Anne Pickles

I‘m bored by this nostalgic Carry-On

In the olden days, long, long ago – when it was permissible for a woman to be overweight without state-ordered obesity police calling with arrest warrants – there lived a big girl called Hattie Jacques.

Last updated 22 January 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

How did Wild at Heart get to series six?

Wild At Heart (ITV1) may not have much to its credit but it does at least show how a TV soapy drama doesn’t have to be any good to secure a long run.

Last updated 22 January 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Dumping ciggies is way to restore my chest to glory

On the bright side – and there must always be a bright side – the cigarettes have gone.

Last updated 21 January 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

I’ve quit ciggies. So bring on the cocktails!

On the bright side – and there must always be a bright side – the cigarettes have gone. Basta. Finito. Arrivederci Marlboro. It’s even on my medical records now: Anne Pickles, ex-smoker. I’m an ex and I like it. (1 comment)

Last updated 21 January 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Have I grown out of Carlisle United?

It feels as if I’m losing my religion. Or the closest thing I’ve ever had to one, namely the worship of 11 men with limited ability to kick and head a football.

Last updated 14 January 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Good riddance and raise a wee glass to bid farewell to 2010

You have to hand it to the Scots – they do have New Year celebrations pretty well sussed. You’d have to try very hard to better their plan for moving from one year into the next.

Last updated 31 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

My resolution? Surviving another year, after a party

You have to hand it to the Scots – they do have New Year celebrations pretty well sussed. You’d have to try very hard to better their plan for moving from one year into the next.

Last updated 31 December 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Just give me a liberty bodice

The dining room was decked lavishly with holly, Christmas flowers, flickering candles, crystal icicles and a tall twinkling tree. Very elegant.

Last updated 21 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Was Matt Cardle X Factor win really a surprise?

A sniffily condescending BBC radio presenter was scoffing mightily at the fuss and hullabaloo over Matt Cardle’s crowning as X Factor champ.

Last updated 20 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Sweetie among the sharks

The popularity of The Apprentice (BBC1) is an interesting phenomenon. All rather brutal – to the point of being distasteful – but we just can’t look away.

Last updated 18 December 2010
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Hadn’t Camilla suffered enough that night?

Some nights out are doomed to be less than fun from the start.

Last updated 18 December 2010
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Next year I’ll be ready for that carolling question

And the going rate for carol singers is...? It’s a serious question. Do you give sweets, mince pies or hard cash?

Last updated 17 December 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

What’s the cost of a carol... or a nice hot pie?

And the going rate for carol singers is...? It’s a serious question. Do you give sweets, mince pies or hard cash?

Last updated 17 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Bah! I’ve embraced my inner Scrooge

Start with expectation of disaster and anything else will be a bonus. Maybe not Delia’s Christmas philosophy – but it works for me.

Last updated 14 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Winners who deserve to take all the credit

It's an admission I’d never have made, had I not seen it – nay, done it – for myself.

Last updated 11 December 2010
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Coronation Street has stayed true to its roots

There has been no avoiding Corrie this week. Its 50th anniversary has occupied squillions of TV moments – not all of them golden.

Last updated 11 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Knickers and gin will stave off the snow

The doorbell rang as I was thawing out my fingers on the kettle, in preparation for administering the medicinal merits of a heart-starting gin and tonic.

Last updated 10 December 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk