Wednesday 30th April

15 years ago today I remember the launch of Virgin 1215 at 12.15pm, the radio station was the brainchild of Richard Branson.   The first record played on the station was the INXS  version of Steppenwolf's classic anthem, "Born to be Wild."   Just thought you may be interested to know this useless piece of trivia tucked away in the Boggy cranium.

Tuesday 29th April

I used to have a part time job in a petrol station when I was at school and the pump price was 35p per gallon or 7s 0d in old money.   Today in the UK a gallon of petrol is £5 which is roughly $10 in the US, Canada and Australia.    What do you make of that you gas guzzlers?

Monday 28th April

Another week when committee meetings seem to be occupying all of my time.   Today I am wearing my FHLTA - Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant Association -  hat.   

Those of you who live in Geordieland will be seeing lots of coverage of one of our members in the next 24 hours because it is Kaylee Davidson's 21st birthday and because she received her heart transplant when she was only a few months old the press love these kind of stories and Kaylee's in particular.   She was the youngest ever recipient of a heart transplant at the time and 21 years later she is living proof of what can be achieved.

The transplant unit at the Freeman hospital in Newcastle has a global reputation and we sometimes don't realise just how lucky we are to have this fantastic team on our doorstep.   If by highlighting Kaylee it encourages others to join the organ donor register it must be good publicity.   There is sometimes too much gloom and doom on the news, especially the local bulletins and it makes a refreshing change to be able to enjoy a happy one.

Kaylee is part of our sports team at the Freeman and, if she behaves, will be running the first leg in the 4 x 100m relay for us at the British Games.  

"On your marks....get set......Kaylee!  

As Kaylee's team manager and fellow relay runner those are always my instructions to her and it is always a pleasure to see her running like the clappers around the first bend to hand over the baton to me before I jog up the back straight and hand over to the real runners.

Happy birthday Kaylee.

Sunday 27th April

It is my number two son's birthday today and another mathematical coincidental conundrum occurs in the Boggy bloodline.   Wor Kev will be exactly half of Mrs Boggy's age, something which happened to me a few days back with number one son, Lee.   In January 2009 the sum of my sons ages will equal my age on my next birthday.    These strange things do happen occasionally and are unique to each family and as I said on the 15th...who cares anyway?

Those of you who don't study my Golf Stuff may need to be aware that due to unforeseen circumstances the charity fundraiser which Digby's best mate, Tony Sarginson, is involved with has had a change of date.  

The quiz night with Pie & Pea supper is now to be held on Thursday 12th June and not as previously advertised.  

Captain of industry elect Mr Sarginson released a press statement to those of us assembled in the golf club yesterday that due to the credit crunch currently stifling industrial growth in the region that the mushy pea crop has taken a direct hit where it hurts most and that local farmers are working through the night to harvest enough of the 'green gold' to meet demand which is running at record levels in Costa del Tynemouth.

Ever the optimist Mr Sarginson said, "The mushy pea industry is crucial to the economic regeneration of the north east and those dedicated individuals working the fields at night aided by spotlights and Zippo lighters are to be commended on their hard work in these difficult times, especially when the crude oil price is at record levels thus making extended use of their Zippo's a very costly exercise.   

He went on further, "We hope that their efforts are appreciated by the mushy pea loving Geordie aristocrats who frequent the trendy locations in North Shields, Tynemouth and Cullercoats on most early evenings after a hard day's graft spinning on their swivel chairs*.   All that paper shuffling whilst trying to fill in the Sudoku puzzles and still attempting to look busy can be very stressful.   Guacamole is a poor substitute and the sooner the mushy peas start to flow off the production line again we will all sleep easier at night as long as we discount the occasional need to visit the lavatory."

Mr Sarginson gave another interview after I had gone to press which can be read in full in Monday's Journal.   

*  I have discovered that the record for the number of spins in one attempted swivel is five and a half.   This remarkable feat was achieved last Tuesday afternoon following a particularly long lunch  by Peter Prendergast in Personnel & Overseas Development.   I have also learnt that his nickname is Two peas in the pod.

Saturday 26th April

Back home safely and played golf, just for a change, in a fourball better ball at Tynemouth today.   Loads to write about following my trip to Scotland but will try and catch up with everything and post details on my Golf stuff tomorrow.  

So as you can all sleep peacefully tonight wondering as to how I performed in the Golden Glove.......I didn't.   The golf was good though and as always a great couple of days in the company of the Jocks.

My Australian readers may be interested to learn that the new professional at Tynemouth Cricket Club, the venue for one of our matches in the 2004 David Hookes series, for this season is Grant Lyndsay.   Grant is a very handy right arm medium fast bowler and more than useful left hand bat, having scored four centuries for Geelong in Melbourne club cricket.   He plays regularly for Victoria's one day side and has played a few times in the Pura cup.   If he has any fantastic performances during the season, which I am sure he will, I shall let you know.   

Thursday 24th April

Early post:   The oldest golf club in the world is the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers which now has it's home at Muirfield but was originally Leith Links.

There is a technical argument over golf clubs and golf courses but I reckon St Andrew's is number two and that Bruntsfield (Edinburgh) Links Golf Company is number three, but will accept better offers.

The oldest golf trophy in the world is housed in the cabinet at Royal Musselburgh.

