We're getting through October. Winter is nearing! I hope you're keeping warm. The sun is out as I write this but it's pretty chilling outside. Child care, weddings, conker trees... I hope you enjoy this week's Midweek Message.

Housewives back in the old days were often no more than slaves chained to the kitchen sink! According to a book I've been reading, the man was the master of the house and his authority shouldn't be questioned! Crikey! Please, join me this Sunday.

In this episode, architecture, the Isle of Wight and more... who remembers Disprin, the dissolvable aspirin tablets? They were prescribed for anything and everything back in the old days! Is it good to take several tablets every day? I don't think so.

I love the good old days. You could get an appointment with the doctor. You didn't have to wait on the phone listening to Greensleeves for an hour. Travelling by car was a breeze. Please, join me this Sunday for a look back at the good old days.

It's that time again. How are you? Keeping well, I hope. Adverts, changing times, excuses and reasons... Join me for a midweek chat.

This week, I’m looking inside British houses. Where is the bathroom situated? Is the kitchen at the back or the front of the house? Where is the lounge, the dining room, the bedrooms… I’ll also be talking about my Isle of Wight trip. Please, join me this Sunday.

I recorded this Midweek Message on Sunday 29/9/24 because I won't be here this Wednesday. I'll be having a great time, hopefully, on the Isle of Wight! You'll hear all about it next Sunday.

Where have all the lovely old buildings gone? What happened to the old architecture? I’ve just driven past a new block of flats on the seafront. It looks like a prison block! Please, join me.

Hello, how are you? Welcome to another Midweek Message. I hope you enjoy my 10 minute chat about new words replacing old words, farm animals, the weather and so much more.

What did children do back in the 50s and 60s? Back then, it was a totally different world! I doubt that youngsters of today would be able to grasp the idea of life back then. Also in this episode, wireless and TV back in the old days, mobile phone these days and lots of other goodies. Please, join me.

Autumn was lovely for kids back in the old days. They'd don their wellies and help dad in the garden. Sweeping up leave, poking the bonfire with a stick, baking potatoes in the embers... Happy days!

I'm not going to bore you with too much talk about the Waverley cruise but I will mention it. Also, Southampton Docks, steam engines, freight trains and more... Please, join me.

It's getting colder. In fact, I've a good mind to light the coal fire! No, I must try to make the autumn last as long as I can. I hope you're keeping well. I have a quick story to tell in this Midweek Message. I know you like stories from the good old days.

We visited Amberley Museum the other day. The sun was out and it was hot... just like summer! Also in this episode, stories from the past, old word we no longer use, scroungers and more...

The naughty things that happened in my old school library! Old words we no longer use, let's bring some back into everyday usage. Homemade chutney and other goodies... Join me for a relaxing chat. 

The good old British weather affects more than people's picnics and BBQs. Many businesses rely on decent weather, especially at weekends. In this episode, amongst other stuff, I have a good old chinwag about the weather.

An English country village... the post office closes, the general store closes, the garage closes, there's no bus service, the red telephone box disappears, the pub closes... What! They can't close the pub! Join me for a good old moan!

I don't like many things. Processed food, modern cars, noise, crowds, credit cards... Please join me this Sunday for a good old rant about the things I don't kike. And, of course, the few things I do like.

Did you go camping back in the old days? A ground sheet, a canvas tent that let the water through... Happy days. Or not! Old radios, old televisions... I've been collecting more junk! Join me for a chat.

In this episode, I look back at the way furniture and other items were built by craftsmen. Sadly, the use of chipboard, MDF and plastic has replaced quality materials. Dovetail joints in furniture have been replaced by wood glue and staples. I also chat about cars, 1960s girls, music... Please, join me this Sunday.

We've had some lovely weather... 23c - 73F at 7 o'clock in the morning! Excellent! Summer has arrived, albiet very late. I can feel an outside broadcast coming on if this weather holds. I hope you're keeping well. Happy days!

In this episode, I recall a typical day back in the 1960s. There was a transistor radio in the kitchen but no morning television to watch during breakfast. Leaving the house, you only needed your car keys and your wallet and perhaps a packed lunch... no mobile phone, laptop or other electronic devices. Also, Chinese whispers, rumours, malicious lies and more! Please, join me this Sunday.

It's that time again! How are you? Keeping well, I hope. This week I'm chatting about the old photos of me in the 1960s that have been lost over time. Such a shame! The weather... it's raining. My new Union flag and much more. Please, join me.

In this episode, I'll ponder on why some people have such loud voices and laughter that can be heard over vast distances. They not only deafen everyone around them, but practically maim the inner ear... even at 30 yards! Also, the shops we loved and have lost. So many high street shops have gone, and we miss them! Foxes, hedgehogs, package holidays... Join me this Sunday for another good old-fashioned rant about anything and everything!

Hello, I hope you're keeping well. Loud people, loud music... Yes, I'm off on another rant about my poor ears. In fact, next Sunday's episode will cover loud people, as well as lots of other stuff. If you've nothing to do then, pease, join me.

In this episode, I’ll be returning to a village where I once lived. Unfortunately, many villages have been absorbed by expanding towns, but a few have managed to escape the encroachment of the urban sprawl. Some haven’t yet been eaten up by the concrete monsters! I’ll also talk about Sundays, back in the day when the shops were closed and the roads were empty. Join me this Sunday for a chat.

Later this week, I'm off to visit my old village. I'm sure there will have been many changes since I lived there almost 40 years ago. I'll tell you all about it on Sunday. It's nice to be home after my week away in Bognor. Have you had a holiday this year? Are you planning to go away? What's the weather doing where you are? It's been awful here! Still, I mustn’t grumble!

In this episode, I look back at the various events over the 50s 60s and 70s. In 1953, The first James Bond book, Casino Royale, was published. The Great Train Robbery of 1963. In 1961, the construction of the Berlin Wall begins. Plus, I’ll tell you all about my week at Bognor Butlin’s! Please, join me this Sunday.

Welcome to another Midweek Message. Daft adverts, The Mysterons, the weather, post codes, zones and lots more stuff!

Back in the 60s, many people who had left school were keen to go back to college to learn a trade. Women wanted to learn secretarial skills such as typing and shorthand. Men could learn bricklaying, car mechanics or many other trades. It was a great way to become qualified. Please, join me this Sunday.

The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is quite delightful... That's a Christmas song, and you'd think it was winter here. Rain, wind, cold... Stone the crows! No point in moaning about it, but I will!

In this episode, Tricia and I visit the RSPB reserve at Pulborough in West Sussex. Visit their website here. Also, what were pubs like back in the 1960s? Were they just boozers? Or, were they an integral part of the community? Plus, remembering the old record shops, hiding money beneath the mattress... Please, join me this Sunday.

Do you remember recording music from Pick of the Pops on a Sunday evening? The old reel to reel tape recorder whirling away, recording your favourite tracks. More on nicknames, gardens, the doctor... and more!

Do you remember the great storm of 1987 here in the UK? What a shock it was! The National Grid sustained heavy damage, leaving thousands without power. It was astonishing that the weather reports failed to predict a storm of such magnitude. Old names, new names, double-barrelled names—how many Christian names do you have? Are you known by your first name or your middle name? Do you have a nickname? Join me this Sunday as we explore the fascinating evolution of names over the centuries.

This Sunday, I'll be chatting about people's names. Old names, new names, double-barrelled names… How many Christian names do you have? Also, I'll be recalling the events during the storm of 1987 here in Britain. Please, join me.

Who remembers the iconic Hoovermatic Twintub washing machine? A staple in British homes during the 1960s, it was incredibly popular. And what about the Rolls Dishwasher that perched on the kitchen draining board? Join us this Sunday as we take a nostalgic journey through household and other items of the past that have since disappeared! Also, I’m chatting from Amberley Museum.  

Who remembers the iconic Hoovermatic Twintub washing machine? A staple in British homes during the 1960s, it was incredibly popular. And what about the Rolls Dishwasher that perched on the kitchen draining board? Join us this Sunday as we take a nostalgic journey through household and othetr items of the past that have since disappeared!

