Rob Bowkers Blog

Update

2010-03-10T18:04:00.004Z

Hello All,

As before sorry for such a long gap in posting but at home we are having an extention built to make space for our Foster boy to have his own bedroom. So the last few months have been very hectic to say the least.

Work wise things are still very good - I can be found DJ'ing on Thursday's at The Beacon in Wellington Telford, Friday's & Saturday's at O'Neills Broad St and Sunday's at The Academy in Cannock (Karaoke). Bibbledy Bob is still out and about so look out for a crazy clown with a big red nose lol.

I launched a new charachter upon the world last Christmas - Yes now I also do a professional Santa Clause lol. I'm available each year for Store's shopping centres, schools and Xmas partys.

Have done some more writing lately and will try and get my web master to upload it to this site as soon as possible.

I have recently completed an Alpha course (A christian look at the bible,God, and our lives in a modern world) so some may be shocked to hear I can be regularly found in my local church on a sunday morning. I have got the big man watching my back lol.

Well as ever thank you to all the people who help make my work life and home life a complete blast. Special thanks to my beautiful wife Sam. Also Kev my Web/PC Guru, Johhny Mac, Paddy, Leigh for keeping me in regular work. Paul & Pam for sharing so much knowledge and always being there when I need them. And all of you out there friends, work colleagues and people who very kindly Book either Simon Soude/Bibbledy Bob/Santa - Thank you thank you thank you so much.

See you out on the road I hope.

Rob.

Update & Apology

2009-07-29T00:19:00.003+01:00

Hi All,

Firstly I owe you a huge apology - I haven't posted for a while as so much has been going on. Firstly I found my Angel in Blue (see previous posts) I now know her name to be Sarah & great news she has finally found her brother & is really happy. Work wise it's still manic I am pleased to say. I have said before & I will say it again I am truly blessed to have such good friends and work collegues & so far the recession has seemed to have avoided me.

Very Sadly my spiritual home & the place I was happiest when dj'ing closed - I had worked at Allycats for near on two decades & Kev Thomson & Debb Warr were more than bosses they were great great friends. Kevin retired which was emotional to say the least but the last night of Alleycats well I have never seen so many grown adults crying without someone having died. It was 2.55am as I looked out of the DJ box I was playing Take that - "Never forget" there was a sea of people crying as an era came to an end. I met my wife in that building, I found my feet as a professional DJ and went on to have an amazing career, and still do - So seeing Allycats close was heart wrenching.

As some of you may know I am in the process of becoming a Foster parent (well I already am actually) But now I'm in the process of doing all the courses to get the right paperwork so that has involved lots of courses & lots of learning. I am pleased to report it's all going well.

Next week sees me fly out t Poland to see U2 - courtesy of a great friend I have VIP tickets and am going to go on the now infamous "Claw" stage, so i'm really excited about that. Also just being back in Poland as this will be my 3rd visit - I just love Krakow, it's an amazing city stunningly beautiful, amazing architechture & friendly people. The picture above was taken on my last trip to Poland at Auschwitz, a very moving experience.

Then later in the month I head out to Spain for two weeks with my family for a well deserved rest. Spending quality time with the kids an Sam is just great for me, I'm never happier than when I'm with my kids.

Hopefully I will return with batteries fully re-charged & ready for the run up to Christmas (yes it comes around fast) Thank you to all the people who continue to book me and support me - the clown is still going great & is a constant surprise in these difficult times.

Hope to see you out on the road. Take care

Rob Bowker aka DJ Simon Soude aka Bibbledy Bob the clown

Spreading a little love

2009-05-10T12:13:00.003+01:00

Hi All,

I hope life is treating you well. As a little gift to you all I have included a little creation that's perfect for the medium of text message I wrote it for my wife Samantha but feel free to copy it out or send it via text to your loved one. Hope you like it - speak soon as always see you out on the road I hope. Oh by the way the picture above is of me at one of the very few remaining pieces of the Berlin wall - Berlin is one of my favourite cities in the world.

