Tuesday, 30 October 2018

Blue Peter

Brought up on bruised Blue and purple bottomed Peter, 
Nelson column cleaner or Bobsleigh unseater, 
Singleton, Noakes with them Peter Purves
Thanks BBC, provide public service. 

Then Judd n Groome, replaced them in twos
With Goldie, his accent when reading the  "news" ! 
Days before Google if dates be exact, 
Debating the time line with rose tinted facts.

Advent of Santa, coat hangered Christmas crown, 
One prepared earlier to stop falling down. 
Christmas appeals, old clothes, silver paper, 
Collecting the sackfuls and badges, such capers. 

Totaliser flashing, achievements fantastic, 
Old Washing up bottles and sticky back plastic, 
Childhood memories, no better does it get
Stop onset of ageing. Now just get down Shep! 

Wednesday, 5 September 2018

Habitat Soundscaping

Driven to distraction, now's the time to act on, 
Here's your call to action; its time for your extraction! 
Open plan, the buzz, the hub bub, and the vibe, 
Stretching, seeping, reaching, noise bleed far and wide;
Back ground hum and fuss, is causing you frustration
Conflict resolution is breaking concentration. 
But sounds we're reconstructing with Habitat Soundscaping:
Cancellation draping, works with dynamics of the spacing,
Combining sights and sounds, elementary, multi sensory
Reducing of sound density create acoustic fence for me.
Fingerprint traces of acoustic identity, 
The blueprint for rejuvenating sensitivity! 
Brilliantly shaping, sea of tranquility, 
Home run of the sound field, drives productivity.
Ability to focus, to dampen, and to mask, 
All aboard the train of thought so we can stay on task! 
Drowning out the background drone,
Of phone; its time, get in the zone
Chitter chatter, practicing their patter. 
Chirruping, gossiping it doesn't really matter. 
Reverberations of all loud conversations, 
Fretting, tete-a-teting of your personal workstations. 
Dynamically adapting to surroundings of your office,
Coping with the noise levels during peaks and troughing, 
Wellness is the key, drives productivity;
Collaborating anywhere, do so openly. 
Restorative power, the balanced sounds of nature,
Waterfall in sight, it certainly will not break yer. 
Rejuvenating senses, focus, ideas shaping, 
Open office of the future with Habitat Soundscaping! 

Thursday, 30 August 2018

All welcome to John Lewis Kingston

All welcome to John Lewis,

Oh come on now be bold!

We hope that you all knew this,

Never knowingly undersold!


To the basement for your food wares;

Be careful mind your toes,

Take escalators, lifts or stairs,

Down to our Waitrose!


On this floor fine perfumery,

Jewellery and for soft skin care,

Home wares, cards and pharmacy,

Ornaments you'll find there.


Step up for ladies fashion,

To underwear or bedding,

If crockery or glassware's the passion,

It's the right way that you're heading!


Kitchen ware, utensils,

Home furnishings to see,

Coffee machines even pencils

Make your way to floor three!


Through passage via the artwork 

Computers and TVs,

Restaurant or sports work out;

Toys where the kids will be!


Flooring, carpets, curtains,

You definitely need to see.

You maybe quite uncertain,

But please, well just ask me!


Menswear, clothes for children,

Please pop in and try things on.

Or click online and order them,

And we can bring along!


But we would love to greet you

Partners mean much more

It would be our greatest pleasure

To welcome you in store!

Friday, 17 August 2018

Big ears!

Why have you got such big red ears? 

That stick out proudly causing sneers? 

Around for clipping, thicking, flicking, 

Hearing whispers, ripe for twisting. 

First in the queue, not for IQ, 

But here's big ears we'll stick on you. 

Did you not think to trim them down? 

Plastic surgery works wonders now. 

Why have you got such flapping ears?

Did crocodile pull them and cause those tears?

Satellite dishes on the side of head, 

Signals and sounds of what lies ahead. 

Indian, African around the globe, 

Like elephants ears your huge ear lobes!

Don't get caught in mild stiff breeze,

Lifted as a kite to trees. 

We'll wind you in, you pin them back, 

We'll get you fastest back on track!

Years being boxed, judged FA Cup, 

Jug lugs things now on the up! 

You may look like a chimpanzee, 

Now found new roll within UC. 

Designed especially to model these, 

Or this, or those, or maybe these. 

