Thanet Lad Gets His Willie Out For England

Football fever isn't something I indulge in more than once every four years, but I'm pleased to see local tunesmith Lonnie Donegan Jr has re-worked and re-released his dad's 1966 World Cup Willie anthem for this year's footie fest in South Africa. Who knows, perhaps it'll do the trick again 44 years later.

Meanwhile it seems a bunfight is brewing between Thanet's cabbies and our beloved council over whether they'll be able to fly the (made in China) England flag from the roofs of their P reg Peugeots while the tournament's on. One annoyed taxi driver told me recently it was his right as an England supporter, and that there'd be a riot in Cecil Square if the jobsworths put the mockers on patriotic displays of footie fervour!

The Last Cab Off The Rank

Today's Sadscene leads with the news that the traditional London cabbies' charity fun run to Margate has been cancelled due to the fact that there is, in reality, no more fun to be had in the Arsonists' Playground. Unless it's with a can of petrol and a box of Bryant and Mays, that is.

The run's been going since 1973, bringing mentally handicapped children and their carers to the town for a spot of welcome levity by the seaside. But no more, as the organising committee claims there is 'not enough to do' in the town. Committee chair Michael Range told the paper: 'It's down to inadequate facilities.' Other runs to Herne Bay and Hastings will continue, with Mr Range adding: 'We don't get the help from Margate. It's always been a battle. Margate has, for a while, been a thorn in our side. It's been a great venue for 30 years but not anymore.'

Blue Rinse shagpiler Sandy Beach is quoted as saying he could not understand the decision, and that he thought it was 'just politics being played out'. Personally I think Sandy should get his head out of the, er, sand, or his arse, or wherever he keeps it and take a good look around him!

Click here to go to London taxi drivers' charity website

Clown And Out In Margate

As my showbiz career stutters towards its inevitable conclusion - an autobiography followed by a five minute spot on Richard and Judy - I thought I could at least use some of the spare time on my hands doing charity work for the kiddiwinks.

So yesterday I was in Margate being soaked by water pistol toting teenagers who were here for the annual seaside trip put on by London cab drivers. Typical. Umpteen years of 'South of the river? You must be kidding mate!' then 150 come along at once.

Speaking of Margate, Blue Rinser Roger Latchford was on the lunchtime news, telling everyone how spiffing the place is. Apparently traders are bemoaning the duff weather and the dire lack of visitors. 'We've got a South Eastern train coming at 3.30' was Our Roger's rallying cry. Well, that should do the trick then.

Still, just over a week and Margate gets its first ever Gay Pride. I wonder if Justin will be going to that? Actually, where is Justin?