General Chat

Hi, popping in quickly to say that, Huia, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I am sure the end, when it comes will be peaceful and a blessing. I know that was the case with my Father in Law and the family here were at peace that he passed over in such a way.

Thinking of you.

Debbie xx

Sylvia, I remember Bernie Braden, I think his wife was well known too?
Sounds as tho you have a nice evening.

Lizxxx

just had a look and found the following:

It was more fun than work for a group of young people who produced plays on CJOR Vancouver in the late 30s and early 40s. They even created their own "Lux Radio Theatre" (then the top-rated drama on North American radio) - freely writing and producing adaptations of movie scripts, which one of them picked up from west coast film distributors. They worked on each other's shows and they earned fame - among them were Fletcher Markle, Alan Young, John Drainie, Juliette, Andrew Allan, Lister Sinclair, Peggy Hazard, Barbara Kelly and Bernard Braden.

As radio developed, Vancouver couldn't hold them, and they moved east to Toronto in 1942.

Bernie Braden met Barbara at her radio debut. She was just 16 and was playing the Virgin Mary in a mystery play. They were married when she was 17 so made the move as husband and wife. Over the years they were to star together on stage, radio and television in Canada, the United States and England.

In Toronto, the two found work on CBC's Sunday night Stage Series and Bernie captured a lead role in the Thursday night sponsored drama John and Judy. Comedian Alan Young had also moved east, basking in the success of the Vancouver radio show Stag Party. In 1940, under the sponsorship of Buckingham Cigarettes, it became The Alan Young Show. Bernie had acted in the show in the West and continued his participation. Wayne and Shuster also selected Bernie for the role of a deaf postman in a comedy that, for 13 weeks in the summer, replaced The Life of Riley in the United States.In 1946 Bernie narrated several filmed documentaries: Ski Skill, Science Goes Fishing, Safe Clothing, Organization and Machines. He was also principal writer on a half-hour radio show, John and Judy, that starred Jane Mallett.


Bernard Braden & Barbara Kelly (photo : Lynda Hurst)
In 1949, Bernie moved to London with his family (now five). There, Bernie quickly made a name for himself on stage, when he played the role of Mitch opposite Vivien Leigh in the London production of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire. Bernie also soon became a radio star on the BBC. Breakfast With Braden was fabulously successful, as was its successor Bedtime With Braden, and while Bernie was the star, Barbara guested from time to time. The couple turned to TV in 1951 as hosts of An Evening At Home With Bernard Braden and Barbara Kelly. In 1953 they piloted a new sketch comedy for the BBC, titled Barbara with Braden, but it did not go to series.

In 1957 Bernie hosted Chelsea at Nine for Granada TV, and in 1962 he created Britain's first television consumer affairs show called On the Braden Beat.

The stage and films provided two other opportunities for the Braden talent to be on display. Bernie appeared in the movies Love in Pawn (1952), The Kid From Canada (1957), All Night Long (1961), The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1962) and The War Lover (1963).

In 1968, Bernie with his wife Barbara starred in a short-lived (7 episodes) BBC sitcom, B-and-B, which also featured their daughter Kim. In 1969, Capitol Records issued an LP of Bernie reading the works of Canadian humourist Stephen Leacock.

In 1970, when the British parliament ended the BBC's monopoly on radio broadcasting, Bernie joined with Canada's Standard Broadcasting Corporation in what proved to be a successful application for a coveted general entertainment radio franchise covering London.

On The Braden Beat was cancelled by the BBC in 1972, reportedly because Bernie had begun to be seen on private television doing margarine commercials. Shortly after the Global Television Network began operations in 1974, Bernie came back to Canada to pitch a similar consumer show to CTV and CBC, but it was Global who picked up the series, only to cancel it shortly thereafter, as money became tight.

On returning to London, Bernie did less and less television, though in 1987-88 he did return to the small screen as host of a revived Granada series, All Our Yesterdays, which featured clips from news stories from 25 years previously.

In 1973, Barbara had started a new venture, Prime Performers, to represent celebrity speakers, and on reducing his broadcasting activities Bernie, for his part, set up a conference presentation organization, under the umbrella of their company, Adanac Productions. In 1990, Hodder and Stoughton published Bernie's autobiographical memoir, The Kindess of Strangers.