Trophear cabinet resides the mould, 

Shining FA Cup in shimmering gold, 

Unique design the heights I've reached, 

Life's a beach but I've found my niche, 

Three cheers big ears! 

Hip hip hooray for grandes oreilles! 

The question over so many years, 

Why do you have such big red ears? 

To be honest here's the answer handsome, 

Noddy refused to pay the ransome! 

Thursday, 7 June 2018

Lucky charms

Fate, lap of the gods, 
Victory against all of the odds? 
Give it some welly, pat Buddhas belly, 
Watch it all sat glued in front of the telly! 
Rub rabbits paws are we clutching at straws? 
Cheering for England in our lucky drawers. 
Luck of the Irish, lucky socks to be worn
Borrow some luck from a Leprechaun
Bird dropping balm, all staying calm
Clasping so closely to our lucky charms. 
Biting our fingers, nibbling our nails. 
Count lucky numbers, how can we fail? 
Roy of the Rovers, find four leafed clover
Head in my hands until it's all over

Whistle is blown referee says its done
Would you believe it, without luck we won! 
Oh how we shout, it was never in doubt!

Wednesday, 6 June 2018

Three Lioned Shirt

Oh England with Three Lioned shirt!
All those fallow years of hurt,
St George's Cross now waving high,
Hopes and dreams, oh how they fly! 

Go North, says Southgate it's the aim
To Moscow in search of Jules Rimet,
Coupe Du Monde, Potter wave thy magic wand
To the pressure oh how we respond. 

Atlas weighed upon young shoulders,
Great grandfather's were cup holders:
Follow in their great footsteps,
Leaps of joy, lest we forget. 

Expectations great to do thy duty,
Play football of such gracious beauty;
Weave patterns of our Wilton best,
Play up to being the honoured guests! 

Poetic pentameter of Shakespeare,
Wordsworth, Keats our love is here.
Milton, Chaucer keep the rhythm,
Show the team that we are with em! 

Be bronzed statues reclined as Moore;
But of one thing you can be sure:
This is your chance of glory, gold
And we'll support you as things unfold! 

Thursday, 31 May 2018

World Cup 2018

Everyone in England knows '66, 

Since then wounds licked. 

World Cup Willy, won't he? 

Penance of the penalty!

Water under bridges, 

Sadness, tears, near misses, 

Failures and omissions. 

Yellow cards, broken metatarsals

Spurs, Liverpool, Manchesters, Arsenal. 

Talisman suspension not to mention

Golden generation holding hopes of the nation;

Losses, limp St George's Crosses:

Failed Managers, sacked bosses, 

Golden balls, golden boots, 

Fools gold fails at the roots. 

But hope springs eternal, shoots! 

We've had it all

Now we'll stand tall, 

New hopes and dreams, 

For this young team. 

The game, from Russia with love. 

Oh how we'll do it for you, Guv

Three Lions passion, the roar 

The glory, new hopers, new dreamers

Every front room screamers. 

I was one when we won, 

Now this is the one! 

More of Moore, Ball, Charlton, Styles;

It's been a while, 

It's been a while, 

This is the year, that we smile! 

Tuesday, 29 May 2018

Ball tampering

We scraped a win by the skin of our teeth. 


Chewing nails, but chewing seams, good grief!


Close one. Team on paper was as good as any;


Opening stand flattered to deceive, got many. 


Middle order collapse, no wagging tail on hand


Innings foundation built on sand. 


The sound of summer, leather on willow


Scent of linseed and of sand or brillo


Temper tantrum tampered ball


Oh how the mighty Aussies fall


Paper's journalistic scissors cutting tone


Taunted please do not phone home. 


Reverse the charges. Coins now rolling


Team roughed up not by aggressive bowling


Brass in pockets red tape restricts


Oh how it grated. Captain's wounds licked


Fat lady sings now on banned stands


Sad paper headlines. Paper sands


Take rough with smooth


Cancerous growth has been removed


Masking tape papers over cracks


Defiant call, Struth we'll be back!


Memories eroded by the sands of time, 


I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine! 


