Please come with me… hold my gloved hand.
Let’s stroll through a Knotty Ash Wonderland!
Knotty Ash is magical every month of the year.
But even more so now, as Christmas is near!

The Happiness Train has arrived on platform 4.
Colin and Vera arrive for their Wonderland Tour!
Then we follow the frosty Knotty Ash Signs.
That lead us to the famous Jam Butty Mines!

We turn left at Sir Ken W...

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I hope one day in L14, there comes a time.

When I see a ‘Sir Ken Dodd Way’ street sign!

It’d make a jovial start to your working day.

Chuckling your way down Sir Ken Dodd way!

Then another Doddy reminder, on the 10B.

That’s the famous Doddy bus to you and me!

Thinking of Doddy en route to your workplace.

And you’ll go to work with a smile on your face!

Doddy’s a Liverpo...

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I look at the Christmas tree on Barlow Lane.
It stands soaking wet in the pouring rain.
In the strong high winds it sways to and fro.
The busy rush hour traffic is waiting to go.

For afternoon tea, The Garden Café is shut.
The Locksmith is closing, no more keys to cut!
Punters dash into the Bookies, dripping wet.
Maybe they are making their Derby Day bet!

At the County Road bus stop,...

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Today is that day…I’m now an OAP!

With rickety hips and my plastic knee!

I dash to the toilet, 10 times a night.

And I reckon I’ve lost an inch in height!

To my midriff that inch has relocated.

And a larger waistline, it has created!

All the hair that I’ve lost over the years.

Has returned…inside my nose and ears!

I now struggle to get in and out of my bed.

I look fo...

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Welcome to December, autumn’s blown away.

In meteorological season’s, winter starts today!

I wonder what kind of UK winter lies ahead?

A season that divides opinion, it has to be said!

I’m definitely a ‘winter person’ I’ll let you know.

Winter cuddles on a chilly night, I love them so!

Sunbathing on a scorched beach, that’s not me.

All bundled up in winter, that’s my cup...

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Have you heard the word ‘Jamberine’?

If so, please tell me what does it mean?

The Dictionary was my first port of call.

But nothing listed…anything close at all!

Alexa had no idea and Google not a clue.

I’m running out of things to try and do!

Could it be a relation to the tangerine?

Or musically similar to the tambourine!

Maybe it’s something you put on bread.

...

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My Windows rattle, the hail does pour.

Winter’s got its foot in the Autumn door!

I see stubborn ice, refusing to go away.

Impatient Winter, wants to have its say!

So,what has the Autumn done to you?

Please can we see this season through!

A night of lashing gales and falling sleet.

Frozen, shivering cars, all line the street!

Weather warnings shown on my TV set.

Stead...

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My very favourite meal it has to be said.

Is a bowl of scouse with crusty bread!

And where do I get my Scouse from?

Bexley’s Craft Butcher’s from Old Swan!

I buy it from The Anglican Cathedral too.

Our very own famous Liverpool stew!

Beef or lamb…which do you prefer.

As long as its Scouse, I don’t really care!

So, thank you sailors from days gone by.

I’m sure yo...

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Silly Granddad was a daft horsey today.

To The Turnpike Tavern, we made our way.

He galloped too fast and trotted too slow.

He didn’t even know which way to go!

Granddad’s long scarf became my reins.

We sang songs made up of funny names!

The horsey was unsteady on the slippy ice.

He nearly toppled over, not once but twice!

Then this dopey horsey got stuck in the mud.

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How old am I, remind me of my name?

Who is that face in the photo frame?

I’m told that I live here now, is that so?

What’s the date today, as I don’t know?

Why is this jigsaw puzzle on my tray?

What is my problem, will it go away?

Why are these strangers kissing me?

Why are they upset as tears I can see?

It’s getting severe this memory lapse.

I need somebody ki...

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Thick fog hung over Liverpool today.

I hoped it decided to soon drift away.

Early morning I woke up, in Walton L4.

And Goodison Park was there no more!

Sir Doddy’s house, I couldn’t make out.

‘I think I’m lost’! I heard Dicky Mint shout!

So I was in Knotty Ash, that much I knew!

Then I went to The Pier Head, join me too!

I couldn’t see The Mersey, ebb and flow.

So I ...

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Something sinister was seen floating by.

A balloon with teeth was seen in the sky.

The balloon was white, just like a shroud.

It looked down on children from a cloud.

The balloon was looking for children to bite.

It was a Halloween balloon intent to fright!

The balloon pretended it wanted to play.

Suddenly the balloon saw Molly and May!

