Forward to 2006

Saturday 31st December
Auld Year's night

Thank you to everybody who got in touch as a result of yesterday's entry.   Everything appears to be tickety boo again and working as per the manual.

All the best to everyone in Australia, especially members of the ATCC whom I fully expect to be playing against later this summer.   Good luck at the SCG on Monday.  

To my son Kev and his mates in new Zealand, have a great 2006.   No need to rush back home son because we have sold your bed!

To all my family and friends out in BC, Canada - love to you all and for those daft enough to join Chinese dragon boat clubs, especially the one out of Fort Langley Canoe Club,  stay dry and I hope you can swim.

I hope the sun continues to shine on Kim, Dave and family in Florida and wish them every success in business and their attempt to become the first winners of the transatlantic FLOGS trophy.   They are only slightly inconvenienced by the change in temperature from Tynemouth and Dave's legs have managed to scare off marauding crocodiles.

To everyone who reads my website, fellow transplant sportspeople the world over, my golfing buddies and complete strangers who arrive here by mistake but keep returning, I wish you all a happy and healthy new year.

Friday 30th December

Normally I go for a workout at the gym on a Friday at the 'Healthy Hearts' session but as a result of what happened yesterday I am giving it a rest for a few days.  

What happened?   I decided that whilst Mrs Boggy was shopping I would have an hour at the gym.   Unfortunately halfway through the session I felt dizzy, much more so than is normal.   I took time out and was sitting on a seat trying to 'chill'.   The instructor at the gym noticed my distress and came over to see how I was, knowing that I have had a heart transplant.   After explaining to him how I felt  he went to ring an ambulance.

I was desperately trying to remain calm but it is very difficult, the more you try the worse it gets and so I closed my eyes, at least I thought I did.   I was startled as Tony
(my instructor) was talking to me.   I had passed out and didn't even know it.

The paramedics arrived very quickly and by now I was starting to feel much better and all dizzy sensations had passed.   Nevertheless they suggested I go to A&E at North Tyneside General Hospital to get a check up from from a doctor.   My two minute ride in the ambulance brought back memories from 1999, which I will not repeat here and was wheeled into A&E.

By this time Mrs Boggy had been told by the gym staff what had happened and she arrived at my bedside straight from her shopping trip with perishable freezer goods still in the back of the car.   It's strange what you think of in times of 'crisis'.   Our son Lee arrived to take the freezer stuff home and Mrs Boggy resumed her vigil at my side.

As always the staff were fantastic and I could not have received better nor quicker treatment.   Following an ECG, blood pressure check, blood samples and a consultation with the doctor I was allowed to go home.

It seems that I probably had not warmed up properly as a result of a slight change in my routine and the combination of blood pressure reducing tablets (lisinopril), lack of a nervous system to my brain combined with physical exercise was more than my body could cope with resulting in oxygen being starved to my brain and therefore the dizzy spell warning of imminent blackout, which resulted.

I am aware of all the risks and try to warm up properly but on this occasion obviously not sufficiently.  

I sometimes think it would be nice to be back 'on the road' selling my gold and stuff and think that the medical staff may have retired me prematurely.   Now I know differently and from today will be more careful than ever before exercising.  

After all, "I am just happy to be here!"

Thursday 29th December

Poor Charlton Athletic fans who made the 280 mile journey to the frozen wasteland that is currently the north east of England for the Premiership match scheduled for last night against Newcastle United.   The match was called off with only 25 minutes to go before kick off.   If only they had read my website yesterday they would have sussed it out for themselves and saved themselves a lot of time and money.

As much as it goes against my nature I find myself agreeing with Newcastle chairman Freddy Fletcher this morning.   What sort of logic is it to make Charlton fans travel to the farthest outpost in the Premiership at this time of year.   Equally stupid is Newcastle fans having to travel south to our overrated capital city on New Year's Eve.

Wednesday 28th December

何时我们在英国转换了成毫米、厘米和米代替好老脚、  英寸、围场和英哩作为标准测量?   倾听昨晚的新闻板和读今晨的报纸我们被告诉今天和明天期望15 cm 雪。

警察并且劝告司机在家停留和需要其它休息日工作而不是冒险在这些诡谲情况。   15cm?   那作为房子是一样高, 意志它在我的头或它是简单地将是足够盖我的鞋子吗?   我真正地没有一个线索。   如此一旦我完成写这个片断我在网上将去主要食物贩商和命令在足够的供应为时至少一个月如果我们被切除从文明和从未可能再看其它灵魂今年, 附带比法线一秒长的。  

如果您拥有与' 原子钟' 连接在德比您的horological 杰作的一块无线电受控时钟或钟表将显示时间在午夜之前在除夕作为23:59:60 在行动向00:00:00 之前

No, you are not seeing things and you have not pressed a wrong button on your keyboard.   The above is the Chinese version of what I wrote yesterday.    I was checking my secret stats and was interested to find that I had been 'Googled' by someone in China overnight.   I followed the trail to see what they were looking at and have published it for you.   It was only last week that I was reading that the Chinese state had put a block on what the punters may or may not access on the world wide web, obviously my stuff has been cleared by Mr Jiabo, the PM.

