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Tuesday 30th November

As I had a problem locating my parachute this morning and had to cancel my hang gliding session, I decided to go to the gym instead.

I have had a quick scan of the back pages and apart from Australia just pipping New Zealand in the Adelaide Test Match (just kidding cobbers) one piece of sporting gossip made me laugh out loud.

It concerns Freddy Shepherd the chairman of Newcastle United football club.   He has accused Manchester United of being "like a ship without a sail".   He was speaking at a conference in Dubai and also uttered the following insult to that little football club in the northwest of England by claiming that the leading shareholders of the club were interested in solely making money.

Rearrange these few words into a well known phrase or saying, Kettle, black pot, calling the.  

Does this man think we are stupid?   He insulted all Geordie women by referring to them as dogs, so by inference I am married to some breed of canine (Mrs Boggy was delighted by this epithet).

This, from the man along with Douglas Hall Jnr, who was secretly taped in a brothel bragging about ripping the fans off by overcharging for replica shirts and referring to Alan Shearer as 'Mary Poppins'.

Is this the same club chairman who got rid of Sir Bobby Robson in such an appalling fashion?  

I am no lover of Manchester United FC but if they are 'a ship without a sail' I think Newcastle United FC are ' a sail without a ship'.   Have a look inside the trophy cabinet Freddy.

Monday 29th November

Having driven 440 miles yesterday to attend a very positive and worthwhile meeting of the Great Britain Transplant Cricket Club (GBTCC) I am heading off for a game of golf to blow away the cobwebs and stretch my legs.

I enjoyed myself on a crisp, sunny winters' day playing golf with friends.   A quick turnaround and then I am off again to put in my babysitting duties at Tyne Y&CC.

Sunday 28th November

I think everyone who has an interest in sport will agree that the the treatment of the free press by that well known nutcase, megalomaniac and dictator Robert Mugabe has been a major topic this week.

By refusing to issue accreditation to thirteen journalists, of various political persuasions,  he was in effect trying to manage (some might say dictate) the accurate reporting of a cricket tour.  

Whether we should be playing cricket in Zimbabwe is another topic for another day.   The very fact that we are playing cricket is justification for reports to filter back home of what is happening.   By reports, which we all enjoy reading, whether they be in The Sun, The Sport or my preferred 'rag' The Times, we will not tolerate a basic scorecard.

Smith     c      Jones     b      Brown........17 etc, simply will not do.

I like to know what is happening and an objective report is why I buy my newspaper, presumably that is the reason you buy your particular brand.   By definition a report is filed by a reporter.   As long as no one is libelled or slandered and what is written is accurate and true, we get the feel of the tour by reading the opinion of the journalist who wrote the piece.

If you don't like a particular journalist there is a simple solution, don't buy that paper.   Rather like personal websites really!

This is what is commonly known as free speech in a democratic society, but we all know that.   Don't we?   Over to you Bob!

 Saturday 27th November

I caught a glimpse of the Australia v New Zealand Test Match on the news last night.   It is being played at the beautiful Adelaide Oval.   It was only a few short weeks ago that we were there paying cricket against the Aussies in the first ever transplant cricket match.   Great place, great blokes, great time.  

I played golf with the 'TOGS' today and managed to have a decent round for a change (34 points).

I shall be leaving early in the morning  and drive down to Coventry for a committee meeting of the Great Britain Transplant Cricket  Club (GBTCC) of which I am proud to be a member.

Friday 26th November

As is normal I attended the 'healthy hearts' session at Contours Leisure Centre in Tynemouth.   I really enjoyed my workout today and felt good.   It's not only a good way to keep fit but it is also an escape from the day to day drudgery.  No-one can interrupt or make requests on my time and above all I can't lose at golf if I am not playing!

I was just about to leave for the cash and carry when a mad Frenchman and his gofer arrived to fix my leaky taps.   I will of course tell Mrs Boggy that I repaired them myself, she'll never find out!

Off to the cash and carry and pop in to see my mother on the way home.   She is positively perky June, thanks for asking.    She  asked if Michael was OK and I lied.

Quick sarnie and I am off to Tyne Y&CC for the normal Friday night session.   I have decided at the AGM in 10 days time that I am definitely hanging up my hat for good and will not return as a Club Leader in the evenings.   It is getting too much for me.  

So from January 2005 as far as am concerned if there is not a suitable person, paid or voluntary who can be found to open / supervise and baby-sit, the Club will not open in the evenings.   If you live in North Tyneside I am certain you will be aware that Linskill Centre is closing down and being sold off by the council.   I reckon there must be someone in that building, currently, who could simply transfer to Tyne Youth & Community Centre.

I have broached this subject with Alan Campbell MP for Tynemouth and he has passed on my concerns  to the council.   They are supposed to be getting in touch with me.   I have sent an Email (and kept a copy) to the jobsworth concerned.   Have I had a reply?   Is the Pope Jewish?

If I am reading the runes correctly this is the only way I will achieve the objective of a full time leader.   Unless anyone out there can suggest a better way.

Thursday 25th November

One of my favourite golfers and fellow leftie, Phil Mickelson shot a final round 59 in the PGA Grand Slam event in Hawaii to win the tournament.   He joins a very short list of players who have recorded a sub 60 round in a pro event.

Al Geiberger was the first, Chip Beck and David Duval were others.   There is another golfer to achieve this feat.

Question - Who is the other golfer?

Answer - Correctly answered by the man from Bude, was indeed Annika Sorenstam.

I have arrived home after a hard day's graft on the golf course to the news that England will after all  complete their tour to Zimbabwe, after accreditation was given to our finest cricket writers and journo's.   Personally I feel this is a mistake, but as I have said many times, "What do I know?"

Mugabe is playing games and is being rather successful at making us appear foolish.   Sometimes it is better to stand up for what you truly believe in and take the consequences.

Wednesday 24th November

It looks like the England cricket tour is still going ahead despite a ban on the BBC, BBC Radio, The Daily Telegraph, The Sun, the Daily Mirror, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph the News of the World and my own paper of preference The Times.

We will be left with The Mail and The Express to send back reports.   Mrs Boggy likes to read the Daily Mail and daresay I will sneak a look at the sports section when she is not looking.  

I still maintain we should come home and tell the rest of the cricketing world if they are not happy we will go into wonderful isolation until the rest of them catch up with reality.  

The Great Britain Transplant Cricket Club would play fixtures against an England XI as would Percy Main Cricket Club.   Any other takers? 

Update - I played golf!

Latest news I have heard about the Zimbabwe cricket tour is that England have cancelled their flight into Mugabe land.   I reckon by this time tomorrow they will be on their way home.   Then again, what do I know?

Tuesday 23rd November

For those of you who were  up bright and early and live in the Newcastle area, I hope you tuned in to Radio Newcastle from 7am to listen to my mate and fellow 'TOG' Tony Sarginson reviewing the newspapers on air.   Makes a change from the Beano, Tony!

Latest - I am just about to leave for Tyne Y&CC for a computer class and have just heard that some of our finest cricket correspondents have been barred from entering Zimbabwe to cover the tour by England.   A megalomaniac by the name of Mugabe has decided that Aggers et al are not fit to enter his country to report cricket.

There is only one solution to the dilemma posed by this nutcase and that is to call off the tour and come home chaps.   It was debatable whether we should have been there in the first place.   Now there is definitely no debate.   I believe the Americans have a term for this situation - A No brainer!

It's an awful use of the language but it does some up the situation rather well.

Monday 22nd November

The number 1,000 will become a big talking point later this week when Sir Alex Ferguson takes charge of Man Utd for the 1,000th time as manager.

I would like to point out another milestone with regard to four digits.   Shane Warne and Glen McGrath have accumulated 1,000 Test Match wickets between them following yesterday's demolition of New Zealand at The Gabba, Brisbane.   One of us Poms would like to say that this is a fantastic achievement.

I am just about to leave home for my daily dose of sport but am not sure whether to go scuba diving, snorkelling or play golf.   I will report back later.

Now then, where did I put my flippers?

Sunday 21st November

Mrs Boggy and I had to abandon our morning walk along the seafront this morning.   The reason is very simple.   We had icicles starting to form on our faces as the wind whisked in from the North Sea.   To make me feel completely inadequate there were at least a dozen surfers riding the white horses in the slate grey water.

As we approachedd the Boggymobile I was searching for the keys deep in my pockets and could not find them.   Just before panic set in I spotted them where I had left them....in the door lock.   The great Geordie public had not batted an eyelid and left my car in peace and in one piece.

It could just be that no-one else was daft enough to even attempt a stroll on this bitterly cold morn. I am now safely returned to Chez Boggy and am about to devour the Sunday papers.   I think I must be in heaven.

Saturday 20th November

For those of you who are reading this in Equatorial Guinea or Australia I am playing golf in a winter medal at Tynemouth later this morning.   The temperature in the North East of England is 3°C.    I spotted that the temperature in Adelaide this week was as high as 35°C, not sure how hot it is in EG,  although Mark Thatcher will find it pretty hot when he arrives.    Let's hope he does not attempt to drive there.

Friday 19th November

Good morning to my loyal reader in Equatorial Guinea.   It's comforting to know that I can entertain hard working Geordies in all parts of the world.   Re the golf, you will not have had to improve much to give me a game at the moment Jim!   (If your puzzled dear reader, see my 'guest book')

 I understand you may be bumping into Mark Thatcher in the near future.   Something about chicken coops, I think!

Thursday 18th November

If you are familiar with Jason's quest for the golden fleece you will appreciate the nightmare I am experiencing as I continue 'in  search of my page titles'.   They are there, I can see but cannot put my hands on them.

In my younger days as a bingo caller I often had to fill up the gift boxes which could only be 'won' by being picked up with a mechanical claw.   Remember them?   As punishment, usually after a laughing fit when calling out the bingo numbers we would be banished upstairs to fill said boxes.   I mention this because it was a frustrating experience trying to grab a box and land it safely so that the prize could be claimed.   So it is with my page titles.   I get halfway to the landing area and keep dropping them.

Wednesday 17th November

Still no sign of my page titles.   I will keep looking and fiddling and hope that normal service can be resumed as soon as possible.   I have been checking my hidden stat counters and it does not appear to be putting people off as I am having just as many 'hits' as normal.   However it looks awful and I would like it fixed.....now where did I put that monkey wrench?

I played golf today in a howling wind, but not before I did an interview with Readers' Digest.   A young lady by the name of Angelika is doing a story about heart disease and recovery.   She spotted my website and wanted more information about my personal circumstances and what happened before and after my heart transplant.

 I was happy to tell her a little bit more about me (some people call it vanity) and as I keep repeating, it's all about the message and making people aware.   I will reveal all when the article is published.

Tuesday 16th November

As you will probably have realised I have 'lost' the page titles to my website.   I have put them down somewhere and simply cannot find them.   I hope it does not inconvenience you too much and I am working on the problem.   By moving your mouse over the banner it will reveal where you are.   Frustrating isn't it?   Mick....help (again).

life goes on with or without a dodgy website and I went for a workout at the gym this morning which was very enjoyable.   I will be back at TYCC tonight to oversee a computer class (sounds unlikely I know).

I must tell you about last night at 'Tyne'.   My mate Gordon Smith who is qualified to teach, courtesy of a university degree came along and did an introductory taster class for golf.   He is also an ex police officer who visited schools and did drug awareness programmes in the community and is well used to dealing with children / youths.

He set up his gear and spent an hour with about 20 young people who were sceptical to say the least.   They just wanted to play football really.   By the end of the hour I am sure most of them enjoyed the session and if even one of them goes on to take up golf as a result of the session it will have been worthwhile.

The courses are endorsed by The PGA / The European Tour and run under the banner of 'Rookie Golf'.   Nick Faldo recommends this method as an introduction to the game also.   Good stuff Gordon and thank you.

Monday 15th November

I can announce some details for my next fundraising event.   Gig 6 will be held at Marden Community Centre, better known as Marden Resident's Club.   The date is Saturday 19th March 2005.   I have booked the Watts 'n Whiffin Big Band and will try and find a comedian, yes I realise I know a few but they are not funny intentionally.

If you want to check out the band visit wwbigband.   They played for me last year and everyone has begged me to book them again if possible.   You probably know by now I am a bit of a groupie when it comes to bands and I have confirmed everything with lead guitar player Dave Whiffin today.

I will take orders for tickets now, but they will not be going on sale officially until New Year's Day.

I played golf extremely badly today and will be supervising at Tyne Youth &  Community Centre tonight.   It should be a fun evening because I have invited my mate Gordon Smith to come along and present his introductory session to golf to the members.   This is, I believe, meant to be fun and allows the game of golf to be tried by youngsters who might not otherwise get a chance.   it is run in conjunction with the English Golf Union (EGU).

Sunday 14th November

I hope all of my fellow transplant sports compatriots enjoyed their volleyball/  badminton weekend in Manchester and arrived home safely.   Sadly I had to miss the first GB team meeting for next year's World Games in Canada but will no doubt receive an update very soon.  

As my big sis, Kathryn, lives in Fort Langley, Vancouver I am looking forward not only to the Games but also visiting her for only the second time since she emigrated to Canada more than 25 years ago.