What is traditional English food? Dishes like bubble and squeak, meat and two veg, toad in the hole, shepherd's pie and fish and chips come to mind. In this episode, Tricia chats about classic English meals, going all the way back to World War II. Not that we were around back then! Also in this episode, people opening their houses as shops in the old days. There were corner shops, of course, but also mid-terrace houses where people had converted their lounge into a shop. Join us this Sunday!

Hi, I hope you're well. Traditional English meals, school dinners, chip shops, transistor radios back in the 1960s... Join me for a good old chat.

Remember the joy of school holidays in the old days? Six glorious weeks of summer freedom! Imagine if we had mobile phones back in the 50s and 60s. How would we have reacted to social media? The days before computers, what did the banks do? What did the tax office do? Everything was written is huge books called ledgers. Imagine the work! Join me this Sunday as we take a nostalgic journey back to those golden, and sometimes not so golden, days.

This Roaming Rant took me to St Mary's Church, Sompting, West Sussex. Built in the 11th or 12th century, the church is one of only a few on Britain with a Saxon tower. Please, join me for a look around the church.

I've been to church! More on that later. Also, I have a sore throat, we had great weather on Sunday... Why address letters to, for example, Mrs Fred Smith? Is she a man? That's her husband's name, not hers! That was the way things were in the old days. Does that still happen?

Live Your Life! Live and let live. In other words, let people get on with their lives and you get on with your life. Don't interfere with or poke your nose into other people's business. Punishing children. What are your thoughts on spanking kids? Also, kids in pubs. Should children be allowed into pubs? Please, join me this Sunday for a good old moan... I mean, chat.

Welcome to another of Ray's Roaming Rants. This time, I visit St Mary the Virgin Church at Clapham, West Sussex. The church, built in the 12th century, is in the woods. What better location for a lovely old building! I hope you enjoy this short episode.

Hi, I’m pleased to announce that my new website, raysrants.info, is now live! Check it out to explore a collection of photos and video clips from my recent travels. Many of you have been asking to see pictures from the various places I’ve visited so, I hope you’ll enjoy what I’ve shared. I'll be adding more so do visit the page regularly.

It's raining again! Is the summer over? Crickey, I don't think it had even started. In this episode, the weather, falling in love with someone you should have, the Boy Scouts Bob-A-Job week... I hope you'll join me.

History, whether global or personal, can be either boring or fascinating. In this episode, I discuss the mistakes we've made in our personal histories and whether we've learned from them. I also talk about the history of London trolley buses, trams, diesel engines, trains, the pipeline from the Isle of Wight to France, and much more. Join me for a chat which, hopefully, won’t be boring!  

This is the first of a new series, Ray’s Roaming Rants. We had a lovely time on the Isle of Wight. I made a few audio recordings of various places we visited during our stay which I hope you will find interesting.

I've been to the Isle of Wight. I won't bore you with the details but, in this Midweek message, I'll tell you a little about our holiday. Quarr Abby, Yarmouth Castle, the Solent, the weather... Please, join me for a quick chat.

Steam trains, electric trains, diesel trains, getting married and... Getting married? What's that got to do with trains? I'll be in the Isle of Wight when you listen to this episode. Fingers crossed the weather is good!

It's that time again. Welcome to another Midweek Message. Mods and Rockers, hippies... Who remembers the weekends in Brighton? Happy days! Did you have a scooter or a motorbike? Join me for a quick chat.

Dinosaurs roamed the Earth 66 million years ago! What's that got to do with the 1950s? Not a lot. Alfresco, BBQs, eating outside... that wasn't a thing back in the 1950s and 60s. But it's very popular these days. Join me this Sunday for a chat about anything and everything.

Hello and welcome to yet another Midweek Message. The weather, cars, loud adverts, shouting and... I tell you a joke! Please, join me for a midweek chat.

In this episode, on this beautifully sunny weekend, I recall a few stories from the 1960s. PLUS! A recording of a well known DJ on a well known radio station in 1973! This snippet will bring memories flooding back for many of you. Those were magical radio days. Please, join me this Sunday.

The summer has arrived! Probably only for a day or two... No, I mustn't be negative. The weather is beautiful. Holidays in Britain in the old days were great. The roads were clear, no potholes, driving was lovely... Did you go to Spain for your holidays back in the 70s? English fish and chips, English beer... You'd think we were back home!

Adultery in the 1950s? Perish the thought! Did people lie and cheat on each other back in the old days? Two-timing, deceit, lies... Not in the good old days, surely? Join me this Sunday and we'll find out. Also in this episode, Carnaby Street in London, local shops, landline phones, sound effects and more!

Clothes back in the 60s and 70s, strange characters, Lambretta scooters and more... Please, join me for this Wednesday's Midweek Message.

In the old days, there were loads of tradesman. There are tradesmen these days, of course. But how did they differ in the 50s and 60s? Join me this Sunday and we'll find out.

Welcome to another Midweek Message. I've had a great deal of positive response about the Nurse Diane Interview so, I might try and set up more interviews. Thanks for all your emails, keep them coming. The weather here has turned colder... there's a surprise! But, we have a wall of heat of the way! Whatever that is!

In this episode I welcome Diane, my sister-in-law, into the studio. She's a retired nurse and she chats about her days working in hospitals and a GP's surgery. The operating theatre, the wards, the matron, a nursing school, sticking needles in people, giving patients alcohol... Please, join me for a very interesting chat with Nurse Diane this coming Sunday.

We've had an extremely high tide which caused floods in a nearby town. Where's the summer? In this Midweek Message I chat about the weather, as usual, hospitals, dentists and more. Please, join me.

Etiquette Morals Integrity Principles Respect Decency... Do such things exist these days? Would you give up your seat on a bus to a pregnant woman? Would you help an elderly lady cross the road? Please, join me for a chat this coming Sunday.

It's that time again! Welcome to another Midweek Message. Idiots behind desks, youngsters shouting in the pub, people who show off and so much more...

Some people have all the luck, some people have all the fun. Luck plays a big part in some people's lives. You have to be in the right place at the right time, but some people are elsewhere at some other time.  Please, join me for a chat this coming Sunday about lucky and unlucky people.

Summer flowers, pubs, tricycles, sourdough bread, coal fires... I have quite a selection of chat on this week's Midweek Message. Please, join me.

Living alone doesn't suit everyone. You get home after work and there's no one there, you wake up alone at the weekend, there's no one to share life with...  However, some people wouldn't have it any other way. Was living alone in the 60s was any different from living alone today? Please, join me for a chat this coming Sunday.  

It's that time again! How are you? Keeping well, I hope? Do you remember when the shops were closed on Sundays? I do, it was lovely. Sunday was a family day. Picnics together, eating meals together, watching TV together... Happy days!

Fashion has changed considerably over the years. Not only clothes but, hair. In the 60s, most of us lads had long hair. So did the girls. There was Twiggy’s side-parted pixie cut. The smooth short bob with bangs. For men there was the Afro, the long layered, the Boston and even the crew cut. Please, join me for a look back at fashion and hair over the years.  

More on managers and do we need them, the awaful weather in Briton and loads more stuff. Please, join me on this wet Wednesday for a good old chat.

This Sunday, I'll be talking about school teachers back in the day, managers... do we really need them? Swearing. Are you okay with people swearing? Please, join me for a chat.

Potholes, rain, cold, dark... Apart from that, I'm doing fine. This Sunday, I'll be talking about school teachers back in the day, managers... do we need them, and other stuff. Please, join me for a chat.

Did you go exploring when you were a child? In the woods, down the beach, in the local park... I remember exploring all sorts of places and discovering amazing things. In this episode, I look back at the old days and, in particular, the time we discovered a man living in an air raid shelter in the woods!

I've been conducting a little survey. How many of you like the seagull intro and how many don't like it? All will be revealed... at some stage. March is almost upon us, which is good news for us in the Northern Hemisphere.

Hello, welcome to another Sunday podcast. In this episode, I chat about the things kids id during half term and summer holidays back in the 50s and 60s. Particularly on a dull and rainy day. Please, join me.

Hello, how are you? In this episode, I talk about Sunday night being bath night. Do you remember that? Imagine only having one bath each week! Strewth! I also mention tomboys and, would you believe, a tomgirl. Please, join me. I'll look forward to your company.

