The Tears of a Clown

Now if there’s a smile upon my face…

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68 Comments »

  1. Could you please share which tour company you went with to tour Edinburgh’s vaults? Is there a particularly good one? Is there a way into them that you might know of that doesn’t involve a tour? I’m doing a fellowship thing at St Andrew’s until the end of March and have been to Edinburgh twice so far. I had learned of the underground and was snooping around to find a way into it. I think that one possibility is via the Royal Oak pub’s basement. If you know of any others that you might be willing to share, I’d greatly appreciate it.

    Sincerely, Brian

    Comment by Brian Wildeman | January 26, 2008 | Edit

    Comment by Stuart | April 13, 2008

  2. Hello Brian, thanks for your comments.

    Regarding tour companies, it’s difficult to look further than Mercat Tours: http://www.mercattours.com/home.asp

    Mercat are very much the leading people for all kinds of Edinburgh walking visits generally and are well established. Having been on more than one of their walks I would have no problem in recommending them.

    Regarding the vaults, considering their history, they were only really ‘re-discovered’ in around 1985 as far as I am aware so it’s still relatively early days I guess.

    I’m interested in your comment about other points of access including The Royal Oak but at this time know of no other entrance personally. I do however have a good friend in Edinburgh who is a surveyor. He worked down the vaults on an occasion or two before the days of the tours and perhaps will know of another route in. I will contact him and get back to you about that matter.

    Good luck with your research. I would be very interested to read your findings as subterranean Edinburgh has quite a fascination for me.

    Best regards.

    Stu

    Comment by Stuart | April 13, 2008

  3. Hello Stuart,

    I am pleased to have found your site. It came up when I googled Abdessalam Benjelloun. I was then drawn to the articles on Arthur Duncan and The Sunday Post for reasons which I will not go in to at this time.

    Benjelloun to me is a fantastic player, one of the most talented I have seen in the famour green and white. I had high hopes for him after the marvellous pre-season he had which have sadly not materialised. I hope we give him another season and that he proves his doubters wrong.

    I am old enough to remember the great Arthur Duncan in his heyday and would love to have come over for his tribute night. Although I am just across the water from you on the Kintyre peninsula and I can see the Antrim Coast on a clear day, it is 6 hours from here to Stranraer, 3 to Glasgow and 4 to my beloved E.R.. However, I stil manage to have a Season Ticket at E.R. and my house is called Bal-Na-Hannan. Sadly, I am often asked by Hibs’ Ticket Staff to spell my house name. This make me think they should have to pass an exam before being employed!

    If we get the Ballycastle to Campbeltown ferry running again next year then the N.I. Supporters Club will be my nearest Branch so I may well join up.

    Keep up the good work.

    GGTTH

    Tommy Millar

    Comment by Tommy Millar | May 3, 2008

  4. Hello Tommy

    Thanks for dropping by. Always interesting to know how people got here too.

    I agree about Benjelloun’s quality. I wonder though if another season and a new opportunity will not be offered to him? I’m sure Mixu will have his own players in mind in the close season and I’d imagine there will be a fair few changes. I wonder if Benji might fall victim to that.

    It’s been a few years since I was in your neck of the woods but I remember enjoying it immensely. A beautiful part of the world. Love the name of your home! For what it’s worth I’d like the proposed new East stand to be named after Father Hannan. Last time I was up in Edinburgh in November I managed a little trip to Saint Patrick’s in the Cowgate and took a good close look at his commemorative plaque. Very touching.

    I am actually based in Nottingham but have some friends over in Northern Ireland who I keep in touch with. I’d certainly recommend contacting them for a friendlier bunch of people you’d go a long way to find. You can be assured you will receive a fine welcome

    Thanks again for your comments, Tommy.

    GGTTH

    Stu

    Comment by Stuart | May 4, 2008

  5. Ah, now I have made the Stu in Nottingham conection.

    Have yet to visit St. Patrick’s in the Cowgate but went to the Grange Cemetery about 18 months ago to visit the Memorial to Canon Hannan after it had been restored by the Hibs Historical Trust. Strange thing was that despite never having been there before, and the Cemetery having numerous different paths, I walked straight to the Memorial. It was a truly humbling visit and one I will always remember.

