LIVE from the VS 2013 Catwalk...

YES, RFTFT gets you everywhere, you lucky people. Well, not exactly live from the VS 2013 Catwalk, or anywhere near, for that matter. VS, by the way, stands for Victoria's Secret, who held their 'Class of 2013' Fashion Show this past week, which did have British involvement lead by Cara Delevingne, who, as reported here, was involved in many of the shenanigans before, during and after the show.

The show has also produced brand new BFF [that's Best Friends Forever, for those that were unaware] in the shape of VS Angel [Angel is the name given to the ladies who model in the VS Fashion Show] Lily Aldridge and the Superstar performer of the evening Miss Taylor Alison Swift - Not only did Taylor perform a couple of tracks at the show, including I Knew You Were Trouble., but also got involved in the fashions - Wearing a Union flag inspired outfit alongside Cara Delevingne in a football inspired outfit during a British element of the show, changing into a silver dress to perform again and join in the high fives, touches and pats with the Angels as they took to the catwalk, or the runway, to saunter past Swift as she performed. It was when Aldridge took to the stage that the media bestowed the honour of BFF upon her and Swift, as Swift seemed to be very much taken by Aldridge, as they exchanged smiles and blowing kisses to one another as Swift performed. Following the performance, Aldridge walked hand in hand with Swift on the runway, sealing their new BFF status. And here's the cute picture to prove it!

Now, I may be speaking out of turn here, but I think Miss Swift (on the left, obviously) has the better legs in this photograph, but I won't dismiss your opposing views, if you wish to share them using the Comment feature below.

Well, I think that's a nice way to round off the weekend and bring a smile into the new week. Thank you for visiting RFTFT and do return again soon!

One of those days...

MY FACEBOOK status update today was 'Ever had one of those days where you wish you had just stayed at home?', but at least things sometimes don't get as bad as they did for poor old Homer (pictured above). I had originally planned to post an image from the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, featuring Ms Lily Aldridge and Miss Taylor Alison Swift, but I will keep that for a future date. Tomorrow? Next week? The sooner the better I think. Until then... Smile!

Good evening, Miss Swift...

... I'VE been expecting you. This image is taken from Taylor's performance of 'The Last Time' with Gary Lightbody on 'The X Factor', Sunday 3 November. Though the autumnal outfit brings to mind the potential of a Bond Girl  - Or even a Bond Villain! Miss Swift is not a stranger to starring on the silver screen, so over to you, Hollywood...

Roar! Happy Birthday Katy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Katy Perry, celebrating her 29th Birthday today, October 25. The above image is a screenshot from Katy's current single, 'Roar', which recently reached #1.

Where did summer go?

WELCOME to the latest posting here on RFTFT, autumn is taking hold, the leaves on the ground and the rain is no longer 'gentle' but 'lashing'. Television has reverted to the autumn schedule - Yes, 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'The X Factor' now rule your weekends. The football season is now over two months old, with FA Cup fixtures every other week for the non league clubs and the England team are one match - v Poland - away from qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Parents are delighted as the school year is under way and Channel 4 reflect this with the series 'Educating Yorkshire', which focuses on a pupil named Sheridan and her colourful use of the English language, as well as the deputy head teacher, Mr Steer, who is allergic to everything. This post has used italics six times and that's enough. People to see and stuff to do and all that, as always, if you have visited this blog for the first time, welcome and please return again soon. Also thank you to those who visit this blog via the links on my Twitter and Facebook accounts, would you like to add this blog as one of your favourites? If you do, then thank you once again.

Weekend Wallpaper, 6 September 2013

WELCOME to another posting here on Reporting From The Fox Tower. Apologies for not posting during August, we did have a lot of nice weather here in the Eden Valley, combined with the culmination of The Ashes - England winning the series 3-0, when it could have so closely been 4-0, possibly a little bit of laziness too, but I do hope you enjoy this post.

The above image dates from 31 March 2013 at the Classic Commercial Vehicle Rally, Brough. A Ribble bus with Ambleside on its route.

Enjoy the weekend.

Best of British

WELCOME to the latest post here on RFTFT, catching up on the momentous events of the last week in the form of a photo diary, beginning with England 2 - Aussie 0 :

In the second Ashes test match between England and Australia at Lord's, England took a 2-0 series lead over Australia in the five match series, with a 347 run victory on Sunday 21 July. The above image from Twelfth Man, The Official Fan Community of England Cricket. Image © Getty.

Also, on the same day :

Chris Froome was confirmed as the winner of Le Tour de France, following the final stage of the race in Paris, on Sunday 21 July. Froome is the second British winner in consecutive years, following the success of Sir Bradley Wiggins in 2012. This year was the one hundredth staging of Le Tour. Image from Le Tour de France, image © A.S.O. - Guillaume Benoit.

And on the next day :

Welcome His Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis Windsor of Cambridge.

All in all, a rather excellent week. The third Ashes Test starts this coming Thursday, 1st August. More of the same please, England...!

England 1 - Aussie 0

THE first test of the Ashes came to a conclusion today, Sunday 14 July, with England beating Australia by fourteen runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. C'mon England!

CHAMPION.

ANDY MURRAY is the 2013 Wimbledon Men's Singles Champion.

The moment of victory.

Because She's Worth It - Happy Birthday Cheryl

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ms Cheryl Cole, celebrating her thirtieth Birthday today, Sunday 30 June 2013.

Happy Olympic Torch Anniversary!

TODAY I have been thinking back one year, to Wednesday 20 June 2012, the date on which the Olympic Torch relay passed through Eden on its way to Carlisle. This posting marks the first anniversary of that day with links to media sites hosting videos, blogs and photographs of the Olympic Flame making its way through Cumbria for the first time. Click on the links below and enjoy a few memories.

