Barbara's Blog

sparrows

2011-09-04T01:41:00.000-07:00

when i was a little girl there were always sparrows in our back yard -proper flocks of them -i cant say ive seen any for ages . I think this is a shame . When I googled all I got was johnny depp x

being at home

2011-03-29T00:32:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling tired lateley and wondering about what it would be like to pack it all in . I spoke to my friend Joyce about it and she said
"No Barbara keep working as long as you can - there`s nothing that good about being at home all the time.It makes you feel more tired ".
I think shes right as usual.

That must be where the word- Retirement-
comes from ? x

2011-03-24T02:50:00.000-07:00

Liz Taylor . a proper star . Married so many times -must have been very romantic hearted . A lot of married women I talk to agree they`d never do it again . More trouble than it`s worth . So good on Liz for keeping the faith that "maybe this time "

Björk - Triumph Of A Heart (Official Music Video)

2011-03-12T00:43:00.000-08:00

Bjork married to cat xxxx>

removed video

2010-12-23T11:20:00.000-08:00

Such a shame they removed that video it was a right good laugh .
Waslike an advert for mercure hotels whatever they were called and had some fellah singing perfect day -but changed the words to perfect stay. Wasnt very good really -thats why it was funny .

Nearly all wrapped present wise . Enjoyed narnia on the telly . Wish there was another world in the back of mine rather than loads of clothes that I should never have bought in the first place xx

MERCURE UK HOTELS A PERFECT STAY PASSION FOR SERVICE

2010-12-21T23:45:00.000-08:00

tea pots and advent calenders

2010-12-05T01:23:00.000-08:00

As my friend Helga said to me yesterday when we was at Biscester Designer Outlet and I was saying I wanted a tea pot " We can put a man on the Moon Barbara but we cant invent a tea pot that doesn`t dribble " And you know what she is right . How come these simple everyday things can`t be sorted ? Weve still got no handle on the spare bedroom door . It`s a twisted up wire coat hanger job . (Its drawn blood on a couple of occassions ).

WE was also talking about advent calenders how they never used to have no chocolate in them -just a picture behind the door like a snow flake or a drum ( a robin always seemed the best one to get ) . And on the 24th a double door that opened to reveal the nativity scene . We was laughing to think how exciting it was just opening the doors . I was thinking maybe in those days before they had chocoalte in them we didnt open the doors before we should .The little kids next door have ripped open all the doors and ate the lot . But then I was remebering having opened doors and seen it was a robin and then tried to stick it back down again . There is nothing new under the sun xxxxx

Christmas coach trip

2010-11-22T01:40:00.000-08:00

A lot of interest in my trip on the Christamas shopping trips to Biscester then Shrewsbury . should be good . i am hoping to have a garden centre drop off as part of Shrewsbury and half an hour in ikea if we can on the Biscster . Want to get all my shopping done and out of the way in two fell swoops -only thing is I think that Biscester might be a bit dear - As my hairdresser Carl said to me " Its Marks and spencer prices for selfridges brands" (whatever that means ! )x

"The Sun "is all to cock

2010-11-20T22:38:00.000-08:00

Isnt it awful how the Sun on one hand has page three models with all their busts hanging out then on the other is having a go at lads like jason manford for flirting .
I may be wrong here but I dont think what he did was all that bad -it`s only like what used to happen with the underwear section of grattons catalogue but the pictures can talk back these days . And who are these girls? and how come the Sun found out ?

My nephew lives in Liverpool and he says no one buys the Sun there after the lies they printed about that terrible Hillsborough football disaster . I havn`t bought in years either . I am a Mirror girl myself x

christmas shopping

2010-11-08T03:06:00.001-08:00

get it all done and have a laugh
First shopping trip on sale going to biscester village .

If its on the way and we have time I might ask the driver if we can have half an hour in Ikea .

... Fancy a coach trip with your favourite actress & comedian Barbara .wherecanwego.com/search/ViewEvent.aspx?e=392945 www Cached

If you go on where can we go there are tickest there xx

Work for graduates

2010-09-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

Our valeries girl who has just graduated with a 2 one in drama a nd English ahs got a second interview to be a Chistmas elf at The arndale centre manchester . they told her when she got there that it wasnt really an elf they were looking for -more a Grotto P.A.

xx daft isnt it xx

fags

2010-08-24T00:34:00.000-07:00

I have stopped smoking -you might not have known i did smoke -but i have stopped . It was to do with the teeth I think it was making them fall out the fags were .
I am putting the money in a jar like they tell you to . It will go towards paying for the false teeth !

I thought the fags were glamourous -i think thats why I started smoking - I felt like a film star with a fag on .

Any road up I have stopped .

Ive got a little rubber ball I squeeze when I want a fag and they say the wanting only lasts threee mins at a time . You dont want one all the time .
I have been round the house and though my bags throwing out lighters.
I have found about 30 so far . I wont be sorry not to have to buy any more lighters . I am also putting the money I would have spent on lighters in the jar .

all the best BArbara xxx

eeh my gum

2010-08-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Well that tooth had to be taken out in Edinburgh emergency hospital ! Only cost £11.00 -I paid £350 (yes you heard right ) THREEHUNDREDANDFIFTY !! pounds last year to have a root canal filling than blinking hurt .

11.00 ? 350.00 ? what would you do if you ve got no money ? thats right .!!!

We`ll have a two tier society soon -them with teeth and them without .

and now another one is wobbling !!

Swining Hell - I cant face dentures . got horrible memories of my nanas sitting in a glass grinning at you like the cheshire cat in alice in Wonderland .
THink I am going to Have to go to Hungary and get some of them dental implants they are cheaper there .
Will have to renew my passport first though !!!

