Radio Features

Could do better

I loved my time at primary school, but I wasn't so keen when I arrived at the big school and, judging by the comments written by some of my teachers, I think it showed.

It would seem that Claire wasn't much better at her academic studies - even when she wasn't chasing Lee, who, she says, she can't remember - she even found time to win a swimming certificate.

Deep breath and smell

Sweet smelling success

It's got to be one of the nicest smells in the whole wide world. Not newly cut grass, not freshly-baked bread, not the smell of petrol, not even the ink on the pages of a glossy magazine.

We're talking sweet peas and they not only smell great, but they look beautiful as well.

Continuing on a flower theme, I've got so many dahlias out in bloom at the moment that my allotment looks a bit like Chelsea Flower show, although with a definite 'yellow' theme.

Beautiful Dahlias from Ray's allotment

Last year I dug up all of the dahlias and, with far more yellow than any other colour, tried to separate them from the other colours so that the variety of colours was more varied - and then they all fell on the floor of the shed and got muddled.

I'm just waiting for a clever person to cross a beautiful smelling sweet pea with a beautiful flowering dahlia.

Lean into the wind lads and trust me.

A'hoy there, Part 2

Last week I told you of my nautical goings-on aboard the Thames sailing barge, 'Pudge'.

If you're on the coast between Harwich and Clacton, or anywhere near to the Blackwater or Thames, then take a moment or two to gaze at these grand old sailing barges that are bound to be sailing by at some time.

Lift-off for Rocket Rog

The county's top radio sports man, 'Rocket' Roger Buxton, has retired. We'll certainly miss him here at BBC Essex and, judging by the large amount of e-mails he received on his last day, so will you.

Three of Roger's loves - cricket, radio and cake

We did him proud at his 'leaving do' where loads of past and present colleagues wished him well.

Rog - keep happy and well!

New shoes

I'm on holiday for the next two week, so am handing the keys to Planet Ray over to Ian Wyatt, who'll be stepping into my shoes and handling the affairs of the nation.

The story 'wot' you write

Julia led the way with this weeks story. I think she wrote it after a meal of strong cheese and mushrooms...

Cinema 'cues'

Searching for work in Turin = The Italian Job
Jim Bacon is one, sometimes = Rainman
Siblings supporting Colchester or Southend perhaps = Blues Brothers
Don't walk away hey, OK, if that's the way its going to be, OK = Pretty Woman
Hot wheels = Chariots of fire