tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32267012979224512722012-02-13T11:51:14.444ZA diary of a nobody, but on the turf and under it all men are equal, so I'll carry on regardless!PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.comBlogger1181100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-72907988862259864132011-12-10T16:38:00.000Z2011-12-10T16:38:44.655Z

After the hurricane and lashing rains of a couple of days ago we are now covered in SNOW. And that ain't good - you can keep snow well away from me this year. Had enough over the past few years to last a lifetime! This is from my front door. and from the back door. Yah boo sucks! Bah Humbug!

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-19297665074174990532011-11-24T17:04:00.005Z2011-11-24T20:11:14.606Z

Haven't been posting anything for some time now but decided to give a brief update on my lovely daughter's situation. She is due to have another MRI scan in about three weeks from now. She has had a second opinion from a London brain surgeon who has confirmed that her tumour of the pineal gland is not suitable for surgery. I'm quite content with that opinion and I think Clare is too. The tumour

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-7941610610698115392011-03-23T12:14:00.011Z2011-03-23T13:04:24.769Z

What seems like ages ago, (though in fact fairly recently), my lovely young daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Grade 1 tumour of the pineal gland. Smack bang in the centre of the brain!She sees a neurosurgeon at the specialist hospital in Hull on Monday 28 March. Another MRI scan, this time with the addition of a contrast dye, will be taken. Then the surgeon's course of action will

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-41011301069951601182011-01-30T20:50:00.002Z2011-01-30T21:00:10.843Z

I wrote something a while back; there were no comments. It was about a teenage romance. The girl was marvellous; the boy was an idiot. Who was the idiot? Me, of course. Here's the story: Click here

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-58040593529832897682010-12-09T19:54:00.002Z2010-12-09T20:09:14.597Z

I went for a walk through the deep snow yesterday to hand deliver a 26th wedding anniversary card to Lord and Lady Haddington. Took me a good while and the walk, in Wellington boots, was quite exhausting. It was a real effort to drag the back foot out of the snow to take the next step forward. Having reached the west wing and popping the card into the letterbox I took a much longer 'roundabout'

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-27979626135154587602010-11-29T19:17:00.002Z2010-11-29T19:27:03.285Z

Just a swift update on our early wintry conditions.No letup in sight for a few days more, worse luck!We had one of our local farmers clear the little lane running along the 11 cottages in our remote village. Looks as though we will need further such help soon as it is snowing heavily right now.Never mind; I'm sure global warming will soon return!

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-76981326378541480162010-11-28T13:07:00.002Z2010-11-28T13:12:51.638Z

Long time, no show. Blame the snow!We're locked inside our remote area as the roads are VERY dodgy.Hopefully it will not be too long before we are released from this white prison.And we've had another 8 or 9 inches overnight, so worse today.

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-31541664757399311482010-08-15T16:13:00.003+01:002010-08-15T16:23:42.836+01:00

On my way to get some victuals and stuff from Tesco's in Galashiels I took a short ride through the grounds of Mellerstain and spotted some interesting-looking fungi.One can often find a variety of such stuff growing all over the estate. When I lived in the east wing of the house here we had a group come every year, usually about September/October, on what they called a 'fungi foray'. I used to

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-23573311529997630442010-08-12T10:16:00.004+01:002010-08-12T10:38:18.818+01:00

Hello again. It's been one of those months: my wife, Pat, had a second hip replacement and I'm now not only chief cook, bottlewasher, sweeper-upper etc., but full-time nurse and carer. It's now two weeks since her right hip replacement op and the next few weeks will be difficult, to put it mildly.The only son and heir of Lord Haddington, Lord George Binning, finished uni at Glasgow and had a

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-40498661189054020042010-07-10T14:30:00.004+01:002010-07-10T14:47:35.716+01:00

This morning my wife, Pat, and I were invited to the annual art exhibition in the basement corridors of Mellerstain House. Quite a decent crowd accepted the invitation and, as usual, it was an enjoyable hour or so. Glass of vino, nibbles and so forth, and meeting up with some faces we've not seen for a year or more!I took a few sneaky video shots and in the first few seconds, if you're quick,

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-56759861247573092172010-06-18T12:49:00.003+01:002010-06-18T13:12:06.811+01:00

It's just gone 11 a.m. today, Friday 18th June 2010. Looking out of the sitting room window I can spot a long feather pointing upwards under the old Ash tree. I investigate: it's one of those dozy pheasants, having a sleep on the pile of grass cuttings I pile up after mowing. These birds, though quite handsome, are so stupid. We slaughter many of them as they decide to run across the road just as

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-86471917551184209192010-06-07T17:00:00.003+01:002010-06-07T17:34:35.748+01:00

A visit to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh today was brightened when I met sad-eyed Sam, the mixed breed dog on the No. 86 bus from Dalkeith to Edinburgh. I sat opposite to Sam and his mature male owner and simply had to say "Hello" to them both.Sam has the most appealing face. His eyes, however, seemed just a little sad to me. I gently and carefully stroked his head; he seemed to appreciate

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-13990903021803347842010-05-23T18:59:00.002+01:002010-05-23T19:10:47.916+01:00

In the UK, as in other places I guess, we have a system whereby judges travel around the country to hear court cases. They are well-paid and well looked after in their work.This particular judge had to travel from London to a county court some many miles away. He was chauffeured to court along with his trusty clerk.Arriving at the county court he settled into his chambers and suddenly realised