• The Olympic Flame in Brough - Videos from ITV Border - Click here.
• The Olympic Flame in Appleby - Video from ITV Border - Click here.
• The Olympic Flame in Penrith - Videos from ITV Border - Click here.

To provide fairness and balance in this post, the next link is to the BBC Torch Relay site. I'm not sure if the videos are still available, but you can read the blog of the day's events on the right hand side of the page - Day 33 of the Olympic Torch relay. To enjoy a few more memories, click here.

#WinningIsn’tAlwaysPretty

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Miss Anna Kournikova, who celebrates her thirty-second birthday today, Friday 7 June 2013. Anna posted this image on her Facebook page, stating it to be one of the favourite shots of herself, when she was competing in the French Open, on the clay, at Roland Garros. The hashtag, which I have used to title this post, was used by Anna to link the image to social media. Looks good, though. Happy Birthday Anna! x

Bank Holiday Broadcasts

WELCOME to the latest weekly post here on RFTFT. I spent the evening of Monday 27 May (Bank Holiday Monday) tuning the short wave band on my Roberts R881 and here is what I heard.

• I believe I heard Voice of Tigray Revolution, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, broadcasting Horn of Africa music at 1948 UTC (GMT), on the frequency of 5950 kHz, but I could not verify this.
• China Radio International, 20:00 UTC, 5960 kHz. English to Europe, Middle East and Africa via Albania transmitter. 'Beyond Beijing' begins with female news broadcaster: Chinese links with Germany and the United States of America. European ministers meet to discuss Syria. Chinese man sentenced following murder of a baby. Statistics show rise in business profits. News read by Rebecca Hune. 'China Drive' presented by Mark Griffiths. Feature on fashion designers. Weather reports from Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, London. Report from the World Health Organisation shows the gap between the developed and developing countries of the world has narrowed.
• Voice Of America, 2030 UTC, 6080 kHz. English to Africa via Botswana. Male host, 'Africa Beat' music programme.
• International Radio Serbia, 2058 UTC, 6100 kHz. English to Europe via Bosnia - Hercegovina. Interval signal and news from female newscaster: Report regarding the Serbian foreign ministry. Relations between Serbia and Russia have never been better. Serbia to improve relations with the European Union in Brussels. French television report regarding smugglers. Twentieth anniversary of the Yugoslav civil war. Serbian testifies against Croat war crimes. Meteorology award given to a Serb professor. Princess Beatrice of England is visiting Serbia. Report regarding budgets and finances. Sport: Football, tennis, shooting. Music: Folk songs.

That's the update for now - Enjoy the sunshine!

Wallpaper of the week: Blue sky days please!

Enjoy your bank holiday!

Springtime Sunday...?

WELCOME along to the latest update here on RFTFT, on what is quite a warm, almost humid Sunday lunchtime, in mid May. Saying that, the previous day and the night before that gave us some of the heaviest rain seen since, well, last summer! Thoughts are with those in West Cumbria who are coping with flooded roads this weekend! The weather forecast shows a brighter outlook for the next few days, so let's hope the forecast is correct!

I have been neglecting my radio listening over winter and early 2013, but did spend a couple of weekend evenings in March and April listening to short wave and medium wave respectively, so here are the broadcasts I heard:

Saturday 16 March 2013 - Short wave (Tropical bands):

• 2200 UTC (GMT), 3415 kHz : Shannon Volmet, Ireland. Female voice with weather reports: wind and visibility reports.(Based at Shannon airport, I believe).
• 2235 UTC, 3905 kHz : Radio Alice, Netherlands. Music: The Clash - Should I Stay Or Should I Go. Iggy Pop - Lust For Life. ID: "On short wave, this is Radio Alice from the Netherlands". AC/DC - Whole Lotta Rosie. ID. Van Halen - Jump. Good quality.

Sunday 7 April 2013 - Medium wave:

• 1830 UTC, 549 kHz : Spirit Radio, Ireland. Male voice with chart countdown. Fair quality.
• 1855 UTC, 585 kHz : BBC Scotland via Dumfries. Oh dear. Bagpipes. Male voice - "Enjoy your piping!". 1900 UTC news: Grand National winning jockey Ryan Mania injured at Hexham racecourse. Other stories: NATO in Iraq. Mick Philpott. Perthshire accident. Youth Crime Commissioner resigns. Scottish independence campaign. Sport: Football, tennis, curling. Weather report. Country music programme highlighting the sixtieth anniversary of the passing of Hank Williams.
• 1920 UTC, 603 kHz : BBC Radio 4 via Wrekenton, Newcastle - upon - Tyne. 'Feedback': Historical look at The Third Programme, which became BBC Radio 3. Also discussing BBC Radio 3 'Live in Concert' and their handling of the concert interval.
• 1955 UTC, 621 kHz : RTBF International, Belgium. 'Viva Sports' to 2000 UTC - football. 'Viva Musique' on 'Viva Cite'' - Music: Bruno Mars - Locked Out Of Heaven. ID. Michael Jackson - Human Nature.French language.
• 2100 UTC, 639 kHz : Czech Radio 2, Prague, Czech Republic. Top of the hour ID, Female voice. Czech language.
• 2115 UTC, 639 kHz : RNE 1, Spain. Male and female voices, Spanish language. Music: The Equals - Baby Come Back.

And that concludes the logs for March and April. I haven't tuned the bands yet in May, hopefully very soon!

I shall conclude with a picture, you could call it 'wallpaper of the week' if you like, a feature I should get back to posting here on the blog on a weekly basis, but this picture ties in with the previous post below.

Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Britney Jean Spears.

Friday night - One for the lads...

Oh yes. In 2004, at the age of 23, Britney Spears recorded a cover version of Bobby Brown's 'My Prerogative', which was accompanied by a standard video. Then, some bright spark thought, 'why not put Britney, in her underwear, in a bed, play the track for her to lip-synch and film the whole lot in black and white - Let's see what happens!' The result was the following video, deemed by British media as 'too hot for TV', which, of course, sent the viewing figures for this video sky high. 

Plus, Britney looked rather fine recording this video.

Enjoy.

I'm on YouTube!

Terry Askew promotes Fluff Catt and the Rock Kittens at Eden FM - Interview by Martin Cowin!

Enjoy!

Visit the Eden FM Radio website!

Do take a look at the Eden FM website. Your feedback very much appreciated:

Eden FM Radio - Your voice in the Eden Valley - Home

Thank you.

Wallpaper of the Week: Advantage Miss Sharapova

Love this image of Miss Maria Sharapova cuddling up to a Koala in Australia at the beginning of 2013, so I've decided to bestow the honour of Wallpaper of the Week upon this image.

Ch - Ch - Changes!

Eden FM Community Radio, based in Penrith, continues to broadcast online via the website at edenfm.co.uk - You are listening to the output of Eden FM right now via the player in the left hand side bar of this blog! Plans are afoot to introduce new programmes and new presenters, so do please keep listening.

Wallpaper of the week: Let's see the back of Taylor Swift

From the album 'Red', this is the artwork for the track 'Starlight'.

In this image, you can almost see the back of Taylor Swift.

Have a good week and be nice to one another!

Important Notice

A reminder that Reporting From The Fox Tower will be unavailable on February 29, 30, 31 2013.
To make up for your disappointment, enjoy this fabulous video from Facebook earlier this week, Robyn Thomas' take on Smash Mouth's track 'All Star'.

Bye for now!

Catching up on a sunny Sunday

Just taking a few moments to write a few notes to properly follow up my posts here on RFTFT , as it seems the last long post was reflecting on the events of Summer 2012! One constant feature throughout 2012 and into 2013 has been my commitment to Eden FM Community Radio, Penrith. Following the events of Summer 2012 which were covered by Eden FM during the RSL (Restricted Service Licence) broadcast on the FM frequency, Eden FM also attended events throughout the remainder of 2012, including the Lowther Country Fair, the Eden Foodival at Brough and the 160th anniversary celebrations of John Richardson & Sons, Penrith.

Another highlight of September 2012 was the Christening of my niece, Mia, in Carlisle. A lovely day. A follow up to the Eden Foodival in Brough was an article I wrote for Eden Local magazine, which was the second article I have written for the magazine. There's just something about seeing your own words in print!
The Tour of Britain cycle race passed through Cumbria in September and I was on Shap Fell to witness it - Seeing the then World Sprint Champion Mark Cavendish and Tour de France & Olympic Champion (Sir) Bradley Wiggins in the Cumbrian rain! On a sporting theme, I also attended the Peter Murphy Testimonial football match at Brunton Park, Carlisle, which was also very enjoyable.

A day out to Carlisle on the train in October included lunch at The Dining Room, a visit to Tullie House Museum and a little bit of shopping: The new album, 'Red', by Taylor Swift. More of whom later!
I was part of the Eden FM team at the Penrith Halloween Festival on a chilly Saturday lunchtime late October; The sun was shining - Just not on us! November included a trial broadcast online of The Eden FM Morning Show throughout the week as well as taking a look at the new Eden FM website.

Remembrance Sunday was marked by a screening of the movie 'Warhorse' at Brough Memorial Hall on an emotional day. November was also the third RSL broadcast for 28 days on an FM frequency by Eden FM - I very much enjoyed listening to the 'Wake Up' show as I was on the morning bus to Penrith! Guests at Eden FM included Mr Dixon of the Business Improvement District ballot, Julie Blundell of Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland and a visit to Arches Carpets, Penrith. Back in Brough, the Lands End - John O'Groats car rally passed through the town on a darkening Sunday evening. Continuing at Eden FM, further guests included the Leader of Eden District Council and a visit to a Residential Home for a Christmas concert. Not forgetting the Kitchen raffle! The Eden FM RSL closed prior to Christmas, but broadcasts have continued online via the Eden FM website.

2013 has had a mixed start, including the severe winter weather, although not on the scale of Bleath Gill, as proved in the previous post. Finally, the blue skies and sunshine have arrived today, so following Dog The Bounty Hunter, I will spend a few moments in the garden enjoying the sunshine. I referred to Taylor Swift and her album 'Red' earlier, so I will leave you with the artwork for one of my favourite tracks, 'Begin Again'. Until next time...

A Belated Welcome to 2013!

APOLOGIES for not posting over the festive and new year season, but I do hope you liked the video of Boris the spinning snowman - The first video I have posted here on RFTFT! I do hope you enjoyed the festive and new year season and are now managing to cope with the snow January has brought us. The snow has, thankfully, so far not been as bad as it was for the railway of the day in 1955, when a service travelling the now defunct line between Barnard Castle in County Durham and Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria became snowbound. Ladies and Gentlemen, I bring you Snowdrift at Bleath Gill. Enjoy.

Christmas 2012!

MAY I just take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas 2012, with a little help from Boris the spinning Snowman...

Enjoy!