    Comment by Tommy Millar | May 4, 2008

  6. Infamy at last! Yes I spend a bit of time roaming the various Hibs sites as maybe you do, Tommy?

    The grange Cemetary is definitely the next visit for me. I’d love to go and pay my respects at Father Hannan’s grave. The Historical Trust do some fine work don’t they, more power to them. Irecall the service they held after the grave had been restored. The more history of the club that can be preserved and explored the better as far as I’m concerned.

    Comment by Stuart | May 6, 2008

  7. Hi Stuart,

    Ive just got back from visiting Mary Kings Close, and was so disappointed with it. I have read up so much on it and was absolutly fascinated with how life was all those many years ago. I was so looking forward to been on the actual street (rather than in the vaults themselve) but the tourguide basically got us to stand still for out photo opportunity then led us down to Chesneys house/office she opened the door and a few stones were thrown and a door started closing and she quickly closed the door and sped back up to the entrance. We hardly even saw the street, let alone have time to stand for a while and just absorb all the history in like you mentioned. As they had a few actors jumping out on us it took away any seriousness about the stone throwing. (Nothing was mentioned on the website about for safety reasons tourguides and the public werent allowed in Chesneys room)
    I just felt that for £9.50 (and additional £6.00 for the photo should you want it) you would expect not to be rushed around the tour and be offered the opportunity to stay there and soak in the history for a good 10 minutes.
    I’m assuming theres many who go on these tours for the history side of it.
    I was so looking forward to this tour and was hugely disappointed. I would love to go back again one day and just stay at the back and not be rushed :-)

    Sal

    Comment by Sal | May 18, 2008

  8. Hi Sal

    I’m very disappointed to hear of your experience in Mary King’s Close. It sounded quite different to my own. My visit did not include the photo op you mention, nor did it have any actors featured.

    I’m not clear about Chesney’s room now, were the floors or ceilings unsafe or was it a preservation concern?

    Just as a matter of interest, how long did your tour last?

    Our tour was not in any way rushed and at the end we were told we could hang around awhile. Few actually did but I took this opportunity to just stand in the Close for a while and take in the atmosphere and use my imagination. I think it was actually the best bit for me in spite of an excellent and entertaining tour guide.

    I wonder if you have visited at a busier time than I or if the tour has deteriorated? I would be inclined to contact them regarding your disappointment because for £9.50 I think you deserved much better.

    Sorry to hear that it was a let down for you but I’m glad to hear it hasn’t deterred your interest in the subject.

    Thanks for writing, Sal. Best wishes

    Stu

    Comment by Stuart | May 19, 2008

  9. Hiya,

    it was the last tour of the night on saturday 9pm.

    Dont get me wrong the guide was good and up until we got onto the street itself it was most enjoyable, we were guided down the street all told to stand still for the photo op, and then lead towards chesneys room. She just said for Health and Safety reasons, ive just actually spoken to my friend to confirm what the guide said and it was Health and safety for the room/structure etc and that no one was allowed in there, the guides were only allowed to open the front door. (although not convinced with the stone throwing because of the acting that had gone on previously)

    I am intending on emailing the company as its not only me, my friends were also disappointed. I wish we had been given the chance to hang around for 10 minutes or so like you did.

    You lucky man !!!

    Cheers Stu

    Comment by Sal | May 19, 2008

  10. I reckon the clue is in your first sentence there, Sal. Sounds a bit like the staff were more than ready to lock up for the night and anxious to go home/to the pub or whatever! Not that it’s an excuse by any means.

    Being so dank and dark down there gives a great feeling for what it would have been like in those days. I do think it’s possible sometimes to get the same impressions of the old town in the various wynds and alleys leading from the mile.

    I stayed down there for some time and actually passed the next tour party entering as I was climbing the stairs out of there. It’s a pity that wasn’t available to you. Mind you it could have been worse – just imagine getting locked down there for the night!

    Comment by Stuart | May 19, 2008

  11. Hi Stu, thanks for the comment on my photography blog! Looking at your own site here, I can see how you are drawn to the often mysterious and ethereal images that many people often miss, even when they’re right in front of you. I’ll be sure to visit again.
    Blessings,
    Lori

    Comment by loriannetucson | May 24, 2008

  12. Hi Lori

    Well you’ve pointed out something that I never really realised about this site to me, thanks!