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-38097895341658377352010-05-16T11:09:00.002+01:002010-05-16T11:20:15.667+01:00

This is something I received in one of those emails from somebody who cobbles together some interesting (to me) bits and bobs from wherever they find them. I hope the following extracts make you smile.Charity shop bookshops are always an enormous source of pleasure and enjoyment for me and I guess I probably spend (at least) 77p a week on them.One I picked up this week called 'The Facts of Love'

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-36585014638640361042010-05-09T21:40:00.003+01:002010-05-09T22:58:32.103+01:00

One of my neighbours, Louise, went to Canada and New Zealand over a year ago to work as a volunteer on organic farms. Her lovely Border Collie, Flossie, was taken care of by another neighbour, Alice. Alice still looks after Flossie as Louise is not returning to Mellerstain. Very recently poor Flossie suffered a stroke. She was quite poorly. Today I went to see her and was really happy to find

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-79572994825695815722010-05-02T20:52:00.003+01:002010-05-02T21:23:02.134+01:00

Bright and cheery day today, Sunday 2nd May 2010. Good news about my ballroom dance teacher, Patricia Stinton, who is back in her own home today. The doctors at Mayday hospital said she could go home yesterday but will need outside help for the next few weeks whilst she recovers fully from her recent injury. I still worry about her though.She is such an independent-minded lady and insists she

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com82tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-19887591896188464842010-04-25T18:06:00.003+01:002010-04-25T18:25:22.043+01:00

Today I am feeling very sad. A telephone message on my answer-phone to say that a person I've known since 1951 is in hospital in Croydon. Patricia Teare, as she was then, has broken her hip and is in pain and distress - and now she is all alone.Her husband died of cancer in December,just before their 41st wedding anniversary.Patricia was my first and only ballroom dancing tutor. She was around

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-77371713766343491212010-04-19T20:10:00.002+01:002010-04-19T20:18:06.687+01:00

I discovered this beautiful singer, Lara Fabian, some months ago. She is now living in Canada (lucky country). I think she has also had a baby some while back.But what a voice. What an artist. Huge vocal range and her whole being is thrust into her song - especially in this one: Je suis malade. Such a sad yet powerfully emotive song. I hope you can bear to listen to her; I find it

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-23589675709844646912010-04-06T22:11:00.002+01:002010-04-06T22:36:00.110+01:00

Today I've seen one of the most heart-rending documentaries ever.Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children is renowned for its work in saving the lives of young children. This programme tonight, the first in series of three, is called 'Pushing the Boundaries' - and it is extremely difficult to watch. But having started to watch it is impossible NOT to watch.The surgeons in this dedicated

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-60392291199499184272010-04-01T20:45:00.002+01:002010-04-01T20:56:49.652+01:00

When I was a young, and very foolish, young chap I favoured many singers, crooners and pop stars and in my top 5 was Al Martino. His great recording of "Here in My Heart" was his most successful song and one of my favourites. Born in 1927 he carried on working into his eighties and his voice was still as strong as ever.At age of 80 he sang Nessum Dorma, a tribute to the late great Luciano

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-64047824773366557372010-03-26T12:37:00.003Z2010-03-26T13:36:41.848Z

It is now late March, 2010, time for a bit of FlipVideoing at Mellerstain House before the Easter opening here. There's been some west wing roof repairs going on since about October, 2009, and a gigantic marquee covered the whole of this part of the house. Tons and tons of scaffolding had first to be erected and then covered in by canvas to make this huge tent-like structure.Health and safety

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-63858151696153141142010-03-11T20:39:00.010Z2010-03-11T21:46:30.007Z

You never know who might be reading your blog. People all over the world might be just stumbling across your writings. Others, like the young lady below, will be "doing a Google" for something or other. Here's how this particular encounter evolved:By means of a Google search, I found a comment you had posted on the blog "A Majority of Two" last December on hunting tapestries. I see that you

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-50562045191234962452010-02-02T22:58:00.003Z2010-02-02T23:18:06.039Z

Yesterday evening I watched one of the most thought-provoking and emotional BBC television programmes ever.The late Richard Dimbledy, who died of cancer many years ago, was a much respected television personality. Two of his sons carry on where he left off, and last night the BBC broadcast "The Dimbledy Lecture" - and what a great lecture it was.The author Terry Pratchett of Discworld fame has a

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-3358075032698768832010-01-26T11:15:00.006Z2010-01-26T20:00:36.254Z

In the early days of broadcasting, BTV (before television), the BBC newsreaders were made to dress formally: i.e. dinner suits for men and evening gowns for women newscasters.Not that anybody, other than BBC staff, could actually see them reading the news. It was just the stuffy old rules that were applied by the BBC management then.Now the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction. Smart

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-11208692177437060232010-01-23T20:51:00.002Z2010-01-23T20:57:51.295Z

I've got a couple of goldfish. I keep them in a goldfish bowl.They've been called "One" and "Two" - though I cannot tell them apart.I called them this because (wait for it): if one dies I've still got two.OK, groan as much as you like.