Second Post:    An alternative answer would be:

 (1) Perth (2) Carnoustie (3) Montrose   If based on the date golf was first played on this site.

Le Frenchman et moi départ in search  of Le gauntlet d'or cet matin.   Résulter Vendredi.

Wednesday 23 April

Today is St George's day which most Englishmen and women are aware of but how many know this strange fact;   William Shakespeare was born on this day in 1564.   OK, so you knew that too.    How about this;   William Shakespeare died on this day in 1616.

If anyone is wondering why there is a post in my Guest Book in 'French' I suggest you read my golf stuff from Monday 21st April.   Incidentally Rosco the odds on Le Frenchman winning The Five Nations (Div 1) on the Saturday are 5 -1.   Boggy the bookie has made a certain Welshman of your acquaintance (Monsieur Hillier) favourite at 2 - 1 followed by John Barnes at 3 - 1.

I do not appear in the betting so I'm off to try and win my Euros back from L'homme de Francais.    We shall both be heading north tomorrow in pursuit of the Golden Glove which is played at Royal Musselburgh, the fourth oldest golf club in the world, on Friday.

Can anyone tell me the three older golf clubs? 

Tuesday 22nd April

It has been pointed out to me that the Golden Glove golf competition is taking place on Friday at Royal Musselburgh and that the colour of the official UK golf shirts which we wore with pride in Thailand are pink.   My golf balls are white I will have you know and not yellow or pink, not too sure about the prospect of pink cricket balls being adopted though.   Thanks all the same Maggie.   Look forward to seeing you and Charles at the Five Nations golf along with at least one Scotsman, who no doubt will be in a tartan kilt on the Saturday evening.

Having been to the gym this morning my colour is definitely pinkish but with a fresh mindset and a few bangs with a hammer I have finally got my colour printer up and running again.   It was rusty and needed some black gold to perk it up.

Monday 21st April

Getting up out of bed yesterday at 3am to watch the Joe Calzaghe fight was a first since Frank Bruno was banging his head on the canvas against Mike Tyson some years back.   Before that I remember two similar events with my dad back in the days of black and white telly to watch some upstart called Cassius Clay or was he Ali by then? knock out a grizzly bear called Sonny Liston in the rematch following the first fight when Liston was stuck to his cracket (it's a Geordie term for stool, folks).

Strangely, my number two son has 'that' black and white picture on his bedroom wall.   You know the one I mean.   It's got Ali standing over the pathetic figure of Liston sprawled on the floor.   Classic stuff.

Later:   On the subject of black and white I have spent the best part of an hour trying to get my printer to print in colour.   Yes, I have put in a new compatible colour cartridge.   My mind is in a purple haze as I have tried and tried until I am blue in the face after having read the instructions and it still doesn't bloody work.   I think I'll have an orange!

Sunday 20th April

Last night's concert at the magnificent venue on the banks of the river Tyne, The Sage was very good but as in football it was definitely a game of two halves.   The first half comprised of  pop songs sung by the massed Sing Live choir accompanied by the excellent National Festival Orchestra.  

Material by Queen and David Bowie is best left to Freddie Mercury and Ziggy and Pinball Wizard best left to the Who.   It didn't rock my boat or float my thingy..... whatever the saying is......

......the second half in complete contrast was beautiful, moving and highly entertaining in a mesmeric way.   Classics by Handel, Verdi, Saint-Saens, Puccini and Orff ( well that's what it says in the programme) left me and a packed house wanting more.

The solo singer who sang Mon Coeur by Saint-Saens had me wiping away a tear.    It was simply wonderful and knocked everything from the first part into a very cocked hat.   I rarely watch the talent shows currently swamping our TV's but if there are performers out there who can sing better than this young lady I would love to hear them. 

On checking my programme notes, ignoring the misspelling of the French word for heart, I see that the singer was called Josie Nuttney.   If ever you Google yourself Josie and read this very personal Blog of mine - you were simply brilliant and thank you.

Other fine performances from Judith Thompson and Kevin Gilroy who sang Nessum Dorma were of the highest calibre too and made for a fabulous evening's entertainment.   Mrs Plec in the massed choir was good as well.

Saturday 19th April

Early post:   The weather looks set fair so we will be teeing it up from the white tee boxes in the first official competition of the new golfing season.   The ground is soaking, the temperature not yet in double figures and a cold wind is blowing in off the North Sea but apart from that conditions are very nigh perfect.

Second post:   A nett 73 is not too bad considering the conditions.

Tonight Mrs Boggy and I are indulging in some culture at The Sage on the banks of the river Tyne.   Larry 'the plec's wife Heather is a member of the 'Sing Live' ensemble and they will be entertaining a packed house with rock classics accompanied by a  full orchestra.   We Geordie's know how to enjoy ourselves.

Friday 18th April

Tonight sees the start of the crash bang wallop pyjama cricket that begins in India.   Players will earn vast sums of cash for 6 weeks play in the newly formed and richest tournament on earth known as IPL - Indian Premier League.   Good luck to the players because they are entitled to ply their trade to the highest bidder if not already under contract to their national side as most of the English Test players are.

We have been this way before in the 70's when Kerry Packer changed the face of the game forever with his World Series Cricket.

