November 2015 Blog Posts

Blogs > November 2015

Decs Day

30th November 2015

This morning Ben insisted on talking about the success of Decs Day and now hopes it will really catch on next year and that everyone will put their tree up on the final Saturday in November...

Work do drama

Gayle and Ben have finally sorted their costumes for the Hollywood themed work do...

Advent Calendar Eve

Ben is now trying to start another day and wants today to be called Advent Calendar Eve...

Gayle and Ben back with more Christmas trees to be won from 6.30am.

Posted by Ben at 12:36pm

Work Do Diet weigh in

27th November 2015

This morning there was nearly tears for the Work Do Diet weigh in...

Chezza Showbiz

Gayle excelled this morning with some Cheryl Cole themed rhyming showbiz action...

Star Of The Week

The Lomas is now the new judge for Star Of The Week and was very impressed by Fat Face...

Gayle and Ben are back on Monday with more Vue cinema tickets to be won from 6.30am.

Posted by Ben at 12:14pm

Shooed off

26th November 2015

This morning Gayle was staggered by Ben's latest house drama...

Nativity costume drama

Gayle is struggling with a costume for her little girls nativity...

Wife at work

Ben got confused with names during Cine-oke this morning...

Gayle and Ben back with Star Of The Week from 6.30am on Friday.

Posted by Ben at 1:47pm

Fore Your Eyes Only

25th November 2015

Whilst on holiday Ben decided to film a Bond audition whilst playing golf, which Gayle thought was utterly ridiculous...

Decs Day

Ben is trying to make Saturday 'Decs Day' and encourage everyone to put their festive decorations up...

New house

Ben went away and his wife has bought a new house he hasn't even seen...

Gayle and Ben back at 6.30am with more Vue cinema tickets to be won.

Posted by Ben at 11:39am

Christmas present

19th November 2015

Gayle and Ben were very excited to get a Christmas present this morning...

Gayle and Ben loved their Christmas jumpers...

I'm A Celeb update

Gayle and Ben have not been watching I'm A Celebrity, so they have roped in Kirsty from Acomb to be their Jungle correspondent...

Gayle and Alex are back on air at 6.30am with more Vue cinema tickets to be won.

Posted by Ben at 12:34pm

Toilet drama

18th November 2015

So what happened when Ben got locked in a ladies toilet?

Marry a pizza

So what would happen if you married a pizza?

Mickey Mouse day

Any excuse to talk about Disney for 3 minutes...

Gayle and Ben are back on air from 6.30am with more Vue cinema tickets to be won.

Posted by Ben at 10:39am

Ice Factor action

17th November 2015

Ben gets his skates on to find out more about this years Ice Factor at York Designer Outlet.

Posted by Minster FM at 11:38am

Tea Buddy

17th November 2015

No milk again this morning, not a great start to the day and Ben was moaning...

Rhyming Showbiz action

Gayle was moaning as she hates the film Pete's Dragon and Disney are remaking it...

Gayle's Birthday Dilemma

OMG! Kids parties are a complicated and controversial affair...

Gayle and Ben are back at 6.30am with more Vue cinema tickets to be won.

Posted by Ben at 11:00am

Cashback Weekend winner

16th November 2015

Gayle and Ben gave away another £100 this morning to Emma Davison on the Cashback Weekend...

Work Do Diet

This morning we had a Work Do Diet update, Gayle and Ben trying to lose weight before their work do in 4 weeks...

Home Alone

Today Home Alone is 25 years old and Ben thinks it is the best Christmas movie ever...

Gayle and Ben are back on air with more Vue cinema tickets to be won from 6.30am.

Posted by Ben at 10:22am

Work Do Diet

13th November 2015

Gayle and Ben are going on a work do diet and had their first weigh in this morning, they were both very upset...

Here how the work do diet came about...

Beth McCarthy Live

The lovely Beth McCarthy came in this morning to talk about her new production deal and to sing live, this is her amazing track called 'Lemonade'...

Star Of The Week

Another week and another star of the week...

Gayle and Ben are back on Monday with Vue cinema tickets to be won at 6.30am.

