Allotments 4 All
General => News => Topic started by: PakChoi on October 11, 2005, 09:16:47
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Hard to find details on the Beeb website, but I think this programme runs daily for the week starting 17 October. Might be worth a look?
BBC2
The Big Dig
Mon 17 Oct, 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm 60mins
A tale of two plots as Simon Mayo follows two hugely contrasting sets of allotmenteers from Cardiff and London throughout the growing season. Today it's the beginning of April and that means it's planting out the first early potatoes, getting the greenhouse in order, the bean frames up and learning the secrets of bio-dynamic planting.
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That's brillian news and it is about time there was something on TV re allotments. :) busy_lizzie
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Looking forward to this :) You never know, I might even learn something if I don't fall asleep watching it ( a bad habit of mine).
Cheers,
Rob ;)
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Looking forward to that but I totally agree with Wardy...why Simon Mayo??
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Looking forward to that but I totally agree with Wardy...why Simon Mayo??
Probably because he is cheeper than Alan Tichmarsh, Charlie Dimock, Durmud Gavin or anyone from gardeners world. lol
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cheapskates !! I suppose allotments are all about recycling though.
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At last!! Will give it a whirl, have to agree about Simon Mayo, what's Colin Firth up to......Sure he'd enjoy romping around outside....quick dip in pond...... ;D
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About time too. I have sent stacks of emails to the beeb about allotments and their lack of programmes about real gardeners, lets hope they do the bussiness, as I sick and tired of programmes where everything comes from the garden centre.
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At last!! Will give it a whirl, have to agree about Simon Mayo, what's Colin Firth up to......Sure he'd enjoy romping around outside....quick dip in pond...... ;D
You can have Colin Firth if I can have Kate Winslet.... in wellies...cor!!! ;D ;D
Wardy - excellent news about veg seed sales - must be a lot of people fed up with supermarket dross.
Cheers,
Rob ;)
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Why does it have to be on at 3.30 p.m. ??
What about those of us who miss out because we work
>:( >:( >:(
unless it's repeated at a later time...
Debs ( ever hopefully)
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Looking forward to that but I totally agree with Wardy...why Simon Mayo??
Because the guy actually has an allotment. I think it's on one of the sites filmed.
moonbells
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Oh bottoms! Didn't notice time either, looks like I'll be recording too... ::) Would still rather Colin Firth though.... ;D
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I just got next weeks tv mag. It is a lot of taping guys. It is on for 1 hour every afternoon next week. Monday - Friday
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Any indication of repeats? Chances of me getting that lot and not recording over it, is zero...... ::) ;D
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If I remember correctly, Simon Mayo's father is a vicar or RE teacher.
I think that he has his feet well and truly grounded on this planet, which is more than can be said about many other presenters, radio or television.
Plus, he's a Spurs supporter ;D
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well I've been and marked it on my calendar - just in case!! will also have finger poised over record button - just in case 'my eyes get tired' ;) HP
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Erm, who is Simon Mayo???? will I be irritated on the first show??? ;D
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bbc website has listen again facility so you will prob see it on there and be able to hear it all in full. most stuff is stored for 7 days.
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That's great Moonbells - I take back everything I ever said about him. I never would have had him down as a plottie. I'm really looking forward to it. Will someone remind me that it's on as I forget everything
Ta Wardy
Course now I've said that, I can't find where I read it!!!
Probably the BBC GW mag...
moonbells
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Simon Mayo has an allotment...well I never!
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Simon Mayo has an allotment...well I never!
~ i thought gardens/allotments were the new rock'n'roll
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I just got next weeks tv mag. It is a lot of taping guys. It is on for 1 hour every afternoon next week. Monday - Friday
Excellent. Just what my DVD recorder was bought for! Will Programme it tonight, before I forget!
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Have set the sky+ already. I will no doubt be still off sick next week (Shut up whinging Baggy you miserable old cow) so I will have something to look forward to.
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Looking forward to that but I totally agree with Wardy...why Simon Mayo??
Because the guy actually has an allotment. I think it's on one of the sites filmed.
moonbells
Uh oh! He might be on here under a pseudonym and you lot have all just insulted him. I quite like him on Radio 5.
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I remember him on tv doing rubbish programmes. I don't think he came across as a very nice person but maybe with age and an allotment he has chilled his bones! I don't give a monkey's if he's on here under a pseudonym, he's in the media, he's put himself out there to be critised or praised accordingly. I'm only hoping his new show will be great!
Redclanger...YOU could be Simon Mayo !!! ;D
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Erm, who is Simon Mayo? will I be irritated on the first show???
If he gives Wardy the pip he can't be all bad? Seriously though, it could have been Nicky Campbell... :o
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I'm setting out to enjoy the programme. It will be nice to sit down in front of telly in afternoon for a change and for a full hour every day. What luxury. Sorry for you folks with kids coming home from school. Arrange for them to go to other peeps houses for tea next week, or lock yourself in so you can't be disturbed. Phone off hook, kettle on, can't wait. Knowing my luck we'll have a power cut! Honestly, that sort of thing always happens to me - usually Wimbledon final >:(
Oh I suspect there will be enough of us recording it to make sure you don't miss it!
I shall be doing it myself!
moonbells
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If only I could! This working for a living lark sure does get in the way of enjoying myself.
Going to try and record them, maybe we can do a swop on episodes for us workers who may not manage to record them all.
We have just got one of those recordable DVD players - very complicated to use!
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Erm, who is Simon Mayo? will I be irritated on the first show???
If he gives Wardy the pip he can't be all bad? Seriously though, it could have been Nicky Campbell... :o
or Eamon Holmes. Two ubiquitous pains in the butts.