For me it is pure rubbish and although I may tune in to watch my first ever 20twenty game it will, I promise, also be my last.    This form of the game is OK for no hopers like me and thousands of club cricketers throughout the land to play because I am simply not good enough to play in anything much longer.  

The pinnacle of the game is the 5 day Test match played in 'white' clothing and long may it continue to be so, although a case could be made for 4 day Test matches too.    Just as one day cricket is now considered passé to most cricket lovers this form of the game may have a shelf life too but more likely will be played by players long past their best or in a 'masters' format along the lines of beach cricket and football or the myriad of 5 a side football which now fills the screens of pay TV.

At this rate The Open will be played on an Arnie Palmer crazy golf course sooner than we think

Yes I know I am probably becoming a dinosaur but give me a 6 - 8 hour innings by Sir Geoffrey or Athers or Viv or Gavaskar or Tendulkar or Kallis or Dravid or Inzie or any of half a dozen Aussies or ..........................

...............the white woollen cable knit cricket sweater is also under threat but that will be only temporary, I guarantee it.   Flares and mini skirts made a comeback eventually.  

Thursday 17th April

First post:  It's quite deflating to return from the golf course and find that no one famous has left a message after knocking on my unanswered door.   I am assuming that the man from  British Gas isn't famous.

Wednesday 16th April

First post:   I am feeling very pleased with myself this morning (so what's new I hear you ask?) because with more than a little help from my IT Guru, MJ of J-networks, a little over two weeks ago I created a new website.  

The British Heart & Lung Transplant Association - BHLTA - of which I am a member and also serve on the committee asked if I could give us some presence on the world wide web by with a stand alone website.   Not wanting anything too clever, which is probably why they asked me, I began the design / construction of same.

Anyone can build a website but the trick is being able to let people see it by having profile in the search engines, namely Google, MSN and Yahoo.   Following a few teething problems in the html (are you impressed?) I submitted the fledgling site last Tuesday to the www's triumvirate and have been checking it's progress every day since.

Eureka, someone once famously said, this morning my new site is top of the pops in Google and Yahoo and MSN will surely fall soon.   By simply entering the initials BHLTA you are taken directly to this new site.   How very satisfying.

The moral here is don't pay any third party agency a king's ransom to do what a little thought and skill can bring for free.

I think I'll go for a game of golf.

Did you try looking for it?   I bet you did.

Second post:   On my return from the golf there was a card on the Boggy mat from a very distinguished politician 'on the stump' in my area.   The very witty and likeable (especially for a Tory) Rt Hon William Hague MP and currently Shadow Foreign Secretary had been canvassing at my door and I missed him.

This is definitely a first and I got to wondering if anyone else had received a knock on the door from anyone famous?   If young Mr Hague happens to knock at my mom's door he will surely be offered a cup of tea.

It won't be too long before he loses the 'shadow' tag and assumes power for real the way the present lot are plummeting in the polls.  

Tuesday 15th April

Whilst at the gym this morning I was chatting away to one of my instructors who is always more than helpful and he was telling me how he was setting up his own personal training business.   In a former career he was in the Royal Marines and not only did he play football for them but also boxed in the RM team.   He then became a coach in their physical training section so as you can imagine is very fit.     He has since taken loads of courses on health and fitness for sport and sportsmen and women so I have no doubt that he will have a very successful business in the sector and would not be surprised if he ends up looking after a professional sports team or two in the future.  

Good luck Steve.   Check out his new website at SH Personal Training   If you are reading this locally and are looking for individual competent professional advice I can recommend Steve without hesitation.

  Monday 14th April

I was in clinic at the Freeman early this morning chatting to a guy who has had two heart transplants and plays in a very popular 50's rockabilly band.    We got talking about guitars, as we musicians do, and I was telling him all about my Fender which I can't play and it turns out that he has quite a rare 1954 instrument, which for the benefit of those of you on both sides of the pond who know about these things,  is a Gibson Guild X350.

I nodded sagely and was suitably impressed but wasn't really certain if I should have been.

Sunday 13th April

All aches and pains after pottering around in Boggy's botanical garden and have the pond pump up and running again which is more than can be said of me.  

Looking forward to the climax of the Masters tonight and am sticking with my favourite leftie Phil Mickleson for another green jacket.

Realistically he has no chance as it is Immelman's to lose and if I had to bet my last ten bob on someone it would be him with his immaculate swing and, so far, steady temperament.    With a load of good golfers just behind including  Englishman Paul Casey and the stately Retief Goosen and Tiger prowling, anything can happen on the back nine and it usually does.  

It's also good to hear Peter Allis in the commentary box with is young side kick Ken Brown, who is great.   I remember him taking 'twenty' minutes over every shot with a tea caddy on his head and an old hickory putter in an era when golfers didn't all look like Mr Universe.   Seems many moons ago now.

Saturday 12th April

First day of the 2008 golfing season is a wash out.   Heavy overnight rain meant that four holes were closed so the first competition of the new season playing from the medal tees was not possible.   Oh calamity.  

Friday 11th April

Santa Claus, I have to agree, is very recognisable but we only ever get to see his  helpers because the real McCoy is very shy and extremely busy most of the year. Though  I know he is real because he always eats the cheese and drinks the glass of whisky left out for him on Christmas Eve in Chez Boggy.     I still reckon Nelson Mandela is number 1.