    Just looked over your main site and there is some really interesting reading and I’ll indeed be back too. I wish you well with the important and heart-rending issues surrounding your life.

    Take good care.

    Stu

    Comment by Stuart | May 25, 2008

  13. Hi Stuart,

    Sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you. If you remember (hopefully your memory is long) I was going to give you a call over Harold Larwood. But I’ve lost your number . . .
    Very best
    Duncan

    Comment by Duncan Hamilton | June 10, 2008

  14. Hi there,
    Just came across your site. I work at Rosslyn Chapel and was very interested to see the photo of the Apprentice Pillar. It looks to me like there is a strange mist just to the left of the pillar. Is this something you have added for effect?

    Comment by Simon Beattie | July 30, 2008

  15. Hi Simon

    I noticed the mist too. It’s not actually my picture, Simon but one I picked up off the net. I’m making the assumption that somebody else has done just that – added it for effect. Otherwise there may be a much more interesting explanation! Thought provoking in any case…

    Best regards

    Stu

    Comment by Stuart | July 31, 2008

  16. Dear Stuart

    I’m writing on behalf of Norwich Union who are working to help local sporting initiatives across Britain. We noticed that in the past you’ve written about Sport in Nottingham and so thought that you might be interested in helping one lucky initiative win £50,000.

    It is also possible for initiatives to win at least £1,000 and for this to happen each initiative needs to receive at least 200 votes. We’d be delighted if you’d be able to encourage your readers to go to http://www.joinourteam.com/index/supportinitiative and vote for an initiative that appeals to them.

    Initiatives will be able to use their winnings to further develop and encourage young people to participate in sports which will benefit Britain as whole, so I’m sure that you’ll agree it’s a really worthy cause.

    You can find more information on the fund by following the link below
    http://www.joinourteam.com/index/yourcommunitymore

    Please feel free to give me a shout with any questions you may have.

    Comment by Patrick Finn | August 13, 2008

  17. Hi Stuart.

    Fell over your blog looking for a good guide on sherwood, nottinham and the peak district.

    I sense that you have good insight into the area. Perhaps you would be so kind as to suggest some must see sites.

    I am going to the peak district in october.. 1 week… sat 4/10 ´- 11/10

    I am interested in nature, natural history and the english heritage and culture of the “robin hood” times..

    I’d also love to see those quaint villages one always sees on shows like ‘midsomer murders’ ‘Frost’ and similar..

    Hope you’ll give a little worded tour of your favorite areas.

    We will be renting a car.. (yes, my girlfriend is goind as well)

    I’ve lived in England and Scotland on and off for some years, so I know the country pretty well..

    Hope to hear from you.

    Kindest regards,

    Martin
    Denmark

    Comment by Martin | August 24, 2008

  18. Hi Martin

    Thanks for dropping by. I am just home after a month away and a little disorganised right now. Please bear with me and I’m sure I will be able to come up with some good suggestions for you in those areas very shortly.

    I will be right back to you.

    Stu

    Comment by Stuart | August 25, 2008

  19. Hi Martin

    A few Nottingham and Sherwood Forest suggestions for you. I’l be back with ideas for the Peak District.

    Sherwood Forest
    The part that is generally recognised as the original Sherwood Forest. Is around 40 minute due north of Nottingham City Centre. There’s a fairly ordinary visitor centre there and refreshments available. The ‘Major Oak’ tree lies in the grounds of the Forest. It’s perhaps unlikely that it is the ‘real’ tree but is nevertheless around 800-1000 years-old. It’s hollow and could easily be imagined as a hiding place. It’s now secured with cable and props and protected by a fence.

    http://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/land-of-legend-and-dreams-sherwood-forest-and-the-major-oak/

    More obscure Robin Hood stuff can be found in Papplewick Village at the old church with gravestones of the Forest bowmen and also an ancient Yew which was supposed to have been used for making the longbows from. Alan A’ Dale is supposed to be buried there. There are no modern signs of this.

    http://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2007/09/22/one-walk-and-two-churches-1/

    At the village of Blidworth is an old unmarked gravestone purported to be the burial place of Will Scarlet.

