer
sharks is thought to be 16 feet in length.
if my mate Bill Fletcher, a fellow 'TOG', is reading
this on his current trip to Adelaide....stay out of the water Bill!
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England play the first Test Match against South
Africa today. I am predicting another England victory and
that 'Geordie' fast bowler, Steve Harmison, will become the top wicket
taker in a calendar year in the history of English Test cricket.
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Tonight will be my last as opener uperrer and
baby sitter at Tyne Youth & Community Centre. As I informed
the AGM, I am not prepared to act as 'loco parentis' due to the total
apathy from most of the parents.
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We are providing a Christmas party for the youngsters
tonight and it would not surprise me if there are more helpers than
ever. How ironic!
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The next move needs to be from North Tyneside
Council I would suggest. Letters from parents to their
councillor would be a good start.
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Thursday 16th December
There is a lot happening in the political world that
I could spout off about, but won't. Instead I am going to
give my two penn'orth on the future of cricket.
On this day in 1882 the legendary (Sir) Jack
Hobbs was born. He is the highest run scorer in the history
of cricket and his 197 centuries will remain unmatched as long as the
game is played, I confidently predict.
I remember vividly the summer of 1963 watching the
black and white pictures as Wes Hall was thundering in at Lord's trying
to win a Test Match for the West Indies. Colin Cowdrey had
come in at the fall of the 9th wicket with his arm in plaster to try and
save the game for England, which he did.
Quiz question - who was the other batsman?
So what? I hear you ask. Yesterday the
game sold out to Sky TV. Test cricket will no longer be
shown live on terrestrial TV in this country. Contrast this
with Australia, who are fairly good at the game. Every ball
of every Test Match is shown live on TV.
From 2006 the only chance a cricket mad
youngster (or me) will get to watch Test cricket on the box is if he
tunes in to a channel that is not available nationwide. I
think it is called 'Five'. His other option will be 'pay to
view' TV. The money is good for the game but who will
receive it? Overpaid foreign journeymen will cream off the
cash at the expense of our own emerging talent.
Just look at the state of English football to see the
future. Three of our supposedly best players are playing in
Spain. Our two best teams have barely an Englishman in their
line ups and the managers are foreign. Where are all of the
young players? Oh, and the England manager is Swedish.
How many English qualified goal keepers are currently playing in the
Premiership?
I understand the converse of this argument for
which I could make a good case, but being the romantic idealist that I
am, I am predicting that it will all end in tears. There
must have been a better way.
Wednesday 15th December
People were throwing money at me last night.
I was collecting on behalf of Heart Research alongside youngsters Kaylee
and Dale who had their heart transplants at the Freeman hospital
and their friend Carol. Lynne Holt the transplant
co-ordinator from the Freeman Hospital and Carol Davidson, Kaylee's
mum, were there too.
The National Director of Heart Research, a lovely
lady called Barbara Harpham who had organised the event was also there
collecting money. I had a chat to Barbara and she told me
that following a visit to the British Transplant Games in Norwich last
year she was so inspired by the competitors and the ethos of the
Gamers that Heart Research became involved.
They will do 'matching funding' up to £750 so that
transplanted athletes can participate in the World Games in Canada next
year. This is a wonderful gesture from Heart Research.
Barbara said of the Games, "It was such a
happy, uplifting event and one that has a lasting effect on anyone who
goes along and will, I hope, encourage you to become a donor and justify
the effort we all put into raising money for Heart Research".
The carol singers last night were a group called
'Sing Live'. They did and were fantastic. If you
were one of the many people who put money in our buckets last night,
thank you!
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I will repeat once more with regard to the
competitors at transplant sporting events - We are all winners!
To win a medal is simply a bonus.
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I'm off to play golf with my mates in the 'WAGS'.
You may think I am having fun, let me tell you that this is serious
training. Or as a certain Colin Mitchell would say, "Hmmmm".
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Tuesday 14th December
It's always good to hear from the people of Wales,
especially those with double barrelled names and are currently British
(transplant) Golf Champion. Merry Christmas to you too ILJ.
I could do with a singing voice as good as the Welsh
because I am due to leave fairly soon for a Christmas carol concert at
Newcastle central station. I shall probably mime.
It's all in a good cause. We are having a collection
for the Freeman kids who are hoping to travel to the World Transplant
Games in Canada next year.
Monday 13th December
Kelly Holmes deservedly won the Sorts Personality of
the Year Award on the BBC's annual presentation night. I
thought the Ryder Cup golfers might have won the team award but they
were beaten by the width of an oar by the GB coxless four's gold medal
winner's from the Athens Olympics which is fair enough.
The Helen Rollason Award went to a little girl called
Kirsty Howard who was born with her heart back to front.