The Halloween balloon, its t...

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Another year over quickly, another year on.

It’s still hard to take in, my Mum has gone.

3 years it has now been, so quickly passed.

The sorrow I feel in my heart is here to last.

The Bonfire ashes still flicker and smoulder.

Time has moved on, I'm now a year older.

A few rockets today, still take off to the sky.

This time of the year, it always makes me cry.

That Satu...

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Come on Missus, dip into your purse

Please buy my book of Doddy verse.

Nearly 200 Doddy poems, I’ve wrote.

And all for as little as a ten pound note!


My Knotty Ash poems, plenty of them.

And lots and lots about the Diddymen!

20 odd poems about the Happiness Train.

Poems about flying on the Diddy Plane!


Christmas Doddy poems, New Year too.

And today a bonfire poem...

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Bluebell girl, standing alone and pale in the sun.

Standing at the roadside, she holds out her thumb.

A car driver soon pulls over right up to her side.

Then he takes the Bluebell girl on a familiar ride.

The driver talks, but the girl can only softly weep.

Because the Bluebell girl she has a secret to keep.

Many years ago, she died near the top of a hill.

Killed on the B...

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I’ve travelled all other, and seen many faces.

I’ve seen the world, its many splendid places.

But now I look in the mirror and what do I see?

I see a sad looking man staring back at me.

To find happiness, a new place I need to find.

And leave all my troubles and cares, far behind.

Some place from the darkness, were I can hide.

An ocean or sea were ships can sail with pr...

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Goodnight to both Cathedrals’…yes we do have 2!

Goodnight Pier Head, the world’s best waterfront view.

Goodnight our beautiful parks, far too many to name.

Goodnight River Mersey and the energetic Lark Lane.

Goodnight Knotty Ash, hope the Diddymen sleep tight.

Goodnight Matthew Street, I hope you rocked tonight!

Goodnight to the 97, we continue to shed the tears.

Goodnight W...

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I’ve just read 5 depressing news stories in a row.

All the latest unhappy news, I crave to know.

All the tragedy, fearful and sad headlines I seek.

I find I am addicted to them all, 7 days a week.

Up and down on my phone I constantly scroll.

It gives me the odd feeling that I am in control.

But then I’m left anxious, paranoid and scared.

But for every eventually, I f...

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A great memory from a time long gone.

The Grandstand Teleprinter on BBC1!

David Coleman stood beside camera 3.

But only the Teleprinter appeared on TV!

The Teleprinter would often stall or pause.

Kept you in suspense for the final scores!

It would judder and whirl and chatter away.

That was all very high tech back in the day!

If a team scored a big hat full, you c...

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When close to the ground…you could always tell.
You were suddenly greeted by that Hot Dog smell!
On every corner, there was a mobile Hot Dog stand.
A seller at the ready, with a bread roll in his hand!

Walking to The Kop, it was my teen pre match treat.
Back then, food hygiene standards took a back seat!
In fact, I don’t think they even had a ‘seat’ at all.
Not when you judge the state of...

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I see a lovely picture in a silver frame.

Beside it, the flickering of a candle flame.

In a vase are roses of red, white and pink.

And below them a tray of food and drink.

Outside, the rainy sky hangs dark and low.

The clouds drift along, heavy and slow.

Under those Runcorn skies, bereft of sun.

To the Buddhist Temple, people have come.

The Monks they chant and offer a ...

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The vote was passed with a Labour cheer.

So pensioners please beware, winter is near.

Couldn’t you at least stifle you joy and glee?

A disgusting reaction for the Country to see.

Look yourself in the mirror and look in shame.

If a pensioner dies of the cold, you are to blame.

Will you feel guilt over that, will you wear black?

Will that cheer haunt you when you look bac...

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My first concert…I was 18 years of age.

I found myself at the foot of the stage.

Lights went low, I dashed from my seat.

And I found myself at Marc Bolan’s feet!

28th February, New Brighton Floral Hall.

I was hit by the dirty sound of a Les Paul!

T.Rex appeared…the audience roared.

Then Bolan let rip that famous E chord!

20th Century Boy, kicked off the show.

A...

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Many pensioners will be shivering cold.
Cruelly targeted because they are old.
How will they manage on winter nights?
When the frost kicks in, as winter bites.

Old folk wrapped in extra layers to wear.
A ruthless new policy, so unjust and unfair.
Putting life’s at risk, an absolute disgrace.
A winter of misery, some people will face.

Extra blankets heaped over fragile bones.
The vulne...

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Hold my hand and come with me.

Let’s walk along the sand and sea.

