Old News

Thursday, August 26th 2010

Some exciting news for us - today I got a phone call from BBC Look East, our regional news program, about possibly filming us record the next episodes along with some other things. As you may know, the BBC is where I really, really want "Our Gaff" to end up, in a perfect world. Anyway, if it all goes ahead as hoped, we'll try to get a video of that for the website also for our overseas listeners to have a look at. Very very exciting.

Also, if anyone's in the area of Basingstoke on Sunday, have a listen in to Radio Basingstoke around 2.35 ish, where Steven will be being interviewed about the show, how it came about, and also the last ever episode of Last Of The Summer Wine.

We also broke 10,000 listeners on the site today - thank you to you all - 55 countries around the world, and we are grateful to every single one of you; and also a big thank you to the cast for making the show what it is. Without them, it would just be me waffling into a mic.

~Steven

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Saturday, 21st August 2010

Recording went very well today - Episode 2 "A Job, A Job" and Episode 3 "Going Green" were recorded.

Episode 2 is now LIVE on the site - and I have to say, it's one of my favourites so far. Go to "Series Two" and have a listen!

Episode 3 will go live on the site Saturday 28th August (been renamed to avoid confusion...)

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Wednesday, 18th August 2010

Everything is ready for recording on Saturday 21st; we're hoping to get 2, 3 and 4 recorded, but with the time restraints it's possible we'll only get 2 and 4 done (for reasons I won't go into).

The hopeful release dates then are:

Episode 2 "A Job, A Job" - Should go live Saturday 21st August

Episode 3 "The Visitor" - Saturday 28th August

Episode 4 "Going Green" - Saturday 4th September 

If we do only get 2 and 4 done, then Episode 4 will swap with 3 so it can be released on the 28th.

Oh, and there are some discussions about developing an iPhone app for the show - more info as it comes.

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Saturday, 14th August 2010

Writing is progressing well on Episode 5: "Bank of McNasty", and we are awaiting news on a guest star for Episode 6 "Hospital" (title liable to change) before writing can commence.

However, the re-recording date for episodes 2, 3 and 4 is next Saturday; 21st of August. There may be one cast member missing for the recording, if so when they have recorded their pieces then Episode 2 will go live on the site.

Total number of stations now broadcasting "Our Gaff" is currently 54. 

(Also, Luton Town won today. It is indeed a Good Day).

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Tuesday, 10th August 2010

We have some great new pictures up on the Facebook group (see right), taken by our resident photographer Susan Ilgunas. I hope you'll agree she's done a great job, especially since I've removed the ones which show my bald spot too much..

In news about radio stations - we have gone global. We are now broadcast on Cochrane Polar Bear Radio 104.7 FM in Ontario, Canada; so if you're in the area please tune in. We are also due to start broadcasting on the JFM network which covers more than 30 stations across Spain and the islands so again, if you're in the area, please tune in. Links to these stations and of course all of our others are in "Series One" -> "As Heard On..."

Writing has begun on the episode "Hospital", which I have yet to decide will be number 5 or 6.

Re-recording of episodes 2, 3 and 4 is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, 21st August 2010.

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Saturday, 7th August 2010

Oh, what a day. First of all, an apology - there will be no new episode on the site for a few weeks. I will work on something to stave the monotony until we can get something up and running again.

An explanation - we switched from standing mics to desktop mics for the first (and now, only!) time today for recording. On the laptop playback, the audio sounded fine. On a PC however it had really, really degenerated and despite work filtering for the last 8 hours, I simply have to put my hands up and confess I've been beaten. I'd much rather put a properly recorded episode up a couple of weeks late than put something extremely bad quality up. And trust me, it is very bad quality audio.

So. To avoid this happening again, we're going back to using standing mics. With the larger cast now, this means buying some more mics, stands, preamp/USB stuff and cables and whatnot.

Cash permitting, we'll have the new episodes up and running for you all soon. Once again I can only apologise and prostrate myself for forgiveness.

