November 16, 2016

 

Tune into the ‘Jungle Rock’ theme

on 

Tony’s Time Machine

Wednesday  16th November 16

11am – 1pm.

 -with repeats at the usual times.

 

This week Tony’s guests are 

Dominic and John from

Creative Support

They will be chatting to Tony about

their recent travels to The Amazon

and Brazil.

 

Vikki’s Dad, Terry Snowden MBE,

will be replacing her at the helm today,

and chatting to Tony about Fats Domino.

 

John will be reading the poem

For The Love Of Fine Nectar

written by Harriet Blackbury

and

Tony will be reading

For the Love Of Leonard Cohen

written by Harriet Blackbury.

 

November 12, 2016

 

 

Canadian Icon – Leonard Cohen,

this week, from life withdrew.

Meaning so much to many generations,

he sadly ‘bowed out’ at the age of 82.

 

One of the most poignant songwriters-

up there with Dylan, without doubt.

Changing the nations thinking,

yet ‘Hallelujah, his only Top 40 shout.

 

With ‘Suzanne’, the 1st song on his 1st Album,

he showed us the intensity of his desire.

But of course, he will also be remembered,

for his high flying  ‘Bird On The Wire’.

 

‘I’m Your Man’, another firm favourite,

with many a female, concert attendee,

And lots more heart-searching songs,

touched those in the same mood, as he.

 

So it’s with sadness, we say ‘Farewell Leonard’-

‘Your place in Music History secure.

You were instrumental in changing our mood,

with words from your heart, so pure.

 

So many great songs have been omitted,

in this late night tribute to you- Mr Cohen.

But your life-saving words still enthrall us,

and our love for you will keep on growin’.

 

RIP   1934 – 2016

 

November 11, 2016

 

 

‘What made Milwaukee famous,

(has made a loser out of me)’,

in 72, gave Rod Stewart,

a Top 5 hit, so easily.

 

Crowded House got as high as No.27,

in 94, with ‘Pineapple Head’,

but back in 75, Norwegian group, Sailor,

preferred ‘A Glass Of Champagne’ instead.

 

In 73, ‘Whiskey In The Jar’,

from Thin Lizzy, always made us sway.

And in 98, a hit from Bran Van 3000

was ‘Drinking In L.A’.

 

In 71,  ‘I Will Drink The Wine’,

Frank Sinatra, so smoothly said.

And in 1980, ‘Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers’-

in the Top 50, by Motorhead.

 

In 62, The Four Seasons, with ‘Sherry’,

sent out their message of romance.

And in 2002 – Pay as u go, at No 13,

celebrated with ‘Champagne Dance’.

 

In 69, ‘I heard It through the Grapevine’,

at No.1  for Marvin Gaye,

And in 74, with ‘Seven Seas of Rye’,

were Queen, doing it their way.

 

In 96, came Salt-n-Pepa with ‘Champagne’

 – a Christmas hit, they put to bed,

and ‘One Night In Bangkok’, in 84,

came from Murray Head.

 

In 83, at Number 1, were UB40,

singing of  ‘Red, Red Wine’.

and ‘Gin Soaked Boy’ – a Top 40 hit,

for Divine Comedy in 99.

 

In 57, ‘Kisses Sweeter Than Wine’,

came from Liverpool’s Frankie Vaughan,

and many artists sang ‘Wild Rover’ – but

The Houghton Weaver’s version, we sang til dawn.

 

In 73, ‘I’ve Been Drinking’, sang

Rod Stewart with Jeff Beck in tow,

and ‘Wide Eyed & Legless’ in 75 –

a hit for Andy Fairweather-Low.

 

In 55  ‘The Drinking Song’ by Mario Lanza

was played more than once or twice.

And in 78 (remixed in 85),

Foreigner gave us – ‘Cold As Ice’

 

‘Days of Wine & Roses’,

always gave us a glow,

when performed by Andy Williams,

and many more artists we know.

 

 

November 9, 2016

 

 

His journey amazing.

His recovery sound.

Finding hope and inspiration

by covering new ground,

 

through Creative Support,

and it’s human embrace,

helping him, like many others,

a new day to face.

 

And the gift he possesses,

in giving back,

encouragement and trust,

to those who now lack,

 

the confidence to continue,

on life’s uneven highway.

His interviews, heartfelt,

always saving the day.

 

His build up to Wednesdays.

‘Lunch Box’ breakfasts, a must.

Followed by tea or coffee –

either will do, he’s not fussed.

 

The success of his programme-

Tony’s Time Machine.

Supported by Vikki-

these two setting the scene.

 

Teamwork so essential,

week in and week out,

Onion Barji’s their reward,

and Samosa’s too, they shout.

 

The knack that he has

in seeming so cool,

when his legs in agony,

hide under his stool.

 

His ease when reporting –

so natural – the call.

With Steve Howe an example,

interviewed at Band on the wall.

 

His devotion to ‘Yes’,

so loyal and true.-

A Group in a million

that saw him through,

 

when comfort was needed,

their music getting his vote,

when life as he’d known it,

seemed so remote.

 

His memory so sharp;

his vast knowledge of travel,

another string to his bow,

as past years unravel.

 

The trap of Trapani

calling him back.

The pull of Polermo,

as the train on the track,

 

confirming his feelings,

like decades before,

that Italy is,

a place to adore.

