Neil Gits A Cheque

Financially, the last six months have not been the best of times for me. After enjoying two fabulous years following my official early retirement in December 2021, it has been setback after setback, expense following expense & disappointment leading to disappointment so far in 2024 ! To be fair, in between money issues, there have been some really good moments to savour and hopefully there are a few more to come, but I have now had to somewhat restrict some of my enjoyable activities to hold on to what cash I have – and then as you mad have read last week, along came the “Full Fibre Fiasco” …

Well, I am pleased to say that yesterday my £28.70 refund arrived, but not in my account directly as promised … they sent me a cheque !! I can’t remember the last time I got given one of those !! Unfortunately, since the last time I had the need to pay one into my bank, they have shut their branches in the THREE nearest towns to me (what on earth is going on in life these days ?!) but it seems I may be able to pay it in via my local Post office. There are actually TWO of those within walking distance of my house, but not a single bank, and as long as I can find an old paying-in slip that is still valid I should be OK.

Thanks to some expert “money-shuffling”, I did manage to avoid any charges for the day I went overdrawn, although the way my monthly direct debits are set up, that situation could arise again by the end of the month, subject to how quickly cheques clear these days – hopefully a bit faster than I remember from several years ago ! I also have the delightful prospect of getting to Basildon over three hours before my show starts tomorrow as the nearest branch to me now in the town centre shuts at 4pm so if that’s the case, I will have to put on my walking shoes and take my camera so I can capture Bas Town in all it’s current glory …

At the end of the day, receiving my cheque was the highlight of my Saturday and forgetting that I had all the windows open and the neighbours were out in the garden, I shouted out ” YESSSS !! AT (flipping) LAST!!” and celebrated by heading off to Sainsburys and treating myself to an extra loaf of bread so i could have three slices of toast for breakfast this week instead of the two I had cut back to. Well, you have to get your pleasure where you can …

Anyone who loves their soul music will know that whatever you are going through, playing some of your special tracks, whether from your own personal collection or listening to a favourite radio station / DJ can only lift your spirits. I am no different myself and I hope that by giving my show a listen you come away feeling your mood boosted a little. Here are last week’s uplifting tunes to enjoy :

The Tunes – Monday 22nd July 2024

Whispers – Keep On Loving Me
Shalamar – Make That Move
Kim Tibbs – My Better Side
Dramatics – Whatcha See Is What You Get
Dramatics – No Rebate On Love
Luther – Everybody Rejoice
Minnie Riperton – Loving You
Raphael Saadiq & Stevie Wonder – Never Give You Up
Slave – Steppin’ Out
Tom Browne – Funkin’ For Jamaica
Locksmith – Unlock The Funk
Crusaders – Standing Tall
Clydie King ft Jimmy Holiday – Ready Willing & Able
Prince Charles & The City Beat Band – Cash Money
Ray Parker Jr & Raydio – Honey I’m Rich
Moments – Dolly My Love
MS1 Project – She Likes To Music
Jarrod Lawson & Raquel Rodriguez – Next Move
Adina Howard – Freak Like Me
Roberta Flack – Independent Man
Robin Beck – Sweet Talk)
Luther Vandross – I Really Didn’t Mean It
Narada Michael Walden-Tonight I’m Alright (Spirit Of 79 Mix)

Feel free to get in touch with your soulful request or just for a mention on the show – put a post on “The Old Gits Soul Show” page on Facebook, text (01268)833978 or message me via e-mail : [email protected].

The Old Gits Soul Show is broadcast LIVE from 7pm–9pm every Monday, repeated on Saturday evening from 5pm–7pm, on Gateway 97.8FM in Basildon & East Thurrock and available nationally via the Radio Player at Sky TV as well as online via www.gateway978.com You can listen on your smart speaker or your phone too … plus you can hear it again anytime you like via the “Listen Again” button on the Gateway website – just search “Cool Soul” !