(EDIT: In response to a question just asked via email regarding the "cash permitting!" statement above, the cost of equipping, recording, editing and distributing the show for stations to play for free currently stands at just over £1,320 and it all comes out of my pocket. We have no sponsors, benefactors or 'parent companies' to give us money for new shiny things. Sorry.)

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Wednesday, August 4th 2010

Recording on Saturday. I've given myself a week off from writing to deal with publicity stuff, but after recording I'll be back to scripts again (and editing obviously) - expect Episode 2 "A Job, A Job" the be uploaded to the site at some point on Saturday night.

On Sunday, I've been asked to do an interview on Radio Basingstoke, if I can find a link to listen online I'll post it here so people can listen in.

Edit: Added an "as heard on page". View by clicking the "Series One" link on the left; it'll appear.

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Monday, August 2nd 2010

Updated the website today with links to the stations who're broadcasting (or will be when schedules are sorted out) the show. Quite a few, eh? We're very excited; but hopefully many, many more to come!

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Thursday, July 29th 2010

Apologies for lack of news, but nothing much has happened. Writing is due to begin on Episode 5 "The Bank Of McNasty", where Steven makes a very unpleasant mistake....luckily, in times of crisis, friends gather round. Well, some of them do. If the crisis involves money, most of them just hide...

Don't forget, Mondays at 9PM (GMT) and Fridays 11pm, tune in to Tempo FM at www.tempofm.co.uk and listen to the first series in order. There are more stations we are discussing distribution with, so keep your eyes open on your local station.

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Friday, July 23rd 2010

Allow us to introduce the latest member of the "Our Gaff" cast, John Giles.

 

John is a very experienced actor, dealing mostly with the theatre in his career which has involved widespread touring; so if you're a theatregoer, there's a chance you've already seen him. John has also provided the voice/acted for a number of adverts for TV and radio, including such well known companies as the Royal Bank Of Scotland and Lombard Direct; and the "Old Jamaican Ginger Beer" cricket advertisements 

(I recommend watching all 7).

We are looking forward to working with John between his busy theatre schedule.

In other news; with recording only two weeks away, now is the perfect time to start listening online to the show from the very beginning, with Tempo FM. Starting this Monday 26th July at 9pm, the pilot episode "Tiddles" goes out on air; with a repeat on Friday at 11pm (all times are GMT); you can listen online by going to the station's website at www.tempofm.co.uk. Leave a nice comment in their message board and we might be invited back to do Series Two.

A photographer will be coming to the next recording session, so prepare yourself for some scary pictures of us. Enjoy the summer.

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Thursday, 22nd July 2010

I'm very proud to announce that starting on Monday, 26th July, the first radio broadcast of "Our Gaff" goes out at 9pm. Tempo FM will broadcast on Mondays at 9pm with a repeat on Friday at 11pm, beginning with Episode 1: "Tiddles" and continuing through to the end of the series.

If you are in the Yorkshire area, why not tune in to 107.4 FM and take a listen? Alternatively, if you live outside of the area, tune in online at www.tempofm.co.uk  and take a listen - I certainly will be .

In other news, Episode 3 "The Visitor" is complete, and will be sent to cast shortly. Work has begun on Episode 4 "Going Green".

Here, we see Mayor Brian setting a shining example with the island, pushing them to the forefront of sustainable energy use and zero emissions. When he opens up a competition to the whole island to find the best energy-saving methods, it's not long until Christine gets her thinking hat on...add to the mix a coach load of visiting pensioners who've broken down and are roaming the island in search of dessicated coconut and victoria sponge cake, and it makes an episode you won't want to miss!

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Monday, July 19th 2010

A general update only today - we are in talks with several radio stations regarding putting Our Gaff on the air. More on that when they're finalised, however many there may be.

Episode-wise, the script for S2 E03 "The Visitor" is nearly complete.

There may also be some news soon regarding a new cast member (or two) - keep updated!

Remember, you can keep more up to date by joining the Facebook group - see the link to the right hand side of this page.

Finally - if you want to get involved in Our Gaff in some way, check out the new "Get Involved" page for more info.

