25 Oct 2006

Sad Death of Paul Walters How We Can Continue

As other Toggs I was very sad to hear of the death of Uncle Wally, it is quite ironic because I am in the process of reading Terrys latest book Must'ent Grumbe and last week had been enjoying the various exploits of Terry & Pauly.

As many others have said, what a great programme on monday morning, led by Terry and the rest of the team.

My feeling is that we Toggs need to find some way to mark the loss of Pauly in some more permenant way, so have e mailed to Terry to suggest that maybe a CD of the music played on Monday, plus his other favourite music could be produced and the money raised go to help others in whatever is Pauls favourite charity.

Another suggestion was that possibly a book of celebrity memories as well as those of us TOGGS could be another fundraiser to help remind us of the many ways in which Paul helped to make this a happier pleasanter world.

I just hope that Terry can pass this idea on, if it has not already been considered by the powers that be.

If any other of you Toggs, Tiggs or other fans of Pauly out there read this and agree please let me, or Terry and the team know so maybe we can get this idea off the ground.

Having said this lets also hope his successor will keep up the good work at breakfast on Radio Two.

22 Oct 2006

Photos of Corfu



Top Picture Belle Vista

Left Corfu from boat

Right Paleokastritsa


Sunset Rebecca Village

A Lonely TOGGS New Adventure In Corfu


Friday 13th October 2006

Well I got to the airport was one of the first to check in, asked for a seat with plenty of legroom, after check-in went through security which seems to take longer and longer every time I go away, but it beats hanging around the departure lounge spending money.


Finally got on plane and surprise surprise I had lots of legroom, the downside was that the video that was played in the flight had no sound and nowhere to use headphones so I listened to my MiniDisc player instead. Suddenly there was aloud crash and a woman had fallen between seats. The cabin crew were very quick and efficient at helping her, but then a young woman who would obviously had either too much to drink or eat was sick in the aisle just near her. Now the poor cabin crew had to sort that mess out as well, after that it quietened down.


Finally arrived in Corfu, weather mild, uneventful but long trip to Rebecca Village in Sidari. On the way their I started to think of characters from musicals that I could dress as for my birthday, which helped to pass the time.Checked in receptionist had strange sense of humour because there were no lights on outside the apartment for me to see where I was going which was on the second floor of a block. Unpacked then went on balcony to look at the view which is beautiful as can be seen from my photo.

Apartment was pleasant but unfortunately I was exhausted after ten hours of travelling local time was now 6:30 AM, unpacked then went to bed

14th October 2006

Woke to loud bang, went to door nobody was there, but they were more which I now realised were gunshots in the distance, got washed and dressed and tried to make sense of the rough map provided by reception and set off for the shops. Fortunately very nice man carrying a baguette who I later learnt was called David of the(Adams family) offered me a lift to the supermarket which I was glad to take up so had my first trip to buy food which I later found out would of taken me 30 minutes each way. He also explained the layout of the town and where to rent a car, thanks again David.

Made sandwiches and sat down on the terrace to write up notes for my Blog whilst admiring the beautiful view again. Later went into restaurant at accommodation had breakfast then decided to walk to the shops, took photos on the way, it was a beautiful walk and I was really pleased about having booked the holiday, everything smelled so fresh and the countryside was beautiful greens.

Then got to resort to find it was typical with lots of bars and souvenir shops, not forgetting a local McDonald's, so decided to carry on and find somewhere to buy food from the supermarket that I had previously fled on. Unfortunately it seemed as though I was walking forever.

In true Togg style I then managed to take the wrong turn and ended up totally lost, I stopped to ask local people that their English was as bad as my Greek (none existent) somehow after about an hour when I was totally exhausted, a car stopped and it was that shining white knight David Adams again who apologised that he couldn't give me a left but at least pointed me in the right direction. Never have I been so relieved to see another person in my life I thought I would be wondering the back roads of Sidari for the next few years.

When finally returned to apartment had painkillers and bath then relaxed promising myself not to go and have too many new adventures to soon. Then rested for the rest of the day had a meal then went to bed.

15 October 2006

Unusual for me, I slept for eight hours and had a good night's sleep and woke up at 9 AM. When to supermarket for bread which only took one hour, that had breakfast which I ate on balcony, spent rest of the day sunbathing, listening to my music and reading my book, 1984, which was what I had come away on holiday for.

