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October 21, 2020
With their first of nine hits on Fontana,
in 64, ‘I Can’t Stand It’ made a No.47 score.
Followed in 65, by ‘Every Little Hurts’, at No.41,
and ‘Strong Love’, reaching No.44.
Ending 65, ‘Keep On Running’
became their first UK No.1.
And in 66, ‘Somebody Help Me’, also a No.1,
before ‘When I Come Home’, a No.12, won.
Finally in 66, ‘Gimme Some Lovin’, rose to No.2,
and opening 67, ‘I’m A Man’, peaked at No.9.
Also in 67, (their last hit on Fontana) –
‘Time Seller’, reached the Top 30 line .
In 68, on United Artists,
‘Mr Second Class’, made No.35.
And in 08, ‘I’m A Man’, now on Island,
at No.54, their last chart entry to arrive.
R.I.P. Spencer Davis 1939 – 2020
Thank you for the music
written by Harriet Blackbury
October 15, 2020
T is for tension
when being face to face.
Month after month
without any space.
T is for tantrums
and letting off steam.
And tearing ones hair out
when needing to scream.
T is for terraferma
and going back to grass roots.
And ditching the car
in favour of bob hat and boots.
T is for targets
so essential indeed.
A mountain of enthusiasm
worth feet that bleed.
T is for theories –
no two the same.
Until proven facts
put theories to shame.
T is for then
when recalling the past.
How life goes so quickly
yet good moments last.
T is for theatre
and movement and dance.
With scenes full of tragedy
and comedy and romance.
T is for tinkling
those mesmeric keys.
What magical moments
to put us at ease.
T is for turbulence
experienced at sea.
Though conquering high waves
is addictive and free.
T is for thinking
too long and too hard.
About a mere nothing
one really should discard.
T is for touching
on subjects unwise.
A clumsy indiscretion
has one rolling eyes.
T is for toying
with a feeling of unrest.
Stay calm and do nothing
would perhaps be for the best.
T is for things –
no matter how small.
The tiniest of gifts
sometimes say it all.
T is for treachery
and jealousy and spite.
Which karma in the end
will always put right.
T is for touchstones
bringing good luck.
And there to be squeezed
when one comes unstuck.
T is for teeth
that chatter in the cold.
But if looked after properly
serve us til we are old.
T is for tasteful.
So simple yet smart.
With no hidden extras
here comes my sweetheart.
T is for timing
as we all know.
That precious moment lost
finds us knee deep in snow.
T is for trust
without it why live?
Tomorrow is a new day
with so much to give.
T is for tables
like two times ten.
Taught by repetition
over and over again.
T is for television
What did Logie Baird do?
When he invented the box
that we all fight to view.
T is for tokens
saved with good intent.
In exchange for loyalty
and money well spent.
T is for tomatoes –
upon them we depend.
Packed full of goodness
and always on trend.
T is for temptation –
the folly of the unwise.
Too often burnt fingers
cause welled up eyes.
T is for Tiresome –
another battle lost.
That second bottle opened
came at great cost.
T is for tiny
acorns that grow
into wise oaks
wiser than we all know.
T is for thunder
as the heavens let rip.
After lightening had warned us
to just get a grip.
T is for typical –
an umbrella forgotten.
When out of nowhere
the weather turns rotten.
T is for troubled
as many souls are.
After lingering too long
on that old battle scar.
T is for torture –
the last turn of the screw.
The final infidelity
by someone loved true.
T is for tenacity
en route to a goal.
Hold tight and be patient
and dreams will unroll.
T is for tenderness
and times worth waiting for.
Like the unexpected glimpse
of the one we adore.
T is for truth –
so hard to digest.
When facing an onslaught
someone got off their chest.
T is for teamwork
and original ideas.
Staying focused the key
to success and cheers.
T is for tickled
in all shades of pink.
Recalling wonderful memories
as we sit and think.
T is for trappings
and material worth.
Though peace of mind really
the best thing on earth.
T is for tears
that we all grieve.
For the love of our life
when, from this world, they leave.
T is for timidity –
being anxious and shy.