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Wednesday, July 14th 2010

Announcement for Radio Stations

If you run, or are a part of a community, commercial or family radio station, then we are offering you the chance to broadcast Series One in its entirety for free. Please contact us at info@ourgaff.com to request more information.

In other news....

Writing has begun on Episode 3: "The Visitor". Here, we see Steven chided for his immaturity. Eager to get him to accept responsibility, Denise arranges for a 'troubled' child to stay with them for a week. Will the new-found responsibility give Steven the kick he needs, or will he just avoid the small person?

Recording date for episodes 2, 3 and 4 has been confirmed for Saturday, 7th August 2010.

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Saturday, July 10th 2010

Series Two is here (as is a brand new website!)

Welcome to the brand-new, new look "Our Gaff" website! We hope it'll be easier, quicker and more pleasant to navigate than the old site. Please let us know what you think via the "contact us" option on the navigational menu.

And so, we meet Series Two. There are some changes as we move from Series One to Two; the biggest possibly being that we've had to say goodbye to one of our regular cast members from Series One. Deane Sales has moved on and we wish him all the best for the future; while simultaneously welcoming in Lorraine Strachan as a full-time cast member. You may remember Lorraine from several guest appearances in Series One; and we are delighted that she has joined us permanently.

The first episode of Series 2, titled "Luton Island" is now LIVE on the site to stream. Here, we join Steven, his Mum and his fiancée Denise in celebrating a rather nice cash windfall ... but what will he do with the money? In his own words... "I'm gettin' out of here, away to a nice little island..." ...but we all know that nothing ever goes smoothly for this family.

So head over and listen, and discover why Denise's Dad has so much power over Steven now that they've moved, what bees have to do with it all and ... who is that building a house next door?

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Thursday, July 8th 2010

The site has started to be updated and revamped, please bear with us with things like missing links, pictures and so on :)

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Saturday, July 3rd 2010 (a more sensible hour)

The final episode of Series 1, Episode 12 "Christmas Cards" is now LIVE on the site.

Recording for Series 2: Episode 1 "Luton Island" went well, and will be live on the site on Saturday, 10th July. In Series Two there are some pretty major changes, so keep your eyes on the site for more info!

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Saturday, July 3rd 2010 (1.10am)

Recording for the first episode of Series 2 begins later today. There is just one episode being recorded, as there are some pretty major changed happening with the show as you will find out soon.

However, before anything about Series 2 is announced, Series 1 Episode 12 "Christmas Cards" must go live on the site!

It'll go up later today; hopefully for around 6pm but more likely, in the words of Steven, "when I finish editing the thing..."

For Series Two, the entire site is going to be renovated so apologies for any possible inconvenience while the new site is prepared for launch.

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Tuesday, June 29th 2010

Editing is well underway for Episode 12: Christmas Cards and we're on track to bring it live to the site on Saturday 3rd July.

Four fluffs from Ep 12 have been placed in the Outtakes section (hover over LISTEN) to tide you over until then.

Also, recording for the first episode of Series 2 begins on Saturday. Big changes are afoot, and it's all very exciting :)

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Saturday, June 26th 2010

Episode 11 "The Critical Critic" is now LIVE on the site!

Episode 12: "Christmas Cards", in which we join Steven and Deane on their own in the Christmas period, will go live on the site on Saturday 3rd of July. This is also the date of the next recording session; the first of the brand new and exciting second series, where we have some surprises for you!

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 Wednesday, June 23rd 2010

Episode 11 has been completed, and will be placed live on the site on Friday 26th June 2010. The longest episode yet at over 34mins, we see Steven starting a new job, and Deane discovering a talent for art...  

There are however, two clips live in the "audio clips" section of the "LISTEN" hover menu , so you can take a little taste before Friday...plus a couple of fluffs in the FLUFFS section.

