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Barbara Heathcote on 11 September 2026
So we’re now nearing the end of the second time playing Vic Damone The Lively Ones as Album of the Week. 😞 It’s impossible to have a favourite song as all have been absolutely brilliant. Thank you.
Terri on 7 September 2026
I’m thoroughly enjoying The Dance Band Days, and so many old tunes are suddenly appearing in my head from nowhere.
MacNamara’s Band, Moonlight Bay – the memories are rushing in, and the old grey matter’s working overtime,
The wireless was such a huge part of my childhood, and my parents would sing along together. I can close my eyes and hear my Dad harmonising to Sing Something Simple even now. Such happy days.
I can also remember George Chisholm on the TV singing ‘Fanlight Fanny the Frowsy Nightclub Queen’ – as well as playing the trombone, and wiggling his eyebrows to the saucy parts – or am I dreaming?
I’ve Googled like mad, but can’t find a mention of him singing this anywhere.
My parents got their first TV around 1958 – I can remember it as if it was yesterday,
It was probably a good 8 to 10 years after, that my brother and I rolled around on the floor giggling to the cheeky words being sung by George.
But can I find any mention online of him singing F.F.T.F.N.C.Q?
Nope.
Can anyone help, please?
Dave in London on 7 September 2026
Hi Terri,
George Chisholm! Such a talent, and apparently well-loved in the business. I wonder if the TV appearance was on The Good Old Days in 1968. Many editions of the show were scheduled fairly late — about 9.50pm so perhaps after your bed time in those years. But I see that the broadcast on Fri 8th March in that year was at 7.30pm. GC was a guest on that edition. It would be easy to imagine him doing the wiggly eyebrows on the Leeds Variety Theatre stage. Other artists appearing that week: Jack Douglas, and Chinese acrobat Li Suang — maybe enough info there to jog your memory?
George was also a regular on the Black and White Minstrel Show. But I wonder if that song was a bit too cheeky for the programme’s intended audience.
Hope you find the solution to your memory puzzler Terri.
Dave in London
Terri on 8 September 2026
Dave in London,
Thank you! There’s every chance that the Food Old Days on 8th March was, indeed, the programme – and Jack Douglas ‘wey-hey-hey! certainly rings a bell. I think Fanlight Fanny’s saucepan lids upon her chest was more likely to be to the taste of the Good Old Days. It was many years later that I understood the more adult humour in the song.
This is real nostalgia overload for me…
We were also great B&W Minstrel fans too, and my maternal granddad used to pick up their old song sheets from a second-hand shop in Leytonstone.
Thanks a million. I really appreciate you helping out.
And I can still close my eyes and see GC wiggling his eyebrows over the saucepan lids.
Such innocent fun.
Best wishes and thanks again!
Karen on 8 September 2026
There is a version of Fanlight Fanny on Spotify by Clinton Ford and The George Chisholm All Stars. Could that be it?
Terri on 8 September 2026
Thank you Karen.
I haven’t a clue how Spotify works – do I have to wind it up? 😉
I’d found the Clinton Ford version on YouTube but didn’t see good ol’ GC mentioned.
I will have a play and see id I can get Spotify to work for me. Thanks a million 🙏🏻
Karen on 8 September 2026
Hi Terri
I did a google search and it told me it was in Spotify and amazingly as I dont have Spotify it allowed me to play it! I remember GC as a cheeky chappie too
Martyn Bassey on 7 September 2026
Wonderful edition of Soft Folkus once again. The three Ian Tyson songs were fabulous. Really enjoyed Judy Collins version of Someday Soon, and also the tracks by Herding Cats, Pollyanna, Yvonne Lyon, and the superb Clifford T Ward.
Many thanks Roger.
Barbara Heathcote on 7 September 2026
Just listening to Frank Ifield singing Sweet Memories, I know we always associate him with yodelling but this song is just lovely.
Barbara Heathcote on 6 September 2026
Hi Kevin. Well you’ve just made my week and all Vic Damone Fans. Thank you.
Kevin on 6 September 2026
Hi Barbara, I knew you’d be very pleased with this week’s album of the week. Enjoy, and thanks for listening!
