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Random Thoughts From Bedford

Welcome to the Newsroom Blog.

There are two of us in the newsroom - Andrew & Mathew. As you'll have seen from our profiles, Mathew is Welsh and Andrew isn't. You won't find a huge amount of journalism here - it's just random thoughts from 2 wandering minds. Hope you enjoy and feel free to drop us an email. bedfordnews@heart.co.uk

Thursday 19 November - 14.42 - Andrew

Burt Reynolds, Tom Selleck and Ron Burgundy - what do they all have in common? Brilliant soup-strainers (moustaches).

What started as a 'bit of a laugh' has become a battle of wills: Commons vs Mother Nature, Andy vs Post Puberty Facial Hair Growth. I knew I was unlikely to look like someone who 'suits' a moustache, but I expected to look better than something out of Buggsy Malone.

I should add, for those of you who don't know, this is all in aid of 'Movember'. A month where men all over (I realise I'm on fragile ground grouping myself in here given the facial hair) are encouraged to grow a 'Mo' and get sponsored to help fight male cancers.

Now, I started a little late, but a week of growth has left a twitchy little line of dark hair around my top lip and even worse a few of the hairs appear to be grey and ginger! What have I done to deserve this?

Thursday 15 October - 12.06 - Andrew

Regular readers of the Bedford newsroom mumblings (there must be 1 or 2 out there) will remember yours truly has recently bought a house with his better half. As a knock on, that means zero chance of any holidays! So, you can imagine my excitement at a week off, starting tomorrow.

It seems I have reached the age of regular weddings and this weekend one of my oldest friends from my school days is tying the knot in Manchester. I won’t lie to you, we’re a little worried as to whether he will manage to get himself out of bed for the big day (he’s not the most ‘pro-active’ of people) even if it doesn’t start until 4.30. Another theory (admittedly these are both mine), is that when it comes to repeating the vows he is more likely to say, “Yeah, that sounds about right…I agree (yawn)”

However, I think everyone – especially his bride to be – were shocked at the lengths he went to for the proposal, I won’t ruin his secrets but suffice to say it included a fancy apartment, rose petals and a poem.

But a wedding is tough on the male guests too. I assumed I’d just dust off the suit and decide on a nice shirt and tie combo – but no! My better half believes there are only certain colours I can wear so it doesn’t clash with her dress, honestly the stress I have been under! I just hope my day goes smoothly…

Also, as the previous entry explains, Math is looking for an afternoon activity. I told him he should just buy a generic video games console (ideally, one that is black, is on its third edition and is made by a company that sounds like the name given to a small horse). But, he believes his life needs more meaning and is looking at things like language classes… I’d have thought trying to learn Welsh at any age would put anyone off anything other than the Queen’s English!

Thanks very much!

Wednesday 14 October - 07.47 - Mathew

So I caved.  I finally joined Twitter yesterday, and I can already feel myself getting a little bit addicted to checking my tweets!  Last night for instance, I kept myself amused by reading the three-way fun-poking session between England cricketers Jimmy Anderson, Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan... It was hilarious!

In other news, I desperately need something to do with my weekday afternoons and evenings.  At the moment they consist of going home, lying on the sofa and watching the programs I've recorded on Sky +.  A bit dull, I'm sure you'll agree.  So I need to find a new hobby or a project I can set my mind to - preferably one that involves going out and meeting other people... preferably attractive single ladies!  So if anyone's got any ideas, get in touch!

I'm thinking maybe joining a running club, or taking a class in something; perhaps a language...  Who knows?  I'm open to suggestions...

Thursday 24 September - 07.44 - Mathew

Four-day weekends are just the best aren't they?  I had one the weekend just gone, and boy did I make the most of the time!  On Friday, I headed down to Wembley for one of the most surreal gigs I think I'll ever go to.  This was the line-up...

White Lies - Girls Aloud - Jay Z - Coldplay.

A little bit varied I think you'll agree, and what a great show!  White Lies were great as a warm-up, and Girls Aloud were fantastic.  Not only are they all gorgeous, but they put on a real show and I was surprised how good they are live!  As for Jay Z... waw!  He was brilliant!  I've never been much of a fan of hip-hop, but his set was superb - I even went home and downloaded his next single, which features Alicia Keyes and I highly recommend it.  It's called Empire State Of Mind.  Finally, there was Coldplay.  They are amazing - the highlight for me came as they were singing Strawberry Swing.  Halfway through and suddenly thousands of little paper butterflies were released above us.  Seriously, it looked incredible!