Despite this terminal illness Kirsty has raised over £3,000,000 for
charity and provides inspiration to children and adults alike.
I have to admit to weeping buckets when this little
princess kept on smiling as a film clip all about her was shown.
That is what sport is meant to be about and I felt humble as I was
wiping away the tears.
Ian Botham who has also raised millions of pounds as
well as being the world's greatest all rounder in a generation was
presented with a lifetime achievement award. Well done
'Beefy'.
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We held the community Christmas party at Tyne Youth &
Community Centre late yesterday afternoon and early evening.
It was a pleasure to be there and to see the happy smiling faces of
local senior citizens and a group of learning disability adults enjoy
the afternoon so much. We provide them with a buffet and a
sing-a-long with my mate Gordon Smith leading the chorus.
They leave for home with a small present each and with their thanks
ringing in my ears it is nice to know that sometimes we can make a
difference.
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In stark contrast to the evening sessions of late
with selfish parents dumping their kids off for me (and others) to baby
sit. I am happy that tonight is my second last such session and
Friday will definitely be the last.
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Tomorrow I will be standing with a bucket at
Newcastle Central station collecting money on behalf of the Freeman
children who are taking part in next year's World Transplant Games.
I think there will be carol singers and fairy lights and stuff but other
than that I am not sure of the details. I will give an
update as soon as I can.
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I shall be travelling to the collection via The Metro from
Tynemouth as I have to close up at Tyne Y&CC following the
computer class at which Mrs Boggy attends and finishes at 8pm.
Parking in the town so close to Christmas will be a nightmare so I
will attempt public transport.
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Sunday 12th December
It's a busy day today. The community
Christmas Party at Tyne Youth & Community Centre starts at 3.30pm and
it's all systems go from about 11am.
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Tonight it is the BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Award programme.
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Can you remember last year's pathetic show?
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If they stick to sport it will be OK, but if they
have 'C' list soap actor's doing the golf slot I will be putting on my
Mr Angry hat and writing to dear old Auntie.
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There can only possibly be one winner tonight.
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If Kelly Holmes is not the winner then my memory is
definitely playing tricks on my recollection of the year's sport.
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The Team Award must surely go to the Ryder Cup Golf
Team!
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Meanwhile over on Sky Sports Colin Montgomerie takes
a 2 shot lead into the final round of a tournament in the USA.
Come on Monty!
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Saturday 11th December
A consequence of my heart transplant is that I have
to take a daily dose of approx. 20 life saving tablets for the rest of
my life. There are many side effects, one of which is memory loss.
You will notice that I failed to update my blog (news diary) yesterday.
Where did Friday go, I cannot remember seeing it? It
probably fell down the back of the Boggy settee.
The real reason is that I was very busy and simply
did not have the time. The spare moment or two that was
available to me was spent in the land of nod.
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Today it is 'TOGS' day at the golf course.
Back later.
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For the benefit of CM and others who have enquired,
the AGM of Tyne Youth & Community Centre took place on Wednesday 8th
December. As a result:-
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Not one parent attended the AGM
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One more user group representative joined the
committee which is good.
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I am still chairman, officials are elected at next
committee meeting.
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I will not open / close the club in the evenings from
1st Jan 2005
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The Club will therefore remain closed on Monday and
Friday evenings. Unless and until we have at least one youth worker c/o
North Tyneside Council or wherever.
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I have written a letter to all parents explaining
what is happening and have suggested that they contact their local
councillor and ask questions.
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I have also suggested that they ask the elected Mayor
of North Tyneside, oh yes we have one of those, have you not got one?
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I have also written a letter to all footballers /
managers et al inviting them to follow the procedures which they should
have been doing since the start of the season.
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Tomorrow we entertain local senior citizens and
learning disabilty users in the Club. It is our way of
giving something back to the community we serve. My mate
Gordon Smith is an excellent singer (The Everley Brothers, Roy Orbison
and The Beatles type music) and it will be his 7th or 8th appearance at
the Christmas Party. We also provide a handsome buffet for
everyone and all in all they have a jolly good time. So do
we!
I am just happy to be there!
By the way, my mother comes as does Mrs Boggy's
father and his dancing partner!
Thursday 9th December
I had to leave early this morning as I was having
surgery on my gums at the dental hospital in Newcastle.
Ouch!
The gist of the problem is that the drugs that keep
me alive also have side effects. One of them is that my gums
grow and if not checked at intervals no one would be able to see my
sparkling white teeth. It's a similar problem that
sheep encounter - if they do not eat and munch grass, all or most of the
time, their teeth would grow. Baaaah!
As ever, if you want the detailed medical stuff you will need to read my
' Red Book (current) page.
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Tonight I shall accompany Mrs Boggy and my mother,
who is very well thank you June, to a presentation evening.
They will both receive splendid certificates which pronounce their
efficiency on the keyboard.
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These skills have been acquired courtesy of VODA who
run the 'IT' classes at Tyne Y&CC.
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As a result of sitting in on some of these classes
during the past two years I have picked up some decent 'IT' skills too.
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You may think I write a lot of self indulgent
claptrap, you would be correct in thinking that by the way, but I do
possess the skills to indulge in myself.
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I would like to think that I provide some mild
entertainment to you dear reader, if not, why do you keep logging on?
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The moral is, If you get the opportunity to attend
'IT' classes near you, do it!.
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Wednesday 8th December
It's very humbling to know that Santa Claus reads my
'news diary' and he can find time, in what is obviously a very busy
period for him, to leave a message in my 'guest book'. Why
don't you leave a message or greeting in there?
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I am playing golf today and hope that the fresh air
and good company will relax me sufficiently, enabling me to stay calm at
tonight's AGM of Tyne Youth & Community Centre (TYCC)
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I will give an update tomorrow after I return from
the dental hospital following yet more surgery, in what some people say
is my big mouth!
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I had a very productive meeting with the Principal
Youth Officer of North Tyneside Council (NTC) yesterday. I
will not name her but the lady in question was very friendly and more
than helpful.
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The upshot of our meeting is that if NTC can recruit
some new youth workers as a result of interviews this Friday, they will
second two of them to TYCC.
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I have only been waiting for seven years so I guess I
can give it another three days. Again, I will keep you
posted.
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Tuesday 7th December
I made a rare visit to my GP this morning.
Following my 'review' at the Freeman last week I was advised to consult
my doctor about something. I had a quick chat with my
friendly GP (she is female) and the advice was, do nothing.
Sounds good to me!
Later today I am seeing a council type person who may
or may not (most likely option) be able to offer help with supervision
at Tyne Youth & Community Centre.
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The Boggy household has started to receive Christmas
cards from all corners of the globe. I mention this because
the politician's choice of festive greetings are shown in the newspapers
today.
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That nice Charles Kennedy has a Scottish 'but 'n ben'
with a snowy mountain backdrop. Very soothing.
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Our leader, that even nicer Tony Blair, is shown with
his wife hanging on to him as if she is about to fall over.
He is wearing a casual jumper and it all looks very warm and friendly,
rather like 'New Labour'? Ho Ho!
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As for Mrs Windsor's official opposition?
A bunch of penguins standing about looking gormless in a frozen
wilderness. Need I say more?
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Monday 6th December
On the day that the England cricketers leave Zimbabwe
for South Africa to play some meaningful cricket, many Aussies are in
shock following a one day defeat by New Zealand. Sorry Jeff,
Muz and Nick, I just had to mention it.
I did not watch it, but on Mastermind (a high
brow quiz show to beat them all) last night a guy called Shaun
Wallace was the victor. His specialist subject?
The FA Cup since 1970.
I am thinking of entering next year's
event answering questions on the 'TOGS' and 'WAGS' since last Tuesday.
In the preliminary round I could tackle questions about the GBTCC tour
to Australia in 2004.
Yesterday was also the day the third round draw for
the FA Cup was made. How about this for a tie?
Yeading (as in bedding) v Newcastle United. I am confidently
predicting Newcastle to be playing in the fourth round. Then
again, what do I know?
I can't find my skis so I have decided to play golf
this morning.
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Later this evening I will be performing my
babysitting routine at Tyne Y&CC. The AGM is on Wednesday
and I have made up my mind (100%) that I will not be continuing as chief
babysitter in 2005.
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I am meeting someone from the youth services at North
Tyneside Council tomorrow and will go down on one knee and beg for
help...If none is forthcoming I will go be able to go to bed in the
evenings knowing that I tried.
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If, as I suspect, that the turnout is poor, I am
going to re-consider my role as Chairman too. Having
performed that role for 14 years I think I may be past my sell by date.
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If I was knocked down by the proverbial bus, someone
would have to take over. I am only thinking out loud at the
moment, but will keep you posted.
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Sunday 5th December
Wherever you are in the world, if you can get to a
radio or tune in via the BBC website tune in to BBC radio 4 at 11.15am
(GMT).
The long running show 'Desert Island Discs' features
Sir Bobby Robson.
If you are a regular reader of my 'news diary'
you will know that I think he is a wonderful man and is probably still
an excellent football manager. He was treated
disgracefully by the scrap man at the head of NUFC who thinks my wife
resembles a dog. I am sure Sir Bobby will make reference to his dismissal
from the 'Toon'.
