Sod Off

‘Rebel Yell' - Billy Idol


I got a phone call from a local kid called Trevor (Kier’s ex or something). He wants a fight with me! I told him to sod off. I don’t even know him, the gayboy. Sounds like Keir's been stirring...

OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 7 years ago:
‘Watched Doctor Who: The Pirate Planet (Part One) at Aunty Vi’s.’


This time 2 years ago:
‘We have finally left West Yorkshire and moved to Norfolk or Cambridgeshire, or wherever this is. We live in The King Arthur pub on Walton Highway in West Walton, near Wisbech. It’s crap here. It’s the middle of nowhere. Right out in the bloody country. I hate it. I miss my friends and my family (especially the Winterfoods and my Dad and Paul) and I’m sick of moving all the time.’

This time last year:
‘I think the greatest mistake of my life is 'celebrated' today – moving to East Anglia. I still wish we’d never left Yorkshire.’

[Best thing I ever did – Ritcherd 1990]

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

POTTY

Listening to Kate Bush.


POTTY

Martin and I went to the pub (The Wheel, in Wisbech St Mary).

OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 6 years ago:
‘Got Star Wars Weekly 84…

A new Doctor Who story today. City Of Death (Part One)…

…and I am drawing a new Doctor Who comic.’

This time 2 years ago:
‘Mum, George, Jack and I are all staying at Gran and Granddad Pritchard’s, packed and ready to leave for our new home.’

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Round the Pubs

‘Dancing With Myself’ – Billy Idol


Q: How many surrealists does it take to change a light bulb?
A: A banana.

I met BMW in town today – and Martin met Fiona.

After pottering about a bit with BMW, I met up with Martin and we came home to get ready for the Fire Station Disco in Wisbech.

We were supposed to meet BMW, but on reaching the Fire Station, BMW was already inside and we couldn’t get in because she had our tickets. So we went round the pubs. Good, eh?

I got pissed-ish.

OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 4 years ago:
‘Blake’s 7 is back, but I missed the first episode, Rescue.’


This time 2 years ago:
‘My last day at school in Pontefract. I said goodbye to Birdy, Make-Up, Arundel, Pickle and co. I'll probably never see them again. Tonight, Jack and I are staying at Paul’s in Nostall. He took us to see his ex-girlfriend Suzanne, who is lovely.’

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Desperately Seeking Something

‘Destination Zululand' – King Kurt


Whilst I was at school, Martin went to work with Freddie.

When I got home, Martin confidentially called me into the caravan and told me that at dinnertime he had gone for a walk through the village of Murrow and had found an old purse in a phone-box. At first he told me there was £10 in it, but then he told me the truth – it had actually contained £85!!! He’s now wondering whether to hand it in or keep it…

Tonight, we went to see Desperately Seeking Susan with BMW and Phoebe. BMW looked great, Phoebe was really nice (and very attractive), and the film was very good.


Afterwards, we went to the skating disco, but Martin didn’t get fixed up with Phoebe. Instead, he ended up with Joey’s ex – Fiona Smallbeer (Carol Ransome’s best friend). Why he’d go for a little ginger barrel over a glamorous-looking brunette I’ll never know. I think it’s probably because he thought she was too posh for him or something. What a day!

OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 10 years ago:
‘I watched Doctor Who: Planet Of Evil (Part One).’


This time 5 years ago:
‘I watched the new Doctor Who story: Meglos (Part One).’


This time 2 years ago:
‘We’re going to be moving house and leaving Yorkshire in a few days. Mum and George are taking over a pub somewhere in Cambridgeshire/Norfolk. I’ve been packing, but I really don’t want to go.’

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Scepticism and Double Dating

‘Tesla Girls’ – OMD


BMW rang tonight. It seems that Martin and I will be going to see the new Madonna film, Desperately Seeking Susan, tomorrow night (at Wisbech Cinema) with BMW and her best friend Phoebe, before we all go to the skating disco. BMW says I’ve got to fix Martin up with Phoebe. Having never met her, Martin is sceptical!

My No.1: '15 Storey Halo' - ABC


OLD DIARY ENTRIES...

This time 7 years ago:

[At around the end of September 1978, Mum, Jack and me were still living at Aunty Vi’s on Chequerfield Road. Grandma Hall passed on a massive pile of recent Star Wars Weekly comics…

…This was shared between all the boys (myself, Jack, and our cousins: Martin and our Jeff), which I resented because I was actually the only one who liked Star Wars (our Jeff took constant pleasure in telling me how much he hated it and how shit it was) and I’d had to leave all my comics and so on back in Nostall when Mum left Paul in May (I'd also had to stop having new comics)...