Did you know a Tomboy back in the old days? In this episode, I recall a mate of mine who, after a year, I discovered was a girl! I also chat about music in the 1960s, cars and shed-loads of other stuff. Please, join me this Sunday for a nice chat.  

It's raining again! I hope you're keeping well, and dry. In this episode I talk about old cars, the school dentist, the nit lady and lots more. Please, join me.

Did you do dreaful thiungs in the past? In this esisode, I'll be looking at your emails and revealing some of the dreadful things you and I did in days gone by. Please, join me this Sunday for a nice chat over a beer... Or a cup of tea, if you prefer.  

I survived the music weekend! I am so pleased to be home, enjoying a nice chat with you. I hope you're keeping well. I had a nice walk and some fresh air this morning at the Wetlands Wildfowl Trust in Arundel this morning. The weather is gloomy and horrible but summer is on its way.

The Unlikely Kleptomaniac. Or, The Thief In The Night. In this episode, I bang on about The Sompting Treacle Mines, air raid shelters, Maria from Brazil, Butlin's and loads more stuff. Please, join me this Sunday for a good old rabbit about times gone by.

It's almost February! Summer is on the way! In this episode, I chat about meadows and wild flowers, grammatical genders, masculine and feminine, in languages, the weather... Please, join me for a good old heart-to-heart rabble.

Do you remember the Letter from America by Alistair Cooke on BBC Radio 4, which was originally the BBC Home Service? In this episode, I read my Letter from England. When I say read, I mean ramble. To be honest, I don't think I'd be any good at emulating Mr Cooke's letter. I also tell you the story of Paula, a homeless girl I met and helped. The dentist, Terry nappies and the clothes hourse... Please, join me this Sunday for a good old chat about times gone by.

I've recorded a slightly longer Midweek Message for those who asked for more.  I hope you enjoy it!

In this episode, I look back at transport over the decades. What transport did granddad have? A bicycle, a motor bike, a car... The milkman had a horse and cart! So did the coalman, the rag and bone man... Please, join me this Sunday for a good old ramble about the old days.

We're half way through Janurary and the sun is shining in a blue sky! Join me for a midweek chatt about neighbour's fences, pubs and... yes, you've guessed, the weather!

In this episode, I look back over the decades. What happened in the 1950s, the1960s and 70s? Food, fashion, cars, medicine... what developments were there? Please, join me this Sunday.

After all the dreadful headlines threatening snow bombs, ice and Arctic weather, we've had snow! The temp today is 0C which is 32 Fahrenheit. Happy days!

I don't remember the Big Snow of 1947 but, by all accounts, it was horrendous! In this episode, I look back at that winter, and others, here in Briton. I also chat about freezing cold schools back in the day. Please, join me.  

Hello and happy new year! Let's hope it's a good one! I'm still losing weight, albeit slowly. The weather awful. But I'm looking forward to a great year.

2024! Happy New Year! What will this year bring? Happiness and health is what we all need. OK, and a little cash would come in useful. I hope you're all looking after yourselves and keeping well.

Did you have a good Christmas? We now have the New Year to look forward to and... lighter evenings and the spring! Summer is on the way! Well, not quite yet. Happy days!

Happy Christmas to you all! I hope you have a good one! Join me for this Christmas Eve chat.

Only 5 sleeps until Christmas day! I hope you're well and looking forward to the festivities. I also hope the weather improves here in Briton. Rain, wind, rain, wind... Struth!

Neighbourhood Watch!  An elderly lady keeping watch on the street discovers something terrible!  Haha! Join me this Sunday for a good old moan and a chat.

Hello and welcome to another Midweek Message. Dreadful weather here in the UK. Rain, wind, thunder and lightning... Struth! I hope you're keeping well and looking forward to Christmas. Only 12 sleeps, as our little grandson informed me this morning. Happy days!

What's your earliest memory? In this episode, I talk about some of your emails and your very early memories. Also, traffic jams, the weather, identical twins and loasd more stuff.

It's 0 degrees Centigrade! Cripes, that's cold! This coming Sunday, I'll be talking about my earliest memories. Would you believe that I can remember my second birthday? Let me know what your earliest memories are, I'd love to hear from you. [email protected]

Winter! Weather Madness! Snow, Ice, Wind, Cold, Freeze, Blizzards... The winter is almost upon us and already the media are going mental. Arctic conditions to blast the UK. Winter snow bomb covering Briton next week! Sub-zero... blah, blah, blah! Goodness me, you'd think this was the north pole. Also, I bang on about rusty old cars and other non-related stuff. Please, join me. 

Gary the tortoise in now hibernating. I wish I was, it's getting colder! I hope you're keeping well. Got any ideas foe this Sunday's podcast? Let me know.

Practical jokers, we've all known a few in our time. In this episode, I chat about the jokers, bad drivers and other stuff.

Twin tub washing machines, red phone boxes, practical jokers... Join me for a quick delve into the past.

Late for school, again! In this episode, I talk about your school experiences. Thanks for all your emails! I also chat about loads of other stuff such as The Big I Am. Do you know someone who reckons they're something they're not? It should be fun so, please join me.

It's cold again this morning... but we are half way through November. I hope you're keeping well, and keeping warm. It will soon be spring! I hope you enjoy this Midweek Message.

What's it like to be old? Youngsters have no idea what it's like to be getting on in years. In this episode, I tell them!

Do you remember bonfires in the autumn? People would burn piles of leaves, filling the air with a wonderful fragrance. Happy days! That's another avenue of pleasure which has been cut off!

In this episode, I bang on about the terrible weather we've been having here in the UK. Also, school days, cars, and loads of other stuff. Please, join me!

More about the weather. Stone the crows, we've had some rain! There's bound to be a hose pipe ban soon. It's Halloween! I hope you're enjoying yourself.

Do you remember pulling the choke out on your old car to start the engine? Did you have a heater in the garage to keep your engine warm during the winter nights? TV programs and adverts, Genetic memory... does it exist? Join me for another chat this Sunday. 

Ducks and geese on the bus, do I like black pudding, North Wales... I've had some interesting emails this week. Join me for a chat... and a laugh!

Public Transport. Oh, what fun! Do you use public transport? Has your train been cancelled? Did your bus turn up? Join me for chat about the fun, and nightmares, of using public transport.

Hello, and welcome to another Midweek Message. Thanks for all your emails about school, conkers, marbles, catapults... Happy days! The clocks change here in Britain at the end of this month. Winter is rearing its ugly head!

Autumn is here and winter is on the way. But this can be a lovely time of year. Tidy up the garden, cut the grass... It's not wise to cut the grass too short for the winter. Classic cars, acorns, conquers, wood piles, coal fires... Join me for a chat.

A chilly start to the day but the forecast is good. Would you buy a new car? It's much cheaper to buy a decent classic car. No road tax, no MOT... and great fun. Conquer fights in the school playground, it's that time of year! But that's been banned... we are NOT allowed to have fun at school. Join me for a good old moan-off!

Do you worry about what people might be thinking about you? Are they looking at your clothes and judging you? Does it worry you? Join me for a chat about other people, the cost of living crisis and much more.

Do telephones drive you around the bend? Press one... press two... Stone the crows! Have you tried to make an appointment with your doctor lately? Struth! It's almost impossible! What shall we moan about this coming Sunday? Any ideas? Let me know.

Social Etiquette, pubs closing, Tales of the Unexpected, an employee lost in the system... Join me on Sunday for a good laugh and, possibly, a little moaning. 

The summer has returned! We had a great weekend in Hasting watching the Pink Floyd trible band. Great weather, great hotel, great food and, of course, excellent music! I hope you're keeping well and enjoying the lovely weather. This coming Sunday, I'll be chatting about etiquette, pubs closing down, the Isle of Wight, and much more...

Do you agree with the 20 MPH speed limit being introduced in Wales? Do you agree with ULEZ? In this episode, I'll be bangning on about motoring in the UK. Driving in the old days was fun but, now, it's a nightmare! I'll also be talking about that old saying... Don't compare yourself with others. Why do so many people have to look at others and comment on their clothes, their car, their house, their way of life... Mind your own business, that's what I say!

People should mind their own business, speed limits, dog food, playing with fire... Just a few topics mentioned in this week's message.

