General Chat

(Well I think so)

We were entertaining last night, and wouldn’t normally turn the TV on but none of us could resist the chance to watch Betjeman and Me – Rick Stein’s Story. (What sad lives we lead, I hear you say) ;-)) It is the first of three programmes celebrating the centenary of the poet’s birth on 28th August I simply adore his work, and can spend hours listening to his voice. Quintessentially British, his poetry (IMHO) describes the social life of his times with just a hint of irony maybe. I shall be looking forward to the other two programmes in the series. Anyone else out there like him??

who me thanks

Sorry Keith you are not in quite the same league

I love the timbre of his voice, I can still see him now........

We taped the programmes, there were two on last night. Excellent. Why sad lives? you are perfectly entitled to like what you like without apologising. :-) Keith

I love him, Dee. Especially Myfanwy Gwynne

Sally, even when I read his work I can hear him, he is somewhat unique True Keith, perhaps I shouldn't apologise. We hadn't spotted the later programme sadly, so missed it ;-(

Gwynne, have you put it on the poetry thread, I can't remember ;-))

A man who said quote 'my only regret was not having enough s+x' I know what you mean Sir.............................;-)

He certainly loved England, which can be seen from this short quote from In Westminster Abbey Think of what our Nation stands for, Books from Boot's and country lanes, Free speech, free passes, class distinction Democracy and proper drains ;-)) I like the one on Slough as well Fred, and Lee, they actually used that quote on the programme last night ;-)))

Yes, I love John Betjeman, and have programmes recorded about him ... :-) Joy

Just looking at www.johnbetjeman*.*com while drinking my coffee ... :-)

Myfanwy John Betjeman Kind o’er the kinderbank leans my Myfanwy, White o’er the playpen the sheen of her dress, Fresh from the bathroom and soft in the nursery Soap scented fingers I long to caress. Were you a prefect and head of your dormit’ry? Were you a hockey girl, tennis or gym? Who was your favourite? Who had a crush on you? Which were the baths where they taught you to swim? Smooth down the Avenue glitters the bicycle, Black-stockinged legs under navy blue serge, Home and Colonial, Star, International, Balancing bicycle leant on the verge. Trace me your wheel-tracks, you fortunate bicycle, Out of the shopping and into the dark, Back down the avenue, back to the pottingshed, Back to the house on the fringe of the park. Golden the light on the locks of Myfanwy, Golden the light on the book on her knee, Finger marked pages of Rackham’s Hans Anderson, Time for the children to come down to tea. Oh! Fullers angel-cake, Robertson’s marmalade, Liberty lampshade, come shine on us all, My! what a spread for the friends of Myfanwy, Some in the alcove and some in the hall. Then what sardines in half-lighted passages! Locking of fingers in long hide-and-seek. You will protect me, my silken Myfanwy, Ring leader, tom-boy, and chum to the weak. My favourite Mau xx

Yes, I love his poetry too, Dee. I should be getting ready for an appointment now - oh dear - your thread's just caught my eye. Thanks, it's great, looking forward to coming back to it later. Joyx

Thanks for adding that Mau Joy, hope you enjoyed the thread ;-)))

A review in one of today's papers said there was too much Rick Stein in the programme. Rick who? Cornwall, Betjeman and the poems crashed over the presenter like Cornish breakers, leaving a wide sandy beach for my memories of Cornwall, Betjeman and the poems.

Next week it is ;- Betjeman and Me: Griff Rhys Jones 9:00pm - 9:50pm BBC2 London & South East Since his death in 1983, John Betjeman has remained one of Britain's most popular poets. He's the nation's favourite teddy bear, the Bertie Wooster of light verse, but this sometimes means that his work isn't taken too seriously. Griff Rhys-Jones re-appraises the man and his work, in the company of critics, fans and admirers including Joanna Lumley, Barry Humphries, Stephen Fry, John Mortimer, John Sergeant, Craig Brown, and Craig Raine.

On again tonight, BBC2 9pm Griff Rhys Jones is discussing John Betjeman's life, along with other famous people ;-)))

Dee my friend the cd's have arrived your wil be posted as soon as can get to po thank you,,,,,,,,,,,,no how loud will they take ,,,xxx