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-62229626205679295282010-01-17T21:24:00.003Z2010-01-17T22:19:32.046Z

Hello again. Been feeling a tad lethargic lately. Must be the weather; the grey skies. the S.A.D. effect perhaps, (Seasonal Affective Disorder). I've heard that mid-January is when we have a surge in suicides. Don't know how true this is; not something I've ever investigated - just heard it mentioned a couple of times on radio.I shall be 75 on Tuesday 19th January and have outlived my father,

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-74344692429509945622010-01-07T14:11:00.003Z2010-01-07T14:30:20.824Z

We had some respite last night; the forecast 20cm of snow missed us out! I don't know if we shall be so lucky again today/tonight but it's looking fairly good right now.Just a short glimpse of yours truly digging into the snow that has blocked my garage doors. Camera operator: my OH.Yesterday evening one of the farm lads drove a tractor through our small roads, ploughing a path wide enough for

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-81759467903939868972010-01-06T11:25:00.003Z2010-01-06T11:55:36.860Z

Wednesday 6th January 2010 - and it does not get any better weatherwise.14 inches deep now, and the forecast is that this wintry spell could last for over a week. Shades of 1947 are turning into firm reality. This will be a terrible time for many isolated, old and infirm people in the UK.Apparently, according to a met., expert, there is a large area of high pressure centered over the UK. This

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-31067375120637446392010-01-03T12:02:00.003Z2010-01-03T12:55:01.041Z

I'll keep it short! SNOW. End of report.

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-84769861706832440622010-01-01T13:17:00.003Z2010-01-01T13:49:35.562Z

Just a short picture show of New Year's Day, 2010, in the Scottish Borders.Wishing you all the Best New Year EVER!

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-3287462102615456592009-12-29T10:59:00.003Z2009-12-29T11:19:29.157Z

Good morning to all in the Land of Blog, the Land of Shimp, the Land of the Walking Man, Shadow's Land, the BeeKeepers Land (aka BeekersLand) and everyone who inhabits the Blogosphere.You can see how wintry it is in these parts; beautiful vistas and just wonderful for all the youngsters building snowmen, playing snowballs or just skidding along on their toboggans and sleds. Been there, done all

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-67523249716862942512009-12-24T16:24:00.002Z2009-12-24T16:41:39.174Z

My apologies for lack of postings and for not visiting my favourite bloggers.Health problems in the Croydon Boy cottage have been the cause. My wife and I have both had some time in hospital. Pat was in Edinburgh Royal and I was in Borders General. My problem was heart damage of a few years ago which gave me some reminders recently! Pat has a vascular problem and this is worrying but is being

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-23683992050925410642009-11-22T19:42:00.002Z2009-11-22T19:49:07.085Z

A friend in Australia sent me this recently. I think it's worth more than just a look.Audrey Hepburn wrote the following when asked to share her 'beauty tips .' It was read at her funeral years later. For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-65563626052512725322009-11-19T12:55:00.004Z2009-11-19T13:04:58.564Z

There's something odd about the following extract from a 50,000-plus word novel. Can you say what it is? If youth, throughout all history, had had a champion to stand up for it; to show a doubting world that a child can think; and, possibly, do it practically; you wouldn’t constantly run across folks today who claim that “a child don’t know anything.”A child’s brain starts functioning at birth

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-84404042556723902732009-11-08T11:16:00.003Z2009-11-08T11:33:27.311Z

The heartache of the parents goes on, and on ... they will never give up their search for the daughter who was snatched from their lives over two years ago.I can think of nothing worse than not knowing where one's child is. What has happened to her. Is she well, or being abused. Or has she been murdered. You might say otherwise. You may say that the death of a child is far worse. But at

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-87777845358609898062009-11-02T21:06:00.005Z2009-11-02T23:05:20.931Z

Floors Castle in Kelso is the home of the 10th Duke of Roxburghe and family.This is a large estate with extensive grounds, cottages, stables and other properties including the Roxburgh Hotel and a new golf course.The Duke and Duchess are fond of horses and have bred some very good race horses. Currently they have Elation, a two-year-old bay filly in training at the Mark Johnston racing stables;

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-77073834424991820662009-10-24T19:55:00.002+01:002009-10-24T20:08:04.500+01:00

Of all the modern wonders I wonder which, if any, you would like to get shot of?1. The infernal combustion engine, i.e. the motor car.2. The internet.3. Television.4. The mobile (cell) phone.5. The microwave oven.6. The aeroplane.Me? No.3 - the TV would be dumped if I was allowed to. What a time-waster it generally is.Also, the mobile or cellphone. OK, they're handy on a long car journey if

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-15151735294823031422009-10-20T16:31:00.003+01:002009-10-20T17:15:19.223+01:00

This is a video of a few years ago when Lord Haddington was interviewed by the local Scottish Borders TV about Hundy Mundy.His farm manager, Richard, did a lot of the preparatory work and is also on the video.Obviously this is not one of my Flipping videos but one day ... I might get there.