Under the moon, I’ll hug you tight.

I need you close to me tonight.

Beneath the horizon, dips the sun.

I’m wishing that my Angel will come.

But that won’t happen…not today.

So I walk the beach in a lonely way.

My footprints soon ripple in the tide.

I close my eyes and you’re by my side.

The sea is ...

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It's Graduation Day in 'Kids In Bloom'

It'll be time to leave the Nursery soon'

The days of Nursery to leave behind.

A few tears today, I think you will find.

Alba looking beautiful dressed in blue.

Cute curls dripping beneath her cap too.

Alba holds her Certificate award tight.

Her smile beaming with a child's delight.

A new chapter awaits, a new page to turn

...

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I had to escape from all the events of late.

The riots, the protests, the anger and hate.

So dismayed by all the terrible news to face.

Another world I sought, some childlike place.

A world that’s seen through children’s eyes.

A world of fun and laughter and sunny skies.

So today, my 2 Granddaughters I went to see.

From their window, they loudly laughed at me!

I p...

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9pm…Police sirens flash and spin.
As 4 more Police vans now move in.
‘Save Our Kids’ is the chant I hear.
As innocent bystanders, run in fear.

This is a riot, feral youth at the core.
It will achieve nothing, that’s for sure.
A brick flies passed me breaks in 2.
The Police Helicopter is now in view.

1am…County Road is puffing smoke.
Bins set alight, yobs think it’s a joke.
The Poli...

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Thinking of causing trouble, stop and think?
Look at St Georges Hall, why is it lit up pink?
Keep it peaceful, be your views Left or Right.
Let’s not witness violence in Liverpool tonight.
Pink's the colour, our love and support to show.
Look at the summer sky and see the pink glow.
Pink is to remember the victims, the 3 girls lost.
No more violence, we’ve seen the tragic cost.
All over ...

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Teddy Bears and flowers rest upon the wall.

It’s just impossible to make any sense of it all.

I cried hard and long, I felt myself shaking.

Inside I could feel my heart was breaking.

All the details, I didn’t want to read or hear.

The headline alone brought on the first tear.

Public outrage is tangible…dangerously so.

People want answers, they won’t let this go.

Last n...

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Just past a withered tree, on which leaves will never grow.

Next to the disused bridge, under which nobody will ever go.

There lies an untrodden path, where children dare not play.

A twisting, winding path, shadows make it dark in the day.

Old rotten stones lead up to a house of unnerving fright.

The windows glare like mad eyes, staring out in the night.

Huge gates of twiste...

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This house has the stench of a suicide.

A young death, were a noose was tied.

The spirit remains...forever to roam.

This can never become a happy home.

The house has no energy, just bad will.

This house, it shivers from an evil chill.

In this house no ‘happy death’ occurred.

Angry voices from the past can be heard.

A house should be a happy, sacred place.

In th...

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I looked out to the sea today.

From the safety of the bay.

I walked along the gritty sand.

I was in need of a helping hand.

I looked at the waves, rising high.

Rinsing the rocks they passed by.

Close to the water’s edge I crept.

All the secrets the sea has kept.

I’m so tired of life, I need to sleep.

One more secret, please to keep.

The angry sea, spitting left a...

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Bike lessons given, grazed knees kissed.

My favourite days ever, so sorely missed.

With a McDonald’s hat on, 'want to pay'?

I still cherish those memories every day.

Bill and Ben bedtime tales told and retold.

The farmer’s dinner would always go cold!

'Rough and tumble' games, a treasure trail.

Every day I looked forward to without fail.

A taste in music and movie...

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For Alba and Nola this is for you.

Looking beautiful, dressed in blue.

Nola 2…Sister Alba now a ‘big 4’!

Standing outside their front door.

Matching clothes, I find that sweet.

Same white sandals on their feet!

With all my heart, I love them so.

Now my love has some place to go.

This is what I’ve been waiting for.

A new chapter in my life for sure!

A ch...

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Did you 'ship' need more than oars and sail?

Was fair weather drowned by storm and gale?

Did the waves never flatten never to subside?

Was happiness for you, for too long denied?

What happened when you looked overboard?

Did you see a way out…a route to The Lord?

Was your life now nothing but stress and pain?

Where all attempts to save you, made in vain?

Without you the...

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This tired man had left the world behind.

He was gifted a lamp, one of its kind.

It dated back to the very dawn of time.

The Lamp of Lithon, with its unique shine.

In the library late one lonely night.

The room was bathed in a mystical light.

No flicker, no shadow just a perfect glow.

As the Lamp of Lithon, put on a show.

