Profile of Nicola Allen (f)
About me
Location
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Date of Birth
17 March, 1963 (47)
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 Paul Addy
By fabiana badiu
By fabiana badiu
By fabiana badiu
Reply from Nicola:
Thank so much, Fab. :) I always feel highly honoured when wild creatures trust me enough to come close. :)Hope you liked seeing my Blackie. :)
By Jenny Hodge
By Jenny Hodge
By fabiana badiu
A hug :)
By Michael Spencer
That's always assuming that I'll be able to vote from Oz.
By fabiana badiu
By fabiana badiu
Great to meet you and Blackie :) :) I see we have at least one more thing in common (apart from knowing Michael): the affinity for blackbirds (I seem to attract them somehow; which is most obvious when I'm sat in the back garden and at least a couple of them would appear out of nowhere and busy themselves around me)
*See my reply on Mick's page as well :)
Hope to hear from you soon
By Michael Spencer
Come join party at my virtual campsite set up by the Wonder Woman Fabiana.
PS: As you are passing Melton Mowbrey. please pick up some pies, as Fabiana's invited half of Europe and we're running out of food.
By Michael Spencer
Just to let you know, I'm now back firing on all cylinders and looking forward to the coming year.
I'm still sorting out some of my mum's affairs, and planning a holiday surrounding the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in August.
I may even be passing your way.
I've just received my copy of this year's Triple DVD and I'm studying the audience looking for you. Not found you yet, but I'm still looking.
I'm off to work now, so I'll catch you later.
Reply from Nicola:
Happy to meet you if you're passing my way - email me if you are and perhaps we can arrange something. :)Nikke.
By Michael Spencer
Next year, I'll be having another new way of experiencing it - at an Australian ESC Party.....I might even open a group.... That's a laugh....computers and me are like oil and water, we don't mix.....and like oil, they're a bloody nuisance when they don't work properly.
There I go off on a tangent again.
I've got bored with little Miss Germany now, and I am now enjoying Romania, Serbia, Spain, NETHERLANDS (what fun) and still impressed with Tom and his Guitar.
I'm now waiting for the DVDs. The shows performances seemed so much better than the CD versions.
On a sad note, my Mum finally passed away on Tuesday evening. So for the next few days I will be up to my eyes in sorting out her affairs and arranging the funeral etc.,. So don't expect any correspondence from me for the next couple of weeks.
By Michael Spencer
Just to let you know, I'm having problems with my PC and some of my comments are not getting sent to the group.
Just to re-assure you I am reading with interest and enjoying every word you write. The piccies are amazing. I'm enjoying your adventure so much, I'm thinking of cancelling Australia and going to wherever the winning country is next year.
My prediction is Germany, Azerbaijan or Belgium.
Ouch....that's my wife kicking me. Looks like Australia's back on.
Anyway, keep the reports and piccies coming. It's brilliant
By Antigoni Theodorou
By Paul H
By Jamie Perez
Just had to add 3 new favs to my already growing list. lol.
Finland, Serbia, Belgium. They are all great songs and deserve to go to the final. Jamie. x
By Michael Spencer
Sorry to be a little late in replying to you. I am happy to be your friend. From reading your little story, it would appear that we are kindred spirits when it comes to Eurovision.
Normally at this time of year I have listened to all the songs time after time and sorted out my favourites. Unfortunately, my mother has been hospitalised for the past few months, consequently my normal routine has been turned upside down due to the distance from my home to the hospital.
I've managed to listened to about a third of the songs so far.
Of the ones I have heard, I like Germany, Serbia (it's fun), Greece and Georgia. However, my opinion will no doubt change when I have heard them all.
Anyway, I hope you continue to enjoy ESC as much as I do and I look forward to communicating with you again in the future, when I have more time.
By David Golrokhian
Thanks for the friend invite :-)
Reply from Nicola:
Nice to meet you. :)By David Eurovisionfan
Nice to hear from you, do keep in touch! XX
By Evangelia Kypros
By Jukka-Pekka Nyrhinen
By Shira Carolyn Bezalel
By Shira Carolyn Bezalel
Reply from Nicola:
That would be nice. :) I am looking forward to hearing what song Israel choose. :)