As another lost opportunity
goes sailing by.
T is for trying
something that’s new.
You’ll know in an instant
if indeed it’s for you.
T is for testicles –
check them each day.
Any sign of a lump
then get help straight away.
T is for thankful
for small mercies gained.
When instructions so difficult
at last are explained.
T is for tangerines –
what a start to each day!
Packed with vitamin C
to keep colds at bay.
T is for treasure
gathered by default.
Too varied and vast
to sit in any bank vault.
T is for triumph –
we live for the day,
when stands full of fans
all watching teams play.
T is for tablets
of deep cleansing soap.
To rid us of Covid
and give us all hope.
T is for turning
as autumn leaves do.
My favourite of seasons
when out walking with you.
T is for tomorrow
and never never land.
That vast ocean of hope
across desert sand.
T is for total.
No more or no less.
Enough is enough.
Goodnight, God Bless.
written by Harriet Blackbury
October 10, 2020
1 NO DEFENDERS SANG 6 9
2 ARMY GIVES JEM 5 7
3 AT J HERO 3 4
4 GRH STAR COOK 5 6
5 AH L E B GREAT 6 4
6 ID U ARM LOCK 4 6
7 SIGN ON – H MENU 3 5 – 3
8 LEND GOLDEN H 5 6
9 E G KIND YELL 6 4
10 CV A DAY MAKE 4 6
11 YEAR RAN H K 5 4
12 RICH SADDLE W 5 6
13 U SO A LEG A PACING 4 9
14 WAKE R KELLY 4 6
15 E LID E ALL 4 4
16 I SEARCH IN KENT SIR 9 7
17 Y A SHREDDING THEM 5 10
18 WHY BALL DANCE FOR NN 5 12
19 GLEE – I BE PRIME HERO JJR 6 – 5 8
20 MADE BY ENAMEL OR AU 8 8
21 O E RULING O E SIR G 6 8
22 YOU BE N M TANGLED 6 8
23 O U SO HERO IN J M 4 8 (Manager)
24 U ON BAR IN STAND 7 6
25 I NAME FOR J DEE 7 5
26 V BEST ENGINE RWJ 6 8
27 N RAN ON ALONE 5 6
28 I BEE ON BREAK 6 5
29 IF SELF ON CJ 5 5
30 DAY TM HOTTER 4 7
31 TRAVEL RADAR E AV FAN 6 3 3 5
32 SIR C VIA COUSIN L 6 8
33 E LIVEN CALL 5 5
34 ICE RIDER 4 4
35 THIS AN MC RIVER 6 7
36 IN LARGER KEY 4 7
37 BOTH BY M IS B 5 5
38 O VILLAGE SO NICO 7 2 5
39 U B AT ART BY GM 4 7
40 PJ IS A GENT NN 3 8
41 NB I LL IN SCHOOL 4 9
42 I SURE R EAGER 5 6
43 O HARE TRY TRY 5 6
44 U SOHO GRILL 4 6
45 O B CALM SPELL 3 8
46 I SAVE BEND 3 6
47 GOT UP YES 3 5
48 U SAM U CARLO 5 5
49 R CLAIM RICH CAKE 7 7
50 I AM TV BOAT RIDER B 7 8
51 HARK PEN DRY RAP 5 8
52 LIKE A REALM 4 6
53 BLAST EACH DRIVE 5 9
54 E A HALF TIME WIN 5 8
55 O I C A VAR DRILL 7 5
56 AN A JET GANG PATH 6 8
57 FINDER LEADS N 3 9
58 RADIO SALE SOLD V 7 7
59 U REAL MAN LYL 4 7
60 E DRILLED BY A TOWER 4 12
61 E SMART E PRINT 6 6
62 WHY K RAN SIR 5 5
63 Y E C SKILL NOW R 5 7
64 YES NEON GRASS N 4 9
65 NICE N KIND SIR 6 6
66 ME SAME DOUBLE 5 7
67 J MARKIN US N GLENN 6 9
68 ORDER TEN AND RAN 6 8
69 L CRACK JAKE 4 6
70 ZINC HAND SAVES ON 8 7
71 CRICKETS OVER – CAMERA RN 7 6 – 7
72 A VALID DOING 5 6
73 AN ALL IN GAZE 4 7
74 A GAZING OPAL AZ U 5 9
75 REG NO MY STAR GRR 5 9
76 U SO OK AS IS SO MS 6 7
77 J N R HAVENT GONE 3 10
78 TRY SEVEN ME RAP 5 8
79 E CALM IN SHADOW 7 6
80 FUN HAT JOY 4 5
the answers will appear on my website
blackbury-poems.com
on the 5th November 2020
Compiled by Harriet Blackbury
October 2020
(usual copyright rules apply)
Thank you for visiting my website Regards Harriet
October 7, 2020
In 80, ‘Runnin With The Devil’ –
their first of twelve UK chart entries loved true.
