30th April 2007 ~ Blog Day Afternoon

Monday 30
Got up at 9.00 Sam left at 10.30
I'll miss him we have had such a great weekend
Went for a 3- course meal at Tech = 70p
It was really nice
Bought a big T-shirt £5.35 (I bought a lovely T-shirt on Saturday it only cost £5!!)
& Bright Eyes - Art Garfunkel
Phoned Sam, he got home ok xx<3>

Tra la la la it is my first blog birthday.

I am in a state of shock that I have been around with my diaries for a whole 12 months!!
It is strange, as I galloped through the 70s early doors thinking I wouldn't keep it up but wanted to get through my diaries at the same time.

These are my 1st posts ... here & here .... oh & here

Obviously I have enjoyed it and decided to slow up a little. Once I get to the end of 1979 I will travel back again to 1977. I lost that diary so posted the year through memory and internet research... but now I can revisit, but after having a skip through it ..... it is sooooo cringing to read!!

So how did I get to be on here? Well you can blame & for that. ( oh through out this post just click on the pictures for the culprits :-) )
I mentioned the diaries and before I knew it here I was/am.
In April 2007 I made a huge career change. Stopped working silly o'clock hours and went 9 -5. Most certainly I couldn't have blogged in my former role as I would simply not have had the time.

In July 2007 I joined FuelMy Blog. Bill had told me about it but had no idea what it was about. Then one weekend I had a mate staying. I was telling her about the world of blog and was showing her the sites etc...... I nipped up to the loo and she sneakily posted a comment on Daddy Papersurfers site anonymously (on my behalf... yes alcohol was included in this equation) ..... the rest as they say 'is history'!
DP opened his cupboard and coerced me to join in and I have been in that darned cupboard ever since with DP, Sylvie & B4by, a llama and some guest visitors !! (you should pop along it is decorated lovely .. it has that feminine touch!)

During my time blogging I have won a few competitions.... a T-shirt 'I am a big Deal', I got something from Kevin's cupboard ... read here for a while (ok a day) I tried it!!, a fabulous handbag from Laga in a competition arranged by LindaC through FuelMyBlog and so much more that I am having trouble explaining to my Teen why I get all these parcels through the post from around the World (it would never do for her to discover I was far wilder than she is at the same age!!)
One of the best things that I have won is for my blog to be published in a book ... that really is an amazing prize through Blog2Print... something I must work on (must select what pages I want to be printed and sort out my typos lol)

Have I mentioned yet the Fanzine that I started following Daddy Papersurfer's launch... following a mad idea by Ms D.Ranged? Well yes 70s has an exclusive view of DP's past and present... if you click on his blog you will see all the Fanzine's listed on the right hand column.... what an eye opener that has been & me a former Sunday School teacher!!

Now the friends I have met! ooops before that I must mention something else LT and FAI her Granddad ... that is me and FAI is my Granddad what a star he was & I am hooked on family history :-) & Random Place of Mind my bezzie mate Sunny
Back to my blog family & friends ....there are many & if I don't mention you it is no slur on you .. it is probably I am pushed for time to link everyone. So apart from those mentioned already here goes (& no particular order at all ) ....

Nursey Myra gorgeous gal with no internet just now but what advice she will give you !!
Dear Frac (also Secretary to the fanzine.... such a hard task!!)
Crofty (we were drinking in the same pub at the same time in Manchester & probably rubbed shoulders at the bar but never recognised each other!!)

Auntie Dar.. what can I say except another gorgeous gal on blogsphere and at home
Sugar Queen from the US of A .... pouring sugar and all things so lovely on us all

Penfold the son of DP (although denial on his part .. Penfold that is .. have to say he is solely responsible for the virus that is DaddyPapersuferitis though ... tsk!)
The lovely TnB (now hooked with said above ... awwww a lovely tale of blogluuuurve across the interweave :-) )

Mystic Veg .. what he can't do with veg isn't worth knowing
The Reverend from Elvis's home land
Cowgirl Betty .. a rootin' and a tooting from ... erm New York!!
Diane a great Norvern lass who decided to wimp out down Souff (you know I don't mean that!) & does the most amazing books... love 'em
BenSparks a wonderful dedicated photographer .. who is running a great competition
John C... what can I say about this amazing bloke who although speaks the same language as me ... I have no idea what he is on about????.. he is from Florida though!! LOL

Again if you have not been mentioned I do apologise... but you are either on my blog friends list (featured on 70s land) or I have posted on your blog ....

Now I have to just finish .. that another icon of blogsphere started her blog on the very same day that 70s did ... so Happy Blogday to you :-)

. Olga the Travelling Bra
May 'the Posse be with you'

The most hilarious irony of Olga & I starting our blogs was, on the 30th April 2007 it was a ....'One day blog silence'. Obviously we both accept the true meaning of the day for those for whom it was meant.. but Olga & I silent??? surely not a chance :-D

Oh and this is not spell checked ... Grammar Police .. easy cop guv!!


Thank you everyone for a fabulous year

70s x

29th April 1979

Sunday 29
Got up at 1.30 pm = knackered (no wonder!!)
Went to Manchester at 4.10
Took Ange (who???) to get train to Wolverhampton
Had an ace meal & left at 8.30 pm
Got home at 10.30
Sam goes back tomorrow
(how much energy did I have then... working all day, partying until 4.00 am then trolling around (Yorkshire, Manchester) and not getting home til 10.30 pm the next day... ahh! those were the days lol)


Just thought I would share what reading material I am on at the moment. I have just finished Philip Pullman's trilogy ~ Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife & The Amber Spyglass. Fabulous stuff.
I promised a friend I would next read her recommendation. I have had a couple of her books since Christmas as the journey through Pullmans dark material took a while as I only read on my 15 minute train journey to work & back.