    Nottingham Castle is in the city centre. It is not the original castle which was burnt to the ground but a palace constructed in the 19th century. Still on the original rock, it offers a pleasant visit and a good view over the city.

    Linby village is an pretty little stop-off. Evidence of ancient child-labour practices in the waterways by the roadside. A ‘cross’ marking each end of the village. One of the latter was the historic marker for the edge of Sherwood Forest. It’s also said to be the place where the pancake was invented!

    Nottingham
    I always send visitors to the caves of Nottingham. Nottingham is riddled with a honeycomb of ancient underground caves and an entrance can be found in the Broad Marsh Shopping Centre in the centre of the city.

    http://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/the-caves-of-nottingham/

    The Galleries of Justice is a few minutes walk from the caves in the Lace Market area. Old city courts and prison now converted into a visitor attraction which enactments for the visitors.

    http://www.galleriesofjustice.org.uk/

    A must-see is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub underneath the castle rock. Carved mainly out of stone with caves for some of the bars, it dates back to 1189 and is arguably the oldest pub in the world.

    http://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2007/10/12/ye-olde-trip-to-jerusalem-nottingham/

    The Bell Inn in the Market Square is another ancient pub (15th century) with a fascinating history. It has access at certain times to two levels of caves below which are used as beer cellars.

    http://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2007/10/14/the-bell-inn-nottingham/

    Newstead Abbey is 10 miles north of Nottingham. It’s the ancestral home of poet Lord Byron and a nice and interesting visit.

    Comment by Stuart | August 28, 2008

  20. Hi Stu

    Don’t know if you know about this one already, but I noticed a bit on the One Show the other night about the oilfield under Sherwood Forest. Yes, oilfield. It was news to me that there was British oil anywhere other than under the North Sea, but apparently they were extracting up to 100,000 tons a year from under Nottinghamshire during the war. Full story here (http://www.iwitnesstohistory.org/ResidentPages/oilpatch/sherwood.htm – terrible web page design!)

    The One Show mentioned that it was oil from this field that fuelled the vessels and vehicles that took part in the D-Day landings. Amazing stuff.

    Comment by thehiblog | September 26, 2008

  21. HI Fraser

    Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Yes I know of that oil field well. It’s at a North Notts village called Eakring. I believe some of the equipment is still lying around in fields up there.

    A couple of years back there was a theatre production in nearby Mansfield (the title eludes me) but it was about the American riggers who came to live in the area to extract the oil. Interesting stuff

    Comment by Stuart | October 5, 2008

  22. Hi Stuart

    The Multi-Faith Walk Against Violence will reach Pentiction on Oct. 12. Will you join us for a while?

    The Multi Faith Walk Against Violence has now completed more than 5800 km of its cross country trek. The walkers are expected to reach Penticton by Sunday, October 12. The Walk began on April 20th at the docks of Halifax when Syed Soharwardy dipped his feet in the Atlantic Ocean and began the first stage of a cross-Canada walk to protest the effects of violence in society and to call upon members of all faith groups to make a positive statement together. Now the Walk is in its final phase and will eventually end up in Victoria, B.C. by the end of October.

    The Walk aims to raise awareness about the dangers, and consequences of using violence to resolve conflicts. The concept of the dignity of life, “Save a life, save humanity”, is sacred to all faiths, and it is this concept which unites their followers. The Walk is also a graphic representation of the fact that faith and faith leaders, far from being an impediment to conflict resolution, can be a powerful and valuable resource – especially when faith groups work together!

    Syed Soharwardy, the leader of the walk, and the founder of Muslims Against Terrorism, has made a commitment to walk the entire length of the route across Canada. Other faith leaders, who will be joining him along the way, have made their own resolutions as to the distances they will be walking. A rabbi in Ontario said the Walk had inspired him to make his own walk across Israel, and a Cambodian Buddhist monk, backed by members of his community, came out in Calgary on behalf of the walk to speak publicly on the dangers of violence and the need for positive action (towards oneself and the community) to overcome violence.

