A sign in the past was “Shop at Binns”
But in this rates war nobody wins
For like deserted cities hear what I say
Our retail trade is heading for decay

A sign of the past was “Shop at Binns”
The remnant day sale let us all in 
Bargains to choose from doors open wide
But closing this store we cannot abide

So sign to the last it must stop at Binns
We need our centre not a tunnel of winds
We need lower rates to open up stores
So make it a date to flourish as before

Design it fast a replacement for Binns
Get ourselves moving onto greater things
A town to be proud of that is the plan
A battle to fight for to the last man
 

 
Ancient skills that heal the sick,
With the discomfort of a pin prick,
To the Foot, the Knee or the elbow,
Perforations, to let energies flow.

Eastern magic “is it just a trick",
Alternative medicines all to pick,
From herbs, massage or acupuncture,
To keep healthy is an adventure.

Nerve ends stimulate ease the pain,
Blocked energies starting to drain,
All because your body needs them,
Applied pressure from the needle.

Opposites are then the Magic cure, 
For headache stick pin in your toe,
Backache there is no need to fear, 
It’s just that pin prick in the ear.

Aches and pains are now in the past,
The cure to end all cures at last,
Medical advancement starts to push on,
Turns you into a human pin cushion. 

 
For Ten years now she has been at Goal
Even though she does not look that old
By following the points system we are told
Angela has really been as good as Gold

So now it is our turn to do our best
From junk foods we must take a rest
Vegetables we can eat, more not less
Does not mean living on Mustard and Cress

So is it 'Full Choice', or 'Points' to count 
Either way you can still eat any amount
Of the foods that gain for us solutions
With Menus suitable for most occasions

So raise your glass to the Points Scheme
Born Ten years ago, also - it would seem
So we must pull together now, as a team
The sights set on our Weight Loss Dream
 

 
At the seaside - Briton's roam, 
For this is their second home, 
knotted hankie on father’s head, 
plenty to eat for the underfed.

Sample of the resorts delights, 
Rock, Candy floss, flavoured ice, 
then it’s to the beach, to relax, 
On the Deck chair 'Booby trap’.

Find you're drawn to the water, 
paddling with son and Daughter, 
catch a crab then skip a stone, 
while away hours with sea foam.

Favoured dish eaten at seaside, 
Is fish and chips we all abide, 
amusement arcades, spend change, 
with pot shot's on rifle range.

Then Promenade along the shore, 
Keep kids at bay shouting more? 
Meet friends with like pursuit,
Sand in shoes and wet swimsuit.

So be seen when at the seaside, 
On carousel or at funfair ride, 
This is where we are born free, 
pleasant days end, home for tea.: 

 
Births celibration, of each passing year 
'Happy Birthday' that rings in your ear 
Another year older, and some of us fret
The coming of age, will it get to us yet

Joyous occasions, and candles are alight
Balloons and presents, for party delight
Reunion of friends, that comes for the day
Fun for all with the games that we play

The Yearly anniversary, sometimes forgot 
Even celebrated while still in your cot 
To Fathers and Uncles, Brothers and Sons
Aunties and Sisters, Daughters and Mums

The age of consent has it passed us by
Try as we might, do we still wonder why
This time of the year comes around fast
Has it been a year since, we had one last

The Time scale on the trees of our life 
Whether husband or son, daughter or wife 
Cards arrive that are gentle reminders 
To how old we are, or do feel inside us

So sing happy birthday, and all join in 
One day of the year you feel you can win 
The time to reveal or hide from them all
The number of bricks building your wall

 
Prisoner gasps and starts to splutter 
His eye's feast on the Bread and Butter
But then the gaoler starts to grin 
Its dry Bread and water for your sin

For a guest interred within the Tower
Straying from the straight and narrow
Caught unaware he start's to stutter
He was only after the Bread and Butter

The gallows or will it be the block
The prisoner desperately tries the lock
The Beefeaters just look on and mutter
As they earn their Bread and Butter

For his tampering in the royal pantry 
Just taking a chance, was it insanity
Now his life's in an awful clutter 
Hangman lubricates the trap with Butter

