allan downes

RIP Dale Winton died yesterday aged 62. I found Dale alright in short doses and since that's all you ever saw of him not enough to comment on fairly - unless he was a mate of David Walliamson, as I believe he was, then nuff said.

Yes, the missus cos she does the cooking.

Have you ever wondered what happened to some of the people that asked you for directions ?

An elderly Russian couple pulled up outside their Doctor's surgery in their Lada for their yearly medical check up "Wonderful " said the Doctor " Good to see that you've both kept you're sense of humor up"

Sooner or later it had to come - cowboys wired for sound and who better than Jul Brynner to provide the sparks- but you'll need a packet of fuses mind you. This guy's lightnin' fast ! Silly idea you might ask and maybe so, but a brilliant one all the same!

I'm sorry to hear about your Father, Peter and such events can really knock you back but I know that you've the strength and backing from your good lady, Anne, to see you through. Wonderful to hear from you again on the site as, I'm sure, so everyone else will agree. So, please keep posting, keep in touch and really great to see you back - oh, and a vid of one of your Shadows gigs would go down more than well I'm sure. Cheers, welcome back, friend and let's have some pics of your latest creations. Allan.

Nicholas Parsons. Not so much annoying as cloying.

I think, Petra, his good lady, was the photographer but, of course, Iain wouldn't tell you that ! Come back my good friend, we're missing you and I promise you no more pics of the Cathedral ! Cheers. Allan.

The question is. Can you ACTUALLY buy a new car? I bought a new Nissan Micra one where I was informed that our car was in the process of being built in their Sunderland Plant and would be available for collection in two weeks.. Now did that really mean that it was being put together in the middle of a field somewhere and would take two weeks to fish it ?

Did I hear "Dad's Army" vaguely mentioned ? Well not vaguely enough for me. An absolute load of tripe churned out by some very good actors but, please, don't include Clive Dun amongs't them with his sickening rendition of "Grandad "

Something similar when buying a 'new' car. So, just How new is that new car that maybe you're thinking of buying ?

Even the one's I wrote for them ?!

Chanel Tunnel on a good day.

What kind of drugs was John Ford possibly tripping out on when he thought something like this would have been typical of a US Cavalry troop out on patrol without a women's hairdressing salon or beauty parlor anywhere to be seen ! Right. Follow me ladies. Foreward yo ! Are you sure, John ?. It looks awful beastly out there. You know. Spiders and stuff... Aw, I dunno Sweetie. I'ts not too bad once you get used to it.

Absolutely stunning workmanship, Peter, as come to be expected. Anyway, and if you don't mind, why not use black paper for your tiling strips which will save you the arduous task of having to paint the edges. Just a thought. Cheers. Allan.

I did email him some time ago but got no reply and, or so I've heard, is that he got somewhat tired of customers petty complaints so gave up modellmaking altogether which is sad really as he was/still is, one of the greatest ever. Certainly his Blog has been removed and, whilst we're on the subject, has anyone heard from Peter Leyland aka Gravy Train lately ? Another oustanding talent sorely missed. Cheers. Allan

Ken Dodd could make me laugh without even saying a word. His Stage presence alone was all that was needed. And here, to me, was another all time great with the same ability.

I think it's now time to confess to the REAL downfall of my AC 2 LITER. Me and my brother were on our way to Exeter in his caravan when we pulled into a lay by on the Honington By Pass where, the next day, the rain was literally coming down in stair rods so we decided to stay put for the day, rig up an old blanket to give us a dry area in which to strip down the head on the AC for no other apparent reason than sheer curiosity, nothing better to do and all day to do it in. The result was a dropped timing chain which we had to fish out of the sump and with absolutely no idea of the timing order, bolted it all back up together again where the next day ( with many odd shaped and mysterious bits left over I might add ) we coaxed it at 5 banging, clattering MPH into an Exeter scrapyard where I was given 5 Quid for it at the same time as being laughed at a lot ! But promise not to tell anybody beyond this Forum.

And my worst and best out of LOTSW. The worst, Him mist definitely. And the absolute best Foggy ever. HIM !

I'v always believed that once the leading actors leave a series due to either ill health or retirement, that is when they should put the cow out to pasture and stop milking it bone dry by injecting " New for Old" and just call it a day. One of my personal favourites was Midsomer Murders with the irreplaceable John Nettles. But now we have - well at least to me anyway - a totally unwatchable pair trying to take off from where the originals bowed out with dignity - STOP messin' with my TV ! Next thing you'll know, they'll be replacing Doc Martin with him !

The best thing about "On The Buses" was when the series came to an end. The film farce wrapped it up perfectly as the biggest. most unfunniest and most boring crap of the year with Reg Varney and Stephen Lewis contributing greatly to the award.

As you reach dotage and transparency it's always nice to know that everything that you did before was appreciated and never went by unnoticed. Thank you gentlemen one and all who have had the courage to admit that they may have at some time or another read the odd one or two articles of mine ! Cheers. Allan.

But However. NOT THIS LOT ! also from "Flog It "

I don't knock 'em all you know and here's one guy that I find really cool, laid back and inoffensive. Paul Martin, presenter of "Flog it "

Quote of the week. "... the AC lump's development potential was limited by a very low redline, above which the valvegear would tie itself in knots." PatB.