Speaking of numbers I see that No's 11 and 23 have started early in their battle of wits (sic) with DP.   Also, No 6 sent me a load of anti Arsenal jokes, the best of which was:   Apparently the bus bringing Arsenal out of Anfield on Wednesday had a few problems.   The driver noticed a loud whining noise coming from the back.   On closer inspection it turned out to be Arsene Wenger...

Still on the subject of numbers, if you happen to watch the London marathon on Sunday look out for number 6564.   The athlete is Aneil Bhatt and he is running for the FHLTA - Freeman Heart & Lung Transplant Association - in thanks for his dad's double lung transplant which was performed at our world famous hospital in 1996.   So far he has raised £3,450.54 and when Gift Aid is added his total (this morning) was £4,261.54 which is brilliant.   Aneil lives and works in London and you can support him on the Just Giving website if you want to help. 

Thursday 10th April

The summer starts today because The Masters or as Gary Lineker will infuriatingly tell us on BBC tonight, The Massters, begins from Augusta in Georgia, USA.    Nothing like blooming azaleas to get the juices flowing and Hootie Johnson making Robert Mugabe look like a democrat means the season starts here.

The second most recognisable man on the planet, Tiger Woods, is the favourite by miles but I would like to see my favourite leftie, Phil Mickleson, wear the green jacket if it is not to be a European.   Our best bet has to be Padraig but Luke Donald is worth a flutter and Justin Rose won't be far away either.

Reading all of the stuff in this morning's paper I came across an interesting but unknown statistic (to me anyway) which may test the old grey matter of my fellow golfers.   Who is the only golfer to have carded a total of 30 under par in a four round professional golf tournament?    Ernie Els has also achieved this remarkable feat but not as I have just described.

Incidentally, the most recognisable man on the planet?    Has to be Nelson Mandela doesn't it?.

Wednesday 9th April

It's good to see Dave Parker getting on so well with the Aussies and taking international diplomacy to a new level.   This new fella, Darren VDH, they have roped in sounds far too young to be playing against old has beens and never were anyways like most of us.

Welcome to our happy little band DVDH and hope you're feeling good following your transplant.   As long as you're not a fast bowler ............I look forward to meeting up in October.

Having played golf again today I have just realised that the 18th hole was the 99th I have played since Friday afternoon.   Neither wonder I am feeling a little tired.

Tuesday 8th April

What a pleasure it was to wake up in a bedroom yesterday morning that was bigger and brighter than your average broom cupboard and safecracking skills were not required to access my socks and dregs*.   I cannot remember the last time I stayed in paid for accommodation that did not have (a) a telephone (b) a TV (c) natural light (d) room in which to swing the proverbial cat.

The room on ward 27A at the Freeman Hospital, when I was recovering from my heart transplant, had better facilities.

Having said that, Lancaster Golf Club and all facilities at ground level were excellent with fantastic food served by happy smiling faces at breakfast, lunch and dinner by the young attentive staff.   A golf course well worth a visit, but don't stay there unless you are putting in for your Duke of Edinburgh Award.

I left Lancaster on Sunday and headed for Forest Pines Golf & Country Club for a 'reccy', round of golf and committee meeting yesterday in preparation for the forthcoming Five Nations Golf event which at present only has entries form four countries.   Notable absentees thus far are Scotland.

What is going on north of the border?   If the day of the event arrives and the country that gave the game of golf to the world is not represented it will be a poor state of affairs and an indictment of their commitment to the competition they in fact set up just two years ago.   If it simply a matter of poor administration that is unforgivable too.   Come on you Jocks, get your fingers out.

Forest Pines is a beautiful set up with three 9's set in (unbelievably) a pine forest and the accommodation will not disappoint, I guarantee it.

Any takers out there reading this?  Send your CV to TSUK.  

* If ever I write my autobiography it will have the title,
Socks, Dregs and Rock 'n Roll. ©

Friday 4th - Monday 7th April

I hope you all have an enjoyable weekend despite the weather forecast.   It's TOGS on Tour for me and my mates from Tynemouth Golf Club down  in deepest Lancashire and if past years are anything to go by the golf will be cancelled before Sunday morning due to poxy weather.   Oh well, fingers crossed.

Thursday 3rd April

It's all systems go in preparation for our TOGS on Tour weekend championship at Lancaster Golf Club.   Looking at the weekend's weather forecast it seems we should be packing our wet gear and tennis racquets.    Not that we will be playing any tennis but the racquets will come in handy as snow shoes.  

At the finish of our TOGS weekend away I have to head over to Forest Pines on Sunday for a site visit on Monday morning in preparation for the Five Nations Golf Tournament.   OK, so a site visit is a euphemism for a free round of golf, a bite to eat and a sociable chat with organiser in chief, John Barnes (no, not ex the footballer) and my fellow rules committee but someone has to do it.

Wednesday 2nd April

On my return home from a game of golf there was a message from the Freeman co-ordinator's office asking if I would agree to an interview on Radio Newcastle's Jonathan Miles show tomorrow lunchtime.   Just after 12 noon I think.