Now all the nobles and the well bred
Have come to see the poor bloke dead
Gamblers all they'll have a flutter
The price to pay for Bread and Butter

The staff of life becomes his death
Wanting to taste before his last breath
If only he could have his time over
Bread and Butter he would pass over 

 
Was it a chance meeting or was it Fate 
To arrive in foreign parts and also late 
There to find you have we met before 
No this is my first time on a distant shore

A shared taxi takes us to the same hotel 
I'm on the special tour what you are as well 
Then on accident to find to my surprise 
We are joint winners of a competition prize

Adjoining rooms and the same breakfast table 
And yes I also have an aunt called Mabel 
And that's right I am left-handed too 
And your eyes are the same shade of blue

What is your star sign no it cannot be true 
You know mine is the same date yes in 1952 
Hey you have my suitcase and I've your coat
Funny they're identical let us get the boat

I am here from Cleveland did you hear me say
Well I never? I am moving there next May 
Maybe you know the location of this street 
Yes we will be neighbours then again to meet

Anyway what is your name; it’s you I am to meet 
That is a coincidence I'm at a loss to speak 
These things in common just has to be a tie 
Let’s enjoy the holiday to try and reason why

 
The powers new Security team,
really  want  to  make  me scream,
at catching vandal's they are no use,
but are expert at the 'Denver Boot'.

Only the innocent get the clamp,
that  is  what  makes  me  stamp,
it's not as though I am parking free,
I've got my card I've paid my fee.

Fifteen cars and they clamp two,
not the villain's just me and you,
when I asked  "Why clamp mine",
and all I got was a ten pound fine.

Ask  the  powers  "Do they care",
when  parking  cars  do  beware,
clamping cars they won't hesitate,
inconvenience you and make you late.

 
Deserted Cities of the heart,
Landmarks gone and left no mark,
Organic veg' shop gone to earth,
Guitar shop taken over Huggie's place.

Familiar sights, forgotten dreams, 
But all the changes in the scenes,
Forgotten already, by the few, 
Remember Tim's camper, still in view.

No more dogs upon the beach,
Carol, so busy, no time for speech,
Mary, on date, with her problem mate,
For her, India in October, rely on fate,

Still didn't get to visit the Castle,
Found as usual, parking a hassle,
Missed the faces, no longer there,
Memories left, from those that care. 

 
Eston Nab, No, Roseberry Topping,
Destinations planned even if I'm dropping,
In twenty minutes from toe to top, 
And I was right it is there I did drop,

Panorama view and sunshine too,
Patchwork fields, long gone the dew,
Quiet all except the planes, 
The solitude I expect to gain,

I am above the Seagulls and the crows,
What are they thinking, no one knows,
Then up above another plane, 
Material or astral it is their to gain,

Reminds us always to look up,
Raise above this earth, advantage took,
A Butterfly wings gently by, 
In their short life, heights they desire.

Look down then upon the trees, 
Some single, in groups rolling like the Sea,
A smooth Green colour, not seen as one, 
Shapes on a landscape, which we are among.

From on this rock, the earth below,
A Jig Saw of life for those that know,
Pieced together, for all to see,
Uniform to the eye, all so clear.

Change of position, now to see the Sea,
Blue, calm and clear, stretching out for me,
Only a different hue, where it meets the sky,
It is only just a hop away, if only I could fly.

Roseberry Topping, No, Eston Nab,
Is this the way to fight the flab?
Same time to climb but not as steep,
And no, I am not yet failing asleep.


Same views but different, same sun and planes,
Looking out over, man and Natures domain,
The Sea is even closer, see right down the coast,
And inland across a barren land, not seen by most.

The River Tees in distance, nearer Arthur's seat, 
Onto the bright blue waters, sails the merchant fleet,
Then I spot the difference, industry wide spread, 
Roseberry has got the better views, that it can be said

From Nab Hill Fort beside the Monument,
See Kirkleatham Hall, way back to firmament,
Cross hills and dale to Roseberry Topping,
Head back now or there will be no stopping. 

 

Feline friend’s with-out a care, 
with their own will they do and dare, 
But apt to do what they like best, 
the ball of fur curled up at rest. 
Feline friends on the prowl, 
their antics will never make you scowl, 
Stalking their prey across a bridge, 
standing guard upon your fridge.

Feline friends are all at play, 
when not asleep they'll pass the day, 
Finding mischief where ever they go, 
a simple attack on your big toe. 
Feline friends groomed and preened, 
c1eanest cat around by any means, 
Sitting there ready on full alert, 
waiting for their purr-fect mate.

Feline friends sat upon your lap, 
straight in through the 'cat flap', 
Give to you their prize possession, 
a dead mouse for your inspection. 
Feline friends are all alive, 
night times here it's out on the tiles, 
Now they are in their element, 
putting paw prints in the wet cement.

Feline friend’s wide bright eye's, 
where's the meat gone from the pie, 
Who has scratched the furniture, 
meow, meow, is its innocent overture. 
Feline friends avoid the rain, 
plea for food with their eyes so vain, 
Always get their way in the end, 
is our truly adorable feline friend. 

 
From Norman king to royal dene,
The buried past a forgotten dream,
Landscaped grounds abundant trees,
Stately homes offering, high teas.

On roman wall I've often pondered,
Who in the past this way wandered?
Old battlefields never forgotten,
Now in vision and visited often.

Historic church or ruined remain, 
Country seat of the baron’s reign, 
Lone hill fort, stone circle see,
Fishing coves retreats from the sea.

The Castle keep and old museum
Relics all Must go to see them,
History there for you and me,
Start looking now that is the key.

 
Give us a break (Cod Talk)

Odd talk on the music scene 
Have these critics ever been
To see a group of true musicians 
Real ones not hyped televisions?

Where were they when music played
Was in the most truly wonderful ways 
Because the players played for their delight
Not the televisions old rubbish hype

No merits please because they play 
Their guitars around the right way
Give it only where it should belong
The talents that go with a real song

Let’s drop the copies of old discs
This is what really makes me sick
Revue the group that shows it’s got worth
Playing to please new songs with blind faith

This is not really a gripe
But for me to grab the mike
And shout aloud for all to hear
This town’s got music to suit all ears

(Jimi Wah-Wah  Ritzville)

 
In a room that is full of views,
From window, video or TV news,
In books on shelves and magazine,
Or peaceful music, sit and daydream. 

Study picture, ornament, holiday souvenir,
Reminisce, lose yourself in the sphere's,
Venture out with no danger to befall,
Safely secure within your four walls.

Sit in silence, be still, meditate,
Let yourself wander, guided by fate,
Travel afar, see lands in your mind,
Return refreshed your tensions unwind.

Music interests there to share,
Remote controlled don't leave the chair,
On cassette, record, radio or CD
Even music video back to the TV

Then make your own music of a kind,
Hope that your neighbours don't mind,
Portable organ, valve amp and bass,
To beat out yourself a steady pace.

The rhythmic tapping, that sounds right,
O'h excuse me I’m only trying to type,
Or the silence of the computer key,
Letter’s word-processed on my knee.

The printer then rattles out in time, 
Broken only as the clock strikes nine,
Where has the day gone to since noon? 
The whole world seen, from in your room. 

 

Kilmarnock, again, time brings us here, 
The August draw for the far and near, 
Meet with friends from outer reaches. 
Await to hear the Seminar's speakers, 

Those that come to see the Guests,
Seekers who come to solve their Quest,
Following feelings that they judge true,
Hoping they tie-in with me and you.

Kilmarnock, for August's summer breeze, 
Wipe cobwebs from minds in deep freeze, 
Make space for the way of higher power, 
We give time for our spirit every hour.

Guest's this time round for all to see,
Mavis Pattilla, Duncan Bicket (it is He),
Margaret Pearson and Elizabeth Hawthorn,
Appear this weekend, come early I warn.

Kilmarnock, for the social atmosphere,
Burlington Berties for food and beer,
Then sandwich teas and news to share,
For those among us with time to spare.