I managed to fight my way through the 1/16th of an inch snowdrifts and make it to Whitley Bay yesterday.   More dreadful weather is forecast for today so I have packed a rucksack with a whistle, chocolate, torch, sleeping bag, 50 feet of mountaineering quality rope and other life saving devices because I shall be taking an expedition to North Shields later this morning.  

To misquote  a famous expedition leader, 'I may be gone for some time'.

Tuesday 27th December

When did we in the UK convert to millimetres, centimetres and metres instead of good old feet,  inches, yards and miles as the standard measurement?   Listening to last night's news bulletins and reading this morning's newspapers we are told to expect 15 cm of snow today and tomorrow.

The police are also advising drivers to stay at home and take another day off work instead of venturing out in these treacherous conditions.   15cm?   Is that as tall as a house, will it be over my head or will it simply be enough to cover my shoes?   I really haven't a clue.   So once I have finished writing this piece I will go online to a major food retailer and order in enough provisions to last at least a month in case we are cut off from civilisation and possibly never see another soul again this year, which incidentally will be one second longer than normal.  

If you own a radio controlled clock or timepiece which is linked to the 'atomic clock' in Derby your horological masterpiece will show the time just before midnight on New Year's Eve as 23:59:60 before moving to 00:00:00

Monday 26th December

You honestly didn't expect me to write anything yesterday did you?

Blowing away the cobwebs or shopping in the sales appears to be the norm for a Boxing Day, unless of course you are spectating at a football match live in the pub.   Newcastle play away at Liverpool today and Michael Owen turns out for the magpies at Anfield for the first time.   I reckon Newcastle will lose unless Owen has an inspired afternoon which is not impossible.    This all leads me nicely to these two quiz questions:

1. Name the four players who have scored a hat trick for and against Newcastle Utd?

2. Why is today called Boxing day?
    

Saturday 24th December

It's amazing to think that Santa has already delivered his presents down under, yet it is another 7 hours here in the UK before he starts his deliveries.   I hope he has been kind to everyone.

I was going to moan about slow play again at the golf, but hey it's Christmas.  Enjoy the festivities wherever you are, speak to you soon.

Friday 23rd December

Decisions, decisions.   To golf or not to golf?    That is the question.

Dastardly deeds and dodgy votes have hit the headlines today.   It seems that one of the delegates voted for the wrong candidate by mistake and wants his 'money back'.

Picture the scenario - there are just three candidates left, one of whom is certain to make the final two.   So our delusional delegate votes for the candidate least likely to beat the one who has already made the shortlist of two, or so he thinks.  

In the final ballot the victor is declared and duly selected amid scenes of much whooping and hollering.    With our dopey delegate's preferred option knocked out in the last round already he is not happy and it emerges today that he pressed the wrong button and demanded another shot at it at the time, which was correctly overruled.

So there you have it - The Boy Dave is making his preparations to take over the thorny crown, when it seems that all the time wor Ken should have won.

Thursday 22nd December

It has been pointed out to me that I have still not posted any Christmas cards, so you are not alone.   To everyone out there
 Merry Christmas and all the best for 2006.

To all of my fellow transplant recipients - If you would like to take part in a soon to be made Channel 4 TV documentary, go to my Transplant Stories page where I have published a letter from Touch Productions, which gives you all of the information you might need.  

The original telephone number was incorrect (not my mistake) and if a bloke called Keith is reading this - sorry mate.     Apparently he has been getting hundreds of phone calls from budding thespians wanting to be on the telly.  

Wednesday 21st December

I have a feeling that some of my readers, especially those of you who log on from the comfort of your government issue chairs (has it got arm rests?)  may be starting your festive break very soon.   May I take this opportunity of wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.   I am looking forward to 2006 and teaming up with you guys on the cricket pitch, hopefully, and stuffing the Wombats.

As I am too tight to send all my transplant mates a personal Christmas card, ditto the above greeting.

