107.1 Rugby FM: Louisa Allen - Blog

Hello Spring...boy have we missed you...

Louisa Allen — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 08:36:47 +0100

Isn't it strange how one less hour in bed sends us all 'off kilter'! The clocks went forward on Sunday, bringing with it longer and lighter evenings - perfect for those post-work gatherings in balmy beer gardens, but there were certainly some weary looking faces in the office on Monday morning! Oh well, don't worry, before you know it, it'll be October and the clocks will be going back!

As we say goodbye to March and hello to April, we welcome a very busy and historical month. Not only do we have Easter and the wedding of the century, but we also have the opportunity to say a big thank you to that lady who tended to your grazed knee, made your school packed lunch and still makes the best roast dinners! Happy Mothers Day Mrs.A!

Let us not forget April 1st - April Fools Day. Wonder what delights that will bring?!

Louisa x

Planes, Pomp and Pancakes...

Louisa Allen — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 07:29:13 +0000

As I made my way back from the sunny skies of Tenerife, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were making their way to Shakespeare Country! Her Royal Highness officially opened the Warwickshire Justice Centre and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Touch FM had a prime location and kept our listeners posted throughout the day, as the events unfolded. An historic day for Stratford-upon-Avon.
The sun was almost shining as brightly as the Canary Islands, over Alcester on Shrove Tuesday, for the 47th Annual Pancake Day Races.
The tradition of pancake races is said to have originated when a housewife was so busy making pancakes that she forgot the time until she heard the bells ringing for the start of the Shrove Tuesday church service. She raced out of the house to church whilst still carrying her frying pan and pancake! With the sound of a whistle from a Court Leet Officer, rather than church bells, myself and Ben raced down Alcester High Street, along with other competitive residents and came a respectable third and fourth place! Thank you to Alcester Court Leet, the Town Crier and to everyone who made it such a terrific morning - we had great fun.
Shrove Tuesday marked the start of Lent and we were asking you on the Breakfast Show what you will be giving up over the next 40 days. We had many suggestions, including the usual - chocolate, biscuit & chips - to the unusual - to stop cracking ones knuckles! I've decided to steer clear of crisps; although giving up smoking a few years ago was by far my biggest hurdle. To anyone else who ditched the fags on 'National No Smoking Day' yesterday - congratulations and keep it up.

Louisa x

Hearts, Flowers & ...Chips!

Louisa Allen — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:06:24 +0000

Finally, we leave dull, miserable and broke January behind and say hello to February - a short month; a month filled with romance and a month that celebrates our love of the nations favourite - chips! National Chip Week runs from the 15th - 21st, so here are some 'fascinating facts' to amaze your friends with! 1 in 4 of all British potatoes consumed in Britain are eaten as chips; chips are eaten by 80 per cent of all UK households and over 277 million portions of chips are sold in UK fish and chip shops per year.

And, just two weeks after 'Blue Monday' (the day when our spirits were at their lowest because of post-Christmas debt and limited daylight) came 'Happy Monday' (not to be confused with the 90s Manchester band). Psychologists say a combination of getting a first pay cheque of the year and booking a summer holiday made Monday 31st January the highpoint of year! Personally I'm hoping for far more highlights in 2011 and whatever February may bring you - I hope it is filled with laughter and love.

Louisa x

Blue Monday...

Louisa Allen — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 08:10:03 +0000

So Monday was apparently the day us Brits feel at our fattest! Allegedly, three in four of us are depressed about our weight in January, but on the third Monday of the month, inquiries about fat-removing liposuction soar by 70 per cent! Many of us put on up to 11lbs over the festive period, but by Monday 17th January diet resolutions have faltered. My resolution has and always will be - 'everything in moderation' & 'a little bit of what you fancy does you good'...

In stark contrast to that - it's also that time of year when we are bombarded by contradictions. Something that was deemed good for us is now bad and vice versa.
A great example of this is the news that researchers have found out that ale and lager can reduce the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure and can even help people lose weight! Drinking a pint of beer every day is good for you - finally the news I've been waiting for!

Ice, Ice Baby....

Louisa Allen — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:49:15 +0000

I finally breathed a sigh of relief this week, as we saw the last of the snow (for now anyway!) Never thought I'd hear myself say - 'I like wet and windy'!
The only icy conditions I want to see, is on 'Dancing on Ice', which returned to our tv screens at the weekend. Another sixteen 'celebrities' took to the rink, including the new & improved Kerry Katona, the appropriately named 90's rapper Vanilla Ice and by far the most courageous of them all - Johnson Beharry - the only living man to be awarded the Victoria Cross. So that's my Sunday nights taken up for the next few months - until Britain's Got Talent also returns with a vengeance!

During the winter months it's very tempting to hibernate - but you can still have a great night out, which is relatively cheap (and warm) - a trip to the movies. As we start a new year we'll be inundated by Hollywood blockbusters and numerous sequels, but it's good to see more realistic films too. I went to see '127 Hours' - the biographical adventure film about real-life mountain climber Aaron Ralston who became trapped by a boulder in Utah for more than five days - incredible stuff! Next on my list - 'The Kings Speech', with Colin Firth.