(Lets see what the chinese make of this . )

Barbara xxx

been a while

2010-08-16T00:35:00.000-07:00

I havnt been doing the blog - what with the twitter and that - I was writing about my life more than I was living it .

Any road up a nice girl said she`d been missing it .. and I suppose its true that you can write more on here -more like a proper letter used to be .

I went to Chatsworth ( Picture at top )when I was on holiday and I liked it . I think that Debo ( Devonshire nee Mitford ) has done a smashing job of it -the shops are really good and I got a nice glass ring for 2.00 .

Problem is - as i mentioned on face book- I have come home with a blinking gum boil . what a pain !! I think you do get used to pain though . when I first had a gumboil - years ago -I thought i was dying and now cos I have had them before I can stand it much more . we get used to things dont we . Which is a good thing and a bad thing . i think maybe we are all putting up with low level pain more than we should . Talking about low level pain the cat wants feding and is sat at my feet miaowing . I wixh he could go to Morrisons for himself xx Oh well I better get some kecks on and go -get a bit more ibuprofen while I `m there xx Bxx

Frank Sidebottom sings 'Three Shirts on my Line' his World Cup 2010 song

2010-06-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

frank / Chris si dead -dont it always seem to go you dont know what youve got till its gone xx

big brother

2010-06-10T01:46:00.000-07:00

I usually like to see them go in like noah loading up the ark (Talking of which if it doesnt stop raining soon ! ) But I missed it -was up stairs reading "Tilly Trotter wed "-part of the Tilly Trotter series - xx

a bit of peace

2010-06-09T01:35:00.000-07:00

Hiya I have been running around like a blue arsed fly . Today for some reason I feel a sense of peace . i have had two boiled eggs for my breakfast which i have enjoyed . Isntit funny how some days you can wake up and feel you are winning and other days its a sigh and heavy hearted . I think it might be to do with the rain . i always feel better when it rains .

Keep thinking about rain + Glastonbury though . i am going - hosting mama Mia in the caberet tent Friday and Sunday . I hope its not all muddy -ive only got ankle wellies xx B

blog request

2010-05-29T11:25:00.001-07:00

I havent done this for a while then someone said to me barbara i love reading you . You dont know whether you are getting on peoples nerves but this girl she had missed me blogging so here I am again ,
Its a jungle out there though -my face - twitter and all that some times I wonder how we keep from going under .

All I have to say is as soon as there is any talk of a bank holiday it pigging rains xx

Beautiful House

2010-03-28T03:04:00.000-07:00

Just to let people know about the play Janice Connolly is in at The library theatre in Manchetser Beautiful House . Its on e of that last plays to be performed there as it is shutting down . I saw my first proper play there . i remember one of the actors jumping of the stage and talking to the audience -Just thought thats kind of what I do know . all about early influences isnt it xxx

Old photos

2010-03-20T02:58:00.000-07:00

JAnice Connolly has just got some old photos of when she was in bands -the surprises and the everreadies in Birmingham in the early eighties . Her mate Conrad sent them to her . I have put some on here .

RIP Jason wood

2010-02-21T07:42:00.001-08:00

I have just heard that JAson wood -a great entertainer has died . he was only 38 . Its very sad . Life is short we must make the most of it xx

ray gosling

2010-02-17T00:25:00.000-08:00

I missed the brits last night -which I like to watch -was watching chinese figure skating at the winter olympics -(which I enjoyed ) - so didnt know it was on . I was talking to the women in the bread shop about it and she was telling me about Lady Gagag -who I love- when a man behind me started talikng about Ray Gosling and how he might be in trouble again .

If you dont know Ray Gosling used to be on the telly in the 1960`s . he used to be on programmes were people had a go at people in power . we dont have them any more . It was the days when union people were on the telly a lot . That doesnt happen any more either . any way he was always very entertaining - a bit like Adrian Chiles but not sat down talking to celebrities -out and about with ordinary people . (I like adrian dont get me wrong -but in those days you got out and about )

Any way this man told me that in the 70`s Ray ended up in trouble with the tax man -he owed 5,000 pounds and then it started adding up - fines etc and in the end he was bankrupt .

He recently started doing films again - stuff about pensioners and leicester and Nottingham (hes an east midlander - which i didnt know i thought he was from manchester ) and last week I think it was he was on Inside Out -which I like but I mssed this one because of Auntie Annes legs . Any way Ray said on telly , according to this man, that he had-a long time ago - put a pillow over his boy friends head when he was in hospital dying of aids and killed him .

Well I was really floored by this .

I never knew he was gay -not that it matters I suppose but I didnt .

And also I am now worried about him getting into trouble . I havn`t thought about him in years but when this man mentioned him I realised how much I liked him and his programmes and his point of view . I hope he`s going to be alright . I think he is a man of principle and that`s a good thing .

showzam Blackpool

2010-02-15T00:23:00.000-08:00

Had a loveley time at The Grand theatre Blackpool . And the party after at the Tower ballroom was smashing . I didnt realise that it was like a fancydress thing and was in my ethel austen fleece and peacock black pants . still everyone was friendly -thats what its all about really . glamour counts for nowt if people are stuck up Ive always thought . these lot werent . but then again -thats blackpool for you ! Also bumped into my friend Romany the Magician who I met in Sheffield and I love so thats a real treat . also saw Mark Raffles who does a good trick with five silver hoops and the lad that runs the Speigeltent - Brett . Ian and keith came as well and our Valeries Daughter so all in all we had a good night xxx

alexander mc queen

2010-02-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

alex or lee as his pals called him with his mum . she died last month . he really loved her i reckon.

