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Background
Bob has been writing songs, stories, and poetry for
decades, but his first love is lyrics...He
is more concerned with
the content of a song, so lyrics are really important to him.
As Bob says: "When a Poem meets a
Melody, that's where you'll
find a song"
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The
Merton Hall to The Royal
Albert Hall |
The
Orbits (At Merton Hall)
 He played in a few bands in the
60's ("Bands were called groups then."), pumping
chords on a single keyboard organ. No, it wasn't a Vox Continental, it
was a Farfisa Capri made in Italy.
Later on he had a Hammond with
a separate Leslie rotary speaker. ("What a
wonderful
sound. I would have one now if we had room in the house"). He loves writing new songs. In
1966 Bob was in a group called The Orbits. They played a charity show at the Royal
Albert Hall, in aid of the Aberfan mining disaster which robbed the
Welsh village of a generation. The Orbits were signed to Johnnie Saville
(Jimmy's brother), at the time. Jonnie was truly a diamond, he referred
to the Orbits as "The Radio London band" (Or was it group?).
The line up at the Albert hall was amazing for then. It included Dorothy Squires (Then married to
Roger Moore),
Lulu, Cat Stevens, Kenny Lynch,
Jimmy
Saville, Alan Freeman, The Soul Survivors, (who later reformed as the The
Fortunes), and the Small Faces (Pre-Rod Stewart).
Check out the poster in the background of
the next pic. (Click to enlarge)
Small
Faces Mania
 The Faces had a
Hammond, with a huge stack of Marshal speakers,
Bob had to make do
with his Farfisa, and one little 50 watt amp. (On the left. Probably
the only surviving photo form that time). The rest of the
group had Vox 30 watt amps. That was
normal for then.
The Faces
were amazing, it must have been like playing in the same show as super
stars. Dorothy Squires was supposed to be top of the bill, but conceded
to going on before the Small Faces. Dorothy was from a completely
different era, and the screaming girls ruined her act, with abuse, and
spitting at her, while she was performing. They eventually rushed the
stage. That was a a very unpleasant scene, and entirely inappropriate
when you consider the reason for the show. of course Bob joined in with the
other artists, and helped clear the stage of the savage screaming girls.
If
you remember being removed from that stage by a smartly dressed
bloke in his twenties, that might have been Bob. In
those days, they didn't have security as we know now it. It was just a few stage hands, the
artistes managers, and of course
the artistes themselves, who the keeping of order fell to. That same evening
Bob rescued the very, very! young Lulu from another hostile crowd of Faces
fans, who had found their way into the back stage area. Bob is quite proud of that gentlemanly act. It would be
interesting to know if Lulu remembers the incident.
1966...A
very good year
 Bob also got married that year, to Sylvia.
They
have three children, Julia,
Bob, and Angela. Between them they have presented Bob, and
Sylvia with 6 grand children. They are both vegetarians, and share the
same concerns for fellow human's dilemmas around the world, as well as being animal lovers. They contribute to several different charities,
both animal, and human. Bob continues to advocate an "All
species charity", in fact he has included an "All species
sanctuary" in his story "A Group of Humans".
History
repeating itself?
In the late 70's Bob got
involved with his son's Sea Cadet Unit, and was foolish enough to
let slip the fact that as a boy himself, he played drum and bugle.
Needless to say he was roped in (With not too much protest,
really), to form a band. In a very short time he had 15 boys
and girls marching and playing to a reasonable standard. Sylvia
helped out by making her famous "Band Buns". These were
huge rock cakes, with the currents replaced by chocolate
chips. Four of
the boys went on to play with a much bigger Sea Cadet band, which eventually
performed at the Royal Albert hall in British Youth Band show.
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Bob's Column (Con't
from home page)
In the early 90's he had a regular column in the London taxi Trade News.
