Radio legend Pat Sharp on old age, today's kids and Lego slippers

They say you know you’re old when you have no idea what the youth are up to.

So it was a real boost to hear these days they’re stamp-collecting, birdwatching and trainspotting.

Your bifocals don’t deceive you!

A study found six in 10 of our 16 to 29-year-olds have swapped their phones and computers to focus on hobbies of yesteryear.

So I feel this is now a safe space to ask: Did you know that the study of postage stamps is actually called philately?

Which reminds me, I really must call my old friend as I haven’t seen Phil lately.

I’ve never been birdwatching myself, but I hear it’s fun to do with a friend as toucan play that game. As for trainspotters, I already know that’s not for me as I actually had a little bump when I was a train driver.

I was left with a bad track record.

But all things considered, I don’t think I’d be that cool these days.

Don’t laugh, but my hobby as a teenager was collecting different radio station jingles on various cassettes. I always say it paid off, though, as when I eventually became a DJ it meant it all felt totally natural.

Another totally natural lad is Jack Whitehall, left, whose skilful hosting of the BRITs we all enjoyed this week.

He’s also got an odd hobby – did you know he can reel off fact after fact about emus?

So I don’t think it’s too much of a leap to say I’d love to see The Wurzels make a comeback for next year so they can win a Brit.

I reckon Jack would love that.

And I’m sure you’ll remember they were outstanding in their field.

Weddings

I know one of the areas hit hardest by lockdown restrictions has been weddings.

It will be nice to see Facebook full of snaps of happy days and hen parties again.

I always find it funny how these bachelor bashes for men and women differ.

For the girls it’s pampering, precious memories and pressies.

For the stag, it’s more a case of, “I suggest we have a drink before we go out drinking” and, “All you need to bring is your passport, toothbrush and flameproof boxers”.

And for both it’s, “May all your regrettable activities occur off-camera”.

Pink drinks

Pink drinks can help you run faster and further.

It’s true! The boffins have found the added colouring boosts performance by more than 4% thanks to the “feelgood” effect.

This is just what I need as an incentive to get me back into training.

It might also prove handy for the gym users who try to park closest to the entrance so they don’t have to walk so far!

I actually called a new gym yesterday and asked if they could teach me gymnastics so I could learn some cool moves.

The girl asked if I was flexible. I said: “Yes, fairly, but I can’t do Thursdays.”

The reason I quit my old place was because I forgot to post my selfie on Facebook, so that whole workout was a complete waste of time.

But I have been getting out and pounding the pavements instead. I ran three miles this morning!

I thought that ice-cream van would never stop.

Phil

I was excited to hear Phil Collins is due to play various venues this September.

I once sat on a bench and had a chat with Phil and the Genesis boys at the Montreux Pop Festival back in ’86.

They were clearly only there for the hits and giggles.

I can’t judge really – I’m no singer.

When I sang in church, 200 people changed religion.

I haven’t even been able to win over Monica. I thought she was joking when she said she’d leave me if I didn’t stop singing I’m A Believer. Then I saw her face.

But I carry on regardless… Against All Odds!

Library

People are just amazing, aren’t they? And so creative.

I read about some binmen in Turkey who set up their own library with more than 6,000 books salvaged from the rubbish.

I hope they cleaned them before they hit the shelves.

Sounds like they did, as the library has a lounge for readers and even a chessboard.

Some of the books’ final pages are missing, so readers must draw their own conclusions!

Even more important than cleanliness in a library is silence.

I once asked for a burger and chips in my local one.

The librarian said: “This is a library!”

So I whispered: “Can I have a burger and chips?”

Lego

Lego slippers are a thing! Who knew?

I’m all for anything that saves your tootsies from those plastic torture instruments.

If only it was like being online and I could just block them.

My issues with Lego began when I was a kid and stood on a piece – I ended up needing plastic surgery.

But when I turned 40 I thought I’d relive my youth, so I bought a Star Wars kit which said +3 years on the box.

I had the last laugh when I finished it in just 18 months.

I noticed that Captain America, The Hulk, Thor and Iron Man all got Lego sets recently. Avengers, assemble!

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk