Profile of Nicola Allen (f)
About me
Location
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Date of Birth
17 March, 1963 (46)
Relationship status
Unknown
A little story about me
I am sure I am not the oldest fan on here at 46, but perhaps in the "older" group. ;) Sometimes I do feel old when I hear 20 year old fans say that the first ESC they watched was in 1998. ;)
The first Eurovision I saw was in 1968 when I was five years old and allowed to stay up to watch Cliff. ;) I have a vague memory of Cliff in a frilly shirt, and can remember feeling very surprised and disappointed that he didn't win.
After that, 1972 was the real start of my Eurovision interest, as I loved the New Seekers - and once again we came second, and once again this nine year old teenybopper was disappointed!
I loved the competition even back then, for its diversity of musical styles, and for being able to hear some good pop songs from all over Europe in other languages. Those of you who grew up in the 1970s will know how difficult it was to obtain singles of the other countries entries, and when I got a tape recorder in 1977, I used to tape the previews, so I was able to hear the songs more than once and be able to play them again and again. Who else remembers taping with a tape recorder from the tv and hoping that the phone wouldn't ring in the middle of a song? ;)
Nowadays, we are spoilt for choice, what with first videos, now official dvds, webcasts of National Finals we can watch as they happen, and songs we can download from I-Tunes. Things with the contest have changed in so many ways since I first watched on a black and white screen in 1968, but the thing I love about Eurovision is that it changes in order to survive and thrive, and I am not resistant to its changes, because I see it as like a person who is maturing. We all change as we mature, and Eurovision, like us, is on a lifelong journey of its own.
Eurovision has introduced me to so many great artists all over Europe that I would have never have known about had it not been for my lifelong love in Eurovision, given me an interest in languages and other countries, and taught me tolerance and respect for other lands. It's been there throughout all the highs and lows of my life and I wouldn't be without it. :)
The first Eurovision I saw was in 1968 when I was five years old and allowed to stay up to watch Cliff. ;) I have a vague memory of Cliff in a frilly shirt, and can remember feeling very surprised and disappointed that he didn't win.
After that, 1972 was the real start of my Eurovision interest, as I loved the New Seekers - and once again we came second, and once again this nine year old teenybopper was disappointed!
I loved the competition even back then, for its diversity of musical styles, and for being able to hear some good pop songs from all over Europe in other languages. Those of you who grew up in the 1970s will know how difficult it was to obtain singles of the other countries entries, and when I got a tape recorder in 1977, I used to tape the previews, so I was able to hear the songs more than once and be able to play them again and again. Who else remembers taping with a tape recorder from the tv and hoping that the phone wouldn't ring in the middle of a song? ;)
Nowadays, we are spoilt for choice, what with first videos, now official dvds, webcasts of National Finals we can watch as they happen, and songs we can download from I-Tunes. Things with the contest have changed in so many ways since I first watched on a black and white screen in 1968, but the thing I love about Eurovision is that it changes in order to survive and thrive, and I am not resistant to its changes, because I see it as like a person who is maturing. We all change as we mature, and Eurovision, like us, is on a lifelong journey of its own.
Eurovision has introduced me to so many great artists all over Europe that I would have never have known about had it not been for my lifelong love in Eurovision, given me an interest in languages and other countries, and taught me tolerance and respect for other lands. It's been there throughout all the highs and lows of my life and I wouldn't be without it. :)
Anixi17!
On the map ...
Shopping time!
The official Eurovision Song Contest shop has it all, from CDs and DVDs to shirts, caps, pins the official coin and much more!
Commentary booth
By Evangelia Kypros
By Jukka-Pekka Nyrhinen
By Sharleen Wright
Were you at Moscow? We must have met! I was with the OGAE UK peeps having a marvellous old time.
I have to say I loved Eurovision for years, but after attending I'm now hooked. I have never had so much fun, and met so many great people anywhere.
I know that Eurovision was originally an effort to bring Europe together, and after being there I have to say it works on a personal level.
I'll see you in Oslo?
Reply from Nicola:
Hey Sharleen :)No, I didn't make Moscow or Belgrade - but I'll be in Oslo. :) I'm going for two whole weeks - can't wait! :)
For sure, it'd be nice to meet in Oslo, email me if you like at nikke17uk@yahoo.co.uk It's always great fun chatting to ESC fans and sharing the excitement of the build-up! :)
Nikke.
By Shira Carolyn Bezalel
By Edén de los Ángeles
Reply from Nicola:
Thank you for the compliment. XXBy Edén de los Ángeles
Reply from Nicola:
Well, maybe this year for the UK victory, you never know.... *crosses fingers* And you would be very welcome, if you were to visit my country. :)I am so lucky to get a ticket for the final, as I see so many fans were disappointed, which is a great shame.
Oslo should be superb! I love history, so I am also going to visit the museums, the Viking Ship Museum etc.
By Shira Carolyn Bezalel
Reply from Nicola:
That would be nice. :) I am looking forward to hearing what song Israel choose. :)