On BBC Radio 4 Saturday Live

There I was, raking out the bottom of my fire when the 'phone rang.

I didn't recognise the number so I was prepared to be offered new windows (which, ironically, I could do with! Well, specifically, a kitchen window. But, before any readers ring because you happen to work for a Double Glazing firm, here is a proviso; unless you supply windows that you install and never need paying for, please don't contact me. I thank you.)

I answered the 'phone and a voice said: "Could I speak to Billy Gibbons please" Everyone that calls from a company like the above never call me by that name, they always use my real name so I knew this call was from a friend with a new 'phone or the Media. It was the latter.

The person worked for BBC Radio 4's 'Saturday Live' programme and they'd heard about my (some would say, but not me) eccentric lifestyle and would like to interview me about it. Of course, I agreed.

Believe it or not, I'm an avid listener to BBC Radio 4 and, obviously, BBC Radio Stoke!

At this point, I thought they would interview me over the 'phone and I would have been thrilled to do that but no, they wanted me in the Studio! To say I was exited about that would have been an understatement.

Bags packed almost before I'd put the 'phone down, the next thing I find myself on Crewe Railway Station on Friday morning waiting to mount one of Richard Branson's Virgins. (For anyone not familiar with Public Transport...it's a Train.)

Never one to miss an opportunity, I asked Shell, who drove me to the Station, to take a picture of me on the platform, holding my (nearly, but not quite, famous) Saw and Spoon. This she very kindly did but I noticed a group of people watching so I went over to them, Saw and Spoon in hand, to explain what I was doing.

Those that didn't run away were interested in what I told them and I gave them a rendition of 'Edelwiess' and asked then to 'Name That Tune'. The one person who remained got it in one!

After visiting the Cafe', grabbing a load of food, putting it on the counter, being told how much it came to and promptly putting it straight back, my train arrived and I was whizzing off to that London!

I realize I'm waffling on a bit so, I'll cut to the chase. Saturday morning saw (no pun) me walking through those iconic doors of BBC Broadcasting House, Portland Street, that London where so many of my Comedy and Light Entertainment heroes have gone before.

"On Air In...3...2...1" If you heard the programme, or have been to the BBC Radio 4 iPlayer Listen Again feature will know what happened next. It was such a thrill for me, and an honour, to have been asked on the show.

As a foot note; just before I did my piece proper, the presenter told me they wouldn't have time for my 'Saw and Spoon'. Maybe they genuinely didn't have time...or maybe they've heard me play it before and decided against the idea.

They didn't get away with it altogether though; I played it for them off air! Maybe the next time I go on Radio 4, I'll play it for them then. Watch this space.....

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