We’ve just shelled out £6.50 on a Christmas Radio Times.
Mr Grigg wasn’t too happy, but, with my work background, I appreciate the many hours it takes to put something like this together. And, let’s be honest, the heyday of printed magazines and newspapers is long gone, so it’s good to support an industry on its knees.
I didn’t begrudge the money, partly because a shed-load of features awaited and the specially-crafted front cover with Gromit and Shaun the Sheep promoting Fleece Navidad looked very inviting.
I plunged into one of the articles with relish, as I don’t usually sit down long enough to read a magazine. But I gave up after the first few columns – the writer obviously had their own agenda and referred to themselves far more than to their famous subject, who seemed, not surprisingly, irritated at the tone of questioning.
Ah well, at least the magazine gives us a heads-up on what delights to watch over the Christmas period.
But apart from the aforementioned Fleece Navidad and a Christmas special of Gone Fishing with Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer, nothing really sprang out when Mr Grigg read aloud some of the programmes lined up for the festive season.
Bullseye, Morecambe and Wise and Jaws being some of them.
“Are we living in 1975 or what? Where’s the new stuff?” I asked.
Glancing over his shoulder, I saw that Mrs Brown’s Effing Boys (as I call it) also puts in an appearance, which is a good reason not to tune in to the telly and, instead, stick to singing songs around the piano, although we don’t have one.
If this regression into the past continues on our television screen, with repeats, remakes and nostalgic series at the fore, then I have a suggestion.
If we’re going to be borne back ceaselessly into the past, please can we see a return of the jaunty theme tune that was used for the ITV news back in the 60s and 70s? It made what was coming up in the bulletin so much more palatable.
At a time when the world seems a more dangerous place than ever, it might be nice to be lulled into a false sense of security with the comforting, nostalgic tones of this classic.
Here it is in all its full-length glory:
That’s it for now.
Love, Maddie x
Maddie Grigg 