Just a few candid shots!
This week with my extended (TAG) family!
Love em' to bits!
Penina GC Portugal 2008(fine Westhoughton stock)
Queen or Bowie, Maine Rd circa 85-86.
3rd from the left-blue shirts! Halcyon days.....
Rome 2007
Well ! What on earth do I say to you all first?
That aside and after putting things into perspective you start to ask yourself that age old question,"Did I Make A Difference in my Life?"
I always felt that I understood the meaning of life quite early on. It’s different for everyone I know, but for me it was always the pursuit of happiness. Not just for me but everyone. I have always tried to make people laugh throughout my life! It always gives me great pleasure to hear people belly laughing at one of my daft remarks! If my epitaph only ever said, "He made a few people smile", then thats plenty for me.
Queen or Bowie, Maine Rd circa 85-86.3rd from the left-blue shirts! Halcyon days.....
Rome 2007Well ! What on earth do I say to you all first?
Hello to you all, friends and family old and new. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, a million times over for all the care and concern you have already shown to me and my family during this worrying time.
You cannot possibly begin to conceive how moved and loved I and my family are feeling having receive your overwhelming numbers of prayers, texts, cards, emails and phone calls supporting us at this very distressing time.
Wendy, Mattie and Gracie already seem to have reported on here the couple of roller coaster months we have been going through since diagnosis quite eloquently, and there seems no point in me going over the same ground again because as we so often and philosophically ruminate on both here and at work that despite the best laid plans, "Sh*t Happens !
We have hopefully come through the feelings of anger and crushing injustice I am sure all families feel when faced with such situations. Personally I have now come to accept I am no more owed extra time here on earth than anyone else is once my number is called. I especially had problems with this early in the diagnosis (and by way of an apology to you all) that has resulted in me probably not being able to find the right words to speak to you here before now.
Wendy, Mattie and Gracie already seem to have reported on here the couple of roller coaster months we have been going through since diagnosis quite eloquently, and there seems no point in me going over the same ground again because as we so often and philosophically ruminate on both here and at work that despite the best laid plans, "Sh*t Happens !
We have hopefully come through the feelings of anger and crushing injustice I am sure all families feel when faced with such situations. Personally I have now come to accept I am no more owed extra time here on earth than anyone else is once my number is called. I especially had problems with this early in the diagnosis (and by way of an apology to you all) that has resulted in me probably not being able to find the right words to speak to you here before now.
That aside and after putting things into perspective you start to ask yourself that age old question,"Did I Make A Difference in my Life?"
I always felt that I understood the meaning of life quite early on. It’s different for everyone I know, but for me it was always the pursuit of happiness. Not just for me but everyone. I have always tried to make people laugh throughout my life! It always gives me great pleasure to hear people belly laughing at one of my daft remarks! If my epitaph only ever said, "He made a few people smile", then thats plenty for me.
I know I've made very few enemies in my life and only have to look around at all of you who have contacted Wendy and I over the weeks to know that despite the rigours of raising families and getting on with the mundane side of life, over the years we have both been blessed with wonderful friends and family who remain ever present in our time of need. Thankyou again.
I want to say lots to you over the weeks but today was a start and I need to find the correct words to do it.
So as it's all getting a bit deep this I will sign off in a minute. Suffice to say that I will be back on here soon and try to keep it as upbeat and cheerful in the future as possible.
I will appreciate it if you all keep it that way too. Misery is ten a penny in this world .
Cheerfulness is PRICELESS.
So come on and cheer me up.
Catch you all again soon.
Love to you and yours.
Beau, Woo and the Kids.
Hi Beau, great photos!
ReplyDeleteI must say what a handsome bunch you and the lads look in your blue shirts and tunics at Maine Road, (is that Eddy Birch next to you looking like a Geography teacher?).
Call me old fashioned but those old uniforms were so much smarter... except for the women... I spent the first 5 years of my service looking like Joyce Grenfell!
Lots of Love Natalie Ratcliffe 7823
Mark,
ReplyDeleteI've been doing mathematical equations this week (which as you know, being a true dizzy blonde is no mean feat), but you being the smart one will follow no problems.