Oh, and I've just remembered something else!  Chris Martin got everyone in the stands to get out their mobile phones, and got us all to do a mexican wave.  It was like a wave a little lights sweeping around the stadium...  I'm running out of superlatives!  I'm sure it's on YouTube somewhere if you fancy having a look at what I'm on about.

Add to that, a free CD on the way out, a guest appearance from Jay Z and, bizzarely, Simon Pegg on harmonica, and I can honestly say it was one of the best gigs I think I'll ever go to.

Thursday 10 September - 17.13 - Andrew

It's been an eventful few weeks in Bedford (and seemingly months since my last update, if it wasn't for the Welsh Wizard updating our blog I imagine no one would read this...). We've obviously had the very sad death of Frank Branston and whilst I wouldn't class myself as his friend - I did interview him countless times. We spoke about everything from Nirah, to the future of Bedford Schools to what he thinks to a Bedford Clanger (never heard of them? Try this link - they're every bit as weird tasting as they sound) and not many people would pack out Bedford Corn Exchange for a memorial service.

But for pure web hits and feedback from you guys, nothing could beat the complete gridlock on the A6 heading into Bedford at the beginning of the month. Quite literally in fact, as we set a new record for web hits on that story, including yours truly walking up and down the road (and the A6 dual carriageway) to get photos of cars stood still. And what prize do you give two young straight men? Theatre vouchers of course! Math is desperate for us to go see Dirty Dancing together, I'm resisting.

In personal news, I feel a huge hole in my life - it's coincided with the end of the Ashes (above you can see me giving opening batsman Alistair Cook some tips to improve his technique outside off stump). That was absolutely brilliant for me. Whilst, my own season has also finished for another summer, mid table safety for Pilgrims Oakley will do just fine, although my batting average leaves A LOT to be desired!

I haven't got much else to say... I have a stag do next weekend which will be fun. If I come back with less dodgy bruises compared to the last time I went paintballing I'll be delighted. Also, if anyone has any tips for fun in Edinburgh, they'll be greatly received!

Until next time...thank you for reading.

Wednesday 2 September - 08.24 - Mathew (again)

So I'm still alive! Even though I flung myself from the top of a 120 foot tower...  Luckily for me there were ropes involved and it was all perfectly safe, but what an experience!

For those of you who might not know what I'm on about, have a look at the video...  You can watch the video of the jump by clicking here.  As a forfeit for losing to my seven year old brother on the Generation Gap last week, I had to do the Vertigo jump at Bedford Bodyflight.  As I was climbing up to the top of the tower I felt fine.  Even when I was standing at the top waiting to jump I was fine.  But when you stand on the edge and you look down, your brain kicks into action and starts telling you 'nope, I don't think so!'.  But after a few seconds I forced my feet forward and went for it!

And I have to say, afterwards you can't help but smile because you realise you've done something pretty cool!  And I managed to get the old 'Bolt Arms' out at the end!

Next up - wakeboarding around Box End Park lake, and abseiling down the side of Bedford College!  I'm practically Action Man...

Friday 21 August  - 06.51 - Mathew

Everything was going smoothly on my way into work this morning, until I got about 100 metres away from the station. 

What I want to know is... why are rabbits so stupid?!  There are loads of them on the business park here and because I'm pretty much the first person to arrive every morning, they're all quite surprised when they see a car coming down the road.  But that shouldn't be a problem because they're all happily munching away on the verges and so on.  But what goes through a rabbit's mind when they see a car?!  Do they think it's a game of chicken or something?!  Why, instead of staying off the road and keeping themselves alive and well, do they insist on running across the road, feet away from me!  I had to emergency stop twice today, stupid creatures.

My second issue this morning is about coffee.  It's pretty important for getting my brain to actually work at 5 in the morning, so imagine my horror this morning when the only coffee in the kitchen here at the station was decaffeinated!  What's the point of decaffeinated coffee!  Surely the reason you drink coffee is to get that nice little caffeine boost?  I suppose there are things in this world I'll never understand.

And breathe.

Wednesday 5 August - 06.37 - Mathew

I tell you, I'm going to miss the eating out every night...  The not washing up...  The not having to pay for things!

My parents and my 7 year old brother Jack have been up from Wales for the past few days visiting.  And of course, that's meant going out to eat at a different restaurant for the past four evenings!  But whilst I've probably saved some money - I think I've gained a few pounds of the unwanted kind instead.  Ah well, I'm going to have run more to even it up.

