I spent this morning in the company of Paul Ross and Jo Good who co-host the BBC Radio London Breakfast Show. I was invited to choose three stories from today’s papers to discuss on air. Before I did that Paul had a good laugh at my name, Anna May, saying that he had expected me to turn up in a gingham skirt and plaits in my hair. I think he was pleasantly surprised by how much I (wish I)look like Nicole Kidman. Then he asked me if my husband was a romantic and I told London ”Yes, because he shouts ‘Brace Yourself ‘ as he approaches me with pyjama eyes”. That’s as good as it gets in our house. Hope that didn’t make any BBC Radio London listeners choke on their cornflakes…….
I picked three stories from today’s papers to chat about. The first was advice given in Ann Widdecombe’s Daily Express column that primary school children should practice their reading aloud skills on dogs, as in they read and the dog listens. The not all all obvious reason for this is that parents and teachers are too judgemental and can inhibit learning.
Then there was a Bridezilla story – a bride in Wales fined any guests who disobeyed the order attached to their invitation that they should turn up to her wedding wearing only pink clothing. I wondered if more wedding invitations should come with terms and conditions attached.
And finally, a serious one about care for the elderly. If we’re lucky that’s will be us one day and I’d prefer not to spend my dotage parked in front of daytime TV in an overheated room that smells of cabbage and pee. Whatever our age we have a right to dignity - no matter what it costs. And it’s the Government’s job to figure that out.
Paul Ross and Jo Good were brilliant hosts and made me very welcome and I especially liked the equality of their partnership. Often male/female radio presenting partnerships have a dominant male with a lightweight ,softly spoken female sidekick - but these two are both opinionated and funny.
I had to be up at 5am to get to the studio which means now, at 10.30am it’s way past lunchtime and approaching the hour for afternoon tea.
I was really looking forward to hearing on the radion you this morning.
I happily tuned into BBC 2 Radio only to find some dreary old fart whaffling on about something… Turns out, our TV doesnt’ pick up BBC Radio London! Grrr!
So not only did I get to listen but I was also a bit late (don’t tell my boss!)
I would love to hear your views on the Bridezilla… ha ha ha!
Glad it went well – love the quote about your romantic husband
Here at Pickles Towers the opinion about Ms Good is divided – one half of the household regards her as a ciggy-rusted squawker who is far too full of herself, whereas I think she is a very sharp and entertaining lady who makes a great job of kidding her audience that she knows nothing about anything in order to provoke discussion. Sadly, BBC Radio London is almost unobtainable in our bedroom, so no longer provides my wake-up call.
Apropos your name – was mentioning you to my daughter who commented that “Her parents must LOVE Japan.” Yes, baffled me for a moment too. Then she explained “To call her Anime Manga – you know, Japanese cartoon, Japanese comicbook; they must really be into Japanese culture.”
Hahaha Mike, I am into ALL culture, especially Dr Phil. Raw fish for tea toninght.
A.nna May x
ps: I thinks Ms Good looks and sounds very approachable and that’s good but you are wise to keep her out of your bedroom.
You gotta go digital, Debs !
Anna May x
Woohoo! Yay for BBC iPlayer.
You make a fabulous radio guest!
Ah Debbie, thanks for that !
Anna May x
‘Pyjama eyes’ – you are hilarious, woman!
Hi Anna, just listened to you on the breakfast show (iPlayer), What day can I send my kids over to your house for a staycation – they just broke up today?
Got to agree with you on how we should treat the elderly. Liam
Hi Liam, thanks for stopping by. I was thinking of you when I was discussing th elderly…….
Anna May x