Another year passes and we grow rich,
As in the search for spirit, we itch,
Find out all there is, for us to Know,
Involve friends, and keep them in tow.

 
Majestic, trees, towering, strong, resplendent, 
uniformed, full of life, upright, independent, 
Made humble, felled with saw, axed, up-rooted, 
stripped, cut, planed, our forests are looted.

Ringed columns, bark covered bough, seep sap,
Solitary upward grow, leafed' branch overlap, 
moved, by log flume, milled, or pulp to cater, 
To end in street, crumpled, torn SCRAP PAPER.

Daily tabloid, carry out wrapper, bus ticket,
Milk carton, bread packet, toilet roll, a bet, 
Chosen easy disposable, packets of tissues, 
The earth is ravaged, by Governments issues.

Empty moor, barren plain, woods, forest, glens, 
Sparse landscape's, will we ever learn, when, 
recycle, repair, restore, but man's the raper, 
exploiting planet the greed of SCRAP PAPER.

Seeds of doubt, destruction, a time to worry, 
ultimate supply, is money, head in sand bury, 
Turn back on nature, misread instead by you, 
Human animal at last resorts, to its own zoo.

Capital gain, wildlife seeps down the drain, 
Rain forest destruction, the power of grain, 
Mankind realizes, run's, will not escape far, 
Stopped midway by mountains of SCRAP PAPER

 

MEGAN

Treasure of a different kind
Treasure that yourself can find
There to share there to care
Megan Megan you are so fair.

Reaching out to be free 
Reaching out to you and me 
Silence speaks to satisfy 
Megan Megan please don't cry.

Touching feeling so aware
Tender soft without a care 
Safe and secure that's alright 
Megan Megan you are so bright.

Knowing more than you can show
Experience more to make you grow
Childhood never needs to end 
Megan Megan our new found friend.

Let us share your life today
Listen to each word you say
Give and take from life and love
Megan Megan sent from above.
 

 
No Need To Change Crest

To change our Crest - Oh give it a rest
Why after so long this sudden interest!
Who’s trying to take the hart from Hartlepool
To take away our heritage - Oh what a fool

Let’s keep our crest for we know best
Is our towns honour being put to the test
This talk of hunts and then blood sports
I suppose to live in this world takes all sorts

So let’s show off our crest upon our chests
I’m sure the Civic Centre will print some vests
Let’s show our badge - let it be worn with pride
Not something that this town should hide

Support our crest - don’t let it go west
For it is ours which we are blessed
For our other badge isn’t kept low key
Are campaigners shouting “Protect the Monkey”

So to our crest -keep it -I do not jest
Look deep into its symbology - let it digest
Let us always keep the hart in our history
Let’s now play our part in its destiny

 

Our wedding developed a last minute hitch,
For when I awoke to find, was it a stitch,
Or indigestion, no it was in another part,
For I was having an attack of the heart.

So to two days stay in intensive care,
By the second day allowed in a chair,
Then three more days to my release,
Only now I have to watch what I eat.

The first thing is set a second date.
So march the 14th I won't be late,
I am to take it easy from now on,
To get back in tune with life’s song.

Now’s the time to relax and reflect,
Read some books and write some text,
Let things develop in their own time,
So in no time I will be feeling fine.

 
Sound waves flowing through the air,
Sent for those to hear and share,
Picked up by their small receivers,
Listened too by firm believers.

Electronic boxes full, of tricks,
Diodes, electrodes take your pick,
Channelled thoughts, words and deeds,
Transmitted out, with all speed.

Receptions clear from transmitter station,
The programme broadcasts to the nation,
Listened too by those who know?
How to tune in to their radio.

Press the button or turn the dial,
Find something to make you smile,
Catch the news or football game,
Or Flamenco music live from Spain.