And speaking of running, there's just over a month until my second 10k run.  I've signed up to do the Bananaman Chase around Willen Lake in September.  It sounds like fun (it probably won't be mind you, because it still means running 10k) and it's for a great cause - Leukaemia Research.  The idea is that 10 people who've now recovered from leukaemia or other blood disorders dress up as bananas and set off 5 minutes before the rest of us.  Then we all try to catch up with as many bananas as we can!  I'll keep you posted on how I go.  And as much as my friends are trying to get me to do it, I won't be dressing up as a gorilla...

Friday 31 July - 06.15 - Mathew

And then it was my turn to moan about the weather...  There was a massive hailstorm when I got home yesterday!  IT'S JULY!  I mean come on.  The heavens opened in Broughton, and after five minutes it looked like February again!  Not impressed.

Anyway, it's been a while since we gave you a Heart FC 5-a-side football update.  So here goes.  Our fans (I'd like to think we've got some, even though attendances at our matches are pitiful) will know we were promoted from Division Three last season and this time round has been all about consolidating in Division Two.  Well I'm delighted to announce that after Tuesday night's 9-9 draw with Athletic Arena we are officially safe and are staying up!

It was a mammoth effort for a squad plagued by injuries and errr, holidays.  But with no subs on Tuesday we came from 7-3 down at half-time to claim the point we needed.  Meanwhile in the top-goalscorers chart, Williams romped away with it, scoring 22 goals in just 7 games!  Including 6 on Tuesday.  I believe this is where we need a statement from Mr Andrew Commons as to why he's letting a Welshman score more goals than him...

Tuesday 28 July - 16.32 - Andrew

People who know me will agree I'm not usually the sort to have a rant and rave, but just this once I'm making an exception.

What on earth has happened to our summer?!

I seem to remember a very nice period in early June? When we were basking in 25-30degree weather and all the forecasters said: 'Get used to it - it's going to be a hot summer!' I thought fantastic! A good summer of cricket and warm weather it is! Especially good for me as having just bought a house the chance of a summer holiday was about nil.

But now? My weather reports seem to be the same every single afternoon. "Scattered showers this evening, more showers tomorrow, highs of 18-20 degrees." It's massively depressing. But, have no fear say the forecasters, August will be a heatwave! I've just checked the forecast up the second weekend of August, guess what they say? "Scattered showers and highs of 18-20 degrees" I give up.

One day I'll be a millionaire and will spend 6 months in the northern hemisphere and 6 months in the southern hemisphere just following the summer! One day...

Wednesday 22 July - 08.17 - Mathew

Me again!  I've just seem to have lots to talk about at the moment... although to be fair most of the people who know me will probably say that I usually talk to much anyway.  Now normally when I finish work at 1pm after the breakfast shift I go home and don't really do much.  It's pretty knackering getting up at 4.15am every morning you know!  My afternoons usually involve TV, Facebook or a Playstation, along with of course, the sofa.  But on Monday I spent my afternoon painting.  And not my flat, or some grand work of art either - I went and helped out a friend of mine who's a teacher paint her classroom at school!  I reckon that's like doing community service in advance, so god forbid if I do get in any trouble maybe I can claim I've already done a little bit to make up for it...  No?  Ah well, it was worth a go.

Tuesday 21 July - 07.26 - Mathew

Well I'm back from a trip back home to Wales, and trust me the weather isn't any better over there as it is back here in Bedford!  It was actually my second visit back across the bridge in a week, because a couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to get a ticket to the Ashes in Cardiff!  It was a fantastic day out, and although (typically) it started raining just after tea, I had great fun.  We were sat really close to the Barmy Army so the banter between the English and the Aussie fans was hilarious - lots of it is too rude to repeat on here though...

My second journey back was for my graduation from Cardiff University.  It was great to see people from my course again, even if it was for just a few hours.  There were no issues with tripping up on stage or shaking the wrong person's hand.  It all went smoothly, so now I am Mathew Williams, BA Hons, Pg Dip.  I think that might make me a bit overqualified for all this!

One more thing I want to mention...  Oasis at Wembley.  Flipping brilliant!  We got there early and amazingly we managed to get into the Golden Circle right at the front of the stage, which was great, until the massive beer fight started and yours truly got absolutely soaked in Carlsberg.  All part of the fun though, and to be honest, Kasabian (who were the main support act) and Oasis were so good that I didn't care!  Next gig for me - Coldplay at Wembley supported by Jay-Z and Girls Aloud.  What a surreal experience that'll be!