I've had "X" number of people ask me to send them the link to your blog (it's impossible to find). I've had "Y" number of those peole (the majority) re-approach me to say 'I don't know what to say'. Again, as you know, a complaint I have been guilty of.
Now, if you take the limited number of people I know (unlike you, who knows everyone) multiply it by the number of those who don't know what to say, add on the number of people who don't know me but know you (IE: everyone else)minus the people that have actually posted comments = the number of people who think the world of you, want to add a comment but don't know what to say but more importantly are too afraid to ask......
When a tree falls in a forest does it make a sound if your Wifes' not there to tell you?
Sorry the rest of my comical repotoire was too black (I'll e-mail you!)
Take care mate, love to you, Wendy and the Kids.
Hey Mate, Re the Maine Rd photo, I recognise Bluey, but am I right in thinking that far right is Graham (The corporal) Lawton (he seems to have the same posture as Graham (lazy...sorry Graham). And second from right looks like Alan Robertson?
ReplyDeleteBy the way your taste in shorts is similar to mine.( I take it they are shorts and not long trousers that you`ve grown out of?)
Beau, very eloquently put and .... Great photos!
ReplyDeleteHas Alan Johnson got his hand down the back of your strides? Saw him do that to a drug dealer in Oldham once when he was on TAS. The lad definitely didn't appreciate the intimacy and it was captured on film for the amusement of the jury.
Wish I had been handier with a camera in the past! I would have loved some shots of our year on tour during the miners strike just to sharpen those slightly hazy memories that are probably a result of too much work and not enough sleep...not!
Looking at that amazing dish your about to get stuck into in Rome reminds me that although I've been practising 27+ years Allison still rates your Spag Bol as better than any of my efforts. Remember that night at Lancaster Road? We were 3 real sophisticates, the apperatife was home brewed bitter, You cooked us Spag Bol, we had a couple of bottles of cheep Chianti with the meal and in desperation because there was nothing else in drank a bottle of something called Devon Cream (like Baileys only sicklier)ugh! We should have been ill for a week.
Some of Allison's old mates from the Halifax - Deb, Jane, Sue and Michelle all wanted me to send you their love - Its that laughter thing -gets them every time!
Back soon
Gaz(1818)
Hi Mark its Andy Stubbs,
ReplyDeleteWhat all this blogging business. Took me ages to work it out. I can blag but blogging is a new one on me.
Last time we spoke (last year i think), i suggested that we were due a night out. Last time we had a few pints, it was Merridown Cider at a place up your neck of the woods. I recall nearly drowning on the stuff. Took me about 15 years before i could face cider again. I also remember when you first landed on the Alpha. You quickly learned how to "respond to the needs of the customer".
I notice a message here from 1818 as well, that'll be Mr cropper I believe, must get in touch with him soon as well !
Best wishes mate and will be back in touch soon.
Stubbsy
Beau,re:the Maine Road pic,it looks like an 'A' Relief PSU,with Ian Hamblett and Gary Glynn being wrongly identified..But here's one for you,Who took the pic ?..I bet the photographer was the scouse-git himself,Gerry Finnegan.I'm also guessing it was the Queen gig,as I was stuck on a point outside the Britannia Hotel where they stayed,whilst you lot got to hear them.
ReplyDeleteRe the Maine Rd pic, if it was the Queen gig it was July 1982. I went to it. Tickets given to me for my 21st birthday. Come to think of it, I think that was when I discovered I had a good voice..... And the rest is history.
ReplyDeleteSalford Crooner
Now this Maine Rd piccie has got everyone talkin. Me thinks it was Queen's gig which was part of the "Kind Of Magic" tour which was the Summer of 1986. See, Beau, once a pop quizzer, always a pop quizzer.
ReplyDeleteNatalie xx
Beau, is that Pete Broaby I see standing there. Anyway I reckon its the 1987 Bowie tour due to sherrif type badges on tunics.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you mate.
Brillo
Alright Beau, Lee Jones here.Great choice of words mate and admirably put by the smartest CID trainee I ever saw...until I went aiding of course.!! The Manie Road pic..I knew it was Maine Road cos of the empty seats!!! and I actually thought 3rd from left was Phil Seeley!..not sure which one of you would be least happy with that mis identification..would have loved to have come to your get together but alas will be away..try and keep those chins up mate,you and yours very much in the thoughts of me and mine.
