SERIES 31.

Michael,

Have never drank much whiskey but have been close friends with those that did. They always seemed to think that Scotch whisky was blended with Black Bushmills. So get a drop of the proper hard stuff Mike and let us know your views.

All the best

Hi Guys,

This is rather a PS to a recent e-mail to Dirk where I mentioned a whisky new to me. I first discovered whisky when, as a young lad at Collingwood, I was sent on exped to Pitclochry. Facts are vague but, somehow, we got involved with a gentleman from Bells, who poured whisky down our throats, got us in to trouble with the officer-in-charge, and hooked me on whisky for life. Most whisky afficiendos wil have heard ot the ancient (built 1881) Bruichladdich distillery on Islay. Their malts are famous and, as I was telling Dirk, I was highly chuffed to be given a bottle last week. But one I had never heard of called "Rocks". Islay malts are my favourite tipple - I do love the peaty tastes ... especially of Laphroaig.

There is no such thing as a bad whisky - some are just better than others. I read the interesting description of this malt and noticed it was "peat-free" ... oh dear.

Friday evening, a friend and I opened the bottle with great ceremony and had our first sip and again ... oh dear! It is very strong (46%) but, quite frankly, not too pleasant. We gave it a good try but I cannot honestly say I am looking forward to the next session. Sorry Bruichladdich.

All the best,

Michael F.

Dirk we exchanged emails yesterday and you pointed out I was in error to think our site was replicated on Facebook. Please accept my apologies.

But I must say it appears that way  to the uniniated when you can type in "Fisgard S31" on the Facebook Search Bar and get straight into tihe site. I would ask if you could move the lock from the members guestbook entry to the front door?       

Dirk I was hoping that you would speak quietly to your friend who is 'Master Chef' of the FAW and bring him to understand that he will have to improve his relations with members if the site is to remain alive and a joy to visit.

Frankly, I see no reason for publication of the names of members who have not renewed their membership. His actions are just chasing members to other social networking sites. There is plenty of competition out there.

Just noticed recently that you have replicated a lot of this site in Facebook and I am none too happy about that Dirk.

Guys,

We've now started our 55th Year since leaving the 'hallowed ground'. I really won't have time this year to organise any special celebration, but as an alternative we could join up with the Fisgard Assn. Green & White, as we did for the 50th.

This year it will be held at Burton on Trent, and Kay & I, and Keith & Jan Miskin will be there. The Fisgard Assn will be running a coach from the Pompey area.

Burton is a little more central, so perhaps is more convenient to more of our series.

Of course, if anyone else would like to arrange a special meet, then that would be great, and I'll give all the help I can. Let me have your views.

Michael, You poor old thing! Kay's sister recently had the same thing, and I can vouch for how much pain she was in. Hers was brought on by stress (her husband had just died), and the prescribed treatment was for steroids. Pain under control almost immediately! Lets hope you are not restricted in your good works by this 'orrible infliction.

Very impressed that you can stick needles  into old folk legally - I thought that was only shamen who could do that,, whilst chanting appropriate curses!

I've spent a happy day fixing my son's toilet. He reported a leak, which transpired to be through a crack  in the cistern. B & Q provided a replacement 9at Dad's expense of course!), and I fitted and checked that all was OK.

Ten minutes ago said son phoned to say the toilet was leaking!! Grrrrr!! I expect its just the donut settling in - but i'll have another look in the morning.

Just thinking - This years green & White will be at Burton on Trent. Kay and I are going, and there will be a coach load going from this area. Would you and Pat consider going? Also, any of the team reading this who could make it, twould be a good place to have our 55th Reunion? Let's know what you think.

Dirk

Hi Guys,

Anyone miss me? No? Never mind! Sorry about absence from these columns but I do have a bit of a feeble excuse. Apart from old age, senility and being generally well past my "use by" date, three weeks ago I developed pain in every joint, muscle and bone that I have - and I mean pain. After 3 days I gave up and went to the quack - after various blood tests and buckets of painkillers he diagnosed polymyalgia. That was the bad news, the good news is that handfuls of steroids can get it under control - in hours most of the pain had gone. I still have the odd ache, especially first thing, but I do get very tired. So a quiet word of advice from Uncle Michael - don't get polywotsit!!

I, too, never fail to be amazed with the memory of our Northern Ireland correspondent. Me? I have a sign over the bathroom mirror saying "You are Michael" - mind, it confuses 'er indoors!

As an update on my efforts in keeping "the old folk" fit and happy, I have now completed my extra training and am qualified to give them pills, potions and pointed needles ... would you trust your dear old Mum to me?
Keep smiling guys.

Michael F.

Have been looking over our two websites for Willy Hanna's Newsletter but realise it must be only for ERA's and not general consumption.

I was looking to hear about Curly Brunskill who dipped back with me in 4 class and because we were top in the 'L block&keys' test job and did not qualify for a prize some kind person decided that we should be given a 'Captain's Commendation' for Craftsmanship. That was the last time I ever saw Curly.

Am afraid you're wrong about my memory Dirk. - The only reason old geezers are always going on about the the distant past is because they can't remember what the L they had for breakfast!

I sent an email to a fellow FA member at the weekend and I think I have caused him some concern. The subject was memory and I went on to describe how I still could remember the voices (and mannerisms) of lads I knew well at the 'point. - Just as I said to you when you became Secty of the Assn some years ago (in a Congratulatory email). Am sure I could name all the apps in our hut if I spoke to them in a darkened room now. Could you? Oh well I'd better get Linda to send for the men in white coats. :-)

Hi Guys,

Just time for a few words to give an update. I received Willy Hanna's newsletter a short time ago, as I'm honoured to be a 'Wafoo' on the ERAs distribution list! I'm very impressed with the fact that Willy is still able to produce a newsy edition after all this time, and I think he deserves a big 'Thank You'.

He mentions Curly Brunskill, Pop Brading, Brian Booth, Kit Thurtell and Martin Paine, and a whole host of names from the past. Memories of the Fisgard Cycling Club, and their Sunday runs to escape divisions and church parades! (with Padre Gover!)

What about 'Scran' Colyer - remember him? He and wife Maureen live in Oz, but have been in the UK for Christmas and January, in West Sussex. Apparently he has fallen and broken his wrist, but after much hospital attention he is again fully fit.

I hope all of you lads keep fit and well, and that Bill remains upright with no more broken bones! Bill, you are sure to set the scanning machines at airports buzzing, with all that metalwork in you! Many thanks to you and nancy for the card and wee note.

Michael - keep up the sterling work with the 'older folk'. We may all need people with your dedication in the future.

David, I keep abreast with your comments on Chit Chat - I always considered that you had a fantastic memory for what went on 50+ years ago. I think you could give Colin Giles a run for his money in the Memory Stakes!

Hope you all continue to drop by every now and then. It's amazing when I think that this site is now in its 5th year. Here's to the next five!

Cheers

Dirk