Philisan

Don't you just love it when you turn up for a live gig, only to find the band have pulled out at short notice? Take last night for instance; me and a few friends turned up at The Boardwalk to see 2 tribute bands: Roxyrama and Bowee. None of us are particular fans of Roxy Music, but we all love the music of David Bowie, so imagine our delight upon getting there to see a curt message chalked on the board outside the entrance, telling us Bowee would not be performing. No apology, no explanation and no reduction in the admission fee. As it happens, Roxyrama were excellent and we all enjoyed them, but all the same, thanks for nothing Bowee.

When I think back, the happiest times of my life have been when I was communing with nature; either in the countryside, a nature reserve or on one of the many small green areas in the suburbs that act as tranquil oases in the middle of endless houses, flats and shops. These areas are important for our mental health and wellbeing as they have a calming, soothing influence and help relieve the stress of the modern world. A recent report concluded that the reason for anti-social behaviour amongst children is the lack of opportunity for them to interact with nature, so they should be preserved at all cost. Over the last few years, I've been saddened and dismayed at the sight of so many of these small natural areas being fenced off, bulldozed and built on. Until recently, I lived for 6 years on a council estate which was little more than flats, houses and a shopping centre, but there were some green areas to give a sense of openness. In the short time I was there, most of these had been bulldozed and built on, creating an oppressive, claustrophobic environment. Now it seems, wherever I go in Sheffield, these green areas are being systematically replaced by houses, mosques, shops, medical centres etc. It seems odd that the council which calls itself 'The Green Council' should be pursuing a ploicy of 'If it's green, build on it.'

Hello Village Owl I should be coming along to this one.

I've enjoyed going to The Boardwalk since 2002, but for the last few months, I've found the volume so loud, it is painful to listen to and distorts the music. I think they must have employed a new sound engineer who thinks he's at Sheffield Arena. Am I getting old, or have any other regulars noticed this too?

I'll be keeping an eye on the weather; if the forecasts are right, I'll give this one a miss.

I haven't been out with you lot since the last Eyam walk, so I'll probably come along, although my right knee has been playing me up something terribil.

Hello Red Rose This isn't an official outing, but I'm going with my sister and brother-in-law to the 6.20 showing of 'Away We Go' this Wednesday, so if you or any other of the group would like to come along, send me a private message and we can meet outside at 6.15

I haven't read any reviews of it, but I'd like to come along anyway

Have you tried facialstars.com? I've got a feeling you and your sister will be easy to spot. My badminton friends and I will probably be standing near the back of the bar from around 9.15. See you there

That's fine, but you can only come within 5 yards of me

Not often, about every 3 months I organise a meal at Jumbo's, followed by a gig. If you'd like to come along, we're meeting outsie the Boardwalk at 7.30 to get the tickets, then going to Jumbo's.

I haven't gone so far as to change my ring tones, but I'm eating lots of toast to make my hair curly. If you want to stand with us, let me know

Will you be bringing your 'currant' boyfriend? (I'm guessing you're a laydee). Tickets are £10 in advance, so about £12 on the door

Hello there Every now and again, I organise social events for my dwindling number of friends (who are all in their forties and fifties) beginning with a meal, followed by live music. On Fri. 4th Sept; we're going to Jumbo's Chinese buffet, then on to The Boardwalk to see tribute band T.Rextasy, where we'll 'Get It On' and maybe even enjoy some 'Hot Love.' If anybody of a certain age fancies coming along, send me a message and I'll get back to you. This time, we seem to have an excess of ladies, so 2 or 3 gents would balance things out, but anybody can come Cheers Phil B

An excellent walk and thank you Bambigirl for contributing towards my ice-cream (I offered her a lick but she said "No thanks.")