ReplyDeleteJeesus! just realised thats Bluey Mack in the Maine Road pic...and is the one to your right Steve Odriscoll?
ReplyDeleteBeau
ReplyDeleteMike Grainger here still living the dream on the A div or NMD as it is now.
Been trying to find words to describe how I felt when I heard the news but simply can't.
What are you doing leaving us Leeds fans to continue the fight against Man Utd fans, we need all the help we can get.
Will never forget you and Butty in the OPU, always laughing and joking what a pair.
Good to see you still smiling in the picture but the golf swing looks a bit iffy.
Will be there on the 27th keep smiling mate
Hi Mark
ReplyDeleteSaw the picture at the top and it surprised me a little. You see I have never seen snow white in a mark bridges fancy dress outfit, or did you rent the dwarfs for the picture.
I never realised you were so tall.
Unless of course it is the famous cantina shot from star wars.
I also note that Phil Irish is not wearing his glasses, where you helping him to cross the road.
It is wonderful hearing from you on this blog and also the memories and stories your many friends have.
You say if you brought a smile to people’s faces, then that’s enough for you. Well Mark this is certainly something you have achieved, time and time and time again. Of that you can rest assured.
It is quite strange that we all have some very funny memories of our experiences, for us, be it Bootle Street or tau.
I remember 1 x particular football match where for some strange reason, you, chiz and me ended up escorting Liverpool fans from Piccadilly because they turned up early and unexpected, into Piccadilly gardens. Unfortunately we weren't aware of the 300 or so united fans in the pub. It was like a seen from 'ZULU', you, chiz and me. Bloody spotters. There was certainly more than a spotters dozen (3) on that occasion.
I am sat here typing with a smile on my face regarding a number of other memories; however I don't have the bottle to place them on a public blog. but I think you can think of a few as well....body bags, fire extinguishers, van disputes...all allegedly of course.
What happened on the vans stays on the vans or so they say.
I’ll not swing the lantern anymore. Hopefully the few comments above in this blog may provoke a response from others, as I know you had a fondness, for a little 'sharp' banter.
You ask.
'Did I make a difference in my life’?
Mark..Yes you did..You made a difference in everybody’s life’s that were fortunate enough to know you. Thank you for the memories and for being there for me.
See you soon big lad..Love graham
Bueau,
ReplyDeleteEverthing to excess!!
A motto I have borrowed with pride from you and still , and will always use.
The golf photo will inspire many..... to take up bowling!!
Just back from Worsley golf day out and all the lads send best wishes once again.
Many will be attending on the 27th including myself.
'Aint no mountain high enough , 'aint no moutain low enough...., a song which only you and will know the reason why it makes me laugh so much, and everyone on that bus on High street 1987! It makes me smile always because of you and the great fun times we spent together as van partners and working together. Hot kebabs, hick ups and general good fun , great times which made a difference and has enriched me.
Made a differnce, you bet you did.
See you on the 27th Stu P.
Mark
ReplyDeleteJust got back from leave and Di Bamber had forwarded me one of Pete Giles' emails. So have spoken to Stu P this morning.
So sorry to hear the news - but admire your strength and courage to post your comments on the blog.
And like many - its the first blog that I have been on - I'm a Y generation or is it X generation or is it just old ?!
Like Mike G - I can just see you and Butty coming into the OPU from one of your many tours around the city - You were like double trouble !!!
Take care - you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Serena
Mark
ReplyDeleteI'm back again!
Yesterday I was sat reading some of the fantastic messages left on your blog when my mobile rings and Andy Stubbs is on the other end. How bloody weird is that? It’s only about 20 yrs since we spoke, unforgivable really but I wont let it happen again!
Do you remember the 3 of us going training at that gym in Farnworth. Ten minutes lifting heavy weights? And 2 hours in the sauna before 3-11s. And, just to sustain the physical effort we would have very large kebabs from the Topkapi for refs.
Anyway, you’ll be pleased to know that all that hard work was not for nothing 'cause I’m still in good shape, after all, round is a shape isn’t it?
Mind you, my quack lost his sense of humour, when I asked him what I should do about it, he suggested that I lend my body to someone who will exercise it.
So hurt was I, that I joined a health club and asked an instructor what I could do for my body, and he said, "Schedule it for demolition." And the first machine he put me on was the respirator.
However, I was finally convinced that there's nothing like getting up at 5 am, cycling 12 miles to work, and then taking an ice-cold shower. You bet there’s nothing like it, so I don't do it!
But seriously you know; I feel fortunate to have become a Cop at a time when hard work and fun went hand in hand. When we were allowed to achieve some success and have a bloody good time while we were doing it. And, it was a privilege to have shared that time with you, Stubbsy and the rest.
The world has changed and, maybe it had to, but at least we have those memories – most of which could not possibly be aired on a public forum.
So I’ll sign off for now, but before I go, come closer I’ll have to whisper this. Do you think I dare ask Ms Ratcliffe what a ‘Natgasam’ is? And, If I did, would she tell me?
Maybe I’ll pluck up courage on the 27th if she’s there.
Thinking of you all – back soon.
Gaz(1818)
Hi Mark, here are some random yet very fond memories of Bootle Street:
ReplyDeleteAdditional Rest Days (Sunday of 3-11 shift).
Mary The Baglady
Jimmy Higgins (singing "The Man That Broke the Bank in Monte Carlo" whilst being booked in.)
The wooden pews in the Parade Room
PYE PFX radio with the talking brooch
Jim Keeley's pearls of wisdom (un-printable on here).
Market Street Patrol 24-7!
Playing 13 card brag in Core 5.
Kais takeaway on nights.
Fighting at The Ritz
The Conti Club
Johnny Rea
Louis' Van
Operation Container
CDC runs
Jutland Street
The bar at BSPS
The shredder (damn these electronic documents)
Divisional Comms
John Sinclair
1 and 7 on a PSU
NATO jumpers.... I could go on but enough for now. God bless and speak soon. Oh, Mr Cropper do stop whispering... I'm sure you can work it out.
Much love to you all
Natalie Ratcliffe (again). xxx
Here's another one....do you remember an 'organized' trip from Bootle St to the Chester's Brewery in Salford in the mid 80's ? It involved a tour around the brewing facility (like anyone was interested)and ended up in a large room with free beer and the odd sausage-roll...For some reason the Brewery,as part of the evening's entertainment,put on a pub-quiz.The first to answer won 2 bottles of Stella,which had to be drunk on the premises.Heavily fuelled on free-beer,the answers from the room ranged from the correct to the obscene,the unrepeatable,and the definately unprintable....However there was one question,which after all the possibilities,obscenities,and downright arrestable answers had been screamed out,your voice calmly spoke above the room three words,"The Louisville Lip"..."Correct" was the response,and the Stella duly handed out to a tumultuous round of applause,as no one had a bloody clue....Another demonstration of your expansive quiz knowledge...Dont even get me started on you being the only person I know who knows the anacronym in Stingray...But for those who cant remember,or dont recognise the answer I shallnt say what the actual question was.Let them look it up,but that night I learned something,and it wasnt dont mix stella and bitter....Take Care,Mike Duggan.
ReplyDeleteAwwwriiiight Beau...Nat Rat has started somet ere with these BSPS random memories...
ReplyDeleteThe Sherpa van at Newton Street
Finbar ONeill (who i saw outside Abduls kebab shop in Rusholme recently..I was driving past looking longingly into the window)
6-2 on Sunday of nights
Insp's regularly authorising the clearing of the canal toe path
Some Insp' s and above being disturbed during the clearing of the canal toe path!
Bob Nathans
AY08
Gillam and Heyes
John Murrays scams
Indoor bowling in the bar..Terry Whit and Co
Come quickly..Piccadilly Indian Restaurant
Foo Foos
Harry and Margaret at the New Union
Ram raids
6 oclock shoplifter on a Saturday...
jeez...how many more must there be???
The Rowell brothers
The Street Thefts Tempra
The decoy car.. red XR3..with the 1930s DS whose baby it was...that name will bug me now...help me out someone...
come on Beau..you must have some that are suitable for publication..some..not many
:-))
Lee..It was DS Wenlock,with a god awful flashers raincoat,and a hairstyle that had that brylcreem look...Dont forget his attache case...what was in that case ? Answers anybody...
