Maggie/915

Bill Kell's (not Kerr) book gives details of the illegal bookies runners in Ashington. Obviously in Bedlington names must stay secret but I do believe a lot became legitimate after 1961. Being against the law would rule you out Paul , as the Polis' son. Bets were collected from the door but could be 'put on ' in the Club. I personally have never been tempted to gamble. Maybe if I knew more about the horses it could be exciting. I suppose now we can gamble on anything. Even National Lottery, can we accept that the money collected goes to good causes. Some people can become addicted. Do they live in the hope or dream that the win will change their lives.

Happy Birthday Keith

Kell not Kerr sorry once again. I even think I looked up Kerr at the library. Old Age 'it's not dark yet but it's getting there'.

You all have an amazing amount of knowledge on this subject. My education is sadly lacking.

Were you deaf before or after certain gigs mercuryg. Raising Sand with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss was a great cd out the other year. (Seems like only one or two but probably more) Must look out for Band of Holy Joy. There were a group with a name like 'Los Trios Paranoia' Funny lot claimed to kill their lead singer on stage each night. Circa 1976

Thank you Ovaltenny it is Bill Kell and not Kerr. Did anyone ever go to the Candlelight Club? I remember going in 1967 ish. Most folks are just too young.

Interesting comments threegee. On strong government I merely posed the question. Here is another one:- Do governments need to lie because the electorate cannot cope with the truth? Mass panic maybe. We all need that 'Fluffy Bunny Story' Is it the case that when the government says there is nothing to worry about, then that is exactly the time to worry. Really really wish I knew the answers and not the questions. Sorry to be irritating. I used to be indecisive and now I am not sure.

In Bill Kerrs' book on the Portland he talks about the Monday Club. In the Red Lion it is just people keeping warm.

Great photos but who are the handsome characters. Maybe they are out takes from Top Gun.

How about a Don Lynn's pie with lots of veg and gravy. Who could possibly argue with that ! Followed by Sly / Fly Cake maybe a little ice cream or custard.. In these cold days extra calories needed.

Band of Joy with Robert Plant great listening. Would not mind seeing The Scene Shifters, I think that is his latest lot. Great list mercuryg . We saw the Ramones at the City Hall ear burstingly loud.

The other important question is 'Do we need strong government' and by that do we need a government to fight for us on a national and international level. Is that where the problems start. Self interest is a whole subject in itself. Subjective viewpoint not objective. We can all claim to be the good guys but there must come a time when we can become evil. The Faustian Pact maybe. Someone says something or does something, reported by gossip and we all jump to the defence of the ''Underdog' without allowing for two sides to the story. Was it Dylan who sang about 'God on our Side' I wish I knew the answer. The older you get the 'Devil' does make sense. We search for truth but all too often we only get a glimpse of it. Colour Bar by Susan Williams is interesting. Alexander McCall Smith claims it as a story 'as relevant today as when the whole drama was being played out'

For Brian Cross

The question is 'Does power corrupt? '

Songs from the Wood was later. The first Tull we bought was 'Benefit' It was in crates as we moved abroad and (without modern technology) was difficult to live without. Music was not so easily available. Cost came first, we only bought what we could afford. Now our kids cannot believe we did not buy more LPs of the artists we liked. Our Rega deck needs attention £125 for a new motor. Not sure what to do. Listening has changed to the 'Spotify' generation. Fortunately or unfortunately we still enjoy the old Hi Fi.

It would be great to have a Templar connection Bedlingtonian. Maybe we already have with the Masons.

Terrible or Terribly Funny!

April fat fingers again !

In case you change your mind Symptoms, Sting is here at the Sage in Apeil next year. Sold out but you may get tickets on the day !

In the past we were nearly all skinny post war babies. Clothes could make us chunky. Vests, so called Liberty bodices plus many layers. Food was often based on pulse vegetables and not a lot of meat. Now things are different . Kids and adults may need more exercise. Fast food and sweet treats are plentiful. The number of people involved in Sport or Gym membership seems on the increase. Dancing as a way to keep fit is one way. There will always be people who prefer to do things differently. Maybe we need to support rather than criticise. Weight increase can stem from a system of the body failing.

Songs from the Wood is a Jethro Tull LP/CD. You gave us a picture of another LP/CD of theirs Willyj. The first LP I bought was 'With the Beatles' 7" singles included Elvis, Bobby Darin and a few dodgy things one of which was Manhattan Spiritual still love listening to them all.

Well I made it through the doors to the OAP party. Photos not allowed. Child protection issues. Anyone caught would be thrown out. Thing is the kids themselves were doing 'selfies' Strange times! What memories ! There is now a lift from outside Mr Hemmings office up to the old cookery rooms. Maybe they can now access the library and other rooms.

Prior to May 1961 most pubs it seems had bookies runners because there was no legal gambling. Bill Kerr's book about Ashington and the Portland is interesting about this topic. I remember my Dad putting bets on in Bedlington. Sometimes the language was a little over the top. 'Up and down shift a double' No idea maybe it was just a wind up! Now gambling is everywhere! I wonder how much is manipulated by the people involved. Basically this topic is past present and future. Will our kids and grandkids gamble.

Bill Kerr's book was a good read and brought back memories of The Candlelight Club and the Harmonic Hall. Just returned it tonight to Morpeth Library.

Stone hot water bottles that had been warmed by the fire. They stayed warm all night. The weight of blankets was sometimes a little too much. Quilts made a difference. Embroidery stitched they could be elaborate and beautiful.