Not having much of an ego, I had to think about this while the kettle was boiling.    I agreed and have since spoken to the show's producer who wanted a little background info on yours truly.    I am to be the  adult content to supplement the main story which features, little Zoe,  and her post heart transplant recovery.    She is the baby from Hull who was featured waiting for her life saving transplant a little while ago, just before Christmas I think.   I remember her parents  going through the roller coaster of emotions as Zoe was placed on the super urgent waiting list waiting for a suitable heart.  

Back in 1999 I was also number one on that list, which covers the whole of Europe, although didn't know anything about it at the time.

It's all in a good cause and most publicity is good publicity.    The Boggy ego will also be suitably massaged.   Seriously, if I can help raise awareness and encourage anyone to register on the organ donor list and carry a donor card it is all worthwhile.

Like little Zoe, "I am just happy to be here!"

Tuesday 1st April

I have just read a fantastic review of Chris Rea's concert at the Albert Hall last night and start to ask myself why I didn't buy a ticket for tomorrow's gig at Newcastle's City Hall  when I had the chance a few weeks back.   I am going to try and buy a couple now but fear it may be far too late.   Do people in Canada and Australia know who Chris Rea is?

Monday 31st March

I have been asked by Barbara Harpham, national director of Heart Research UK to spread the word about the campaign below and I am happy to do so:

Did you know that we are currently charged maximum (17.5%) VAT healthy fruit juices and smoothies? - but for cakes, milkshakes, frozen chips and other unhealthy food and drinks, the VAT rate is a big fat ZERO.

Why should we be taxed for making healthier choices?

Help ASDA campaign to change the law and bring down VAT on 100% fruit juices and smoothies to 5% (the minimum allowed under EU law) and your £2 smoothie will soon cost 20p less

Sign the petition now and forward to friends to get the government to slash the VAT.

Still on the subject of protests to government, it is good to see that Robert Mugabe has not lost his sense of fair play nor his sense of humour.   Be seein' ya Bob.

Sunday 30th March

Chatting over the wires with my 'Canadian' niece in BC, Canada she tells me that she and her axeman wielding husband are going into downtown Vancouver this evening to see the Foo Fighters in concert.   I have to admit that the FF's are beneath my radar although I have heard of them.

There is an interesting fact concerning the lead singer of the Foo Fighters which is most unusual and am wondering if my pop trivia reading audience can come up with the answer just to impress Lyndsey and Ryan  in Vancouver.   That the singer was born on the 14th January, which also happens to be my birthday, is not the answer.

Ryan's cousin incidentally is Adam Loewen and for a living he is a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball.   I will get to a game one day when a window of opportunity presents itself in my diary.

Second post:   I had every confidence in Duncan getting the correct answer - David Grohl, was indeed the drummer with Nirvana.

Bruce Springsteen is the best live act I have ever seen and if he is on in Vancouver tonight too I don't think think the Foo Fighters would get my bucks.   The Boss just comes ahead of the Rolling Stones in value for money, but it is mighty close.

Lyndsey - Tell the axe man that my guitar is a Squier Strat made by Fender.   Not quite the real deal, but then I can't play it anyway.   I am need of another lesson from Larry the Plec.

Saturday 29th March

Early post:   I think my Venezuelan guest has had a stab at the answer to the colour of the van, but then my Spanish isn't too good.   Maybe he has left a stream of abuse.

Second post:   It's all over for another winter, only 26 more weeks to go for the new TOGS season to start.

Friday 28th March

Early post:  

Second post:   More music trivia for you and  it's not who was the last female artist to reach number 1 in the United States because we all know the answer to that one don't we?

Earlier this week, Neil Aspinall, the man widely recognised as the 'fifth Beatle' sadly died from lung cancer.   In the early days he drove John, Paul George and Ringo (why do we always write them in that order I wonder?) around the country from gig to gig in a Commer van.   He stood in for George at rehearsal for the Ed Sullivan show and later sorted out the finances at the hapless Apple co.   He never betrayed their cofidences and by all accounts was a generally good egg.

My question concerns the colour of the Commer van.   What colour was it?   Not as straightforward as you may think.

Interesting Email from Jeff Sewell about his connection with Inter Milan.  He also suggested that the 'AC' in AC Milan stands for athletics and cricket.   I checked this out on the officiasl website and it is not quite accurate but interesting nonetheless.

AC Milan was indeed started by some English ex pats whose first love was cricket but they would also promote the game of football in Milan and Italy.   The cricket has taken something of a back seat since 1899.   Incidentally the AC stands for Associazione Calcio.

Thursday 27th March

Message to the non English speaking idiot from Venezuela who keeps leaving dodgy messages in my Guest Book;       **** off.    

Please don't open any of these dear reader because they may offend.   As soon as I spot them they will be deleted.

Wednesday 26th March

I hope Jeff has managed to nod off OK with all that worrying about my Guest Book sensor.   

How come you are a member of Inter****onale anyway Jeff?   You must elaborate as to why you were in the posh eaterie at Elland Road before hitting the M62  and tell us what took you to Old Trafford.

Tuesday 25th March

Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood, sang The Animals in the 60's.