He
collected stories from passengers riding in his cab. The Characters below: Courtney, Sir Bourbon, and Meter Ron, were used by Bob as
nom de plumes for his column, which was called 'Suburban
Stories'. He also started one called "European Stories", which was
fronted by "Meter Ron" the "Euro Cabbie". In Ron's
own words: "I'll take you anywhere in Europe Guv', but I won't
go south of the Riviera". (About the same time he wrote the first 'A Group Of
Humans' poems). He collected light-hearted, stories, and amusing
anecdotes from passengers, in and around London. Among them are
contributions from Sir Trevor Nunn CBE,
Tony Head, Sue Pollard, and David Simeon. Plus numerous not so famous
people. All of the stories where used even if they were blatant "Porkies" As Sir Bourbon him self
is reputed to say: " Never allow the truth
to get in the way of a good story. Simply follow the three E's of publishing:
Edit, Embellish, and Entertain" Bob's personal favourites include: Joanna Lumley, Ben Kingsley, and of course, Trevor
Nunn.
To see a
"Nearly" complete list of the people
(Bob
can't remember them all) "Had in the back of his cab"
, and to read his account of the time he "Nearly" met
Dawn French! Click on Meter Ron (The Euro cabbie) below or here.
Bob
Says:
"That was such a
fun time, which made cab driving , almost a
social event. These
three don't actually appear in the story, of a "Group of
Humans",
but they were around when the
concept was emerging. and I had so much fun because of them, I think
they are worth a mention.
Although they are only from my imagination,
and cleverly brought to life on paper by the late Eric Goodman's talent, I swear
I have met Real
People who they could easily have been based on; after they were drawn!
Click on each character for their MySpace
pages 
From left to right: Courtney
Goodgossip, Meter Ron, Sir Bourbon
Stories.
Copyright: Characters owned by Bob Richardson,
Original Drawings by the late Eric Goodman.
Below are
scanned stories from the " London Cab Trade News". (Click
thumbnails to enlarge)
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"Binging
on the cheap" |
"A Lass
for Richmond's Ill's" |
"C...c...Crush
a Chihuahua", "P...P...Pick a P...Penguin",
"Costa of a Cat lover"
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"Law
and Last Orders"
"Running Scared" |
Meter
Ron's Euro Stories
"Life's Just One Hell Of Bitch"
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Conclusion
of :
"Life's One Hell of Bitch"
"Kebabs and Crumpet" |
"Blue-Black
Hand Strikes Again"
"Laugh and The World laughs With You"
"Mis-Fortune On Wheels" |
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Sadly,
the editorial changes made to Bob's wording in "Mis-Fortune
On Wheels" prompted him to discontinue his column.
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The
Diana Lamplugh Interview
In
Bob's own Words:
In January 1992 Bob was asked by the Cab Trade News to interview
Diana Lampugh. Diana was a very high profile campaigner
for the licensing of the so called "Mini Cabs" of
London. By that time most other areas in Britain had introduced
licensed private hire already.
London remained a "One Tier" system which subjected a
huge portion of the travailing public to the totally uncontrolled
self styled "Mini Cab" operators. Diana Lamplugh was revered
and feared (Oxymoron? Maybe, but she was a very special person)
by the London cab trade, so they sent me to find out a bit
more. She was indeed a formidable professional, but I also
saw her as a grieving mother, who was not at all scary. I
prepared a list of questions considered to be pertinent at time,
loaded a new film in my camera, and headed off to South West
London.