Short Wave logbook, September 2012

SHORT WAVE RADIO broadcasts heard on my Roberts R881 on Sunday 16 September 2012:

• Radio Romania International, 1150 - 1156 UTC, 15430 kHz, English to Europe and Africa, 'The Cooking Show'.
• Voice of Turkey, 1226 - 1248 UTC, 15450 kHz, English to Europe. Introduction to broadcast launch at 1230 UTC, Time Signal, station ID, news, press review.
• Radio Exterior de Espana, 1311 - 1328 UTC, 15585 kHz, Spanish to Europe, 'Mundofonias 2' [World music programme], female and male hosts.
• WEWN Birmingham AL USA, 1335 - 1350 UTC, 15615 kHz, English to Asia, 'EWTN Bookmark' [Author speaks about their work].
• WWCR Nashville TN USA, 1450 - 1520 UTC, 15825 kHz, English to Europe, Middle East, America, 'A Temple of Jesus Christ' with Cleveland Waters.
• WHRI Indianapolis IN USA, 1526 - 1545 UTC, 17510 kHz, English to Europe, Middle East, Africa, 'MFC Worldwide'.

A nice afternoon with the short wave radio!

Summer snaps

AS September has arrived, I'll post a couple more images of Summer 2012, these two images from the Ullswater Country Fair, Patterdale, Sunday 24 June 2012. First, the stick show:

And the second image is of the participants at the start line of the fell race, in the precipitation:

Despite the weather, the race did go on!

Luckily, the sun is shining today... Enjoy.

Wallpaper of the week, 19 August 2012

WALLPAPER of the week brings you an image of the final class at Brough Hound & Terrier Show, the Champion of Champions class. Brough Hound & Terrier Show took place Sunday 17 June 2012.

Wallpaper of the week, 12 August 2012

WALLPAPER of the week this week is an image of the people who gathered for the lighting of the Beacon to mark Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. This picture was taken at Church Brough, on the evening of Monday 4 June 2012.

Summer 2012

WELCOME  to Summer 2012 – I hope it has stopped raining, for the moment, at least. My last posting here on RFTFT was in May – So let’s have a catch up!

At the beginning of June, I had a nice day at the Kirkby Stephen Jubilee Summer Fair, Parrots Park, Kirkby Stephen. I was on ‘promotional duty’ for Eden FM Community Radio with my colleague, John Stewart, handing out leaflets and generally enjoying the events of the day.

Bank Holiday Monday (4^th June) was a real highlight, with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert (Gary Barlow and Cheryl Cole performing Lady Antebellum’s ‘Need You Now’ – Great stuff!),  which I followed at 9:30pm with a walk to Church Brough for the lighting of the beacon to mark the Diamond Jubilee. Other beacons were also visible from Church Brough, including Barras, Nine Standards, Tailbrigg Hill, Winton and Orton Scar (the latter with fireworks).

Early June is also the annual Appleby Horse Fair – Though these days, more caravans, top of the range Land / Range Rovers and motorhomes than horses!

Mid June included the launch of the second ‘RSL’ (Restricted Service Licence) for Eden FM Community Radio, broadcasting on 87.7 FM from the studios in Penrith. The transmission was preceded by a special programme hosted by Harry King – A ‘Merry Neet’, which Eden FM subtitled ‘The Show in the Showroom’ as the show was broadcast from the car sales room, rather than the studio! The image below is of the Eden FM team during the show in the showroom.

Left to right: Andy Neen, me, Nick Wells, Stef Yourell, Dave Hill, Sian Whittaker, Harry King, Jordan Summers, Lora Elliott, Max Newbold, Lee Quinn, Richard Bracken, John Stewart, Matty Buck.

Brough Hound and Terrier Show took pride of place mid June, another memorable day. Eden FM was broadcasting live from Greystoke that day too, so the Eden Valley was very popular that day!

The Eden FM RSL broadcast included the return of full daytime broadcasting, including the breakfast show (the presenter of which would wake at 5:30am), the morning show (the presenter of which would wake at 6am) and a Classic Rock show hosted by the legend that is Toby La Rhone!

Wednesday 20 June – The Olympic Torch Relay. I was in my home town of Brough for 4pm to see the Olympic flame pass through the town – It really was an amazing experience. I was lucky enough to be ‘whisked away’ to Penrith to see the flame again – Twice in one day!! To top the day off, I was a guest on a most excellent radio programme ‘Girls Nite In!’ hosted by Sian Whittaker (in the picture above).

Another highlight of the monsoon season this year was the Ullswater Country Fair, Patterdale, yes, it rained!! But the weather did not deter those who attended; another enjoyable day.

During all of this, my 37^th Birthday occurred and I could not thank family, friends and colleagues at Eden FM enough for their gifts, kind messages, cards, cake and love shown on the day. I was very impressed by the Eden FM card!

The Birthday card I received from Eden FM!

Eden FM were on the road at Dalemain Fair, which included an interview with Melo Sparrow – the popular Johnny Depp / Captain Jack Sparrow lookalike – and at the Scarecrow Festival, Langwathby, the Eden FM outside broadcast vehicle proving very popular, not least whilst parked at Langwathby railway station, capturing the sound of a passing train!

And as all that was going on, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Euro 2012, the Olympic Torch Relay and now the London 2012 Olympic Games, Summer 2012 had one recurring theme – yes – it kept on raining!

Who did what, 2011 - 2012

GREETINGS from Reporting From The Fox Tower on an exceptionally warm afternoon, so let's proceed with today's post: Who did what, 2011 - 2012, which refers to the recently completed football season, of course!