Live and let live. Wouldn't it be nice if people kept their noses out of other people's business? Mind your own business! That's a very old saying. These days, there are too many people who constantly look at other people, what they're doing, what they're eating, what they're thinking... Join me for an interesting look at life.

What's the difference between vegan and vegetarian? According to Gail, not everyone knows the difference. How are you? What's the weather like where you are? Join me for another Midweek message.

Back to school can be an expensive time buying school uniforms, new shoes, lunch boxes... The roads will be grid locked with school kids being dropped off in the mornings and picked up in the afternoons. When I was a boy, we walked 40 miles to school through snow and ice and freezing conditions... Well, that's not exactly true! Join me for another chat about school and other stuff.

The summer has returned! Don't blink, you might miss it. I hope you're keeping well. It's a lovely time of year so I was up and about very early this morning. Join me for an early morning chat.

The University Of Life... I studied there, I'm still studying there! We never stop learning, which is a good thing. In my case, I learned more outside school than I did in the classroom.  In this episode I look at education outside school.  

A dreadful British summer, American cars, the dustmen... Welcome to yet another Midweek Message!

They Don't Make Them Like They Used To. Nothing is made properly these days. Things either don't fit, don't work, break down, need adjusting... Long gone are the days of good old British manufacturing. Please, join me this Sunday for a good old moan.

Retirement was supposed to be relaxing but... I'm so busy that there's not enough time in the day to get things done! Stone the crows! Whether you're working or retired, I hope you're enjoying life.

We had shed loads of very big houses in my town. Sadly, over the decades, most of them have been demolished and replaced by blocks of flats. People don't want huge houses these days. They're costly to heat and maintain but... They were beautiful properties.  Please, join me this Sunday.

Hello, welcome to another Midweek Message. This Sunday, I'll be banging on about big houses. In the old days, there were dozens of very large houses in and around town. Now, they've been replaced by blocks of flats. Join me for a good old moan!

In this episode, I chat about how things were in the old days and how they are now. How have things changed? How have relationships changes? Please, join me.

Welcome to Midweek Message number 120. Animal and insect sounds, holiday disaster, weather report... I hope you enjoy this action packed message!

Curtain twitchers, people who hide behind curtains and spy on the outside world. Neighbours, people passing by, delivery drivers, the postman... They spy on everyone. Do you know of a curtain twitcher? There was one where I lived back in the old days. Join me this Sunday.   

Curtain twitchers, people who hide behind curtains and spy on the outside world. Neighbours, people passing by, delivery drivers, the postman... They spy on everyone. Do you know of a curtain twitcher? There was one where I lived back in the old days. I'll tell you the story on Sunday. 

The worm that turned is an old saying which is used to describe someone who is possibly downtrodden, bullied or bossed about and... One day, they've had enough and turn on their oppressor. This tale concerns a successful business man and his wife and...   I'll reveal all on Sunday!

Hi, I hope you're looking after yourself and keeping well. In this Midweek Message, I try out the new microphone. That's exciting, isn't it? No? Oh well, never mind. I shall see you all on Sunday with The Worm That Turned!

Litter and rubbish everywhere! Why do people chuck their rubbish all over the place? On the beach, the countryside, in parks, out of car windows, in the street... Don't they care about their country? Don't they mind their streets looking like rubbish dumps? I'll see you on Sunday for a good old moan!

Why do people drop litter in the streets and all over the countryside? I've seen people chuck rubbish out of their car windows as they're driving along the road. It's so easy to take rubbish home and pout it in the dustbin. Don't people care about their country anymore? I'll be ranting about this next Sunday. Please, join me if you can.

What's Good for the Goose is good for the Gander. Relationships... In this episode, I read some of your emails concerning your past relationship experiences... and some of mine! I'll also be banging on about stuff, of course, such as telephone boxes, song lyrics and... I'll see you on Sunday!

Hello and welcome to yet another Midweek Message. This coming Sunday, I'll be talking about relationships, among many other things! I have a couple of stories to tell which you might find interesting. Do you have humorous or a strange story to tell about a relationship? If so, let me know and I'll mention it on Sunday. 

This episode isn't really about etiquette and table manners. It was going to be but it changed. It's now about hot summer nights, hippies in the woods, thunder storms and loads of other stuff. I hope you enjoy it!

I love the old days where the table was laid properly... a milk jug, a sugar bowl, a butter dish, serviettes in metal rings. Who remembers the picnic hamper? Bakelite cups and plates, sandwiches and Smiths crisps. I really do miss those happy days!

Quiet Times. I've been asked whether things were noisy and loud back in the old days. TV Adverts were not as loud, restaurants were relatively quite...  No, things weren't so loud and noisy back in the 50s and 60s. Join me this Sunday for a chat about noise.

It's a lot cooler here in Britain, which is rather nice after the heatwave. Still no rain to speak of so the grass is going brown. There's the usual weather update on the podcast this week... because I know you're very interested in out weather!

We all did naughty things when we were kids. Some of us did naughty things when we were older! In this episode, I look back at things we did which were almost legal... and sometimes illegal. Please, join me for some fun.

It's five o'clock Wednesday morning... and I'm up and about! It's also the 21st of June, the longest day of the summer. Join me at this early hour for a quick chat.

Did we have more fun in the old days than we do now? A a child, I had great fun but, do the kids of today have fun? In this episode, I look back at having fun in the 50s and 60s.

Weather reports, breaking news, seagulls, dustmen... Do you like the interruptions during my podcasts? It seems that most people do! Join me, if you will.

Why do people change the names of Cities? Apparently, Brighton City isn't Brighton City... It's now Brighton and Hove City. Join me for a rant and a moan this Sunday.

This week, I'm moaning again about cars and traffic jams. I hate driving! But the summer is lovely... unless you're out on the roads, that is. I hope you're keeping well.

The Nature Table, Scrap Books, School and other things from the past. Did you have a nature table at school? Were you taught anything about nature? In this episode, I look back at a few things we did at school. https://radioray.podbean.com/ https://www.radio-workshop.co.uk/podcasts/  

Did teenage girls drive cars back in the 1960s? Did you have a nature table at school? These are just a couple of things I'll be chatting about this coming Sunday.

We have potholes, the traffic jams are terrible, there's nowhere to park your car... Let's have a good old rant! But the summer is here!

Public transport, busses, the railway... Is it good enough? I hope you're keeping well and enjoying outside happenings  now that the summer has just arrived here in Briton.

The roads are getting worse with more and more cars appearing every year. Traffic jams, road works, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, cycle lanes, pot holes... In this episode, I rant about the state of Britain's roads. Join me for a good old moan!

Now I'm back from the Isle of Wight, the summer has arrived! The weather wasn't too bad on the island and we had a great week. How are you? Everything OK, I hope? Do you have any ideas for this coming Sunday's podcast? If so, let me know.

The NHS, that great British institution. But, does it work? All I hear on the news is how the national health service is in ruins and it's not fit for purpose. My experience of the health service has always been fantastic and I'm really proud that we have it. Please, join me for a chat.

Hi, did you enjoy the King's Coronation? Or perhaps you don't agree with the monarchy and gave it a miss. Whatever you did, I hope you had a good weekend. It rained here most of the weekend, which is about normal. This Sunday,. I'll be banging on about the NHS so please join me if you can.

I can't say a great deal about the King's Coronation because I recorded this episode before it happened.  However, I will be talking about it next Sunday. In the meantime, cars parked on pavements, fish custard, vape smoking, and loads more.

The summer has arrived! Well, almost. How are you? I'm doing well with lots of gardening and fresh air. Toothpaste... now, there's a subject. A friend of mine used to use Alax to clean his teeth. Hmm... interesting!

A young man on his motor bike loses control on a bend. He crashes through the hedge and down an embankment. Alone and injured, he can't move. Will someone rescue him? Join me for this strange tale and other bits and pieces this Sunday.

It's been the coldest April in 60 years! I can well believe that, it's freezing out there. Hopefully, we'll get some sort of summer before long. I hope you're keeping well... and keeping warm if you're in Britain!

Join me for another Sunday episode. House Sitting, strange phenomena cars, burglary and other stuff...

Hi, I hope you're well. Sun, rain, sun, rain... The weather doesn't know what to do! It can only get better... can't it? This Sunday, I'll be telling you about the time I looked after a house for friends while they were away on holiday.