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Well my being pleased with myself for enrolling my son into two after school clubs has backfired a bit. I have to get him at 4 instead of the usual 3 o'clock. Dag nabbit!! Don't worry I'll hold Simon Mayo,Nicky Campbell and Eamon Holmes all indirectly responsible for that! ;D
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What a daft time to put an allotment program on. I will be down on my allotment as I usually am. I would much rather have the real thing than a program, although I do so love to see other peoples plots and pinch their ideas. It takes very bad weather to keep me away.
Rosemary
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Oh dear - I can't find where I *thought* I'd read that Mr Mayo has a lottie.
Best ignore that and assume he hasn't and I was wrong.
moonbells (humph)
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lol Wardy!
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Nuts, I will be on the school run. Poop! Could record it, but don't have any blank vids....technology runs past our house!! ;D Oh well, you will all have to fill me in...and the good thing is, in about a month or 2's time, it will be on sky on the gardening channel, I'm certain of it! ;D
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heheheh Wardy. Corrected it now. Dumb blonde you see, out in the sun tooo long yesterday! ;D
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Ok some of you wanted reminding. You have got 3/4 of an hour to sort your tapes e.t.c out from now guys. ;D
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Doh!!! I just realised this is on!!! :(
Catching the last 10 minutes, but I wanted to tape the lot :)
Chris
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Well that was quite informative :)
We are so lucky the lotties in the Rhondda Valleys are just down the road from us. ;D There soil problems are the same as ours so it will be very good info. for us to follow. :)
Great first programe hope the rest will be the same. :)
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So it was good yes? Of course, I could have seen the last half an hour, but the kids were absolutely NOT going to let me. However, I did make them suffer for a minute and Terry in the Rhonda is the same chap who does the allotment for Jeremy Vine on Radio 2.
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Yes, It was very interesting and great there is actually a programme for us at last. We are so neglected on TV. I think there are a bigger range of age groups and a lot more younger woman on Sites now than perhaps they intimated. Would like it to come across that allotments are not only for the older generation, as I think there are a lot more young marrieds with families getting allotments now. Look forward to seeing it again. :) busy_lizzie
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Bums - I missed it. The sky+ is set up to start from tomororrow. Doh!
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Did you see your lottie aga type cooker on it Wardy ;D ;D ;D ;D
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I have to say I thought the programme was pretty lame. Typically whimsical daytime fare. Sorry! :-\
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Thought it was ok myself :) and perhaps it wont seem typical as the prog gets further into the season anyway it beats gw hands down thats for sure
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Off to a bad start - forgot to video it! all set for tomorrow, sounds like I should catch up easy enough.
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Why can't Sting live next to my allotment?
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Was at work so missed it >:(
Shall be giving no.1 child aged 8, specific recording instructions for tomorrow ;D
Debs
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well I enjoyed it too.....could have watched for hours & hours....thought Simon Mayo looked frozen the whole time ??? but he seemed enthusiastic about it all. H.P.
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That is because in the Rhondda Valleys it takes all summer to get warm here lol. We only get 6 days of summer every year any way lol ;D
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I think first episodes can often be a little slow coz they are mapping out the characters and areas and it is often all too easy for us to criticise!!!!
I enjoyed it and shall be watching all week :D
Moonbells - you must have been pleased to see someone planting by the moon :)
Buzzie Lizzie - I agree that there are a broader range of peeps on lotties
Wardy - Can,t give our lotties away either :(
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I think first episodes can often be a little slow coz they are mapping out the characters and areas and it is often all too easy for us to criticise!!!!
I enjoyed it and shall be watching all week :D
Moonbells - you must have been pleased to see someone planting by the moon :)
Haven't seen it yet - hubby wanted to watch previous night's recordings... but I don't believe in this moon planting I'm afraid. I just bung stuff in when I've time - life's too busy to wait for free time and the weather otherwise!
moonbells
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As a "newbie" and hopefully, eventually a "lifer" at this delightful addiction, I just eased into the spare seat at the Wednesday club. Easygoing style, informative (for me anyway) and just what the doctor ordered. I would have liked to see a bigger age spread, but maybe that will come. Wonder if they would turn it into a soap ...... {:¬)#
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Well guys I just been out and got next weeks tv mag, and it is on all next week to. So all those of you who are taping it make sure you have enough tapes.
The last of the serise is a week on friday. ;D
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Still wish Sting lived at the bottom of my plot.
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I have to say I thought the programme was pretty lame. Typically whimsical daytime fare. Sorry! :-\
Return of the Old Scrunter ;)
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sorry moonbells must have got you mixed up with someone else ???
Oh no if its all next week i m gonna have to be very organised and set video for more than one programme cos we are away in cornwall - that means will have to get technical and learn how to use video recorder properly !!!!
HELDI - me thinks you must be a little preoccupied !!!!
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As a newbie I thought it was a good programme, and simon Mayo wasn't patronising like I thought he would be ;D Picked up a few good tips for my lottie (eg newspaper in potato trenches). Mind you weren't some of the Highgate people posh!! Also wish I could have a well fitted out shed on my lottie but I reckon it'd last about an hour with the local chavs >:(
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Blimey, didn't realise it was on for two weeks. Good job my DVD recorder has a whopping great hard drive!
Haven't seen the first one yet, will watch when the wife's out or busy, as I know she only tolerates my gardening programmes.
Don't suppose anyone would be so kind as to furnish me with the VideoPlus codes for the programmes from Wednesday onwards? I'll just have to try and get a TV mag, else. Don't normally bother.