(all coming on the Warner Brothers label),
and reaching No.52.
In 84, ‘Jump’, leapt to No.7,
and was a US. No.1 hit.
Also in 84, ‘Panama’, reached No.61.
And in 86, ‘Why Can’t This Be Love’, a No.8 fit.
Next in 86, came Dreams’,
peaking at No.62.
And in 88, ‘When it’s Love’,
claimed a No.28 view.
In 89, ‘Feels So Good’, reached No.63,
followed in 91, by ‘Poundcake’, at No.74.
Also in 91, ‘Top Of The World’,
another single, settling at the No.63 door.
In 93, ‘(Jump) Live’, rose to No.26.
And in 95, making No.27, was ‘Don’t Tell Me’.
Also in 95, ‘Can’t Stop Loving You’, appeared,
being their last chart entry, reaching No.33.
Thank You for the music.
R. I. P. Eddie Van Halen 1955 – 2020
Written by Harriet Blackbury.
October 3, 2020
1 A OKAY U ASK B 6 4
2 D B ENGINE SPARK M 6 8
3 ENTER KEY IN AIR 6 7
4 BE SIR PORTER 6 5
5 SUB LED VOTE 5 5
6 I TICK VIP AREA R 7 6
7 C A BALL ON SIDE 4 8
8 MAN TOWER IN K 6 5
9 ELLO I C BRETHREN 6 8
10 WITH A RING 3 6
11 B L NO ENDER 5 4
12 AND AS TO MY 4 5
13 STAR IS OK 8
14 Y THEN HIRE RNR 7 5
15 INDEX LEO 3 5
16 NEE MONDAY HELM 7 6
17 I IN WALL 7
18 E SIR N LESSON 5 6
19 OMG A RARE EGG H 6 6
20 NET DEAL EAT RELAX CAZ 9 9
21 O LP M LABEL S C 3 8
22 U SIZE M TO L 5 4
23 O ROUTE OK L 4 5
24 I CASUAL R RETRO 5 8
25 IF R JUGGLED ED R BEN 7 9
26 CLUE M B AS CHARM 5 8
27 I AM SAVED AND 5 6
28 U PREMIER AREA – EE MY BACKING 6 – 7 10
29 E SAFE GRAB CCS 4 8
30 ID DIAL UZ V 5 4
31 VAR SCREAM MOR 4 8
32 Y SAIL TEN MILES INLAND – A 7 8 – 5
33 HE LOYAL CES 6 4
34 O BRING HOLD 3 7
35 I MARKET TALE 5 6
36 O RAIL B A PM 5 4
37 N N MEANS HE J L 4 7
38 E AIR SCORED C S 6 6
39 RUN BREWING INLET 5 10
40 I R MILO AMAZE IN NET 8 8
41 I NINE PROVERBS A 5 3 6
42 APP E CLOSE IN 7 4
43 L REASON U PM 4 6
44 OK IF U STAND AS MR H 8 7
45 O PRAY RURAL 3 7
46 O BE GRILL VISTA 8 5
47 COOL LIKE J W 3 7
48 A CLOSE A LINK NA 7 6
49 ID E KEITH E DAN 5 7
50 AM DIARY L B 4 5
51 O ME DUET GAZIN OUT 6 9
52 NN SEATING P J 3 8
53 ID ASK ON A SCALE 4 9
54 C AIR PET 3 4
55 I TILE MANAGER BRILL 7 10
56 AW UK AN NK WON 7 4
57 TEAM MY ACT 4 5
58 U MET ENAMEL TIP 8 5
59 AKA RIGHT AN X 6 5
60 I B FAST IN FCL 5 6
61 COOL WET HAT T 4 7
62 DUE 3
63 WE SCARE HIJKL 4 8
