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What will happen when there are no pubs left? Once, the pub was the heart of the community—a place where locals gathered, stories were shared, and news of the district was exchanged. It was more than just a place to drink; it was a social hub that connected people, strengthened relationships, and gave communities a sense of identity and belonging.

What was your first job after you left school? Did you stay in that job until your retirement? Please, join me this Sunday for a look back at work and school and girls and just about everything else back in the old days.

When I was a boy, I wanted to be a steam engine driver. It was exciting, it was amazing... every boy wanted to be a train driver! What job did you want to do when you grew up? What job did you do? Let me know.

Winter is here so let's talk about the dreadful winter of 62/63. I was twelve years old so I remember it well. Also, we'll have a moan about traffic jams, your favourite Christmas presents, storm Garragh, food and much more. Please, join me.

Christmas eve in the old days. Over to the pub at lunch time, back to work after a few beers only to be sent home... wonderful! On Christmas day, shops were closed, pubs were closed... everywhere was closed! Happy days!

How easy was it to make money back in the old days? We were a nation of shopkeepers. But we were also a nation of moonlighters. Many people worked on private jobs in their spare time. Also in this episode, brussel sprouts and Christmas trees, renting out part of your garden, food additives, hormones, pesticides… Join me for an hour of light relief, and moaning!

I think we have too much in the way of technology. Mobiles phones, computers, iPads... The PC displays the blue screen of death! The TV said it has no connection, check your HDMI cable... It's all too much! Life used to be relaxed, peaceful, tranquil... Happy days!

You've heard of Mr Jobsworth. Oh, you can't do that, it's more that my job's worth to allow you to do that. Mr Firmsman... You've broken the company rules! I'll have to report you for doing that! Join me this Sunday for a chat and a laugh.

In this Midweek Message, I talk about a village where the leader of parish council is a right jobsworth, a firm's man... or woman. You can't do this, you can't do that! Crikey, what a daft state of affairs!

Shop rents, utopia, farmers, cuttings from plants, beer barrels, mail order... There's a lot to get through in this week's podcast episode. I hope you enjoy it!

Playing in the street, grandchildren, fish and chips, pavement parking, old photos... Please, join me this Wednesday for a chat.

Village Life, Shopkeepers, old Radio Plays... Do you remember The Navy Lark, Handcock's Half Hour, Steptoe and Son... Happy days on the radio! Also, I talk about grandparents playing a major part in children's lives. Join me for a good old chat!

Hello and welcome to another Midweek Message. I hope you're keeping well. It's getting cooler here in Britain as we head towards winter. What's it like where you are?

What do you do in your free time? Do you get any spare time? These days, it seems that everyone is so busy they rarely have time to sit down for five minutes. Retirement isn't at all what I'd thought it would be. Do this, so that, go here, go there... Please, join me this Sunday for a chat.

Hi, I hope you're keeping well. It's mild here, 15C which is 59F. I've bought some coal for our open fire and sorted out the kindling wood, so we're ready to go. Are you ready for Halloween? We have a tub of sweets by the front door ready for the children should they pop round. Happy days!

In days gone by, fish and chips were wrapped in newspaper, perfume was called scent, school kids got the cane, beer was 16 pence for a pint in my local pub...  And, a few extracts from a little book written in 1878 about bringing up children. Please, join me this Sunday for a look back at the old days.

We're getting through October. Winter is nearing! I hope you're keeping warm. The sun is out as I write this but it's pretty chilling outside. Child care, weddings, conker trees... I hope you enjoy this week's Midweek Message.

Housewives back in the old days were often no more than slaves chained to the kitchen sink! According to a book I've been reading, the man was the master of the house and his authority shouldn't be questioned! Crikey! Please, join me this Sunday.

In this episode, architecture, the Isle of Wight and more... who remembers Disprin, the dissolvable aspirin tablets? They were prescribed for anything and everything back in the old days! Is it good to take several tablets every day? I don't think so.

I love the good old days. You could get an appointment with the doctor. You didn't have to wait on the phone listening to Greensleeves for an hour. Travelling by car was a breeze. Please, join me this Sunday for a look back at the good old days.

It's that time again. How are you? Keeping well, I hope. Adverts, changing times, excuses and reasons... Join me for a midweek chat.

This week, I’m looking inside British houses. Where is the bathroom situated? Is the kitchen at the back or the front of the house? Where is the lounge, the dining room, the bedrooms… I’ll also be talking about my Isle of Wight trip. Please, join me this Sunday.

I recorded this Midweek Message on Sunday 29/9/24 because I won't be here this Wednesday. I'll be having a great time, hopefully, on the Isle of Wight! You'll hear all about it next Sunday.

Where have all the lovely old buildings gone? What happened to the old architecture? I’ve just driven past a new block of flats on the seafront. It looks like a prison block! Please, join me.

Hello, how are you? Welcome to another Midweek Message. I hope you enjoy my 10 minute chat about new words replacing old words, farm animals, the weather and so much more.