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Belay that last request, I found the codes all on the Radio Times website. You can search by programme and it lists every episode, with a bit of a summary.
Marvellous.
Those VideoPlus+TM numbers in full for the rest of the series, should they be useful to anyone:
Today: 25875 <---Tuesday 18/10/05
Wed: 67277
Thu: 30001
Fri: 74173
Mon: 43291
Tue: 63835
Wed: 45317
Thu: 98331
Fri: 89751
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Cheers SpeedyMango got the vidoeplus numbers infront of me video instruction book and cup of tea, me and technology are not the best of friends but i,m trying !!!!!
Just thought maybe the sprogs will figure this video recorder out quicker than me !!!!!! ???
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I have to say that I am enjoying it too...as a newbie any info is useful. ;)
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I think I'm off home now to catch the next taped episode ;D Mind you that's only if the VideoPlus has worked!
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I am in the middle of moving house, and am going to miss it all.
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Wardy I'm sure Sting would appreciate a holey cardi in an earthy getting back to nature kind've way. I could start doing a spot of yoga on the plot too.
Delilah it's Simon Mayo who keeps mentioning Sting and then I just can't concentrate anymore!
I do like the guy with the tennis balls on the Welsh plot. I think he's dead canny.
Enjoying the show.
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LOL! Maybe it's Sting's plot that the inspector has to keep writing letters about. He's trying to sneak a rainforest in. A mini micro rainforest in a plastic bottle.
Was that fresh beer that bloke (sorry haven't got their names memorised yet)was pouring onto his pumpkin??!! Surely not! I'd rather drink it and then pour it on a bit later. ;) :)
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TM Surprise that. Your not enjoying it. Just knew you wouldn't some how
Oh Waardyyy...have you got a pod on with me, or what? It's no fun teasing you if you're gonna be a bit of a crotchet...will a :-* help??
I have to say I thought the programme was pretty lame. Typically whimsical daytime fare. Sorry! :-\
Return of the Old Scrunter ;)
Who said he'd ever gone away >:(??
;)
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Mental note to myself : Never stand behind wardy if she is planting
might be blinded by the light !! :o :o :o ::) ::) ;D ;D ;D
Heldi that was one heck of a waste of good ale.... I still reckon
Simons a bit flat at presenting it .In this instance Flowerdew woulda
been the man me thinks
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Have you noticed Jaggy I have not said anything about Simon,other than he keeps mentioning Sting. I am trying to be fair and give him a go and be nice by keeping it buttoned. :)
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Wardy....I have always been rude but never personal !!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
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I watched both the eps last night and was pleasantly surprised. I am also extrememly narked that I can't remember which celeb does have a lottie (and I know one does!).
I like the fact that the commentary and explanation was predominantly the allotmenteers and not Mr Mayo, though I didn't like the recaps and trailers in the middle of the programme. Obviously for folk with short attention spans. Glad I had them recorded so I could fastforward through those bits!
There was a significant bias towards older folk. I wonder if they could only film during the week, so all the younger folk were at work. And the women situation in Wales - demographically, 30-40y women are the fastest growing group in UK allotments so I'm a bit sad they didn't pick a site where there were some! But then, if there's a 10 year waiting list at the only site filmed where women seem to be socially acceptable, you've got to find someone who put down their name when they were in their 20s. Unlikely.
But the Welsh ladies didn't help themselves - I mean, they are all going on about 'It's hard work up a mountain and we just couldn't cope' - argh! It's perfectly possible to cope with a plot - you just have to stop making excuses and get on with it! I coped with a lottie and a bad back for a year! And my plot slopes! Ah well, social pressures are different there I guess... I'm used to being the DIY/ wallpaperer/ gardener/ car tinkerer in our house. But I do get mad when folk just accept things 'cos it's the way it's always been done!
Should have come to our lotties. I bet that would have got a rush of plot tidying! We have quite a lot of younger folk now, though the local Horticultural Society is still 99% greyhaired. Though we don't have the big greenhouses which are perfect for a camera crew to hide in when it rains.
I just love the different ways folk do things. The moonplanting lady reminded me greatly of a similar lady at my site, and the parsnip planting was fun to watch - more ideas for next season! The plotholders sitting in the shed drinking tea was funny - I only got my butane gas stove a couple of months ago and wish I'd done it sooner even if it is a pain to carry up there with all the rest of my clobber! (If we leave them, they walk).
And I don't know why that chap kept banging on about how expensive the Sárpo (pronounced sharpo) spuds are - where'd he get them? Mine were just 20p each!! And they're blight resistant not immune! ::)
Oh yes, the ale. Why on earth didn't they just go to the local hostelry and ask for the drips? That would have done it!
I'm keeping the series. Have first DVD burned now :)
Sorry this is long!
moonbells
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I expect they picked the Welsh set of allotments because Jeremy Vine's radio show has a Lottie man there - the one with the spuds.
I don't understand them picking Simon Mayo but I was pleased to here him say he's had his interest tweaked from nil and is now curious. He may improve but it's a bit like when Fern Britten used to present RSC and didn't know anything about cooking. Used to drive me bananas and go for the "off" switch.
I also dislike the constant trailing and repetition - wastes good air time when they could be entertaining and informing us. I am not brain dead and I assume most of those watching because they're interested aren't either. Can't speak for those who just watch it 'cos it's on.
Chappy with his tennis balls and square dibber is wonderful but did he really buy new tennis balls? Couldn't he have found some old ones? Seems a bit extravagant but at least they're bright and hard to lose or miss.
I believe Sting has a country estate with an organic kitchen garden so he probably doesn't need a Lottie so Heldi, don't get your hopes up.