64 ROAM RAN EASY 5 6
65 RITZ ALSO CAN A 5 7
66 FARM CLOCK TIK NN 5 9
67 E SCAN SIX HAZEL 6 7
68 EG I C G REAL HERO 7 6
69 SIR AS MAIN R 5 5
70 RR KEEPS MEER CAT 3 11
71 O E IS LUCKY LANTERN 7 9
72 MONDAY ME BLUE AREA 8 8
73 A CAR BAY SANG 6 5
74 L I SWIM ALL GALA 7 6
75 I ASK MY SCOOTR 5 7
76 C WHY J SIZES CC ZONE 8 8
77 I HEADED NET KI 5 7
78 MY IM MIMER J R 5 6
79 LIONS BOW B 3 6
80 L I SAW BALL I AIM 7 6
the answers will appear on my website –
blackbury-poems.com
on 22nd October 2020
Compiled by Harriet Blackbury
(usual copyright rules apply)
Many Thanks for visiting my website Regards Harriet
September 30, 2020
1 GARETH BARRY
2 UGO EHIOGU
3 CHRISTIAN BENTEKE
4 DWIGHT YORKE
5 FABIAN DELPH
6 ASHLEY YOUNG
7 GARY CAHILL
8 DEAN SMITH
9 MBWANA SAMATTA
10 GARETH SOUTHGATE
11 DARREN BENT
12 GABRIEL AGBONLAHOR
13 NIGEL RIO – COKER
14 JAMES MILNER
15 DOUGLAS LUIZ
16 OLOF MELLBERG
17 JLLOYD SAMUEL
18 BRAD FRIEDEL
19 KEINAN DAVIS
20 STILLYAN PETROV
21 JOHN McGINN
22 DION DUBLIN
23 JUAN PABLO ANGEL
24 TOM HEATON
25 STEVE STAUNTON
26 GEORGE BOATENG
27 MARTIN LAURSEN
28 JACK GREALISH
29 TAMMY ABRAHAM
30 MARK ALBRIGHTON
31 JOHN CAREW
32 TREZEGUET
33 STEWART DOWNING
34 TYRONE MINGS
35 RICHARD DUNNE
36 CARLOS CUELLAR
37 LEE HENDRIE
38 CONOR HOURIHANE
39 JOHN TERRY
40 RON VLAAR
41 DEAN SAUNDERS
42 FREDERIC GUILBERT
43 ALAN HUTTON
44 THOMAS HITZISPERGER
45 BRAD GUZAN
46 STEVEN DAVIS
47 JOTA
48 EMILE HESKEY
49 CALLUM O’HARE
50 ALBERT ADOMAH
51 WESLEY MORAES
52 CIARAN CLARK
53 ORJAN NYLAND
54 ANDREAS WEIMANN
55 MARVELOUS NAKAMBA
56 THOMAS SORENSEN
57 INDIANA VASSILEV
58 AXEL TUANZEBE
59 KORTNEY HAUSE
60 MILE JEDINAK
61 ANWAR EL GHAZI
62 JORDAN AYEW
63 EZRI KONSA
64 WILFRED BOUMA
65 AHMED ELMOHAMADY
66 STEPHEN WARNOCK
67 TOMMY ELPHICK
68 ANDRE GREEN
69 HENRI LANSBURY
70 MICAH RICHARDS
71 JED STEER
72 JAMES COLLINS
73 LOVRE KALINIC
74 MATT TARGETT
75 NEIL TAYLOR
76 JACOB RAMSEY
77 BJORN ENGELS
78 CAMERON ARCHER
79 KAINE HAY
80 JAKE DOYLE – HAYES
Many Thanks for visiting my website Regards Harriet
Compiled by Harriet Blackbury
September 2020
(usual copyright rules apply)
September 24, 2020
We took for granted
the usual suspects,
that on our daily route
we would always see.