B & L xx

Goodbye 2010...hello 2011

Louisa Allen — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:53:14 +0000

First and foremost - A very Happy New Year. Wonder what 2011 will bring?

2010 was dominated by the World Cup, Ash Clouds and the lack of summer - but I've had a fun packed twelve months at Touch FM, involving pumpkin carving, fireworks and taking to the canals of Shakespeare County on board the narrow boat Jim! I also thoroughly enjoyed launching The Shakespeare Hospice 100 Heroes Challenge and taking part in the various activities to raise much needed funds, including The Moonlit Walk back in June and judging Stratford's Got Talent at the Civic Hall in November.

As for resolutions - well, my resolution is not to bother going out next New Year! Was it just me, all were most villages, towns and Cities remarkably quiet this year? It's as if folk have finally caught on to the fact that we're all being ripped off!

A happy, healthy and prosperous 2011
Louisa x

Won't forget this month in a hurry...

Louisa Allen — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:17:55 +0000

What a start to the month.
I definitely won't forget the beginning of December in a hurry. What with Ben's wisdom tooth surgery and my crash on the M42, it's certainly been eventful.
It's at times like these that I realise what wonderful listeners we have. Your words and messages of support are so gratefully received and never fail to touch me.
Fortunately we have both made a full recovery and hope the countdown to Christmas will now run a little more smoothly and with no hiccups!

Oh, I must also thank Ben for the first of my Christmas pressies....a copy of The University of Warwick Boat Club's Charity Calendar. Twelve strapping and semi-naked men adorning my kitchen wall in 2011 has certainly put a smile back on my face!

Louisa x

Heroes to Zeros

Louisa Allen — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:11:19 +0000

It's seems an awful long time ago that I helped launch The Shakespeare Hospice's 100 Heroes Challenge, dressed as Superwoman on a frosty morning back in February! It's great to see how various fund raising events continue to thrive as we near the end of an amazing ten months.
One person who signed up to be a '100 Hero' was none other than comedienne Jo Brand.
'Laugh Out Loud With Jo Brand' is a special gig taking place on Tuesday 14th December at Stratford Civic Hall in aid of the Hospice. This week on the Breakfast Show Ben & I gave away exclusive tickets to see one of the UK's most popular and best loved female stand-up's and I can't wait to go along too.

Finally, forget 'Strictly Come Dancing' and 'X Factor' this Saturday evening - the raw talent will be at Stratford Civic Hall, as it hosts this years ' Stratford's Got Talent'.
Who needs Simon Cowell and Danni Minogue, when you can have Ben Day and Louisa Allen! The Shakespeare Hospice's very own Linda Bister will also be donning her Cheryl Cole-esque wig as she too takes her place on the judging panel. It promises to be a top evening and who knows we may find the 'next big thing' - as long as Wagner doesn't take to the stage!

Remember, Remember the 4th of November!

Louisa Allen — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:16:38 +0000

It's certainly a busy time here at Touch FM, with both Halloween and Bonfire Night events getting bigger and bigger by the year.
I've had a fun week, starting off with pumpkins galore at Newhouse Farm in Hill Wooten.
Ben & I broadcasted live from the farm & saw a vast array of pumpkins from miniature ones to gigantic ones; sampled delicious pumpkin soup; witnessed the fabulous 'Pumpkin Canon' and became incredibly competitive as we took part in a pumpkin 'carve off'! Local school children gave some much needed assistance and helped me carve a ghoulish face & helped Ben carve a Touch FM bat in to his. We put it to the public vote on Friday mornings breakfast show and Ben's creation came out on top!! (fix!)

On Saturday Ben & I hosted CJ's Sparktacular Bonfire & Fireworks at Stoneleigh Park. I was amazed at how much effort people had put into their fancy dress costumes, particularly the under-5's; the firework display was one of the best I had ever had the pleasure of seeing and I had the honour of judging the guy competition. It was a close call between George Bush, Gordon Brown and Boris Johnson, but , it was the Simon Cowell guy which ended up on top of the bonfire! (not a great weekend for him!)

After all the excitement of pumpkins & Guy Falkes, I have been unfortunately struck down with the winter 'lurgy' - totally gutted, as I missed out on interviewing both top chef Gary Rhodes AND the wonderful Westlife. Oh well, at least there's something to celebrate....my birthday....on November 4th....they always said I went off with a bang!

Louisa x

From Farmyards to Towpaths

Louisa Allen — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 08:09:46 +0100

I recently visited Umberslade Farm Park in Tanworth-in-Arden. Children of all ages love all the activities on offer and I too became a big kid for the afternoon as I rode mini tractors and cheered on the farmyard ferret racing!
I also had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the gorgeous baby piglets, lambs and kid goats. I fell in love with the newborn bunnies and guinea pigs but didn't have the knack when it came to milking a goat! I also had great fun shooting sponge balls from large cannons in the Play Barn and finished it all off with delicious tea and cake in the sunshine.

