“And now I’m handing you over to Ben D Itinhalf and Hazel Knutt for a quick look at who is arriving at the Brighton Dome Theatre for the first annual Mildred Awards ceremony.”
“Thank you so much, Heidi Hi, and thank you everyone for joining us on this incredible occasion here in the heart of Brighton and Hove, on the South Coast of the UK. So, while we await the arrival of the guests, Hazel, tell us a little about what these awards are all about.”
“Well, Ben, the organiser of these awards, Mr Hugh Roberts, decided to invent this award so he can present it to the authors of the blogs which have given him support, inspiration, friendship, enjoyment, and laughter, all with a sense of blogging community, over the last twelve months. He’s announcing this evening that his own blog has now become Award Free and, in doing so, he is going to present the Mildred Awards once a year on the same night as some other less important award ceremony which is also taking place this evening.”
“Are you referring to the Oscars. Hazel?”
“Yes I am, Ben, but who wants to hear about them when we have the real stars of the world right here? Little do they know it, but all of these bloggers are being presented with a Mildred Award this evening, by Mr Roberts. Oh, look here comes one of the first cars right now, lets see who gets out of it shall we?”
“This is very exciting, Hazel, and may I say your teeth are looking very white this evening.”
“Why thank you Ben, and that tie you are wearing is very bright, even with the gravy stains on it. So, here we go, lets see who is about to arrive at the Mildreds. Oh, look, it’s Alienora from Alien Aura’s Blog and Sherri Matthews from A View From My Summerhouse. Both are looking gorgeous in their ball gowns and Ali is giving away some signed copies of her books, Come Laughing! and Long-Leggety Beasties to the waiting crowds.”
“And who’s this arriving right behind them, Hazel?”
“Oh, that’s Maria Brinkley, who seems to have brought her own mangoes with her this evening, and Claudette from To Search And To Find, who I know Hugh was particularly impressed with after telling him that she milked a cow on the morning of her wedding.”
“Impressive stuff, Hazel, and I’ve just noticed Eloise De Sousa arriving and she too is handing copies of her book, Deception, out to the crowds and, look, she’s given a little girl at the front of the crowd her very own copy of Scat The Black Cat, oh how that little girl is going to remember this night for a very long time.”
“Yes, and here comes, Amanda Lyle, from Inside The Life Of Moi, Ronovan from Ronovanwrites and Jen from Jen’s Pen Den, some of the stars, along with Ms De Sousa, of the not quite yet finished continuing story saga of ‘The Grammar Black Market’ and ‘When Ronovan Met Miss Maple’. Do we have any idea when that story is going to be concluded, Hazel?”
“Well, word has it that the final chapter will be published very soon, Ben, but the stars are still in the process of talks with Warner Sisters to turn the story into a blockbuster movie and book. My word, the crowds are going hysterical for these people arriving and yes, she’s here, look, Vashti Quiroz-Vega has arrived and she too is giving out signed copies of her book, The Basement. There were rumours that she may not have been able to make it here this evening due to an earlier engagement she had in Los Angeles, but fellow American bloggers Nishi from The Showcase, Elizabeth from Forest Garden, Kat from Dandelion Fuzz, Nate from The Relative Cartographer, and Chris from Twenty First Summer, persuaded her to join them on the private jet of Suzie, from Suzie81 Speaks, who also arranged for Steve from Steve Says to be collected on route from Aberdeen. It’s been confirmed that Suzie flew the plane herself while the passengers watched the inflight entertainment she laid on – photos of her and Steve on the beach in Blackpool – while being served toffee apples with champagne…
“Sorry to interrupt you, Hazel, but I’ve just heard that Colleen Chesbro from Silver Threading is going to be announcing this evening if the rumours, which have made worldwide news, that the BBC have signed her Swamp Fairy stories to be made into 104 episodes of a children’s TV programme are true. I can just see her arriving now with Paul from Alfreds Almanac and Serins from Serins Sphere. Serins, of course, now the international best seller of her A-Z Lowdown on Blogging book which WordPress may well use for future online blogging courses.”
“I’ve just seen the car carrying Meredith Haynes, coming towards us, Ben, she was rather anxious she was not going to arrive on time, after stopping off at Buckingham Palace to drop off Nick, her West Highland Terrier, who Her Majesty The Queen kindly volunteered to look after while she came to The Mildreds. She’s collected Geoff from TanGental and Andrew from Have Bags, Will Travel, Andrew being able to make it to the awards after his wife finally got back from her shopping trip.”
“Well, would you believe it, Hazel, the rest of these very special people are arriving on foot. My word, the crowds are going wild for Mabel Kwong, Juli Townsend, and Kimberly Fause. Look, Not A Punk Rocker is throwing Lego toys into the crowds, while Amanda from Unique Art Chic is autographing some of the beautiful greeting cards she produces. Jill from Jill’s Scene was going to be arriving in a tuk tuk, but the driver had one too many beers so she decided to come from the hotel on foot with Charlie from Kirby Rides Again, who she mistook for a taxi company.”