The results of the fixtures fulfilled by Carlisle United are still outstanding on this blog, so I shall complete those first:

Carlisle United results, February 2012:

• Saturday 4th: United 2 - Chesterfield 1
• Saturday 11th: Stevenage v United postponed.
• Tuesday 14th: United 0 - Tranmere Rovers 0
• Monday 20th: Brentford 4 - United 0
• Saturday 25th: United 3 - Yeovil Town 2

Results, March 2012 (all fixtures in npower League One):

• Saturday 3rd: Notts County 2 - United 0
• Tuesday 6th: United 2 - Rochdale 1
• Saturday 10th: United 4 - Bury 1
• Saturday 17th: Bournemouth 1 - United 1
• Tuesday 20th: United 0 - Preston North End 0
• Saturday 24th: Colchester United 1 - United 1
• Tuesday 27th: MK Dons 1 - United 2
• Saturday 31st: United 2 - Huddersfield Town 1

Results, April 2012:

• Friday 6th: Wycombe Wanderers 1 - United 1
• Monday 9th: United 0 - Scunthorpe United 0
• Saturday 14th: United 0 - Charlton Athletic 1 (This result promoted Charlton Athletic)
• Tuesday 17th: Stevenage 1 - United 0
• Saturday 21st: Sheffield Wednesday 2 - United 1
• Saturday 28th: United 4 - Exeter City 1

The final result, May 2012:

• Saturday 5th: Oldham Athletic 2 - United 1

Remaining on the Carlisle United theme for the final time this season, please visit the Peter Murphy Testimonial Year website. Thank you.

The final placings, 2011 - 2012:

Beginning with the trophies:

• Champions League: Chelsea
• Carling Cup: Liverpool
• Johnstone’s Paint Trophy: Chesterfield

Barclays Premier League:

Champions: Manchester CITY

Relegated: Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers

npower Championship:

Champions: Reading

Promoted: Southampton

Play off winners: West Ham United

Relegated: Portsmouth, Coventry City, Doncaster Rovers

npower League One:

Champions: Charlton Athletic

Promoted: Sheffield Wednesday

Play off winners: Huddersfield Town

(Carlisle United finished the season in 8^th place)

Relegated: Wycombe Wanderers, Chesterfield, Exeter City, Rochdale

npower League Two:

Champions: Swindon Town

Promoted: Shrewsbury Town, Crawley Town

Play off winners: Crewe Alexandra

(Morecambe finished the season in 15^th place)

Relegated: Hereford, Macclesfield

Blue Square Conference Premier:

Champions: Fleetwood Town

Promoted via play off: York City

(Barrow finished the season in 13^th place)

Relegated: Hayes & Yeading, Darlington, Bath City, Kettering Town

And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, brings down the curtain on the 2011 - 2012 football season.

And finally...

Last, but definitely not least, let's wish a Happy Birthday for today (Sunday 27 May) to Miss Stephanie Hodson, Miss Intercontinental 2011 and participant in the most recent series of ITV's Take Me Out - And yes, she did get a date! Happy Birthday Steph!

World Wide Wireless, May 2012

LOG of Short Wave radio broadcasts I received Friday 4 May 2012:

• EWTN/WEWN, 0942 – 1000 UTC, 11520 kHz, SINPO 44444, English to Africa, Asia, Middle East, Europe via Birmingham AL USA. Holy Rosary with Mother Angelica.
• China Radio International, 1124 – 1140 UTC, 13650 kHz, SINPO 54444, English to Europe, Asia, America via Albania. ‘Beijing Hour’.
• Radio Rossii, 1258 – 1300 UTC, 13665 kHz, SINPO 44444, Russian language, Male & Female voices, cheering children. ID.
• China Radio International, 1306 – 1320 UTC, 13670 kHz, 44444, Chinese language, female speech over soothing piano music.
• China Radio International, 1330 – 1342 UTC, 13710 kHz, 44444, French language service, female reporters speaking over music with vox pops.
• China Radio International, 1349 – 1355 UTC, 13790 kHz, 44444, English to Europe, Asia, Australia, America via Urumchi, China. Male speech.
• BBC World Service, 1405 – 1412 UTC, 13820 kHz, 23332, English to Middle East via Cyprus, ‘World Briefing’ female speech.
• University Network, 1418 – 1426 UTC, 13845 kHz, 23332, English to Europe, America via WWCR-3, Nashville TN USA. Female and male speech.
• IRRS-Shortwave, 1450 – 1500 UTC, 15190 kHz, 23332, English to Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia. The Overcomer Ministry with Brother RG Stair.
• Radio Africa, 1505 – 1510 UTC, 15190 kHz, 54444, English to Africa. Female speaking of freedom and equality.
• KTWR – Trans World Radio, 1520 – 1522 UTC, 15200 kHz, 43333, English to Asia via Guam. Male speech in praise of God, singers.
• Voice of Korea, 1535 – 1550 UTC, 15245 kHz, 44444, English to Europe and America via Pyongyang. Memories of the Great Leader.

All in all that's a pretty decent lot!
Martin.

Just dropping by...

...to say Hi and apologise for not posting in my blog for a while - A couple of months - But I do have a list of things to post about here on Reporting From The Fox Tower, so I hope to crack on with that this week - Hold me to that! Until then, enjoy the Bank Holiday.

(Steamy) Wallpaper of the week, 25 March 2012

I HOPE you enjoy this image of a traditional steam train, situated just through the gates of the Appleby Heritage Training Centre, next to the Settle - Carlisle Railway Station, Appleby - in - Westmorland.

This photograph taken February 7, 2012.

Apologies for the lack of written articles over recent weeks, I do intend to catch up with a few things here on RFTFT in the near future - Please do bear with me! Until then, enjoy the sunshine.

Wallpaper of the week, 18 March 2012

ENJOY this springtime image of a horse having a snack in the Eden Valley.

Monday night is Skins night!