Diana answered the questions with extreme candour. Diplomacy
prevented me from printing at least one of her answers. The
driving force for her concerns regarding public safety, especially
unaccompanied women, was the disappearance of her daughter under
mysterious circumstances. Susi Lamplugh disappeared whilst doing
her job as an estate agent in 1984. A man was convicted of
Susi's murder, and sent prison. Diana actually visited him
in prison and asked him where her daughter's body was. My opinion
remains, Diana Lamplugh is an amassing person, and a very brave
one. Bob Richardson. |
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BOATS
He also
continues to hone his skills as a Powerboat
Instructor and as a j24 crew member (Middle, and /or Cockpit). Bob's
completed 5 seasons on Tiger and Tiger2 , which was the boat left behind
in Weymouth by the Italian team after the 2005 J24 nationals
2009 saw a transfer to a bigger boat "Danegeld"
(Pictured right) a purpose built 35 foot mahogany racing sloop, built in
1958, and currently owned by Bob's friend Robert Veale. Sadly she
is now moored in Gosport, so we no longer see her in Weymouth.
Click thumbnails to
enlarge. Also click her picture to learn more about "Danegeld"
Bob has his own
vintage boat, albeit somewhat smaller than Danegeld, at 16 Foot,
"Jezebel" is a 1969 all wooden Wayfarer.
Pictured left. (Click thumbnails to enlarge).
Bob's other boat is a 33 foot steel Dutch
Motor Sailer
"Dreamer". This boat is being fitted out with two toilets, holding tanks
ect... When she is eventually finished she will
have three "Ensuite"cabins. The pictures below are from
October 2010 to April 2011. Note the snow. We worked on her almost right
through that horrible 2010/11 winter. The photo that looks like the
boat is on fire, is when we had to cut out the double layer (YES DOUBLE
LAYER!!!) of domestic tiles from the head with an angle grinder.
(Click thumbnails to
enlarge)
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Complete strip out - Working through the snow - Special ladder/staircase -
Holding tanks - New fresh water tank - Calorifier - Full sanitary system - Electric macerator toilet
and evacuation pump - New water tank - New dash board - New 240volt
ring main - 12v system rewired and added to - Windows out new rubbers
fitted and re-sealed - 4 new port holes fitted - Wheel house stripped out and refitted - Dash board repositioned
and remodelled - masts refurbished -
 
ONE
VOLUNTEER IS WORTH...
Boats Committee
and "Grafter"
As a member of the castle Cove
sailing club's boats committee,
he's had plenty of opportunities to volunteer his services,
which he's done
on a regular basis over the last six years. In
this capacity he has been jointly responsible for the maintenance and day to
day running of eight motor support boats, and six sail training boats.
Bob will continuing to help with the support boats, but in a reduced
capacity.
"Grafter"
Nestling prettily on
the Northern edge of Portland harbour. Castle Cove Sailing Club, is normally
devoid of boating activity for most of the week during winter time.
However; there's one boat that can be seen regularly working quietly away on the
club's 160 swinging moorings. "Grafter is a 39 foot ex Royal Navy harbour
launch. She is steel and weighs ten tons, has a Perkins engine, and is manned entirely
by club volunteers. She is fitted with a powerful hydraulic winch, and
works in conjunction with the 7 tonne crane mounted close to the water at the
club. Volunteers lift the moorings sinkers, and the huge ground chains
weighing up to one and half tonnes, and bring them ashore to be lifted out by the
crane. Grafter and her crew provide an invaluable serve to the club, and
make it possible for members in normal circumstances to keep a boat in this
area. This is one of the reasons the club has a long waiting list, and
such a precise profile for membership.
 
Above she is
pictured working with a diver, "Beaver"
the club's work boat in tow (Note the "A" flag denoting "Diver
Down"). Others pictures show a typical day inspecting and winterising club
member's moorings. The remaining pictures are of "Dreamer's" mooring
being lifted and brought ashore for inspection. It has to be said there isn't
normally as many volunteer members present. On this occasion they were there in
numbers to learn how to operate the crane with one one of the heavier moorings
as a good test weight. "Dreamer's" ground weight is 1.2 Tonnes, plus
the ground chain, so that was a good test. Each mooring is inspected
every 5 years. Here Dreamer's ground can be sitting upright, and turned over to
see the rest of the ground chain. The ground chain measured 25mm of 28mm, which
is acceptable to be retuned to service. Her riser, chain and mooring bridle are
both new. The chains are photographed, and the measurements recorded. An
invaluable service indeed, and all carried out by club volunteers.