RIP the pair of them xx

muddled up dates

2010-02-08T00:35:00.000-08:00

Sorry if I have caused confusion but the Blackpool Showzam is this sat . should be good . Blackpool is where we went as kids . Boiled eggs on the sand- sand on the boiled eggs . A sixpence for whoever spotted the tower first when we were going there . It seemed to take for ever to get there now its only about 4o mins on the train . Everything has changed - in those days no one had as much as heard of a tuna mayonaise baggette - now you cant move for them . xxx

Victorias Bunions

2010-02-04T02:46:00.000-08:00

She must spend her life in agony . I have them and I have to be very careful even when wearing foot gloves from Mand S to have the right style or its like hot razor blades sawing into blood and bone . No wonder she looks so miserable when you see pictures of her - her feet are killing her thats what the matter is !

Billy bragg

2010-01-31T12:21:00.001-08:00

Billy Bragg has said he wont pay his tax till them bankers stop getting big bonuses. Hes a smashing lad . He`s right . xx

Tony and Claire

2010-01-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

I think Claire Short was right about Tony and the war . When I heard him on the radio at that inquest thing he sounded like he was being very careful to keep his story straight .

Like the student who lives next door said to me why didn`t he just come clean and say "The Big Texan boy made me do it "

John travolta

2010-01-29T06:37:00.000-08:00

He was loveley in Grease when we did the join ina longa in Bath . I know hes changed a lot since then but I still like him . He was great In that pulp Fiction he`s full of fun .

Taking stuff back

2010-01-23T02:33:00.000-08:00

When I was little I hated having to take things back -mu mum used to make me and I would stand outside shops crying ,trying to summon up the courage to go in .

I can take things back now but I`m not a natural taker backer -still a bit of a struggle .

Off to town now to take back a coat I bought but have realised as soon as I got it home that the arms and Shoulders were too big for me .

I am taking it back .

Cadburys

2010-01-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

We shouldnt have let them take it . I feel very sad about it . Bourneville was built for the local workers to have nice houses and gardens . I dont think the Cadbury family cares the way they used to . I bet some of them arnt even Quakers anymore . Its all a shame -all that seems to matter is business not workers rights and dignity .

Shame on them all !!

women v women

2009-12-31T08:29:00.000-08:00

My auntie Florrie having a go at Aunt Joan for not sending My cousin Paul a well done

on your work experience card .

2009-12-21T01:28:00.001-08:00

Heres a nice card for my loveley followers happy Christmas kiddos .

snow

2009-12-21T01:12:00.000-08:00

Funny how it can be really snowy one place then nothing another . My travelling the country by public transport as a passenger has proved to me that its true .

Will go and get a tree this afternoon - will be the usual story . Me struggling home with one then Ken complaining about its shape .

xxx BN

PS My friend Ian pointed out to me that Chaka Khan is the new face and body of Evans . Something he said he never thought he`d see.
Never say never !

lady gaga and piano -proper show biz

2009-12-17T01:29:00.001-08:00

Here come the girls , Lulu Anastasia and Shaka Khan

2009-12-17T01:27:00.000-08:00

LAdy Gaga and Queen

2009-12-17T01:26:00.003-08:00

more royal variety snaps

2009-12-17T01:26:00.001-08:00

cranford

2009-12-17T01:07:00.000-08:00

I would like to be in Cranford . How would I go about it ?

Not on the posh side of course the other cottage side

Gaga and bette

2009-12-17T01:02:00.000-08:00

I thought these two were smashing on the royal variety performance last night .

Ive never seen lady Gaga before -I was pleasantly surprised . and of course bette is loveley .

2009-12-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

Hiya was on the bus today listening to women complaining about Christmas . It`s very hard work for us . I have to have Anadin and Cinzano every year after I have put up the tree.

Its really for kids I dont know when it got so all adults have to have presents as well . We know there`s no Father Christmas -Mother Christmas maybe .

I`ll be glad if I manage to post all my cards this year . I`ve always got about 7 that never get sent .

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Viv and Pamela

2009-12-13T03:33:00.000-08:00

I was surprised when I saw VIienne westwood (from sheffield) and Pamela Anderson (From Baywatch ) together giving out an award at the London Comedy Awards . But it turns out they are big pals . Just as well they got on as they didnt half get insulted on stage by one of the award winners (not the category they were given out ) .
The whole night was sponsored by Crabbies ginger beer . And I must say it was very good advertising as they kept pouring ice into glasses and pouring a bottle of crabbies all over it . we must have seen it 20 times as there were so many breaks and by the end I def wanted a crabbies .

The Electric: Programme

2009-12-02T00:47:00.000-08:00

The Electric: Programme

HAve sold out one night now the other night is over half sold -its 14th december come if you can -spread the word xx
electric cinema birmingham xxxxx

2009-11-29T02:55:00.000-08:00

I dont like this parking scam thats going on everywhere . Poor people parking places that look like you can then coming back and their car has gone and they have to pay 380.00 pounds to get it back . They are cheeky swines who are doing it -greedy no gooders .

Do not park any where with a yellow notice with small letters . They will have you . ! xxxx spread the word -its a war out there and information and knowledge are our armour xxx

Anthony Newley

2009-11-26T14:30:00.000-08:00

"What kind of fool am i who never fell in love ..it seems that I`m the only one that I have been thinking of .. " What a great song that is by Anthony newley . I had forgotten about him . I think he was brilliant -a proper star .

