Very quick blog today...lost track of time a bit.
A heady mix of the top stories coming out of the capital today, but let's talk Wombles! I defy anyone of a certain age not to be able to hum the theme tune to this classic 70's childrens' tv show. The man behind it is called Mike Batt who also went on to have several hits performing as 'The Wombles' in the 70's. I'm not sure he'd thank us for listing 'Remember You're a Womble' among his greatest musical achievements because Mike Batt also has an amazing talent for spotting future stars - Katie Melua among them. So, if Mike Batt says Florence Rawlings has been one to watch since he first auditioned her as a 13 year old eight years ago, who are we to argue? You can judge for yourself later.
Anyway, back to the Wombles. How revolutionary were they? Going round Wimbledon Common, 'making good use of the things that we find.' They were recycling visionaries! We've just had our daily programme meeting and producer Ken asked us to name them all. Charlene - who'll be helping me steer you through the show later - says she's too young to remember them. I could easily have taken offence at that, particulalry as it came just after I'd reeled off the named of five or six of them, but I'll let her off...this time. So, how many can you name? (Answer at the bottom of the page).
Oh - also tonight, details of how you can nominate your community projects for this year's 'People's Millions' so have a pen and paper to hand...
We'll be Wombling free at six!
Matt and Charlene
Answer: Orinoco, Tobermory, Great Uncle Bulgaria, Wellington, Bungo, Madame Cholet and my favourite, Tomsk! More were added in subsequent series, but let's stick to the originals. Bonus points for singing along with me to the theme song. I'll start you off...
"Underground, overground, wombling free.The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we.Making good use of the things that we find.Things that the everyday folks leave behind.
(Bridge - not really sure of the tune to this bit?!)
Uncle Bulgaria...He can remember the days when he wasn't behind the times,with his map of the world...Pick up the papers and take 'em to Tobermory.
(Bet you don't know the second verse though, do you?)
Wombles are organised, work as a team, Wombles are tidy and Wombles are clean, Underground, overground, wombling free, The Wombles of Wimbledon Common are we.
(I feel better for that, thank you!)
__________
Good evening,
It's very easy to complain about the current weather. In fairness an unchanging weatherscape of cloud would demoralise even the jolliest of souls, especailly when temperatures are so disappointing.
In Spain, however, they've really been getting it in the neck. A friend of mine was there last weekend & returned saying it had been cold, wet & windy & since then conditions have deteriorated even further, with some parts of Spain experiencing the worst snow since 1985. Schools are closed, roads are impassable & people are trapped in their homes. Granted that was exactly the situation here back in December & January, but it's probably worth remembering that by comparison today's weather really is nothing to complain about.
That said, it's horrible out there; cold & overcast with not much sign of change....
Hope to see you later,
Robin.
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