ReplyDeleteNah, it was Irvine Wellock! Remember going to court with a job from the decoy car and the prosecutor, not knowing it was a decoy car, said, " this is about the tenth time Mr Wellocks had his car screwed, you'd think he'd have learnt by now!
ReplyDeleteApologies all for the typo...Feel a right Pinnock.
ReplyDeleteBeau diddle-eye, Robo here. Firstly, can I say thanks for providing the link ‘for numpties’ to your blobb/blogg/bloqq spot/site, or whatever it's called. As a techno phobe I failed miserably on trying to find it on my own. The nearest I got was Beau Bridges the actor, who after several emails warned me that if I didn't stop harassing him he would take out a restraining order!
ReplyDeleteI know you want the messages to be light- hearted, but I just want to say I'm absolutely gutted for you, Wendy and the family. Reading your message makes me feel so humble; you show such courage and dignity. There I've said it now, so no more.
Re the Main Rd picture, I'll say one thing the passage of time hasn't been kind to any of us! It prompted me to go back to the rest of the pictures you sent me back in Jan 08, and I thought of including in this message, the one with Gerry Fin and 'David' (a guest at the CDC), but having viewed the inscription over the cell door I thought I'd better not. Gerry is the one on the left, isn't he?
Birchy says hello, unfortunately he's away on the 27th, but he intends to get in touch before he goes.
A general question, is anyone in touch with Garry Glynn (aka Garry Curtis – what’s that all about??), he's not at work at the moment and may not be aware.
Anyway Beau, see you on the 27th Al Robo 02746
Beau,
ReplyDeleteI've been knocked for six having heard the news, what can I say that’s not already been said!! My thoughts and prayers are with you Wendy and the children, I just can’t believe it.
I’m now following the blog site closely, as the old 80s Bootle street CID office clerk “Jonsey” aka Eddie Munster has shown me how to access it and Robo thought he was bad at I.T.
Reading this blog is like watching “life on Mars “ its really taken me back to A releif Bootle mid 80,s What a team that was, headed by Sgt John "Blakey" Coupe I can just see Jerry Finigan in the yard at Bootle street, with his bus conductors hat on and clip board in his hand shouting to Gripper Glynn "Butler get this bus on the road, you’re late again" (referring to Alpha Mike 3) in his best John Coupe impersonation, only to look over his shoulder to see "Coupie" staring at him. To say he was Not amused was an understatement.
The place was full of strong Characters, we worked hard and played even harder, Remember Alan May parading on in his tuxedo and bow tie at 0700hrs for plain clothes duty and “Coupie” having another sense of humour failer. The laughs were none stop each and every day. I clearly recall that you were in the middle of all that was going on, adding comedy value both on and off duty to any situation. Well Beau hope to see you soon, I’m away on the 27th but if I can get to the doo I'll be there, Take care
Birchy
You remember Birchy dont you Beau?..he was the one who lived under Foxys desk for the duration of his aiding??...and then lived like a parrot on Speakys shoulder for a couple of years after that..little fella..well groomed..or is that well looked after?..anyway..you'll know who I mean...Im sure
ReplyDeleteBeau,Birchy he's still a tight git, talking of Bootle Street remember the Frank Hennesy interview with I do believe Jimmy Higgins (thanks for that Jonesy), just when tape recorded interviews came in……I’m f***ing crossing my legs etc………wonder what Frank’s doing these days……… anybody know.
ReplyDeleteAs always my thoughts are with you.
Brillo
Hi Beau. Berni Clarke here (now Bilney of course). Steve and I were floored by your news and like many others I'm sure, send you our love and thoughts. Even tho we're sunning it in the Cretan Summer heat, the BSPS banter has sent a chill up my spine...! I can smell the CDC on a Sunday morning still....uuuurrrggghhh. So many memories to cherish tho and most recent to us was you and Butty starring and Starsky and Hutch in the OPU. Since then we all moved on (some further than others. it was a tough choice. GML or Crete)We think we chose well....may we raise a glass to you ...a true gent. xxxxx
ReplyDeleteHiya Beau. Stan Redgate here. I remember the first prisoner we had. Dick Turpin! Bad news, Iv'e heard he's appealed. Mind you i'm not sure i'd remember how to fill in a 330 any more, not that i ever did. As for the mention that 6 prisoners could be fitted onto one 330, the last time we had 6 prisoners was when we were on Operation Container. Remember we had to do a compulsory year at the old CDC. No natural light for 12 months, no surprise then when we did our spell in the arndale the shop staff said we looked better in the dark.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and love to you Wendy and Family
Stan xx
Alrght Beau,nice ot hear youre a bit more comfy...but could you not have had some of this fluid removal thing about 1990? :-)This BSPS thing is gathering pace and could be become a cult thing!