Life in the village wasn't always idyllic. We had a thief on the loose! In this episode, I chat about village life back in the old days. Please, join me.

We're expecting torrential rain and wind today but... I really don't think it's going to happen. The sky is blue, the sun is shinning... Enough of that. How are you? Keeping well, I hope. I hope the sun is shinning on you.

When I think back to 50s and 60s, getting the cane at school was normal. A spanking from mum or dad was part of growing up. In this episode, I look back and those days and compare them to the way things are now. I'll also be talking about a load of other stuff so, please, join me. 

Hi, I hope you're keeping well. This coming Sunday, I'll be talking about punishing children back in the old days. Did you get the cane? Did you get spanked? Things have change over the years but some still say... bring back the birch! Let me know what you think.

Remember the old days of holiday camps back in the 50s and 60s in Britain? Great fun for all the family! But now... I've just spent a week at a holiday camp and... Join me for a good old moan!

The clocks have gone forward one hour... summer is almost upon us! It's so nice to have the lighter evenings, even though it's chilly and raining most of the time. I hope you're keeping well. And I hope you enjoy Midweek Message number 101.

When you think of all the electrical appliances we have these days for the kitchen and garden, it's worth remembering that, back in the 50s, most people didn't even own a fridge! In this episode, I chat about the days of little or no electrical appliances. Please, join me.

Hi, I hope you're keeping well. Next Sunday, I'll be rambling on about electrical appliances... garden, kitchen, work place. What did we do before hedge trimmers appeared? We spent hours up a step ladder with the garden shears! Happy days!

The BBC used to be renowned the world over for its impartiality, its truthfulness, its consistency... So, what went wrong? In this episode, I ramble on about radio and TV, school days, playing truant and loads more stuff. Please, join me.

The BBC, Facebook, the news and more in this Midweek Message. Were news outlets biased in the old days? Now, there's a question!

Families in the 1950s. Who was the Boss? Who was the breadwinner? Who owned the house? What roles did each family member have? In this episode, I look back at family life in the 1950s. Please, join me.

In this week's Midweek Message, I ramble on about families, parsnips, the weather and... and something else. Please, join me!

In this episode, I talk about the ice age, embarrassing first date incidents, pranks and loads of other stuff. Please, join me!

Did you have an embarrassing incident on your first date? In this Midweek Message, we hear from Nick who... I'll let Nick tell the tale. I hope you're keeping well. Summer is on the way!

Remember making go karts from old bits of wood and pram wheels? Great fun! Kids made loads of stuff back in the 1950s and 60s. Why? Because not all parents had loads of money so, if you wanted something, you had to make it. See-saws, swings, football goals and nets... we made it! Join me for a look back at go karts and other stuff.

I've mentioned the Birds Nest at Brighton... Now, new information has come to light about the pub. In this episode, I read from an article about the fantastic nightlife! They were great days!

Hi, and welcome to another weekly podcast episode. This week, I'm chatting about pets... and sadly losing them to old age at some stage. The majority of people have pets. Rabbits, cats, dogs, hamsters, goldfish, tortoises... the list is endless. Pets become part of the family. When they pass away, it can be devastating. Someone saying, 'it was only a rabbit', can be really hurtful. That rabbit might have been part of the family for years. It was not, 'only a rabbit'.  I'm also banging on about London in the old days, speedway racing, and loads more.

Hello and welcome to another Midweek Message. Stoning the crows, or seagulls. growing vegetables and a load more rubbish. Please, join me.

What's so interesting about a window cleaner? You won't believe this... I was a window cleaner for a couple of weeks! And, I drove a taxi for a couple of weeks! In this episode, I look back at some of the weird things I did in the good old days.

Hi, and welcome to another Midweek Message. Jacks, tic tak toe, hotdogs, Butlin's, Pink Floyd... Join me for a good old ramble in this episode!

Working Title? Well, I couldn’t think of a good title so that’s it. I cover a range of topics in this episode. Bird watching, the traffic calming LTNs, the traffic banning ULEZ, pubs closing, my imminent dreadful weekend, what goes round comes round, rival sisters, plus a load of other rubbish! Please, join me!

Crikey, it's Wednesday again! And, it's the 1st February... summer is definitely around the corner. This Sunday's podcast is called... Working Title. Why? because I couldn't think of a title. Regardless of the title, I hope you enjoy the episode.

Books from the old days... Janet and John, Chicken Lickin'... What were your favourite childhood books? Also, I chat about the cold winters in Britain... amongst other ramblings. Please, join me!

Hello from the beach where the temperature is -1C and the waves are crashing in. We're towards the end of January now so spring is just around the corner!

In the old days, we had family values. As children, we were taught not to chuck litter on the ground. Playground fights were relatively harmless. Stealing things was bad. In this episode, I look back to the times when children were taught manners, amongst many other things.

We're in the middle of winter and it's cold... -5C last night. Several road accidents in Sussex caused by black ice, so be careful out there. At least the rain has stopped and the sun is shining. Happy days!

Carrying on from last week, Reading The Room and related stuff sparked quite a lot of interest. So, here we go again with a mention of being self employed, family and politics and other stuff.

Hi, I hope you're well. This Sunday I'll be talking about reading the room, self employment, people who bang on about politics...  and bucket loads of other stuff. So, please join me.

Who remembers the winter of discontent back in the 1970s? There was the three day week, strikes, power cuts... Not a happy time for many. Join me for a chat about that and, as usual, shed loads of other stuff.

It's 2023 and it's still raining! Christmas and new year's eve are behind us so roll on summer. Thanks for all your emails and messages. I'm looking forward to many more Podcast episodes this year. I hope you you'll be joining me.

Happy new year! In this episode I relate some 1940s memories from people who lived through the war. I also tell you a little story about telepathy which, I hope, you'll find interesting.

Hi, I hope you had a great Christmas. It was lovely but it's nice when it's all over. I've just got to get through this coming Saturday evening... new year's eve. Then I can look forward to the spring and summer months of 2023.

It's Christmas day! Happy Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful time. Join me for a quick chat about Christmas and, of course, lots of other stuff.

Only four sleeps to Christmas day! And then we can look forward to the spring with lighter evenings, warmer days, flowers... I hope you're looking after yourselves and keeping warm. The temperature is up into the teens now, which is nice.

I Once Knew A Girl. I once knew many girls but, in this episode, I recall just a few of the young ladies I encountered. As Usual, I bang on about other things such as the Inland Revenue, building materials, garden patios and more... Please, join me.

Apologies to our American listeners. Find out why in this week's message. We have the beast from the east here in the UK so I hope you're keeping warm. Stock up on the essentials for Christmas... beer, beans and bread!

Are you ready for Christmas? These days, getting ready for Christmas seems to be such panic. People are under great pressure. What was it like in the old days? Join me for a chat about Christmas, and loads of other stuff.

I hope you're keeping warm. It's 2 degrees C here in Briton... 35 Fahrenheit. It is winter so there's no point in moaning! Got any ideas for Sunday's episode? Email me... [email protected]

How the English language has changed over the decades... over many centuries! Words, once quite innocent, now have a completely different meanings. In this episode, I bang on about the English language and loads of other stuff. Join me, if you will. Or what!

It's the first of December tomorrow! Good grief, where has this year gone? In this episode, I mention an interesting statistic about cars. Join me for a quick chat.

When I was a boy, I did loads of things... good and bad! They were great days. In this episode, I recall some of the delights, and downfalls, of being a child back in the 50s and 60s. 

Wow, winter has arrived! 2 degrees Centigrade - 35 Fahrenheit. I hope you're all keeping warm. No, not my Southern Hemisphere listeners. I know you're warm down there. This coming Sunday's episode is called 'When I Was A Boy'. I hope you enjoy it.

This week I'm rambling on about the National Health Service and other stuff such as pirate radio, BBC radio, the good old days and... Join me if you will!

The weather, the dentist, the National Health Service... Join me for a quick midweek chat.

What on earth has happened to radio these days? What a load of rubbish! In the old days, the music was great, the DJs were brilliant... These days, all the radio stations sound the same. Join me for a moan. Also, I'll be banging on about television and how good it used to be, and loads of other stuff.