Hey I haven't told you for a while, I haven't said how I feel, I haven't told you about our love, and that its strong and that it's real, I haven't said thank you for all the things that you do, I haven't told you that I love you for just being you, So I'm telling you now with a smile on my face, Because having you in my life makes the world a great place.

Copyright Robert Bowker 2009

Rob Bowker aka DJ Simon Soude aka Bibbledy Bob the clown

UPDATE & THE WEEK AHEAD

2009-04-28T22:58:00.003+01:00

Hi All

This week has been a bit of a rollercoaster to say the least. Sadly my mother in law Jenny collapsed after suffering a stroke and is now recovering in hospital. That obviously threw the whole week out of kilter. I am sure you will join me in wishing Jenny a speedy recovery.

On a more positive track I managed to fit 5 gigs into 3 days last week. Amington on Saturday afternoon was great I had the privelage of spending a few hours with a really nice family. The sun shone and the party was a hoot, the people were just really kind and great to work for.

This week is looking like a busy one again. Friday, Saturday & Sunday I am at O'Neills in Broad St Birmingham & Monday I'll be heading back up to Liverpool to spend another day with Bobby & Pauline at The Ravenscroft in Heswall - I really enjoyed it there a few weeks ago, they have a great team working with them. I hope we get alot of families and have a fab day. So if you are about Monday see you there.

Today (Tuesday) I was back in Stoke filming extra shots for a documentary that I have been taking part in about being a clown. I thought it was all in the can and off to editing but I got called back to do two more hours today. Jas (Director) was telling me the synopsis today and it sounded really interesting so I can't wait to see it once its all finished.

Well that's all for now -have a fantastic bank holiday weekend.

Speak soon - Rob aka DJ Simon Soude aka Bibbledy Bob the clown.

Inconsolable (Georgie's Pain)

2009-04-24T01:58:00.003+01:00

I can't beleive that you've gone away

I just want you back to stay

I can't help feeling that way

There are no words I can say

I just wanna have it that way

See even God steals some day

Like the day he stole you away

it is for the best some would say

But I can't ever see it that way

I just want you back today

I wanna have things my way

Dad I hope we meet again some day

Robert Bowker 24/04/2009

_____________________________________________________

Written for a friend Georgina who recently lost her Dad. As anyone who as lost a parent or someone close knows no words of comfort can help. No logic that you knew they were suffering & that maybe now they are in a better place helps. You just have that raw pain & that deep longing to have that person back again & for everything to alright. Yet it never will be alright and no kind words can ease that pain. Only time can do that. George this is for you and anyone who has ever lost anyone close. xx xx xx

BELIEVE BELIEVE BELIEVE

2009-04-20T11:01:00.004+01:00

Hi One & All.

Quite an interesting week has passed. Hello to all @ the Academy last night - Dave B & Gaz both had X-Factor auditions but sadly it was not to be. Also say hi to the Irish girls from Amargh who were at Broad st with me last weekend - girls you were a blast, just ordering my new supply of Lynx now lmao.

I recently spoke about a project that I am in discussion with a top London photographer on a shoot that would involve my clown charachter. Well we have spoken some more & are in the process of arranging a meeting. So that is looking as if it will go ahead, So I will keep you posted as that's a really interesting project & I am really pleased that I have been asked to take part.

So "BELEIVE" what's that all about then - well I bumped into an old school mate Nick Reed at the weekend & he was telling me that he is now working on his own following his dream of working in the music business. Fair play I say as it takes alot of courage especially when you have a young family. So often as we get older & leave school our dreams fall by the wayside & we end up in mundane jobs that we hate doing & are only there for the money. It's so easy to fall into that trap & so hard to take risks and dare to try to live out your dreams. For one Britain is a country of knockers, seems everyone can't wait to see you fall. People are just dying to say I told you that wouldn't work - I really hate that mentality. Secondly it seems the goverment is against anyone trying to set up on there own, what little support is on offer is normally wrapped up in so much paperwork it begs the question is it worth all the effort? So when anyone says to me they are going for it I say go on my son give it your best shot. I wrote a piece years ago on this very subject if you go to http://www.robbowker.co.uk/ then click on my big book of poems and click on An Independant Heart - once you have read it scroll down & you can read my thoughts on what I have written.