ReplyDeleteTape weed forms
ACR's
Jim Keeley cellotaping dead flies from the CID window cavaties onto a certain DC's desk..the DC was known as the Lizard..and Jim suggesting it was for his breakfast!
Alec Strachan
Billy "the fax" Beddows
A PW sent to an alarm on St Annes Street, and passing the name of the premises over the air as "MASSIVE CLEARANCE SALE" !!??
Kicks Bar
OP's - I ll not name them but one near Dantzic Street..one near Ducie Street..one off St Peters Square..not a RIPA or scene log in sight...just interference from Merseyside radio transmissions and sunburn in the summer!!
Summers - St Annes Square..density of Policing!
The Shalimar - Back Turner Street
This and That - Soap Street..still highly frequented
JD Williams - for when you werent in St Annes Square!
Jibbing on the synagogue car park
Jibbing on Yoxhalls..if you could get the key off Jim the Gate
Alpha Tango Five Zero
Bob Swann "yes..take it away!!"
Fruit machine being stolen from the bar!
Bogus transmissions from Lower Broughton
Thursday after earlies..Michelob £1 a bottle
Bookbinders!!! Nooooooooo !!!
Comms ringing that boozer in Chinatown (The Royal Oak?) to get hold of the area lad (MG)..even on earlies..!!
The sink coming off the wall in the gents toilet near the bar after a Thursday of earlies bash..I know who that was!!
Don Yates in admin...endless days in lieu..
Chasing round the Cardrum estate...
......and on and on and on.. best wishes.. Jonesy.
Ps ..thanks for the Irvine Wellock thing Vinny
Not The Royal Oak...Just come back to me..The Sevenoaks...MG's office
ReplyDeleteA since retired officer sat in the control room with his pet 'slug' on his lap!, contained in a presentation box. The officer then getting the poorly sighted matron (the one with the 60's beehive hairdo)to feed it with a piece of letuce.
ReplyDeleteThe cig machine being broken into at the CDC.
Getting visiting police officers to present their warrant cards unncessarily upto the lense of the CCTV camera (7 feet off the floor)at the entrance to the CDC. Birchy and Jonesy found this a particularly hard task.
Playing football in the exercise yard on the roof of the CDC, police v inmates, we had the advantage because they didn't have laces in their slippers!!, and we were protected by the dog men on the upper roof in their 'kennel/ sentry box')
Refreshments at the Portland Hotel, what did happen to the night porter (looked like Rodney, only fools and horses)
York Day at the races. We started drinking early, breakfast and beer at the White Horse, stopped off at a coaching house and you taking a swallow dive onto the pub car park as you exited the coach by the rear exit door!!. You having your sunglasses adjusted by a fellow punter on the way back to the coach. The betting theme continued, later on at the meal on the way back, Birchy eating a whole tub of english mustard for a bet. Didn't taste the steak afterwards. Guess the weight of the "BIG GUY" at the bar, and the idiot who went upto him to ask him how much he weighed!!.
Be strong robo
Hiya, Marcus Bridges'us
ReplyDelete...Long before your nickname became a Hollywood legend "Beau", I engraved your Monty Python nickname on a Roman road for you in your honour.
My best and longest friend, since school days, best man at my wedding.where do I start?
I can see theres a lot of bobbies on here (some ive met over the years at GMP Chorlton "Clubhouse" and our house with a TAG van outside for hours whilst you lads have a "brew" shouldnt have you been chasing hoolies in town on double time? (just kidding Superintendant!!!).
nothing theyve put surprises me fella,your a legend.
but No, I know what Mark got upto BEFORE he was bobby and since, but I wont divulge too much eh pal!