The Continuing Story of... I think I'm going to have several continuing stories. Payton Place, the dentist, the leaky roof. Join me for a good old moan!

A rather shorter episode this time due to my ongoing mouth pain. However, all is not lost. In this episode, I tell you a story about high voltage pylons and ghosts! I hope to be back on form for next Wednesday's Midweek Message. 

Another sunny day after torrential rain, thunder, lightning, wind... Make hay while the sun shines, as they used to say. I hope you're keeping well.

White Lines All Over The Roads! Too many road signs, too many white lines all over the roads... Driving these days is a nightmare! In this episode, I moan about the traffic, the roads, the drivers... and lots of other stuff!

Supermarket car parks are a nightmare! White lines all over the place... where I am supposed to park? After yesterday's disastrous trip, I'm not going there again!

Despite the sexual revolution and free love in the 1960s, pregnancy out of wedlock was frowned upon. An unmarried teenage girl becoming pregnant... Stone the crows, there was real stigma! Join me for a look back at the 50s and 60s, pregnancy, traffic jams and loads of other stuff.

Hi, it's Wednesday again! Solicitors, the stigma surrounding pregnant girls in the 1960s... This Sunday's episode will be interesting. Please, join me!

In this episode, I chat about a store detective I once knew. Also, how a friend was followed by a private detective. And much more, of course...

Hi, welcome to yet another Midweek Message. Who remembers the winter of discontent? That was a dreadful time. Are we heading for another winter of discontent? Also, I once know a store detective... I'll tell you about her next Sunday.

Should you try to change someone to suit your needs? In this episode, I'll tell you about a friend who changed completely to please his girlfriend. Also, a quick story about a brother, a sister, a girl and me. We were all booked the go on holiday in the New Forest but...

Hello and welcome to another Midweek Message. A trip to Bournemouth, two trips to the dentist... it's been a busy week! Time to relax and think about next Sunday's episode.

Camping... No Thanks! Podcast I had intended to go camping in the west country with a girlfriend but, when we arrived, it was raining. It was a blessing in disguise! Join me for a look back at a holiday in Hope Cove, Devon. And a load of other stuff, of course!

Hello, I hope you're well. I had my tooth ripped out on Monday... and half my jaw with it! We won't talk about that. Thanks for all your ideas for future episodes. I hope you find this Sunday's episode interesting.

I'm going to tell you a story. Just a quick story about a girl I met. She was a beautiful girl and she owned a beautiful boat. We sailed down to Emsworth and had a pub lunch. We sailed over to... I don't want to spoil the story so I'll say no more. Join me for the story, and other bits and pieces.

Hi, how are you on this lovely September day? I need an idea for next Sunday's podcast episode. Can you come up with something? Do let me know. [email protected] No doubt Janet will be the first to think of something!

Do you remember.... How many times have you heard that over the years? Do you remember the old Morris Minor cars? Do you remember vending machines where you could buy chocolate bars? In this episode, I look back at things we might, or might not, remember.

Hi, I hope you're keeping well. Next Sunday's episode is called Do You Remember? I'm going to look back and ask... do you remember cigarette cards? Tiddlywinks? Jacks? What do you remember from the old days? Let me know!

I love the old black and white films from the 1930s, 40s and 50s. What I enjoy is looking at the cars, the people, the streets and buildings all captured on film. Watching old movies is a great way to get an idea of what Britain was like back in the old days. 

Do you want to take a look at the way Britain was back in the 50s and 60s? In this Midweek Message, I'll tell you how. Join me!

My first time? No, it's not what you think. My first job, my first house, my first car... Thinking back to things we first did the 1960s or 70s.  First time aboard on holiday, first time married... It's great fun to look back at the things we did. Sometimes,. it's not so great! Join me for, hopefully, another fun podcast episode.

Hi, welcome to another Midweek Message. Next Sunday's podcast is called My First Time. The first time you moved into a house. The first time you went abroad. Your first car. Your first job. Email me and tell me about Your First Time... whatever it is. [email protected]

Did you keep a diary when you were young? This Sunday, I'll be reading some of your diary entries from days of old. Some sad, some funny... Join me for some interesting revelations! 

Hi, I hope you're well. Did you keep a diary when you were young? If so, send me some of the entries. Whether funny or sad, I'd love to hear some snippets from your diary. This coming Sunday, I'll be reading some of the entries so please help me out. 

Podcast - The Benefit of Hindsight. We can all look back and wish that we hadn't done this or that. We all make mistakes, but how have out past mistakes affected our lives today? 

Rain, thunder and lightning... and the roof leaks! I have a bowl on my desk to catch the water. The heat wave has gone, for a while. But I'm pretty sure it will return. 

Who remembers the summer of 1976? Hot for ten weeks, a drought, hosepipe bans... And now we have the summer of 2022. Join me for a chat about the heat, political correctness, and lots of other stuff. 

It's getting hot again this week! Possibly reaching 36c by the weekend which is 97F. Wow, this is a proper summer! Join me for a quick chat about people who tell lies, the heat wave and more...

We've all met a compulsive liar at some time or other. Why do they do it? Why do people have to lie? In this episode, I look back at some of the lies I've heard over the years.

Hello, it's Wednesday again! We're into August now, where is the time going? It won't be long before there's a shopping day countdown... No, I won't mention December!

Television arrived in most people's homes in the 1950s and 60s. ITV generated their income from advertising. So, where did the BBC get their money from? Join me in this episode for a look at TV back then... and the dreaded license fee.

Hello, welcome to another Midweek Message... and another weather report! We're on the verge of a drought here in Britain.  That means there will be a hosepipe ban, which is normal here after a few days of sunshine! 

Money, lots of it or lack of it. How does it affect people? Do you crave money? Are you happy with having only a penny more than you need? Join me for a look at money. Why are things so expensive? When I was a boy, I bought a tanner's worth of chips. A few of us kids would sit by the road eating our chips out of old newspaper. Happy days! Join me for a look at money.

Hello and welcome to another Midweek Message. The temp here in Briton went sky high and broke all records... 40.3 Centigrade which is about 105F. Phew, it's been hot! However, it all ended last night with rain and storms. I hope you are keeping cool and enjoying the summer.

Conversation. Are you any good at chatting in a group of people? To be honest, I don't say much because I can never get a word in edgeways! I wait for someone to take a breath and.. too late! Someone else butted in!

Hi, and welcome to another Midweek Message. I'm not here... I'm in the Isle of Wight for a few days so I've prerecorded this message. The weather should be ultra hot this week so I might even frighten the islanders by wearing my shorts!

Have standards fallen over the last few decades? Do we retain the values which were so much a part of Britain back in the 50s and 60s? Join me for a look at the way things were and the way things are now.

Hello, I hope you're keeping well. Railway stations were lovely places in the old days. The staff wore uniforms, there were flowers and gardens, everything was freshly painted... what went wrong? Progress, I suppose!

I heard a chap on the radio saying that nothing works properly in Britain. The railway doesn't work properly, airports don't work properly... Join me for a look at how things are now and how they were back in the old days.

Hi, I hope you're keeping well. This Sunday, I'll be ranting about things not working in Britain. The railways don't work properly, airports are a nightmare, there are massive waiting lists for hospital treatment... nothing works properly! Join me for a good old rant!

We are all suffering from price rises. House prices are going through the roof, people can't afford the deposit for a mortgage. In this episode, I look back at the 1970s and also recall a story of a friend who bought a house and... I hope you enjoy this episode.  

Hi, I hope you're well.  I'm not sure what next Sunday's episode will be about. Got any suggestions? Email me. [email protected]

Communication back in the 1950s and 60s. Many people didn't have a telephone or a television. How did they communicate? Join me for a look back at the red telephone box and other forms of communication.

Summer has finally arrived in Britain! Temps might reach 34 this Friday. Apart from the weather, thanks for all your emails regarding lats Sunday's episode. This coming Sunday, I want to talk about communication back in the 50s and 60s. Red phone boxes, newspapers, radio new bulletins... Please join me!

What were politics like back in the old days. No House of Commons cameras live on TV, no 24 hour news channels, no social media... How did people know what was going on in parliament? Join me for a look at politics!

