A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 11:06 PM

And if you ever get back to this thread, have you ever heard of a band called "Kick'n'Rush? Well known around East Midlands - I've just discovered that someone related to a friend of mine is in the line-up.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 10:17 AM

Rog, old mate, I shall be ever so disappointed if you can't make it to Stony. I'm afraid I can't entice you by wearing that shirt, 'cos it died a while back (it hadn't been well for some time), but I've still got the hat. And the guitar. And Sue is dying to meet you, 'cos she doesn't believe anything I've told her about you. Ah well, que sera, ser, as Auntie Doris says.

Steve

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 09:31 AM

So long, take care, be happy. Here's hoping that the road ahead is long, but never lonesome.

Brian

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 07:37 PM

Well, get yourself back here when you can, Roger

Cheers!

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 07:00 PM

Ray's Record Shop? Birmingham, perchance? If you can get to Ray's, you can get to a public library that's got thousands of terminals. Well more than one, anyway.

Take care.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 04:50 PM

Move to Hull -free calls between 6pm and 8am £9.99 per month -of course there is the smell of fish.....

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 04:42 PM

Congratulations RtS on achieving retirement, but please don't leave us without your jokes. Hope to see you at the Stony Gathering.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: The Walrus at work
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 01:38 PM

RtS,

Have a happy, healthy (and very long) retirement and don't be a stranger (strange yes, a stranger, no), you're always welcome here.

Walrus

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Mooh
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 12:36 PM

RtS,

Peace brother, please return.

Mooh.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 11:24 AM

Well, says he making sure this thread reaches 50,I'm overwhelmed by all your kind thoughts. (blushes, casts eyes down like Princess Di, scuffs toe in dust in embarassment)It only confirms my belief that mudcatters are a lovely bunch (strange, I grant you, but a lovely bunch).
'Spaw, I was pleased to see Matt R posting again, he's still working his way though College, I'm sure he'd jump at a postition at the NYCFTTS, even if he has to start at the "bottom". Plus, as he's aritistic he could do something with those murals Cletus put up in the rec room. Add some large figleafs or something, you know the cleaning ladies are always complaining about them.
RtS (one of my cubicle mates is already trying to get my spot by the window, and the ink is barely dry on the contract.)

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: GUEST,Firecat at college
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 08:08 AM

Best of luck mate, I'll miss you. If you're able to, send a couple of me mails to [e-mail] OK?

All the best.

Love, hearts, stars, rainbows, diamonds, sparkles and rainbows (and only special people get all that!)
Firecat/Katy/Kat or whatever.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Chip2447
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 01:21 AM

RtS...enjoy that retirement. Come back and visit once in awhile. Have tons-o-fun.

Best of luck
Chip2447

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: catspaw49
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 01:05 AM

Skiff, I'm having a hard time writing an ad to find someone to fill your job at the Center. Any help you might have or ideas would be appreciated. also, when would be the best time for you to hold your retirement dinner here. I'm planning quite an event and I wouldn't want you to miss it!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 08 Nov 01 - 12:59 AM

Ah, good luck in the future Roger. Any fan of Lonnie Donegan has my best wishes.

And I will miss your "ducking and diving and running for cover" when you came out with one of your more excruciating jokes. Well they were all excruciating, really.

Maybe not as excruciating as some of Spaw's but pretty bloody awful all the same.

All the best

Murray

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: thosp
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 11:48 PM

what VERA LYNN sang

peace (Y) thosp
we'll meet again don't know where don't know when

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Amergin
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 11:39 PM

Well...even antiques need to be dusted off and stowed away...take care...have always enjoyed your posts...

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: WyoWoman
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 11:23 PM

Bay-bee don't go,
Pretty bay-bee please don't go-ohh-ohh..."

Take very good care of yourself, and don't be a stranger, even if your time here has to be severely truncated. (Says she, who barely has time in a week to visit and post a quickie --the only quickies she's gettin' these days, by the bye ... )

I wish you the very best - - and I know we'll be hearing from you, albeit perhaps with less frequency.

Regards, WW

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 10:49 PM

All the best to you. I've enjoyed your posts. Don't matter if you don't see yourself as an expert. You're welcome in this pub! Drop in when you can.

chanteyranger

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Stewie
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 05:37 PM

All good things, Roger. Enjoy your retirement.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: GUEST,Deda
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 03:53 PM

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 03:24 PM

Incidentally you might find macaroni cheese tastes better with a bit of Marmite, spaw.