Tuesday 14 July - 09.41 - Mathew

Poor show from me I have to admit...  Over a month since my last blog.  But one week of that month was spent in sunny Majorca!  And I'm happy to tell you that despite fears for the safety (and colour) of my skin, I wasn't too badly sunburnt.  That said, I did manage to get a nice red line down the front of my body.  Apparently my sides didn't want to change from ghostly white!

We stayed in Santa Ponsa; the next major resort along from Magaluf.  I was pretty pleased with our choice of resort and hotel - there was a nice mix of Spanish shops, bars and restaurants as well as the usual touristy type places.  Much nicer than Magaluf anyway!  Although we did spend a couple of nights at the MASSIVE BCM nightclub.  It was 30 euros to get in but then drinks were free after that and you got free stuff like t-shirts and bags and even a cowboy hat!  I blame the 'free' drinks for the state I got into one night out there...

When I wasn't making a fool of myself in nightclubs, I was throughly enjoying the company of the hundreds of Irish people out there!  We watched the Lions v South Africa at a bar called Daniel's Corner on the day we flew home; such good craic.  But the highlight of the week for me was just lying next to the pool and doing nothing for hours at a time.  It was the first time I'd been abroad for about 6 years so I think I deserved it!

I've just realised this could turn into a huge update, so I'll hold back a couple of things I want to talk about!  Let's just say I had the greatest weekend ever this one just gone.  Although to be fair, Andy's week beat mine.  I'm sure he'll fill you all in soon.  Anyway, I'm off back to Wales this afternoon as I graduate from Cardiff University tomorrow!  I expect there'll be photos of me in a silly hat and robes...

Thursday 1 July - 13.51 - Andrew

Well, Mathew has returned from his holiday (he's been promising to blog but alas he doesn't keep his promise) and claims it was 'mostly relaxing and chilled'. But, I've seen him on a 5-a-side pitch and relaxed and chilled isn't really him!

Having said that he does seem to have brought the Spanish weather back with him - it's been fairly hot this week hasn't it? I know us Brits are supposed to be obsessed with the weather, but is it any wonder when we can go from 4 inches of snow to 30 degree heat in just a few months? It is amazing how the heat affects your life though. People in our office are stumbling in half asleep at 8.30 as the muggy heat is keeping them awake all night and in the news team, we're being told by ambulance and fire services they're busier than they have ever been thanks to heat related problems. As you may have gathered by now I'm quite a sports fan so the hotter the better as far as I'm concerned. It's given us brilliantly uninterrupted play at Wimbledon and with the Ashes starting next week long may the sun continue.

Finally, my girlfriend and I are still working away on the house. I boarded the loft last weekend which made me immensely proud (no one else seemed the slightest bit impressed though) and we have also painted the bathroom too. We have our first lodgers this weekend as friends from university, Jim and Laura, come to stay. No doubt the boiler will pack in, the washing machine will spring a leak and my PS3 will stop working the second they walk in the front door!

Thank you for reading - all the best now.

Wednesday 17 June - 13.15 - Andrew

I absolutely cannot believe it's been so long since I updated my blogging. I'd like to think I have a decent excuse though as my girlfriend and I have now bought our first home.

We had been renting a flat in Bedford, but now have a 2-bedroom house in the south of Bedford. I'm sure many of you have already been through the process of buying your first home. For me, it's been a mixture of excitement, hard work and pure fear. I've had quite a few days off here and there (thank you Mr Editor) to allow us to move, unpack and decorate.

So far, we have managed to repaint the bedroom (complete with a feature wall in Teal Tension - opinions can be left below), completely redecorated the living room including ripping out a fireplace backing, putting in all new skirting boards, laying carpet, fitting curtains and getting new couches. We've just finished repainting the bathroom and are trying to decide on a new lino for there. If you're thinking I'm now broke, shattered and feeling much older than my 25 years you'd be about right!

But it is brilliant and it's now really starting to feel like our first proper home together. We haven't really fallen out either...which is good!