David on 6 September 2026
Every time I hear Bob Dylan’s grating nasal whine of a voice or hear him butchering the harmonica yet again, I go and play something from Blood On the Tracks to remind myself what a blistering genius he was. Shawn Colvin’s cover of You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome’ was sensational. (Can I be forgiven for thinking it was Dolly Parton at first?) Joni Mitchell’s You’re My Thrill was a complete head f… that is, a rather unconventional reading of the classic song and Donovan’s Mellow Yellow is lost to me now since Jasper Carrott’s cover (“I’m just covered in gurgling zits…”) Strange how the same vowel sound but a couple of different letters can completely up-end your take on a song. I heard the fabulous Kim Carnes sing “After all these years love is still a lie/She waits on the other side,” when the line is ‘love is still alive.’
Having spent years trying to find the original Jake Thackray recording of Side By Side, I’m thrilled to finally have it on The Lost Archives labelled as Borders. It’s a song for our time, Roger. “We stand here side by side/We are so near and so divided…” But I go with your closer as well, of course. Really enjoyed this week’s Soft Folkus!
Roger Williams on 7 September 2026
Hello David
I’m pleased you enjoyed this week’s effort which was rather thrown together. There were several aspects of it I wasn’t entirely happy with. I’ll try harder this week. You’re right about Shawn Colvin and yes, she does sound a bit Dolly like on occasions. I don’t think I’m familiar with Side By Side and Jake Thackray – I shall perhaps seek it it out.
Thank you, as ever, for listening, your thoughtful comments and warning me about Jasper Carrott!
Roger
Armando Loni on 6 September 2026
Probably not the first to mention this, but the continuity announcers are absolutely great!!
David on 6 September 2026
Song of the Day (so far) for me is Bidin’ My Time on the Krissi Carpenter show. What on earth was that fabulous horned instrument that introduces the track and plays an entire verse before the singer enters? Like a bullfrog with laryngitis. I love the song’s opening line: “But I’m bidin’ my time/’cause that’s the kinda guy I’m.” Okay, it’s not Porter or Sondheim but it’s silly and delicious and gives me a giggle except when singers try to turn ‘I’m’ into ‘I am’ and I start chuntering. Although, ‘time’ is a one syllable word on a two-note phrase so maybe it’s understandable?
My Cherie Amour was a little wet for me when I lived for Stevie Wonder’s clavinet-heavy funky stuff as a teen but now I can hear how lovely – and moving – the song is. (“Maybe someday, you’ll see my face among the crowd…”) Such a shame those brilliant musicians and arrangers were never credited at the time.
Karen on 6 September 2026
Loving the Manilow moment on your show Krissi Carpenter. My first ever concert at the albert Hall with my mum in 1982 I think was Barry and he was amazing. The song Could it be magic is still one of my favourites ever. And now you are playing my favourite voice since I was about 8 years old, Roger Whittaker. Definitely ticking all the right boxes for me today.
Andrew Diprose on 3 September 2026
First the return of the wonderful Krissi Carpenter on Sundays and now the excellent John Walton and his much-missed Music Cavalcade is back on Thursday evenings. You are spoiling us, Serenade Radio! Thank you.
Krissi Carpenter on 6 September 2026
Thank you Andrew. So good to know you’re listening and I agree with you about John Walton. Isn’t it wonderful to have him back.
John Walton on 6 September 2026
Thanks for your words of encouragement, Krissi and Andrew. (All downhill from now on!) Good to have you back, Krissi.
Karen on 3 September 2026
It was lovely to have John Walton and his music cavalcade back again. Great programme as always John. Welcome back
John Walton on 3 September 2026
Thanks, Karen. I enjoyed getting back in the swing. Got lots planned for future editions.
Martyn Bassey on 3 September 2026
Really enjoyed By The Time I Get To Cleethorpes. I never knew that there were songs written about Basingstoke, Northampton, and Stockport! Great fun for Bank Holiday Monday, Many thanks Roger 🤣👍
Gary Farr on 3 September 2026
At last a proper radio station!
Great music and presenters
An eclectic mix of the most fabulous music
Please though, how about a weekly programme from Blackpool featuring the great Wurlitzer organ, I’m sure there’s an audience out there who would listen !
Chris Cobb on 31 August 2026
Just loved ‘ By the time I get to Cleethorpes’. Some really quirky songs in there. Any chance of a repeat?
Roger on 1 September 2026
Hi Chris
Pleased you enjoyed it! Quirky? I should say so. I enjoyed putting it together – no plans for a repeat at the moment but who knows? If there enough quirky people in the world…..thank you for listening. Must go, Basingstoke is calling me siren-like to its charms.
Roger
Roger
Andy Grahamme on 31 August 2026
Roger Williams…smashing programme today…By the Time I get to Cleethorpes!! Enjoyed it so much…some terrific music!!