Bernard Braden died in London on February 2nd, 1993, after suffering a series of strokes.

Huia, I hope things are easier for you soon, and that your dear Phil has a peaceful passing when the time comes. I am sure he is being well cared for and I think the staff will be kind to you when you visit, as they know how much it upsets you to see him so frail.

Bless you both

Lizxxx

Of course, I dont have any idea how long he will hang on. I hope it wont be too long. I will go to see him again tomorrow but probably wont stay long as it is painful to see him as he is now, although I doubt if he feels any pain. Thanks for your thoughts everybody.

Huia.

Hi everyone

I didn't say earlier that 24 March, J's birthday, was also the date on which my mother died in 1961 ........ only I didn't connect the two dates until a cousin sent me a photo of the headstone round about 1990


I realised then that I block out the dates on which people close to me died. I remember the year, and usually the month.


It was pretty sunny again today, although there were some horrendous black clouds around


.............. but it rained all day yesterday. We went out in the evening to a Masked Ball fundraiser for the Student Opera Ensemble that OH sings with. It was held in a theatre on the university campus. And there is an open courtyard-type area to cross from the parkade (parking garage) to the theatre. So ....... mad dash, umbrella, or hooded raincoat necessary last night!


We had a good time at the Ball, as usual. It is held on the stage of the Chan Theatre, with tables of 10 arranged in a ring around 3 sides of the stage. There were about 12 tables last night, so about 120 people.

We were on a table with 2 couples that we knew and 2 others that we had not met before. One of the couples that we knew are 4 or 5 years older than us ................. the husband comes from near Chester and OH knew the family and of P from childhood. The wife L is/was the daughter of the Head of Department at the school where OH taught in Devon. We met up with them face to face soon after we arrived in Vancouver and have been friends ever since. L told us to hold July 3rd in reserve .............. they'll be celebrating their 50th anniversary that day!

The open side is where the dance band plays. The members of the Opera Student Ensemble performed before and during dinner .......... we saw operatic arias, excerpts from Phantom of the Opera, Chinese and Russian songs, etc. Gawd, there are some lovely voices among the students!

Then the Dal Richards Band played for dancing ...... he began leading a band around 1933/4.

Yes ......... the 1930's!

He's now 92!

It's big band style music, largely 40s style, but also rock and roll, and swing. All the stuff that we used to dance to in the 50s and 60s. Even the kids in the Ensemble love it!!

One interesting little snippet ............. Dal went to the same high school in Vancouver as someone called Bernie Braden, and Bernie sang with Dal's band when they made their first featured radio appearance in 1935.

Anyone remember that name????

The food was good as well.

And, for once, we came home without buying anything from the Silent Auction. The only thing that I was remotely interested in was a gold and peridot pendant and chain ................. but at a valuation of $1400, and lowest bid set at $800 ...... I decided that I didn't need it!!


Will venture downtown tomorrow (Saturday) .......... time for some retail therapy. I haven't been down there since the week before the Olympics opened back in February!


Take care everyone.




sylvia
xxx

Huia


so sorry to hear that news. Will be thinking of you


xxxxxx

Huia, we will be thinking of you , praying that Phil will be at peace, God bless you both.

love Jean xx

Huia I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I know it will be a release for you,but oh so sad for you as well.
My heart goes out to you. May god bless you and Phil.
Love Mo xxx

Hi there everybody. I still look in but am not posting too often. I feel Phil could die any time so as I am not on broadband I cant spend too long on the computer in case the hospital tries to ring me.

Huia.

You cheeky moo Jean.
I thought you were going to say that it would cost to much for the scaffolding for my mouth.
I have just had an e.mail from Marie. She is well,but having problems trying to get into the site.
She sends her very best wishes to you all. And will be back with us as soon as is possible.