Wednesday, 23 May 2018

Green salad

Invited to a barbecue;
Oh what can I bring? 
Marinated chicken? 
Home recipe's the thing. 
Paprika cayenne sticky and thick
With hint of turmeric! 
Or home made, crafted burgers
Imbibed with whisky and gin. 
Or home baked bread, ciabatta?
Brioche best fresh made baps?
I can knock up a quick tabbouleh 
Fattoush? No looking back
Or shall I bring a dessert? 
Pavlova? Bake a cake? 
Or signature dish fruit pudding? 
There's many things I make. 
Roulade of cream, fresh strawberries, 
With raspberry coulis, 
Banoffee pie, a cheese cake.
There's no way to fool me! 
Or if the last resort's your wish, 
Ta da! Well here it is!
I bought a bag of salad 
And stuck it in a dish! 

Tuesday, 22 May 2018

I need the loo

Now, when you get to a certain age,
Consider one thing, as you turn your page.
Before you walk out of your front door,
You maybe have been a minute before,
But pay a wee visit just once more;
You never know what trouble may lay in store!

Meticulous planning of your journey's end,
Root cause analysis for the time you'll spend,
On roads, on paths, as you make your way;
Loose change in pockets, if you have to pay.
A tissue for your nose, or if caught short,
Handy to have on hand, you'll be glad you brought!

No room for paralysis, as we think you'll see,
Local analysis if you need to wee.
Pointers, plan and reconnoitre,
Obviously outside loos please don't loiter,
And you'll save yourself a lot of bother
If you also learn rules on how to hover!
  
Limited proximity to certain perimeters,
Could be seen as enjoyment limiter.
Make sure you stay within a waddling range,
Ignore onlookers, cross legged and strange.
Equidistant from the public loo,
Toilet convenience be on hand for you.

There are now more things that you must not trust,
Trapped wind, maybe not merely a gust
A rain shower today was not forecast,
Spending a penny, will you be outcast? 
To combat a gust  or a mighty blast. 
Quick where's the toilet, I need one fast!

Never ever ever, just pass one by,
Passing a toilet, like a sinful lie.
Always pay a visit, you'll be relieved,
Better to give in, than to receive
A shock, so quickly, unlock and howl:
Revenge movement of my mistrusting bowel! 

You may think that you have mental strength,
The bladder of an ox, go for any length,
But never ride past because as you do,
Voice in your head says, "I need the loo"
Advice I hope that you'll take on board,
As you crave and visit the great outdoors.

You reach for the skies, urethra reminds,
Listen to your bladder and please be kind.
If you have to go, best never say no.
Find a bush and squat down low.
Not a wedding vow, but yes I do!
Any ideas where's the nearest loo?

Monday, 21 May 2018

Trains a few of my favourite things

Rain drops on roses
And puddles in Dittons
Brollys on Platforms and no seats to sit on
Grey clouds above oh what chaos it brings
These are a few of my favourite things

Track circuit failures
And some times derailments
Guards and train drivers on strike or with ailments
Commuting to London such arrows and slings
These are a few of my favourite things

Icy conditions
Now points that are frozen
A dozen excuses to pick from or chosen
Short notice amendments or just cancelling
Trains won't be running my favourite things

When the guard strikes
Stuck in sidings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don't feel so bad

No copper cables
Uprooted or stolen
Cutting removing hope make pockets swollen
Trains they aren't running there's no signalling 
These are a few of my favourite things 

Delays on the network 
It seems there's no power
A late running train will it come in the hour
Getting to work on a prayer and a wing
These are a few of my favourite things 

Leaves on the line
We are changing timetable
Broken down train we will fix if are able
Sorry for service and all our failings 
Trying to repair our favourite things 

Works on the weekend
That may affect journey 
Check the timetable you better start early
Here is list of the routes not runn-ing
These are a few of my favourite things 

Trains run reduced speed, 
Disruption to service
Congestion announcement make sure that you heard this
Delays to your journey now there's  tresspassing
These are a few of my favourite things 

New signal failure
At Waterloo Junction 
Delays on the network we no longer function 
Hot days in Britain what chaos it brings
Sweating togther my favourite things 

When the guard strikes
Stuck in sidings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favourite things
And then I don't feel so bad

Friday, 18 May 2018

Dear Sir David Brailsford

I was down in pub wi me son last night he's a right big fan a yours
Tells me there's some trouble brewing wi route of this years tour
He said to me dear Fatha you've done it, seen it all
There's cobbles causing concern can you give Sir Dave a call
 
I know in pursuit of perfection you leave no stone unturned
I'd like to offer an 'elping hand me knowledge is well earned
Preparing blokes wi bicyles, usin' right propper wheels that's round
It's about Planning layin foundations preparin' winning ground
 