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Tuesday, June 22nd 2010

 ---- Episode 10: "The Holiday" is now LIVE on the site! ----

Deane has won a holiday to New Zealand, and is taking Steven and their Mum. Unfortunately, Steven's sleepwalking runs them into trouble on the plane, and the three end up in a jungle clearing on their own. On the other hand, there's something rustling in the bushes that the National Geographic would be very interested in...

along with two clips and two fluffs. Follow the LISTEN link :)

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Monday, June 21st 2010

Unfortunately due to illness I've not been able to edit as much as I'd liked; if I tell you it takes roughly 6 hours per 15mins to ensure it's as good as I'd like it then I'm sure you'll understand why it's taking so long when I've been feeling half dead. Hopefully though we're on track to release episode 10 tomorrow (Tuesday) so keep your eyes peeled on this site, or the Facebook / Twitter pages (see below)

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Saturday, June 19th 2010

Today, episodes 10, 11 and 12 were recorded. It'll take a little time to edit them all down, so you can expect to see episode 10 live on the site either Monday night, or possibly Tuesday. Keep your eyes open!

In other news, we have a proper logo at last

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Sunday, 13th June 2010

Today, the script for Episode 11: The Critical Critic was completed and sent out to cast. This means we are all ready to record the final three episodes of series one on Saturday 19th June.

A happy and sad occasion, this. Sad, as the first episode is over (close to 60,000 words of dialogue, random fact-fans); but happy as my head is brimming with ideas for Series Two (with some help from my script advisor).

See you on Saturday, it'll be a blast.

Steven x

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Thursday, 10th June 2010

Well, after a busy couple of weeks FINALLY the script for Episode 10: The Holiday has been completed, and Episode 11: The Critical Critic is about 1/3 complete.

Unfortunately the competition has been cancelled due to lack of interest; but we'll give it another bash later on in the year maybe.

Recording is all set for June 19th.

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Saturday, May 22nd 2010

Work has begun on the replacement for Episode 11, which has been put on the back-burner due to an ideas drought on that script. Instead, replacing it is Episode 11: The Critical Critic.

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Friday, May 21st 2010

Episode 9: Neighbourhood Watch is now LIVE on the site. Go to LISTEN to stream it, or even download it free.

Recording date for episodes 10, 11 and 12 is June 19th, with the episodes expected to be available to stream on June 19th (Ep 10), June 26th (Ep 11) and July 3rd (Ep 12, end of series 1).

After the end of the series, worry not - series two will be starting almost immediately! There will, however, be an end-of-series competition where you can win something or other (as yet undecided). Look out for that!

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Tuesday, May 18th 2010

I've finished editing Episode 9: Neighbourhood Watch, ready for release on Friday at 6pm. There are several short clips ready for you to listen to though, under LISTEN -> Audio Clips.

This is as good a time as any to show you the Facebook page. Why not join and invite your friends? Clickie Clickie!

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Sunday, May 16th 2010

2.43am

Episode 8 is now LIVE on the site. Click on LISTEN and find it =)

Now time for sleep, before I start seeing things. Up again in under 4 hours. Argh...

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Wednesday,May 12th 2010

Well, everything is now ready for Saturday's recording. We have 5 episodes left of this series, and I hope you've enjoyed it. As it is, on Saturday 15th we will be recording episodes 8 and 9, and on the next recording date (which looks to me June 19th) we will record the final 3. And oh boy, are you in for a treat over the coming weeks. Episode 9 is one of the most fun-to-write it's ever been my pleasure to work with, and Episode 12 is not so much full of gags, but a very 'sweet' episode to finish the series with. Plus, you get a bedtime story in it.

Now onto the boring stuff. As the site is gaining listeners daily, I find myself having to upgrade the site constantly to keep up with demand for bandwith. To this end, I've plopped on this nice little 'donation' button to the left. If you're feeling a little flush one week, and feel you won't miss 50 pence towards site costs then please feel free to share the love! Also I'll love you forever, and will come round your house and bake you some scones*. The donation whatsit takes all major cards and whatnot, and goes through Paypal. We love Paypal. And sweeties. Haribo, natch.

*this may be a lie.

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Sunday, May 9th 2010 (a more sensible hour)

Episode 9: "Neighbourhood Watch" is almost complete. This will feature the very first bit of original music in the show. Excited? Oh, okay. Well anyway, here's a preview if you'd like to CLICKIE CLICKIE.