The same school children
The same shop workers
The same coffee shop occupants,
chatting over a pot of tea.
With joy we walked
by the riverside.
Hand in hand,
even at our age.
Taking for granted
the simple pleasures,
as each new decade
took us to the next stage.
Each day that came,
a new tomorrow,
full of fun and laughter –
what more could we ask?
Now all we see
are scary eyes,
peeping out from
over a mask.
A second wave of fear
hitting us all.
More so for those
who have suffered a loss.
As they watch selfish folk
not heeding the rules.
Is it any wonder
they all feel so cross?
Doing the right thing
like staying in a bubble,
will certainly
prevent the spread.
And bringing families closer
than ever before,
not a bad thing –
it has to be said.
So let sense prevail,
there is no short term fix.
We are in it together,
like it or not!
In a world where kindness
is sadly lacking,
we must do what we can
to stop this rot.
Q on the top line
clearly can be seen.
Followed by W and R
with E in between.
Next T, Y and U
in the middle, look fine.
Before I, O and P
complete the top line.
A, S and D –
the second line begin.
And to their right
F and G, squeeze nicely in.
H, J, K and L
claim a second row fee.
And the third line
begins with Z, X and C.
With V and B sitting
perfectly next to them.
The third row is completed
by ‘good old’ N and M.
September 18, 2020
1 MATT BUSBY
2 PAUL POGBA
3 RYAN GIGGS
4 JUAN MATA
5 BOBBY CHARLTON
6 DAVID DE GEA
7 GEORGE BEST
8 ALEXIS SANCHEZ
9 RIO FERDINAND
10 DANIEL JAMES
11 CRISTIANO RONALDO
12 HARRY MAGUIRE
13 PETER SCHMEICHEL
14 VICTOR LINDELOF
15 DAVID BECKHAM
16 AARON WAN – BISSAKA
17 MARK HUGHES
18 ERIC BAILLY
19 JAAP STAM
20 MASON GREENWOOD
21 DENIS LAW
22 ANGEL GOMES
23 ROMELU LUKAKU
24 PHIL JONES
25 DUNCAN EDWARDS
26 MARCUS RASHFORD
27 OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER
28 JESSE LINGARD
29 GARY NEVILLE
30 CHRIS SMALLING
31 ERIC CANTONA
32 ANTHONY MARTIAL
33 BRYAN ROBSON
34 LEE GRANT
35 NEMANJA VIDIC
36 ANDREAS PEREIRA
37 ROY KEANE
38 SERGIO ROMERO
39 PAUL INCE
40 LUKE SHAW
41 PAUL SCHOLES
42 ASHLEY YOUNG
43 PHIL NEVILLE
44 TIM FOSU – MENSAH
45 DEAN HENDERSON
46 ETHAN LAIRD
47 DIOGO DALOT
48 RUUD VAN NISTELROOY
49 MARCOS ROJO
50 PATRICE EVRA
51 FRED
52 DWIGHT YORKE
53 MATTEO DARMIAN
54 EDWIN VAN DER SAR
55 JAMES GARNER
56 MICHAEL CARRICK
57 NEMANJA MATIC
58 WAYNE ROONEY
59 AXEL TUANZEBE
60 ANDY COLE
61 JOEL PEREIRA
62 STEVE BRUCE
63 SCOTT McTOMINAY
64 ROBIN VAN PERSIE
65 TAHITH CHONG
66 DENIS IRWIN
67 GARY PALLISTER