 
The revelation of government sins
Brings about the demise of  Binns
To follow on like shops before
The closing of this noble store

A landmark that no-one could miss
And do not want to is our wish
Built at the crossroads by design
Now on a roundabout in decline

A remnant of the days gone by
The building reaches to the sky
So with the closing of this place
Bringing us firmly down to earth

With Marina plans will we learn
Set waves in motion do a u-turn
Rise like a phoenix from the ashes
Advertised on each bus that passes

The shopping centre becomes bare
An open shop to find quite rare
It’s then up to us to cause a din
So campaign now to save our Binns

 
The Universal TRAMP

Wanderer on the road of ruin, 
down in heart and down in mouth, 
Tonight’s park bench not too soon, 
contemplates heading slowly south. 
Head in gutter, shuffling along, 
a goldmine waiting for the find,
No rest, always being moved on, 
though he does not seem to mind.

Picking up papers for his bed, 
cigarette ends his only pleasure, 
Goes through life with empty head, 
void of city living's pressure.
Begs some silver for a cuppa, 
borrows clothes from washing line, 
Pleading poverty for his supper, 
hopes that tomorrow will be fine.

Passing silent hour and day, 
speaks to no one, he will confess, 
Wouldn’t have it any other way, 
streets apart without the stress.
Sitting under dim street lamps, 
waiting the rising of the dawn, 
Seeks company from other tramps, 
to their code of conduct sworn.

Traveller along life's open road, 
as the holder of freedoms key,
Not held down by material load, 
all his belongings there to see.
Unwelcome guest, where ever he goes, 
escapes official’s rubber stamp,
Where he came from, no one knows, 
because he's the universal Tramp.

 

The Fox among the heather,
The Deer in the Glen,
Never mind the weather,
For it is the sport of men.

The Hare on the course,
The Cock in the pit,
As the primeval force,
Encourage punters to sit.

There's Hounds on the trail,
And Badgers to bait,
Gather around for the tale,
Evil appetites to sate.

To the Bull in the ring, 
And wild Dogs un-muzzled,
While cruel folk sing, 
Leaves the rest of us puzzled,

Then it's for us to say,
And give MP's reports,
We will have our way,
To stop these Blood sports. 

 
Times have changed, but life goes on
I often wonder where we went wrong,
We plucked the chords and sang the song,
We made a hit and it was strong,

But then the change in music trends,
So often played from beginning to end,
The record slid from the charts my friend,
And finally the stylus started to bend.

As our paths met, on that first night,
Then parallel journeyed towards the light,
But there at the junction we had to part,
Along different paths, new adventures start.

As one door closes, another one opens,
I hope it is the right path, we have chosen,
I wish you luck and God speed, on the way,
For your health and protection, I pray.

So to the future, my thoughts I send,
Please keep in touch, as a friend,
Realise now your dreams and wishes,
I leave you now, take care, love and kisses.

 

To find your way without a fuss
It’s now the time to take a bus
Around the route's within your town
Dropped at destinations, never let down

You know now that it is the ticket
If you're stuck at a sticky wicket
Make sure you're not caught on the hop
Careful timetable study at the bus stop

Buses from depot for you and me,
Not one at a time, but two and three
Single coach, double deck and even mini
Coaches with coffee, toi1et and 'cine'

Day trip, mystery or just sight see,
As one of the passengers, driven, free
On and off this transport of delight
Start and stop vehicle's made for life

And even before the age of steam
It was someone had the noble dream
To get the public were they want to be
By stagecoach, tram, or even the trolley

Now we can hear all across this land 
"There’s room inside to sit or stand" 
"Have your ticket ready for inspection" 
Is this bus going in the right direction?"

 
To love my hearts arrows target
From cupids bow knowing where to go
To aim for gold its heart to get 
To claim the prize, in the afterglow

The aim must be true, with patience
Make sure it does not miss the mark
This arrows path I must not hasten
Let it strike home, kindle the spark

To Love I feel this special tie
That makes me walk as if on high
I've realized now my heart can't lie
I know these feelings will never die

A friend to talk to, an ear to lend
No need for your barriers to defend
A friend to walk with a heart to mend
You can talk in truth and not pretend

If ever you feel an urge to cry
Or maybe heave that little sigh
Don’t be afraid to give it a try
A shoulder for comfort, depressions fly

 

Will you listen to my plight?
The curse that haunts me day and night,
It stops me dead try as I might,
You've guessed it, it's the 'Traffic Light'.