Today is the longest day and to celebrate I shall be having a game of golf around lunchtime with my friends in the WAGS (Wednesday Afternoon Golf Society).   I knew you really wanted to know!

Tuesday 20th December

Up early and in clinic at the Freeman transplant unit for my 'review' that was postponed last week because of illness.   Apart from gaining a little weight as a result of not being able to train at the gym everything seems normal.   I shall ring back tomorrow for my results.

Monday 19th December

Some information for the Aussie cricketers who may be wondering what happened to fast bowler Darren Gough and whether he may be part of the England team when we come to defend The Ashes next year.

He is fit and well, though not currently on tour in Pakistan.   He may not be one of the world's great fast bowlers any more but I reckon he is the best ballroom dancing cricketer.

10 million people watched him win Strictly Come Dancing on BBC TV on Saturday night and some 5 million votes were cast.   All we need now is for Merv Hughes to come out of retirement wearing a tutu and it could be the greatest Ashes contest of all time.

Sunday 18th December

Today is a big day in the year for Tyne Youth & Community Centre, the registered charity of which I am chairman.   Every Christmas we hold a party, which in the past was solely for senior citizens.   Last year we changed it slightly and again this time it will be for the benefit of a mixture of local senior citizens and users of the Saturday drop-in from the learning Disability Federation (LDF).

My mate Gordon Smith, who used to sing and play guitar in a band, comes along and struts his stuff with a mixture of pop classics and traditional Christmas fayre.   My sister in law Marie and her mate Louise have been working tirelessly for a week or two  preparing what will be a fabulous buffet.   My nieces Lauren, Hollie and Sophie come too and  serve  the food and help mark the bingo and generally make the day a pleasant experience for everyone.

Our club treasurer, Eileen and ubiquitous volunteer Audrey are also on hand to clean the dishes, keep the place tidy and important stuff like that.

There is an old saying about committees which goes something like this:

The treasurer takes the money, the secretary takes the minutes and the chairman takes the credit.   Apart from playing the odd round of golf with Gordon I can honestly say, "I am just happy to be there!".

We all have bad days, and I think I had one yesterday and apologise to everyone for being grumpy, but today makes the world seem a better place.   There are a few reasons why I was down in the dumps yesterday and they concern transplant sport.    A subject I will definitely return to very soon.   Will the peasants revolt I wonder or are they simply revolting?

Saturday 17th December

Geordies the world over are crying into their Broon Ale tonight.   The 'Football Pink' one of the world's oldest sports only newspapers, will bite the dust after today's edition..   Whether it's Premiership or Northern Alliance football results you are looking for 'The Pink' was the fans' choice of reading.

Due to the lack of traditional three o'clock kick off's 'The Pink' has become redundant.

I remember my paperboy days, having played football on the Saturday afternoon and then having to return to Hornsby's shop to pick up the 'Pinks' for the evening delivery.

Happy days?   Not really.   'The Pink' though will be sadly missed in the pubs and clubs of the north east.

Friday 16th December

I should have been at the Freeman hospital at 7.30am this morning but am still feeling awful, so had to ring up and cancel my 'Review'.   I just hope I am well enough to play in the 'TOGS' tomorrow.

For those of you who know Helen Haynes (nee Philpott) if you get the chance to watch Sky Sports 3 at 4pm today she is the golfer wearing the distinctive purple cap.   Helen qualified for the final of the Times Corporate Challenge ladies final which took place at La Manga recently.

Helen, who has had a kidney transplant, is the Community Fundraising Manager for Kidney Research UK and a fantastic 6 handicap golfer.   I had the privilege of playing in a pro-am with Helen,  Glen her golf pro husband and her dad Mike in Mijas a couple of winters ago and had a great time.   It too was shown on Sky Sports but we did not feature on the leaderboard.   Although I managed to doctor a photo which shows me  at the top if you check out my 'Jokes' page.

I am pleased to tell you that Helen tied for 6th place in La Manga.   Well done HH, I shall be watching.

Thursday 15th December

Santa Claus paid an early visit from New Zealand last night and delivered a few Christmas presents.   Cheers Kev.

Good answer from Willy of Bude.   David Steele only scored 1 Test match hundred - 106 v West Indies in 1976.

Speaking about the leader of the Liberals, or SDP, or whatever they are called, it looks like the affable Charles Kennedy  is in danger of being supplanted as leader of the most successful third party in the history of politics.  

Wednesday 14 December

Have you ever served on jury duty?   It is something I have always wanted to do, but as yet have never been called.   Well, in February next year Mrs Boggy has had the call and I am not jealous in the slightest.   My criminal record from the dark and distant past is obviously still a factor.