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-44115497662716359302009-10-12T20:11:00.003+01:002009-10-12T21:02:47.293+01:00

Today we had to go to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary as my wife, Patricia, has to see the lady doctor who will perform the angioplasty in a few weeks.We drove five miles to Earlston and then took the bus to Edinburgh. Main reason is that I detest trying to navigate around a large 'roundabout' a few miles from the hospital.I took a few short video shots of the bus ride into the hospital. The

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-30348570545136735212009-10-11T19:19:00.006+01:002009-10-16T13:00:43.866+01:00

October this year is beautiful in the Scottish Borders. Breezy at times but the blue skies and sunshine suits me perfectly. Love it like this.I enjoy wandering around churchyards and suchlike. Some of the gravestones are touching to read. We have some beautiful abbeys, cathedrals and churches in the UK. I've visited many of them over the years. Chester, Salisbury, Canterbury, Lincoln, Norwich, St

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-29362761767493692652009-10-07T15:09:00.004+01:002009-10-07T17:17:21.383+01:00

Our lives are too short to find every thing of beauty on this earth. If we lived a thousand years I guess we would still say something similar. I've now found another thing of beauty; my newest love. She has ripped my heart out. Caused my eyes to flood with tears. I am totally smitten, never to recover normality after hearing this heavenly voice singing such a heart-rending song.Lara Fabian

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-70251333505000082422009-10-05T19:17:00.006+01:002009-10-05T20:41:34.340+01:00

I may be breaking some rules (again) by posting this short video because it was produced not by me but by the British Broadcasting Corporation - around 16 or so years ago.Shortly before we decided to move to Scotland I read a piece in The Times about Alan Parkes. It told how this 65 year old man had left South Africa where he had lived for twenty or more years.Alan had set up a flower shop

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-46384601739409603052009-10-02T16:58:00.005+01:002009-10-03T20:16:01.496+01:00

It's Thursday, October 1st 2009 and the weather is fine. Beautiful in fact. So I'm off for a stroll to another part of Mellerstain. Neglected by many, mainly because it is unknown to most visitors, and quite a few others.Part of Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto plays gently in the background. This music, like so many other pieces, always relaxes me. As you know, it was used in that old romantic

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-17025916671951085792009-10-02T13:33:00.004+01:002009-10-02T14:34:27.763+01:00

Taking a stroll in the gentle October weather I met some friends.Some sheep, some cattle and some mushrooms. Or maybe they were toadstools?Anyway, the day was sublimely calm and autumnly; a lovely day for a stroll. And to have a chat with some of my 'neighbours'. The background music is part of Rimsky Korsakov's 'Sheherazade' - one of my favourite light classical pieces. I remember taking my

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-81871199940074815042009-10-01T14:59:00.003+01:002009-10-01T15:31:30.037+01:00

Do you know any Wwoofers? Anywhere?Neither did I until my neighbour, just 4 cottages away from ours decided to become one in April 2009. She is now in Canada and in a month or two will be going on to New Zealand.Why should a 43 year old midwife decide to up sticks and leave her lovely Flossie doggy with another neighbour for a whole year? We don't really know of course; her motives could have

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-13777518085622700282009-09-25T18:01:00.008+01:002009-09-25T20:22:13.212+01:00

I have a bit of a lower back problem today. Every so often something 'clicks' at the end of my spine. It is something I just have to let take its course and heal itself. Tried chiropractors and osteopaths in the past but they have not helped speed this pain away. So today I took a slow stroll along a track to a much neglected area of the estate. The first stop was at the old bothy. A

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-77122153389263866762009-09-23T16:03:00.008+01:002009-09-23T20:39:40.500+01:00

Very sorry about the noisy traffic but that's life nowadays, wherever you live!Kelso Abbey would have been ab fab in days of yore. Started in 1128 Kelso Abbey was one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture. Finally finishedin 1243 , it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and St John. It was one of the largest Abbeys in Scotland.In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Abbot of Kelso

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-7529877114846320262009-09-21T21:22:00.003+01:002009-09-21T23:16:08.608+01:00

This is a short stroll through my untidy little back garden and to the east gates of Mellerstain House.Their gardens are much better kept than mine. But they have a couple of chaps to do theirs; I'm chief cook, bottle washer and grass cutter in my bit of Mellerstain.Background music: Pavane (Fauré)

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-65017182493757773742009-09-16T17:41:00.007+01:002009-09-16T21:44:30.765+01:00

It is such a glorious day today I decided to wander around Mellerstain.Gordon Low, the gardener, was making out he was working. Ha!The Bumble Bees were bumbling happily.A few visitors were enjoying a visit.And I went in search of my favourite ice cream: Doddington Double Ginger. Believe yew mee, thart ther is a dee-lish-ushhh flavour.BTW: The background music is part of Rachmaninoff:

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-37954672456111175412009-09-15T22:44:00.006+01:002009-09-15T23:44:50.355+01:00

This is a monologue by the late, great Lord Bernard Miles. He was a much-loved actor and all-round jolly good chap. I was lucky enough to hear him give talks in St. Olave's Church in London where I sometimes spent my lunch hour when I was a civil servant.Bernard Miles was a great raconteur. His anecdotes and monologues were unique. I wanted to let you hear one of them and the only way I

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-29624952978197641542009-09-13T11:41:00.006+01:002009-09-13T15:44:00.732+01:00

The river Tweed runs through the Scottish Borders down to Berwick on Tweed. Once the most disputed border town in the UK. Berwick on Tweed is, officially, and English town. Its football team is, however, in the Scottish league!The Tweed is a favourite river for anglers. They pay a licence fee to fish for salmon in this majestic river which meanders, and sometimes rushes, through the Borders

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-49718517598716665102009-09-11T15:27:00.008+01:002009-09-11T17:02:22.223+01:00

You know, of course, that the film director, Alfie Hitchcock, liked to appear at some point in his movies. So why not me? I am the producer, director, sound engineer, camera operator and narrator. This, however, is not likely to catch on in my case. I don't do mysteries. Not deliberately anyway! This little Flip Ultra video thing is so cheap and cheerful. It is easy to use and edit. OK, the