Returning to the day job, you will have noticed the consultation on changing schools in Bedford is continuing. We've got absolutely loads of coverage of that - it is still causing a great deal of controversy and opinion - we'll be covering it throughout the summer, ahead of an expected preliminary decision in September. If you have got a few minutes why not have a look for yourself --> Future of Bedford Schools

Math is off on holiday next week and we're all incredibly worried about him. He's off to Majorca and as you can see from his picture below, is somewhat 'fair skinned' and we're worried he'll will come back looking like a boiled lobster. He's promised everyone he'll use plenty of sun screen. That means the lovely Louise will be back on the airwaves in the afternoon and I'll be getting up at 4.15am for a week to cover breakfast.

And yes, myself and England opening batsman, Alistair Cook are tremendously good friends!

Friday 12 June - 07.44am - Mathew

We have been really rubbish at keeping this blog updated!  Sorry!  But that does mean we've got a few things to update you all on...

Firstly, I've done the 10k!  I finished in 55 minutes and 39 seconds, which I'm really pleased with considering I was aiming for under an hour and I had a stinking cold all week before the run.  I still can't get rid of it - if anyone knows the best way to just get rid of colds, please get in touch!  I'm now planning to do another two or three 10k runs this summer/autumn, so the running continues and I'll keep you posted.

Secondly, Heart FC have been promoted!  We finished second in the Tuesday night league Division Three.  Annoyingly one point behind the eventual champions, but hey ho, we're back in Division Two.  So far we've played two games; lost the first 6-3 on a scorching evening with no subs (blame Andy, he was decorating), and won the second game 17-3!  I've scored 7 goals in those two games, and also ended up joint top goalscorer last season.  I did tell Andy I would but he didn't want to believe it.

There's only 8 days until I go on holiday!!!  I'm so excited - I'm going to get my euros today and everything!  I'm sure Andy will be posting an update soon.  He is alive - but he's been very busy painting.  Just ask him about feature walls...he loves them.

Tuesday 19 May - 08.13am - Mathew

It's less than three weeks until the 10k run now and things aren't going quite to plan.  I haven't been doing as many miles as I'd have liked over the past couple of weeks, because my legs have been really aching!  I don't think I've been doing too much as I've made sure I've rested up between runs, but I think perhaps I wasn't stretching and warming down properly.  They feel a lot better now though, and by the weekend I'll have run 7.5km, so three quarters distance.  I'm still confident of doing the race in under an hour.

I've got my number through - I'll be wearing 330 around the zoo!  And soon I'll be setting up a sponsor page, so if you want to donate you can do so :-)  All the money raised goes to ZSL who are the animal conservation charity which runs the zoo - they help to protect endangered species around the world, so it's a good cause!

In the meantime, Heart FC are back in action tonight, but unfortunately our title hopes look to have been dashed.  We lost 11-7 last week and have slipped to 2nd in the league with two games to go.  I scored 4 of our seven goals though, so personally I think I did pretty well!  And those four goals move me above Andy in the goal scoring charts - I did warn him I'd score more than him!

And there's one other thing I wanted to mention.  I watched Transformers over the weekend as my friends said I needed to see the first one before we go to watch the second film this summer.  It was brilliant!  And Megan Fox... :-p

Wednesday 6 May - 06.24am - Mathew

Morning sports fans!  I know you're all desperate to know how Heart FC are getting on...so here's your update.

Last night we were due to play 2nd in the table Luton Landrover, but thanks to a breakdown in communications they didn't show up!  Which means we were automatically given a 10-0 win!  So, Heart FC stay top of the league with 3 games to play...if we win next Tuesday, it's more than likely we'll go up as champions :-)

But we still had a game last night - we played a friendly against a team in a higher league and did ourselves proud.  We lost 10-9, but we played very very well.  Yours truly grabbed a hat-trick - two of which were screamers...  Ask Andy, he'll tell you.

On a seperate note - you might have just heard Tony and Emma talking about Barack Obama going out and ordering a burger, and insisting that he'd pay for it.  Maybe some of our MPs were listening too and could pick up some tips...

Friday 1 May - 06.50am - Mathew

Hi everyone!  It's been a while, so there are a couple of things to update you on...

Firstly, Heart FC's march to the Powerleague Tuesday Night Division 3 title continues!  We're top of the league having beaten Thomas Said 12-2 on Tuesday night.  But our next two games are against the teams in 2nd and 3rd, so it's definitely the "business end" of the season.  And as for the top-goalscorer situation, Andy's now only 2 ahead of me with 4 games to go...I'm betting he'll choke and I'll snatch the glory :-)

Also, the Whipsnade 10k gets ever closer - it's just 37 days to go!  But, my training is going well.  Myself and Chris have been running around the lakes of Milton Keynes, and on Wednesday we ran 5km around Caldecotte Lake.  Halfway there, and I have to say I'm quite surprised at how good I felt when I finished!  Although my left leg's becoming a cause for concern...my calf is hurting a bit, but it's not enough to threaten my race I don't think.