    For further information, please call Syed Soharwardy at 403-831-6330. He would be very pleased to speak with you. You might also check out our website: http://www.walkagainstviolence.com. (We apologize for any shortcomings!)

    Thank you for your attention.
    Keep well and walk in peace

    Linda Zachri

    Media and Public Relations Coordinator

    Multi-Faith Walk Against Violence

    Email: lindazachri@shaw.ca

    Comment by Linda | October 11, 2008

  23. hi stu , found your website totally by accident whilst looking for something else (i daren’t tell you what i was really looking for)

    anyways hope all’s well (you’ve obviously got too much time on your hands !) drop us an email if you get chance fegs66@ntlworld.com

    ian

    Comment by Ian Fairy | October 15, 2008

  24. Hey Man, Totally found you by Chance as I was looking for sheet music to the Smokey Robinson Song.

    Anyhoo.

    Thought you might like this rendition I just saw on you tube here.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UagJgDqhnf0

    If you do, leave a comment for the Doodle at my site.
    http://arsensox.blogspot.com/

    Comment by The Doodle | October 25, 2008

  25. Hi Stu

    Just a wee note as I don’t have your email handy. You may have picked this up if you’ve looked at the hibLOG lately, but tomorrow me and Lesley are jumping on a plane and emigrating to New Zealand. Trips to Easter Road will therefore be a little fewer and further between! At least the internet means that our contact won’t change much. Hope things are well with you and Mel. Mon the Hibees!

    Fraser

    Comment by Fraser | November 29, 2008

  26. Hi Fraser

    Great news and best wishes with that!

    Thanks for getting in touch, I’ve popped an email through to you.

    Bon Voyage!

    Stu

    Comment by Stuart | November 29, 2008

  27. Hi Stu, I’m just getting my Westminster blog about Notts MPs off the ground and was hoping to get linked in to your site somewhere. I’ve put in a link to Tears of a Clown in my Nottingham Blogs section. Either way, please drop by and let me know what you think, I’m new to this whole lark.
    All the best.
    Lobbydog.

    Comment by Lobbydog | December 22, 2008

  28. Stuart,
    Thanks for the reply regarding my Glenelg contribution. Our self-catering place is “The Holt”, Mo Dhachaidh Bheag, Barnhill, Glenelg, it sleeps 2 – 4. pets accepted. It can be booked via Welcome Cottages and others but also dieect with us on 01599 522381

    Comment by peter jones | January 16, 2009

  29. I’ll drop your place’s details at the foot of the piece whe I get a moment, Peter. Maybe I’ll pop up ther myself one of these days – it’s been too long…!

    Comment by Stuart | January 16, 2009

  30. Hi Stu,
    I am currently writing a book on the subject of Leeds United in the 1970s and in the course of my research I came across your excellent site.
    I loved your piece on Brian Clough which starts… When I think about football in this city…
    The article sits perfectly with the tone of the book and therefore I am seeking your permission to reproduce it.
    There will, of course, be accreditation in both the acknowledgements and within the text.
    Kind regards,
    Phil Rostron.

    Comment by Phil Rostron | February 11, 2009

  31. Hi Phil

    Thanks for the kind words. I’d be happy for you to use the piece, no problem. I hope it helps with your new book, good luck with that.

    Any further info you need please just contact me.

    Best wishes, Stu

    Comment by Stuart | February 12, 2009

  32. Hi would you be able to send me that picture of the giant fridge. I am a trainee magazine journalist and we are creating a protoype cooking mag for men and that pic would make a perfect background for one of the features.

    thanks

    kate

    Comment by kate | February 26, 2009

  33. Hi kate

    It certainly would in my experience!

    I’ll pop it through for you but please be aware that it isn’t originally my pic.

    Best wishes, Stu

    Comment by Stuart | February 26, 2009

  34. Hi .. saw your blog on Alpha. nothing deep, just wanted to say i enjoy the randomnacity of it!

    Comment by stormyriver | March 7, 2009

  35. Thanks very much!

    I just can’t seem to stay on track for too long!

    Cheers, Stu

    Comment by Stuart | March 7, 2009

  36. Stuart, For more reasons than the fact that I am on the photo in the Ice-Hockey (Nottm v Shefield ovation)article.Can I get a copy for someone.