It'll be fun to see if the Highgate Lottie manager does banish the baddies and get in some new blood and I'm very keen to see what happens to the architect and her biodynamic system. That bit where she fed nettle juice to the braod beans to make them more intelligent was surreal but I'm not sure what the tobacco juice would do for ladybirds. I hope it just repels the blackfly.
Beer in my garden is strictly rationed for slugs. Surely it smells awful, pouring it on liberally like that.
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Well you guys know that there is one welsh lottie woman out here lol. I and I can hold my own thanks. Our lottie is on a slope too and All I do is face up hill ( less of a strain on the back ). They should have come and filmed me murdering the brambles lol and proving what a real over grown and un loved lottie looks like. ;D
Jill ;)
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I expect they picked the Welsh set of allotments because Jeremy Vine's radio show has a Lottie man there - the one with the spuds.
I haven't a clue who Jeremy Vine is... 8)
moonbells
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Enjoying it so far, though I lap up anything about lotties anyway. Do still wish they had showed some slightly younger people and more gritty women (if you know what I mean) as it tends to annoy me when I hear woman going on about it being a man's domain. Simon Mayo is doing alright though he does always look frozen. Nice relationship between the Dad film producer and the little girl Ella. Look forward to seeing how things progress. :) busy_lizzie
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HI Wardy - I have a deal with OH. He gets to watch football etc if he does the ironing while it's on. Been that way ever since we both worked and I did the shopping and cooking and we shared (!) the cleaning. Hasn't changed now 'cos I do all the DIY and cleaning and thinking up new garden projects. He's a gem!
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<innocent> what's ironing? </innocent>
moonbells
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Oh thanks for reminding me, will watch it this afternoon, have missed the previous ones :'( This working lark does get in the way of fun stuff! ;D Had better go and get the kettle on and settle down!!
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If anyone out there has missed any at all by the end of next week when it is finished. We will have taped the whole lot. If any of you have a way of copying from our tapes we will send the ones you need to copy as long as we get them back please. ;D
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The little darlings let me catch the last 30 minutes today and I did enjoy it, but then I love looking at other peoples allotments, seeing how they do things. Good idea with the glass panels shielding the runners from any cold weather, that's an idea I could use on my patent pending blight preventing tomato house! I love Terry and love listening to him on the Jeremy Vine show. So funny hearing him digging on the radio! If someone tuned in and didn't know, they would wonder what the hell was going on!
My only comment would be they go from person to person very quickly, one brief job, then on to the next person....
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So thats why that woman on our site lays her glass along her bean rows!! It all makes perfect sense now! ;D
I did enjoy it, and was very jealous that they all had sheds!! (mine is my car)
Now how many of you ladies (or men) out there keep a mirror and lippy in yours? My mother commented that they all looked a lot posher than I do clothes wise! ;D Bloomin cheek!
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They do all look very smart. Glad the camera isn't on me when I am at mine in my work trousers, scuzzy old boots and filthy t-shirt!
My spinach is looking rather splendid Wardy. Am rather impressed! A late sowing and no bolting problems!
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Blimey lippy in the shed! I don't wear make up unless I'm out on the razz but I guess you have to in Highgate. Mind you if I had a plot in Highgate I'd be wearing lippy,a push up bra and yoga pants :D
I know I'm obsessed. But....I don't care!
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Variety is the spice of life.. and this delightful documentary ? seems to have all the ingredients for an (organic) soap opera ... so many untutored/RADA trained characters that it could knock the Archers into a cocked hat ! ... provisional series names .... Midsu(o)mmer Merders ... The Dibber's Arms ... One Foot In The Trench ... The Good Strife ...Green Fly: An ecological examination of Continental Air Travel .... and , last but not least ... Club Root ... the next thing to Ibetha: have chemical enhancements reached the end of the road ? {:¬)#
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Blimey lippy in the shed! I don't wear make up unless I'm out on the razz but I guess you have to in Highgate. Mind you if I had a plot in Highgate I'd be wearing lippy,a push up bra and yoga pants :D
I know I'm obsessed. But....I don't care!
I can't believe they have girlie stuff in sheds! agh! :o I don't leave anything in mine that I can't afford to lose thanks to the little wotsits. Currently there's 6X, seaweed meal, BF&B, comfrey liquid, pots, a chair with the middle missing, two buckets, a load of canes, a Tesco witches' broom, some broom handles, a first aid kit, heaps of insect repellant and bite relief, a kettle, mug, washing up liquid and a saucepan. Oh and decaff teabags!
No mirror and certainly no lipstick!
moonbells
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I have a massive shed. Inside it has lots of wood,a few tools, a potty and loads of chicken s h i t ...nice. :D
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In our shed we have put a chemical toilet as the council hasn't provided us with one. ::)
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I cleverly managed to get distracted yesterday and forgot to put a tape in. Can someone please tell me what the Welsh chap with the tennis balls did and also the biodynamic architect in Highgate? I like their tips and tricks.
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Thanks Wardy. I've got the video set and a tape in for today and am looking forward to it.
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So far I've watched episodes 1 and 2. I agree that Simon Mayo ought to buy himself a decent coat, he looks cold all the time!
I laughed at the producer chappie getting in a pickle with his bean canes, and not knowing how to use a petrol stimmer properly (don't fanny about, man, keep it going at full chat!). Great to see 'real' people gardening, rather than the usual 'gardeners world' mob with their perfect soil and pre-dug beds.
Oh, and he didn't answer his mobile phone as it was a call from the office - obviously he was bunking off work to be on the telly! ;D
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It's 15'38 and no sign of 'The big Dig'!!