There's no through road that I have seen, 
Without Lights changing Red from Green,
From whichever direction I have been,
I'm stopped, recurring, like a bad dream.

The traffic scheme set for this town,
Is sure to make the most humble frown,
When it starts to get you down,
Ask was it designed by a clown?

Rush hour traffic for positions fight,
Cyclists with no brains or lights,
The 'Challenge' was to set things right,
To make our transport problems bright,

But is it money down the drain.
Will we be able to take the strain?
Waiting for a bus is such a strain,
This new road project is not our gain. 

 

True digits in addition, made to make the sum,
As counters, beads or fingers make us not so dumb.
Time tells in variation, in Roman, scratch or rune,
Forecast days in passing, or the arcing of the moon.

Recording means and methods, of every cult or clan,
For the universal language, made to measure man.
Subtract the prime example; leave out at all cost,
Divide the mean total; make sure the point's not lost,

A stroke, a slash a swirl, on paper, rock or tree, 
A pile of stones, or coloured shells, set for us to see.
A way of course for counting, a tool for us to use,
They are of course numbers, forget them is to lose.

 

Walking movement that is made for man
One foot forward, followed if you can 
By the swing on past of the other leg 
And propel yourself forward as I said

The balance goes from the heel to toe 
Then your body rocks back too and fro 
Where the motion that then follows on 
Walking step by step you travel along

That is when you get into your stride 
So automatic gears then let you glide 
Through the series at different speed 
Walk, jog or running to meet your need

Then leave it to, what comes naturally 
The distance is covered between A & B 
Its only possible by the co-ordinance 
Foot in front of foot, as if in trance

The subconscious guidance as you walk 
To move on while engaged in idle talk 
Then it puts your legs into overdrive 
To cover the distance till you arrive

So truly Walking is the way to travel 
On roads of tarmac or paths of gravel 
On pavements or grass, along promenade 
Slow step, long stride, March on parade

A walk in this country, or even France 
If you have subtle feet learn to dance 
Even more steps for your legs to learn 
As they get to know each twist or turn

Discover then the freedom of your feet 
Get them to take you to your next meet 
Then after you have sat around talking 
Get on your feet and start off walking 

 

Weight Watch	
To watch the weight as we wait to watch
The scales that show not gain but loss
Then see the silver tick upon the card
As another seven pounds we discard

The game where you win when you lose
The rules are there for you to choose
To take from the good foods not the bad
Points on the ‘Tracker’ we can then add

Put sweets and temptation out of reach
In moderation tho’ the only way to teach
Then we can await for our just reward
As the pounds drop duly from our card

Another week over let us count the score
And only hope that it is less not more
The starter now towards our next goal
With our healthy eating for the soul   

 

Written words are there on show,
waiting only for the sign to go,
set in motion this local scheme,
a newspaper with our areas theme.

Desk publishers are standing by,
willing typist are set to try,
to process and format the page,
an advancement of the modern age.

Await the headline or the news,
a short story or poem to amuse,
a picture from the days gone by,
or gossip from the faithful spy.

Set competitions from the start,
and then await people to support,
get this project off the ground,
onto the very next paper round.

 

To York road to see the sight's,
Christmas time coloured fairy lights,
January, windows covered in sale's, 
Offering reductions there's the tale.

To York road let's say thanks,
As every other building is a Bank,
But our optimism starts to pale,
They never ever have a sale.

To York road to see a Picture,
In the past it was a fixture,
Now it's where all the kin go,
Just another hall for Bingo.

To York road let me see,
The amount of shops for Charity,
Then there are the fast-food shops,
For Pizza's burger's or lamb chops.

To York road to drive your car,
You may not even get that far,
At Traffic lights you wait for green,
again, again and again that’s obscene,

To York road from top to tail, 
Valley gardens to cinema for sale,
All in the space of a mile, 
The road that makes us all smile.