By far the best motivation I can give you is of a story of a good friend of mine Andy Holt aka Batman aka Redanka. When I first met Andy he was a young lager drinking villa fan who was not best impressed I had seen fit to play You'll Never Walk Alone in a pub where I was djing. That was tantamount to sacralidge to an Aston villa fan. At that time and as years went by Andy always said that one day he would do something in the music industry. There were times when he was running a corner shop that fell by the wayside due to the monoply's and power of huge supermarkets, there were others when he was an HGV driver delivering mail in huge lorries overnight. Yet all the while that burning desire kept him going, He dared to live his dream. Nothing or no one & no amount of set backs would stop him. Now Andy is a top class Dj working all over the world - He has remixed records for the likes of U2, Snow Patrol, to name but a few. he now has his own recording studio. He has released his own records. He travels the world playing to huge audiences who love him. Yet like I said shopkeeper lorry driver!!!! I'm sure if you asked him he would say it wasn't easy - but he had a go & he never gave up and now he's living the dream. All of which was done while maintaining his family, His Partner Debbie and three wonderful boys. That takes alot of balls and you have to respect that -well done my son - part from the Villa bit well that's just dodgy ay lol. Why not google Redanka & see for yourself. So to the Dave Barr's & the Gaz's of this world & to all of you I say go on have a go - give it your best shot - live that dream & you never know where you will end up!!!

Well that's enough of a rant from me. no doubt I will see you out & about as its a busy week this week five gigs in three days.

Take care - Rob Bowker aka Dj Simon Soude Aka Bibbledy Bob

The Fat Man & The Tramp (It Wasn't To Be)

2009-04-14T11:30:00.005+01:00

Hi All :-)

Well what a week so much to tell you. First Can I say a big thank you To Bobby & Pauline & all the staff at The Ravenscroft in Heswall (Liverpool) for making me feel so welcome at their 1st family day yesterday. I had a great time in a great pub so thanks again.

As I mentioned last week it was going to be a bit manic doing 7 gigs in 5 days and it was but it was great meeting some new people and travelling around the country. So today I am tired but happy & looking forward to a nice meal tonight with my great friends Paul & Pam.

On the web site front Kevin realiably tells me that http://www.robertbowker.co.uk/ will go live today so go have a look and please do let me know your thoughts. This web site will be concentrating on my acting/Tv work and my writing/poetry. I'm really excited as I haven't seen it myself yet.

The Fat man & the Tramp!!! a strange title you may think, and it wasn't to be!!! well I should explain. On friday night I was heading home after work it was cold & wet (April showers) when I decided to pop into the local drive thru - whilst queing I noticed a man with a push bike with a trailer attached which was full with what seemed to be his whole life possessions. he was stood eating food whilst the late night stragglers shouted abuse to him. I felt sorry for him & struck up conversation. I gave him a fiver & told him to get himself a hot drink to keep warm. The people behind me in the que started beeping their horn as I was in the way so I quickly said goodbye and headed off home. All the way home I was worried for this man as he was taking alot of verbal abuse off the late night drinkers that congregate around that area. I found myself turning round going back - thoughts in my head about how I could help this man, Maybe buy him a brolly from the 24hr Asda, maybe give him my phone number and tell him if ever he really needs some help to ring. I'm not sure what I was thinking really I just wanted to be of help. I got back to see the man still there and still taking abuse - I went over and apologised for driving off so quickly previously. I was talking to him when someone ahouted abuse from a car, I replied leave it out the poor guy is homeless can't you see he needs help. Well the reply was not quite what I was expecting - "No he is not - he lives in Mile Oak - I clean his bins don't I mate" - well I quickly realised I was in the middle of a carefully contrived scam. the guy was there for hours it seems letting people think he was homeless & wearing the abuse because mugs like me were giving him money & buying him food. I even asked how long he had been homeless so he had 100% misled me. I wasn't angry with him more sad really that I thought I had found an oppurtunity to do some good. But It wasn't to be so the fat man & the tramp parted company - It wasn't to be!!!