68 TEDEN MENGI
69 ANDREI KANCHELSKI
70 ZIATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
71 JAVIER HERNANDEZ
72 DIMITAR BERBATOV
73 ANTONIO VALENCIA
74 BRUNO FERNANDES
75 ETHAN GALBRAITH
76 NANI
77 ODION IGHALO
78 NICKY BUTT
79 TEDDY SHERINGHAM
80 HARRY GREGG
81 TONY DUNNE
82 BRANDON WILLIAMS
Many Thanks for visiting my website Regards Harriet
Compiled by Harriet Blackbury
August 2020
(usual copyright rules apply)
September 15, 2020
1 A HEARTY RR GB 6 5
2 I HUG U E GO O 3 6
3 INTENT BIKE CHASER 9 7
4 R GO WITH KEY D 6 5
5 B HALF AND PIE 6 5
6 YOU SHY ANGEL 6 5
7 AH C Y A GRILL 4 6
8 DES AN TIM H 4 5
9 A MAN WAS AT ATM B 6 7
10 A HUG SAT TOGETHER 6 9
11 NB A TENDER R 6 4
12 OH GO AREA BRING BALL 7 10
13 O LINGERIE – ROCK 5 3 – 5
14 EARL IN JEMS M 5 6
15 U AL DIG SOUL Z 7 4
16 BELL MORE GOLF 4 8
17 JOLLY SAM DUE L 6 6
18 L FRIED BREAD 4 7
19 ASKED IN VAIN 6 5
20 Y TEN SPORT VILLA 8 6
21 J M G CHINNON 4 6
22 DO BUILD INN 4 6
23 O PLAN B JUNE GALA 4 5 5
24 HOT TEAM ON 3 6
25 TOAST SUN EVENT 5 8
26 O B GO GREEN GATE 6 7
27 ML IN AS R NATURE 6 7
28 HI JG CLEAR ASK 4 8
29 AM TRAM AH MAY B 5 7
30 L RIGHT BAR OK MAN 4 10
31 OR WHEN A JC 4 5
32 U GREET TEZ 9
33 I T GRAND WEST NOW 7 7
34 O SING ENTRY M 6 5
35 I D CARD HEN RUN 7 5
36 U A SCORER CALL L 6 7
37 E LED IN HERE 3 7
38 OH CAR IN ONE HOUR 5 9
39 RHR NET JOY 4 5
40 NAVAL OR R 3 5
41 E READ SUN SAND 4 8
42 REF RULE BIG CREDIT 8 8
43 HALT ON A NUT 4 6
44 HIS PAGER ZERO MIST T H 6 12
45 A GRAND BUZ 4 5
46 SENSED T VIVA 6 5
47 A JOT 4
48 HE KEY SMILE E 5 6
49 U R ‘A CALL HOME 6 1 4
50 R B HOLD TEAM A A 6 6
51 YES E SO REAL WM 6 6
52 CAR LINK A CAR 6 5
53 A R LAND NY JON 5 6
54 NAME NINE AWARDS 7 7
55 U A NOVEL MARK SAAB M 9 7
56 TOMS SHOES NEAR N 6 8
57 SAIL SAVED IN VAIN 7 8
58 Z EXALT A NU BEE 4 8
59 HOUSE KEY RANT 7 5
60 I NEED A MILK J 4 7
61 AH A GAZER WIN L 5 2 5
62 ENJOY A DRAW 6 4
63 SI OR AN EZ K 4 5
64 WARM IF DOUBLE 7 5
65 OH A MEDAL MADE MY H 5 10
66 H K SWEETCORN PAN 7 7
67 MY PITCH OK ME L 5 7
68 E ENDANGER R 5 5
69 Y BE IN A RUSH NRL 5 8
70 I D CHAIR CHARMS 5 8
71 E RED JETS 3 5
72 ALL COINS JEMS 5 7
73 I IN RECALL OK V 5 7
74 GREAT AT TT MT 4 7
75 IN EARLY LOT 4 6
76 E C ARMY AS JOB 5 6
77 GLEN OR BENS J 5 6
78 A CHEER MR ACORN 7 6
79 AH IN A KEY 5 3
80 Y E SHAKE – JOY DEAL 4 5 – 5
the answers will appear on my website
blackbury-poems.com
on the 30th September 2020
Compiled by Harriet Blackbury
September 2020
(usual copyright rules apply)
Many Thanks for visiting my website Regards Harriet