    Michael

    Comment by Michael Chambers | March 11, 2009

  37. HI Michael

    Sorry for the delay in answering. Would you like to just do a right-click on the image in order to save it to your own pc? I should stress that the pic isn’t mine but borrowed for a well-meaning reason in lauding what happened at the rink that evening.

    Stu

    Comment by Stuart | March 15, 2009

  38. Stu,

    I would like to add your article on Larwood/Bodyline et al on Harold’s Official website. Do you have any objections please ? Please drop me a line and let me know.

    many thanks.

    Comment by Warnie | March 26, 2009

  39. Hi there

    Message sent to your site.

    I’d be more than happy to contribute the article to your site.

    Best wishes and keep up the great work of keeping Harold’s memory and greatness alive.

    Stu

    Comment by Stuart | March 26, 2009

  40. Hi, i’m a pupil at Walton Girls’ High School and i am wondering if i would be alowed to use your photo of Isaac Newton in a project i am doing for coursework.

    Comment by sarah | March 27, 2009

  41. Hi Sarah

    Please by all means use the photo for your project. The pic isn’t originally mine but is linked from the Internet.

    Best wishes

    Stu

    Comment by Stuart | March 27, 2009

  42. Hi Stuart – I was drawn to your site by the items on the Grantham Canal walks and will certainly use the information for the stretches closer to the Trent. You have an excellent site and I am sure I’ll enjoy working through the other content as well.

    As a resident of Grantham I am saddened but unsurprised by your “brush” with the local thuggery. As with many parts of modern Britain, there are parts of the town, both in space and in time, that are best avoided. The clever title “Grantham Gingerly” did make me smile though.

    As a new blogger myself I think I will have to use you as a standard to aspire to.

    Cheers,
    Steve

    Comment by granthamtech | April 9, 2009

  43. Hi Steve.

    Thank you very much for the kind comments, it’s appreciated. It’s three years ago this summer since we walked the canal and it it still holds good memories for me. I think I’d love to go back and do it again, this time maybe exploring some of the different villages along the way. It’s a beautiful part of the world and much underused in my view. Perhaps that’s what adds to it’s charms though.

    When I think of Grantham itself I don’t think back to the slight brush with that local lowlife there. Indeed these things are far more prevalent in the likes of Nottingham where I live. I instead think of some very pleasant visits, walks and remarkable things about the area and the town. I’m glad to say there was no way that it gave a me a jaundiced view of Grantham.

    Thanks again, Steve. Good luck with your site and I shall pop over for a visit.

    Cheers, Stu

    Comment by Stuart | April 9, 2009

  44. Hellooo Stu,

    Came across your site while searching for photo’s in google. Nice to see another hibby down in this part of the world :)

    I moved down here about 5 years ago (here being Alfreton).
    Dont really make many games, last one I actually made was the cup final….shocking I know.

    Well just saying how do!

    Take care.

    Comment by Gil - Alfreton | April 23, 2009

  45. found this great site researching some information for the nottstalgia bunch…is that the same STU who hasn’t been seen for a while ? best wishes Chrissie ( hippo girl )

    Comment by chrissie | April 23, 2009

  46. Hya Gil – how nice to have another Hibby in the neighboroughhood! (Well Alfreton isn’t that far!) I hope things are good over there for you? A nice litle gateway into the Derbyshire Peak District eh?

    Similarly I don’t get to as many games as i’d like to, mainly because of the expense more than anything. Do you visit any of the Hibs sites at all?

    Comment by Stuart | April 23, 2009

  47. Hya Chrissie, it’s really nice to hear from you!

    Thanks for the kind words, – I hope you found what you were looking for! Yes it’s Stu, formerly on Nottstalgia. I don’t visit these days but hope you are all still enjoying yourself and playing nice. ;) How are things Hippo Girl!

    Comment by Stuart | April 23, 2009

  48. hi stu, yes we are all still posting on the nottstalgia site, bip, craig, beefy and all!!!! i’m still into my music, the borlase and enjoying life, hope you are well, take care Chrissie

    Comment by chrissie | April 23, 2009

  49. I, obviously, keep in touch via the official site but the others like bounce etc I dont bother with. There is one forum I go on quite often. Its shared between Yams and Hibbys but there isnt many of us left.