 

And then the time Man United

helped save the day,

when playing Benfica

in a Cup Match, one May.

 

As he innocently took photos

of a Yugoslavian Military base,

Tony was promptly arrested

and cell bars had to face.

 

Whilst he waited for an Interpreter,

the guards had Footy on TV,

and decided, in the end,

that no terrorist, was he.

 

So many more tales

of his travels he can recall,

when on holiday with his Dad –

those were the best days of all.

 

And the love of his family

and re-united school friends.

And pals, new and old,

with whom he easily blends.

 

The bi-weekly coffees,

down in Bury with Denise,

mean so very much

as a pressure release.

 

His new beloved Juke Box

putting a smile on his face,

as Marjorie in astonishment says,

‘Standing room only – in this place!

 

The most forgiving of sisters

it has to be said.

Do you remember the time,

you put a SPIDER in her bed!

 

And now as this poem slows –

it is the end of the line.

Happy Birthday to you Tony –

from now on, you’ll be, just fine.

 

 

 

November 8, 2016

 

 

Leslie Ronald Young-

his original name,

but as ‘Jimmy Young’,

he was to find fame.

 

Receiving a Knighthood;

becoming Sir Jimmy Young,

and at 95, his last ballad,

now he has sung.

 

His hit ‘Unchained Melody’

reaching Number one

and ‘The Man from Laramie’

at one, also followed on.

 

Just two of many

songs we all knew,

after his first hit, ‘Too Young’,

a song we loved true.

 

As a singer he proved

to have the smoothest voice,

and as a Presenter he was

The ‘House Wives‘ choice.

 

And, as a Presenter,

he became the first of a kind,

to interview world leaders,

and easily enter their mind.

 

And for nearly 30 years

was a staple on Radio 2 –

With catchphrases a plenty,

we now say, BFN to you.

 

You were the TOPS

 

 

 

November 7, 2016

 

 

Tune in to Tony’s Time Machine

‘Birthday’ Show on

Wednesday  9th November

11am – 1pm

Tony will be on top form

 

with Vikki at the helm

pouring the Champers. 

 

Enjoy lively chat & great music.

and recordings from Bury Song Writers Group

and an insight into Tony’s recent travels to Spain.

and music in the birthday memory of Glen Frey

 

and a poem written by Poet – Harriet Blackbury.

 

November 2, 2016

 

 

and Winston called

en-route to the river,

a morning welcome

to deliver.

That Golden Retriever

from across the way –

a trusted pal became

from the first day.

 

and Penny came by

every now and then-

the name we christened,

a very cute pea-hen,

who visited from

Harcourt Arboretum

at Nunenham Courtenay,

looking for a crumb.

 

And next door’s cat-

a fluffy ‘black and white’,

in her magnificence

appeared at daylight.

Our Siamese boys

always the first to see

her prompt arrival,

would then alert me.

 

and our ageing Setter,

when turning grey,

lived out his life

in the best way,

with daily walks

along Sandford Lock-

a place we still re-visit

when taking stock,

 

of the dreaming spires

and seats of learning,

and autumns bliss,

when leaves were turning.

Though short lived was

to be our stay-

A place in our hearts,

Oxford, to this day.

 

A life lived through animals

who came and went.

Everyone a gift

from heaven sent.

The joy of nostalgia-

that two-edged sword.

A constant reminder

life shouldn’t be ignored.

 

 

 

 

October 30, 2016

 

 

The truth of the matter,

when coconuts fall –

if you’re stood underneath,

then no life to recall.

 

 

 

 

Oh animals

that came and went,

some by chance

and never meant

 

to live indoors –

domesticated,

sharing abode –

sophisticated.

 

Oh animals

never turned away-

all cats and dogs

please step this way,

 

and make your stamp

and presence felt,

and prove your worth,

as hearts you melt.

 

Oh animals

pass on the word

that on the grape-vine

you have heard,

 

a ‘grooming service’

at your disposal,

exchanged for love –

a fair proposal.

 

Oh animals

quickly join the queue,

that keeps on gathering

down yonder view.

 

Such luxury

you’ve never known.

Inside and outside beds

to call your own.

 

Oh animals

that came and went,

and all in,

their element,

 

lived out their days,

and remembered still,

as new arrivals come

and always will.

 

Oh animals

that went astray,

in our minds so close,

to this very day.

 

and if you’re still out there-

Splodge –  just running free,

your Mum and brother waiting

by your favourite tree.

 

 

 

October 25, 2016

 

 

Everyone’s favourite and 60’s Icon –

America’s Bobby Vee, was loved by all.

He bounced into the charts in 61

with his first UK hit ‘Rubber Ball’.

 

‘Also in 61, four more Top 10 songs included –

‘Take Good Care Of My Baby’ at No.3,

And ‘Run To Him’ in December,

A Christmas hit proved to be.

 

‘Please Don’t Talk About Barbara’

and ‘Sharing You’ – hits in 62,

and ‘A Forever Kind Of Love’,

in the charts of this year too.

 

In 63, another song to captivate us,

was ‘The Night Has A Thousand Eyes’,

reaching as high as Number 3

 – this Star did mesmerise…

 

And fittingly ‘Bobby Tomorrow’ –

his last hit of 63.

Though christened Robert Velline,

to us, he’ll always be Bobby Vee.

 

Thank You for the music –

Rest In Peace   (1943 – 2016)

 

 

 

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