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.