OKAY, so I couldn't think of a fitting title to this post, so I stated that if you're watching E4 now (10:20pm, Monday night) the popular television series 'Skins' is on the air. So that's the title over and done with, now here's what could have been the title:

Short Wave Logs, February 2012


Here are the radio stations I heard on Short Wave during an evening last week. Times in UTC / GMT, frequencies in kHz (kiloHertz):

• 1830 - 1850 UTC, 9420 kHz, Voice of Greece, Greek language to Europe and America. Male host, music.
• 1855 - 1910 UTC, 9430 kHz, BBC World Service, English to West and Central Africa via Woofferton [transmitting station], Shropshire, UK. News broadcast at 1900 UTC. BBC World Service on Twitter: @bbcworldservice
• 1910 - 1925 UTC, 9445 kHz, All India Radio, General Overseas Service, English to Europe, Africa. Male host, interview.
• 1930 - 2000 UTC, 9500 kHz, Radio Australia, English to Asia via Shepparton [transmitting station], Victoria, Australia. Breakfast with Radio National's Fran Kelly. Radio Australia News on Twitter: @RANews
• 2025 - 2035 UTC, 9600 kHz, China Radio International, English to Europe, Middle East, Africa via Kashi [transmitting station], China. 'China Drive' programme.
• 2045 - 2100 UTC, 9655 kHz, Deutsche Welle, English to Africa via Kigali [transmitting station], Rwanda. Female host, news. Deutsche Welle English service on Twitter: @dw_english
• 2120 - 2130 UTC, 9830 kHz, Adventist World Radio, English to Africa via Moosbrunn [transmitting station], Austria. Male preacher, sermon from Adventist World Radio Ghana. Adventist World Radio on Twitter: @awrweb
• 2145 - 2200 UTC, 9915 kHz, BBC World Service, English to West and Central Africa via Ascension Island [transmitting station]. 'Click' technology programme.

Wallpaper of the week, 20 February 2012

Just a little reminder that Eden FM, the community radio station for Penrith and the Eden Valley, is still broadcasting online at http://www.edenfm.co.uk

Please do take a moment to listen online!

Enjoy your week.

Wallpaper of the week, 12 February 2012

FOLLOWING the recent wintery weather here in Cumbria, I thought I would post a nice image of Brough Castle in the mist and snow, taken Christmas Day afternoon 2009. Enjoy.

Football and Radio updates

First up, the football results of Carlisle United matches played January 2012, followed by the radio stations I heard on Medium Wave during an evening of the same month.

The scores (all npower League One matches):

• Monday 2 January: United 3 - Sheffield United 2
• Saturday 7 January: United 4 - Leyton Orient 1
• Saturday 21 January: United 1 - Walsall 1
• Saturday 28 January: Hartlepool 4 - United 0

Fixtures for February 2012 are as follows:

• Saturday 4: United v Chesterfield (2-1)
• Saturday 11: Stevenage v United
• Tuesday 14: United v Tranmere Rovers
• Monday 20: Brentford v United
• Saturday 25: United v Yeovil Town

Good Luck to the Blues for the February fixtures.

The stations (all stations heard 2 January 2012, times in UTC/GMT, frequencies in kiloHertz):

• 1955 - 2010 UTC, 1377 kHz: France Info, French language via Lille, France, 300 kiloWatt transmission.
• 2025 - 2045 UTC, 1386 kHz: Euskadi Irratia, Basque language via Bilbao, Spain.
• 2120 - 2130 UTC, 1404 kHz: France Info, French language via Brest, France, 20 kW transmission.
• 2140 - 2155 UTC, 1413 kHz: Co-channel broadcasts: Premier Christian Radio, female preacher in English language via Heathrow or Dartford Marshes, 0.5 kW transmission / BBC Radio Gloucestershire, evening programme in English language via Bourton-on-the-water or Berkeley Heath, Gloucestershire, 0.5 kW transmission.

That's it, you're up to date.

Wallpaper of the week, 5 February 2012

THE first Wallpaper of February 2012 brings you an image of Brough Castle, which I hope you like.

Wallpaper of the Week, 23 January 2012

SEPTEMBER 30 2011 : These steps are from the Pumping House of Grassholme Reservoir at the bottom of the hill, to the road which crosses the wall of Selset Reservoir at the top of the hill.

Wallpaper of the week 15 January 2012

WALLPAPER of the week is an image of a sheep spotted on the land between Grassholme and Selset Reservoirs, 30 September 2011.

Wallpaper of the weekend

THE image this Friday evening is of Grassholme Reservoir, taken from the road crossing the dam at Selset Reservoir to the west of Grassholme. The reservoirs are off the B6276 Brough - Middleton-in-Teesdale road. This image was taken on the afternoon of September 30 2011. Enjoy.

Welcome to 2012!

MAY I begin this first post of 2012 by wishing you a Happy New Year and hope you enjoyed the festive period. I also now bring you the first 'Wallpaper of the week' for 2012 - This image was taken by me on 29th September 2011 on a bridleway which leaves the village of Dufton, Cumbria, to the east and joins the Pennine Way, leading to Peeping Hill and High Cup Nick. I liked the look of the old gate and the colours of the fields bring the picture to life. I hope you like it as much as I do. Happy New Year.

Results Round-up on New Year's Eve 2011 - 2012

WELCOME to the final post of 2011, which begins with Carlisle United's results for December:

Saturday 3rd : FA Cup Round 2 : Charlton 2 - United 0
Saturday 10th : npower League One : Scunthorpe 1 - United 2
Saturday 17th : npower League One : United 2 - Wycombe 2
Monday 26th : npower League One : Preston 3 - United 3
Friday 30th : npower League One : Huddersfield Town 1 - United 1.

May I take this opportunity to wish Rory Loy a speedy recovery after sustaining a broken leg during the Preston v United match, which took place at Deepdale on Boxing Day.

Staying on a sporting theme, memories go back to the summer and at Wimbledon, in the Ladies game, former champions were toppled and new stars shone. One of which is Miss Sabine Lisicki, pictured below, who is currently competing in a tournament in Auckland, New Zealand. Here she is pictured during some downtime:

Finally, may I take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year for 2012 and to thank you for reading RFTFT during 2011!

You are listening to Eden FM!