So what was my friends recommendation? She knows I am publishing my diaries on here so she lent me 'Diary of a Chav' by Grace Dent. What a comparison I hear you shout!!
Well I tell you I laughed out loud on the train this morning, it is soooooo funny.

Shiraz Bailey Wood is a 15 year old Essex girl whose Nan bought her a glitzy pink diary for Christmas. She has a sister named Cava-Sue & her brother is Murphy. She is thankful that her Mum maybe past child bearing age as she has been drinking Peach Lambrella.
They own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and her Mum spends her time either watching Jeremy Kyle or in the 'bookies'

Quote from her mum to her sister

'Help your bleedin' self Jamie Oliver! There's fresh vegetables in the freezer!'

Some of the things that have gone on in the first few months of the year are hilarious. It so reminds me of my time in school - bad nicknames for the teachers, fancying boys, hanging out on street corners in a hope to see them, fights at school, gossip....... & I see my Teen so much in her.... not that we live in Essex or that she is a Chav (although there was a worrying time where she looked like turning that way - velour tracksuits & bling ear-rings... thank goodness it was only a short phase!!Phew!!)

This is what made me laugh out loud

Teacher (Polish supply teacher nick named Jar Jar Binks) ~ 'Are there any queries?'
'Yeah Miss, Sean Burton! ' I shouted and pointed at Sean in our English set who dyes his hair blonde and has a pink Bebo page and always goes on about Kylie Minogues Showgirls DVD and wears spot concealer.

If you want an easy read and a giggle the Chav diaries are a must LOL :-)

27th & 28th April 1979

Friday 27
Skived Business Studies (what again??)
Went to Cheryl's house
Ironed my dress, it looks ace
Sam arrived at 7.30
Went to Snooty Fox
He has gone to the 'Brick til 2.00 with my brother & Mike ... naughty boy!!

Saturday 28
J's Party
Work 9.30 - 4.30 £19.50 wages (must be for the week!)
Tony picked us up at 6.15
Got to Brighouse at 8.00
Party = ace
Bed at 4.00 am
Not too drunk just tired
Do at Black Horse Inn = lovely
just like an old cottage



From the Jackie Annual 1976.................. for Sylvie

What a sexy photo of David Essex

There is just something so chilling and beautiful about a song sang in French

I love the Champs Elysees too it is a great place to sit, have coffee and watch the world go by. In August, on my way to Madrid, I am stopping off in Paris and hope to be able to do this. Doubt I will have time for the Eiffel Tower though!

The Alcazar is still there but looks a litle different to David's day I imagine

25th & 26th April 1979

Wednesday 25
College 9 - 11
Home for dinner
Kate's Dads uncles funeral at 2.00
Sam never phoned at lunch time
Went to Fi's
Tried to hem up a dress
Fi = grumpy
Phoned Sam = in a better mood than yesterday

Thursday 26
Stayed at Fi's last night
Came home at 10.00
Watched 'Tarzan goes to India'
Made chicken merangow = nice (that could be Chicken Marengo!!)
Fi rang
She has done the button holes on my dress
Sam phoned
He is probably coming over tomorrow

Been having a trawl through You Tube

Remember when Snickers where Marathons.... I said last week to my teen 'do you want a Marathon?' It was met with a 'huh!' and that look only a teenager can give...



1972 in America.... it was a Snicker


How would we have got through the 70s without K-Tel


Now doesn't this make you want to rush out and buy one ... well my mum's partner did!!!

24th April 1979

Tuesday 24
Boring day at college
Bought buttons for my jacket
Went to Fi's
Sam phoned
He says he may have to work Saturday
Miserable bugger
I was really looking forward to Saturday


A while ago I featured this girl... Wendy and the before and after ..... yes no one could tell the difference!! Someone should have told her to have a hair cut and that may have helped!!

I have been trawling through the Jackie Annuals and see that she is their top model (so different to Britain's Top Model not to mention America's Top Model that my teen is hooked on!!!)

Wendy is featured in twice for knitting patterns
her hair has still not been sorted................






I wonder what she is doing now??


p.s. the knitting patterns are available upon request !!

& for those of you who are worried that you maybe spending too much time on the net?? There is a great invention just off the press....... phew !!

21st , 22nd & 23rd April 1979

Saturday 21
Worked 9-6 £4.50 = shattered
Met Fi at 11.45 for dinner
Bought a pair of stockings 49p
Rang Sam
He worked til lunch time
Miss him a lot
Baby sat 7.30 - 12.30 = £2.00 (god what a long day for only £6.50???)