Went for a quiet relaxing meal unfortunately six unhappy children split a class across three families quickly changed all that circle ate meal quickly and went back up to the room to read my latest book ironically Terry Wogan's “Mustn't Grumble”

16th October 2006

Woke up early couldn't believe how cold it was despite this had breakfast on balcony eventually saw life about 9:30 AM decided to take lazy option still went omnibus to beach not very interesting so returned to apartment had food and realised what a beautiful setting I was staying in, but realised by being on my own that I had not had a conversation and for more than a few minutes which those of you who know me will realise is that unusual.

Went and sat at Pool got chatting to Cassie and her daughter Amy, explained about my Blog and in particular problems I was having trying to buy trainers, they were really helpful and Amy in particular gave me lots of hints about how to find a pair that would suit my needs, so when I return home will try their suggestions.

Whilst having this conversation and I had 2 Tog moments the first was whilst trying to be clever, I could not remember that the capital of West Germany was Berlin, but then I actually showed my real skill and intelligence by losing my glasses, which Amy eventually pointed out I was wearing. After all this effort decided best shut up and sunbathe instead for the rest of the afternoon.
In the evening went into town for evening meal luckily I had remembered my torch because it was pitch black on the approach to the complex, and had another chat with Cassie and Amy returned to room spent an hour trying to find the ticket for my excursion to Albania tomorrow

17th October 2006

Got up early to make sure that I would be one-time for my coach which was already waiting, unfortunately there was no representative on the coach to explain what was happening and when. After various stops to pick up people we finally reached Corfu harbour where a man whose English was not very good explained we were boarding a boat to Albania.

On board the boat was offered extra excursion but refused, journey took 1 1/2 hours, in my haste I had forgotten my coat so with the sea breeze became quite cold, occasionally the representative explained what the various views were, unfortunately his English was poor as was the sound system, so I did not learn very much on the journey. I was not sure if it was just me so I checked with other travellers in case it was another Tog moment but they assured me they had the same problems.

On reaching San Saranda Albania the town seemed very small, we boarded a coach went for a drink, then boarded the coach again, I settled down and we acquired a new courier whose English was much better, he collected the tokens we had but explained to me I had the wrong tokens and it would cost me in 19 euro to stay on the coach, so totally embarrassed I paid the money and stayed on the tour.

We travelled to Butrinti and the courier explained various interesting points on the way. When we got there we spent two hours walking round which surprisingly was quite interesting for me who does not normally enjoy looking at ancient ruins(I am used to seeing one in the mirror each day) and took a series of photos as you can see from this limited selection.

Whilst looking round the ancient site it was interesting that parts of the original structures were still standing that had been built by slaves, when the best that modern workmanship and technology can produce in the present day appears to be a ten-year guarantee bearing in mind that people are now paid to build structures.

Returned to town in coach had meal then saw all highlights of the town including the fountains and the souvenir shop which appeared to be the only shop open, this seemed the total waste of time and possibly was just to take time up until it was time to board the boat again. We then returned to the boat and sailed back which was a great opportunity to take a couple of photos that I think are really good examples of sunsets but still do not do justice to the real thing.

It then seemed very long trip home with lots of people being dropped off all of a sudden the driver realised I was still on board so he had to retrace part of his route to drop me off, finally we reached my destination and in my rush to get off I slipped down the steps in a typical Tog moment losing the tiny bit of dignity that I had left. Returned to apartment had shower then spent a considerable amount of time trying to work out how to switch off the alarm on my watch which I had set that morning unsuccessfully (other Togs beware of clever electronics). Finally went down for meal then joined in general conversation

18th October 2006

woke up late, it was very cold so got up even later when it finally got warmer, decided to have relaxing day so sunbathed for most of the day, and chatted to other residents. In the afternoon when I returned to my room, I realised that I had put after sun cream on instead of protection cream, yet another Tog moment, sadly I was to pay the price for this in two ways, firstly I am still burnt and secondly when I told other residents they were highly amused and I am sure will add it to the list of amusing incidents that I created for them whilst on holiday.

Went with Cassie and Amy for a meal in the town, unfortunately it turned quite cold and the restaurant we went to that should have had a Greek show with a fire show never materialised (possibly that would have kept us warm) so we gave up and went back to the complex to warm up we relaxed by watching Shrek 2 on the TV.

19th October 2006

Got up early again, had breakfast then went to coach, this time much better organised courier was already on the coach, seemed to spend a long time picking people up from various points, unusually it was a double decker coach, we then went to various destinations such as Mouse Island which was very pretty.

We also went to Vlacherena Convent which was also picturesque in a beautiful setting.

We stopped for lunch at Paleocastrititsa which was another lovely little bay with magnificent views.