But who caused a near riot at school when we all went on strike because of the cold? when we had blackouts in the 70's going round opening all the windows so we could get sent home if the temperature dropped? (well I helped too)
who joined the home ecenomics class and NOT the woodwork class so he could chat up girls?...oh and cook (which came in handy didnt it mate).
who blew up a shed when experimenting with crossland & costello and put it down to chemistry lessons?
moving on...I think we should
Northern Soul...eh hum!!! narr better not go there.good dancer, but not as good as me like :-)
I introduced you to the Northern scene, I played you "tell me its just a rumour baby" by the Isley brothers and you said it was the fastest song youd ever heard, I love it where can I hear more...we both went to the Casino and the rest is history. and 36 years at my 50th youd still got the moves,(wink)good man KTF brother.
your mother Joyce, wasnt too keen you hanging around with that skinhead on his scooter, little did she know i was weaving my magic with her and she soon came to love me like...well like a naughty puppy :-)after 41 years of friendship I think shes come round dont you Marcus? love her to bits.
Italy when we both young free n single we both fancied the barmaid at the hotel (shut your ears Wendywoo) and we got drunk in the afternoon when we thought the huge caraf was for us when it was for the whole table of eight diners, staggered upstairs to get ready for the night ahead and you said im tired you lads go without me, i told the others wait a mo, and locked you in so you couldnt go and chat up the babe downstairs whilst we were out, and when we came back the next morning, youd tripped over your trollies and knocked yourself out and fell down the side of the bed nearly going head first out of the louvre shuttered window onto the roof below ...then got your own back by challenging me to eat some flowers for a bet which tasted foul, and the hotel manager said we were crazy
Brazil - naming our own cocktails at Lord Jims in Ipenema. getting bladdered on top of Rios most famous hotel and the guys opposite thought we were bank robbers on a beano from the UK...no it was just inflation was so high we couldnt spend our money quick enough, living like kings best restaurants, taxis, sushi bars, nightclubs mixing with real millionaires on that yacht. happy days we'll keep the rest to ourselves eh!
I hope you have a good night tonight pal, sorry I cant be there, stuck in Wales working. catch you later buddy.
Steve Dono.
Hi Mark, just thought I'd post a few rambling old thoughts that hopefully will give you a grin about memories from the old A:
ReplyDelete'Eric Pendlebury'
Having to Discover the six 'Roads' on the old A division as a test of your local knowledge by the training sergeant (I'll start you off with Liverpool Road) - I think his name was Sgt Watkins.
Alan and Tommy's newsagents on Liverpool Road - always open for a brew.
The Pope's visit in 1982. (Our PSU got blessed by the bishop of salford whilst lounging around having an ice cream waiting for our coach - which didn't turn up so John Ryan stopped a bus and comandeered it to Bootle Street).
Having an 'interpreter' on the PSU van when working Bickershaw / globourne pits in the 1984/5 miners strike. The official title was that he was a guide for getting around the area but everyone thought it was to translate the radio comms operators 'wiganese' transmissions.
Do you remember 'chindits'
Eric Gill
Mick Waude and his desktop wasp ( you knew you were in for a 'hairdryer' if the sting was pointing towards you!)
Viraj Medis. (There was grafitti on a gantry in Hulme which said 'viraj menids wont go!' after he was removed from the church in Hulme by TAG the grafitti changed - someone got rid of 'go' and replaced it with 'be forgotten')
A quote from Sir Jim Anderton in establishing what had been witnessed by the person on the witness stand during the 'snailgate' enquiry/trial that's always made me laugh, "Did PC I... urinate on the CDC control room panel - narrowly missing PC B......." (names withheld to protect the 'innocent')
Jutland Street at 20mph -scary, but even more so for those in the back!
The old metal bridge flyover at Chester Road (there's your second 'road'). Who did hold the record for 'air time' coming off it?
Denis Bergin and his oysters!
Bargain breakfasts! and a canteen 'culture'
Mary from the canteen who asked if you wanted gravy with your pie and chips. You only said yes once - because she would stick her thumb in the pie and fill the hole with gravy.
Thinking of you and yours.