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I am furious no Big Dig, no explanation just that it will be shown at a later date, tomorrow? next week?next year? and I am expected to pay £180 a year for this cxxp service. wish their was a suitable avatar to express my feelings. Will e-mail the BBC but don't hold out much hope for a reply.
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I know got meself settled mug o coffee in one hand ciggy in the other
then they announce it will be shown at a later date..... coffee about hit
ceiling.............cat about got kicked up the a*%e.... am miffed... I wonder
why they want to raise the fee when they bugger about with progs
like this...
Gonna make a complaint to BBC >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
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I've posted a thread on the BBC gardening TV boards. If lots of you go and have a moan, they might listen.
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The weather was perfect on the lottie today, got a lot done but wanted to get home to see this. But FLOG IT if you thought that Simon Mayo was smug just look at the bloke presenting this. Grrrrrrr
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Yeh i'm well gutted too. Ran in from school sorted boys out and sat down with my cup of tea to watch 'Flog it' ??@@???? Not on!!!!
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If everyone goes and e-mails Points of view we might get an answer on there by Sunday on the programme. >:(
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YIPEEEEEEEE I am tapeing FLOG IT!!!!!
Where the F*£% is The Big DIG?????
Why have they canceled it???
I set my timer this morning so I would not missit and left the channel on BBC2 on my freeview. Geeeeee all that to tape F&%$ing Flog It. I am not very happy Auntie BEEB!!!
The_Snail
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Why not email Radio 5 Live when Simon Mayo is on and ask him why they have pulled it?
The_Snail
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Has anyone got the link that we can complain to ?
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You have not missed anything believe me, it was dire. The words which spring to mind include, dumbed down, patronising, bland, dull and those are the best things I could say about it!
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I went to BBC Home Page and typed Points of View in the search. This led me to the PoV message board where I have posted a complaint.
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BBC Complaints Link
http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/
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Posted by: Palustris Posted on: Today at 16:05:04
Insert Quote
You have not missed anything believe me, it was dire. The words which spring to mind include, dumbed down, patronising, bland, dull and those are the best things I could say about it!
I hope you are talking about Flog It :D
The_Snail
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You have not missed anything believe me, it was dire. The words which spring to mind include, dumbed down, patronising, bland, dull and those are the best things I could say about it!
??? ??? ??? ??? ???
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Never watched that, no the Dig It thing. If I had been one of the allotmenteers taking part, I would now be hiding my head in shame and embarrassment. It was b.....y awful.
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Ta, I'm off there now. Even if it is dumbing down, how dare they cut it out. Stop the soaps instead of our gardening progs.
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It was dull and slow in parts but there are some little gems tucked away in there and, I hope, more to come as the season and plants develop. Either way, I'd rather judge for myself than have the beeb pull it arbitrarily. There's such a lot of complete dross on most of the time but at least this was Lottie dross.
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You have not missed anything believe me, it was dire. The words which spring to mind include, dumbed down, patronising, bland, dull and those are the best things I could say about it!
You did not like it OK but lots of us did and to take it off with no explanation why is not on.
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Palustris - I think you'll find it's producers and presenters that make programmes awful most of the time - from the woolly thinking at the concept stage to the cutting corners on production costs and values to having a presenter who, in this instance, has clearly never wielded a spade in earnest.
I also expect they did the filming during the week thus missing the people who can only tend their plots at weekends and thus missed plenty of characters and a variety of ages and backgrounds.
Whatever we think of the programme, the fact is that the BBC has, once again, been high-handed and not forthcoming on explanations. All too often they forget that their "customers" have no choice about paying th elicense fee which provides the funding for their productions and salaries and pensions and so should be treated better.
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Well put obelix!!
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Why thank you, kind sir!
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I have been onto the BBC complaints site and whinged. Admittedly I'm not at home yet but I'd even written out all the DVDs ready to be recorded onto, and you chaps telling me it was pulled is infuriating!
moonbells
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctwo/listings/index.shtml?service_id=4224&day=friday
says it's on tomorrow...
I have even dusted off my old login and added my voice on the thread in the gardening forum!
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Hear Hear. I am sure that even us "allotmaneers" are capable of understanding any reason that the BBC have to pull the program.
Perhaps they had complaints that there was not enough swearing, sex or violence in it to make enough people watch it.
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Actually allotmanye, you may have solved it.
I think I heard a few references to the red stuff in our veins yesterday. I'll bet someone has complained and they are having to go to be re-edited as they are going out at school hometime and we can't have the nippers learning such terrible words!
Sorry, I'll come out of sarky mode now...
moonbells
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My son wanted to go to see the hens straight from school but I refused because I wanted to see the programme. Then I sat impatiently waiting for my tot to finish watching a new programme on ITV. Meanwhile I switched the vcr on. When the little un's programme finished I switched over...what the heck is this...Flog it??!!
Eric it might be dumbed down but I've enjoyed it so far. I need to see other people's allotments to get some sense of what I can do with mine. I'm a complete novice where growing veg is concerned.
I hope all they are doing is editing all those recaps and voice overs. Makes me think it was made for a channel with adverts to be honest.
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It was a pleasent change to see a gardening program where they did not say to the viewer all the time, this week in the Garden Center or this week at your local nursery you can get this plant which is cheap at £10 a pot.
It was about basic, getting your hands dirty, cheap and practical gardening and veg growing. Ordanary, enthusiastic gardeners doing what they enjoy the most growing flowers and veg. Why BBC have you pulled this program?? Why??
So it is more make over programs where the ground force team show you how you can have a garden in two days if you have a spear army of people and a few £10,000 spear in your bank account?