Finally we go drove up the narrow country roads to the little village of Bella Vista, I was amazed at how the driver managed to negotiate the little winding roads and streets, but when we got there the views were well worth the effort as you can see. Although you cannot see it I enjoyed a beautiful piece of walnut cake with ice cream and syrup whilst enjoying the view.

We then returned and I anticipated telling everybody at the complex about my day out, so had a bath and went down to the restaurant to find it totally deserted, despite this Spiro the waiter opened up the restaurant and arranged for very enjoyable meal for me to eat. After the meal I sat and chatted with some of the other residents who had then appeared.


20th October 2006

For those of you who are now getting bored we are nearing the end.
After a week of lovely weather it was really cold all day. I packed my belongings and moved them into Cassie and Amy's room which we had agreed to share the cost of rather than keep two rooms on until midnight. We then went down to reception who decided this was not a good idea to leave us in their room, instead we were moved to the opposite block on the top floor up three flight of stairs, as were the other residents who were moving out.

Went into Sidari for a break but it was cold and miserable so did not stay too long returned to apartment and spent most of the day just chatting. There was no heating in the apartment so had to put the electric rings on to warm the place up. Went down for meal then afterwards chatted to other residents until it was time to board the coach at 1 PM.

Finally got to airport joined the queue that did not appear to be moving, finally got to front to find that all cabin luggage was also being screened by security. Finally got into departure hall, said goodbye to Cassie and Amy, and went off to board my plane, only to find it was the wrong flight, eventually it appeared my flight was called so joined the queue to find it was another Tog moment it was the wrong airline. Saw another queue so checked and found this was my flight so finally was able to relax on the plane.

For those of you who have good memories you will remember that on the outward flight they played videos with no sound, surprise surprise they did it again. The good news was I could go to sleep until woken by the flight attendant offering a rather strange concoction for breakfast which helped wake me up.

At Manchester no problems my friend Tom arrived promptly to pick me up and his wife Wendy gave me a cup of tea together with some food and a portable TV to keep me going until mine is repaired(see previous Blog)

I would like to say a special thanks to Tom and Wendy for their assistance getting me to and from the airport, and a really special thank you to Cassie and Amy for their time and company putting up with me, tolerating all my strange behaviours, without making me feel foolish.

4 Oct 2006

Rip-off of The Single Traveller




I desperately felt I needed a holiday so off to the travel agent I had used last year, and explained all I wanted was a simple holiday for a week anywhere on a half board basis under £300, which I felt was reasonable, because with all the problems of the world surely holidays would not be expensive out of season in particular when the same travel agent had found me a nice hotel on the beach in Alanya last year for much less without to much effort.

We spent a good 2 hours trying top find a similar holiday but then I finally realised that supplements of up to £100 pound for me as a single were being added to the cost, which does not make sense when there appears to be lots of cheap packages that nobody else is taking up & that most countries other than Britain charge by the room rather than the number in it.

In the end I gave up and went searching on the internet, great there were loads of holidays with all the places I could want to go until I entered the fact I was single, then up the price went again.

Next I thought that I would try the singles holidays sites because surely they would have holidays at reasonable costs for the likes of me.

Sadly yet again the holidays were way out of my reach although some seemed to have interesting sections so you could get over the difficulties of being on your own & arrange to communicate with other like minded people before the holiday commenced so you would not feel so lonely.

In desperation because its only another week before my holidays commence,although could it be that the fact it is friday 13th have anything to do with my dilemma, off to the travel agent again. Amanda who had been very helpful previously now told me that she was busy, so I was dealt with by her college who frantically tried to find me this elusive holiday, sadly with no succes unless I could up the limit to £350 plus for a 3 star hotel in a back street. I therefore gave up the chase & sadly left the shop.

But down the precinct I suddenly thought I would try another travel agent & went in to speak to Dawn who had always been pleasant & obliging, so I explained my dilemma to her and she was great and also instructed her college who was yet another Amanda to help out, because fortunately there were no other people waiting to be served.

Dawn quickly found the only holiday I had been offerred previously which I explained did not really suit my needs, then fantastic, Amanda found 2 others that seemed to fit the bill. Unfortunatley the first could not be found either on the Gazetter or anywhere on the internet so I declined, then she found another all inclusive in a 5 star hotel in Alanya, well done Amanda. We checked it out and there were reasonable reports on Tripadvisor and the price was a very reasonable £350 but the tour company was one I had never heard of called Goldtrail so I said I would have a think and get back to them.

Having thought I have decided first thing today I will go in and book because otherwise I will end up as I did earlier this year at somewhere in England where it will be cold & damp as in my picture of Scarborough in August this year shows.