When I was waiting for my heart transplant in 1999 Kathryn came over to the UK and just two days before she was due to fly home I received my new heart.   It will be a very special moment for me when I do eventually see her again.

I apologise if you don't like cricket, but as the song says, I love it, ah

Saturday 13th November

As I had to open, supervise and close Tyne Youth & Community Centre last night I was unable to attend the meeting of the BHLTA in Manchester.

Unfortunately I could not make the meeting in Manchester today either, about next year's World Transplant Games in Canada.   I will have to play golf with the 'TOGS' instead.

By the way I went to see my Mother yesterday and she continues to feel very chipper - thanks for asking.

Friday 12th November

I went to the gym for a workout this morning and was cheered up by the instructor.   Tony, an ex pro footballer had been reading an article about me in this weeks' local paper about my exploits down under and asked my permission to place a copy on the notice board.

On Friday mornings at the 'Contours' gym I attend, the session is for GP referrals which goes under the title of 'Healthy Hearts'.    He was so impressed by the article, which was well written by a young lady journalist called Kay Henry, that he feels it will encourage the users of the gym.   I have to agree that the article, even though it is about me, puts over a really positive message to those unfortunate enough to suffer health problems.

I have to admit to being flattered, but as I will repeat for the hundredth time, the Transplant Games are not about winning they are about making people aware and promoting donor cards.   If in my own little area of the UK I can do something to help, then I will go along with my picture being posted in a council run gym.

If you would like to view the article try this link - News Guardian

Am I wrong?   Am I the only one who thinks like this in my 'blinkered world'?

Thursday 11th November

The last two days have been busy ones, I have played golf every day this week.   If my phone rings for a game - and the weather is playable  - I play.   The problem is that there are so many other tasks that have to be done around the house and in my capacity as Chairman of Tyne Youth & Community Centre (TYCC).

It's good to be busy but sometimes I just wish I could lounge about and do some reading.   I am feeling very down at the moment due to a particularly hostile management committee meeting at TYCC .   Once again the cause of the problem is the 'F' word.

No, not that one (tut tut) I am referring to football.   As a club we run teams in every age group from under eight's to under eighteen.   If managed and run properly it is always going to be hard work and at times frustrating but when, in my opinion, it is not being run in accordance with the constitution of the charitable status as a community club / centre we enjoy, then I as Chairman feel entitled to say what I think at a meeting which I am chairing.

I do not say things personally to an individual but say them to an individual who is representative of the football so that they may do something about it to the satisfaction of the rest of the committee (does this all sound familiar?).   I do not expect, nor deserve, temper tantrums from people who should be able to conduct themselves in an adult manner, especially at a committee meeting with ladies present.

So I am seriously reconsidering my position as Chairman and acting Club Leader, Centre Manager,  general dogsbody and unpaid babysitter.   The AGM is arranged for Wednesday 8th December and by then I will have decided if I need all of this hassle. 

I have been Chairman for the best part of 14 years and was instrumental in securing a lottery grant of £388,235 in 1999, just two weeks before I suffered a heart attack which led to my heart transplant some 10 weeks later.   I left the meeting last evening and was hyperventilating and as much as I love the place I think it is time I bowed out.

I realise that I am not always right.   I accept that sometimes I am wrong.   What I cannot take much more of is petty points scoring by people who ought to know better.

If anyone reading this has any advice I will take it on board.

Wednesday 10th November

G'day Muz - the other pics are done.

I have been really busy today, golf, meetings and football.   Normal service will resume tomorrow.  

Tuesday 9th November

Normally on Tuesdays I go to the gym for a workout but my services were requested on the golf course and being an obliging type of guy, I obliged.   It's always preferable to be outside exercising than sweating your gonads off in a gym.

Monday 8th November

My favourite golfer Retief Goosen beat Tiger Woods in the US Tour Championship yesterday by 4 shots.   This was only the second time in his career that Woods has not converted a 54 hole lead into victory.

The  best lady golfer on the planet, she was also born a female, won her 55th career title yesterday.   Annika Sorenstam won the Mizuno Classic by a mere 9 shots.

In what was an good day of sport it was nice to see Paula Radcliffe showing us that when she is fully fit she is able not only to complete long distance races but also win them.   Paula won the New York marathon.

I'm off to play golf now, at least I am not too bad at that.    Although sometimes I think I should have stuck to the singing.

I finished off another jolly exciting 'day in the life of Boggy' by supervising a surprisingly well behaved bunch of young people at Tyne Youth & Community Centre.   Next Monday I have organised a one hour introduction to the game of golf for them.   It should be good fun.