Rescue Boat Training
Bob intends to continue the rescue driver and crew training programme,
with help from some very qualified people. Castle Cove Sailing Club,
is a self help club.
Club Web Site
As well as the rescue boat training he writes and updates
the Support Boats web pages
for the associated segments. Bob also produces warning and information signs concerning motor boats, for the volunteer
drivers.
LONDON
2012 AND SAIL
FOR GOLD
Involvement in the
Pre-Olympics sailing events, at Weymouth Sailing Academy,
which is the official venue for the 2012 Olympic sailing events.
Bob's club, Castle Cove Sailing Club, is the only
OLYMPIC
TRAINING CAMP ON OLYMPIC WATERS. He
has taken part in two SAIL
FOR GOLD (Pre-2012 Olympic) events
so far. "This
is a very exciting time for the sailing fraternity in Weymouth".
We have a strong pool of talented, and
experienced volunteers in the Weymouth area, and we have provided all
the expertise required to stage the pre-Olympic event. This year
however, we are handing over the reins to volunteers for around the
country, which is only fair. We will of course continue to pass on
any tips about these waters that may benefit other
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Experienced Computer User
Having used computers at hobby and business level for more than 20 years, using
a broad range of software including Lotus and Ms word processors, Adobe Photo
Shop, MicroSoft Front Page and Macromedia Dreamweaver.
HTML Course
Has written a course manual on designing web pages using HTML coding which
incorporates photo editing using a simple editor, which comes free with
windows. This means the student does not need expensive additional software
beyond windows. Well over a hundred students giving them an
introduction to web design, image creation and copyright issues.
Assessment Documents
Has
also produced assessment and evaluation documents for students wishing
to embark on courses such as: ECDL, New Clait and Clait Plus. These were
used successfully at the Verne prison to ascertain whether the students
would finish the course in time for release or transfer to another
prison. As well as numerous lesson plans and activities handouts for ‘Preparation
for Work’ and ‘Key Skills’, has produced detailed ‘How to’
instruction sheets and exercises for Databases, Word-processing and File
Management.
Web Site
Also written own web site bobrichardson.org.uk which has been used successfully as a
teaching aid for online searching practice and demonstrations of web design elements. It also
is used to store files and images for download by students.
Back to Top of Page
A Word From Bob
Teaching Qualifications
City and Guilds 7407 FE teaching adults Level 4 (Kingston Maurwood College)
City and Guilds 7307 FE teaching adults Level 3 (Weymouth College)
Helping E-learners On Line Level 3 (Hello course completed online)
European Computer Driving Licence
ECDL Ofice Expert (Awarded by The British Computer Society)
ECDL (Completed Online with Weymouth College)
EDCL Advanced Word processing
ECDL Advanced Spread sheets
ECDL Advanced Databases
ECDL Advanced Presentations
ECDL marker (In house with Strode College)
(All Advanced courses with Dorset Adult Ed.)