“I’ve just noticed Norm taking photos of the crowds who are taking photos of him, Elizabeth from Tea and Paper, and Grace from Grace Notes. Grace seems to be giving out love hearts to the crowds which I know will go down very well. I hope she passes some to us, Ben.”
“Yes, and just to the left of them are Dorne, Florence, Walt and Olga, all joining in with the crowd as they perform the dance from the Birdie Song. I must say that Peggy, David, Andy, and Gerry, who are also joining in, must know this dance off by heart by the way they are performing it. It’s going to be quite a night here in Brighton and Hove.”
“Back to you in the studio, Heidi.”
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Funny! A fantastic way to recognize your favorite bloggers and their work. So what does Mildred Awards stand for? Have you been awarding them every year since this post?
I created this award as a spoof to the Oscars (which were happening at the time). It was during my early days of blogging. By the time the Oscars came around again, I knew that The ‘Mildreds’ were a ‘one-off’, especially given that my blog had matured and my blogging habits had also changed.
I like this idea Hugh. I have to admit that I have been rather guilty for not answering any of my award posts in awhile. This is a great way to shine the light on some fellow bloggers. And you have done it with such a dramatic flare that it was enjoyable to read.
Thank you. It was my way of promoting other bloggers without asking them to do anything to accept the award. The post went down very well and, for a while, was my most read and commented on post. It also launched me in front of new bloggers who heard about the idea and came by to visit. Sally, who I mention in the post, was one such blogger. She reblogged the post on her blog and since then we’ve grown a great friendship here on WordPress.
Ah a very novel and inventive way to step back from awards! A Comedic Mildred award …
They’ll be making a come back in 2016, Marje. 🙂
Oh, it’s not even Christmas yet Hugh what are you doing to me….I’m still reeling from the shock of 1st of September, summer evaporating fast… Did we have a summer?
Yes, I think it was on July 1st 🙂
Dare I say I’m still waiting to see the first Christmas card of the season in the shops!
Ouch yes, it’s on its way! Still it’s my daughter’s birthday too so double celebration!
What a great post and fantastic idea! I loved George and Mildred. Yootha Joyce was hilarious!
She was a wonderful actress, but such a sad life. I loved her in George & Mildred and in Man About the House which is where we first met George & Mildred.
Oh yes, I loved Richard O’ Sullivan as well. Yes she did have a sad life, I believe she was an alcoholic and died quite young.?
Yes that’s right. Looking at her in Goorge and Mildred, you would have never have guessed what she was going through.
No, not at all. poor woman.
Brilliant piece of writing, and thank you for the mention. I’m so flattered to be a part of The Mildreds – thank you for inviting me and I loved seeing and waving to the crowds 😉 Now, what to do with my Mildred… 😀
I loved watching George and Mildred when I a few years back. They were shown as reruns on TV in Australia. Then there’s not forgetting Fawlty Towers! Don’t know if you’re a fan of those shows, I’m guessing you are 🙂
Oh, I’m a huge fan of British Comedy, Mabel. George & Mildred is currently being rerun over here in the UK, as is Hi-Di-Hi. I liked Fawlty Towers as well, and Absolutely Fabulous is another great show as is The Vicar of Dibley. In fact there are so many to mention.
Many congratulations on your Mildred Award and I hope you’ll come along to next years event. I’m already planning it! 🙂
We seem to have similar taste in comedy. I also like Are You Being Served? That series made me laugh the most…but I will still say Mr Bean takes the cake for me.
I gladly accept the award, Hugh. I will make it a point to better prepare myself next year and get something decent to wear. Had to pull on my best jeans this year for the Mildreds a few days ago – what short notice! But oh what fun! 🙂
You looked stunning, Mabel, as did all my other Mildred Award winners. You bunch of people are the very best. 🙂
What an imagination you have, Hugh – love it!
You’re a genius and a delight. Thank you. 🙂
Very glad you could make it to collect your Mildred Award, Juli. See you at the event again next year. 🙂
Dear Hugh, Thank you again for your guest post, which I just published. The first “like” was registered within the first few minutes it was up 😉 You’ve helped a lot of bloggers with this helpful information. Giant hugs! https://forestgardenblog.wordpress.com/2015/02/24/how-to-protect-your-blog-by-hugh-roberts/
Hi Elizabeth, you’re very welcome. Apologies for the late response. I’ll head over to the post right now. I see that it has also had a couple of reblogs which is really great news. Don’t hesitate to ask if I can be of any further assistance.
Best wishes,
Hugh
Thank you, Hugh. So many have found your post helpful. Thank you for taking the time to pull it together and your generosity in allowing me to publish it. It appears this is a ‘hot topic’ at the moment 😉 Best wishes, WG
I’m so very pleased to see that my guest post has gone down so well, Elizabeth. I really was not expecting it to have been such the hit it has been. Thank you very much for allowing me to write the post for your blog. It was a real pleasure to do so.