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-37176824506260822672009-09-09T13:05:00.004+01:002009-09-09T18:52:55.481+01:00

It's the late 1970s. I am travelling daily from Southend-on-Sea, Essex, to Fenchurch Street rail station and then walking to Custom House in Lower Thames Street. I had just been promoted to HEO and was leading a team of EO's (Executive Officers) known then as the Export Enquiry Unit.Custom House is located twixt London Bridge and Tower Bridge. One of the most interesting and historic parts of

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-36138260291033739912009-09-05T23:23:00.007+01:002009-09-06T15:39:54.553+01:00

Today, Saturday 5th September 2009, we drove to the nearby town of Kelso to do a spot of basic shopping. Forgot that the annual St. James'Fair weekend was on. Parking is restricted in Kelso this weekend but we were lucky to find a parking space at about midday, quite close to the town square. The St. Martin's Fair weekend is usually very busy and well attended, with all kinds of things on

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-75748545990312165372009-09-03T16:13:00.005+01:002009-09-03T16:43:28.218+01:00

Poor old Hermes has stood here in Mellerstain for many decades, in all weathers, uncomplaining. Faithfully watching the southern aspect of the house, ready at a moment's notice to fly to Zeus with any important message. One day he may learn how to use one of these new-fangled mobile phones but for now he's content to stay with the old tried and trusted system.

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-41396753035834746212009-08-29T13:03:00.015+01:002009-08-31T15:55:53.821+01:00

After taking up my post as security-caretaker/tour-guide at Mellerstain many hours were spent learning and discovering everything I could about this fabulous place. Gazing out of the south-facing windows one morning something in the distance puzzled me. It looked like some sort of entrance to a building, except there was no building! Just this structure, standing 'twixt some trees about a couple

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-23033589001084454702009-08-29T11:37:00.004+01:002009-08-29T12:35:40.316+01:00

The front of Mellerstain House looks north. An expanse of parkland and a good variety of old trees create a peaceful panorama when viewed from any window in the main house.The east and west wings were designed by William Adam and building started in 1725. A corner stone in the east wing has the date carved into it. The west wing, the home of the 13th Earl of Haddington and his family, was

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-69567757544349593312009-08-28T15:55:00.003+01:002009-08-28T16:53:14.807+01:00

Stephen Fry had a thirty minute program on BBC Radio4 a few days ago, all about 'Hello'.I like Mr. Fry; he's an entertaining erudite chap, both on TV and radio. He recently did a sort of tour of America.Surprised that a small word like 'hello' could fill half an hour so well. Is it just a greeting? Oh no. It can be an exclamation of surprise. Or a shout.I was surprised to learn that one of the

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-16172398939366481082009-08-27T20:10:00.006+01:002009-08-27T22:49:44.972+01:00

Took a snap video of the formal gardens at Mellerstain. It is a blustery and dampish day and the noise of the wind in the mike is unavoidable with this little handheld gizmo. It'll get better in due course (or so I kid myself!).

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-57805689856009243732009-08-26T17:55:00.005+01:002009-08-26T19:33:16.106+01:00

I went for a walk around Mellerstain House this afternoon with my new toy, a Flip video thingy. After traipsing all round the main gardens, looking for Gordon Low, the gardener, I eventually found him in the old tea-cottage.This tiny two-roomed cottage was built in circa 1840 and at one point housed one of the house-keeping ladies! The Flip Ultra video is cheap and cheerful. It is very,

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-18564888280728858682009-08-25T16:13:00.005+01:002009-08-25T17:08:54.163+01:00

This is my favourite song. I discovered it just a few years ago. Jacques Brel puts so much pure emotion into this version it really gets to me.I don't speak French. Yet I love this video. I think it cannot be bettered by any other recording. The Brel lyrics are superbly poetic. The French language is so beautiful, even to a muppet such as I, who cannot speak it. Brel was born in

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-14988800506696787632009-08-23T10:40:00.004+01:002009-08-23T11:15:14.715+01:00

Click on the above photos to enlarge.I took the above two snapshots on a beautiful Sunday in August 1955. All the RAF personnel at Bruggen, W.Germany, had been given the freedom of the town of Echt, a lovely small town on the Dutch/German borders.One evening, some weeks earlier, the Mayor of Echt arranged for a concert to be given by the Echt town orchestra in the RAF Bruggen camp cinema/theatre

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-38219593780907899182009-08-18T15:54:00.010+01:002009-09-13T20:08:01.103+01:00

Mellerstain housePlanting a Hornbeam tree.Planting a tree in recognition of the work of volunteers working for Guide Dogs of the Blind in the east paddock at Mellerstain. This was one of the charities supported by Lord and Lady Haddington.These snapshots I took show Lady Jane Haddington shovelling compost into the hole dug by Gordon Low, the gardener at Mellerstain. The picture below right shows

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-65974171583219893692009-08-17T20:45:00.006+01:002009-08-17T21:25:58.395+01:00

My only grumble about this cottage is the amount of grass cutting I have to attend to. This shot is of our 'front' garden. I have another area of grass to keep under control in our 'back' garden!The above was taken about a couple of years ago my wife, Pat, was still smoking cigarettes. A month later she gave up the nasty weed, with the aid of nictotine patches. It's not easy to quit this habit