Sunday 7th November

You really must make an effort to see Abigail's Party and you will have a good understanding of what I went through last evening!

Tonight I know I  will enjoy myself.   Mrs Boggy and I will don our faded denims as we set out to see 'Classic Clapton', my mate Mike Hall's band who perform a 2 hour set of my favourite music.   The venue is the excellent Customs House in South Shields.

Saturday 6th November

This evening at 'Chez Boggy' we will be entertaining friends by offering them nibbles and drinky-poos a la Abigail's Party.   The classic comedy by Mike Leigh , which our guests have never seen, has been described as a "Savagely funny study of pretentious middle class social manners".

Well tonight folks, it's all happening at our little abode.

I would like to write in great detail as to how Mrs Boggy has spent hours preparing a lavish meal.    Unfortunately she has spent loads of money on things like fortune cookies, oranges, candles and brasso to impress our seriously upwardly mobile chums.   To cap it all she has ordered a Cantonese at the local Chinese emporium and we will be smuggling it into 'Chez Boggy' before our unsuspecting guests arrive.

They will never know, will they?

Friday 5th November

In a victory for common sense the voters of the North East of England voted 'NO' to a Regional Assembly.   78% - 22% against the 'talk shop of the North' is a conclusive verdict.  

As  part of the majority, I can offer the following as the reason why such an emphatic result was obtained - We have got enough politicians and do not need any more, thank you very much.    We would never be able to afford their expenses if the Westminster bunch are an example.  

I was at the cash & carry this morning as the cupboard is bare at Tyne Y&CC, someone has to get the canteen stock.   It seems that most things are put on hold until I get back!   I even had to replace a battery in the clock on the wall because it had stopped and no-one else would take the responsibility and do it.  

I also called in to see my mother and she is doing OK, thank you for asking, again.   I was showing her the photo's from my recent tour to Oz and she commented how ugly some of the Australian cricketers were (this is a test to see who is reading).

This afternoon my IT guru Mick arrived with loads of sticky tape and a monkey wrench and sorted out a load of problems I was having with my site.   Once again he made everything look so simple.....if only.   If you dear reader are having problems with anything IT / computers I can recommend Mick.   See the link to J-Networks on my favourites page.

Tonight I am off to Tyne Y&CC to open up for the busy Friday night session, before another busy weekend schedule arrives.

Thursday 4th November

It's been a hectic 48 hours and finding the time to update my 'blog' is sometimes difficult.   As I am sitting at my keyboard the radio is speculating as to whether Yasser Arafat is still alive.   There are reports that he has died 15 minutes ago.   This was typed at 4.45pm GMT.   We shall see.

Two items of news which I am particularly interested in are

On the subject of Clapton, a mate of mine, namely Mike Hall fronts a band called 'Classic Clapton ' and I will be going to their concert on Sunday night at the Customs House in South Shields.   If, like me, you love everything 'Slowhand' has ever done I can recommend a trip to one of Mike's gigs.   If you want to check out their website, have a look on my favourites page.

If you are interested in the cricket tour I have just been to in Australia, I have published some photo's and will get round to doing some of the Tx Games shortly.

Wednesday 3rd November

It's only 9.30am in the UK as I write this and my prediction that Senator John Kerry would be the next President of the USA, based on a ridiculous premise of an American football match proved to be just that - ridiculous.

It is not yet official but I am prepared to bet my 1 iron that 'Dubya' is still the boss.   (you're right, I can't use my 1 iron either).

I shall be playing golf at lunchtime and then back to Tynemouth Golf Club this evening for the AGM.

Tuesday 2nd November

I am predicting that John Kerry will be the next President of the United States once all of today's votes have been counted.

I base my prediction on nothing more than Washington Redskins' 14-28 defeat by the Green Bay Packers at the weekend.   If you do not have a clue what I am on about, read yesterday's diary.

On the same subject of elections, I have cast my vote in the referendum for a North East Assembly.   A political sop to the hard working people of the North East of England who have been treated like second class citizens by  Westminster governments of all political persuasions down the years.

Yes, I have voted:   No, I am not telling you which way I voted.

Monday 1st November

For those of you who were quick off the mark and managed to view the photographs from my recent cricket / transplant games tour to Australia, yes you did really see them.   They are no longer on the site (temporarily) because I have made an IT error somewhere and had to delete the offending page completely.

I am trying to fix the problem and restore the photo's, so  please be patient.   If my IT Guru Mick reads this, I could do with some help please.

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