Which is 'andy with them cobbles I'll need somehow to turn em smooth
To keep Geraint and Chris Froome in front and on the move
You see I've always rode to bakery, to go deliver t bread
I've learned to conquer cobbles, I'm an expert its been said
 
I am very scientific me, when there's trouble down at Mill
I'll bring an innovation then bugger off up ill 
If there's any other problem like a spool missing from treddle
I'll fix that too don't worry before I go and pedal 

It's a fine line makes the difference between first and second place
I can help wi' preparation if TeamSky's to win this race.
It can be oh so technical, it's also in the mind
Especially when there's cobbled streets It can be such a grind

I know them cobbles are tricky,  to stay upright's a fight
Them cobbles are right tricky and I acknowledge Froomey's fright
For sixty years I've rode round here, just once I had a spill
When Mary from the Bakery, she walked on t cobbled hill

For me this was a turning point I was young and cycling slow
On't cobbled streets it's dangerous don't go too fast tha knows 
I applied sufficient pressure to me brakes both front and back
Me front wheel caught a cobble and I hit ground with a smack

But Mary was on hand to help mop my bloodied brow
To tell me, "Watch them cobbles lad" (I wish we'd married now!)
She told me see them cobbles imagine bubbles full of air
You'll be carried you'be lifted like on a set of Stannah stairs

Ensure you're in survival mode other lads won't feel the same
But you will burst their bubbles lad and they'll feel all the pain.
I still float across them cobbles and deliver bread on t bike
Though Mary is not with us she had to take a hike

I've overcome cobbles challenge, it wa' bubbles that saw me through
I called it Cobbles Conquered It'll work for Teamsky too
So Sir David I'm available if you'd like some of my psychology
I can help wi teams nutrition too, a slice o bread wi Tea

So if you're in the area and need a little Yorkshire nouse
You will all be very welcome to pop around me house
To talk about a strategy drink tea in my front room
Aye and bring Geraint with you and last years winner Froome

The kettle will be boiling, Yorkshire tea brewing in the pot
The fire will be stoked up it'll be cosy for you lot.
They say there is no I in TEAM and I know the reason why
Is there room for ME A(n') T(ea) in next season's TeamSky?

Saturday, 12 May 2018

Giro Training TeamSky

Change those gears drop those cogs
Pedal like those cycling gods
Nero fiddles while Rome burns
Thighs on fire wheels just turn

Chain set cadence tempo high
Spin it out the end is nigh
Power pedals power cranks
Power zones you've trained with thanks

Balanced structured progressive load
Training active recovery mode
Intensity built from base to top
Heart rate monitored race to stop

Endurance tempo lactate threshold
Cycling fitness will unfold
Be Cycling Caelus gods of sky
Come on Team it's time to fly 

 

Giro Italia Team Sky

As you saddle up your works of art
Grande Partenza or your Big Start
Prepare for vistas prepare for views
Oh lead us on you mystic muse. 

Take on montagna or small collina 
Routes designed and rides to free you
Challenges in countryside
Or Adriatica the place to ride

Golden sands or mountains green
Steep ascents or rolling free
Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo
On Dogma steeds, ride fine fellows

Versace, Dolce and Armani 
Sing operatic chorus of Puccini
Or Verdi, Bellini and Rossini
Someliers drink in the famous vini

Grigio, Chianti taste Barolo
Ride Pesco Sannita to Gran Sasso
From Penne to Gualdo Tadino
Assisi, St Francis ride Osimo

From Umbro through Marchean Appenines
Muri with its punchy climbs
Be Cycling Caelus gods of Sky
Come on Team it's time to fly! 

Friday, 4 May 2018

Bottom Butter!


Ride100 few weeks to go
Lycra legs supple, stubble on show.
Days we're counting, tension mounting,
On hide toughened backside I am counting!

Come on Riders, get ready for the roar,
But be prepared for the saddle sore.
Soothing words from physio uttered,
Make sure you've packed your bottom butter!

Rasping, chaffing on softest skin;
This is the place where it does begin.
Start at the bottom, helps you rise to the top,
Firm foundations, makes sure you won't stop.

Don't want you falling, flat on your face
Having to pull out of this magnificent race.
Turning your training into one big farce
Because you forgot to look after your arse!