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-22121542629455783512009-08-14T14:47:00.002+01:002009-08-14T16:27:23.039+01:00

On the 14th December 1995 Lord Haddington's mother, the Dowager Countess, Lady Sarah Haddington, died. She was a few months short of 100 and had been quite frail for some time.I'd been living in the east wing of Mellerstain for just a couple of months. The winter snow blanketed the countryside; pristine white and beautiful.Lord Haddington's mother, Lady Sarah, was brought back to Mellerstain

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-45233676797276239792009-08-11T23:22:00.002+01:002009-08-11T23:56:03.050+01:00

I'd been living in the east wing of Mellerstain House for about a year or so. The mother of the 13th Earl of Haddington was living in a private nursing home at Nenthorn. She was almost 100 years of age.Her sister,who had never married, about 2 years older than old Lady Haddington, also lived in this same nursing home. A third elderly lady also lived in the Nenthorn nursing home. This was

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-34277382806770011972009-07-30T21:42:00.002+01:002009-07-30T22:01:57.341+01:00

On Friday 31 July we shall be driving down to see my youngest daughter Clare and the two grandchildren, Jake and Ellie. It's a long car journey but will be worth it.And another thing: our private water supply has sprung a serious leak! We are reduced to using bottled water for drinking and cooking etc., as the normal supply has to be fixed. It may take a couple of days.So, off we jolly well

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-6645925447220025582009-07-22T16:24:00.009+01:002009-07-22T17:47:41.123+01:00

Mellerstain House is the only large country mansion built solely by Robert Adam. His father, William, built the east and west wings in the early 1700s but the main house is by his more famous son Robert.Robert Adam built a large place in London called The Adelphi Terrace but this was largely demolished some 80 years ago. Robert Adam's main works were extensions and alterations to existing

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-78351974113392893282009-07-17T11:06:00.004+01:002009-07-17T12:48:36.413+01:00

Whether or not you believe in the paranormal - and I do not - one often experiences strange happenings.Have you ever been certain that you know exactly what is about to happen at a particular point? Do you understand what I mean? Sometimes I've been having a conversation and I know precisely what is going to be said, just before it is said. The surroundings are exactly the same, everything is

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-7293998451603317192009-07-16T16:44:00.004+01:002009-07-16T17:06:44.390+01:00

I thought I'd offer just one of my favourite film clips and theme music, just for something completely different, as Monty Python's Flying Circus would say.This film came my way via a free DVD with a Sunday Newspaper. It is Chinese and it took years to get right. It is a story about two people who have unhappy marriages and they find comfort in each other, well, sort of. The music is totally

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-6791490530507650562009-07-13T14:31:00.004+01:002009-07-13T15:58:32.384+01:00

And the days dwindled down, October, November ... and these precious days were spent in peaceful learning of the history of Mellerstain and its occupants over the years.We all learn something new every day. Often inconsequential things, or even silly things; but we go on learning. I'd say that this is what most humans try to do: keep on learning. It's a bit like blogging. You read one and it

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-54054974699179134712009-07-12T16:53:00.004+01:002009-07-12T18:12:05.350+01:00

Peering into the far darkness of the night waiting for the flashing blue lights and headlamps of the cops car. The immediate surrounds of Mellerstain were now bathed in bright white lights from all the floodlights triggered by the alarm system.A few minutes had gone by and then the fast-moving headlamps came snaking through the pitch darkness from the west gates along the driveway leading to the

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-2051855733077473202009-07-11T22:16:00.004+01:002009-07-12T00:05:15.189+01:00

Slept soundly on our first night in Mellerstain. Strong blustery winds blitzed riotously through the plentiful trees but it actually seemed to lull me to sleep.The Pickfords van arrived at 9.30 next morning and the unloading of our stuff began. It was not a simple operation! The entrance to our first floor quarters was via a stone spiral staircase. This east wing was built by William Adam,

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-8789497613810214332009-07-09T19:21:00.002+01:002009-07-09T21:56:05.289+01:00

October 1995 and we are off to a new life in the Scottish Borders. Everything’s ready for the journey; the Pickford’s Removals van has just set off for the journey northwards with our home packed in it. The furniture will be unloaded the next morning as it will be too late for the same day delivery of course.The plan is to drive to Mellerstain House and hopefully arrive there before 10 p.m.

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-37876754893923637762009-07-07T11:42:00.002+01:002009-07-07T12:09:22.628+01:00

Interview over. We left the curator's office in the east wing of Mellerstain and entered the east courtyard. The tea-room was open; we went in and had a coffee. It would take us almost three hours to drive back to Lincolnshire and I was in no hurry to set off.We were just about to leave the tea-room for a stroll around the gardens when the factor came in. "Oh, so glad I caught you before you

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-51819357792498866032009-07-05T21:29:00.004+01:002009-07-05T22:33:09.202+01:00

Reading my wife's magazine, "The Lady", I saw a small ad for a security-caretaker. Hmm, sounded interesting. Showed it to my wife. "What do you think?" I asked. She wasn't sure. Not enough detail in the advert. Well, faint heart never won ... whatever, so a letter was sent off. Brief CV included. Reply received a few days later, asking me to telephone to arrange an interview.Phoned the writer

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-83700768472859727512009-07-02T21:02:00.003+01:002009-07-02T22:16:10.042+01:00

In 1987 life was killing me. At times I dreaded the approach of dawn. I was weak. Not physically you understand; more like a car, a good car, but with spark plugs fouled up and a flat battery. The solution was simple: re-charge the battery and change the spark plugs. Leaving a secure job might seem madness to many. To me it sparked a new lease of life and restored the power needed to drive

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-25210224183141347532009-06-28T20:52:00.003+01:002009-06-28T21:54:38.925+01:00

I could spend yonks detailing my Customs and Excise years. Instead I'll compress it into this one posting. OK, OK, don't overdo the cheering and applause! I'm still bound by the Official Secrets Act of 1911, as amended, which prevents me from spilling the beans about my work in HM Customs & Excise.What I can say is that it taught me a lot about accounting, programming (in COBOL), management (

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-61553907134418116892009-06-26T16:27:00.007+01:002010-11-04T16:52:59.868Z

Soon after the start of my new job the police rang me. Just looking forward to my first cup of tea (well, I am a civil servant now!)when my phone rang. It was the police, phoning from Guildford.The policeman asked me to confirm my full name and address. Satisfied with my reply he said: "I'm sorry to have to say this but your brother, John, is in custody. He has given your name as next of kin.

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-3825289225265632842009-06-25T16:27:00.005+01:002009-06-25T18:16:32.489+01:00

When I left school at the tender age of 14 the "careers" chap asked me what I wanted to do. No idea said I. He pressed me for an answer. OK, I wouldn't mind your job I said. He chuckled and then gave up. I had a succesion of jobs, including apprentice plumber for 6 months. Laundry worker, 6 weeks. Van boy, potato selling. Working as a car number plate maker for the White Metal Company,

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-32575210871031730552009-06-23T19:55:00.005+01:002009-06-23T21:19:05.991+01:00

This "bio-blog" of mine has been rather rushed through. I guess it's all been work, work, work - and that makes Phil a dull boy. But there were plenty of good times. Some very good times and some not so good.One reader, in a comment, asked me: "What happened to Joan?" She was my girl-friend in Hereford during my RAF days. Lovely girl, but I drifted away from her when I was demobbed. I don't

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-71652263837850799252009-06-22T12:24:00.004+01:002009-06-22T13:54:40.354+01:00

Thoroughly disenchanted with the bookmaking game. Fed up and needing something new. A half-page advert in The Sporting Life caught my imagination. It was for a new-fangled electronic calculator! Phoned the advertiser, Ray Norton. He had an office in the Cheam area. Said I'd like to see one of these new electronic wonders. He said OK, come along and you can have a go on it.Took a day off and

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-67650817930159989682009-06-21T22:35:00.002+01:002009-06-22T00:01:54.111+01:00

The letter D was looming large in the UK. For some months everyone was being brainwashed by decimalisation literature, television programmes and the radio. It seemed that the country was on the verge of doom and disaster!Bookies and their staff were worried. Decades of handling and settling bets in good old Pounds shillings and pence would soon be history. Punters, too, were none too happy with

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-66561671374638405262009-06-20T21:02:00.003+01:002009-06-20T22:01:01.382+01:00

Just before I switched to working in betting shops I worked for Albert Cook & Son. The office was in 808 Wandsworth Road in London. The 'guvnor' was quite a card in many ways. He was a member of The Magic Circle. Specialised in card tricks. Would never play poker with him; I'd never win!He told me how he started bookmaking back in the 1940s. First he was a 'runner' for a local bookie. He

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-82944602411748139382009-06-19T22:26:00.005+01:002009-06-19T23:50:55.940+01:00

There's an old saying: "Where there's muck there's money". You can also be sure that where there is money there's a risk of robbery and violence. Certainly so during the 1960s in the betting shop business.I first felt a "threat" of violence when I left the betting shop in Streatham one evening. I locked the door and started to walk to my car. I noticed a Jaguar saloon parked a few feet from

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-39924165157798080772009-06-17T20:04:00.005+01:002009-06-17T22:37:23.062+01:00

Now licensed betting shops were in full swing and there were jobs aplenty for shop settlers/managers/counterhands. I started work as settler/manager in the Sunnyhill Road betting shop owned by John Parry.Johnno, as we often called him, was typical of many Londoners who came up "the hard way". He was about 5' 10", broad-shouldered and with forearms twice the normal size. Solid muscle; not a

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-25579056945431559002009-06-16T22:47:00.004+01:002009-06-16T23:50:42.983+01:00

I moved on from Arthur Horton's bookie office and moved to Albert Cook & Son, 808Wandsworth Road, then a bit later into betting shop work. Along the way I met quite a few 'interesting' characters. The most famous, or infamous, were Reggie and Ronnie Kray, known by most simply as 'The Twins'. I'll start with these two chaps; it was some time around the early to mid sixties.I was working for a

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-14407258955947923482009-06-15T21:21:00.006+01:002009-06-15T22:48:56.622+01:00

My time spent learning the settling game was hard going. Like all things, it gets easier in time; practice makes perfect. Well, almost perfect.In the 1950s the Sporting Life newspaper held an annual "Settler of the Year" contest. It was held some place in London. If you took part you had to work out various complex bets as speedily as possible. It was a speed test, the fastest settler won a

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-40530111035585334112009-06-14T20:53:00.002+01:002009-06-14T21:48:11.372+01:00