I have embedded the Eden FM Player here on RFTFT, the player is located in the left hand column. Enjoy the music and programmes and learn more by visiting the Eden FM website. Happy listening!

Merry Christmas 2011

I'D JUST LIKE to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and hope that you have enjoyed your day. Congratulations go to the Military Wives Choir who are the 2011 Christmas Number One with their recording of 'Wherever You Are'. The Doctor Who special will no doubt be pulling in a few million television viewers as I write, so it must be Christmas Day... Enjoy.

Wallpaper of the week: 18 December 2011

The ducks at Grassholme Reservoir, 9 September 2011.

Wallpaper of the week, 12 December 2011

This is Grassholme Reservoir, south of Middleton - in - Teesdale.

This picture was taken 9th September 2011. Enjoy.

December 2011 update!

APOLOGIES for not keeping RFTFT up to date during November, so I'm using today's entry to catch up with everything that has been going on. As with the previous post below, I'm beginning with Carlisle United's results for November:

Sat 5th: npower League One: Exeter City 0 - United 0
Sat 12th: FA Cup Round One: Alfreton Town 0 - United 4
Sat 19th: npower League One: Sheffield United 1 - United 0
Sat 26th: npower League One: United 1 - Colchester United 0

And those are the results for November 2011.

Introducing Eden FM...

EDEN FM is the new community radio station for Penrith and the Eden Valley, broadcasting on a Restricted Service Licence (RSL) from 25 November to 23 December 2011 on 87.7 MHz FM and continuously online at edenfmradio.co.uk . I am pleased and honoured to be part of Eden FM, I do hope you will take some time to listen to our programmes.

From FM to Short Wave...


I spent the evening of Monday 28 November 2011 listening to the Short Wave band of my Roberts R881 and heard a variety of broadcasts, listed here. Times in UTC (=GMT), frequencies in kiloHertz (kHz):

1950 UTC, 7485 kHz : Voice of America, English Service 'Special English' programme regarding 'rhetoric' speech, references to the Presidential television debate between Nixon and Kennedy; Martin Luther King.

2040 UTC, 7550 kHz : All India Radio, General Overseas Service, including the English Service programme.

2115 UTC, 7560 kHz : Voice of America, English service to Afghanistan. Music programme taking a look at the life and work of Johnny Cash.

2210 UTC, 7580 kHz : Radio Farda, music, female host with 'Radio Farda' ID, music, speech from female and male hosts.

2250 UTC, 9420 kHz : Voice of Greece, Greek language service to Europe, Atlantic Ocean territories, North America. Music, female host.

New music from Lindi Ortega...


I am currently listening to the album 'Little Red Boots' by Canadian musician Lindi Ortega. Ortega, 32, released the album in the summer of 2011 and plans an extensive UK tour in the new year of 2012. Here is the album sleeve, so keep a look out for it. I highly recommend this great album.

And finally...


This edition of RFTFT closes with a 'Wallpaper of the week', which is where I post an image which I allow you to steal and post as your wallpaper on the desktop of your PC or laptop. This image is of Wain Wath Falls, to the west of Keld, North Yorkshire, on the B6270 road. Enjoy.

Thanks for visiting!

Carlisle United results: October 2011

ONE month at a time is how I like to record Carlisle United's results here on RFTFT, so here are the results for October 2011. If you wish to share your views regarding the results, please use the methods of communication listed at the bottom of this post.

October 2011:
Saturday  1st: Walsall 1 - United 1
Saturday  8th: United 2 - Brentford 2
Saturday 15th: Yeovil Town 0 - United 3
Saturday 22nd: Charlton Athletic 4 - United 0
Tuesday 25th: United 3 - Sheffield Wednesday 2
Saturday 29th: United 3 - Oldham Athletic 3

United's fixtures for November 2011:
Saturday  5th: Away at Exeter City (0-0)
Saturday 12th: FA Cup Round 1 Away at Alfreton Town
Saturday 19th: Away at Sheffield United
Saturday 26th: Home v Colchester United

GOOD LUCK to the Blues for the November fixtures!

And finally...
...for this week at least: I spent an evening recently tuning the Medium Wave band of my Roberts R881 radio and to be honest, I didn't hear much as darkness had fallen and several stations of similar transmission power cancelled each other out, but I did hear France Info on 1377kHz with a strong signal. Usually, I post a link to the station website, but if you put France Info Radio into a search engine, you probably won't go far wrong. To compensate, here is the France Info logo. That's all for now, see you again soon.

A (final) July Day in Whitby: #5

FOR the final image in the series of photographs of Whitby, please enjoy this image of Whitby Abbey, Whitby, North Yorkshire.

A July Day in Whitby #4

A BEAUTIFUL view of the West and East Piers of Whitby, North Yorkshire, July 2011.

A July Day in Whitby #3

THIS is St Mary's Church, at the top of the 199 steps, Whitby, North Yorkshire, July 2011.

A July Day in Whitby: #2

ENJOY this view of a magnificent memorial in the grounds of St Mary's Church, Whitby, North Yorkshire.

A July Day in Whitby: #1

AS Summer 2011 seems to have belatedly made a last-gasp reappearance, I present the first of a selection of images of Whitby, North Yorkshire, taken by me on a day trip to the town on July 28 2011. Please enjoy this image of the harbour.

A July Day in Haltwhistle: The Centre of Britain

JULY 26 in Haltwhistle, Northumberland: The Centre of Britain.

This fingerpost has the 'Haltwhistle - Centre of Britain' disc on the top, which has Haltwhistle marked on the map of the British Isles (if you look closely) and the fingers point to Bowness on Solway, Wallsend, Portland Bill, Orkney and Northumberland National Park via Haltwhistle Burn.