RIP Buster

2009-11-22T09:42:00.001-08:00

Ah I know PAul O`grady will be missing his loveley dog Buster . I have done panto with Paul and he really loves all animals . Buster was a proper character and gave a lot of people a lot of pleasure - he was TV hit and a loyal companion .

poorly

2009-11-18T02:41:00.000-08:00

Hiya for the first time in ages I am poorly . dont think its that swine flu but how would you know ? any way I have been in bed .And I have found something out - I DONT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING ! I must say I like it . I am going to try and not do a bit more when I am not poorly as well .
All the best to you xx BArbara from Her bed xx

Bonfire night -where are the fires ?

2009-11-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

When we were little there were bonfires everywhere . Every one had one -up entries in back yards everywhere . The air would be full of smoke and red flames.

what a shame it doesnt still happen its just like any other night .

shame xx

Shirley Bassey at The Electric proms

2009-10-27T12:19:00.000-07:00

Not really sure what a Prom is but Shirley`s was belting . Saw it round at Joyce and Steves -they`ve got one of those red buttons so we watched it twice . What a performer -much better than Robbies Prom . He looked a bit dead behind the eyes but Shirley was all there . I am going to see if I can post one of those you tube things on here so you can see it if you missed it and havnt got a red button .

I couldnt do it . I will try again

No still cant . if you google it you can see it xxx

Transport worries

2009-10-23T04:38:00.000-07:00

Hello loves ,

Something I have been meaning to mention for a bit is the price of public conveniences on train and coach stations .
30 p !!!! Unbelievable !!!!- and cruel . You can find a 20p in a hurry -you can find a ten pence but what`s the chances of finding them both in an emergency (which I tend to have ). It`s wrong !!

The other thing is all this booking ahead thats going on for trains and all that . It`s like "a tax on the spontaneous " as my friend Arthur Smith said to me in Wolverhampton.

I don`t want to spend all my time booking pigging tickets (Its like doing the journey twice ) but if you dont you get penalised dont you . It`s wrong

How come its 1.70 to town on the bus (About a mile ) but my friend Margaret went all the way from Southampton to london for 4.00 ?( ( over two hundred miles I should think ) Might not be wrong as such but does seem a bit rum .

Any road up I better go -I need to go to the lav luckily I am not intending toi travel till later on today so i can go in the comfort of my own home -and saving myself 30 p and a desperate routing around at the bottom of my bag so Kerching !!

All the best you loveley eight BArbara xxx

Eight of us

2009-10-14T00:10:00.000-07:00

Hiya loyal eight .

Weather has changed hasnt it .

I have already started getting stuff for Christmas .

I hope I am not contributing to global warning by my early actions but I dont want to be in a mad panic in the last week like I usually am . I have got the selection boxes in and some jars of home made piccallilli so I am on my way .

Lets try and enjoy it . There will be a lot of poor mothers worrying about affording stuff for the kids this year with all the unemployment around . A doll and drum and a kick up the bum.... thats what we used to have

(and an tangerine and an apple )xxx

If you are free come to this jig at Birmingham Glee club 16th Nov . Its a very good line up with Zoe Lyons , Chris Neil and other great acts . its part of the SHOUT festival in Brum . a new festival celebrating gay and lesbian art and culture xxxx

Magnificent 7

2009-10-04T03:31:00.000-07:00

Hiya and now we are 7 .

What do you think about all these conferences that are going on for the different parties-Labour and that ? I think a few things . Since when did that fellah off radio 4 morning show John thingy decide that who `s going to win the election. (according to him the conservatives have already won -no ones cast a vote yet ! - no wonder so many people don`t bother) And when will they all realise that what we want is not them all falling out and calling each other names and playing dirty tricks - NO ONES GOT ANY MONEY , WE DONT MAKE ANYTHING AND THERE ARE NO JOBS FOR OUR KIDS - why cant they all get together and sort it out . It beats me !!

All the best followers ,
follow
BArbara Nice

2009-09-30T01:56:00.000-07:00

I`m burying this in the garden today with a few bits and pieces in . My ancestors can cash in xxx

My five followers

2009-09-30T01:41:00.000-07:00

And then there were five !

Hiya loves .

Now this Anglo Saxon gold thats been found..... I wonder if it was up to much when they lost it all those years ago ? I have a shoe box full of bits and pieces of jewellery- a lot of it elizabeth duke . Now we know that thats not as classy as H. Samuels . But in years to come people won`t know that will they ? They could be forgiven for thinking Elizabeth Duke of Argos (It sounds dead posh dont it ! ) was really something .

My hoop earings with the dodgy clasp could end up in a Museum and Art gallerey somewhere !
We could be paying a fortune in reward money for the equivalent of an anglo saxons housewives Grattons catalogue charm bracelet.
Makes you think doesnt it !!!
All the best BArbara xxx

Loveley morning

2009-09-05T02:23:00.000-07:00

Hiya , the sun is out and I feel a million dollars. Ive had a good sleep and although I was on a coach from Blackburn for 3 and a half hours last night and didnt get home till 3.30 in the morning - I feel good . Funny isn`t it how some days you can wake up and feel raring to go and others you feel like your dragging yourself around like a bag of muck .

I feel at one with things ... What is this life so full of care we have no time to stop and stare?

My eyes have just noticed how bloody filthy this key pad thing is -there`s crumbs and all sorts down it -I`ll bloody kill our Liam .