"Herself is secretary of the local church PCC " - get WYSIWYG on the job and I reckon the Missus will pretty soon realise that an internet connection is an essential for a secretary of a local church PCC.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 03:00 PM

AH Roger. Don't go. Gardening will never be enough...and no one wants to empty bedpans.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Amos
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 01:58 PM

Maybe Latex a la King?

A

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 01:10 PM

Since I seem to gather that you will at least de around a bit, I'm feeling better and I'll get to work finding a replacement along with planning the traditional retirement banquet.............meat pies or macaroni cheese?

Spaw

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: rangeroger
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 12:57 PM

RtS,you are going to have to fnd another Roger to replace you. We cannot allow a diminuation of the Roger population on the Mudcat.

And I really think you should take up the sarrusaphone.After a few practice sessions herself will be begging you to get on the computer and return to te Mudcat.

rr

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 12:52 PM

Congratulations on the cessation of work, I really don't see you managing to retire from the Mudcat though. I hear that Lonnie Donegan may be looking for a new washboard player, so keep practising and don't get too used to retirement. JohnB

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Mark Clark
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 12:21 PM

I too look forward to your return. Congratulations on your retirement.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Hollowfox
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 11:42 AM

(Sob! Wail!) Thanks for letting us know in advance, though. I hope you can drop in on occasion; your posts are the kind that gives the 'Cat a good name. If you're ever in Ohio (God knows why), you and yours have a place to stay. Take care, Mary

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 11:27 AM

Ironically we're setting ma-in-law up as a silver surfer at the moment. Our nephews sprung for her 'puter and we chipped in with a box of disks (cheapskates!)and I'm collecting the relevant URLs for her various interests like Latin and Archaeology.
We'll probably wait until we upgrade our home PC here at DunLendin' and then run a line up to the "study" (spare bedroom full of books). I expect we'll do it by this time next year as Herself thinks it'll keep me out of mischief once all the jobs are done! Trouble is, Herself is secretary of the local church PCC so I'd probably have less chance of getting on our 'puter than I would down the library as she's always doing minutes! Good job she's still working, I'll have the daytime to type up my lyrics.
Early next month I'll post my work e-mail,so anyone who would like me to have theirs can then send it and I can always keep in touch via Her work e-mail in case of emergencies (like Stoney Stratford being cancelled!).
We've done some research on ISPs already but thanks for all advice. When we do get online it'll be nice not being a GUEST!
RtS (getting demob happy already)

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: LR Mole
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 11:23 AM

My chewing gum loses its flavor. My Coney Island washboard is short one roundelay. The Rock Island Line is a slightly less good Road. Play on.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 11:15 AM

Be well Roger. I've enjoyed our interaction both on and off mudcat. Consider me a long distance friend, say hello via e-mail anytime you want. Folks who laugh at the same things have MUCH in common.

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Willie-O
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 11:14 AM

Retire? YES.

Leave the 'CAT? NEVER!!! SAY IT AIN'T SO!!!!

Place won't be the same without your ridiculous sense of humour, mate.

I understand what you're getting at, though, I think, in terms of retirement priorities. Still, you're retiring right into the blinkin winter. What are you going to do till spring, study the wallpaper?

Skiffle on mate, and come back soon.

Willie-O

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Amos
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 11:10 AM

I wish to lodge a formal protest!! Reprioritization of home plans is in order!! I move to reschedule the budget analysis placing TOP priority on a Mac I-book with built in modem and a subscription to a competent ISP. Also, consider cable. Retiring is one thing, Rog, but abandoning your FRIENDS?? Awwwwwwwwww c'mooonnn!! Say it ain't so.

A

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 11:04 AM

Well, I hope I'm right and you can't beat the habit. You'll probably find there's a slot you could book regularly at the library - the great thing with retirement is that you've got more flexibility in that kind of thing. In between the telly and the drink and the music. And the jobs.

As for at home - well, it depends where you live, but if you live in lots of places, NTL do a pretty good deal with a phone line and a permanent lowlevel broadband connection with the modem thrown in for about £15 a month. That means no internet connection charges at all.