Due to impending insulation works at Chez Boggy we had to clear the loft space of the detritus that collects over the years, 23 in our case, and there is a lot of it.   Looking at old photographs of friends and family is great fun and other bits of rubbish that Mrs Boggy thinks I am going to deposit in the dustbin.   Not a chance.   Once the insulation is completed the junk boxes are going back where they belong....in the loft.

At least I now know where I hid the Scalextric set.   Obviously it was far too complicated and delicate to allow the Boggy juniors to mess with without pater to supervise operations.   Vroom vroom.

That reminds me, once the Grand Prix are back on BBC TV next year we will have the best theme tune to any programme back on the box.   Any offers?   It's too easy.

Monday 24th March

How thick are Premiership footballers?

To argue constantly with a referee, who never changes his decision, is a pointless exercise at the best of times.   In the current climate and in the wake of the 'Ashley Cole' affair it simply beggars belief.   How stupid must a player, his team mates and manager be to get sent off when it is their player / team that has been awarded a free kick.  

No sympathy here.   Listening to Andy Gray on Sky Sports just compounded the matter when he was trying to justify the player's actions and thought he was harshly treated.   Only a diehard Liverpool supporter can possibly be upset at what happened yesterday.

Let's hope there is more of the same.  

Remember Brian Clough?   Of course you do.   His players were rarely booked for dissent and when they were, he fined them and in extreme cases he put them on the transfer list too.   The occasional rash tackle will happen and a booking comes as a result but when these brainless players are continually 'in the referee's face', book them and book them again which will automatically be a sending off.   A points deduction would soon put an end to their shenanigans.

I think I'll go and play golf.   

Well done to Andrew Strauss and Ian Bell.   Cream always rises to the top.   We just need Harmison to get his finger out (or is too late already?) and the Test team would be looking good.

Sunday 23rd March

I think that the name of the group to Jill's question in my Guest Book should remain anonymous especially now that someone's dropped a bomb somewhere, contaminating atmosphere and blackening the sky.

If you haven't a clue as to what I'm on about you should rest easy because there hasn't really been a nuclear explosion.   Just some odd pop lyric from the middle 60's.   Curiously enough the group got their original name, The Hedgehoppers, because of the fact that they were in the RAF.

No, I didn't look it up I just happened to know this piece of trivia.

Saturday 22nd March

It's definitely springtime because not only is it 'brass monkey' weather with snow in the air but it is also blowing a gale.   There are also a couple of Easter eggs to be eaten.

The mystery drummer question has proved as difficult as I suspected but Rosie is correct in saying that he played on all of ABBA's hit singles making him second only to the Fab Four's Ringo.   In fairness Steve Todd also knew it was he but could not name him either.   It seems our mystery stick man met an unfortunate death from a freak accident last week but his name is elusive.   If nobody comes up with the answer I shall reveal all on Monday.

Just to appease Larry, the plectrum (I hate Leeds United) rock star, Page, he would like to know who Dicky Bingham is better known as.   The Plec should arrive home in decent fettle this evening because NUFC have secured their first victory in the second coming of KK against the might of Fulham FC who were definitely affected by the absence of Johnny Haynes their playmaker.

Friday 21st March

Getting back to Don Revie and his 'hated' team and methods.   I for one thought they were fantastic to watch.   What was considered cynical back then is now viewed as 'professional'.   'The Don' led the way for English teams and although I agree he left England's national team for money he is no different to most working men and certainly no different to 99% of people in the game at this time.

Why else would a Swede or an Italian want to manage the England team?     It is certainly not out of patriotism.   Why do average Joe's want to sign for Newcastle United?   It is certainly not for the silverware.  

Reading the obituaries the other day I was fascinated by that of an 'unknown'  drummer.   It turns out that he is music's most ubiquitous stick man.   By that I mean, apart from Ringo Starr, he has played on more records sold worldwide than any other drummer.  

This is possibly the most difficult pop music question I have asked and will be most impressed if Larry (I hate Revie) the plectrum, DMC, DP or Willy from Bude or anyone else for that matter comes up with the correct answer.

Thursday 20th March

According to the logo on my Google homepage it is the first day of spring.   Someone must be kidding because it's cold, wet and miserable.   Oh, and it's a Bank Holiday weekend.

With reference to the plight of NUFC, Kevin Keegan may not be the perfect solution but if he is not the answer and Sam Allardyce was, it must have been a silly question.

David Blaine that well known American magician cum illusionist is apparently most upset because he has just lost the the world record he held for doing nothing in a box, when he was suspended above the River Thames last year for 44 days or so.   Alan Smith, the Newcastle forward, has been doing nothing in the box for the best part of two seasons.   Another useless import who came via the flawed Leeds United team of David O'Leary.    Bowyer, Woodgate, Batty, Bridges et al.   Woodgate and Bridges admittedly are good players but have never been fit enough long enough to prove themselves in the Premier League.   David Batty was a good honest pro and Bowyer is from the same school as Smith.

Is it any wonder NUFC are struggling?   Those mentioned above were some of the better signings during the last few seasons.   The worst thing that ever happened to NUFC was fat Freddy and Hall Jnr. running the club.    It will take some time to correct all of the faulty bricks they laid.  

For an example of how things can go so badly wrong we just need to look at where Leeds United are now.   The great Don Revie will be turning in his grave.