Off to get the Cillitt Bang

B

My three followers

2009-09-02T00:54:00.000-07:00

Hiya to Stuart my third follower!! ,

Weather has changed hasnt it . I have got a load of washing to do from Edinburgh - nice going away but so much washing when you come back !!
Best get on now -all the very best xxx BArbara Nicxxxx

back from the festival

2009-08-29T23:23:00.000-07:00

Hiya had a nice time doing the free fringe . Very hot down the cellar where we were performing but loveley bar staff which is what makes a venue in my opinion .
Went to see a show called trilogy in a church which had all sorts of women and one nice lad taking their clothes off a lot . Was very good -they kept giving you a break - we all went and stood outside . At first I thought it was very dear at 12 pounds but it lasted three hours and I thought that was value for money .

Thanks to all those who came . Loveley to see Ian -the keeper of the website with a Barbara T Shirt on . we should look at maybe making some and getting them to sell on the line . Need these little businesses going on with this recession !!

Love barbara xxxx

A pack of lies

2009-08-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Busy night packing for the festival.. Bit tricky because Ken thinks I am going dog sitting for Paul and Paul in Perth and he has just commented on the amount of animal print tops I am taking with me . I have headed him off at the pass by saying that one of the dogs is a Rhodesian Ridge Back ( they hunt lions ) and I wanted him to feel at home.

Heres one showing his ridge back -poor thing looks painful !

Ian has done another loveley job of the home page thanks love xxxxxxx

Calling occupants of Interplanetary crafts

2009-08-18T01:34:00.001-07:00

Two boys have seen a space ship with lemon heads who said "We want you to come with us "

I am glad they didnt go .

Weather is better

I believe the Duchess of York (you know - Fergie ) is in trouble again . she has been making a television programme in Wythenshawe (Manchester -a big estate if you dont know ) supposed to be sorting out where folks are going wrong and helping them And the locals arn`t too pleased about it . I dont blame them . Who does she think she is ? Can we please pack in all this celebrities know best stuff . Mind you I did enjoy celebrity wife swap the other night with Tessa Sanderson and Bobbie Robson . I thought Bobbie Robsons wife Maggie was wonderful . She had on some good stuff . A nice cerise velour track suit and a lime green zip up hooded top . Really amashing . I am going to try and find a picture of her xxx

Ps Just realised when I was searching it was Ron Atkinson Not Bobby Robson . Poor Bobby has just died xx HRT rescue me !

peter and jordan

2009-08-17T02:41:00.000-07:00

Whats going on do you think ?

I dont think they have split up at all . Hes got a show coming up on ITV -90 mins ! It must take a while to make 90 mins of a programmen and then theres the scheduling and everything . No I dont belive it . I think its a stunt to get more money how much more do they want ? Them kids need a decent up bringing not private education . I know that the one son has special needs and it is much more expensive but again its not all about money.

Here they are -would you like to see pictures of your parents like this ?

My two followers

2009-08-17T02:18:00.000-07:00

Hiya Ian and Deborah,

Hope you are both well . I have a stiff shoulder -you know when you cant stretch out your arm properley ?

I have been carrying a lot of shopping thats probably why . Need to stock up the freezer for Ken as I am off to Edinburgh on Sat .

Will stay with Pat (you know the one who used to work on school dinners with me then won at bingo and is now big in buy to let in Marchmont ) I always do a bit of cleaning for the the people she has staying in her flats over the festival (paying "HOW MUCH!!!!!? " a week as I have said before ) .

Last year but one I was cleaning for Ricky Gervaise , Last year it was Joan Rivers and this year I think it`s Denise Van Outen . I hope she brings her boyfreind Lee with her- I loved him in "Any Dream Will Do "(Andrew LLoyd Webber finds Joseph ) I would like to know if his hair is naturally curly. I will find out -cleaners know everything .

You can learn a lot about someone from the hair product they have in their bathroom .

All the best to you two loyal followers xxxxxx sending you love

Hiya and Higher - If you arevthinking of coming to see it and want to know a bit more

2009-08-16T00:50:00.000-07:00

MRS BARBARA NICE HIYA AND HIGHERThe Post-Menopause has never been so infectious!Crack open the latest Take A Break and brace yourself for an uplifting experience with the Stockport born mother of five and lover of a bargain, Mrs Barbara Nice. Having been compared to everyone from Janis Joplin to the Shake 'n' Vac woman, the housewife extraordinaire is returning to The Stand Comedy Club on a mission.Worried by our world of ever-diminishing friendliness, our heads always down for fear of catching someone's eye, Barbara is here to extol the virtues of saying ‘Hiya!'. We need to stand proud, be open and look the world right in the eye- or we won't feel the benefit! After all, if no man is an island, why do we try and hide from our neighbours when we spot them in the Supermarket aisles?Barbara wants us all just to jump in and say 'Hiya'! It's like having a swim- you don't always fancy it, but you always feel better after.With a friendly, inclusive atmosphere, home truths and unique insights into the human condition, Hiya and Higher aims to do for waving and comedy what The Lives of Others has done for surveillance and film. You'll find it impossible not to get swept along by the woman Daniel Kitson dubbed 'the benign dictator'. Barbara is a giddy, joyful celebration, not satire, of suburbia and the everyday. Like going round to your best friend's house for tea, make sure you're 'prepared for the mothering of your life' (Yorkshire Online)Because she has a true lust for life, Barbara will also be stage diving. Hiya and higher!Barbara's alter ego Janice Connolly is familiar to millions as the god-fearing barmaid Holy Mary in Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy . She also appeared as Peter's mam in Coronation Street and supported Patrick MacGuiness on his sell-out national tour.In keeping with current concerns, Barbara is ergonomically correct. She doesn't drive and instead traverses the country by National Express coach. Her husband knows nothing of her burgeoning comedy career and assumes she's spending the last week of August dog sitting or at Bingo.Press Quotes'She's back!'Scotsman'A warm and wonderful act, an enthusiastic, livewire force of nature it's hard not too love'Chortle
Copyright © 2007 The Stand Comedy Club
Past reviews ***** Chortle
***** The Independant
**** The Edinburgh Eve News
**** MAnchester Eve News .