Rememembr, if you don't have a computer and the internet, how are you going to be able to get advice on all these jobs that need to be done around the place, and up to date info on health issues and all that stuff? The fact that it would also give you the Mudcat is of course neither here nor there...

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: SharonA
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 10:59 AM

Good luck, Roger, and enjoy your retirement! Here's hoping you still pop in to see us every now and again. BTW, what the heck is a sarrusaphone?

Sharon

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Cappuccino
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 10:53 AM

Yup, all the best, Skiffler. - Ian B

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 10:45 AM

What Spaw said and more. I've always looked forward to your postings and cannot imagine a Mudcat without them. Good retirement to you, but shouldn't that mean more time to skiffle around here and check in with us? Even when pressing olives in Greece and who is going to tell us about the yearly battle of the sunchairs?

Really going to miss you, friend,

luvyakat

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Sorcha
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 10:37 AM

aw, Roger........I guess Malcolm is gonna have to take up the slack. I'll miss you.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Giac
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 10:32 AM

Well, RtS, I'll miss your "additional information." You've put me on track many times, thanks. Surely, you can't stay away from all this intellectuality (it should be a word). Come back when you can.

Mary

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: GUEST,Steve Parkes, sans cookie
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 09:54 AM

Oh Roger! It's not going to be the same any more--who's going to have a dig at me now? (Not you, Dai!)

Be sure and keep in touch with your mates here. Why don't you take a few e-mail adresses with you, in case you can't get onto the 'Cat?

Steve

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From:
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 09:42 AM

Going to miss the wonderous lilt of the Brummie accent in this chat forum.

All the best

Tara for now!

Rana

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Mr Red
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 09:39 AM

Just a thought but you could get 1 month's free e-chat courtsy of AOL.
and another month's hassle switching them off.
But Hey! ease into that retirement with a bit of hassle now and again - on your terms.
I am happytapping at the library right now (call me a cheapskate) - v local branch & free but not many cyberpaws so max time, and while I "rest" between jobs I can pick my happytapping hour.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: kendall
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 09:28 AM

Sometimes they come back! to quote an old two star film. I sure hope this will be the case with you. Whatever you tackle, ace it man!

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 09:20 AM

yup...what they said!...pop in and wave hello whenever you can...we'll order a memorial plaque at the Neil Young Center to commemorate your dedicated service.

(heck, you can't garden ALL day, but Fortunato does have a point....enjoy!)

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Fortunato
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 09:06 AM

And what's wrong with listening to music, reading a book with a glass of something, I'd like to know? Record shop, stop at the pub, afternoon nap... sounds perfect to me. I'm on your side. (Skip the TV, at our age we need to conserve brain cells). Live long and prosper. I hope to see your posts here in the future. Your contributions have been informative and fun. Regards, Fortunato.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: MMario
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 08:51 AM

aw, crap! You will be sorely missed; but welcomed back whene're you can make it, I'm sure.

Hopefully your retirement will be a wee bit more restful then some others I can think of (since my parents retired they've been gone 9 months of the year! Octagenarians! What can you do with them!)

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 08:44 AM

I suppose a parting glass of Greek wine would be in order here, Rog. Here's to as fine a fellow as has graced these hallowed halls.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Greyeyes
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 08:41 AM

RTS, all UK public libraries have to be wired up to the People's Network by the end of 2002, so it may be that your local branch library is going to radically improve it's IT facilities in the next 12 months. They should provide bookable and instant access terminals unless it's a very small branch.

Would hate to lose you.

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 08:13 AM

What 'spaw & Mick said! May your tea-chest always boom, and your washboard never fail. Eddie

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 07:58 AM

Roger, I don't know what to say. When I think of the bunch that kind of came together and coalesced around Maxie's Marvelous Machine you are right at the head of the van. I will miss you. It is that simple. And that complex. You are part of the fabric of the joint. Please email me your contact info at [e-mail]. At some point I am travelling to your neck of the woods and I want to meet you.

No, Spaw, I won't take the bedpan job. My duties as Chief Layabout preclude me taking on any additional duties.

All the best on your retirement,

Mick

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Troll
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 07:45 AM

All the best, Roger. You'll like retirement. It's certainly the best job-related decision I ever made!

troll

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 07:41 AM

I'd love to make some joke here Skiff, but in all seriousness I'm just a bit teary at the moment. I mean I know you're not dying or something, but I will well and truly miss all that you have contributed....and you have. Opinions and all are fine but you have always had that particular ability to ask the perfect question which extends and clarifies some subject where we are rambling away without addressing the subject. I will miss that as it is a rare skill and I have admired your ability.

So as the time rolls around, please DO stay in touch and throw up the occasional posting wherever you can. Maybe you will sometime opt for a home setup......hope so, because I for one (and many others I'm sure)will miss you.

Guess I have to find a new administrator/bedpan jockey for the Center huh? Damn.......I really hate this.

Spaw

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Morticia
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 06:52 AM

I for one will miss you very much Roger....I hope you can check in sometimes.....and when you do go online, NTL is probably the cheapest deal around if you have cable access.Enjoy your retirement....and your wife's ideas on how you'll spend your days sound pretty damn good to me *BG*>

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: mooman
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 06:18 AM

But Roger! Who will advise us on kazoos in the future?

Please call by sometimes and keep us (in)sane!

All the best,

mooman

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 06:06 AM

Thanks for the advice, I'm sure we will go online at home eventually but Herself has a list of house and garden jobs to be done to stop me watching daytime tv with the sound off listening to my music, singing along and reading a book at the same time with a glass of something to hand- which is her idea of how I'll end up! (and spending my days in Ray's Record shop, wasting my lump sum!)
RtS

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Banjer
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 06:03 AM

RtS, even though I have not been among the most verbose on this forum over the years and therefore don't stand out as well as most, I have enjoyed your input, wit and wisdom. I sincerely hope that as you close the book on one chapter in your life and open a new one you will still be able to include the Mudcat as part of the plot. Good luck in your new endeavors..Banjer

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: Mr Red
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 05:57 AM

for what it's worth, I use uk2.net as a dial-up ISP. You only pay for the call and even without keeping a check on my usage I notched-up less then 32 quid per 1/4 cf 112+ per month on most. BT have the thing sewn-up (don't get cable & can't use the cheapo telco's on this number) so I have to put uk2.net on friends & family and so my 32 becomes -10% +17% but I could make it my really really really best friend. Just call me a cheapskate but I could make it a lot cheaper by saving all interesting threads first. Remeber the 5p min call charge. I usually grab e-mails and log-on to Mudcat and occasionally save long threads and peruse off-line. You do get to read the comments fully but the latency can deaden the jokes - but yours will shine through anyway, I am sure. Having said that my e-mail is handled via the same telephone number but with re-directs even that can be re-arranged.

Does this help?

Subject: RE: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: nutty
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 05:35 AM

I'll be interested to see if the addiction can be fully overcome.

Needless to say ... should you weaken we wlii be very pleased to welcome you back

GOOD LUCK

Subject: A skiffler's farewell to his Mudcat
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 07 Nov 01 - 05:28 AM

Well, maybe au revoir not farewell, and not just yet.
I'm not miffed with flamers or trolls but have finally succumbed to the lure of early(-ish) retirement and as I will be busy wiping files and clearing my desk between now and Xmas I may forget to say "Tara" when I finally go. I've been posting less recently to try to wean myself off. Going online at home is not one of our priorities and our local public library only has one internet terminal, heavily used, so it may be some time before I use the Mudcat again.
I'd like to thank lots of people, but no names,( except Max, of course), in case I forget someone. I'm only sorry my limited (non-existent!)musical knowledge has meant I've not been able to contribute as much as I have gained.
Thanks to all who have put up with my old jokes, amused me with theirs, amazed me with their creative writing and songwriting skills, who've answered my naïve questions and found me lyrics, have deciphered poor recordings for me and introduced me to new artists, even sent me recordings.
My CD shelves are groaning . My lyrics folders are bulging, I only have to learn them all (and learn to sing in tune!). Now I'll have the time if not the skill! I don't think I could master the sarrusaphone so I'll look out for a washboard!
I'll still be posting a bit, I expect, and trying to read at least some of the posts most days until I go, but someone else will have to empty the bedpans at the Neil Young Center for the Terminally Screwed from now on.
Thanks as well to all I "met" at the Tavern and the Center.
A few of you have my real name and address, feel free to contact me if you're ever in my area.
RtS