Malc
Your old mate Ste Crossland here, what can I say? When I think of you I am taken right back to Harper Green School. I think of all the girls we used to lust after! The lazy days spent wagging off! Visiting your mum ad dads house reading porno mags in the loft!
ReplyDeleteThose were the days - not a care in the world. If I could roll the clock back I would take you with me and we could have all the fun over again.
Steve X
Via friends reunited there are some old school pals who are now aware of your position Mark.
ReplyDeleteI hope you dont mind me giving them this blog address. however I cannot vouch for their entries.
Mr Crossland, as HG ex head boy, I expected better censored oratory memmoirs from you in future there are children reading this blog:-)
Hi Mark - my goodness what an "eye-opener" you and Steve Crossland "lusting" over the girls and wagging school,NEVER and what were you doing in the loft?!! It was lovely seeing you again at the HG reunion, talking of happy times spent in our youth at Harper Green, lots of laughter but if I remember not much work getting done. What a great cook you were. Can you remember we were in the home economics class together, boys on one side and girls on the other, what was all that about guess you boys couldn’t be trusted with us girls :0). What about the school "strikes" can’t remember what they were about,was Steve Donoghue the instigator or was it you? Not to forget the Friday dinnertime disco,how time flies it only seems like yesterday. I know we went to a party in Little Lever and someone knocked the fish tank over - poor little fish everywhere!
ReplyDeleteI was so sorry to hear about your illness Mark and I have been reading your "blog" and can see just how much everyone loves and respects you, no one more than your wonderful wife "Wendy" and you have two gorgeous children to be proud of - they both sound just amazing.
Anyway, my old friend my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family - will keep in touch via your blog - Love from Jill (Hodgkinson)xxxx
Just to let you know YES the you tube clip does connect.
ReplyDeleteThere's not a day goes by now my friend that I dont think about you. every little thing I see and hear reminds me of things we used to do.
I drive to work and see someone dressed in clothes we used to share.
I put on the radio and hear a news clip of a resort weve been to and wreeked havoc (in a nice way)I think we used to call it hedenism (everything to excess) live to enjoy life and bloody hell we did didnt we?.
I play my Northern Soul and reminis how we used to storm the dancefloor and strut our stuff...God we were good, werent we!!! every club in manchester, Mr M's, wigan pier, b/pool mecca, the wheel, stoke, clethorpes, va-va, even the big apple in farnworth, nowhere was safe from our brogues/loafers and talc.
even having a curry the other night, I was telling Elaine how we used to hit the clubs in manchester and end up in Greek Georges and crawl out at dawn for a breakfast curry at the back of debenhams...the kids of today think they know it all, but bloody hell mate we did some hell raising of our own didnt we? the term sex drugs and northern soul sure beats anything ive ever read about.
Look at it this way Bro' we were lucky to grow up in the 60' & 70's mods, skins, ska,motown scooters, smart clothes, cheap beer OH! cheap beer :-) fish n chips snogging all the girls on the waltzers looking up the girls mini skirts in the pleasure beach fun house whilst playing the gallant he-man and saving them from the spinning disc, and chatting em up whilst cuddling on a roller coaster ride, taking out the light bulbs on the train carriage on the way home and still have change from a £10 note.
what about me, you and martin, getting locked out of our digs when we went to b/pool to see Slade and then meeting them in the Limes hotel after the concert, blagging free drinks off Noddy Holder and Dave Hill, you asking to buy his rolls royce off him (reg YOB1)and then you climed up the back yard wall and into the bathroom of the guest house to let us in the front door. and then when we went to see them again in manchester and I got up on stage to sing merry christmas with noddy before getting slung off by the bouncers and when we got back to your Mum & Dads offy' your Alison came in and said Dono your mental I saw you get up there, and we didnt even know she was going to the same gig as us.
Mark...if Wendy is reading you this, I will never forget you if ever anyone had a friend as close as we were he would know that I am proud to call you my brother.(as many people mistook us for in our heyday). With a Monty Python's quote - God Bless you Marcus Bridgesus...and by the way isnt it about time you fweed bigus dickus?, with a roman salute I cant think of anything funnier to end on...how could you possibly ever be replaced we laughed, cried and loved life to the full.
I'll write again soon. Steve DONO Donoghue.