…Within days, my cousins were defacing and ripping up their share of the comics, drawing tits and cocks on them and generally treating them with contempt...

…I managed to rescue a few, and my share would keep me happy during the daily chaos, violence and other general terrors of a life shared with four other kids.

- Ritcherd, 1990]

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

A Good Laugh

‘Numbers’ – Kraftwerk

My cousin, Martin, is still here, staying with me in the caravan. He’s a good laugh and he likes some of the same music as me (Kraftwerk, Billy Idol, etc).

We’ve made plans to go to the skating disco on Friday.

OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 9 years ago:
‘I watched Doctor Who: The Masque Of Mandragora (Part Four).’


This time 5 years ago:
‘I got Empire Strikes Back Weekly 136, and I really like this new story.’


This time 2 years ago:

‘My Dad bought me this month’s American Spider-Man comics – Amazing 246, Peter Parker 84, and Marvel Tales 157 (and he gave me an ace tape of The Man Machine by Kraftwerk)…

…I will now try and collect American Marvel comics. I really like Spider-Man and I’m very interested in John Romita Jr’s art. I think I really like the 1960s Steve Ditko stuff too. I used to hate this old stuff, but I think I’m starting to like it. At home I did some work on Issue One of the Force Five super-hero comic Birdy and I have been planning. Force Five stars: The Ghost, Jack Union, Cobra and Ebony & Ivory. It is an Adventure Comic.’

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Still Here

'Empire of the Senses' - Bill Nelson


Bloody diary. Uh-oh, Ritcherd’ getting bored again! Must stop that. Now, where were we? Taxes his brain to remember what’s going on. Martin’s still here. He’s staying with me in the caravan. Established fact. He came with Mum to pick me up from school today.

I'm still really into Spider-Man.

OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 8 years ago:
‘I watched Doctor Who: The Horror Of Fang Rock (Part Four).’

This time 2 years ago:
‘Louise’s wedding day! Yesterday, I came to Castleford, staying at my Dad and Annie’s. He bought me some new burgundy trousers for Louise and Kev’s wedding. I was a groomsman for Kev. I wore the trousers with a white shirt, a stripy burgundy blazer and some cream Kickers and travelled to the church with the bridesmaids (Annie, Sally, Debbie and Tracy) who were all sexy. Louise is now married, which is amazing! Afterwards we had a great do at the Wilton Ballroom in Whitwood! At the disco, Dad and I danced to New Order…

I danced to Black Lace with everybody else. I love ‘Superman’.’

This time last year:
‘Started art and script work on my Fighting Force (Force Five) Annual. I think this is the best art and story I’ve ever done.’

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Seven Years From Now: 23/09/92

SEVEN YEARS FROM NOW…

‘I was ill, very ill, almost all day; still being sick and feeling very hung over until teatime. Ridiculous man. Thank god Johnny looked after me. I’ll definitely drink again, but probably not THUNDERBIRD.

To cap it all, this evening I had to dash over to Wisbech College to attend a rehearsal for another DEVISE show I’m in: their ‘60s tribute, Twist, Shout & Shake. Don’t worry, I don’t sing or dance, I just play The Narrator. It’s not too bad and I enjoyed the rehearsal.

For the first time in a while, I returned home tonight.’

[Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Doctor Who Exhibition, Blackpool (and the Return of the Giant Prawn)

Listening to Opposition.


Up bright and late today.

Mum, Freddie and I picked Jack up from Nostall (in Wakefield) and went to Blackpool for the afternoon, which wasn’t bad.

I went in the Doctor Who exhibition (for the first time in seven years or so).

I enjoyed it in there, but I know that whenever I come to look back on this visit, my memories won’t be as fond as my memories of visiting in the ‘70s.

Who, amongst those that went in that heyday, could ever forget ‘the Giant Prawn’?


Oh well. Tussaud's was good, though. The Chamber of Horrors was still there – the cause of much fear when I was a child. That Anatomy Exhibition is still there, too. Frankly, though (then as now), the Anatomy Exhibition was always more frightening than Frankenstein and assorted murderers. I mean, crikey: who wants to see a pregnant woman with her stomach splayed open? Or besyphillised genitals? Hm. Me, I guess.

Tonight, we took Jack home and picked up my cousin Martin, who is to stay at our house over the next two weeks.

OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 2 years ago:
‘Louise (my aunty, aged 20) and Kev are getting married on Saturday and I’m going!

Louise and Kevin
are to be married on
24th September 1983
and would be pleased if you would be present
The ceremony will take place in
Trinity Methodist Church, Castleford
at 12.00 Noon
and the reception afterwards at
The Wilton Ballroom, Whitwood
from Mr + Mrs E. S. Winterfood
Queens Park Drive
Airedale, Castleford

I can’t wait. It’ll be great. But I think it might also be the last time I see the Winterfood clan before we leave Yorkshire.’

This time last year:
‘The plane was delayed, but the flight was great. I’ve been listening to the tape my Dad sent me (Frankie, Billy Idol, Dead or Alive, Propaganda, Wang Chung and Blue Zoo).’

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

The Hounds of Love

Listening to Dead Or Alive.


We all came to Pontefract, so Mum could spend the day with Jack. I visited Danyel ‘Flash’ Gordon. I tape-recorded his new Kate Bush LP: The Hounds Of Love / The Ninth Wave.

It’s great! I especially like ‘Waking The Witch’, ‘Cloudbusting’ and ‘The Big Sky'.


Flash’s also made a great recording / song, using taped samples of Malcolm McLaren records, called ‘Fuck Off, Flash Gordon’ – of which I taped various versions. Snazzy, jazzy, tazzy and spazzy!

Good old, Flash. See you in two weeks, old chap!

OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 2 years ago:
‘I got Return of the Jedi Weekly 15.’


This time last year:
‘Daphne and Giles have come down from Yorkshire to stay. They’ll be managing the pub while we go to Majorca. Trouble is, Jack’s very sick now, isn’t he?’

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Inconsequential

‘Pleasure Boys’ – Visage


I’m not really sure what’s happened lately. Lots of things of no consequence, I suppose. Yes, I have been somewhat bored. Maybe you should just go and see if there’s something good on telly…

OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 10 years ago:
‘I watched Doctor Who: Terror Of The Zygons (Part Four).’


This time 6 years ago:
‘I got Star Wars Weekly 83.’


This time 5 years ago:
‘I watched Doctor Who: The Leisure Hive (Part Four).’


[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Escapology and Mortality

My No.1: ‘Houdini’ – Kate Bush


[I THINK I’M GOING TO
DIE OF HIV, AIDS OR CANCER…

– Ritcherd 1992]

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Coming Soon...

[Coming soon:

WINTERFOOD 1988!

Be here in 2 years 2 ½ months!]

OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 9 years ago:
‘I watched Doctor Who: The Masque Of Mandragora (Part Three).’


This time 5 years ago:
‘I got Empire Strikes Back Weekly 135.’


This time 2 years ago:
‘Jack and I went to Paul’s in Nostall.’

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Eight Years From Now: 17/09/93

EIGHT YEARS FROM NOW…

‘Flash rang again and apparently he’s still keen on the idea of us living together, thank CRIKEY.

He goes to Warwickshire today to stay with Lou. I hope he has a good time, despite often feeling somewhat ‘fenced in’.

Oh well, I go to Yorkshire tomorrow, which’ll be nice for me, I suppose. No, it will. I’m very much looking forward to it.

TALLY BYE!’

[Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Letter from 1988...

[LETTER FROM 1988:
I cannot describe or begin to estimate my feelings for you, Beatrice.
I just wish we could try over again.
I WANT YOU SO MUCH, and now we never, ever speak.
I feel such a sense of loss without you.

I love you,

Ritcherd x]

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Interruption

[INTERRUPTION:
In the future, I shall find spiritual heaven. Look for the name Natalia Wnek. The Polish one. Right now, I love this dear friend with all I have – WINTERFOOD, May 1988]

OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 6 years ago:
‘Got Star Wars Weekly 82…

…and I watched Doctor Who: Destiny Of The Daleks (Part Three).’


This time 2 years ago:
‘Star Wars was on TV and I watched it avidly.’


This time last year:
‘I got Return of the Jedi Weekly 66.’


[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Twelve Years From Now: 14/09/97

TWELVE YEARS FROM NOW…

‘Went into LONDON and saw FLASH for the first time in ages. I met and got drunk with his comedy gang – including his latest love interest, ELYNDA. Good fun.’

[Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

No Witches Sabbath at the Derelict House

‘Poison Arrow (US Remix) – ABC


BMW and I had planned to hold a Witches Sabbath tonight, but alas, no. I visited her at her house this afternoon and we kissed and talked a lot. It was lovely. She’s really ace.

Tonight I went to my regular nite-spot – Walpole Rollerdrome Skating Disco! Usual gang, booze and fun. Really getting on with Cheggers these days.

OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 10 years ago:
‘I watched Doctor Who: Terror Of The Zygons (Part Three).’


This time 5 years ago:
‘I watched Doctor Who: The Leisure Hive (Part Three).’

This time 2 years ago:
‘I got Doctor Who Monthly issue 81 and Return of the Jedi Weekly 14…

This evening, I watched Bewitched…

…and it’s ace!’

This time last year:
‘My Drama folder has been marked the highest in the Fourth Year, and any other equivalent year Mrs Hazlitt has ever examined! Tonight, I watched Top of the Pops.'

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

You can read all of Elton Townend Jones' Doctor Who articles for the Kasterborous site by clicking here

Roll On, Christmas 1999!

My No.1: ‘When Your Heart Runs Out Of Time’ – Glenn Gregory & Claudia Brucken

Following her long Grammar School summer holiday, Miranda re-started school today.

I went to school for the fourth day this week, which I loved. And the 3 bears! Well. I got out of Games, due to having no training shoes at the moment, so I feel pretty smug about that at least!

Watched V again on Yorkshire TV.

They’re not showing it on Anglia, which is crap – especially as the transmission is a bit crackly on the caravan portable.

Life is slowly becoming dull and boring. Roll on, Christmas 1999!

Britain’s No.1: ‘Dancing in the Street’ – David Bowie & Mick Jagger


OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 3 years ago:
‘I got Doctor Who Monthly 69, which was brilliant.’


This time last year:
‘I watched Lace, episode two.’

[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]

Loving BMW

RITCHERD (young of the) Winterfood(s) age 15 and 3 months

Me, with short spiky hair, a cheeky smirk, shades, coral necklace and sleeveless white t-shirt with blue splash patterns…

Three strange abstract, cubist men with vast grabbing arms…

‘I Believe’ – Tears For Fears


Again: school, just to bore the willies off me! Thank God this week seems to have flown by – so far! Soon I’ll be out in the world of big men – Gulp!

Well, so far, Roger Limb and I are the two kids in the school with the most O-levels. At the moment. One each, for English Language. Mocks for everything else in December! Gach!

Jazz Thompson seems to like the Doctor Who Documentary Flash and I made – GOOD!

Drama wasn’t bad today – but the fascists came in search of tie-less pupils and caught me!

Mum and Freddie went out tonight. I stayed in and rang BMW – at last! Sadly, she had to dash off because she’s fallen out with her mum. She’s asked me to ring back at about 8-ish, so I shall.

I listened to my Return Of The Jedi soundtrack LP for the first time in – what? – a year and a half?

Very soothing. Brings back memories. I also made a remix of ‘Open Your Heart’ by The Human League, which brought back memories of living in The Bell in Pontefract.


I’m still reading Battle For The Planet Of The Apes. It has some interesting things about the idea of an after-life. If heaven’s so good, why don’t we all commit suicide? And if heaven is what it’s all about, then what’s the point of this life? Why bother with it at all? The main question it seems to ask is: Why don’t we just live this life for its own sake, and enjoy it to the full?

Later:
8.30pm.

‘European Female’ – The Stranglers


I’ve just rung BMW / Miranda, the love of my life (Hah! Where’ve we heard that shit before? Mandy Dell? Jayne? Kirsty?). She starts back at school tomorrow – lucky! I’ve been back for what feels like yonks! We talked for ages and I really enjoyed it. I do love her.


OLD DIARY ENTRIES…

This time 9 years ago:
‘I watched Doctor Who: The Masque Of Mandragora (Part Two).’


This time 5 years ago:
‘I got Empire Strikes Back Weekly 134.’



This time 2 years ago:
‘The Winds of War started on TV today…

…It’s ace!’

This time last year:
‘I’m really into two TV series – Lenny Henry and The Invisible Man.’


[Text Copyright: Elton Townend Jones/Dyad Productions, 2010 / Images subject to control of Copyright Holder / While based on true life events and designed as a study of parochial British cultural and emotional life in the 1980s, this blog is a work of fiction. Cultural icons excluded, all characters and incidents featured are entirely fictional / This blog is also non-profit and all video clips are used for illustrative purposes / No copyright infringement is intended.]