Roger Williams on 1 September 2026
Hello Andy
Pleased you enjoyed it, went from the sublime to the completely and utterly ridiculous didn’t it? It was fun to put together – thank you for listening!
Roger
Andrew Diprose on 31 August 2026
How lovely to have Krissi back on Sunday mornings and, as a bonus, today on Bank Holiday Monday. You really brighten up the airwaves. Welcome back, Krissi!
Krissi Carpenter on 2 September 2026
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for your very kind comments. They are truly appreciated. I must say, I’m really enjoying being back on Serenade. My kind of music. X
Barbara Heathcote on 31 August 2026
Morning Andy. Thank you for playing the Purple People Eater. I’m sure we were all singing along. Don’t worry I won’t mention it again for a long time, did you just say thank goodness. 😂
Wim de Lang on 30 August 2026
Oh thank you Paul Ruddock for playing People Say we re in Love by Ray Conniff on tonight’s Big Band Special.
Actually this was a tune for a much loved request show on Sunday morning on the offshore radio station Radio Veronica in the 70s. And believe it or not, your closing tune by Ray Ellis also was a tune on Radio Veronica every day for a Dutch version of Music while you work.
Paul Ruddock - Big Band Special on 30 August 2026
My pleasure Wim and I really appreciate the info. I’ve only ever read about Radio Veronica – so to have played two of their themes in one show tonight has to be pure serendipity! Thank you, as ever, for tuning our way. Paul
Gwen on 30 August 2026
Love me some “Summertime”!! Thanks for the retrospective.
Jane Bozian on 30 August 2026
I’ve waxed lyrical before about Steve James’ Late Night Extra show offering a magic carpet ride to those groovy hidden gems.
However I do so enjoy his morning weekend shows traveling back to those hazy, halcyon days.
He played That Happy Feeling by Bert Kaempfert, it really did bring back happy feelings probably from hearing it on the radio when I was about 5, but was it a theme tune to a radio or TV theme as it’s so familiar to me?
Steve in Worcs. on 30 August 2026
Hi Jane, I think it was used a fair bit on US children’s TV shows way back, and it was also used as a theme by Robbie Dale on Radio Caroline.
Jane Bozian on 30 August 2026
Thank you Steve, it must have been Radio Caroline I’d remember it from.
Ed Moon on 29 August 2026
What a lovely show from ‘the other Ed’ – Ed Wellman – this morning. It was particularly great to hear the beautiful Adiemus. A lovely way to start the day.
Andy Grahamme on 26 August 2026
Smashing programme this afternoon…John Darvall is such a good presenter…very relaxed.. entertaining…the epitome of easy to listen to…I suppose thats why its called easy listening!?
Randall Riley on 25 August 2026
I realize she’s more closely aligned with country and pop but the wonderful Dolly Parton died today. Maybe someone will include a track or two to remember her here. Thanks for all you do.
Sonia Beldom on 25 August 2026
A very sad loss to music in general Randall – I’ll be paying tribute to Dolly in my show this Tuesday evening starting at 10pm UK time.
Jim Sears on 25 August 2026
Sonia you always make me smile. Your show is a treasure !!
Sonia Beldom on 25 August 2026
Thank you Jim – that’s kind.
David on 23 August 2026
“The ghost army’s waiting for you…” I know a little bit about a lot of music but every week there’s a genuine surprise on Soft Folkus. Tonight Roger Williams played a song called The Invisible Woman by Peggy Seeger which blew me away! Wise, witty and heartwarming with the cherry on the cake for me – a middle-eight. Who is Peggy Seeger and is the rest of her rep’ this good? Hot damn!
Roger Williams on 25 August 2026
Hello David
It’s a cracking song isn’t it? Peggy is Pete Seeger’s half sister and she lives in the UK. She’s 91 and stands tall and proud. Her late husband Ewan MacColl wrote “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” for her. I met her once and told her I’d seen her and Ewan perform together in the 1960s. She fixed me with her piercing blue eyes and said “we’re not that old!” And inside, I suppose that’s true. I’ll pop another song of hers in the show first week in September.
Thank you for listening,
Roger
Terri on 23 August 2026
@ Roger Williams
Prelude – After The Goldrush.
Absolutely lovely, thank you. I’m now searching for it to buy & download onto a playlist.
How I LOVE Sundays with Serenade. 💕
Roger Williams on 25 August 2026
Hello Terri
It’s a lovely version of Neil Young’s song isn’t it? It shouldn’t be too difficult to find.
Thank you for choosing Serenade as your Sunday companion.