Hello, I hope you're keeping well. Politics... No, no don't run away! I'm not going to bore you. Are you fed up with hearing about politics all the time? Have you had enough of partygate, beergate, currygate, brexit... This Sunday, I'll be chatting about your thoughts on politics. Email me... [email protected]

What were tradesmen like back in the 50s and 60s? Were there cowboys around back then? Were people out for a quick buck? In this episode, I look back at having work done then and compare it to these days.  

Hi, I hope you're well. This coming Sunday I'll be talking about tradesman in the 50s and 60s. How well did they do their job back then compared to today's tradesman? Email me with your experiences of work you've had done. [email protected]

Are you having a street party for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee? Have you been to a street party in the past? Join me in this episode for a look at street parties over the decades.

The Queen's Jubilee is coming up and we're having a street party. Have you recollections of past street parties? It would be great to hear from you. [email protected]

How things have changed since the 1960s and 70s! Some things have changed for the better... although not many! And some for the worst. Join me for a look at how things were and how they are now.  

I'm back from a great holiday on the Isle of Wight. In this week's message, I talk about the way we talk... have a listen! I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

In this episode, I tell the story of Love, marriage, secrecy and a house left to a friend of mine. Oh! What a tangled web we weave!

Hi and welcome to another Midweek Message. I hope you're keeping well. I'll be on holiday in the Isle of Wight when you listen to this. I hope the sun will be shining!

What did we have in the 1970s that we don't have today? We had decency, manners, politeness, pride, courtesy... Do we still have these things? Join me for another chat about the good old days.

Hello and welcome to another midweek message. Join me for a few minutes chat about the stress youngsters endure at school, common sense, decency, respect... and whatever else springs to mind.

Flags Pubs Divorce 1950s 1960s vegetable plots and more! Join me for a look back at the old days!

Hippies, mods and rockers. Several people have asked which label I was under back in the 1960s. I'll tell you in this week's Midweek Message!

Worthing - my home town. In this episode, I ramble on about Worthing, in West Sussex. I've lived here since I was five-years-old so I've seen some changes in my time. Join me, if you will.

Hello and welcome to another Midweek Message. The weather is improving as we head toward summer here in Britain. I've already been to a BBQ but, as I was driving, I had alcohol-free beer. Argh! Disgusting!

In this episode, I recall the time many decades ago when I was a member of a village watch group. Locals called us the vigilantes. Not really a fair name as we were far from violent. They were great times and I had some fun as the group's security man. Join me for a look back at those happy days.

Who remembers the episodes about village life? Tales Of A Parish Councillor and Village Life Behind The Facade.  Due to popular demand, I'm returning to the village theme this coming Sunday with... Village Vigilantes. I was a member of the local village watch group and I have some interesting recollections.

Britain in the 50s and 60s. Schools, television, clothes, work, housework, cars... In this episode, I look back generally over the 50s and 60s. What was the food like? What was on TV? Were you a housewife? I've also included a story about... wait and see!

Hello, I hope you're well. This Sunday, I'm going to chat about the 50s and 60s.  Nothing in particular, just a ramble about the old days and how things were back then. Please, do join me.

As well as my usual banging on, I have another story for you. It was back in the 1970s when I suspected a friend of mine was being cheated on by his girlfriend. A group of us tried to enlighten him but he wouldn't listen. I then discovered the incredible truth!

What a lovely morning, waking up to bird song! Why don't birds sing in the winter? Perhaps they do. Are you looking after yourself and keeping well? I have a cold, again, but the birds cheer me up.

I have a story for you. A chap I knew told me to keep away from his sister, He told me not to ask her out... he was a strange of guy. Did I stay away from the girl? Did I ask her out?

Hello and welcome to yet another Midweek Message. I hope you're keeping well. Thanks for your emails and suggestions. There's another story coming this Sunday so keep an eye out for that.

In this episode, I talk about the time I helped a girl who was being stalked by an ex-lover. But, before the story begins, I have a little chat about other things.

Hi, I hope you're keeping well. Meeting people, boys, girls, relationships... How did you meet your partner? Was it under strange circumstances? How did you first bump into each other? Email me with your stories. [email protected]

I want to tell you a story. The Girl From France is a sad tale with a happy ending. I hope you enjoy it, along with my other rants during this episode.

This coming Sunday, I'll be telling you a story. I know that many of you like stories so don't miss this one!

This week, I'm on a general rant about families... and other stuff. You can choose your friends but not your family!

Hello, I hope you're well. We're now into March and spring is officially here. Tune in to my Midweek Message for a weather report!

Here's the question: given the choice, would you go back 50 years in time or forward 50 years in time. You will have to live in the time you choose. Better the devil you know back in time? Or take a gamble on the future?

Three storms have hit the UK within a week. Now that's all over, perhaps we can look forward to the summer.

What with storm Dudley and storm Eustice recently battering the UK, I thought an episode about the weather would be apt. The weather doesn't only affect BBQs in the summer or skiing in the winter, it#s has a colossal impact on many businesses.

Bad news! I am not a happy bunny! I hope you've had a good week because I definitely haven't!

In this episode, I talk about a music weekend at a Bognor Regis holiday camp. In the 1950s, the accommodation was wooden huts, it's now posh hotels. How things have changed since the old days!

Welcome to my Midweek Message. Next Sunday, I'll be talking about my trip to a Bognor holiday camp music weekend. Don't miss it!

Hi, and welcome to Back In Time where I read out some of your recollections of the good old days. Tricycles, pubs, accommodation, coal fires... Please join me!

It's going to be a great summer here in the UK. I can feel it in my water. BBQs, days on the beach, walks in the countryside... Here comes summer!

The New Highway Code Rules. Have you heard about the changes? Have you ever read the Highway Code? In this episode, I rant about the new UK rules and changes for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Hello, and welcome to yet another Midweek Message. We have a few crocus popping up in the garden! Here comes summer!

What were wages like in the 50s and 60s? How did people pay the bills, buy new furniture and carpets , buy a car... In this episode  I look back at the cost of living and wages in the good old days.

Hello people! Welcome to Midweek Message number 39. I hope you're all keeping well.

At our school, we had a spate of what the deputy headmaster called a 'series of minor sabotage incidents'. The toilets were blown up, the school clock altered, the school radio changed to Radio Caroline, truant was rife... Join me for a look back at a series of minor sabotage incidents.

It's Wednesday again! Hi, and welcome to my Midweek Message. I have great idea for this Sunday's episode. I'll be taking you all back to school!

Home Security - Then And Now In the good old days, people left their doors open. Is that true? What about security? Didn't burglars wander into house and steal things? In this episode, I look back at home security in the 50s and 60s.

It's Wednesday again! I have a great idea for next Sunday's podcast episode. Take a listen to my Midweek Message to learn more!

Humour was very different back in the 60s. In this episode, I look back at the comedians, the jokes, the films…

That's it, we've done Christmas! Now, we have new year's eve to look forward to.

Hi, welcome to another Podcast episode. This time, I bang on about people's surnames, amongst other stuff.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

We're almost there! Christmas is but a few days away! Are you ready? Have you bought shed loads of food and drink?

Twin girls. Molly and Sally. They were identical twins, and I couldn't tell them apart. I started going out with Molly, then I was seeing Sally, then... A nightmare ensued!  

Hello, I'm back with more midweek messages! Take a listen to discover what Sunday's episode is all about.

Hi, I'm Ray. The Podcasts are back! And I'm starting off with... It's That Time Again! Yes, it's that time when Christmas isn't too far away, the winter is here... and I'm talking nonsense for almost an hour!

Hi, I'm Ray. Happy Christmas! It's been a while since we last chatted... and I've missed you. I might get back into Podcasting in the new year. What are your thoughts?

Do you look back in anger at something unjust that happened? You were innocent, and yet you took the blame. Do you hold grudges? Can you let go? Stress and anger are not good, but how can you forgive and forget?

Kids these days have pressure at school and suffer from stress. Do you suffer from stress? Do you get angry? Can you forget about an injustice that happened decades ago? Can you move on?

Some of our towns and cities are a complete mess. The buildings look as if they are derelict. There’s rubbish in the streets, graffiti adorning walls… What’s gone wrong?

Stone the crows! I'm late with this week's Midweek Message! better late than never, I suppose.

How did the banks cope before computers? How did shops carry out stock taking and ordering before computers? In this episode, I look at life in the 50s and 60s before computers.

This is the 30th Midweek Message. Where has the time gone? More to the point, where has the summer got to?

Do you remember the package holidays of the 1970s? People would jet off to Spain rather than Blackpool, and I was one of them. In this episode, I look back at those heady days of holidaying abroad.

I sound rather rough this morning because I've got a cold. In the middle of the summer, can an you believe it? I hope you're looking after yourself and keeping well. Now, here's a question. Is your glass half full or half empty?

When I was a boy, in the good old days! In this episode, I talk about decimalisation in the UK, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, sex drugs and rock and roll, funerals… What? Yes, funerals. Please, join me!

Hi, and welcome to the 28th Midweek Message. What do you want me to rant about next Sunday? 1950s 60s funerals, 1970s decimalisation... email me...   [email protected]

We Brits are known as a nation of shopkeepers. How did this come about, and is it true? In this episode, I look at the local shops, the corner shops and the supermarkets over the decades. Please join me.

Hi, I hope you're well. Are we Brits a nation of shopkeepers? That's what I'll be talking about in next Sunday's episode... among other things! 

We’ve all collected stuff over the years. Some of it is junk, some it worth a lot of money.  In this episode, I talk about the things people used to collect back in the 50s and 60s.

Hi, welcome to the 26th Midweek Message. We Brits have a reputation for talking about the weather. I'm not going to do that.  But I will say that rain and storms are due this weekend. But we don't care, do we? We laugh in the face of bad weather!

After many requests, we're going to take another visit to a 1960s pub! Cheers!

The summer has arrived! That's the good news, The bad news is... I won't talk about the dentist. I hope you're keeping well. Keep smiling!

Gold digger, someone who is out for money, who marries for money. A girl who collected engagement rings, a woman who accused her husband of adultery, a girl who borrowed cash and had no intention of paying it back. Not all gold diggers are female. I know a chap who… I won’t spoil the tale. Join me next Sunday for a look at Gold Diggers!

Hi, I hope you're keeping well. Next Sunday's episode is all about Gold Diggers! Money grabbing men and women. There's even a private detective involved in one tale so please join me.

Days out in the good old 50s and 60s were mainly picnics on the beach or in the countryside. There were no theme parks, so what was it like back then? In this episode, I take a look at days out when I was a boy. Please join me!

It's midweek again... and it's still raining! Did I miss the summer? Seriously, there's great weather on the way for the UK. Hope you're keeping well.

Bills were very different back in the 50s and 60s. There was the mortgage or rent, of course. Phone bill, electricity bill, gas bill... But it was far easier to work out your money back then because there wasn't the added burden of a mobile phone bill, broadband, TV subscriptions and goodness know what else. In this episode, I take a look at household bills and how things have changed.

Hi and welcome to another Midweek Message. Next Sunday's episode is all about... Listen to the message to find out!

Crime back in the 50s and 60s was very different. No mobile phones, no online identity theft, no phishing... So, what was crime like back then? Join me for a look back.

Hello, welcome to another Midweek Message. I hope you're keep cool in this UK summer heat.

We know what the 50s and 60s were like. But what about half a million or a million years ago? In this episode, I take a look back a little further than usual.

Hi, I hope you're happy, well and enjoying the sunshine. I'm not around, this is a pre-recorded message. All will be explained next Sunday!

Washing, cleaning, spraying, scrubbing, disinfecting… Are we overdoing cleanliness? Surely, our immune systems need some germs to fend them off. Join me for a look at some smelly things!

Hi, and welcome to heatwave Wednesday! It's going to be a hot one so keep cool and look after yourselves.

In the good old days, people made things. Dolls houses, cupboards, tables, shelves, garden sheds… There was no end to the things people made. How does that compare to our modern times? Is assembling a flat-pack considered to be making something? Join me for a fun look back to the old days.

Our lovely climbing Clematis has died! Too much wind, rain, cold... Roll on summer. Next Sunday's episode is about making things. In the old days, people made cupboards, tables, sheds... they made and put up shelves... Now, it's all flat-pack chipboard. Join me for a look back at the days when people rolled up their sleeves and made things.

Cars back in the 50s and 60s were very different to today’s cars. Many were built like tanks, car radios and heaters came as optional extras, there were no seat belts… In this episode, I take a look at the cars of then and now.

Hi, welcome to my Midweek Message. Next Sunday's episode is about cars, amongst other things. Cars from the 50s 60s 70s... And, of course, today's cars. Plus, ballcock valves and stop cocks!

Social media… is it something new or has it been around for decades? Scams… are they something new or have they been around forever? Join me for a look at past and present social media and scams.

Hi everyone, hope you're keeping well. Social media... is it something new or has it been around for decades?

We all makes mistakes at some time during our lives. Some mistakes turn out to be for the best, others are a nightmare! But, do we learn from our mistakes?

Welcome to another Midweek Message. Next Sunday's episode is all about making mistakes. Have you made mistakes in your life? Some mistakes turn out for the best. If you'd like to share your experiences, email me. [email protected]

Common sense, what is it? Would you leap over a hedge, when you have no idea of what might be the other side? Join me for a fun look at common sense.

Hi, how are you? Keeping well, I hope. We woke up the other morning to a severe frost! The sunshine has been lovely but the nights have been very cold.

How things have changed over the decades! What’s in this year might be out next year. What goes round comes round. Miniskirts were all the rage in the 60s but they could be back next year. You never know!

Hi, I hope you're well. Next Sunday's episode will cover fashion, clothes back in the 50s and 60s, and how things have changed over the decades. What did you wear during your teenage years? I'd love to hear from you. [email protected]

Terraced houses, cottages, detached, semi-detached, two up two down… In this episode, I take a look at the many types of houses in the UK from way back in time to the present day.

Go to the Raysrants Facebook page for the link to the continuing story of naughty village life involving Mrs Fortesque, the vicar, the vicar's daughter and much more...

Hi, hope you're well. Next Sunday, I'll be talking about houses. Houses? You ask? Yes, houses. Houses from decades ago, workers cottages, huge houses, two up two down, modern houses... Join me next Sunday.

Children’s birthday parties back in the 50s and 60s were great fun. Pass the parcel, musical chairs, blind man’s buff… Happy days, and very different from kid’s parties these days.

The water in the birdbaths is frozen solid! Brr... Roll on summer!

Relationships of all kinds… friends at school, friends at work, acquaintances, arguments… In this episode, I look at all kinds of relationships.

Hi, I hope you're well. What a beautiful day it was yesterday. Clear blue sky, sunshine... Summer is almost here!

We all remember the local sweet shop. But they had far more than sweets for sale. Toys, comics, fireworks, cigarettes, puzzles, jokes, fizzy drinks… Join me for a look back at the local sweet shop. Amongst other things.

The sun is shining! Yay! Do you remember sweet shops in the 50s and 60s? They were great places for kids. Sweets, toys, comics, drinks, fireworks... they sold everything! Join me for next Sunday's episode all about those happy days.

Most toys back in the 50s were made of tin plate or wood. No plastic, no batteries! But they were great fun. In this episode, I look back at the toys we played with back then. Happy days!

Welcome to another Midweek Message. It's Wednesday and the sun is shining. How are you today? I'm fine, apart from my recent haircut. Or, should I say, hair hack!

Children love animals. In the old days we had rabbits, tortoises, goldfish… It was good for kids to learn how to look after and respect animals. Recently, schoolchildren were asked where bacon comes from. They said, the supermarket. Should we be teaching children more about animals?

Welcome to my 7th Midweek Message. Hope you're keeping well and looking forward to the spring!

Weddings can be lovely occasions full of love, sunshine and flowers. They can also be disastrous occasions! Arguments between families, punch-ups, infidelity, drunkeness…  In this episode, I look back at some of the weddings I’ve attended.

This is my 6th Midweek Message. It's now March! Where is the timer going? 

Families, what are they like? Some love each other, some hate each other. You can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family.

This is my 5th Midweek Message. Where does the time go?  Next Sunday's episode is all about families. Families at war, loving families... If you have a story to tell about family matters, please email me.  [email protected]