Well if anyone out there is reading this and can suggest a better idea for my holiday problems for the remaining week I have before the end of the year please let me know, or if there is someone who will start a pressure group for us hard done to singles please let me know.

If you continue to follow this post I promise to tell whether I managed to book & whether it is a bargain or a total disaster

Wednesday evening, sad news I rang to book the holiday and its gone spoke to Dawn & we will try again at weekend

6 Oct 2006

Well done Dawn and Amanda today I went looking for another holiday, thinking there would be no more success, surprise surprise, Dawn and Amanda managed to find me an inexpensive holiday in the resort of Sidari Corfu, I realise that it is only self-catering but at a price of £170 for a week in a nice quiet complex I don't think I could have done any better. Now all I have to do is sort out my clothes and get some money.

I will provide an update on my holiday when I return.

3 Oct 2006

Big Feet No Trainers

I have been trying to buy trainers for the last 3 weeks, I have size 11 feet that are very broad, my last pair of comfortable trainers are falling apart, plus I have 2 other pairs that are fashionable but make my feet ache if I wear them

Why do people like me have such problems trying to find shoes & trainers to fit, when I go in shops I try to make the choice as wide as possible, with no specific brand or type, to increase my chances of finding a new pair, because I have known this problem in relation to shoes all through my 59 years. What do young people with big feet do? are there shops that deal with people like me?

Also why are they so suprised when as I did in desperation find a pair that seemed okay, but later caused my feet to ache? so then back to the store for a another type or refund only to find they have nothing else that fits and "sorry we dont do refunds only credit notes" so I now have a credit note in a shop that sells nothing I want.

Are there shoe shops out there that have staff who are knowledgeable about their product and also cater for us "Odd sizes" because I feel that most of us bigger people just resign ourselves to struggle.

What about a pressure group to change the world for us bigger sizes , maybe we should picket the big manufacturers even create Blogs to raise the issue.

1 Oct 2006

Proms in The Park Manchester 2006



Well the first Blog has gone out so thought I would try another whilst I have your attention so here goes.


This year I and 2 friends decided we would go to Proms in The Park for the experiance of A Lifetime, because we had been watching Last Night of The Proms on TV for years.


Because 2 of us have mobility problems we arrived early to find a suitable place to camp with our table, chairs, food kettle stove etc. The weather was ideal although we had come prepared for a soaking as there had been last year

We checked the platform erected for people with mobility problems which was well placed, sadly the toilets were a quarter of a mile away at the top of a hill, so thinking of our bladders and the time and energy that would be involved we decided to move up the hill to the back for a better view which worked very well the time was now appox 6pm.

The sound was clear & not to intrusive, what it was like at the front I can't imagine, so we settled down for an evenings entertainment, which generally was very good, although, the low point was half an hour of adverts for National Savings and the fact that there were hundreds of people queuing for the toilets ( I think there were about 8 for 10,000 people) but being disabled has its advantages at least they let us use ours.

I was suprised because there did not appear to be that many people at the event early on but as it got darker more arrived including a young couple who decide the best position to watch the entertainment was lay on the floor which i imagine was quite cold, their situation was made worse by the fact that it was now quite dark and people did not appear to of considered that there may be Promenaders so low on the ground.

We finally reached the part we had waited all night for the singing, I was suprised because although the people at the front were singing their hearts out, from about a third back of the crowd it was distinctly quiet and our little groups singing & clapping did not seem to make up for the silent majority ( what on earth were they there for if not to join in).

Eventually we sadly reached the end but just before that 2 of our group me being one needed the toilet which worked out very well because just as we finished our visit to the toilet the fireworks went off at the back of the hall where most of the audience could not see them, so I have include a couple of photos for you to admire.

The evening was a great success & we plan another visit next year well done BBC

Frightening New Experiance of Blogging


Well hello out there in the blogging world, I have consulted The Rough Guide to Blogging, looked at some blogging sites, have talked to some friends, thanks again to Alan, Brian and Andy, so now this is the start of my great new adventure in the blogging world.

I hope this blog will be interesting to you all out there, including sharing the exciting plans for my approaching retirement,as well as my thoughts about my day-to-day life experiences.

Included will be some of my photos past & present with a particular interest of mine in sunrises And sunsets.

It is my hope that the blog will be funny and interesting to anybody reading it.

Please feel free to make any comments, constructive criticism will be welcome

Bloggs to come include

Proms in the Park Manchester 2006,

Why I am having problems obtaining Which best buys

My forthcoming holiday adventures,

Plans for my 60th birthday (honest they are more interesting than you think)

10 October 2006

Last week I was asked if I was willing to be interviewed for one of the local radio stations Tower FM as I am a user of Bury Shopmpbility & have been for the last 10 years.