Or better still more bloomin car boot programs and antique programs. Why??? Why??
I am not a happy snail to say the least!!!
Rant OVER!
The_Snail
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I don't care what anyone says, it was a programme about a subject in which I'm interested, it shows other peoples ways of doing things and someone Else's experience is usually useful even if it contradicts mine, I found it entertaining.
I didn't feel at all patronised, on the contrary I feel slightly superior to most of the "allotmenteers" in the show, I've learned nothing new from it so far but so what, if I wanted educating I'd go to college.
At the end of the day it's an allotment programme and not another in the usual line of soaps, talk shows and all the other dross paid for with my license fee, so GET IT BACK ON NOW I say.
Sorry for the rant but that's how I feel >:(
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I completely agree MT.
And to replace it with a programme that is a repeat, makes it even more infuriating >:(
Anyway I have emailed my complaint
MM
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I pray to the gods that I don't believe in that I'm wrong about this .. I'd rather lose my winning lottery ticket ... but I am giving the Beeb the benifit of the doubt here and suspecting that one of the "stars" has gone to the big plot in the sky and they need to get permission to continue broadcasting ... allways think the best 'til I'm proven wrong *fingers crossed*
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now there's a thought AD :-\
MM
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>>>off to make a noise >:( i was all set for an afternoon nosing around others lotties and ended up watching more darn junk to auction program !!!
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Today for the first time wasn't able to be at home to watch it soooooo....set up the VCR......later, got myself settled, nice glass of wine & a few nibbles at the ready, pressed the button and what appears....flippin 'Flog it'.... :owhy in heavens name....I spent ages rewinding and pressing search again - in case I was doing something wrong and re-reading the t.v. guide (had I punched in the wrong nos). ???
now I've just read all the above and see the didn't show it....why not
how dare they do this with no explanation.....I bet it's cos it's proving sooo popular that the 'big boys' who appear in the regular gardening progs. are quaking in their boots at the popularity of this humble but delightful hour of good old 'down to earth' lottying......
I'll go complain too.....do you think it will be on tomorrow??
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I've just been over and put in my complaint too.....let's hope we get some replies!
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It's gone off tomorrow's schedule too, though as yet there's nothing in its place!
I reckon it was the piffling bit of swearing. Some nanny will have complained and they're possibly now having to re-edit the lot. Hope they get rid of the trailers too in that case: I agree with Heldi - recaps would make sense if there'd just been an advert break. But in that case why advertise a R2 show?
ho hum
moonbells
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Its been taken off due to lack of interest apparently!. And it will now be re-scheduled at a later date and also a more convenient time, though when that will be is anyones guess!!.
http://www.kitchengarden.co.uk/forum/view.asp?postID=35817
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Quite amazed to hear that they have taken "The Big Dig" off. They have hardly given it a chance have they? What ever people might have thought about it, at least it was about allotments and programmes like that are few and far between. It was a ridiculous time to broadcast it and they obviously thought they were gearing it up for elderly viewers who they thought would have plenty of chance to watch it at that time of day. Whereas, as we have all said having an allotment spans lots of age groups and lots of people would be at work or collecting children from school.
So annoyed about it. Have made a complaint too, thanks sexy_snail for the link. >:( busy_lizzie
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I have just complained too, and will try and find the Points of View email address as well!
The whole series seems to have been pulled.
We are told that owning allotments is a fast growing hobby in the UK, and at last we had a programme that (whilst not setting the world of gardening alight) was shaping up to be an interesting and enjoyable programme about real gardeners doing real gardening, a bit like taking a wander around someone else's plot. Now it appears to have been replaced with yet another tedious and peurile show about selling other people's old rubbish for money!
Bring back the Big Dig!
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Have emailed my politely-worded (!) complaint to the Britsh B'stards Corporation. Completely hacked off about this, as being a newbie plot holder I was looking forward to getting a few hints and tips (well, the ones I haven't already got from A4A!) and also a few hours of tv that didn't involve shouting, shooting or shagging. But if they want violence let's do a live episode where disgruntled allotmenteers meet the idiot who decided to pull the Big Dig... >:( >:(
Cheers,
Rob ;) >:(
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Do you have the email address, Wardy?
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I have just received the BBC Gardening email newsletter, which included this bit:
2. Allotments for all
___________________________________________________
Allotments have undergone a dramatic revival in recent years and as
vegetable seed sales soar, it looks like more and more people are
yearning to 'grow it themselves'. Whether you're a complete novice or
seasoned allotmenteer, The Big Dig on BBC Two should give you plenty of
new ideas and inspiration. The programme airs every weekday at 3.30pm
this week and next.
Hmmm.
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I have just received the BBC Gardening email newsletter, which included this bit:
2. Allotments for all
___________________________________________________
Allotments have undergone a dramatic revival in recent years and as
vegetable seed sales soar, it looks like more and more people are
yearning to 'grow it themselves'. Whether you're a complete novice or
seasoned allotmenteer, The Big Dig on BBC Two should give you plenty of
new ideas and inspiration. The programme airs every weekday at 3.30pm
this week and next.
Hmmm.
... and I have just replied to said email telling them they're taking the piss! >:(
Cheers,
Rob ;)
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Me too! Didn't spot the 'feedback' address!
Now sent messages to BBC Complaints, Simon Mayo, Jeremy Vine and the gardening newsletter people.
Wonder if I'll hear anything back? Not sure whether I can listen to the radio all day at work - hope others can keep an ear out?
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Terry is likely to be sat in the shed having a nice cup of tea if they're getting the same weather that we are here!