Success again

2009-08-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

I dont want to seem big headed (Cos no one likes a big head ) but I have been doing good recently . I have just found out I was nominated for an award for best comedy show at The Buxton Fringe . ( Piff the Magic dragon won ).

Swine flu seems to be going down a bit - thats a dispointment for all those who were fancying skiving two weeks off work . Shares in anti bacterial hand wash have gone through the roof- theres always a winner !

Better weather isnt it

love barbara

swine flu

2009-07-17T01:33:00.000-07:00

Its really here isnt it .
There was me poo pooing it and its pigging here !
How to keep safe from it
......Keep your vitimin c up thats what I think.
......Simple things like washing your hands with soap and water and not picking your nose !
If you get it dont worry . My friend Noel has it and he said it was lovely -he got to be off work for a fortnight and hespent it all in bed reading and watcjing day time TV . wea rent ill the same as we used to be and I think this is giving us a chance to reap the benfits of being poorly for a bit . I learned to knit when I had chicken pox when i was 6 . Maybe the dying art of knitting will have a resugence because of Swine flu -whio knows . Theres always a silver lining !

tripe

2009-07-12T02:45:00.000-07:00

Dance on the square

2009-07-12T02:18:00.000-07:00

Had a loveley time compering at a community dance do at Dalston Hackney yesterday. I was standing in for my old friend Ida Barr .

What a belting market they have there for a start off . Fresh fish , nice materials the lot - proper market - I even spotted some tripe (Black and white ) and elder . Loveley !

All day long at the do - organised by the Barbican (not the non alcholic drink people it turned out ) people danced. Everyone was smiling it was loveley all sorts joined in together young and old and they didnt let the rain stop them . when it got too wet the nice barbican staff wiped the dance floor stage down with towels . (I think there was one that Dame Judi Dench had used).

Loveley very uplifting.

There was a lady called Sylvia who juggled for about three hours non stop . she had a smashing suit on -like a adrk duck egg colour and matching ear rings . I liked her style .

All the best Barbara xxx

A dream come true - the energy of the universe .

2009-07-08T00:05:00.000-07:00

Very good news for Janice Connolly . Some actresses may dream of playing Lady Mac Beth and going to Elsinore and wringing their hands - for Janice it was playing alongside Norris in the Kabin serving sherbet lemons . And it has happened! shes had the call from the Palace and she`s booked to do 5 epiosde for Coronation Street playing Sheila !!.

Very good .

I was on the bus the other day visualising and I think this is the result . I was taught visualising by paula who works front of house at Stoke on trent theatre the New vic . It works xxx Thanks Paula - thanks Universe xx

Michael Jackson and Shree

2009-07-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

What a shame about Micheal .
Every body is going on about how he seemed to want to be white but no one seems to mention that he seemed to want to be a woman . Funny what the press pick up on isnt it .
Just shows you how dangerous these pain killers can be . I am taken the Nurofen out of my handbag .

Watched Big Brother last night . Was very worried about that poor Shree! He was evicted last night and had a very wild look in his eyes .He reminded me of my Auntie Margaret`s Beagle dog Fudge after it had been scared by a donkey on Morecombe beach -it was never the same again . They had to have him put to sleep in the end because he kept biting postmen and weeing in the front room. ( and auntie Margaret was very house proud on account of the fact she couldnt have kids )
In my opinion poor Shree is a bit barking and they shouldn`t have allowed him to go in -it looks to me like its pushed him over the edge . xx Davina should be ashamed of herself .

***** review at Theatre Fest North Devon Fringe

2009-06-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hiya Just come back from Barnstaple . Got good reviews .. "What is there not to love about this woman " very nice .

Next festival is Buxton then Edinburgh .

Very hot isnt it .

all the best Barbara Nice xx

Audio described Historical Moment

2009-06-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hiya ,
When Janice Connolly was doing a taste of Honey at The New Vic she made audio describing history by communicating with the screen that shows the words of the play to the audience so that deaf theatre goers can enjoy the play fully.
This is what she did.
Helen the mother (Dora Bryans Part ) says as she looks round the new flat she has found for her and her daughter Jo..
" Whats wrong with this place ? Its got a loveley view of the gas works - we share a bathroom with the community .. and there`s a screen that says everything you say - Oh it didnt say that bit ! "
At which point the screen says

"Oh it didnt say that bit "
and then she said
"Yes it did"
then the screen said
" Yes it did "
And then she said
" Oh leave it "
And the screen said
"Oh leave it "
Then Helen and the screen both went back to the Shelagh Delaney script .

Very good ! -it stopped the show and as I said it made history .
I know this because a man who had seen all the audio described shows since they invented it said he`d never seen that done before .
I thought I would mention it because its not everyday History is made . ( or is it ? )

Love Barbara
Isnt the website smashing -I love me riding on the guitars xxxxxx

A taste of honey going good

2009-05-13T10:31:00.001-07:00

Hiya I am liking being in a taste of Honey at the new Vic at newcastle under line .
I get to wear some good frocks and sing and throw aubergines (not sure what else you would do with an aubergine )
Its on till sat 23th then I am at the lyceum in Sheffield on sunday 24th doing a variety show with Ida barr . so all going good .
Whats going on with these mps ?
Conservatives draining moats ?
Lib Dems claiming for trouser pressess and chocolate biscuits ?
Labour with their new bathrooms ?
Everyone is fiddling in their own way - still not as bad as the pigging bankers though lets not forget that !!!