Wednesday 19th March

Another Wednesday and another committee meeting, this time at Tyne Youth & Community Centre (did I........?) firstly though it's time to blow away the cobwebs and get out on to the golf course.

Not only are the frogs frolicking in my pond and have been for a fortnight but yesterday at around 10.30am in broad daylight a fox was wandering about and kept Mrs Boggy and her sister entertained for a few minutes.   It beats reading about that Mackem.

Tuesday 18th March

How's this for a weird coincidence (to be confirmed).

Mrs Boggy senior, AKA my mother, was reading the question from Ian Dade in my Guest Book as to whether I knew someone by the name of John Wilkinson.  

She rang me yesterday and told me the following tale;   During the war my dad played the accordion in the army band, in between firing bullets, and he continued as a musician in the years after.   He played in a five piece ensemble touring the circuit, WI meetings, tea dances that sort of Gig, and the ukulele (hard word to spell, go on try it) player was a chap called Jack Wilkinson who hailed from Wylam in beautiful rural Northumberland.

Jack's wife was called 'Bunty' (no jokes please) and they had two daughters and two sons, one of whom was called John.   My mother remembers this young fella because he had been struck by polio and wore a leg brace, not unusual at that time.

So there we have it.   Is this the same John Wilkinson ID was searching for or is it simply coincidence?   We have a team of under cover detectives (anyone seen Archbold lately?) on the street in downtown Wylam at this very moment and as soon as I have anything else to report I shall be holding a press conference.   The chances are I shall slag of an ex Beatle and throw water over his brief, but I bear no malice.   I simply want to live my life out of the public gaze.

I got a bit carried away in those last couple of sentences for which I apologise.   I know someone else who should be carried away but won't go there.  

Why is it that all women hate the ex Mrs McCartney, Heather Mills, so much?   Is it because she is a Mackem? 

Newsflash:   ID has confirmed with his long lost buddy, John Wilkinson,  that his father and mine did indeed play in a band together during and after the war and John even remembered my mother's name.   How amazing a coincidence is that?

I am now wondering if big sis out there in Fort Langley BC remembers John and his family because, according to Mrs Boggy senior, she and my brother would visiy Wylam sometimes too.

Monday 17th March

Continuing the debate about milkman v supermarket, Mrs Boggy was discussing same at work yesterday and her colleagues, every one of them, all use the supermarket for their daily pinta.    They found it unbelievable that there were still milkmen doing their rounds in the early hours and, for all I know, probably think he gets round using a horse and cart.    

Whatever happened to those whispering electric milk floats?

The surprising fact and that which intrigued Mrs B's workmates most was that our milk  is actually deposited on the Chez Boggy threshold in a glass bottle, with different coloured tops (our preference is red incidentally).   How odd, they thought.  

How else would the birds be able to have a little drink on a cold winter's morning if the top was plastic?

I see that the Five Nations Golf competition registrations are being held up by a bunch of dilatory Scotsmen.   C'mon you boys north of the border, get your fingers out.   We support the Golden Glove every year, which I helped to set up if you remember.   There is an old saying along the lines of 'What goes around comes around'.

Sunday 16th March

Can't stop I'm reading the paper......

Saturday 15th March

'Beware the Ides of March'

it's good that I know some others in the 11% club and have decided to keep faith with my 'milky'.   As for newspaper reading I am definitely sticking to my 'Times' in the paper version.    There is nothing better in the mornings than a cup of tea to hand and my preferred choice of reading material resting on the teapot.   I also have something of a fetish for ink on my face and hands and enjoy leaving finger marks on the doors too.   

Mrs Boggy's paper doubles as excellent fertiliser and it is amusing to see how biased it's reporting of events can be.   Since the demise of the excellent Ian Wooldridge even Keith Waterhouse can't tempt me to take more than a peek.  

When it comes to the weekend there is nothing quite like opening the supplements package and Sundays is sometimes quite harrowing trying to decide which piece of the Sunday Times to read first.    In quieter moments through the week it still makes good reading and keeps me off this keyboard.

I know our cricket captain enjoys his 'Gruniard' through the week and daresay he takes the Observer on the Sabbath for similar reasons.

Friday 14th March

Now that gold has passed $1,000 an ounce (it was $365 an ounce when I was selling it in 1999) and oil is $110  a barrel the conversation between Mrs Boggy and I turned to futures and commodities over supper, doesn't everyone's?  

It seems that in the 1980's 80% of people had their milk delivered to their door by a milkman but now that figure is down to a measly 11%.   We are one of a dwindling minority and it works out that we are paying 57p per pint, including delivery, but it seems that this liquid gold can be bought at the local emporium for about 42p per pint.

We like our milkman, admire his entrepreneurialism and are keen to support him but  wonder if we should ditch him in favour of the supermarket cartel who fail to pay the dairy farmers a fair price for their pintas.   Is there anyone else out there still supporting their milkman?   We also have our morning newspapers delivered and wouldn't dream of not having a paperboy / girl.

Incidentally, did I ever tell you that Sting's dad used to deliver our milk?   I did?  Thought so.

Thursday 13th March

Now that all of my aches and pains have disappeared from whence they came I will be delighted to return home later this evening unscathed from another net session at PMCC.