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I also registered a complaint to the Kitchen Garden mag - see the link provided by Neil B yesterday - and I'm now getting lots of feedback from that - really interesting to read so many different opinions and comments....
I'm still fuming about it!!
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We are only a short distance from Terrys lottie. ( 10 min drive away ) Would you like us to go and see him ? He might be able to tell us why if you don't get an answer. :)
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Can you post the addy here so we can all complain ??
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Baggythecat (pseudonym) has complained to points of view. If anyone has links for more complaints for the computer illiterate,post them, and I'll do those too.
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Just posted my 2 cents worth at the Points of View site, had to get up a make a soothing cup of Rooibos tea as I was getting "mildly" upset while typing and had to go back and edit out some of the naughty words that first sprang from my fingers. {:¬)#
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You have not missed anything believe me, it was dire. The words which spring to mind include, dumbed down, patronising, bland, dull and those are the best things I could say about it!
Have to put myself out there with you Palustris and agree with you. We taped the Tuesday episode but I found it quite dull, more about the people than the planting it seemed to me. The intro said how the dynamics of lotties are changing and more younger people are taking them up, then they proceeded to show only retired old men.
As you say - everyone is allowed an opinion! :)
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I like the BBC (ducks to avoid flying plates) and I fully support the licence fee - best broadcaster in the world and not beholden to advertisers to make money so does not have to suck up to them - and we all make mistakes. Personally think are all being a little hysterical. Let's just wait and see - I could not see it at 3.30pm anyway so I for one will welcome it being rescheduled (do not have a VCR either).
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Not hysterical Redclanger. Just cross. The Beeb is a good broadcaster, on the whole, but its day time stuff is seriously cr*ppy of late. There are endless repeats of junk/car boot and antique shows as well as property and decorating shows so when they do, finally, get around do doing a series on allotments, it is galling when they ditch it after 3 days. As a paying customer, I wish to exercise my right to complain in the hope of getting it rescheduled and maybe even done better another year.
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Even though the BBC website said yesterday that it would be on. Alas we here in Wales had Flog it again >:(
We will be taking a trip to terrys allotment tomorrow and then I will get back to you with his answer. :)
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Well as a fan of S&M, I think 'Flog It' should be on even more often!!
Just kidding daytime allotment show fans!
I'll get my coat...
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Just been away for three days and settled down to watch the Big Dig and was really disappointed to see only Flog It! taped instead. I rang the BBC and the person who answered said that it was pulled because of a lack of interest but would be possibly broadcast at a later date at a more appropriate time. Really cross as I had just settled down to watch a nice big chunk of allotments! I hope we all make a big enough fuss to make them change their minds.
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Well as a fan of S&M, I think 'Flog It' should be on even more often!!
Just kidding daytime allotment show fans!
I'll get my coat...
Would you like a wooden spoon to help you there TM? ;D
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flowerofshona, here is the BBC link
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbpointsofview/F1951566?thread=1241581&skip=0&show=20
another one here:
http://www.kitchengarden.co.uk/forum/view.asp?postID=35817&search=big
and yet another relevant link:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/10/22/nbeeb22.xml
with a further link at the end of the above article {:¬)#
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Well guys we went to see Terry at his lottie. Real nice guy. He didn't know why it was pulled. He said that he would phone up the producer and see what is going on. We are to go back on Monday afternoon for the truth. I have told him about this site and given him the addy to come on. He said he may well join A4A. He says it sounds like there are a lot of nice people on here and he may be prepared to share some of his wisdom. ;D
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WooooHooo ! somebody took the blindfold of the statue of Justice ! (I know she doesn't wear one, it's an artistic licence device :P ) {:¬)#
Thanks joji *hugz*
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Way hey to joji ! ;D
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I bet if they change the time to early evening i'll either be cooking, eating it, do homework or putting children to bed. ???
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wow 9 pages and all I did was a parsnip search!!!
So was the program good?
Anyone tape/dvd it that would send it to me?(or email)?
didn`t read all 9 pages cos it`s a lot.
Andy
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Hi Andy,
The programme has been scrapped for the time being, no explanation 'til now :-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cgi-perl/h2/h2.cgi?state=threads&board=gardening.tv&
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How can they possibly make a comment like that after just 3 hours of broadcasting ? It beggars belief ! There is more to this than meets the eye methinks ..... {:¬ (
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Well done Wardy.
Anyone got a direct link and email who we can all write to and complain?
A draft email would be good and we could all alter it a little bit.............
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I've also just had a reply from the BBC to my e-mail re 'removal of programme' here's what they said:
"Thank you for your e-mail regarding 'The Big Dig'.
I understand you are disappointed that the programme was dropped from the schedule recently.
We have decided to take 'The Big Dig' out of the schedule on BBC TWO daytime for now. The programme did not do as well as we had hoped in the slot which is possibly due to the time of year and the weather. We will look to reschedule the programme at a later date in a more appropriate slot.
I appreciate that this may be of some disappointment to you and understand how such schedule changes can affect the enjoyment of BBC for our viewers. Therefore, please be assured that your comments, including those about the age span, have been registered and added to a daily log that is made available to 'The Big Dig' production team, the Scheduling Department, and Senior BBC Management. Your feedback is more than welcome and will help shape future programming decisions.
I hope this information proves useful to you and once again, thank you for taking the time to contact us with the strength of your concerns."
Let's hope they re-assess it and re-schedule it maybe in early Spring at a more suitable time for a wider viewing public altho we're all capable of setting up the 'record' button aren't we??
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I think they may show it arount early March next year to start of the new growing season. That would be a perfect time to start it off again.
The_Snail
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Rosyred...that'll be me aswell.