It has surprised us both! But it is always good to provide information that people need and can use. And you provided VERY helpful information with this. I hope folks have been coming back to your blog to check out your site after reading your post here 😉
Yes, I’ve had a steady stream of traffic to my blog since Sunday when I posted this post. My guest post on your blog has also generated new followers and traffic. I so very pleased it went down so well, WG. It has certainly made me think about writing more posts which provide information and help people may need.
A good niche 😉 Great news, Hugh. I’ve met so many fascinating people through comments left to your post. There are wonderful blogs I might not have found otherwise. All in all, a great adventure! Giant hugs, E
Reblogged this on Michaelphelps1's Blog and commented:
BRILLIANT!
HI HUGH, THIS IS BRILLIANT! SINCE MY MOTHER’S NAME WAS MILDRED, I AM CERTAIN SHE WILL BE HONORED TO HAVE AN AWARD NAMED AFTER HER GOING TO WELL DESERVING PEOPLE. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK . . . AND THE ‘MILDRED’ GOES TO RONOVAN!
Thanks ever so much, Michael. I know there are lots of comments on this post, but I also named this award after an actress named Yootha Joyce, who played Mildred in a 1970’s British Sitcom called George & Mildred. She was a brilliant actress with a tragic life, but she bought so much laughter and joy to TV viewers back in the 1970’s and 80’s. I think Ronovan was especially touched with his Mildred 🙂
Thank you so much for the reblog as well.
Beautiful ceremony…thoroughly enjoyed it. And the after-party… well what can I say 😉
You were a star, Florence. Thank you so much for coming along and congratulations on your Mildred.
I’m already planning next years award ceremony, which will be even bigger 🙂
Keep up the good work..and the bubblies flowing! 🙂
I will do my very best to do both, Florence. Cheers! 🙂
Haha 😀 Oh Hugh, this is absolutely brilliant, just love it!! I used to adore George and Mildred…and to think that I had the perfect excuse to wear my favourite ball gown to such an honoured event. Thank you so much for a most glorious evening and my Mildred Award, a truly wonderful surprise. If only I had polished my tiara 🙂
Well, I’m certainly very glad you could make it to receive your Mildred, Sherri.
You can catch episodes of George and Mildred over on ITV3. They still bring tears of laughter to my eyes when ever I watch an episode. I adore Yootha Joyce. She was such a funny lady and it is such a shame she is no longer with us, as I would have loved to have taken her out for dinner.
Your tiara looked absolutely great, as did your ball gown and you, Sherri. Many congratulations on your Mildred Award and see you at next years event. 🙂
Ah, ha, ha, ha! I love it! Hugh you’re brilliant! 😀 I wish I was reading this instead of watching the Oscars last night. What a snore, except for the performances of John Legend and Lady Gaga which were amazing. Anyway, this is much more fun! You never seize to impress me, Hugh. 😀 xx
Thanks, Vashti, and congratulations on winning a Mildred. You deserve it so much and I’m so glad you made it to my event. She is yours for keeps.
I only saw highlights of the other Award Ceremony but I loved the performance by Lady Gaga. That lady is an icon over here in the Gay Community. We just love her to bits. 🙂
Roared with laughter at this and have made my acceptance speech https://dorneawhale.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/my-acceptance-speech-for-my-mildred/ . Hope the link works.
Thanks my friend, a unexpected surprise.
Oh, and you’re nuts! x 🙂
It works, and I’m so glad it does cause it’s a brilliant acceptance speech. Certainly one of the best I’ve heard.
As for being nuts, well yes, I’m nuts, whole hazel nuts. Cadburys can take me and cover me in chocolate 🙂
P.s. My Mildred has taken pride of place on the mantel piece.
Great post, Hugh. Very funny. I have to say I had a great night at this award ceremony :]
Thanks, Paul, and enjoy your Mildred. It’s yours for the keeping. She likes a bit of attention from time to time with a feather duster 🙂
Absolutely fabulous, Hugh! 😀
Thanks for the invite and what a dazzling evening! It’s an inspiring experience being in such talented company 🙂
(I love the Mildreds! We remember George and Mildred from back in the day!)
Thank you, Peggy, and enjoy your Mildred.
I to remember George and Mildred the first time around. They featured in “Robin’s Nest” to begin with and then, very rightly so, got their very own comedy programme. There have been recent reruns of the programme on ITV3 and the show still makes me laugh, if not just because of all that 1970’s decor and fashion. 🙂 I just love it.
I shall be very proud of my Mildred!
Oh yes, Mildred had some great outfits! I think I saw a snatch of an episode recently – the one where she gets left behind in the sidecar! The 70’s was a great decade for fashion – I remember it well 😀
I agree so much and, if I could tome travel, I’d certainly love to visit the 1970’s again. 🙂