Hello one and all.

Sorry we have been off the radar the last couple of weeks but I have been relaxing on holiday and getting myself proposed to! Yes, yours truly has just returned from a magical and enchanting trip to St Ives in Cornwall. It was after a week of gorgeous weather and more Cornish cider that you can shake a ‘Rattler’ at, that Dom decided to make an honest woman of me. Ah shucks.

In my absence a lot has happened at A1.

Johnny Vegas stopped talking to a knitted, orgasmic monkey over a cuppa and decided to talk into our microphone instead.

Johnny is known for his bizarre rants, portly figure, husky voice and avid consumption of Guinness. Many think that due to these associations Johnny is a bit of a prickly and obnoxious character. This couldn’t be further from the truth as Johnny is one very down to earth celeb.

On appearing at VOX Towers he was asked if he would like a drink to which he humbly replied “I don’t want to be a diva but could I have a cup of tea”. Bless his Northern cotton socks.

Another regular to our studio is Mr Sean Pertwee, son of the third Doctor Who, Jon Pertwee. Sean is a celebrated vocal artist, whose voice is frequently heard in a variety of television commercials, documentaries and video games, including Killzone 2 and Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior.

On arrival to the studio Sean has often just leapt off his motorbike and ascended the stairs like a virile gazelle to reveal a tanned and ruggedly handsome face. Yes ladies, he is a one way ‘hot ticket’ to swoonsville!

He is also the voice behind the Northeast's tourism advertisement which started broadcasting at the start of 2009 and is presently working on the film Devil’s Playground, a zombie horror film directed by Mark McQueen and starring alongside Danny Dyer. The film is due to be released October 2010.

Sean is a very popular voice-over artist and anyone who has ever heard his fantastic, unique voice knows why (this man could just read out from the phone book and I would be putty in his hands...). I am an engaged woman now so obviously such thoughts are mere exaggeration. Very nice to see you again Sean.

Well, dear reader, Charles is now back on dry land following his second TOGS’ Voyage. The TOGS are the hardcore followers of Terry Wogan and his now defunct Radio 2 breakfast show. The show may have gone, but happily, the TOGS and their fun, games and splendid charity work live on.

Saturday morning, in the Grand Theatre the entertainment bill offered A Natter With Nove, in which, with the excellent interviewing assistance of the lovely Reverend Ruth Scott (of Pause for Thought fame) the assembled ladies and gentlemen were treated to the story of Charles’ life and haphazard career.

This was followed with Uncle Charles’s Newsreading Challenge, in which a number of brave volunteers were dragged to the stage to have a go at some News bulletins, of the Radio 2 style. Charles assures me that they did very well, and were pretty brave to get up there and give it a try in front of their fellow passengers. Rather them than me!


The British Airways cabin crew strike and the Icelandic Volcano then conspired to obstruct the carefully constructed plan of Charles coming back to Blighty,and Alan Dedicoat joining the cruise. With Alan unable to leave London, there was only one thing for it: Charles would have to stay on the ship for the duration.

This was, clearly, terrible news for Charles (cough cough).

Back aboard, Sir Terry Wogan joined the frivolity in time for a bit of book signing, meet & greet and general bonhomie, culminating in the shipboard version of his Weekend Wogan Show. Here's Charles getting stuck into a round-up of some of the voyage's many goings-on....

So, there we have it! The good news is that the efforts of the TOGS on the voyage, combined with the generosity of all at Cunard, raised over £81,000 for Children-in-Need.

That, plus a good time had by all, is what I call a result!

SOHO NEWS:

So we are well under way in South Africa’s World Cup, with England, not too surprisingly, holding on by a wing and a prayer. I have no finger nails left after Fridays match against Algeria and am almost glad I will be unable to sit through Wednesday’s game against Slovenia.

Talking all things footie, the flags are out again in neighbouring Frith Street, where the patrons and staff of Bar Italia are renowned for their enthusiastic following of Italy’s footballing adventures.


Here’s how it looked as Italy surged towards victory in the World Cup 2006. 4 years on, can they do it again in South Africa? Hmmmmm, one thing’s for sure, we’ll know from the cheers how well it’s going!



And so we sadly close our ranks for another week but not before giving a big shout out to our very own Beth Chalmers. Betty is showcasing the pilot for a radio drama written by herself and her good friend Amy. It will be recorded in front of a live audience with a plethora of stars taking on many of the roles. For once Beth will have to watch as others vocalise her carefully honed penmanship. A1 VOX is right behind you Beth – Go get em Tiger!