I think during the winter is the perfect time to show it. Would be nice to see an allotment show whilst all outside is quiet. Tide us over until spring,when no doubt they would repeat it,and then repeat it again,and then some more after that.
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I too got the same e-mail from the Beeb, as an explanation for taking the Big Dig off. How they can judge after three episodes how popular it was going to be, is a mystery to me? I heard that "only fools and horses" got terrible ratings when it was first shown but they gave it a chance. I agree too that winter would be a great time to show it, so we would have something to keep us going over the dark winter months. ??? busy_lizzie
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I too got a similar email. At least our objections have ben noted.
I would like to know how they get their 'viewing figures'. I bet that the process doesn't take into account those who record a programme to watch at a later date/time.
Did anyone listen to see whether Jeremy Vone or Simon Mayo mentioned it on their shows?
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There is an official body - whose name I can't remember - which has panels of listeners and viewers who record every channel they listen to or watch and the figures are updated and correlated as audience figures. They are then used by programme controllers and advertisers to plan programmes and place ads at the optimum time for their product and they, of course, get to pay premium rates for peak viewing times.
This body is independent of all the broadcasting networks but I'm sure they all have their own panels to get more instant feedback.
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There is an official body - whose name I can't remember - which has panels of listeners and viewers who record every channel they listen to or watch and the figures are updated and correlated as audience figures. .
I used to do this! Turned up in the post one day asking me if I was interested, so I thought "why not?" Mind you, I doubt if I was much help to the programmers - I regularly trashed primetime things like Eastenders and raved about obscure French movies on at 3am!
Cheers,
Rob ;)
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The following has just appeared on the BBC gardening message boards.
"We are sorry for any disappointment caused by our decision to take The Big Dig out of the schedule but the programme was not attracting the audience we had hoped for which is possibly due to the time of year and the weather. We are looking to reschedule the programme at a later date at a time when more people will be able to watch it."
Let's hope they have the sense to put it on after dark in winter.
PS Robkb - someone has to speak out for minority interests. i quite agree about Eastenders but still don't get obscure French films. I've tried, honest.
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I have recieved a email from terry walton thanking everyone for the support to get the Big Dig back on
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Yes, 'The Waltons' - as Anthony (the son) refers to them all - has posted a message on the Kitchen Garden site message board - it's just appeared in my e-mails.
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The Daily Telegraph has also picked up the axeing:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/10/22/nbeeb22.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/10/22/ixhome.html
moonbells
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The BBC would do well to put the programme back on now, whilst we are talking about it. We can then pass on the word to others and the ratings will sore. If they leave it 'till next year and advertise as little as they did this time, they will be back to square one.
BRING BACK 'THE BIG DIG' NOW.
After all it, was only to be on for 2 weeks.
Lily (BIG DIG FAN)
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I think they should show 1 program each week on a friday evening before gardeners world or maybe after closer to spring.
That is my opinion only. I understand the comments suggesting that it should be shown sooner rather than later.
The_Snail
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Just read moonbells link
terrible. all underhanded and back door.
Why should more houses be more important than allotments.
Got to house the imigrants I guess.
I thought the council had to re-house allotments within 1 mile if they were taken over? Ours do
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Big Dig was always destined to fail at that time of day and yet evenings are filled with utter dross on TV. This is a disgrace and I bet they don't ever bring it back. >:(
The only silver lining for me is that our TV aerial has broken so I thought I had been missing it all, but of course I haven't
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I was in Pontypridd yesterday evening talking to a pal who works at BBC wales in Cardiff
The Big Dig has been binned :( >:( :-X
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Did anybody see the slot on 'Inside Out' programme the other night on the ST. Helen's allotments. How it has been totally turned around and now have a waiting list. They have also got communal very raised beds for people with disabilities and in wheelchairs. It looked such a thriving site.
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The Daily Telegraph has also picked up the axeing:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/10/22/nbeeb22.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/10/22/ixhome.html
moonbells
The BBC has been deluged with complaints from disappointed vegetable gardeners after it withdrew its new allotments programme from the schedules after only three weeks.
Hmm. Didn't do their research, did they?
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Why does the quote say 'after only three weeks' - it was in fact only shown for 3 days!!!....I've seen that in print twice at least!
Seems many,many of us didn't want it' pulled' and have protested so if they've really been deluged like the quote says....then surely....
they'll take it 'out of the bin' and bring it back.....let keep demanding it back!!!
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The Daily Telegraph has also picked up the axeing:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/10/22/nbeeb22.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/10/22/ixhome.html
moonbells
The BBC has been deluged with complaints from disappointed vegetable gardeners after it withdrew its new allotments programme from the schedules after only three weeks.
Hmm. Didn't do their research, did they?
Can't believe the Telegraph got something wrong. ::) :)
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When this programme was first announced on this forum I was totally dismayed that I would not be able to watch it as it would be working during the daytime.
Attempts to get it recorded for me failed ...I personally feel that the allotment fraternity are not adequately catered for and this new venture would have been refreshing.
PLEASE let them put it on in the evenings ..perhaps they have not yet realised that allotmenteering is NOT retricted to the retired
Derek
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Was that any of you on Points of View then?
Clear statement from the BBC about rescheduling when we can actually watch it.
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They havn't set a date yet for it to be reshown. But it is going to be on AT WEEKENDS. When MOST of us are probably at our lotties any way. ::) ::) ::). At least during the week would be better. Some where between 7 & 8 would be great wouldn't it ?
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I was out today - was it mentioned on Points of View then??
I won't mind what time or when it comes on either as long as it does - as long as I know so I can set my video up ;)