Mo, the dentist couldnt really charge you full amount when you have only the one tooth !! it does look nice though right in the front especially when you smile......xxxx

My oh my girls. Just listen to our Jean. Methinks she's trying to get rid off my friends,suggesting using that awful embrocation she has sent me.
Silly girl Jean,that was the horses linament,or is she silly me wonders.Ho
Hum,Mo's got a stinky b.........chest. No hairs will grow there again thats for sure. lol
Taint my fault that poor Debbie got that stinking cold. I didn't blow her a kiss,so she didn't catch it from moi.
Hi Debbie.
We were thrashed at darts,so no excuses will be coming from me. We start our knockouts on the 12th off April. I am not really looking forwards to them though. To many trophy hunters out there. I just go to enjoy myself
I believe it was Sylvia in Canada's husband,who had the large fee for his teeth.
When I had my check up,it cost me £16.50 including a clean and polish.
I hope that the car doesn't play up,and that the garage do not decide to charge you.
Listening to the way that business is transacted over there,I think I will have to move over your way. It reminds me off the way that things used to run here,many years ago. Doctors were paid with many strange things,like as you say jars off jam to anything up to a pig for an operation.
Cant wait to hear how Daniel got on last weekend.
Do you think Sallie has moved already,and not told us. lol She's not been on here for a few days now. I hope all is well at your end Sallie.
HUGS for Marie,Liz,Huia,Ann and all our friends on this thread.
Love to you all. Mo xxx

Hello Debbie, always pleased to hear from you,sorry to hear about your cold My mate Mo and Roly keep getting them , So I bet its all her fault....lol...
are the rest of your gang o.k. .our Dentist charges £35 just to have a look,
we are hoping there is nothing else wrong, J had a filling last time it cost him £45...so yours doesnt seem to bad....

Hi. Sylvia, went to explore Banff and Jasper, beautiful scenery , and Niagra falls. just trying to persuade J to have a holiday in Canada, hope you re o.k. and having good weather when does your winter start. or have you ahd it already? Mathew seems to be coming on in leaps and bounds.. bless him...

Huia how are you? also Marie, look forward to hearing all your news...

Sallie. are you o.k. I have just made one card and put my stuff away cant get my head round it, so having another go in aday or so, what I need is more room.... or a craft cupboard that is BIG, I must stop buying more stuff ...have you decided if you are going to move house yet? wish we could, dreading friday nights, ....

And last but not least Mo, I have sent you some embrocation to rub on your chest its a bit pongy , but it will do you good , I think you had better stay in doors for a week or so otherwise folk will pass out when they get a whiff of it....lol....Its sure to clash with your after sh...sorry your perfume...

love to all Jean xx running away quickly.....

Morning All, sorry I haven't been here for a few days, but you all seem to have managed perfectly well without me. But I'm back. LOL.

Hope you are all well. Sylivia, I can't believe how much weight MJ has gained - something good in the milk I reckon. My 4 all had Gripewater but it was non alcoholic, as they were all "modern" babies. I think it was used in previous years to help children to sleep just as much as it was for wind and colic. Didn't do me any harm, I haven't become a dependant alcoholic or anything like that, but I know my Mum used it for all 4 of us when we were babies.

Jean, I'm so glad you enjoyed your break. You were lucky with the weather, but very often a change of scenery is all you need to make things look and seem more cheerful.

Mo, fancy losing at darts. Can't remember if that was your last match or if next Monday is. Good luck if you are still to play.

I've got an awful cold at the moment, haven't had one all winter and now I get struck down just as the weather starts to improve. The children love it as I haven't been able to talk for 2 days - they've been getting away with all sorts!!!!

I've also had a problem with a tooth - apparently it is an "age thing". A chunk came off it the other day, so I went to the dentist and she packed it for me, then an abcess developed on the gum and I am now on Anti Biotics & Penicillen for the infection. Whoever it was had Dental charges the other day that were monsterous, you may like to know that my initial appointment cost me £28.00 and then no charge for the follow up. No Social Security or other benefits for dental work over here, just a very honest dentist who doesn't rip people off.

Had the same service today from my garage. I have an ongoing problem with my car and was charged a couple of weeks ago for work on it. They have had my car now since Monday afternoon and I've just picked it up - guess what - No Charge at all. Not even for the labour. The garage are so baffled at the lights & sensors that keep telling me things are wrong that they have said they will not charge me a penny whilst they try and sort things out. I have to drive it all weekend and then ring back next week for an up date. If nothing goes wrong, then Happy Days, and I am not required to pay anything at all.