Anyway I have been rambling for far too long - take care my friends - hope to see you out & about on the road, Please do come & say hello.

Rob aka Dj Simon Soude aka Bibbledy Bob the clown.

THE LONG & WINDING ROAD = 7 into 5

2009-04-06T14:08:00.002+01:00

Hi All.

So the week ahead sees me hit the road to clock up some serious miles doing 7 gigs in 5 days. Thursday Gig 1 - I am at Reflex @ Club LE10 in Hinckley Leicestershire then Friday night Gig 2 - I head off to Broad st Birmingham for O'Neills (always a great night out) Saturday is manic to say the least 3 gigs in one day Gig 3 is in Tamworth on home turf private function Gig 4 sees me shoot up the motorway to sheffield for another private function, then like a a Dr using his Tardis Gig 5 sees me back down the motoway into Broad st Birmingham partying in O'Neills.
Gig 6 it's Bank holiday Sunday so an extra night in Broad st. Gig 7 Monday sees me back on the motorway for a road trip to Liverpool. So as you can see there are a few miles to be eaten up this week. Hopefully I will see you on the road at some point.

By the way can I say a big thanks to all fa a great Sunday night in Cannock last night at "The Academy" We had some great singers - Tim - Gaz - Dave B - Ally - Katie - to name but a few. Oddly enough no Lee Rigway an no Steph McCombe though lol???

Well that's all fa now will let you know how this week panned out next time I log in.

Take care.

Rob - aka Dj Simon Soude - aka Bibbledy Bob.

2009-03-31T13:37:00.001+01:00

Hi All

It's been an interesting week - I am currently discussing the possibility of using the clown in conjunction with a top London photographer on a really interesting project. I can't say too much about it at the moment as we are still in discussion and nothing has been confirmed, but if it happens then I think it will be really exciting.

Still no news on the launch of my new website but Kevin my web designer assures me we're almost there. So fingers crossed it won't be too long now.

On the work front I have recently been working back in Hinckley at Reflex @ Club LE10 (The Bounty - Alley Cat's) If you know my history you will know it's my spiritual home. Working with KT is always a pleasure.

As always hope to see you on the road somewhere - please come up & say hello - take care.

Rob - aka Dj Simon Soude - Bibbledy Bob the Clown

2009-03-24T23:39:00.000Z

Hi All :-)

Its been a manic few weeks - First St Patricks weekend - Then St Patricks day itself, followed by the Six Nations Rugby final (Ireland won) so working as a Dj in an Irish bar its been one hell of a week. Then today (Tues 24th) I was filming in Stoke on Trent - This was the final day of filming which is for a documentary on being a clown - I was aked to take part and did a two hour interview on camera a few weeks ago - Then today I was in a studio doing some performance stuff - and was in costume. It goes to editing now so we'll see what becomes of that.

Still waiting on my new web site - www.robertbowker.co.uk its taking forever to get it launched.

Also managed through the kindness of a good friend to get some VIP tickets for U2 in Poland this August so that should be Amazing - I was at the same stadium last June to see the Police and was very lucky to meet up with Sting and the band - so fingers crossed for U2.

Next few weeks are going to be busy - hope to catch up with you all soon.