Posted by Ben at 11:46am

New boss has learnt a lot this week

13th November 2015

Jackie McNamara has made it clear that players not pulling their weight won't be part of his future plans ahead of his first home game this weekend. City slipped to a fourth straight defeat at the hands of Barnsley despite taking the lead. For McNamara it was the same old problems that cost City a place in the next round of The Johnstone's Paint Trophy. Now, McNamara faces a tough test as he welcomes top of the league Plymouth Argyle to Bootham Crescent on Saturday.

The York City boss has had a hectic start to life at York City having 3 games within his first 9 days at the club. "I think they're a good group. I have learnt a lot in a week about them. It's been very good coming in this week and understanding how we can fix things." Said City's manager "even in training I think it's been a good week and I think we're ahead of the game in terms of seeing things. It's been worthwhile this week for us." McNamara has seen his team crash out of two cup competitions since his arrival, his focus now will be solely on making sure his team get to safety in the league as soon as possible.

Despite his team looking harder to break down on Tuesday with debutant George Swan partnering Femi Ilesemni in the middle of the defence, McNamara is still searching for his best back four. "We'll make changes for the weekend Marv (McCoy) is suspended anyway so there will be changes to the back four again." He said "I'll be looking for a solid display and making sure we don't give any silly errors away." McNamara having played on the right side of the defence for much of his career even joked that he might get his boots out. After seeing Teddy Sherringham, 49, register as a player with his injury hit Stevenage team it might not be outside the realms of possibility.

McNamara has been refreshingly honest regarding his teams defensive frailties, saying today that "they need guidance. I said a few things after the game that I wasn't happy about." He also went on to question whether players who have been making errors want to succeed enough, "If someone switches off or are not concentrating for me they're not wanting it enough. That's something we need to make sure we stamp out. The ones that want to play and win games will be involved." Since his arrival his arrival the former Dundee United manager has made it clear he has been unimpressed with York's back line.

After two tough cup games in the build up to the game against Plymouth there were some bruised bodies at the training ground. Injuries to Vadaine Oliver, Ben Godfrey and Emile Sinclair don't seem to be serious though and they could all play a part on Saturday. Captain Russ Penn and Luke Summerfield are also nearing a return so City could have a full squad to choose from for the first time all season in a few weeks time.

York now face some tough league games. A trip to promotion hopefuls Portsmouth looms after the visit of Plymouth. Having lost his first two games at the club McNamara will be desperate to pick up a result this Saturday. The York manager wants his team to "start in the right manor, make sure we're solid and helping each other throughout the park." He said "Plymouth are going well, not conceding a lot of goals but we have to make sure we concentrate but I feel there are ways we can hurt them." It will be another challenge but the York boss said he was looking forward to his first home game with York City.

City's opponents are managed by Scotsman Derek Adams a manager McNamara knows well. However, he did hint today that the two of them are not the best of friends perhaps adding a bit more spice to Saturday's match. Both teams are scrapping for points at different ends of the table, York will have to be at their best though if they are going to get anything this weekend.

Posted by Tom Connell at 11:43am

Remembrance Programme

12th November 2015

Minster FM marked Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day with this special programme...

Posted by Minster FM at 11:02am

Pirate Off

12th November 2015

This morning we tried to find out who will be the best Pirate in Peter Pan On Ice, will it be Ben or DG??? It was a landslide win for David...

You can hear the whole battle here...

Teagan Rose

We need your help to create a lasting memorial in the sky for Teagan Rose...

Man On The Moon

This morning Gayle and Ben made a long distance phone call to try and chat to the man stuck on the moon in the John Lewis ad...

Gayle and Ben will be back on air at 6.30am with more Vue cinema tickets to be won.

Posted by Ben at 10:09am

Teagan Rose

11th November 2015

Please help Teagan Rose's family remember their little girl with a tribute in the sky.

Posted by Minster FM at 12:23pm

Snappy Guitar

11th November 2015

Yesterday Gayle and Ben were at SNAPPY in York as Tracey from Tiddlywinks Nursery gave them the guitar that she paid £350 for when we auctioned it for Candlelighters after Wildwire Guitars gave it to us, confused, so are we...

