Decision Made on Important Europe Issue!

Indeed it has. I shall be supporting the Republic Of Ireland at the Euros. They are probably in the hardest qualifying group and so the likelihood of them progressing is not very high. I am used to that sort of outcome as I support Lincoln City! Madness continues then!

The Australian Points System

Now I fully understand the desire for an Australian Points System. As far as I am concerned I am completely satisfied with the present system. 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw and nothing if you lose. Seems to work, so if it ain't broke why fix it?

G'Day Cobbers! Throw another shrimp on the barbie!

GOTCHYA!

List of All Euro 2016 Games on TV - Group Stage

All home nation matches plus the Republic of Ireland games are highlighted! Going to be a bit of a marathon to watch them all. ENJOY!

Friday 10 June

France v Romania Group A: kick-off 8pm live on ITV

Saturday 11 June

Wales v Slovakia Group B: 5pm BBC1 and S4

England v Russia Group B: 8pm ITV 

Sunday 12 June
Poland v Northern Ireland Group C: 5pm BBC1
Germany v Ukraine Group C: 8pm BBC1 
Monday 13 June
Republic of Ireland v Sweden Group E: 5pm BBC1
Belgium v Italy Group E: 8pm BBC1 
Tuesday 14 June
Portugal v Iceland Group F: 8pm BBC1
Wednesday 15 June
Romania v Switzerland Group A: 5pm ITV
France v Albania Group A: 8pm ITV
Thursday 16 June
Ukraine v Northern Ireland Group C: 5pm ITV
Germany v Poland Group C: 8pm ITV
Friday 17 June
Czech Republic v Croatia Group D: 5pm BBC1
Spain v Turkey Group D: 8pm ITV
Saturday 18 June
Iceland v Hungary Group F: 5pm BBC1
Portugal v Austria Group F: 8pm BBC1
Sunday 19 June
Switzerland v France Group A: 8pm BBC1
Monday 20 June
Slovakia v England Group B: 8pm ITV
Tuesday 21 June
Ukraine v Poland Group C: 5pm BBC Red Button
Croatia v Spain Group D: 8pm ITV
Czech Republic v Turkey Group D: 8pm ITV4
Wednesday 22 June
Iceland v Austria Group F: 5pm BBC Red ButtonItaly v Republic of Ireland Group E: 8pm ITV
Sweden v Belgium 
Sweden v Belgium Group E: 8pm ITV4

France v Romania Group A: kick-off 8pm live on ITV

Albania v Switzerland Group A: kick-off 2pm BBC1

Turkey v Croatia Group D: kick-off 2pm ITV

Spain v Czech Republic Group D: kick-off 2pm ITV 

Austria v Hungary Group F: kick-off 5pm ITV

Russia v Slovakia Group B: kick-off 2pm BBC1

England v Wales Group B: kick-off 2pm BBC1 and S4C

Italy v Sweden Group E: kick-off 2pm ITV

Belgium v Republic of Ireland Group E: kick-off 2pm ITV

Romania v Albania Group A: kick-off 8pm BBC4

Russia v Wales Group B: kick-off 8pm ITV4 and S4C

Northern Ireland v Germany Group C: kick-off 5pm BBC1

Hungary v Portugal Group F: kick-off 5pm BBC1

OYEZ! OYEZ! OYEZ! I Am A Town Crier.

I am very proud and pleased to have been appointed as the Town Crier for Burgh Le Marsh which, for those of you that don't know, is a small town 5 miles inland from my home town of Skegness.

After appearing before the AGM of the Town Council Friday last and doing a presentation I was voted in by the Town Councillors. Now it is all hands to the pump to get up and running.

Lots of things to do. Source a livery, the clothing that is worn, including a tricorn hat and a bell.

A plain tricorn, 3 cornered hat, generally worn in the 18th and early19th century.

When I started to investigate, I was surprised to find that there is no official type of livery for Town Criers, it is entirely up to the individual as to what is worn. I shall be going for something very traditional such as this shown here.

The Town Crier of the City of Plymouth.

I am planning a coat in Lincoln Green with a yellow waistcoat to reflect the county of Lincolnshire and also the fact that I am a true "yellah belly", a person born and bred in the county. There are several schools of thought as to why the people of Lincolnshire are referred to as "yellah bellies" but the one I prefer is the name was derived from the yellow waistcoat worn by soldiers of the old Lincolnshire army regiments.
I will finish the livery off with a pair of off-white breeches and white hose, with black shoes in a regency style.

In the short-term I shall need to hire a livery as it takes some time for a tailor or in my case a seamstress to create this type of outfit and there are already a few pressing engagements being lined up for me to attend in the very near future.

So what does a Town Crier actually do? Well a lot of shouting if the truth be known but much more than that. If you are an official Town Crier, then you support the community that has appointed you. This would include attending civic functions, community events such as garden parties, fetes, carnivals etc. and charity events such as fund raisers providing interest, colour and humour to the event. There is also a requirement to make public announcements in the street, providing information and news in a traditional fashion that can be traced back to the time of the Romans.

In addition it is important to ensure that you promote the Town you represent in a positive manner wherever and whenever the opportunity arises.

There is also scope to perform at commercial events and events that are not directly related to the community that you represent. These can include Master-Of-Ceremonies, After Dinner Speaking, Speaking To Groups and Organisations, Product Launches, Openings, Country Shows and, I am sure, other things that I have not yet identified.

I am in the process of applying to become a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild Of Town Criers which is the oldest Town Crier organisation and, if my application is accepted, I am looking forward to becoming an active member and entering some of the Town Crier Competitions that are organised by the Guild. More information can be seen at http://www.ahgtc.org.uk/

I believe this could be a very exciting and enjoyable opportunity for me, indeed a whole new lease of life, and I cannot wait until I am kitted out and ready to begin my journey as the Town Crier for Burgh Le Marsh.

Keep your eye out for me, or more likely your ears out for me, as I may be coming to a venue near you!

OYEZ, OYEZ, OYEZ. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!