Carlisle United Results, September 2011

CARLISLE United's fixtures for September 2011 have been completed and here are the results from all competitions:

npower League One: Saturday 3rd: United 1 - MK Dons 3

Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Round 1: Tuesday 6th: Accrington Stanley 3 - United 2

League: Saturday 10th: United 1 - Hartlepool 2

League: Tuesday 13th: Tranmere Rovers 1 - United 2

League: Saturday 17th: Chesterfield 4 - United 1

League: Saturday 24th: United 1 - Stevenage 0

UNITED have six fixtures scheduled for October 2011, beginning Saturday 1st, away at Walsall.

Away from football, may I take this opportunity to congratulate Mark Cavendish on becoming Cycling World Road Race Champion in Denmark today (Sunday 25 September).

September Short Wave Results

AFTER an early start on the morning of Sunday 18 September for the Rugby World Cup, I spent most of the day listening to the Short Wave band of the Roberts R881. The following list of broadcasts I received includes times in UTC (GMT), frequencies in kHz (kiloHertz) and a link to the broadcasters websites:

• 1139 UTC, 6075 kHz : Deutsche Welle, German language to Europe via Rampisham transmitter site, UK. 'Magazine' programme, Sport programme: Bundesliga football. 1200 UTC news: Afghanistan. Deutsche Welle website.
• 1332 UTC, 6190 kHz : Deutschlandfunk, German language to Europe via Berlin, 17 kW (kiloWatts). Classical choir music. Deutschlandfunk website.
• 1405 UTC, 6295 kHz : Jack Van Impe Ministries, English language to Europe via Reflections Europe, Republic of Ireland. Religious ministry. Reflections Europe website and Jack Van Impe Ministries website.
• 1439 UTC, 6305 kHz : Radio Merlin International, English language to Europe, via the Netherlands? Music: Transvision Vamp, The Real Thing, Beats International, Derek & The Dominoes, The Specials, Gary Newman & Tubeway Army, The Love Affair. Radio Merlin International website.
• 1550 UTC, 6930 kHz : Irish Music Radio, English language to Europe, via West Coast Ireland? Music: Amelie, The Bee Gees, David Guetta. Irish Music Radio email address.
• 1639 UTC, 7250 kHz : Vatican Radio, Slovenian language to Europe via Santa Maria di Galeria, Vatican State.Male speech, act of worship, male speech, music, female speech. Vatican Radio website.
• 1800 UTC, 7275 kHz : Radio Exterior de Espana, Spanish language to Europe. 'Tablero Deportivo V (5)'. Spanish football commentaries. Radio Exterior de Espana website.
• 1840 UTC, 7290 kHz : The Overcomer Ministry [Brother R G Stair], English language to Europe, Middle East via Nexus-IRRS [Italian Radio Relay Service], Slovakian/Romanian transmitter site. Religious ministry. Nexus-IRRS website and The Overcomer Ministry website.
• 1922 UTC, 7400 kHz : Radio Bulgaria, German language to Europe. Male speech, female speech, female guest on telephone. Radio Bulgaria website.
• 1945 UTC, 7485 kHz : Voice of America, VOA Special English to Middle East via Iranawila, Sri Lanka. 'Words and their stories', 'People in America'. Voice of America website.

Sunday was a rather good day with the radio!

Midweek Wallpaper: The End of Summer 2011

AS today, Wednesday 31 August 2011, is officially the last day of Summer, I'm posting a view of the River Eden at Musgrave, taken July 2011, for your enjoyment. Mr Malcolm Cowin can be seen on the right of the picture.

Carlisle United Results, August 2011

THE football season 2011/2012 is under way and here on RFTFT we will be following the fortunes of Carlisle United. Results will be published at the end of every month, including results from the league and cup competitions. Here are the results for August 2011:

npower League One: Saturday 6th: United 0 - Notts County 3

Carling Cup: Tuesday 9th: Oldham Athletic 1 - United 1 (McGovern) (United win 4-2 on penalties. Away at Aldershot on Tuesday 30th, Round 2)

League: Saturday 13th: Bury 0 - United 2 (Noble, Berrett)

League: Tuesday 16th: Rochdale 0 - United 0

League: Saturday 20th: United 2 (Taiwo, Byrne own goal) AFC Bournemouth 1

League: Saturday 27th: Leyton Orient 1 - United 2 (Miller x2)

Carling Cup: Tuesday 30th: Aldershot 2 - United 0 (Round 2)

"Win or lose, come on you Blues!"

The Sabbath

AS it is Sunday, The Sabbath, I thought I would post a nice photograph of a Church for your enjoyment.

This is St Theobald's Church, Musgrave, Cumbria, England.

Weekend wireless: August 2011

THE afternoon of Saturday 13 August 2011 was spent tuning the Medium Wave band of the Roberts R881. Here is what I heard [Times in UTC; Frequencies in kHz]:

1415 UTC, 1053 kHz: TalkSport, up to 500 kW via Central England (Droitwich, Worcestershire). 'Matchday Live'. For the TalkSport website, click here and for TalkSport Facebook, click here.

1518 UTC, 1170 kHz: Magic 1170, Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside, 320 watts via Hardwick transmitter, Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside. 'Eighties Magic' Dave Campbell. Website and Facebook.

1600 UTC, 1215 kHz: Absolute Radio, up to 200 kW via Moorside Edge, West Yorkshire, for Northern England. 'Rock n Roll Football'. Website and Facebook.

1624 UTC, 1242 kHz: Absolute Radio, 1 kW transmission via Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside. 'Rock n Roll Football'. Web links as above.

1653 UTC, 1341 kHz: BBC Radio Ulster, 100 kW via Lisnagarvey, Co Down, Northern Ireland. The Ulster Grand Prix (Motorcycling). Website.

Please follow the links provided to the broadcasters, I hope you find their sites of interest and enjoy!