Wednesday 12th March

Still on the subject of music I spotted that one of my heroes has just been inducted into music's Hall of Fame and is about to kick off on a world tour, his first in yonks.   I believe he is having some financial problems.....maybe we should all go on a world tour.

I am referring of course to the 'Poet Laureate of Pessimism', the man who can empty your house in the wee small hours when you just want people to leave so that you can go to bed, namely Leonard Cohen.   He is playing  the 02 Arena in London come July and I am sorely tempted to sit on the phone Friday morning in an attempt to get a ticket.

Tuesday 11th March

Many of you will know of Tex & Leon Moat, a pair of local musicians who have been in bands such as The Tynesiders, The Scratch Band and of course Tex, Leon & friends.

I received a phone call last night from Tex inviting me and Mrs Boggy to a special gig which will celebrate 50 years of the brothers making music together.  They are getting together all of the musicians and singers who have taken to the stage with them over the years for their special gig on Midsummer's night in June.

I was honoured and flattered to be classed as a performer and would have made a special comeback on the night with my version of Clapton's Wonderful Tonight but unfortunately I will be in Vichy, France competing in the European Transplant Games.

In the past when I sang it was usually straight after Billy Clarke on spoons and he was a hard act to follow I can tell you.   Notable among the guest musicians would have to be Hilton Valentine, he of the guitar riff from House of the Rising Sun.   Indeed Tex & Leon used to play upstairs in the Vic in Whitley Bay along with the up and coming young guns who became famous as The Animals.   Did I ever tell you that Hilton once asked me to be a stand in for Eric Burdon?   Honestly.   He also asked me if I wanted to go on tour to Australia when he formed the Animals II (as a roadie and ticket promoter).   I promise you this stuff is not made up.

I tapped up the first love of my life at one of the Tynesider's gigs in the 60's and as both Tex & Leon as well as brothers Doug and Denis were all members of Tyne Boys Club which is now Tyne Youth & Community Centre (did I ever tell you I was chairman?) I became good friends with the whole family.   We all played in same Tyne 'Old Boys' football team and were all sitting together on the Western Terrace at Headingley, that famous day in 1977, when Sir Geoffrey Boycott scored his hundredth hundred.

What a shame I can't be there.   I may do a video link from France á la The Oscar's.

Monday 10th March

I couldn't help notice that Murray ( #11) from Sydney, Australia left a link to a homepage on his last post to the Guest Book.   On checking I found it not working  but am assuming it is a link to the Transplant Australia / Australian Transplant Games website.   To avoid any confusion and to make it easier for everyone I have posted a live link above today's date (just below the itinerary for our forthcoming cricket tour down under).

As well as all of the information anyone could possibly need about the Oz Games it has the ATCC v GBTCC tour information.   Thanks Muzz, can't wait.

Sunday 9th March

'Gig 9' was possibly the best one yet for overall entertainment and that I am able to make a donation to the FHLTA as well as cover a lot of my accommodation costs for this year's transplant sport is good news.   Max Peters, the comedian, was funny and Urban Spacemen filled the dance floor with their brilliant covers of 60's classics.   I am tempted to have the band back again subject to feedback.

Thanks to everyone who came last night and I look forward to seeing you all back again in 2009 for 'Gig 10'.   The wheels are already in motion.

Is it the UK or GB I keep asking?   If you check out the medal table for the current world indoor athletics championships you will find GB sitting in 3rd place behind the USA and Russia.   I daresay the Olympic table from Beijing will similarly label us as GB.   So for me it is GB.   My car sticker also says GB.    However, my passport states United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Saturday 8th March

Happy birthday to my big sis, Kathryn, over the water in beautiful BC, Canada.

If my readers want to know where to visit next time in Canada look no further than Fort Langley, BC.   Google Fort Langley and see what I mean.    Chances are you have watched a movie filmed on location there.   The trans-Canadian railroad passes through the bottom of the town and there is an Indian reservation over the Fraser river.  

Friday 7th March

Busy with preparations for Gig 9 tomorrow.   Loads of stuff to do and lots of food to prepare, cook and bake.   Fortunately for me I have loads of ladies beavering away in Whitley Bay, North Shields and Tynemouth and somehow or other it all seems to be there on the night.   Thanks girls.

Thursday 6th March

Having spent most of the day at the dental hospital I had a little snooze on my return home.   Warfarin and a tooth extraction don't go together but I shan't bore you with the gory details.   Unfortunately I shall have to miss another net session at PMCC.   Doctor's orders.

When I dropped Mrs Boggy off at her mate Marilyn's house on Tuesday (4th March) I noticed one of Marilyn's neighbours was flying the Canadian flag on a flagpole in their garden.   I assumed they must be Canadian, which turns out to be wrong.

Mrs Boggy and I have just been talking about this because it is such an unusual sight in England.   She tells me with some authority that a condition of being able to erect this flagpole in the garden is that they, or anyone else for that matter, are obliged to fly the flag of certain countries on certain days in the year decreed by the local authority under instruction from Mrs Windsor's government.

Hello I thought, this is one of Marilyn's ideas from the wacky broom cupboard and she is having a laugh at Mrs B's expense.   Mrs Boggy is adamant that this is no wind up and that some other sceptic thought as I do and having researched the subject can confirm Marilyn's theorem.  

Me?   I am still not convinced and am willing to be educated.