I only have experience of GP and Fatty’s site so I have no way of comparing the style or content of blogs in general but I am willing to bet that GP cannot be beaten for the scope of the comments and variety of articles published. We are a family and it is endearing to see the care and consideration given whenever a loss or serious illness is notified. I know, from first-hand experience, that many deep friendships have developed.
All human life is here, educational, mirth inducing, in-jokes, banter (a.k.a. taking the piss) wry humour and we proudly display that most British of traits – bawdy humour, being unapologetic in putting it out there.
It is sad to see, therefore, the amount of willy-waving and plain venom which creeps in from time to time. It is not big and it is not clever and I, for one, object to it. Please, fit in or fuck off!
Thank you Jethro for your piece on John Clare. I am a poetry nut and have a small volume of his work. One that always delights me is ‘Little Trotty Wagtail’ It brings back fond memories of the thirteen or so annual fishing trips to Ireland. I have seen a wagtail cavorting just as described and once had a robin perched on the end of my rod (not filth) – crows rushing to our fishing spot as soon as we vacated. Memories are made of this!
Little Trotty Wagtail
Little trotty wagtail he went in the rain,
And tittering, tottering sideways he neer got straight again,
He stooped to get a worm, and looked up to get a fly,
And then he flew away ere his feathers they were dry.Little trotty wagtail, he waddled in the mud,
And left his little footmarks, trample where he would.
He waddled in the water-pudge, and waggle went his tail,
And chirrupt up his wings to dry upon the garden rail.Little trotty wagtail, you nimble all about,
And in the dimpling water-pudge you waddle in and out;
Your home is nigh at hand, and in the warm pig-stye,
So, little Master Wagtail, I’ll bid you a good-bye.
Just saw a green and white liveried mid size van belonging to OVO Energy. I dumped them some months ago but am still in disagreement with them about the closing bill. Lettering proudly stated ‘I am electric.’ and in big letters the slogan ‘JOIN US ON THE PATH TO ZERO’ – what the hell does that mean? Fatuous slogans are not the path to salvation!
My football team is Everton and I spent many happy hours following them in the late fifties and early sixties when we lived with our aunt who owned a fish and chip shop five minutes from Goodison Park. I would like to make a last visit there before it closes down. Happy days and it brought back memories of the pride taken by shopkeepers in those days – the front step immaculate with that red paint. Sweeping of the pavement and road outside and a long lost service – the beat copper who came around after closing time to try the door and make sure all was well. I am a plastic scouser I know but they are great people, so there!
A less savoury topic but someone mentioned swimming among turds, eek. I have swum off Eastney beach in Pompey with not only turds but used condoms – not seen until they started passing in front of me!
I understand some of the treatment of employees by Amazon could be better but you have to be impressed by their systems – not sure 7 a.m. on Easter Sunday was a great time to deliver my latest item but heigh ho it is a slick operation. Maybe the government should study them to see how an organisation might work.
Just a final note – this Dilated Cardiomyopathy disease which killed my grandson needs some thought. It is likely it was present for some time. I think he may may been jabbed and he broke an ankle a couple of weeks before which may have contributed but I have no way of knowing. There can be a genetic element and there are some pretty obvious symptoms so it is well worth getting checked just in case.
© Gillygangle 2025