Roger
Karen on 23 August 2026
Another great show from Paul Ruddock tonight . Especially good to hear one of my personal favourites Kay Starr. Would be great to hear more of her.
Paul Ruddock - Big Band Special on 23 August 2026
Thanks for tuning my way this evening Karen and your kind words too. Noted and agreed re Kay Starr.
Gwen on 23 August 2026
I always look forward to Steyn”s Song of the Week. Listening about Belle Baker and “All of Me” , then just falling into a rabbit hole of fascinating side bars. The depth of research and how all the stars align…each episode is a treasure. Keep it up. I am one happy listener.
Nick Hingley on 23 August 2026
The Ray Conniff Show 6.30pm Wednesdays: Much-missed Brian Savin is looking down with a smile on his face.
Nick Hingley on 23 August 2026
Dance Band Days: Roger asked if ‘Bob A Job’ still existed. I remember, the yellow stickers with a big blue tick and ‘Job Done’ that you put in your front window but this will have been around the mid-1960s. I certainly can’t remember any instances of 5p jobs at our household post decimalisation.
Given inflation it would have to be 87.5p a job today according to the Bank of England inflation Calculator. My parents were always happy to support the Scouts*; however, I can’t help imagining the horrified looks the proposal of a Bob A Job scheme would elicit today!
* Until covid there was still a bi-annual gang show in my locality.
Roger Williams on 25 August 2026
Yup, we had the yellow stickers with the blue tick too! 87.5p a Job doesn’t quite have the same ring to it does it? I thing Gang Shows are still hanging on in some parts of the country. It does seem like a different time though – largely because it was!
Roger
Martyn Bassey on 23 August 2026
Four great hours of music on the “Night Shift”. Loved the songs by featured artiste Peggy Lee and those played on the mystery years. “Goodbye To Love” by The Carpenters is one of my favourites. Many thanks to Sean Usher and Johnny Mac. 👍👍
Johnny Mac, A Little Night Music on 29 August 2026
Thank you, Martyn. The Bee Gees are my artists of the week for Saturday 5 September, as, incredibly, Barry Gibb, turns 80.
Tom Colmey on 23 August 2026
Krissi Carpenter’s Sunday Best was just simply…….a perfect addition to my Sunday morning. Enjoyed the whole two hours and especially the Andy Williams slot! I even had to sit down with a coffee to listen to every word. Thank you Serenade Radio and of course……Krissi 👍
Krissi Carpenter on 24 August 2026
Thank you Tom. Every Sunday morning from now on with ‘Sunday Best’ and I’ll also be back on Bank Holiday Monday filling in for David Yarnall while he takes a well earned break.
Randall Riley on 23 August 2026
I was slightly distracted but think there was a question just now as to whether or not it was Jo Stafford with the Pied Pipers on the Johnny Mercer commercial recording of “My Sugar is So Refined.” The wonderful Jo had already left the Pied Pipers to head out on her solo career by this 1946 recording; instead, we have the also wonderful June Hutton with the Pied Pipers. We love June a lot here, too. Thanks for the great music this Sunday (Monday and Always, too) here at Serenade Radio!
Vic Groves on 23 August 2026
Thank you for the information Randall. Much appreciated. Thanks for listening. Regards, Vic.
David on 23 August 2026
A cavalcade of classic Carolyn Leigh songs in On the Town this week but the one I enjoyed most was a newbie from Peter Pan sung by Mary Martin, (“I say, ding-dong!”) I Gotta Crow is only a minor piece but inexplicably joyous. It brought to mind I Feel Pretty from West Side Story. Mary’s delightful crowing at the fade reminded me of the annual Seagull Squawking Competition which I thought was in Devon this year but instead was held abroad. In Somerset.
Glenn Purland on 23 August 2026
Welcome back to the Serenade Radio family, Krissi. Looking forward to your show 👍🏻
Krissi Carpenter on 24 August 2026
Thank you Glenn. I hope you enjoyed it. I’ll be back next Sunday and then again on Bank Holiday Monday sitting in for David Yarnall while he has a well earned break
Andy Grahamme on 22 August 2026
Just top class entertainment. For those who miss the great days of Radio 2..try Serenade…you’ll never move the dial again!
Nancy on 22 August 2026
Lovely program tonight Johnny Mac! Especially enjoyed all the Italian selections and singers! Bravo amico!
Johnny Mac, A Little Night Music on 22 August 2026
Grazie a una signora, as they say, Nancy.
Next week’s artist is the lovely Irish singer, Dana.