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Sunday, May 9th 2010 (1.56am)

Just to confuse everything, the order of the final 5 episodes has been juggled around. This is because "Christmas Cards" has been decided as a very nice and cheery way to end the first series; and therefore will go at the end. This leaves me the unenviable task of writing two episodes in five or six days. D'oh. See the SERIES ONE section for the new order of episodes.

Site has also been streamlined slightly.

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Saturday, May 8th 2010

Episode 8 has been completed, and features no fewer than four guest appearances. On the other hand, writing at 3am/4am is probably not a good idea, as script consult Christine picked up a pretty huge error in the script. That's why I have a script consult. Because I'm rubbish in the early hours.

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Thursday, May 6th 2010

Happy Birthday to cast member + script consult Christine, aka Mummy!

(We tried to ask how old she was, but by the time we'd got to the word "old" we were under attack from flying crockery)

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Wednesday, May 5th 2010

We had a great writeup of the show on page 15 of todays Luton News.

(click to see full size image)

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Tuesday, May 4th 2010

The script for Episode 10: "Christmas Cards" is now complete :) Awaiting recording.

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Thusday, April 29th 2010

Ooh, how exciting. Exciting exciting. The show could be featured in the Luton News upcoming; more on that if/when it happens.

* Episode 8: "The Family Reunion" is halfway complete.

* Episode 9: "The Holiday" is now swapped with Episode 10 "The Problem With Kelly" for recording purposes. Episode 10 has been outlined.

* Episode 10: "Christmas Cards" is about 75% written.

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Saturday, April 24rd 2010

* Episode 7: "Decorating" has gone live on the site. Follow "LISTEN" link to get there.

* Episode 8: "The Family Reunion" is about 40% complete.

* Episode 9: "The Holiday" is now also being written.

* Both 8 and 9 will be recorded on Saturday, May 15th with dates of release being (hopefully) May 15th for Ep 8, and May 22nd for Ep 9.

Please consider becoming a fan on Facebook =) (link below)

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Episode 8 is looking to be an absolute stormer from writing so far. Huge, huge, huge. About 1/3 of the way complete; outline plot for Episode 9 ("The Holiday") was also written today. Episode 7 goes live on the site tomorrow; closing in on 4,000 listeners :)

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Wednesday, April 21st 2010

* Episode 6 "Lovesick" is now LIVE on the site to stream or download! Go to "LISTEN" to get started.

* Also, a Facebook page for the show has been created. Please consider joining and inviting some friends. Look further down the page for the fan box.

* It looks like May 15th is a go for recording a minimum of episode 8 and episode 9. Possibly also 10. We'll see =)

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Tuesday, April 20th 2010

Episode 8: The Family Reunion is now being written. This episode will guest star Lorraine Strachan. Summary is on the 'LISTEN' page =)

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Sunday, April 18th 2010

* Episode 5 now live to stream or download on the LISTEN page

* 5 new outtakes and 6 new short audio clips avaliable to stream on the LISTEN / Audio Clips and LISTEN / Outtakes page (from Ep's 5, 6 + 7)

* Episode 6 will be live on WEDNESDAY. Clips and outtakes are already available on the usual pages.

* Episode 7 will be live on SATURDAY 24th. Clips and outtakes are already available on the usual pages.

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Wednesday, April 14th 2010

The site has undergone an overhaul to make it easier to use.

*Episodes are now avaliable to download, as well as stream.

*In the Series 1 submenu, there are options to listen to quick audio clips/outtakes, now nicely ordered and tidied up.

* The news page has become the news archive. Latest news will now be shown on here.

* Guestbook page removed. Please use 'Contact' for anything you may wish to let us know.

* Cast page changed, with individual pages (with photos) for each cast member.

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Friday, April 9th 2010

Script for Episode 7: Decorating has been completed (in even more record time than #6!). 8 days until recording, but shouldn't imagine any more will be written in that time. Site frontpage went through a little bit of an overhaul to make space for all of the episodes.

