Poet Laureates kindred spirits and personal ads

A thought provoking post today by 'Clouds moving in' about Poet Laureate and Kindred Spirits, congratulating the appointment of the new poet laureate, Carol Ann Duffy... a sentiment which I would like to share.

In her research for her post on the new 'Laureate' however, 'Clouds moving in's thoughts were strangely diverted and turned to the Daily Telegraph, that bastion of 'middle england' (perhaps a little more highbrow than the Daily Mail) and its 'Personal Ads'.

What she saw there has rather affronted 'Clouds moving in' and urged her to comment:

"Oh, and all the men seemed to have conservative/right wing politics. Hardly unexpected I suppose. Oddly, very few of them claimed to smoke.

Regardless of the political socio-economic issues, what really got up my nose was the idea that fat middle-aged men with a bit of money seemed to consider it their right to advertise for a younger, slimmer, slightly shorter, intelligent woman to do exactly what they were told. Oh, and attractive or very attractive of course - because women are only worth judging on their looks, aren't they?"

No... not at all! We also judge them on their ability to cook, sew, dust, hoover (when I'm at the pub or not watching the match), provide intelligent conversation ("would you like another beer dear" works for me). We also judge them on how much of a complete tart they can be in the bedroom! I could go on.

Anyhow, as you can imagine... I couldn't resist a reply... with my own 'personal ad':

Short stumpy balding toothless grumpy breast fed leftie commie smoking liberal (56) with very little money looking to share life and love with rich glamorous tall curvy sexy ladies (25 to 35). Must love football and beer. All replies will be answered! :)

Can't wait to review all the replies!!

Maybe you too would like to take up the opportunity offered here. It's bound to attract the interest from many likely ladies searching for suitable partners across the net. Don't miss your chance to find your preferred partner in life and love!

To post your 'personal ad' click here!

I do hope 'Clouds moving in' sees through my tonguey cheekiness!

I take my hat off to... Geoff Dornan

Today I take my hat off to... Geoff Dornan!

Geoff Dornan is a 71 year old resident of Ormskirk in Lancashire.

Yesterday, Geoff was, sadly, found guilty on two counts... of dangerous skating!!!

At North Sefton Magistrates yesterday, the court was shown CCTV footage of Geoff rollerblading down the main street of Southport in Merseyside.



An earlier hearing this month had been adjourned awaiting further CCTV evidence but unfortunately yesterday, the court was shown the CCTV pictures of the sprightly septuagenerian skating through Chapel Street, the main shopping centre of Southport and he was convicted. He was found guilty on two counts of breaching a by-law but has since lodged an appeal.

Reporting on the case, the Mail Online (yes I know... I do read it sometimes!) said that whilst most active pensioners prefer a brisk walk in the open air as a way of taking some exercise, Geoff prefers to travel a little faster, which is the reason why he can regulary be seen tearing around on a pair of roller blades! He said he likes to rollerblade to keep fit.

Unfortunately for him... not everyone agreed and his life in the fast lane landed the 71-year-old daredevil in trouble with the law and he was hauled before the courts after Sefton Council said his rollerblading was a nuisance and a danger to the public.

Yesterday the retired youth worker was dismayed after magistrates found him guilty of endangering pedestrians by rollerblading in a busy town centre and handed a fine of £300 and court costs of almost £1,800.

Last night the father-of-three vowed to take the case to appeal. Outside court, he said:

"Because I am on skates I'm more manoeuvrable than somebody in shoes.

The last time I was bumped into by somebody else I was in shoes. I'm not saying things can't go wrong. I don't accept this premise that skating is inherently dangerous.

I'm deeply disappointed but I accept the verdicts. Having said that, I intend to appeal. In seven-and-a-half years I have not harmed anyone at all!"

Geoff told the court he was always very careful to avoid pedestrians and only rollerbladed to keep up his general level of fitness.

Following his conviction yesterday, Geoff told reporters his health had suffered since his skates were confiscated.

You can see more reaction from Geoff here.



I take my hat off to Geoff Dornan... would that we all had his spirit and fitness at his age!

Anyone who wants to support Geoff Dornan (1,400 of you already do... yaay!) can do so on this Facebook group: Support Geoff Dornan

Good on yer mate! Sefton Council (and all who found cause for complaint) must be a sad bunch!

I take my hat off to... John Suchet

Today... I take my hat off to John Suchet.

John Suchet was 'the face' of ITN's Early Evening News during the mid 90's. He has reported on momentous events such as the revolution in Iran, and he's won awards as a newsreader. He has anchored or contributed to countless special event programmes, including royal occasions (he was one of the main commentators on ITN's coverage of Princess Diana's funeral), the Budget and ITN's election coverage.

John's younger brother is David Suchet, a famous British actor, best known for his role as Agatha Christie's great detective Hercule Poirot in the long-running British TV dramatic series Poirot.

Earlier this month, John Suchet spoke publicly for the first time, about one of the toughest events in his life. Dementia is slowly robbing him of his wife of more than 20 years, Bonnie.

In a number of appearances and interviews across various news channels, John spoke touchingly of how Bonnie began to develop symptoms of the devastating brain disease in her early 60s, (she is now aged 67). In a very moving interview on BBC News he said:

"I've gone from being a lover to a carer."

His wife was diagnosed with dementia three years ago, after sporadic instances of forgetfulness and confusion.

Doctors think Bonnie Suchet has Alzheimer's disease. Her husband prefers to call it 'the A word'.



Whilst it is distressing to see how John Suchet has been pushed to the brink, in the face of the problems that are challenging him and his beloved wife and in his efforts to deliver the best care for her, I think he is very brave and has done something extremely positive in highlighting this issue... and inspired the debate that has followed, on the issues of Aging, Dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

It is for this reason, for his courage and to support him, that I take my hat off to John Suchet today!

You can read more about John Suchet on Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Dementia

Like John, many carers need more support. Dementia is not just a natural part of aging; it is a physical condition of the brain that robs people of their lives.

Commenting on John Suchet speaking publicly about his wife's dementia, Neil Hunt the Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Society said:

"Sadly, John and Bonnie are not alone. As the population ages, it is estimated that over a million of us will be diagnosed with dementia in the next ten years. We urgently need to invest more to care for people today and find a cure tomorrow."

More information on these issues can be found here:

BBC - Headroom - Wellbeing guide - Alzheimer's Disease

For Dementia > "Every dementia carer should have an Admiral Nurse"

Carers Direct