Meanwhile Mrs Boggy and I are off for a stroll along
the seafront at Tynemouth. It is a beautiful vista and I
reckon it is much nicer than the overrated Bondi Beach in Australia.
I am taking my digital camera with me on this sunny winter's morn and
will prove it to all of you disbelievers by publishing a photo next to
BB on my 'more Oz photo's page.
It's done. Click on
Tynemouth beach to
take a look at where I live.
Saturday 4th December
It's golf with the' TOGS' today.....back later.
I was separated from Duncan McCree without the need of anaesthetic, we
had been drawn together for the past five weeks. I enjoyed the
golf today even though my game was a little indifferent.
As a point of interest, Newcastle were beaten by
Chelsea 4-0. So my nephew Michael was way off and I was
being kind to Newcastle. With reference to the nonsense
Freddy Shepherd was spouting earlier in the week about ships
and sails and stuff, Newcastle are simply flapping about like a pair of
underpants on the washing line. Now, that is a metaphor
Freddy boy. He will probably go home and kick the dog.
Mind, she won't be very happy!
If I was him I would be trying to reach a settlement
with the manager he sacked just a few short weeks ago. You
may have heard of him dear reader, his name is Sir Bobby Robson, a
footballing gentleman.
Friday 3rd December
Last night my nephew Michael Marsh came round for a
look behind a website, HTML and all that geeky stuff.
He will be having an 'IT' class at school today and to prove to his
mates that he knows what he is doing, he wrote the next few paragraphs.
So there! Over to you Michael......
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Yes thanks. Mr khrone and Mr Chhina I do know what I
am doing, I will prove that in IT today for period 5 and 6, and yes this
is really me. I would like to say hello to my aunty Kathryn in Canada on
this cold and icy day.
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I would like to make a prediction on Saturday's game
between Newcastle and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. I think the score will
be 2-2 with Frank Lampard scoring first.
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That is as quiet as I have ever known Michael.
He was struck down by a bad case of writer's block for a good 10
minutes. I reckon he is being optimistic about the score on
Saturday. My prediction is Chelsea 3 Newcastle 0.
I shall be going to see Michael's grandma later on
today and hope to find her in fine fettle June, thanks again for asking.
I will pass on your kind regards.
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It's good to see that the Antipodean cricketers are
still visiting my website and contributing to the 'Guest Book'.
G'day Jeff and all of the other victorious but extremely fortunate
cricketers.
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We are making plans already for the return series in
2006. El Pomone for example is developing a mystery delivery
known as the 'Boozra'.
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Later on this evening I will be going to Tyne Y&CC to
open up, stock the canteen, supervise and baby-sit for approx 35 young
people.
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I have an appointment to see someone at North
Tyneside Council next week, thanks to my local MP's office.
I shall make a personal request for assistance whilst explaining that
enough is enough as far as I am concerned regarding the evening
sessions. I am not optimistic!
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Thursday 2nd December
Up bright and early (it's still dark outside) as I
have to be at the Freeman Hospital for 7.30am for my 'review'.
Following the AGM at the Freeman yesterday I had
chatted with others who will be going to London, Ontario, Canada for
next year's World Transplant Games. It seems that most are
making their own travel arrangements and no two people are flying on the
same day or even flying from the same airport, so Mrs Boggy and I have
today booked our flights for next year.
My sister Kathryn and her family (Canadians)
live in Vancouver and following the end of the Games we a shall be
travelling on to BC for a visit.
Wednesday 1st December
It is the AGM of the Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant
Association (FHLTA) at 10.30am today.
As a member of the committee and sports team manager
I will have an opportunity to give a report on transplant sport this
year. This will include the British Transplant Games, The
European Transplant Games, The Golden Glove Golf Tournament, the tour by
the Great Britain Transplant Cricket Club and the Australian Transplant
Games.
I will try my best to encourage new people to become
involved in transplant sport and emphasise the fact that it is not just
about winning.
I will repeat for the 101st time that transplant sport
is a celebration of 'The Gift of Life'. To win is definitely
a bonus.
I have made a few notes but will have to remove my
bliners (whoops) to read them.
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I have discovered that I am what is known as a 'Blogger'.
I have been called some names in my time but this is definitely a first.
Web Logging is the full title of the genre, but as all things to do with
computing, it has acquired a fancy name, hence, to Blog.
Which is what my news/diary does. I am therefore,
Boggy the Blogger
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Website statistics - If you sometimes wonder
if you are the only person who reads these pages, let me comfort
you in the knowledge that for the first time I have had 3,000+ visits in
a calendar month.
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I have to pay for the 'Guest book' and it has a
visible counter on it which I have no control over, so you can see at a
glance how many people will read your comment. Go on
......leave a message.
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November
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