And one other thing.  I know Emma goes on about how many days there are to go until she goes on holiday on the breakfast show, but I'm getting excited now too!  50 days!  50 days till Majorca!!!  Woohoo!

Thursday 23 April - 11.19am - Andrew

Good morning all, I'm amazed it's nearly been a week since my last update, I can only apologise.

First of all, chances are if you’re reading this then you're a 'fan' of Heart 96.9 News on Facebook or a 'follower' of us on Twitter, so thank you very much! If you're not, then please do join us, it's a great way to keep in touch with what's happening around Bedford and it gives you the chance to let us know if anything is happening in your life!

Anyways, plug over.

Regular readers will know Heart FM has a 5-a-side team in the Powerleague over in MK and after this week's games I am delighted to announce that we are top of the league (on goal difference) but still, top of the league! We're all delighted. But, I am especially delighted as Math (the Welsh one) is still behind yours truly in the goal scorer charts!

Also, how awesome is this early summer sunshine? For me it means only one thing - cricket! Our first outdoor nets were last night and I'll be honest with you, I had a great time, the sound of leather on willow and all that. Games start in a couple weeks (probably just in time for the return of the rain).

For now, thank you for reading. And yes, myself and Monty Panesar (England cricketer and Bedfordshire hero) are tremendously good friends.

Monday 20 April - 12.42pm - Mathew

I'm quite proud of myself at the moment.  I've taken up running in an attempt to lose weight and get fit in time for my summer holidays!  So along with Chris Maskery on Heart 97.6, I've entered the Whipsnade 10k Run.

A few weeks ago the thought of running 10k, quite frankly scared me.  But after about a month or so of plodding around the streets and footpaths of Milton Keynes I think I'm getting somewhere...

Now, you shouldn't under estimate just how unfit I was before I set myself this challenge.  But on Saturday I ran 4 kilometres in 22 minutes - that's the furthest I've ran so far, and I did it without stopping - something I'd never have been able to do a month ago!  We're aiming to complete the race in under an hour, so if I keep up my current pace I'll be nicely inside that.

The run itself is on Sunday 7 June, so I've got 48 days and counting to get fit enough.  I don't fancy running out of steam as I go past the lions!

Thursday 16 April - 12.54pm - Andrew Commons

Hello there, and first of all may I thank my little Welsh colleague, Mathew, for starting this blog so adequately.

In the last couple of weeks my life has become incredibly grown up and serious. Until now I only had to worry about my goals in our 5-a-side team (see below) and what I was going to have for lunch (usually ham and pickle sandwich). But now, my girlfriend and I have bought a house. Whilst it's all gone amazingly smoothly so far, I'm still very uncomfortable with handing over around £12,000 and literally not getting anything back! The most I've ever handed over until now was a couple thousand and I left that building with a car! But £12,000 and I leave with, "Thank you Mr Commons, that should disappear from your account in no time at all, and you'll get a letter to confirm it has arrived with our solicitors."

I suppose I'm just about the only person in Britain who is grateful for the recession. Without going into too much detail, the lady who is selling us her house had it on the market for nearly a year, and in that time the price had dropped by around £30,000. Very harsh, but it seems to have worked out OK in the end, and we should be swapping keys towards the end of May, assuming my landlady ever returns my calls (I could go into a lot of detail on that).

For now, thank you for reading. And yes, myself and Dr Karl Kennedy are tremendously good friends.

Wednesday 15 April - 10.18am - Mathew

Hi! Welcome to our blog! We don't plan on doing too much journalism on here - but we think it'd be quite fun to keep you posted on some of the things we get up to. So to start with, here's an update on our station 5-a-side football team!

We're called Heart FC (rubbish name I know - I suggested Lazy Milan, which I reckon's much better), and we play in the Powerleague in Milton Keynes every Tuesday. We've played 4 games so far this season - and our record is won 3, lost 1. Promotion to Division Two is very much the target this season, and so far we're looking good - especially after last night's result: Heart FC 19-1 PJ Care!

There is a bit of a mini-battle going on between me and Andy for the top goalscorer award. So far I've got 9, but Andy's storming ahead with 12. 6 games to go though...and I want that trophy. I might even get a Welsh call-up!