Sunday 22
Got up at 12.30 (no wonder after all the working hours I had done!!)
Sam phoned at 4.00
He worked from 8.30 - 8.10 pm (oh my what was all these long hours about ??)
Fi phoned
Nearly finished my jacket
Buttons to do and sleeves to hem
Phoned Sam at 10.00pm
He sounded really tired
Really love him x

Monday 23
St. Georges Day
Mum's Birthday (70s ed Happy Birthday Mum.....she is 77 today)
Got Mum £6 Marks Spencer voucher
College = ok
Wrote to Sam
Bev broke her ankle for the 4th time (gosh I bet she is having great time with rheumatism now lol)
She is no longer going out with John
Bought Jane's present (who is Jane??)
Finished sewing my jacket
Phoned Sam = nice xx


Blogger is playing up so I can post what I wanted to post !!!! :-(

Happy St Georges Day

20th April 1979

Friday 20
Worked 11-5
Not very busy
Bought a pair of white mules £2.99

Sam phoned at 8.00 pm
He worked 9 - 9pm
He phoned me again at 10.00 from home
Fi phoned


Last week I posted a few from

Here are the rest

I wonder if they are brothers. Not found a lot about this band except they were Scottish and split up in 1979. This album cover does look familiar though

nice tune




This article appeared in the 1978 Jackie Annual. It would seem he was married then. But I suppose saying you want to kiss your wife is not a thing teenage fans want to hear! Tragically in 1979 his wife was killed in a car crash ( I do seem to remember that!) . He married again in 1984 and has 6 children


They had similar hair do's!!


Again??? Who is this bloke?? Ok can you tell the difference ?




awww but Rudolph is so cute :-)


& last but by no means least

A local Southport lad. Sailor, singer song writer who won Opportunity knocks in 1977. He was voted in for 13 weeks.
He only lived about 1/4 mile from my house & I do remember cycling up there with my mates to his house to see if we could catch a glimpse of him. Never did! Although (& don't tell anyone) I snogged his brother at a disco eek!!
As you know I lost my 1977 diary but found it again. I have just had a quick flick through ... because I would have written about it.... can't see it so it will have to wait for '1977 ~ the revisit'

But you know what I did see Saturday 7th May 1977

' Liverpool with 'J'. Bought a bag, patch to put on it, art equipment, ribbon & a sketch book. Saw my Auntie, her daughter & her two kids. Saw 'Our Kid' '

Annie I actually saw Our Kid would you believe it ???

Anyway back to Berni Flint.... he got to number 3 in the UK charts on 23/4/1977 with this song. Still know all the words lol

19th April 1979

Thursday 19
Got up at 10.00
Came back here at lunch time
Went into town (Southport)
Bought £3.00 material for a jacket
Phoned Sam
Started jacket (oh my I wonder what disaster that was??)

Yesterday I posted '1971 and all that' on FuelMyBlog. I had to do some research for this as I don't recall the headlines of the time then.
It got me thinking though, I wonder what I missed in the first 4 months of 1979?..... loads obviously.

I found, however, there was a lot of doom and gloom about (nothing changes hey!)
But then I came across this gem

20th April 1979, President Carter was out fishing on his own in Georgia, when he was attacked by a swimming swamp rabbit. Apparently it was "hissing menacingly, its teeth flashing and nostrils flared and making straight for the president"

To read more click here!

You just couldn't make it up could you?
Except unless of course you were the Monty Python crew ..... the Holy Grail - killer rabbit clip




Also from the same film but done in lego (sooooo clever) - the French Taunter ... classic last line hee hee

18th April 1979

Wednesday 18
Worked 9.30 - 5.30 = busy
Sam phoned
Watched T.V. & not very memorable (what?) (that is not a 70s Ed that is what was written?)
Phoned Tony R (why?)
Fi phoned
Went round and stayed at Fi's


You may have noticed (hard not to have *snigger*) but an old school mate has been keeping me company on here these past couple of weeks.
She is not a blogger so comes up as Anonymous (aka Annie Mouse)
and she has a far better memory than me for bands and TV programmes.
Recently she has been doing some research for me whilst she has been recouperating after an operation.

Annie has also been to stay a couple of times and we have had such a laugh dancing to 70s stuff (& drinking copious amounts of wine!!)

Well the poor gal is hitting reality on Monday. It's back to work time .....
I certainly know how that feels. 2 years ago I was off for 3 months when my back failed me.
The thought of returning to work has that bitter sweet taste to it. You want to get back to the normal routine (not to mention the money) but you also feel you don't want to leave the carefree, 'please yourself routine' that soon develops.

So Annie this is for you, to ease your journey back and to thank you for all your help :-)

I bet no one recognises these chaps?....
Annie will! because she had a 'thing' about them like I had about Donny.
Oh that's when she wasn't swooning over Cliff Richards (eek!!)

Any guesses?? No?? Take a look at this clip!!


These young lads were a manufactured boy band in 1976 from our home town of Liverpool.
In May 1976 they won New Faces (1970s version of X-Factor!!).
In the show they scored an amazing 118 points out of a possible 120.... but unfortunately their fame was fairly short lived as the school authorities said the lads were spending too much time performing and not studying.

Earlier this year 3 of the chaps were hunted out and made to do the 'dance' again .... this is how they look now now


I wonder what happened to Kevin Rowan???

17th April 1979

Tuesday 17
Worked 11-5
Sam phoned when I got in at 5.30
That really cheered me up
Very busy at work
Phoned Fi & Sam
Wrote to him
Played Monopoly with my brother I got beat (I don't think I ever won. If I was ever in danger of winning the game would be terminated lol.)

Well last nights quiz certainly got Annie's brain going and DP riding on the back of her excellent answers.

Lets just remind us of her answers
1. grump out of muppets ~ wrong Waldorf
2.Barrie Masters - Eddie & the Hotrods
3. Mike Holoway~ Yeah correct
4.woody (bay city rollers ~ Wrong (but close)
Eric Faulkner
5. paul michael glaizer ~ Yeah correct
6. noddy holder ~ Yeah correct
7. Phil Collins ~ Yeah correct
8. Graeme Garden (goodies) ~ yeah correct
9. paul nicholas~ yeah correct
10. brian ferry~ yeah correct
11. errol (hot choc)~ yeah correct
12. brit eckland~ wrong Tom Petty
13. Neil Diamond~ wrong Jeff Phillips (couldn't find a photo)
14. tim matheson~ yeah correct
15.bay city roller lead singer.~ wrong Pat McGlynn
9/15 not bad at all... well done Annie :-)

16th April 1979

Monday 16
Easter Monday
Got up at 10.00
Went to 'J's' for an hour
Watched motor racing on T.V.
Went for a long walk it was gloriously warm
Sam had to leave at 6.20 (I guess he must have come back with me on Good Friday?)
His train to Stafford was at 7.20
I'll miss him

From the Jackie Album 1978... 15 sets of eyes in the 'Eye-Q Test' (groan!!)

Well I confess I got only 5 right (1, 5, 6, 9 & 10)

15th April 1979

Sunday 15
Easter Sunday
Got up at 11.00
Went to the Ideal Homes Exhibition in Aintree = rubbish
Went baby sitting
David was up (I guess that is the baby's name??)
Got £2.00
Sam not speaking to me (oh no what did I do now??? lol)
Bright Eyes number 1


aw Bright Eyes ~ Art Garfunkel. The theme tune to 'Watership Down'



Richard Adams, the author of 'Watership Down', told his children improvised stories about the rabbits on long car journeys and they insisted he wrote them down.
I used to tell my daughter lots of made up fairy stories at bed time, I just wish I'd had the hindsight to write them down (mmm maybe they are still there buried deep in my subconscious!!). Adams was rejected by 13 publishing companies along the way but finally he was successful and the rest, as they say is history.



This the trailer to the film released in 1978


I have never seen the film all the way through..... because I am a bit of an old softy and all those big sad eyes .........

14th April 1979

Saturday 14
Work 11 - 5.00
£4.40 wages = dead busy
Washed my hair
Went to Follies Nightclub = hot & crap
Went back to Fi's
First we went to Pizzaland for spaghetti bolangnese = smart
(Spag Bol was a great treat back then.... we thought we were so sophisticated eating 'foreign food!!' lol )
Home at 2.00 am

From last nights quickie quiz... it was difficult wasn't it!!
I only got the keybaord player as I am Donny's number one fan ... knew his middle name & the fact his nickname was Corky .... but I had forgotten I knew that until I read the clues!!!

The answer does not give the names of the people.... middle top row is David Essex and bottom row is Eric Faulkner ~ Bay City Rollers & of course Donny (swoon)

I have no idea whatsoever who the other two guys are on the top row! Any ideas before I start googling??? Annie Mouse may know???

Oh almost forgot again ????

Lovely Auntie Dar tagged me to reveal my desktop .
I don't do stuff like this as a rule (as you know) but I liked the sound of this. People's desk tops I think show something about themselves. Mine used to change with what ever was going on in my life but since I got this one it has been a constant .... so here it is
(my teen showed me how to do it!!)

Don't usually tag people either but I will this time Annie Mouse (she doesn't have a blog but she can send it me and I will post it here), Daddy P (of course but know he won't do it!). Sugar Queen (as I would love to see what she looks at everyday ), tNb (once her feet hit ground level again ... we may have to wait an eternity for that though) & Sylvie (coz I know it will be lovely :-))

Interlude ~~~ 'Fantasy or Fact?' ~~~~ Fanzine V

Welcome to Fanzine V....

(wow 5 already! How time flies when you are having.......... fun, I suppose!)

You may have read recently on 'the phenomenon that is DP', that he has allegedly been stalked by his idol Uma Thurman.

I am totally bewildered by this revelation, as I suspect you are too dear readers. Uma stalking DP?? Surely it has always been the reverse?

If this fact is true (& pretty disturbing it would be too), then I feel it only right to point out that he only has himself to blame.

Some of you may not know this fact & I feel as Ed to the Fanzine I have responsibility to pass on all the facts as I receive them.

Many moons ago he set up a cupboard on FuelMyBlog where his quest was to achieve the 'longest thread' once he had found it as he had lost it (something I know you may have already realised!)

During the initial stages of this 'great adventure' he established a secret laboratory, where he was conjuring up some sort of formula.

The formula was to make Uma notice him. Then they would run away together etc etc ........We all thought at the time it was doomed to failure, so we merely humoured him during this quest. Dabbing his fevered brow along the way when required.

I managed to hook up a secret web cam & 70s managed to get some rare stills footage of him in there.


(These images may be disturbing to some readers!)

If his recent experience is to be believed then maybe the GOG is not quite as deranged as we first thought?? & we did see Uma with a DP fanclub handbag recently at the Oscars this year!!!!! So may be, just may be, this is FACT not Fantasy???


He has been back in the laboratory, staying up late (past 21.00 hours) trying to undo this formula.
Unfortunately the web cam is not working properly (there was a slight incident with a bunsen burner which damaged the camera not to mention DP's nostril hair!).

All was not lost, dear readers. DP's lovely secretary was passing the door on her way to having her nails done. She heard the following ghostly words & reported them immediately (she was a bit shaken by this experience and is thinking about her position)..............

DP speaking ~ 'Eye of bass, toe of toad, a little curly hair [ginger], 2oz of sugar and a grated turnip' - a perfect recipe for a fun fuelled night out with 70's. Perhaps I'm a whorelock warlock and it is you that should be affeared!!!!!
[OK, that won't work - back to the drawing board.]'

Again dear Readers is this FACT or FANTASY ?


The mail sacks have been bulging at the seams these past few weeks. Obviously the fame of DP is spreading world wide at a fair rate of knots. Inevitably with such fame comes the begging letters (mostly begging him to take a long vacation where no safety net is available!); the love letters (eeeew... dear readers you really don't want the details) & the amount of underwear that is piling up, I could start my own shop!

I have chosen 2 letters from the bulging sacks, for this Fanzine. I felt that you as his fan club members should have a chance to read both simultaneously to enable you to draw your own conclusions as to their validity! FACT or FANTASY?
I am sure TG will have something to say about them too!

Dear Ms 70's

Sorry, this is a bit embarrassing.

I think that I met Daddy Papersurfer in Ibiza about 35 years ago. It's all a bit vague, what with the sangria and all.

Anyway - I was a lot younger and so was ....... he!
He used to be so good looking in them days. What a fine set of teeth.

I don't know how to say this ........but ....... well, there's a strong possibility that ...... gawd ........no I can't.
I thought I could but even as the sands of time have passed I still can't bring myself to tell the world.

No, forget I said anything ........ really, please!
Must dash (whoosh), all the grand children are staying
[all 12 of 'em - bless every one of 'em - each of the triplets had 4 each, can you believe it!]

I have attached a photo of my children when they were babies. I carry this around in my rucksack every day so it is showing signs of wear. But I hope you can see just how lovely they are?

Regards Milly

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Dear Fanzine Ed
I came across your most wonderful fanzine whilst looking for fan dancing lessons on the interweave.
Since then I have never looked back...... yes I am looking forward with some degree of excitement (which is a bit unfortunate at times as my pelvic floor ain't what it used to be!)
For many years now I have been trying to find members of my family and this is my sad tale.

I got lost on a family trip to the circus over 50 years ago. No one came to claim me so the lovely circus folk brought me up as their own.
I was taught to swallow swords, eat fire (unfortunately this lead to my big smoking habit) and to balance cardboard boxes on my head.

I have had a happy(ish) life despite not knowing what happened to my family.
I married young to a travelling sales man. He used to fondly call me his 'terrible fag ash'.

3 years ago he ran off with the bearded lady from a Romanian circus troop that joined us for our Summer season in Clacton.
I am ok about it now. I fill my time well. Recently I have taken up metal work and can make amazing things from lead (it is getting more difficult as I get older to climb on church roof's to pinch it). I recently had a couple of my pieces of work shown at a carnival in France.
It is just something I have always wanted to do from being a child.

Back to my family search. I know I had two brothers... twins in fact.
I believe that one of my brothers went to live in the land of maple syrup (as we circus folk fondly refer to Canada as).
A friend of mine (Frank the one armed lion tamer. It was a terrible accident. The lion wasn't very well for weeks after) found these images on the interweave. I can see my father's eyes and my mothers moustache in this photo.

Sadly, despite all my letters, Maplesurfer has never replied.

I am almost 100% certain that Daddy Papersurfer & Maple Surfer are my brothers.
Please, please, please publish my letter.... I am hoping above all hope that one or both of them will read this and get in touch.
Attached is a recent photo of me with out my cardboard box. Can anyone see a family resemblance at all?

Thunking you in anticipation

Gertrude Poppersufferer
(address with held by Ed.)

So what you you think dear readers??
FACT or FANTASY ?????

13th April 1979

Friday 13 (eeek Friday the 13th...)
Good Friday
Went to Oulton Park = good
Saw Formula 1's
Met Stan and got a lift home
Went to the Grapes Hotel in Formby
Home at 11.30

Here is a quiz even the boys can do. Try it without the aid of the 'safety net' if you can. I only got one !!!!!

Thank you all that did last nights quiz. I forgot to put my scores down .... 3 x a, 2 x b, 1 x c & 1 x d

So it looks like we were all 'a' stars :-)

12th April 1979

Thursday 12
Got up at 9.30
Washed my hair & had a shower
Went into Stafford at 2.20
Waited 1/2 hour for Sam (getting his own back I imagine lol) in the 'Grove'
Went to the Woolpack
Ladies darts = good
Kate complimented me = dead chuffed (complimented me for what? My darts ability? my fashion sense? my curled out hair do? & who on earth is Kate?? That we will never know!)



From the Jackie Annual 1976 'A Girl's Best Friend' a short quiz

Why does a storm excite some people and frighten or depress other?
Well, without even realising it, we all respond to nature, and the way in which we respond reveals a lot about our personalities.
So study each of the illustrations carefully and decide which statement is closest to the way you feel. Then count up your score.

(I will give the hidden personality secrets you have revealed tomorrow!!)

11th April 1979

Wednesday 11
Went to Joan & Pete's
Got a lift off one of Sam's neighbours into Stafford
Got the 9.50 to Stoke
Went to Joan's
Then I went to Newcastle (under- Lyne) with her daughter
Left at 5.10
Met Sam 3/4 hour late oops
Went to the Woolpack


From the Jackie Album oops 'Annual' 1978

Jim Cregan
was a guitarist with Rod Stewart, Cockney Rebel et al.
They didn't stay married according to Wiki!!




Oh come on Mick you have a girlie hair do so why shouldn't a woman have a tasche???
(don't these two look alike?? the smile! The nose! the cheek bones! the dark hair! and the eyebrows?)


Not another one for Olivia? She is gorgeous though.


mmm?? no mention, that I can find on either persons sites that they had ever got it together???

There are few more that appear in this article but I will save it for another post

10th April 1979

Tuesday 10
Got up at 9.30
Took Sam's Afghan out for a walk
Drew out £5.00 from the post office
Bought Sam's Mum 'Fungus the Bogeyman'
Met Sam at 12.45 and 5.00
Stayed in and played Scrabble


Ah good old Raymond Briggs! Loved the stuff Briggs did and Fungus was one of my favourites. Written in 1977 Fungus was the fore runner (in my eyes) to Shrek in looks.

Fungus was an ordinary working-class bogeyman whose job was to scare us humans. He preferred muck to cleanliness, stinky pongy stuff to perfume and slimy, mouldy food to fresh. Us humans were referred to as 'Drycleaners' because of our obsession with cleanliness. (I tell you I have been in some houses that were far worse than Fungus's). He lives deep underground in the dark tunnels of Bogeydom (I believe that is South of Watford *snigger*)

I still have a copy of the book. I did used to have the 'Plop-up' version but goodness knows where that is now but I do believe it is quite rare these days (mmm maybe during the 'who's CD is who's' split that was something that the Raymond Briggs collection was divided up!!)

I also have Father Christmas, The Snowman & When the Wind Blows.

Father Christmas (1973) is excellent. It portrays Father Christmas as a grumpy old git (mmm? who does that remind you of??)
The write up on Wiki even more sums up a GOG that we know and love (just replace cat & dog with llama & Uma) Just watch him moan ... fabulous :-)

'While he bumbles and mumbles about his work and life, its clear he has a deep affection for his animals (he gives his cat and dog presents and refers to his reindeer as "m'deers") and enjoys his work. He comes across more in the book as a stereotypical old man who complains about everything but ultimately loves what he does.'

The Snowman(1978) needs no explanation. A delightful flight of fantasy. This clip is a good one to watch, chill and enjoy. Narrated by David Bowie.

'When the Wind Blows' (1982) had me in tears even now when I think of it it brings that solid lump in my stomach.

It tells the story of Jim and Hilda Bloggs (well, well I bet he never envisaged Blogs!) a loving retired couple in rural Sussex.
They are going about their daily lives when there is announced the likelihood of a nuclear attack on Britain.
Hilda is more concerned about baking cakes & getting her washing dry on the line whilst Jim takes on the dads army approach and builds a shelter in the living room.
Jim listens to the public information given out on the radio and prepares as instructed. They whitewash the windows (to shield the radiation), stock up on supplies (a tin of Christmas pudding) and anticipate a Blitz-style scenario sipping Olvaltine in an Anderson shelter.

It is comical but with ever so much a dark side to it. They understand but not fully the effects of the aftermath, which is devastating and true to what would actually happen. It is such a brilliant observation of life and peoples perception of what is told to them by the powers that be at the time of the Cold War

9th April 1979

Monday 9
Got up at 11.00
Went to the post office in the village
Sent an Easter card to Corinna
Went into Stafford with Sam
He had a day off work
Phoned my cousin Joan (I come from a large close knit family, or should I say my Mum came from a large close knit family. She was the youngest of 8. Joan was the first born of my mums eldest brother and only 2 years younger than my mum. Were as I was the last born of the youngest child, hence there was 30 years difference in our ages. Joan was my fav cousin, so full of life and very funny. Sadly she died suddenly last year)
I am going there on Wednesday
Phoned Mar (the age before mobiles when we phoned when we could and no one stressed that we weren't in instant contact.... bliss!!)



From the Jackie Annual 1978 I came across this which I had completely forgotten about!!

The Beaudine Brothers (not that they had a resemblance to each other in the slightest)
in search of their sister Patricia.
How would they recognise her when they don't look anything alike ??
It was a great series now I look back and Tim M was so dreamy :-)

& for Sylvie ;-)




Here is the full article

8th April 1979

Sunday 8
Donington Park = bloody freezing & muddy. (ah motor sport at its best!!)
Racing = Ok
Took some photos
Stayed in all night
Watched T.V.
Watched ".... IF...." = good
Really feel close to Sam just now


So the results of yesterdays Pat Pending quiz is (quoted from the book)

1.A speedy toothbrush which cleans both sides at once.
2.A personalised door, made to measure and economic in wall space (no room for weight gain then!!)
3. A door knocker nutcracker, useful in case friends arrive while you are out: leave a bag of nuts by the front door and friends will keep the wolf from the door until you return (personally I think it is something from Nurse Myras history pages)
4. A spaghetti fork (how on earth did you know?) for elegant mastery of those obstinate strands. Just keep your folk still on the plate and wind the handle
5. A telescope for peeing toms (a device for before internet stalking lol )

Tonight from the Jackie Annual 1977

They took two ordinary gals

and transformed them.
You reckon? Tracy got some lilac eyeshadow (and you know my thoughts on lilac) and a few curls.
Wendy! Well Wendy had a few strands took off her boffy hair do.
Am I being too harsh ? Judge for yourself...

7th April 1979

Saturday 7
Got up at 10.30
Went into Stafford at 1.00
Went to the Nags Head for lunch then had a trot round the town
Went to the Woolpack & the Saracen's Head this evening.



As you may know I had Annie Mouse staying this weekend.
She kindly left with me her collection of 1970s albums (ok Annuals) so my blog can continue adding little snippets of the 70s (thank you Annie)

One of the annuals is the 'Magpie Annual 1976'
Magpie was a kids programme that I was hooked on through the 70s. It was ITV's answer to Blue Peter but with a bit more fun.





It features a piece on

I have always had a fascination for the wacky side of life and inventions certainly hit that mark.
I used to wonder who this 'Pat Pending' was and this was answered with Wacky Races with the fabulous Professor Pat Pending!!


But back to the article.

an umbrella shade

a bike for stairs

could be good for RSI ??


Patented in 1870 the 'Pedespeed' was 2 wooden wheels each with a platform for the foot and straps to attach it to your leg.
In the words of the inventor ' The Pedespeed affords a delightful, healthful and graceful pastime at all seasons of the year'
How on earth would you stop???


Love this one patented in 1865.
'In the accompanying drawing I have indicated how the eagles, by means of jackets fixed round their bodies, could be attached to a circular framework of hollow tubes which could carry aloft a metal basket large enough for a man, thus forming a natural flying machine'
Barking mad !!!! But possible... maybe ??

Can you guess what these are ???
1
2
3
4
5

4th, 5th & 6th April 1979

Wednesday 4
Sociology cancelled
Got up at 10.00
Got key & phoned Pontins
Skated all afternoon (roller skating)
Phoned Sam for 5 minutes
Got a letter off him
Liverpool got beaten by Man Utd 1-0 in the semi-final of the F.A.Cup

Thursday 5
Dad's Birthday (he would have been 56, he died 12 years earlier)
Had my hair cut = horrible
It is curled out
Cleaned cookery rooms
Sam phoned me at Fi's for 15 minutes
I'll meet him tomorrow at 5.15 yipee
Got home from Fi's at 11.20 pm

Friday 6
Go to Stafford
Got up at 9.30
Had a bath
Went to the 'Brick for 1 1/2hrs.
Saw Stan
Came home and picked up my bags
Got the 2.20 train to Liverpool and the 3.21 train to Stafford
Met Sam at 5.05
Went to the Woolpack
Bed at 1.00 am

Well it has been a busy weekend with Annie Mouse staying.
Much shopping and wine (I do feel a bit tired and hungover today)
It was quite productive though we made some jewelery, t-shirts and we discovered we still know all the moves to this lol

3rd April 1979

Tuesday 3
Big bastard brother has put a lock on the phone (not for the first time)
Phoned Pontins and I am supposed to be phoning them back tomorrow but can't now
Sam phoned at 10.45 pm
Fi doesn't have pink hair anymore


holiday camp was only a mile from my house and it gave a great number of Southport Teens gainful employment through the Summer season. Annie Mouse was one of them. She says that you would turn up in the morning and they would point and say 'you, you, you and you the rest of you come back tomorrow'. Sounds a bit like the labour exchanges of the 1930s lol
You could go and play all day as a visitor, I think it was 50p or £1 to get in.
The perimeter fence had barbed wire facing inwards which always reminded me of a prisoner of war camp. It is a typical 1970s built affair, square and dull. This is an aerial photo of it can't find a close up one (maybe I will take a few snaps next time I am down on the beach!)



What I did come across was these superb scans of the Pontins 1972 brouchure. They feature on www.butlinsmemories.com.

Check out the groovy styles and the price of the caravans etc

On the mystery of 'The Pearls' from yesterday. Annie Mouse found their CD for sale on Amazon ... so it spurred me to see of I could find out anymore. Found this so far.
Still not heard what they sound like yet !!!

2nd April 1979

Monday 2
Skived Business Studies (I so hated Business Studies)
Civil Service strike so Mum and my brother off work.
Just an ordinary day for me
Phoned Sam for about 6 minutes
Watched Kenny Everett


From the 'Top Pop Scene' album I thought I would feature tonight the pin up photographs. How disappointing there were only 3!

Lyn Paul

She taught the world to sing in perfect harmony (she missed me in that one!) as part of the New Seekers. I remember her and the New Seekers in the Eurovision Song Contest with 'I'll beg steal or borrow'


It is a nice song But this is the one that became the fizzy drink song

Tony Orlando and Dawn

What a cheesy moustache!! Most famous this guy is for tying a yellow ribbon around an old oak tree, which today has symbolised across the world when we are missing folk in war. It may have have been mentioned on here before but I had concert tickets to see Tony & Dawn, the night before the concert I dreamt it was cancelled.... lo and behold it was cancelled !! OMG he looks and sounds like a pub singer here !!

The Pearls


I very vaguely recognise the gappy toothed gal but that is it. Any help out there???


ending with some Kenny with his Bee Gees kit!!!

1st April 1979

Sunday 1
Got up at 9.00
Met Sam's granny at Waterloo at 10.00
Went to Stafford to see Sam
Me & Sam went for 2 long walks
Played darts & Subbuteo
Left at 9.45
Home at 10.30

Top Pop Scene album
(ok annual I have always called them 'albums' must be a Northern thing!!)

In this 1975 'annual' there is an article about Paul McCartney. Not yet a 'Sir' and looking so much happier than of late after his ever so public divorce and his having to part with some of his millions......

Not one to 'bitch' about folk but a quote from his ex wife when leaving the court room with what was it £25 million?

She said words to the effect

' I will not be able to fly first class with my daughter any more'

How to win friends and influence people - you crazy woman!!!!! Have you no respect for yourself??

In 1975 Paul seemed a lot more content but for Linda's premature death maybe he would have remained so .. who knows??

I may have told this tale before but circa late 70s/ early 80s I bumped into Linda McCartney in Harrods. Although she was a few years older than me, we did that 'double take', doppleganger, split second look because we looked so alike.
It was a very strange experience indeed.

The other person I was 'likened to' in my growing up years was Princess Diana...

It is such a shame these two ladies are not around now as I would love to have seen how they grew and influenced the world

Interlude ... Daddy Papersurfer Day ~ Fanzine VI

Welcome to Fanzine IV

As Fanzine Ed I have decided that this first day of the month be dedicated to ... Yes you guessed it ....the phenomenon that is DP. I have chosen this unofficial holiday as it seems so apt. The year is coming into bloom, the spring flowers are showing their pretty faces above the ground, the sap is rising (well in some!) and the lambs are being born in the fields!!!! Ah doesn't that make you feel 'foolishly' happy!!

I would urge you however, do not disturb DP today.
In honour of his special day, I have it on good authority that he is having a big lie down and has taken his phone off the hook, so the daddypaparazzi can't disturb him. I will be respecting his wishes and not popping by for my usual cup of torment!!

Daddy Papersurfer as you saw in the last post has been and I hate to say it or to use this word on my pages but he has been 'prostituting' himself around blogsphere and beyond.
I know some may say 'hey is working hard' others I have heard say 'what on earth is going on?' (OK it was wtf is going on!)
Readers I leave it all to your rational judgment. I am only the messenger who passes on the snippets of information as I get them. So don't shoot me.

He has been seen here, there and everywhere!
There are too many places to mention in just these past few weeks, 'old git' certainly has some stamina in his fingers!

Because he is 'putting' himself around so much the inevitable has happened ..... Daddy P fraudsters. Yes can you believe it there are folk out there pretending to be and wanting to look like the phenomenon that is Daddy P... talk about the band wagon!!

Even one of our trusty guardians at the Tower has developed 'the look' (but what a good one I think you will agree!)

The Fanzine urges you to get in touch if you see any of these fraudsters about ... they need to be brought out into the open and be made to see the error of their ways before it is too late & they end up on the road to no return as Daddy P did!! It is for their own good.

So to continue, in a really rare act of kindness and gratitude to his fans DP has offered a prize.
Yes you heard it right 'A PRIZE'.
Not known for his material generosity this is certainly a first that the Fanzine has scooped.

He has requested a competition is run to find a logo that best describes him.

Here on the Fanzine we have adopted 'the Phenomenon that is DP' . But he is after something more retro/catchy in keeping with his image that can be put onto the T-shirts, badges, bri-nylon Y-fronts and other merchandise that will be hitting our high street stores in the Autumn.

The prizes are not to be sniffed at either (neither are the Y-fronts btw).

The list is just like the Generation Game conveyor belt


Imagine waking up to this in the morning

It doesn't ring it goes 'tsk tsk tsk' and splutters over you, a bit like a wet sponge.

A set of playing cards ... you know how he likes to play strip chess now you can play the same with poker!

But just beware if you play your cards close to your chest... DP is not far away!!

There is this fine calendar where you mark down your favourite moments on DP's blog.

Imagine this could be a talking point in your home, impress your friends and neighbours. Gee I wish I could win one!!!!

How about a years supply of DP baked beans

(to be eaten in moderation of course... if only DP would take on that advice on board!)

These coasters are a must ... putting your cup hot coffee on that face!

& finally another chance to impress your dinner guests with a 23 piece dinner service (sorry I broke one!) .

What could be more perfect than your guests being able to gaze at that 'smile' to aid digestion after a fabulous home cooked meal.

I will end as always with a letter from a fan... the post has been a bit slow because of the Easter holidays (keep em coming '70steen @ the g mail dot com' fanzine e mail addy). DPs Secretary has been thankful of this as she has had a few 'other' matters to deal with but we are hoping she is back on board to keep DP on the straight and very narrow soon.

This not so much a letter as a plea to our problem page (which has not been born yet... but there is obviously a need)


Dear DP Fanzine
I am so grateful that you have started this Fanzine as I am an avid fan.
I can't wait to wake in the morning to be able to read the fabulous words he writes each day.
I feel a day without DP is a day without sunshine!
This fanzine enables me to keep up with the 'behind the scenes' stuff that I would never have been able to have access to before... Thank you so much!!

Is this obsession unhealthy?
Will visiting his site daily mean I may get pregnant with his virtual baby?
What will my parents say?
Should I stop writing his name?
If I do my hair different ... will he notice?
I have developed a love of Cuban's following his example!
I made a cake with his face on it.
I sit naked with my laptop on my lap when I type but since it chafes I have started wearing PJ's with bunny's on them.
I make myself dizzy at times!
I can't sleep... I post when I should be sleeping.
I bought a spell book.
I have created a DP cocktail in honour of my respect for him!
Oh I am so confused!
Thank you for listening
Anon


There was no way to trace this sender. Don't let today fool you, if you recognise yourself ... and you need the help of the Fanzine team (I must say you need help 'a day without DP is a day without sunshine!!') please contact this site ... your identity will remain confidential of course!!