Web Design
Qualifications
Web Design Module of IT Degree (see below)
Microsoft FrontPage200 Expert User (Completed Online)
City and Guilds Web Design level 2 using HTML coding and Adobe Photo Sho
Home and office Qualifications
OCR Information Business Technology Level 3
Desk Top Publishing level 3
Key Skills I Key Skills Communications Level 2
(All with Weymouth College) information Technology level 3
Modules completed of Information Technology Degree with Southampton University
- Foundation
module
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Web Design Skills using Macromedia DreamWeaver, HTML coding and Adobe PhotoShop
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Understanding Operating Systems
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Database Management
(Completed with Southampton University at Adult Ed. Centre)
Miscellaneous Courses and Seminars
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Skills Agency Learning Materials training
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Skills Agency Diagnostic assessment Training (To Assess Adult Literacy)
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Advice and Guidance Seminar
(In house with Strode college)
Non-Accredited Courses
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Desk Top Publishing
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Level I HTML coding
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Level 2 HTML coding
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Designing Commercial Web Pages
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Level 1 Adobe Photo Shop
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Level 2 Adobe Photo Shop
(All with Weymouth College)
Hobby Related Courses
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Yacht Master Navigation Theory
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ICC Sail & Power up to 24M 85Tonnes
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DSC VHF Radio Operators licence
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First Aid
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Safety Boat Driver
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Powerboat Instructor
(All with Royal Yachting Association Recognized Training Centres)
Back to Top of Page
A Word from Bob
“All of these courses were
completed between January 2000 and June 2005. That’s on average of one course
started and completed every 6-7 weeks. Truth is some of them ran concurrently,
so I did have some breaks. I attended all of the courses in my late Fifties so I
have the advantage of being 'Current' in my subject areas as well as being able
to bring maturity and ‘Life Experience‘ to my teaching.
It gives me personal experience of being a part of so many different groups,
seeing us ‘Forming’, ‘Storming’ and ‘Norming’ which has equipped me
with an acute understanding of how groups work and how isolated an individual
can feel, and of course, why some people ‘Drop out’ when the course is well
within their capabilities.
It’s so easy to feel intimidated by other group members for any number of
academic and/or social reasons. Online these barriers can be overcome more
easily, because of the ‘Virtual Environment’. Therefore: My empathy will be
based on recent personal experience
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My Assessments will be fair and take into account effort and content, and not just presentation
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My feedback will be swift and constructive, knowing how eager we all are for acknowledgment and
praise.
Course Junky?
I found myself admitting at one point that I must be a
‘Course Junky’, hooked on the need to learn. Maybe, maybe not, but one
element of the process to date (I intent to continue learning) stands out for me
and that is MOTIVATION. ;-)
What motivated me? A sense of achievement with certificates to prove it, and a
realistic way forward.”
How I would motivate my online students
My own experience with online studying has shown that personal commitment is
important, but equally important is the knowledge that not only did some body
write and set up the technology. Someone is also on hand to Assist, Empathise,
Assess, and Evaluate then give you a ‘Well Done’ every now and again. My own
commitment to life long learning and my attitude towards the learning process
will demonstrate to the individual my enthusiasm and belief. This in turn will
reinforce the student’s own commitment to learn.
Overcoming Barriers to learning
Non-Time Related Problems
A problem that is not one of time management could be handled using the model
in Fig.1. This could be achieved by negotiation with the student. A follow up
progress check and evaluation of the effectiveness of these techniques would
ensure further progression and success for the individual.
See Fig.1
Above all, the main motivation for my online students would be the knowledge
that they can do it and it will be a worthwhile achievement. Also the fact I
am there listening to them and I can solve or help them to solve their problems.
I would help the learner to look at any problems or barriers to their own
learning and together we may come up with the solution as a partnership.
Time Related Problems
In particular I would look at the work routine. Then, based on the Health
and Safety advice of limiting exposure to a computer monitor to 1 hour per
session suggest a way to divide a typical hour of study into effective sections
I.E.
Two 20-minute working sessions with
A couple of 5-minute breaks and
review
See Fig.2
Moderating on-line
I enjoyed the 'Hello' course with Learndirect and as a result have produced tools of my
own, including a 'Code' to deal with 'Flaming Spirals'
during the communication. Especially the live chat.
See Flaming
Advice and Guidance
Should the problems experienced by any of my students prove to be beyond my
expertise, I would suggest they contact an appropriate department for the expert
help that they need. I would of course welcome them back at a later date if they
so wished.
The Last Word
Designed and written by Bob Richardson for the purpose of
securing employment as an online tutor of the above
subjects.
More recently though to promote his writing skills and secure publication of
his work.
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