    Can you recommend any decent sites?

    Comment by Gil - Alfreton | April 24, 2009

  50. Hi Stuart

    I am busy creating a brand new website for the Southwell Rotary club, and there are a couple of photos of yours from your blog I would like to use on our site. Would this be ok?

    Thanks

    Matt

    Comment by Matt | April 27, 2009

  51. Hi Matt

    That’s absolutely fine and thanks for asking. I’d be more than pleased to contribute. I’d really appreciate if you were able to credit my blog somewhere?

    Best wishes with your site.

    Stuart

    Comment by Stuart | April 27, 2009

  52. In addition to my comment on the recent fantastic derby game, I saw your Hibs dominated recommended sites. It was my brother Colin who started Hibs monthly/ mass hibsteria and as his younger sister, I was forced to sell them in the cold outside Easter Road way back when ! I even helped type the first few copies on an old fashioned typrewriter !!

    Comment by Miss Edinburgh | May 12, 2009

  53. Would that be Colin Leslie? I think we may have a few mutual friends. Sean Allan, Ali Tait, Bobby Sinnet, John Campbell? I have always loved MHHM and spent a lot of time on the website in the past. It’s completely quiet these days but is still out there. I hope to see the paper version come back at some point (I have written a couple of things in there but more on the site). I know there was a problem with getting people out there selling it on the streets latterly. Well done to you for contributing to the cause! Will put you on my blogroll shortly.

    Comment by Stuart | May 12, 2009

  54. Yes, it is Colin, I’m his wee sister Alison (well, we’re both in our 30s now) Colin still has all the first copies of HM – collectors items. He writes for The Scotsman now. I didn’t even realise that MHHM had gone on the web.

    Comment by Miss Edinburgh | May 12, 2009

  55. I would like permission to reproduce the image of Lafayette and his dog please.

    Comment by Su Lewis | May 26, 2009

  56. You’re welcome Su. Please be aware that it isn’t my image originally and is linked from the Internet.

    Comment by Stuart | May 26, 2009

  57. hello Stuart.

    I just found your report from Napoli – Roma after some searcing at google.

    I run the website ultras-tifo.net and would like to publish your report there to get a view from a more normal person. (Usually our articles is written by hardcore supporters/ultras).

    Please contact me on thomas_a2 followed by @hotmail.com

    cheers

    Comment by Thomas | June 8, 2009

  58. Hi Stuart,

    I am hoping you may be able to help me, I would really like to use the image that you have of the Old Malt Cross music Hall.

    I am looking for music venues of the 1970’s I would really appreciate it if you got in touch!

    Comment by Rachel Dargavel | July 19, 2009

  59. Hi Rachel

    Please use the image but please also be aware that it does not belong to me and is taken from the Internet. I visit the Old Malt Cross perhaps once a week and the next time I go along there I’ll take a couple of shots and pop them through to you if you like?

    Good luck with your research!

    Comment by Stuart | July 19, 2009

  60. Hi Stuart, I followed the link to your site from the ‘Quadrophenia’ review. It was interesting reading your piece about Bernard Jewry/Shane Fenton. I live about half a mile from where he used to live in Liverpool when he was married to his first wife. She was the sister of Rory Storm of Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. You may of heard of their former drummer, his name is Ringo Starr !. I used to walk past Alvin’s house, and see the gold discs on the walls (if the curtains were open). He moved to London when he became famous, and married Lisa Goddard.Great site by the way, and the title of one of my favourite songs.

    Comment by Geoff | August 19, 2009

  61. Hi Geoff and thanks for the kind comments. I certainly remember Alvin marrying Liza Goddard and thinking he’d done pretty well for himself there! Sounds like pleasant memories for you. Thanks for sharing them.

    Comment by Stuart | August 21, 2009

  62. Hi mate,
    My name is Matt and I write for a Celtic blog on theoffside.com. I was wondering if you’d be interested in answering some questions about Hibs, since you’re obviously such a big fan. I would ask about the offseason for Hibs, history, thoughts on the upcoming season, stuff like that. Here’s an example I did with an Arsenal blogger: http://celtic.theoffside.com/match-previews/interview-with-the-enemy-arsenal.html

    Email me at the address I listed if you are interested. Thanks for your time.