From farms to water - as on Saturday I boarded 'Jim' , the narrowboat. Departing Kate Boats in Warwick, we set sail and after getting through 23 locks in torrential rain we moored up near Hatton.
Sunday saw me and the crew head through Lapworth and then on Monday we arrived in Bancroft Basin, right in the heart of Stratford. On Tuesday we left Stratford and headed for Wooten Wawen and Preston Baggot. Wednesday saw us travel along the stretch of the Grand Union through Shrewley, before returning to our final destination of Hatton Locks. The journey had it's highs and lows, but one thing is certain, canal folk are some of the friendliest you will ever meet.

Let the Games begin....

Louisa Allen — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 06:15:57 +0100

So, the summer holidays have officially started and it's not just pupils and teachers who've been having a 'break from the norm'. In the past seven days I too have been out and about basking in the warmth & beauty of the Midlands.
On Friday I had a marvellous time at the CLA Game Fair at Ragley Hall; I tried my hand at several activities, including the Shooting Range (I'd like to point out that no animals were harmed in the process...just two metal rats & an inanimate rabbit!!)
I also threw myself into a 70ft jump from the rather terrifying 'Paratower', assisted by far braver gentleman who had served out in Afghanistan and last but not least had a a very memorable experience in a 4x4!
Friday is a very special day, it's the NSPCC 'Bring A Pound to Work Day'. I will be on the road from 10am, possibly visiting your workplace and collecting your cash to help this fantastic cause.

The next Osmonds?!?

Louisa Allen — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 07:23:45 +0100

We have been so very fortunate with the weather so far this summer and this weekend was no exception. I had the pleasure of hosting Saturday evening's events at the 25th Evesham River Festival, along with Ben Day & Mark O'Sullivan. We were sandwiched between the marvellous 'Mezzos', the fabulous 'Planet Abba' and the new boy band for 2010 - 'Inju5tice'. Over the years we have seen several 'Boy Bands' take to the stage, but never have we seen the hysteria that these chaps caused on Saturday night. A huge queue of girls squealed with delight as they waited patiently for not just a signed photo but to have various limbs adorned with autographs as well! So remember...you heard it hear first!

Game, Set & Match....

Louisa Allen — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:23:14 +0100

Last week, it was all about the poor efforts of the England Football Squad and should Fabio stay or go; on Friday it was whether a British man could get through to the Wimbledon Final for the first time in 72 years. No...he couldn't! Poor old Andy Murray..oh well, there's always next year!
Now speaking of annual events, one is taking place at the weekend, which I love to get involved with year after year - the Evesham River Festival, celebrating its 25th anniversary and I will be taking to the stage for what promises to be a fun packed evening of entertainment, including an Abba tribute band- 'Planet Abba' and for the girls - an up & coming boy band - Injustice. Join me and the team as we bring you a great night of games, music and laughter.

Fourty Four Years Of Hurt!

Louisa Allen — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:40:13 +0100

So I'm back, once again, on my magic carpet from Turkey. Whilst over there I managed to drag myself away from the belly dancing to watch England beat Slovenia 1 -0 - Oh, how things can change in the space of four days. England vs. Germany; You could chant 'fourty four years of hurt', you could say that the linesman should have gone to SpecSavers or you could just say it was simply a debacle! Thousands of folk all over the Midlands tore themselves away from the heat of their gardens to watch twenty two men sweat it out in South Africa. I really do feel sorry for any listeners who made the trip of a life time to watch these grossly overpaid men return back to the UK yet again without that golden trophy in hand. Oh well, there's still Wimbledon and Big Brother to keep us occupied and at least the sun shone brightly on all you festival goers who headed down to Glastonbury. It's certainly refreshing to see umbrellas being used as parasols, than sheltering us from the usual British summer deluge!

Spiders & Soccer!

Louisa Allen — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 07:47:04 +0100

We have been so very fortunate with the weather over the last couple of weekends.
The sun also shined on Saturday, as I broadcasted live from The Hampton Ferry Charity Gala Day 2010. I had a marvellous time in a beautiful setting and experienced things I'd never done before, including getting up close and personal with a Chilean Rose Tarantul and jumping in to the basket of a hot air balloon. Unfortunately it was a little too breezy to soar through the skies of Hampton, although you would have thought that I have enough hot air coming out of my mouth to keep soaring for hours! Once again I met some really lovely loyal listeners and I hope that lots of money was raised for the various charities involved, including Diabetes UK, MacMillan and Hospital Radio.
After the excitement of assault courses and creepy crawlies, there was the further excitement of England v USA in the World Cup on Saturday evening! I did what many others did and headed for my nearest public house with a large screen! I was staggered by the amount of England flags I saw festooned upon peoples cars and houses and even more (pleasantly) surprised at the passion in which fans were singing the National Anthem.