Rob - aka Simon Soude - Bibbledy Bob

The Angel In Blue

2009-03-12T09:50:00.001Z

Hi all - I really am facinated by Karma at the moment. I really believe if you do good things then good things happen to you. Last Saturday I went to donate blood as usual. Whilst there I had a beautiful encounter this was the result.

Angel In Blue

She stands staring out into space
She tells her story with such grace
But the pains written across her heart
She was a babe in arms then torn apart

Is she still loved do they still care
Was it embarrasment or maybe despair
What are they thinking about her now
She needs to know some day somehow

So many questions she wants to ask
So many years have drifted past
And what became of her brother
Was it as painful for her mother

Hurting inside never knowing
The angel in blue keeps on going
Never forgetting from where she came
Hoping one day to heal her own pain
NOTE
This is a beautiful but tragic true story. Last Saturday I went to donate blood as usual. The nurse that was taking my blood was was chatting away happily until I mentioned I was in the process of fostering a little boy. She suddenly stopped and was staring into space as she relayed her moving story. She had been adopted at birth, She had a brother she had never met, yet wanted desperatly to do so. She loved her adoption parents with all her heart and to her they would always be her parents. But there was a burning desire to know, to have answers, why? Do they think about her now? Does her brother know she exists? In That moment in time both her world & mine stood still as she rlayed to me her moving life story. I went away feeling privaliged that she had shared those feelings with me. I have tried here to translate that encounter onto paper.

Sneek preview

2009-03-09T23:33:00.000Z

As a little taster of the new web site I am letting you see one of my poems hope you like it.

Chide the Heart

Chide the heart for its fateful part
In this dissolution
This course of confusion

To get so close
To think you've won
To see your world so quickly spun

What you thought you had
You now see lost
Lie awake and count the cost

Love leaves fast
If the heart dies young
Love is a song that needs to be sung

Copyright Robert Bowker all rights reserved

NOTE:

Arrr sweet love and how it leads us all at some point into a false sense of security. This is basically that love is not a thing you can hold; it’s more of an action. And actions mean doing and re-doing because if you stop then love dies. And normally when love dies you’re always the last to know. Seems the whole world can see it coming but you. So Love is a song that needs to be sung means really if you want to stay in love you have to keep doing loving things. Obvious really but how many of us at some point break that golden rule.

Subnote:

I love words and kept coming across the word chide. I first heard it in the middle of a Deacon Blue song “Bethlehem’s Gate” (Very good indeed) then lots of my friends use the word chief when greeting each other or during conversation. Quite often I will start a text message to a mate with “hello Chief” but if you spell Chief wrong when rushing on a text message with a predictive text phone it offers up the word “chide”. I became fascinated with the word and looked it up in the dictionary and it means to blame. I loved the word that much that I started this poem hell bent on getting the word “chide” in somewhere but I think it works quite well. My god how pathetically sad am I?

My new web site

2009-03-09T23:22:00.000Z

Thought I would tell you about my new web site that's about to go live www.robertbowker.co.uk I am really excited about this launch as it finally sees the giving birth of my writing. For years now far too many than I care to remember I have been writing poetry and more recently I have begun my acting career an this site will concentrate on that. The Dj site www.simonsoude.com will still be home to all things relating to my Dj career & www.bibbledybob.com will be for all things relating to my clowning career.

Hopefully the new web site will be Live next week (16/03/2009) I am working closely with my Web designer Kevin who is a genious & I know it's going to be great.

Once its live I will let you all know.

Bye fa now.

Rob>

Let us commence

2009-03-09T22:57:00.000Z

Hello.

My name is Rob Bowker - dj - clown - actor - writer - poet -children's entertainer. I am based in Tamworth Staffordshire U.K.

I hope that through this blog I will be able to keep you updated with my career. Where I am appearing and what I am up to. I hope to share my thoughts & feelings with you, & maybe along the way we can become friends.

Check out my web sites www.simonsoude.com www.bibbledybob.com www.robertbowker.co.uk

bye fa now check back soon.

Rob.