Have got a cold -ken was going on about swine flu . I said "Have a ever been in Mexico? "
That shut him up .

What I`ve got is swining flu xx all the best barbara

A taste Of Honey

2009-04-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hiya ,
Just been and got Thorntons eggs for our Valeries Kids with their names on ( they are in their 30`s now but I dont like to let them down ) The poor girl with the icing bag was bent over a little table . I said to her "you`ll get a bad back love" and she said "I know "

If you are around The Stoke on trent area after Easter or you fancy a run out I am in "A Taste of Honey " at The New Vic . I am playing The Dora Bryan part -Helen -the mam (Or semi -whore as she is described in the character notes ) Dont know what Ken will make of me playing a semi -whore in Newcastle- Under- lyne . ....

Its a great play with great lines in it and it would be good if people came to support it.

All the best Barbara x

P.S In the play Helen has a bad cold in the first scene - now call me Marlon Brando - but Ive gone and got one! Thats method acting isnt it ?

PPS I met Dora Bryan in Brighton a couple of years agao and she is marvelous . she can still do the splits !!!!

Much Love and Happy easter Bxx

bag replaced

2009-03-13T01:18:00.000-07:00

David Lomax-a very good lad indeed. Has been to ashton Market and got me another bag !
This is very good news .

"Alls well that ends well " as my Aunt Florrie used to say when ever she had been constipated and the syrup of figs worked its magic.

Lost

2009-03-06T23:50:00.000-08:00

I left my shoe shaped Louis Vutton (4.99 ) in taxi . anyone knowing of how to get another one plaese get in touch .
Thanks Barbara xxx

It makes you think

2009-02-11T00:12:00.000-08:00

I was watching Jeremy Kyle at our Valeries gym (I was on a day pass and it was just before Body pump ) There was this women on -hair a mess -gob the size of the Mersey Tunnel - big belly all hanging out yet it turns out she has had loads of affairs (To get it right she has slept with 5 of her her boyfirends friends and kissed 6 of them )
I looked at our Valerie -always on a diet , hair dressers once every 12 weeks, never away from boxercise and I thought whats going on .
I know for a fact because she told me when she was drunk at our Naomis wedding that her and Peter don`t and havnt for years . And theres this women blarting her head off on Jeremy and shes at it all the time .

It makes you think dont it .

The Rhythmn of life

2009-02-01T02:09:00.000-08:00

Weather not so good. Siberian they say . Nice to see the bulbs are coming out . Someone on my face has just sent me a loveley you tube video of Sammy Davis Junior singing the rhythmn of live . smashing -he is what you would call cool. So timeless. I could `nt take my eyes of him. Someone should do a show about him because he was one of the Rat pack (with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra and that ) but because he was black he wasnt allowed in the same places as them and I think a few things kicked off . Not sure what ---would have to go to the library and look it up -or Gargoyle it I suppose ,. If I could I would put the you tube video on here for you to see but I dont know how you do that but if you want to see it I am sure you can Gargoyle it .

xxx BArbara -If truth bre told I think I might fancy Sammy Davis Junior a bit ! I was certainly smiling a lot when I was watching the youtube video !!

gig in Wolverhampton tonight

2009-01-30T01:44:00.000-08:00

Hiya tonight I am in Loveley wolverhampton doing a gig for charity to raise money for Burmese comediens who have been put in prison for doing their acts. This is awful! we have got to be able to say what we think and poke fun at them who are supposed to be in charge thats our job! If we dont say nothing they`ll try it on everywhere.
I`ll def be locked up for what I have been saying about Greggs the Bakers.
They are very powerful now since the credit munch -sales of Sausage rolls have gone through the roof -Their shares are worth more than Barclays !!!!
Maybe see you at The Arena Theatre tonight at 7.30 xx Barbara xxx

Hiya and Higher at Alnwick Playhouse

2009-01-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

Hiya I am doing my show on wednesday at Alnwick . xxx

The Big Am I Radio 4

2009-01-23T05:39:00.000-08:00

Hiya just to let you know Janice Connolly is in THE BIG AM I on radio 4 JAn 31st . Listen to it if you can . It`s written by and starring Justin Moorhouse , also in it is John Thompson ,and Steve Edge .

Had a good talk with a woman on the bus called Linda about the credit munch . she was saying we should all get chickens for the back yard .

xxx BArbara xxx

2009

2009-01-22T02:37:00.000-08:00

Hiya not seemed to have time to blog yet this year . been busy sorting stuff out and its been cold so not felt like it . So many shops have gone havnt they ? Kings Heath High Street in Birmingham where our Valerie lives is going like Dodge City. So many empty shops . and all you hear on the news is folk losing their jobs . Dont know how it will end up but we have had it good for a long time and what goes up -must come down . I feel sorry for that Barrack Osama - he seems a really nice fellah but what a mess hes walked into . His poor wife looks knackered already .

Barbara

Christmas eve

2008-12-24T13:13:00.000-08:00

Happy christmas . Another murder on Corrie . Whats it all about Alfie ? Hope you have got evry thing you need . I had a panic on Cranberry sauce wise . Sold out in quite a few places . Managed to track a jar down in Lidl in the end . No one really likes it in our house but youve got to have all the trimmings . Lots of love Barbara xx

tree up

2008-12-21T02:11:00.000-08:00

Have had a good tip out of shite from the lean to ready for all the new shite that Christmas brings wrapping paper and packaging wise . Our Valerie came round and we loaded it up in her brother in laws van that she borrows (Ken was watching telly so couldnt help). Then me and Val went to the tip . What a treat !the fellahs were cheery and helpful and they were playing Slades "So here it is , Merry Christmas " dead loud so you could hear it all over the place . I could have lived there.
On the way home we went passed a shop with Christmas trees outside and me and Val just pulled up and got one each . Loaded it up in the back of the van and Bobs your uncle . Came home feeling very Christmassy and good . Ken of course moaned about the shape of the tree but bugger him .
Barbara xx

sprouts

2008-12-17T02:54:00.000-08:00

How do you like yours ? we used to do them with bicarbornate of Soda . You would boil them for a good while .They went very green and sloppyish . I must say I liked them Now they only cook them for a bit . Funny how things change isnt it . Nothing stands still . It`s all shifting sands xxx

Third

2008-12-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

I came third in the contest. Not bad . thanks if you voted .
I went to Woolworths at the weekend . I only wanted curtain hooks and couldnt be doing with queuing for half an hour. In the end went to Wilkinsons but they had none . Where will we go for curtain hooks now Woolies has gone ? Its the small things we`ll miss . Where will we go for DYLON?

My friend Ali has had a little boy -loveley. xxxxx

BArbara

Queuing at woolworths

2008-12-12T01:29:00.000-08:00

Queued up for the closing down sale but when I got in I thought well what do I want here ?Not much really . Got a couple of chocolate oranges in the end .

I wonder why those people who were passing round this bad debt that is supposed to have started all this trouble havnt lost their jobs? I cant understand it . When our Uncle Pete was caught fiddling the Christmas Club money at The Club he was sacked as events chairman. Its like two rules in this World - one for them and one for us .

I wish i`d got into a load of debt now because those that have savings are bailing out those that have lived beyond their means . I wish I`d bought a caravan now .

ah well we`ll get on with it But I dont think we should forget the buggers who have buggered it up for everyone .

Barbara xxxxx

2008-12-05T01:27:00.000-08:00

VOTE NICE NOT DOOM

As you know someone has put me forward for Brummie personality of the year 2008 . It was nice of them but has turned into giving me even more to do !!! I have to keep mentioning it to people and going on my face and I havnt even got the Turkey ordered from Marks yet !
People have been very good and I have been in the lead quite a bit but this lad Johnny Doom from Kerrang radio keeps pulling ahead . I am not sure a house wife can beat a DJ but we can try !! Spread the word . VOTE NICE NOT DOOM !!!!!

Birmingham Its not shit is the website .
Now I am off to get the wrapping paper and sellotape in .

Love Barbara xx

Brummie of the year

2008-11-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

Hiya if you want to vote for me for this award . Its on a website called Birmingham Its not shit. If you google that it will come up . I have never won nowt before . MAny of you know I am twinned with stockport and Kings Heath Birmingham -It would be an honour to win !! BArbara xx

Pick and missed

2008-11-23T00:55:00.000-08:00

Our Valerie is going mad . That settee she ordered is now supposedly suddenly on its way. She has paid up front for it then one of my sons has gone on the computer and reckons the firm is about to go bust .! Well if Woolworths can go then nothing is safe .

I can remember the one we had on Castle Street Edgeley Stockport .
It had a wooden floor .
Not these plastic wooden floors they have now - (the formica decking whatever its called ) proper wood.
As a kid around Christmas Woolies was the place to go on a Saturday to wet your appetite for dolls and drums (and if you got to worked up about it all and got beside yourself) " a kick up the bum "
Last week I was in a Woolies and heard a young mother dealing with her back arching three year old about what he could and couldn`t have . Nothing changes really.
Or does it ? ........
No more Woolworths ?............
Where will we go for pick n mix now ?

(Keep you posted on the settee. Its a shame because Val had been saving up for this . What can she do if it doesnt come and she has paid for it ?)

Barbara

Credit Munch

2008-11-22T00:41:00.000-08:00

Well what do you think ? Its does seem to be biting .

My sister Valerie has ordered a new settee ( they did need one theyve had the old one since Sean Connery was Bond ) and they said they couldn`t do it for Christmas . Now they can as long as she pays up front first . Doesn`t sound too good to me. sounds like the setee firm are up the Swanie . I wonder where that expression up the Swannie came from ? ( and whether it is spelt with one N or two ? )
I think we should get a supply of candles in .

All the best Barbara xxxx

Just to say if anyone at all is reading this and you were at any of my gigs lately thanks for coming they have really been good fun . A right laugh and thats what we must keep doing xx

Itchy elbows

2008-10-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get itchy elbows? I do . Why ?
Its one of those things isnt it !
This Monster Munch is starting to bite.
Towels have gone up from A pound to one pound fifty! I dont go to the gym but our Valereis friend Helen works there and she told her.
Thats terrible . Where will it all end ?
I am making sure my cupboard is stocked up with beans and tins of stuff . You never know !
Love BArbara xx

loveley day

2008-10-03T04:31:00.001-07:00

Hiya got a nice day off today . Loveley and sunny .HAve had a nice tidy up and listening to Elaine paige listen again . whats not to like xxxxx

Hiya

2008-10-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

Hiya at long last I am back in business web site wise . Thanks go To loveley Ian from Dog Kennel lane Huddersfield . Him and keith are the salt of the earth .
So Here I am now thanking my lucky stars that I am not with Bradford and Bingley . But they will all go you know . Its like a house of cards . A game of Jenga . But worry not it`ll end up like it always does like a game of pick up sticks .
But lets learn from it -dont be a greedy bugger .
How can house prices have really gone up like they were telling us they had . "Nothing comes from nothing -nothing ever could "-The Captain The Sound OfMusic.
Worried about the price of food -but Iceberg lettuce is the same price as it was last year so every cloud xx Barbara