    Comment by Matt | August 24, 2009

  63. Stuart, could you email me please via the address on my contact page ? Don’t want to print it here for auto spammers. Was wondering if you could do me a favour re the Hibs and an article ? I’ve done the stadium tour now (with Colin and his kids) and will review it shortly, loved it though. Got an exciting new project in the pipeline and thought you may be able to help. Cheers, Alison

    Comment by Miss Edinburgh | September 4, 2009

  64. Hello,

    My name is Phil Davies from mytrafficgoals.com which is a search engine optimization company. While carrying out some searches today I came across your website stuartfrew.wordpress.com and wanted to contact you to discuss the possibility of an indirect link exchange.

    A client of mine has engaged my services to improve their website’s search engine rankings by exchanging links with sites like yours. Your website’s search engine ranking can also benefit from the exchange and there is no cost at all to you as my client is paying me for my services.

    If you would like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

    Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

    Comment by Phil Davies | November 7, 2009

  65. Good Morning,

    My name is Robert Harvey and I live in Rutherglen, Glasgow.

    I am researching stories for a book that I am writing about Bobby Murdoch. He is the best Celtic midfield player that I have ever seen. In the 1960’s I used to save up my school dinner money and use it to go and see the Lisbon Lions play in the great European Cup games at Celtic Park. He was a fantastic player to watch. Jock Stein once said “ When the name Bobby Murdoch appears on our team sheet, I feel the opposition team get an inferiority complex. “

    I have heard many supporters say that he was also a nice modest man away from football, and that he represented everything that is good about a Celtic player. Billy McNeill once said “ Bobby was such a popular lad and a superb player. A big influence, but more importantly he was just a really decent human being.”

    Every Celtic supporter has a story to tell, and many supporters around the world will have good memories of the great games that he played for Celtic, or the great goals that he scored, or wonderful personal stories if they ever met him.

    I would be very grateful if you could send me any favourite stories that you may have about him. All stories will be fully acknowledged.

    Please feel free to pass on this note to any of your friends, family, or colleagues who may be interested in contributing a story. I can be contacted at glasgowquotes@yahoo.co.uk.

    Thanks for your help, and I look forward to hearing from you.

    Regards

    Robert Harvey

    http://www.celticquotes.co.uk
    Celtic Quotes website – sharing Celtic stories with fans around the world.

    Comment by robert harvey | November 15, 2009

  66. Hello Robert, thank you for your comments.

    Unfortunately I don’t have any anecdotes or stories about Bobby Murdoch, I wish I could help. He was certainly a very fine player and one I admired.

    Best wishes with your project.

    Comment by Stuart | November 16, 2009

  67. Hi Stuart,

    I was googling for info about my Father-in-laws dad James Dunn and you mentioned his time at Hibs.

    I have been trying to think of a way to bring him up to Hibs for a tour and to find out first hand about his dads time there and I was wondering if you have a contact at the club that could help me? Many thanks.

    Trevor Morris

    Comment by Trevor Morris | November 21, 2009

  68. Hi Trevor. I’ve always been intrigued by the story of James Dunn – Hibs’ very own ‘Wembley Wizard’. It’s a long time ago now but I have to say I think of him as one of Hibernian’s most illustrious sons. You can read more about his exploits in the following book: ‘Wembley Wizards: The Story Of A Legend by Paul Joannou’.

    I’d suggest you contact the club and book a tour for your Father-in-law:

    Hibernian Football Club: The Easter Road Tour
    http://stuartfrew.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/hibernian-football-club-the-easter-road-tour/

    An acquaintance of mine by the name of Billy Bryson is the tour guide at Easter Road and I’m certain he will be able to guide you towards a little info regarding James Dunn.

    Additionally, you could register on http://www.hibs.net and request info on the forums on there. Billy himself is a member on there and I’m sure will respond to any queries about a proposed Easter Road tour.

    Best wishes and good luck!

    Stu

    Comment by Stuart | November 22, 2009


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