The last sentence was a joke dear reader - I am not talking about the six months behind bars either!

Update:   The cobwebs were well and truly shaken.   Check out golf stuff and 'WAGS'.

Tuesday 13th December

Since my heart transplant in 1999 I have a held a fundraising 'do' every year to help pay for my sporting trips around the globe competing in transplant sport.   All surplus monies have been donated to the FHLTA - Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant Association, a registered charity of which I am a committee member.  

I am delighted to announce Gig 7 which will take place at Marden Community Centre (formerly the Resident's Club) in North Shields.  

The date is Saturday 18th March 2006

Music from The Steve Gilroy Band (check website)
The lead guitar player and general rock star is Paul Keenan - fellow 'TOGS' golfer.

So, if you like your rock music, loads of guitar solos, and enjoy dancing with your wife, girlfriend, boyfriend or air guitar, this could be for you.   If you are a big Val Doonican fan and usually go out for the evening wearing a patterned woolly jumper this is definitely not for you.

I hope to be able to book a comedian soon and will keep you posted.   Tickets will be £10 each and go on sale new year's day.

The events I am committed to for next year, so far, are

Monday 12th December

As predicted, Andrew Flintoff, The England cricket team and Shane Warne all won awards on last night's Sports Personality of the Year ceremony shown live on BBC.   Which is more than can be said about cricket coverage, with the glorious exception of TMS on Radio 4.

There have only been four cricketers voted the winner in the programme's long history.   Ian Botham, who presented Freddie with his award was one.   Can you name the other two?

Ellen MacArthur, the round the world yachtswoman, was a worthy runner up.   She also recorded the fastest time of the series on Top Gear's time trial in a saloon car which makes her a top all round performer.

Sunday 11th December

Following Newcastle's unlikely 1 - 0 victory over Arsenal last night,  Graeme Souness is a good outside bet for the Sports Personality of the Year award on BBC TV tonight.   He may have trouble in beating Peter Crouch the 'prolific' Liverpool goal scorer who is attracting lots of votes.  The odds-on favourite is Andrew Flintoff following England's victory in the Ashes this summer.   Did I ever tell you about it?  

England are currently playing some crash bang wallop version of the game in Pakistan at the moment.   Who cares?    Meanwhile in the real world of cricket, Australia go marching on and one of the two best batsman in the game, Sachin Tendulkar, scored his 35th test century yesterday.

I reckon the England cricket team will win the team award and Shane Warne will pick up the overseas sportsman gong.   We Poms bear no grudges and reckon if Warnie was English, we would never lose.

Saturday 10th December

If my son Kev reads this before he goes to watch today's cricket down under,
 have a g'day!   Not too many tinnies though.

As for me, it's Saturday so it must be golf with the 'TOGS'.

Friday 9th December

At intervals I have explained about secret trackers and gizmos on my website which I daresay some people disbelieve.   The reason I mention this is because I have identified someone who would prefer to remain anonymous but nevertheless thinks it funny to leave spurious comments in my 'private' Guest Book.

That this person cannot spell acquaintance is of no consequence to me and neither is it surprising!   Let me tell HIM that after 'q' there is (nearly) always a 'u'.

In answer to his question, which relates to his homosexual friend, the answer is no!  

I speak with authority as one who has competed in another country's transplant games and crossed the winning line first.   Yes, I did win a gold medal about which I was thrilled, but the runner who trailed in behind me, being a bona fide resident of that country, was presented with a gold medal too and is acknowledged as the 100m champion of his country.   

As for me?   I was an international guest runner, "I was just happy to be there!"

Thursday 8th December

25 years ago today John Lennon was shot.   On the same day Charlie George (ex Arsenal) who was then playing for Southampton, was fined £400 plus £40 costs for fighting with a photographer after a game at Norwich.   As I said yesterday, we seem to have been this way before.

Wednesday 7th December

Unfortunately I shall be on the golf course at lunchtime today.   Yes, I did say unfortunately.   My preference would be to sit in front of the TV set and watch Prime Minister's Question (PMQ's) time live.

The newly appointed 'king' Dave will take on Tony Blair for the first time.   I imagine it will be better entertainment than that which will be served up in the Stadium of Light, Benfica this evening.

I did not get to the bookies yesterday but will pop along today to pick up my winnings as a result of my bet on young Mr Cameron way back on October the whatever.   I could say I told you so, but I won't.

Today could be the zenith of his powers because if the Tories run to form everything starts to go downhill from here.   The loony right wing will start their whispering campaign at about 1pm.   Surely not chaps?