This new job of mine, after leaving the RAF, is proving harder than I expected. Mental arithmetic was not my speciality. This job was 80% mental arithmetic! Am I mental? Don't all yell yes at once please...The currency in the 1950s/60s was duo-decimal. Base 12, not base 10. There were 240 pennies in £1. 12 pennies in a shilling. 20 shillings in £1. There were other coins: farthings (4

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-40282159909513522892009-06-13T20:52:00.004+01:002009-06-13T22:01:53.218+01:00

Everybody knows the bookie always wins. Right? Wrong! Well anyway, they didn't always win in the 1950s. There were plenty of punters out to rob the bookie by hook or by crook. One day I opened a "clock bag" and tipped out the grubby contents. Old fag packets, scrap paper and anything that could be written on. Racing had started about an hour or so earlier. The time stamp of the clock bag was

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-30744940530325237122009-06-12T20:59:00.004+01:002009-06-13T00:01:06.028+01:00

It's early January, 1956. A strange new world, for me, learning the tricks and trade of "settling". Betting on horses was something I'd done on a few occasions, such as the Derby and Grand National races. Most people might have a small flutter on these two races but there are many thousands who have a bet every week; or every day; even maybe every hour or so! This was now my job: to take

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-17895206124943056982009-06-10T20:59:00.006+01:002009-06-10T22:19:30.153+01:00

Three years ago, well - nearly three years, I'd joined the RAF. Like most lads in those days I was marking the days off the calendar as "demob" day approaches.My travel warrants were made out, from Bruggen in north Germany through RAF Gloucester - and in mid-December 1955 I was on my way to the demob centre in Blighty.Feeling happy and sad at the same time I travelled alone on the train through

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-6024685080934834242009-06-09T12:18:00.004+01:002009-06-09T13:13:40.765+01:00

The pipes and drums of RAF Bruggen entertaining the citizens of Echt in Holland, August 1955. I took a couple of photos using an elderly camera; black and white were the only colours available then!Why did the Mayor of Echt offer the "freedom of the town" to all the lads at RAF Bruggen, across the border in Germany? Well, according to the Mayor it was a sort of "Thank you" for not causing any

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-52812018167552496442009-06-08T19:55:00.003+01:002009-06-08T20:34:47.957+01:00

It was with mixed feelings that I said cheerio to all my friends and colleagues at RAF Hospital Wegberg, although the leaving party was thoroughly enjoyable. Quite a few drinks but not enough to make me incapable before I hit my "pit" that last night at Wegberg.RAF Bruggen was totally different from Wegberg but pleasant enough. We had a large theatre/cinema which was handy and a darn good NAAFI

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-55428895269275235802009-06-07T19:08:00.005+01:002009-06-07T20:15:55.147+01:00

Things were going perfectly at RAF Hospital Wegberg. Plenty of cash, owing to the cigarette scheme I had with Herr Puhl; plenty of sports, keeping me ultra-fit; and a dalliance with a young lady WAAF for a short while.This WAAF was actually going around with another chap stationed here but one evening, after bust-up with him, she came out of the dining hall in tears. We had been on nodding terms

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-3391615278668269282009-06-05T12:24:00.005+01:002009-06-05T13:34:55.882+01:00

This is an aerial view of the hospital, with a bit of spillage on the bottom left corner. Such a wonderful place to work in.One of the best memories is the cafeteria which I always loved at the morning and afternoon tea breaks. I am re-living the atmosphere of that superb café right now, with the welcoming smell of freshly roasted coffee permeating the air as one approached it. I have never

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-61581109615123430412009-06-02T12:39:00.005+01:002009-06-02T14:57:42.810+01:00

To say this was a wonderful place would be an under-statement. I could not believe how lucky I was to arrive here. It was, of course, virtually brand new, having been opened a few months earlier. Everything about it was clean and bright. No dowdy colours, no stale smell permeating the air - nothing dreary or depressing about the place at all.I was told that a National Service airman had designed

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-58408261883407401012009-05-28T21:13:00.004+01:002009-05-28T22:23:38.621+01:00

My request to serve abroad was granted: 2nd Tactical Air Force Germany. Not as far afield as I'd hoped but at least I'd be on foreign soil and that would be a first for me, so no complaints. I had now been promoted to leading aircraftsman, or LAC. I now had a twin-blade propeller insignia sewn on each arm of my uniform; oh what giddy heights I've reached in less than a year!I still had no idea

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-64076996960889711712009-05-26T19:56:00.005+01:002009-05-26T21:11:42.696+01:00

Around April 1953 I am introduced to the Admin wing of RAF Hereford. My target for today: to learn to touch-type at a minimum of 30 words per minute on a "state of the art" mechanical typewriter, an Olympia. Oh well, not quite radar technician or radio operator or aircraft fitter but hey ho, off to work we still have to go.RAF Hereford was a tenfold improvement on both Cardington and West Kirby.

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3226701297922451272.post-38857392400860497902009-05-25T19:27:00.005+01:002009-05-25T22:22:38.951+01:00

After my induction at Cardington, which lasted only a couple of days, we were all transported to RAF West Kirby, near Liverpool. This would be my new home for a minimum of eight weeks. If for any reason, such as illness or failing certain tasks it could last longer than that. This is the "Flight" I was part of. You can see me in the second row, 3rd from the right. A real sprog; AC2, the lowest

PhilipHhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.com3