Of course I said yes this is all part of my new adventure, unfortunately I have managed to contact a nasty virus which has taken its toll so reluctantly I had to cancel my chance of stardom
yet again

Despite all this last night went to a meeting about vandalism by local youths in the area, most of the night had no positive outcome, but then when i objected about a council member of staff being nieve when she felt it would be a good idea for local residents to ask for names & addresses of the vandals, it was a police officer who actually said it needed the problems to be traced to their roots & thqat he intended to start asking for car registration numbers & any other information as well as videoing the offenders then visiting them at home to discuss what their parents were going to do to help resolve the matter, I felt that was a small victory for common sense, lets hope it happens.

Wednesday 11th October

Decided against commonsense to go to work today although I still was not recovered, I took medication to help me keep going, the problem is at work that my voice got worse as the day progressed, which is not much use when your primary role is to answer the phone.

Got home to relax and watch the soaps, was greeted by elderly neighbour wanting help because the TV was not working neither was her phone also the doorbell was not working, said would go and check my flat first, did this at first everything seemed okay, until noticed that was no light on the video television or DVD, so decided to check out why. Remembered I had lent my test lamp to a mate, my neon tester would not work and the battery had gone in my meter. Borrowed battery from my smoke alarm, checked fuses all had gone, rang mate who brought fuses, replaced all fuses plugged in DVD which caused loud bang, checked cables found aerial lead was beyond repair. TV and video still not working.

Remembered house contents insurance with Egg, tried the phone to find that didn't work either luckily I still have my old one so changed it for that, rang claims department, told cannot make a claim until tomorrow morning so much for 24-hour service. (Should have said that going into the TV withdrawal process)

I thought never mind I will listen to the radio or CD, switched on system surprise surprise, that had given up the ghost as well, after a lot of effort I finally found out that it was the amplifier that did not work.

At this point decided to go and see my neighbour, her TV & digi box were not working neither was her phone or intecom on the door, luckily her son was coming next day so said ask him to contact to the insurance company, said I would ring about the phone and inform her son later this evening.

Then spent another hour getting my old amplifier out and connecting it up, I could now listen to a CD, but then I realised that I had not eaten, so prepared snack.

I then rang my son and told him what a brilliant day I had had.

Finally totally exhausted, full of my virus I decided to go to bed, picked up my glasses and the lens fell out. What a great end to a fantastic day.

Thursday the 12th

I woke up still full of flu, so rang work and explained also that I needed to sort out my insurance claim.

Rang Egg spoke to young man who said somebody would ring me back, explained I am on holiday from tomorrow evening.

Rang TV man explained problems, he was very helpful but unable to assist in the short-term.

Rang Lawrence my magic computer expert, who said bring computer he would give me a swift answer, took computer, within half an hour he rang back to say it was the lead total cost an amazing £5 so went and collected it, connected it up and it works. Only problem broadband would not work, so rang Lawrence again absolutely brilliant advice so now back on Internet. Thanks very much Lawrence.


Then spent next two hours trying to sort out my three neighbours telephones with little success.

I forgot to say that I had managed to get an appointment to see my GP later today so will find out whether or not I am going away on holiday.

Next had phone call from Egg, they want to sort out claim but not until tomorrow at 11am, explained I am going on holiday, did not seem to make much differance

Friday 13th October 2006

Today I had an interview by telephone with my insurance company, what I found a bit worrying was that they asked me to tell the story twice which for a TOG is a big order in particular when we struggle to remember what we did five minutes ago. Anyway the good news is that they have accepted the claim and when I returned from holiday I will be able to sort out my TV etc.

Well at long last I will soon be on holiday, but after packing the traffic reports said there were problems on the motorway, so I decided to leave early for my friends Tom & Wendy, who were taking me to the airport. I have decided to start a new post to tell you all of my adventures in Corfu.

So please all you readers out there, now please go and have a look at my new post entitled A Lonely TOGS Adventures in Corfu.

5 November 2006

Having just finished my last post I thought I would have a quick look at a Blog my friend and advisor Brian had suggestewd namely that of the 43 bus
( http://the43.blogspot.com/2006/10/how-it-was.html ) sorry I would insert a link in its proper place but still having problems doing this.

I really enjoyed this, such a change to some of the very strange Blogs I have come across so far, even when looking at the Blog awards.

Have suddlenly realised, it is 6.45 and I am getting cold because the heating has not come on, so now need to decide with all this excitement do I go back to bed and try to sleep, or get up dressed then go for my sunday paper, wait for the next exciting episode, in a Togs new adventure