Left cheek, right cheek you could turn the other
But come on sister, come on brother,
A word of advice, it doesn't get easier
Look after your asset, your prized posterior

Here's to the Riders, preparation done
You'll be ready for riding miles in the sun.
Banter and hard work - now live your dream,
But don't forget the chamois cream!

Thursday, 25 January 2018

Superbowl LII


To Superbowl LII,
Irony stakes be cooked on high.
On bended knee oh how he tries
Though Anthem words escaped,
Assured he's sound of mind
In Star Spangled Banner draped:

Mantra: Make America Great!
Hide all bad news,  go bury fake
Eat as well as keep the cake
If this nation is divided,
For all of heaven sake
Use the tools provided! 

Grid iron is to galvinise,
Forget about the Russian spies,
Follow my words of wisdom wise
In climactic culmination, 
Forget wherefore and whys
Create unification! 

Avoid again our bloody hell, 
As AFL joins NFL! 
Let's get this country well
My Tweets apparently partly
Instrumental!  Some say swell.
In this seasons fine finale.

Guided by the Trump tower touch! 
Tweets of wisdom from the butch, 
About grid iron he knows so much
Liberty Bell, Philadelphia rings, 
Greatness within clutch
Half time the President sings!

Goliath to avoid the slings and arrows, 
The stones of outrageous fortune narrows.
Misguided sometimes harrows
Insanity? No way not at all. 
My brow though often furrowed
Rhyme n reason for the wall! 

Red hot favourites tickle bellies of under dogs
Cheese burgers, screens of White House blogs. 
Fake news the message fogs
End game, end zone,  don't leave it late. 
Create more jobs
Grid Iron to make America Great!

Friday, 19 January 2018

To the Lassies 2018

So as we sit around your table
And feast on haggies, whisky neeps
Addressing done there is one fable
Who wears the breeks upon their hips 

A man's a man for a that we say
Though I'm sure sweet lassies they'll say nay
We're the ones who wear the troos
Gentlemen a shame.  You lose! 

There's no such uncertainty as a sure thing 
The fellas they all sing
Buy red red rose let's us be schmoozers
Donald wears the troosers! 

Go mash the tatties go mash the neeps
Like Wee sleekin  cowering timorous beasts
We'll leave it to the red red rose
In our tam O shanter in recline repose

The best laid plans of mice and men
We'll leave it to the lassies then
Should old acquaintance be forgot
Just toast the lassies with a tot

Go mash the tatties go mash the neeps
Like Wee sleekin cowering timorous beasts
The best laid plans of mice and men
We'll leave it to the lassies then

As fair art though our bonnie lasses
It's time for us to raise our glasses
You wear the troosers we have no guilt
In fact we prefer to wear our kilts!

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Modern Marvels

Had we but time to tweet our love,
Characters hidden in treasures' trove;
In an instant all is known,
Trending now is how its shown.
Followed,  liked,  hash tagged, re-tweeted
Mistress Coy maybe unseated
Shy, quiet a little flustered,
Carpe diem? Done and dusted! 

Love letters of a time gone by,
Written, sealed with tears of joy
With loving kiss, oh how I miss,
Nerve wracked first dance courtships!
The crafted words of quills be sent,
Enveloped vellum, the perfume scent.
Purposeful stride towards post box,
Heart beating fast with clasp of locks!

Heart warming smile, the letter dropped,
Like coin in wishing well, heart stopped.
The loving kiss, hope hit right note,
Gentle uttered words we spoke.
Trinkets, tokens, deepest thoughts,
Heartfelt wishes shared all sorts,
But alas the letter is second class,
Too slow need now instantaneous!

Now SnapChat stories to be told,
Behold their Midas touch of gold.
WhatsApp, what's next? AI self taught,
Algorithms read the thoughts
And minds, emoji's picture how we feel
Facebook status, brought to heel.
Carpe diem with Instagram
The weight is over, I'm your man!

Friday, 12 January 2018

Twitter fear

Wish I had a button,
Which tempered what I said;
Or some way of pausing,
The thoughts inside my head.

Moderate my tweeting,
Stop sending my outbursts.
Control my conscious streaming,
Engage my brain please first!

First confirm all of the facts,
Before I tweet falsehoods.
Tell the truth to be exact;
Honesty would be good!

Said farewell to Grosvenor square
Not sure how it's said.
Not Obama's deal be fair,
But I'll tweet it out instead!

Moved south of the river,
A visit to the realms?
I haven't brought my scissors.
Ain't going to Nine Elms!