Whilst on the subject of oddball wingers, it seems that Geordie ex footballer, Paul Gascoigne, is trying to emulate the off field antics of the late George Best.   Drunk in public, fighting with the press, appearing on TV talking gibberish and denying any wrongdoing.   He doth protest too much.   We seem to have been this way before.

As I have said many times before, my all-time football hero is Jimmy Greaves.   A loveable goal scoring machine who kindly signed my copy of his autobiography last Christmas.   Greavsie was equally as good as the two above named players  and  is a self confessed alcoholic.   The only difference is that he has not touched a drop in twenty five years.   Star quality my son.

For those of you who knew me pre transplant, you will know how much I too liked a drink (or two).   I am proud to say I have not had a drink in 5 years.   Believe it or not, lots of people think I have never drank and am some kind of abstainer.  Ho ho ho!!!

Tuesday 6th December

Leading figures connected with the Conservative Party are, or will be later this afternoon, making all the news today.

Firstly, Carol Thatcher (daughter of ex PM, Maggie) emerged from a fortnight in the Australian outback  as the Queen of the Jungle and becomes a celebrity of some standing as a result of relieving herself live on TV, eating a fish eye, kangaroo's testicles and a wallaby's penis.  

Later this afternoon another Tory will be crowned King.   The result of the election for leader of the party will be announced live.    Since his speech at the Conservative Party conference a couple of months  ago there has only been one winner.   King Dave (Cameron) will be crowned at 3.30pm.

The next general election is four years away and the previously unelectable Tories will be having a Boggy tenner placed on them at the bookies at very reasonable odds before 4pm.

Monday 5th December

I am considering an offer to play scrabble for Team  Iceland Tomahawks referred to as the TITS.    I can consider myself qualified because I once stopped at Keflavik airport for at least three quarters of an hour en route to Vancouver in 1991.  I also talked to the assistant in the gift shop  for quite some time, so I am definitely qualified to play.  

The great thing about it is that my first few games will be against England.   I fell out with the management of the English scrabble team, for playing rude words and keeping a few letters up my sleeves and slipping them in when no-one was looking. This all happened at the the Inner Hebridean Chess Challenge a couple of years ago so it is quite tempting to play against  and stick it up 'em.  

The reason I am being asked to turn out for the hapless TITS, yes an unfortunate acronym I know, is because they only have half a dozen fluent English speaking players available, otherwise I would never be asked in normal circumstances.

I'm off for a game of golf but will let you know of my decision quite soon.

It's a very strange world out there - beware!

Sunday 4th December

I was minding my own business and reading the Sunday newspapers when I received a phone call to see if I would like game of golf.   I was in such a hurry that I arrived at the golf club in my pyjamas.   As I was not asked to leave for dressing improperly and violating any dress code I decide to carry on as if nothing had happened.

Saturday 3rd December

Weather and golf course permitting - 'TOGS'.
If the course is closed I could be playing cricket at an indoor net, birthday party.   What a great idea for a party!   Secretly, I hope it rains and the golf is called off.

I was just happy to be there!

Friday 2nd December

For the second night in a row Mrs Boggy and I shall be out on the razzle.   Tonight we shall be in the company of my fellow 'TOGS' and their wives / girlfriends at our  very early Christmas Party.

Thursday 1st December

Is it really December already?   Tempus fugit!

By the time most of you read this, Australians and government stalwarts apart, I shall be at the Freeman hospital in Newcastle.   No there is nothing wrong, I shall be attending the AGM of the FHLTA - Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant Association.

As sports team manager it is my role to inform the members about how important it is for us to participate in transplant sport and, hopefully, try and get a few more participants for our ever expanding team.  

I reckon we at the Freeman have one of the strongest teams at both the British and definitely the European Transplant Games.   We may not have the strongest in terms of ability or winning medals but I honestly believe that transplant sport is not so one dimensional that it is solely about winning medals.

Sport is not only good for health reasons but it is our single biggest opportunity to raise awareness about the transplant programme and the need for people to carry donor cards.   This should be the aim of every team manager from every hospital and that  way the numbers will start to increase.   It is not about excellence it is about participation.   It is also a fantastic way to meet up with other transplant recipients from all over the world.

Those of you who visit my site regularly will know that I have some friends, and foes from all parts of the globe.   We have two things in common:

1. The Gift of Life

2. Sport

The winners will always win but that should never prevent the majority from taking part.   I  strive to win at everything I do, but take defeat graciously, I hope.

There endeth the lesson.......sorry, but I got a little carried away.

Back to November '05