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Wednesday, April 7th 2010 (1.26am)

The script for Episode 6: "Lovesick" has now been completed (in record time, too). That gives us ten days before recording to possibly knock out one more script also. It'd be nice to record three for you. Tiring, but nice.

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Thursday, April 1st 2010

Interesting day. The script for Episode 6 "Driving Lessons" has been put on the backburner to make way for it's replacement, "Lovesick". Huzzah! Etc.

Thought for the day: It matters not how many biscuits you have, if the tea you dunk 'em in is cold. Answers on a postcard.

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Saturday, March 27th 2010

The script for Episode 5: The Dentist has been completed and sent to cast ready for recording. Episode 6 script has begun!

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Wednesday, March 24th 2010

Very quick update; recording date is confirmed for Sat 17th April for episodes 5 and 6. Episode 5 is nearly complete, 6 will be following shortly. Busy busy busy!

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Monday, March 8th 2010

A provisional date of 17th April has been set to record episodes 5 and 6. Episode 5 is about half written currently.

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Thursday, March 4th 2010

The site has undergone a little change - the pages have been rearranged, the 'Interview' section has ben removed and replaced with "Audio Clips" - a quick way to listen to small clips from all of the episodes and also some outtakes, for when you don't have very much time.

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Sunday, February 28th 2010

Work on Episode 6: Driving Lessons has begun. Also, the site has had a little bit of a size alteration.

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Friday, February 26th 2010

Episode 4: Fired is now live on the site. Work on episode 5 (The Dentist) has begun =)

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Monday, February 22nd 2010

"EPISODE 3: In Sickness" is NOW LIVE!

("Episode 4: Fired" will be live on Friday 26th)

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Saturday, February 20th 2010

Recorded episodes 3 and 4 this morning; unfortunately Briah H out due to a migraine. Dean H covered for him impressively, and Brian H will be over towards the beginning of the week to record his lines seperately for the final edit.

Edit: 9pm. Editing is done ready for BH's lines; but we've put a little outtake on the front page. This little snippet is from Episode 4: Fired. The laughter meant it had to be redone..shame =(

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Tuesday, February 16th 2010

At last the script for Episode 4: Fired has been completed and sent out to cast ready for recording on Saturday. Just as meaty as Ep 3, hopefully listeners will be in for a bigger treat in coming weeks.

Some news from the website however - after recieving a fair amount of questions from people via the 'contact' page, it was decided to create a "interview" section where each month we will set your questions to a different member of the cast. Steven's interview is now life, so check it out!  Send in questions for March's interview with another member of the cast via the Contact page.

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Sunday, 31st January 2010

The script for Episode 3: In Sickness has been completed today, ready for recording on 20.2.2010 - as promised, it's bigger and meatier than previous episodes, and should tip the balance at the aimed half-hour mark.

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Saturday, January 30th 2010

Added a little snippet to the frontpage, as have had several people send messages regarding the length of the episodes being uncondusive to 'testing' to see if they like it. We hear you, and agree! So, we've cut a little two-minute portion from Episode 2: The Fitness Bug to allow people to 'test the water' before diving in! Keep the feedback coming, thank you.

Provisional recording date for Eps 3 & 4 - Sat 20th Feb 2010

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Monday, January 25th 2010

Our Twitter page is set up! Click here to follow us, and get the latest updates direct to your feed!

Also, I've had a few reports that for some reason Episode 2 ('The Fitness Bug') isn't playing - thank you for telling me, I've taken it down temporarily while I find out what's wrong.

EDIT: Fixed, thank you. Please let me know any other issues with the streams!

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Saturday, January 23rd 2010

A few tweaks to the site today, most importantly to the volume levels of the first two episodes; especially episode 1. This was after a few messages regarding difficulties listening on laptops with restricted volume settings.

Thank you for your feedback, it enables these kind of improvements.

In other news, chapters 3 & 4 are coming along very nicely.

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Friday, January 22nd 2010

The site goes live just before midnight, and Our Gaff is unleashed on the public. By 4am on Saturday, there have been over 100 accesses to the two chapters. A wonderful start, please keep the word spreading.