The joy of being able to deal with small family run businesses. We have a very similar policy as my husband works for himself, and is more than happy to have a cup of tea with a customer and a bunch of flowers or a pot of home made jam, than charge a pensioner £25.00 for the priviledge of fixing a dripping tap. We are controlled by minimum Federation Rates for work, so have to charge a minimum amount fror each job. Pots of Jam and a cuppa go un-noticed and as long as we have enough to live on, those sort of customers always come back.

Gosh haven't I rambled, and I haven't even told you about Daniels Cross Country at the weekend or his football match last night - leave those for another posting. Off to get lunch now. Take care everyone.

Debbie xx

Cooeee where is everybody.
It's been very quiet on here today.
We have both got stinking colds again. Off course Roly's is man flu,bless him he is feeling pretty rough.
We have had a nasty wet,cold day. Roll on summer.
I hope you are all well. Take care off yourselves. Love Mo xxx

Hi Sylvia.
I believe our clocks change again this weekend,not absolutely sure though. They go forward one hour. I honestly hate it when they do this,as I
always find it hard to adjust. My stomach clock goes hay-wire,and I am either really hungry,or not bothered about eating at all.
My word young Matthew is doing really well,weightwise.
I know what you mean about the gripe water. It was only when I started working in a pharmacy,that I found out what ingredients went into a lot of baby products,that we used our children when our children were young.
There is a lot off sugar put into childrens medicines,as well.
Oh no the phone is ringing.

Hi everyone


Mo ... your son was very brave!


It's another sunny day here ....... and is going to get to 15/16C this afternoon.

Forgot to say that our clocks went forward on March13/14 ...... so we've been only 7 hours behind the Uk for the last few days, and will be until your clocks go forward. It's actually been driving me crazy because most of my sites show dates of posting in UK time, and I've got pretty good at automatically converting to my time, but 7 hours is a bit different!!


It's my daughter's 36th birthday today so we phoned her before OH left to go out to the uni. She was well, having a bit of "me" time while MJ was sleeping ......... it was about 12:30 pm her time when we phoned. She did say that MJ had a check up yesterday, and is now 8 lbs 3½ oz ........ up from his birth weight of 7 lbs 6 oz. She's been saying he's a hearty feeder! She also said that Gripe Water has been used with great effect ........ but this is the non-alcoholic version of mainly herbs. I know I was horrified when I found out how much alcohol was in the Woodwards Gripe Water that we used for her in the 70s!!


Take care everyone



sylvia

Afternoon everyone.
I can't remember if I told you,or not. But a couple off weeks ago,my eldest son,was out with my daughter inlaw,when a youngster came running through an alley,chased by a gang off teenagers. The gang proceeded to
beat and kick the lad. My son and DIL ,went running after them,and chased the gang away. They took the boy home to his house,and went home. In todays free local paper,the police were seeking out the people who came to the aid off the boy. So my son has phoned them,and they are going round to talk to them this evening.
But as my son has said,it was dark,and they would not be able to recognise the gang if they were to come face to face with them.
My son hopes that someone would do the same for my grandson,if he ever got in the same situation.
If you think about it,would you risk putting yourself in danger,by coming to the aid off another. I am not sure if I could do so.

Hi all, had a lazy day yesterday, things quiet here, but I must go out today and do some errands in the city and pick up mail from my house.
Thought I would just check in on here - sorry I don't do more with messages but can't keep up with everyone lol

Jean, hope you have caught up with the holiday laundry.

I watched the chap riding a bike round from Alaska and through American, Mark Beaumont his name is and I saw him on a previous programme where he travelled alone in a canoe and documented his travels. He is a glutton for adventure but it's so interesting to watch the places he goes and the people he meets. He got as far as Arizona on last night's programme I think, am looking forward to the next episode, there are three in all on bbc1 after the news at ten.

Made me think of all our Canadian friends on the boards and oh how lovely the scenery was.

take care all

Lizx

Sylvia, what an amazing country you live in, it is so beautiful, the highway sea to skyway is wonderful.. I had no Idea how awsome it is.. thanks for telling me....

Jean x