Med Cruise

This morning Gayle and Ben gave away a Med cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line to Eric Peacock, sadly he didn't answer his phone...

Back with your ex

Would you ever get back together with your ex?? That was the question with Gayle and Ben asked today...

Gayle and Ben back on air at 6.30am.

Posted by Ben at 10:34am

Property feature

10th November 2015

Find out more about property and lettings with Melanie from Mega Letting in Selby in our new monthly feature.

Posted by Minster FM at 1:31pm

Financial Freedom

10th November 2015

Julie Wilson from PenLife Associates tells us about a new book to help you gain financial freedom and the book is free!!

Posted by Minster FM at 1:15pm

McNamara critical of defence

10th November 2015

It was easy to see the frustration of York City's new boss Jackie McNamara in his press conference yesterday following his teams exit from the FA Cup in the first round. Lacklustre defending saw the Minstermen lose despite scoring 2 away goals against Accrington Stanley. McNamara is seemingly wasting no time in attempting to reorganise the defence left to him by Russ Wilcox, in fact he spoke of little else.

The former Dundee United manager said "Looking back at the goals again it's very similar to the footage I've seen before coming here. The goals we've lost have been poor." Rather than making excuses for his defenders, who were all below par on Saturday, McNamara chose to focus on changing things ahead of Tuesday's match against League 1 Barnsley. "I think we can get the basic things done, winning headers, staying in a back four rather than being individuals" he said.

McNamara himself played on the right side of the defence for much of his playing career and he was critical of both full-backs Marvin McCoy and Eddie Nolan. "I think that was very evident from my first game that it wasn't like a back four" said the York boss, "the fullbacks are too far pushed on at times, they should be in position." McNamara could be seen working closely with McCoy on the training ground this morning. He later claimed his wing backs were too eager to attack when their first job is being organised and attempting to keep a clean sheet.

City have now conceded 12 goals in their last 5 matches, it's easy to see why McNamara is focused on nothing but his defence at the moment. Saturday was the 5th time this season York have scored twice and failed to win the game. McNamara did briefly switch his attention to his attack, "I think middle to front we look dangerous we can do a wee bit more at times" he said. Both Michael Coulson and Vadaine Oliver getting on the scoresheet will have pleased him but the York boss soon went back to the subject of York's defensive frailties; "defensively it's something that we need to sought. Working over the last few days to see what's going to be the strongest defence we have available at the moment. I think if we can sought that out then we'll start climbing the table."

It seemed almost like McNamara was shocked by how easy it was for Accrington to prize open his defence; "losing a goal so soon after we equalised in the manner which we did, a pass into a striker and a midfielder runs right through on the goal so these things are very preventable" said McNamara. It's hard to see how City will stay up if they continue conceding goals the way they are at the moment, individual errors in the back four have become far too regular an occurrence.

McNamara will probably want to strengthen in the January transfer market, when asked if he would like to bring in some new faces he told me "We'll wait and see. I know there's one or two lads who are still on loan that will be due to go back soon. Rhys (Turner) it's his last game on Saturday so we've got a decision to make with that and speak to his club about that. We have got a few things to think about." With City's playing squad being so big though he might have to get rid of a few before he can recruit some of his own players.

York travel to Oakwell to face Barnsley tonight in The Johnstone's Paint Trophy. Despite their opponents being a division above them York will still be confident they can win after beating two League 1 teams already this season. Barnsley themselves are struggling at the moment. McNamara thinks it is a good opportunity for York to get back to winning ways "They're naturally favourites being above us in the leagues but hopefully we can go there and cause an upset" he explained. A good result would give them a much needed boost ahead of a tough run of league games.

Posted by Tom Connell at 1:09pm

Toy Appeal 2015

10th November 2015

We need your help with the 2015 Toy Appeal with Bluewater Bathrooms & Kitchens.

Posted by Minster FM at 11:27am

Toy Appeal 2015

9th November 2015

This morning Gayle and Ben launched the 2015 Toy Appeal...

Rhyming Showbiz Quiz

This morning's Rhyming Showbiz actually doubled as a quiz...

Cashback Winner

This morning Gayle and Ben gave away £100 on the Cashback Weekend...

Gayle and Ben are back on air at 6.30am with more Vue cinema tickets to be won.

Posted by Ben at 1:35pm

Oakwood Dog Rescue has a sleepover

6th November 2015

Minster FM's Sally Groome went to a sleepover last night at the Oakwood Dog Rescue Centre to help them out over bonfire night. The centre is in desperate need of funds and would love North Yorkshire to get behind it.

Posted by Minster FM at 4:00pm

Bens Bonus Round

6th November 2015

Ben was crushed on Friday when Mark Jackson came on air and won £100 out of his pocket that he had borrowed off his wife...

Love A Lawyer Day

Ben was squirming when Gayle was doing gags about lawyers on Love A Lawyer Day...

John Lewis ad

Gayle and Ben were the only people not loving the new John Lewis ad...

Gayle and Ben are back on Monday at 6.30am.

Posted by Ben at 1:43pm

DG meets Bupsi

6th November 2015

Mr Agadoo turned up with a special guest the other day and it was only Bupise off of X Factor! She burst in to the studio for a chat with DG.

Posted by Minster FM at 1:41pm

Gareth Gates and James Acaster

6th November 2015

Beth speaks to Gareth Gates and comedian James Acaster ahead of their gigs in York.

Posted by Minster FM at 1:38pm

Pirate voice lessons

5th November 2015

This morning Ben has some pirate voice lessons so he sounds more pirate than parrot...

Cow cream

There was a strange showbiz beauty story on air today...

Ben Fry Roadshow Experience

If you are going to York Maze tonight, get ready for the Ben Fry Roadshow Experience...

Gayle and Ben are back with more Vue cinema tickets to be won at 6.30pm.

Posted by Ben at 10:49am

Learn to be a Pirate!

5th November 2015

Ben gets some Pirate voice lessons from top voice over Guy Harris.

Posted by Minster FM at 10:42am

New York boss

5th November 2015

The Lomas meets new York City boss Jackie McNamara.

Posted by Minster FM at 10:38am

Wedding pics

4th November 2015

Gayle and Ben were getting emotional about their wedding days this morning...

Hunger Games theme park

Big news today that theme park bosses are building a Hunger Games theme park and Gayle managed to make the story rhyme...

First dates

Apparently Nando's is the UK's favourite first date destination, Ben went left field for his first date with Mrs Fry...

Gayle and Ben are back at 6.30am with more Vue cinema tickets to be won.

Posted by Ben at 11:22am

New boss for the Minstermen

4th November 2015

Jackie McNamara has been appointed York City manager today and will be unveiled to the press at 2pm this afternoon.

McNamara, 42, who in his playing days captained Celtic as well as earning 33 caps for Scotland, was the outstanding candidate for City. Having led Partick Thistle close to promotion from Scotland's second tier in 2013 he departed for Scottish Premier League side Dundee United and managed 2 top half finished in as many years. After a disappointing start to this seasons campaign McNamara was sacked by Dundee leaving him looking for his next challenge. He has certainly found one at York City who sit third from bottom of Sky Bet League 2.

McNamara will bring with him assistant Simon Donnelly who he has worked with at both Partick Thistle and Dundee previously. The pair will get their first taste of English football this weekend in the famous FA Cup as York City travel to Accrington Stanley in the first round of the competition.

A spokesman for the club said,

"York City Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Jackie McNamara as first team manager."

"The former Celtic defender has previously managed Partick Thistle and Dundee United in his native country, achieving a combined win ratio of just under 44% and playing an attractive brand of football."

"McNamara arrives at Bootham Crescent alongside former Scotland teammate Simon Donnelly who will become his assistant for a third time."

McNamara faces a tough run of games to start his career at Bootham Crescent with the next 3 league fixtures all against teams who are promotion contenders. Without a doubt though City have appointed a man with huge potential and at a young age has already managed for over 2 years in Scotland's top tier. He may face a baptism of fire at York but he has the right tools to take York City Football Club forward.

Hopefully his arrival does not mean the departure of the talented Richard Cresswell who at 38 has plenty of time to become a manager himself. There will surely be a coaching role for him under McNamara.

Posted by Tom Connell at 11:18am