The walls of books became a screen.

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I walk amongst the heather, thinking of you.

Lonely flowers in hand, feet dripped in dew.

To the hills where we walked, I’m on my way.

Every hill I will climb in your memory today.

The wind is merely gentle, cool upon my face.

A thousand memories await me in this place.

I see the pale sun, now rising from its sleep.

It’s that time of year for my promise to keep.

T...

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Stuart could paint landscapes with no brush in hand.

With his words alone, I could envisage a better land.

Stuart’s writing had purpose, without music it spoke.

A thousand images in my mind his words could evoke.

Stuart painted with lyrics, be it mountains or stream.

Or tales of bloody wars or peaceful valleys of green.

He wrote the words of a poet, straight from the he...

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Please say a little prayer for me.

As we’re at the mercy of the sea.

The waves are high, water ice cold.

Side to side this boat has rolled.

Children to parents cling on tight.

Think of them and of their plight.

Our boat is fighting wave after wave.

But I look about and faces are brave.

The winter sky is starless and black.

The point of no return, no turning bac...

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Sitting alone on a deserted beach.

Thankfully the world is out of reach.

Keep your hatred, greed and wars.

Just keep it far away from my shores.

This is my Island, the one I planned.

No bullets to fire, no bombs to land.

This is my haven, no poverty, no lies.

Nothing above me to pollute the skies.

Keep your politicians, from every side.

They are all aboard...

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In our World there’s been war after war.

That’s not what the World was created for.

Battles in the air, over land and at sea.

All that suffering makes no sense to me.

A countless death toll, forever to grow.

Invasion follows invasion, why is this so?

Wars over religion and the stealing of land.

Why are we like this…I don’t understand?

Bombs dropped or the thrustin...

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To take your last breath, did I make you wait?

I’m so so sorry Mum, so sorry I got there late.

They said I was ok to go home, the nurse said so.

I held your hand all night, but then I let it go.

‘Get some rest’ they told me’ ‘go home’ they said.

I sat beside you all night, I sat there by your bed.

But then I went home, they said that would be ok.

‘There will be no change ...

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Hold their hand, as today is that day.

Give them a hug, it can go a long way.

Give them your time, lend them an ear.

Because today is that time of year.

Be there to listen, to take in every word.

35 years on, I have my prayers prepared.

Prayers for our red family, who we lost.

And for survivors who still count the cost.

I remember victims too like Ronnie King.

His name t...

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Into deep water my car swam.

Floated just like as discarded can.

By a Widnes Bridge, a scary ride.

A very nervous Ploy, by my side.

We escaped from the watery snare.

My car gargled and gasped for air.

Hissing, blowing off puffs of steam.

We pulled away from the stream.

This deluge I had no chance to avert.

No flood warnings, no signs of alert.

I lifted...

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‘Bellies not bins’… that’s how it should be.

A waste of good unsold food, I hate to see.

From hunger pain, no stomach should ache.

A big difference together, we can all make.

Every food donation helps to show you care.

If you can, please help to support FairShare.

We’re out to tackle hunger, help if you can.

Let’s fill up with food every FairShare van!

Top Superma...

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Through my City, I walked the streets last night.

To see for myself, the City’s homeless plight.

I saw first-hand, the hardship of having no home.

The cardboard blankets and pillows of stone.

I threw what I had into a near empty paper cup.

A man muttered 'ta mate'...he barely looked up.

It's difficult to put an age on this homeless man.

I saw weary eyes and a beaten up we...

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Are your chuckle muscles fit and rearing to go?

This is International Happiness Day, did you know?

This is the kind of day, our Doddy was born for.

So, let’s try and spread happiness shore to shore!

In Doddy’s memory, let’s make this a special day.

Have an extra jam butty or 2 on your tea tray!

Laughter is contagious and what’s more it’s free.

Pass a smile on, it mig...

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From everything good in my life, I walked away.

Now the older I get, the higher the price I pay.

I've loved, been loved, held many hands tight.

I've counted my lucky stars, deep into the night.

What is it about me, happiness I seem to fear.

I tie myself in knots, whenever it comes near.

So, I overthink things, fear it might all backfire.

I know how fragile hearts are, how...

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Fear is loneliness, I’ve had my taste.

Fear is isolation, a life goes to waste.

Fear is rejection, I’ve had my fill.

Fear is knowing, time has stood still.

Fear is in denial, a lost cause to chase.

Fear is in a mirror, I see it in my face.

Fear is dreaming, when false hope grows.

Fear is waking up to the same old woes.

Fear is an empty house, each room b...

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