Quiz Time: Football Predictions: Major's New Year Message.

A Good New Year to one and all.

Let's start at the end. The following people have all passed away in 2017'
Can you guess their names?

1 This lady captained the England ladies’ cricket squad from ’66 to ’78. She was also the first female to score a six.

2  This gentleman was amazing in “The Elephant Man “. He died aged 77

3 A big favourite of children in the ‘60s and ‘70s, who loved his sheepdog, died aged 88

4 A bit of a scaly,  all his life he duck-rocked up to be one of the first  musicians to be inducted into the Rock ’n ‘ Roll Hall of Fame. He died aged 90.

 5  A celebrated  Children’s Author died in London aged 91  not far from a railway station, which bore the name of his best known creation

6 This loved actor, died aged 91 was the only star to appear in all 295 episodes of this popular sitcom.

7  Starred in Coronation Street for many years. She died aged 77

8 Running in the ‘60s and later in the ‘70s it’s likely you would have known this actor, who died aged 79.

9  He sang those good ole country songs mostly about life in the open He died aged 81.

10  You all know the name of this all round performer whose career spanned more than 75 years. He died aged 89 —- Yes Sir Bruce Forsyth How many wives did he have  0, 1 , 2 , 3 or more, ?

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( Answers at the end of this blog)

It's about half-time in the football season. How are my predictions doing ?

Premier League

My Placing                           Actual place.

 1 Chelsea                                 3rd

2 Man Utd                               2nd

3 Man City                              1st

( Man City are virtual winners, being 15 points clear )

Championship

1   Aston Villa                      5th

2  Fulham                             10th

3   Reading                            18th

( Oh dear, the only hope I have is that Aston Villa will make the top three)

League 1

1 Blackburn                             3rd

2 Plymouth                              16th

3  Doncaster                             11th

( Plymouth, in particular have had a deeply distressing season, especially after last season, when they gained promotion and were seldom outside the top three.)

League 2

1 Coventry                                3rd

2 Swindon                               9th

3 Lincoln                                 5th

( Swindon have lacked consistency; whilst Coventry and Lincoln are beginning to get the measure of this league. Improvements expected. )

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From The Major.

"New Year greetings to one and all.
Having consulted my trusty almanac , I noticed with amazement that my last missile to you all came in the Spring. They say as you gain a certain vintage, time sheds its boots and puts on daps.

Well then a brief recap.
 Results with my  recent skirmish in the 'nether regions' have gone well and my equipment seems none the worse for wear. My man Baxter has shown his mettle, by ferrying me back and forth to the hospital.
 Glasgow Rangers, he informs me, are up to third in the Scottish Premier League and thus he is generally less mournful,

I have been having a spot of bother with my left and right pegs and have become stick dependent, which of course has restricted my movements around the estate. Baxter has suggested a scooter for the new year, which he said could become a control centre on wheels for me. This idea has a certain appeal and doubtless I will look into it, in the future. This lack of mobility is another reason to consolidate the Memsahib's position as overall  chief in charge of the estate. It certainly gives her a sense of purpose and as profits are climbing, I am more than happy with the situation.

She is currently working with Baxter to produce a website, with which we will sell our produce online. I have suggested, as our name ' Ro- Manse Repasts.'  The Memsahib said she would add it to the list, probably at the bottom, I reckon.

So there we have it, wishing you all a successful 2018, which Baxter informs me will be 'The Year of the Dog'. Let us hope it is a greyhound and not a poodle!

I remain, 

 Wyeford-Clarke ( Maj.) "

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Well the weather man says a cold weekend ahead, so here's three photos to celebrate the season.

Early morning at K's.

Meanwhile back at base.

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Finally, as promised , answers to the quiz :

1. Lady Rachel Heyhoe Flint,  who captained the English Cricket Squad for 12 years ( 1966- 1978 )

2 Sir John Hurt,   whose  stage and screen career ranged over 50 years.

3 John Noakes,   the very popular children's presenter of " Blue Peter."

4  Chuck Berry, whose rock 'n ' roll style influences guitar players  to this
                         day.    
                         He wrote many memorable tunes, including ' Roll Over 
                          Beethoven'; 'School Day ' and 'Sweet Little Sixteen', to
                          name but 3.

5 Michael Bond,   whose teddy bear named Paddington (after the station )      
                                      spawned many loved Children's books 
                       and more recently two films named after the animal.

6 Peter Sallis  (aka Clegg) from " Last of the Summer Wine " tv series.
                    A much loved character and narrator, he was buried at
                    Homefirth, the Yorkshire village where the entire 295
                     episodes of the above series was filmed. At his request
                     he was buried next to his great friend Bill Owens ( Compo)
                     who for many years was a leading player in 'Wine.

7 Liz Dawn   better known for her character ' Vera Duckworth ' in the
                    still popular tv series " Coronation Street".

8 Rodney Bewes   one half of the popular tv series  "  The Likely Lads "
                      about the capers of two northern lads. His 'partner in
                          crime' was James Bolam ( 82 ).They appeared together 
                          in 20 episodes as Terry (JB) and Bob (RB). The series was 
                          set in Newcastle.


9 Glen Campbell  was an American country singer whose song hits included
                           " Like a Rhinestone Cowboy"; "Galveston"; and "Wichita
                              Linesman." Here is a video of the last named.
                               Linesman.
                                              All of the above tunes were written by his friend                         
                                               Jimmy Webb, his friend for 5 decades. Glen's
                                voice perfectly encapsulated the joy of the
                                open spaces.

10  Bruce Forsyth married three times. He was succeeded by 
                              Puerto Rican beauty queen Wilnelia Merced
                               whom he married in 1983.

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So ends my first blog for 2018. Take risks and have yourself a thoughtful year ahead.

WiFi for now,

Ck.